JP6497574B2 - Printing instruction apparatus and printer driver - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a print instruction apparatus that instructs a printing apparatus to perform printing, and a printer driver that operates on the print instruction apparatus.

  When instructing printing to a printing device such as a printer or a multi-function peripheral (MFP), after creating a document using an application installed in a computer device, the document data is used to control the printing device. Is converted into print data in a page description language (PDL) format using the software (printer driver) and sent to the printing apparatus. The printing apparatus analyzes the print data and generates intermediate data. A bitmap format image is formed, and the image is transferred to paper and output.

  In the above printing, reduction of printing cost has been screamed in recent years, and it is attempted to reduce consumables such as paper and toner by using monochrome printing or duplex printing. However, many current printer drivers do not always meet the user's request because single-sided printing has a default setting or color printer drivers have a default setting for color printing.

  In such a case, the user changes the default setting by operating the UI (User Interface) screen of the printer driver. However, the IT manager of a company that manages a plurality of printing apparatuses, Since the setting of the minute has to be changed, it is a big burden. Against this background, various methods have been proposed for reflecting the settings of a certain printer driver in other printer drivers.

  For example, in the following Patent Document 1, the computer is displayed on the display unit by the at least one device driver with respect to at least one device driver among the plurality of device drivers to be changed stored in the storage unit. Among the items whose settings can be changed via the setting screen, the first specification for specifying the initial value change target item and the initial value of the item, and the setting via the setting screen by a user other than the administrator For performing at least one of the second designation that designates an item that is prohibited to be changed and the third designation that designates an item that is prohibited from being displayed on the setting screen for a user other than the administrator. Display control means for displaying the designation screen on the display means, and at least one of the first designation, the second designation, and the third designation received by the receiving means Each of the settings of the plurality of device drivers based on one of them, or is referred to by a device driver when the setting screen is displayed, and for each item whose settings can be changed, its initial value, Setting information that defines whether to prohibit setting change via the setting screen and / or display on the setting screen is made to function as changing means for creating or changing each of the plurality of device drivers. A setting change program is disclosed.

  Patent Document 2 listed below includes an authentication target file that has been authenticated in advance, an authentication information file in which authentication information of the authentication target file is described, and a default setting file that defines the operation. A program for receiving authentication by comparing authentication information generated from a file to be authenticated and authentication information of the authentication information file when installed in a processing device, and predetermined by the CPU in the information processing device A data registration step for registering the setting data described in the setting file in a second storage area different from the first storage area in which the program is stored; A determination step for determining whether or not the setting data is stored in a second storage area; and determining that the setting data is stored. If it is, the program for executing a configuration reflection process step to be reflected in the operation of the program the setting data is disclosed.

JP 2011-096100 A JP 2013-190897 A

  It is possible to reflect the setting of the first printer driver in the second printer driver by using the techniques of Patent Documents 1 and 2, but the conventional technique copies the setting value itself. If the functions of the first printer for which the first printer driver issues a print instruction and the second printer for which the second printer driver issues a print instruction are different, the first printer driver setting concept (setting policy and May not be reflected in the setting of the second printer driver. For example, if a predetermined setting is made for a certain function of the first printer driver from the viewpoint of paper reduction, the setting of the second printer driver can be reduced if the second printer does not have that function. Cannot be changed to the correct setting.

  Patent Document 1 reflects the values set on the server side with Point and Print in the installation package installed on the client. Patent Document 2 stores the default definition of each function as a setting file, and the printer. Although the setting value is changed according to the setting file at the time of driver installation, these techniques also have a problem that the setting cannot be reflected on a printer driver already installed in the same computer apparatus.

  Further, Patent Document 2 has a problem that since a default definition of each function is read by a tool, a dedicated tool is necessary and lacks versatility.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and a main object thereof is to provide a print instruction apparatus and a printer driver capable of appropriately reflecting the setting of a certain printer driver in the setting of another printer driver. There is to do.

  One aspect of the present invention is a print instruction apparatus in which a plurality of printer drivers are installed, and each of the plurality of printer drivers can set items according to the function of the printing apparatus that issues a print instruction. Setting values for the items are registered in advance, and a predetermined printer driver selected from the plurality of printer drivers determines a setting policy based on the setting values of one or more items, and the determined setting The policy is stored in a predetermined storage area of the storage unit, and other printer drivers other than the predetermined printer driver can store the setting policy when the setting policy is stored in the predetermined storage area of the storage unit. The setting value of one or a plurality of items related to the item is changed according to the setting policy.

  One aspect of the present invention is a printer driver installed in a device that issues a print instruction to a printing device, and displays a print setting screen on which the items corresponding to the functions of the printing device can be set. A setting process for displaying one or a plurality of items on the display unit, determining a setting policy based on a setting value of the one or a plurality of items, and storing the determined setting policy in a predetermined storage area of the storage unit A setting policy determination process to be executed.

  One aspect of the present invention is a printer driver that is installed in a device that issues a print instruction to a printing device, and the other printer driver installed in the device is based on setting values of one or more items. When the setting policy determined in this manner is stored in a predetermined storage area of the storage unit, the setting value of one or more items related to the setting policy among the items corresponding to the function of the printing apparatus is set. A setting policy reflection process to be changed according to a policy and a display process to display a print setting screen in which the setting value has been changed are displayed on a display unit.

  According to the print instruction apparatus and the printer driver of the present invention, settings of a certain printer driver can be appropriately reflected on the settings of other printer drivers.

  The reason is that in a print instruction apparatus in which a plurality of printer drivers are installed, a predetermined printer driver determines a setting policy based on setting values of one or a plurality of items, and the determined setting policy is stored in a predetermined storage area. When the setting policy is stored in a predetermined storage area, the other printer driver specifies an item related to the setting policy, and sets the setting value of at least one of the items according to the setting policy. This is because control to change is performed.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a print instruction apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a block diagram showing an outline of functions and processing of a print instruction apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a setting policy determination process in the print instruction apparatus according to the first embodiment of the invention. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a setting policy reflection process in the print instruction apparatus according to the first embodiment of the invention. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a setting policy deletion process in the print instruction apparatus according to the first embodiment of the invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the batch setting dialog which concerns on 1st Example of this invention. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print setting screen of a representative printer driver according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the level setting dialog which concerns on 1st Example of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the message dialog based on 1st Example of this invention. It is an example of a print setting screen of the printer driver for model A according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is an example of a print setting screen of the printer driver for model B according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a setting policy determination process in a print instruction apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the batch setting dialog which concerns on 2nd Example of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the setting policy manual setting dialog which concerns on 2nd Example of this invention.

  As shown in the background art, when changing the printer driver settings (changing the setting value of the item according to the function) to reduce the printing cost, an administrator who manages multiple printers, Various settings for reflecting the setting of a certain printer driver to other printer drivers have been proposed because the setting for the number of units must be changed and the load is large. However, since the conventional technology is to copy the setting value of a certain printer driver as it is to another printer driver, if each printer driver has a different function of the printer that issues a print instruction, the setting is appropriately reflected. There is a problem that can not be.

  For example, if the print type of the first printer driver is set to duplex printing in order to reduce paper, the second printer driver for which the second printer driver issues a print instruction does not have a duplex printing function. The printer of No. 2 cannot reduce paper. In addition, when the toner save function of the first printer driver is set to ON in order to reduce toner, if the second printer for which the second printer driver issues a print instruction does not have a toner save function, the first The printer of No. 2 cannot reduce toner.

  In addition, since the conventional technology reflects the settings of other printer drivers at the time of printer installation, the settings cannot be reflected to printer drivers already installed in the same computer apparatus. Also, as in Patent Document 2, the method of reading the default definition of each function with a dedicated tool requires the preparation of a dedicated tool and lacks versatility.

  Here, the idea of paper reduction includes printing on both sides and printing multiple pages together (referred to as page assignment), and changing the setting to page assignment even for printers that do not have a double-sided printing function. By doing so, paper can be reduced. Even if there is a double-sided printing function, in addition to double-sided printing, it is possible to further reduce paper by changing the setting for page allocation. In addition, the idea of toner reduction includes turning on the toner save function and monochrome printing of color originals. Even in printers that do not have the toner save function, changing the setting to monochrome printing can reduce the toner. Can be planned. Even when there is a toner save function, it is possible to further reduce toner by changing the setting to monochrome printing in addition to toner save. That is, the same idea is applied to items that are in the first printer driver that is the setting reflection source and are not set in the second printer driver that is the setting reflection destination, or items that are not set in the first printer driver that is the setting reflection source. It is possible to realize the idea by changing the setting belonging to.

  Therefore, in the embodiment of the present invention, when changing the default settings of a plurality of printer drivers installed in the same computer apparatus, the settings of the representative printer driver are reflected on the other printer drivers as they are. Instead, the setting philosophy (setting policy) is transmitted, and the other printer driver on the setting side changes the setting to match the setting policy.

Specifically, the representative printer driver determines a setting policy based on the setting values of one or a plurality of items, determines a setting level that reflects the setting policy as necessary, and determines the determined setting policy (and (Setting level) is written in a predetermined storage area such as a registry. Then, when the setting policy (and setting level) is stored in the registry, the other printer driver identifies the item that it supports from among the items related to the setting policy, and the setting value of the identified item Change to a setting value according to the setting policy.

  As described above, according to the present invention, the setting value of the representative printer driver is not simply reflected, but the setting policy is reflected. Even if the driver does not support the function of the item, other items related to the setting policy can be set. In addition, regarding an item set in a representative printer driver, when another printer driver on the setting side supports the function of the item, it is related to the setting policy instead of the item or together with the item. Other items can be set.

  In order to describe the above-described embodiment of the present invention in more detail, a print instruction apparatus and a printer driver according to a first example of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a print instruction apparatus according to the present exemplary embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an outline of functions and processes of the print instruction apparatus. FIGS. 3 to 5 are flowcharts showing processing of the print instruction apparatus of the present embodiment, and FIGS. 6 to 11 are diagrams showing examples of screens displayed on the print instruction apparatus of the present embodiment. is there.

  The print instruction apparatus 10 of this embodiment is a computer apparatus such as a personal computer. As shown in FIG. 1, the print instruction apparatus 10 includes a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, a communication I / F unit 13, a display unit 14, an operation unit 15, and the like. Composed.

  The control unit 11 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11a and memories such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) 11b and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 11c, which are connected via a bus. The CPU 11a is a language (PCL (Printer Control Language), PS (Post Script), or the like in which a printer can interpret data of a document created by a program, an OS (Operating System), an application, or an application that controls the operation of the print instruction apparatus 10. PDL), print data is created, and a device driver (printer driver) for instructing printing is read from the ROM 11b or the storage unit 12, loaded into the RAM 11c, and executed.

  The storage unit 12 is configured by an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or the like, and information used to reflect a program for the CPU 11a to control each unit, printer driver setting information (Devmode structure or registry), and setting policy ( A table for associating a setting policy, a category, and a function), information related to the processing function of the own device, and the like are stored.

  The communication I / F unit 13 includes a NIC (Network Interface Card), a modem, and the like, establishes a connection with a device connected via the network, and executes data transmission / reception. Specifically, print data is transmitted to the printer or device information is received from the printer.

  The display unit 14 is configured by an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or the like, and displays a printer driver setting screen, a dialog for reflecting a setting policy on another printer driver, and the like. The operation unit 15 includes a keyboard, a mouse, a touch sensor formed on the display unit 14, and the like, and enables various operations for reflecting print settings and setting policies.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an outline of functions and processing of the print instruction apparatus 10. The OS 20 operating on the control unit 11 of the print instruction apparatus 10 controls a plurality of printer drivers (in this embodiment, the printer driver 23a (printer driver A) and the printer driver 23b (printer driver B)), and each printer driver. Is managed as a Devmode structure 21, and a setting policy determined by a representative printer driver (in this embodiment, printer driver A) is written in the registry 22 of another printer driver for management.

  Each printer driver 23a, 23b has a mode that operates as a representative (setting side) and a mode that operates as a setting side. The mode that operates as a representative (setting side) includes: A batch setting mode for setting a setting policy in another printer driver and a batch setting erasing mode for deleting the setting policy are provided.

  The printer drivers 23a and 23b include user interface modules 24a and 24b, setting policy processing modules 25a and 25b, and registry-related processing modules 27a and 27b.

  The user interface modules 24a and 24b cause the display unit 14 to display a print setting screen, a batch setting dialog, a message dialog, and the like which will be described later. Specifically, the printer driver 23a (printer driver A) operating in the mode operating as a representative (setting side) displays a batch setting dialog, and when the batch setting mode is selected in the batch setting dialog, The printer driver displays a print setting screen on which items corresponding to the function of the printer instructing printing are displayed. The printer driver 23b (printer driver B) operating in the mode operating as the setting side displays a print setting screen on which items corresponding to the function of the printer instructed to be printed by the printer driver are displayed. A setting value converted from the setting policy by the setting policy processing module 25b described later is displayed in an item related to the setting policy on the print setting screen.

  The setting policy processing modules 25a and 25b perform processing such as setting policy determination and conversion from setting policy to setting value. Specifically, in the printer driver 23a (printer driver A) operating in the mode operating as a representative (setting side), the setting value of each item set on the print setting screen is acquired, and one or more A process of determining the setting policy 26a based on the setting value of the item is performed. In addition, processing for determining a level (referred to as a setting level) that reflects the setting policy 26a is performed as necessary. In the printer driver 23b (printer driver B) operating in the mode operating as the setting side, the setting policy 26b (and setting level) is acquired, and one or a plurality of items (set to the setting level) related to the setting policy 26b. To the set value of the corresponding item).

  The registry-related processing modules 27a and 27b perform setting policy writing and reading processing. Specifically, in the printer driver 23a (printer driver A) operating in the mode operating as a representative (setting side), the setting policy 26a determined by the setting policy processing module 25a is stored in the registry area of another printer driver. The process of storing in 22b is performed. The printer driver 23b (printer driver B) operating in the mode operating as the setting side reads the setting policy 26b from its own registry area 22b, and performs a process of notifying the setting policy processing module 25b. In this embodiment, the registry is used as the intermediate setting area for passing the setting policy. However, the intermediate setting area is not limited to the registry, and may be a file stored in a specific area.

  Hereinafter, the operation of the print instruction apparatus 10 (printer driver) of this embodiment will be described in detail. The CPU 11a executes the processing of each step shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 3 to 5 by developing the printer driver stored in the ROM 11b or the storage unit 12 in the RAM 11c and executing it.

[Setting policy decision processing]
The setting policy determination process is executed by the printer driver 23a (printer driver A) operating as a representative (setting side).

  When the printer driver 23a is operating in the batch setting mode, the user interface module 24a displays a batch setting dialog on the display unit 14 (S101). FIG. 6 shows an example of the batch setting dialog 30. The batch setting dialog 30 includes a batch setting mode setting field 30a and a setting field 30b for writing to the registry. When the user wants to reflect the setting policy of the printer driver 23a to another printer driver, the user selects the check box in the setting column 30a, and selects “write to registry” to write the setting policy to the registry. Select "Clear Registry" to clear the configuration policy from the registry. Also, regarding writing to the registry, “Allow” is selected when writing is permitted, and “Not permitted” is selected when permission is not allowed.

  When the printer driver 23a detects that the “OK” button in the batch setting dialog 30 is pressed, the printer driver 23a determines whether the batch setting mode is set (whether the check box for the batch setting mode is checked) (S102). If the mode is not set, normal print settings are performed (S103). Specifically, the user interface module 24a displays a print setting screen on the display unit 14, and then generates print data according to the setting value of each item on the print setting screen and instructs the printer to print.

  If the batch setting mode is set, the printer driver 23a determines whether “write to registry” is selected (S104), and if “write to registry” is not selected (“registry of registry”). If “erase” is selected), a batch setting erase mode process described later is executed (S105).

  When “write to registry” is selected, the user interface module 24a displays a print setting screen on the display unit 14 (S106). FIG. 7 shows an example of the print setting screen 40. Items corresponding to the function of the printer that issues a print instruction are displayed in a plurality of tabs, and each item is set based on default settings. Then, the user selects a tab and changes the setting items displayed on each tab as necessary. Here, the color setting is changed from color to monochrome (Gray Scale) (see 40a in the figure).

  Next, the setting policy processing module 25a acquires setting values of items whose settings have been changed on the print setting screen 40 (S107). If it is desired to reflect the default setting value of the representative (setting side) printer driver 23a, it may be changed to another setting and then returned to the original setting value.

  Next, the setting policy processing module 25a determines a setting policy from the acquired setting value (S108). Specifically, each item is classified by category, and a setting policy is determined based on which category the item belongs to. For example, items such as printing type (single-sided printing / double-sided printing), page allocation (Nin1), output method (trial printing) are classified in the category of paper reduction, and if the printing type is set to "double-sided printing" When the page assignment is set to “2in1” or the like, and the output method is set to “trial print”, “paper reduction” is determined as the setting policy. Also, items such as color settings (color printing / monochrome printing) and toner save (on / off) are categorized in the toner reduction category. When the color setting is set to "monochrome printing", toner save is turned on. When “” is set, “toner reduction” is determined as the setting policy. Also, items such as output method (security printing) and authentication (user authentication) are categorized in the security category. When the output method is set to "security printing", when authentication is set to "user authentication" , “Security” is determined as the setting policy.

  The relationship between each item, category, and setting policy is an example, and can be changed as appropriate. For example, each item does not need to belong to one category, and may belong to a plurality of categories (paper reduction category and security category) as in the output method, or does not belong to any category. There may be items.

  Next, the setting policy processing module 25a determines the setting level of the setting policy as necessary. Specifically, the setting level is determined according to which item among the items belonging to the category corresponding to each setting policy is set, how many items are set, and the like. For example, when a large number of items (for example, two or more of the three setting items in the paper reduction category) among the items belonging to each category are set, the setting level is set to a relatively large value, and a small number of items are set. When an item (for example, one of three setting items) is set, the setting level is set to a relatively small value.

  The setting level of this setting policy may be automatically determined by the setting policy processing module 25a or may be determined by the user. When making the user decide, the user interface module 24a displays a level setting dialog on the display unit 14 (S109). FIG. 8 shows an example of the level setting dialog 31. The level setting dialog 31 displays the determined setting policy. For each setting policy, it is prohibited to change the setting based on the setting policy. A function restriction setting column 31a for selecting whether or not to restrict the function when a combination that cannot be performed occurs, and a setting column 31b for selecting the setting level of the setting policy are provided. When a prohibition occurs (for example, when punching is set on the short side of A4 paper and the page assignment is set to 2 in 1), the user restricts the function (performs page assignment). Check box in the function restriction setting field 31a, and select a desired setting level in the level setting field 31b.

  Next, the user interface module 24a causes the display unit 14 to display a message dialog for confirming with the user the setting policy and setting level determined by the setting policy processing module 25a (S110). FIG. 9 shows an example of the message dialog 50. The message dialog 50 includes a setting policy display field 50a determined by the setting policy processing module 25a, a setting level display field 50b determined by the setting policy processing module or the user, and a user. Includes a function restriction display column 50c determined by.

  When the user selects “Yes” in the message dialog 50, the registry-related processing module 27a obtains a list of printer drivers installed in the print instruction apparatus 10 (S111), from which the processing of the present invention is performed. Printer drivers that can be used (for example, printer drivers manufactured in-house) are set as batch reflection targets (S112). Next, the registry-related processing module 27a determines whether writing to the registry is set to “permitted” (whether a write permission flag is set) in the batch setting dialog 30 (S113). Is set in the registry area of the other printer driver (S114). If it is not set to “Allow”, the process is terminated without writing to the registry.

[Setting policy setting reflection processing]
The setting policy setting reflection process is executed by the printer driver 23b (printer driver B) operating as the setting side.

  First, the user interface module 24b displays a print setting screen on the display unit 14 (S201). Even when printing execution is instructed without displaying the print setting screen, the following setting policy reflection processing is executed.

  Next, the registry-related processing module 27b accesses its own registry area 22b and confirms whether the setting policy (setting level and function restriction as necessary) is stored (S202). If the setting policy (setting level and function restriction as required) is not stored, the process is terminated.

  On the other hand, when the setting policy (setting level and function restriction as required) is stored, the registry-related processing module 27b acquires the setting policy (setting level and function restriction as required) from the registry area 22b. (S203) The setting policy processing module 25b determines a setting value to be displayed as a default according to a predetermined rule based on the acquired setting policy (setting level and function restriction as required) (S204). Thereafter, the user interface module 24b reflects the determined setting value on the print setting screen, and stores the setting value in the Devmode structure 21b.

  Hereinafter, the process of determining the setting value based on the setting policy and the setting level will be described with a specific example. Table 1 is a table showing the relationship between the setting policy, the level, and the print setting candidate.

  In Table 1, paper reduction, toner reduction, and security are set as setting policies. Regarding paper reduction, if the setting level has not been determined, one of the functions that it supports from among the items belonging to the paper reduction category (in this case, print type, page assignment, and output method). Set the item (for example, set the print type to “double-sided printing”, set the page assignment to “2in1”, or set the output method to “trial printing”). When two or more functions are supported, it is preferable to reflect the setting value in the function item having a high priority. Further, when the setting level is determined, among the items defined at the setting level, the function items supported by itself are set. If all are supported, set all items. For example, in the case of level 1, the item having the highest priority among the items belonging to the paper reduction category is set (here, the print type is set to “duplex printing”). In the case of level 2, two items with high priority among the items belonging to the paper reduction category are set (here, the print type is set to “double-sided printing” and the page allocation is set to “2in1”). ) In the case of level 3, set all items belonging to the paper reduction category (here, the print type is set to “double-sided printing”, the page allocation is set to “2in1”, and the output method is set to “trial”. Set to “Print”.

  Similarly, with regard to toner reduction, if the setting level is not determined, one of the items belonging to the toner reduction category (in this case, color setting and toner save) is supported by itself. Set a function item (if more than two functions are supported, a function item with a higher priority) (for example, set the color setting to “Monochrome” or set toner save to “On”) To do. In the case of level 1, the item having the highest priority among the items belonging to the toner reduction category is set (here, the color setting is set to “monochrome”). In the case of level 2, all items belonging to the toner reduction category are set (here, the color setting is set to “monochrome” and the toner save is set to “on”).

  As for security, in the case of level 1, items belonging to the security category are set (here, the output method is set to “security printing”). In the case of level 2, the items belonging to the security category are set in detail (here, the output method is set to “security printing” and the authentication is set to “user authentication”).

  It should be noted that the table referred to when setting items related to this setting policy may be common to all printer drivers, or may be different for each printer driver reflecting the functions of the corresponding printer. Moreover, said rule is an example and this rule can be changed suitably.

  Table 2 is a table showing a result of reflecting the setting to other printer drivers (here, printer driver B and printer driver C) when the setting policy is paper reduction and the setting level is 2. When the setting level is 2 in the paper reduction setting policy, the print type is set to “Double-sided printing” and the page assignment is set to “2in1” from Table 1, but the printer driver B does not support page assignment. Only the setting for “double-sided printing” is reflected. Further, since the printer driver C does not support double-sided printing, only the setting for setting page allocation to “2 in 1” is reflected.

  10 is an example of the print setting screen 41 of the printer driver B, FIG. 11 is an example of the print setting screen 42 of the printer driver C, (a) before reflecting the setting policy, and (b) reflecting the setting policy. The later state is shown. The printer driver B has a double-sided setting function as a function that can be expected to reduce paper. In FIG. 10B, the print type is changed to “double-sided printing” (see 41a in the figure). In addition, the printer driver C has a page allocation function as a function that can be expected to reduce paper. In FIG. 11B, the page allocation is changed to “2in1” (see 42a in the figure). .

  Although not shown, for example, when the print policy is set to “double-sided printing” by the representative (setting side) printer driver 23a, double-sided printing is supported when the setting policy is determined to be paper reduction. Since the printer driver C that does not have the page allocation function as a function that can be expected to reduce paper, instead of changing the print type to “double-sided printing”, the page allocation is changed to “2in1”. be able to. A printer driver that has both a duplex setting function and a page allocation function can also change the print type to “double-sided printing”, or change the print type instead of changing the print type. In addition, the page allocation can be changed to “2in1”.

  Although not shown, when a plurality of setting policies are determined by the representative (setting side) printer driver 23a, the above-described setting policy reflection processing may be performed for each setting policy.

  As described above, the method has been described in which the representative printer driver determines the setting policy (and setting level) and the other printer drivers reflect the setting based on the setting policy (and setting level). You may want to set it up. In this case, the setting policy can be deleted according to the following procedure.

[Clear setting policy]
The setting policy deletion processing is executed by the printer driver 23a (printer driver A) operating as a representative (setting side).

  When the printer driver 23a is operating in the batch setting mode, the user interface module 24a displays the batch setting dialog shown in FIG. 6 on the display unit 14 (S301). When the user wants to delete the setting policy of the printer driver 23a, the user checks the batch setting mode check box in the setting column 30a and selects "Delete Registry".

  Then, the printer driver 23a determines whether the batch setting deletion mode has been set (“Registry deletion” has been selected) or not (S302). If the batch setting deletion mode has not been set, the normal print settings are set. It performs (S303). Specifically, the user interface module 24a displays a print setting screen on the display unit 14, and then generates print data according to the setting value of each item on the print setting screen and instructs the printer to print.

  When the batch setting deletion mode is set, the registry-related processing module 27a obtains a list of printer drivers installed in the print instruction apparatus 10 (S304), and from among them, a printer capable of processing according to the present invention. A driver (for example, a printer driver manufactured in-house) is set as a batch reflection deletion target (S305). When the pressing of the “OK” button in the batch setting dialog 30 is detected (S306), the registry-related processing module 27a determines the setting policy stored in the registry area of the printer driver to be batch reflected and erased (setting level as required). And function restrictions) are deleted (S307).

  As described above, the setting policy (and setting level) is determined based on the setting value of one or more items of the representative printer driver, and other printer drivers are set based on the setting policy (and setting level). By changing the setting of one or a plurality of items related to the policy, the setting can be appropriately reflected even when the functions provided in the printer are different. Further, by deleting the setting policy (and setting level) from the registry, each printer driver can be set individually.

  Next, a print instruction apparatus and printer driver according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating processing of the print instruction apparatus according to the present exemplary embodiment, and FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate examples of screens displayed on the print instruction apparatus according to the present exemplary embodiment.

  In the first embodiment described above, the setting policy processing module of the representative printer driver determines the setting policy based on the setting values of one or a plurality of items of the printer driver. This setting policy is determined by the user. Is also possible. In this case, the configuration of the print instruction apparatus 10 is the same as that of FIGS. 1 and 2 of the first embodiment. The module notifies the registry related module of the setting policy determined in the setting policy manual setting dialog.

  Hereinafter, the operation of the print instruction apparatus 10 (printer driver) will be described. The CPU 11a executes the process of each step shown in the flowchart of FIG. 11 by developing the printer driver stored in the ROM 11b or the storage unit 12 in the RAM 11c and executing it. Note that the setting policy reflection process and the setting policy deletion process are the same as those in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

[Setting policy decision processing]
The setting policy determination process is executed by the printer driver 23a (printer driver A) operating as a representative (setting side).

  When the printer driver 23a is operating in the batch setting mode, the user interface module 24a displays a batch setting dialog on the display unit 14 (S401). FIG. 13 shows an example of the batch setting dialog 30. The batch setting dialog 30 includes a setting field 30a for setting the setting mode and a setting field 30b for setting the setting policy in addition to the setting field 30b for writing to the registry. 30c is provided. When the user wants to reflect the setting policy of this printer driver to other printer drivers, the check box in the setting column 30a is checked, and when the setting policy is written to the registry, “write to registry” is selected and the setting policy is selected. Select "Clear Registry" to delete from the registry. Also, regarding writing to the registry, “Allow” is selected when writing is permitted, and “Not permitted” is selected when permission is not allowed. Furthermore, when setting the setting policy manually, “manual setting” in the setting column 30c is selected. If “automatic setting” is selected in the setting column 30c, the operation is the same as that of the first embodiment.

  When the printer driver 23a detects that the “OK” button in the batch setting dialog 30 is pressed, the printer driver 23a determines whether the batch setting mode is set (whether the check box for the batch setting mode is checked) (S402). If the mode is not set, normal print settings are performed (S403). Specifically, the user interface module 24a displays a print setting screen on the display unit 14, and then generates print data according to the setting value of each item on the print setting screen and instructs the printer to print.

  If the batch setting mode is set, the printer driver 23a determines whether “write to registry” is selected (S404), and if “write to registry” is not selected (“registry of registry”). If “delete” is selected), the batch setting deletion process shown in the first embodiment is executed (S405).

  When “write to registry” is selected, the user interface module 24a displays a print setting screen as shown in FIG. 7 on the display unit 14 as in the first embodiment (S406). Then, the user selects a tab and sets / changes the items displayed in each tab as necessary.

  Next, the user interface module 24a displays a setting policy manual setting dialog on the display unit 14 (S407). FIG. 14 shows an example of the setting policy manual setting dialog 32. The setting policy manual setting dialog 32 displays a list of preset setting policies (here, paper reduction, toner reduction, and security). The setting policy includes a setting field 32a for selecting a setting policy, a setting field 32b for selecting function restriction, and a setting field 32c for selecting a setting level. The user checks a check box of a setting policy to be reflected in another printer driver, sets whether to restrict the function when a prohibition occurs, and selects a setting level of the setting policy.

  Next, the user interface module 24a displays a message dialog 50 (see FIG. 9) for confirming the setting policy and setting level determined by the user on the display unit 14 as necessary (S408). When the user selects “Yes” in the message dialog 50, the registry-related processing module 27a acquires a list of drivers installed in the print instruction apparatus 10 (S409). A possible printer driver (for example, a printer driver manufactured in-house) is set as a batch reflection target (S410). Next, the registry-related processing module 27a determines whether writing to the registry is set to “permitted” (whether a write permission flag is set) in the batch setting dialog 30 (S411). Is set in the registry area of each printer driver (setting level and function restriction if necessary) (S412). If it is not set to “Allow”, the process is terminated without writing to the registry.

  As described above, even when the user determines the setting policy and the setting level, other printer drivers change the setting values of one or more items related to the setting policy based on the setting policy (and the setting level). Thus, even when the functions provided in the printer are different, the settings can be appropriately reflected.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and the configuration of the print instruction apparatus, the function of the printer driver, the setting policy determination method and the reflection method, and the like can be changed as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention. It is.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, paper reduction, toner reduction, and security are exemplified as the setting policy, but the setting policy is not limited to these. Further, the setting level of the setting policy is not limited to the description in the embodiment. Further, the relationship between the setting policy, the setting level, and the item is not limited to the description in Table 2.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where two printer drivers are installed in the print instruction apparatus 10 has been described. However, the print instruction apparatus 10 may include at least one printer driver other than the representative printer driver. That's fine.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where the setting is reflected on all printer drivers other than the representative printer driver based on the setting policy is described. However, when the printer driver is classified into a plurality of groups, The settings may be reflected based on the setting policy only for printer drivers belonging to an arbitrary group (for example, a group including a representative printer driver).

  The present invention can be used in a device that instructs a printer to print, a printer driver that operates in the device, and a recording medium that records the printer driver.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Print instruction | indication apparatus 11 Control part 11a CPU
11b ROM
11c RAM
12 storage unit 13 communication I / F unit 14 display unit 15 operation unit 20 OS
21 Devmode structure 21a, 21b Devmode area 22 Registry 22a, 22b Registry area 23a, 23b Printer driver 24a, 24b User interface module 25a, 25b Setting policy processing module 26a, 26b Setting policy 27a, 27b Registry related processing module 30 Batch setting dialog 30a, 30b, 30c Setting field 31 Level setting dialog 31a, 31b Setting field 32 Setting policy manual setting dialog 32a, 32b, 32c Setting field 40, 41, 42 Print setting screen 40a, 41a, 42a Setting item 50 Message dialog 50a, 50b 50c Display column

Claims (17)

A print instruction apparatus in which a plurality of printer drivers are installed,
Each of the plurality of printer drivers can set an item according to the function of the printing apparatus that issues a print instruction, and a setting value for each item is registered in advance.
The predetermined printer driver selected from the plurality of printer drivers is
Determining a setting policy based on a setting value of one or a plurality of items, storing the determined setting policy in a predetermined storage area of a storage unit;
Other printer drivers excluding the predetermined printer driver are:
When the setting policy is stored in the predetermined storage area of the storage unit, the setting value of one or a plurality of items related to the setting policy is changed according to the setting policy.
A printing instruction apparatus. The other printer driver is
Referring to information stored in advance that associates the setting policy with the item and the setting value of the item, the item related to the setting policy is specified, and the setting value of at least one item among the specified items Change based on the information,
The print instruction apparatus according to claim 1. The predetermined printer driver is
Furthermore, based on the setting values of the one or more items, determine a setting level indicating the degree of reflecting the setting, save the determined setting level in the predetermined storage area of the storage unit,
The other printer driver is
When the setting policy and the setting level are stored in the predetermined storage area of the storage unit, an item corresponding to the setting level is specified from items related to the setting policy, and the specified item Change the setting value of
The printing instruction apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the printing instruction apparatus is a printing instruction apparatus. The other printer driver is
When the setting policy and the setting level set in advance as an index indicating the degree of reflecting the setting are stored in the predetermined storage area of the storage unit, from among items related to the setting policy, Identifying an item according to the setting level, and changing the setting value of the identified item based on the information;
The printing instruction apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the printing instruction apparatus is a printing instruction apparatus. The one or more items that are referred to when the predetermined printer driver determines the setting policy and the one or more items that the other printer driver changes setting values based on the setting policy are: At least partly different,
The printing instruction apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the printing instruction apparatus is a printing instruction apparatus. The other printer driver is
If the item referred to when the predetermined printer driver determines the setting policy is not among the items that can be set by itself, the setting value of another item related to the setting policy is changed.
The print instruction apparatus according to claim 5. The other printer driver is
If the item that the predetermined printer driver refers to when determining the setting policy is among the items that can be set by itself, it is related to the setting policy instead of or in addition to the item. Change the settings of other items
The print instruction apparatus according to claim 5. A printer driver installed in a device that issues a print instruction to a printing device,
In the device,
A setting process for setting a one or a plurality of items by displaying on the display unit a print setting screen on which items corresponding to the functions of the printing apparatus are settable.
Determining a setting policy based on the setting values of the one or more items, and executing a setting policy determination process for storing the determined setting policy in a predetermined storage area of a storage unit;
A printer driver characterized by that. In addition to the device,
When the setting policy determined by another printer driver installed in the apparatus is stored in the predetermined storage area of the storage unit, setting values of one or a plurality of items related to the setting policy are Setting policy reflection processing to be changed according to the setting policy,
Causing the display unit to display the print setting screen in which the setting value has been changed.
The printer driver according to claim 8. In the setting policy reflection process,
Referring to information stored in advance that associates the setting policy with the item and the setting value of the item, the item related to the setting policy is specified, and the setting value of at least one item among the specified items Change based on the information,
The printer driver according to claim 9. A printer driver installed in a device that issues a print instruction to a printing device,
In the device,
When a setting policy determined by another printer driver installed in the apparatus based on the setting value of one or more items is stored in a predetermined storage area of the storage unit, the function corresponds to the function of the printing apparatus A setting policy reflection process for changing a setting value of one or a plurality of items related to the setting policy of items according to the setting policy;
Causing the display unit to display a print setting screen in which the setting value has been changed,
A printer driver characterized by that. In the setting policy reflection process,
Referring to information stored in advance that associates the setting policy with the item and the setting value of the item, the item related to the setting policy is specified, and the setting value of at least one item among the specified items Change based on the information,
The printer driver according to claim 11. When causing the device to execute the setting policy determination process,
Based on the setting values of the one or more items, determine a setting level indicating the degree to which the setting is reflected, save the determined setting level in the predetermined storage area of the storage unit,
When causing the device to execute the setting policy reflection process,
When the setting policy and the setting level determined by the other printer driver are stored in the predetermined storage area of the storage unit, an item corresponding to the setting level is selected from items related to the setting policy. Identify the item and change the setting value of the identified item based on the information,
The printer driver according to claim 10. In the setting policy reflection process,
The setting policy when the setting policy determined by the other printer driver and a setting level set in advance as an index indicating the degree of reflecting the setting are stored in the predetermined storage area of the storage unit Identifying an item according to the setting level from the items related to, and changing the setting value of the identified item based on the information,
The printer driver according to claim 10 or 12, characterized in that: The one or more items that are referred to when the other printer driver determines the setting policy and the one or more items that change the setting value based on the setting policy are at least partly. Different,
The printer driver according to claim 9, wherein the printer driver is a printer driver. In the setting policy reflection process,
When the item referred to when the other printer driver determines the setting policy is not among the items that can be set by itself, the setting value of the other item related to the setting policy is changed.
The printer driver according to claim 15. In the setting policy reflection process,
If an item that the other printer driver refers to when determining the setting policy is among the items that can be set by itself, it is related to the setting policy instead of or in addition to the item. Change the settings of other items
The printer driver according to claim 15.

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