JP5471421B2 - PRINT CONTROL DEVICE, PRINT SYSTEM, AND PROGRAM - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing control apparatus, a printing system, and a program.

  The CPU of the client PC uses the integrated printer driver program installed in the client PC to request a search request for a printer that can execute the function that the user wants to use temporarily, and to respond to the request from the server apparatus The second logical printer information associated with the printer capable of executing the function desired to be temporarily used is acquired from the server device, and the first logical printer information registered in the client PC is obtained from the server device. A print control method that temporarily replaces the acquired second logical printer information and performs print setting input control, print job generation, and transmission control is known (for example, Patent Document 1).

  The printer system includes different types of printers connected on a network, and each printer has a function of storing and storing an updated SP obtained by updating a system program (SP) in a nonvolatile memory, respectively. A means for a specific printer to make a communication request to another destination printer to inquire about the SP, and a means for comparing and collating the updated SP updated by the specific printer with the SP returned from the other destination printer by the inquiry. And a printer system having a means for downloading and transferring the update SP when the comparison SP between the SP by comparison and verification matches the SP to the other sharable printer. (For example, Patent Document 2).

JP 2006-155289 A JP 2002-351635 A

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it provides a print control device, a printing system, and a program that make it possible to use a printing function shared by selected printing devices.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, a selection unit that selects a printing device as an output candidate from a plurality of printing devices based on designation of at least one of identification information for identifying the printing device and a printing function, and the selection unit selects the printing device. The extraction unit that extracts the printing function that the output candidate printing apparatuses have in common, and the setting unit that sets the printing function when the output candidate printing apparatus prints are the prints extracted by the extraction unit And a changing unit that changes the setting so that setting of the printing function that has not been extracted becomes impossible, and the selection unit changes the setting unit by the changing unit, and then the plurality of prints When at least one of identification information for identifying the printing device not selected among the devices and a printing function that cannot be set by the changing unit is designated, A new printing device is selected as the output candidate based on the output unit, and the extraction unit is configured to share the newly selected output candidate printing device when the output candidate printing device is newly selected. The print function is extracted, and the change unit is a print control apparatus that changes the setting unit each time the extraction unit newly extracts a print function .

According to another aspect of the invention, based on at least one of the specified identification information and print function for identifying the printing apparatus, selection means to select a printing device as an output candidate from a plurality of printing devices, selected by the selection means printing by the printing apparatus of the output candidate extraction means to extract a print function have in common, the setting means for setting a printing function when to be printed by the printing apparatus of the output candidates, extracted by the extraction means A printing control apparatus comprising: a changing unit that enables setting of a function so that setting of a printing function that has not been extracted cannot be set; and a transmission unit that transmits setting information indicating a setting result by the setting unit. Then, the selection means, after the change of the setting means by the change means, the identification information for identifying the unselected printing apparatus among the plurality of printing apparatuses and the change information. When at least one of the printing functions that cannot be set by the means is designated, a new printing device is selected as the output candidate based on the designation, and the extraction means newly selects the output candidate printing device. And the changing means extracts the print function that the newly selected output candidate printing apparatus has in common, and the changing means extracts the print function each time the extracting means newly extracts the print function. The print control device that changes the setting information, and when the setting information transmitted from the print control device is received, the received setting information is stored in the storage unit, and the setting information stored in the storage unit is requested A setting information management device that transmits the setting information stored in the storage means to the request source, and requests the setting information to the setting information management device and receives the requested setting information. When a printing system having a printing device that performs printing based on the setting information thus received.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a selection unit that selects a printing device as an output candidate from a plurality of printing devices based on designation of at least one of identification information for identifying the printing device and a printing function. Extracting means for extracting a printing function that the selected output candidate printing apparatus has in common, and setting means for setting the printing function when printing on the output candidate printing apparatus are extracted by the extracting means. A program for functioning as a changing unit that enables setting of a printing function that has been set so that setting of a printing function that has not been extracted is disabled, wherein the selecting unit is configured to perform the setting unit by the changing unit. After the change, the identification information for identifying the non-selected printing device among the plurality of printing devices and the setting by the changing means are disabled. When at least one of the printing functions is designated, a new printing device is selected as the output candidate based on the designation, and the extracting unit selects the printing device as the output candidate when the printing device is newly selected. A printing function that is shared by newly selected printing apparatuses as output candidates is extracted, and the changing unit is a program that changes the setting unit each time the extracting unit newly extracts a printing function .

According to the first aspect of the invention, it is possible to use the printing function that the selected printing apparatus has in common. In addition, it is possible to newly select a printing apparatus other than the selected printing apparatus and use a printing function shared by the newly selected printing apparatus.

According to the invention of claim 2 , it is possible to use the printing function that the selected printing apparatus has in common. In addition, it is possible to newly select a printing apparatus other than the selected printing apparatus and use a printing function shared by the newly selected printing apparatus.

According to the invention of claim 3 , it is possible to use the printing function that the selected printing apparatus has in common. In addition, it is possible to newly select a printing apparatus other than the selected printing apparatus and use a printing function shared by the newly selected printing apparatus.

1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a printing system according to an embodiment. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a print server and a client PC. FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram functionally illustrating a configuration of a print server. It is the block diagram which showed the structure of client PC functionally. It is a processing routine for constructing a setting screen for setting a printing function, and is a flowchart showing a processing routine executed by a CPU of a client PC. It is a figure which shows the specific example of the printing function which each of the printer as a 1st output candidate has. It is a figure which shows an example of the setting screen for setting a printing function. It is a figure which shows an example of the output candidate screen which displays an output candidate. FIG. 6 is a diagram for describing a designation method when an offset printing function is designated as selection information. It is explanatory drawing explaining the designation | designated method in the case of specifying identification information as selection information from an output candidate screen. It is a figure which shows the example of a change of a setting screen. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a designation method when a staple printing function is designated as selection information. It is a figure explaining the designation | designated method in the case of specifying identification information as selection information from an output candidate screen. It is a figure which shows the example of a change of a setting screen. It is a figure which shows the specific example of the printing function which each of the printer as a 1st output candidate has. It is a figure which shows an example of a setting screen. It is a figure which shows an example of an output candidate screen. It is explanatory drawing explaining the designation | designated method in the case of specifying identification information as selection information from an output candidate screen. It is a figure which shows the example of a change of a setting screen. It is a figure which shows the example of a change of a setting screen. It is a figure which shows the example of a change of an output candidate screen. It is a figure which shows an example of the control screen for making a user select the selection method of a 2nd output candidate.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a printing system according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the printing system includes a plurality of printers 10, a print server 12, and a client PC (personal computer) 14, which communicate with each other via communication means 16.

  The printer 10 performs printing according to the print information. The print information is generated by the client PC 14. The print information includes image information for specifying an image to be printed and setting information indicating a print function setting result. The operation related to printing of the printer 10 is defined according to the setting information.

  The printer 10 reads the ID stored in the memory from a designation means for designating identification information (ID) for identifying the user by the user or an ID card having a memory storing the user ID. Means are provided. When the printer 10 receives the ID from the specifying unit or the reading unit, the printer 10 transmits a request for print information to the print server 12 together with the ID. The printer 10 receives print information from the print server 12 and performs printing according to the print information.

  The print server 12 receives print information from the client PC 14 and manages it. When there is a request for print information from the printer 10, the print information stored in association with the ID received together with the request is transmitted to the requesting printer 10. Further, when a request is received from the client PC 14, the print server 12 transmits identification information for identifying each of the printers 10 connected to the communication unit 16 to the client PC 14.

  The client PC 14 generates print information and transmits it to the print server 12 together with the user ID.

  The communication means 16 may be, for example, a public line or a network such as the Internet, a LAN (Local Area Network), or a WAN (Wide Area Network). The communication unit 16 may be a wireless communication unit or a wired communication unit.

  As described above, the printing system according to the present embodiment is configured such that the printer 10 receives and prints print information from the client PC 14 via the print server 12, but the present invention is not limited to this. The print information may be directly transmitted from the PC 14 to the printer 10 without going through the print server 12 and may be printed by the destination printer 10.

  In FIG. 1, one client PC 14 is connected to the communication means 16, but the number of client PCs 14 is not limited to this.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the print server 12 and the client PC 14.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 20, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 21, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 22, a communication interface 23, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 24, and a UI (User Interface) controller. 25 are provided and are connected to each other via a bus 28.

  The CPU 20 executes programs stored in the ROM 22 and the HDD 24. The RAM 21 is used as a work memory.

  The communication interface 23 is an interface for communicating with other devices via the communication means 16.

  In addition to the program executed by the CPU 20, the HDD 24 stores various information specified by the operation unit 27 described later by the user.

  A display 26 and an operation unit 27 are connected to the UI controller 25. The display 26 displays images and information, and may be a liquid crystal display, a plasma display, an organic EL display, or the like. The operation unit 27 is operated by a user in order to specify various information, commands, and requests (for example, selection information described later, information on print function settings, and print requests). A keyboard, a mouse, or the like may be used. The UI controller 25 controls display of various types of information on the display 26 according to instructions from the CPU 20, and detects an operation on the operation unit 27 and notifies the CPU 20 of the operation. This notification is accepted by the CPU 20.

  Note that the storage medium for storing the program executed by the CPU 20 is not limited to the ROM 22 or the HDD 24. For example, it may be a flexible disk, a DVD disk, a magneto-optical disk, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory (not shown), or a storage device of another device connected to the communication means 16.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram functionally showing the configuration of the print server 12.

  As illustrated in FIG. 3, the print server 12 includes a first output candidate search unit 30, a first output candidate storage unit 32, a print information management unit 34, and a print information storage unit 36.

  The first output candidate search unit 30 searches the printer 10 connected to the communication means 16 as an output candidate.

  Here, the output candidate means a candidate that can be an output destination when printing (outputting). Hereinafter, the output candidate searched by the first output candidate search unit 30 is referred to as a first output candidate. Further, an output candidate selected by a second output candidate selection unit 43 of the printer 10 to be described later will be referred to as a second output candidate, and will be described separately from the first output candidate.

  The first output candidate search unit 30 stores each piece of identification information indicating the searched first output candidate in the first output candidate storage unit 32.

  The first output candidate search unit 30 receives the identification information request indicating the first output candidate from the client PC 14 (hereinafter, “output candidate request”), and the identification stored in the first output candidate storage unit 32. Each piece of information is transmitted to the requesting client PC 14. The search for the first output candidate may be performed when an output candidate request is received from the client PC 14, or may be searched and stored in advance before the output candidate request is received.

  The print information management unit 34 manages print information received from the client PC 14. Specifically, when print information is received together with an ID from the client PC 14, the print information is stored in the print information storage unit 36 in association with the ID, and when a print information request is received together with the ID from the printer 10. The print information stored in the print information storage unit 36 in association with the received ID is transmitted to the requesting printer 10.

  In the present embodiment, the first output candidate search unit 30 and the print information management unit 34 are functions realized by the CPU 20 of the print server 12 executing a program. In the present embodiment, the first output candidate storage unit 32 and the print information storage unit 36 may be a storage area of the RAM 21 provided in the print server 12 or a storage area of the HDD 24. Good.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram functionally showing the configuration of the client PC 14. The following functional configuration may be included as a function of a printer driver that is one of the programs executed by the CPU 20 of the client PC 14.

  As illustrated in FIG. 4, the client PC 14 includes a first output candidate acquisition unit 40, a first output candidate storage unit 41, a selection information reception unit 42, a second output candidate selection unit 43, a function information storage unit 44, and a second output. A candidate storage unit 45, a common function extraction unit 46, a common function storage unit 47, a UI change unit 48, a UI display data storage unit 49, a UI display control unit 50, and a print control unit 51 are provided.

  The first output candidate acquisition unit 40 transmits an output candidate request to the print server 12 and acquires each piece of identification information indicating the first output candidate from the print server 12. In this embodiment, an example in which an output candidate request is transmitted to the print server 12 and identification information of the first output candidate is acquired will be described. However, the printer 10 in which the printer 10 is connected to the communication unit 16 itself. To obtain the identification information of the first output candidate. The first output candidate acquisition unit 40 stores the acquired identification information of the first output candidate in the first output candidate storage unit 41.

  The selection information receiving unit 42 receives selection information designated by the user. The selection information is at least one of identification information of the printer 10 and a printing function. The selection information designated by the user is a selection condition when further selecting an output candidate from the first output candidate or the second output candidate.

  The second output candidate selection unit 43 selects the printer 10 from the first output candidates based on the selection information received by the selection information reception unit 42, and sets identification information for identifying each of the selected printers 10 as the first. The information is stored in the second output candidate storage unit 45 as identification information for identifying each of the two output candidates. Further, after selecting the second output candidate and changing the setting screen by the UI changing unit 48 as will be described later, when the selection information is further received by the selection information receiving unit 42, the selected second output candidate is selected. An output candidate is further selected from the output candidates, and the selected output candidate is set as a new second output candidate, and the identification information is stored in the second output candidate storage unit 45 (stored in the second output candidate storage unit 45). The new identification information is rewritten to the identification information of the new second output candidate).

  In the function information storage unit 44, identification information of various types of printers 10 that can be used by the client PC 14 and function information indicating printing functions of the printer 10 indicated by the identification information are stored in advance.

  Based on the identification information stored in the first output candidate storage unit 41 and the function information stored in the function information storage unit 44, the common function extraction unit 46 prints in common with the printers 10 of the first output candidate. A printing function shared by the second output candidate printers 10 based on the identification information stored in the second output candidate storage unit 45 and the function information stored in the function information storage unit 44 while extracting the function To extract. The common function extraction unit 46 stores the extracted print function information in the common function storage unit 47. In the following, the printing function that the output candidate printers 10 have in common may be referred to as a common function.

  The UI display data storage unit 49 stores in advance an initial value of UI display data for displaying a setting screen for setting a printing function for printing on the display 26.

  The UI changing unit 48 is stored in the UI display data storage unit 49 based on the identification information of the first output candidate stored in the first output candidate storage unit 41 and the information stored in the common function storage unit 47. The initial display value is changed, and the UI display data after the change is stored in the UI display data storage unit 49. Further, based on the identification information of the second output candidate stored in the second output candidate storage unit 45 and the information stored in the common function storage unit 47, the UI display data storage unit 49 after the change is further changed. The UI display data is stored in the UI display data storage unit 49.

  The UI display control unit 50 displays a setting screen on the display 26 based on the UI display data stored in the UI display data storage unit 49. As will be described later, during construction of the setting screen, the identification information of the first output candidate stored in the first output candidate storage unit 41 and the second output stored in the second output candidate storage unit 45. Based on the candidate identification information, an output candidate screen showing the first output candidate and the second output candidate is also displayed.

  The print control unit 51 includes a print request reception unit 52 and a print information generation unit 53. The print request accepting unit 52 prints image information specified by the user operating the operating unit 27 and printing specified by the user operating the operating unit 27 on the setting screen displayed on the display 26 and the image information to be printed. The function setting is accepted together with the print request. For a print request, a button for designating a print request may be provided on the setting screen, and the user may designate the print request by designating the button, or the user may print from a print request screen different from the setting screen. A request may be specified. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the print request can be specified from the setting screen. When the print request reception unit 52 receives a print request, the print information generation unit 53 generates print information including image information and print function settings, and transmits the print information to the print server 12.

  The first output candidate acquisition unit 40, the selection information reception unit 42, the second output candidate selection unit 43, the common function extraction unit 46, the UI change unit 48, the UI display control unit 50, and the print control unit 51 are included in the CPU 20 of the client PC 14. Is a function realized by executing a program (for example, a printer driver). In the present embodiment, the first output candidate storage unit 41, the function information storage unit 44, the second output candidate storage unit 45, the common function storage unit 47, and the UI display data storage unit 49 are provided in the client PC 14. It may be a storage area of the RAM 21 or a storage area of the HDD 24.

  FIG. 5 is a processing routine for constructing a setting screen for setting the printing function, and is a flowchart showing a processing routine executed by the CPU 20 of the client PC 14. Here, the operation of each element in the functional configuration of the client PC 14 will be described.

  In step 100, the first output candidate acquisition unit 40 acquires identification information of the first output candidate. The acquired identification information is stored in the first output candidate storage unit 41.

  In step 102, the common function extraction unit 46 uses the identification information stored in the first output candidate storage unit 41 and the function information stored in the function information storage unit 44 to share the first output candidate printer 10. The function is extracted, and the common function information is stored in the common function storage unit 47.

  In step 104, the UI changing unit 48 generates UI display data for displaying a setting screen for setting a printing function when printing based on the common function of the first output candidate. Specifically, the UI changing unit 48 is based on the identification information of the first output candidate stored in the first output candidate storage unit 41 and the information stored in the common function storage unit 47. 49. The basic display data stored in the UI display data 49 is changed to generate new UI display data. Specifically, UI display data is generated in order to display a setting screen in which common functions of the first output candidate printer 10 can be set and other printing functions cannot be set. At this time, UI display data is generated so that printing functions other than the common functions are displayed in the setting screen so as to be designated as selection information. The UI display data generated here is stored in the UI display data storage unit 49.

  In this embodiment, the setting screen is displayed in a state where common functions can be set, and a print function that is not a common function but is included in any of the first output candidates is displayed as a settable print function. Are displayed in a state that cannot be set. However, the setting screen is not limited to this. For example, printing functions other than the common function may be hidden.

  The UI display control unit 50 reads the generated UI display data from the UI display data storage unit 49 and displays a setting screen on the display 26 based on the UI display data. Further, the UI display control unit 50 displays an output candidate screen based on the identification information of the first output candidate stored in the first output candidate storage unit 41. With this output candidate screen, each identification information of the first output candidate can be designated as selection information (a specific example will be described later). The user designates a print function other than the common function from the displayed setting screen, or designates identification information from the output candidate screen. The user may specify one of the print function and the identification information, or may specify the print function and the identification information. The designation result by the user is received by the selection information receiving unit 42 as selection information.

  In step 106, the selection information receiving unit 42 determines whether selection information has been received from the user. If a positive determination is made here, the process proceeds to step 108.

  In step 108, the second output candidate selection unit 43 selects the printer 10 as the second output candidate from the first output candidate printer group 10 based on the selection information received by the selection information reception unit 42, and the second output candidate. Is stored in the second output candidate storage unit 45. Specifically, for example, when identification information is designated as selection information, the printer 10 indicated by the designated identification information is selected as the second output candidate printer 10 from the first output candidate printer 10. Further, when a printing function other than the common function is designated as the selection information, the stored information of the function information storage unit 44 is referred to, the identification information of the printer 10 having the designated printing function is obtained, and the identification The printer 10 indicated by the information is selected as the second output candidate printer 10. Further, when a printing function other than the common function is designated and identification information is designated, among the printers 10 having the designated printing function, the printer 10 having the designated identification information is set as the second output candidate. Selected. The second output candidate selection unit 43 stores the identification information of the selected second output candidate in the second output candidate storage unit 45.

  In step 110, the common function extraction unit 46 selects the printer selected as the second output candidate based on the identification information stored in the second output candidate storage unit 45 and the function information stored in the function information storage unit 44. Ten common functions are extracted. The common function extraction unit 46 stores the extracted common function information of the second output candidate in the common function storage unit 47.

  In step 112, the UI changing unit 48 outputs the UI display data of the setting screen stored in the UI display control unit 50 based on the common information of the second output candidates stored in the common function storage unit 47. Change to UI display data for displaying a setting screen capable of setting candidate common functions. In addition, here, a setting screen that allows each of the second output candidate printers 10 other than the common functions stored in the common function storage unit 47 to be specified as selection information in an unsettable state. The UI display data is changed so as to be displayed in the screen. This UI display data is stored in the UI display data storage unit 49.

  The UI display control unit 50 reads the changed UI display data from the UI display data storage unit 49 and displays a setting screen on the display 26 based on the UI display data. Further, the UI display control unit 50 also changes the display of the output candidate screen based on the identification information of the second output candidate stored in the second output candidate storage unit 41. Thereby, each identification information of the 2nd output candidate currently selected is displayed.

  In step 114, the UI changing unit 48 determines whether or not the UI changing process (that is, changing the setting screen) has been completed. Here, when the user gives an instruction to end the change of the setting screen from a change end instruction screen (not shown) (or some key operation such as an escape button is performed to instruct the end of the change of the setting screen) ), And when the print function is set from the displayed setting screen and a print request is specified, it is determined that the UI change processing has been completed, and the rest is not completed. It is determined.

  If a negative determination is made in step 114, the process proceeds to step 116. If the selection information receiving unit 42 does not receive the selection information designated by the user in step 116, the process returns to step 114. If the selection information receiving unit 42 receives the selection information designated by the user in step 116, the process returns to step 108, and the selection newly designated this time is selected from the currently selected second output candidates. Output candidates are selected based on the information, and each of the output candidate identification information is stored in the second output candidate storage unit 45 as new second output candidate identification information (overwritten and the second output candidate is updated). ) That is, the printer 10 corresponding to the selection information is selected from the printers 10 selected as the second output candidate last time, and the second output candidates are further narrowed down.

  In step 110, the common function extracting unit 46 extracts the newly selected common function of the second output candidate. In step 112, the UI changing unit 48 changes to UI display data in the same manner as described above, and displays the setting screen. change. That is, the setting screen is changed every time the printer 10 is narrowed down as the second output candidate. Along with the change, the display of the output candidate screen is changed.

  On the other hand, if an affirmative determination is made in step 114, the process proceeds to step 118.

  In step 118, the print request receiving unit 52 determines whether a print request has been received from the setting screen. If it is determined that the print request has been received, in step 120, the print information generation unit 53 includes image information designated in advance by the user and setting information representing the setting result of the printing function set from the setting screen. Print information is generated and transmitted to the print server 12.

  If it is determined in step 118 that the print request receiving unit 52 has not received a print request, step 120 is skipped and the processing routine is terminated.

  Next, an example of the flow of changing the setting screen according to the present embodiment will be described with a specific example.

  When the print server 12 searches for five printers 10 of which identification information is SFP-1, SFP-2, SFP-3, SFP-4, and SFP-5 as the first output candidates, the SFP-1 , SFP-2, SFP-3, SFP-4, and SFP-5 are stored in the first output candidate storage unit 41.

  FIG. 6 shows a specific example of the printing function possessed by SFP-1, SFP-2, SFP-3, SFP-4, and SFP-5. In FIG. 6, the basic printing function (function to execute printing, function to manually feed paper, etc.) is omitted, and an extended printing function is illustrated. In FIG. 6, a printing function in which a double line is not superimposed is a printing function that the printer 10 has. It is assumed that each printer 10 has a basic printing function not shown in FIG.

  Here, the offset is a function of discharging the printed matter by shifting alternately left and right for each print request. The stapler is a function for stapling the printed material, and the punch is a function for making a hole in the printed material, such as 2 holes or 4 holes. The paper folding is a function of folding a printed material such as bi-folding, tri-folding, and 4-folding, and the saddle stitching is a function of binding the book to a book by stapling the center of the printed material. Note that the printing function is not limited to these, and other printing functions such as color printing and double-sided printing may be used.

  Of the five print functions shown in FIG. 6, there is no print function common to the first output candidate printers 10, so the UI changing unit 48 can set a basic print function and print other than that. The function generates UI display data for displaying a setting screen that cannot be set (step 104).

  FIG. 7 shows an example of a setting screen displayed based on the generated UI display data. The common functions of the first output candidates (SFP-1, SFP-2, SFP-3, SFP-4, and SFP-5) are displayed in a configurable state as shown in FIG. A print function (offset, staple, punch) which is not a function but has one of the first output candidates is different from a settable print function and cannot be set as shown in FIG. (For example, even if an operation to specify the print function is performed on the operation unit 27, the display is not changed and is not specified, and the operation of the operation unit 27 is invalid). Among the five printing functions, the printing functions (paper folding and saddle stitching) that any of the first output candidates do not have are not displayed.

  Here, of the above five print functions, the print function (paper folding, saddle stitching) that is not included in any of the first output candidates has been described as an example, but it cannot be set even if displayed. A setting screen may be constructed so as to be in a state.

  In addition to the setting screen shown in FIG. 7, an output candidate screen showing identification information of the first output candidate is also displayed as shown in FIG. In the output candidate screen shown in FIG. 8, a check mark is displayed in the box given to the top of each identification information, and each of the first output candidates is selected.

  Here, a specific example of a designation method when the user designates selection information for selecting the second output candidate from the first output candidate will be described.

  In the setting screen shown in FIG. 7, the print function which is not a common function but has one of the first output candidates is displayed with an “i” mark (information mark) as shown in C of FIG. 7. Has been. In the present embodiment, when the user operates the operation unit 27 and designates the “i” mark, the UI display control unit 50 cannot set this print function in the currently selected output candidate printer 10. A message indicating that there is a message, a message for designating whether or not to change the output candidate in order to use this printing function, and a character “OK” for designating the user's intention to select the second output candidate “Cancel” is displayed in a pop-up.

  FIG. 9 shows a message display example. In FIG. 9, the “i” mark for the offset printing function is indicated by an arrow pointer, and the characters “OK” and “OK” are displayed together with the message “Cannot be used from the output candidate printer. Do you want to change the output candidate?”. “Cancel” is displayed. If the user wants to use a printing function called offset, the user designates OK here. As a result, information indicating a printing function called offset is designated as selection information. If cancellation is designated here, the message is deleted.

  Further, in the output candidate screen shown in FIG. 8, when the user deletes the check mark displayed in the box attached to each identification information by operating the operation unit 27 and designates the OK button, Identification information other than the identification information from which the check mark has been erased, that is, identification information in which the check mark remains is designated as the selection information. If a cancel button is designated, the designation of identification information is canceled and the check mark display is restored.

  FIG. 10 shows a state where the check marks for SPF-1 and SPF-2 are removed. If the OK button is designated in this state, SPF-3, SPF-4, and SPF-5 are designated as selection information. For example, when the user desires to use the printer 10 arranged around the client PC 14 used by the user, the identification information of the printer 10 arranged around the client PC 14 may be specified on the output candidate screen.

  As shown in FIG. 9, when the user designates an offset printing function as selection information, the setting screen is changed as shown in FIG. That is, the printer 10 having the offset printing function is, as shown in FIG. 6, three printers 10 of SPF-3, SPF-4, and SPF-5, and common functions common to these are (not shown). Offset (except basic printing functions). Accordingly, the UI changing unit 48 changes the UI display data to UI display data on a setting screen in which the basic print function and offset can be set and other print functions cannot be set (step 114).

  Also, as shown in FIG. 10, when SPF-3, SPF-4, and SPF-5 are designated as selection information, the common function is also an offset (except for a basic printing function (not shown)). Therefore, the UI changing unit 48 changes the UI display data to the UI display data on the setting screen shown in FIG. 11 (step 114).

  Here, one of the printing function and the identification information is designated as selection information, but both may be designated together. When both are designated, for example, among the printers 10 having the designated printing function, the printer 10 having the designated identification information becomes the second output candidate, and these common printing functions can be set. The screen is changed to a setting screen in which settings of other printing functions cannot be performed. In addition, among the printers 10 having the specified identification information, those that do not have the specified print function may not be selected as the second output candidate, and do not have the print function. Alternatively, it may be selected as the second output candidate. In the former case, a warning may be displayed.

  Note that after the second output candidate is selected as described above, the changed setting screen may be further changed by further specifying the selection information and further narrowing down the second output candidates (steps). 114N, step 116Y).

  For example, in the setting screen of FIG. 11, when the user wants to use not only the currently available printing function but also the currently unavailable stapled printing function, the stapled printing function. Is specified as selection information. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 12, an “i” mark for the staple printing function is designated, and “OK” is designated when the above-described message is displayed.

  In addition, when the user wants to further narrow down the printer 10 that the user wants to use from the currently selected second output candidate to be the second output candidate, the identification information of the printer 10 is designated as selection information. Specifically, in the output candidate screen shown in FIG. 10, the check mark displayed in the check box of the identification information other than the identification information to be specified is erased, and “OK” is specified. FIG. 13 shows an output candidate screen when the identification information SPF-3 is designated as selection information.

  As shown in FIG. 12, when the user designates the staple printing function as selection information, the setting screen is changed as shown in FIG. That is, among the three printers 10 of SPF-3, SPF-4, and SPF-5, a printer 10 having a staple printing function is an SPF-3 printer 10 as shown in FIG. The printing function of the printer 10 (in this case, since there is only one printer 10, the common function is the printing function itself of the SPF-3 printer 10), except for the basic printing function, offset, staple , There are three punches. Therefore, the UI changing unit 48 can set the UI display data on the setting screen (see also FIG. 14) on which the basic print function and the three print functions can be set and the other print functions cannot be set. (Step 114 above).

  Also, as shown in FIG. 13, when SPF-3 is designated as selection information, it is changed to the UI display data of the setting screen shown in FIG. (Step 114 above).

  Here, the example in which one of the printing function and the identification information is designated as the selection information has been described, but both may be designated together.

  Next, the flow of changing the setting screen according to the present embodiment will be described using another specific example.

  When the print server 12 searches for the identification information of six printers 10 of MFP-1, MFP-2, MFP-3, MFP-4, MFP-5, and MFP-6 as the first output candidates. , MFP-1, MFP-2, MFP-3, MFP-4, MFP-5, and MFP-6 are stored in the first output candidate storage unit 41.

  FIG. 15 shows a specific example of the printing function of MFP-1, MFP-2, MFP-3, MFP-4, MFP-5, and MFP-6. In FIG. 15, the basic printing function is omitted, and the extended printing function is illustrated. In FIG. 15, a printing function in which a double line is not superimposed is a printing function that the printer 10 has. It is assumed that each printer 10 has a basic printing function not shown in FIG.

  Of the five printing functions shown in FIG. 15, the two printing functions common to each printer 10 are staple and punch. Therefore, the common function extraction unit 46 uses the basic printing function, staple and punch as common functions. The UI change unit 48 extracts UI display data for displaying a setting screen in which basic print functions, staples and punches can be set, and other print functions cannot be set. Generate.

  FIG. 16 shows an example of a setting screen displayed based on the generated UI display data. As shown in FIG. 16A, the common functions of the first output candidates (MFP-1, MFP-2, MFP-3, MFP-4, MFP-5, and MFP-6) are settable. Displayed printing functions other than the common functions (offset, paper folding, saddle stitching) are displayed in a non-configurable state by making the display different from the settable printing function as shown in FIG. Yes.

  In addition to the setting screen shown in FIG. 16, as shown in FIG. 17, an output candidate screen showing identification information of the first output candidate is also displayed.

  A specific example of the designation method when the user designates selection information for selecting the second output candidate from the first output candidates will be described. Here, an example will be described in which identification information is first specified as selection information, and then a print function is specified as selection information to narrow down output candidates.

  When two printers 10 of MFP-5 and MFP-6 are to be selected as second output candidates on the output candidate screen shown in FIG. 17, as shown in FIG. 18, four printers MFP-1 to MFP-4 are selected. The check mark displayed in the box attached to the identification information is deleted and the OK button is designated. Thus, when MFP-5 and MFP-6 are designated as selection information, the printing functions that the two printers 10 indicated by the identification information have in common are the basic printing function, staple, punch, paper folding. And the saddle stitching, the UI changing unit 48 changes the UI display data to the UI display data on the setting screen shown in FIG. 19 (step 114). Thereby, the setting screen of FIG. 19 is displayed.

  Next, the case where the second output candidate is selected and the setting screen is changed as described above, and then the second output candidates are further narrowed down by specifying the print function will be described (steps 114N and 116Y).

  In the setting screen shown in FIG. 19, when the user wants to use not only the currently available printing function but also the printing function called offset that is currently unavailable, the printing function called offset is selected. Specify as. Specifically, the “i” mark for the offset printing function is designated, and “OK” is designated when the above message is displayed.

  As a result, the MFP-5 having the offset printing function is selected as a new second output candidate among the MFP-5 and MFP-6 of the second output candidate. The UI display data is changed to the UI display data of a setting screen in which the printing function of the MFP-5 printer 10 can be set and the other printing functions cannot be set, and the setting screen shown in FIG. 20 is displayed. (Step 114 above). The output candidate screen at this time is changed to an output candidate screen in which a check mark is displayed in a check box corresponding to MFP-5 as shown in FIG.

  Further, another specific example will be briefly described. For example, from the first output candidate shown in FIG. 15, first, identification information MFP-3 to MFP-5 is designated as selection information, and three printers 10 are selected as second output candidates. By designating functions, output candidates are narrowed down, and as a result, two printers 10 of MFP-3 and MFP-5 are newly selected as second output candidates. As a result, the common function extraction unit 46 extracts the basic printing function, offset, staple, and punch printing functions as common functions. The UI changing unit 48 changes the setting screen to a setting screen in which these print functions can be set and other print functions cannot be set.

  As another example, first, the printing function “saddle stitch” is designated as selection information, and the four printers 10 having identification information MFP-3 to MFP-6 having the saddle stitch printing function are selected as second output candidates. After that, this time, the identification information MFP-5 and MFP-6 are specified to narrow down the output candidates, and the two printers 10 of MFP-5 and MFP-6 are newly selected as the second output candidates. Thereby, the common function extraction unit 46 extracts the basic printing function, staple, punch, paper folding, and saddle stitch printing functions as common functions. The UI changing unit 48 changes the setting screen to a setting screen in which these print functions can be set and other print functions cannot be set.

  In the above embodiment, the case of gradually narrowing down the second output candidates has been described as an example. However, out of the first output candidate printers 10, the printers 10 not included in the currently selected second output candidate are selected. You may want to make a new selection. Therefore, for example, the control screen shown in FIG. 22 may be configured to be displayed on the display 26 so that the user can specify the selection method.

  The control screen displays three items, “narrow down”, “change”, and “end UI change”. Each item is displayed with a radio button, and any one of the three items can be selected.

  Here, when the user selects the “narrow down” item and designates the OK button, the second output candidate selection unit 43 designates until the “change” item is selected on this control screen thereafter. Output candidates according to the selected information (the first output candidate if the second output candidate has not yet been selected, or the second output candidate currently selected if the second output candidate has already been selected. The printer 10 corresponding to the selection information is newly selected as the second output candidate.

  When the user selects the “change” item on the control screen and designates the OK button, the second output candidate selection unit 43 thereafter selects the “narrow down” item on the control screen. Until now, whether or not the second output candidate is already stored, the printer 10 corresponding to the selection information is newly selected as the second output candidate from the first output candidate according to the designated selection information. Note that after the user selects the “change” item and selects the second output candidate, the user selects the “narrow down” item to further narrow down the output candidates from the selected second output candidate. Good.

  When the user selects the “UI change end” item and designates an OK button, the CPU 20 ends the setting screen change process.

  In the above embodiment, the example in which the function information is stored in advance in the function information storage unit 44 of the client PC 14 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the function information is stored in the print server 12 and the client When the PC 14 transmits an output candidate request to the print server 12, the function information is also requested, and in response to the request, the print server 12 also transmits the function information together with the identification information of the first output candidate to the client PC 14. You may make it do. Further, the function information may be directly requested to each printer 10.

  In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the “i” mark is displayed in the setting screen and the print function can be specified as selection information in the setting screen has been described. It is also possible to display a print function screen showing a list of the above items separately from the setting screen and specify the print function from the print function screen. In this case, the setting function may not be configured so that the print function can be specified using the selection information.

10 Printer 12 Print Server 14 Client PC
16 Communication means 20 CPU
21 RAM
22 ROM
23 Communication interface 24 HDD
25 UI controller 26 Display 27 Operation unit 28 Bus 30 First output candidate search unit 32 First output candidate storage unit 34 Print information management unit 36 Print information storage unit 40 First output candidate acquisition unit 41 First output candidate storage unit 42 Selection Information reception unit 43 Second output candidate selection unit 44 Function information storage unit 45 Second output candidate storage unit 46 Common function extraction unit 47 Common function storage unit 48 Bus 48 Change unit 49 UI display data storage unit 50 UI display control unit 51 Print Control unit 52 Print request reception unit 53 Print information generation unit

Claims (3)

Selection means for selecting a printing device as an output candidate from a plurality of printing devices based on designation of at least one of identification information for identifying the printing device and a printing function;
Extracting means for extracting a printing function that the printing apparatus of the output candidates selected by the selecting means has in common;
Setting means for setting a print function when printing on the output candidate printing apparatus can set the print function extracted by the extraction means, and cannot set the print function not extracted. Change means to change to,
Equipped with a,
The selection unit includes at least one of identification information for identifying a printing device that has not been selected among the plurality of printing devices after the change of the setting unit by the changing unit, and a printing function that cannot be set by the changing unit. When one is specified, a printing device is newly selected as the output candidate based on the specification,
The extraction unit extracts a printing function that the newly selected output candidate printing device has in common when the output candidate printing device is newly selected,
The change unit is a print control apparatus that changes the setting unit each time the extraction unit newly extracts a print function . A selection unit that selects a printing device that is an output candidate from a plurality of printing devices based on designation of at least one of identification information that identifies the printing device and a printing function, and a printing device that is an output candidate selected by the selection unit is common The extracting means for extracting the printing function, and the setting means for setting the printing function when printing on the output candidate printing apparatus can be set and extracted by the extracting means. A printing control apparatus comprising: a changing unit that changes the setting of the print function that has not been made to be disabled; and a transmission unit that transmits setting information indicating a setting result by the setting unit. After the change of the setting means by the means, the identification information for identifying the unselected printing apparatus among the plurality of printing apparatuses and the setting by the changing means When at least one of the designated printing functions is designated, a new printing device is selected as the output candidate based on the designation, and the extraction unit newly selects the output candidate printing device. In this case, the printing function that the newly selected output candidate printing apparatus has in common is extracted, and the changing unit changes the setting unit each time the extracting unit newly extracts the printing function. A control device;
When the setting information transmitted from the print control apparatus is received, the received setting information is stored in the storage unit, and when there is a request for the setting information stored in the storage unit, the setting stored in the storage unit A setting information management device that transmits information to the request source;
Requesting the setting information to the setting information management device, and when receiving the requested setting information, a printing device that performs printing based on the received setting information;
Having a printing system. Computer
A selection unit that selects a printing device that is an output candidate from a plurality of printing devices based on designation of at least one of identification information that identifies the printing device and a printing function, and a printing device that is an output candidate selected by the selection unit is common The extraction function for extracting the print function and the setting means for setting the print function when the output candidate printing apparatus prints can set the print function extracted by the extraction means and extract the print function. A program for functioning as a changing means for changing the setting of a printing function that has not been performed,
The selection unit includes at least one of identification information for identifying a printing device that has not been selected among the plurality of printing devices after the change of the setting unit by the changing unit, and a printing function that cannot be set by the changing unit. When one is specified, a printing device is newly selected as the output candidate based on the specification,
The extraction unit extracts a printing function that the newly selected output candidate printing device has in common when the output candidate printing device is newly selected,
The changing means is a program for changing the setting means every time the extracting means newly extracts a printing function .

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