JP6060686B2 - Control device, printer driver program, and setting method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a control device, a printer driver program, and a setting method, and in particular, a control device that controls an image forming apparatus, a printer driver program that is executed by a computer that controls the control device, and a setting that is executed by the control device Regarding the method.

  In order for a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as “PC”) to control an image forming apparatus represented by a multifunction peripheral, it is necessary to install a printer driver program corresponding to the image forming apparatus. This printer driver program is usually supplied from a manufacturer that provides an image forming apparatus.

  As described above, since the printer driver program corresponds to the image forming apparatus, if the model of the image forming apparatus is different, the type of the printer driver program is also different. In particular, when a new function is added to the image forming apparatus, a printer driver program having a version corresponding to the added function is developed.

  Normally, a printer driver program is developed separately into a user interface module, a print data generation module that generates print data, and an OS interface module that serves as an interface with a PC operating system. It is generated so that it can correspond to. For this reason, all the modules have to be changed in order to cope with a new function added to the image forming apparatus. Therefore, the developer of the printer driver program needs knowledge about all the modules, has to acquire knowledge in a wide range, and there is a problem that the developer is limited. In addition, if the development department is geographically separated for each module, there is a problem that the development efficiency decreases. In addition, when evaluating a printer driver program that has been modified to support new functions, it must be evaluated in all modules. There is a problem that the evaluation man-hour increases.

  In Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-227990, printing software that controls printing processing from an information processing apparatus includes a core part that provides a universal function of software and a plurality of function-dependent parts that provide printing-dependent functions. A printing software update method is described in which the necessity of updating the function-dependent part is determined, and when the update is necessary, the module held by itself is updated with the latest module. Yes.

  However, the existing printing software update method can update the existing function-dependent part, but when adding a function-dependent part corresponding to a new function, the core part must be changed, I can't add new features.

  In particular, when a new function is added, if the setting value set for another function is limited with respect to the setting value set for the new function, there are many parts that must be changed. . For example, a case where there is a punch hole processing function as an existing function and a staple function is newly added will be described as an example. When the setting value for punch hole processing is set for the punch hole processing function, the setting value for stapling cannot be set for the staple function, and only the setting value for not setting staples can be set. become.

In this case, as a user interface, a common screen including an area for setting a punch hole processing function and an area for setting a staple function setting value is displayed, and an area for setting a punch hole processing function setting value There may be a case where a first screen including the second screen and a second screen including a region for setting the setting value of the staple function are separately displayed. When the common screen is displayed, when a setting value is set for one function, the setting value input by the user must be set for the setting value set for the other function. If it is not possible, the setting value input by the user for one function can be set, and the setting value set for the other function can be updated with the setting value that can be set. This is because, on the common screen, the setting value input by the user for one function can be displayed, and the updated setting value can be displayed for the other function. However, when the first screen including the area for setting the punch hole processing function and the second screen including the area for setting the staple function setting value are displayed, the first screen is displayed. In this case, the setting value input by the user for the punch hole processing function can be displayed, but the second screen including the area for setting the setting value of the stapling function is not displayed. Unable to notify user that has been updated. For this reason, when the setting value input by the user for the punch hole processing function is a value that cannot be set when the first screen is displayed, it is not preferable to accept the setting value. Therefore, when the setting value that can be set between two functions is limited, the case where one common screen including an area for setting the setting value is displayed for each of the two functions is displayed. Therefore, it is necessary to change the message to be notified to the user when the two screens for setting the setting values are displayed separately.
JP 2006-227990 A

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and one of the objects of the present invention is to facilitate setting to execute different processing depending on whether a plurality of setting values can be set simultaneously or not. It is to provide a control device.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide a printer driver program that facilitates settings for executing different processes depending on whether or not a plurality of setting values can be set simultaneously.

  Still another object of the present invention is to provide a setting method that facilitates the setting for executing different processing depending on whether or not a plurality of setting values can be set simultaneously.

In order to achieve the above-described object, according to one aspect of the present invention, the control device is a control device that controls the image processing device, and the image processing device has the function for each of a plurality of functions of the image processing device. One or more print commands for causing the image processing apparatus to execute the function corresponding to one or more setting values that can be set for the function. A print command acquisition unit, a display command acquisition unit that acquires a display command for displaying a function-specific screen for setting a setting value for the function for each of a plurality of functions of the image processing apparatus, and a plurality of functions A function-specific screen corresponding to is generated and displayed according to the acquired display command, and the function-specific screen display means for displaying and the user according to the displayed function-specific screen A setting value accepting unit that accepts the set value to be input as a setting value for a function corresponding to the displayed function-specific screen, and a setting value accepted by the setting value accepting unit from one or more acquired print commands. By selecting a corresponding print command, command generation means for generating a print command for causing the image processing apparatus to execute the function, and two or more related functions selected from a plurality of functions, two or more Of the related functions, the setting value set for the first related function and the setting value set for the first related function are different from the first related function among the two or more related functions. Inter-function definition data storage means for storing inter-function definition data for defining a set with a setting value that cannot be set for the second related function, a first related function and a second When the set of set values that are received corresponding to each of the linked functions is determined as a set that cannot be set by the inter-function definition data, a predetermined process is performed based on the operation definition data corresponding to the inter-function definition data. A second function-specific screen that is a function-specific screen corresponding to the first related function and a function-specific screen corresponding to the second related function. Is displayed by the function-specific screen display means, and either the first process executed when the function-specific screen display means is displayed or the first function-specific screen or the second function-specific screen is displayed. And a second process to be executed.

  According to this aspect, a function-specific screen is displayed for each of a plurality of functions of the image processing apparatus, and a setting value input by the user is accepted according to the displayed function-specific screen, and is selected from a plurality of functions In two or more related functions, when a set of set values accepted corresponding to each of the first related function and the second related function is determined as a set that cannot be set, the first corresponding to the first related function When the one function-specific screen and the second function-specific screen corresponding to the first related function are displayed, the first process is executed, and either the first function-specific screen or the second function-specific screen is displayed. If displayed, the second process is executed. For this reason, processing can be made different between a state in which a set value can be set for each of a plurality of functions and a state in which at least one set value cannot be set. As a result, it is possible to provide a control device that facilitates settings for executing different processes depending on whether a plurality of set values can be set simultaneously or not.

Preferably, the set value accepting means sets the set value for the first related function when the first function-specific screen and the second function-specific screen are displayed as the same function-specific screen by the function-specific screen display means. Is accepted, the setting value accepted for the first related function cannot be set for the setting value set for the second related function by the inter-function definition data. In the case where the setting value is set for the second related function, the setting value is set to a setting value different from the setting value determined by the inter-function definition data.

  Preferably, the warning means receives the first warning in response to the setting value being received for the first related function before the setting value is set for the second related function by the interlock setting means. Display a message.

  According to this aspect, the first warning message is displayed at a stage before the setting value set for the second related function is different from the setting value determined by the inter-function definition data. Since it is displayed, the setting value set for the second related function can be prevented from being changed.

Preferably, the set value accepting unit is configured such that the first function-specific screen and the second function-specific screen are not displayed as the same function-specific screen by the function-specific screen display unit, but when either one is displayed, When the setting value is received for the related function, the setting value received for the first related function is set to the setting value set for the second related function by the inter-function definition data. In the case where it is determined that it is not possible to do so, an acceptance restriction unit that does not set a setting value for the first related function is included.

  Preferably, the warning unit displays a second warning message when a set value is received for the first related function.

  Preferably, the setting value receiving means determines a set of a first setting value set for the first related function and a second setting value set for the second related function in the inter-function definition data. If the first setting value is received in response to the first related function by the setting value receiving means, the setting value that can be received for the second related function is changed to a value other than the second setting value. Limiting means for limiting is further included.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the printer driver program is a printer driver program that is executed by a computer that controls the image processing apparatus, and the image processing apparatus has the function for each of a plurality of functions of the image processing apparatus. One or more print commands for causing the image processing apparatus to execute the function corresponding to one or more setting values that can be set for the function. A print command acquisition step, a display command acquisition step for acquiring a display command for displaying a function-specific screen for setting a setting value for the function for each of a plurality of functions of the image processing apparatus, and a plurality of functions Function-specific screen display that generates and displays the function-specific screen corresponding to A setting value receiving step for receiving a setting value input by the user according to the displayed function-specific screen as a setting value set for a function corresponding to the displayed function-specific screen, and one or more acquired values A command generation step of generating a print command for causing the image processing apparatus to execute the function by selecting a print command corresponding to the function of the setting value received in the setting value reception step from among the print commands of In two or more related functions selected from a plurality of functions, a setting value set for the first related function among the two or more related functions and a first related function among the two or more related functions A setting different from the set determined by the inter-function definition data that defines a set with a setting value that can be set to another second related function If the set is inputted, a warning step of performing a predetermined process based on the operation definition data corresponding to the function between the definition data, to execute the the computer, the operation definition data corresponding to the first related function A first process executed when a first function-specific screen that is a function-specific screen and a second function-specific screen that is a function-specific screen corresponding to the second related function are displayed in the function-specific screen display step ; A second process to be executed when either one of the first function-specific screen and the second function-specific screen is displayed in the function-specific screen display step is defined.

  According to this aspect, it is possible to provide a printer driver program that facilitates settings for executing different processes depending on whether or not a plurality of setting values can be set simultaneously.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the setting method is a setting method executed by a computer that controls the image processing apparatus, and the image processing apparatus executes the function for each of a plurality of functions of the image processing apparatus. Print command corresponding to one or more set values that can be set for the function, and acquiring one or more print commands for causing the image processing apparatus to execute the function For each of a plurality of functions, an acquisition step, a display command acquisition step for acquiring a display command for displaying a function-specific screen for setting a setting value for the function, for each of a plurality of functions of the image processing apparatus The function-specific screen is generated according to the acquired display command and displayed according to the function-specific screen display step and the displayed function-specific screen. A setting value receiving step for receiving the setting value input as a setting value set for the function corresponding to the displayed function-specific screen, and a setting value receiving step from one or more of the acquired print commands A command generation step for generating a print command for causing the image processing apparatus to execute the function by selecting a print command corresponding to the function of the set value received in step 2 and two selected from the plurality of functions In the above related functions, a setting value set for the first related function among the two or more related functions and a second related function different from the first related function among the two or more related functions When a set of setting values different from the set defined by the inter-function definition data that determines the set with the set values that can be set is input to the inter-function definition data Includes a warning step of performing a predetermined process based on the operation definition data response, the operation definition data corresponding to the first function by the screen and a function-specific screen corresponding to the first related functions second related functions first as the process is a function-specific screen for the second function-specific screen is executed if it is displayed in the function-specific screen display step, is either one of the first function by the screen and the second function new window A second process to be executed when displayed in the function-specific screen display step is defined.

  If this aspect is followed, the setting method which made easy the setting which performs a different process by the case where a some setting value can be set simultaneously, and the case where it is not so can be provided.

1 is a diagram showing an overview of a printing system according to one embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a perspective view showing an appearance of an MFP. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an MFP. FIG. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the hardware constitutions of PC. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the function of CPU with which PC is provided with the data memorize | stored in HDD. It is a 1st figure which shows an example of function definition data. It is a 2nd figure which shows an example of function definition data. It is a 3rd figure which shows an example of function definition data. It is a figure which shows an example of the definition data between functions. It is a figure which shows an example of action definition data. It is a 1st figure which shows an example of a prohibition message. It is a 2nd figure which shows an example of a prohibition message. It is a figure which shows an example of a display screen. It is a 1st figure which shows an example of a screen classified by function. It is a 1st figure which shows an example of the screen which displays a prohibition message. It is a 2nd figure which shows an example of a screen classified by function. It is a 3rd figure which shows an example of a screen classified by function. It is a 2nd figure which shows an example of the screen which displays a prohibition message. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of a setting process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of a setting value setting process. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of print job generation processing.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall outline of a printing system according to one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1, a print system 1 includes a multifunction peripheral (hereinafter referred to as “MFP”) 100 that functions as an image processing apparatus, and a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as “PC”) 200, 200A, 200B, 200C, and 200D. And including. Each of MFP (Multi Function Peripheral) 100 and PCs 200, 200 A, 200 B, 200 C, and 200 D is connected to network 3. The figure shows an example in which one MFP 100 is connected to the network 3 and five PCs 200, 200A, 200B, 200C, 200D are connected, but the MFP 100 and the PCs 200, 200A, 200B, 200C, 200D are shown. The number is not limited to this and may be one or more. Further, instead of the MFP 100, another image processing apparatus that can be controlled by the PCs 200, 200A, 200B, 200C, and 200D can be used. Examples of image processing devices that can be controlled by the PCs 200, 200A, 200B, 200C, and 200D include image forming devices such as scanner devices, facsimile devices, and printers, display devices such as projection televisions and projection devices, and storage devices that store data. There is.

  The network 3 is a local area network (LAN), and the connection form may be wired or wireless. The network 3 is not limited to a LAN, and may be a wide area network (WAN), a public switched telephone network (PSTN), the Internet, or the like.

  The PCs 200, 200A, 200B, 200C, and 200D are general computers. Each of the PCs 200, 200A, 200B, 200C, and 200D is installed with a printer driver program corresponding to the MFP 100. By executing the printer driver program, the MFP 100 is controlled to cause the MFP 100 to perform image forming processing and document reading processing. Etc. can be executed.

  FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the MFP. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of the MFP. Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, MFP 100 forms an image on a sheet or the like based on automatic document feeder 121, document reading unit 123, and image data output by document reading unit 123 reading the document. A forming unit 125; a paper feeding unit 127 that supplies paper to the image forming unit 125; a post-processing unit 128 that processes paper on which an image is formed; an operation panel 129 as a user interface; and a main circuit 110. Including.

  The ADF 121 automatically conveys a plurality of documents set on the document feed tray one by one to a predetermined document reading position set on the platen glass of the document reading unit 123, and the document reading unit 123 causes the document to be scanned. The document whose image has been read is discharged onto a document discharge tray. The document reading unit 123 includes a light source that irradiates light to the document conveyed to the document reading position and a photoelectric conversion element that receives light reflected by the document, and scans the document image according to the size of the document. The photoelectric conversion element converts the received light into image data that is an electrical signal and outputs the image data to the image forming unit 125. The paper feed unit 127 conveys the paper stored in the paper feed tray to the image forming unit 125.

  The image forming unit 125 forms an image by a well-known electrophotographic method, and performs various data processing such as shading correction on image data received from the outside or image data input from the document reading unit 123. Then, based on the image data after the data processing, an image is formed on the sheet conveyed by the sheet feeding unit 127.

  The post-processing unit 128 discharges the sheet on which the image is formed. The post-processing unit 128 has a plurality of paper discharge trays, and can sort and discharge the sheets on which images are formed. The post-processing unit 128 includes a punch hole processing unit and a staple processing unit, and can perform punch hole processing or stapling on the discharged paper. The MFP 100 also includes an operation panel 129 as a user interface with the user on the top surface.

  The main circuit 110 includes a CPU 111, a communication interface (I / F) unit 112, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 113, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 114, an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable and Programmable ROM) 115, and a large capacity. It includes a hard disk drive (HDD) 116 as a storage device, a facsimile unit 117, a network I / F 118, and an external storage device 119 in which a CD (Compact Disk) -ROM 119A is mounted. CPU 111 is connected to automatic document feeder 121, document reading unit 123, image forming unit 125, paper feeding unit 127, post-processing unit 128, and operation panel 129, and controls the entire MFP 100.

  The ROM 113 stores a program executed by the CPU 111 or data necessary for executing the program. The RAM 114 is used as a work area when the CPU 111 executes a program. The RAM 114 temporarily stores read data (image data) continuously sent from the document reading unit 123.

  Operation panel 129 is provided on the upper surface of MFP 100. Operation panel 129 includes a display unit 131 and an operation unit 133. The display unit 131 is a display such as an LCD or an organic ELD (Electro-Luminescence Display), and displays an instruction menu for the user, information about acquired image data, and the like. The operation unit 133 includes a plurality of keys, and accepts input of various instructions, data such as characters and numbers by user operations corresponding to the keys. The operation unit 133 further includes a touch panel 135 that detects the position of the display surface of the display unit 131. The touch panel 135 is provided on the upper surface or the lower surface of the display unit 131 and outputs the coordinates of the position designated by the user to the CPU 111.

  Communication I / F unit 112 is an interface for connecting MFP 100 to an external device. A network I / F 118 is an interface for connecting the MFP 100 to the network 3. The CPU 111 communicates with the PCs 200, 200A, 200B, 200C, and 200D connected to the network 3 via the network I / F 118, and transmits and receives data. The network I / F 118 can communicate with a computer connected to the Internet via the network 3.

  The facsimile unit 117 is connected to a public switched telephone network (PSTN) and transmits / receives facsimile data. The facsimile unit 117 converts image data read by the document reading unit 123 or data stored in the HDD 116 into facsimile data, and transmits the facsimile data to a facsimile machine connected to the PSTN. In addition, the facsimile unit 117 stores the received facsimile data in the HDD 116 or causes the image forming unit 125 to form an image of the facsimile data on a sheet.

  The external storage device 119 is loaded with a CD-ROM 119A. The CPU 111 can access the CD-ROM 119A via the external storage device 119. The CPU 111 loads the program recorded on the CD-ROM 119A attached to the external storage device 119 into the RAM 114 and executes it. Note that the program executed by the CPU 111 is not limited to the program recorded on the CD-ROM 119A, and the program stored in the HDD 116 may be loaded into the RAM 114 and executed. In this case, another computer connected to the network 3 may rewrite the program stored in the HDD 116 of the MFP 100 or may write a new program. Further, MFP 100 may download a program from another computer connected to the network and store the program in HDD 116. The program here includes not only a program directly executable by the CPU 111 but also a source program, a compressed program, an encrypted program, and the like.

  Since the hardware configurations and functions of the PCs 200, 200A, 200B, 200C, and 200D are the same, the PC 200 will be described as an example here.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the PC. Referring to FIG. 4, PC 200 includes CPU 201, ROM 202, RAM 203, network I / F 204, HDD 205, display unit 206, operation unit 207, and external storage device 209, each connected to bus 208.

  The CPU 201 controls the entire PC 200. The ROM 202 stores a program executed by the CPU 201. The RAM 203 is used as a work area for the CPU 201. The network I / F 204 is an interface for connecting the PC 200 to the network 3. The HDD 205 is a mass storage device, and stores data in a nonvolatile manner. The display unit 206 is a display device such as a liquid crystal display device, a cathode ray tube (CRT), and an organic ELD (Electro-Luminescence Display). The operation unit 207 is a pointing device such as a keyboard, a mouse, and a touch panel, and receives an input of a user operation.

  The external storage device 209 is loaded with a CD-ROM 209A. The CPU 201 loads the printer driver program stored in the CD-ROM 209A via the external storage device 209 into the RAM 203 and executes it. The recording medium for storing the printer driver program is not limited to the CD-ROM 209A, but a semiconductor such as a flexible disk, a cassette tape, an optical disk (MO / MD / DVD), an IC card, an optical card, a mask ROM, an EPROM, and an EEPROM. A memory or the like may be used. Further, the program stored in the HDD 205 may be loaded into the RAM 203 and executed. In this case, the PC 200 may download a printer driver program from another computer connected to the network 3 and store the printer driver program in the HDD 205. The program here includes not only a program directly executable by the CPU 201 but also a source program, a compressed program, an encrypted program, and the like.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the functions of the CPU provided in the PC together with data stored in the HDD. The functions shown in FIG. 5 are functions formed in the CPU 201 when the CPU 201 included in the PC 200 executes a printer driver program corresponding to the MFP 100 stored in the ROM 202, the HDD 205, or the CD-ROM 209A.

  Referring to FIG. 5, CPU 201 included in PC 200 includes common command acquisition unit 51, common screen display unit 53, display command acquisition unit 55, setting screen display unit 57, setting value reception unit 59, and print command. An acquisition unit 61, a command generation unit 63, a command transmission unit 65, and a warning unit 67 are included. In the HDD 205, common definition data 91, function definition data 93, inter-function definition data 95, and operation definition data 97 are stored in advance. The common definition data 91, the function definition data 93, the inter-function definition data 95, and the operation definition data 97 are described in a program language such as a Macintosh language such as XML (Extensible Markup Language) or C language. Therefore, the common definition data 91, the function definition data 93, the inter-function definition data 95, and the operation definition data 97 can be easily changed using an editing program or the like. The common definition data 91, the function definition data 93, the inter-function definition data 95, and the operation definition data 97 may be data obtained by binarizing the script language or data obtained by compiling the program language.

  Here, the common definition data 91, the function definition data 93, the inter-function definition data 95, and the operation definition data 97 will be described as an example where they are stored in the HDD 205 separately from the printer driver program. The function definition data 93, the inter-function definition data 95, and the operation definition data 97 may be part of the printer driver program.

  Common definition data 91 includes a common command for displaying a common screen that does not depend on a plurality of functions of MFP 100. The common screen includes, for example, an area for previewing an image to be printed and an area for displaying a message for notifying the user. The common command is a command for causing the CPU 201 to display a common screen. The common command includes a command for designating an area in which the function-specific screen is arranged in the image displayed on the display unit 206 by the CPU 201.

  Function definition data 93 defines, for each of a plurality of functions of MFP 100, one or more print commands for causing MFP 100 to execute the functions and a display command corresponding to the functions. There is one or more print commands for each of a plurality of functions of the MFP 100, and the print command corresponds to one or more setting values that can be set for a certain function. The function definition data associates each of one or more print commands defined for each of a plurality of functions of the MFP 100 with a set value. The print command is a command that causes MFP 100 to execute a function corresponding to the print command according to a setting value corresponding to the print command. The print command is a command that can be interpreted by the MFP 100, and is a command determined in advance with the MFP 100. The print command is preferably described in PJL (Print Job Language), PCL (Printer Control Language), XPS (XML Paper Specification), PrintTicket, PS (PostScript).

  The display command corresponds to each of a plurality of functions of MFP 100 and is a command for causing CPU 201 to generate a function-specific screen. The display command includes position information indicating a position in an image displayed on the display unit 206 by the CPU 201 and component specifying information for specifying a component to be displayed. The components displayed on the display unit 206 by the CPU 201 are images prepared in advance, such as a pop-up window, a combo box, a list box, and a radio button.

  The display command includes a first display command for the CPU 201 to generate a function-specific screen included in the tab screen, and a second display command for generating a function-specific screen called from the tab screen. The contents included in the tab screen are determined by the display command. The tab screen may include one function-specific screen generated by one first display command, or may include a plurality of function-specific screens respectively generated by a plurality of first display commands. The tab screen includes a plurality of function-specific screens when a plurality of first display commands are assigned to the same tab screen. Further, the tab screen may include an instruction button for calling a function-specific screen generated by the second display command.

  The inter-function definition data 95 includes a first set value that is set for the first function among the two or more related functions selected from the plurality of functions of the MFP 100, and A second function that cannot be set to a second function different from the first function among the two or more related functions when the first set value set for the first function is set. Set the set value of. In other words, the inter-function definition data 95 is set when the first set value is set for the first function among the one or more set values that can be set for the second function. The impossible second setting value is determined.

  The action definition data 97 corresponds to the inter-function definition data 95. The operation definition data 97 is executed when a set value set by the inter-function definition data 95 is input by the user to each of the first function and the second function defined by the inter-function definition data 95 corresponding to the operation definition data 97. Define the processing to be performed. The action definition data 97 includes a first process executed when two function-specific screens respectively corresponding to the first function and the second function defined by the inter-function definition data 95 corresponding to the action definition data 95 are displayed at the same time. A second process to be executed when either one of the two function-specific screens is displayed and the other is not displayed is defined. The process defined by the action definition data 97 includes a process for displaying a message. In this case, the action definition data 97 includes a message display command for causing the CPU 201 to execute processing for displaying a message. The message display command includes a prohibition message for notifying the user. For example, the action definition data 97 includes a message display command including a first prohibition message to define the first process, and a message display command including a second prohibition message to determine the second process. Including. FIG. 6 is a first diagram illustrating an example of function definition data. Referring to FIG. 6, function definition data 93A corresponds to a punch processing function. In the first line, a description corresponding to the punch processing function is described. The second line describes a display command. The display command includes a description of “CheckBox” as the part specifying information. The component identification information “CheckBox” identifies a check box as a component used for display. The display command includes a description of Dialog = 'Tab' and a character string of “punch”. The description of Dialog = 'Tab' indicates the first display command, and the function-specific screen including the check box specified by the component specifying information “CheckBox” is displayed on the tab screen associated with the function definition data 93A. It shows that. Further, the display command includes a description of “Pos = 10, 60, 100, 20” as position information for arranging the parts. In the position information, the first two numbers indicate coordinates, the third number indicates the length in the horizontal direction, the fourth number indicates the length in the vertical direction, the size of the rectangular area and the screen of the area Determine the position in.

  FIG. 7 is a second diagram illustrating an example of the function definition data. Referring to FIG. 7, function definition data 93B corresponds to a staple processing function. In the first line, a description corresponding to the staple processing function is described. The second line describes a display command. The display command includes a description of “CheckBox” as the part specifying information. The display command includes a description of Dialog = 'Tab' and a character string of “staple”. The description of Dialog = 'Tab' indicates the first display command, and the function-specific screen including the check box specified by the component specifying information “CheckBox” is displayed on the tab screen associated with the function definition data 93B. It shows that. Further, the display command includes a description of “Pos = 100, 60, 100, 20” as position information for arranging the parts. In the position information, the first two numbers indicate coordinates, the third number indicates the length in the horizontal direction, the fourth number indicates the length in the vertical direction, the size of the rectangular area and the screen of the area Determine the position in.

  The display command is associated with the tab screen. The tab screen is a screen displayed in an area defined by a common command in the common screen. For this reason, a plurality of display commands may be associated with one tab screen. For example, when the function definition data 93A corresponding to the punch hole processing function shown in FIG. 6 and the function definition data 93B corresponding to the staple processing function shown in FIG. 7 are associated with the same tab screen, A function-specific screen including a check box corresponding to the punch hole processing function and a function-specific screen including a check box corresponding to the staple processing function are simultaneously displayed on the same tab screen.

  FIG. 8 is a third diagram illustrating an example of the function definition data. Referring to FIG. 8, function definition data 93C corresponds to a staple processing function. In the first line, a description corresponding to the staple processing function is described. The second line describes a display command. The display command includes a description of “CheckBox” as the part specifying information. The display command includes a description “Dialog =“ Pupup ”and a character string“ staple ”. The description of Dialog = 'Poppup' indicates the second display command, and the tab screen associated with the function definition data 93B is associated with the function-specific screen including the check box identified by the component identification information "CheckBox". The instruction button is displayed, and the function-specific screen including the check box specified by the component specifying information “CheckBox” is displayed as a pop-up screen when the instruction button is specified. The pop-up screen is a screen that is displayed superimposed on the common screen separately from the common screen. Further, the display command includes a description of “Pos = 10, 60, 100, 20” as position information for arranging the parts. In the position information, the first two numbers indicate coordinates, the third number indicates the length in the horizontal direction, the fourth number indicates the length in the vertical direction, the size of the rectangular area and the screen of the area Determine the position in.

  For example, when the function definition data 93A corresponding to the punch hole processing function shown in FIG. 6 and the function definition data 93C corresponding to the staple processing function shown in FIG. 8 are associated with the same tab screen. , A function-specific screen including check boxes corresponding to punch hole processing functions and a tab screen including a pop-up instruction button are displayed on the common screen. If the user points to the pop-up instruction button, the staple processing function A function-specific screen including a check box corresponding to is displayed as a pop-up screen. For this reason, the function-specific screen including the check box corresponding to the staple processing function is displayed as a different screen from the function-specific screen including the check box corresponding to the punch hole processing function.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of inter-function definition data. Referring to FIG. 9, inter-function definition data 95 includes a description “Punch = ON, Staple = ON”. This description cannot be set to the staple function “Staple” as the second function for the set of the punch function “Punch” as the first function and the first set value “ON”. The second set value indicates “ON”.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation definition data. Referring to FIG. 10, operation definition data 97A includes a description of “Sameform: ConfictionAction = Changemessage, Message1” and a description of “Differentform: ConfictionAction = Grayout, Information1”. In the description of “Sameform: ConfictionAction = Changemessage, Message1”, the function-specific screens corresponding to the first function and the second function defined in the inter-function definition data 95 are displayed on the same screen by the display command. Determine the behavior of the case. The description of “Change message, Message 1” is a message display command, and indicates execution of a process for displaying a prohibition message specified by “Message 1”.

  In the description of “Differnetform: ConfictionAction = Grayout, Information1”, the function-specific screens corresponding to the first function and the second function defined in the inter-function definition data 95 are displayed on different screens depending on display commands. Define the behavior. The description of “Grayout, Information1” is a message display command, and indicates the execution of a process of displaying a prohibition message determined by “Information1” in gray.

  FIG. 11 is a first diagram illustrating an example of the prohibition message. Referring to FIG. 11, the prohibition message includes a description “Message1 = # LeftFunc #?”. This description indicates that if the function name “punch” is assigned to the character string “LeftFunc”, the prohibition message specified by “Message 1” is “Do you want to turn punch off?”.

  FIG. 12 is a second diagram illustrating an example of the prohibition message. Referring to FIG. 12, the prohibition message includes a description “Information1 = # LeftFunc # and prohibition”. This description indicates that if the function name “punch” is assigned to the character string “LeftFunc”, the prohibition message specified by “Information1” is “punch and prohibition”.

  Returning to FIG. 5, the common command acquisition unit 51 reads the common definition data 91 stored in the HDD 205, and outputs the common command included in the common definition data 91 to the common screen display unit 53. The common screen display unit 53 generates a common screen according to the common command input from the common command acquisition unit 51, and displays the generated common screen on the display unit 206. Further, the common screen display unit outputs area information indicating the area in which the function-specific screen is to be arranged to the setting screen display unit 57 in accordance with a command for specifying the area in which the function-specific screen is to be arranged among the common commands.

  The display command acquisition unit 55 reads the function definition data 93 stored in the HDD 205 and outputs a display command for each of a plurality of functions included in the function definition data 93 to the setting screen display unit 57.

  The setting screen display unit 57 receives a display command for each of a plurality of functions from the display command acquisition unit 55, and receives area information from the common screen display unit 53.

  The setting screen display unit 57 displays a tab selection screen from which one or more tab screens can be selected based on a display command for each of a plurality of functions. One tab screen is determined by a display command included in each of one or more function definition data 93 associated with the tab screen. The tab selection screen includes a name of each of the plurality of tab screens, and is a screen in which names of the plurality of tab screens are arranged to be selectable. The setting screen display unit 57 displays the generated tab selection screen on the display unit 206 so as to be arranged at a position determined by the area information. For this reason, even when a plurality of tab screens are defined by the plurality of function definition data 93, the position at which the names of the plurality of tab screens are arranged on the tab selection screen is determined by the common command defined by the common definition data 91. Therefore, even when the plurality of tab screens are different, the design of the screen displayed on the display unit 206 can be unified. Further, since the common definition data 91 is written in a program language such as a Mac language such as XML or a C language, it can be easily changed.

  The setting screen display unit 57 includes a function-specific screen generation unit 75. If the user inputs an operation to instruct one of a plurality of tab images included in the tab selection screen to the operation unit 207, the function-specific screen generation unit 75 outputs the tab image instructed from the plurality of tab screens. Specify the tab screen corresponding to. The function-specific screen generation unit 75 generates one or more function-specific screens corresponding to the identified tab screen. Specifically, the function-specific screen generation unit 75 specifies one or more first display commands corresponding to the specified tab screen from among a plurality of display commands input from the display command acquisition unit 55. Then, one or more function-specific screens are generated according to the specified one or more first display commands. The function-specific screen generation unit 75 arranges the component specified by the component specifying information included in the first display command at the position specified by the position information included in the first display command in the screen displayed on the display unit 206. By doing so, a function-specific screen is generated.

  The setting screen display unit 57 displays the function-specific screen generated by the function-specific screen generation unit 75 on the display unit 206 so as to be arranged at a position determined by the area information input from the common command acquisition unit 51. To display the tab screen. Therefore, the tab screen includes one function-specific screen generated by the function-specific screen generation unit 75 according to the first display command when there is a single first display command corresponding to the tab screen. The tab screen includes a plurality of function-specific screens generated by the function-specific screen generation unit 75 according to the plurality of first display commands when there are a plurality of first display commands corresponding to the tab screen. Here, when the tab screen is displayed by the setting screen display unit 57, the user can input setting values from the operation unit 207 to each of one or more function-specific screens included in the tab screen. Hereinafter, the state of one or more function-specific screens displayed on the display unit 206 by the setting screen display unit 57 is referred to as a current state.

  When displaying one or more function-specific screens on the display unit 206, the setting screen display unit 57 outputs the displayed one or more function-specific screens to the setting value receiving unit 59.

  Further, when there is a second display command corresponding to the tab screen, the setting screen display unit 57 displays an instruction button on the display unit 206 for calling a function-specific screen generated by the second display command. Displays a tab screen that includes an instruction button for calling a function-specific screen. When the instruction button included in the tab screen displayed by the setting screen display unit 57 is instructed by the user, the function-specific screen generation unit 75 generates a function-specific screen according to the second display command corresponding to the instruction button. The setting screen display unit 57 displays the generated function-specific screen on the display unit 206 and outputs the function-specific screen to the setting value receiving unit 59. At the stage where the setting screen display unit 57 displays the tab screen including the instruction button, one or more function-specific screens included in the tab screen are in the current state. Also, after the instruction button is instructed by the user and the function-specific screen corresponding to the instruction button is displayed by the setting screen display unit 57, the function screen corresponding to the instruction button becomes the current state, and one or more included in the tab screen The function screen is no longer in the current state.

  As described above, since the function definition data 93 includes the display command, even when a new function is added to the MFP 100 and a new print command is added, a new display command and setting are added to the function definition data 93. A print command corresponding to the value may be added. For this reason, there is no need to change the printer driver program itself. Further, since the function definition data 93 is described in a program language such as a macup language such as XML or a C language, it can be easily changed.

  The setting value receiving unit 59 receives a setting value input to the operation unit 207 by the user operating the PC 200 according to the function-specific screen as a setting value set for the function corresponding to the function-specific screen. The set value reception unit 59 outputs a set of function identification information for identifying a function corresponding to the function-specific screen and the received set value to the command generation unit 63.

  The set value receiving unit 59 includes a screen determining unit 81, an interlocking setting unit 83, and an acceptance limiting unit 85. In the state where one or more function-specific screens are displayed by the setting screen display unit 57, the screen determination unit 81 prohibits the input first setting value when the user inputs the first setting value. Determine whether the condition is met. The screen determination unit 81 determines that the prohibition condition is satisfied when the first setting value input by the user is set as a value that cannot be set by the inter-function definition data 95. Specifically, the screen determination unit 81 extracts inter-function definition data including the first setting value input by the user and the first function corresponding to the first setting value, and the extracted function The set of the second function and the second set value that are paired with the set of the first function and the first set value is specified by the interval definition data. Then, if the second set value is set for the second function, it is determined that the prohibition condition is satisfied.

  When determining that the prohibition condition is satisfied, the screen determination unit 81 includes a first function-specific screen and a second function-specific screen that correspond to the first function and the second function, respectively, which are determined by the extracted inter-function definition data. Is determined by the setting screen display unit 57. When the tab screen including the first function-specific screen and the second function-specific screen is displayed by the setting screen display unit 57, in other words, the screen determination unit 81 is the first function-specific screen and the second function-specific screen. When both the function-specific screens are in the current state, a setting instruction is output to the interlocking setting unit 83. When the tab screen including the first function-specific screen and the second function-specific screen is not displayed by the setting screen display unit 57, in other words, the screen determination unit 81, in other words, the first function-specific screen and the first function-specific screen When one of the two function-specific screens is in the current state and the other is not in the current state, a restriction instruction is output to the reception restriction unit 85.

  Furthermore, the screen determination unit 81 outputs a display instruction to the warning unit 67 when determining that the prohibition condition is satisfied. As for the display instruction, the first function-specific screen and the second function-specific screen respectively corresponding to the first function and the second function determined by the extracted inter-function definition data are displayed by the setting screen display unit 57. The judgment result indicating whether or not there is included.

  The warning unit 67 indicates that the setting value input by the user cannot be set together with the setting value set for another function in response to the display instruction input from the screen determination unit 81. Notify The warning unit 67 includes a message display unit 87. When a display instruction is input from the screen determination unit 81, the message display unit 87 reads the operation definition data 97 stored in the HDD 205 and displays a prohibition message defined by the operation definition data 97 on the display unit 206.

  Here, a case where the operation definition data 97A shown in FIG. 10 is stored in the HDD 205 will be described as an example. When the determination result included in the display instruction indicates that the first function-specific screen and the second function-specific screen are displayed by the setting screen display unit 57, the message display unit 87 uses the operation definition data 97A. In accordance with the described message display command “Changemessage, Message1”, the prohibition message specified by “Message1” is displayed on the display unit 206. When the determination result included in the display instruction indicates that the first function-specific screen and the second function-specific screen are not displayed by the setting screen display unit 57, the message display unit 87 uses the operation definition data 97A. In accordance with the described message display command “Grayout, Information 1”, the prohibition message determined by “Information 1” is displayed on the display unit 206 in gray.

  When a setting instruction is input from the screen determination unit 81 to the interlock setting unit 83, the first corresponding to each of the first function and the second function determined by the inter-function definition data 95 by the setting screen display unit 57. When the first function setting screen corresponding to the first function is input by the user in a state where the function-specific screens and the function-specific screens 2 are displayed, or the second corresponding to the second function is performed by the user. This is the stage where the set value of 2 has been input. In the former case, when the first set value is input, the second function for which it is determined that it cannot be set together with the first set value for the first function by the inter-function definition data 95. A second set value is set for the second function. In the latter case, when the second set value is input, the inter-function definition data 95 is set for the first function that cannot be set together with the second set value for the second function. A first set value is set.

  In the former case, the linkage setting unit 83 sets the second setting value set for the second function to a setting value different from the second setting value when the first setting value is input. Change to If there are two setting values that can be set for the second function, the value to be changed may be a setting value different from the second setting value. In addition, when there are three or more setting values that can be set for the second function, among the three or more setting values that can be set for the second function, what is the second setting value? Any different set value may be used. Moreover, it is good also as a setting value which a user inputs.

  In addition, the interlock setting unit 83 sets the second condition on condition that the user inputs permission to change the second set value corresponding to the second function after the prohibition message is displayed by the message display unit 87. Change the setting value. If the user does not input permission to change the second setting value corresponding to the second function after the prohibition message is displayed by the message display unit 87, the interlock setting unit 83 sets the second setting value. Without changing, the first set value input by the user is not set corresponding to the first function.

  In the latter case, the interlock setting unit 83 sets the first setting value set for the first function at a stage where the second setting value is input, and a setting value different from the first setting value. Change to When there are two setting values that can be set for the first function, the value to be changed may be a setting value different from the first setting value. Further, when there are three or more setting values that can be set for the first function, the first setting value among the three or more setting values that can be set for the first function is Any different set value may be used. Moreover, it is good also as a setting value which a user inputs.

  In addition, the interlock setting unit 83 is configured on the condition that the user inputs permission to change the first set value corresponding to the first function after the prohibition message is displayed by the message display unit 87. Change the setting value. If the user does not input permission to change the first setting value corresponding to the first function after the prohibition message is displayed by the message display unit 87, the interlock setting unit 83 sets the first setting value. Without changing, the second setting value input by the user is not set corresponding to the second function.

  When a restriction instruction is input from the screen determination unit 81 to the reception restriction unit 85, a first function-specific screen corresponding to the first function defined by the inter-function definition data 95 is displayed by the setting screen display unit 57. When the first setting value corresponding to the first function is input by the user in a state where the second function-specific screen corresponding to the second function is not displayed, or a setting screen display unit 57, the second function-specific screen corresponding to the second function defined by the inter-function definition data 95 is displayed, and the first function-specific screen corresponding to the first function is not displayed. This is a case where a second setting value corresponding to the second function is input by the user. Further, in the former case, it is determined that the first setting value cannot be set together with the first setting value for the first function by the inter-function definition data 95 when the first setting value is input. A second set value for the function is set for the second function. In the latter case, when the second set value is input, the inter-function definition data 95 is set for the first function that cannot be set together with the second set value for the second function. A first set value is set.

  In the former case, the reception restriction unit 85 does not set the first setting value input by the user in response to the first function when the first setting value is input. In the latter case, the reception restriction unit 85 does not set the second setting value input by the user when the second setting value is input.

  The print command acquisition unit 61 reads the function definition data 93 stored in the HDD 205 and outputs one or more print commands for each of a plurality of functions included in the function definition data 93 to the command generation unit 63.

  The command generation unit 63 includes a selection unit 71. The selection unit 71 selects one print command from one or more print commands for each of a plurality of functions based on the set of function identification information and setting values input from the setting value receiving unit 59. Specifically, the selection unit 71 selects function identification information and setting values input from the setting value receiving unit 59 from one or more print commands for each of a plurality of functions input from the print command acquisition unit 61. One or more print commands corresponding to the functions specified by the set of function identification information are extracted. Then, the selection unit 71 selects one print command corresponding to the set value of the set of the function identification information and the set value input from the set value receiving unit 59 from the one or more extracted print commands. .

  Even when a new function is added to the MFP 100 and a new print command is added, a new print command may be added to the function definition data 93. For this reason, there is no need to change the printer driver program itself. Further, since the function definition data 93 is described in a program language such as a macup language such as XML or a C language, it can be easily changed.

  The command generation unit 63 outputs the print command selected by the selection unit 71 to the command transmission unit 65. The command transmission unit 65 transmits one or more print commands input from the command generation unit 63 to the MFP 100 via the network I / F 204 together with the print data.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen. In addition, the dotted line in a figure is attached | subjected for description, and does not actually exist. Referring to FIG. 13, display screen 300 includes a common screen area 301, a tab selection screen area 303, and a tab screen area 305. The common screen displayed in the area 301 includes an area in which an image of data to be printed is displayed as a preview, and a button in which print characters are displayed. The tab selection screen displayed in the area 303 includes the names of the corresponding tab screens, and images of five selectable tabs are arranged. Here, an example is shown in which the tab screen with the tab screen name “staple” is selected. The tab screen displayed in the area 305 includes a function-specific screen generated based on the function definition data associated with the tab screen with the name “staple”.

  Here, as a first specific example, among the function definition data 93 stored in the HDD 205, function definition data associated with the same tab screen is used as the function definition corresponding to the punching processing function shown in FIG. A tab screen when data 93A and function definition data 93B corresponding to the staple processing function shown in FIG. 7 are included will be described as an example. The function-specific screen generation unit 75 generates a function-specific screen including a check box corresponding to the punch hole processing function and a function-specific screen including a check box corresponding to the staple processing function. Generate a tab screen containing The setting screen display unit 57 displays the tab screen generated by the function-specific screen generation unit 75 on the display unit 206 so as to be arranged at a position determined by the area information input from the common command acquisition unit 51. At the same time, two function-specific screens are output to the set value receiving unit 59.

  FIG. 14 is a first diagram illustrating an example of a function-specific screen. 14 is a screen displayed by executing the first display command included in the function definition data illustrated in FIG. 6 and the first display command included in the function definition data illustrated in FIG. Is shown. Referring to FIG. 14, function-by-function screen 311 includes a check box 313 and a “punch” character string set, and a check box 315 and a “staple” character string set. When the function-specific screen 311 is in the current state, the check boxes 313 and 315 can be checked.

  When the function-specific screen shown in FIG. 14 is in the current state and the check box 313 is checked and the check box 315 is checked, the inter-function definition data shown in FIG. The prohibition message is displayed according to the action definition table shown in.

  FIG. 15 is a first diagram illustrating an example of a screen that displays a prohibition message. Referring to FIG. 15, screen 340 includes a prohibition message “Do you want to turn punch off?” Which is “Message1” shown in FIG. 11. The screen 340 is displayed superimposed on the function-specific screen 311 shown in FIG.

  Next, as a second specific example, among the function definition data 93 stored in the HDD 205, function definition data associated with the same tab screen is used as the function definition corresponding to the punch hole processing function shown in FIG. A tab screen when the data 93A and the function definition data 93C corresponding to the staple processing function shown in FIG. 8 are included will be described as an example. The function-specific screen generation unit 75 generates a function-specific screen including check boxes corresponding to punch hole processing functions, and displays the function-specific screen and function-specific screens including check boxes corresponding to the staple processing function. A tab screen including an instruction button for calling is generated. The setting screen display unit 57 displays the tab screen generated by the function-specific screen generation unit 75 on the display unit 206 so as to be arranged at a position determined by the area information input from the common command acquisition unit 51. At the same time, a function setting screen including a check box corresponding to the punch hole processing function is output to the set value receiving unit 59. Then, when the instruction button on the tab screen displayed on the display unit 206 is instructed by the user, the function-specific screen generation unit 75 generates a function-specific screen including check boxes corresponding to the staple processing function. The screen display unit 57 displays the generated function-specific screen on the display unit 206 and outputs a function-specific screen including check boxes corresponding to the staple processing function to the set value receiving unit 59.

  FIG. 16 is a second diagram illustrating an example of the function-specific screen. 16 is a screen displayed by executing the first display command included in the function definition data illustrated in FIG. 6 and the second display command included in the function definition data illustrated in FIG. Is shown. Referring to FIG. 13, the function-specific screen 321 includes a check box 323, a set of character strings “punch”, and an instruction button 325 in which characters “staple” are displayed. The instruction button 325 is associated with the second display command included in the function definition data shown in FIG. When the function-specific screen 321 is in the current state, the check box 333 can be checked, and the instruction button 325 can be instructed.

  FIG. 17 is a third diagram illustrating an example of the function-specific screen. The function-specific screen shown in FIG. 17 is executed by the second display command included in the function definition data shown in FIG. 8 in response to an instruction button 325 specified by the user on the function-specific screen 321 shown in FIG. This is a screen that pops up as a result. Referring to FIG. 14, function-specific screen 331 includes a set of check box 333 and a character string “staple”. The function-specific screen 331 is displayed superimposed on the function-specific screen 321 shown in FIG. The function-specific screen 331 is in the current state and the check box 333 can be checked, whereas the function-specific screen 321 is not in the current state and the check box 323 cannot be checked.

  FIG. 18 is a second diagram illustrating an example of a screen that displays a prohibition message. Referring to FIG. 18, screen 350 includes a prohibition message “Punch and prohibition” which is “Information1” shown in FIG. 12. The screen 350 is displayed superimposed on the function-specific screen 331 shown in FIG.

  FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of setting processing. The setting process is a process executed by the CPU 201 when the CPU 201 of the PC 200 executes a printer driver program corresponding to the MFP 100 stored in the ROM 202, the HDD 205, or the CD-ROM 209A. Referring to FIG. 19, CPU 201 reads common definition data 91 from HDD 205 (step S01). And a common command is acquired (step S02). A common command is extracted from the read common definition data. And a common screen is produced | generated according to the acquired common command, and the produced | generated common screen is displayed on the display part 206 (step S03).

  In the next step S 04, the function definition data 93 is read from the HDD 205. Then, a tab selection screen is generated and displayed based on a display command for each of a plurality of functions (step S05). The tab selection screen is a screen on which a plurality of tab screens can be specified based on display commands for each of a plurality of functions included in the function definition data 93, and the specified plurality of tab screens can be selected. The tab selection screen is an image including the names of a plurality of tab screens, and is a screen in which the names of the tab screens are arranged to be selectable. The generated tab selection screen is displayed on the display unit 206 so as to be arranged at a position determined by the area information included in the common definition data read in step S01.

  In the next step S06, a tab screen is selected. From the tab screens identified in step S05, an arbitrary one is selected as the tab screen to be processed. Here, the first tab screen is selected. Then, the display command corresponding to the processing target tab screen is acquired from the display commands for each of the plurality of functions included in the function definition data 93 read in step S04 (step S07). Since one or more display commands are assigned in advance to one tab screen, all display commands assigned to the tab screen to be processed are acquired.

  In the next step S08, one of the one or more display commands acquired in step S07 is selected as a processing target, and the process branches depending on the type of display command to be processed. If the display command to be processed is the first display command, the process proceeds to step S09, and if it is the second display command, the process proceeds to step S11. In step S09, a function-specific screen is generated according to the first display command to be processed. Therefore, the function-specific screen generated in step S09 corresponds to the tab screen to be processed. Specifically, the part specified by the part specifying information included in the first display command is arranged at the position specified by the position information included in the first display command to be processed in the screen displayed on the display unit 206. By doing so, a function-specific screen is generated. In the next step S10, a function-specific screen is displayed on the display unit 206, and the process proceeds to step S13. The position for displaying the function-specific screen is a position determined by the area information included in the common definition data read in step S01.

  On the other hand, in step S11, an instruction button is generated according to the second display command to be processed. Therefore, the instruction button generated in step S11 corresponds to the tab screen to be processed. Specifically, an instruction button for calling a function-specific screen corresponding to the second display command is generated in the screen displayed on the display unit 206. In step S12, an instruction button is displayed on display unit 206, and the process proceeds to step S13. The position where the instruction button is displayed is a position determined by the area information included in the common definition data read in step S01.

  In step S13, it is determined whether there is a display command that is not selected as a processing target among the one or more display commands acquired in step S07. If there is a display command that has not been selected for processing, the process returns to step S08; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S14. This is because a plurality of display commands may be assigned to one tab screen, and the processing of steps S08 to S12 is executed for each of the plurality of display commands.

  Further, when a plurality of first display commands are assigned to one tab screen, a plurality of function-specific screens corresponding to the plurality of first display commands are in the current state. On the other hand, when the second display command is assigned to the tab screen, an instruction button is displayed on the tab screen. However, when the tab screen is displayed, the function-specific screen corresponding to the second display command is not displayed. There is no current state.

  In step S14, it is determined whether an operation has been accepted. The process waits until the user inputs an operation to the operation unit 207 (NO in step S14). When an operation input to the operation unit 207 is detected (YES in step S14), the process proceeds to step S15. In step S15, the process is branched based on the accepted operation. If the operation is to instruct printing, the process proceeds to step S16. If the operation is to switch the tab screen, the process proceeds to step S17. If the operation is to input a setting value, the process proceeds to step S18. If so, the process proceeds to step S19.

  In step S16, a print job generation process is executed, and the process ends. Details of the print job generation process will be described later. In step S17, the tab screen specified by the operation accepted in step S14 is set as a processing target, and the process returns to step S07. In step S18, a set value setting process is executed, and the process returns to step S14.

  In step S19, a function-specific screen is generated according to the second display command corresponding to the instruction button specified by the operation received in step S14. Therefore, the function-specific screen generated in step S19 corresponds to the tab screen to be processed. Specifically, the part specified by the part specifying information included in the second display command is arranged at the position specified by the position information included in the second display command to be processed in the screen displayed on the display unit 206. By doing so, a function-specific screen is generated.

  In the next step S20, the function-specific screen is displayed on the display unit 206, and the process returns to step S14. The position for displaying the function-specific screen is a position determined by the area information included in the common definition data read in step S01. In step S20, when the function-specific screen corresponding to the second display command is displayed, the function-specific screen corresponding to the second display command is in the current state, and one or more of the tab screens displayed so far are included. One or more function-specific screens corresponding to the first display command are not in the current state.

  FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of setting value setting processing. The set value setting process is a process executed in step S18 of FIG. Referring to FIG. 20, a setting value input by the user to operation unit 207 is received (step S21). Accepts the setting value input on the function-specific screen in the current state. Then, the received set value is temporarily stored in the RAM 203 as the first set value of the first function. At this stage, the first set value is not set for the first function.

  In the next step S23, the inter-function definition data 95 stored in the HDD 205 is searched. The search key is the function identification information of the function corresponding to the function-specific screen in the current state and the set value received in step S21. Then, it is determined whether or not inter-function definition data has been extracted (step S24). If the function identification information of the function corresponding to the function-specific screen in the current state and the inter-function definition data 95 including the setting value accepted in step S21 exist, the process proceeds to step S25. If not, the process proceeds. Proceed to step S34. In step S25, the second setting value of the second function is acquired. In the inter-function definition data 95 extracted in step S23, the function identification information of the function corresponding to the function-specific screen in the current state and the set of function identification information and the set value that is paired with the set value received in step S21 Is acquired as the second setting value of the second function.

  In step S26, it is determined whether or not the setting of the first set value accepted in step S21 is restricted. If the same value as the second setting value acquired in step S25 is set for the second function, it is determined that the setting of the first setting value is restricted, and the second setting value is set. If a value different from the value is set for the second function, it is determined that the setting of the first setting value is not restricted. If it is determined that the setting of the first set value is restricted, the process proceeds to step S27. If not, the process proceeds to step S34. In step S34, the first setting value temporarily stored in step S22 is set to the setting value for the first function, and the process returns to the setting process.

  In step S27, the operation definition data 97 stored in the HDD 205 is read. Then, it is determined whether the function-specific screen of the second function is in the current state (step S28). If the function-specific screen of the second function is in the current state, the process proceeds to step S29; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S33. In step S29, the prohibition message in the current state is displayed on display unit 206 in accordance with operation definition data 97, and the process proceeds to step S30. The prohibition message in the current state is defined by the action definition data 97. The prohibition message in the current state is, for example, a message notifying the user that the second setting value set for the second function is changed to another value. This is for notifying the user that the second setting value of the second function is changed when the user inputs the first setting value to the first function.

  In the next step S30, it is determined whether or not permission from the user has been accepted. When a key assigned in advance to be permitted is included in the operation unit 207, permission from the user is accepted. In response to the prohibition message in the current state, the user can permit the user by performing an operation of instructing a key to which an instruction to permit is assigned in advance. If permission by the user is accepted, the process proceeds to step S31. If not, the process returns to the setting process.

  In step S31, the first setting value temporarily stored in step S22 is set to the setting value for the first function, and the process proceeds to step S32. In step S32, the second setting value set for the second function is changed to another value, and the process returns to the setting process. For example, when there are two setting values that can be set for the second function, the setting value is changed to a setting value different from the second setting value among the two setting values. When there are three or more setting values that can be set for the second function, the setting value is changed to an arbitrary setting value different from the second setting value among the three or more setting values.

  In step S33, in accordance with the action definition data 97, the prohibition message in the non-current state is displayed in gray on the display unit 206, and the process returns to the setting process. The prohibition message in the non-current state is defined by the action definition data 97. For example, the prohibition message in the non-current state may set the first set value for the first function unless the second set value set for the second function is changed. This message notifies the user that it cannot be performed. This is to request the user to change the second setting value set in the second function. Further, since the process returns to the setting process after the prohibition message in the non-current state is displayed on the display unit 206, the first setting value corresponding to the first function accepted in step S21 is not set, The second set value set for the second function remains set.

  FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of print job generation processing. The print job generation process is a process executed in step S16 of FIG. Referring to FIG. 21, CPU 201 reads all sets of function identification information and setting values stored in RAM 203 (step S41). Then, one of the sets of read function identification information and setting values is selected as a processing target (step S42). Then, a print command is selected (step S43) and stored in the RAM 203. One or more print commands corresponding to the function selected as the processing target are extracted from the function definition data 93 stored in the HDD 205, and set as a processing target from the extracted one or more print commands. Select the print command corresponding to the set value.

  In step S44, it is determined whether or not there is a set that has not been set as a processing target among the sets of function identification information and setting values read in step S41. If there is an unprocessed set, the process returns to step S42; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S45.

  In step S45, a print job is generated. A print job including all the print commands stored in the RAM 203 and data to be processed is generated. Then, the generated print job is transmitted to MFP 100 via network I / F 204 (step S46), and the process returns to the setting process.

  As described above, the PC 200 according to the present embodiment installs a printer driver program corresponding to the MFP 100 that is an example of the image processing apparatus, so that a display command corresponding to the function is displayed for each of a plurality of functions of the MFP 100. Then, function definition data defining one or more print commands for causing the image processing apparatus to execute the function is stored in the HDD 205. When a function is selected from a plurality of functions by the user, the PC 200 displays a function-specific screen for setting a setting value according to a display command corresponding to the selected function. Further, when a setting value is input by the user in accordance with the displayed function-specific screen, the function corresponding to the function-specific screen from among one or more print commands defined in the function definition data 93 and the function are set. By selecting one print command corresponding to the set value, a print command for causing MFP 100 to execute is generated. Therefore, when a new function is added to MFP 100, a display command corresponding to the added function and one or more print commands may be added to the function definition data. For this reason, since it is not necessary to change the printer driver program, the change for controlling the image processing apparatus to which a new function is added can be facilitated. Further, since the function definition data 93 is described in a program language such as a macup language such as XML or a C language, it can be easily changed.

  The function definition data includes display function definition data that defines a display command corresponding to the function for each of a plurality of functions, and one or more for causing the image processing apparatus to execute the function for each of the plurality of functions. The print command definition data defining the print command may be stored separately.

  Since the display command includes position information indicating the position in the image displayed on the display unit 206 and component specifying information for specifying the component to be displayed, the display command can be easily generated. Screen generation is easy. Further, the layout of the function-specific screen can be determined by a display command.

  Further, in two or more related functions, a set of a set value set for the first related function among the two or more related functions and a set value that can be set for the second related function is determined. Since the inter-function definition data 95 is stored in the HDD 205, setting values that can be set in correspondence with the second related function can be limited. For this reason, it is possible to prevent setting by a combination of setting values that cannot be set only by storing inter-function definition data.

  In addition, when the first setting value is received corresponding to the first related function, the setting value that can be received for the second related function is limited to the second setting value, so that the inter-function definition data 95 is stored. Only setting values that can be set can be set. In addition, when the first setting value is received corresponding to the first related function, the second setting value is automatically set for the second related function, so that the setting becomes easy.

  Further, when the print command corresponds to the first specific function and the second specific function among the plurality of functions, the first print command corresponding to the set value received for the first specific function; The second print command corresponding to the set value received for the second specific function is synthesized. Therefore, the print command corresponding to the function added to MFP 100 can correspond to one type of print command corresponding to a plurality of functions.

  In addition, since the HDD 205 stores the common definition data 91 that defines common commands for displaying a common screen, it is possible to easily change the display of portions not related to the functions of the MFP 100. Furthermore, since the common command includes area information that specifies the area for displaying the function-specific screen in the common screen, the display position of the function-specific screen is determined by the common command, and the function-specific screen differs for each of multiple functions. Even so, a uniform screen can be displayed.

  In the above-described embodiment, the print system 1 has been described. However, the invention is understood as a setting method or a printer driver program for causing the PCs 200, 200A, 200B, 200C, and 200D to execute the processes illustrated in FIGS. Needless to say, you can.

  The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

<Appendix>
(1) The interlock setting means sets a set value set for the second related function on condition that a permission by the user is received after a set value is received for the first related function. The control device according to claim 2, wherein a setting value different from a setting value determined by the inter-function definition data is set for the second related function.
(2) The control device according to claim 3, wherein the first warning message is a message notifying that a setting value set for the second related function has been changed.
(3) The control device according to claim 5, wherein the second warning message is a message for requesting a change of a set value set for the second related function.
(4) Function definition data storage for storing function definition data defining a display command corresponding to the function and one or more print commands for causing the image processing apparatus to execute the function for each of the plurality of functions. Means further comprising
The display command acquisition unit acquires the display command from the function definition data corresponding to the function corresponding to the function-specific screen when the function-specific screen is generated by the function-specific screen display unit,
When the function-specific screen is generated by the function-specific screen display unit, the print command acquisition unit includes the function definition data corresponding to the function corresponding to the function-specific screen. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, and (1) to (3), which acquires a print command.
(5) The function definition data associates each of the one or more print commands with a set value,
The command generation means includes selection means for selecting a print command corresponding to the set value received for each function from the one or more print commands acquired by the print command acquisition means. ).
(6) Display function definition data storage means for storing display function definition data defining a display command corresponding to the function for each of the plurality of functions;
Printing function definition data storage means for storing printing function definition data defining one or more print commands for causing the image processing apparatus to execute the function for each of the plurality of functions;
The display command acquisition unit acquires the display command from display function definition data corresponding to a function corresponding to the function-specific screen when the function-specific screen is generated by the function-specific screen display unit,
When the function-specific screen is generated by the function-specific screen display unit, the print command acquisition unit is configured to correspond to the function corresponding to the function from among the print function definition data corresponding to the function corresponding to the function-specific screen. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 6 and (3) to (5), which acquires the above print command.
(7) The function definition data for printing associates each of the one or more print commands with a set value,
The command generation means includes selection means for selecting a print command corresponding to the set value received for each function from the one or more print commands acquired by the print command acquisition means. ).
(8) A display means for displaying an image is further provided,
The display command includes position information indicating a position in an image displayed on the display means, and component specifying information for specifying a component to be displayed,
The function-specific screen display means arranges a part specified by the part specifying information included in the acquired display command at a position specified by the position information included in the acquired display command. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, and (1) to (7), comprising function-specific screen generation means for generating the function-specific screen.
(9) common command acquisition means for acquiring a common command for displaying a common screen independent of the plurality of functions;
The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, and (1) to (8), further comprising common screen display means for generating and displaying a common screen according to the acquired common command.
(10) The common command includes a command for designating an area for displaying the function-specific screen in the common screen,
The control apparatus according to (9), wherein the function-specific screen display unit displays the function-specific screen according to the common command.

1 print system, 3 network, 100 MFP, 200, 200A, 200B, 200C, 200D PC, 51 common command acquisition unit, 53 common screen display unit, 55 display command acquisition unit, 57 setting screen display unit, 57 function screen display unit , 59 set value reception unit, 61 print command acquisition unit, 63 command generation unit, 65 command transmission unit, 67 warning unit, 71 selection unit, 75 function-specific screen generation unit, 81 screen determination unit, 83 interlock setting unit, 85 reception Restriction part, 87 Message display part, 91 Common definition data, 93, 93A, 93B, 93C Function definition data, 95 Inter-function definition data, 97, 97A Operation definition data, 110 Main circuit, 111 CPU, 112 Communication I / F part 113 ROM, 114 RAM, 115 EEPROM, 116 HDD, 117 Facsimile unit, 118 network I / F, 119 external storage device, 121 automatic document feeder, 123 document reading unit, 125 image forming unit, 127 sheet feeding unit, 128 post-processing unit, 129 operation panel, 131 display unit, 133 operation Part, 135 touch panel, 201 CPU, 202 ROM, 203 RAM, 204 network I / F, 205 HDD, 206 display part, 207 operation part, 208 bus, 209 external storage device, 209A CD-ROM.

Claims (8)

A control device for controlling an image processing device,
Each of the plurality of functions of the image processing apparatus corresponds to one or more setting values that are set values for the image processing apparatus to execute the functions and that can be set for the functions. Print command acquisition means for acquiring one or more print commands for causing the image processing apparatus to execute the function;
Display command acquisition means for acquiring a display command for displaying a function-specific screen for setting a setting value for the function for each of a plurality of functions of the image processing apparatus;
Function-specific screen display means for generating and displaying a function-specific screen corresponding to each of the plurality of functions according to the acquired display command;
Setting value receiving means for receiving a setting value input by a user according to the displayed function-specific screen as a setting value for a function corresponding to the displayed function-specific screen;
A print command for causing the image processing apparatus to execute the function is selected by selecting a print command corresponding to the set value received by the set value receiving unit from the one or more acquired print commands. Command generation means for
In two or more related functions selected from the plurality of functions, a setting value set for the first related function among the two or more related functions and a setting value set for the first related function A function that stores inter-function definition data that defines a set value that cannot be set for a second related function that is different from the first related function among the two or more related functions. Intermediate definition data storage means;
When a set of setting values received corresponding to each of the first related function and the second related function is determined as a set that cannot be set by the inter-function definition data, the inter-function definition data Warning means for executing a predetermined process based on the corresponding action definition data,
The operation definition data includes a first function-specific screen that is the function-specific screen corresponding to the first related function and a second function-specific screen that is the function-specific screen corresponding to the second related function. When one of the first process executed when displayed by the screen display means and the first function-specific screen or the second function-specific screen is displayed by the function-specific screen display means A control device that determines a second process to be executed. The set value receiving means, and if the previous SL the first Function screen before Symbol second function-specific screen is displayed as the same function by the screen by the function-specific screen display unit, in the first related function On the other hand, when the setting value is received, the setting value received for the first related function is set for the setting value set for the second related function by the inter-function definition data. In the case where it is determined that the setting cannot be performed, an interlocking setting unit that sets a setting value set for the second related function to a setting value different from the setting value determined by the inter-function definition data, The control apparatus of Claim 1 containing.   In response to the setting value being received for the first related function at a stage before the setting value is set for the second related function by the interlock setting unit, The control device according to claim 2, wherein a warning message is displayed. The set value receiving unit, rather than as the same function by the screen by the previous SL first Function screen before Symbol second function-specific screens and said function-specific screen display unit, when one is displayed When the setting value is received for the first related function, the setting value received for the first related function is set for the second related function by the inter-function definition data. The control device according to claim 1, further comprising an acceptance restriction unit that does not set a setting value for the first related function when it is determined that the setting value cannot be set for a certain setting value.   The control device according to claim 4, wherein the warning unit displays a second warning message when a set value is received for the first related function.   The set value receiving means includes a set of a first set value set for the first related function and a second set value set for the second related function in the inter-function definition data. And when the first setting value is received by the setting value receiving unit corresponding to the first related function, a setting value that can be received for the second related function is The control device according to claim 1, further comprising a limiting unit that limits the value to a value other than the set value. A printer driver program executed by a computer that controls the image processing apparatus,
Each of the plurality of functions of the image processing apparatus corresponds to one or more setting values that are set values for the image processing apparatus to execute the functions and that can be set for the functions. A print command acquisition step of acquiring one or more print commands for causing the image processing apparatus to execute the function;
A display command acquisition step for acquiring a display command for displaying a function-specific screen for setting a setting value for the function for each of a plurality of functions of the image processing apparatus;
A function-specific screen display step for generating and displaying a function-specific screen corresponding to each of the plurality of functions according to the acquired display command;
A setting value receiving step for receiving a setting value input by a user according to the displayed function-specific screen as a setting value set for a function corresponding to the displayed function-specific screen;
A print command for causing the image processing apparatus to execute the function by selecting a print command corresponding to the function of the setting value received in the setting value receiving step from the one or more acquired print commands. A command generation step for generating
In two or more related functions selected from the plurality of functions, a setting value set for the first related function among the two or more related functions, and the first of the two or more related functions When a set of setting values different from the set defined by the inter-function definition data that defines a set with a set value that can be set to a second related function different from the related function is input, the inter-function definition A warning step of executing a predetermined process based on the action definition data corresponding to the data, and causing the computer to execute,
The operation definition data includes a first function-specific screen that is the function-specific screen corresponding to the first related function and a second function-specific screen that is the function-specific screen corresponding to the second related function. When one of the first process executed when displayed in the screen display step and the first function-specific screen and the second function-specific screen is displayed in the function-specific screen display step A printer driver program that defines a second process to be executed. A setting method executed by a computer that controls an image processing apparatus,
Each of the plurality of functions of the image processing apparatus corresponds to one or more setting values that are set values for the image processing apparatus to execute the functions and that can be set for the functions. A print command acquisition step of acquiring one or more print commands for causing the image processing apparatus to execute the function;
A display command acquisition step for acquiring a display command for displaying a function-specific screen for setting a setting value for the function for each of a plurality of functions of the image processing apparatus;
A function-specific screen display step for generating and displaying a function-specific screen corresponding to each of the plurality of functions according to the acquired display command;
A setting value receiving step for receiving a setting value input by a user according to the displayed function-specific screen as a setting value set for a function corresponding to the displayed function-specific screen;
A print command for causing the image processing apparatus to execute the function by selecting a print command corresponding to the function of the setting value received in the setting value receiving step from the one or more acquired print commands. A command generation step for generating
In two or more related functions selected from the plurality of functions, a setting value set for the first related function among the two or more related functions, and the first of the two or more related functions When a set of setting values different from the set defined by the inter-function definition data that defines a set with a set value that can be set to a second related function different from the related function is input, the inter-function definition A warning step for executing a predetermined process based on the action definition data corresponding to the data,
The operation definition data includes a first function-specific screen that is the function-specific screen corresponding to the first related function and a second function-specific screen that is the function-specific screen corresponding to the second related function. When one of the first process executed when displayed in the screen display step and the first function-specific screen and the second function-specific screen is displayed in the function-specific screen display step A setting method that defines a second process to be executed.

Images