Virtual printer adding method and device, equipment, storage medium and program product

Abstract

The invention provides a virtual printer adding method and device, equipment, a storage medium and a program product, the method is applied to terminal equipment, the terminal equipment comprises a display interface, and the method comprises the steps that in response to a virtual printer adding instruction triggered by a user, a configuration list of newly-added virtual printers is displayed in the display interface; in response to a configuration information setting instruction triggered by a user, setting the configuration information in the configuration list; and in response to a virtual printer adding instruction triggered by the user, adding the newly added virtual printer to the terminal equipment. Compared with the prior art, the user does not need to carry out a tedious operation process, the process is simple, and the user experience is improved to a certain extent.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the technical field of image formation, and particularly to a method, device, equipment, storage medium and program product for adding a virtual printer. Background Art

[0002] A physical printer is a physical printing device that forms an image on a recording sheet (such as paper, etc.) through an imaging principle. In practical applications, a printing job is usually completed by cooperating a terminal device (such as a desktop computer, a mobile phone or a tablet computer, etc.) with the physical printer. Specifically, after adding the physical printer to the terminal device, the user can send print data to the physical printer through the terminal device, and the physical printer executes a printing operation according to the print data sent by the terminal device, that is, draws the text and / or image, etc. corresponding to the print data on the recording sheet.

[0003] In some application scenarios, in addition to the physical printer, it may also be necessary to add a virtual printer to the terminal device. Among them, a virtual printer is a software tool that simulates a physical printer and can convert files such as documents and images into other formats (such as PDF format, picture format or other formats) without actually printing on the recording sheet.

[0004] However, in the related art, the steps for adding a virtual printer are cumbersome and the process is complex, which may lead to a poor user experience.

[0005] It should be noted that the information disclosed in the background art part of this application is only intended to deepen the understanding of the general background art of this application, and should not be regarded as an admission or any form of implication that this information constitutes the prior art known to those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This application provides a method, device, equipment, storage medium and program product for adding a virtual printer, which helps to solve the problem that the steps for adding a virtual printer in the prior art are cumbersome and the process is complex, which may lead to a poor user experience.

[0007] In a first aspect, an embodiment of this application provides a method for adding a virtual printer, which is applied to a terminal device, and the terminal device includes a display interface. The method includes: In response to a new virtual printer instruction triggered by a user, display a configuration list of the new virtual printer in the display interface; In response to a configuration information setting instruction triggered by the user, set the configuration information in the configuration list; In response to a virtual printer adding instruction triggered by the user, add the new virtual printer to the terminal device.

[0008] In a possible implementation, the configuration information includes the name of the newly added virtual printer, the type of the newly added virtual printer, and / or the print data output path of the newly added virtual printer.

[0009] In a possible implementation, the print data output path of the newly added virtual printer includes: A target physical printer associated with the newly added virtual printer, where the target physical printer is used to print the print data output by the newly added virtual printer; Or, A target storage path associated with the newly added virtual printer, where the newly added virtual printer is used to save the print data as an electronic file and store it in the target storage path.

[0010] In a possible implementation, setting the configuration information in the configuration list in response to a configuration information setting instruction triggered by a user includes: In response to a physical printer selection operation triggered by the user in the output path list on the display interface, setting the print data output path in the configuration list to the target physical printer corresponding to the physical printer selection operation; Wherein, the output path list includes identification information of one or more physical printers.

[0011] In a possible implementation, the physical printers in the output path list are the physical printers already added by the terminal device and / or the physical printers searched by the terminal device.

[0012] In a possible implementation, setting the configuration information in the configuration list in response to a configuration information setting instruction triggered by a user includes: In response to a save as electronic file selection operation triggered by the user in the output path list on the display interface, determining to save the print data of the newly added virtual printer as an electronic file; In response to a storage path setting operation triggered by the user on the display interface, setting the print data output path in the configuration list to the target storage path corresponding to the storage path setting operation; Wherein, the output path list includes an option to save as an electronic file.

[0013] In a possible implementation, setting the configuration information in the configuration list in response to a configuration information setting instruction triggered by a user includes: In response to a virtual printer name input operation triggered by the user on the display interface, setting the name of the newly added virtual printer in the configuration list.

[0014] In a possible implementation, setting the configuration information in the configuration list in response to a configuration information setting instruction triggered by a user includes: In response to a virtual printer type selection operation triggered by the user in the virtual printer type list on the display interface, setting the type of the newly added virtual printer in the configuration list to a target virtual printer type corresponding to the virtual printer type selection operation; Wherein, the virtual printer type list includes one or more virtual printer types.

[0015] In a possible implementation, displaying a configuration list of a newly added virtual printer on the display interface in response to a newly added virtual printer instruction triggered by a user includes: in response to a plurality of newly added virtual printer instructions triggered by the user, displaying a configuration list of a plurality of newly added virtual printers on the display interface; Setting the configuration information in the configuration list in response to a configuration information setting instruction triggered by the user includes: setting the configuration information in the configuration list corresponding to each newly added virtual printer in response to a configuration information setting instruction triggered by the user for each newly added virtual printer; Adding the newly added virtual printer to the terminal device in response to an add virtual printer instruction triggered by the user includes: adding a plurality of the newly added virtual printers to the terminal device in response to an add virtual printer instruction triggered by the user.

[0016] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides an adding device for a virtual printer, which is applied to a terminal device, and the terminal device includes a display interface. The device includes: A display module, configured to display a configuration list of a newly added virtual printer on the display interface in response to a newly added virtual printer instruction triggered by the user; A configuration information setting module, configured to set the configuration information in the configuration list in response to a configuration information setting instruction triggered by the user; An adding module, configured to add the newly added virtual printer to the terminal device in response to an add virtual printer instruction triggered by the user.

[0017] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides an electronic device, including: A processor; A memory; And a computer program, wherein the computer program is stored in the memory, and when the computer program is executed by the processor, the electronic device is enabled to execute the method according to any one of the first aspect.

[0018] In a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program, which when executed by a processor, implements the method described in any one of the first aspect.

[0019] In a fifth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a computer program product including a computer program, which when executed by a processor, implements the method described in any one of the first aspect.

[0020] In an embodiment of the present application, when a user triggers an operation to add a virtual printer on the display interface of a terminal device, a configuration list for adding the virtual printer will be displayed on the display interface. At this time, the user can set the configuration information of the newly added virtual printer in the configuration list; then, by triggering an operation to add the virtual printer on the display interface, a virtual printer corresponding to the configuration information can be added to the terminal device. Compared with the related art, the user does not need to perform a cumbersome operation process, the process is simple, and the user experience is improved to a certain extent. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, the drawings required for use in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings in the following description are only some embodiments of the present application, and those of ordinary skill in the art can obtain other drawings based on these drawings without creative efforts.

[0022] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of an application scenario provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0023] Figures 2A - 2G It is a schematic flowchart of a process for adding a virtual printer in the related art.

[0024] Figures 3A - 3D It is another schematic flowchart of a process for adding a virtual printer in the related art.

[0025] Figure 4 It is a schematic flowchart of a method for adding a virtual printer provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0026] Figures 5A - 5G It is a schematic diagram of a display interface for adding a virtual printer provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0027] Figure 6 It is another schematic flowchart of a method for adding a virtual printer provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0028] Figures 7A - 7D It is another schematic diagram of a display interface for adding a virtual printer provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0029] Figure 8 This is a schematic structural diagram of an adding device for a virtual printer provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0030] Figure 9 This is a schematic structural diagram of an electronic device provided by an embodiment of the present application. Detailed implementation manners

[0031] For a better understanding of the technical solution of the present application, the embodiments of the present application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0032] It should be clear that the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present application, rather than all of the embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art based on the embodiments in the present application without creative efforts shall fall within the scope of protection of the present application.

[0033] The terms used in the embodiments of the present application are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments, and are not intended to limit the present application. The singular forms of "a", "the" and "said" used in the embodiments of the present application and the appended claims are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0034] It should be understood that the term " / and / " used herein is only a description of the association relationship of associated objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, a and / or b can represent: a exists alone, a and b exist simultaneously, and b exists alone. In addition, the character " / " herein generally represents an "or" relationship between the associated objects before and after.

[0035] See Figure 1 , which is a schematic diagram of an application scenario provided by an embodiment of the present application. In Figure 1 is shown a terminal device 110 and a plurality of physical printers 120. The physical printer 120 is a physical printing device that forms an image on a recording sheet (such as paper, etc.) through an imaging principle. The terminal device 110 can cooperate with the physical printer 120 to complete a printing job.

[0036] Specifically, after the terminal device 110 establishes a communication connection with the physical printer 120, the physical printer 120 is added to the terminal device 110 so that it can be recognized and selected by the terminal device 110. When there is a printing requirement, the user can select a physical printer added to the terminal device 110 to perform a printing job. For example, when the user selects the physical printer 122 to perform a printing job, the terminal device 110 sends the printing data to the physical printer 122, and the physical printer 122 performs a printing operation according to the printing data sent by the terminal device, that is, draws the text and / or image corresponding to the printing data on the recording sheet.

[0037] In a possible implementation, the terminal device and the physical printer can be interconnected through a wired or wireless communication network. Specifically, the communication network can be a local area network or a wide area network relayed by a relay device. When the communication network is a local area network, exemplarily, the communication network can be a wifi hotspot network, a wifi P2P network, a Bluetooth network, a zigbee network, or a near field communication (NFC) network, etc., which are short-range communication networks. When the communication network is a wide area network, exemplarily, the communication network can be a 3rd-generation wireless telephone technology (3G) network, a 4th-generation mobile communication technology (4G) network, a 5th-generation mobile communication technology (5G) network, a future evolved public land mobile network (PLMN), or the Internet, etc.

[0038] It should be noted that Figure 1 The above is only an exemplary description and should not be regarded as a limitation of the protection scope of the present application. For example, the terminal device 110 includes but is not limited to mobile phones, desktop computers, tablet computers, personal computers (PCs), personal digital assistants (PDAs), smart watches, netbooks, etc. The physical printer 120 includes but is not limited to wired printers, wireless printers, Bluetooth printers, laser printers, inkjet printers, single-function printers, multi-function printers, etc. In addition, the physical printer 120 may also include other numbers of physical printers, for example, one, two, four, etc.

[0039] In some application scenarios, in addition to physical printers, it may also be necessary to add virtual printers to terminal devices. The application scenarios of "adding virtual printers to terminal devices" are described in detail below. Among them, a virtual printer is a software tool that simulates a physical printer and can convert files such as documents and images into other formats (for example, PDF format, picture format, or other formats) without actually printing them onto recording sheets.

[0040] In the first scenario, when a terminal device sends print data to a physical printer through a certain protocol (such as the Internet Printing Protocol (IPP), etc.), since the physical printer does not support this protocol, it may cause the physical printer to be unable to receive the print data, and thus may lead to printing failures. To address this issue, a virtual printer can be added to the terminal device to forward the print data. Specifically, the virtual printer receives the print data sent by the terminal device using a protocol that the physical printer does not support, and then sends the print data to the physical printer using a protocol that the physical printer supports, enabling the normal printing of the physical printer.

[0041] In the second scenario, when a user wants to save print data as an electronic file (such as a PDF file, a picture file, or other files, etc.), the save format of the print data can be set through the virtual printer, and the print data can be saved as an electronic file corresponding to the save format.

[0042] In the third scenario, when enterprise users want to test whether a physical printer can work properly with the corresponding terminal device, it is usually necessary to send the physical printer to the enterprise users. However, sending a physical printer to enterprise users takes a certain amount of time, which may affect the experience and work efficiency of enterprise users. To improve the experience and work efficiency of enterprise users, enterprise users can add a virtual printer corresponding to the configuration information of the physical printer to the corresponding terminal device, and simulate the physical printer through the virtual printer for testing without sending the physical printer.

[0043] See Figures 2A - 2G , which is a schematic diagram of a process for adding a virtual printer in related technologies. This process is the process for adding a virtual printer in the Windows operating system. Specifically, when a user needs to add a virtual printer, the display interface as shown in Figure 2A is opened. In the display interface as shown in Figure 2A , when the user adds a network printer, first select the "Add a network, wireless or..." area 201, and then click the "Next (N)" control 202 to jump to the display interface as shown in Figure 2B . In the display interface as shown in Figure 2BIn the displayed user interface, if a printer in the "Printer Name List" area 203 is selected and then the "Next (N)" control 205 is clicked, it will jump to the user interface as shown in Figure 2E ; if the "The printer I need is not in the list (R)" area 204 is selected and then the "Next (N)" control 205 is clicked, it will jump to the user interface as shown in Figure 2C . In the user interface as shown in Figure 2C , first, the "Add a printer using a TCP / IP address or hostname (I)" area 206 is selected to search for a printer, and then the "Next (N)" control 207 is clicked, which will jump to the user interface as shown in Figure 2D . In the user interface as shown in Figure 2D , "XX.XX.XX.XX" and "XX" are respectively entered in the "Hostname or IP address (A):" input box 208 and the "Port name (P):" input box 209, and then the "Next (N)" control 210 is clicked, which will jump to the user interface as shown in Figure 2E . In the user interface as shown in Figure 2E , first, "Manufacturer B" is selected in the "Manufacturer List" area 211, and "Driver B4" is selected in the "Printer List" area 212, and then the "Next (N)" control 213 is clicked, which will jump to the user interface as shown in Figure 2F . In the user interface as shown in Figure 2F , "XXX" can be entered in the "Printer name (P):" input box 214, and the "Next (N)" control 215 is clicked. At this time, the terminal device adds the XXX printer according to the above configuration information set by the user. As shown in Figure 2G , after the terminal device adds the XXX printer, the icon and name of the XXX printer are displayed in the area 216 of the user interface. When the icon is right-clicked, an option menu 217 will pop up on the user interface. Then, "Properties" is selected in the option menu 217, and a property window will pop up on the user interface. The property window is used to set the relevant property information of the XXX printer. "Ports" is selected in the area 218 of the property window, then the "FILE:" checkbox 220 is selected in the "Port List" area 219, and finally the "Apply (N)" control 221 is clicked to add the XXX printer to the terminal device. For the sake of simplicity, other contents in Figures 2A - 2G are not described in detail in the embodiments of the present application here.

[0044] Refer to Figures 3A - 3D , which is a schematic diagram of another process for adding a virtual printer in the related art. This process is the process for adding a virtual printer in the Linux operating system. Specifically, when a user needs to add a virtual printer, the user interface as shown in Figure 3A is opened. InFigure 3A In the displayed interface, select "Internet Printing Protocol (IPP)" in the "Device List" area 301, select "IPP (ipp)" in the "Connection" area 302, and then click the "Forward (F)" control 303 to jump to the Figure 3B displayed interface. In the Figure 3B displayed interface, select "Make E" in the "Makers List" area 304, and then click the "Forward (F)" control 305 to jump to the Figure 3C displayed interface. In the Figure 3C displayed interface, select "Model D" in the "Model List" area 306 and select "Driver D2" in the "Driver List" area 307, and then click the "Forward (F)" control 308 to jump to the Figure 3D displayed interface. In the Figure 3D displayed interface, enter "XXXX" and "XXXXX" in the "Printer Description Name" input box 309 and the "Description" input box 310 respectively. Then click the "Apply (A)" control 311 to add the XXXX printer to the terminal device. For the sake of simplicity, Figures 3A - 3D other content in

[0045] is not elaborated in this embodiment of the present application.

[0046] It can be understood that in the related art, the steps for adding a virtual printer are cumbersome and the process is complex, which may lead to a poor user experience.

[0047] Specifically, it will be described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0048] Refer to Figure 4 , which is a schematic flowchart of a method for adding a virtual printer provided by an embodiment of the present application. This method can be applied to the Figure 1 shown application scenario, as Figure 4 shown, and it specifically includes the following steps.

[0049] Step S401: In response to a new virtual printer instruction triggered by a user, display a configuration list of the new virtual printer in the display interface.

[0050] It can be understood that a terminal device usually includes a display interface. The display interface is a bridge between the user and the terminal device, capable of presenting information to the user and supporting the user in setting information, etc. When the user wants to add a new virtual printer on the terminal device, the user can trigger the operation of adding a new virtual printer on the display interface. At this time, the terminal device displays a configuration list of the new virtual printer in the display interface.

[0051] In an embodiment of the present application, the configuration list includes configuration information of the new virtual printer. The configuration information includes the name of the new virtual printer, the type of the new virtual printer, and / or the print data output path of the new virtual printer.

[0052] It can be understood that the type of the new virtual printer is the communication protocol type supported by the terminal device. For example, USB protocol, ipp protocol, AppSocket, or ipps protocol, etc. The print data output path of the new virtual printer includes: a target physical printer associated with the new virtual printer, and the target physical printer is used to print the print data output by the new virtual printer; or, a target storage path associated with the new virtual printer, and the new virtual printer is used to save the print data as an electronic file and store it in the target storage path. It should be noted that when the print data output path of the new virtual printer is a physical printer, the new virtual printer can directly forward the processed print data to the physical printer.

[0053] See Figures 5A - 5G , which is a schematic diagram of a display interface for adding a virtual printer provided by an embodiment of the present application. When the user needs to add a virtual printer, open the display interface as shown in Figure 5A . The display interface shown in Figure 5A shows the configuration information of a virtual printer already added to a terminal device. The name of the virtual printer is "VirtualPrinter1", the type is "AppSocket", and the print data output path is the physical printer "Printer 1(USB)", where the physical printer "Printer 1(USB)" is a physical printer already added to the terminal device. In addition, the display interface includes a "New" control 501, a "Delete" control 502, and a "One - key Add" control 503. The "New" control 501 enables the user to set the configuration information of the new virtual printer, the "Delete" control 502 enables the user to delete the configuration information of the new virtual printer, and the "One - key Add" control 503 enables the terminal device to add the new virtual printer.

[0054] In an embodiment of the present application, a user can click on the "New" control 501 in a display interface as shown in Figure 5A to trigger a new virtual printer instruction. Further, the terminal device responds to the new virtual printer instruction and adds a configuration list for the new virtual printer in the display interface. As shown in Figure 5B in the display interface, the configuration information in the configuration list 504 for the new virtual printer includes the name 5041 of the new virtual printer, the type 5042 of the new virtual printer, and the print data output path 5043 of the new virtual printer. "Virtual Printer2", "AppSocket", and "Printer 1(USB)" are the default configuration information for the new virtual printer. In practical applications, the user can set the configuration information of the new virtual printer in the configuration list 504. Further, a new virtual printer corresponding to the configuration information is added on the terminal device.

[0055] Step S402: Respond to the configuration information setting instruction triggered by the user and set the configuration information in the configuration list.

[0056] In an embodiment of the present application, the user can set the configuration information in the configuration list. When the user triggers a configuration information setting instruction on the display interface, the terminal device can respond to the configuration information setting instruction and set the configuration information.

[0057] As described above, the configuration information includes the print data output path of the new virtual printer. Therefore, the user can set the print data output path of the new virtual printer. In practical applications, the user can manually input the print data output path of the new virtual printer. However, manual input is prone to errors and has low efficiency, resulting in a poor user experience. Therefore, in a possible implementation manner, the user can select the print data output path of the new virtual printer through an output path list.

[0058] In an embodiment of the present application, the print data output path of the new virtual printer can be set to a physical printer. Specifically, in response to the physical printer selection operation triggered by the user in the output path list of the display interface, the print data output path in the configuration list is set to the target physical printer corresponding to the physical printer selection operation.

[0059] It can be understood that the output path list includes identification information of one or more physical printers. For example, name and IP address, etc. It should be noted that the terminal device can identify the physical printer corresponding to the identification information based on the identification information of the physical printer.

[0060] In addition, the physical printers in the output path list are the physical printers already added by the terminal device and / or the physical printers detected by the terminal device. It can be understood that the physical printers detected by the terminal device are those detected but not added by the terminal device.

[0061] In an embodiment of the present application, when the user clicks the drop-down arrow 505 on the display interface as Figure 5B shown, the terminal device expands the output path list. As Figure 5C shown, the output path list 506 includes the identification information of three physical printers and two options for saving as electronic files, namely "Printer 1 (USB)", "Printer 2 (AppSocket)", "Printer3 (XXX.XXX.XXX.XXX)", "Save as PDF file", and "Save as picture file". Among them, the physical printers corresponding to "Printer 1 (USB)" and "Printer 2 (AppSocket)" are the physical printers already added by the terminal device, and the physical printer corresponding to "Printer 3 (XXX.XXX.XXX.XXX)" is the physical printer detected by the terminal device.

[0062] Of course, the output path list may also include more identification information of physical printers or options for saving as electronic files, which are not elaborated in this embodiment of the present application. In addition, when the output path list 506 cannot display more print data output paths, the user can simply and quickly view more print data output paths through the sliding button 507.

[0063] As Figure 5C shown, when the user wants to add a virtual printer associated with the physical printer "Printer 2 (AppSocket)", the user can trigger a selection operation for Printer 2 (AppSocket) on the display interface and select "Printer 2 (AppSocket)" in the output path list 506. At this time, as Figure 5D - 1 shown, in response to the selection operation of Printer 2 (AppSocket) triggered by the user, the terminal device sets the print data output path 5043 of the newly added virtual printer to "Printer 2 (AppSocket)".

[0064] It should be noted that the virtual printer corresponding to this configuration information can process the print data and then forward the processed print data to the physical printer "Printer 2 (AppSocket)", so that the physical printer performs a printing operation on the processed print data.

[0065] In the embodiments of the present application, a virtual printer can be associated with a physical printer. After the user processes the print data through the virtual printer, the virtual printer can directly forward the processed print data to the associated physical printer, enabling the physical printer to perform a printing operation on the processed print data without the need for the user to perform a forwarding operation, improving work efficiency and enhancing the user experience to a certain extent.

[0066] As described above, the newly added virtual printer can save the print data as an electronic file and store it in the target storage path. Therefore, the output path of the print data of the newly added virtual printer can be set to the target storage path.

[0067] Specifically, in response to the user's selection operation of saving as an electronic file triggered in the output path list on the display interface, it is determined to save the print data of the newly added virtual printer as an electronic file; in response to the storage path setting operation triggered by the user on the display interface, the print data output path in the configuration list is set to the target storage path corresponding to the storage path setting operation.

[0068] It can be understood that the output path list includes an option to save as an electronic file. For example, "Save as PDF file" or "Save as picture file", etc. The newly added virtual printer corresponding to "Save as PDF file" can save the print data as a PDF format file; the virtual machine printer corresponding to "Save as picture file" can save the print data as a picture format file.

[0069] In the embodiments of the present application, when the user needs to set "Save as PDF file", they can trigger the selection operation of saving as a PDF file in the display interface as Figure 5C shown, and select "Save as PDF file" in the output path list 506. At this time, as Figure 5D - 2 shown, the terminal device, in response to the user's triggered selection operation of saving as a PDF file, determines to save the print data of the newly added virtual printer as a PDF file. Then, click "Select save directory" 508 to trigger the storage path A setting operation. At this time, the terminal device, in response to the user's triggered storage path A setting operation, sets "Select save directory" to "Storage path A". It should be noted that the virtual printer corresponding to this configuration information can save the print data as a PDF file and store it in "Storage path A".

[0070] In the embodiments of the present application, the user can select the corresponding print data output path in the output path list, without manual input, which is not easy to make mistakes and has simple operations, enhancing the user experience to a certain extent.

[0071] As described above, the configuration information in the configuration list includes the type of the newly added virtual printer. In the embodiments of the present application, in order to reduce errors and improve the user experience, the user can also select the type of the newly added virtual printer through the virtual printer type list.

[0072] Specifically, in response to the virtual printer type selection operation triggered by the user in the virtual printer type list on the display interface, the type of the newly added virtual printer in the configuration list is set to the target virtual printer type corresponding to the virtual printer type selection operation.

[0073] It can be understood that the virtual printer type list includes one or more virtual printer types. The virtual printer type is the communication protocol type supported by the terminal device. For example, USB protocol, ipp protocol, AppSocket, and ipps protocol, etc. Data transmission can be performed between the virtual printer type and the terminal device through the above protocols.

[0074] In the embodiments of the present application, when the user Figure 5D - 1 clicks the drop-down arrow 509 on the shown display interface, the terminal device expands the virtual printer type list. As Figure 5E shown, the virtual printer type list 510 includes four virtual printer types: ipps, ipp, USB, and AppSocket. Of course, the virtual printer type list may also include more virtual printer types, which are not elaborated in the embodiments of the present application. In addition, when the virtual printer type list cannot display more virtual printer types, the user can view more virtual printer types simply and quickly through the sliding button 511.

[0075] As Figure 5E shown, when the user wants to set the type of the newly added virtual printer to "ipp", the user can trigger an ipp selection operation on the display interface and select "ipp" in the virtual printer type list 510. At this time, as Figure 5F shown, the terminal device responds to the ipp selection operation triggered by the user and sets the type 5042 of the newly added virtual printer to "ipp".

[0076] In order to facilitate the user to distinguish and remember the newly added virtual printer, in the embodiments of the present application, the user can set the name of the newly added virtual printer. Specifically, in response to the virtual printer name input operation triggered by the user in the display interface, the name of the newly added virtual printer in the configuration list is set.

[0077] As Figure 5FAs shown, when the user wants to set the name of the newly added virtual printer to "XX Virtual Printer", the user can trigger the XX Virtual Printer input operation on the display interface and click on the name 5041 of the newly added virtual printer; then, enter "XX Virtual Printer" in the input box corresponding to the name 5041 of the newly added virtual printer. At this time, as Figure 5G shown, the terminal device responds to the XX Virtual Printer input operation triggered by the user and sets the name 5041 of the newly added virtual printer to "XX Virtual Printer".

[0078] Step S403: In response to the virtual printer addition instruction triggered by the user, add the newly added virtual printer to the terminal device.

[0079] It can be understood that when the user sets the configuration information of the newly added virtual printer according to the method in the above embodiment, the user can trigger the virtual printer addition instruction. At this time, the terminal device responds to the virtual printer addition instruction and adds the newly added virtual printer corresponding to the configuration information according to the configuration information set by the user.

[0080] As Figure 5G shown, the user can click on the "One - click Addition" control 503 in the display interface to trigger the virtual printer addition instruction. Further, the terminal device responds to the virtual printer addition instruction and adds the virtual printer.

[0081] In the embodiment of the present application, when the user triggers the operation of adding a new virtual printer on the display interface of the terminal device, a configuration list of the newly added virtual printer will be displayed on the display interface. At this time, the user can set the configuration information of the newly added virtual printer in the configuration list; then, trigger the operation of adding a virtual printer on the display interface, and the virtual printer corresponding to the configuration information can be added to the terminal device. Compared with the related art, the user does not need to perform a cumbersome operation process, the process is simple, and the user experience is improved to a certain extent.

[0082] In the related art, when the user triggers a virtual printer addition instruction once, only one virtual printer can be added. When the user wants to add multiple virtual printers, multiple virtual printer addition instructions need to be triggered, the operation is cumbersome, and the user experience is poor.

[0083] See Figure 6 , which is a flowchart of another method for adding a virtual printer provided by the embodiment of the present application. On the basis of the embodiment shown in Figure 4 , step S401 includes step S601, step S402 includes step S602, and step S403 includes step S603.

[0084] Step S601: In response to multiple virtual printer addition instructions triggered by a user, display a configuration list of multiple virtual printers to be added in a display interface.

[0085] It can be understood that the user can trigger multiple virtual printer addition instructions. Each time a virtual printer addition instruction is triggered, a configuration list corresponding to the virtual printer addition instruction is added in the display interface.

[0086] See Figures 7A - 7D , which is a schematic diagram of another display interface for adding a virtual printer provided by an embodiment of the present application. When the user clicks the "Add" control 501 in the display interface as shown in Figure 5A , as shown in Figure 7A , a configuration list 701 of a virtual printer to be added is added to the display interface. The default configuration information in the configuration list 701 is "VirtualPrinter2", "AppSocket", and "Printer 1(USB)" respectively. When the user clicks the "Add" control 501 in the display interface as shown in Figure 7A , as shown in Figure 7B , a configuration list 702 of a virtual printer to be added is added to the display interface. The default configuration information in the configuration list 702 is "Virtual Printer3", "AppSocket", and "Printer 1(USB)" respectively. When the user clicks the "Add" control 501 in the display interface as shown in Figure 7B , as shown in Figure 7C , a configuration list 703 of a virtual printer to be added is added to the display interface. The default configuration information in the configuration list 703 is "Virtual Printer4", "AppSocket", and "Printer 1(USB)" respectively.

[0087] Step S602: In response to a configuration information setting instruction triggered by the user for each virtual printer to be added, set the configuration information in the configuration list corresponding to each virtual printer to be added.

[0088] It can be understood that after the user triggers multiple virtual printer addition instructions, the display interface will display configuration lists of multiple virtual printers to be added. Further, the user can trigger a configuration information setting instruction corresponding to each virtual printer to be added according to the method in the above example, and set the configuration information in the configuration list corresponding to each virtual printer to be added.

[0089] Such as Figure 7DAs shown, the configuration information in configuration list 701 is set to "Virtual Printer2", "ipp", and "Printer 2 (AppSocket)". The configuration information in configuration list 702 is set to "Virtual Printer3", "ipp", and "Printer 3 (XXX.XXX.XXX.XXX)". The configuration information in configuration list 703 is set to "VirtualPrinter4", "ipps", "Save as PDF file", and "Storage path B".

[0090] It should be noted that when the user needs to add multiple virtual printers, after triggering each new virtual printer instruction, the configuration list of each new virtual printer can be set immediately. Or after triggering multiple new virtual printer instructions, the configuration list of each new virtual printer can be set. The embodiments of the present application do not limit this.

[0091] Step S603: In response to an instruction for adding a virtual printer triggered by the user, add multiple new virtual printers to the terminal device.

[0092] It can be understood that after the user sets the configuration information of multiple new virtual printers, by triggering only one instruction for adding a virtual printer, multiple new virtual printers can be added to the terminal device.

[0093] As Figure 7D shown, when the user clicks the "One-key addition" control 503 once to trigger an instruction for adding a virtual printer, the terminal device responds to the instruction for adding a virtual printer and adds the virtual printers corresponding to configuration list 701, configuration list 702, and configuration list 703. For other content involved in the embodiments of the present application, reference can be made to the description of the above method embodiments. For the sake of brevity, it will not be elaborated here.

[0094] In the embodiments of the present application, when the user triggers an instruction for adding a virtual printer once, multiple virtual printers can be added, which simplifies the user operation process to a certain extent and improves the user experience.

[0095] Corresponding to the above embodiments, the embodiments of the present application also provide an apparatus for adding a virtual printer.

[0096] See Figure 8 , which is a schematic structural diagram of an apparatus for adding a virtual printer provided by the embodiments of the present application. As Figure 8As shown in the figure, the virtual printer adding device 800 is applied to a terminal device, which includes a display interface. The virtual printer adding device 800 includes a display module 801, a configuration information setting module 802, and an adding module 803. Specifically, the display module 801 is configured to display a configuration list of a new virtual printer in the display interface in response to a new virtual printer instruction triggered by a user; the configuration information setting module 802 is configured to set the configuration information in the configuration list in response to a configuration information setting instruction triggered by the user; and the adding module 803 is configured to add the new virtual printer to the terminal device in response to an adding virtual printer instruction triggered by the user.

[0097] For the specific content involved in the embodiments of this application, reference may be made to the descriptions of the above method embodiments. For the sake of brevity, it will not be repeated here.

[0098] Corresponding to the above embodiments, an embodiment of this application also provides an electronic device.

[0099] See Figure 9 , which is a schematic structural diagram of an electronic device provided by an embodiment of this application. As Figure 9 shown, the electronic device 9 may include: a processor 901, a memory 902, and a communication unit 903. These components communicate through one or more buses. Those skilled in the art can understand that the structure of the electronic device shown in the figure does not constitute a limitation to the embodiments of this application. It can be a bus structure, a star structure, and may also include more or fewer components than shown in the figure, or combine certain components, or have different component arrangements.

[0100] Among them, the communication unit 903 is configured to establish a communication channel so that the electronic device can communicate with other devices.

[0101] The processor 901 is the control center of the electronic device, connecting various parts of the entire electronic device through various interfaces and lines, and performing various functions and / or processing data of the electronic device by running or executing software programs and / or modules stored in the memory 902, and calling data stored in the memory. The processor may be composed of an integrated circuit (IC). For example, it may be composed of a single packaged IC, or may be composed of multiple packaged ICs with the same or different functions connected together. For example, the processor 901 may only include a central processing unit (CPU). In the embodiments of this application, the CPU may be a single operation core or may include multiple operation cores.

[0102] A memory 902 for storing execution instructions of a processor 901. The memory 902 can be implemented by any type of volatile or non-volatile storage device or a combination thereof, such as static random access memory (SRAM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), read-only memory (ROM), magnetic memory, flash memory, a magnetic disk, or an optical disc.

[0103] When the execution instructions in the memory 902 are executed by the processor 901, the electronic device 900 is enabled to execute some or all of the steps in the above method embodiments.

[0104] Corresponding to the above embodiments, an embodiment of the present application further provides a computer-readable storage medium. The computer-readable storage medium can store a program. When the program runs, it can control a device where the computer-readable storage medium is located to execute some or all of the steps in the above method embodiments. Specifically, the computer-readable storage medium can be a magnetic disk, an optical disc, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), or the like.

[0105] Corresponding to the above embodiments, an embodiment of the present application further provides a computer program product. The computer program product includes executable instructions. When the executable instructions are executed on a computer, the computer is enabled to execute some or all of the steps in the above method embodiments.

[0106] In the embodiments of the present application, "at least one" means one or more, and "a plurality" means two or more. "And / or" describes the association relationship of associated objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent the cases of A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, and B existing alone. Where A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally represents an "or" relationship between the associated objects before and after. "At least one of the following" and its similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single items or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b, and c can represent: a, b, c, a - b, a - c, b - c, or a - b - c, where a, b, and c can be single or multiple.

[0107] Those of ordinary skill in the art can realize that the units and algorithm steps described in the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented by electronic hardware, computer software, or a combination of electronic hardware. Whether these functions are executed in a hardware or software manner depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Professional technicians can use different methods for each specific application to implement the described functions, but such implementation should not be considered to exceed the scope of this application.

[0108] Those skilled in the art can clearly understand that for the convenience and brevity of description, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can refer to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments and will not be elaborated herein.

[0109] In several embodiments provided in this application, if any function is implemented in the form of a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or a part of this technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions for causing a computer device (which can be a personal computer, a server, or a network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in various embodiments of this application. The foregoing storage medium includes: various media such as USB flash drives, mobile hard disks, read-only memory (ROM for short), random access memory (RAM for short), magnetic disks, or optical discs that can store program codes.

[0110] The above is only the specific implementation manner of this application. Any person skilled in the art can easily think of changes or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in this application and should be covered by the protection scope of this application. The protection scope of this application shall be subject to the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A method for adding a virtual printer, characterized in that, Applied to a terminal device, the terminal device includes a display interface, and the method includes: In response to a new virtual printer instruction triggered by a user, display a configuration list of the new virtual printer in the display interface; In response to a configuration information setting instruction triggered by the user, set the configuration information in the configuration list; In response to an add virtual printer instruction triggered by the user, add the new virtual printer to the terminal device.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The configuration information includes the name of the new virtual printer, the type of the new virtual printer, and / or the print data output path of the new virtual printer.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein The print data output path of the new virtual printer includes: A target physical printer associated with the new virtual printer, and the target physical printer is used to print the print data output by the new virtual printer; Or, A target storage path associated with the new virtual printer, and the new virtual printer is used to save the print data as an electronic file and store it in the target storage path.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein The step of, in response to a configuration information setting instruction triggered by the user, setting the configuration information in the configuration list includes: In response to a physical printer selection operation triggered by the user in the output path list in the display interface, set the print data output path in the configuration list to the target physical printer corresponding to the physical printer selection operation; Wherein, the output path list includes identification information of one or more physical printers.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that The physical printers in the output path list are the physical printers already added to the terminal device and / or the physical printers searched by the terminal device.

6. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The step of, in response to a configuration information setting instruction triggered by the user, setting the configuration information in the configuration list includes: In response to a save as electronic file selection operation triggered by the user in the output path list in the display interface, determine to save the print data of the new virtual printer as an electronic file; In response to a storage path setting operation triggered by the user in the display interface, set the print data output path in the configuration list to the target storage path corresponding to the storage path setting operation; Wherein, the output path list includes an option to save as an electronic file.

7. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The step of, in response to a configuration information setting instruction triggered by the user, setting the configuration information in the configuration list includes: In response to a virtual printer name input operation triggered by the user in the display interface, set the name of the new virtual printer in the configuration list.

8. The method according to claim 2, wherein The step of, in response to a configuration information setting instruction triggered by the user, setting the configuration information in the configuration list includes: In response to a virtual printer type selection operation triggered by the user in the virtual printer type list in the display interface, set the type of the new virtual printer in the configuration list to the target virtual printer type corresponding to the virtual printer type selection operation; Wherein, the virtual printer type list includes one or more virtual printer types.

9. The method according to claim 1, wherein In response to a newly added virtual printer instruction triggered by a user, display a configuration list of the newly added virtual printer in the display interface, including: in response to a plurality of newly added virtual printer instructions triggered by the user, display a configuration list of the plurality of newly added virtual printers in the display interface; In response to a configuration information setting instruction triggered by the user, set the configuration information in the configuration list, including: in response to a configuration information setting instruction corresponding to each of the newly added virtual printers triggered by the user, set the configuration information in the configuration list corresponding to each of the newly added virtual printers; In response to an instruction to add a virtual printer triggered by the user, add the newly added virtual printer to the terminal device, including: in response to an instruction to add a virtual printer triggered by the user, add a plurality of the newly added virtual printers to the terminal device.

10. An adding device for a virtual printer, characterized in that, Applied to a terminal device, the terminal device includes a display interface, and the device includes: A display module, configured to display a configuration list of a newly added virtual printer in the display interface in response to a newly added virtual printer instruction triggered by the user; A configuration information setting module, configured to set the configuration information in the configuration list in response to a configuration information setting instruction triggered by the user; An adding module, configured to add the newly added virtual printer to the terminal device in response to an instruction to add a virtual printer triggered by the user.

11. An electronic device, characterized in that, Comprising: A processor; A memory; And a computer program, wherein the computer program is stored in the memory, and when the computer program is executed by the processor, the electronic device is caused to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

12. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program, and when the computer program is executed by a processor, the method according to any one of claims 1 to 9 is implemented.

13. A computer program product, characterized in that, Including a computer program, and when the computer program is executed by a processor, the method according to any one of claims 1 to 9 is implemented.

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