Storage medium and control method of information processing apparatus

Abstract

The invention provides a storage medium and a control method of an information processing apparatus. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium stores computer-executable instructions that, when executed, cause an information processing apparatus to execute an application of a control method. The control method comprises the following steps: generating an instruction which can be jointly executed by multifunctional equipment provided by a plurality of manufacturers; and invoking a plurality of software capable of sending instructions to the multi-function devices provided by the plurality of manufacturers.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a computer-readable medium storing instructions for integrating extended printing software, extended scanning software, and extended facsimile software, and an information processing method, an information processing apparatus, and an information processing system. BACKGROUND

[0002] A configuration of control software for a scanning device is known in which a scan driver installed in a host computer is used to provide a scanning device connected to the host computer with scan instructions.

[0003] An operating system (hereinafter referred to as "OS") serving as base software is installed in the host computer. The scan driver is configured in accordance with a specification defined by the OS, and runs with the participation of the OS. A vendor (manufacturer) of the scanning device can provide a means for instructing the scanning device to perform scanning using the OS by providing a scan driver that conforms to the specification of the OS.

[0004] A standard-level driver (hereinafter also referred to as "standard driver") commonly used by scanning devices provided by a plurality of vendors has recently been provided. Such a standard driver is packaged in an OS package, and can be easily used by connecting any scanning device to the host computer. This eliminates the need to separately install a device-specific scan driver appropriate for the scanning device, thereby improving convenience.

[0005] The standard driver can be configured to specify a scan function based on scan function information generated from information obtained from the connected scanning device. This enables users of the standard driver to specify a scan function in accordance with the capability of the connected scanning device even if they are using a single standard driver. A standard printer driver that provides a print function and a standard facsimile driver that provides a facsimile function are also provided.

[0006] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-033526 discloses a program for extending the print function of a standard printer driver.

[0007] In recent years, there have been applications and portals that allow both a print function and a scan function to be used in an integrated manner. However, when the scan function is used, the standard scan driver needs to be called from a scan application, and when the print function is used, the standard printer driver needs to be called from a print application. The user needs to switch between separate software each time the print function or the scan function is used, thereby increasing the operation burden. SUMMARY

[0008] A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium according to an aspect of the present invention stores computer-executable instructions that, when executed, cause an information processing apparatus to perform a control method including generating an instruction that is commonly executable by multifunction devices provided by a plurality of manufacturers, and calling a plurality of software capable of transmitting the instruction to the multifunction devices provided by the plurality of manufacturers.

[0009] Other features of the embodiments will become apparent from the following description of example embodiments thereof, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0010] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an entire system according to the embodiment.

[0011] Figure 2A and Figure 2B is a diagram showing the configuration of software according to the first embodiment.

[0012] Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of an application screen according to the first embodiment.

[0013] Figure 4A is a diagram showing a screen displayed by an application according to the first embodiment.

[0014] Figure 4B is a diagram showing a screen displayed by general-purpose scan software according to the first embodiment.

[0015] Figure 4C is a diagram showing a screen displayed by an extended application according to the first embodiment.

[0016] Figure 5A is a diagram showing a screen displayed by an application according to the first embodiment.

[0017] Figure 5B is a diagram showing a screen displayed by general-purpose print software according to the first embodiment.

[0018] Figure 5C is a diagram showing a screen displayed by an extended application according to the first embodiment.

[0019] Figure 6A is a diagram showing a screen displayed by an application according to the first embodiment.

[0020] Figure 6B is a diagram showing a screen displayed by general-purpose facsimile software according to the first embodiment.

[0021] Figure 6C is a diagram showing a screen displayed by an extended application according to the first embodiment.

[0022] Figure 7is a sequence chart of the operation of the application, the general scan software, the extension application, and the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment.

[0023] Figure 8 is a sequence chart of the operation of the application, the general print software, the extension application, and the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment.

[0024] Figure 9 is a sequence chart of the operation of the application, the general fax software, the extension application, and the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment.

[0025] Figure 10 is a flowchart of the operation of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment.

[0026] Figure 11 is a flowchart of the operation of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment.

[0027] Figure 12 is a flowchart of the operation of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment.

[0028] Figure 13A and Figure 13B is a diagram showing a software configuration according to the second embodiment.

[0029] Figure 14A is a diagram showing a screen displayed by the application according to the second embodiment.

[0030] Figure 14B is a diagram showing a screen displayed by the general print software according to the second embodiment.

[0031] Figure 14C is a diagram showing a screen displayed by the extension application according to the second embodiment.

[0032] Figure 15 is a sequence chart of the operation of the application, the general print software, the extension application, and the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment.

[0033] Figure 16 is a diagram showing a software configuration according to the third embodiment.

[0034] Figure 17 is a sequence chart of the operation of the application, the extension scan application, and the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment.

[0035] Figure 18 is a sequence chart of the operation of the application, the extension print application, and the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment.

[0036] Figure 19 is a sequence chart of the operation of the application, the extension fax application, and the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment.

[0037] Figure 20A is a diagram showing a screen displayed by the extension scan application according to the third embodiment.

[0038] Figure 20B is a diagram showing a screen displayed by an extended print application according to the third embodiment.

[0039] Figure 20C is a diagram showing a screen displayed by the extended FAX application according to the third embodiment.

[0040] Figure 21 is a flowchart of the operation of the application according to the fourth embodiment.

[0041] Figure 22 is a diagram showing an example of an application screen according to the fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] The following will describe embodiments of the present disclosure with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the following embodiments do not limit each embodiment according to the claims, and not all combinations described in the embodiments are necessary for the solutions of the present disclosure.

[0043] First embodiment

[0044] System hardware structure

[0045] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the system. Figure 1 , the host computer 101 is an example of an information processing device, and 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 memory 114, an output interface 115, and an input / output interface 116.

[0046] The input interface 110 is connected to input devices including a keyboard 118 and a pointing device 117. The output interface 115 is connected to a display device such as a display unit 119. The network interface (NETIF) 120 performs control for transmitting data to / from an external device via a network.

[0047] The ROM 112 stores an initialization program. Examples of the external memory 114 include a hard disk drive (HDD) and a solid-state drive (SSD). The external memory 114 stores application programs, an operating system (OS), and various data items. The RAM 113 is used as a working memory, etc., when executing various programs stored in the external memory 114, allowing the various programs to be run in the host computer 101.

[0048] In the present embodiment, the CPU 111 performs processing in accordance with the code of the program stored in the ROM 112 and the external memory 114 to execute the functions of the host computer 101 and the processing of the flowcharts described below.

[0049] The image forming apparatus 102 is an example of a multifunction device. The image forming apparatus 102 is connected to the host computer 101 via the input / output interface 198 of the image forming apparatus 102 and the input / output interface 116 of the host computer 101. The input / output interface 198 of the image forming apparatus 102 and the input / output interface 116 of the host computer 101 can be connected via a wired network or a wireless network.

[0050] The image forming apparatus 102 includes an image processing unit 190, a CPU 191, a ROM 192, a RAM 193, an operation unit 194, a reading unit 195, a printing unit 196, a NETIF 197, an input / output interface 198, and a facsimile communication control unit 180.

[0051] The CPU 191 controls the image forming apparatus 102 as a whole. The ROM 192 is a memory that stores a program. The RAM 193 is a memory that temporarily stores a program and image data. The reading unit 195 is a scanner that reads an image of an original. The printing unit 196 prints an image on a sheet based on image data. The NETIF 197 is a network interface that controls data transfer between the image forming apparatus 102 and an external device via a network. The image processing unit 190 performs various image editing processes on input image data. The facsimile communication control unit 180 performs facsimile communication through a telephone line.

[0052] Here, the host computer 101 and the image forming apparatus 102 are constructed separately, but they can be constructed as a single information processing apparatus. The setting screen and the advanced setting screen described below are displayed on the display unit 119.

[0053] In the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus 102 will be described using an electrophotographic digital multifunction device having multiple functions such as copying, printing, and facsimile as an example. However, this is merely illustrative. The present embodiment is also applicable to devices using an inkjet method or other processes and scanners that only read images. The host computer 101 can be a desktop personal computer, a smartphone, or a notebook personal computer.

[0054] Software-centric system architecture

[0055] Figure 2A and Figure 2B The software architecture of the system is schematically shown. Figure 2A and Figure 2B The software architecture in Figure 1in the external storage 114. Here, the explanation is based on a system using a host computer 101 equipped with 11 as its OS.

[0056] Figure 2A is a diagram showing a general configuration in which the extended applications 208, 214, and 220 are not associated with the general-purpose software 202, 204, and 206 and are not associated with the image forming apparatus 102. Figure 2B is a diagram showing a configuration in which the extended applications 208, 214, and 220 are associated with the general-purpose software 202, 204, and 206 and are associated with the image forming apparatus 102.

[0057] Software-centric system configuration (when the extended applications 208, 214, and 220 are not associated)

[0058] First, the configuration of the system in the case where the extended applications 208, 214, and 220 are not associated will be described. Figure 2A The configuration of the system in the case where the extended applications 208, 214, and 220 are not associated will be described.

[0059] The application 201 is software that allows use of multiple functions of the image forming apparatus such as printing, scanning, and faxing. The application 201 issues an instruction to the OS in response to a request from a user. For example, a scan instruction includes scan setting information for specifying the operation of the general-purpose scan software 204 and the image forming apparatus 102.

[0060] In this configuration, the general-purpose software is called from the local application. However, this is merely illustrative. The general-purpose software can be called from a web application or a website on a browser, or the general-purpose software can be run as part of an integrated system.

[0061] The print instruction includes print setting information for specifying the operation of the general-purpose print software 202 and the image forming apparatus 102. This print setting information is also referred to as a Print Ticket (hereinafter referred to as "PT").

[0062] The application 201 can display a print setting screen provided by the general-purpose print software 202, the OS, or the application 201 to output the PT. When an advanced setting button in the print setting screen is pressed, the general-purpose print software 202 additionally displays an advanced setting screen. The print setting screen and the advanced setting screen will be described below.

[0063] The advanced setting screen includes setting items (hereinafter referred to as "control items") indicating the constructable print functions and control items indicating their setting values according to the capability information (constructable information) from the general print software 202. The general print software 202 determines the capability information based on the print function information 203. The print function information 203 is data indicating the print functions including all the constructable print functions (setting items), their setting values, and exclusion relations among the setting values.

[0064] The print function information 203 is included in the configuration file of the general print software 202, and is saved in the external memory 114 as an unchangeable file. Also, the print function information 203 can be dynamically generated by the general print software 202. Specifically, the general print software 202 or the OS can be configured to obtain attribute data of the image forming apparatus 102 from the image forming apparatus 102, and generate the print function information 203 according to attribute information in the obtained attribute data.

[0065] If the print function information 203 is dynamically generated, it can be edited. The attribute data of the image forming apparatus 102 can be obtained by sending a Get-Printer-Attributes operation of an Internet Print Protocol (IPP) to the image forming apparatus 102. Its response includes attribute information indicating the functions (capabilities of the printer) that the image forming apparatus 102 can designate, and setting values related to the attribute information. The response is stored in the RAM 113.

[0066] This configuration of the general print software 202 allows the user to designate the print functions available on all the image forming apparatuses 102 according to the connected image forming apparatus 102. In other words, even if image forming apparatuses having different functions or image forming apparatuses developed by different vendors are connected, the general print software 202 allows the user to designate the available print functions according to the connected image forming apparatus 102. The vendor can be a manufacturer of the image forming apparatus 102.

[0067] Here, the general print software 202 utilizes an IPP class driver installed in 11. The IPP class driver is a printer driver that performs a print process according to the specifications of a standard print protocol called IPP, and is included in an OS package. In other words, when an information processing apparatus having a pre-installed OS is purchased, the IPP class driver can be used without downloading.

[0068] The IPP class driver is not a printer driver specific to the model of the image forming apparatus 102, but is a standard class driver that can be commonly used by printers from a plurality of manufacturers. In other words, print data generated by the IPP class driver can be printed by printers from a plurality of manufacturers, and the IPP class driver can transmit print data to printers from a plurality of manufacturers. Similarly, the general scan software 204 and the general fax software 206 can also be used with devices from a plurality of manufacturers.

[0069] The IPP class driver obtains capability information of the connected image forming apparatus 102, and generates print function information 203 based on the information, so that the user can specify a print function supported by the image forming apparatus 102.

[0070] When a print instruction is issued from the application 201, a module of the OS in the general print software 202 generates intermediate data (also referred to as input data). Data for printing output from the application 201 is data in a Graphics Device Interface (GDI) format or data in an XML Paper Specification (XPS) format.

[0071] It is assumed that the IPP class driver is used as the general print software 202. In this case, if the data output from the application 201 is GDI format data, the OS converts the GDI format data output from the application 201 to XPS format data. The intermediate data includes drawing data indicating information of a drawing formed on a paper surface and a PT set by the user.

[0072] The general print software 202 converts the obtained intermediate data to print data that the image forming apparatus 102 can interpret, and transmits the print data to the image forming apparatus 102. Here, the print data in the present embodiment is page description language (PDL) data conforming to IPP. Examples of the PDL data conforming to IPP include Portable Document Format (PDF) data and PWG-Raster format data.

[0073] The print data includes drawing data, which is information of a drawing formed on a paper surface, and print setting attribute information (attribute information that specifies a print setting value) generated based on the PT set by the user. The print setting attribute information includes attribute information indicating a function (capability of the printer) that the image forming apparatus 102 can specify, and a setting value related to the attribute information.

[0074] The image forming apparatus 102 prints on a medium such as a paper surface based on the print data transmitted from the general print software 202. At this time, the image forming apparatus 102 operates in accordance with the print setting attribute information included in the print data, and forms the drawing data included in the print data to the medium.

[0075] The print setting attribute information includes print quality (priority regarding image quality, priority regarding speed, etc.), attribute information for specifying double-sided printing or the like, and their setting values. For example, when the print setting attribute information includes attribute information for specifying double-sided printing and its setting value for operating double-sided printing, the image forming apparatus 102 performs double-sided printing.

[0076] The application 201 can display a scan setting screen provided by the general scan software 204, the OS, or the application 201 to execute a scan instruction. When an advanced setting button in the scan setting screen is pressed, the general scan software 204 additionally displays an advanced setting screen. The scan setting screen and the advanced setting screen will be described below.

[0077] The advanced setting screen includes setting items (hereinafter referred to as "control items") indicating the constructible scan functions according to the capability information (constructible information) from the general scan software 204 and control items indicating their setting values. The general scan software 204 determines the scan capability based on the scan function information 205. The scan function information 205 is data indicating scan functions including all the constructible scan functions (setting items), their setting values, and exclusion relations between the setting values.

[0078] The scan function information 205 is included in the configuration file of the general scan software 204 and is saved in the external memory 114 as an unchangeable file. Also, the scan function information 205 can be dynamically generated by the general scan software 204. Specifically, the general scan software 204 or the OS can be configured to obtain attribute data of the image forming apparatus 102 from the image forming apparatus 102 and generate the scan function information 205 according to attribute information in the obtained attribute data.

[0079] If the scan function information 205 is dynamically generated, it can be edited. The attribute data of the image forming apparatus 102 obtained from the image forming apparatus 102 includes attribute information indicating functions (capabilities of the scan device) that the image forming apparatus 102 can specify and setting values related to the attribute information. This information is stored in the RAM 113.

[0080] The application 201 can display a fax setting screen provided by the general fax software 206, the OS, or the application 201 to execute a fax instruction. When an advanced setting button in the fax setting screen is pressed, the general fax software 206 additionally displays an advanced setting screen. The fax setting screen and the advanced setting screen will be described below.

[0081] The advanced setting screen includes a setting item (hereinafter referred to as a "control item") indicating a configurable facsimile function according to the capability information (configurable information) from the general facsimile software 206 and a control item indicating a setting value thereof. The general facsimile software 206 determines the facsimile capability based on the facsimile function information 207.

[0082] The facsimile function information 207 is data indicating facsimile functions including all configurable facsimile functions, their setting values, and exclusion relations between the setting values. The facsimile function information 207 is included in a configuration file of the general facsimile software 206 and is saved as an unchangeable file in the external storage 114.

[0083] Also, the facsimile function information 207 can be dynamically generated by the general facsimile software 206. Specifically, the general facsimile software 206 or the OS can be configured to obtain attribute data of the image forming apparatus 102 from the image forming apparatus 102 and generate the facsimile function information 207 according to attribute information in the obtained attribute data.

[0084] If the facsimile function information 207 is dynamically generated, it can be edited. The attribute data of the image forming apparatus 102 obtained from the image forming apparatus 102 includes attribute information indicating functions (capabilities of the facsimile device) that can be specified by the image forming apparatus 102 and setting values related to the attribute information. This information is stored in the RAM 113.

[0085] This configuration of the general software 202, 204, and 206 allows a user to specify functions available on all image forming apparatuses 102 according to the connected image forming apparatus 102. In other words, even if an image forming apparatus having different functions or an image forming apparatus developed by a different vendor is connected, the general software 202, 204, and 206 allows a user to specify available functions according to the connected image forming apparatus 102.

[0086] The vendor can be a manufacturer of the image forming apparatus 102. Here, the general software 202, 204, and 206 are standard class drivers for performing print, scan, and facsimile operations based on a standard scan protocol called Mopria. The general software 202, 204, and 206 obtain capability information of the connected image forming apparatus 102 and generate function information 203, 205, and 207, respectively, based on the information so that a user can specify functions supported by the connected image forming apparatus 102.

[0087] Software-centric system configuration (when the extended applications 208, 214, and 220 are associated)

[0088] First, a description will be given of Figure 2BThe configuration of the system in the case associated with the extension applications 208, 214, and 220 is described. The components and processes are the same as those of the Figure 2A

[0089] The extension print application 208 is software for extending and supporting the functions of the general print software 202, and is not included (packaged) in the OS in advance. Thus, the user needs to operate the host computer 101 to download the extension print application 208 from a server via the Internet and install the extension print application 208.

[0090] Further, the extension print application 208 can be automatically installed in response to the connection of the image forming apparatus 102 to the host computer 101. Specifically, when the image forming apparatus 102 is connected to the host computer 101, the OS obtains device identification information from the image forming apparatus 102. The OS can download the extension print application 208 corresponding to the obtained device identification information from a server via the Internet, and install the extension print application 208. In other words, the general print software 202 and the extension print application 208 are stored in the host computer 101 as different files.

[0091] The general print software 202 and the extension print application 208 can be updated and version-upgraded. These update processes are performed at different times. In other words, the timing of obtaining the general print software 202 by the host computer 101 and the timing of obtaining the extension print application 208 are different.

[0092] The trigger of obtaining the general print software 202 by the host computer 101 and the trigger of obtaining the extension print application 208 are also different. When the extension print application 208 is installed, the OS associates the extension print application 208 with the general print software 202 and the image forming apparatus 102.

[0093] The extension print application 208 described in this embodiment includes a print setting screen extension unit 209, a print function extension unit 211, an intermediate data editing unit 210, and a notification unit 212.

[0094] The extension print application 208 also includes shared information 213 that is accessible from each unit. The actual form of the shared information 213 is a file stored in the external storage 114 or information stored on the RAM 113. The extension print application 208 writes information to and reads information from the shared information 213 by using an application program interface (API) provided by the OS.

[0095] The extension print application 208 can terminate the operation each time the process of each unit is completed. In this case, the OS starts the extension print application 208 each time a request to use the unit is provided.​

[0096] Further, the extended print application 208 can cancel the processing of each unit during the processing. If the processing is cancelled, the OS deletes the job being processed.

[0097] The application 201 issues a print instruction to the OS in response to receiving a print request from the user. Also in this configuration, the application 201 can display a print setting screen, as in the configuration of Figure 2A In this configuration, a high-level setting screen provided by the extended print application 208 is displayed. Specifically, a high-level setting screen provided by the print setting screen extension unit 209 of the extended print application 208 is displayed. The print setting screen extension unit 209 can store the high-level setting value set by the user in the shared information 213.

[0098] The extended print application 208 includes an intermediate data editing unit 210. The intermediate data editing unit 210 obtains intermediate data from the general-purpose print software 202 and edits the intermediate data. The intermediate data editing unit 210 converts the intermediate data into print data and then transmits the print data to the image forming apparatus 102. The intermediate data editing unit 210 obtains the high-level setting information from the shared information 213 and adds the high-level setting value to the print data.

[0099] The image forming apparatus 102 performs printing on a paper surface based on the received print data.

[0100] The method for converting intermediate data into print data is not limited to the above-described method. Conversion from intermediate data to print data can be performed by the general-purpose print software 202. Also, the extended print application 208 can obtain print data generated by the general-purpose print software 202 and add a high-level setting value to the print data. Also in the configuration of Figure 2B the general-purpose print software 202 can transmit print data to the image forming apparatus 102 without passing through the extended print application 208, as in the configuration of Figure 2A .

[0101] The extended print application 208 includes a print function extension unit 211. The print function extension unit 211 can edit print function information 203 generated by the general-purpose print software 202 or the OS. This allows the print function extension unit 211 to add a function to be provided by the extended print application 208.

[0102] The print function extension unit 211 can also add: a function that the image forming apparatus 102 supports but the general-purpose print software 202 does not support, an exclusion relationship between setting values of the print function, and the like. The OS starts the print function extension unit 211 when the extension print application 208 is first associated with the image forming apparatus 102 and the general-purpose print software 202. The OS can start the print function extension unit 211 when the OS is started or at other times.

[0103] The extension print application 208 includes a notification unit 212. The notification unit 212 can display a notification to the user in response to the occurrence of an error in the image forming apparatus 102. For example, when a paper jam error occurs in the image forming apparatus 102, the general-purpose print software 202 detects the error, and the OS causes the display unit 119 to display a message using a notification function called a toast notification that is a function of the OS.

[0104] When the user presses the toast notification, the OS invokes the notification unit 212 of the extension print application 208, and a user interface (UI) screen of the notification unit 212 is displayed.

[0105] On the UI screen of the notification unit 212, for example, a detailed message of the paper jam error or a method of loading paper can be displayed.

[0106] The configuration of the extension print application 208 for realizing the present embodiment is not limited to a configuration including all the functions (units) described above, and can include only some of these functions or include additional functions. The extension print application 208 can also be simply referred to as a print software.

[0107] Accordingly, the extension print application 208 includes at least one of the following functions. A first function is a function of displaying a setting screen (print setting screen extension unit 209). A second function is a function of editing intermediate data to convert it into print data and adding advanced setting values to the print data (intermediate data editing unit 210). A third function is a function of extending a function that can be specified by the print data generation software (print function extension unit 211). A fourth function is a function of displaying a screen in response to the occurrence of an error in the image forming apparatus 102 (notification unit 212).

[0108] The extension scan application 214 is software for extending and supporting the functions of the general-purpose scan software 204, and is not included (packaged) in the OS in advance. Thereby, the user needs to operate the host computer 101 to download the extension scan application 214 from a server via the Internet and install the extension scan application 214.

[0109] Also, the extended scan application 214 can be automatically installed in response to the connection of the image forming apparatus 102 to the host computer 101. Specifically, when the image forming apparatus 102 is connected to the host computer 101, the OS obtains the device identification information from the image forming apparatus 102. The OS can download the extended scan application 214 corresponding to the obtained device identification information from a server via the Internet, and install the extended scan application 214.

[0110] In other words, the general scan software 204 and the extended scan application 214 are stored in the host computer 101 as different files.

[0111] The general scan software 204 and the extended scan application 214 can be updated and version-upgraded. These update processes are performed at different times. In other words, the timing at which the general scan software 204 is obtained by the host computer 101 and the timing at which the extended scan application 214 is obtained are different.

[0112] The trigger event at which the general scan software 204 is obtained by the host computer 101 and the trigger event at which the extended scan application 214 is obtained are also different. When the extended scan application 214 is installed, the OS associates the extended scan application 214 with the general scan software 204 and the image forming apparatus 102.

[0113] The extended scan application 214 described in the present embodiment includes a scan setting screen extension unit 215, a scan function extension unit 217, an image data editing unit 216, and a notification unit 218. The extended scan application 214 also includes shared information 219 that is accessible from each unit.

[0114] The actual form of the shared information 219 is a file stored in the external storage 114 or information stored on the RAM 113. The extended scan application 214 writes information to and reads information from the shared information 219 by using an API provided by the OS.

[0115] The extended scan application 214 can terminate the operation each time the processing of each unit is completed. In this case, each time a request to use the unit is provided, the OS starts the extended scan application 214.

[0116] Further, the extended scan application 214 can cancel the processing of each unit during the processing. If the processing is cancelled, the OS will delete the job that is being processed.

[0117] The application 201 issues a print instruction to the OS in response to receiving a scan request from the user. Also in this configuration, the application 201 can display a scan setting screen, as Figure 2AThe configuration is the same as that of the image forming apparatus 102. In this configuration, the advanced setting screen provided by the extended scan application 214 is displayed. Specifically, the advanced setting screen provided by the scan setting screen extension unit 215 of the extended scan application 214 is displayed. The scan setting screen extension unit 215 can store the advanced setting value set by the user in the shared information 219.

[0118] The extended scan application 214 includes an image data editing unit 216. The image data editing unit 216 obtains image data from the image forming apparatus 102 and edits the image data. The image data editing unit 216 obtains the advanced setting information from the shared information 219 and performs image editing on the image data in accordance with the advanced setting value. The extended scan application 214 can be configured to obtain the image data obtained by the general scan software 204 and perform image editing on the image data in accordance with the advanced setting value.

[0119] Also in the configuration of the image forming apparatus 102, there can be a case where the user does not perform advanced setting. In this case, the general scan software 204 can issue an instruction to the image forming apparatus 102 to perform scanning without going through the extended scan application 214, as in the configuration of the image forming apparatus 102. Figure 2B Figure 2A

[0120] The extended scan application 214 includes a scan function extension unit 217.

[0121] The scan function extension unit 217 can edit the scan function information 205 generated by the general scan software 204 or the OS. This allows the scan function extension unit 217 to add a function provided by the extended scan application 214.

[0122] The scan function extension unit 217 can also add: a function supported by the image forming apparatus 102 but not supported by the general scan software 204, an exclusion relationship between setting values of scan functions, and the like. The OS starts the scan function extension unit 217 when the extended scan application 214 is first associated with the image forming apparatus 102 and the general scan software 204. The OS can start the scan function extension unit 217 at the time when the OS is started or at other times.

[0123] The extended scan application 214 includes a notification unit 218. The notification unit 218 can display a notification to the user in response to an error occurring in the image forming apparatus 102. For example, when a scan jam error occurs in the image forming apparatus 102, the general scan software 204 detects the error, and the OS causes the display unit 119 to display a message using a notification function called toast notification that is a function of the OS.

[0124] ​​When the user presses the toast notification, the OS invokes the notification unit 218 of the extended scan application 214, and displays a UI screen of the notification unit 218. On the UI screen of the notification unit 218, for example, a detailed message of the jam error or a clearing method of the jam can be displayed.

[0125] The configuration of the extended scan application 214 for realizing the present embodiment is not limited to the configuration including all the functions (units) described above, and can include only some of these functions or include additional functions. The extended scan application 214 can also be simply referred to as a scan software.

[0126] Therefore, the extended scan application 214 includes at least one of the following functions. A first function is a function of displaying a setting screen (scan setting screen extension unit 215). A second function is a function of editing image data according to an advanced setting value (image data editing unit 216). A third function is a function of extending a function that can be specified by the image data generation software (scan function extension unit 217). A fourth function is a function of displaying a screen in response to occurrence of an error in the image forming apparatus 102 (notification unit 218).

[0127] The extended fax application 220 is software for extending and supporting the functions of the general fax software 206, and is not included (packed) in the OS in advance. Thereby, the user needs to operate the host computer 101 to download the extended fax application 220 from a server via the Internet and install the extended fax application 220.

[0128] Also, the extended fax application 220 can also be automatically installed in response to the connection of the image forming apparatus 102 to the host computer 101. Specifically, when the image forming apparatus 102 is connected to the host computer 101, the OS obtains device identification information from the image forming apparatus 102. The OS can download the extended fax application 220 corresponding to the obtained device identification information from a server via the Internet. In other words, the general fax software 206 and the extended fax application 220 are stored in the host computer 101 as different files.

[0129] The general fax software 206 and the extended fax application 220 can be updated and version-upgraded. These update processes are performed at different times. In other words, the timing of obtaining the general fax software 206 by the host computer 101 and the timing of obtaining the extended fax application 220 are different.

[0130] The trigger event of obtaining the general fax software 206 by the host computer 101 and the trigger event of obtaining the extended fax application 220 are also different. When the extended fax application 220 is installed, the OS associates the extended fax application 220 with the general fax software 206 and the image forming apparatus 102.

[0131] The extended facsimile application 220 described in the present embodiment includes a facsimile setting screen extension unit 221, a facsimile function extension unit 223, an intermediate data editing unit 222, and a notification unit 224. The extended facsimile application 220 also includes shared information 225 that is accessible from each of the units.

[0132] The actual form of the shared information 225 is a file stored in the external memory 114 or information stored on the RAM 113. The extended facsimile application 220 writes information to and reads information from the shared information 225 by using an API provided by the OS.

[0133] The extended facsimile application 220 can terminate the operation each time the processing of each unit is completed. In this case, each time a request to use the unit is provided, the OS starts the extended facsimile application 220.

[0134] Further, the extended facsimile application 220 can cancel the processing of each unit during the processing. If the processing is cancelled, the OS will delete the job that is being processed.

[0135] The application 201 issues a facsimile transmission instruction to the OS in response to receiving a facsimile transmission request from the user. Also in this configuration, the application 201 can display a facsimile setting screen, as in the configuration of Figure 2A . In this configuration, an advanced setting screen provided by the extended facsimile application 220 is displayed. Specifically, an advanced setting screen provided by the facsimile setting screen extension unit 221 of the extended facsimile application 220 is displayed. The facsimile setting screen extension unit 221 can store advanced setting values of the user settings in the shared information 225.

[0136] The extended facsimile application 220 includes the intermediate data editing unit 222. The intermediate data editing unit 222 obtains intermediate data from the general facsimile software 206, converts the intermediate data into transmission data, and then transmits the transmission data to the image forming apparatus 102. The intermediate data editing unit 222 obtains advanced setting information from the shared information 225 and adds the advanced setting values to the transmission data. The image forming apparatus 102 performs transmission based on the received transmission data.

[0137] The method for converting intermediate data into transmission data is not limited to the above-described method. Also, the extended facsimile application 220 can obtain transmission data generated by the general facsimile software 206 and add advanced setting values to the transmission data. Also in the configuration of Figure 2B , the general facsimile software 206 can transmit the transmission data to the image forming apparatus 102 without passing through the extended facsimile application 220, as in the configuration of Figure 2A .

[0138] The extended FAX application 220 includes a FAX function extension unit 223. The FAX function extension unit 223 can edit the FAX function information 207 generated by the general FAX software 206 or the OS. This allows the FAX function extension unit 223 to add functions provided by the extended FAX application 220.

[0139] The FAX function extension unit 223 can also add: functions that the image forming apparatus 102 supports but the general FAX software 206 does not support, exclusion relations between setting values of the FAX function, and the like. The OS launches the FAX function extension unit 223 when the extended FAX application 220 is first associated with the image forming apparatus 102 and the general FAX software 206. The OS can launch the FAX function extension unit 223 when the OS is launched or at other times.

[0140] The extended FAX application 220 includes a notification unit 224. The notification unit 224 can display a notification to the user in response to the occurrence of an error in the image forming apparatus 102. For example, when a connection error occurs in the image forming apparatus 102, the general FAX software 206 detects the error, and the OS causes the display unit 119 to display a message using a notification function called a toast notification that is a function of the OS.

[0141] When the user presses the toast notification, the OS invokes the notification unit 224 of the extended FAX application 220, and a UI screen of the notification unit 224 is displayed. On the UI screen of the notification unit 224, for example, a detailed message of the error or a method of handling the error can be displayed.

[0142] The configuration of the extended FAX application 220 for implementing the present embodiment is not limited to a configuration including all the functions (units) described above, and can include only some of these functions or include additional functions.

[0143] Accordingly, the extended FAX application 220 includes at least one of the following functions. The first function is a function of displaying a setting screen (FAX setting screen extension unit 221). The second function is a function of editing intermediate data to convert it into transmission data and adding advanced setting values to the transmission data (intermediate data editing unit 222). The third function is a function of extending functions that can be specified by transmission data generation software (FAX function extension unit 223). The fourth function is a function of displaying a screen in response to the occurrence of an error in the image forming apparatus 102 (notification unit 224).

[0144] The system configuration for implementing the present embodiment is not limited to the configuration including all of the general print software 202, the general scan software 204, and the general fax software 206, but can include only some of these functions or include other functions. Examples of the configuration can be a configuration including only the general scan software 204, and a configuration including an image transmission software through a network in addition to the three general softwares.

[0145] The general print software 202, the general scan software 204, and the general fax software 206 are examples of software that can generate and transmit instructions commonly executed by a plurality of multifunction devices that can be provided by a plurality of manufacturers. The extended applications 208, 214, 220, and 1301 (described below) are examples of support applications.

[0146] Next, an example of an application screen according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 3 An example of an application screen according to the present embodiment will be described. Reference sign 301 denotes a screen displayed by the application 201. Control 302 is a print button. When the control 302 is pressed, the general print software 202 is activated. Control 303 is a scan button. When the control 303 is pressed, the general scan software 204 is activated. Control 304 is a fax button. When the control 304 is pressed, the general fax software 206 is activated.

[0147] Control 305 is a manual button. When the control 305 is pressed, a manual embedded in the application 201 is opened. Also, an online manual on the Internet can be accessed. Control 306 is a setting button. When the control 306 is pressed, configurable settings of the image forming apparatus 102 are displayed.

[0148] The configuration of the application for implementing the present embodiment is not limited to this configuration. Examples include a configuration including a control button for transmitting an image via a network or a control button for a function of storing an image in a cloud server.

[0149] Examples of a scan setting screen / advanced setting screen

[0150] Next, an example of a scan setting screen and an advanced setting screen according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 4A to Figure 4C An example of a scan setting screen and an advanced setting screen according to the present embodiment will be described. Figure 4A A scan setting screen displayed by the application 201 is shown. Figure 4B An advanced setting screen displayed when Figure 2A An advanced setting screen displayed when Figure 4C An advanced setting screen when Figure 2B An advanced setting screen when

[0151] The unit and module for displaying the scan setting screen are not limited to the above. For example, the scan setting screen expanding unit 215 can generate only a display screen. In this case, the scan setting screen expanding unit 215 transmits the generated display screen to the application 201 via the general scan software 204. The application 201 can be configured to display the obtained display screen.

[0152] Figure 4A Scan setting screen displayed by the application 201

[0153] First, the Figure 4A . The control 401 includes an object for prompting the user to set a scanner to be used for scanning image data (a scanner to be used for scanning). The control 403 is a scan start button. The control 404 is a scan cancel button. The control 402 is an advanced setting button. When the control 402 is pressed, an additional scan screen is displayed by the general scan software 204 or the scan setting screen expanding unit 217.

[0154] Figure 4B Advanced setting screen displayed by the general scan software 204

[0155] Second, the Figure 4B . Figure 4B An additional setting screen displayed by the general scan software 204 when the expanded scan application 214 does not exist is shown. The control 405 is a button that allows setting of a scan source, which indicates that "platen glass" is selected. The control 406 is a completion setting button. When the control 406 is pressed, the screen returns to the scan setting screen of Figure 4A .

[0156] Figure 4C Advanced setting screen displayed by the scan setting screen expanding unit 215

[0157] Next, the Figure 4C . Figure 4C An additional setting screen displayed by the scan setting screen expanding unit 215 when the expanded scan application 214 exists is shown. Unlike Figure 4B , the control 407 and the list 408 are added.

[0158] The control 407 is a button that allows selection of a scan size specification setting, which indicates that "A4H" is currently selected. When the control 407 is pressed, the list 408 shows setting values for the scan size specification setting. The list 408 indicates that, in addition to the currently selected "A4H", there are setting values for "A3", "B4", "LTR", and "LGL". The user switches the scan size function to scan by selecting a size setting value for a desired scan size from the list 408.

[0159] The scan setting item will be described inFigure 4B and Figure 4C the reason for the difference between

[0160] The advanced setting screen is generated with reference to the scan capability generated based on the scan function information 205. However, since the scan size specification function is not supported by the general scan software 204, the scan size specification function cannot be added to the scan function information 205. Even if the scan function information 205 initially includes the scan size specification function, the general scan software 204 cannot interpret the scan size specification function included in the scan function information 205, and thus cannot display the scan size specification setting on the advanced setting screen.

[0161] Thereby, the scan function extension unit 217 is configured to add the scan size specification function to the scan function information 205, so that the scan setting screen extension unit 215 can display the advanced setting screen with reference to the scan capability. This configuration enables the extended scan application 214 to display the scan size specification setting on the advanced setting screen. Figure 4C An extension function other than the scan size specification function can be additionally included.

[0162] Examples of print setting screen / advanced setting screen

[0163] Next, examples of the print setting screen and the advanced setting screen according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 5A to Figure 5C Examples of print setting screen / advanced setting screen Figure 5A A print setting screen displayed by the application 201 is shown.

[0164] Figure 5B An advanced setting screen displayed when the extended print application 208 shown in Figure 2A is not present is shown. Figure 5C An advanced setting screen when the extended print application 208 shown in Figure 2B is present is shown.

[0165] The unit and the module for displaying the print setting screen are not limited to the above. For example, the print setting screen extension unit 209 can generate only a display screen. In this case, the print setting screen extension unit 209 transmits the generated display screen to the application 201 via the general print software 202. The application 201 can be configured to display the obtained display screen.

[0166] Figure 5A Print setting screen displayed by the application 201

[0167] First, examples of the print setting screen and the advanced setting screen according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 5AThe control 501 includes objects for prompting the user to set a printer (a printer to be used for printing), a print direction, and a number of copies as a destination of image data. The control 503 is a print start button. The control 504 is a print cancel button. The control 502 is an advanced setting button. When the control 502 is pressed, an additional print screen is displayed by the general print software 202 or the print setting screen extension unit 209.

[0168] Figure 5B The advanced setting screen displayed by the general print software 202

[0169] Next, the additional setting screen displayed by the general print software 202 when the extension print application 208 does not exist will be described. Figure 5B . Figure 5B The additional setting screen displayed by the general print software 202 when the extension print application 208 does not exist is shown. The control 505 is a button that allows setting of a paper type, which indicates that "plain paper" is selected. The control 506 is a button that allows designation of a paper size. The control 507 is a button that allows designation of a paper feed source of a printer. The control 508 is a setting completion button. When the control 508 is pressed, the screen returns to the print setting screen of Figure 5A .

[0170] Figure 5C The advanced setting screen displayed by the print setting screen extension unit 209

[0171] Next, the additional setting screen displayed by the print setting screen extension unit 209 when the extension print application 208 exists will be described. Figure 5C . Figure 5C The additional setting screen displayed by the print setting screen extension unit 209 when the extension print application 208 exists is shown. Unlike Figure 5B , the control 512 and the list 513 are added. The control 512 is a button that allows selection of a sharpness setting, which indicates that "+1" is selected. When the control 512 is pressed, the list 513 shows setting values for the sharpness setting.

[0172] The list 513 indicates that there are setting values of "-1", "0", and "+2" in addition to the currently selected "+1". The sharpness setting "0" indicates that no sharpness processing is performed. The sharpness setting values "+1" and "+2" are setting values for improving sharpness. The setting value "+2" improves sharpness more than the setting value "+1". The sharpness setting value "-1" is a setting value for reducing sharpness of an image. The user switches the sharpness function to perform printing by selecting a sharpness setting value for desired image quality from the list 513.

[0173] The print setting item in Figure 5B and Figure 5Cdifferent reasons. The advanced setting screen is generated with reference to the capability information generated based on the print function information 203. However, since the general print software 202 does not support the sharpness function, the sharpness function cannot be added to the print function information 203. Even if the print function information 203 initially includes the sharpness function, the general print software 202 cannot interpret the sharpness function included in the print function information 203, and thus cannot display the sharpness setting on the advanced setting screen.

[0174] Thereby, the print function extension unit 211 is configured to add the sharpness function to the print function information 203, so that the print setting screen extension unit 209 can display the advanced setting screen with reference to the print capability. This configuration enables the extended print application 208 to display the sharpness setting on the advanced setting screen. Figure 5C An extension function other than the sharpness function can be additionally included.

[0175] Examples of the FAX setting screen / advanced setting screen

[0176] Next, examples of the FAX setting screen and the advanced setting screen according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 6A to Figure 6C Examples of the FAX setting screen and the advanced setting screen according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 6A An example of the FAX setting screen displayed by the application 201 is shown. Figure 6B An example of the advanced setting screen displayed when Figure 2A An example of the advanced setting screen displayed when Figure 6C An example of the advanced setting screen displayed when Figure 2B An example of the advanced setting screen when the extended FAX application 220 shown in FIG. 6B is present.

[0177] The unit and the module for displaying the FAX setting screen are not limited to those described above. For example, the FAX setting screen extension unit 221 can generate only a display screen. In this case, the FAX setting screen extension unit 221 transmits the generated display screen to the application 201 via the general FAX software 206. The application 201 can be configured to display the obtained display screen.

[0178] Figure 6A FAX setting screen displayed by the application 201

[0179] First, an example of the FAX setting screen displayed by the application 201 will be described. Figure 6A The control 601 includes objects for prompting the user to set a FAX machine (a printer for transmitting a FAX) as a destination of image data and a destination number. The control 603 is a transmission start (transmission) button. The control 604 is a transmission cancel button. The control 602 is an advanced setting button. When the "602" is pressed, the general FAX software 206 or the FAX setting screen extension unit 221 displays an additional FAX screen.

[0180] Figure 6B Advanced setting screen displayed by the general FAX software 206

[0181] Next, the additional setting screen displayed by the general facsimile software 206 when the extended facsimile application 220 is not present will be described. Figure 6B . Figure 6B An additional setting screen displayed by the general facsimile software 206 when the extended facsimile application 220 is not present is shown. The control 605 is a button that allows setting of the transmission resolution, which indicates that "200 x 100 dpi" is selected. The control 606 allows setting of the paper size. The control 607 is a completion setting button. When the control 607 is pressed, the screen returns to the facsimile setting screen of the general facsimile software 206. Figure 6A .

[0182] Figure 6C The advanced setting screen displayed by the facsimile setting screen extension unit 221

[0183] Next, the additional setting screen displayed by the facsimile setting screen extension unit 221 when the extended facsimile application 220 is present will be described. Figure 6C . Figure 6C An additional setting screen displayed by the facsimile setting screen extension unit 221 when the extended facsimile application 220 is present is shown. Unlike the Figure 6B , the control 610 and the list 611 are added. The control 610 is a button that allows selection of the paper direction setting, which indicates that "portrait" is selected. When the control 610 is pressed, the list 611 shows the setting items for the paper direction setting.

[0184] The list 611 indicates that there is a setting value of "landscape" in addition to the currently selected "portrait".

[0185] The user switches the paper direction function to transmit a facsimile by selecting a paper direction setting value for a desired image direction from the list 611.

[0186] The reason why the facsimile setting items differ between Figure 6B and Figure 6C will be described. The advanced setting screen is generated based on the facsimile capability generated from the facsimile function information 207.

[0187] However, since the general facsimile software 206 does not support the paper direction function, it is not possible to add the paper direction function to the facsimile function information 207, and even if the facsimile function information 207 originally includes the paper direction function, the general facsimile software 206 cannot interpret the paper direction function included in the facsimile function information 207, and thus cannot display the paper direction setting on the advanced setting screen.

[0188] As a result, the facsimile function extension unit 223 is configured to add the paper direction function to the facsimile function information 207 so that the facsimile setting screen extension unit 221 can display the advanced setting screen with reference to the facsimile capability. This configuration enables the extended facsimile application 220 to display the paper direction setting on the advanced setting screen. Figure 6CAn extension function other than the paper direction function can also be additionally included. For example, the above-mentioned sharpness function and a masking function for hiding private information by blackening, etc. can be provided.

[0189] Operation sequence of application 201 after accepting scan setting values

[0190] Next, the operation sequence of the application 201, the general scan software 204, the extension scan application 214, and the image forming apparatus 102 after the application 201 accepts scan setting values will be described with reference to Figure 7

[0191] The steps other than the steps of the image forming apparatus 102 in Figure 7 are implemented by the CPU 111 reading the application 201, the general scan software 204, and the extension scan application 214 from the external memory 114 into the RAM 113 and executing them. The steps of the image forming apparatus 102 in Figure 7 are implemented by the CPU 191 of the image forming apparatus 102 reading the programs stored in the ROM 192 or the external memory 199 into the RAM 193 and executing them.

[0192] First, in S701, the application 201 accepts scan setting values from the user. The user can instruct the application 201 to construct scan settings by operating the pointing device 117 or the keyboard 118.

[0193] Second, in S702, the application 201 displays the scan setting screen shown in Figure 4A on the display unit 119.

[0194] Next, in S703, the application 201 accepts an instruction to display the advanced setting screen. The user can provide the instruction to display the advanced setting screen by operating the pointing device 117 or the keyboard 118 to select the control 402.

[0195] In S704, the application 201 requests the general scan software 204 to display the advanced setting.

[0196] In S705, the general scan software 204 requests the extension scan application 214 to display the advanced setting. As described above, in the case of the configuration of Figure 2A , the general scan software 204 displays the advanced setting screen of Figure 4B .

[0197] In S706, the scan setting screen extension unit 215 of the extension scan application 214 displays the advanced setting screen of Figure 4C on the display unit 119. The scan setting screen extension unit 215 displays the scan capability generated based on the scan function information 205 on the display unit 119 with reference to after addition. Figure 4C ​the advanced setting screen.

[0198] In S707, the scan setting screen extension unit 215 accepts the advanced setting values. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6B, "Scan source: Platen glass" and "Scan size: A4H" are selected by the user. The accepted setting values are stored in the RAM 113 by the CPU 111. Figure 4C

[0199] Next, in S708, the scan setting screen extension unit 215 accepts completion of the advanced setting values, and writes the accepted settings into the scan setting information. The user can provide an instruction to terminate the advanced setting by operating the pointing device 117 or the keyboard 118 to select the control 406. When the scan setting values are written into the scan setting information, items not selected by the user, such as the resolution, can be written together.

[0200] In S709, the extension scan application 214 sends completion of the advanced setting to the general scan software 204.

[0201] In S710, the general scan software 204 sends completion of the advanced setting to the application 201.

[0202] In S711, the application 201 accepts the scan instruction. The user can provide the scan instruction by selecting the control 403 with the pointing device 117 or the keyboard 118.

[0203] In S712, the application 201 provides the scan instruction to the general scan software 204. Next, in S713, the general scan software 204 provides the scan instruction to the extension scan application 214.

[0204] In S714, the extension scan application 214 creates a scan instruction command based on the scan setting information written in S708. Next, in S715, the extension scan application 214 sends the scan instruction command to the image forming apparatus 102 to initiate scanning. The sending of the scan instruction command to the image forming apparatus 102 can be performed via the general scan software 204 or the OS.

[0205] In S716, the image forming apparatus 102 interprets the scan instruction command and performs scanning. During the scanning, image data is subjected to necessary image processing according to the scan instruction. In this embodiment, if the scan setting values in the Figure 4C have been constructed, scanning is performed in the specified size. In other words, a portrait image of A4 size is generated.

[0206] ​In S717, the image forming apparatus 102 transmits the generated image data to the extended scan application 214. In S718, the extended scan application 214 transmits the received image data to the general scan software 204. In S719, the general scan software 204 transmits the received image data to the application 201. In S720, the application 201 receives the image data. In S721, the application 201 displays the received image data.

[0207] Sequence in which the application 201 accepts print setting values

[0208] Next, the operation sequence of the application 201, the general print software 202, the extended print application 208, and the image forming apparatus 102 after the application 201 accepts print setting values will be described with reference to Figure 8

[0209] The steps other than the steps of the image forming apparatus 102 in Figure 8 are implemented by the CPU 111 reading the application 201, the general print software 202, and the extended print application 208 from the external storage 114 into the RAM 113 and executing them. The steps of the image forming apparatus 102 in Figure 8 are implemented by the CPU 191 of the image forming apparatus 102 reading the programs stored in the ROM 192 or the external storage 199 into the RAM 193 and executing them.

[0210] First, in S801, the application 201 accepts print setting values from a user.

[0211] The user can instruct the application 201 to construct print settings by operating the pointing device 117 or the keyboard 118. Second, in S802, the application 201 displays the print setting screen shown in Figure 5A on the display unit 119.

[0212] Next, in S803, the application 201 accepts an instruction to display the advanced setting screen. The user can provide the instruction to display the advanced setting screen by operating the pointing device 117 or the keyboard 118 to select the control 502.

[0213] In S804, the application 201 requests the general print software 202 to display the advanced setting. In S805, the general print software 202 requests the extended print application 208 to display the advanced setting. As described above, in the case where the application 201 is constructed as in Figure 2A , the general print software 202 displays the advanced setting screen of Figure 5B .

[0214] In S806, the print setting screen extension unit 209 of the extended print application 208 displays the advanced setting screen on the display unit 119. Figure 5C ​advanced setting screen.

[0215] In S807, the print setting screen extension unit 209 accepts the advanced setting values. In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 5, the user selects "Paper Type: Plain Paper", "Paper Size: A4", "Paper Source: Auto", and "Sharpness: +1". The accepted setting values are stored in the RAM 113 by the CPU 111. Figure 5C

[0216] Next, in S808, the print setting screen extension unit 209 accepts completion of the advanced setting, and provides an instruction to write the accepted setting values into the PT. The user can provide the instruction to terminate the advanced setting by operating the pointing device 117 or the keyboard 118 to select the control 508.

[0217] In S809, the extension print application 208 sends the completion of the advanced setting to the general print software 202. In S810, the general print software 202 sends the completion of the advanced setting to the application 201.

[0218] In S811, the application 201 accepts the print instruction. The user can provide the print instruction by selecting the control 503 with the pointing device 117 or the keyboard 118. In S812, the application 201 provides the print instruction.

[0219] Next, in S813, the general print software 202 generates the intermediate data using the OS module.

[0220] Next, in S814, the general print software 202 stores the PT in the shared information 213. The general print software 202 converts the contents of the PT into setting values of IPP data to generate the IPP data.

[0221] In S815, the general print software 202 passes the intermediate data and the converted IPP data to the extension print application 208.

[0222] In S816, the intermediate data editing unit 210 of the extension print application 208 obtains the PT stored in S814 from the shared information 208.

[0223] Next, in S817, the intermediate data editing unit 210 of the extension print application 208 assigns the item name "Sharpness" and its setting value to the extension area of the IPP data. The intermediate data editing unit 210 of the extension print application 208 generates the print data from the intermediate data. Next, in S818, the intermediate data editing unit 210 of the extension print application 208 sends the print data to the image forming apparatus 102.

[0224] ​In S819, the image forming apparatus 102 interprets the print data and performs necessary image processing on the image in the print data. In the present embodiment, if the print setting value in Figure 5C is configured, image processing for "sharpness: +1" is performed. In other words, image data having higher sharpness is generated than when the sharpness processing is not performed.

[0225] In S820, the image forming apparatus 102 prints the image data generated in S819.

[0226] Operation sequence of the application 201 after accepting the fax setting value

[0227] Next, the operation sequence of the application 201, the general fax software 206, the extended fax application 220, and the image forming apparatus 102 after the application 201 accepts the fax setting value will be described with reference to Figure 9 The steps other than the steps of the image forming apparatus 102 in

[0228] are implemented by the CPU 111 reading the application 201, the general fax software 206, and the extended fax application 220 from the external storage 114 into the RAM 113 and executing them. The steps of the image forming apparatus 102 in Figure 9 are implemented by the CPU 191 of the image forming apparatus 102 reading the programs stored in the ROM 192 or the external storage 199 into the RAM 193 and executing them. Figure 9

[0229] First, in S901, the application 201 accepts a fax setting value from the user. The user can instruct the application 201 to configure the fax setting by operating the pointing device 117 or the keyboard 118.

[0230] Second, in S902, the application 201 displays the fax setting screen shown in Figure 6A on the display unit 119.

[0231] Next, in S903, the application 201 accepts an instruction to display the advanced setting screen. The user can provide the instruction to display the advanced setting screen by operating the pointing device 117 or the keyboard 118 to select the control 602.

[0232] In S904, the application 201 requests the general fax software 206 to display the advanced setting. In S905, the general fax software 206 requests the extended fax application 220 to display the advanced setting. As described above, in the case where the configuration in Figure 2A is configured, the general fax software 206 displays the advanced setting screen of Figure 6B .

[0233] ​In S906, the FAX setting screen extension unit 221 of the extended FAX application 220 displays the advanced setting screen of the PT on the display unit 119. Figure 6C

[0234] In S907, the FAX setting screen extension unit 221 accepts the advanced setting values.

[0235] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 6C , the user selects "Resolution: 200 x 100 dpi", "Paper size: A4", and "Paper orientation: portrait". The accepted setting values are stored in the RAM 113 by the CPU 111.

[0236] Next, in S908, the FAX setting screen extension unit 221 accepts the completion of the advanced setting, and provides an instruction to write the accepted setting values into the PT. The user can provide the instruction to terminate the advanced setting by operating the pointing device 117 or the keyboard 118 to select the control 607.

[0237] In S909, the extended FAX application 220 sends the completion of the advanced setting to the general FAX software 206. In S910, the general FAX software 210 sends the completion of the advanced setting to the application 201.

[0238] In S911, the application 201 accepts the FAX instruction. The user can provide the FAX instruction by selecting the control 603 with the pointing device 117 or the keyboard 118. In S912, the application 201 provides the FAX instruction. Next, in S913, the general FAX software 206 generates the intermediate data using the OS module.

[0239] Next, in S914, the general FAX software 206 stores the PT in the shared information 225. The general FAX software 206 converts the contents of the PT into the setting values of the IPP data to generate the IPP data.

[0240] In S915, the general FAX software 206 passes the intermediate data and the converted IPP data to the extended FAX application 220. In S916, the intermediate data editing unit 222 of the extended FAX application 220 obtains the PT stored in S914 from the shared information 225. Next, in S917, the intermediate data editing unit 222 of the extended FAX application 220 assigns the item name "Paper orientation" and its setting value to the extended area of the IPP data. The intermediate data editing unit 222 of the extended FAX application 220 generates the transmission data from the intermediate data.

[0241] ​Next, in S918, the intermediate data editing unit 222 of the extended facsimile application 220 transmits the transmission data to the image forming apparatus 102. In S919, the image forming apparatus 102 interprets the transmission data and performs necessary image processing on the image in the transmission data. In the present embodiment, if the facsimile setting in Figure 6C is configured, image processing for "paper orientation: portrait" is performed. In other words, image data that rotates the image to match "paper orientation: portrait" is generated. In S920, the image forming apparatus 102 transmits the transmission data generated in S919 to the destination.

[0242] Next, the processing flow of the scan operation in the image forming apparatus 102 that has received a scan instruction from the extended scan application 214 will be described with reference to Figure 10 The operations (steps) shown in the flowchart of Figure 10 are implemented by the CPU 191 executing the program stored in the RAM 193.

[0243] First, in step S1001, the CPU 191 accepts a scan instruction transmitted from the extended scan application 214.

[0244] Second, in step S1002, the CPU 191 analyzes the scan instruction command accepted in step S1001 and converts the scan setting values to scan setting values that the image forming apparatus 102 can perform scan processing. In the present embodiment, the scan setting values are "platen glass" and "scan size: A4H". Next, in step S1003, the CPU 191 determines an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) of the image processing unit 190 to be used for performing scan according to the scan setting values converted in step S1002 and configures the ASIC.

[0245] In step S1004, the CPU 191 transmits a scan instruction according to the scan setting values to the reading unit 195. In the present embodiment, the CPU 191 transmits an instruction to scan on the platen glass in "scan size: A4H".

[0246] In step S1005, the CPU 191 obtains image data from the reading unit 195. In the present embodiment, the CPU 191 obtains image data of A4H size. In S1006, the CPU 191 and the image processing unit 190 perform image processing on the received image data. In S1007, the CPU 191 stores the image data in the external memory 199.

[0247] In step S1008, the CPU 191 determines whether or not the scanning processing for all the pages has been completed. If the CPU 191 determines that the scanning processing for all the pages has not been completed, the CPU 191 returns to S1005 and performs the scanning processing for the next page. If the CPU 191 determines that the scanning processing for all the pages has been completed, the CPU 191 proceeds to S1009.

[0248] In step S1009, the CPU 191 and the image processing unit 190 convert the image data stored in step S1007 in accordance with the transmission format setting accepted in step S701. In the present embodiment, the transmission format is not included in the scanning instruction accepted from the extended scan application 214. Thus, the image data is converted to the default Joint Photographic Experts Group (JPEG) of the image forming apparatus 102. However, the transmission format for conversion is not limited to this, and any format that the information processing apparatus can support is acceptable.

[0249] In step S1010, the converted image data is transmitted to the extended scan application 214, and all the processing ends.

[0250] Next, the processing flow of the print operation in the image forming apparatus 102 that has received a print instruction from the extended print application 208 will be described with reference to Figure 11 the flowchart shown in FIG. 12. Figure 11 The operations (steps) shown in the flowchart of FIG. 12 are implemented by the CPU 191 executing the program stored in the RAM 193.

[0251] In step S1101, the CPU 191 accepts the print data and the print instruction transmitted from the extended print application 208.

[0252] Next, in step S1102, the CPU 191 analyzes the print instruction command accepted in step S1101 and converts the print setting values to print setting values with which the image forming apparatus 102 can perform the print processing. In the present embodiment, the print setting values are "paper type: regular paper", "paper size: A4", "paper source: automatic", and "sharpness: +1".

[0253] Next, in step S1103, the CPU 191 determines the ASIC of the image processing unit 190 for performing the print in accordance with the print setting values converted in step S1102 and constructs the ASIC.

[0254] In step S1104, the CPU 191 transmits the print instruction in accordance with the print setting values to the print unit 196. In the present embodiment, the CPU 191 transmits an instruction in which "paper type: regular paper" and "paper size: A4" are set to automatically select the paper source for the print.

[0255] In step S1105, the CPU 191 and the image processing unit 190 perform image processing on the received print data. In the present embodiment, the CPU 191 and the image processing unit 190 perform image processing of "sharpness: +1". If the print data has already undergone image processing for sharpness, the image processing in step S1105 can be omitted.

[0256] In step S1106, the CPU 191 outputs the print data to the print unit 196. In step S1107, the CPU 191 determines whether or not the print processing for all pages has been completed.

[0257] If the CPU 191 determines that the print processing for all pages has not been completed, the CPU 191 returns to S1105 and performs print processing for the next page. If the CPU 191 determines that the print processing for all pages has been completed, the CPU 191 terminates all processing.

[0258] Next, the processing flow of a facsimile operation in the image forming apparatus 102 that has received a facsimile instruction from the extended facsimile application 220 will be described with reference to the flowchart of Figure 12 The operations (steps) shown in the flowchart of Figure 12 are implemented by the CPU 191 executing the program stored in the RAM 193.

[0259] First, in step S1201, the CPU 191 accepts facsimile transmission data and a facsimile transmission instruction transmitted from the extended facsimile application 220.

[0260] Second, in step S1202, the CPU 191 analyzes the facsimile instruction command accepted in step S1201, and converts the facsimile setting values to facsimile setting values with which the image forming apparatus 102 can perform facsimile processing. In the present embodiment, the facsimile setting values are "resolution: 200 x 100 dpi", "paper size: A4", and "paper orientation: portrait".

[0261] Next, in step S1203, the CPU 191 determines the ASIC of the image processing unit 190 for performing facsimile according to the facsimile setting values converted in step S1202, and constructs the ASIC.

[0262] In step S1204, the CPU 191 transmits a facsimile instruction according to the facsimile setting values to the facsimile communication control unit 180. In the present embodiment, the CPU 191 transmits an instruction to transmit a facsimile to the destination number 12345.

[0263] In step S1205, the CPU 191 and the image processing unit 190 perform image processing on the received transmission data. In the present embodiment, the CPU 191 and the image processing unit 190 perform image processing including resolution conversion to 200 x 100 dpi and rotation to match "paper orientation: portrait". If the transmission data has already undergone image processing of resolution conversion and rotation, the image processing in step S1205 can be omitted.

[0264] In step S1206, the CPU 191 stores the image data in the external memory 199. In step S1207, the facsimile communication control unit 180 transmits the image data stored in step S1206 to the destination. In step S1208, the CPU 191 determines whether or not the transmission processing for all pages has been completed. If the CPU 191 determines that the transmission processing for all pages has not been completed, the CPU 191 returns to S1205 and performs the transmission processing for the next page. If the CPU 191 determines that the transmission processing for all pages has been completed, the CPU 191 terminates all processing.

[0265] As described above, in the present embodiment, the general-purpose printing software 202, the general-purpose scanning software 204, and the general-purpose facsimile software 206 are called from the application 201. Further, the extended printing application 208 is called from the general-purpose printing software 202, the extended scanning application 214 is called from the general-purpose scanning software 204, and the extended facsimile application 220 is called from the general-purpose facsimile software 206. Through the above series of processing, the printing function, the scanning function, and the facsimile function can be provided to the user with the same application.

[0266] Second Embodiment

[0267] A second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below. In the first embodiment, when the facsimile function is provided, the application 201 displays a setting screen for only the facsimile. In the second embodiment, a configuration is described in which the application 201 displays a printing setting screen, and when the facsimile software is selected for the printer, the extended facsimile application is displayed by the general-purpose printing software 202. Only the differences from the first embodiment will be described below.

[0268] Software-Centric System Configuration

[0269] Figure 13A and Figure 13B The software configuration of the system according to the second embodiment is schematically shown. Figure 13A and Figure 13B The software configuration in Figure 1 is stored in the external memory 114 of 11 as the OS of the host computer 101.

[0270] Figure 13A 13 is a diagram showing a general configuration in which the extension application 1301 and the extension scan application 214 are not associated with the general-purpose software 202 and 204 and the image forming apparatus 102 . Figure 13B 13 is a diagram showing a configuration in which an extension application 1301 and an extension scan application 214 are associated with the general-purpose software 202 and 204 and the image forming apparatus 102 .

[0271] Software-centric system configuration (when the extension application 1301 and the extension scanning application 214 are not associated)

[0272] First, refer to Figure 13A The configuration of the system in the case where the extension application 1301 and the extension scan application 214 are not associated is described.

[0273] Application 201 is software that allows the use of multiple functions of the image forming apparatus, such as printing, scanning, and faxing. Application 201 issues instructions to the OS in response to a request from the user. For example, a scan instruction includes scan setting information for specifying the operation of general-purpose scanning software 204 and image forming apparatus 102.

[0274] In this configuration, the general-purpose software is called from a local application. However, this is merely illustrative. The general-purpose software can be called from a web application or website on the Internet, or the general-purpose software can be run as part of an integrated system.

[0275] In this embodiment, the configuration file of the universal print software 202 includes fax function information 207 in addition to the print function information 203. This allows the application 201 to display a fax setting screen provided by the universal print software 202, OS, or application 201 to execute fax instructions.

[0276] When the advanced setting button in the fax setting screen is pressed, the universal printing software 202 additionally displays the advanced setting screen. The fax function information 207 is included in the configuration file of the universal printing software 202 and is saved in the external memory 114 as an unchangeable file.

[0277] Furthermore, the fax function information 207 may be dynamically generated by the universal printing software 202. Specifically, the universal printing software 202 or the operating system may be configured to obtain attribute data of the image forming device 102 from the image forming device 102 and generate the fax function information 207 based on the attribute information in the obtained attribute data. If the fax function information 207 is dynamically generated, it may be edited.

[0278] The attribute data of the image forming apparatus 102 obtained from the image forming apparatus 102 includes attribute information indicating functions (capabilities of the facsimile device) that the image forming apparatus 102 can designate and setting values related to the attribute information. This information is stored in the RAM 113.

[0279] This configuration of the general-purpose software 202 and 204 allows the user to designate functions available on all the image forming apparatuses 102 according to the connected image forming apparatus 102. In other words, even if image forming apparatuses having different functions or image forming apparatuses developed by different vendors (or manufacturers) are connected, the general-purpose software 202 and 204 allow the user to designate available functions according to the connected image forming apparatus 102.

[0280] Software-centric system configuration (when the extension applications 1301 and 214 are associated)

[0281] First, the configuration of the system will be described with reference to Figure 13B The configuration of the system when the extension applications 1301 and 214 are associated will be described. Unless otherwise described below, the components and processes are the same as those of the system of Figure 13A

[0282] The extension application 1301 is software for extending the functions of the general-purpose printing software 202, and is not included (packaged) in the OS in advance. Thereby, the user needs to operate the host computer 101 to download the extension application 1301 from a server via the Internet and install the extension application 1301.

[0283] Also, the extension application 1301 can be automatically installed in response to the connection of the image forming apparatus 102 to the host computer 101. Specifically, when the image forming apparatus 102 is connected to the host computer 101, the OS obtains device identification information from the image forming apparatus 102. The OS can download the extension application 1301 corresponding to the obtained device identification information from a server via the Internet and install the extension application 1301. In other words, the general-purpose printing software 202 and the extension application 1301 are stored in the host computer 101 as different files.

[0284] The general-purpose printing software 202 and the extension application 1301 can be updated and version-upgraded. These update processes are performed at different times.

[0285] In other words, the timing at which the general-purpose printing software 202 is obtained by the host computer 101 and the timing at which the extension application 1301 is obtained are different.

[0286] ​The trigger event for obtaining the general-purpose print software 202 and the trigger event for obtaining the extended application 1301 are also different by the host computer 101. When the extended application 1301 is installed, the OS associates the extended application 1301 with the general-purpose print software 202 and the image forming apparatus 102.

[0287] The extended application 1301 described in this embodiment includes a print setting screen extension unit 209, a print function extension unit 211, an intermediate data editing unit 210, a notification unit 212, a fax setting screen extension unit 221, and a fax function extension unit 223.

[0288] The extended application 1301 also includes shared information 213 that is accessible from each unit. The actual form of the shared information 213 is a file stored in the external storage 114 or information stored on the RAM 113. The extended application 1301 writes information to and reads information from the shared information 213 by using an application program interface (API) provided by the OS.

[0289] The extended application 1301 can terminate the operation each time the processing of each unit is completed. In this case, the OS starts the extended application 1301 each time a request to use the unit is provided.

[0290] Further, the extended application 1301 can cancel the processing of each unit during the processing. If the processing is cancelled, the OS will delete the job that is being processed.

[0291] The application 201 issues a transmission instruction to the OS in response to receiving a print request from the user. Also in this configuration, the application 201 can display a print setting screen, as in the configuration of Figure 13A .

[0292] In this configuration, an advanced setting screen provided by the extended application 1301 is displayed.

[0293] Specifically, an advanced setting screen provided by the print setting screen extension unit 209 or the fax setting screen extension unit 221 of the extended application 1301 is displayed. The advanced setting screen to be displayed depends on the printer selected on the print setting screen. The print setting screen extension unit 209 and the fax setting screen extension unit 221 can store the advanced setting values set by the user in the shared information 213.

[0294] The extended application 1301 includes an intermediate data editing unit 210. The intermediate data editing unit 210 obtains intermediate data from the universal printing software 202 and edits the intermediate data. The intermediate data editing unit 210 converts the intermediate data into print data and then transmits the print data to the image forming device 102. The intermediate data editing unit 210 obtains advanced setting information from the shared information 213 and adds the advanced setting values ​​to the print data. The image forming device 102 prints on a sheet of paper or sends a fax based on the received print data.

[0295] The method for converting the intermediate data into the print data is not limited to the above method. The extended application 1301 can obtain the print data generated by the universal print software 202 and add advanced setting values ​​to the print data. The conversion from the intermediate data to the print data can be performed by the universal print software 202. Figure 13B In the configuration of FIG. 1 , the universal printing software 202 can transmit the print data to the image forming apparatus 102 without going through the extended application 1301. Figure 13A As in the structure of .

[0296] The extended application 1301 includes a print function extension unit 211. The print function extension unit 211 can edit the print function information 203 generated by the universal print software 202 or the OS. This allows the print function extension unit 211 to add functions to be provided by the extended application 1301.

[0297] The print function extension unit 211 can also add functions supported by the image forming device 102 but not supported by the universal print software 202, exclusion relationships between setting values ​​of print functions, and the like. When the extension application 1301 is first associated with the image forming device 102 and the universal print software 202, the OS activates the print function extension unit 211. The OS can activate the print function extension unit 211 when the OS is activated or at another time.

[0298] The extended application 1301 includes a fax function extension unit 223. The fax function extension unit 223 can edit the fax function information 207 generated by the universal print software 202 or the OS. This allows the fax function extension unit 223 to add functions to be provided by the extended application 1301.

[0299] The fax function extension unit 223 can also add functions supported by the image forming device 102 but not supported by the universal print software 202, exclusion relationships between fax function settings, and the like. When the extension application 1301 is first associated with the image forming device 102 and the universal print software 202, the OS activates the fax function extension unit 223. The OS can activate the fax function extension unit 223 when the OS is activated or at another time.

[0300] The extension application 1301 includes a notification unit 212. The notification unit 212 can display a notification to the user in response to the occurrence of an error in the image forming apparatus 102.

[0301] The configuration of the extended application 1301 for implementing the present embodiment is not limited to a configuration including all the functions (units) described above, and may include only some of these functions or include additional functions. The extended application 1301 may also be simply referred to as printing software.

[0302] The configuration of the system for implementing this embodiment is not limited to a configuration that includes all of the universal print software 202 and the universal scan software 204, and may include only some of these functions or include additional functions. For example, in addition to including both universal software, the system may include only the universal print software 202 or the image transmission software via the network.

[0303] Example of Print Setting Screen / Advanced Setting Screen According to Second Embodiment

[0304] Next, we will refer to Figure 14A to Figure 14C Examples of the print setting screen and the advanced setting screen according to the present embodiment are described. Figure 14A A print setting screen displayed by the application 201 is shown. Figure 14B show when Figure 13A The advanced setting screen shown is displayed when the extended application 1301 does not exist. Figure 14C show when Figure 13B The advanced setting screen shown is when the extended application 1301 exists. The units and modules for displaying the print setting screen are not limited to those described above.

[0305] Figure 14A Print setting screen displayed by application 201

[0306] First, we will describe Figure 14A Control 1401 includes an object for prompting the user to set a printer (printer for printing) as the destination of the image data, a printing direction, and the number of copies. In addition to the printer for printing, the displayed printers also include a printer for faxing. In this embodiment, the fax printer 1402 is selected.

[0307] Control 503 is a print start button. Control 504 is a print cancel button. Control 502 is an advanced setting button. When control 502 is pressed, the universal print software 202, the print setting screen expansion unit 209, or the fax setting screen expansion unit 221 displays an additional print screen.

[0308] Figure 14B Advanced settings screen displayed by the universal printing software 202

[0309] Next, we will describeFigure 14B . Figure 14B An additional setting screen displayed by the general print software 202 when the facsimile printer is selected in the case where the extension application 1301 is not present is shown.

[0310] In this embodiment, the control 1403 is a button that allows setting of a destination number, which indicates that "12345" is input. In this embodiment, the control 1404 allows setting of a transmission resolution, which indicates that "200 x 100 dpi" is selected. The control 1405 allows selection of a paper size. The control 1406 is a completion setting button. When the control 1406 is pressed, the screen returns to the print setting screen of the general print software 202. Figure 14A

[0311] Figure 14C Advanced setting screen displayed by the facsimile setting screen extension unit 221

[0312] Next, the operation sequence of the application 201, the general print software 202, the extension application 1301, and the image forming apparatus 102 after the application 201 accepts the print setting value will be described with reference to Figure 14C . Figure 14C An additional setting screen displayed by the facsimile setting screen extension unit 221 when the facsimile printer is selected in the case where the extension application 1301 is present is shown.

[0313] Unlike in Figure 14B , the control 1407 and the list 1408 are added. The control 1407 is a button that allows selection of a paper orientation setting, which indicates that "portrait" is selected. When the control 1407 is pressed, the list 1408 shows setting items for the paper orientation setting. The list 1408 indicates that, in addition to the currently selected "portrait", there is a setting value of "landscape". The user switches the paper orientation function to transmit a facsimile by selecting a paper orientation setting value for a desired image orientation from the list 1408.

[0314] Operation sequence of the application 201 after accepting the print setting

[0315] Next, the operation sequence of the application 201, the general print software 202, the extension application 1301, and the image forming apparatus 102 after the application 201 accepts the print setting value will be described with reference to Figure 15 .

[0316] The steps other than the steps of the image forming apparatus 102 in Figure 15 are implemented by the CPU 111 reading the application 201, the general print software 202, and the extension application 1301 from the external storage 114 into the RAM 113 and executing them. The steps of the image forming apparatus 102 in Figure 15 are implemented by the CPU 191 of the image forming apparatus 102 reading the programs stored in the ROM 192 or the external storage 199 into the RAM 193 and executing them. ​

[0317] In S1501, the application 201 displays the print setting screen on the display unit 119. Figure 14A

[0318] Next, in S1502, the application 201 accepts an instruction to display the advanced setting screen. The user can provide the instruction to display the advanced setting by operating the pointing device 117 or the keyboard 118 to select the control 502. In this embodiment, the application 201 accepts the instruction to display the advanced setting in the case where the facsimile printer 1402 is selected.

[0319] In S1503, the application 201 requests the general print software 202 to display the advanced setting. In this embodiment, the application 201 requests the general print software 202 to display the advanced setting of the facsimile. Next, in S1504, the general print software 202 requests the extended print application 208 to display the advanced setting of the facsimile. In this embodiment, the general print software 202 requests the extended print application 208 to display the advanced setting of the facsimile.

[0320] In S906, the facsimile setting screen extension unit 221 of the extended application 1301 displays the advanced setting screen on the display unit 119. Figure 14C

[0321] Next, in S907, the facsimile setting screen extension unit 221 accepts the advanced setting values.

[0322] As shown in FIG. 15B, in this embodiment, the user selects "Destination Number: 12345", "Resolution: 200 x 100 dpi", "Paper Size: A4", and "Paper Orientation: Portrait". Figure 14C The accepted setting values are stored in the RAM 113 by the CPU 111.

[0323] In S1505, the extended application 1301 transmits the completion of the advanced setting to the general print software 202.

[0324] As described above, in this embodiment, the application 201 displays the print setting screen, and the general print software 202 displays the extended facsimile application when the facsimile software is selected for the printer. By the above series of processing, the user can be provided with the print function, the scan function, and the facsimile function by the same application.

[0325] Third Embodiment

[0326] A third embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below. In the first embodiment, the extended application is called from the application via the general software.

[0327]

[0328] ​​​However, applications are typically provided by individual vendors (manufacturers) to improve the convenience of the vendor's image forming devices. Consequently, in many cases, the image forming devices to which the application is applied are limited to those developed by a specific vendor, and therefore, specific extension applications may be sufficient rather than general-purpose software.

[0329] The third embodiment describes a configuration in which an extended application is directly called from an application. Only the differences from the previous embodiment will be described below.

[0330] Software-centric system architecture

[0331] Figure 16 The software configuration of the system according to the third embodiment is schematically shown. Figure 16 The software constructs in Figure 1 Here, the description is based on the use of an external memory 114 equipped with 11 is a system of a host computer 101 serving as an OS.

[0332] Will refer to Figure 16 The configuration of the system in the case where the application 1601 and the extended applications 208 , 214 , and 220 are directly associated is described.

[0333] Application 1601 is software that allows the use of multiple functions of the image forming apparatus, such as printing, scanning, and faxing. Application 1601 is associated with extended applications 208, 214, and 220. Application 1601 directly calls extended application 208, 214, or 220 in response to a request from the user. For example, when a scan request is received from the user, application 1601 calls extended scan application 214.

[0334] In this configuration, the extension application 208, 214, or 220 is called from a native application. However, this is merely illustrative. The extension application 208, 214, or 220 can be called from a web application or website on the Internet, or can run as part of an integrated system.

[0335] The application 1601 may store the extension applications 208 , 214 , and 220 as programs, or may call a separate program from a file path.

[0336] This configuration allows an extended application corresponding to a vendor providing an application to be easily provided to a user.

[0337] Application 1601 accepts the sequence of scan settings

[0338] Next, we will refer to Figure 17 The operation sequence of the application 1601 , the extension scan application 214 , and the image forming apparatus 102 after the application 1601 accepts scan setting values ​​is described.

[0339] This is achieved by the CPU 111 reading the application 1601 and the extended scan application 214 from the external memory 114 into the RAM 113 and executing them. Figure 17 The steps other than the steps of the image forming apparatus 102 in the image forming apparatus 102 are implemented by the CPU 191 of the image forming apparatus 102 reading the programs stored in the ROM 192 or the external memory 199 into the RAM 193 and executing them. Figure 17 The steps of the image forming device 102 in FIG.

[0340] In S1701 , the application 1601 requests the extension scan application 214 to display advanced settings.

[0341] At S1702, the extended scan application 214 accepts the scan settings and writes them into the scan settings information. The user can provide a scan instruction by operating the pointing device 117 or keyboard 118. In this embodiment, the extended scan application 214 directly accepts the scan instruction. Alternatively, application 1601 can accept the instruction and pass it to the extended scan application 214. At S1703, the extended scan application 214 sends the received image data to application 1601.

[0342] Application 1601 accepts the sequence of print settings

[0343] Next, we will refer to Figure 18 The operation sequence of the application 1601 , the extension print application 208 , and the image forming apparatus 102 after the application 1601 accepts print setting values ​​is described.

[0344] This is achieved by the CPU 111 reading the application 1601 and the extended print application 208 from the external memory 114 into the RAM 113 and executing them. Figure 18 The steps other than the steps of the image forming apparatus 102 in the image forming apparatus 102 are implemented by the CPU 191 of the image forming apparatus 102 reading the programs stored in the ROM 192 or the external memory 199 into the RAM 193 and executing them. Figure 18 The steps of the image forming device 102 in FIG.

[0345] In S1801 , the application 1601 requests the extended print application 208 to display advanced settings.

[0346] At S1802, the extended print application 208 accepts the print settings and writes the accepted settings to the PT. The user can provide a print instruction by operating the pointing device 117 or keyboard 118. In this embodiment, the extended print application 208 directly accepts the print instruction. Alternatively, the application 1601 can accept the instruction and pass it to the extended print application 208.

[0347] In S1803, the extended print application 208 generates intermediate data using the OS module.

[0348] In S1804, the extended print application 208 stores the PT in the shared information 213. The extended print application 208 converts the contents of the PT into the setting values of the IPP data to generate the IPP data.

[0349] Sequence after the application 1601 accepts the fax setting

[0350] Next, the operation sequence of the application 1601, the extended fax application 220, and the image forming apparatus 102 after the application 1601 accepts the fax setting values will be described with reference to Figure 19

[0351] The steps of the image forming apparatus 102 in Figure 19 are implemented by the CPU 111 reading the application 1601 and the extended fax application 220 from the external memory 114 into the RAM 113 and executing them. The steps of the image forming apparatus 102 in Figure 19 are implemented by the CPU 191 of the image forming apparatus 102 reading the programs stored in the ROM 192 or the external memory 199 into the RAM 193 and executing them.

[0352] In S1901, the application 1601 requests the extended fax application 220 to display the advanced setting.

[0353] In S1902, the extended fax application 220 accepts the transmission instruction and writes the accepted setting values into the PT. The user can provide the transmission instruction by operating the pointing device 117 or the keyboard 118. In this embodiment, the extended fax application 220 directly accepts the transmission instruction. Also, the application 1601 can accept the instruction and pass the instruction to the extended fax application 220.

[0354] In S1903, the extended fax application 220 generates intermediate data using the OS module. In S1904, the extended fax application 220 stores the PT in the shared information 225. The extended fax application 220 converts the contents of the PT into the setting values of the IPP data to generate the IPP data.

[0355] Examples of the scan setting screen / print setting screen / fax setting screen

[0356] Next, examples of the scan setting screen, the print setting screen, and the fax setting screen according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 20A to Figure 20C Figure 20A A scan setting screen displayed by the extended scan application 214 is shown. Figure 20B ​​A print setting screen displayed by the print setting screen extension unit 209 is shown. Figure 20C A fax setting screen displayed by the fax setting screen extension unit 221 is shown.

[0357] Figure 20A A scan setting screen displayed by the scan setting screen extension unit 215

[0358] Next, the Figure 20A . Figure 20A A setting screen displayed by the scan setting screen extension unit 215 is shown. The control 2004 is a scan start button. The control 2005 is a scan cancel button. In this embodiment, the scan start button is displayed on the setting screen to directly issue a scan request.

[0359] Figure 20B A print setting screen displayed by the print setting screen extension unit 209 is shown.

[0360] Next, the Figure 20B . Figure 20B A setting screen displayed by the print setting screen extension unit 209 is shown. The control 2013 is a print start button. The control 2014 is a print cancel button. In this embodiment, the print start button is displayed on the setting screen to directly issue a print request.

[0361] Figure 20C A fax setting screen displayed by the fax setting screen extension unit 221 is shown.

[0362] Next, the Figure 20C . Figure 20C A setting screen displayed by the fax setting screen extension unit 221 is shown. The control 2020 is a transmission start button. The control 2021 is a transmission cancel button. In this embodiment, the transmission start button is displayed on the setting screen to directly issue a transmission request.

[0363] As described above, in the present embodiment, the application 1601 directly calls the extension application. This processing allows the print function, the scan function, the fax function to be provided to the user with the same application.

[0364] The first embodiment and the third embodiment can be combined. For example, when the extension scan application 214 does not exist, the extension print application 208, the general scan software 204, and the extension fax application 220 can be displayed as selectable options, and the selected option can be activated.

[0365] Fourth Embodiment

[0366] A fourth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below. In the foregoing embodiments, the function call button is always displayed for the application. However, depending on the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus or the version of the software, there can be a function that is not supported. Thus, in the fourth embodiment, the application 201 responds to display the setting screen in accordance with the capability of the image forming apparatus. Only the differences from the foregoing embodiments will be described below.

[0367] The process flow of the application 201 responding to display of the switching screen in accordance with the capability of the image forming apparatus 102 will be described with reference to Figure 21 the flowchart shown in FIG. 21. The operations (steps) shown in the flowchart are implemented by the CPU 191 executing the program stored in the RAM 193. Figure 21

[0368] In S2101, the application 201 obtains the capability information from the image forming apparatus 102. The capability information includes: the functions supported by the image forming apparatus 102, attribute information indicating items specified for the functions, and setting values related to the attribute information. For example, information indicating that the print function, the scan function, and the facsimile function are supported is obtained from the image forming apparatus 102.

[0369] Further, for the scan function, items such as the scan size and the configurable options for each item can be obtained.

[0370] In the present embodiment, the application 201 directly obtains the capability information from the image forming apparatus 102. However, the print function extension unit 211, the scan function extension unit 217, and the facsimile function extension unit 223 of the extension applications 208, 214, and 220 can obtain the capability information and pass the capability information to the application 201.

[0371] In step S2102, the CPU 191 determines whether the image forming apparatus 102 supports printing. If the CPU 191 determines that printing is not supported, the process proceeds to step S2104; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S2103. In step S2103, the CPU 191 adds the print function to the supported function information, and the print function is stored in the RAM 113.

[0372] In step S2104, the CPU 191 determines whether the image forming apparatus 102 supports scanning. If the CPU 191 determines that scanning is not supported, the process proceeds to step S2106; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S2105. In step S2105, the CPU 191 adds the scan function to the supported function information, and the scan function is stored in the RAM 113.

[0373] ​In step S2106, the CPU 191 determines whether the image forming apparatus 102 supports facsimile. If the CPU 191 determines that facsimile is not supported, the process proceeds to step S2108; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S2107. In step S2107, the CPU 191 adds a facsimile function to the support function information, and the facsimile function is stored in the RAM 113.

[0374] In step S2107, the CPU 191 displays a screen based on the support function information.

[0375] In the present embodiment, the function information of the image forming apparatus is obtained each time the application 201 is started. Also, the capability information can be obtained in advance and stored in the external memory 114, and the screen display is switched based on this information.

[0376] Next, an example of the application screen in the present embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 22 Fig. 22. Reference sign 2201 indicates a screen displayed by the application 201. In the present embodiment, the print and scan functions are supported, and the facsimile function is not supported, as a result of the capability response from the image forming apparatus. Since the print function and the scan function are supported, the print button of the control 302 and the scan button of the control 303 are displayed. In contrast, since the facsimile function is not supported, the facsimile button of the control 304 in Figure 3 Fig. 22 is not displayed.

[0377] In the present embodiment, the function button that is not supported is not displayed; and it can be grayed out or shaded to indicate that it cannot be used.

[0378] As described above, in the present embodiment, the application 201 obtains the capability of the image forming apparatus 102. The functions to be displayed on the display screen are switched according to the obtained capability. This process allows the user to easily obtain the print function, the scan function, and the facsimile function.

[0379] The embodiments of the present disclosure can also be implemented by a computer of a system or an apparatus that reads out and executes computer executable instructions (e.g., one or more programs) recorded on a storage medium (which can also be referred to more fully as a 'non-transitory computer-readable storage medium') to perform the functions of one or more of the above-described embodiments and / or that includes one or more circuits (e.g., application specific integrated circuits (ASICs)) for performing the functions of one or more of the above-described embodiments; and by the methods of the present disclosure that are performed by computers of the system or apparatus by, for example, operating based on an operation system or application programs, storing data in storage devices, and starting the devices, using a communication device and so on. The computer can comprise one or more processors (e.g., central processing units (CPUs), micro processing units (MPUs)) and can include a network of separate computers or separate processors to read out and execute the computer executable instructions. The computer executable instructions can be provided to the computer, for example, from a network or the storage medium. The storage medium can include, for example, one or both of a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), a storage of distributed computing systems, an optical disk (such as a compact disc (CD), digital versatile disc (DVD), or Blu-ray Disc (BD)®), a flash memory device, a memory card, and the like. TM

[0380] Other embodiments

[0381] Embodiments of the present application can also be implemented by a method of providing software (computer program product including a computer program) that performs the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or an apparatus, by a computer (central processing unit (CPU), micro processing unit (MPU)) of the system or apparatus reading out and executing the computer program, through a network or various storage media.

[0382] While the present disclosure has described example embodiments, it is to be understood that the embodiments are not limited to the disclosed example embodiments. The scope of the appended claims should be construed to include all such variations as encompassed by the appended claims.​

Claims

1. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing computer-executable instructions that, when executed, cause an information processing apparatus to perform a control method, the control method comprising: generating an instruction that is commonly executed by multifunction devices provided by a plurality of manufacturers; and calling a plurality of software that is capable of transmitting the instruction to multifunction devices provided by the plurality of manufacturers.

2. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of software includes two or more of software for generating a print instruction, software for generating a scan instruction, and software for generating a facsimile transmission instruction.

3. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 1, wherein, the control method further comprises: obtaining a function of a multifunction device; and switching the software that can be called according to the obtained function of the multifunction device.

4. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, the control method further comprises: displaying a screen for selecting one software from the plurality of software.

5. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing computer-executable instructions that, when executed, cause an information processing apparatus to perform a control method, the control method comprising: generating an instruction that is commonly executed by multifunction devices provided by a plurality of manufacturers; and calling a plurality of support applications that support respective functions of a plurality of software that is capable of transmitting the instruction to multifunction devices provided by the plurality of manufacturers.

6. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 5, wherein, the plurality of support applications includes two or more of a support application that supports software for generating a print instruction, a support application that supports software for generating a scan instruction, and a support application that supports software for generating a facsimile transmission instruction.

7. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 5, wherein, the control method further comprises: obtaining a function of a multifunction device; and switching the software that can be called according to the obtained function of the multifunction device.

8. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 5, wherein, the control method further comprises: displaying a screen for selecting one software from the plurality of software.

9. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 5, wherein, the support application provides a setting screen for constructing a setting item that cannot be constructed on a setting screen provided by the software.

10. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 5, wherein, the control method further comprises: displaying a screen for selecting one support application from the plurality of support applications.

11. A control method of an information processing apparatus, the control method comprising: generating an instruction that is commonly executed by multifunction devices provided by a plurality of manufacturers; and calling a plurality of software that is capable of transmitting the instruction to multifunction devices provided by the plurality of manufacturers.

12. The control method of an information processing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the plurality of software includes two or more of software for generating a print instruction, software for generating a scan instruction, and software for generating a facsimile transmission instruction.

13. The control method of an information processing apparatus according to claim 11, the control method further comprising: obtaining a function of a multifunction device; and switching the software that can be called according to the obtained function of the multifunction device.

14. The control method of an information processing apparatus according to claim 11, the control method further comprising: displaying a screen for selecting one software from the plurality of software.

15. A control method of an information processing apparatus, the control method comprising: generating an instruction that can be commonly executed by multifunction devices provided by a plurality of manufacturers; and calling a plurality of support applications that support respective functions of a plurality of software capable of transmitting the instruction to multifunction devices provided by the plurality of manufacturers.

16. The control method of an information processing device according to claim 15, wherein: The plurality of support applications includes two or more of a support application that supports software for generating a print instruction, a support application that supports software for generating a scan instruction, and a support application that supports software for generating a facsimile transmission instruction.

17. The control method of an information processing apparatus according to claim 15, the control method further comprising: obtaining a function of a multifunction device; and switching software that can be called according to the obtained function of the multifunction device.

18. The control method of an information processing apparatus according to claim 15, the control method further comprising: displaying a screen for selecting one software from the plurality of software.

19. The control method of the information processing apparatus according to claim 15, wherein The support application provides a setting screen for constructing a setting item that cannot be constructed on a setting screen provided by the software.

20. The control method of an information processing apparatus according to claim 15, the control method further comprising: displaying a screen for selecting one support application from the plurality of support applications.

21. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing computer-executable instructions that, when executed, cause an information processing apparatus to perform a control method, the control method comprising: generating an instruction that can be commonly executed by multifunction devices provided by a plurality of manufacturers; and displaying one or more software of a plurality of software capable of transmitting the instruction to multifunction devices provided by the plurality of manufacturers and one or more support applications that support functions of the software, as selectable options; and calling the selected software or support application.

22. A control method of an information processing apparatus, the information processing apparatus comprising: a plurality of software that generates an instruction that can be commonly executed by multifunction devices provided by a plurality of manufacturers, and that is capable of transmitting the instruction to multifunction devices provided by the plurality of manufacturers; and a plurality of support applications that support functions of the software, the control method comprising: displaying one or more software of the plurality of software and one or more support applications of the plurality of support applications, as selectable options; and calling the selected software or support application.

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