JP6988571B2 - Printing equipment, printing control equipment and programs - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a printing apparatus such as an MFP (Multi-Functional Peripheral) and related techniques.

In the printer driver, there is a technique for collectively registering a group of setting values (combination of print attribute settings) related to multiple setting items related to print settings as "favorite settings" in advance and calling the favorite settings on the print setting screen (). See Patent Document 1 etc.).

Further, in Patent Document 1, it is described that an icon corresponding to "favorite setting" is displayed on the print setting screen. The icon is generated by using the icon component corresponding to the setting value changed by the user (setting value of the setting item (difference item) changed from the default setting value of the printer driver). By visually recognizing the icon, the user can get an overview of the print setting contents.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2006-31347

By the way, in the "favorite setting", whether or not to reflect the setting value related to some setting items (setting item "original orientation", etc.) in the print setting value after calling the "favorite setting" (to the current setting value). There is also a technology that can set (whether or not to allow overwriting). For example, if the setting value of the setting item "Original Orientation" is not reflected in the print setting value after calling the "Favorite Setting" (the current setting value is not overwritten), the setting item "Original Orientation" is set. With respect to, the current setting value at the time of calling the "favorite setting" is set with priority over the setting value at the time of registration of the "favorite setting".

However, in the technique described in Patent Document 1, the icon once created is fixedly used and is not changed. Therefore, a technique in which the setting values of some of the setting items (such as "original orientation") among the plurality of setting items are set so as not to be reflected in the print setting values after calling the "favorite setting". However, when the technique described in Patent Document 1 is applied to the above, the following problems may occur. Specifically, it is assumed that the user visually recognizes the icon related to the "favorite setting" in the situation where the user calls the "favorite setting" after changing the setting value of some of the setting items (setting change operation) on the print setting screen. However, the icon related to the "favorite setting" is always the same. That is, even if the setting values of some of the setting items are changed by the setting change operation, the icon is not changed. Therefore, it is difficult to accurately grasp the finished state of the printed output based on the favorite setting just by visually recognizing the icon.

For example, in a situation where a certain favorite setting is registered, the favorite setting (setting value related to other setting items (setting value related to other setting items) is set in the state where the setting value of the setting item "original orientation" is set to "portrait" on the print setting screen. (Including "auto color" etc.)) is called, and in the actual print output, the vertically oriented original is arranged on the vertically long paper (see FIG. 19). On the other hand, if the favorite setting is called with the setting value of the setting item "Orientation of original" set to "Landscape" on the print setting screen, the landscape original is placed on the landscape paper in the actual print output. (See FIG. 20).

In the technique described in Patent Document 1, one icon once created is always used for a certain favorite setting. In other words, for a favorite setting, only one icon can be displayed. As a result, there may be a discrepancy between the icon display state and the actual print output state. For example, when only the icon shown in FIG. 19 (the icon indicating the "portrait" orientation document) can be displayed and the print output (see FIG. 20) is performed based on the landscape orientation document setting, the display state by the icon ("portrait") is displayed. There is a discrepancy with the actual print output state (“landscape”). On the contrary, when only the icon of FIG. 20 (the icon indicating the "horizontal" orientation document) can be displayed and the print output (see FIG. 19) is performed based on the portrait orientation document setting, the display state by the icon ("" There is a discrepancy between "landscape") and the actual print output state ("portrait"). Such discrepancies are not desirable.

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a technique capable of appropriately changing the display state of an icon related to a favorite setting.

In order to solve the above problems, the invention of claim 1 comprises a step of pre-registering a set value group of at least a part of a plurality of setting items related to print settings as one favorite setting in a computer. , B) In the step of accepting the change operation regarding the setting value of the change target item among the plurality of setting items related to the print setting, and c) the calling area which is the area for calling the one favorite setting registered in advance. A program for executing a step of displaying an icon related to the one favorite setting in a call area provided in the display screen, and when registering the one favorite setting among the plurality of setting items. If the change operation regarding the non-reflected item, which is an item that does not reflect the set value of the above in the current set value at the time of calling the favorite setting, is accepted in the step b), the change target in the step c). It is characterized in that the icon reflecting the change of the set value of the item is displayed.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, in the program according to the first aspect, among the plurality of setting items, the setting value at the time of registration of the one favorite setting is set to the current setting value at the time of calling the one favorite setting. When the reflection item, which is an item to be reflected, is changed as the change target item in the step b), the icon displayed in the step c) is displayed at the time of registration of the favorite setting for the reflection item. The feature is that the setting value of is displayed as it is reflected.

The invention of claim 3 is the program according to the invention of claim 1 or 2, wherein the non-reflected item includes a document orientation setting, a document size setting, a print output number of copies setting, a staple setting, and a punch setting. It is characterized by including at least one setting item of.

The invention of claim 4 is the program according to any one of claims 1 to 3, to the computer, d) after the step c), to the call operation of the one favorite setting in the call area. Accordingly, it is characterized in that the step of reflecting the setting content related to the one favorite setting in the current print setting content is further executed.

The invention of claim 5 is the program according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the computer is provided with an icon relating to the one favorite setting before the change operation in e) the step b). When the step to be displayed in the calling area is further executed and the non-reflected item among the plurality of setting items is changed as the change target item in the step b), the step in the step c). It is characterized in that an icon different from the icon displayed in e) is displayed.

According to the invention of claim 6, in the program according to any one of claims 1 to 5, in the step a), a specific item among the plurality of setting items is initially set as the non-reflecting item. It is characterized by being set to.

The invention of claim 7 is one of the favorites of the program according to any one of claims 1 to 6, f) after the step a) and before the step c) to the computer. It is characterized in that the step of setting the non-reflection item regarding the setting is further executed.

According to the invention of claim 8, in the program according to the invention of claim 7, in the step a), the set value group according to the one favorite setting is collectively registered in advance by using the print setting screen, and the said. In step f), the non-reflection item is set by using an edit screen related to the one favorite setting and different from the print setting screen.

The invention of claim 9 is the program according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the calling area is an area in the print setting screen, and the favorite from a plurality of favorite settings. It is characterized in that it is an area for calling the setting as the current print setting content.

The invention of claim 10 is the program according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the calling area has a plurality of icons corresponding to a plurality of favorite settings related to the print setting, and the step. In c), each of the plurality of icons is characterized in that the non-reflection item among the plurality of setting items is displayed by reflecting the current setting value of the non-reflection item.

The invention of claim 11 is the program according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the calling area sets a user's desired favorite setting from a plurality of registered favorite settings related to the print setting. It is a display area for calling, and has a calling column for a predetermined number of favorite settings. In step c), only a predetermined number of icons corresponding to the predetermined number of favorite settings among the plurality of favorite settings are used. , The feature is that the icon change display process is executed.

According to the invention of claim 12, in the program according to the invention of claim 11, the favorite settings selected as the predetermined number of favorite settings among the plurality of favorite settings are changed according to the scroll operation, and the step c). In the present invention, the icon change display process is executed only for the predetermined number of icons corresponding to the predetermined number of favorite settings displayed in the calling area in response to the scroll operation among the plurality of favorite settings. It is characterized by.

The invention of claim 13 is a print control device, which comprises a registration control means for pre-registering a set value group of at least a part of a plurality of setting items related to print settings as one favorite setting, and the printing. An input control means for accepting a change operation regarding a setting value of a change target item among the plurality of setting items related to a setting, and a calling area which is an area for calling the one favorite setting registered in advance in the display screen. The calling area provided in the above is provided with a display control means for displaying an icon related to the one favorite setting, and among the plurality of setting items, the setting value at the time of registration of the one favorite setting is set as the one favorite. When a non-reflection item that is not reflected in the current setting value at the time of calling the setting is changed as the change target item, the display control means displays the icon reflecting the change in the setting value of the change target item. It is characterized by displaying.

According to the invention of claim 14, in the print control device according to the invention of claim 13, among the plurality of setting items, the setting value at the time of registration of the one favorite setting is set as the current setting at the time of calling the one favorite setting. When the reflection item, which is an item to be reflected in the value, is changed as the change target item, the display control means reflects the icon, and the reflection item reflects the setting value at the time of registration of the one favorite setting. The feature is that it is displayed as it is.

The invention according to claim 15 is a printing apparatus, which comprises a registration control means for preliminarily registering a set value group of at least a part of a plurality of setting items related to print settings as one favorite setting, and the print setting. An input control means for receiving a change operation regarding a setting value of a change target item among the plurality of setting items related to the above, and a calling area which is an area for calling the one favorite setting registered in advance in the display screen. The call area provided is provided with a display control means for displaying an icon related to the one favorite setting, and among the plurality of setting items, the setting value at the time of registration of the one favorite setting is set as the one favorite setting. When a non-reflected item, which is an item that is not reflected in the current set value at the time of calling, is changed as the change target item, the display control means displays the icon reflecting the change in the set value of the change target item. It is characterized by doing.

According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, in the printing apparatus according to the fifteenth aspect, among the plurality of setting items, the set value at the time of registering the one favorite setting is the current set value at the time of calling the one favorite setting. When the reflection item, which is an item to be reflected in, is changed as the change target item, the display control means reflects the icon, and the reflection item reflects the setting value at the time of registration of the one favorite setting. It is characterized by displaying as it is.

According to the inventions of claims 1 to 16, it is possible to appropriately change the display state of the icon related to the favorite setting.

In particular, according to the second aspect of the present invention, it is possible to accurately and easily grasp the print output state related to the favorite setting.

It is a schematic diagram which shows the structure of a printing system. It is a figure which shows the functional block of the MFP. It is a functional block diagram which shows the schematic structure of a print control device. It is a figure which shows the print setting screen. It is a figure which enlarges and shows the call area in the print setting screen of FIG. It is a figure which shows the print setting screen which is displayed after the setting change operation and after pressing the additional registration button. 6 is an enlarged view showing a calling area in the print setting screen of FIG. 6. It is a figure which shows the edit screen about a favorite setting. It is a data table showing the registered contents of the favorite setting. It is a flowchart which shows the additional registration operation of a favorite setting. It is a flowchart which shows the partial correction operation of a favorite setting. It is a flowchart which shows the print setting operation. It is a flowchart which shows the operation of a part of FIG. It is a figure which shows the state which "the orientation of a document" and the like are changed to the reflection item on the edit screen. It is a figure which shows the print setting screen after the scroll operation is performed in the calling area. FIG. 15 is an enlarged view showing a calling area in the print setting screen of FIG. It is a figure which shows the print setting screen after a part setting value is changed. It is a figure which enlarges and shows the call area in the print setting screen of FIG. It is a figure which shows the icon corresponding to the "original orientation" of "vertical" orientation. It is a figure which shows the icon corresponding to the "orientation of a document" of "horizontal" orientation. It is a figure which shows the icon change corresponding to the setting change of "the number of copies". It is a figure which shows the icon change corresponding to the setting change of "the original size". It is a figure which shows the icon change corresponding to the setting change of "punch". It is a figure which shows the icon change corresponding to the setting change of "staple".

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

<1. System configuration>
FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing the configuration of the printing system 1 according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the printing system 1 includes a Multi-Functional Peripheral (also abbreviated as MFP) 10 and a computer 50.

The MFP 10 and the computer 50 are connected to each other via the network 108, and data can be transmitted and received between the devices 10 and 50. The network 108 includes various networks such as a LAN (Local Area Network) and the Internet.

The MFP 10 functions as a printer (printing device) that executes a print job (print job) based on the print job data (print job data) from the computer 50.

Specifically, the computer 50 (print control device) displays the print setting screen 200 (FIG. 4, etc.) in the print control program (printer driver, etc.) installed in the computer 50. Then, the computer 50 receives from the user (user) the operation of changing the setting value for each setting item on the print setting screen 200. After that, the computer 50 accepts a setting completion operation (for example, a pressing operation of the setting completion button (setting save button) 291 (FIG. 4)) from the user, and presses a print execution instruction (for example, a print start button (not shown)). Operation) is accepted from the user.

In response to the print execution instruction, the computer 50 transmits print job data (print execution command and print target data) to the MFP 10. The MFP 10 receives the print job data transmitted from the computer 50 and executes a print job based on the print job data. As a result, the print output process by the MFP 10 is executed.

<2. Configuration of MFP10>
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a functional block of the MFP 10.

The MFP 10 is a device (also referred to as a multifunction device) having a scanning function, a copying function, a facsimile function, a box storage function, and the like. Specifically, as shown in the functional block diagram of FIG. 2, the MFP 10 includes an image reading unit 2, a print output unit 3, a communication unit 4, a storage unit 5, an operation unit 6, a controller 9 (control unit), and the like. By operating each of these parts in a complex manner, various functions are realized. The MFP 10 is also referred to as an image processing device, an image forming device, a print output device, or the like.

The image reading unit (also referred to as a scanning unit) 2 optically reads a document placed at a predetermined position of the MFP 10 to generate image data (also referred to as a document image or a scanned image) of the document. It is a processing unit.

The print output unit 3 is an output unit that prints and outputs an image on various media such as paper based on image data related to the image to be printed.

The communication unit 4 is a processing unit capable of performing facsimile communication via a public line or the like. Further, the communication unit 4 can perform network communication via the communication network 108. In this network communication, various protocols such as TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol) and FTP (File Transfer Protocol) are used, and by using the network communication, the MFP 10 can use the desired destination (computer). It is possible to exchange various data (print job data, etc.) with (50, etc.).

The storage unit 5 is composed of a storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD).

The operation unit 6 includes an operation input unit 6a for receiving an operation input to the MFP 10, and a display unit 6b for displaying and outputting various information. The MFP 10 is provided with a substantially plate-shaped operation panel unit 6c (see FIG. 1), and the operation panel unit 6c has a touch panel (operation panel) 25 (see FIG. 1) on the front side thereof. There is. The touch panel 25 is configured by embedding a piezoelectric sensor or the like in a liquid crystal display panel, and is capable of displaying various information and receiving operation input from an operator.

The controller (control unit) 9 is a control device built in the MFP 10 and collectively controls the MFP 10. The controller 9 is configured as a computer system including a CPU and various semiconductor memories (RAM, ROM, etc.). The controller 9 realizes various processing units by executing a predetermined software program (hereinafter, also simply referred to as a program) stored in a ROM (for example, EEPROM (registered trademark)) in the CPU. The program (specifically, a program module group) may be recorded on a portable recording medium such as a USB memory, read from the recording medium, and installed in the MFP 10. Alternatively, the program may be downloaded via a network or the like and installed in the MFP 10.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the controller 9 realizes various processing units including a communication control unit 11, an input control unit 12, a display control unit 13, and an operation control unit 14 by executing the program. do.

The communication control unit 11 is a processing unit that controls the communication operation with another device (computer 50 or the like).

The input control unit 12 is a control unit that controls an operation input operation for the operation input unit 6a.

The display control unit 13 is a processing unit that controls the display operation in the display unit 6b.

The operation control unit 14 is a processing unit that controls operations (print output operations, etc.) related to print jobs and the like transmitted from the computer 50 (print control device).

<3. Configuration of computer 50>
FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a computer 50 (print control device). The computer 50 is composed of a so-called personal computer or the like. The computer 50 is a computer (computer for the user) used by the user (user) of the MFP 10.

As shown in the functional block diagram of FIG. 3, the computer 50 includes a communication unit 54, a storage unit 55, an operation unit 56, a controller (control unit) 59, and the like, and by operating each of these units in a complex manner. , Realize various functions.

The communication unit 54 can perform network communication via the network. In this network communication, for example, various protocols such as TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol) are used. By using the network communication, the computer 50 can exchange various data with and from a desired destination (MFP10, etc.). The communication unit 54 has a transmission unit 54a for transmitting various data and a reception unit 54b for receiving various data.

The storage unit 55 is composed of a storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD) and / or a semiconductor memory.

The operation unit 56 includes an operation input unit 56a for receiving an operation input to the computer 50, and a display unit 56b for displaying and outputting various information.

The controller (control unit) 59 in FIG. 3 is a control device built in the computer 50 and collectively controls the computer 50. The controller 59 is configured as a computer system including a CPU and various semiconductor memories (RAM and ROM). The controller 59 realizes various processing units by executing a predetermined program stored in a storage unit (semiconductor memory or the like) in the CPU. The program (specifically, a program module group) may be recorded on a portable recording medium such as a USB memory, read from the recording medium, and installed in the computer 50. Alternatively, the program may be downloaded via the network 108 or the like and installed on the computer 50.

A print control program (printer driver, etc.) is installed in the computer 50. By using the program, the computer 50 functions as a print control device that executes a print control operation including setting control and the like related to various setting items such as a print job.

Specifically, the controller 59 causes the communication control unit 61, the input control unit 62, the display control unit 63, the registration control unit 64, the acquisition unit 65, the determination unit 66, and the icon generation unit 67 by executing the program or the like. Realize various processing units including.

The communication control unit 61 is a processing unit that controls the communication operation with the MFP 10 and the like in cooperation with the communication unit 54 and the like. For example, the communication control unit 61 cooperates with the communication unit 54 and the like to control an operation of transmitting print job data to the MFP 10.

The input control unit 62 is a control unit that controls an operation (operation input operation) for receiving an operation input by a user in cooperation with the operation input unit 56a. For example, the input control unit 62 cooperates with the operation input unit 56a to perform a change operation (mouse and / or keyboard, etc.) for each setting value of a plurality of setting items related to print settings on the print setting screen 200 (FIG. 4, etc.). (Change operation using) is accepted from the user.

The display control unit 63 is a processing unit that controls the display operation of various information (print setting screen, etc.) on the display unit 56b. The display control unit 63 controls an operation or the like of displaying the print setting screen 200 or the like on the display unit 56b. As will be described later, the print setting screen 200 has a calling area 510 (see FIG. 4 and the like) for calling a set value group registered in advance as a “favorite setting” related to the print setting. Further, in the calling area 510, each icon related to each "favorite setting" (an icon indicating the content (overview) of each print setting) is generated and displayed based on the setting value group of each "favorite setting" and the like. Ru. The display control unit 63 also controls the display operation of each icon.

The registration control unit 64 is a processing unit that pre-registers a group of setting values related to at least a part of the plurality of setting items related to print settings as one favorite setting.

The acquisition unit 65 is a processing unit that acquires current setting values for a plurality of setting items related to print settings.

The determination unit 66 is a processing unit that determines whether or not to change each icon in the calling area 510 in response to a setting change operation or the like related to each setting item in the print setting screen 200. The determination unit 66 determines whether or not to change each icon based on whether or not the set value at the time of registration of the favorite setting and the current set value are the same for the non-reflection item (described later). The determination unit 66 does not change the icon according to the set value of the reflection item (described later).

The icon generation unit 67 is a processing unit that generates each icon corresponding to each favorite setting based on the setting value group of each favorite setting or the like. The icon generation unit 67 generates an icon based on the determination content of the determination unit 66 and the like.

<4. Print setting screen 200>
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a print setting screen (property screen for print settings related to the MFP 10) 200. As shown in FIG. 4, the print setting screen 200 is provided with a setting operation area 300. In the setting operation area 300, there are a plurality of "My tab (My tab)", "Basic setting", "Layout", "Finishing", "Cover sheet / Insert paper", "Stamp / Page printing", "Image quality" and the like. Multiple setting screens corresponding to each of the tabs are switched and displayed. Each setting screen is selectively displayed on the display unit 56b (specifically, the print setting screen 200) by clicking the corresponding tab at the upper part of the print setting screen 200 with the mouse. Each setting screen is also referred to as a "tab screen" or a "sub setting screen". In this way, a desired setting screen selected from a plurality of setting screens (tab screens) that can be switched and displayed is displayed. Then, a user setting operation regarding the display item in the desired setting screen is performed.

Of these multiple setting screens, setting screens other than "My tab" ("Basic settings", "Layout", "Finishing", "Cover sheet / Insert paper", "Stamp / Page printing", "Image quality" , "Other") is a setting screen prepared in advance in the printer driver, and is a default setting screen (default setting screen) having predetermined setting items classified according to a predetermined standard. Since each of these tab screens (setting screens other than "My tab") has predetermined setting items (fixed setting items in principle) classified according to predetermined criteria, they are also referred to as "fixed tab" screens. Will be done.

On the other hand, the tab screen (also referred to as "My tab" screen) 230 (see FIG. 4) corresponding to the "My tab" is a setting screen that can be customized by the user, and desired setting items customized by the user are arranged. It is a setting screen (also called a "customization screen") that can be set. On the "My tab" screen 230, the user selects (registers) one or a plurality of desired setting items from a plurality of setting items on the plurality of tab screens, and the selected (registered) setting items ("covered"). (Also called "selection items") are collectively arranged on one setting screen. The "My tab" screen 230 is a setting screen in which one or a plurality of setting items frequently used by the user are aggregated. By mainly using one setting screen "My tab", the user can relatively easily set a plurality of setting items without having to go back and forth between the plurality of setting screens by switching the plurality of tabs. It can be set by operation.

Hereinafter, a case where print settings and the like are performed mainly using the "My tab" screen 230 will be described. The print settings may be appropriately set using another fixed tab screen or the like.

On the "My tab" screen 230, some setting items (specifically, "number of copies (number of print output copies)", "color selection", "print type", and "original" are displayed among all the setting items related to print settings. Orientation, "Original size", "Paper size", "Paper tray", "Paper type", "Output method", "Page allocation", "Staple", and "Punch") 322 is provided.

In the setting field 311 of the setting item "number of copies (number of print output copies)", a numerical value for specifying the number of copies is set as a setting value. In the setting field 312 of the setting item "color selection", one of a plurality of options ("auto color", "gray scale", and "two colors") is set. In the setting field 313 of the setting item "print type", a setting value of any one of a plurality of options ("single-sided", "double-sided", and "booklet") is set. In the setting field 314 of the setting item "original orientation", one of a plurality of options ("vertical (portrait)" and "horizontal (horizontal)") is set. In the setting field 315 of the setting item "original size", a setting value of any one of a plurality of options ("A4", "A3", "A5", etc.) is set. In the setting field 316 of the setting item "paper size", one of a plurality of options ("same as original size", "A4", "A3", "A5", etc.) is set. ..

Further, in the setting field 317 of the setting item "paper tray", among a plurality of options ("automatic", "paper tray 1", "paper tray 2", "paper tray 3", etc.) One of the set values is set. In the setting field 318 of the setting item "paper type", a setting value of any one of a plurality of options ("plain paper", "thick paper", "OHP", etc.) is set. In the setting field 319 of the setting item "output method", a setting value of any one of a plurality of options ("normal printing", "security printing", "box save", etc.) is set. A setting value of any one of a plurality of options (“off”, “2in1”, “4in1”, etc.) is set in the setting field 320 of the setting item “page allocation”. In the setting field 321 of the setting item "staple", one of a plurality of options ("off", "left corner (1 place)", "left side (2 places)", etc.) is set. Will be done. In the setting field 322 of the setting item "punch", one of a plurality of options ("off", "left (2 holes)", "upper (2 holes)", etc.) is set. ..

The user can change the current setting value regarding the print setting by using the setting field 311-222 in the "My tab" screen 230 and the setting field in the other tab screen. The print output result based on the current set value is schematically displayed in the paper view area 400 in the print setting screen 200.

The print setting screen 200 also has a favorite area 500 related to the "favorite setting" (described below). The favorite area 500 has a function of calling "favorite setting", a registration function, an editing function, and the like, as will be described later.

The "favorite setting" is a group of setting values (combination of print attribute settings) registered in advance for a plurality of setting items of the print setting. By registering one or more "favorite settings" in advance in the printer driver and calling the desired "favorite settings", it is possible to collectively set the setting values related to various setting items. According to this, the user can easily realize a desired combination of set values. It should be noted that the "favorite setting" does not necessarily have to be registered by the user himself / herself, and may be registered by an administrator or the like. Further, the "favorite setting" may be the one initially registered in the printer driver itself (the one already registered in the initial state).

The favorite area 500 has a call area 510 (an area in which the name of the favorite setting of the call target is displayed). The calling area 510 is also expressed as a display area for calling one favorite setting (user's desired favorite setting) from a plurality of registered favorite settings as the current print setting content. The display area (also referred to as a call area) 510 has a predetermined number (here, four) favorite setting call columns (here, four call columns R1 to R4). When the user presses the call field displaying the desired favorite setting, the desired favorite setting is called.

Next, the registration operation of the "favorite setting" and the like will be described.

<5. "Favorite settings" registration operation>
The user uses the print setting screen 200 (particularly, the setting operation area 300) by pressing the additional registration button (“+” button) 591 (see FIG. 4 and the like) of the favorite area 500 in the print setting screen 200. It is possible to additionally register "favorite settings" based on the changed current setting values. This additional registration operation will be described with reference to FIG. 10 and the like. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a favorite setting registration operation (additional registration operation).

Here, the operation in which the four favorite settings (see FIG. 9) of "No. 1" to "No. 4" are already registered, and the fifth favorite setting ("No. 5") is registered, etc. Will be explained. FIG. 9 is a data table 800 showing the registered contents of the favorite setting. It is assumed that the information regarding the favorite setting after "No. 5" does not exist yet.

The print setting screen 200 is displayed in step S11 of FIG. 10, and after the print setting operation (operation of changing the setting value) using the print setting screen 200 is appropriately performed, the additional registration button 591 (see FIG. 4) is performed in step S12. ) Is determined, the process proceeds to step S13. Here, the setting values are changed from the default values to different values for the two setting items from the print setting screen 200 (FIG. 4) in which each setting item is set to the default value (standard value). It is assumed that the screen transitions to the print setting screen 200 (FIG. 6) having a state and the additional registration button 591 is pressed. Specifically, the setting value of the setting item "print type" is changed from the default value "double-sided" to another value "single-sided" (current value), and the setting value of the setting item "original orientation" is the default value "vertical". It is assumed that the value has been changed from "" to another value "horizontal" (current value).

In steps S13 to S16, the computer 50 (here, the printer driver) newly creates a new "favorite setting" based on the current setting value group and the like.

Here, in the "favorite setting", among a plurality of setting items related to the print setting, the setting value registered at the time of favorite setting is not reflected (not overwritten as a new setting value) when the favorite setting is recalled (not reflected). Items or non-overwrite items) may exist. The non-reflection item is also expressed as an item (non-call item) that is not called when the favorite setting is called, out of a plurality of setting items related to the setting value group registered in the favorite setting. In this way, even when the "favorite setting" is called (as a whole), the setting value of some of the setting items related to the print setting may be set not to be called.

For example, the user can set the "orientation of the original" and the like to the "non-reflection item" by using the editing screen 700 (described later) (FIG. 8) different from the print setting screen 200. More specifically, by setting the slide switch (731-733) provided for each target item in the reflection setting change area 730 of the edit screen 700 to "off", the target item is set to "non-reflection item". (Items that are not called when calling the favorite settings (items that do not overwrite the current settings)) can be set. Conversely, by setting the slide switch (731, etc.) of the target item to "On" (see FIG. 14), the target item is set to "Reflection item" (when setting a favorite among a plurality of setting items related to print settings). It is possible to set the registered setting value to the item to be reflected when the favorite setting is called). The "reflection item" is an item to be called when the favorite setting is called (an item that overwrites the current setting value as a new setting value), and is also expressed as a call item or an overwrite item.

FIG. 8 shows how the “original orientation”, “original size”, “number of copies (number of printout copies)” and the like can be set as “non-reflection items”. Items that can be set as "non-reflection items" are also referred to as "non-reflection settable items" (or "call switchable items" (items that can be called or not)). In this embodiment, the initial value of the slide switch for each setting item of "original orientation", "original size", and "number of copies (number of print output copies)" is set to "off". In other words, each setting item of "original orientation", "original size", and "number of copies (number of print output copies)" is initially set to "non-reflection item". It should be noted that the set value of the "non-reflected item" in the favorite setting is also expressed as a value treated as an invalid value in the favorite setting.

In step S13, the printer driver newly creates a new "favorite setting" data record (data record of "No. 5") in the data table 800 (FIG. 9), and in the data record (new data record). , Saves the current set of settings for at least some (all here) setting items related to print settings. For example, the setting value "horizontal" is set in the setting item "orientation of original", and the setting value "single side" is set in the setting item "print type". Further, the setting value "off" is set in the setting item "page allocation", and the setting value "auto color" is set in the setting item "color selection". In other items as well, the current set value in the setting operation area 300 is saved. However, as will be described later, all of the "non-reflection settable items" ("original orientation", "original size", "number of copies (number of print output copies)", etc.) are set as "non-reflection items" ( Step S16). Here, although the set value of the "non-reflected item" is temporarily stored in the data table 800, it is not reflected (overwritten) in the current set value at the time when the favorite setting is called, so the result is It is not used for the purpose.

In step S14, the printer driver iconifies the image of the paper view area 400 and saves it in association with the new data record. In other words, the image reflecting the current setting value group on the print setting screen 200 is initially registered as the favorite setting icon. The icon is used in step S17 (described later) and the like.

In step S15, the printer driver automatically generates the name and comment of the new "favorite setting" and stores them in the data table 800. For example, "User Setting 1" is automatically generated and stored as the "name" of the data record of "No. 5", and "Comment 1" is automatically generated and stored as the "comment" of the data record of "No. 5". To. As will be described later, the user can edit the "name" and the "comment" using the edit screen 700 (FIG. 8).

In step S16, the printer driver initially sets all of the "non-reflection settable items" ("original orientation", "original size", "number of copies (number of print output copies)", etc.) to "non-reflection items". do. Specifically, the flag value for determining the "call setting value" (reflect / non-reflection (in other words, call / non-call)) for each "non-reflection settable item" of the data record of "No. 5". ) Is set to the default value "off" (not reflected).

In step S17, the generated information regarding the new "favorite setting" (No. 5) is displayed in the lowermost calling column R4 (see FIGS. 6 and 7) in the calling area 510. Further, the favorite settings (No. 2 to No. 4) previously displayed in the areas R2 to R4 are moved up and displayed in the areas R1 to R3. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the display contents of the print setting screen 200 immediately after the additional registration button 591 is pressed, and FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an enlarged call area 510 in the print setting screen 200 of FIG.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the call field R4 displays the name and comment of the new “favorite setting”. Further, on the left end side of the call field R4, an icon 535 (an icon generated in step S14) corresponding to the setting content of the new "favorite setting" is displayed. By visually recognizing the icon, the user can easily and intuitively confirm the setting contents of the favorite setting.

By executing the same operation, the user can also generate a new "favorite setting" (data record of "No. 6") (see FIG. 9). More specifically, the user presses the "return to standard" button 281 (see FIG. 6 and the like) in the print setting screen 200 to return each setting value to the default value (standard value), and then sets the setting item "color". "Grayscale" is set in the setting field 312 of "Selection", and "4in1" is set in the setting field 320 of the setting item "Page allocation". After that, in response to pressing the additional registration button 591, the "favorite setting" of "No. 6" is generated.

<6. Partial correction operation of "Favorite settings">
The user can modify the registered existing favorite setting information (partially in detail) by using the edit screen 700 (FIG. 8). Specifically, by pressing the correction button (gear-shaped button) 592 (see FIG. 4 and the like) of the favorite area 500 in the print setting screen 200, the edit screen 700 is displayed in a pop-up manner, and the edit screen 700 is used. , It is possible to change the "name", "comment" and "call setting value" of each favorite setting. Such a correction operation will be described with reference to FIG. 11 and the like. It should be noted that this correction operation may be performed as necessary. For example, it may not be performed for the "favorite setting" of "No. 6", but may be performed only for the "favorite setting" of "No. 5".

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a correction operation (partial correction operation) of the favorite setting.

After the print setting screen 200 is displayed in step S21, if it is determined in step S22 that the correction button 592 has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S23.

In step S23, the editing screen 700 as shown in FIG. 8 is displayed.

The edit screen 700 includes a list area 710 for favorite settings, a name setting field 721, a comment setting field 722, and a non-reflection item setting field 730.

In the list area 710, registered favorite settings (here, 6 favorite settings 711-716) are listed. When the user selects the "favorite setting" to be modified, the setting information related to the selected "favorite setting" is displayed in each column 721, 722, 730. For example, when the "favorite setting" ("User setting 1") 715 of "No. 5" is selected in the list area 710, the "favorite setting" 715 of the "No. 5" is related as shown in FIG. Information is displayed in each column 721, 722, 730.

The user changes the "name" (and / or "comment") of the favorite setting of the "No. 5" by directly editing the information in the name setting field 721 (and / or the comment setting field 722). It is possible to do. In addition, by changing the slide switch 731 in the non-reflection item setting field 730 from "off" (default value) to "on", the "original orientation" (and "original orientation") of the favorite setting of the "No. 5" is set. Manuscript size ") can be changed from non-reflected items to reflected items. Conversely, by changing the slide switch 731 from "on" to "off", it is possible to return the "original orientation" (and "original size") to the non-reflection item. Similarly, according to the change of the slide switch 732 in the non-reflection item setting field 730, the "number of copies (print output number of copies)" of the favorite setting of the "No. 5" is changed from the non-reflection item to the reflection item (or vice versa). It is possible to change from reflected items to non-reflected items. In addition, by the same operation of the slide switch 733, the "watermark list information" of the favorite setting of the "No. 5" is changed from the non-reflected item to the reflected item (or conversely, from the reflected item to the non-reflected item). It is also possible to change it. When the OK button 791 is pressed after various correction operations, the correction content is confirmed.

In step S24, it is determined whether or not the setting content has been changed, and if it is determined that the setting content has been changed, the process proceeds to step S25. In other cases, the process proceeds to step S26 without proceeding to step S25.

In step S25, the setting contents in step S24 are tentatively changed (the changed setting contents are temporarily saved).

Further, in step S26, it is determined whether or not the OK button 791 is pressed. The process returns to step S24 until the pressing of the OK button 791 is detected. On the other hand, when the pressing of the OK button 791 is detected, the process proceeds to step S27.

In step S27, the setting change content in step S24 is confirmed, and the changed setting content (change result) is saved in the data table 800 (FIG. 9). For example, when the OK button 791 (FIG. 8) is pressed after the slide switch 731 in the non-reflection item setting field 730 is changed to "ON", the favorite setting of the "No. 5" in the data table 800 is set. The "Call setting value" related to the setting item "Original orientation" is changed to "On" and saved. As a result, the "orientation of the original" is changed from the non-reflected item to the reflected item. Further, the editing screen 700 is closed when the OK button 791 is pressed.

When the cancel button 792 (FIG. 8) is pressed (not shown in FIG. 11), the change operation content in step S24 is discarded and the edit screen 700 is closed.

<7. Calling "favorite settings", etc.>
Next, the print setting operation using the favorite setting will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13. In particular, the display operation of the calling area 510 (the operation before the favorite setting is called) and the like will be described. Note that FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the print setting operation, and FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a part of the operation of FIG.

When the print setting screen 200 is called by the printer driver or the like, an area other than the call area 510 in the print setting screen 200 is displayed (step S31), and a call area (call area related to favorite setting) 510 in the print setting screen 200 is displayed. Is displayed (step S32 (see also FIG. 13)). FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the detailed operation of step S32.

In step S32, the following operations (display operation of the calling area 510, etc.) are performed.

First, in step S51, the computer 50 (specifically, the printer driver) sets the current "non-reflection settable items" ("original orientation", "original size", "number of copies (number of printout copies)", etc.). Gets the value (eg, "portrait", "A4", "1 copy", etc.).

Further, in step S51, the printer driver determines a predetermined number (N) of favorite settings to be displayed in the calling area 510 (see FIG. 4 and the like) from the plurality of favorite setting settings. For example, the first N items in the registration order (or vice versa) are determined as "favorite settings" to be displayed in the calling area 510. Further, as will be described later, the user can change a predetermined number of favorite settings selected from the plurality of favorite settings according to the scroll operation for the calling area 510. If the screen returns to step S32 (S51) after the scroll operation for the call area 510 is performed in step S33 (FIG. 12), the printer driver sets the predetermined number of favorites in step S32 (S51). To re-determine.

In the display process (steps S52 to S60) related to the i-th favorite setting described below, a predetermined number N (here, 4) of the registered favorite settings of a plurality of (for example, 6) favorites are set. Only done. Therefore, it is possible to avoid unnecessary processing other than a predetermined number of icons corresponding to a predetermined number of favorite settings and realize efficient processing. In other words, it is decided whether or not to change only the predetermined number of icons corresponding to the predetermined number of favorite settings among the plurality of favorite settings, and the icons for the favorite settings not displayed in the calling area 510 among the plurality of favorite settings. Since the pros and cons of the change regarding the above are not decided, it is possible to realize efficient processing.

In the next steps S52 to S60, the display process relating to the i-th favorite setting in the calling area 510 is executed.

In step S52, the printer driver sets the "i" (however, i = 1, 2, ..., N) of the favorite settings of the predetermined number N (for example, N = 4) displayed in the calling area 510 to "". Focusing on the "favorite setting", the information of the "favorite setting" of the i (however, i = 1, 2, ..., N) is extracted from the data table 800 (FIG. 9) (step S52).

In steps S53 to S57, an icon related to the i-th favorite setting (an icon indicating the contents of the print setting by the i-th favorite setting (details thereof)) is generated, and the generated icon is displayed in step S58. Ru.

In steps S53 to S58, basically, the icon generated at the time of registering the i-th favorite setting is used as it is. However, if the "non-reflected item" exists, an icon (new icon) based on the current setting value of the non-reflected item is generated. That is, an icon that reflects the current setting value of the "non-reflection item" is generated. On the contrary, the current setting value of "Reflected item" is not reflected in the icon.

For example, if the "non-reflected item" does not exist, the icon generated when the i-th favorite setting is registered is used as it is. If there is a non-reflected item, it is necessary to change (correct) the icon generated when registering the i-th favorite setting based on the current setting value of the non-reflected item (value acquired in step S51). The modified icon (new icon) is generated according to the above.

Here, only when there is a specific item (such as "orientation of manuscript") that should affect the icon among the "non-reflected items", the icon (new icon) based on the current setting value of the specific item. ) Shall be generated. Of the "non-reflected items", the current setting values of items other than specific items (such as "original size") shall not affect the icon.

Specifically, first, in step S53, the printer driver is the j (however, j = 1, 2, ..., M) of the M (for example, M = 3) "non-reflection settable items". It is confirmed whether the "non-reflection settable item" ("orientation of the original", etc.) is set to the "non-reflection item" or the "reflection item" (step S53). In detail, it is confirmed whether the "call setting value" of the jth "non-reflection settable item (call switchable item)" is set to "off" or "on".

In the next step S54, it is determined whether or not the call setting value of the jth "call switchable item" of the i-th favorite setting is "on". In short, it is determined whether or not the jth "call switchable item" is a "reflection item". Then, branch processing is performed according to the determination result.

If the jth call switchable item is a "reflection item", the process proceeds to step S55. For example, when it is determined that the call setting value of the jth call switchable item "orientation of document" is "on", it is determined that the jth call switchable item "is a" reflection item ". Then, the process proceeds to step S55. In step S55, the icon change process is not performed. For the reflected items, the icon that remains in the state where the setting value at the time of registration of one favorite setting is reflected is displayed. For example, as shown in FIGS. 15 and 17 (described later), the icon 535 at the time of registration of the favorite setting of "No. 5" is displayed as it is in the display area R3 in the calling area 510. The "Original orientation" of the "No. 5" favorite setting is set to "Reflected item" (call setting = on) (see Fig. 9), and the icon 533 related to the "No. 5" favorite setting is a favorite. It is an icon corresponding to the setting value "landscape" of the setting item "original orientation" at the time of setting registration.

On the other hand, if the jth "call switchable item" is a "non-reflection item", the process proceeds to step S56. For example, when it is determined that the call setting value of the jth call switchable item "original orientation" is "off", the jth call switchable item "original orientation" is "non-reflection item". Is determined, and the process proceeds to step S56.

In step S56, it is determined whether or not the jth call switchable item is a specific item that should affect the icon. Here, among a plurality of call-switchable items, specific items that should affect the icon (such as "orientation of the original") are predetermined, and whether or not the jth call-switchable item corresponds to the specific item. It is judged. Then, if the call switchable item of the jth does not correspond to the specific item, the process proceeds to step S55, and the icon is not changed based on the item. On the other hand, if the jth call switchable item corresponds to the specific item, the process proceeds to step S57.

In step S57, the current setting value of the jth "call switchable item" (= non-reflection item (and specific item)) of the i-th favorite setting is reflected in the icon. For example, as shown in FIG. 17 (described later), an icon 534b) different from the icon 534 at the time of registration of the favorite setting of "No. 4" is displayed in the display area R2 in the calling area 510. The "original orientation" of the favorite setting of "No. 4" is set to "non-reflection item" (call setting = off) (see FIG. 9). Further, the icon 534 (FIG. 15) is an icon (see FIG. 19) corresponding to the setting value "portrait" of the setting item "original orientation" at the time of registration of the favorite setting of "No. 4", and the icon 534b. FIG. 17 is an icon (see FIG. 20) corresponding to the current setting value “landscape” of the setting item (non-reflection item) “original orientation”.

In the next step S58, it is determined whether or not the processing (steps S53 to S57) has been completed for all the “call switchable items”. If the incomplete "call switchable item" remains, the value j is incremented to return to step S53, and the processes of steps S53 to S57 are executed again. On the other hand, if it is determined that all the "call switchable items" have been processed, the process proceeds from step S58 to step S59.

In this way, the current setting value (of the non-reflection item) is set only for the item (non-reflection item) whose call setting value is "off" among all the "call switchable items" of the i-th favorite setting. The reflected icon is generated. In short, based on the icon at the time of registration of the i-th favorite setting, an icon changed to the content according to the current setting value of the non-reflection item is generated.

In step S59, the icons generated in steps S53 to S58 are displayed in the i-th display area Ri in the calling area 510 (step S59).

After step S59, in step S60, the "name" and "comment" of the i-th favorite setting are displayed in the i-th call field Ri in the call area 510.

In step S61, it is determined whether or not the display processing is completed for all the favorite settings of the predetermined number N. If there is a favorite setting for which the display process has not been completed (in the case of i <N), the value i is incremented to return to step S52, and the operations of steps S52 to S60 are executed again.

According to such an operation, for example, the print setting screen 200 as shown in FIG. 4 is displayed. In the print setting screen 200, the setting value of each setting item has a default value. For example, the setting item "original orientation" is set to the setting value "portrait". At this point, the favorite settings of "No. 1" to "No. 4" are displayed in the call area 510 (see also the enlarged view of FIG. 5) of the print setting screen 200. In the calling area 510, each icon 531 to 534 corresponding to each of these four favorite settings is also displayed. Although there are a plurality of non-reflected items in each favorite setting, the setting values of the plurality of non-reflected items in each favorite setting are the same as the setting values at the time of registration of each favorite setting. As a result, the same icons 531 to 534 as the icons at the time of registration of each favorite setting are displayed. Note that FIG. 5 is an enlarged view showing the calling area 510 of FIG.

Specifically, in FIG. 4, information regarding the favorite setting of "No. 1" (icon 531, name "booklet A4", comment "booklet, A4, saddle stitching") is displayed in the call field R1 of the call area 510. Has been done. The icon 531 (see also FIG. 5) related to the favorite setting of "No. 1" is the current setting value (current setting value) "vertical" of the setting item (non-reflection item) "original orientation" in the setting operation area 300. It has a state (form) that reflects. The icon 531 has set values ("booklet") of some items ("print type", "color selection", etc.) other than "call switchable items" ("non-reflection settable items"). , "Grayscale" etc.) are also reflected.

Further, in the call field R2 of the call area 510, information regarding the favorite setting of "No. 2" (icon 532, name "paper saving", comment "double-sided, 2in1, auto color") is displayed. Further, in the call field R3 of the call area 510, information regarding the favorite setting of "No. 3" (icon 533, name "eco-print", comment "both sides, 2in1, ...") is displayed. Further, in the call field R4 of the call area 510, information regarding the favorite setting of "No. 4" (icon 534, name "Confidential", comment "watermark ...") is displayed. The icons 532 to 534 also have a state (form) that reflects the current setting value "vertical" of the non-reflection item "orientation of document".

After that, the user scrolls in the calling area 510 to display four favorite settings (displayed in the calling area 510) displayed in the calling area 510 (specifically, calling fields R1 to R4). It is possible to change (4 favorite settings) selected as a predetermined number of favorite settings).

Further, the user can change the current setting value for each setting item by performing the setting change operation in the setting operation area 300 in the print setting screen 200.

In steps S33 and S34, the presence or absence of such a change operation is detected. Then, when it is detected that the change operation has been performed, the process returns to step S32 and the display operation (update operation) of the calling area 510 is executed.

Specifically, in step S33, it is determined whether or not a predetermined number of favorite settings selected as display targets in the calling area 510 have been changed according to the scroll operation. When a positive determination result (determination result indicating that the change has been made) is obtained, the process returns to step S32 and the display operation (update operation) of the calling area 510 is executed. On the other hand, if a negative determination result (determination result that has not been changed) is obtained, the process proceeds to step S34.

In step S34, it is determined whether or not the current setting value for any setting item (specifically, any call switchable item) has been changed by the setting change operation in the setting operation area 300. When a positive determination result (determination result indicating that the change has been made) is obtained, the process returns to step S32 and the display operation (update operation) of the calling area 510 is executed. On the other hand, if a negative determination result (determination result that has not been changed) is obtained, the process proceeds to step S35.

Further, the user performs a selection operation (such as clicking a desired call field Ri) to select a desired favorite setting from a predetermined number of favorite settings in the call area 510 in the print setting screen 200. , It is possible to recall the desired favorite settings.

In step S35, it is determined whether or not there is a selection operation of the desired favorite setting. Only when it is detected that the selection operation has been performed, the process proceeds to step S36. In other cases, the process proceeds to step S37 without going through step S36.

In step S36, the setting values of the plurality of setting items related to the print setting are appropriately changed according to the setting contents of the selected favorite setting. In other words, in response to the calling operation of the one favorite setting in the calling area 510, the setting contents related to the one favorite setting are reflected in the current print setting.

Specifically, for items other than "non-reflectable item" ("call switchable item"), the setting value at the time of favorite setting registration is called as a new current setting value (current setting value) and set. (Overwritten). Also, regarding the reflected items, the setting value at the time of registration of the favorite setting is called as a new current setting value and set (overwritten). On the other hand, for non-reflected items, the setting value at the time of registration of the favorite setting is not called, and the current setting value is not updated (maintained as it is).

When the process of step S36 is completed, the process proceeds to step S37.

In step S37, it is determined whether or not the OK button 291 (or the cancel button 292) on the print setting screen 200 is pressed. If a negative determination result (determination result that the button is not pressed) is obtained, the process returns to step S33. On the other hand, if a positive determination result (determination result indicating that the button has been pressed) is obtained, the process proceeds to step S38.

Next, in step S38, the print setting screen 200 is closed. When the print setting screen 200 is closed in response to the pressing of the OK button 291, the setting contents on the print setting screen 200 are maintained. After that, when a print start instruction is given, a print command or the like based on the set contents is given. On the other hand, when the print setting screen 200 is closed in response to the pressing of the cancel button 292, the setting change contents on the print setting screen 200 are discarded.

In the computer 50 according to the present embodiment, the above operations are performed.

Hereinafter, a more specific screen transition example will be described.

For example, the user selects the print setting screen 200 of FIG. 4 as a display target in the call area 510 by scrolling the call area 510 in the print setting screen 200 while the print setting screen 200 is first displayed on the display unit 56b. One favorite setting can be changed from the favorite setting of "No. 1" to "No. 4" to the favorite setting of "No. 3" to "No. 6". In this case, the print setting screen 200 (including the calling area 510) of FIG. 15 is displayed instead of the print setting screen 200 (including the calling area 510) of FIG. 4 by the operation as described above (also in FIG. 16). reference). Note that FIG. 16 is an enlarged view showing the calling area 510 in the print setting screen 200 of FIG.

In this way, the favorite settings selected as a predetermined number of favorite settings among the plurality of favorite settings are changed according to the scroll operation. At this time, the icon change display process is executed only for the predetermined number of favorite settings displayed in the call area 510 in response to the scroll operation, and the favorite settings other than the predetermined number of favorite settings (displayed in the call area 510) are executed. The icon change display process is not executed for the favorite settings that have not been set. Therefore, it is possible to realize efficient processing.

In FIG. 15, information regarding the favorite setting of "No. 3" (icon 533, name "eco-printing", comment "both sides, 2in1, ...") is displayed in the calling field R1 of the calling area 510. .. The icon 533 (also see FIG. 16) related to the favorite setting of "No. 3" is the current setting value (current setting value) "vertical" of the setting item (non-reflection item) "original orientation" in the setting operation area 300. It has a state (form) that reflects. The icon 533 also reflects the setting values (“double-sided”, “2in1”, “grayscale”) of some of the items other than the “call switchable item” (“non-reflection settable item”). Has been done. In addition, information regarding the favorite setting of "No. 4" (icon 534, name "Confidential", comment "watermark ...") is displayed in the call field R2 of the call area 510. Further, information regarding the favorite setting of "No. 6" (icon 536, name "User setting 2", comment "Comment 2") is displayed in the call field R4 of the call area 510. The icons 534 and 536 also have a state (form) that reflects the current setting value "vertical" of the non-reflection item "orientation of document".

Further, in the call column R3, information regarding the favorite setting of "No. 5" (icon 535, name "User setting 1", comment "Comment 1") is displayed. The icon 535 related to the favorite setting of "No. 5" reflects the setting value "horizontal" at the time of registering the favorite setting of the setting item ("reflection item") and "original orientation" in the setting operation area 300 (form). have. The icon 535 does not reflect the current setting value "vertical" of the reflection item "orientation of document". The icon 535 also reflects the setting values (“single-sided”, “auto color”, etc.) of some of the items other than the “call switchable item”.

After that, when the user performs a change operation (specifically, a change operation for changing the set value from "vertical" to "horizontal") in the setting operation area 300 with the setting item "original orientation" as the change target item. , The print setting screen 200 of FIG. 17 is displayed instead of the print setting screen 200 of FIG. 15 (see also FIG. 18). Note that FIG. 18 is an enlarged view showing the calling area 510 in the print setting screen 200 of FIG.

In FIG. 17, information regarding the favorite setting of "No. 3" (icon 533b, name "eco-printing", comment "both sides, 2in1, ...") is displayed in the calling field R1 of the calling area 510. .. The icon 533b (see also FIG. 18) relating to the favorite setting of "No. 3" has a state (form) reflecting the current setting value "horizontal" of the non-reflection item "original orientation" in the setting operation area 300. ing. The icon 533b also reflects the setting values (“double-sided”, “2in1”, “grayscale”) of some of the items other than the “call switchable item”. Further, in the call field R2 of the call area 510, information regarding the favorite setting of "No. 4" (icon 534b, name "Confidential", comment "watermark ...") is displayed. Further, information regarding the favorite setting of "No. 6" (icon 536b, name "User setting 2", comment "Comment 2") is displayed in the call field R4 of the call area 510. The icons 534b and 536b also have a state (form) that reflects the current setting value "horizontal" of the non-reflection item "orientation of document".

Further, in the call column R3, information regarding the favorite setting of "No. 5" (icon 535, name "User setting 1", comment "Comment 1") is displayed. The icon 535 (FIG. 17) relating to the favorite setting of "No. 5" has the same state (form) as the icon 535 of FIG. In particular, the icon 535 has a state (form) that reflects the setting value "horizontal" at the time of registering the favorite setting of the setting item ("reflection item") and "orientation of document" in the setting operation area 300.

As described above, in the call field R1 (see also FIG. 16) in the print setting screen 200 of FIG. 15, the "original orientation" of the icon corresponding to the favorite setting of "No. 3" is "portrait". The icon 533 is displayed. On the other hand, in the call field R1 (see also FIG. 18) in the print setting screen 200 of FIG. 17, as an icon corresponding to the favorite setting of "No. 3", the "orientation of the original" is an icon of "landscape". 533b is displayed. In the favorite setting of "No. 3", the setting item "orientation of original" is a non-reflection item.

In this way, when the non-reflection item "original orientation" is changed as the change target item, the setting value of the change target item ("original orientation") is changed (change from "vertical" to "horizontal", etc.). The icon 533b or the like reflecting the above is displayed. Specifically, an icon 533b (or 533) reflecting the current set value (“horizontal” or the like) related to the non-reflection item “original orientation” is generated and displayed in step S56 (see FIG. 13).

Similarly, regarding the favorite setting of "No. 4", the changed icon 534b (original orientation = horizontal) is displayed instead of the changed icon 534 (original orientation = portrait), and "No. 4" is displayed. Regarding the favorite setting of "6", the changed icon 536b (original orientation = horizontal) is displayed instead of the changed icon 536 (original orientation = portrait).

As described above, regarding the favorite settings of "No. 3", "No. 4", and "No. 6", the "portrait" icon (see FIGS. 15 and 19) to the "horizontal" icon (see FIG. 15 and FIG. 19). Changes to (see FIGS. 17 and 20 etc.) are made. In other words, the plurality of icons corresponding to the plurality of favorite settings ("No. 3", "No. 4", and "No. 6") are each for the non-reflection item among the plurality of setting items. The current setting value of the non-reflection item is reflected and displayed.

On the other hand, in the call field R3 in the print setting screen 200 of FIG. 15, an icon 535 whose "orientation of document" is "landscape" is displayed as an icon corresponding to the favorite setting of "No. 5". Further, also in the call field R3 in the print setting screen 200 of FIG. 17, an icon 535 whose "orientation of document" is "landscape" is displayed as an icon corresponding to the favorite setting of "No. 5". Here, in the favorite setting of "No. 5", the setting item "orientation of the original" is a "reflected item" (not a non-reflected item).

When the reflection item "original orientation" is changed as the change target item, the change of the setting value regarding the reflection item "original orientation" is not reflected in the display target icon (see step S55 (FIG. 13)). Regarding the favorite setting of "No. 5", an icon (see FIGS. 17 and 20 and the like) corresponding to the same orientation (horizontal orientation) as the setting value ("horizontal") at the time of registration is always displayed. In other words, the icon 535 in which the setting value (“horizontal”) at the time of registering the favorite setting of the reflection item “original orientation” is reflected is displayed.

In this way, among multiple setting items, the "reflection item" (the item that reflects the setting value when registering one favorite setting to the current setting value when calling one favorite setting) has been changed as the change target item. In that case, the icon is displayed in a state where the setting value at the time of registration of the one favorite setting is reflected for the reflection item. Regarding the reflection item, the current setting value at the time of calling the favorite setting is not reflected in the icon.

Further, after that, the user changes the setting item "orientation of the original" as the change target item in the setting operation area 300 (this time, conversely, the change operation for changing the setting value from "horizontal" to "vertical". ) Is performed, the print setting screen 200 of FIG. 15 is displayed instead of the print setting screen 200 of FIG. This causes a reverse change.

For example, regarding the favorite setting of "No. 3", the change process from the icon 533b to the icon 533 is performed. Similarly, for the favorite setting of "No. 4", the change process from the icon 534b to the icon 534 is performed, and for the favorite setting of "No. 6", the change process from the icon 536b to the icon 536 is performed. .. As described above, regarding the favorite settings of "No. 3", "No. 4", and "No. 6", the "landscape" icon (see FIGS. 17 and 20 and the like) is changed to the "portrait" icon. (See FIGS. 15 and 19 etc.).

On the other hand, regarding the favorite setting of "No. 5", even if the setting of "original orientation" is changed, the icon change process is not performed. In other words, when the reflection item "original orientation" is changed as the change target item, the change regarding the reflection item "original orientation" is not reflected in the display target icon. Regarding the favorite setting of "No. 5", an icon (see FIGS. 17 and 20 and the like) corresponding to the same orientation (horizontal orientation) as the setting value ("horizontal") at the time of registration is always displayed.

<8. Effects of the embodiment, etc.>
As described above, when the "non-reflection item" (non-overwrite item) is changed as the change target item among multiple setting items, the icon reflecting the change of the setting value of the change target item is displayed. .. For example, regarding the favorite settings of "No. 3", "No. 4", and "No. 6", the "portrait" icon (see FIGS. 15 and 19) to the "landscape" icon (FIG. 17). And the change to (see Fig. 20 etc.), or vice versa. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately change the display state of the icon related to the favorite setting according to the setting change operation. More specifically, it is possible to appropriately change the display state of the icon related to the favorite setting according to the actual print output state (“landscape”).

Further, when the "reflection item" (overwrite item) is changed as the change target item among the plurality of setting items, the change of the setting value of the change target item is not reflected in the icon. For example, with respect to the favorite setting of "No. 5", a horizontal icon (see FIGS. 17 and 20) in which the setting value ("horizontal" orientation) at the time of registration is reflected is displayed. According to this, the user can accurately and easily grasp the print output state by visually recognizing the icon.

Here, for all the setting items (including the reflection items), the icon may always be changed according to the change of the setting value (change from "horizontal" to "portrait", etc.). However, when the icon is changed according to the change of the setting value of the reflection item, a discrepancy occurs between the display state by the icon and the actual print output state as described below.

For example, it is assumed that the favorite setting is made while the setting item "original orientation" is set to the setting value "landscape", and the setting item "original orientation" is set as the reflection item. In this case, when the setting item "orientation of the original" is set to the set value "landscape" on the print setting screen, the icon of FIG. 20 is displayed. After that, when the setting item "Original Orientation" is changed from the setting value "Horizontal" to the setting value "Portrait" on the print setting screen, if the icon is uniformly changed to the icon shown in FIG. 19, the following problems occur. ..

Specifically, when the setting item "Orientation of original" is set as the reflection item, the setting value ("landscape") at the time of registering a favorite is always used for print output, and the current setting value ("portrait") is always used. ") Is not used. Therefore, the actual print output has the state shown in FIG. Nevertheless, if the icon of FIG. 19 is uniformly displayed, a discrepancy will occur between the display state by the icon (FIG. 19) and the actual print output state (see FIG. 20). Such discrepancies are not desirable.

On the other hand, in the present embodiment, since it is determined whether or not the icon is changed in consideration of whether or not the target item of the change operation is a "non-reflection item", the display state by the icon and the actual state are determined. It is possible to avoid a discrepancy with the print output state.

More specifically, when the target item "original orientation" of the change operation from the set value "horizontal" to the set value "portrait" is the "reflection item", the change operation is performed. However, the icon in the calling area 510 is not changed. Specifically, it is not changed to the "portrait" icon and remains the "horizontal" icon (see FIG. 20). Therefore, both the display state by the icon and the actual print output state are matched, and there is no discrepancy between the two states. According to this, the user can accurately and easily grasp the print output state by visually recognizing the icon.

In the above embodiment, the icon related to the favorite setting reflects the setting value of one non-reflection item "original orientation", but the setting value of the other non-reflection item "original size" is. Not reflected (always the same size icon is displayed). In this way, the icon related to the favorite setting does not need to reflect the setting values of all the non-reflected items, and some of the non-reflected items (“orientation of the original” etc.” among all the non-reflected items. Only the setting value of the specific item) may be reflected (the icon may be displayed in a state where the setting value of the remaining non-reflecting item (“size of document” etc.) is not reflected).

<9. Modification example>
Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the contents described above.

For example, in the above embodiment, the case where the setting item "orientation of the original" or the like is set as a non-reflection item is mainly illustrated, but the present invention is not limited to this, and other settings as shown in FIG. Items (such as "manuscript size" and / or "number of copies") may be set as non-reflecting items. Further, another setting item (“punch” and / or “staple”, etc.) may be set as a non-reflection item. Further, in that case, the icons shown in FIGS. 21 to 24 and the like may be used.

More specifically, the numerical value provided on the lower left side of the icon may be changed according to the change of the "number of copies". In detail, according to the change of the number of copies from "1 copy" to "5 copies", the icon (icon before change) having the character string of "1 copy" on the lower left side (see the left side of FIG. 21) is changed to ". The character string of "5 copies" may be changed to an icon (changed icon) (see the left side of FIG. 21) having the character string on the lower left side.

Alternatively, the size of the icon may be changed according to the change of the "size of the original". Specifically, according to the change in the number of copies from "A4" to "A3", the area (square root of 2 (route 2)) is doubled from the icon having the basic size (icon before change) (see the center of FIG. 22). It may be changed to an icon (changed icon) having (double the length) (see the left side of FIG. 22). Also, in response to the change in the number of copies from "A4" to "A5", the icon with the basic size (the icon before the change) (see the center of FIG. 22) has half the area (the length of the inverse of the square root of 2). It may be changed to an icon (changed icon) having (see the right side of FIG. 22).

Alternatively, a part of the icon may be changed according to the change of the "punch". Specifically, according to the change in the number of copies from "off" to "left (2 holes)", the icon that does not have a part imitating the punch hole (the icon before the change) (see the left side of FIG. 23) is changed to the punch hole. It may be changed to an icon (changed icon) (see the right side of FIG. 23) having a portion imitating (two punch holes) on the left end side.

Alternatively, a part of the icon may be changed according to the change of "staple". Specifically, according to the change in the number of copies from "off" to "left corner (1 place)", from the icon that does not have a part imitating a staple needle (icon before change) (see the left side of FIG. 24), 1 It may be changed to an icon (changed icon) (see the right side of FIG. 24) having a portion imitating a staple of a book in the upper left corner.

Further, in the above embodiment, not only the set value of the "reflected item" but also the set value of the "non-reflected item" is temporarily stored in the data table 800, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the "non-reflected item" is not limited to this. The set value of may not be stored in the data table 800.

Further, in the above embodiment or the like, the call area 510 is provided in the print setting screen 200, but the call area 510 is not limited to this, and the call area 510 is a screen different from the print setting screen 200 (printing according to a predetermined operation). It may be provided on a screen or the like that pops up with respect to the setting screen 200).

Further, in the above-described embodiment and the like, the case where the icon related to the favorite setting is displayed on the display screen of the printer driver is mainly illustrated, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the present invention may be applied when an icon related to a favorite setting is displayed on a setting screen or the like displayed on the touch panel 25 of the MFP 10. Specifically, if an operation equivalent to various operations (display control operation, etc.) performed by the above computer 50 is executed by the MFP 10 (specifically, a computer (controller 9), etc. built in the MFP 10). good. In this case, the MFP 10 operates as a printing device and also as a printing control device (printing instruction device).

1 Printing system 10 MFP
50 Computer 200 Print setting screen 300 Setting operation area 311-222 Setting field 400 Paper view area 500 Favorite area 510 Calling area 531 to 536,533b, 534b, 536b Icon 700 Editing screen 731-733 Slide switch Ri calling field

Claims (16)

On the computer
a) A step of pre-registering a group of setting values of at least some of the setting items related to print settings as one favorite setting, and
b) A step for accepting a change operation regarding a setting value of a change target item among the plurality of setting items related to the print setting, and
c) A step of displaying an icon related to the one favorite setting in a call area provided in the display screen, which is a call area for calling the one favorite setting registered in advance.
Is a program that executes
Of the plurality of setting items, the change operation regarding the non-reflected item, which is an item that does not reflect the setting value at the time of registration of the one favorite setting to the current setting value at the time of calling the one favorite setting, is the step b). When the program is accepted in step c), the icon reflecting the change in the set value of the change target item is displayed. In the program according to claim 1,
Of the plurality of setting items, the reflected item that reflects the setting value at the time of registration of the one favorite setting to the current setting value at the time of calling the one favorite setting is the change target in the step b). When changed as an item, the icon displayed in step c) is characterized in that the reflected item is displayed in a state in which the setting value at the time of registration of the one favorite setting is reflected. Program to do. In the program according to claim 1 or 2.
The non-reflection item is a program including at least one setting item of a document orientation setting, a document size setting, a print output number of copies setting, a staple setting, and a punch setting. In the program according to any one of claims 1 to 3.
To the computer
d) After the step c), a step of reflecting the setting contents related to the one favorite setting in the current print setting contents in response to the calling operation of the one favorite setting in the calling area.
A program characterized by further execution. In the program according to any one of claims 1 to 4.
To the computer
e) The step of displaying the icon related to the one favorite setting in the calling area before the change operation in the step b).
To execute further,
When the non-reflected item is changed as the change target item in the step b) among the plurality of setting items, an icon different from the icon displayed in the step e) is displayed in the step c). A program characterized by being done. In the program according to any one of claims 1 to 5.
In step a), a program characterized in that a specific item among the plurality of setting items is initially set as the non-reflection item. In the program according to any one of claims 1 to 6.
To the computer
f) A step of setting the non-reflecting item related to the one favorite setting after the step a) and before the step c).
A program characterized by further execution. In the program according to claim 7.
In step a), the set value group related to the one favorite setting is collectively registered in advance using the print setting screen.
In step f), the program is characterized in that the non-reflection item is set using an edit screen related to the one favorite setting and different from the print setting screen. In the program according to any one of claims 1 to 7.
The calling area is an area in the print setting screen, and is a program characterized in that the calling area is an area in which the one favorite setting is called as the current print setting content from a plurality of favorite settings. In the program according to any one of claims 1 to 8.
The calling area has a plurality of icons corresponding to a plurality of favorite settings related to the print setting.
In the step c), each of the plurality of icons is displayed with the current set value of the non-reflected item reflected in the non-reflected item among the plurality of setting items. In the program according to any one of claims 1 to 8.
The calling area is a display area for calling a user's desired favorite setting from a plurality of registered favorite settings related to the print setting, and has a predetermined number of favorite setting calling fields.
In step c), the program is characterized in that the icon change display process is executed only for a predetermined number of icons corresponding to the predetermined number of favorite settings among the plurality of favorite settings. In the program of claim 11.
Of the plurality of favorite settings, the favorite settings selected as the predetermined number of favorite settings are changed according to the scroll operation.
In the step c), the icon change display process is performed only for the predetermined number of icons corresponding to the predetermined number of favorite settings displayed in the calling area in response to the scroll operation among the plurality of favorite settings. A program characterized by being executed. It is a print control device
A registration control means for pre-registering a group of setting values of at least some of the setting items related to print settings as one favorite setting, and
An input control means for accepting a change operation regarding a setting value of a change target item among the plurality of setting items related to the print setting, and an input control means.
A display control means for displaying an icon related to the one favorite setting in a call area provided in the display screen, which is a call area for calling the one favorite setting registered in advance.
Equipped with
Of the plurality of setting items, the non-reflected item, which is an item that does not reflect the setting value at the time of registration of the one favorite setting to the current setting value at the time of calling the one favorite setting, has been changed as the change target item. In this case, the display control means is a print control device characterized by displaying the icon reflecting the change of the set value of the change target item. In the print control device according to claim 13,
When the reflection item, which is an item for reflecting the setting value at the time of registration of the one favorite setting to the current setting value at the time of calling the one favorite setting, is changed as the change target item among the plurality of setting items. The display control means is a print control device, characterized in that the icon is displayed in a state in which the setting value at the time of registration of the one favorite setting is reflected for the reflection item. It ’s a printing device.
A registration control means for pre-registering a group of setting values of at least some of the setting items related to print settings as one favorite setting, and
An input control means for accepting a change operation regarding a setting value of a change target item among the plurality of setting items related to the print setting, and an input control means.
A display control means for displaying an icon related to the one favorite setting in a call area provided in the display screen, which is a call area for calling the one favorite setting registered in advance.
Equipped with
Of the plurality of setting items, the non-reflected item, which is an item that does not reflect the setting value at the time of registration of the one favorite setting to the current setting value at the time of calling the one favorite setting, has been changed as the change target item. In this case, the display control means is a printing device characterized by displaying the icon reflecting the change of the set value of the change target item. In the printing apparatus according to claim 15,
When the reflection item, which is an item for reflecting the setting value at the time of registration of the one favorite setting to the current setting value at the time of calling the one favorite setting, is changed as the change target item among the plurality of setting items. The display control means is a printing device, characterized in that the icon is displayed in a state in which the setting value at the time of registration of the one favorite setting is reflected for the reflection item.

Images