JP6195346B2 - Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and a program.

When a user prints a file such as a document or a diagram created on a computer with a printer, the user designates settings related to printing such as paper type, double-sided, color, and paper feed stage. There are dozens of printer functions related to printing, and some of the print settings become invalid, such as a combination of “postcard” and “staple” or a combination of “OHP film” and “double-sided”. There are combinations (hereinafter referred to as conflicts). When the user performs print settings using the user interface of the printer driver, the user interface causes the user to avoid selection of the settings by graying out the conflicting settings. However, when performing print setting using application software that performs print setting without using a printer driver, the user may select a conflicting setting.
Therefore, the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 asks which function is to be prioritized on the device screen when a conflict occurs in printing by direct printing in which the user does not use a printer driver. As a result, the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1 can prompt the user to reset settings that do not cause a conflict.

JP 2006-110861 A

The technique disclosed in Patent Document 1 asks the user several times as to which function should be prioritized because the number of conflicting settings is limited when only simple functions such as direct printing are set. In this way, conflicts can be resolved. However, even in an application that does not use the user interface of the printer driver, a plurality of conflicts inevitably easily occur in editing software that can perform print settings with advanced functions. For this reason, the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1 has to ask the user as many questions as to which function should be prioritized. The user has to answer the question many times. In addition, if the user is asked about whether to cancel the setting for the same function multiple times, there is a possibility that the user will be confused and make a wrong decision. There is a possibility of removing. For example, it is assumed that the user releases the punch function in response to a question regarding selection of the staple function and the punch function. However, after that, the user may cancel the stapling function in selecting the paper size and the stapling function. In this case, the user can cancel the punch function in spite of the fact that the specified paper size, staple function, and punch function specified at the beginning can be set. It ’s gone.
An object of the present invention is to create an effective print setting for easily and appropriately correcting an invalid print setting.

Therefore, an information processing apparatus according to the present invention includes a search unit that searches for print setting value combinations that are invalid settings from print setting information related to a combination of print setting values in a plurality of print functions, and the search unit that is searched for by the search unit When the combination type is analyzed, and the first print setting is analyzed when the combination of the print setting value of one type and a plurality of other print setting values is an invalid setting, the first print setting Creation means for creating correction candidate information whose correction candidates are changing a value to a standard value and changing all of the other plurality of print setting values to a standard value ;

  According to the present invention, it is possible to create an effective print setting for easily and appropriately correcting an invalid print setting.

It is a figure which shows an example of a system configuration etc. It is a figure which shows an example of the concept of a system configuration. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an application and a printer driver. FIG. FIG. 6 illustrates an example of a print ticket (part 1); It is a flowchart which shows an example of a process of a host apparatus. It is a figure which shows an example of the concept of the system configuration | structure in a cloud print. It is a figure which shows an example of a structure of an application and middleware. It is FIG. (1) which shows an example of prohibition information and correction candidate information. It is a flowchart (the 1) which shows an example of a correction candidate addition process. FIG. 10 illustrates an example of a PrintTicket (part 2); It is FIG. (2) which shows an example of prohibition information and correction candidate information. It is a flowchart (the 2) which shows an example of a correction candidate addition process. FIG. 10 illustrates an example of a print ticket (part 3); It is FIG. (3) which shows an example of prohibition information and correction candidate information. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen display of a host apparatus.

The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
<Embodiment 1>
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration and a hardware configuration of a printing system according to the present embodiment.
The printing system in FIG. 1 includes a host computer 1001 and a printer 1013.
Hereinafter, the host computer 1001 will be described. The host computer 1001 is an example of an information processing apparatus.
The host computer 1001 executes processing (hereinafter simply referred to as document processing) of a document including information such as graphics, images, characters, and tables (including spreadsheets).
The CPU 1002 comprehensively controls each device connected to the system bus 1005. The CPU 1002 implements the function (software configuration) of the host computer 1001 and the function of the OS by executing a program ROM that constitutes the ROM 1004 and a program stored in the external memory 1012 or the like. Furthermore, the CPU 1002 realizes processing of a flowchart described later by executing the program.
The program ROM constituting the ROM 1004 and the external memory 1012 store an OS program which is a control program executed by the CPU 1002, a printer driver program which will be described later, and the like. The external memory 1012 is a memory composed of a flexible disk (FD), a hard disk (HD), or the like. The font ROM constituting the ROM 1004 and the external memory 1012 store font data used when the host computer 1001 performs the above document processing. The data ROM constituting the ROM 1004 and the external memory 1012 store various data used when the host computer 1001 performs the above document processing and the like. Further, the external memory 1012 stores a boot program, various application programs, font data, user files, edit files, and the like.

The RAM 1003 functions as a main memory and work area for the CPU 1002.
A keyboard controller (KBC) 1006 controls key input from a keyboard (KB) 1010, a pointing device, or the like.
A CRT controller (CRTC) 1007 controls display on a CRT display (CRT) 1011. The CRT 1011 is an example of an operation screen.
A disk controller (DKC) 1008 controls access to the external memory 1012.
A printer controller (PRTC) 1009 controls communication with the printer 1013 via the bidirectional interface 1018.
Note that the CPU 1002 executes, for example, an outline font rasterization process on the display information RAM set on the RAM 1003, and realizes WYSIWYG that displays the same image as the image to be printed on the CRT 1011. The CPU 1002 opens various windows registered based on commands instructed by a mouse cursor or the like on the CRT 1011 and executes various data processing. In other words, when printing is performed by the printer 1013, the user can open a window related to print settings on the CRT 1011, and perform print processing settings related to printer settings, print mode selection, and the like. At that time, the user can make print settings using an application capable of high-performance print settings without using the user interface of the printer driver.

The printer 1013 can communicate with the host computer 1001 via the bidirectional interface 1018 and execute printing based on an instruction from the host computer 1001. The printer 1013 is an example of an image forming apparatus.
Hereinafter, the printer 1013 will be described.
The CPU 1014 comprehensively controls each device connected to the system bus 1017. Further, the CPU 1014 realizes the function (software configuration) of the printer 1013 by executing a program ROM that constitutes the ROM 1016, a program stored in the external memory 1024, and the like. In addition, the CPU 1014 transmits an image signal as output information to a printing unit (printer engine) 1022 connected to the system bus 1017. Further, the CPU 1014 can perform communication processing with the host computer 1001 via the input unit 1019 and can notify the host computer 1001 of information in the printer 1013 and the like.
A program ROM constituting the ROM 1016 stores a control program executed by the CPU 1014 and the like. The font ROM constituting the ROM 1016 stores font data and the like used when the printer 1013 generates the output information. The data ROM of the ROM 1016 stores information used on the host computer 1001 when the printer does not have the external memory 1024.

The RAM 1015 functions as a main memory and work area for the CPU 1014. The RAM 1015 is used as an output information expansion area, environment data storage area, NVRAM, and the like. The RAM 1015 is configured such that the memory capacity can be expanded by an optional RAM connected to the expansion port.
A printing unit I / F 1020 is an interface between the system bus 1017 and the printing unit 1022.
A memory controller (MC) 1021 controls access to the external memory 1024.
The external memory 1024 is a memory such as a hard disk (HD) or an IC card, and is connected as an option and stores font data, an emulation program, form data, and the like. Note that the number of external memories 1024 included in the printer 1013 is not limited to one, and may be plural. In addition to the built-in font, the printer 1013 may include an option card and a plurality of external memories that store programs for interpreting printer control languages having different language systems. Further, the printer 1013 may have an NVRAM, and the printer mode setting information received via the operation unit 1023 may be stored in the NVRAM.

In the above printing system, the host computer 1001 determines or changes print settings based on a user instruction received via the CRT 1011. At that time, the host computer 1001 can perform print settings using an application capable of high-performance print settings without using the user interface of the printer driver. Also, the host computer 1001 determines whether or not the print settings set using the application are valid, and provides the user with print setting candidates that are valid if not valid via the CRT 1011. To do. Further, the host computer 1001 transmits a print execution instruction based on the print setting corrected by the user to the printer 1013. The printer 1013 executes printing based on the print execution instruction.
Note that the configuration of the system according to the present embodiment need not be limited to the configuration shown in FIG. For example, the configuration may be a single device only, or a system in which processing is performed by a plurality of devices connected via a network such as a LAN or a WAN. For example, the host computer 1001 may receive information regarding print settings from a terminal device that can communicate via a network.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration concept of the printing system in FIG.
FIG. 2 shows a concept of a system configuration that executes a series of processes in which an instruction is notified from the input device 101 to the host device 102 and the host device 102 sends print data to the printing device 106 in response to the instruction.
The host apparatus 102 is an example of the host computer 1001 (information processing apparatus) shown in FIG. The input device 101 may be a part of the host device 102. The host device 102 may be a stand-alone PC or a server device of a client server system. Here, if the host device 102 is a server device of a client server system, the input device 101 is a client PC of the client server system. The printing apparatus 106 is an example of the printer 1013 shown in FIG. 1 (the printing apparatus in the following description is also an example of the printer 1013).
The host device 102 creates print data by controlling the application 104 and printer driver 105 operating on the OS 103 of the host device 102 based on a user instruction via the input device 101, and prints the created print data. To device 106.
Here, the interface format for connecting the input device 101 and the host device 102 and the interface format for connecting the host device 102 and the printing device 106 need not be limited to a specific interface format. For example, the interface format may be any format such as a Centronics, infrared communication, wireless communication, USB or IEEE 1394 standard interface format, or a network connection format.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the application 104 that creates the PrintTicket and the configuration of the printer driver 105 that creates the print data. The description of the PrintTicket will be described later with reference to FIG. The application 104 is an example of a reception unit that receives a user instruction. The conflict engine 206 of the printer driver 105 is an example of a process execution unit that processes a PrintTicket.
Usually, the printer driver has its own user interface. However, in this embodiment, a case will be described in which the user performs print settings without using the user interface of the printer driver. As described above, this embodiment assumes that the user performs print settings using an application that allows the user to perform advanced function print settings without using the user interface of the printer driver. Because it is a form.
The application 104 takes in a content file as a basis of content data such as an image, a Word (registered trademark) file format, and a PDF via the user interface 202. Note that PDF is an abbreviation for Portable Document Format. Then, the application 104 uses the content generation unit 203 to create content data such as PDF again. Further, the application 104 changes the contents of the print setting object stored in the ROM 1004, the external memory 1012, or the like via the user interface 202. Then, the application 104 uses the PrintTicket generation unit 204 to write the contents of the print settings determined by the user in the PrintTicket. Here, the application 104 has been described as generating content data by the content generation unit 203, but the content data may be stored in the ROM 1004, the external memory 1012, or the like in advance. In that case, the application 104 generates only the PrintTicket in the PrintTicket generation unit 204. Note that the process in which the application 104 creates a PrintTicket is an example of a setting information creation process. Then, the application 104 transmits the generated PrintTicket to the printer driver 105. Note that the process in which the application 104 transmits the PrintTicket to the printer driver 105 is an example of a setting information transmission process. The process in which the conflict engine 206 of the printer driver 105 receives the PrintTicket is an example of a setting information reception process.

Hereinafter, the print setting will be described more specifically.
The print settings are settings such as setting the output paper size to A4, performing double-sided printing, switching between color and monochrome, and specifying a paper feed stage. In the above print settings, if a prohibition setting that is a combination of invalid print settings is not required, the user can include the print settings in the content data.
Next, the PrintTicket will be described more specifically.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a PrintTicket described in the markup language XML format.
The Param element 41 is an attribute name and designates the MediaType function.
In the Option element 42, a setting value “OneSideCoated” is set. What can be described in the Option element 42 depends on the capability of the device. Therefore, the application 104 acquires a list of setting values and a default value (standard value) before receiving an input of print settings from the user. It is desirable to keep it. Furthermore, the application 104 displays the default value of the setting value on the initial screen, and the default value may be set to a value that is not prohibited from setting values of other functions, that is, “OFF” or the like if the staple function. desirable. Although the XML format PrintTicket has been described here as an example, the structure and description language of the PrintTicket are not limited as long as the PrintTicket parser 207 can interpret the printTicket.
Note that PrintTicket is an example of print setting information regarding a combination of print setting values in a plurality of print functions.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing of the host apparatus 102 that is an example of the host computer 1001.
When the application 104 generates the drawing data and the PrintTicket, the PrintTicket parser 207 of the conflict engine 206 of the printer driver 105 analyzes the contents of the PrintTicket (S301).
The search unit 209 of the prohibition processing unit 208 searches for a combination (prohibition) that cannot be set from the set values of the PrintTicket, and if there is a combination that is prohibited, a prohibition combination list (hereinafter referred to as an invalid setting list) is displayed. Create (S302).
The structure analysis unit 210 of the forbidden processing unit 208 classifies from the invalid setting list created in S302, which type will be described later using FIG. 8, FIG. 11, FIG. . Then, the structure analysis unit 210 provides a correction candidate list, which will be described later with reference to FIG. 8 and the like, to the application 104 (S303 to S308). The correction candidate list is an example of correction candidate information indicating correction candidates. Details of the processing from S303 to S308 will be described later.
Assume that the PrintTicket generation unit 204 generates a PrintTicket that has no prohibited setting value in the exchange between the application 104 and the printer driver 105. In this case, the print data generation unit 211 generates print data based on the print settings of the PrintTicket and the drawing data.

2 and 3, the case where the application 104 and the conflict engine 206 of the printer driver 105 exist in one apparatus (host apparatus 102) has been described as an example. However, the conflict engine 206 may exist in a device different from the device having the application 104. For example, in the case of cloud printing, as shown in FIG. 6, the mobile terminal 107 can have an application 109, and the cloud server apparatus 110 can have a conflict engine as middleware 112. Here, the mobile terminal 107 is an example of a terminal device. The cloud server device 110 is an example of an information processing device. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a concept of a system configuration of a printing system in cloud printing.
Here, the mobile terminal 107 has a CPU and a storage device in which various programs are stored. The CPU of the mobile terminal 107 implements functions (software configuration) including the application 109, functions of the OS 108, and the like by executing a program stored in the storage device. Moreover, the cloud server apparatus 110 has a CPU and a storage device in which various programs are stored. The CPU of the cloud server apparatus 110 implements functions including the middleware 112 (software configuration) and functions such as the OS 111 by executing programs stored in the storage device.
In this case, as shown in FIG. 7, the application 109 has to exchange with the middleware 112 by an access means such as an HTTP request or an HTTP response. However, in the present embodiment, the application 109 and the middleware 112 only pass the correction candidate list described later using the PrintTicket, the content data, and FIG. Same as the case. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the application 109 that generates the PrintTicket and the configuration of the middleware 112 that generates the print data. The application 109 is an example of a reception unit that receives a user instruction. In addition, the conflict engine of the middleware 112 is an example of a process execution unit that processes a PrintTicket.

Hereinafter, returning to the description of FIG.
The processing of the prohibition processing unit 208 when the three PrintTickets generated by the PrintTicket generation unit 204 in FIG. 4 and FIGS. 10 and 13 described later are input to the prohibition processing unit 208 will be described.
First, a case where the PrintTicket generation unit 204 generates the PrintTicket in FIG. 4 will be described as an example.
The PrintTicket shown in FIG. 4 describes settings for functions related to MediaType for determining the paper type, Duplex for performing duplex setting, MediaSize for determining the paper size, and Staple for determining the presence or absence of stapling. Furthermore, the PrintTicket in FIG. 4 describes the settings for the StaplePosition that determines the stapling position, the Collate that performs copy printing, and the functions that specify the number of copies.
The search unit 209 of the prohibition processing unit 208 extracts prohibition combinations that cannot be set from the PrintTicket shown in FIG. 4 in light of the device-specific prohibition rules of the printer driver (S302). The host device 102 stores and manages prohibition information indicating prohibition rules relating to combinations of print setting values that become invalid settings in advance in the ROM 1004, the external memory 1012, and the like. The combination of the invalid setting 1 and the invalid setting 2 in FIG. 8A corresponds to the prohibition combination extracted by the search unit 209. FIG. 8A shows an example of the invalid setting list table. The search unit 209 generates the table shown in FIG. 8A once according to the PrintTicket generated by the PrintTicket generation unit 204. In the example of FIG. 8A, there are three prohibited combinations. More specifically, a combination of the set value “OneSideCoated” of the MediaType function and the set value “TwoSided” of the Duplex function is an example. Since there are no prohibited combinations regarding the setting values of the functions of Collate and Copies, the search unit 209 does not put the setting values of the functions of Collate and Copies in the invalid setting list.

FIG. 8B illustrates an invalid setting list, and a line 54 represents a prohibition relationship. FIG. 8B shows that the “OneSideCoated” 53 of the MediaType function has a prohibition relationship with the other three setting values, and there is no prohibition relationship between the other three setting values. In this case, when the application 104 changes the setting of “OneSideCoated” 53 of the MediaType function to the default value “Plain”, all of the prohibited relationships can be eliminated. In addition, if the application 104 changes all the setting values of the functions other than the MediaType function to default values, the prohibition relationship can be similarly eliminated. More specifically, the application 104 may change all the “TwoSided” 55 of the Duplex function, “CustomSizeSize” 56 of the MediaSize function, and “On” 57 of the Staple function to default values. The prohibition type shown in FIG. 8B is referred to as a star type in the following description. The star type is an example of a first type in which all combinations of one print setting value and a plurality of other print setting values are invalid settings.
The structure analysis unit 210 determines that the type relating to the invalid setting combination is a star type if there are duplicates in the invalid setting list and there is no prohibition in the invalid function group corresponding to the invalid setting. (Yes in S304, No in S305). Then, the structure analysis unit 210 creates a correction candidate list for the combination of star-type invalid settings (S308). Here, the correction candidate list is a list relating to combinations of print settings that have been corrected by the structure analysis unit 210 so that combinations of print settings are not invalidated.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the correction candidate addition process in S308.
As shown in FIG. 8C, the structure analysis unit 210 adds the default value “Plain” of the MediaType function to the correction candidate 1 (S309). That is, the structure analysis unit 210 adds the default value of the function that is the center of the star shape to the correction candidate 1. Then, the structure analysis unit 210 adds the default value “OneSided” for the Duplex function, the default value “A4” for the MediaSize function, and the default value “Off” for the Staple function to the correction candidate 2 (S310). That is, the structure analysis unit 210 adds default values of other functions that are not the center of the star shape to the correction candidate 2.
If there is no duplicate in the invalid setting list, the structure analysis unit 210 registers the functions in the invalid setting 1 and the invalid setting 2 and the default values in the respective functions as the correction candidates 1 and 2 as they are. (No in S304, S306). Finally, the structure analysis unit 210 returns the correction candidate list to the application 104.

Next, a case where the PrintTicket generation unit 204 generates the PrintTicket in FIG. 10 will be described as an example. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a PrintTicket. The PrintTicket in FIG. 10 describes settings for functions related to MediaType, Duplex, MediaSize, Collate, and Copies.
The search unit 209 of the prohibition processing unit 208 extracts a combination of prohibitions from the PrintTicket in FIG. 10 in light of the prohibition rules (S302). Then, the search unit 209 generates an invalid setting list table in FIG. 11A for the PrintTicket in FIG. In the example of FIG. 11A, there are three prohibited combinations. More specifically, a combination of the setting value “PasteBoard” of the MediaType function and the setting value “TwoSided” of the Duplex function is an example.
FIG. 11B illustrates an invalid setting list, and a line 74 represents a prohibition relationship. In the example of FIG. 11B, the “MediaBoard” 71 of the MediaType function, the “TwoSidd” 72 of the Duplex function, and the “SRA3” 73 of the MediaSize function are in a forbidden relationship. In this case, since the application 104 can leave only one setting value among the above three setting values, by changing the remaining two setting values to default values, the prohibition relationship can be eliminated. . The prohibited type shown in FIG. 11B is referred to as a loop type in the following description. The loop type is an example of a second type in which the relationship of combinations of print setting values that are invalid settings is circular.

If there are duplicates in the invalid setting list and there is a forbidden relationship between invalid function groups corresponding to the invalid setting, the structure analysis unit 210 is a loop type for the combination of invalid settings. It is determined that there is (Yes in S304, Yes in S305). Then, the structure analysis unit 210 creates a correction candidate list for the loop type invalid setting combination (S307).
FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the correction candidate addition process in S307.
In the case of a loop type formed by three set values as in the example of FIG. 11B, there are three correction candidates as shown in FIG. 11C. The structure analysis unit 210 registers default values of the two functions in the correction candidate list. Finally, the structure analysis unit 210 returns the correction candidate list to the application 104.
Note that the processing of the structure analysis unit 210 in the loop type is not limited to the case where there are three set values forming the loop type. For example, when the number of setting values forming the loop type is four, the structure analysis unit 210 adds the default values of the two diagonal functions to the correction candidate list. As described above, the structure analysis unit 210 has a function at a specified position when each set value is arranged in a loop type (hereinafter referred to as a specified function) according to the number of set values (number of elements) forming the loop type. Is added to the correction candidate list (S311).
If there are other combinations of prescribed functions, the structure analysis unit 210 repeats the process of S311. If there are no other combinations of prescribed functions, the structure analysis unit 210 ends the process (S312).

Next, a case where the PrintTicket generation unit 204 generates the PrintTicket in FIG. 13 will be described as an example. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a PrintTicket. Here, when the PrintTicket generation unit 204 generates the PrintTicket of FIG. 13, the structure analysis unit 210 cannot classify all forbidden relationships existing between set values into a single star type or a single loop type. Is the case. Details will be described below.
The PrintTicket in FIG. 13 describes settings for functions related to MediaType, Duplex, MediaSize, Staple, and ApplicationMediaSize, Collate, and Copies that determine the document size.
The search unit 209 of the prohibition processing unit 208 extracts a combination of prohibitions from the PrintTicket in FIG. 13 in light of the prohibition rules (S302). Then, the search unit 209 generates an invalid setting list table in FIG. 14A for the PrintTicket in FIG. In the example of FIG. 14A, there are four prohibition combinations. More specifically, a combination of the setting value “PasteBoard” of the MediaType function and the setting value “TwoSided” of the Duplex function is an example.
FIG. 14B illustrates an invalid setting list, and a line 950 represents a prohibition relationship. The example of FIG. 14B shows an example in which a star type 901 centered on “PasteBoard” of the MediaType function coexists with a star type 902 centered on “SRA3” 904 of the MediaSize function. . As described above, regarding the prohibition relationship that cannot be expressed by a single star type or a single loop type, the structure analysis unit 210 proposes a correction candidate for each group of the prohibition relationship. Note that a star type and a type in which a plurality of forbidden relationships of loop types are mixed are examples of the third type.

For example, with respect to the star type 901 centered on the “PasteBoard” 903 of the MediaType function, the structural analysis unit 210 may cancel the prohibition relationship by changing all setting values of functions other than the MediaType function to default values. it can. More specifically, the structure analysis unit 210 cancels the prohibition relationship by changing all the “SRA3” 904 of the MediaSize function, “TwoSided” 905 of the Duplex function, and “On” 906 of the Staple function to default values. . In this case, as shown in FIG. 14C, the structure analysis unit 210 changes the MediaSize function to the default value “A4”, so that the star type 902 centered on the “MediaSize” function “SRA3”. The prohibition can be resolved at the same time.
The structure analysis unit 210 can also eliminate the prohibition relationship of the star type 901 by changing the setting value of “PasteBoard” 903 of the MediaType function to the default value “Plain”. In this case, the structure analysis unit 210 cannot simultaneously eliminate the star type 902 centered on “SRA3” 904 of the MediaSize function. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 14D, the structure analysis unit 210 needs to cancel the prohibition relationship by changing the MediaSize function 908 to a default value or by changing the ApplicationMediaSize function 907 to a default value. is there.

The processing of the structure analysis unit 210 when the set value of PrintTicket includes a plurality of star-type and loop-type prohibition relationships will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
When the structure analysis unit 210 determines that the setting value of the PrintTicket includes a plurality of star-type and loop-type prohibition relationships, the structure analysis unit 210 sets a set value (candidate for correction) to cancel the prohibition relationship according to the number of types. ) Is registered in the correction candidate list (S303). For example, as illustrated in FIG. 14E, the structure analysis unit 210 corrects the prohibition relationship of the star type 901 centering on “PasteBoard” 903 of the MediaType function on the first line, and the correction candidate 909 and the correction candidate 910 is registered in the correction candidate list. Furthermore, the structure analysis unit 210 registers the correction candidate 911 and the correction candidate 912 of the star type 902 centering on “SRA3” 904 of the MediaSize function in the second line in the correction candidate list. Then, the structure analysis unit 210 returns the correction candidate list to the application 104. It should be noted that a desirable mode related to the order of processing in which the structure analysis unit 210 extracts a star-type or loop-type forbidden relationship from the invalid setting list and the order in which the setting value (correction candidate) is registered in the correction candidate list will be described later.

FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of suitable display contents displayed on the CRT 1011 by the user interface 202 of the application 104.
More specifically, the user interface 202 displays a screen as shown in FIG. 15 on the CRT 1011 when the PrintTicket created by the application 104 is prohibited and the correction candidate list is returned from the printer driver 105.
When the prohibition relationship is a star type, the user interface 202 displays a pop-up that allows the user to select whether to leave the setting value that is the center of the prohibition relationship or to change it to the default value. To do. More specifically, the user interface 202 displays a screen as shown in FIG. 15A on the CRT 1011.
On the other hand, when the prohibition relationship is a loop type, the user interface 202 displays a pop-up that allows the user to select one of the options for all the functions having the prohibition relationship. More specifically, the user interface 202 displays a screen as shown in FIG. 15B on the CRT 1011.
The user interface 202 repeats the above pop-up display until the application 104 digests all the rows in the correction candidate list. In response to this, the application 104 may overwrite any of the corresponding correction candidates on the PrintTicket each time. In addition, after the second line of the correction candidate list, there is a possibility that one of the options of the correction candidate list has already been satisfied by the correction of the first line of the correction candidate list by the application 104. For example, in FIG. 14E, it is assumed that the correction candidate 910 is selected based on a user instruction received by the application 104 via the user interface 202. Here, the correction candidate 910 is a combination of “OneSided” of the Duplex function, “A4” of the MediaSize function, and “Off” of the Staple function. In this case, the correction candidate 911 (“A4” of MediaSize function) in the second row in FIG. 14E is also satisfied. In this case, the user interface 202 does not display the pop-up because the pop-up display that allows the user to select the second line correction candidate is not necessary.

It is desirable for the application 104 to allow the user to select correction candidates including the function having the highest appearance number in the invalid setting list in order. When the user receives a selection operation for leaving the setting value of the function having the highest appearance number in the invalid setting list via the user interface 202, the application 104 defaults the setting values of many functions related to the selected function. Will be changed to a value. Since the default value is based on the premise that there is no prohibition relationship with other setting values, many prohibition relationships are eliminated, and the user can complete correction of print settings with a small number of selections. .
In addition, when both the star type and the loop type are mixed in the invalid setting list, the application 104 gives priority to the loop type and allows the user to select correction candidates in the order of the loop type and the star type. It is desirable to do so. This is because, in a forbidden relationship, when a loop-type forbidden relationship is resolved, a star-type forbidden relationship may be automatically resolved, and not vice versa.
In addition, regarding the pop-up order, the application 104 may receive information about which function setting value is to be corrected from the user via the user interface 202 before displaying the correction pop-up. For example, it is assumed that the application 104 receives a priority request for the MediaSize function from the user via the user interface 202 in the example of FIG. In this case, the application 104 displays a pop-up regarding selection of whether or not to release the MediaSize function before the MediaType function. Note that the application 104 can also receive information related to the priority function from the user in advance. Note that information regarding the display order of pop-ups is an example of order information. That is, the application 104 may display pop-ups in the order based on the order information stored in advance in the ROM 1004, the external memory 1012, or the like.
Further, the structure analysis unit 210 may create the correction list in a suitable order determined in advance, and the application 104 may display pop-ups in the same order. Alternatively, the structure analysis unit 210 may identify the correction candidate list regardless of the order, and the application 104 may rearrange them in a predetermined order for display. In any case, it is desirable for the application 104 to display the correction candidate list in a suitable order, but this is not an essential element in the present embodiment.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the PrintTicket generating unit 204 of the application 104 generates a PrintTicket related to print settings based on a user instruction. Then, the structure analysis unit 210 in the prohibition processing unit 208 of the printer driver 105 analyzes the prohibition type from the PrintTicket. Further, the structure analysis unit 210 creates a correction candidate list for canceling the prohibition relation based on the analyzed prohibition type, and returns it to the application 104. Then, the application 104 displays a screen showing the correction candidate list on the CRT 1011. At this time, the application 104 can change the pop-up order of the correction candidate list displayed on the CRT 1011 based on a user instruction or the like. Through the above processing, the host computer 1001 can create an effective print setting for correcting the invalid print setting easily and appropriately. The user can easily correct the print settings via the CRT 1011.
In the present embodiment, it is assumed that only the prohibition rule between two set values is written, and the structure analysis unit 210 determines that the prohibition rule is a star type or a loop type. However, the host computer 1001 may store a rule file in which prohibition rules such as a star type or a loop type are described in advance in the ROM 1004, the external memory 1012, or the like. The rule file is an example of prohibition information. For example, it is assumed that the host computer 1001 manages a rule file in which the prohibition rules “MediaBoard” of the MediaType function, “SRA3” of the MediaSize function, and “TwoSided” of the Duplex function are described. In this case, the structure analysis unit 210 passes the correction candidate to the application 104 only when the type analyzed based on the PrintTicket corresponds to a prohibition rule such as a star type or a loop type described in advance in the rule file. can do.

<Other embodiments>
The present invention can also be realized by executing the following processing. That is, software (program) that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or apparatus via a network or various storage media, and a computer (or CPU, MPU, etc.) of the system or apparatus reads the program. It is a process to be executed.

  As described above, according to each of the above-described embodiments, the host computer 1001 can create an effective print setting for easily and appropriately correcting an invalid print setting.

  The preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail above, but the present embodiment is not limited to the specific embodiment, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the gist of the present invention described in the claims.・ Change is possible.

Claims (10)

Search means for searching for a combination of print setting values that are invalid settings from print setting information relating to a combination of print setting values in a plurality of print functions;
The type of the combination searched by the search unit is analyzed, and it is analyzed that the combination of the print setting value of one type and a plurality of other print setting values is an invalid setting. In this case, a creation unit that creates correction candidate information that includes changing the one print setting value to a standard value and changing all of the other plurality of print setting values to a standard value ;
An information processing apparatus. Search means for searching for a combination of print setting values that are invalid settings from print setting information relating to a combination of print setting values in a plurality of print functions;
If the combination type searched by the search means is analyzed, and it is analyzed that the relationship of the combination of print setting values for which the type is an invalid setting is a second type that is circular, the adjacent print setting values Creating means for creating correction candidate information whose correction candidate is to change at least one of the print setting values to a standard value ;
An information processing apparatus. A management means for managing prohibition information indicating combinations of print setting values that are invalid settings;
It said retrieval means, on the basis of the prohibition information managed by the management means, the printing information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2 wherein searching a combination of print settings become invalid configuration from the configuration information. The creation means includes a relationship between a combination of a print setting value having one type and a setting of a first type in which a combination of a plurality of other print setting values is invalid and a print setting value having an invalid setting. Is analyzed as a third type in which a plurality of second types having a ring shape are mixed,
For the first type, correction candidate information whose correction candidates are to change the one print setting value to a standard value and to change all the other plurality of print setting values to a standard value Create
Wherein for the second type, in any one of claims 1 to 3 to create a modified candidate information to correct the changing at least one of the print setting value of the print setting values adjacent to the standard value candidate 1. An information processing apparatus according to item 1 . Processing execution means for processing the print setting information;
Receiving means for receiving user instructions;
Further comprising
The process execution means includes
The search means;
The creating means;
Transmitting means for transmitting the correction candidate information created by the creating means to the accepting means;
Have
The accepting means is
Receiving means for receiving the correction candidate information transmitted by the transmitting means;
Display means for displaying correction candidates indicated by the correction candidate information received by the receiving means on an operation screen;
The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising: When the plurality of pieces of correction candidate information are received by the receiving unit, the display unit sequentially operates the correction candidates indicated by the correction candidate information based on the order indicated by the order information stored in the storage device in advance. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5 displayed on a screen. The accepting means is
Setting information creating means for creating the print setting information based on a user instruction received via the operation screen;
Setting information transmitting means for transmitting the print setting information created by the setting information creating means to the process executing means;
Further comprising
The process execution means includes
Further comprising setting information receiving means for receiving the print setting information transmitted by the setting information transmitting means;
Said retrieval means, the information processing apparatus according to claim 5 or 6, wherein searching a combination of the print setting value to be invalid setting from the printing setting information received by the setting information receiving unit. An information processing method executed by an information processing apparatus,
A search step for searching for a combination of print setting values that are invalid settings from print setting information regarding a combination of print setting values in a plurality of print functions;
Analyzing the type of the combination searched in the search step, and analyzing that the combination of the print setting value of one type and a plurality of other print setting values is an invalid setting. A creation step for creating correction candidate information having a correction candidate as changing the one print setting value to a standard value and changing all the other plurality of print setting values to a standard value ;
An information processing method including: An information processing method executed by an information processing apparatus,
A search step for searching for a combination of print setting values that are invalid settings from print setting information regarding a combination of print setting values in a plurality of print functions;
If the combination type searched in the search step is analyzed, and it is analyzed that the relationship of the combination of print setting values for which the type is an invalid setting is a second type having a ring shape, adjacent print setting values A creation step for creating correction candidate information whose correction candidate is to change at least one of the print setting values to a standard value;
An information processing method including: The program for functioning a computer as each means of the information processing apparatus of any one of Claims 1 thru | or 7 .

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