JP6210370B2 - Setting control program, setting control method, and setting control apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a setting control program, a setting control method, and a setting control apparatus, and more particularly, to a setting control program, a setting control method, and a setting control apparatus that control settings related to printing.

  When output such as printing is performed using an image forming apparatus such as an MFP (Multi Function Peripheral), the function is set using an operation panel of the main body of the image forming apparatus or a printer driver installed in a computer apparatus. This operation panel and printer driver setting screen is divided into multiple tabs, and it is necessary to set various setting items displayed on each tab. This is particularly difficult for novice users and improves operability. It has been demanded.

  As a technique related to such print setting, for example, in Patent Document 1 below, print setting is performed in accordance with a display device, an acquisition unit that acquires the size of a displayable area of the display device, and the size of the displayable area. There is disclosed a printing control apparatus comprising: a changing unit that changes a size of a print setting screen that is a screen related to the display; and a screen display unit that displays the print setting screen changed by the changing unit on the display device.

  Further, Patent Document 2 below is a screen display control device that performs display control on a display screen having a display window and a non-display window, and is included in the non-display window according to the size change of the display screen. Arrangement determining means for determining an arrangement of each item block such that at least one item block is added to the display screen or at least one item block included in the display window is deleted from the display screen; A screen display control device having display control means for generating display data based on the determined arrangement and controlling the display data to form a new display screen is disclosed.

JP 2011-197737 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2008-077743

  A function called “Favorites (Favorite Settings, Easy Settings)” that allows you to easily set print settings by naming and registering frequently used settings and selecting them at the time of printing is displayed in a pull-down menu format at the top of each tab. It is provided in a form to be arranged. This function rewrites (overwrites) all the current setting values with the values set for all setting items at the time of registration. A combination of multiple setting items cannot be applied to the current setting with a single action.

  In addition, tabs called “My tabs” that can select necessary setting items from the setting items existing in each tab and arrange them according to the user's preference are independent of other tabs. Is provided by. By utilizing this “My tab”, the user can consolidate frequently used setting items distributed in a plurality of tabs into one place, so that one setting item can be set to the current setting. It can be applied with one action. However, even in the “My tab”, a combination of a plurality of setting items cannot be applied to the current setting with one action.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and its main purpose is a setting control program and a setting control method capable of easily setting desired setting items without moving between tabs. To provide a setting control device.

One aspect of the present invention is a setting control program that includes a display unit that displays a setting screen, and that operates on a device that instructs the image forming apparatus to perform processing according to the setting on the setting screen. A function setting unit that displays a plurality of setting items related to the function of the image forming apparatus in a settable manner; a data generation unit that generates instruction data based on setting values of the plurality of setting items; and the function setting unit A first display control unit that displays the plurality of setting items in the first display area of the setting screen, and a setting item selected from the plurality of setting items in the second display area of the setting screen. A second display control unit configured to display, wherein the second display control unit sets one or more first setting items selected from the plurality of setting items in the second display area. Display possible And a second portion that displays selectable icons indicating the setting values of one or more second setting items selected from the plurality of setting items, and the first portion The display state of the other setting item is changed according to the setting operation of one setting item of the part and the second part , and the second display control unit is configured to change the first setting item and the second setting item. If the setting item conflicts or overlaps with the setting item of the first setting item and the setting item conflicts or overlaps among the setting items of the first setting item, the setting of the conflicting or overlapping setting of the second setting item. The icon corresponding to the item is not displayed .

One aspect of the present invention is a setting control method in an apparatus that includes a display unit that displays a setting screen and instructs the image forming apparatus to perform processing according to the setting in the setting screen, and the first display area of the setting screen includes: A first display process for displaying a plurality of setting items relating to the function of the image forming apparatus; and a second display process for displaying a setting item selected from the plurality of setting items in a second display area of the setting screen. And a data generation process for generating instruction data based on setting values of the plurality of setting items, and in the second display process, the second display area is selected from the plurality of setting items A first portion that displays the set one or more first setting items in a settable manner, and an icon that indicates a setting value of the one or more second setting items selected from the plurality of setting items Display as possible It is divided into a second portion, in accordance with the setting operation of one setting item of the first portion and the second portion, which changes the display state of the other setting items, by the second display processing When the first setting item and the second setting item conflict or overlap, the second setting item is set when the conflicting or overlapping setting item of the first setting items is set. An icon corresponding to the conflicting or overlapping setting item among the setting items is not displayed .

One aspect of the present invention is a setting control device that includes a display unit that displays a setting screen, and that instructs the image forming apparatus to perform processing according to the setting on the setting screen. The control unit that instructs the image forming device to perform processing A function setting unit that displays a plurality of setting items related to the function of the image forming apparatus on the setting screen in a settable manner; and a data generation unit that generates instruction data based on setting values of the plurality of setting items. The function setting unit includes at least a first display control unit that displays the plurality of setting items in a first display area of the setting screen, and a plurality of setting items that are displayed in a second display area of the setting screen. A second display control unit that displays a setting item selected from among the second display control unit, and the second display control unit displays the second display area as one or more selected from the plurality of setting items. First setting item The first part is displayed so as to be settable, and the second part is displayed so that an icon indicating the setting value of one or a plurality of second setting items selected from the plurality of setting items can be selected. The display state of the other setting item is changed according to the setting operation of one setting item of the first part and the second part , and the second display control unit is configured to change the first setting item. And the second setting item conflict or overlap, and if the conflict or overlapping setting item of the first setting item is set, the conflict of the second setting item Alternatively, the icon corresponding to the overlapping setting item is hidden .

  According to the setting control program, setting control method, and setting control apparatus of the present invention, it is possible to easily set desired setting items without moving between tabs.

  The reason is that when the setting control device (setting control program) displays a setting screen related to the function of the image forming apparatus, a plurality of setting items related to the function of the image forming apparatus are displayed in the first display area specified by the fixed tab. In addition to the display, one or more setting items selected from the plurality of setting items are displayed in the second display area designated by the editable tab, and the selected setting item is displayed in the second display area. A first part that can be set in the same display form as the one display area and a second part that can be selected and displayed in an icon form are divided into one part of the first part and the second part. This is because control is performed to change the display mode of the other setting item in accordance with the setting item setting operation.

1 is a diagram schematically illustrating a configuration of a printing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the computer apparatus which concerns on one Example of this invention. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating functions realized by a printer driver according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating processing of a printer driver according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating processing (print function setting processing) of a printer driver according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart figure which shows the process (editable tab display control process) of the printer driver concerning one Example of this invention. 6 is an example of a print setting screen (an “other” tab in a fixed tab) displayed by a printer driver according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is an example of a print setting screen (when “My Tab” is set not to be displayed) displayed by a printer driver according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is an example of a print setting screen (editable tab) displayed by a printer driver according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is an example of a print setting screen (when there are prohibited setting items) displayed by a printer driver according to an embodiment of the present invention. 7 is an example of a print setting screen (when there are overlapping setting items) displayed by a printer driver according to an embodiment of the present invention. 7 is an example of a print setting screen (when there are overlapping setting items) displayed by a printer driver according to an embodiment of the present invention. 7 is an example of a print setting screen (when there are overlapping setting items) displayed by a printer driver according to an embodiment of the present invention. 6 is an example of a print setting screen (“edit quick settings” dialog) displayed by a printer driver according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is an example of a print setting screen (when “Automatically add to My tab” is set) displayed by a printer driver according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. FIG. 10 is an example of a print setting screen (when “Automatically add to My tab” is set) displayed by a printer driver according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG.

  As shown in the background art, there is a function called “favorite”. However, since this function rewrites all setting values, it is inconvenient to set only a specific setting item to a desired value. On the other hand, there is a method of using a “My tab” as a method for setting a specific setting item, but even with this method, a plurality of setting items cannot be rewritten with one action.

  In such a situation, the applicant of the present application registers a combination of one or a plurality of setting items in advance instead of the conventional “favorites” and expresses the registered items in an icon format for the purpose of improving operability. In addition, a function called “quick setting” that differentially applies setting values to the current setting items is proposed. This "Quick setting" only targets setting items that have different values from the default. When implementing, a new independent tab is prepared, and the "Quick setting" icon is displayed on the entire tab display area. Is displayed.

  However, “Quick Settings” is a specification that allows only setting items whose values are different from the default values to be registered as icons, so if you want to return some setting items to their default values, move to another tab. Therefore, an operation of changing the setting value of the target setting item becomes necessary.

  As described above, in the “My tab”, a desired setting item can be freely set without moving the tab, but an operation for setting a plurality of setting items becomes complicated. In addition, “Quick setting” makes it easy to change the setting value as registered, but if you want to return some setting items to the default value, you will need to move the tab, which is complicated. become.

  Therefore, according to the embodiment of the present invention, the “My tab” has an advantage that a desired setting item can be freely set, and the “quick setting” has an operation for setting as registered. In order to be able to enjoy the advantages of the above, it is provided in the “Quick setting” display area (hereinafter referred to as “Quick setting selection area”) displayed in the icon format and the conventional “My tab”. A display area for various setting items (hereinafter referred to as a control arrangement area) is provided in the same tab (editable tab). As a result, an operation that cannot be solved only by “quick setting” can be performed in the same tab without moving to another tab, and a user interface that is easy to use can be provided.

  In addition, the quick setting selection area and the control arrangement area are not arranged in a fixed manner, but two modes of “automatic” and “designation” are prepared, and the ratio of both areas is selected according to the selected mode. To decide. Thus, in the automatic mode, the user can seamlessly use both functions under the optimum display area, and in the designated mode, the ratio of both areas can be set so that the user can use it easily.

  Further, the icons arranged in the quick setting selection area are linked with the setting items arranged in the control arrangement area. Specifically, instead of just displaying all registered icons, change the value of the setting item placed in the control placement area, or click the icon placed in the quick setting selection area to set When the icon is changed, the icons that are prohibited (or duplicated in content) are not displayed, and only the currently selectable icons are displayed to the user, so that the operability when the user selects the icon can be reduced. Improve. In addition, when you change the setting by clicking the icon placed in the quick setting selection area, the setting item in the control placement area that overlaps the content is automatically changed to the icon setting, or the content overlaps The setting items in the control arrangement area are grayed out so that the user can perform the following operations without contradiction.

  In addition, when a user registers an arbitrary setting in the “Quick setting”, a mode is provided in which a setting item included in the “Quick setting” to be registered is automatically added to the control arrangement area so that the user can control the setting. The user can easily perform an action for returning the setting items included in the “quick setting” to the default value in the same tab without being aware of the current state of the arrangement area.

  In order to describe the above-described embodiment of the present invention in more detail, a setting control program, a setting control method, and a setting control apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating a configuration of a printing system according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a computer apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing functions realized by the printer driver of this embodiment, and FIGS. 4 to 6 are flowcharts showing processing of the printer driver. 7 to 16 are examples of print setting screens displayed by the printer driver of this embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the printing system according to the present exemplary embodiment performs setting of functions of the image forming apparatus 10 that executes processing such as printing according to an instruction, and functions of the image forming apparatus 10, and setting control that instructs processing such as printing. These devices are connected to each other via a wired / wireless LAN (Local Area Network) or USB (Universal Serial Bus).

  The image forming apparatus 10 is a general printer, an MFP (Multi Function Peripheral), or the like, and analyzes instruction data transmitted from the computer apparatus 20 (in this embodiment, print data for performing a print instruction) to perform printing. Each page of data is rasterized to generate image data for each page, and an image forming process such as an electrophotographic method or an electrostatic recording method is used to print an image based on the image data on a sheet. The computer device 20 is a personal computer or mobile device (smart phone or tablet terminal) that operates on an OS (Operating System) such as Windows (registered trademark), Mac (registered trademark), and Android (registered trademark).

  In the following description, a case is described in which settings relating to the functions of the image forming apparatus 10 are performed using a setting screen (referred to as a print setting screen in the present embodiment) displayed by a printer driver operating on the computer device 20. However, the image forming apparatus 10 functions as a Web server, the computer apparatus 20 functions as a Web client, the Web screen provided by the image forming apparatus 10 is displayed on the Web browser of the computer apparatus 20, and the Web screen is used. The setting control method of the present invention can be applied in the same manner when performing settings related to the functions of the image forming apparatus 10. Further, it is displayed on a print setting screen displayed on a control device such as a printer controller or RIP (Raster Image Processing) controller that controls the plurality of image forming apparatuses 10 or on an operation panel (touch panel) provided in the image forming apparatus 10. The setting control method of the present invention can be similarly applied to the case where the setting relating to the function of the image forming apparatus 10 is performed using the print setting screen. Hereinafter, the configuration of the computer apparatus 20 will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the computer device 20 according to the present exemplary embodiment includes a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, a communication I / F unit 23, a display unit 24, an operation unit 25, and the like.

  The control unit 21 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 21a and a memory such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) 21b and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 21c. The CPU 21 a reads a program for controlling the operation of the computer device 20, an OS, an application, a printer driver for controlling the image forming apparatus 10, etc. from the ROM 21 b or the storage unit 22, expands it in the RAM 21 c, and executes it.

  The storage unit 22 is configured by an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or the like, and stores programs, document data, print data, and the like.

  The communication I / F unit 23 includes a NIC (Network Interface Card), a modem, and the like, and performs data communication with the image forming apparatus 10 via a wireless network or a wired network.

  The display unit 24 includes an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or the like, and displays an application screen, a printer driver print setting screen, and the like.

  The operation unit 25 includes a mouse, a keyboard, a touch sensor formed on the display unit 24, and the like, and enables operations such as document creation and settings related to functions of the image forming apparatus 10.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating functions realized by the printer driver. The printer driver is software that operates on the OS of the computer device 20, can be set to use the functions installed in the image forming apparatus 10, creates print data according to the settings, and creates image data in the image forming apparatus 10. Can be sent to. This printer driver causes the control unit 21 of the computer device 20 to function as the print function setting unit 30, the print data generation unit 40, and the like.

  The print function setting unit 30 has a print setting screen (GUI: Graphical User Interface) for the user to set a desired function of the image forming apparatus 10. The print setting screen includes a fixed tab screen (first display area) on which setting items related to all functions provided in the image forming apparatus 10 are displayed, and an editable tab screen on which setting items selected by the user are displayed. (Second display area) and the setting information set on the screen of each tab is passed to the print data generation unit 40. Specifically, the print function setting unit 30 includes a fixed tab display control unit 31, a setting information holding unit 32, an editable tab display control unit 33, a quick setting information holding unit 34, a quick setting editing unit 35, and the like. .

  The fixed tab display control unit 31 reads the setting information (setting values of each setting item) from the setting information holding unit 32, and sets the setting information (setting values such as radio buttons and check boxes) in the screen of the fixed tab. Setting items that can be selected or entered from the choices are displayed. When the setting is changed in the setting control, the changed setting information is transferred to the setting information holding unit 32.

  The setting information holding unit 32 stores the setting information set on the fixed tab or editable tab screen in the memory, the storage unit 22, or the like. Also, when displaying the screen of each tab, the setting information is read from the memory, the storage unit 22, etc., and transferred to the fixed tab display control unit 31 or the editable tab display control unit 33.

  The editable tab display control unit 33 reads the setting information from the setting information holding unit 32 and the quick setting information (combination of setting items selected by the user) from the quick setting information holding unit 34, and considers the setting information. , The setting control is displayed in the control layout area (first part) in the editable tab screen in the same display form as the fixed tab, and the quick setting selection area (second part) in the editable tab screen is quick. The setting control (image in which the setting state of the setting item selected by the user is iconified) is displayed. When the quick setting control is selected and the setting is changed, the changed setting information is transferred to the setting information holding unit 32.

  The quick setting information holding unit 34 holds the quick setting information set by the user in the memory or the storage unit 22. Further, when displaying the editable tab screen, the quick setting information is read from the memory, the storage unit 22, and the like, and is passed to the editable tab display control unit 33.

  The quick setting editing unit 35 edits the quick setting information using information such as the ID, name, and setting value of the quick setting control. Also, a GUI screen (a quick setting edit dialog described later) for the user to edit the quick setting information is displayed.

  The print data generation unit 40 generates print data in a format that can be processed by the image forming apparatus 10 based on document data created by an application installed on the OS. Further, according to the setting of the printing function setting unit 30, data editing and instruction contents to the image forming apparatus 10 are determined.

  In this embodiment, there are a screen on which setting items related to all functions provided in the image forming apparatus 10 are displayed as setting controls, and a screen on which setting items selected by the user are displayed as setting controls and quick setting controls. The means for specifying each screen is not limited to tabs. For example, an icon corresponding to each screen is displayed and a desired screen is displayed by clicking the icon. You may be made to do. In this embodiment, each screen is switched by a tab, but each screen is displayed independently (that is, each screen is displayed in a separate window). Good.

  Next, processing of the printer driver configured as described above will be described. The CPU 21a included in the control unit 21 executes processing of each step shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 4 to 6 based on the printer driver stored in the ROM 21b or the storage unit 22.

  In the following description, it is assumed that the user has set each setting item of the fixed tab, and the setting information is held in the setting information holding unit 32. In addition, the user selects a setting item to be displayed in the control arrangement area of the editable tab and a setting item to be displayed in the quick setting selection area from the setting items of the fixed tab, and the setting information is the setting information. Assume that the data is held in the holding unit 32 and the quick setting information holding unit 34. In addition, regarding the display of editable tabs, either the automatic mode that automatically sets the display size ratio between the control arrangement area and the quick setting selection area, or the designation mode that the user specifies the display size ratio is selected. It shall be.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the print function setting unit 30 executes print function setting processing in accordance with a user operation, and performs desired print settings (S100). Details of this processing will be described later. Next, the print data generation unit 40 monitors a print request from the application (S200), and when there is a print request from the application, executes a print data generation process and generates print data based on the print settings (S300). ).

  FIG. 5 shows details of the print function setting process in S100 of FIG. First, the print function setting unit 30 (fixed tab display control unit 31) acquires setting information from the setting information holding unit 32, and displays a fixed tab based on the setting information (S110). Next, the print function setting unit 30 (editable tab display control unit 33) determines whether there is an editable tab (S120). If there is an editable tab, the print function and edit settings related to the editable tab are displayed. Display processing is performed (S130).

  FIG. 6 shows details of the editable tab display control processing in S130 of FIG. First, the print function setting unit 30 (editable tab display control unit 33) determines whether an automatic mode or a designated mode is currently selected for displaying editable tabs (S131), and is designated. The ratio of the display sizes of the quick setting selection area and the control arrangement area (that is, the number of stages in each area) is determined in accordance with the selected mode (S132).

  Next, the print function setting unit 30 (editable tab display control unit 33) acquires the quick setting information from the quick setting information holding unit 34, and selects the quick setting that matches the predetermined number of stages based on the quick setting information. An area display process is performed (S133). Although details will be described later, in this step, processing for hiding the icons that are prohibited or overlapped / included with respect to the current setting is also performed. Next, the print function setting unit 30 (editable tab display control unit 33) acquires the setting information from the setting information holding unit 32, and based on the setting information, displays the control arrangement area that matches the predetermined number of steps. (S134).

  Thereafter, the printing function setting unit 30 (quick setting editing unit 35) performs registration / editing processing of setting items arranged in the quick setting selection area as necessary (S135). Although details will be described later, in this step, the setting items included in the “Quick Settings” to be registered are automatically added to the control placement area when registering Quick Settings using the setting items provided in the Quick Settings Edit dialog. You can specify whether or not to do. Next, the printing function setting unit 30 (quick setting editing unit 35) performs registration / editing processing of setting items arranged in the control arrangement area as necessary (S136). Here, after performing the display processing of the quick setting selection area and the control arrangement area, the registration / editing processing of the setting items arranged in each area is executed, but this processing is executed for the display processing of each area. can do.

  Hereinafter, the print setting screen displayed on the display unit 24 by the printer driver will be specifically described with reference to the drawings while being associated with each step of the flowcharts of FIGS. 4 to 6. The user can access the print setting screen of the printer driver by opening the print setting from the printer properties from the application print menu or the system “printer and FAX” (name varies depending on the OS).

  As shown in FIG. 5, first, a fixed tab display control process is executed (S110), and a fixed tab is displayed. Fixed tabs include, for example, the “Basic settings” tab, “Layout” tab, “Finish” tab, “Cover sheet / insert sheet” tab, “Stamp / page print” tab, “Image quality” tab, “Other” tab, etc. This refers to a tab that cannot be edited by the user (such as changing the arrangement of setting items). An example of the “others” tab in the fixed tabs is shown in FIG. In the “Others” tab, it is possible to set whether to display the My tab, and by checking the check box of the setting item “Display My Tab”, an editable tab called “My Tab” is displayed. be able to.

  FIG. 8 shows an example in which “My Tab” is set not to be displayed. In this case, the tab is configured with the “basic setting” tab, which is a fixed tab, at the top (leftmost). In addition, when the “My tab” is set not to be displayed, it is not necessary to configure the screen with a size in consideration of icons arranged in the quick setting selection area in the editable tab, so the dialog size itself is also reduced. be able to.

  On the other hand, if an editable tab exists in S120 of FIG. 5, editable tab display control processing is executed (S130), and the editable tab is displayed. Here, in the conventional My tab, only the setting items selected from the setting items displayed on the fixed tab are displayed. In the present embodiment, the setting items displayed on the fixed tab are selected. The selected setting item is displayed in the control arrangement area, and an icon for performing quick setting is displayed in the quick setting selection area.

  An example of the editable tab of this embodiment is shown in FIG. In this embodiment, the upper part of the screen is a quick setting selection area 50 in which icons 50a for performing quick settings (here, “2 in 1”, “both sides”, “watermark”, and “grayscale”) are displayed, and the lower part of the screen is This is a control arrangement area 51 in which setting items selected from the fixed tab (here, “original orientation”, “original size”, “paper size”, and “number of copies”) are displayed. The left side of the screen is a paper preview area 52 in which an image (paper preview) reflecting the setting items is displayed as necessary. A check box 53 for setting whether or not to automatically adjust the ratio of the display size of the quick setting selection area 50 and the control arrangement area 51 (automatic mode or designation mode) is provided below the control arrangement area 51. And a slider control 54 for manually adjusting the ratio of the display size of the quick setting selection area 50 and the control arrangement area 51 when the check box 53 is not checked (when the automatic mode is not set).

  With respect to the display size ratio, if the concept of the number of virtual stages based on the size of the icon 50a displayed in the quick setting selection area 50 is used, in FIG. 9, as a default, the quick setting selection area has two stages. The control arrangement area is in a state of one stage. In this example, in both the quick setting selection area 50 and the control arrangement area 51, the number of icons 50a and setting controls are within the respective areas. However, if the number exceeds the area, the right side of each area A scroll bar is added, and by scrolling the bar, a desired icon 50a and setting control can be accessed.

  This editable tab display process will be described in more detail. In S131 of FIG. 6, a mode determination process is executed to check whether “automatic” or “designated” mode is designated. Then, according to the current mode, the sizes (number of steps) of the quick setting selection area 50 and the control arrangement area 51 are determined (S132).

In the “designation” mode (when the check box 53 is not checked), the current value of the slider control 54 is acquired, and the number of stages of the quick setting selection area 50 and the control arrangement area 51 is uniquely determined. In this embodiment, for example,
(1) “Quick setting selection area” 3 steps, “Control arrangement area” zero,
(2) “Quick setting selection area” 2 rows, “Control arrangement area” 1 row,
(3) “Quick setting selection area” 1 step, “Control arrangement area” 2 steps,
(4) “Quick setting selection area” can be set to zero and “control arrangement area” in three stages.

  In the “automatic” mode (when the check box 53 is checked), first, a value obtained by subtracting the number of quick settings to be hidden (details will be described later) from the total number of currently registered quick settings. Is calculated and converted into icon display (in this embodiment, four icons per stage), the number of stages (total number of quick stages) is calculated. Subsequently, the number of steps corresponding to the size required to display all setting items arranged in the control arrangement area 51 is calculated (total number of control stages). Information about which controls are arranged in which order in which order is left and right is separately stored in the quick setting information holding unit 34, and the size of each control is also separately provided in the form of a resource file or the like. Since it is defined, it is possible to calculate how many steps it will take by using those data. Then, the values of the quick total step number and the control total step number are compared and judged, and the step number of the quick setting selection area 50 and the control arrangement area 51 is set.

In this example,
(1) When “Total number of quick steps” is zero and “Total number of control steps” is zero,
"Quick setting selection area" zero, "Control placement area" zero (both areas blank),
(2) When “Quick total number of steps” is zero and “Total number of control steps” is 1 or more,
“Quick setting selection area” zero, “Control arrangement area” 3 steps,
(3) If the “total number of quick steps” is 1 or more and the “total number of control steps” is zero,
"Quick setting selection area" 3 steps, "Control arrangement area" zero,
(4) When the “total number of quick steps” is 1 and the “total number of control steps” is 2 or more,
"Quick setting selection area" 1 step, "Control arrangement area" 2 steps,
(5) When “Quick total number of steps” is 1 or more and “Total number of control steps” is 1,
"Quick setting selection area" 2 steps, "Control arrangement area" 1 row,
(6) If the above conditions are not met,
The number of stages of the quick setting selection area 50 and the control arrangement area 51 is determined such as two stages of “quick setting selection area” and one stage of “control arrangement area”.

  Next, a quick setting selection area display process is executed (S133), and a control arrangement area display process is executed (S134). Since the number of stages of the quick setting selection area 50 and the control arrangement area 51 has already been determined in the display area determination process of S132, the quick setting selection area 50 and the control arrangement area 51 are configured with a predetermined number of stages.

  Hereinafter, an example in which the quick setting selection area 50 and the control arrangement area 51 are displayed in association with each other will be described. For example, when drawing the icon 50a in the quick setting selection area 50, not all of the registered icons 50a are simply displayed, but a setting that is prohibited by referring to a table stored in the printer driver. The item is determined, and the icon 50a that is prohibited (or duplicated in content) with respect to the current setting is not displayed.

  For example, when the setting value of the document size (paper size) (default value when the dialog is opened for the first time) is “A4”, “A4” and “double-sided” are not prohibited. A “double-sided” icon is displayed in the selection area 50. Here, as shown in FIG. 10, when the user changes the value of “original size” arranged in the control arrangement area 51 from “A4” to “envelope length No. 4” (see the shaded portion in the figure). Since “envelope long 4” and “both sides” are prohibited, the “both sides” icon in the quick setting selection area 50 is not displayed. That is, in this case, three icons 50a of “2 in 1”, “watermark”, and “grayscale” are displayed in the quick setting selection area 50.

  In addition, since Quick Setting can register a combination of multiple setting items, the Quick Setting icon consisting of multiple setting items is checked one by one, and even one prohibited setting item is included. If so, it is determined as an icon to be hidden at that time.

  As an example in which the overlapping icon 50a is not displayed, “print type” is added to the control arrangement area 51 in the state of FIG. 9, and the user changes the setting value of “print type” to “double-sided”. Consider the case. In this case, since the current setting is “double-sided”, as shown in FIG. 11, the “double-sided” icon in the quick setting selection area 50 overlapping in contents is not displayed. That is, in this case, three icons 50a of “2 in 1”, “watermark”, and “grayscale” are displayed in the quick setting selection area 50.

  Here, when the setting of the icon 50a in the quick setting selection area 50 and the setting value of the setting item in the control arrangement area 51 overlap, the setting item in the control arrangement area 51 is given priority and the quick setting selection is performed. Although the icon 50a in the area 50 is not displayed, the setting of the icon 50a is not reflected when the icon 50a in the quick setting selection area 50 is not selected, so that the icon 50a can be kept displayed.

  For example, when the “double-sided” icon is displayed in the quick setting selection area 50 and the “print type” setting in the control arrangement area 51 is “single-sided”, the “double-sided” icon is selected in the quick setting selection area 50. Otherwise, the settings do not overlap, so that the “double-sided” icon in the quick setting selection area 50 can remain displayed as shown in FIG. On the other hand, when the “double-sided” icon in the quick setting selection area 50 is selected, the settings are duplicated, so the “double-sided” icon in the quick setting selection area 50 is turned off as shown in FIG. The setting of “print type” in area 51 may be changed to “double-sided”. In the state of FIG. 12B, when the user changes the setting of “print type” in the control arrangement area 51 to “single side”, the state returns to the state of FIG. A “double-sided” icon may be displayed on the screen.

  Further, as a method for setting double-sided printing, as shown in FIG. 11, the “print type” setting in the control arrangement area 51 is set to “double-sided”, and the “double-sided” icon in the quick setting selection area 50 is selected. Depending on the area, the “print type” setting in the control arrangement area 51 may be changed to “double-sided”. Depending on which area is set by operating, the “print type” in the control arrangement area 51 may be changed. The display form may be changed. For example, when the setting of “print type” in the control arrangement area 51 is set to “double-sided”, the “print type” field in the control arrangement area 51 has a normal display form as shown in FIG. If the “print type” setting in the control arrangement area 51 is changed to “double-sided” by selecting the “double-sided” icon in the quick setting selection area 50, the “print type” in the control arrangement area 51 is changed. May be displayed in a display form different from the normal display form (for example, a color is added to the “print type” field).

  11 and 12 show the case where the display form of the icon 50a of the quick setting selection area 50 is changed according to the setting item arranged in the control arrangement area 51, the icon of the quick setting selection area 50 is shown. The display form of 50a changes in the same manner when moving to each fixed tab and changing various settings. In addition, when a plurality of icons 50a related to each other are registered in the quick setting selection area 50, when the setting is changed by operating any of the icons 50a, the display form of the other icons 50a changes in the same manner. To do.

  For example, when icons 50a such as “A5” and “A5 triple” are registered in the quick setting selection area 50, if the current setting of “original size” in the control arrangement area 51 is “A4”, both icons Are also displayed. However, when the setting is changed by clicking the “A5 3 copy” icon, the “original size” setting in the control arrangement area 51 is changed to “A5” and the “number of copies” is changed to “3”, and the control arrangement area 51 is changed. The icon of “A5” is not displayed because it is included in the current setting (“A5 3 parts”).

  The registration / editing process (S135) of the icon 50a arranged in the quick setting selection area 50 can be performed by using “edit quick setting” arranged below the control arrangement area 51. FIG. 14 shows an example of an edit dialog screen for quick settings. Click the option button provided in this edit dialog screen, select the item you want to call, and click the import button to display it in the quick setting list. From the quick setting list, select the desired setting item. By selecting, the setting item icon 50 a can be displayed in the quick setting selection area 50.

  In addition, for the registration / editing process (S136) of the setting items arranged in the control arrangement area 51, the “Register My Tab” button arranged below the control arrangement area 51 is clicked and registered in the My tab. By selecting the desired setting item, the desired setting item can be displayed in the control arrangement area 51. In addition, when the “automatically add to My tab” check box provided in the edit dialog screen of FIG. 14 is checked, the setting items included in the “quick setting” to be registered are registered at the time of quick setting registration. It can also be automatically added to the control arrangement area 51. For example, when registering the state where “Copy Protect” of the “Copy Security” function in the “Stamp / Page Print” tab is applied to the quick setting, check the “Auto add to My tab” checkbox. The setting item of “copy security” is automatically arranged in the control arrangement area 51.

  FIG. 15 shows the situation at this time. It can be seen that the setting item of “copy security” is arranged in the control arrangement area 51 and “copy protection” is selected as the setting value. Note that when performing this registration work, the “copy protection” function “copy protection” has already been applied, so the “copy protection” icon that overlaps the current setting in the quick setting selection area 50 is displayed. Hide. At this time, by deselecting the check box of “Copy Security” in the control arrangement area 51, the “Copy Security” function returns to the default state. In this state, “Copy Protection” can be set. As shown in FIG. 16, a “copy protect” icon 50 a is displayed in the quick setting selection area 50.

  In addition, by checking the “automatically add to My tab” check box, the operation for returning to the previous state can be simplified. For example, if you want to return to the previous state, you can return to the previous state with the `` Return to Previous '' button below the editable tab. It is necessary to move to each fixed tab and change the value of the corresponding setting item, or manually arrange the corresponding setting item in the control arrangement area 51 in advance and change the value. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, by using the “automatically add to My tab” function, the setting items necessary for returning to the default exist in the control arrangement area 51 without being aware of it. There is no need to change the value of the setting item by moving between them, and the operability can be greatly improved. In addition, since Quick Setting is a function that is applied differentially, you can operate the desired Quick Setting icon after returning all settings to their default values using the “Return to Standard” button below the editable tab. Can be used in the same way as conventional favorites.

  In the above description, the display control of the quick setting selection area 50 is mainly described. However, when the setting of the quick setting selection area 50 and the setting of the control arrangement area 51 are prohibited or the contents overlap, the quick setting selection area 50 The display state of the control arrangement area 51 can be changed by giving priority to the display of 50. For example, when the setting of the quick setting selection area 50 and the setting of the control arrangement area 51 are prohibited or overlapped, the setting items of the control arrangement area 51 are hidden, the setting items are grayed out and cannot be selected, or prohibited. Can be added, or a setting change permission message for releasing the prohibition can be output.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and the configuration of the computer device 20, the function of the printer driver, the processing content, and the like can be changed as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

  For example, in the above embodiment, the case where the function setting of the image forming apparatus 10 is set using the setting screen displayed by the printer driver has been described. However, the function is set using the Web screen provided by the image forming apparatus 10. Or a function is set using a setting screen displayed on a control device such as a print controller or a RIP controller, or a function is set using a setting screen displayed on the operation panel of the image forming apparatus 10. In contrast, the setting control method of the present invention can be similarly applied.

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus or a computer apparatus or control apparatus that instructs printing to the image forming apparatus, a setting control program that operates in these apparatuses, a storage medium that stores the setting control program, and a setting control method in these apparatuses. Is available.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Image forming apparatus 20 Computer apparatus 21 Control part 21a CPU
21b ROM
21c RAM
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 22 Memory | storage part 23 Communication I / F part 24 Display part 25 Operation part 30 Print function setting part 31 Fixed tab display control part 32 Setting information holding part 33 Editable tab display control part 34 Quick setting information holding part 35 Quick setting editing part 40 Print data generation unit 50 Quick setting selection area 50a Icon 51 Control arrangement area 52 Paper preview area 53 Check box 54 Slider control

Claims (19)

A setting control program comprising a display unit for displaying a setting screen and operating on an apparatus that instructs the image forming apparatus to perform processing according to the setting on the setting screen;
Said device,
A function setting unit that displays a plurality of setting items related to the function of the image forming apparatus on the setting screen in a settable manner;
Function as a data generation unit that generates instruction data based on setting values of the plurality of setting items,
The function setting unit
A first display control unit for displaying the plurality of setting items in a first display area of the setting screen;
A second display control unit for displaying a setting item selected from the plurality of setting items in a second display area of the setting screen;
The second display control unit is configured to display the second display area so that one or more first setting items selected from the plurality of setting items can be set, and the plurality of settings. A second part displaying selectable icons indicating set values of one or a plurality of second setting items selected from the items, and setting one of the first part and the second part According to the setting operation of the item, the display state of the other setting item is changed .
In the case where the first setting item and the second setting item conflict or overlap, the second display control unit is set with the conflicting or overlapping setting item among the first setting items. In the case, the icon corresponding to the conflicting or overlapping setting item in the second setting item is hidden .
A setting control program characterized by that. A setting control program comprising a display unit for displaying a setting screen and operating on an apparatus that instructs the image forming apparatus to perform processing according to the setting on the setting screen;
Said device,
A function setting unit that displays a plurality of setting items related to the function of the image forming apparatus on the setting screen in a settable manner;
Function as a data generation unit that generates instruction data based on setting values of the plurality of setting items,
The function setting unit
A first display control unit for displaying the plurality of setting items in a first display area of the setting screen;
A second display control unit for displaying a setting item selected from the plurality of setting items in a second display area of the setting screen;
The second display control unit is configured to display the second display area so that one or more first setting items selected from the plurality of setting items can be set, and the plurality of settings. A second part displaying selectable icons indicating set values of one or a plurality of second setting items selected from the items, and setting one of the first part and the second part According to the setting operation of the item, the display state of the other setting item is changed.
When the first setting item and the second setting item overlap, and the setting value of the overlapping setting item is different, the second display control unit overlaps the second setting item. When the icon corresponding to the setting item is selected, the icon is hidden, and the setting value of the overlapping setting item in the first setting item is changed to the setting value specified by the icon.
A setting control program characterized by that . The second display control unit displays the icon again when the setting value of the overlapping setting item in the first setting item is returned to the original setting value.
The setting control program according to claim 2. When the setting value of the first setting item is selected by the user, and when the icon corresponding to the second setting item is selected, the second display control unit selects the first setting item. When the setting value is changed, the display form of the first setting item is changed.
The setting control program according to claim 2 or 3 , characterized in that . The function setting unit includes a setting editing unit for setting the second setting item to be displayed in the second part,
When the second setting item is set, the setting editing unit adds the setting item to the first setting item displayed in the first part.
The setting control program according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein The second display control unit enables changing a display size ratio of the first part and the second part in the second display area;
The setting control program according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein The second display control unit determines the display size ratio according to the number of the first setting items displayed in the first part or the number of the icons displayed in the second part. To
The setting control program according to claim 6 . The first display area and the second display area are areas designated by tabs.
The setting control program according to any one of claims 1 to 7,   A setting control method in an apparatus that includes a display unit that displays a setting screen and instructs the image forming apparatus to perform processing according to the setting in the setting screen,
  A first display process for displaying a plurality of setting items related to the function of the image forming apparatus in a first display area of the setting screen;
  A second display process for displaying a setting item selected from the plurality of setting items in a second display area of the setting screen;
  A data generation process for generating instruction data based on setting values of the plurality of setting items,
  In the second display process, the first display for displaying the second display area so that one or a plurality of first setting items selected from the plurality of setting items can be set, and the plurality of setting items Divided into a second part that selectively displays an icon indicating a setting value of one or a plurality of second setting items selected from among the first setting item and one setting item of the first part and the second part The display state of the other setting item is changed according to the setting operation.
  In the second display process, when the first setting item and the second setting item conflict or overlap, the conflict or overlapping setting item of the first setting items is set. In addition, the icon corresponding to the conflicting or overlapping setting item in the second setting item is hidden.
  The setting control method characterized by the above-mentioned.   A setting control method in an apparatus that includes a display unit that displays a setting screen and instructs the image forming apparatus to perform processing according to the setting in the setting screen,
  A first display process for displaying a plurality of setting items related to the function of the image forming apparatus in a first display area of the setting screen;
  A second display process for displaying a setting item selected from the plurality of setting items in a second display area of the setting screen;
  A data generation process for generating instruction data based on setting values of the plurality of setting items,
  In the second display process, the first display for displaying the second display area so that one or a plurality of first setting items selected from the plurality of setting items can be set, and the plurality of setting items Divided into a second part that selectively displays an icon indicating a setting value of one or a plurality of second setting items selected from among the first setting item and one setting item of the first part and the second part The display state of the other setting item is changed according to the setting operation.
  In the second display process, when the first setting item and the second setting item overlap, and the setting value of the overlapping setting item is different, the overlapping setting of the second setting items When the icon corresponding to the item is selected, the icon is hidden, and the setting value of the overlapping setting item in the first setting item is changed to the setting value specified by the icon.
  The setting control method characterized by the above-mentioned. In the second display process, when the setting value of the overlapping setting item in the first setting item is returned to the original setting value, the icon is displayed again.
The setting control method according to claim 10 . In the second display process, when the setting value of the first setting item is selected by the user, and when the icon corresponding to the second setting item is selected, the setting of the first setting item is performed. When the value is changed, the display form of the first setting item is changed.
The setting control method according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that : Furthermore, a setting editing process for setting the second setting item displayed in the second part is executed,
In the setting editing process, when the second setting item is set, the setting item is added to the first setting item displayed in the first part.
The setting control method according to any one of claims 9 to 12 . In the second display process, the ratio of the display sizes of the first part and the second part in the second display area can be changed.
The setting control method according to any one of claims 9 to 13 . In the second display process, the display size ratio is determined according to the number of the first setting items displayed in the first part or the number of the icons displayed in the second part. ,
The setting control method according to claim 14. The first display area and the second display area are areas designated by tabs.
The setting control method according to any one of claims 9 to 15 .   A setting control device comprising a display unit for displaying a setting screen, and instructing the image forming apparatus to perform processing according to the setting on the setting screen,
  A control unit that instructs the image forming apparatus to perform processing;
  A function setting unit configured to display a plurality of setting items related to the function of the image forming apparatus on the setting screen;
  A data generation unit that generates instruction data based on setting values of the plurality of setting items,
  The function setting unit
  A first display control unit for displaying the plurality of setting items in a first display area of the setting screen;
  A second display control unit for displaying a setting item selected from the plurality of setting items in a second display area of the setting screen;
  The second display control unit is configured to display the second display area so that one or more first setting items selected from the plurality of setting items can be set, and the plurality of settings. A second part displaying selectable icons indicating set values of one or a plurality of second setting items selected from the items, and setting one of the first part and the second part According to the setting operation of the item, the display state of the other setting item is changed.
  In the case where the first setting item and the second setting item conflict or overlap, the second display control unit is set with the conflicting or overlapping setting item among the first setting items. In the case, the icon corresponding to the conflicting or overlapping setting item in the second setting item is hidden.
  A setting control device.   A setting control device comprising a display unit for displaying a setting screen, and instructing the image forming apparatus to perform processing according to the setting on the setting screen,
  A control unit that instructs the image forming apparatus to perform processing;
  A function setting unit configured to display a plurality of setting items related to the function of the image forming apparatus on the setting screen;
  A data generation unit that generates instruction data based on setting values of the plurality of setting items,
  The function setting unit
  A first display control unit for displaying the plurality of setting items in a first display area of the setting screen;
  A second display control unit for displaying a setting item selected from the plurality of setting items in a second display area of the setting screen;
  The second display control unit is configured to display the second display area so that one or more first setting items selected from the plurality of setting items can be set, and the plurality of settings. A second part displaying selectable icons indicating set values of one or a plurality of second setting items selected from the items, and setting one of the first part and the second part According to the setting operation of the item, the display state of the other setting item is changed.
  When the first setting item and the second setting item overlap, and the setting value of the overlapping setting item is different, the second display control unit overlaps the second setting item. When the icon corresponding to the setting item is selected, the icon is hidden, and the setting value of the overlapping setting item in the first setting item is changed to the setting value specified by the icon.
  A setting control device.   The first display area and the second display area are areas designated by tabs.
  The setting control apparatus according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that:

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