Non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, control method, and information processing apparatus

Abstract

The invention provides a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, a control method, and an information processing apparatus. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium stores an application that causes an information processing apparatus to execute a control method. The application supports a standard driver capable of generating print data that can be printed by a plurality of printing devices supplied by a plurality of manufacturers. The control method includes: storing the set of setting values of print setting items; displaying a print setting screen allowing selection of the set; receiving selection of a user on the set; and applying a setting value of a print setting item included in the set selected on the print setting screen. Depending on whether the setting values of the print setting items included in the set include any setting value that cannot be implemented by the printing device associated with the print setting screen, the set is displayed on the print setting screen using different display modes.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, a control method, and an information processing device. Background Art

[0002] Several known systems provide printing instructions to a printing device connected to a host computer by using a printer driver installed on the host computer as software for controlling the printing device. An operating system (OS), serving as the underlying software, is installed on the host computer. The printer driver is constructed according to the specifications of the OS and runs when called upon by the OS. Printing device vendors provide a means for the OS to transmit printing instructions to the printing device by supplying a printer driver that complies with the OS's specifications.

[0003] In recent years, Windows (registered trademark) has provided a standard class of drivers (hereinafter referred to as "standard drivers") that are compatible with printing devices from a variety of vendors. These standard drivers are included in the operating system software package and can be used simply by connecting a given printing device to the host computer. These standard drivers eliminate the need to separately install printer drivers for specific printing devices, thus providing greater convenience.

[0004] The standard driver is configured to specify a print function based on PrintCapabilities generated based on information obtained from the connected printing device. As a result, users using the standard driver can specify a print function that matches the capabilities of the connected printing device using a single standard driver.

[0005] Standard drivers can be associated with applications that extend or support functionality (hereinafter also referred to as "extended applications"). Print device vendors can provide extended applications. By providing these extended applications, vendors (manufacturers) can provide functionality (extended functionality) that cannot be achieved using only the standard driver.

[0006] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-176354 discloses a technology for sharing preference presets, which are combinations of print settings stored across multiple print setting screens. The sharing method described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-176354 is applicable only to the same printing device and cannot be used to share preference presets across different printing devices. Summary of the Invention

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium stores an application program that causes an information processing device to execute a control method. The application program supports a standard driver capable of generating print data that can be printed by multiple printing devices supplied by multiple manufacturers. The control method includes: storing a set of setting values ​​for print setting items; displaying a print settings screen that allows selection of the set; receiving a user's selection of the set; and applying the setting values ​​for the print setting items included in the set selected on the print settings screen. The set is displayed on the print settings screen using different display methods depending on whether the setting values ​​for the print setting items included in the set include any setting values ​​that cannot be implemented by the printing device associated with the print settings screen.

[0008] Further features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of embodiments with reference to the attached drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the printing system.

[0010] Figure 2A and Figure 2B This is a diagram of the printing system.

[0011] Figure 3A 、 Figure 3B and Figure 3C An example of a print setting screen of an extended application is shown.

[0012] Figure 4A and Figure 4B Provides examples of Print Device Capabilities (PDC) and Print Tickets (PT).

[0013] Figure 5A 、 Figure 5B 、 Figure 5C 、 Figure 5D 、 Figure 5E 、 Figure 5F and Figure 5G Provides examples of preference management data.

[0014] Figure 6A 、 Figure 6B and Figure 6C An example of a preference adding screen for an extension application is shown.

[0015] Figure 7A and Figure 7B The following shows the preference registration process flow for an extended application.

[0016] Figure 8 Provide an example of PT.

[0017] Figure 9A 、 Figure 9Band Figure 9C An example of a print setting screen of an extended application associated with printer B is shown.

[0018] Figure 10A and Figure 10B An example of the PDC and PT of printer B is provided.

[0019] Figure 11 This section shows the flow of the preference list display process of the print setting screen of the extended application.

[0020] Figure 12 The flow of preference selection processing on the print setting screen of the extended application is shown.

[0021] Figure 13 An example of a preferred application confirmation screen for an extended application is shown.

[0022] Figure 14A and Figure 14B An example of a preference editing screen for an extended application is shown.

[0023] Figure 15 This section shows the flow of the preference list display process on the preference editing screen of the extended application.

[0024] Figure 16 This section shows the flow of the preference preset display process on the preference editing screen of the extended application.

[0025] Figure 17 The following shows a print setting screen activation processing flow of the extended application according to the second embodiment.

[0026] Figure 18A and Figure 18B An example of preference support management data of an extended application according to the second embodiment is provided.

[0027] Figure 19 An example of a preference selection screen of an extended application according to the second embodiment is shown.

[0028] Figure 20A and Figure 20B An example of a print setting screen of an extended application according to the second embodiment is shown.

[0029] Figure 21 The flow of preference list display processing of the print setting screen of the extended application according to the second embodiment is shown.

[0030] Figure 22 The flow of preference registration processing of an extension application according to the third embodiment is shown.

[0031] Figure 23 The flow of preference list display processing of the print setting screen of the extended application according to the third embodiment is shown.

[0032] Figure 24A 、 Figure 24B and Figure 24C An example of a print setting screen of an extended application according to the third embodiment is shown.

[0033] Figure 25A and Figure 25B is a configuration diagram of a printing system according to a fourth embodiment.

[0034] Figure 26A and Figure 26B An example of a print setting screen of an extended application according to the fourth embodiment is shown.

[0035] Figure 27A 、 Figure 27B and Figure 27C An example of a preference editing screen of an extended application according to the fourth embodiment is shown.

[0036] Figure 28 The following shows a preference file import process flow of an extension application according to the fourth embodiment.

[0037] Figure 29 An example of the print setting screen after importing the preference file of the extension application according to the fourth embodiment is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The embodiments described herein are not intended to limit the invention defined by the claims. In addition, the combination of features described in the embodiments is not necessarily necessary for the scheme of the present invention. When necessary or when a combination of elements or features from various embodiments in a single embodiment is beneficial, each embodiment of the present invention described below can be implemented alone or as a combination of multiple embodiments of its features. The same constituent elements are given the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0039] First embodiment

[0040] Figure 1 1 is a block diagram illustrating the hardware configuration of a printing system. In the figure, a host computer 101 is an example of an information processing device. The host computer 101 includes an input interface 110, a central processing unit (CPU) 111, a read-only memory (ROM) 112, a random access memory (RAM) 113, an external storage device 114, an output interface 115, and an input / output interface 116.

[0041] Input devices such as a keyboard 118 and a pointing device 117 are connected to the input interface 110. Display devices such as a display 119 are connected to the output interface 115. The NETIF 140 is a network interface. The NETIF 140 is operable to control data transmission with external devices over a network.

[0042] The ROM 112 stores an initialization program. The external storage device 114 stores a collection of application programs, an operating system (OS), print data generation software, and various other data. The RAM 113 is used as a working memory or for similar purposes to execute various programs stored in the external storage device 114, allowing the various programs to be run on the host computer 101.

[0043] In this embodiment, the functions of the host computer 101, which will be described later, are implemented, and operations according to the flowcharts, which will be described later, are performed on the host computer 101 by the CPU 111 executing processing according to procedures in a program stored in the ROM 112. The printing apparatus 102, which is a device, is connected to the host computer 101 via the input / output interface 116.

[0044] The host computer 101 and the printing device 102 are implemented separately; however, the host computer 101 and the printing device 102 may be configured as a single information processing device. For example, the host computer 101 may be a desktop personal computer, a smartphone, or a laptop computer.

[0045] Figure 2A and Figure 2B The following description is based on the assumption that the printing system uses a host computer 101 in which Microsoft (registered trademark) Windows (registered trademark) 11 is installed as an OS. Figure 2A A general configuration is shown when the print data generation software 202 and the printing apparatus 102 are not associated with the extension application 210 .

[0046] The drawing application 201 is a software application that creates content (drawing data) to be printed and outputs an image to be printed. For example, the drawing application 201 corresponds to a document creation application or a spreadsheet application.

[0047] When the drawing application 201 receives a print request from the user, it issues a print instruction to the OS. The print instruction includes print setting information for instructing the operation of the print data generation software 202 and the printing device 102. The print setting information is also called a "PrintTicket" (hereinafter referred to as "PT").

[0048] The drawing application 201 can display a print setting screen provided by the print data generation software 202, the OS, or the drawing application 201 to output print setting information. The print setting screen includes setting items (hereinafter also referred to as "control items") representing configurable print functions, and control items indicating setting values ​​of the setting items based on capability information (i.e., information configurable as print settings) obtained from the print data generation software 202.

[0049] The capability information is also referred to as "PrintCapabilities" (hereinafter referred to as "PC").

[0050] The print data generation software 202 specifies a PC based on the print function information 203 .

[0051] The print function information 203 is data specifying a print function, and indicates all configurable print functions, setting values ​​of the print functions, and mutually exclusive relationships among the setting values.

[0052] The print capability information 203 is also referred to as print device capabilities (PDC). The print capability information 203 is included in a configuration file of the print data generation software 202 and stored as an unchangeable file in the external storage device 114. Alternatively, the print capability information 203 can be dynamically generated by the print data generation software 202. Specifically, the print data generation software 202 or the operating system can be configured to obtain print device attribute data from the printing device 102 and generate the print capability information 203 based on the attribute information in the obtained attribute data.

[0053] When the print function information 203 is dynamically generated, the generated print function information 203 is editable. The print device attribute data available from the print device 102 corresponds to the response received when a Get-Printer-Attributes operation of the Internet Printing Protocol (IPP) is issued to the print device. This response includes attribute information indicating selectable functions (capabilities of the print device) on the print device 102 and setting values ​​associated with the attribute information. The RAM 113 can store this response.

[0054] The print data generation software 202 is constructed in such a manner as to enable a user to specify, for each printing apparatus 102, specific print functions available in the various printing apparatuses 102. In other words, the print data generation software 202 is constructed so as to enable a user to specify specific print functions for connected printing apparatuses (e.g., developed or supplied by different vendors (manufacturers)) regardless of functional differences between the connected printing apparatuses or differences among the printing apparatuses.

[0055] In this specification, the configuration using the IPP Class Driver installed in Windows (registered trademark) 11 as the print data generation software 202 is described. The IPP class driver is a printer driver that performs a print operation according to the specifications of a standard printing protocol called the Internet Printing Protocol (IPP). This printer driver is included in an OS data package. It should be understood that the IPP class driver is an example of a printer driver that can be used in the context of the present invention, and the present invention can be applied to other suitable drivers.

[0056] The IPP class driver is not a printer driver specific to a particular model of the printing device 102, but rather a standard class driver that is universally applicable to printing devices supplied by multiple vendors (manufacturers). The IPP class driver obtains capability information of the connected printing device 102 and generates print function information 203 based on this information, allowing the user to specify the print functions supported by the connected printing device 102.

[0057] As described above, the printing function of the host 101 is provided by the print data generation software 202 and the OS. The print data generation software 202 and the OS are examples of software of the present invention, which generate print data printable by printing apparatuses supplied by multiple vendors (manufacturers).

[0058] Figure 2B The configuration when the print data generation software 202 and the printing device 102 are associated with the extended application 210 is shown. Configuration features and operations not specifically mentioned below are similar to those Figure 2A The construction features and operations are basically the same.

[0059] The extended application 210 is software used to extend and support the functionality of the print data generation software 202. The extended application 210 is software that is not pre-installed in the operating system (not included in the OS software package). Therefore, the user must download the extended application 210 from a server via the Internet and install it by operating the host computer 101. Alternatively, the extended application 210 can be automatically installed when the printing device 102 is connected to the host computer 101.

[0060] Specifically, when the printing device 102 is connected to the host 101, the OS obtains device identification information from the printing device 102. The OS can download the extension application 210 corresponding to the obtained device identification information from the server via the Internet and install the extension application 210. This indicates that the print data generation software 202 and the extension application 210 are stored as separate files on the host 101.

[0061] When the printing device 102 and the print data generation software 202 are Figure 2AWhen the extended application 210 is installed in the state of association shown, the OS associates the extended application 210 with the print data generation software 202. The OS also associates the extended application 210 with the printing device 102. This process results in Figure 2B The software configuration of the host 101 is illustrated in FIG.

[0062] The print data generation software 202 and the extended application 210 can be updated and upgraded. This update process also occurs at different times. In other words, the time when the host 101 obtains the print data generation software 202 is different from the time when the host 101 obtains the extended application 210. The trigger that prompts the host 101 to obtain the print data generation software 202 is also different from the trigger that prompts the host 101 to obtain the extended application 210.

[0063] The extended application 210 described in this embodiment includes a print settings screen expansion unit 211, a skip control unit 212, a print function expansion unit 213, a print data editing unit 214, and a notification unit 215. The extended application 210 also includes shared information 210, which can be accessed by each unit in a shared manner. Shared information 210 is a file stored in the external storage device 114 or information stored in the RAM 113. The extended application 210 uses an application programming interface (API) provided by the OS to write information to and read information from the shared information 210.

[0064] The extended application 210 can terminate its operation each time a single unit completes its operation. In this case, the OS activates the extended application 210 each time it receives a request to use a single unit. Another possible approach is, for example, to terminate the extended application 210 operation when the print settings screen extension unit 211 completes its operation; however, the OS may allow the extended application 210 to remain active when the skip control unit 212 completes its operation.

[0065] The extended application 210 can cancel the operation of a single unit in progress. When the operation is canceled, the OS deletes the job in progress on the print queue.

[0066] When the drawing application 201 receives the user's print request, the drawing application 201 issues a print instruction to the OS. Figure 2A In this configuration, the print setting screen provided by the extended application 210 is displayed. Specifically, the print setting screen provided by the print setting screen expansion unit 211 included in the extended application 210 is displayed. Whether the print setting screen provided by the print setting screen expansion unit 211 is displayed depends on the user's operation.

[0067] When the drawing application 201 receives a print request from the user and issues a print instruction to the OS, the OS activates the skip control unit 212. The skip control unit 212 controls whether to skip the operation of the print data generation software 202. After the skip control unit 212 performs the skip control operation, the OS generates intermediate data based on the print instruction output from the drawing application 201 and passes the intermediate data to the print data generation software 202.

[0068] When the skip control unit 212 does not perform skip control, the print data generation software 202 processes the intermediate data into print data that can be interpreted by the printing device 102 and passes the intermediate data to the print data editing unit 214. When the print data generation software 202 is skipped, the intermediate data is not processed by the print data generation software 202 but is passed to the print data editing unit 214. In this way, the print data editing unit 214 can process the intermediate data.

[0069] The print data editing unit 214 edits the intermediate data transferred from the print data generation software 202 or the print data processed by the print data generation software 202. Taking layout printing as an example of the editing content, the print data editing unit 214 modifies the layout of the intermediate data or the print data based on the print setting information for layout printing received from the OS.

[0070] The print data editing unit 214 can display a user interface (UI) screen on the display 119. In this UI screen, the print data editing unit 214 can display the layout result of the intermediate data or print data as a preview screen. While the screen is open, the print data editing unit 214 does not send print data to the printing device 102; closing the screen activates the print data sending operation.

[0071] After the print data editing unit 214 edits the print data, the print data is transferred to the printing apparatus 102. The printing apparatus 102 prints on paper based on the received print data.

[0072] When the skip control unit 212 skips the print data generation software 202, the print data editing unit 214 may convert the received intermediate data into print data interpretable by the printing apparatus 102. The intermediate data may be converted into print data using a function provided by the OS.

[0073] The extended application 210 includes a print function extension unit 213. The print function extension unit 213 can edit the print function information 203 (ie, PDC) generated by the print data generation software 202 or the OS.

[0074] This capability allows the print function extension unit 213 to add functions provided by the extended application 210. For example, the print function extension unit 213 can also add functions supported by the printing device 102 but not supported by the print data generation software 202, and can also establish mutually exclusive relationships between the setting values ​​of print functions. When the extended application 210 is first associated with the printing device 102 and the print data generation software 202, the operating system activates the print function extension unit 213.

[0075] The OS may activate the print function extension unit 213 at other times (such as when the OS is started). If an optional device (e.g., a finisher) that extends print-related functions is later added to the printing apparatus 102, the print function extension unit 213 can detect the extended function and add it to the print function information 203.

[0076] The extended application 210 also includes a notification unit 215. The notification unit 215 can display a notification to the user in response to an error occurring in the printing apparatus 102. For example, when an "out of paper" error occurs in the printing apparatus 102, the print data software 202 detects the error, and the OS causes the display 119 to display a message using a notification function called toast notification, which is a function of the OS.

[0077] When the user presses the toast notification, the OS calls the notification unit 215 of the extension application 210 and displays the UI screen of the notification unit 215. The UI screen of the notification unit 215 can display, for example, a detailed message about the "no paper" error or a method for reloading paper.

[0078] Once the extension application 210 sends the print data to the printing device 102 , the extension application 210 can no longer display a screen related to the print data (eg, a guide) during the operation of each unit.

[0079] The configuration of the extended application 210 for implementing this embodiment is not limited to including all the functions (units) described above; the configuration of the extended application 210 may include only one or some of these functions, or include other additional functions. The extended application 210 is sometimes simply referred to as printing software.

[0080] Display the print settings screen

[0081] Figure 3A 、 Figure 3B and Figure 3CThe following illustrates an example of a screen displayed by the print settings screen expansion unit 211 when printer A is connected as the printing apparatus 102. When the user provides an instruction in the drawing application 201 to display the print settings screen of printer A, the OS calls the print settings screen expansion unit 211. The print settings screen expansion unit 211 displays a screen on which the user can select print function setting values ​​selectable in the print data generation software 202 based on the PC of printer A obtained from the OS.

[0082] The PC is generated by the OS based on the PDC. An example of the PDC of printer A is shown in Figure 4A 401, and an example of a PC for printer A is shown in FIG. Figure 4B 403. The information psftype="Feature" in the PDC 401 indicates a function supported by the printing device. The information PageMediaSize 402 indicates that the paper size function is configurable. The field psftype="Option" indicates a setting value that can be configured for a single function. For example, it specifies that the ISO A4 size can be set as the paper size (PageMediaSize 402).

[0083] ScoredProperty in each setting value (Option) specifies the specific parameters of that setting value. For example, the paper size (PageMediaSize 402) includes information about the width (MediaSizeWidth) and height (MediaSizeHeight) of a single size. PC 403 is generated based on PDC 401; the PDC 401 information PageMediaSize 402 is generated as PageMediaSize 404 of PC 403, and various setting values ​​such as ISO A4 are also generated.

[0084] Figure 3A The state immediately after the print settings screen 301 is displayed in response to a user instruction is shown. In this screen, various print settings are configured as default settings. Preferences 302 indicates a field for selecting a preference preset, which is a combination of specific print setting values. When a preference preset is selected, the combination of print setting values ​​stored in that preference preset is applied to the print settings screen.

[0085] When the OS installs the extension application 201, the extension application 201 stores the preference preset as a standard preset in the shared information 216. The preference preset as the standard preset resets the setting value to the value immediately after the installation. Figure 5A An example of preference preset management data stored in the shared information 216 by the extension application 201 is shown. Figure 5AA state immediately after the extension application 201 is installed is shown, in which only the standard presets are registered.

[0086] The management data stores an ID for management, a registered preference name, a comment, a type of printing device storing the preference, and a setting value stored as a preference preset in an associated manner as preference preset management data. The information stored as the management data may include other information among these information items.

[0087] Since the standard preset is a preference preset that is common to all models, information marked as ALL is stored to indicate that the standard preset can be used for all types of printing devices. Since the standard preset is a preference preset for resetting setting values ​​to default values ​​immediately after installation, no specific values ​​are stored as setting values. Instead, the default values ​​for each setting written in the PDC are retrieved and applied (for Figure 4A , the default value is "true"). In the description of this embodiment, when the extension application 201 is installed, only the standard preset is registered (pre-installed) as the preference preset; however, other setting value combinations may be registered in advance.

[0088] The comment is intended to convey the type of the setting value combination to the user in the form of a text string. In this embodiment, the comment is used to be displayed in the comment 1504 in the preference editing screen 1501 described later.

[0089] An add button 303 is a button for storing the currently set print setting combination as a favorite preset. An edit button 304 is a button for editing the stored favorite preset.

[0090] A checkbox 305 labeled "Apply application settings first" provides the ability to prioritize application settings when applying preference presets, as long as the checkbox is checked.

[0091] Specifically, the check box 305 provides a function of preventing preference presets from being applied to specific print settings (such as paper size and print orientation) that can be configured without the user opening the print setting screen of the printer A through the drawing application 201 .

[0092] The paper type 306, paper size 307, print direction 308, sheet feed slot 309, print quality 310, color mode 311, layout 312, and duplex printing 313 specify various options supported by the printing apparatus based on the PC available from the OS. The user can set print settings by selecting an option from the displayed options.

[0093] An OK button 314 is a button for storing various setting values ​​currently selected in the print setting (PT) and closing the print setting screen 301. A cancel button 315 is a button for closing the print setting screen 301 without storing the print setting.

[0094] Store preference presets

[0095] Next, an example of saving a preference preset is described.

[0096] Figure 3B Shows the user from Figure 3A In the state of [ ], the sheet feed slot 309 is changed to cassette 2, the layout 312 is changed to 2-in-1, and the duplex printing 313 is changed to "Yes" (long-edge binding). If the user wishes to save the combination of setting values ​​in this state as a preference preset, the user presses the add button 303 in the preference list. When the add button 303 in the preference list is pressed, the preference add screen is displayed.

[0097] Figure 6A An example of a preference adding screen displayed when the add button 303 in the preference is pressed is shown. Figure 6A In the preferred addition screen 601 shown, the user enters a name of the preferred preset (preferred name) in the name 602 and enters text in the comment 603. By pressing the OK button 604, the setting value combination of the print setting when the Add button 303 in the preferences is pressed is stored as the preferred preset.

[0098] Figure 7A The flow of processing executed when the user presses the OK button 604 is shown.

[0099] When the user presses the OK button 604, the print settings screen expansion unit 211 performs the operation in S701. In S701, the print settings screen expansion unit 211 checks the preference name entered in the name 602 in the preference addition screen 601 to determine whether the name 602 is blank with no entry or matches the name of a pre-installed preference preset. If the name 602 is blank or matches the name "Standard Preset" of a pre-installed preference preset, the print settings screen expansion unit 211 displays a warning dialog box in S702 and ends this process.

[0100] Figure 6B This figure shows an example of a warning dialog box displayed by the print settings screen expansion unit 211 in step S702. The warning dialog box 611 includes a message 612 indicating that the preference cannot be stored using the input name and a button 613 for closing the warning dialog box 611. When the user presses the button 613, the print settings screen expansion unit 211 closes the warning dialog box 611 and returns to the preference adding screen 601.

[0101] When the print setting screen expansion unit 211 determines in S701 that the name 602 is not blank and is different from the name of the standard preset (ie, the pre-installed preference preset), the print setting screen expansion unit 211 advances the process to S703 .

[0102] In S703, the print setting screen expansion unit 211 checks whether the preference name input in the name 602 of the preference adding screen 601 exists in the preference management data stored in the shared information 216. When it is determined in S703 that the same name exists, the print setting screen expansion unit 211 displays a confirmation dialog box to confirm whether to overwrite the existing preference preset of the same name in S704.

[0103] Figure 6C The confirmation dialog box 621 includes a message 622 for confirming whether to overwrite the preference preset with the same name, an OK button 623 for providing an instruction to overwrite the preference preset with the same name, and a Cancel button 624 for not providing an instruction to overwrite the preference preset with the same name.

[0104] When the user presses the OK button 623 on the confirmation dialog 621, the print setting screen expansion unit 211 determines "Yes" in S705 and advances the process to the operation in S706. When the user presses the Cancel button 624 on the confirmation dialog 621, the print setting screen expansion unit 211 closes the confirmation dialog 621, determines "No" in S705, ends the process, and returns to the preference adding screen 601.

[0105] When there is no preference of the same name in the preference management data (No in S703 ), or when there is a preference of the same name in the preference management data and an instruction to overwrite is provided (Yes in S705 ), the print setting screen expansion unit 211 advances the process to S706 .

[0106] In S706, the print setting screen expansion unit 211 obtains the type of printing device associated with the currently opened print setting screen. Figure 7B .

[0107] Figure 7B is a flowchart showing the detailed flow of the operation in S706 performed by the print setting screen expansion unit 211 . Figure 7B The flow in FIG. 1 is based on the assumption that the information obtained in S706 is provided in the response to the IPP Get-Printer-Attributes operation from the printing apparatus 102. However, Figure 7B The process in can use information obtained through other methods to identify the device type.

[0108] In S711 , the print setting screen expansion unit 211 checks whether the response to the IPP Get-Printer-Attributes operation from the printing apparatus 102 includes a marker-types attribute.

[0109] When YES is determined in S711 , the print setting screen expansion unit 211 checks in S712 whether the value of the mark type attribute is ink-cartridge.

[0110] When YES is determined in S712, the print setting screen expansion unit 211 determines in S713 that the device type of the printing apparatus 102 is an inkjet device (IJ). The mark type attribute and the ink cartridge attribute value are attributes and attribute values ​​defined in the IPP.

[0111] When NO is determined in S711, the print setting screen expansion unit 211 checks in S715 whether the response to the IPP Get-Printer-Attributes operation from the printing apparatus 102 includes printer-supply attributes. The printer-supply attributes are attributes defined in the IPP.

[0112] When YES is determined in S715 , the print setting screen expansion unit 211 checks in S716 whether the value of the printer supply attribute includes type=toner.

[0113] When YES is determined in S716, the print setting screen expansion unit 211 determines in S717 that the device type of the printing apparatus 102 is an electrophotographic device (EP). The printer supply attribute and type=toner attribute value are attributes and attribute values ​​defined in the IPP.

[0114] When the print setting screen expansion unit 211 determines NO in S712 , S715 , or S716 , the print setting screen expansion unit 211 determines in S714 that the device type of the printing apparatus 102 is other.

[0115] exist Figure 7B In the example embodiment, the print settings screen expansion unit 211 determines the device type based on the information provided in the response to the IPP Get-Printer-Attributes operation from the printing apparatus 102. However, the print settings screen expansion unit 211 may provide a determination based on other information. For example, the device type may be determined based on information obtained from the printing apparatus 102 using other methods.

[0116] The device type can be determined based on information obtained from the printing device 102 (e.g., the name of the printing device 102 and supported settings) and table information stored by the extension application 204. The table information can be obtained from a server (not shown). The device type is represented as EP or IJ. However, printer usage such as home printer, office printer, and photo printer can be identified as the device type based on the supported function information.

[0117] Return to Figure 7A , in S707, the print setting screen expansion unit 211 then obtains the current print settings (PT) from the OS. Figure 8 An example of the PT obtained in S707 is shown.

[0118] Figure 8 PT 801 in the Preferences dialog box indicates that when the Add button 303 in the Preferences dialog box is pressed Figure 3C 802. Set Cassette 2 as the sheet feeding method (JobInputBin) 802. Set TwoSideLongEdge as the duplex printing (JobDuplexAllDocumentsCotigously) 803. Also, set 2 in 1 (2) as the layout (JobNupAllDocumentsCotigously) 804.

[0119] Finally, in S708 , the print setting screen expansion unit 211 stores the printing apparatus type obtained in S706 and the print settings obtained in S707 as preference management data of the shared information 216 . Figure 5B An example of preference management data after a new preference preset is stored (added) is shown.

[0120] exist Figure 5B middle, Figure 6A The preferred preset named 2 in 1 (2-Sided) in the Name field is registered as the preferred preset following the pre-installed standard preset.

[0121] The type in the preference preset is the type obtained in S706. This example indicates that the printer A in this embodiment is an EP device. A text string "EP" indicating an EP device is stored as the type of 2-in-1 (double-sided). In this embodiment, the type is stored as a text string. However, the type may be stored as a value specifying a specific type. The setting value of 2-in-1 (double-sided) corresponds to Figure 3B In this example, all setting values ​​defined in PT are stored.

[0122] Figure 5BThe storage format of the settings indicated as setting values ​​shown in FIG is merely an example and may be stored in binary form. Instead of storing the setting values ​​of all print setting items defined in the PT, only the setting values ​​of the print setting items that have been changed from the default values ​​may be stored, and the default values ​​may still be applied to the unchanged print settings.

[0123] Figure 3C The print setting screen displayed by the print setting screen expansion unit 211 is shown. In this print setting screen, after the preference preset 2 in 1 (double-sided) is stored, the preference preset 2 in 1 (double-sided) is selected in the preference 302. Figure 3C In the preference 302 display Figure 6A The preference name stored in Figure 3B The setting value in remains unchanged.

[0124] Print setting screens for different types of printing devices

[0125] The following describes how to use the extended application 201 Figure 5B The state when the print setting screen of the printer B, which serves as the printing apparatus 102 and is different from the print setting screen of the printer B, is opened with the preference management data stored in the shared information 216 shown. Figure 3A 、 Figure 3B and Figure 3C Printer B is an inkjet device (IJ), which is different from the type (EP) of printer A.

[0126] Figure 9A An example of a screen displayed by the print setting screen expansion unit 211 is shown when the printer B is connected as the printing apparatus 102. When the user provides an instruction in the drawing application 201 to display the print setting screen of the printer B, the OS calls the print setting screen expansion unit 211.

[0127] The print setting screen expansion unit 211 displays a screen on which the user can select print function setting values ​​selectable in the print data generation software 202 based on the PC of the printer B obtained from the OS. The PC is generated by the OS based on the PDC. An example of the PDC of the printer B is shown in FIG. Figure 10A 1101, and an example of a PC for printer B is shown in FIG. Figure 10B 1103 in the figure.

[0128] In this embodiment, the difference between printer B and printer A is that printer B does not support the setting of paper cassette 2 as a sheet feed slot. As a result, for JobInputBin 1102 and JobInputBin 1104 indicating the sheet feed slot function, there is no setting value (Option) of paper cassette 2 (Cassette2). Another difference between printer B and printer A is that printer B does not support duplex printing. As a result, there is no JobDuplexAllDocumentsCotiguously indicating duplex printing in PDC 1101 and PC 1103. Figure 9A 、 Figure 9B and Figure 9C In, with Figure 3A 、 Figure 3B and Figure 3C The same functions are represented by the same symbols and will not be repeated here.

[0129] Figure 9B An example is shown in which a user clicks on a drop-down list box in preferences 302 using a pointing device 117 to display a list 1002 of selectable preference presets. Figure 9B , a notification object 1003 is displayed. Notification object 1003 indicates that the preference preset "2-in-1 (Double-Sided)" stored as the print setting for printer A is for a different type. When the user hovers the cursor of pointing device 117 over "2-in-1 (Double-Sided)", a message indicating that the preference preset is stored for a different printing device is displayed in tooltip 1004.

[0130] Figure 11 The process of creating data in the drop-down list box in the preference 302 is shown. This process is executed when the OS calls the print setting screen expansion unit 211. When the OS calls the print setting screen expansion unit 211, in S1201, the print setting screen expansion unit 211 obtains the type of printing device associated with the currently opened print setting screen. The details of the operation in S1201 are the same as those in Figure 7B Same as above, no more detailed description is given. In this embodiment, it is assumed that Figure 9A 、 Figure 9B and Figure 9C The printing device type of printer B associated with the print setting in is determined to be IJ.

[0131] Next, in S1202, the print setting screen expansion unit 211 opens the Figure 5B A preference data item is obtained from the preference management data shown.

[0132] Subsequently, in S1203, the print setting screen expansion unit 211 compares to determine whether the type of preference data obtained in S1202 matches the type of printer B obtained in S1201. Specifically, in Figure 5B In the preference management data in step S1201, data of a standard preset is obtained as the first preference preset. Since a standard preset is a preference preset applicable to all printing devices, ALL is set as the type of the standard preset. In this case, any type of printing device obtained in step S1201 is matched in the determination in step S1203.

[0133] When the types match in the determination in S1203, the print setting screen expansion unit 211 adds in S1204 the preference name obtained in S1202 as a drop-down list box item to the preferences 302. Specifically, when the first data item is a standard preset, the standard preset is added.

[0134] Subsequently, the print setting screen expansion unit 211 determines in S1205 whether all preference presets have been acquired from the preference management data. Figure 5B The preference management data shown, after obtaining the first standard preset, still has the preference data 2 in 1 (double-sided), so the determination is “No.” Therefore, the operation in S1202 is performed again, and the subsequent data item 2 in 1 (double-sided) is retrieved.

[0135] Since the Figure 9A 、 Figure 9B and Figure 9C The type of printer B associated with the print setting in S1200 is IJ, and the type of 2-in-1 (double-sided) obtained in S1202 is EP, so the determination in S1203 is "No", and the operation in S1205 is performed.

[0136] In S1205, the print setting screen expansion unit 211 adds the notification object 1003 while adding the preference name obtained in S1202 as a drop-down list box item to the preferences 302. As a result, the preference name 2 in 1 (double-sided) is added to the drop-down list box together with the notification object 1003. As long as the user can recognize the difference, any display method (such as changing the background color of the preference name) can be used instead of the notification object 1003.

[0137] Then, it is determined in S1206 whether Figure 5B Since all the preference presets such as the standard preset and 2 in 1 (double-sided) have been obtained, it is determined to be "Yes" and the preference drop-down list box is displayed in S1207.

[0138] Application Preferences

[0139] When the user selects a preference preset from the list 1002 of selectable preference presets, the combination of setting values ​​stored in the selected preference preset is applied to print settings.

[0140] Figure 12 Shown is the flow of processing performed by the print setting screen expansion unit 211 when the user selects a preference preset.

[0141] When the user selects a preference preset, in S1301, the print setting screen expansion unit 211 obtains the type of the printing device (selected as the print output destination) associated with the print setting screen. Figure 7B Same as, and no further description is given. Figure 9A 、 Figure 9B and Figure 9C The type of printer B associated with the print setting screen in is determined to be IJ.

[0142] Next, in S1302, the print setting screen expansion unit 211 determines whether the type of print setting obtained in S1301 matches the type of the preference preset selected from the list of selectable preference presets 1002. When it is determined in S1302 that the types match, the process proceeds to S1305. When it is determined in S1302 that the types do not match, the print setting screen expansion unit 211 advances the process to S1303 to display a screen prompting the user to select whether to apply the preference preset. Figure 13 An example of the application confirmation screen displayed by the print setting screen expansion unit 211 in S1303 is shown.

[0143] Figure 13 The application confirmation screen 1401 in FIG. 1 includes a message 1402 for confirming the application preference settings, an OK button 1403 for approving the application, and a Cancel button 1404 for canceling the application. When the user presses the OK button 1403, the print setting screen expansion unit 211 determines in S1304 that the application is approved and advances the process to S1305. When the user presses the Cancel button 1404, the print setting screen expansion unit 211 determines in S1304 that the application is rejected and ends the process without performing further operations.

[0144] When the type of the preference preset matches the printing apparatus in S1302 , or when application of the preference preset for a different type is approved in S1304 , the print setting screen expansion unit 211 obtains the setting value of the selected preference preset in S1305 .

[0145] Next, the print setting screen expansion unit 211 obtains the PC corresponding to the printing apparatus 102 selected as the print output destination (the PC of the printer B in this example) from the OS in S1306 .

[0146] Subsequently, in S1307 , the print setting screen expansion unit 211 retrieves one of the setting values ​​of the selected preference preset obtained in S1305 .

[0147] In S1308, the print setting screen expansion unit 211 determines whether the setting value of the preference preset retrieved in S1307 is a function (feature) supported by the PC of the printing apparatus obtained in S1306. When it is determined in S1308 that the setting value of the preference preset is an unsupported function, the flow proceeds to the operation in S1315. When it is determined in S1308 that the setting value of the preference preset is a supported function, the process proceeds to the operation in S1309.

[0148] In S1309, the print setting screen expansion unit 211 determines Figure 9A 、 Figure 9B and Figure 9C When the check box 305 is checked, in S1310 the print setting screen expansion unit 211 determines whether the function of the setting value retrieved in S1307 is a function that prioritizes the application setting.

[0149] Specifically, the print settings screen expansion unit 211 determines whether the function of the setting value retrieved in step S1307 is paper size or print orientation. If the function corresponds to either setting, the print settings screen expansion unit 211 advances the process to step S1314. In step S1314, the print settings screen expansion unit 211 applies the setting value set in the application to the corresponding function on the print settings screen and advances the process to step S1315. If specific functions other than paper size and print orientation are also functions for which the application settings are prioritized, these specific functions may also be included in the determination.

[0150] When determining in S1309 that the check box 305 for prioritizing application settings is not checked, the print setting screen expansion unit 211 advances the process to S1311. When determining in S1310 that the setting value retrieved in S1307 does not correspond to any function for prioritizing application settings, the print setting screen expansion unit 211 advances the process to S1311.

[0151] In S1311, the print setting screen expansion unit 211 determines whether the preference setting value retrieved in S1307 is a setting value (option) supported by the PC obtained in S1306. When it is determined in S1311 that the preference setting value retrieved in S1307 is a supported setting value, the print setting screen expansion unit 211 advances the process to S1312. In S1312, the print setting screen expansion unit 211 applies the preference setting value retrieved in S1307 to the corresponding function on the print setting screen.

[0152] When determining in S1311 that the preference setting value retrieved in S1307 is not among the supported setting values, the print setting screen expansion unit 211 advances the process to S1313. In S1313, the print setting screen expansion unit 211 applies the default value of the setting value of the corresponding function from the PDC 1101 to the corresponding function on the print setting screen.

[0153] Specifically, when the user Figure 9B When the preferred preset 2 in 1 (2-sided) is selected in the print settings screen of printer B, Tray 2 is set as the sheet feed slot in the preferred preset 2 in 1 (2-sided). However, printer B does not support Tray 2 as a sheet feed slot setting (there is no Tray 2 option for JobInputBin 1102 of PDC 1101).

[0154] Therefore, when the preference preset 2 in 1 (2-sided) is selected, Auto (AutoSelect), which is the default value (Option of default="true") of the setting value of the sheet feeding slot 1102 in the PDC 1101, is set as the setting value of the sheet feeding slot.

[0155] When the determination is "No" in S1308, or after performing the operations in S1312, S1313, or S1314, the print setting screen expansion unit 211 checks in S1315 whether the setting values ​​of all the preference presets obtained in S1305 have been retrieved. When the setting values ​​of all the preference presets have not been retrieved, the process returns to S1307 to retrieve subsequent setting values ​​of the preference presets, and performs subsequent operations on the retrieved setting values.

[0156] In S1315 , when the print setting screen expansion unit 211 determines that all setting values ​​of the preference preset obtained in S1305 have been retrieved, the print setting screen expansion unit 211 ends the process.

[0157] Figure 9C The print settings screen in Figure 9B The state of applying the preference preset 2 in 1 (double-sided) is selected from the list 1002 of selectable preference presets in the . Figure 9B When 2-in-1 (double-sided) is selected in the list 1002 of optional preference presets, the Figure 13 When the user presses the OK button 1403 on the preference preset application confirmation screen 1401, the print setting screen transitions to the Figure 9C Status in.

[0158] Specifically, with Figure 9ACompared with the print settings in , Auto as the default value is set to the sheet feed slot 309, and 2 in 1 is set to the layout 312. For other settings, Figure 9C It shows that due to the setting 305 that prioritizes the application setting, the application and Figure 9A When the user presses the OK button 314, the print settings on the print setting screen 1001 are applied to the PT and used when generating print data.

[0159] Edit Preferences

[0160] Figure 14A Shown when Figure 9C 1501 displays a stored preference list 1502, the name 1503 of the preference preset selected in the preference list 1502, a comment 1504, and setting details 1505. The preference edit screen 1501 also includes a button 1506 for deleting the preference preset selected in the preference list 1502, an OK button 1507 for applying the final changes, and a Cancel button 1508 for closing the preference edit screen 1501 without further operation.

[0161] Figure 14A and Figure 14B A state is shown in which the preference preset 2 in 1 (double-sided) is selected in the preference list 1502 and the name, comment, and setting details of 2 in 1 (double-sided) are displayed.

[0162] When the preference editing screen 1501 is displayed, a preference list stored in the preference list 1502 is displayed. Figure 15 The process flow of displaying the preference list stored in the preference list 1502 is shown. Figure 11 The same operations are denoted by the same symbols, and detailed descriptions are not repeated.

[0163] When the user presses the preference edit button 304 , the print setting screen expansion unit 211 determines in S1203 whether the acquired type of the printing apparatus matches the acquired type of preference.

[0164] When it is determined in S1203 that the obtained type of printing device matches the obtained type of preference, the print setting screen expansion unit 211 adds the obtained preference name as an item to the list box of the preference list in S1601. When it is determined in S1203 that the obtained type of printing device does not match the obtained type of preference, the print setting screen expansion unit 211 adds the obtained preference name as an item to the list box of the preference list to which notification is attached in S1602.

[0165] When the print setting screen expansion unit 211 determines in S1206 that all preferences have been acquired, the print setting screen expansion unit 211 displays a list box of the preference list in S1603 .

[0166] Figure 14A The following example is shown: the preference preset 2 in 1 (double-sided) is determined to be the same as the Figure 9C The type of printer B associated with the print settings in is different, and a notification object 1509 is attached. As long as the user can recognize the difference, any display method (such as changing the background color of the preference name) may be used instead of the object 1509.

[0167] Figure 16 The following illustrates the processing flow when a given preference preset is selected in the preference list 1502. When the user selects a preference preset in the preference list 1502, the print settings screen expansion unit 211 obtains the data for the selected preference preset in step S1701. Next, in step S1702, the print settings screen expansion unit 211 displays the preference name in the preference preset data obtained in step S1701 in the name 1503. Subsequently, in step S1703, the print settings screen expansion unit 211 displays the comment in the preference preset data obtained in step S1701 in the comment 1504.

[0168] Next, in S1704, the print setting screen expansion unit 211 obtains from the OS the PC corresponding to the printing apparatus 102 selected as the print output destination (in this example, the PC of printer B). Subsequently, in S1705, the print setting screen expansion unit 211 retrieves one of the print settings from the preference preset data obtained in S1701, and performs the operation in S1706.

[0169] In S1706, the print setting screen expansion unit 211 determines whether the setting value of the preference preset retrieved in S1705 corresponds to the function (feature) supported by the PC obtained in S1704. When the print setting screen expansion unit 211 determines in S1706 that the setting value of the preference preset retrieved in S1705 is a supported function, the print setting screen expansion unit 211 advances the process to S1707.

[0170] In S1707, the print setting screen expansion unit 211 determines whether the setting value of the preference preset retrieved in S1705 is a setting value (option) supported by the PC obtained in S1704. When the print setting screen expansion unit 211 determines in S1707 that the setting value of the preference preset is a setting value supported by the PC, the print setting screen expansion unit 211 advances the process to S1708. In S1708, the print setting screen expansion unit 211 adds the setting value of the preference preset retrieved in S1705 to the list box of setting details in the preference edit screen 1501.

[0171] When the print setting screen expansion unit 211 determines in S1707 that the setting value of the preference preset retrieved in S1705 is a setting value not supported by the PC, the print setting screen expansion unit 211 advances the process to S1709. In S1709, the print setting screen expansion unit 211 adds the default value of the setting value of the corresponding function from the PDC 1101 to the list box 1505 with the notification object 1510 of the setting details in the preference edit screen 1501.

[0172] Specifically, when the user Figure 14A When the preferred preset 2 in 1 (2-sided) is selected in the preferred setting edit screen of printer B, Tray 2 is set as the sheet feed slot in the preferred preset. However, printer B does not support the setting value Tray 2 (there is no Tray 2 option for the sheet feed slot 1104 in the PC 1103).

[0173] Therefore, when the 2-in-1 (double-sided) preference preset is selected, the default value (default option = "True") for the sheet feed slot setting value of the PDC 1101 is set as the sheet feed slot setting value. Specifically, the setting value of the sheet feed slot is displayed as "AutoSelect" with a notification object 1510 attached. As long as the user can recognize the difference, any display method (such as changing the background color of the preference name) can be used instead of object 1510.

[0174] When the user hovers the cursor of the pointing device 117 over a preference setting to which a notification object 1509 is attached or a setting value to which a notification object 1510 is attached, a message may be displayed in a tooltip. Figure 14B An example is shown in which a message 1511 is displayed in a tooltip when the user hovers the cursor of the pointing device 117 over a setting value to which a notification object 1510 is attached.

[0175] When the determination in S1706 is "No", or after the operation in S1708 or S1709 is performed, the print setting screen expansion unit 211 checks in S1710 whether all the setting values ​​of the preference preset obtained in S1701 have been retrieved. When all the setting values ​​of the preference preset obtained in S1701 have not been retrieved, the process returns to S1705 to retrieve subsequent setting values ​​of the preference preset and perform subsequent operations on the retrieved setting values.

[0176] In S1710, when the print setting screen expansion unit 211 determines that all setting values ​​of the preference preset obtained in S1701 have been retrieved, the print setting screen expansion unit 211 advances the process to S1711. In S1711, the print setting screen expansion unit 211 updates the display of the list box of the setting details 1505 of the preference preset, and then ends the process.

[0177] The name 1503 and comment 1504 on the preference edit screen 1501 display the name and comment registered in the preference selected in the preference list 1502. However, the name and comment can be changed to any other name and comment. When the user changes the name 1503 and comment 1504 and presses the OK button 1507, the print setting screen extension unit 211 changes the information in the preference management data in the shared information 216 to the changed name and comment.

[0178] In addition, when the name 1503 and comment 1504 of a preference preset are changed on the preference edit screen 1501, the data in the temporary area is edited. By pressing the delete button 1506, the preference preset selected in the preference list 1502 can be deleted. When the delete button 1506 is pressed, the target preference is deleted from the data in the temporary area. When the user presses the OK button 1507, the print settings screen extension unit 211 applies the changed data in the temporary area to the preference management data in the shared information 216.

[0179] When a pre-installed preference such as a standard preset is selected, the name 1503, notes 1504, and delete button 1506 will be grayed out to prevent changes.

[0180] As described above, in the printing system according to the present embodiment, the user can register a plurality of combinations of print settings through the extension application and set the registered print setting combinations for printing.

[0181] Second embodiment

[0182] The following describes a second embodiment. In this embodiment, when the print settings screen of a newly associated printing device with an extended application is activated, a preferred preset is selected from the preferred presets stored for print settings of other printing devices for use. The following description of the configuration and operation not mentioned here is the same as in the first embodiment, and their description will not be repeated.

[0183] In this embodiment, “preference support management data” is stored in the shared information 216 .

[0184] The preference support management data manages (stores) preference presets supported by various printing apparatuses 102. The preference presets supported by various printing apparatuses 102 represent preference presets used by the printing apparatuses 102; however, not all functions and setting values ​​included in the preference presets are necessarily implementable by the printing apparatuses 102. In this embodiment, a case is described in which a user selects a preference preset to be used (supported) by various printing apparatuses 102.

[0185] Figure 17 The following is a flow of processing executed when the print settings screen expansion unit 211 is activated by an instruction from the operating system in this embodiment. When the print settings screen expansion unit 211 is activated by an instruction from the operating system, the print settings screen expansion unit 211 performs step S1801. Specifically, in step S1801, the print settings screen expansion unit 211 checks whether data for the printing device 102 associated with the currently activated print settings screen is present in the preference support management data stored in the shared information 216.

[0186] Figure 5C An example of preference management data of an extended application in the second embodiment is shown. Figure 18A and Figure 18B An example of preference support management data is shown. In this embodiment, the type of printer A is EP, and the type of printer B is IJ. Preference presets are registered in the print settings of each model, such as Figure 18A As shown. The supported preference tags indicate the preference management data, Figure 5C The ID corresponding to the preference management data in .

[0187] exist Figure 5C In the preference management data for the printer, the standard preset is a pre-installed preference preset common to all models and is stored as type ALL. Similar to the first embodiment, 2-in-1 (double-sided) is a preference preset stored in the print settings of printer A and is stored as type EP. Preferences 1 and 2 are preference presets stored in the print settings of printer B and are stored as type IJ. In this embodiment, the setting values ​​for Preferences 1 and 2 are not specified; however, in actual use, a set of setting values ​​is stored.

[0188] Return to reference Figure 17In the processing in S1801, the print setting screen expansion unit 211 checks whether there is data of the printing apparatus 102 associated with the print setting screen currently being activated in the preference support management data.

[0189] If data of the printing apparatus 102 associated with the currently activated print settings screen exists in the preference support management data, the print settings screen expansion unit 211 advances the process to step S1806. In step S1806, the print settings screen expansion unit 211 displays the preference presets represented by the supported preferences corresponding to the printing apparatus 102 on the print settings screen in a selectable manner.

[0190] If the data of the printing device 102 associated with the currently activated print settings screen does not exist in the preference support management data, the print settings screen expansion unit 211 advances the process to step S1802. In step S1802, the print settings screen expansion unit 211 checks whether any preference presets other than pre-installed standard presets exist in the preference management data. If the print settings screen expansion unit 211 determines in step S1802 that any preference presets other than pre-installed standard presets exist in the preference management data, the print settings screen expansion unit 211 displays a preference selection screen in step S1803.

[0191] Specifically, when the user Figure 18A When you activate the print setting screen of printer C for the first time while the preference support management data is stored in Figure 18A The information of printer C does not exist in the preference support management data in . As a result, the determination in S1801 is "No", and then the operation in S1802 is performed. Next, in S1802, it is determined Figure 5C There is any preference preset other than the standard preset in the preference management data in , so the process proceeds to the operation in S1803.

[0192] Figure 19 An example of a preference selection screen displayed by the print setting screen expansion unit 211 in S1803 is shown. The preference selection screen 2101 displays a stored preference list 2102, a comment 2103 for the preference preset selected in the preference list 2102, and setting details 2104. The preference selection screen 2101 also includes an OK button 2105 for registering the preference preset selected in the preference list 2102 and closing the screen.

[0193] Figure 19 The preference list 2102 shows a state where the preference preset 2 in 1 (double-sided) is selected and the name, comment, and setting details of 2 in 1 (double-sided) are displayed. Figure 5CThe list of preferred presets registered in the preference management data in is displayed, and the standard presets are not displayed because the standard presets are unconditionally supported and can be selected by any model.

[0194] A notification object 2106 is attached to a preference preset stored in the print settings of a different type of printing device than the type of printing device 102 associated with the currently active print settings screen. A notification object 2107 is attached to unsupported setting details. When certain setting details (functions, setting values) are unsupported, a notification object 2106 may be attached to a preference preset stored in the print settings of a printing device of the same type.

[0195] As long as the user can recognize the difference, any display method (such as changing the background color of the preference name) may be used instead of object 2106 or 2107. When the user hovers the cursor of pointing device 117 over notification object 2106, a message indicating that the preference preset is stored in a different type of printing device may be displayed in a tooltip. When the user hovers the cursor of pointing device 117 over notification object 2107, a message indicating that the target setting value has been changed to the default value may be displayed in a tooltip.

[0196] exist Figure 19 , the user has selected 2 in 1 (double-sided) and preference 2 as the preference presets used in the print settings of printer C. When the user presses the OK button 2105 of the preference selection screen 2101, the process proceeds to S1804. In S1804, the print setting screen expansion unit 211 registers the standard presets (i.e., pre-installed preferences) and the preference preset selected (checked) on the preference list 2102 to the print settings screen. Figure 18A Preferences in support management data.

[0197] Figure 18B Shows the preference support management data after registration. Figure 18B In the preference support management data, the following preference presets are associated as supported preferences with the printer C associated with the print setting screen currently being activated: ID 1 for the standard preset, ID 2 for 2-in-1 (double-sided) selected on the preference selection screen 2101, and ID 4 for preference 2.

[0198] Subsequently, the print setting screen expansion unit 211 displays a print setting screen that allows selection of a preference preset associated as a supported preference in S1806 , and then ends the process.

[0199] Figure 20A An example of the print setting screen displayed in S1806 is shown. Figure 3A 、 Figure 3B and Figure 3CThe same functions are denoted by the same symbols, and their descriptions are not repeated. Figure 20B An example is shown in which the user clicks the drop-down list box in the preference 302 on the print setting screen 2201 of the printer C using the pointing device 117 to display a list 2202 of selectable preference presets. The list 2202 of preference presets presents Figure 18B The preferences in the support management data are preset for the preferences supported by printer C.

[0200] Figure 21 Detailed processing flow when the drop-down list box is displayed in the preference 302 is shown. Figure 11 The same operations as in are denoted by the same symbols, and their descriptions are not repeated.

[0201] First, in S2301, the print setting screen expansion unit 211 opens the Figure 18B The preference support management data of the printer C as the printing device associated with the print setting is obtained from the preference support management data shown in FIG. Subsequently, in S2302, the print setting screen expansion unit 211 checks the preference support management data obtained from the printer C in S1202. Figure 5C Whether one of the preference presets obtained in the preference management data is a preference preset supported by printer C in the preference support management data obtained in S2301.

[0202] In S2302, when the print setting screen expansion unit 211 determines that the preference of interest exists, the print setting screen expansion unit 211 adds the preference preset obtained in S1202 as an item to the drop-down list box 302. In S2302, when the print setting screen expansion unit 211 determines that the preference of interest is not supported, the print setting screen expansion unit 211 does not perform any operation.

[0203] When the print setting screen expansion unit 211 determines in S1206 that all preference presets have been obtained, the print setting screen expansion unit 211 displays a preference drop-down list box in S1207. Figure 19 The preference selection screen in displays the preference preset that the user has selected to use, so no notification objects or messages are displayed for different types of preferences.

[0204] When the user Figure 6A When a new preference preset is added by pressing the preference add button 303 on the preference add screen 601 of the print setting screen, the print setting screen expansion unit 211 adds the new preference preset to the print setting screen 601. Figure 5C The print setting screen expansion unit 211 also adds the ID of the registered preference preset to the Figure 18B The preference supports the target model in the management data.

[0205] As described above, in the printing system according to the present embodiment, the user can select a print setting combination to use by expanding the application, thereby improving usability.

[0206] Third embodiment

[0207] The following describes a third embodiment. In this embodiment, preference presets are managed for each printing device by associating the name of each printing device with preference management data. In the following description, any configuration and operation not mentioned herein are identical to those in the first or second embodiments, and their description will not be repeated.

[0208] Figure 5D An example of preference management data in this embodiment is shown. Figure 5D In the preference management data of the POSIX ...

[0209] Figure 22 Show registration Figure 5D The same operations as those in FIG. 7 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the detailed description is not repeated. When any preference preset is added on the preference adding screen 601, the execution Figure 22 in the processing.

[0210] If no preference with the same name exists in S703, or if an instruction to overwrite an existing preference with the same name is given in S705, the print settings screen expansion unit 211 obtains the name of the printing device associated with the print settings screen in S2501. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the name of the printing device is information provided in the response to the IPP Get-Printer-Attributes operation from the printing device 102. However, other methods may be used to obtain this information.

[0211] Subsequently, in S707 , the print setting screen expansion unit 211 obtains the PT from the OS, and in S2502 , stores the printing apparatus name obtained in S2501 and the print settings indicated by the PT obtained in S707 in the preference management data.

[0212] Figure 23 The following shows the processing flow for displaying the print setting screen in this embodiment.

[0213] When the OS calls the print setting screen expansion unit 211, in S2601, the print setting screen expansion unit 211 obtains the name of the printing device associated with the currently opened print setting screen. The operation in S2601 is the same as the operation in S2501.

[0214] Next, the print setting screen expansion unit 211 selects the print setting screen from the Figure 5D Subsequently, the print setting screen expansion unit 211 determines in S2602 whether the type of the preference data obtained in S1202 matches the printing apparatus name obtained in S2601.

[0215] If it is determined in S2602 that the type of preference data matches the name of the printing device, the print settings screen expansion unit 211 adds the name of the preference data obtained in S1202 to the preference drop-down list box. The pre-installed standard preset type is ALL, which means it is determined to match the name of any printing device. When the operation is completed for all preference data items, in S1207, the print settings screen expansion unit 211 displays the following drop-down list box, in which the preference preset determined in S2602 to match the printing device name can be selected.

[0216] Figure 24A 、 Figure 24B and Figure 24C An example of the print setting screen displayed by the print setting screen expansion unit 211 when printers A, B, and C are associated as the printing apparatus 102 is shown.

[0217] Figure 24A 2 shows an example in which the user clicks the drop-down list box in the preference 302 on the print setting screen associated with the printer A using the pointing device 117. The list 2701 of the preference presets displays the standard preset and 2 in 1 (double-sided), which are Figure 5D The preference management data shown is associated with printer A.

[0218] Figure 24B 2 shows an example in which the user clicks the drop-down list box in the preference 302 on the print setting screen associated with the printer B using the pointing device 117. The list 2702 of preference presets displays the standard presets and the preferences 1 and 2, which are in the Figure 5D The preference management data shown is associated with printer B.

[0219] Figure 24C 2 shows an example in which the user clicks the drop-down list box in the preference 302 on the print setting screen associated with the printer C using the pointing device 117. The list 2703 of preference presets displays the standard presets and preference 3, which are in Figure 5D The preference management data shown is associated with printer C.

[0220] As described above, in the printing system according to the present embodiment, only preference presets corresponding to printing apparatuses are available, thereby preventing the user from using unintended preference presets and improving usability.

[0221] In the first embodiment, for example, Figure 15 In the same manner as described in (S1602), when the determination in S2602 is "No", a notification object may be attached to the display. In addition, in this case, the user can recognize that selecting the corresponding preference will cause inconvenience, thereby improving usability.

[0222] Fourth embodiment

[0223] The following describes a fourth embodiment. In this embodiment, different extended applications are used for different printing device models, and preference presets stored in one extended application can be used in other extended applications. In the following description, any unmentioned configurations and operations are the same as those in the first, second, or third embodiments, and their description will not be repeated.

[0224] Figure 25A and Figure 25B A system configuration according to the present embodiment is shown. Figure 25A 28 shows an example in which a printing device A 2802 is associated with an extended application A 2810 corresponding to the printing device A. Figure 25B An example is shown in which a printing apparatus B 2804 is associated with an extended application B 2813 corresponding to the printing apparatus B. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the printing apparatus A and the printing apparatus B are different models.

[0225] like Figure 25A and Figure 25B As shown, print function information (PDC) is created for each model of printing device (print function information A 2803 and print function information A 2805). Shared information in the extended application differs for each model (shared information A 2812 and shared information B 2815).

[0226] Figure 5E and Figure 5F An example of preference management data according to the present embodiment is shown.

[0227] Figure 5E Preference management data stored in the shared information 2812 of the extended application A 2810 corresponding to the printing apparatus A 2802 is shown. Figure 5F The preference management data stored in the shared information 2815 of the extension application B 2813 corresponding to the printing apparatus B 2804 is shown.

[0228] Figure 26A An example is shown in which the user clicks the drop-down list box in the preference 302 on the print setting screen displayed by the print setting screen extension unit 2811 associated with the printer A as the printing apparatus A 2802 using the pointing device 117. The list 3001 of the preference presets is displayed. Figure 5E The preference name in the preference management data shown.

[0229] Figure 26B An example is shown in which the user clicks the drop-down list box in the preference 302 on the print setting screen displayed by the print setting screen extension unit 2814 associated with the printer B as the printing apparatus B 2804 using the pointing device 117. The list 3002 of preference presets is displayed. Figure 5F The preference name in the preference management data shown.

[0230] Figure 27A Show pressed Figure 26A An example of a preference editing screen displayed when the preference editing button 304 is clicked. Figure 27A In the preference list 1502, Figure 5E The preference name in the preference management data shown in , where the user selects the preference preset 2 in 1 (double-sided). Figure 14A and Figure 14B Description of the control indicated by the same tag in .

[0231] In this embodiment, a button 3101 and a button 3102 are provided. The button 3101 is used to store the preference preset selected in the preference preset list 1502 in a file, and the button 3102 is used to retrieve the stored preference preset from the file.

[0232] When the user presses the save to file button 3101, the print setting screen extension unit 2811 displays the following Figure 27B The preferred save screen 3111 is shown. When the user presses a save button 3114 on the preferred save screen 3111, the print setting screen extension unit 2811 stores the preferred preset selected in the preferred list 1502. The preferred preset selected in the preferred list 1502 is stored using a save file name 3113 specified for a file location 3112. The print setting screen extension unit 2811 then closes the preferred save screen 3111.

[0233] When the user presses the cancel button 3115 on the preference saving screen 3111 , the print setting screen expansion unit 2811 closes the preference saving screen 3111 without performing any operation and returns to the preference editing screen 1501 .

[0234] When the user presses the import from file button 3102, the print setting screen expansion unit 2811 displays the following Figure 27C When the open button 3124 is pressed on the preference import screen 3121, the print setting screen expansion unit 2811 opens the file existing at the file location 3122 and adds the stored preference preset to the preference management data in the shared information A.

[0235] When the user presses the cancel button 3125 on the preference import screen 3121 , the print setting screen expansion unit 2811 closes the preference import screen 3121 without performing any operation and returns to the preference edit screen 1501 .

[0236] use Figure 25A The extended application A 2810 is described as an example Figure 27A 、 Figure 27B and Figure 27C . Figure 25B The same operation is performed for the extended application B2813.

[0237] Figure 28 Shows when the user presses Figure 27C The process flow executed by the print setting screen expansion unit 2811 or 2814 when the open button 3124 is clicked on the preference import screen 3121 in the print setting screen. Figure 7A 、 Figure 7B and Figure 16 The same operations as in the operation are denoted by the same symbols, and their descriptions are not repeated. A detailed description is provided by taking the case where the processing is performed using the extended application B 2813 as an example.

[0238] When the user presses the open button 3124 on the preference import screen 3121, the print settings screen expansion unit 2814 obtains the preference preset name specified on the preference import screen 3121 in step S3201. The preference preset name is the specified file name of the preference preset. However, the preference preset name may be stored in advance together with the setting value and obtained.

[0239] Next, in S703, the print setting screen expansion unit 2814 checks whether the preference preset name obtained in S3201 exists in the preference management data stored in the shared information B2815. When the preference preset name exists in the preference management data, the print setting screen expansion unit 2814 displays the overwrite confirmation dialog 621 in S704.

[0240] When the user presses the Cancel button 624 in the overwrite confirmation dialog box 621, the print setting screen expansion unit 2814 determines "No" in S705 and ends the process. When the user presses the OK button 623 in the overwrite confirmation dialog box 621 to provide an overwrite instruction, or when no preference preset with the same name exists in the preference management data in S704, the print setting screen expansion unit 2814 advances the process to the operation in S3202.

[0241] In S3202, the print setting screen expansion unit 2814 obtains preference preset data from the file specified on the preference import screen 3121. Subsequently, in S3203, the print setting screen expansion unit 2814 retrieves one of the print settings registered in the preference preset data obtained in S3202.

[0242] Subsequently, the print setting screen expansion unit 2814 determines in S3204 whether the print setting in the preference preset obtained in S3203 corresponds to the function (feature) supported by the PC obtained in S1704. When it is determined in S3204 that the setting corresponds to the function supported by the PC, the print setting screen expansion unit 2814 advances the process to S3205.

[0243] In S3205, the print setting screen expansion unit 2814 determines whether the setting value in the preference preset obtained in S3203 is a setting value (option) supported by the PC. When it is determined that the setting value in the preference preset obtained in S3203 is a setting value supported by the PC, the print setting screen expansion unit 2814 advances the process to S3206.

[0244] In S3206 , the print setting screen expansion unit 2814 stores the setting values ​​in the preference preset obtained in S3203 in the temporary area as new preference data.

[0245] When the print setting screen expansion unit 2814 determines in S3205 that the setting value in the preference preset obtained in S3203 is a setting value not supported by the PC obtained in S1704, the print setting screen expansion unit 2814 advances the process to S3207. In S3207, the print setting screen expansion unit 2814 stores the default value of the setting value retrieved from the PDC as new preference data in the temporary area.

[0246] When it is determined in S3204 that the setting corresponds to a function not supported by the PC, or after the operation in S3206 or S3207 is performed, the print setting screen expansion unit 2814 advances the process to S3208.

[0247] In S3208, the print setting screen expansion unit 2814 determines whether all print settings registered in the preference preset data obtained in S3202 have been retrieved. When all settings have not been retrieved, the print setting screen expansion unit 2814 returns to the operation in S3203.

[0248] When it is determined in S3208 that all the print settings registered in the preference preset data obtained in S3202 have been retrieved, in S3209 the print setting screen expansion unit 2814 stores the preference preset stored in the temporary area in the preference management data.

[0249] Figure 5G Shown with Figure 5F An example of preference management data after the extended application B 2813 retrieves a preference preset and adds the preference preset.

[0250] Add by following the process Figure 5G 2 in 1 (double-sided) is the preferred setting in the extension application A 2810. Figure 5E The preference presets 2 in 1 (double-sided) listed in are stored in a file. The preference import screen 3121 of the extension application B 2813 reads the storage file of the preference presets 2 in 1 (double-sided) to obtain Figure 5G Preference management data in .

[0251] In this embodiment, printer B can realize and Figure 10B The PC supports the functions supported by the extended application B2813. Figure 5G In the 2-in-1 (double-sided) settings stored in Figure 5E The setting of the paper cassette 2 (Cassette2) of the sheet feeding slot (JobInputBin) stored in is not supported by the extended application B 2813.

[0252] Therefore, the setting is changed to automatic (Auto (AutoSelect)), that is, the default value of the sheet feeding slot in the extended application B 2813, and the setting of duplex printing (JobDuplexAllDocumentsContiguously) is not stored.

[0253] Figure 29 An example is shown in which the user uses the pointing device 117 to click the drop-down list box in the preferences 302 on the print setting screen of the extension application B 2813 associated with the printer B which is the printing apparatus B 2804 .

[0254] The list 3401 of preference presets is displayed Figure 5G Preference presets in the preference management data shown. Figure 26B Compared to the print setting screen of the extended application B 2813, additional display is displayed by using Figure 28 Describes the process of adding preference presets for 2-in-1 (double-sided).

[0255] Figure 29 A print setting screen is shown in which 2 in 1 (double-sided) added as the preference 302 is selected, Auto is set as the sheet feed slot 309 , and 2 in 1 is set as the layout 312 .

[0256] The storage and reading of preference presets described in this embodiment may be performed in other embodiments.

[0257] As described above, in the printing system according to this embodiment, an extension application is associated with each printing device, enabling the use of preference presets for each printing device. This configuration prevents users from using unintended preference presets, thereby improving usability. Furthermore, this configuration enables the storage and reading of preference presets, allowing other printing devices to use the same preference presets.

[0258] Other embodiments

[0259] The embodiments of the present invention may also be implemented by reading and executing computer-executable instructions (e.g., one or more programs) recorded on a storage medium (also more fully referred to as a "non-transitory computer-readable storage medium") to perform one or more functions of the above-described embodiments, and / or a computer of a system or device including one or more circuits (e.g., an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC)) for performing one or more functions of the above-described embodiments. Furthermore, the embodiments of the present invention may be implemented using a method in which the computer of the system or device, for example, reads and executes the computer-executable instructions from the storage medium to perform one or more functions of the above-described embodiments, and / or controls the one or more circuits to perform one or more functions of the above-described embodiments. The computer may include one or more processors (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessing unit (MPU)), and may include a network of separate computers or separate processors to read and execute the computer-executable instructions. The computer-executable instructions may be provided to the computer, for example, from a network or the storage medium. The storage medium may include, for example, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), a memory of a distributed computing system, an optical disc (such as a compact disc (CD), a digital versatile disc (DVD), or a Blu-ray disc (BD) TM ), one or more of a flash memory device and a memory card.

[0260] The embodiments of the present invention can also be implemented by the following method, that is, providing software (program) that performs the functions of the above-mentioned embodiments to a system or device through a network or various storage media, and the computer or central processing unit (CPU) or microprocessing unit (MPU) of the system or device reads and executes the program.

[0261] While the present invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of the following claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.

Claims

1. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing an application program for causing an information processing device to execute a control method, the application program supporting a standard driver capable of generating print data printable by a plurality of printing devices supplied by a plurality of manufacturers, the control method comprising: A storing step of storing a set of setting values ​​of the print setting items; a display step of displaying a print setting screen that allows selection of the set; A receiving step of receiving a user's selection of the set; as well as an applying step of applying the setting values ​​of the print setting items included in the set selected on the print setting screen, In which, depending on whether the setting values ​​of the print setting items included in the set include any setting values ​​that cannot be implemented by the printing device associated with the print setting screen, or whether the setting values ​​of the print setting items included in the set do not include any setting values ​​that cannot be implemented by the printing device associated with the print setting screen, the set is displayed on the print setting screen using different display methods.

2. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium according to claim 1, wherein the control method further comprises: displaying the name of the collection on a print setting screen; as well as A display manner in which the set is displayed on the print setting screen is changed by appending an object to the name of the set, the object indicating that setting values ​​of print setting items included in the set include any setting value not achievable by the printing apparatus associated with the print setting screen.

3. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium according to claim 1 , wherein the control method further comprises: displaying the name of the collection on a print setting screen; as well as The display manner in which the collection is displayed on the print setting screen is changed by changing the background color of the name of the collection.

4. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium according to claim 1, in, The storing step includes storing setting details on the print setting screen as the set.

5. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium according to claim 1, in, The storing step includes storing the set in association with a type of printing device associated with a print setting screen.

6. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium according to claim 5, wherein the control method further comprises: When the type of the printing apparatus associated with the print setting screen is different from the type associated with the set, a display manner in which the set is displayed on the print setting screen is changed.

7. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium according to claim 1, in, The storing step includes storing the set in association with a name of a printing device associated with a print setting screen.

8. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium according to claim 1, wherein the control method further comprises: displaying a button for receiving an instruction to store the set on the print setting screen; as well as In response to the button being pressed, displaying a screen for receiving the name of the collection, Here, the storing step includes storing the setting value on the print setting screen when a button is pressed in association with the name as the set.

9. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium according to claim 1 , wherein the control method further comprises: When the selected set includes any setting value that cannot be implemented by the printing apparatus associated with the print setting screen, a default value is applied to the print setting item to which the unimplementable setting value belongs.

10. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the control method further comprises: For each printing device, storing information of the set that can be used by the printing device; as well as The sets that can be used by the printing apparatus associated with the print setting screen are displayed on the print setting screen in a selectable manner.

11. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium according to claim 1 , wherein the control method further comprises: Outputting information of the collection; as well as The outputted set is read by using another application different from the application, and the set is displayed in a selectable manner on a print setting screen displayed by the another application, the another application supporting the function of the standard driver.

12. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium according to claim 1, wherein the control method further comprises: When a print instruction is issued from a drawing application that outputs an image to be printed to a standard driver, activating the application; as well as When a selection of the set is received, an instruction to prioritize setting values ​​selected on the drawing application is received.

13. A method for controlling an information processing device, wherein: A standard driver and an application are installed in the information processing device, the application supporting the standard driver capable of generating print data that can be printed by multiple printing devices supplied by multiple manufacturers, and the control method includes: A storing step of storing a set of setting values ​​of the print setting items; a display step of displaying a print setting screen that allows selection of the set; a receiving step of receiving a user's selection of the set; and an applying step of applying the setting values ​​of the print setting items included in the set selected on the print setting screen, In which, depending on whether the setting values ​​of the print setting items included in the set include any setting values ​​that cannot be implemented by the printing device associated with the print setting screen, or whether the setting values ​​of the print setting items included in the set do not include any setting values ​​that cannot be implemented by the printing device associated with the print setting screen, the set is displayed on the print setting screen using different display methods.

14. The control method according to claim 13, further comprising: displaying the name of the collection on a print setting screen; as well as A display manner in which the set is displayed on the print setting screen is changed by appending an object to the name of the set, the object indicating that setting values ​​of print setting items contained in the set include any setting value not achievable by the printing apparatus associated with the print setting screen.

15. The control method according to claim 13, further comprising: displaying the name of the collection on a print setting screen; as well as The display manner in which the collection is displayed on the print setting screen is changed by changing the background color of the name of the collection.

16. The control method according to claim 13, in, The storing step includes storing setting details on the print setting screen as the set.

17. The control method according to claim 13, in, The storing step includes storing the set in association with a type of printing device associated with a print setting screen.

18. The control method according to claim 17, further comprising: When the type of the printing apparatus associated with the print setting screen is different from the type associated with the set, a display manner in which the set is displayed on the print setting screen is changed.

19. The control method according to claim 13, in, The storing step includes storing the set in association with a name of a printing device associated with a print setting screen.

20. The control method according to claim 13, further comprising: displaying a button for receiving an instruction to store the set on the print setting screen; as well as In response to the button being pressed, displaying a screen for receiving the name of the collection, Here, the storing step includes storing the setting value on the print setting screen when a button is pressed in association with the name as the set.

21. The control method according to claim 13, further comprising: When the selected set includes any setting value that cannot be implemented by the printing apparatus associated with the print setting screen, a default value is applied to the print setting item to which the unimplementable setting value belongs.

22. The control method according to any one of claims 13 to 21, further comprising: For each printing device, storing information of the set that can be used by the printing device; as well as The sets that can be used by the printing apparatus associated with the print setting screen are displayed on the print setting screen in a selectable manner.

23. The control method according to claim 13, further comprising: Outputting information of the collection; as well as The outputted set is read by using another application different from the application, and the set is displayed in a selectable manner on a print setting screen displayed by the another application, the another application supporting the function of the standard driver.

24. The control method according to claim 13, in, The information processing device includes a drawing application that outputs an image to be printed, The control method further includes: When a print instruction is issued from the drawing application to the standard driver, activating the application program; and When a selection of the set is received, an instruction to prioritize setting values ​​selected on the drawing application is received.

25. An information processing device, wherein: The information processing device is installed with a standard driver and an application program, wherein the application program supports the standard driver program capable of generating print data that can be printed by multiple printing devices supplied by multiple manufacturers, and the information processing device includes at least one processor configured to: A storing step of storing a set of setting values ​​of the print setting items; a display step of displaying a print setting screen that allows selection of the set; A receiving step of receiving a user's selection of the set; an applying step of applying setting values ​​of the print setting items included in the set selected on the print setting screen; as well as Depending on whether the setting values ​​of the print setting items included in the set include any setting values ​​that cannot be implemented by the printing device associated with the print setting screen, or whether the setting values ​​of the print setting items included in the set do not include any setting values ​​that cannot be implemented by the printing device associated with the print setting screen, the set is displayed on the print setting screen using different display methods.

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