Image forming apparatus and control method of controlling image forming apparatus

Abstract

An image forming apparatus and a control method for controlling the image forming apparatus are disclosed. The image forming apparatus includes a registration unit configured to register setting values of a plurality of setting items including a predetermined setting item and a single identifier that are associated with each other, a transmission unit configured to transmit the identifier to an information processing apparatus, a reception unit configured to receive print data from the information processing apparatus, and a control unit configured to perform a process based on the received print data, wherein the information processing apparatus displays a print setting screen in which the identifier can be selected and the setting value of the predetermined setting item cannot be set, and based on a selection of the identifier, the information processing apparatus displays a print setting screen in which the setting value of the predetermined setting item can be set, and wherein the transmission unit transmits information indicating that the setting value for the predetermined setting item can be set.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and a control method for controlling the image forming apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, each of the various operating systems (OS) that form information processing devices has included the Internet Printing Protocol (IPP) as a standard printing function. In IPP, the information processing device is able to select various print settings on the printing screen of the information processing device based on capability information notified to the information processing device by the image forming apparatus. This invention relates to the notification of this capability and the method for selecting it.

[0003] A technique for registering setting values ​​of multiple settings items into a single group in an image forming apparatus and using the group of setting values ​​registered in the image forming apparatus for printing settings in an information processing apparatus is discussed. In Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-006099, a user pre-registers multiple settings items as a group in an image forming apparatus. The information processing apparatus obtains information from the image forming apparatus for identifying the group of setting values ​​registered in the image forming apparatus and displays this information on a display unit of the information processing apparatus. The information processing apparatus displays the obtained identification information and receives a selection from the user of the identification information to be used in printing. The information processing apparatus then sends the selected identification information to the image forming apparatus.

[0004] Citation List

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-006099 Summary of the Invention

[0007] Technical issues

[0008] Incidentally, on the print settings screen provided by an IPP-compatible printing service, the settings that can be set by the user are limited to those defined by IPP, and vendor-specific settings or values ​​for the image forming apparatus cannot be set. Vendor-specific settings or values ​​are, for example, settings or values ​​related to "opening direction" and "creep correction amount" when performing binding processing.

[0009] If a group of multiple settings registered in the image forming apparatus includes vendor-specific settings or settings, the vendor-specific settings or settings cannot be displayed or changed on the print settings screen provided by an IPP-compatible print service.

[0010] Solution to the problem

[0011] To address the aforementioned problems, according to one aspect of the present invention, an image forming apparatus includes: a registration unit configured to register setting values ​​for a plurality of setting items, the plurality of setting items including mutually associated predetermined setting items and a single identifier; a sending unit configured to send the identifier registered by the registration unit to an information processing device; a receiving unit configured to receive print data from the information processing device that receives the identifier sent from the sending unit; and a control unit configured to perform processing based on the received print data, wherein the information processing device displays a print setting screen in which the identifier received from the image forming apparatus can be selected but is not selected and the setting value of the predetermined setting item cannot be set, and based on the selection of the identifier on the print setting screen, the information processing device displays a print setting screen in which the setting value of the predetermined setting item can be set, and wherein the sending unit sends information indicating a setting value that can be set for the predetermined setting item and can be set to replace the setting value of the predetermined setting item registered with the identifier.

[0012] Advantages of the invention

[0013] Based on the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, when information about a group of print settings registered in the image forming apparatus is displayed on a print settings screen provided by a predetermined print service, the image forming apparatus may also display supplier-specific settings. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration according to this exemplary embodiment.

[0015] Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus according to this exemplary embodiment.

[0016] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of an information processing apparatus according to this exemplary embodiment.

[0017] Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the software configuration of an image forming apparatus according to this exemplary embodiment.

[0018] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the software configuration of an information processing apparatus according to this exemplary embodiment.

[0019] Figure 6 This is an example of a preset / template registration screen according to this exemplary embodiment.

[0020] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating the preset / template setting process according to this exemplary embodiment.

[0021] Figures 8A to 8C This is a diagram illustrating an example of a print settings screen displayed on the touch panel of an information processing apparatus according to this exemplary embodiment.

[0022] Figure 9A This is a flowchart illustrating the supplier extended attribute acquisition process according to this exemplary embodiment.

[0023] Figure 9B This is a flowchart illustrating the supplier extended attribute acquisition process according to this exemplary embodiment.

[0024] Figure 10A and Figure 10B This is a sequence diagram illustrating the process of acquiring and setting accompanying templates and preset extended attributes according to this exemplary embodiment.

[0025] Figure 11A and Figure 11B This is a diagram illustrating an example of the data structure of a table stored in a preset / template database (DB) 416 according to this exemplary embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0026] In this exemplary embodiment, the user registers a preset or template with setting values ​​of multiple setting items as a single group in the image forming apparatus. The information processing apparatus obtains identification information about the collective settings of the group of setting values ​​of multiple setting items from the image forming apparatus and displays the identification information on the print settings screen. The user obtains identification information about the collective settings to be used in the print settings from the print settings screen of the information processing apparatus. In this exemplary embodiment, in addition to the setting items and setting values ​​defined by the Internet Printing Protocol (IPP), vendor-specific setting items or setting values ​​can also be set as collective settings.

[0027] The image forming apparatus identifies settings that need to be changed before performing a job from settings included in a single collective setting.

[0028] Then, in association with the identification information regarding the collective settings, the information processing device is notified of the supplier-specific settings or setting values ​​included in the collective settings that can be changed before the job is executed. In this way, when a user selects a collective setting to use in printing from the collective settings in the image forming apparatus, the information processing device can change the printing settings of the settings before the job is executed, even if the selected collective settings include supplier-specific items.

[0029] describe Figure 1 . Figure 1This is a diagram illustrating an example configuration of a printing system according to the present invention. An image forming apparatus 101 is connected to a local area network (LAN) 100. Information processing devices 103, 104, and 105 are connected to the LAN 100 via an access point 102. This exemplary embodiment is described using information processing devices 103, 104, and 105, such as tablet computers, smartphones, and personal computers (PCs), as examples of information processing devices. In the following description, tablet computers, smartphones, and PCs will be collectively referred to as "information processing devices." These information processing devices can send printing data to the image forming apparatus 101 via the LAN 100. This exemplary embodiment is described using the above configuration example as an example of a printing system. However, the invention is not limited thereto, and at least one or more information processing devices and image forming apparatuses only need to be connected together via a network so that at least one or more information processing devices and image forming apparatuses can communicate with each other. The network can be a wireless or wired network.

[0030] Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 101.

[0031] Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 101 according to this exemplary embodiment. The exemplary embodiment is described using an image forming apparatus as an example. Optionally, an image forming apparatus, such as a multifunction peripheral device (MFP), can be used, which includes scanner and fax functions. A control unit, including a central processing unit (CPU) 211, controls the operation of the entire image forming apparatus 101. The CPU 211 loads programs stored in read-only memory (ROM) 212 or memory 214 into random access memory (RAM) 213 and executes the programs, thereby performing various types of control, such as print control and read control. ROM 212 stores control programs and startup programs that can be executed by the CPU 211. RAM 213 is the main storage memory of the CPU 211 and is used as a working area or temporary storage area for loading various control programs. Memory 214 stores print data, image data, various programs, and various setting information. In this exemplary embodiment, an auxiliary storage device, such as a hard disk drive (HDD), is used as memory 214. Optionally, non-volatile memory, such as a solid-state drive (SSD), can be used.

[0032] In the image forming apparatus 101 according to this exemplary embodiment, a single CPU 211 uses a single RAM 213 to perform the processes shown in the flowcharts described below. Alternatively, another form may be adopted. For example, multiple CPUs, RAMs, ROMs, and storage spaces may cooperate to perform the processes shown in the flowcharts described below. However, alternatively, some processes may be performed using hardware circuitry (e.g., application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) or field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs)).

[0033] Operation unit interface (I / F) 216 connects operation unit 217 and control unit. Operation unit 217 includes a display unit with touch panel functionality and various hardware keys, and serves as both a display unit for displaying information and a receiving unit for receiving instructions from the user. Printing unit I / F 218 connects printing unit 219 and control unit. Image data generated by analyzing print jobs received from each information processing device is transmitted from control unit to printing unit 219 via printing unit I / F 218. Printing unit 219 receives control commands and print jobs to be printed via control unit. Then, based on the print job, printing unit 219 prints an image on a sheet fed from a sheet feed cassette (not shown). The printing method of printing unit 219 can be electrophotographic or inkjet. Alternatively, another printing method, such as thermal transfer, can also be applied. Control unit is also connected to LAN 100 via communication unit I / F 222. The communication unit I / F 222 sends information to the information processing devices 103, 104 or 105, and receives print jobs and information from the information processing devices 103, 104 or 105 on the LAN 100.

[0034] Image processing unit 215 has the function of rasterizing image processor (RIP) of print jobs received from information processing devices 103, 104, or 105, thereby generating print image data. Image processing unit 215 can also perform resolution conversion processing and correction processing on the image data obtained by rasterizing the print jobs. This exemplary embodiment assumes that image processing unit 215 is implemented by hardware circuitry such as an ASIC or FPGA. However, the invention is not limited thereto. Alternatively, for example, image forming apparatus 101 may further include a processor for image processing, and the processor may execute an image processing program to perform image processing and rasterization processing on the print data. In this case, the processor and CPU 211 cooperate to implement the flowchart described below. Alternatively, a configuration may be adopted in which CPU 211 executes a program for performing image processing, thereby performing image processing and rasterization processing on the print data. Alternatively, image processing may be performed based on any combination of these methods.

[0035] The sheet processing unit I / F 220 connects the control unit and the sheet processing unit 221. The sheet processing unit 221 receives control commands from the control unit and performs post-processing on the sheet on which the printing unit 219 prints images, according to the control commands.

[0036] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing an example of the software configuration of the image forming apparatus 101.

[0037] Figure 4 The functional block shown is implemented by CPU 211 executing the program loaded into RAM 213.

[0038] The network user interface (UI) control unit 415 has the function of registering and editing collective settings, which are used to... Figure 6 The multiple print settings shown are registered as a group and applied collectively. Users register multiple pre-selected and configured print settings as a single collective setting via registration screen 600. Collective settings created by users through this web UI are saved as presets or templates in a preset / template database (DB) 416. The preset / template DB 416 includes an extended attribute DB 417, which stores data types, ranges, and initial values ​​as detailed information about vendor-specific extended attributes not defined in the IPP standard.

[0039] In this exemplary embodiment, the preset or template may include not only settings defined by the IPP standard, but also supplier-specific settings. For example, "number of copies" and "duplex printing" are attributes defined by IPP. On the other hand, "binding," "storage," and "toner saving" are supplier-specific settings. "Binding" is a setting regarding whether to perform bound printing. If "binding" is set to ON, the opening direction and creep correction values ​​of the output product can be set. "Storage" is a setting for giving instructions to save the print data received by the image forming apparatus 101. If "storage" is set to ON, the user can set which frame of the frame, which is included in the save folder in the image forming apparatus 101, to save the print data. "Toner saving" is a setting regarding whether to perform printing by reducing the amount of toner consumed during printing. "Toner saving" toggles between ON and OFF. Even IPP-defined settings, such as "stapling" or "punching," may be settings that should be set to supplier-specific values ​​or settings that cannot be set in the predetermined printing service provided by the operating system (OS). In this exemplary embodiment, settings that include values ​​that cannot be set in the pre-defined printing service as described above are considered supplier-specific settings. For example, if "stapling" for binding output is set to ON, a screen is displayed showing which locations on the sheet should be bound, in addition to the number of binding positions. Furthermore, if "punching" for punching holes in the sheet is set to ON, a screen is displayed showing how many holes to punch and at which locations on the sheet.

[0040] If the user includes vendor-specific settings in the collective settings, these settings related to the vendor extensions will be notified to each information processing device as capability information about the image forming apparatus, associated with the name of the collective settings.

[0041] IPP server control unit 401 includes printer capability notification unit 402. Printer capability notification unit 402 receives queries about the image forming apparatus from information processing devices 103, 104, or 105 and notifies information processing devices 103, 104, or 105 of printer capability information. Specific examples of the capability information notified to information processing devices 103, 104, or 105 include a list of names of collective settings for print items maintained in preset / template DB 416, and data types, ranges, and initial values ​​as detailed information about vendor extended attributes included in the collective settings. Regarding the names of the collective settings and the names of the vendor extended attributes, language support DB 418 provides UI display strings in a message directory format.

[0042] Information processing devices 103, 104, or 105 acquire the printer's capabilities, then generate a print job based on the printer and send the print job to the image forming apparatus. IPP server control unit 401 performs the processing of receiving print data from the information processing devices.

[0043] If the image forming apparatus receives an IPP print job from the information processing units 103, 104, or 105, it generates a new job in the job control unit 407 via the print job generation unit 404. Next, the job setting save / verify unit 403 verifies the job attributes designated as IPP attributes and writes the job attributes to the job attribute save unit 408. If a collective setting with print attributes in a template format is assigned to a job, the image forming apparatus queries the preset / template DB 416 for the attributes to be applied and reflects the attributes in the print settings. If individual print attributes are set in addition to the collective settings, the collective settings are overwritten. (See reference...) Figure 6 To describe the details of attributes that can be set collectively.

[0044] The IPP server control unit 401 transmits the drawing data of the job data to the data receiving control unit 405 in parallel with the attribute processing, and temporarily stores the drawing data in the data receiving control unit 405. The data receiving control unit 405 is a buffer for the print jobs received by the print job generation unit 404, and stores each print job in the memory 214.

[0045] The Page Description Language (PDL) analysis unit 406 included in the image forming apparatus 101 according to this exemplary embodiment is compatible with Portable Document Format (PDF) and Printer Working Group (PWG) raster formats. The PDL analysis unit 406 receives instructions from the job control unit 407, requests print drawing data from the data receiving control unit 405, and performs analysis processing. Regarding the page data generated by the PDL analysis unit 406, the page control unit 409 saves the image data in the page saving unit 410 and saves the page attribute information in the page attribute saving unit 411.

[0046] Page control unit 409 controls the page analysis processing of PDL analysis unit 406, the RIP processing of RIP control unit 413, and the print control processing of print control unit 412. Print control unit 412 obtains the RIP-processed image data from page storage unit 410, performs color separation on the image data into red, green, and blue (RGB), and transmits the image data to engine control unit 414. Engine control unit 414 receives the RGB-corresponding image data from print control unit 412 page by page and controls print control unit 412 to perform printing processing on each page. Network UI control unit 415 obtains information about the status of the print job being processed from job control unit 407 and displays the processing status of the print job on the UI screen.

[0047] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of each of the information processing devices 103, 104, and 105.

[0048] The control unit 300, including CPU 311, controls the overall operation of each information processing device. CPU 311 loads programs stored in ROM 314 or memory 313 into RAM 312 and executes these programs, thereby performing various types of control, such as controlling the print setup screen, generating print data, and transferring print jobs. ROM 314 stores control programs and startup programs that can be executed by CPU 311. RAM 312 is the main memory of CPU 311 and is used as a working area or temporary storage area for loading various programs. Memory 313 stores the OS, printing applications, OS printing framework, print jobs generated by the OS printing framework, and various setting information. In this exemplary embodiment, an auxiliary storage device such as an HDD is used as memory 313. Alternatively, non-volatile memory such as an SSD can be used. Touch panel 318 is connected to operation unit I / F 315. Touch panel 318 not only displays the application screen and print setup screen but also notifies the application operating on CPU 311 of the user's touch operations.

[0049] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the software configuration of each of the information processing devices 103, 104, and 105. In this exemplary embodiment, the OS provides a pre-defined printing service compliant with IPP.

[0050] These functional blocks are implemented by the CPU 311 executing programs loaded into RAM 312. Application 501 is any application installed by the user on each information processing device, and is a general application for word processors, spreadsheets, databases, email, or web browsers. OS printing framework 502 includes IPP client control unit 503, print spool program 509, and print screen control unit 510. IPP client control unit 503 includes printer information management unit 504 and print job generation unit 505. Printer information management unit 504 queries image forming apparatus 101 via data communication control unit 520 and acquires and maintains information about the capabilities of image forming apparatus.

[0051] The printer information management unit 504 obtains a list of names of collective settings such as presets and templates, as well as data types, ranges, and initial values ​​of vendor-specific printing settings included in the collective settings, as well as capability information about the image forming apparatus 101.

[0052] The preset / template management unit 513 in the printer information management unit 504 maintains a list of collective settings names. If the user selects a collective setting that includes supplier-specific settings or setting values, the extended attribute management unit 514 obtains information from the image forming apparatus regarding the attribute name, data type, and range of the supplier-specific settings or setting values. The extended attribute management unit 514 saves the obtained supplier-specific settings or setting values ​​in its extended attribute management unit 514.

[0053] The print screen control unit 510 displays the print screen in response to a call from application 501. The print screen control unit 510 includes a preset name / template name display unit 515, which displays the name of the collective settings stored in the preset / template management unit 513. The collective settings in the IPP preset format are those in which, in response to a query from the information processing device regarding capability information, the information processing device is notified what settings or values ​​have been set in the collective settings. The collective settings in the template format are those in which the information processing device is notified of the name of the collective settings, but not of the set settings or values.

[0054] If the user selects a collective setting in which a supplier-specific setting or setting value is configured, the extended attribute management unit 514 queries the image forming apparatus for information needed to display a screen in the information processing apparatus for setting the supplier-specific setting included in the name of the selected collective setting. If the supplier-specific setting or setting value is included in the collective setting, the image forming apparatus notifies the information processing apparatus, as capability information, of the data type, range, and initial value stored in the extended attribute DB 417 of the image forming apparatus, in association with the name of the collective setting. The information processing apparatus stores detailed information about the setting item notified to the information processing apparatus in the extended attribute management unit 514 and simultaneously displays the setting item as a supplier extended attribute on the print setting screen via the extended attribute display unit 516. The user performs print settings via the print screen and executes printing.

[0055] The print screen control unit 510 and the print job generation unit 505 generate job attributes and document attributes for the IPP job based on the settings on the print screen. The print screen control unit 510 and the print job generation unit 505 acquire collective settings supported by the image forming apparatus 101, as well as print attributes and vendor extended attributes based on the IPP standard that are changed immediately before printing, and specify attributes for each job or each page in the print data.

[0056] If the user selects a collective setting for a template format, the print screen control unit 510 and the print job generation unit 505, in addition to the setting name of the collective setting, also notify the information processing device of information about supplier-specific settings. On the other hand, if the user selects a collective setting for an IPP preset format, the print screen control unit 510 and the print job generation unit 505 specify both the IPP standard attributes and supplier extended attributes included in the collective setting for each job or page in the print data. In the attributes specified at this time, both the IPP standard attributes and supplier-specific settings are reflected on the print settings screen. If the user changes the setting values ​​obtained by reflecting the values ​​of the IPP standard attributes and supplier-specific settings back as attributes of the print job, the changed values ​​will be reflected as is.

[0057] Page generation unit 507 collaborates with PDL generation unit 508 to convert drawing data generated by application 501 through OS drawing engine 530 into PDL data supported by image forming apparatus 101, and sends the PDL data to image forming apparatus.

[0058] Based on the request from application 501, OS drawing engine 530 draws print page data in a drawing format according to OS standards and passes the print page data to page generation unit 507 of OS printing frame 502. Data communication control unit 520 sends / receives messages generated by IPP client for managing printer communication and for sending and managing jobs to / from image forming apparatus 101.

[0059] refer to Figure 6 The document describes a method for registering presets or templates as collective settings in an image forming apparatus. Figure 6 This is an example of a screen displayed on the touch panel 318 by accessing and logging into the image forming apparatus via a network from any of the information processing devices 103, 104, and 105. The information regarding the username and password entered by the user is compared with the following reference. Figure 11A The user management table 1110 is compared to perform authentication for the login.

[0060] Input field 601 is a field for entering the name of any collective setting to be assigned to the collective setting to be registered. The information processing device is notified of the name entered into input field 601, and the name is displayed as a collective setting that can be selected on the print settings screen.

[0061] Selecting checkbox 602 is a checkbox used to specify whether to notify the information processing device of a collective setting to be registered as an IPP preset or a collective setting to be registered as a sorting template. If an IPP preset is selected, the image forming apparatus notifies the information processing device of the name of the collective setting and the set settings or setting values. If a sorting template is selected, the information processing device is notified of the name of the collective setting.

[0062] Selecting checkbox 603 is a checkbox used to select individual settings items to include in the collective settings.

[0063] Setting item name 609 is the name of a setting item that can be set collectively. Setting item name 609 includes setting items defined by the IPP that can be displayed on the print settings screen provided by the OS without needing to obtain the item's name, data type, and range from the image forming apparatus. Setting item name 609 also includes the name, data type, and range of items (e.g., items 607 and 608) not defined by the IPP but provided by the printing device for display on the print settings screen provided by the OS. "Opening mode" 607 is the opening direction of the output product when performing bound printing, and the setting value of "Opening mode" 607 can be selected from right opening, left opening, top opening, and bottom opening. "Creep correction" 608 is a setting used to adjust the print position of the image relative to the sheet when performing bound printing. The user can set the print position in millimeters.

[0064] The Range Selection List / Input Field 604 is the area for selecting and entering the setting values ​​for the settings to be included in the collective settings.

[0065] Selecting checkbox 605 is a checkbox used to select whether to allow changes to the setting values ​​of settings included in the collective settings on a job-by-job basis immediately preceding printing. If any of the selection checkboxes 605 are selected, the user can select the collective settings to use in printing on the information processing device and then change the setting values ​​of the settings included in the selected collective settings.

[0066] If the setting specified by the checkbox, allowing change of a setting or value immediately before printing, is a vendor-specific setting or value not defined by the IPP standard, the image forming apparatus notifies the information processing apparatus of the setting's name, data type, and initial value. Therefore, even if the print settings included in the collective settings are not IPP-defined, the user can change the print settings by operating the information processing apparatus.

[0067] The "Add" button 606 is used to register a template or preset as a group setting in the preset / template DB. If the user selects the "Add" button 606, the settings made on the registration screen 600 are registered in the preset / template DB.

[0068] As described above, in this exemplary embodiment, vendor-specific settings can be included in the collective settings used to treat multiple settings as a single group. Furthermore, it can be set whether to allow changes to these settings before printing. Regarding vendor-specific settings that can be changed before printing, the image forming apparatus 101 notifies the information processing apparatus 103 of the information required to set the vendor-specific settings. Based on the information provided by the image forming apparatus 101, the information processing apparatus 103 displays a settings screen, thereby allowing the settings of the vendor-specific settings to be changed within a predetermined printing service provided by the OS.

[0069] Reference Figure 7 This describes the process by which the image forming apparatus stores collective settings in the preset / template DB 416 and stores the data in the extended attribute DB 417. Figure 7 The processing shown is implemented by the CPU 211 controlling the network UI control unit 415 of the image forming apparatus.

[0070] According to Figure 6 On the registration screen 600 shown, select the "Add" button 606 to begin. Figure 7 The processing shown.

[0071] In step S711, the network UI control unit 415 extracts the name of the collective settings set in the input field 601 on the registration screen 600 and the setting item selected by the selection checkbox 603.

[0072] In step S712, the network UI control unit 415 determines whether one of the settings extracted in step S711 is a setting that allows changes to the setting value before printing. The network UI control unit 415 refers to the selection checkbox 605 of this setting and determines whether the checkbox is selected. If the checkbox is selected ("Yes" in step S712), the process proceeds to step S713. On the other hand, if the selection checkbox 605 is not selected ("No" in step S712), the process proceeds to step S714.

[0073] In step S713, for the setting items that are allowed to change their settings before printing according to the determination in step S712, the network UI control unit 415 sets in the extended attribute DB 417 an attribute identifier (ID) indicating the setting item, an initial value indicating the setting value, and a flag indicating whether the setting value is changed before printing. (Refer to the following...) Figure 11A and Figure 11B The collective settings management table 1120 and collective attribute management table 1140 describe the details of the information stored in the extended attribute DB 417. In step S713, since changing the settings value before printing is allowed, the change before printing flag is immediately set to "Yes".

[0074] In step S714, for settings whose settings are not allowed to be changed before printing as determined in step S712, the network UI control unit 415 sets the attribute ID indicating the setting item, the initial value indicating the setting value, and a flag indicating whether the setting value should be changed before printing in the extended attribute DB 417. (Refer to the following...) Figure 11A and Figure 11B The collective settings management table 1120 and collective attribute management table 1140 describe the details of the information stored in the extended attribute DB 417. In step S714, since changing the settings value before printing is not allowed, the change before printing flag is immediately set to "No".

[0075] In step S715, the network UI control unit 415 determines whether the processing in step S712 has been performed on all the settings extracted in step S711. If the registration of all settings set on the registration screen 600 is completed in the extended attribute DB 417 ("Yes" in step S715), then the network UI control unit 415 ends. Figure 7 The process is as shown. If there is a setting item that has not been processed (marked as "No" in step S715), the process returns to step S712. Then, the network UI control unit 415 executes the processing of step S712 and subsequent steps.

[0076] Through the above processing, collective settings registered as presets or templates can be stored.

[0077] Next, refer to Figures 8A to 8C This provides a description of the printing settings for printing in an image forming apparatus that has registered presets or templates. Figures 8A to 8C middle, Figures 8A to 8C This is an example of a print screen provided by the OS of an information processing device 103, 104, or 105 that is compatible with two collective setup methods (i.e., IPP preset (preset) and organization template (template)). The information processing device 103 will be used as an example for explanation.

[0078] Screen 800 is the print settings screen displayed when the user gives a print command from the application.

[0079] Printer selection area 803 is an area for selecting an image forming apparatus to which the information processing unit 103 can send print data. If object 804 is selected, a list of image forming apparatuses to be used in printing is displayed, and the user can select the image forming apparatus to be used during printing from the displayed image forming apparatuses. Objects having a shape similar to object 804 shown on screens 800, 810, 820, 830, 840, and 850 are buttons used to display an option list of corresponding settings.

[0080] The preset selection area 801 is an area used to select the preset to be used in the settings from the IPP presets registered in the image forming apparatus. If the user selects an object in the preset selection area 801, screen 820 is displayed. The user selects the preset to use from the list of names of IPP presets obtained from the image forming apparatus 101. If the user selects a preset, the settings corresponding to the selected preset are displayed on screen 820. For example, if the user selects a preset... Figure 11A and Figure 11B If the "Sides" corresponding to "com.canon.oip.grpsetting002" registered in the collective settings management table is displayed, then screen 850 is shown. In this case, the settings corresponding to the selected "Sides" are displayed, and "Double-sided" is set to the "long side" corresponding to double-sided printing with the left opening. For settings not set in the preset, the default values ​​are set. In "com.canon.oip.grpsetting002", the "Toner Saving" function for reducing toner consumption during printing and the "Storage" function for saving print data in the image forming apparatus 101 are set to enabled, and "Box 1" is designated as the storage destination. However, these settings are not displayed on screen 850.

[0081] If the user selects option button 851, screen 840 is displayed. Screen 840 displays settings for settings that cannot be displayed on screen 850 provided by the OS of the information processing device 103. Area 841 displays the name of the currently selected preset. Areas 842 and 843 are areas displayed based on the attribute ID, data type, initial value, and range obtained from the image forming apparatus 101. Area 842 is used to set whether the "save" function is enabled or disabled. As the initial value, "ON" set by the user on registration screen 600 is displayed. If the user selects an object in area 842, the range notified by the image forming apparatus to the information processing device 103 is displayed as a settable option, and the user can change the setting before giving a print command. Area 843 is an area where the number of the box that can be set as the save destination can be set. As the initial value, the value set by the user on registration screen 600 is displayed. Value 844 is the value that the image forming apparatus notifies the information processing device 103 as a range, and is information indicating the range of values ​​that can be set for the setting item. After completing the settings, the user selects "close" 845. If "Off" is selected 845, the information processing device 103 displays screen 850. The user makes other printing settings and selects "Print" 852, thereby giving the instruction to execute the print job.

[0082] Next, the scenario using a template will be described. The user selects option button 802 on screen 800 without selecting a preset. In this exemplary embodiment, only either a preset or a template can be used. Therefore, when using a template, the user selects option button 802 without selecting a preset in the preset selection area 801, or selects option button 802 after deselecting a preset.

[0083] If the user selects option button 802, screen 810 is displayed. Screen 810 is for selecting the template to use. If an object in area 811 is selected, a list of templates obtained from image forming apparatus 101 is displayed. The user selects the template to use in the print settings from the displayed list. If the user selects a template, screen 830 is displayed. To return to the previous screen without selecting a template, the user selects "Close" 812.

[0084] Area 831 is used to select the template to use. If the user selects an object in area 831, a list of template names is displayed, and the user can select the template to use. In this case, a template named "Bookbinding" is selected, with a left opening set for binding printing, a creep amount of 0.1mm, and settings in each setting that allow changes to be made before printing.

[0085] Area 832 displays the names and initial values ​​of settings included in the template and which can be changed. If the user selects an object in area 832, the image forming apparatus 101 notifies the information processing apparatus 103 that the range is displayed as a settable option.

[0086] Area 833 displays the names and initial values ​​of settings included in the template and which can be changed. Area 833 also displays the numerical range registered as a range in the image forming apparatus 101, which can be set on screen 830 (0.00 to 10.00). If the user selects "Close" 834, screen 800 is displayed. The user makes other print settings and then selects "Print" 805, thus giving an instruction to execute printing. Settings included in the template and defined by the IPP are not displayed on the print settings screen of the information processing apparatus 103, and changes to these settings are not permitted before printing.

[0087] This is an overview of the operations up to the point where the user gives an instruction to execute printing by operating the information processing device 103 and using a preset or template.

[0088] Next, refer to Figure 9A and 9B The description provides an overview of the process from setting up the print settings in the information processing device 103 to issuing the print command. Figure 9AThe processing shown is controlled by CPU 311. Figure 5 The software modules shown are used to implement this.

[0089] In step S901, the print screen control unit 510 receives an instruction from the application on the information processing device to open the print settings screen 800 and displays the screen illustrated as screen 800.

[0090] In step S902, the print screen control unit 510 controls the IPP client control unit 503 to obtain information about the collective settings registered in the collective settings management table 1120 stored in the preset / template DB 416 from the IPP server control unit 401 of the image forming apparatus. The print screen control unit 510 notifies the image forming apparatus 101 of the user ID of the user logged into the information processing apparatus 103 and obtains the name of the collective setting corresponding to that user ID. At this time, for collective settings set as IPP presets, the name of the preset and the name and initial value of the setting items associated with the preset and defined by IPP are obtained. For collective settings set as templates, only the name of the template is obtained.

[0091] In step S903, the print screen control unit 510 receives the user's selection of collective settings to be used in the print settings. The print screen control unit 510 displays screen 810 or screen 820 and receives the selection of collective settings. The received collective settings may be IPP presets or arrangement templates.

[0092] In step S904, the print screen control unit 510 determines whether the selected collective setting is a collective setting of the IPP preset format. The information about the collective settings obtained in step S902 includes whether each collective setting is a collective setting of the IPP preset format or a collective setting of the template format. The print screen control unit 510 refers to this information and determines whether the selected collective setting is a collective setting of the IPP preset format. If the selected collective setting is a collective setting of the IPP preset format ("Yes" in step S904), the process proceeds to step S905. If the selected collective setting is not a collective setting of the IPP preset format ("No" in step S904), then the selected collective setting is a collective setting of the template format. Therefore, the process proceeds to step S906.

[0093] In step S905, the print screen control unit 510 reflects the initial values ​​of the settings items defined by the IPP, which are included in the information about the collective settings obtained in step S902, on the print settings screen provided by the OS, and displays screen 850. For settings items corresponding to the selected collective settings that can be set on the print settings screen 800 displayed by the OS, even if no settings for allowing changes to the settings before printing are made on the registration screen 600, the settings are displayed, thus allowing the settings to be changed.

[0094] In step S906, the extended attribute display unit 516 sends an acquisition request to the image forming apparatus 101 to obtain the name of the setting item that corresponds to the collective setting selected in step S903 and is a supplier-specific setting item that allows settings to be changed before printing. The acquired result is stored in the extended attribute management unit 514.

[0095] In step S907, the extended attribute display unit 516 obtains information from the image forming apparatus 101 regarding the data type, initial value, and range of each setting item obtained in step S906. Similarly, the acquisition results are stored in the extended attribute management unit 514.

[0096] In step S908, the extended attribute display unit 516 displays a screen (e.g., screen 830 or screen 840) where the setting value indicated on screen 810 or 820 and corresponding to the selected collective setting can be entered. This screen displays the setting value set on registration screen 600 as the initial value. For setting items where a setting value is selected from multiple options, an instruction to change the setting is received from the user, an option list is displayed, and the setting is changed to the option selected by the user. For setting items where a setting value has been entered, the input values ​​and character types are displayed, and input of numbers or characters as setting values ​​is received from the user.

[0097] In step S909, the print job generation unit 505 receives a print instruction from the user and generates a print job. If the print settings are changed on screens 800, 820, 830, or 840, the print job generation unit 505 generates a print job based on the changed settings.

[0098] In step S910, the PDL generation unit 508 determines whether a collective setting has been set in the print settings. If a collective setting has been set, the PDL generation unit 508 determines whether the selected collective setting format is the IPP preset format or the arrangement template format. If the set collective setting is the IPP preset format, the process proceeds to step S911. If the set collective setting is the arrangement template format, the process proceeds to step S912. If no collective setting has been set, the process proceeds to step S913.

[0099] In step S911, regarding the setting item corresponding to the selected preset, the PDL generation unit 508 obtains the setting value set on screen 850 or 840 from the print screen control unit 510 and adds the setting value to the print job. At this time, for supplier-specific settings corresponding to the selected preset that are not allowed to be changed before printing, even if the setting item is not displayed on the screen, the value notified to the information processing unit 103 by the image forming apparatus 101 is added to the print job. For settings that the user has not changed, the value of the setting item is added to the print job. When using a preset, the name of the preset may not be added to the print job.

[0100] In step S912, the PDL generation unit 508 adds the name and settings of the selected template, as well as the name of the vendor-specific settings, to the print job. For vendor-specific settings that have been configured on the registration screen 600 to allow pre-printing settings, the attribute values ​​and settings of those items are added to the print job. For settings displayed on the print settings screen provided by the OS, the values ​​set on the print settings screen are added to the print job.

[0101] In step S913, the PDL generation unit 508 obtains the setting value of the setting item defined by IPP immediately before printing from the print screen control unit 510, and adds the setting value to the job.

[0102] In step S914, the print job generation unit 505 sends the generated print job to the printing device via the print spooling program 509. Based on the above, the information processing device 103 can send a print job with print settings performed using collective settings to the image forming device 101.

[0103] Next, refer to Figure 9B This describes the processing of the image forming apparatus 101 when the information processing apparatus 103 displays the print settings screen and generates a print job. Figure 9B The processing shown is controlled by CPU211. Figure 4 The modules shown are used to implement this.

[0104] In step S921, the printer capability notification unit 402 determines whether it has received a request to obtain collective settings from the information processing device 103. If no request to obtain collective settings has been received ("No" in step S921), the printer capability notification unit 402 repeats the processing of step S921.

[0105] If a request to obtain collective settings is received (Yes in step S921), the printer capability notification unit 402 performs the processing described in step S922. The printer capability notification unit 402 references the preset / template DB 416 and extracts the following reference... Figure 11A The collective setting key 1125 for each collective setting registered in the collective setting management table 1120 and whose type 1124 is "preset" is described. Furthermore, for setting items set in the extracted collective settings and whose extended attribute 1133 in the collective attribute master table 1130 is "no", the printer capability notification unit 402 refers to the collective attribute management table 1140 and obtains the initial value. Then, the printer capability notification unit 402 notifies the information processing device 103 of the extracted collective setting key and the initial value of the setting item defined by the IPP.

[0106] In step S923, the printer capability notification unit 402 references the preset / template DB 416 and extracts the data. Figure 11A The collective setting key 1125 for each collective setting registered in the collective setting management table 1120 and whose type 1124 is "fin template" is then retrieved. The printer capability notification unit 402 then notifies the information processing device 103 of the retrieved collective setting key.

[0107] In step S924, the printer capability notification unit 402 determines whether it has received a collective setting key from the information processing device 103 for the collective setting selected on the print settings screen. If no collective setting key has been received ("No" in step S924), the process proceeds to step S928.

[0108] If a collective setting key is received ("Yes" in step S924), then in step S925, the printer capability notification unit 402 determines whether the selected collective setting includes a supplier-specific setting that allows changes before printing. The printer capability notification unit 402 refers to the collective attribute management table 1140 and the collective attribute master table. The printer capability notification unit 402 determines whether there exists a setting that has an attribute ID corresponding to the collective setting key notified to the image forming apparatus 101 by the information processing device 103 in step S924, and whose change immediately before printing 1143 is "Yes" and whose extended attribute 1133 is "Yes". If there is no setting corresponding to the collective setting notified to the image forming apparatus 101 that is a supplier-specific setting and allows changes before printing ("No" in step S925), the process proceeds to step S928. If there is a setting that corresponds to the collective settings of the notification image forming apparatus 101, is a supplier-specific setting, and allows settings to be changed before printing ("Yes" in step S925), then the process proceeds to step S926.

[0109] In step S926, the printer capability notification unit 402 notifies the information processing device 103 of the name of the setting item, which is a vendor-specific setting item corresponding to the selected collective setting, and in which the setting can be changed immediately before printing. The printer capability notification unit 402 notifies the information processing device 103 of the attribute key 1132 of the setting item, which is a vendor-specific setting item corresponding to the selected collective setting and allows the setting to be changed immediately before printing.

[0110] In step S927, the printer capability notification unit 402 notifies the information processing device 103 of the data type, range, and initial value of the supplier-specific item notified to the information processing device 103 in step S926. The printer capability notification unit 402 refers to the collective attribute master table 1130 and notifies the information processing device 103 of the data type 1134 and range 1135 of the attribute key 1132 corresponding to the setting item notified to the information processing device 103 in step S926. Furthermore, the printer capability notification unit 402 refers to the collective attribute management table 1140 and notifies the information processing device 103 of the collective setting ID of the currently selected collective setting and the initial value 1144 corresponding to the setting ID notified to the information processing device 103 in step S926.

[0111] In step S928, the print job generation unit 404 determines whether a print job has been received from the information processing device 103. If the print job generation unit 404 has not received a print job ("No" in step S928), the process returns to step S924. If a print job has been received ("Yes" in step S928), the process proceeds to step S929.

[0112] In step S929, the print job generation unit 404 determines whether the received print job includes the name of the tidying template used to identify the tidying template. If the received print job does not include the name of the tidying template ("No" in step S929), the process proceeds to step S931.

[0113] If the received print job includes the name of the tidying template ("Yes" in step S929), the print job generation unit 404 reads the tidying template with the received name from the preset / template DB 416 and applies the tidying template to the print job. At this time, for items that are supplier-specific settings corresponding to the tidying template and whose settings can be changed before printing, the values ​​set in the received print job are set. On the other hand, for settings that are supplier-specific settings corresponding to the tidying template and whose settings cannot be changed before printing, the setting values ​​stored in the preset / template DB 416 are set in the print job. In this way, it is possible to allow changes to some settings that are commonly set as templates and are supplier-specific settings on the print settings screen, and to prevent changes to the settings of some items on the print settings screen.

[0114] In step S931, the print job generation unit 404 performs printing based on the print job received from the information processing device 103 or the print job added in step S930.

[0115] Based on the above, the image forming apparatus 101 can perform printing using collective settings. In this exemplary embodiment, the image forming apparatus sends information to the information processing apparatus that is only required to change the settings of the supplier-specific settings that are set to collective settings. Therefore, the information provided by the image forming apparatus to the information processing apparatus is limited, thereby reducing the amount of information required to display a screen for changing the settings of the supplier-specific settings, and enabling the screen for changing the supplier-specific settings to be displayed quickly.

[0116] Figure 10A and Figure 10B It shows when displayed Figures 8A to 8C The diagram shown illustrates the sequence of processes between the image forming apparatus 101 and the information processing apparatus 103 during the print settings screen.

[0117] In step S1001, the printer information management unit 504 queries the printer capability notification unit 402 of the image forming apparatus whether it supports collective settings for the IPP preset format and whether it supports collective settings for organizing template formats. The printer information management unit 504 further queries the image forming apparatus 101 for the languages ​​supported by the message directory format. At this time, the information processing apparatus 103 notifies the image forming apparatus of the identification information of the user logged into the information processing apparatus.

[0118] In step S1002, the printer capability notification unit 402 refers to the collective setting management table 1120 and returns the setting key of the collective setting corresponding to the user ID notified to the printer capability notification unit 402 by the image forming apparatus to the image forming apparatus 101. The printer capability notification unit 402 notifies the information processing apparatus 103 that “com.canon.oip.grpsetting002” registered as an IPP preset and the setting for double-sided printing with the binding margin on the short side are IPP-defined setting items. The printer capability notification unit 402 does not notify the information processing apparatus 103 of the supplier-specific items in the settings associated with “com.canon.oip.grpsetting002” where the extended attribute 1133 is “yes”. In addition, the printer capability notification unit 402 notifies the information processing apparatus 103 that “com.canon.oip.grpsetting001” is registered as a sorting template. Regarding the template organization, regardless of whether extended attribute 1133 is "Yes" or "No", the printer capability notification unit 402 does not notify the information processing device 103 of the settings and settings values. The printer capability notification unit 402 also notifies the information processing device 103 of language information indicating that the instruction message directory format supports "English" and "Japanese".

[0119] In step S1003, the printer information management unit 504 of the information processing apparatus 103 notifies the image forming apparatus 101 which supported language should be used for display according to the notification. The printer information management unit 504 notifies the image forming apparatus 101 to display in English (en). Based on the received information regarding the language display, the image forming apparatus 101 identifies a Uniform Resource Identifier (URI) for obtaining the message directory to be notified to the information processing apparatus 103. The message directory refers to the text information used when the information processing apparatus 103 displays attribute information notified to it by the image forming apparatus 101. An example of a message directory is... Figure 11B The message directory table 1150 in the middle.

[0120] In step S1004, the printer capability notification unit 402 of the image forming apparatus 101 notifies the information processing apparatus 103 of the Uniform Resource Locator (URL) for obtaining the message directory table.

[0121] In step S1005, the print screen control unit 510 accesses the URI that was notified to the information processing device 103 in step S1004. Then, the print screen control unit 510 sends an acquisition request to obtain the English-supported message directory from the printing device.

[0122] The printer capability notification unit 402 of the image forming apparatus 101 will Figure 11BThe message directory table 1150 is returned to the information processing device 103.

[0123] In step S1007, based on the acquired message directory, the print screen control unit 510 of the information processing device displays the print settings screen. Therefore, the print screen control unit 510 can display "com.canon.oip.grpsetting001" as "Bookbinding". Furthermore, the information processing device 103 can display "com.canon.oip.grpsetting002" as "Surface" when notified by the image forming device 101.

[0124] The following description uses the example of a user setting up print settings using a template.

[0125] In step S1008, the user selects the collective settings for organizing template format in area 811 on screen 810: "Bookbinding".

[0126] In step S1009, the printer information management unit 504 of the information processing device sends an acquisition request to the image forming apparatus 101 to obtain information about the supplier-specific settings corresponding to the collective setting key “com.canon.oip.grpsetting001”.

[0127] The printer capability notification unit 402 of the printing device extracts the supplier-specific settings corresponding to "com.canon.oip.grpsetting001" that allow settings to be changed before printing. The supplier-specific settings corresponding to "com.canon.oip.grpsetting001" are... Figure 11A and Figure 11B The collective attribute management table is used for identification. In this case, "com.canon.oip.Booklet", "com.cano.oip.Booklet-opening-type", and "com.canor.oip.Booklet-creep-correction" are identified. Among these supply-specific settings, "com.canon.oip.boolet" is not allowed to be changed before printing. Therefore, "com.canon.oip.booklet" is not notified to the information processing device 103.

[0128] In step S1011, the printer capability notification unit 402 notifies the information processing device 103 of “com.canon.oip.Booklet-opening-type” and “com.canon.oip.Booklet-creep-correction”.

[0129] In step S1012, the printer information management unit 504 of the information processing device 103 receives a request from the extended attribute display unit 516 and requests the data type, range, and initial value of "com.canon.oip.boolet opening type" from the printing device.

[0130] In step S1013, the printer capability notification unit 402 refers to the collective attribute master table 1130 and extracts the data type 1134 and range 1135 corresponding to "com.canon.oip.booklet-opening-type". Then, in step S1014, the printer capability notification unit 402 notifies the information processing device 103 of the data type, range, and initial value.

[0131] In step S1015, the printer information management unit 504 of the information processing device 103 receives a request from the extended attribute display unit 516 and requests the data type, range, and initial value of "com.canon.oip.booklet-creep-correction" from the printing device.

[0132] In step S1016, the printer capability notification unit 402 refers to the collective attribute master table 1130 and extracts the data type 1134 and range 1135 corresponding to "com.canon.oip.booklet-creep-correction". Then, in step S1017, the printer capability notification unit 402 notifies the information processing device 103 of the data type, range, and initial value.

[0133] In step S1018, the print screen control unit 510 and the extended attribute display unit 516 of the information processing device read the message catalog again and display the print settings screen for the supplier-specific settings. "com.canon.oip.Booklet-opening-type" is displayed as "Opening Type". "com.canon.oip.Booklet-creep-correction" is displayed as "Creep Correction". Similarly, the range and initial value are also reflected in the list menu from the message catalog.

[0134] In step S1019, the user corrects the values ​​of the supplier extended attributes included in the collective setting "Bookbinding" if necessary. For example, the user changes the opening direction of "Bookbinding" to "Right" and adjusts the "Creep Correction" to 2.0 mm.

[0135] In step S1020, the print job generation unit 505 generates a print job including the settings values ​​set on the print settings screen, and sends the print job to the image forming apparatus 101 via the print spool program 509. The print job notifies the image forming apparatus 101 of the collective settings key of the template used and the changed settings values.

[0136] Regarding settings items that correspond to the organized template notified to the print job generation unit 404 of the image forming apparatus 101, and whose settings cannot be changed before printing, the print job generation unit 404 of the image forming apparatus 101 refers to the collective attribute management table 1140 and adds the settings of the settings items to the received print job. In this case, "com.canon.oip.booklet=true" is the print setting to be added. After adding the print settings, the image forming apparatus 101 performs the processing required for printing and notifies the information processing unit 103 of the processing results.

[0137] The difference between using an IPP preset as a group setting and using a template as a group setting lies in the processing when selecting the IPP preset to use in step S1008. If an IPP preset is selected, the setting values ​​and settings notified to the information processing device 103 in step S1002 are reflected on the print settings screen. Therefore, the IPP attribute settings can also be changed before printing using the IPP preset.

[0138] Finally, refer to Figure 11A and Figure 11B This describes the tables managed in the preset / template DB 416 of the image forming apparatus 101. They are stored in the memory 214 of the image forming apparatus. Figure 11A and Figure 11B As shown in the table, the CPU 211 loads table information about the table in memory into RAM 213, updates the table information, and reflects the table information in the data stored in memory.

[0139] User management table 1110 is described. This table includes a user ID 1111 for uniquely identifying users, and a password 1112 and username 1113 for each user in each record. A unique ID is automatically assigned as the user ID to identify the registrant of each group setting in the group setting management table. The network UI control unit 415 can only access the group setting registration screen 600 when the username 1113 and password 1112 match the input information. The user ID is also used to manage users who have registered for group settings.

[0140] Group Settings Management Table 1120 is used to manage group settings such as templates or presets. Registration ID 1121 indicates which user made the group settings through registration screen 600. The Group Settings ID is used to identify the group settings registered through registration screen 600, and is... Figure 11A and Figure 11B The IDs are shared and used in the multiple tables shown. Type 1124 indicates whether the registered collective setting is an IPP preset or a sorting template. "Fin Template" indicates a sorting template. "Preset" indicates an IPP preset. Collective Setting Name 1123 is the name of the collective setting entered through the registration screen 600. This name is also registered in the message directory table 1150 described below. Collective Setting Key 1125 is a string used to identify the collective setting and is one of several pieces of identification information used to identify the collective setting.

[0141] Collective Attributes Master Table 1130 is a table that shows the name, data type, and range of settings defined by IPP or vendor-specific settings.

[0142] Attribute ID 1131 is identification information specific to the setting. Attribute ID in Figure 11A and Figure 11B The table shown uses the same information. Attribute key 1132 is a string representing the setting item used when the image forming apparatus 101 notifies the information processing apparatus 103 of capability information. Extended attribute 1133 is information indicating whether each setting item is an IPP-defined setting item or a vendor-specific setting item. "Yes" indicates that the setting item is a vendor-specific setting item. On the other hand, "No" indicates that the item is an IPP-defined setting item. Data type 1134 indicates the data type when the setting item is set. "Boolean" indicates that the setting item takes the value "true" or "false". "Integer" indicates that the setting item can take an integer value. "Type 2 keyword" and "Type 3 keyword" indicate the range of format representations based on the IPP definition.

[0143] Collective Attribute Management Table 1140 indicates which setting item is set to what initial value for each collective setting registered in Collective Settings Management Table 1120. Since a single collective setting includes one or more attributes, Printer Capability Notification Unit 402 retrieves records from multiple rows to obtain information about a single collective setting.

[0144] Collective Setting ID 1141 is a shared ID with Collective Setting ID 1122 in the Collective Setting Management Table and indicates which collective setting the row's setting is related to. Attribute ID 1142 is a shared ID with Attribute ID 1131 in the Collective Attribute Master Table 1130 and indicates which setting item has been set. The Changes immediately preceding Print 1143 indicates whether changes to the setting value of the setting item are allowed after reflecting the collective setting. If the Selection checkbox 605 on the registration screen 600 is selected, and changes before printing are allowed, then "Yes" is set. If the Selection checkbox 605 on the registration screen 600 is not selected, and changes before printing are not allowed, then "No" is set. Initial Value 1144 is the initial value when the collective setting is displayed on the Print Settings screen. Initial Value 1144 stores the value set in the Range Selection List / Input Field 604 on the registration screen 600.

[0145] The preset / template DB 416 of the image forming apparatus receives an inquiry from the information processing apparatus regarding a single vendor extended attribute associated with the collective settings, and refers to... Figure 11A and Figure 11B The table shown is used in the image forming apparatus. The apparatus joins attribute ID 1131 of the collective attribute master table 1130 and attribute ID 1142 of the collective attribute management table 1140 as a primary key, and joins collective setting ID 1122 of the collective setting management table 1120 and collective setting ID 1141 of the collective management table 1140 as a primary key. Then, the image forming apparatus searches for attribute information corresponding to the collective setting ID of the table obtained by joining the three tables.

[0146] Message directory table 1150 is used to... Figure 11A The collective setting key 1125, attribute key 1132, and range 1135 in the table shown are converted into a table of strings to be displayed on the print setup screen. This table is created for each supported language. The message directory table 1150 is a table acquired when the information processing device 103 displays the print setup screen. This table can be managed in a location different from the image forming device 101.

[0147] Based on the above description, information regarding supplier extended attributes is associated with the name of the collective settings and limited to attributes that need to be changed for each job. Therefore, the notification of capabilities between the printing unit and the information processing unit involves only the minimum necessary sending and receiving of supplier extended attributes. This reduces the amount of data transmitted from the printing unit to the information processing unit. Then, the timed execution of sending and receiving when applying collective settings during printing allows only the supplier extended attributes that need to be changed on a job-by-job basis to be reset, without needing to edit and register the pre-registered collective settings themselves again.

[0148] <Other Exemplary Examples>

[0149] In this exemplary embodiment, in Figure 10A In step S1001, identification information about the user who has logged into the information processing device 103 is sent to the image forming device 101, and collective settings corresponding to the user's user ID are obtained. Alternatively, in step S1001, the user identification information may not be sent, and information about all collective settings registered in the image forming device 101 may be sent to the information processing device 103.

[0150] In this exemplary embodiment, after the user selects the collective setting to use, the attribute key, data type, range, and initial value of the vendor-specific setting corresponding to the selected collective setting are sent to the information processing device 103. Figure 10A In step S1002, the attribute key, data type, range, and initial value of the supplier-specific setting item corresponding to the collective settings registered in the image forming apparatus can be sent to the information processing apparatus 103.

[0151] In this exemplary embodiment, in Figure 6 On the registration screen 600 shown, it is possible to set whether or not settings can be changed before printing for any setting item. Depending on the "Type" selected by the user, the setting can be disabled. For example, if the user selects to use a sorting template, settings defined by IPP, such as "Number of Copies" and "Duplex Printing," cannot be changed on the print settings screen displayed on the information processing device 103. Therefore, if the sorting template is selected as "Type" 602, "Change by Job" corresponding to the IPP-defined item may be grayed out and disabled. In this case, "No" is set in the change section immediately following print 1143 in the collective attribute management table 1140. In the IPP preset, settings can be changed before printing for items defined by IPP. Therefore, if the IPP preset is selected as "Type" 602, "Change by Job" corresponding to the IPP-defined item may be grayed out and disabled. In this case, "Yes" is set in the change section immediately following print 1143 in the collective attribute management table 1140.

[0152] The present invention can also be implemented by performing the following process: providing software (programs) for implementing the functions of the exemplary embodiments described above to a system or device via a network or various storage media, and causing the computer (or CPU or microprocessor unit (MPU) of the system or device) to read and execute the program code. In this case, the computer program and the storage medium storing the computer program constitute the present invention.

[0153] This invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various changes and modifications can be made within the spirit and scope of this invention. Therefore, in order to inform the public of the scope of this invention, the following claims are made.

[0154] This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-080775, filed on April 30, 2020, which is incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus comprising: a registration unit configured to register setting values of a plurality of setting items including a predetermined setting item and a single identifier associated with each other, and a first setting value of the predetermined setting item associated with the single identifier; a transmission unit configured to transmit the single identifier registered by the registration unit to an information processing apparatus; a reception unit configured to receive print data from the information processing apparatus that received the single identifier transmitted from the transmission unit; and a control unit configured to perform a process based on the received print data, wherein the information processing apparatus displays a print setting screen in which the single identifier received from the image forming apparatus can be selected but is not selected and the first setting value of the predetermined setting item cannot be set, and based on selection of the single identifier on the print setting screen, the information processing apparatus displays a print setting screen in which the first setting value of the predetermined setting item can be set, wherein the transmission unit transmits information indicating a second setting value that can be set for the predetermined setting item and can be set instead of the first setting value of the predetermined setting item registered in association with the single identifier, and wherein the information indicating the second setting value that can be set for the predetermined setting item and can be set instead of the first setting value of the predetermined setting item registered in association with the single identifier includes position information for acquiring text information to be displayed in a region for setting the predetermined setting item. The information indicating the second setting value that can be set for the predetermined setting item and can be set instead of the first setting value of the predetermined setting item registered in association with the single identifier is transmitted to the information processing apparatus based on a state in which information indicating the single identifier associated with the first setting value of the predetermined setting item is received from the information processing apparatus.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein 3.The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, the single identifier is one of a plurality of identifiers registered by the registration unit and transmitted to the information processing apparatus by the transmission unit, and wherein wherein the single identifier received from the information processing apparatus is the single identifier selected based on a user instruction on a screen displayed by the information processing apparatus from among the plurality of identifiers transmitted. 4.The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, the registration unit can register setting values of a plurality of setting items that do not include the predetermined setting item and another single identifier associated with each other, and wherein wherein in a case where information indicating the other single identifier is received from the information processing apparatus, the information indicating the second setting value that can be set for the predetermined setting item is not transmitted to the information processing apparatus. The information indicating the second setting value that can be set for the predetermined setting item and can be set instead of the first setting value of the predetermined setting item registered in association with the single identifier includes at least one of a data type, a range, and an initial value of the predetermined setting item.

5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The position information is a uniform resource locator (URL) for acquiring text information including a string to be displayed in a region for setting the predetermined setting item.

6. The image forming apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The single identifier is an identifier set by a user.

7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein ​ 8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a further receiving unit configured to receive a request to acquire information on the registered individual identifier from the information processing apparatus, wherein the sending unit sends the registered individual identifier and the setting value registered in association with the individual identifier to the information processing apparatus according to the request received by the further receiving unit.

9. The image forming apparatus of claim 1, wherein, the plurality of setting items include a setting value of a setting item that can be set even in a state in which the individual identifier registered in association with the first setting value of the predetermined setting item is not selected in the information processing apparatus.

10. The image forming apparatus of claim 1, wherein, the print data received by the receiving unit includes a second setting value of the predetermined setting item after the first setting value of the predetermined setting item sent from the image forming apparatus is changed according to an instruction received from the user by the information processing apparatus.

11. The image forming apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the control unit processes the received print data based on the second setting value of the predetermined setting item after the first setting value of the predetermined setting item is changed according to the instruction. 12.The image forming apparatus of claim 1, wherein, the sending unit sends the individual identifier to the information processing apparatus in accordance with the Internet printing protocol.

13. A control method for controlling an image forming apparatus, the control method comprising: registering setting values of a plurality of setting items including a predetermined setting item and an individual identifier in association with each other, and a first setting value of the predetermined setting item in association with the individual identifier; in a first sending, sending the registered individual identifier to an information processing apparatus; receiving print data from the information processing apparatus that received the sent individual identifier; and performing processing based on the received print data, wherein the information processing apparatus displays a print setting screen in which the individual identifier received from the image forming apparatus can be selected but is not selected and the first setting value of the predetermined setting item cannot be set, and based on selection of the individual identifier on the print setting screen, the information processing apparatus displays a print setting screen in which the first setting value of the predetermined setting item can be set, the control method further comprising: in a second sending, sending information indicating a second setting value that can be set for the predetermined setting item and that can be set instead of the first setting value of the predetermined setting item registered in association with the individual identifier, and the information indicating the second setting value that can be set for the predetermined setting item and that can be set instead of the first setting value of the predetermined setting item registered in association with the individual identifier includes position information for acquiring text information to be displayed in a region for setting the predetermined setting item.

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