JP5413685B2 - Printer information processing method, printer information processing program, recording medium, printer operation terminal - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a printer information processing method and a printer information processing program that are executed by a control unit of an operation terminal that can be connected to a printer, a recording medium that records the program, and a printer operation terminal that executes the processing method.

  Generally, a printer is used by being connected to an operation terminal such as a personal computer via a network or the like. Normally, when a printer is newly connected to the operation terminal, a printer display identifier representing printer identification information (for example, name, model number, etc.) is generated. Thus, when the user uses the printer from the next time onward, the printer to be used is specified by selecting and operating the generated printer display identifier on the display means such as the display of the operation terminal, and the corresponding printer driver is selected. Can be used to perform desired printing. As a technique for operating such a printer connected via a network from an operation terminal, for example, a technique described in Patent Document 1 is known.

  In this prior art, the CPU of the operation terminal acquires various information related to the printer that can be operated from the operation terminal. The display identifier (icon) of the printer is displayed on the display means of the operation terminal. Then, when the user operates the cursor to be positioned near the display identifier of each printer, the various information corresponding to the printer is displayed near the display identifier.

JP 2000-187564 A

  As described above, generally, each time a new printer is connected to the operation terminal (the printer display identifier is not generated), a printer display identifier corresponding to the printer is generated. In this case, for example, even a printer that is used only once at a past time and rarely used thereafter, or a printer that is frequently used and used frequently is distinguished. The printer display identifier is generated without being displayed, and is displayed on the display means in a mixed form. As a result, as the number of printer display identifiers connected in the past increases and the number of generated printer display identifiers increases, it becomes more difficult for the user to find a printer display identifier to be selected when the user is using it, and convenience is reduced. It was.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a printer information processing method, a printer information processing program, a recording medium, and a printer operation terminal capable of easily and quickly finding a frequently used printer and improving user convenience. is there.

  In order to achieve the above object, the first invention is a printer information processing method executed by a control means of an operation terminal connectable to a printer, when a printer is newly connected to the operation terminal. A display unit generation procedure for generating a printer display identifier representing the identification information of the printer, and whether or not the printer corresponding to the identification information of the printer display identifier generated in the display unit generation procedure is connected A connection determination procedure for determining, an information acquisition procedure for acquiring use frequency information of the printer when the connection determination procedure determines that the printer is not connected, and the use frequency acquired by the information acquisition procedure And a display change procedure for changing the display mode of the corresponding printer display identifier in accordance with the information.

  In the first invention of this application, a printer is used connected to the operation terminal. When a printer is newly connected to the operation terminal, a printer display identifier representing printer identification information (for example, name and model number) is generated in the display unit generation procedure. Thus, when the user uses the printer next time, the printer to be used is specified by selecting and operating the generated printer display identifier on the display means of the operation terminal such as a display, and the corresponding printer driver. Can be used to perform desired printing.

  In this way, each time a new printer is connected to the operation terminal (the printer display identifier has not been generated), a printer display identifier corresponding to the printer is generated in the display unit generation procedure. For example, a printer that is used once in a past and rarely used after that, or a printer that is frequently used and used frequently is not distinguished. Display identifiers are generated and displayed on the display means in a mixed form. As a result, as the number of printer display identifiers connected in the past increases and the number of generated printer display identifiers increases, it becomes more difficult for the user to find out which printer display identifier should be selected at the time of use, and convenience decreases. .

  Therefore, according to the first aspect of the present invention, the printer display identifier can be easily and quickly found for a printer having a high usage frequency corresponding to the usage frequency of the printer. For this purpose, a connection determination procedure, an information acquisition procedure, and a display change procedure are executed. First, in the connection determination procedure, it is determined whether a printer for which a printer display identifier has already been generated is connected at that time. This is because the printer connected at that time is in a ready state, and is thus excluded from the processing target for the printer display identifier. If it is determined in the connection determination procedure that the printer is not connected, the use frequency information of the printer is acquired in the information acquisition procedure. As a result, it is possible to obtain information such as whether the printer is used frequently or small, for example, whether it is used on a daily basis as described above, or on the contrary whether it is rarely used. it can.

  In the display change procedure, the printer display identifier display mode change process is performed according to the use frequency information acquired as described above. As a result, for example, the printer display identifier of a printer that is rarely used and is not frequently used as described above is hidden so that it is not displayed thereafter, or the printer display identifier is difficult for the user to select. It is possible to change the display mode (inconspicuous color or shape, display in an inconspicuous position, etc.) or change the identification information itself (including recent usage date information, etc.). Conversely, for example, for printer display identifiers of printers that are used on a daily basis and frequently used, the display mode is changed so that the user can easily select them (e.g., a conspicuous color or shape, or a separate mark is additionally displayed). It is possible to change the identification information itself (including recent use date and time information, etc.). As a result, the user can easily and quickly find the printer display identifier for a printer that is frequently used. Therefore, convenience can be improved.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the information acquisition step is a parameter input step for inputting a print-related parameter including at least one of the number of times of printing, the number of printed sheets, the offline time, and the number of times the printer setting is used. And a frequency calculation procedure for performing a predetermined weighting process on the printing-related parameters input in the parameter input procedure and calculating the usage frequency information, and the frequency calculation procedure calculates the frequency A frequency determination procedure for determining whether the usage frequency information is smaller than a predetermined threshold value is provided.

  In the second invention of the present application, for each printer, the number of times printing is performed, the number of prints at that time, and the time from when printing is performed to the present (or from the past printing time to the next printing time) Parameters such as the off-line time (= time when disconnected from the operation terminal) and the number of times various printer settings are used or changed are acquired by the parameter input procedure. The parameters are appropriately weighted in the frequency calculation procedure to obtain usage frequency information, and it is determined in the frequency determination procedure whether the usage frequency information is smaller than a predetermined threshold value. Thereby, if it is smaller than a threshold value, it can be considered that it is a printer with low use frequency. In this way, a printer that is infrequently used is reliably identified using various parameters that can be easily collected in a normal printer, and processing that makes it difficult for the user to select the printer display identifier of the printer is reliably performed. be able to.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect of the invention, when the display processing procedure determines that the use frequency information is smaller than the predetermined threshold value in the frequency determination procedure, This is a non-display procedure for performing a display identifier non-display process.

  As a result, the printer display identifier of a printer that is used infrequently is not displayed, and the user does not select the printer display identifier. As a result, the user can easily and quickly find out other printer display identifiers of printers that are relatively frequently used.

  According to a fourth invention, in the third invention, the non-displaying procedure is a procedure for keeping the printer display identifier representing the identification information hidden while retaining the identification information of the printer to be processed. Features.

  As a result, the printer display identifier of a printer that is used infrequently is not displayed, so that the user can be prevented from selecting the printer display identifier. In addition, since the identification information is not displayed but deleted, it is possible to restore the display of the identification information as necessary.

  In a fifth aspect based on the third aspect, the non-displaying procedure is a procedure for erasing identification information of a printer to be processed.

  As a result, the printer display identifier of a printer that is used infrequently disappears and no longer exists, so that it is possible to reliably prevent the user from selecting the printer display identifier.

In a sixth aspect based on the second aspect, when the frequency determination procedure determines that the use frequency information is greater than or equal to the predetermined threshold value, the identification represented by the printer display identifier is used as the change process. It is an information change procedure for changing information.

  Accordingly, for example, a printer display identifier of a printer that is used less frequently is made an inconspicuous name that makes it difficult for the user to select, whereas a printer display identifier of a printer that is used frequently is made a noticeable name that can be easily selected by the user. It becomes possible. At that time, when a certain regularity (alphabetical order, alphabetical order, etc.) based on the name is preset in the display position and display order of the display means, the regularity is used to use the regularity. It is also possible to display the printer display identifier of a printer with a high level at a position that is most conspicuous when viewed from the user, and display the printer display identifier of a printer with a low usage frequency at a position that is least conspicuous when viewed from the user. Alternatively, it is possible to make the frequency of use obvious to the user at a glance by including recent use date information in the identification information. As a result, user convenience can be improved with certainty.

  In order to achieve the above object, a printer information processing program according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is directed to a control unit of an operation terminal connectable to a printer, when the printer is newly connected to the operation terminal. Display unit generation procedure for generating a printer display identifier representing identification information, and connection determination for determining whether or not the printer corresponding to the identification information of the printer display identifier generated in the display unit generation procedure is connected According to a procedure, an information acquisition procedure for acquiring the usage frequency information of the printer when the connection determination procedure determines that the printer is not connected, and the usage frequency information acquired in the information acquisition procedure, A display change procedure for changing the display mode of the corresponding printer display identifier.

  The operation terminal for executing the program of the seventh invention of the present application by the control means is connected to the printer and used. When a printer is newly connected to the operation terminal, the control means executes a display unit generation procedure, thereby generating a printer display identifier representing printer identification information (for example, name and model number). Thus, when the user uses the printer next time, the printer to be used is specified by selecting and operating the generated printer display identifier on the display means of the operation terminal such as a display, and the corresponding printer driver. Can be used to perform desired printing.

  Thereafter, the control means executes a connection determination procedure to determine whether a printer for which a printer display identifier has already been generated is connected at that time. When it is determined in the connection determination procedure that the printer is not connected, the control means executes the information acquisition procedure, whereby the usage frequency information of the printer is acquired.

  Then, by executing the display change procedure by the control means, the printer display identifier display mode change process is performed according to the usage frequency information acquired as described above. As a result, for example, the printer display identifier of a printer that is rarely used and is not frequently used as described above is hidden so that it is not displayed thereafter, or the printer display identifier is difficult for the user to select. It is possible to change the display mode (inconspicuous color or shape, display in an inconspicuous position, etc.) or change the identification information itself (including recent usage date information, etc.). Conversely, for example, for printer display identifiers of printers that are used on a daily basis and frequently used, the display mode is changed so that the user can easily select them (e.g., a conspicuous color or shape, or a separate mark is additionally displayed). It is possible to change the identification information itself (including recent use date and time information, etc.). As a result, the user can easily and quickly find the printer display identifier for a printer that is frequently used. Therefore, convenience can be improved.

  In order to achieve the above object, a computer-readable recording medium according to an eighth aspect of the present invention is a printer display identifier representing identification information of a printer when the printer is newly connected to an operation terminal connectable to the printer. Display unit generation procedure, a connection determination procedure for determining whether or not the printer corresponding to the identification information of the printer display identifier generated in the display unit generation procedure is connected, and the connection determination procedure When it is determined that the printer is not connected, the information acquisition procedure for acquiring the usage frequency information of the printer, and the display of the corresponding printer display identifier according to the usage frequency information acquired in the information acquisition procedure A printer information processing program for causing the control means of the operation terminal to execute a display change procedure for performing an aspect change process; .

  An operation terminal in which the control means executes the program stored in the recording medium of the eighth invention of the present application is used connected to a printer. When a printer is newly connected to the operation terminal, the control means executes a display unit generation procedure using a program read from the recording medium, thereby representing printer identification information (for example, name, model number, etc.). A printer display identifier is generated. Thus, when the user uses the printer next time, the printer to be used is specified by selecting and operating the generated printer display identifier on the display means of the operation terminal such as a display, and the corresponding printer driver. Can be used to perform desired printing.

  Thereafter, the control means executes a connection determination procedure to determine whether a printer for which a printer display identifier has already been generated is connected at that time. When it is determined in the connection determination procedure that the printer is not connected, the control means executes the information acquisition procedure, whereby the usage frequency information of the printer is acquired.

  Then, by executing the display change procedure by the control means, the printer display identifier display mode change process is performed according to the usage frequency information acquired as described above. As a result, for example, the printer display identifier of a printer that is rarely used and is not frequently used as described above is hidden so that it is not displayed thereafter, or the printer display identifier is difficult for the user to select. It is possible to change the display mode (inconspicuous color or shape, display in an inconspicuous position, etc.) or change the identification information itself (including recent usage date information, etc.). Conversely, for example, for printer display identifiers of printers that are used on a daily basis and frequently used, the display mode is changed so that the user can easily select them (e.g., a conspicuous color or shape, or a separate mark is additionally displayed). It is possible to change the identification information itself (including recent use date and time information, etc.). As a result, the user can easily and quickly find the printer display identifier for a printer that is frequently used. Therefore, convenience can be improved.

  In order to achieve the above object, a ninth invention is a printer operation terminal that can be connected to a printer, and when a printer is newly connected, a display that generates a printer display identifier representing identification information of the printer A display generation unit capable of displaying the printer display identifier generated by the display unit generation unit, and the printer corresponding to the identification information of the printer display identifier generated by the display unit generation unit. A connection determination unit that determines whether the printer is connected, an information acquisition unit that acquires usage frequency information of the printer when the connection determination unit determines that the printer is not connected, and the information acquisition unit. Display changing means for changing the display mode of the corresponding printer display identifier according to the acquired use frequency information.

  The printer operation terminal according to the ninth aspect of the present invention is used by being connected to a printer. When a printer is newly connected, the display generation unit generates a printer display identifier representing printer identification information (for example, name, model number, etc.). A display means such as a display displays the generated printer display identifier. Thus, when the user uses the printer next time, the printer to be used is specified by performing a selection operation while confirming the generated printer display identifier on the display means, and the corresponding printer driver is used. Desired printing can be performed.

  Thereafter, the connection determination means determines whether or not a printer for which a printer display identifier has already been generated is connected at that time. When the connection determination unit determines that the printer is not connected, the information acquisition unit acquires the usage frequency information of the printer. Then, the display changing unit performs a process for changing the display mode of the printer display identifier according to the usage frequency information acquired as described above.

  As a result, for example, the printer display identifier of a printer that is rarely used and is not frequently used as described above is hidden so that it is not displayed thereafter, or the printer display identifier is difficult for the user to select. It is possible to change the display mode (inconspicuous color or shape, display in an inconspicuous position, etc.) or change the identification information itself (including recent usage date information, etc.). Conversely, for example, for printer display identifiers of printers that are used on a daily basis and frequently used, the display mode is changed so that the user can easily select them (e.g., a conspicuous color or shape, or a separate mark is additionally displayed). It is possible to change the identification information itself (including recent use date and time information, etc.). As a result, the user can easily and quickly find the printer display identifier for a printer that is frequently used. Therefore, convenience can be improved.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to easily and quickly find a frequently used printer, and it is possible to improve user convenience.

1 is a system configuration diagram illustrating an entire printer information processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 3 is a functional block diagram illustrating detailed functions of the printer information processing system. FIG. It is a block diagram showing an example of a functional composition on processing control in an operation terminal. It is a figure showing the example of a display of the display part of the operating terminal by a comparative example. It is a figure showing the example of a display of the display part of the operating terminal in this embodiment. It is a figure showing the example of a display of the display part of the operating terminal in this embodiment. It is a flowchart showing the control procedure performed by CPU of an operating terminal. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a printer usage history file. It is explanatory drawing which represents notionally the content of the printing parameter for every printer. It is a figure showing the example of a display of the display part of an operating terminal in the modification which changes identification information. It is a figure showing the example of a display of the display part of an operating terminal in the modification which displays all the display identifiers in order with high use frequency. It is a figure showing the example of a display of the display part of an operating terminal in the modification which adds and displays a mark according to use frequency. FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration on processing control of a display unit of an operation terminal in a modification in which a dedicated application is made resident and printer identification information is deleted. It is explanatory drawing which represents a printer usage log file notionally.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram showing the entire printer information processing system of the present embodiment.

  In FIG. 1, a printer information processing system 1 includes a server RS, an operation terminal 2 constituted by a general-purpose personal computer, for example, and a plurality of printers (in this example) connected to the operation terminal 2 via an interface such as a USB. A plurality of label printers 3 and a plurality of multi-function peripherals 110. Hereinafter referred to as “printers 3 and 110” as appropriate. The server RS, the operation terminal 2, the label printer 3, and the multifunction device 110 are connected to each other via a wired or wireless network NW.

  The label printer 3 sends and receives various information and instruction signals to and from the operation terminal 2 and creates a print label L having a desired character or graphic print based on the print data from the operation terminal 2. Similarly, the multifunction peripheral 110 can send and receive various types of information and instruction signals to and from the operation terminal 2, and can print desired characters and graphics on the printing paper based on the print data from the operation terminal 2. it can.

  FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing detailed functions of the operation terminal 2 and the printer 3, 110.

  In FIG. 2, the operation terminal 2 includes a CPU 12, a RAM, a ROM, and the like, for example, a memory 13 (recording medium) storing a printer information processing program for executing the printer information processing method of the present embodiment, and a user. An operation unit 14 for inputting instructions and information, a display unit 17 (display means) for displaying various information and messages, a mass storage device 16 comprising a hard disk device for storing various information, and a network NW. And a communication control unit 15 that controls transmission and reception of information signals with the printers 3 and 110.

  The CPU 12 performs signal processing according to a program stored in advance in the ROM while using the temporary storage function of the RAM. The CPU 12 transmits and receives various instruction signals and information signals to and from the printers 3 and 110 through the network NW by the signal processing.

  The label printer 3 is detachable from a tape roll 204 (or a cartridge provided with the tape roll 204) around which a tape (originally a spiral shape, but is simplified and shown as a concentric circle) 203 is wound. A tape roll holder portion 210, a print head 205 that performs desired printing (printing) on the tape 203 fed out from the tape roll 204, and the tape 203 that has been printed is cut into a predetermined length. And a transport device 209 that is provided facing the print head 205 and that transports the tape 203 from the tape roll 204 under the control of the control circuit 202. The control circuit 202 is connected to the communication control unit 15 of the operation terminal 2 by the network NW via the communication control unit 208, and can send and receive information to and from the operation terminal 2.

  When the user creates the print label L by the label printer 3, printing (printing) is performed on the surface of the print label L by performing an appropriate operation on the operation unit 14 based on an application activated on the operation terminal 2. Set and input characters and figures to be used. As a result, print data corresponding to the setting input is generated by the CPU 12. When the user inputs a print label L creation instruction by an appropriate operation using the operation unit 14, the print data is transmitted from the operation terminal 2 to the control circuit 202 of the label printer 3. Thus, printing (printing) is performed by the print head 205 based on the print data, and the print label L is created.

  The multifunction device 110 has a fax function, a printer function, a copy function, and a call function. That is, the multifunction device 110 includes a display unit 160, a printing unit 127, a scanner unit 105, a telephone line communication control unit 122, a network communication control unit 123, an operation unit 103, a memory 124, and a CPU 121. Yes.

  The telephone line communication control unit 122 is connected to a telephone line network and transmits / receives a voice signal for a call function or an information signal for a fax function. The network communication control unit 123 transmits and receives information to and from the communication control unit 15 of the operation terminal 2 via the network NW. The scanner unit 105 has an image scanner and reads an image of a document. The display unit 160 displays various information and messages. The printing unit 127 includes the printer unit, and prints (prints) image information and printing information. An appropriate operation is input to the operation unit 103 by the operator.

  The memory 124 is composed of, for example, a RAM or a ROM. The CPU 121 controls the operation of the entire multifunction peripheral 110 based on the stored contents of the memory 124. Specifically, signal processing is performed according to a program stored in advance in the ROM while using a temporary storage function of a RAM constituting the memory 124.

  In the MFP 110, for example, when the user uses the printer function, the operation unit 14 performs an appropriate operation on the surface of the printing paper (not shown) based on an application activated on the operation terminal 2. Input settings for characters and figures to be printed. As a result, print data corresponding to the setting input is generated by the CPU 12. Then, when the user inputs a print instruction by an appropriate operation using the operation unit 14, the print data is transmitted from the operation terminal 2 to the CPU 121 of the multifunction peripheral 110, and the print unit based on the print data is controlled by the CPU 121. Printing on the printing paper according to 127 is performed.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration for process control in the operation terminal 2.

  In FIG. 3, in this example, the programs of the application (print application) AP and the printer driver PD related to the creation of the print data are expanded and started on the memory (RAM) 13 of the operation terminal 2. Thus, it is possible to send and receive an instruction signal and an information signal to each other. Then, the application AP transmits and receives a signal to the printer driver PD. The printer driver PD transmits / receives signals to / from the label printer 3 and the multi-function peripheral 110 via the network NW connection between the communication control unit 15, the communication control unit 208, and the network communication control unit 123.

  The application AP sets various setting information required by the printers 3 and 110 to generate print data, and outputs a command including the print data to the printer driver PD. The printer driver PD receives a command output from the application AP and outputs a corresponding command to the printers 3 and 110.

  Note that the application AP and the printer driver PD are both executed by a single CPU 12 provided in the operation terminal 2, but are individually controlled by time-sharing interrupt control such as a time sharing system (TSS). Performed independently. Further, the printer driver PD may be preinstalled in the basic OS of the operation terminal 2 constituted by a general-purpose personal computer, or may be a program that is individually activated on the OS like other applications. .

  The printers 3 and 110 perform printing on the print label L or printing on the printing paper when the above command is input from the printer driver PD. That is, printing or printing is performed based on the print data included in the command. Hereinafter, both the printing by the label producing device 3 and the printing by the multifunction machine 110 are simply referred to as “printing”.

  In the above configuration, when the printer 3, 110 is connected to the operation terminal 2, a display identifier (for example, device name, model number, nickname appropriately created by the user, etc.) of the printer 3, 110 is displayed. The printer display identifier) is displayed on the display unit 17 so as to be selectable (see FIG. 4 described later). That is, when a plurality of printers 3 and 110 are connected, their identification information is displayed so as to be selectable. If there are printers 3 and 110 connected in the past even though they are not currently connected, all display identifiers including their identification information are displayed in a selectable manner. When a new printer 3, 110 is connected to the operation terminal 2 (the display identifier is not generated), the display identifier corresponding to the printer 3, 110 is additionally generated each time. Are displayed on the display unit 17. Thus, when the user uses the printer 3, 110, the user selects the display identifier on the display unit 17, whereby the printer 3, 110 used by the user is specified, and the corresponding printer driver PD is selected. Using it, desired printing can be performed.

  The feature of this embodiment is that when the display identifiers of the plurality of printers 3, 110 are displayed on the display unit 17 as described above, the user can easily and quickly find the display identifiers of the printers 3, 110 that are frequently used by the user. As described above, the CPU 12 controls display contents using the application AP. Hereinafter, the details will be described in order.

<Display example in comparative example>
First, a comparative example substantially corresponding to the prior art will be described. The portions corresponding to the configuration of the above embodiment will be described using the same reference numerals. FIG. 4 is a display example of the input operation screen 17 </ b> A on the display unit 17 of the operation terminal 2.

  In FIG. 4, the display identifiers (“label printer A”, “label printer B”,...) Representing the identification information of the printers 3 and 110 can be selected and displayed in the device display box 17a arranged on the input operation screen 17A. Has been. The identification information represented by the display identifier displayed at this time is the identification information of the printers 3 and 110 that can be connected to at least the operation terminal 2 as described above (currently connected, previously connected). , Those that have never been connected but are scheduled to be connected in advance, etc.). In this example, the display identifier of the device display box 17a represents the model names of a plurality of printers 3 and 110 as identification information, and a plurality of display identifiers (“label printer A”, “label” corresponding to each model name. Printer B "and" Label Printer C ") are collectively displayed (in this example, a pull-down display). In this example, in addition to the printer 3 that can be connected to the operation terminal 2, the model names (“MFP D” and “MFP” of all other types of devices that can be connected to the operation terminal 2 (in this example, the MFP 110). Machine E ”and“ MFP F ”) are also displayed.

  The user selects one of the display identifiers corresponding to the model names of the printers 3 and 110 displayed in this way by operating the operation unit 14. Thereby, as described above, the printers 3 and 110 used by the user are specified. Further, by operating the “Print” button 17b, desired printing can be performed using the corresponding printer driver PD. FIG. 5 shows a state in which the display identifier “label printer C” is selected as described above.

  In the example shown in FIG. 4, three types of label printers 3 (label printer A, label printer B, and label printer C) and three types of multifunction device 110 (multifunction device D, MFPs E and F) have been connected in the past, and a total of six display identifiers corresponding to them (“label printer A”, “label printer B”, “label printer C”, “multifunction device”) D ”,“ MFP E ”,“ MFP F ”). These six display identifiers may be used on a daily basis, even if they are used only once at a past time, and are used rarely thereafter. Even display identifiers of the high printers 3 and 110 are displayed on the display unit 17 in a mixed form without being particularly distinguished. As a result, as the number of printers 3,110 connected in the past increases and the number of generated display identifiers increases, it becomes more difficult for the user to find a display identifier to be selected by the user, and the convenience decreases. To do.

<Example of display in the embodiment>
Therefore, in the present embodiment, the display mode of the printer display identifier is changed according to whether the usage frequency of each printer is large or small for the display identifiers of the already generated printers 3 and 110 as described above. . FIG. 6 shows an example. In this example, among the label printers A to C and the multifunction devices D to F, the printers of the label printer A and the multifunction devices D and F that are not frequently used and are not frequently used. The display identifier is not displayed. As a result, for example, only the printer display identifiers “label printer C”, “label printer B”, and “multifunction device E” of the remaining label printers C and B and the multifunction device E that are used daily and have a relatively high frequency of use are displayed on the device It is displayed in the box 17a. In this example, these three models are also arranged in the order of use frequency. Label printer C has the highest use frequency, then label printer B has the highest use frequency, and among these three, multifunction device E is the most used. The frequency is low.

  In addition to hiding the display identifiers of the printers 3 and 110 that are less frequently used as described above, the display mode is changed so as to make it difficult for the user to select the printer display identifier (the color or shape is inconspicuous) Or the like, and the identification information itself may be changed (including recent use date and time information, etc.) (see also the modified example (1) described later).

  Also, for the printer display identifiers of the frequently used printers 3 and 110, the display mode is changed so that the user can easily select them (such as a conspicuous color or shape, a separate mark is additionally displayed, etc. )) Or a change of the identification information itself (including recent use date and time information, etc.) may also be performed (see also a modification of (1) described later).

  A control procedure executed by the CPU 12 of the operation terminal 2 to execute the above functions will be described with reference to a flowchart shown in FIG.

  First, in step S <b> 10, the CPU 12 of the operation terminal 2 determines whether there is a printer 3 or 110 newly connected via the communication control unit 15 for which a display identifier has not yet been generated. If there is a newly connected printer 3, 110, the determination is satisfied, and the routine goes to Step S20. On the other hand, if there is no newly connected printer 3, 110, the determination in step S10 is not satisfied, and the routine goes to step S30 described later.

  In step S <b> 20, the CPU 12 generates the aforementioned display identifier representing the identification information (for example, name and model number) of the printer 3, 110 and stores it in the memory 13. In addition, this step S20 corresponds to the display part production | generation procedure of each claim, and functions as a display part production | generation means. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S30.

  In step S <b> 30, the CPU 12 determines whether the printers 3 and 110 corresponding to the display identifiers already stored in the memory 13 in step S <b> 20 are currently connected via the communication control unit 15. This is because the printers 3 and 110 connected at that time are in a ready state, and are thus excluded from the target for processing the display identifier. Here, the ready state is a state in which the printer 3, 110 can immediately accept a print job from the operation terminal 2 via a communication line. If the printer 3, 110 corresponding to the existing display identifier is currently connected, the determination at step S30 is satisfied, and the routine goes to step S70 described later. This step S30 corresponds to the connection determination procedure of each claim and functions as a connection determination means. On the other hand, if the printer 3, 110 corresponding to the existing display identifier is not currently connected, the determination at step S30 is not satisfied, and the routine goes to step S40.

  In step S <b> 40, the CPU 12 acquires a print-related parameter for calculating the usage frequency for each printer 3, 110. The printing-related parameters include the number of printings C1 (times), the number of printed sheets C2 (sheets) of each of the printers 3 and 110, the offline time T (minutes) that is not connected to the operation terminal 2, and In addition, at least one of the use times S (times) of the printer setting is included. The printing-related parameters are stored in the large-capacity storage device 16 of the operation terminal 2 as a printer usage history file 13A for each of the printers 3 and 110 as shown in FIG. At this time, for example, the printer usage history file 13A and each display identifier are configured in conjunction (or integrally) with the function of the application AP. Therefore, when the printer usage history file 13A is deleted, the corresponding display identifier automatically disappears and is not displayed thereafter (see the modification (4) described later). In this step S40, the CPU 12 accesses the corresponding printer usage history file 13A by using the identification information of the printers 3 and 110 to be processed at that time as a key, so that the printing related information included in the printer usage history file 13A is obtained. Parameters are obtained. This step S40 corresponds to a parameter input procedure described in each claim. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S50.

In step S50, the CPU 12 performs a predetermined weighting process on the printing-related parameters input in step S40 to calculate a weighted total value (usage frequency information). The calculation formula at this time is
Weighted total value =
(Number of times of printing C1 (times) + number of printed sheets C2 (sheets) + 0.5 × number of times of use of printer setting S (times)) − (0,001 × offline time T (minutes))
It is calculated by. As a result, information such as whether the frequency of use of the printer 3, 110 is large or small, whether it is used on a daily basis as described above, or on the contrary, is rarely used. Can be obtained. This step S50 corresponds to the frequency calculation procedure of each claim. Steps S40 and S50 correspond to an information acquisition procedure and function as information acquisition means.

  Then, the process proceeds to step S60, and the CPU 12 determines whether or not the usage frequency information calculated in step S50 is smaller than a predetermined threshold value. Thereby, if it is smaller than a threshold value, it can be considered that it is the printer 3,110 with low use frequency. This step S60 corresponds to the frequency determination procedure of each claim.

  FIG. 9 shows an example of a combination of the print parameter value for each printer 3, 110 and the weighted total value calculated by applying the above formula to the print parameter. In this example, 0 is used as the threshold value of the above-mentioned determination criterion. When the weighted total value is smaller than 0, the usage frequency is “low”, and when the weighted total value is larger than 0, the usage frequency is set. “High”.

  In FIG. 9, along with the above-described example, examples of printing parameters of three label printers A, label printers B, and label printers C, three multifunction devices D, multifunction devices E, and multifunction devices F, and calculated usages are shown. The frequency and the frequency determination result are shown.

  In the multifunction device D, the number of times of printing C1 is 40, the number of printed sheets C2 is 40, the number of times of use of the printer setting S is 20 times, and the offline time T is 100000 minutes, and the weighted total value calculated using these is − It is 10. As a result, the usage frequency is determined to be “low”. In the multi-function device F, the number of times of printing C1 is 10, the number of printed sheets C2 is 10, the number of times of use of the printer setting S is 0, and the offline time T is 25000 minutes, and the weighted total value calculated using these is − 5 As a result, the usage frequency is determined to be “low”. In the label printer B, the print count C1 is 90, the print count C2 is 180, the printer setting use count S is 10, and the offline time T is 43200 minutes. The weighted total value calculated using these is 231. .8. As a result, the usage frequency is determined to be “high”. In the multi-function device E, the print count C1 is 120, the print count C2 is 120, the printer setting use count S is 0, and the offline time T is 43200 minutes. The weighted total value calculated using these is 196. .8. As a result, the usage frequency is determined to be “high”. In the label printer C, the print count C1 is 150, the print count C2 is 150, the printer setting use count S is 0, and the offline time T is 0 minutes. The weighted total value calculated using these is 300. It has become. As a result, the usage frequency is determined to be “high”. In the label printer A, the print count C1 is 50, the print count C2 is 50, the printer setting use count S is 50, and the offline time T is 129600 minutes. The weighted total value calculated using these is − 4.6. As a result, the usage frequency is determined to be “low”.

  As a result, it is determined that the label printer B has the highest use frequency, and the MFP D has the lowest use frequency.

  Note that the calculation result (weight total value) in step S50 and the determination result in step S60 may be written and stored together with, for example, the usage history file 13A shown in FIG. Alternatively, only those results may be stored in a form different from the usage history file 13A.

  When step S60 is completed as described above, the process proceeds to step S70. In step S <b> 70, the CPU 12 determines whether or not the processing in steps S <b> 30 to S <b> 60 has been executed for all the printers 3 and 110. While the printers 3 and 110 that have not yet been processed remain, the determination is not satisfied, the process returns to step S30, and the procedure from step S30 to step S70 is repeated. In this way, when the processes in steps S30 to S60 for all the printers 3 and 110 are executed, the determination in step S70 is satisfied, and the process proceeds to step S80.

  In step S <b> 80, the CPU 12 performs a display identifier display mode change process according to the usage frequency information. In this example, as described above, the label printer C, the label printer B, and the multi-function device E are arranged in descending order of use frequency, and these three are certified as “high use frequency”. Further, the remaining label printer A, multifunction machine C, and multifunction machine D are certified as “low” in use frequency. As a result, as shown in FIG. 6 described above, in the device display box 17a of the input operation screen 17A, the “label printer C”, “label printer B”, and “multifunction device E” 3 from top to bottom in descending order of frequency of use. Only one display identifier is displayed, and the identifiers of other less frequently used models are hidden (non-display processing). Note that this non-display processing does not delete the identification information related to each of the printers 3 and 110 shown in FIG. 8, and the application AP does not display only the display identifier while leaving the usage history file 13A. This is executed by performing appropriate filter processing and the like. In this way, by not treating the identification information of the printers 3 and 110 but making the display identifier non-displayed, it is possible to restore the display of the identification information as necessary. Thereafter, this flow is terminated. This step S80 corresponds to a display change procedure of each claim, particularly a non-display procedure, and functions as a display change means.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the display identifier display mode changing process is performed in accordance with the usage frequency information acquired for each of the printers 3 and 110. That is, for example, the display identifiers of the printers 3 and 110 that are rarely used and are not frequently used are hidden so that they are not displayed thereafter, or the display mode is set so that it is difficult for the user to select this display identifier. Change or change the identification information itself. Conversely, for example, display identifiers of printers that are used on a daily basis and frequently used can be changed in display mode or identification information itself so that the user can easily select them. As a result, the user can easily and quickly find the display identifier for the frequently used printers 3 and 110. Further, the display identifiers related to the printers 3 and 110 with low usage frequency are not displayed. As a result, the user does not select the display identifier. Therefore, convenience can be improved.

  In the present embodiment, in particular, the frequency of use is low by using various parameters such as the number of times of printing C1, the number of printed sheets C2, the number of times of printer setting use S, and the offline time T that can be easily collected from the normal printers 3 and 110. The printers 3 and 110 that are are reliably identified. Thereby, it is possible to reliably perform processing that makes it difficult for the user to select the display identifier of the printer 3, 110.

  The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the technical idea. Hereinafter, such modifications will be described.

(1) When changing identification information For example, instead of switching display / non-display of the display identifier of the printer 3, 110 according to the frequency of use as described above, the content of the identification information represented by the display identifier is changed. You may make it do.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a display example on the input operation screen 17A of the display unit 17 of the operation terminal 2 in the present modification. As shown in FIG. 10, when it is determined that the usage frequency information is equal to or higher than the predetermined threshold (that is, the frequency is high), the identification information represented by the display identifier related to the printer 3, 110 is other (Corresponding to the information changing procedure described in each claim). That is, the display identifiers of the printers 3 and 110 with low use frequency are made inconspicuous names that make it difficult for the user to select, while the display identifiers of the printers 3 and 110 with high use frequency are conspicuous so that the user can easily select them. Name.

  In this example, a certain regularity based on the name is set in advance in the display position and display order of the device display box 17a on the input operation screen 17A. The display identifier 110 is displayed at a position that is most conspicuous when viewed from the user, and the display identifier of the printer 3, 110 that is used less frequently is displayed at a position that is least conspicuous when viewed from the user. That is, in this example, when numbers are included as the regularity, it is preset that the numbers are displayed in ascending order. Accordingly, in correspondence with this, recent use date and time information is included in the identification information. The display identifier related to the label printer C having the highest use frequency is changed to “100802 device” and displayed at the top, the display identifier related to the label printer B is changed to “100625 device” and displayed second, and the multifunction device E Is changed to “100511 device” and is displayed third so that the frequency of use becomes obvious to the user. As another example of the regularity, the display may be performed in alphabetical order or alphabetical order.

  Also according to this modification, user convenience can be improved as in the above-described embodiment.

(2) Case of Displaying All in Order of High Frequency of Use FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a display example on the input operation screen 17A of the display unit 17 of the operation terminal 2 in the present modification. As shown in FIG. 11, the display identifiers of the printers 3 and 110 may be displayed in descending order of use frequency. In the example shown in the figure, the “label printer C”, “label printer B”, “composite” are used in the order of increasing usage frequency (see the weighted total value shown in FIG. 9) from the highest to the lowest. The display identifiers are displayed in the device display box 17a in the order of “machine E”, “label printer A”, “multifunction machine F”, and “multifunction machine D”.

  Also according to this modification, user convenience can be improved as in the above-described embodiment.

(3) When displaying by adding marks according to the frequency of use FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a display example on the input operation screen 17A of the display unit 17 of the operation terminal 2 in the present modification. As shown in FIG. 12, when it is determined that the usage frequency information is equal to or higher than the predetermined threshold (that is, the frequency is high), the identification information represented by the display identifier related to the printer 3, 110 is A predetermined mark (in this example, an asterisk) is added. That is, the display identifiers of the printers 3 and 110 that are frequently used are conspicuous so that the user can easily select them. In FIG. 12, along with the above-described example, a black star is displayed at the left end of the display identifier of the label printer C that is used most frequently. Also, a white (or no color) ☆ mark is displayed at the left end of each of the display identifier of the second most frequently used label printer B and the display identifier of the third most frequently used multifunction device E. ing.

  Also according to this modification, user convenience can be improved as in the above-described embodiment.

(4) A case where a dedicated application is made resident and the printer identification information is erased. That is, as described above with reference to FIG. 3, the CPU 12 functions as the application AP activated and expanded on the memory 13. Was used to control the display content of the display identifier of the printer 3, 110. In other words, the display control function of the display identifiers of the printers 3 and 110 is added to the application AP that is originally used to generate print data. In the present modification, unlike the above, a dedicated application different from the print data generation application is used for display control of the display identifiers of the printers 3 and 110.

  FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration for process control in the operation terminal 2 in the present modification, and corresponds to FIG. 3 described above. As shown in FIG. 13, in the present modification, the display (ID) display control is not performed on the memory (RAM) 13 of the operation terminal 2 and the display identifier display control is not performed, and only normal print data generation is performed. The programs of the resident application AP2 related to (in this example, the erasing process) and the printer driver PD are expanded and started, and an instruction signal and an information signal can be transmitted and received mutually. Both the printing application AP1 and the resident application AP2 send and receive signals to the printer driver PD. Similarly to the above, the printer driver PD transmits and receives signals to and from the printers 3 and 110 through connection via the network NW.

  In the present modification, in the display change process in step S80 of the flow of FIG. 7, the CPU 12 uses the function of the resident application AP2 to change the display mode of the display identifier according to the usage frequency information (delete). Process). That is, according to the above-described example, the three identification information of the label printer A, the multifunction device D, and the multifunction device F that are used less frequently are deleted. Accordingly, as conceptually shown in FIG. 14 corresponding to FIG. 8, the usage history files 13A related to the label printer A, the multifunction device D, and the multifunction device F are also deleted. Thus, in this modification, the display identifiers of the printers 3 and 110 that are used infrequently disappear completely and no longer exist, so that the user can be surely prevented from selecting the display identifier.

(5) Others In addition to those already described above, the methods according to the above-described embodiments and modifications may be used in appropriate combination. For example, the display identifier deletion processing described in the modification (4) may be executed by the function of the print data generation application AP in the above embodiment, instead of the resident application AP2. Further, the display identifier non-display processing described in the above embodiment may be executed by the function of the resident application AP2 in the modified example of the above (4).

  In addition, in the above, the arrow shown in each figure of FIG. 3, FIG. 13, etc. shows an example of the flow of a signal, and does not limit the flow direction of a signal.

  Further, the flowchart shown in FIG. 7 does not limit the present invention to the procedure shown in the above-mentioned flow, and the procedure may be added / deleted or the order may be changed without departing from the spirit and technical idea of the invention. Good.

  In addition, although not illustrated one by one, the present invention is implemented with various modifications within a range not departing from the gist thereof.

1 Printer Information Processing System 2 Operation Terminal 3 Label Printer (Printer)
12 CPU
13 Memory 14 Operation Unit 17 Display Unit 110 Multifunction Device (Printer)
PD printer driver AP1, AP2 application

Claims (9)

A printer information processing method executed by a control unit of an operation terminal connectable to a printer,
A display unit generation procedure for generating a printer display identifier representing identification information of the printer when a printer is newly connected to the operation terminal;
A connection determination procedure for determining whether or not the printer corresponding to the identification information of the printer display identifier generated in the display unit generation procedure is connected;
An information acquisition procedure for acquiring use frequency information of the printer when the connection determination procedure determines that the printer is not connected;
In accordance with the use frequency information acquired in the information acquisition procedure, a display change procedure for changing the display mode of the corresponding printer display identifier,
A printer information processing method. The printer information processing method according to claim 1.
The information acquisition procedure includes:
A parameter input procedure for inputting printing-related parameters including at least one of the number of times of printing, the number of printed sheets, the offline time, and the number of times of use of the printer setting;
A frequency calculation procedure for performing a predetermined weighting process on the printing-related parameters input in the parameter input procedure to calculate the usage frequency information;
Including
And,
A printer information processing method comprising a frequency determination procedure for determining whether or not the usage frequency information calculated in the frequency calculation procedure is smaller than a predetermined threshold value. The printer information processing method according to claim 2.
The display processing procedure is as follows:
When it is determined in the frequency determination procedure that the usage frequency information is smaller than the predetermined threshold, the change process is a non-display procedure for performing the printer display identifier non-display processing. A printer information processing method. The printer information processing method according to claim 3.
The non-display procedure includes
A printer information processing method, which is a procedure for holding the identification information of a printer to be processed and not displaying the printer display identifier representing the identification information. The printer information processing method according to claim 3.
The non-display procedure includes
A printer information processing method, which is a procedure for deleting identification information of a printer to be processed. The printer information processing method according to claim 2.
When it is determined in the frequency determination procedure that the usage frequency information is greater than or equal to the predetermined threshold value, the change process is an information change procedure for changing the identification information represented by the printer display identifier. A printer information processing method. For the control means of the operation terminal that can be connected to the printer,
A display unit generation procedure for generating a printer display identifier representing identification information of the printer when a printer is newly connected to the operation terminal;
A connection determination procedure for determining whether or not the printer corresponding to the identification information of the printer display identifier generated in the display unit generation procedure is connected;
An information acquisition procedure for acquiring use frequency information of the printer when the connection determination procedure determines that the printer is not connected;
In accordance with the use frequency information acquired in the information acquisition procedure, a display change procedure for changing the display mode of the corresponding printer display identifier,
Printer information processing program for executing A display unit generation procedure for generating a printer display identifier representing identification information of the printer when the printer is newly connected to an operation terminal connectable to the printer;
A connection determination procedure for determining whether or not the printer corresponding to the identification information of the printer display identifier generated in the display unit generation procedure is connected;
An information acquisition procedure for acquiring use frequency information of the printer when the connection determination procedure determines that the printer is not connected;
A printer information processing program for causing the control means of the operation terminal to execute a display change procedure for changing the display mode of the corresponding printer display identifier according to the use frequency information acquired in the information acquisition procedure. A recorded computer-readable recording medium. A printer operation terminal that can be connected to a printer,
Display unit generating means for generating a printer display identifier representing identification information of the printer when the printer is newly connected;
Display means capable of displaying the printer display identifier generated by the display section generation means;
Connection determination means for determining whether or not the printer corresponding to the identification information of the printer display identifier generated by the display generation means is connected;
An information acquisition unit that acquires use frequency information of the printer when the connection determination unit determines that the printer is not connected;
A display changing unit that performs a process of changing a display mode of a corresponding printer display identifier according to the use frequency information acquired by the information acquiring unit;
A printer operation terminal.

Images