PROGRAM, STORAGE MEDIUM, CONTROL METHOD FOR INFORMATION PROCESSING DEVICE, AND INFORMATION PROCESSING DEVICE

Abstract

To provide a mechanism for reducing unintended printing on a specific paper sheet.SOLUTION: An information processing device disclosed herein performs print setting on a print job to be requested to a printing device according to a user operation via a setting screen. Also, the information processing device displays the setting screen on a display unit and, once a setting on a specific paper sheet is done, switch the display from a screen that does not allow a user to select a given object included in the setting screen to a screen that enable selection.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 14A

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus that performs print settings, a control method thereof, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] A printer driver is known that is installed in an information processing device such as a host computer and that transmits created print data to a printing device connected to the host computer. The printer driver converts data from various applications running on the host computer into print data.

[0003] Recent printing devices are capable of handling a wide variety of paper, and there is an increasing demand for printing on paper (such as envelopes) that has special paper placement (paper feed direction, print orientation, front and back) and shapes. For example, not only are there envelope paper of standard sizes (such as long envelopes and Monarch envelopes) for domestic and overseas markets, but the market also prints on envelopes of non-standard sizes that differ from the standard sizes according to the size of the paper to be inserted. Patent Document 1 proposes a technology for specifying the position of the lid (hereinafter referred to as the flap) for closing an envelope in an information processing device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5962741 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, the above-mentioned conventional technology has the following problems. When printing on envelopes using a printing device, if the settings such as the flap position or the flap open / closed state are incorrect, the intended print result cannot be obtained. Even with postcards, the intended print result may not be obtained due to incorrect settings such as the address side and the message side, or the top and bottom of the address side. Thus, when printing on special paper, it is necessary to make sure to set the print settings without omissions.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of at least one of the above problems, and provides a mechanism for reducing unintentional printing on a specific paper. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention is characterized in that, for example, an information processing device includes a setting means for making print settings for a print job to be requested from a printing device in accordance with user operations via a setting screen, and a display control means for displaying the setting screen on a display unit and, when settings for a specific paper are made by the setting means, switching a specified object included in the setting screen from being displayed as being unselectable by the user to being selectable. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, unintentional printing on a specific paper can be reduced. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is an overall view of a system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an information processing device according to an embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 4 is a module configuration diagram of a printer driver according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] 1 is a flowchart showing a printer driver installation method according to an embodiment. [Diagram 5] 1 is a flowchart showing a print queue registration method of a printer driver according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a print queue registration user I / F according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a print queue addition user I / F according to an embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a system block diagram of a printer driver according to an embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 illustrates a registration queue file according to an embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a printer specification description file according to an embodiment. [Figure 11] 6 is a diagram showing an example of a printer specification description file stored in an OS according to an embodiment; [Figure 12A] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a printer driver display example 1 according to an embodiment. [Figure 12B] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a printer driver display example 2 according to an embodiment. [Figure 13A] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a printer driver display example 3 according to an embodiment. [Figure 13B] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a printer driver display example 4 according to an embodiment. [Figure 14A] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a first display example of an envelope wizard first screen according to an embodiment. [Figure 14B] 11A and 11B are diagrams showing display examples 2 and 3 of a first screen of an envelope wizard according to an embodiment. [Figure 15A] 11A and 11B are diagrams showing display examples 1 and 2 of a second screen of the envelope wizard according to an embodiment. [Figure 15B] FIG. 13 is a view showing a display example 3 of a second screen of the envelope wizard according to an embodiment. [Figure 16] 1 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure according to an embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a printer driver display example 5 according to an embodiment. [Figure 18] 2 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure according to an embodiment. [Figure 19] 6A and 6B are diagrams showing setting patterns related to print settings for envelopes according to an embodiment; [Figure 20] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of print data according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims. Although the embodiments describe a number of features, not all of these features are essential to the invention, and the features may be combined in any manner. Furthermore, in the attached drawings, the same reference numbers are used for the same or similar configurations, and duplicated descriptions are omitted.

[0011] <System configuration> An embodiment of the present invention will be described below. First, the overall configuration of the system according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. This system includes a host computer 101 and printing devices 102 and 103, each of which is connected to a network 100 so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0012] The host computer 101 is an example of an information processing device. This embodiment is realized, for example, by an operating system 212 in the host computer 101 executing a printer driver 301 loaded in a RAM 202 on a CPU 201. The host computer 101 can instruct printing devices 102, 103, etc. to execute a print job via the printer driver 301.

[0013] The printing device 102 will be described as an SFP (Single Function Printer), and the printing device 103 will be described as an MFP (Multi Function Printer). The printing devices included in this system may be any device with a printing function, such as an SFP, MFP, or facsimile machine. Note that there is no intention to limit the present invention to the types and number of devices shown in the figure, and other types of devices may be included, and the number of each device may be increased or decreased as desired.

[0014] <Configuration of information processing device> Next, the internal configuration of the host computer 101 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 2. The host computer 101 includes a CPU 201, a RAM 202, a ROM 203, a display operation unit I / F 205, a network I / F 207, and an external memory I / F 209. Each device is connected via a system bus 204 so as to be able to transmit and receive data to and from each other.

[0015] The CPU 201 performs overall control of each device connected to a system bus 204 in accordance with a program stored in a ROM 203. The RAM 202 also functions as a main memory, a work area, etc. for the CPU 201. The ROM 203 stores various basic programs and data for the system.

[0016] The display operation unit I / F 205 controls the display of information on the display operation unit 206. The display operation unit 206 has a display function and is also a touch panel that accepts input from a user. The network I / F 207 controls a network module 208 and realizes network communication between the host computer 101 and an external device. The external memory I / F 209 controls access to an external memory 211 such as a flash memory or a solid state disk. The external memory 211 stores an operating system program (hereinafter, OS) 212 and various applications 213, and functions as a storage medium that the host computer 101 can write or read.

[0017] <Printer driver details> Next, a printer driver executed on the host computer 101 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 shows the module configuration of a printer driver 301.

[0018] The printer driver 301 includes a graphic rendering module 302, a UI control module 303, a printer specification description file 304, a color processing module 305, and an input / output control module 306. Note that this is not intended to limit the present invention, and the printer driver 301 may include modules that achieve other functions.

[0019] A graphic rendering module 302 issues a page description language and printer control commands to the printing device. A UI control module 303 controls the UI screen of the printer driver to be displayed on the host computer 101. A printer specification description file 304 includes specification description files of each printing device connected to the network 100. The UI control module 303 controls various UIs based on the printer specification description file 304. A color processing module 305 performs processing related to color processing of printed materials. An input / output control module 306 controls input / output to / from the printing device connected via the network 100.

[0020] There are several ways to create such a printer driver. For example, in order to make one printer driver compatible with multiple printing devices (hereinafter also referred to as printers), the graphic rendering module 302 and UI control module 303 are created so as to be compatible with multiple printers. Furthermore, in this creation method, the printer specification description file 304 is bundled with the printer driver for all compatible printers. In this method, the UI control module 303 displays and controls the UI according to the printer specifications of the printer that is requested to submit a print job, among those in the printer specification description file 304. Also, the graphic rendering module 302 can issue a page description language and printer control commands that are compatible with each printer.

[0021] <Installation Procedure> Next, the basic procedure for installing a printer driver in the host computer 101 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. The process described below is realized, for example, by the CPU 201 of the host computer 101 reading a program stored in a memory such as ROM 203 into the RAM 202 and executing it. The printer driver can be acquired from a CD-ROM, or acquired via a printer driver installer over a network. Here, an example using the printer driver installer will be described. The "S" below indicates the step number of each process in the flowchart. The same applies to the subsequent figures.

[0022] First, in S401, the CPU 201 starts the printer driver installer stored in the external memory 211. Next, in S402, the CPU 201 stores the printer driver module in a predetermined location in the external memory 211 by the printer driver installer.

[0023] The storage location differs depending on the printing system. As an example, in CUPS (Common Unix Printing System), printer driver modules are stored for each printer vendor under the " / Library / Printers / " directory. It is also possible to store printer drivers further divided by type under the directory for each printer vendor. For example, assume that a printer vendor called ABC has two different printer drivers, PDL1 and PDL2. In this case, the directories " / Library / Printers / ABC / PDL1 / " and " / Library / Printers / ABC / PDL2 / " are created, and the printer drivers are stored under those directories.

[0024] Installation of the printer driver is completed when the printer driver module is stored in the above directory of the external memory 211 in S402. To actually output to the printer, it is necessary to register the printer in the print queue using the printer driver.

[0025] <Printer registration procedure> Next, the procedure for registering a printer in a print queue will be described with reference to Fig. 5. The process described below is realized, for example, by the CPU 201 of the host computer 101 reading a program stored in a memory such as the ROM 203 into the RAM 202 and executing it.

[0026] In S501, the CPU 201 displays a printer registration screen on the display operation unit 206 in response to a user operation. FIG. 6 shows an example of the registration screen 601. The registration screen 601 displays a registration list 602, a detailed display area 603, and buttons 604 to 606. The registration list 602 displays a list of printers currently registered in the print queue. FIG. 6 shows an example in which printer A and printer D are registered. The detailed display area 603 displays detailed information about the print queue selected in the registration list 602. The detailed information includes the location where the corresponding printer is installed, the type of printer, and the operating status of the printer. The button 604 is a button for registering a new printer. The button 605 is a button for deleting the printer currently selected in the registration list 602 from the print queue. The button 606 is a button for closing the registration screen 601 and transitioning to the original screen.

[0027] Returning to the explanation of Fig. 5, next, in S502, the CPU 201 accepts operation of the button 604 for adding to the print queue on the registration screen 601. Upon accepting this user operation, in S503 the CPU 201 displays an add printer dialog 701 on the display operation unit 206. In S504, the CPU 201 accepts input of necessary information in response to the user operation via the dialog displayed here, and adds the printer.

[0028] FIG. 7 shows an example of the addition dialog 701. The addition dialog 701 includes input areas 702 to 705 and buttons 706 to 708. The input area 702 is an area for specifying the network address (IP address in this example) of the connected printer. The input area 703 is an area for entering a name for identifying the printer to be additionally registered. The input area 704 is an area for entering the location where the printer is installed. The input areas 703 and 704 are character strings used when displaying in the registration list 602 and the detailed display area 603 on the registration screen 601. The input area 705 is an area for specifying the printer driver to be used when registering the printer. The printer drivers listed here are the printer drivers stored in the printer driver storage directory ( / Library / Printers) of the OS 212 described above, which are listed by the CPU 201. In the example of FIG. 7, the address is 192.168.1.10, the printer name is "PrinterC", the location is "2F", and the printer driver is "ABC PDL1". In this state, when an add button 706 is operated, the CPU 201 adds the printer. To close the add dialog 701 without adding the printer, a button 707 or a button 708 is selected.

[0029] Returning to the description of FIG. 5, next, in S505, the CPU 201 registers the printer designated by the user in the system. The process of S505 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 8. FIG. 8 shows a state in which the printer driver 301 shown in FIG. 8 has already been installed in the host computer 101, and the printer has been registered in the print queue. In the figure, the graphic rendering module 302 has been installed in a predetermined directory ( / Library / Printers / ) of the OS 212 by the procedure described above. The back-end module 807 is provided by the OS 212, and is a module that transfers the print data generated by the graphic rendering module 302 to the input / output control module 306 that transmits the data to the printer. The print queue registration information 809, the printer specification description file 810, and the print queue setting file 811 are generated by the OS 212 in the process of registering the printer in the print queue in FIG. 5, and will be described in detail below. In this embodiment, the application 801 is an application that generates document files and image files, and the data created by the application 801 is printed.

[0030] In S505, the CPU 201 acquires the information entered in the addition dialog 701 and registers the printer. This registration is executed as follows. FIG. 9 shows a file in which information about the printer to be registered is described, and the file is described in a markup language. 901 is a printer identifier, and describes the printer name and underscore followed by the printer address. 902 describes the printer name. 903 describes the location where the printer is installed. 904 describes the actual print queue, and in this example, it indicates that the print queue is sent to the address 192.168.1.10 by the lpd protocol. 905 describes the printer driver name (here, ABC PDL1) used by this printer. 906 indicates that the printer description in the file ends. The CPU 201 creates the above description in S505 and adds the registration information of the corresponding printer to a specified file in the external memory 211. The specified file is, for example, the printers.conf file stored in the " / etc / cups / " directory in the CUPS system. This becomes the print queue registration information 809. If multiple print queues are registered, the description in FIG. 9 will be repeated in printers.conf for each of the print queues, for each corresponding printer.

[0031] Furthermore, in step S505, the CPU 201 registers the printer specification description file 304 in the system. The CPU 201 obtains the printer specification description file 304 of the printer to be registered from the UI control module 303, and registers it in a predetermined system location (printer specification description file 810) prepared for each print queue.

[0032] Before describing the details of how to register the printer specification description file 304, the printer specification description file 304 itself will be described. FIG. 10 shows an example of the printer specification description file 304. The printer specification description file 304 is written according to the printer specification description format. The following description will take this format into consideration. 1001 describes a comment. A comment begins with "*%". 1002 describes the printer vendor name. 1003 describes the printer name that this printer specification description file 304 supports. 1004 describes the page description language that this printer specification description file 304 supports. 1005 describes the version of the printer driver. 1006 and subsequent fields describe the functional specifications of this printer.

[0033] The function specification is one function from line 1006 of "*OpenUI" to line 1010 of "*CloseUI". After "*OpenUI" is the function name with "*" prepended, and after the function name is a ":" separator, indicating the type of function to select. The types are "PickOne" and "Boolean", and "PickOne" indicates that it is a function to select one option from among options. Also, "Boolean" indicates that this function is controlled by On / Off. In 1006, there is a function called *PageSize, and this function indicates that this function selects one option (here, size) from multiple options. In line 1007, the default value of this function is described. This line begins with "*Default", followed by the function name defined in the previous line. This line indicates that the default for the function called PageSize is A4. From line 1008 to line 1010 of *CloseUI, the options for this function are described one option per line. For example, in 1008, A3 is described as one of the options for PageSize. Note that this describes the function to select the page size, and since there are many options for page size, it is omitted. The final description of this function is 1010, where the function name described in "*OpenUI" is written after "*CloseUI". This expresses one function.

[0034] The next lines from 1011 to 1016 describe other functions. We will omit redundant explanations, but in this block, a function called Duplex is described, and one of the options can be selected from None, Simplex, and Duplex. In reality, this represents a function for specifying double-sided printing, and since None is not specified, it follows the printer's default settings, with Simplex indicating single-sided printing and Duplex indicating double-sided printing.

[0035] Next, a detailed method of registering the printer specification description file 304 will be described. The CPU 201 acquires this printer specification description file 304 corresponding to the printer from the UI control module 303, and stores it in a predetermined location (printer specification description file 810) of the system. FIG. 11 shows the storage location and the file. The storage location is under the " / etc / cups / ppd / " directory shown at 1101 in the external memory 211. In this directory, a plurality of files are stored as shown at 1102, 1103, and 1104. The file stored when additionally registering is given a file name consisting of the printer name, followed by an underscore, followed by the printer address. The printer specification description file 810 added here is, for example, "PrinterC_192.168.1.10_.ppd" shown at 1104. When the registration process of S505 ends, the process of this flowchart ends, and the printer registration is completed.

[0036] <Settings screen example> An example of a setting screen according to the present embodiment will be described below with reference to Fig. 12A to Fig. 15B. Note that the setting screen will be described here with reference to printing on envelope paper as an example of a specific paper. First, the print setting screen according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 12A.

[0037] The print setting screen 1200 shown in FIG. 12A is a screen for making settings related to printing when requesting a print job to the printing devices 102 and 103, and various settings can be made for each of the multiple tabs. FIG. 12A shows the setting screen for the tab for making "basic settings" among the multiple tabs. Other setting tabs include a "page setting" tab for making settings related to the print page, a "finishing" tab for making settings for the binding direction and double-sided settings, and a "paper feed" tab for specifying the paper source. In addition, a "print quality" tab for setting the print quality level, a "color" tab for setting the color mode, and an "exception settings" tab for making settings related to various exception handling are included. These print setting tabs are merely examples, and any print tab can be included according to the performance of the target printing device.

[0038] In the "Basic Settings" tab shown in FIG. 12A, at least the document size, output paper size, page layout, single-sided / double-sided printing, binding direction, staple / sort, color mode, binding margin, magnification, number of copies, and print orientation can be set. According to this embodiment, a button for setting a specific paper is further included as shown in 1203. The button 1203 is an example of a predetermined object, and is arranged near objects such as the document size 1201 and the output paper size 1202. As shown in FIG. 12A, the button 1203 is displayed as grayed out and unselectable as a default display of the print setting screen 1200. On the other hand, the button 1203 is displayed as selectable when a predetermined condition is satisfied. The above-mentioned predetermined condition is, for example, a condition according to the setting status of the document size 1201 and the output paper size 1202, and is a condition that a setting related to a specific paper is performed.

[0039] When the document size 1201 is operated, a list including multiple document sizes is displayed as a pop-up, and one of the document sizes can be selected. When the output paper size 1202 is operated, a list including multiple papers as the paper to be printed is displayed as a pop-up, and one of the papers can be selected. Here, when a document size or output paper is set to a specific paper, for example, a document size related to an envelope or postcard, the above-mentioned predetermined condition is satisfied.

[0040] 12B shows print setting screen 1200 in which a specific paper size has been set. As shown in 1204, document size 1201 has been operated and a size of "Long Western Envelope No. 3" has been selected. In this case, CPU 201 determines that a setting related to a specific paper has been set, and switches the display of grayed-out button 1203 to selectable button 1205. Note that button 1205 displays "Envelope Printing Details," allowing the user to easily recognize that envelope printing settings can be made by selecting this button.

[0041] In addition, the button 1203 is arranged near the document size 1201 and output paper size 1202 for setting the specific paper. Therefore, when the user sets the specific paper, the display is switched near the area of ​​interest, so the user can easily confirm the change in the object, and the effect of encouraging detailed settings of the specific paper can be expected. In this embodiment, a control is described in which the display is switched from an unselectable grayed-out display to a normal selectable display when a predetermined condition is satisfied. However, this is not intended to limit the present invention, and various highlighting displays may be performed to encourage the user to set envelope printing. For example, a highlighting display or a blinking display may be performed, or a pop-up message may be displayed to the effect that detailed settings of envelope printing are now possible. This can induce the user to set detailed settings of the specific paper.

[0042] FIG. 13A shows a print setting screen 1300 when the "Paper Feed" tab is selected. In the print setting screen 1300, a paper feed unit 1303 such as a manual feed tray or cassette as a paper feed source and a paper type setting 1301 can be set. In the paper feed unit 1303, for example, automatic, manual feed, or cassette 1 to cassette 4 can be selected as the paper feed source according to the specifications of the corresponding printing device. In the paper type setting 1301, the paper type can be set. In the example shown in FIG. 13A, "automatic" is set, and the setting can be changed by operating the setting button 1302. When the setting button 1302 is operated, the screen transitions to a paper type setting screen 1310 shown in FIG. 13B. In the setting screen 1310, a list 1312 of settable paper types is displayed so that it can be selected. By operating the button 1313, the information in the list 1312 can be updated. The user can specify the paper type by selecting a desired paper type from the paper types in the list 1312 and selecting the OK button 1311. When the OK button 1311 is selected, the selected paper type is reflected and the screen returns to the print setting screen 1300.

[0043] Fig. 14A shows a first screen 1400 of the detailed setting screen displayed on display operation unit 206 when button 1205 selectable in Fig. 12B is operated. The detailed setting screen described below will be described using a series of screens for making envelope-related settings (hereinafter referred to as an envelope wizard) as an example. In the envelope wizard, multiple screens for making envelope-related settings (first screen 1400, second screen 1500, etc.) are displayed sequentially in an interactive format according to user operations. Therefore, the user can easily make settings related to specific paper without omissions, and unintended print results can be reduced.

[0044] The first screen 1400 displays a paper size 1401, a paper type 1403, a print data orientation 1405, and buttons 1402, 1404, and 1406. The paper size 1401 displays a size that corresponds to the selected document size 1204 and can be changed, and is displayed as "Envelope No. 3" here. When the paper size 1401 is selected, a list of paper sizes that can be selected as special paper is displayed. In the list, only paper sizes that are registered as special paper among paper sizes supported by the printing device are displayed. The paper type 1403 displays a paper type that can be changed and is displayed as "Automatic" here. When the paper size 1401 is selected, a list of available paper sizes is displayed, and the setting value of the paper size can be changed. Only paper sizes that correspond to special paper are displayed in the list. When the paper type 1403 is selected, a list of available paper types is displayed, and the setting value of the paper type can be changed. The paper types displayed in the paper type list are only the paper types corresponding to special paper and "automatic". In the print data orientation 1405, multiple radio buttons (left, right, up) for selecting the orientation of the flap on the envelope to be printed are displayed as selectable, and here, the state in which "left" is selected is shown. The flap refers to the margin for gluing the envelope. On the envelope, the printing orientation of the address, etc. differs depending on the orientation of the flap, so it is important to set the flap orientation in the print settings. In addition, portrait and landscape can be set as the print orientation. In the example shown in FIG. 14A, the orientation is landscape. If no setting is made, printing will continue with the default setting, or a comment to the effect that no setting has been made will be displayed. When the button 1402 is operated, the flap-related settings can be made, and the screen transitions to the setting screen 1410 in FIG. 14B. When the button 1404 is operated, the screen transitions to the setting screen 1420 shown in FIG. 14C. When the "next" button of the buttons 1406 is operated, a second screen 1500 of the envelope wizard shown in FIG.

[0045] FIG. 14B shows a flap setting screen 1410 and a paper type setting screen 1420. In the setting screen 1410, it is possible to set a flap state 1411. In the flap state 1411, a plurality of radio buttons for setting "long side (closed)", "long side (open)", "short side (closed)", and "short side (open)" are displayed selectably. FIG. 14B shows a state in which "long side (open)" is selected. Since "Envelope Western Long No. 3" is selected as the paper size, the radio buttons related to the short side that cannot be selected are grayed out and cannot be selected. In this way, according to the present embodiment, the setting items that are prohibited are displayed as unselectable according to the previous setting situation. This makes it possible to prevent erroneous settings. When the OK button is selected, the setting of the selected flap state 1411 is reflected, and the screen returns to the first screen 1400.

[0046] Furthermore, on a setting screen 1420 for setting the paper type, the setting of the paper type 1403 can be changed. A list of settable paper types is displayed selectably in the paper type 1421. On the paper type setting screen in the envelope wizard, "Auto" and the paper type related to the envelope are displayed. Here, the state in which "Auto" is selected is shown. When the paper type is set to "Auto", the printing device sets the paper type based on the paper size setting described in the print data, and performs printing with parameters according to the set paper type. By selecting the desired paper type and operating the OK button, the setting of the selected paper type is reflected, and the screen returns to the first screen 1400. The selected paper type is reflected in the paper type 1403.

[0047] 15A shows an example of a second screen 1500 and a setting screen 1510 of the envelope wizard. The second screen 1500 is displayed on the display operation unit 206 when the "Next" button 1406 of the first screen 1400 is operated. Thus, according to this embodiment, the settings related to the specific paper are displayed in a wizard format (interactive format) so that the user can set all the settings. The second screen 1500 is displayed including a paper feed unit 1501, an envelope setting method 1503, and buttons 1502 and 1506.

[0048] A paper feed section 1501 displays the current setting status of the paper feed section, and in the example of FIG. 15A, manual feed is set. Manual feed means that the paper to be printed, in this case, an envelope, is placed on the manual feed tray. By operating a paper feed section selection button 1502, a transition to a setting screen 1510 is made, and the paper feed section setting can be changed. In addition to manual feed, for example, automatic or cassette can be selected. An envelope setting method 1503 displays an image 1504 of how to place the envelope paper, and a message 1505 of precautions to take when doing so. This is displayed because manual feed is set as the paper feed section. By operating a completion button 1506, the paper feed section setting is completed, the envelope wizard for the specific paper is terminated, and the print setting screen 1200 is returned to.

[0049] The setting screen 1510 shows a selection screen for a paper feed unit. The setting screen 1510 is displayed including at least a paper feed unit list 1511 and a button 1512. The paper feed unit list 1511 includes selectable paper feed units and non-selectable paper feed units in the corresponding printing device. Here, manual feed, cassette 3, and cassette 4 are displayed as selectable, and cassette 1 and cassette 2 are displayed as grayed out and non-selectable. Each selection item may also be displayed with information related to the paper feed unit, such as paper size, paper type, and remaining paper amount. When the button 1512 is operated, the latest information for each paper feed unit is acquired, and the display of the paper feed unit list 1511 is updated according to the acquired information.

[0050] FIG. 15B shows a second screen 1550 in the case where a paper feed unit is not specified on the second screen of the envelope wizard. The second screen 1550 is displayed including a paper feed unit 1551, an envelope setting method 1553, and buttons 1502 and 1506, similar to the second screen 1500. In the second screen 1550, the setting of the paper feed unit 1551 is "not specified." In this case, since the setting of the paper feed unit has not been finalized, an image of how to place the envelope paper, such as 1504, is not displayed, and only an explanatory text, such as 1554, that the current (paper feed unit) setting does not allow the envelope setting method to be displayed is displayed. The buttons 1502 and 1506 are the same as those on the second screen 1500, and therefore their explanations are omitted.

[0051] <Print setting procedure> Next, the print setting process procedure according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 16. Here, the setting process will be described using an example of printing on envelope paper as an example of specific paper. The process described below is realized, for example, by the CPU 201 of the host computer 101 reading a program stored in a memory such as the ROM 203 into the RAM 202 and executing it.

[0052] When the printer driver is started on the host computer 101, in S1601 the CPU 201 displays the print setting screen 1200 on the display operation unit 206. At this timing, the CPU 201 displays the button for displaying a screen for performing envelope-related settings (envelope wizard) as indicated by button 1203 in a grayed-out manner so that it cannot be selected. In S1601, the CPU 201 further accepts a user operation for document size 1201 or output paper size 1202 as a paper size setting, and specifies the document size or paper size. In the example shown in FIG. 12B, document size 1201 is set, but the same process as described below is performed even when output paper size 1202 is set.

[0053] Next, in S1602, the CPU 201 accepts the specification of the paper type desired by the user in the paper type setting 1301 on the print setting screen 1300 of the "Paper Feed" tab. Note that acceptance of the paper type setting 1301 is optional, and if it is not accepted, for example, "Automatic" may be selected as the default setting. If it is "Automatic", the corresponding paper type is automatically set according to the document size 1201 and the settings of the paper feed unit.

[0054] Next, in S1603, CPU 201 determines whether settings related to specific paper (here, settings related to envelopes) have been made for either or both of the paper size and paper type. This determination is made regardless of whether settings changes for the paper size and paper type have been accepted in S1601 and S1602, respectively, and if no settings have been changed, a determination is made using the default settings. If it is determined in S1603 that at least one of the paper size and paper type is a setting related to specific paper, the process proceeds to S1604, and if not, the process proceeds to S1613. Note that the paper type setting of "automatic" is not considered a setting related to specific paper. Therefore, if the paper type setting is set to "automatic," CPU 201 determines whether special paper is set based on the setting value set for the paper size.

[0055] In S1604, CPU 201 switches button 1203, which is displayed as grayed out and unselectable for displaying the envelope wizard, to the display of selectable button 1205. It then determines whether or not button 1205 has been operated. If button 1205 has been operated, the process proceeds to S1605, and if not, the process proceeds to S1613.

[0056] In S1605, the CPU 201 displays the first screen 1400 of the envelope wizard on the display operation unit 206. The first screen 1400 displays a paper size 1401 and a paper type 1403 that can be changed, and accepts the setting of the print data orientation 1405. In addition, a button 1402 for displaying a setting screen 1410 for setting the flap state of the envelope paper size 1401 selected up to this point is displayed, and when the button 1402 is operated, the setting screen 1410 for setting the flap state is displayed on the display operation unit 206. In the setting screen 1410, the user is prompted to select whether to feed paper with the flap closed or open. In the example of FIG. 14A, the selected paper size is "Envelope Western Long No. 3". Since the flap of this standard size envelope is provided only in the long side direction, the flap in the short side direction cannot be specified in the setting screen 1410, and therefore the setting screen 1410 is grayed out and cannot be selected.

[0057] In S1606, CPU 201 sets print data orientation 1405 according to the selected envelope paper size 1401 and flap state 1411 in response to a user operation. Paper type 1403 can be changed by operating setting button 1404 to select an envelope type listed on paper type setting screen 1420 of Fig. 14B, which is displayed. Note that the processing of S1605 and S1606 is not limited to being performed in this order, but may be performed in an order according to the user operation.

[0058] Next, when button 1406 on first screen 1400 of the envelope wizard is operated, CPU 201 displays second screen 1500 of the envelope wizard on display operation unit 206 in S1607. Here, paper feed unit 1501 is set in response to user operation. To change the paper feed unit, information on paper feed stages capable of feeding the currently selected envelope paper size is displayed in a list on setting screen 1510 displayed by operating button 1502, and a paper feed unit can be selected from the list. If the printer driver is in a communicable state, information such as the paper size and paper type set in the current printing device can be updated by operating button 1512 for acquiring the latest information on the paper feed unit. On the other hand, paper feed stages that cannot feed the currently selected paper size are displayed as grayed out or otherwise unavailable for selection.

[0059] Next, in S1608, the CPU 201 determines whether to rotate the print image 180 degrees to obtain the print result intended by the user from the paper size and flap state set via the print setting screens 1200 and 1300 and the envelope wizard, and information on the paper feed unit. In this embodiment, the application 801 generates print data with the image data output in the positive direction. If the print image is set to be rotated 180 degrees, the printer prints the print image included in the received print data by inverting it 180 degrees. For example, the CPU 201 determines whether the print image needs to be rotated 180 degrees to obtain the print result as expressed in the print data orientation 1405. If the CPU 201 determines that image rotation is necessary, the process proceeds to S1609, and if not, the process proceeds to S1610. In S1609, the CPU 201 stores a flag for issuing an image rotated 180 degrees in a memory such as the RAM 202 or the external memory 211, and proceeds to S1610. Details of S1608 and S1609 will be described later with reference to FIG. 18. When the paper feed unit is changed to "manual feed" in S1610, CPU 201 displays an image 1504 of how to place envelope paper in the specified paper feed unit, and a message 1505 of precautions to take when doing so, in envelope setting method 1503, together with the second screen 1500. Note that when second screen 1500 is displayed in S1607, if the paper feed unit is already set to "manual feed," the envelope setting method 1503 described above is displayed. In other words, the processing of S1610 is performed in response to a user operation, and is not limited to the order of the flowchart shown in FIG. 16. When the processing of S1610 ends, the process proceeds to S1611.

[0060] In S1611, the CPU 201 determines whether the completion button of the buttons 1506 has been operated. If it is determined that the button 1506 has been operated, the display of the envelope wizard is completed and the process proceeds to S1612. On the other hand, if it is determined that the button 1506 has not been operated, the process returns to S1605. In S1612, the CPU 201 reflects the paper size, paper type, print orientation, 180 degree rotation setting, and other settings set in the envelope wizard in the print setting screens 1200 and 1230 of the printer driver. Next, in S1613, the CPU 201 determines whether to end the UI display of the printer driver by operating the OK button 1205, etc. If not, the process returns to S1601, and if it is determined that the display should be ended, the process of this flowchart ends.

[0061] If it is determined in S1603 that neither the paper size nor the paper type is set to an envelope, the button 1203 for displaying the envelope wizard is disabled.

[0062] Here, the conditions for determining whether the paper is a specific paper (envelope or postcard) in step S1603 will be described. Table 1 below shows an example of the paper size and paper type when determining that the paper is an envelope.

[0063] [Table 1]

[0064] In the setting screen 1420 shown in FIG. 14B, envelope paper types that are in a forbidden relationship with the selected paper size are not displayed as the paper type. To explain using the example of Table 1 above, rectangular envelope No. 2 is a domestic (Japanese) envelope paper size (flap is on the short side), but is in a forbidden relationship with the paper type of Western envelope 76-105g / m2. This is based on the premise that Western envelopes have a flap on the long side. In this case, if rectangular envelope No. 2 is selected, Western envelopes (76-105g / m2) will not be displayed on the setting screen 1420.

[0065] 15B is "not specified," and the paper feed unit is not determined. In this case, an image of how to place envelope paper, such as 1504 on the second screen 1500, is not displayed, and only an explanatory message, such as 1554, is displayed, indicating that the current (paper feed unit) settings do not allow the setting method for envelopes to be displayed.

[0066] <180 degree rotation processing> Next, the detailed processing of S1608 and S1609 will be described with reference to FIG. 17 and FIG. 18. First, a screen showing the setting contents of the processing options of the print settings will be described with reference to FIG. 17. A screen 1700 is displayed on the display operation unit 206 by operating a button for setting the processing options included in the "Print Quality" tab of the print setting screen 1200, for example. A list of processing items is displayed in 1701, and detailed settings can be made in the area below by selecting any of the items. The item list 1701 displays a setting item for whether to rotate the print orientation by 180 degrees, as shown in 1702. In the above S1608, this setting item is determined whether to set the 180-degree rotation based on the paper size, the open / closed state of the flap, the print orientation, etc. This determination largely depends on the specifications of the target printing device body. In the following description, the paper orientation of an envelope with a flap on the long side is 180 degrees different when the flap is opened and closed, but in both cases, the paper feed direction is the short side feed direction. It is also assumed that for envelopes with a flap on the long side, the paper feed direction is along the long side when the flap is open, and along the short side when the flap is closed. If the user does not open the envelope wizard and does not make any settings, the print data containing the values ​​set on the screen shown in Figure 17 for the 180 degree rotation setting is sent to the printing device.

[0067] The following describes the flowchart in Fig. 18. The processing described below is realized, for example, by the CPU 201 of the host computer 101 reading a program stored in a memory such as the ROM 203 into the RAM 202 and executing the program.

[0068] In S1801, the CPU 201 acquires the (envelope) paper size, flap open / closed state, and print orientation as input values ​​from the settings. Next, in S1802, the CPU 201 determines whether the side with the flap for the paper size is the short side. If it is the short side, the process proceeds to S1810, and if it is the long side, the process proceeds to S1820.

[0069] In S1810, CPU 201 determines whether the flap is open, and if it is open, proceeds to S1811, and if it is closed, proceeds to S1814. In S1811, CPU 201 determines whether the print orientation is set to have the flap at the top. If it is set to have the flap at the top, it determines that the print image is not to be rotated 180 degrees, and ends the processing of this flowchart. On the other hand, if the flap is set to be on the left or right, it proceeds to S1812, where CPU 201 determines whether the flap is on the right side. If it is on the right side, it determines that the print image is not to be rotated 180 degrees, and ends the processing of this flowchart. On the other hand, if it is determined to be on the left side, it proceeds to S1813, where CPU 201 sets the print image to be rotated 180 degrees, and ends the processing of this flowchart.

[0070] If it is determined in S1810 that the flap is closed, then in S1814 the CPU 201 determines whether the flap is set to be on top as the printing orientation. If it is on top, the process proceeds to S1815 where the CPU 201 sets the print image to be rotated 180 degrees and ends the process of this flowchart. If it is on the left or right, the process proceeds to S1816 where the CPU 201 determines whether the flap is on the right side. If it is on the right side, the process proceeds to S1815 where the CPU 201 sets the print image to be rotated 180 degrees and ends the process of this flowchart. On the other hand, if it is on the left side, it determines that the print image is not to be rotated 180 degrees and ends the process of this flowchart.

[0071] If the flap is determined to be the long side in S1802, the CPU 201 determines in S1820 whether the flap is open. If the flap is determined to be open, the process proceeds to S1821, and if the flap is determined to be closed, the process proceeds to S1824. In S1821, the CPU 201 determines whether the print orientation is set to have the flap at the top. If the flap is at the top, the process proceeds to S1822 where the CPU 201 determines whether the flap is on the right side. If the flap is on the right side, the process proceeds to S1823 where the CPU 201 sets the print image to be rotated 180 degrees and ends the process of this flowchart. If the flap is on the left side ... and ends the process of this flowchart.

[0072] If it is determined in S1820 that the flap is closed, then in S1824 the CPU 201 determines whether the print orientation is set with the flap at the top. If it is at the top, the process proceeds to S1825 where the CPU 201 sets the print image to be rotated 180 degrees and ends the process of this flowchart. On the other hand, if it is at the left or right, the process proceeds to S1826 where the CPU 201 determines whether the flap is at the right side. If it is at the left side, the process proceeds to S1825 where the CPU 201 sets the print image to be rotated 180 degrees and ends the process of this flowchart. On the other hand, if it is at the right side, the process determines that the print image is not to be rotated 180 degrees and ends the process of this flowchart.

[0073] In this embodiment, as described above, the printer driver sets whether or not to rotate 180 degrees according to the setting value set in the envelope wizard. In this way, it is possible to reduce the effort required for the user to set the setting value for 180 degree rotation based on the size and type of envelope to be used, the flap position, the open / close state, etc.

[0074] <Setting pattern> Fig. 19 shows patterns of rotation settings etc. for each combination of envelope printing settings. Fig. 19 includes the results of rotation settings when the rotation determination of Fig. 18 is performed according to each combination of setting contents. Each row of the table 1900 shows each pattern including the flap position, flap open / closed state, print data orientation, paper feed unit, print side, 180 degree rotation setting, and the display image of image 1504. A table including information such as that shown in the table 1900 is stored in the external memory 211 and is used when displaying various setting screens. For example, when displaying the image 1504, a corresponding image is selected from the table according to the setting parameters and displayed.

[0075] As described above, the location of the paper feed and the placement of the envelope are largely dependent on the specifications of the printer body. As shown in Fig. 19, the setting of whether to rotate the print image 180 degrees changes depending on the pattern of each setting parameter. As explained using the flowchart in Fig. 18, whether to rotate the print image 180 degrees changes depending on the setting parameters of the flap position, open / closed state, and print data orientation.

[0076] The display image also changes depending on the setting parameters. For example, 1901 is a pattern when an envelope with the flap on the short side and open is used as the printing target, and the manual feed unit is used. In this case, the opposite side of the flap (the bottom of the envelope) faces the printing device, and the envelope needs to be set so that the print side faces up, and the corresponding display image is shown. Note that the position of the flap and the side of the envelope may be set differently depending on the specifications of the printing device. On the other hand, as shown in 1902, even if an envelope with the flap on the short side and open is used as the printing target as in 1901, the print side faces down when the feed unit becomes a cassette, so the image is that the envelope is set so that the back side faces up. 1903 is an image of setting an envelope with the flap on the long side and closed (the flap is inserted into the envelope) in the manual feed unit.

[0077] <Print data> FIG. 20 shows an example of a schematic diagram of print data in the case of 1901. 2000 shows a schematic diagram of some data related to print settings other than the image data of the print data. The paper size is square No. 2 with the flap positioned on the short side, the print orientation is landscape, and the paper feed section is manual feed. It also shows that the print image needs to be rotated 180 degrees as a result of following the physical paper feed contents since the flap position is on the left side for the print data. Note that as shown in 1702 on screen 1700, "rotate print orientation 180 degrees" is displayed as a processing option, but it is not necessary to include a command specifying a specific 180-degree rotation, and only image data rotated 180 degrees.

[0078] As described above, the information processing device according to the present embodiment performs print settings for a print job to be requested to a printing device according to user operations via a setting screen. The information processing device also displays the setting screen on a display unit, and when settings related to a specific paper are performed, switches a specific object included in the setting screen from being displayed as being unselectable by the user to being displayed as being selectable by the user. This makes it possible to reduce unintended printing on a specific paper.

[0079] The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications are possible. In the above embodiment, an envelope is described as an example of a specific paper. However, the present invention can also be applied to other specific paper that requires a specific placement method, such as a postcard with a postal code field printed thereon, and the scope of application of the present invention is not limited to envelopes.

[0080] The disclosure of this specification includes the following information processing device, control method thereof, and program.

[0081] (Item 1) An information processing device, a setting unit for setting print settings for a print job to be requested to a printing device in accordance with a user operation via a setting screen; a display control means for displaying the setting screen on a display unit, and for switching a predetermined object included in the setting screen from a display that is not selectable by the user to a display that is selectable by the user when the setting means performs a setting related to the specific paper; An information processing device comprising:

[0082] (Item 2) 2. The information processing device according to item 1, wherein the display control means transitions to a screen for performing detailed settings of the specific paper when the selectably displayed predetermined object is operated by a user.

[0083] (Item 3) 3. The information processing apparatus according to item 2, wherein the display control means sequentially displays a screen for performing detailed setting of the specific paper in accordance with a user operation so that the setting can be completed in an interactive format.

[0084] (Item 4) The information processing device described in item 2 or 3, characterized in that the display control means displays a first screen on the display unit for setting detailed settings of the specific paper when the selectably displayed specified object is operated by a user, and displays a second screen for setting detailed settings of the specific paper when a specified user operation is performed on the first screen.

[0085] (Item 5) 5. The information processing device according to any one of items 2 to 4, wherein the specific paper is paper that needs to be placed in a specific orientation when placed on a paper feed unit of the printing device.

[0086] (Item 6) 6. The information processing device according to any one of items 1 to 5, wherein the specific paper is an envelope or a postcard.

[0087] (Item 7) The information processing device described in item 6 is characterized in that, when the specific paper is an envelope, the display control means sequentially displays screens for setting the position and open / closed state of the envelope flap and the orientation of the printing data as screens for making detailed settings of the specific paper.

[0088] (Item 8) 8. The information processing device according to item 7, wherein the display control means further displays a screen for setting a paper feed unit that feeds paper to be printed in the printing device.

[0089] (Item 9) The information processing device described in item 8 is characterized in that when a setting for manually feeding paper is selected on the screen for setting the paper feed unit, the display control means displays information indicating the orientation in which the paper will be fed when placed on the manual feed tray in accordance with the settings of the position and open / closed state of the envelope flap and the orientation of the print data.

[0090] (Item 10) 10. The information processing device according to item 9, wherein the information indicating the orientation of the paper when placed on the manual feed tray is an image indicating the information.

[0091] (Item 11) An information processing device described in any one of items 7 to 10, further comprising a determination means for determining whether or not it is necessary to rotate a printed image based on the settings of the position and open / closed state of the envelope flap and the orientation of the printing data.

[0092] (Item 12) 12. The information processing device according to any one of items 1 to 11, wherein the display control means, when switching to a display in which the predetermined object is selectable, displays the predetermined object in a highlighted manner.

[0093] (Item 13) 13. The information processing device according to any one of items 1 to 12, wherein the display control means displays the predetermined object in a grayed-out state so that the predetermined object cannot be selected.

[0094] (Item 14) 14. The information processing device according to any one of items 1 to 13, wherein the predetermined object is arranged on the setting screen in the vicinity of an object for which settings related to the specific paper are performed.

[0095] (Item 15) A method for controlling an information processing device, comprising: a setting step in which a setting unit performs print settings for a print job to be requested to a printing device in accordance with a user operation via a setting screen; a display control step of displaying the setting screen on a display unit by a display control means, and switching a predetermined object included in the setting screen from a display that is not selectable by the user to a display that is selectable by the user when a setting related to a specific paper is made in the setting step; 23. A method for controlling an information processing apparatus comprising:

[0096] (Item 16) A program for causing a computer to execute each step of a control method for an information processing device, the control method comprising: a setting step in which a setting unit performs print settings for a print job to be requested to a printing device in accordance with a user operation via a setting screen; a display control step of displaying the setting screen on a display unit by a display control means, and switching a predetermined object included in the setting screen from a display that is not selectable by the user to a display that is selectable by the user when a setting related to a specific paper is made in the setting step; A program comprising:

[0097] <Other embodiments> The present invention can also be realized by a process in which a program for implementing one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in a computer of the system or device read and execute the program. The present invention can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that implements one or more of the functions.

[0098] The invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and variations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the following claims are appended to apprise the public of the scope of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0099] 100: network, 101: host computer (information processing device), 102, 103: printing device, 201: CPU, 202: RAM, 203: ROM, 204: system bus, 205: display operation unit I / F, 206: display operation unit, 207: network I / F, 208: network module, 209: external memory I / F, 211: external memory, 212: OS, 213: various applications

Claims

1. A program for causing a computer to execute a control method for an information processing device, On the computer, a first display step of displaying a setting screen on a display unit; a changing step of changing a predetermined object included in the setting screen from a state where it is not selectable by the user to a state where it is selectable by the user when a setting related to an envelope is accepted on the setting screen; a receiving step of receiving a plurality of settings including a first setting for a flap of the envelope and a second setting for a sheet holding means from which the envelope is conveyed after the predetermined object is selected by a user on the setting screen; A program characterized by executing a second display step of displaying information notifying a method for setting the envelope in the sheet holding means based on the first setting and the second setting.

2. A computer, 2. The program according to claim 1, further comprising a third display step of sequentially displaying a plurality of screens for accepting the plurality of settings in accordance with user operations so that the plurality of settings can be completed interactively.

3. A computer, a third display step of displaying a second setting screen that accepts at least some of the plurality of settings for the envelope when the predetermined object displayed in a user-selectable state is operated by the user; The program described in claim 1 further executes a fourth display step of displaying a third setting screen that accepts at least one of the multiple settings for the envelope when a predetermined user operation is performed on the setting screen.

4. The program described in Claim 1, characterized in that the sheet needs to be set in a specific orientation in the sheet holding means of the printing device.

5. The program described in Claim 1, characterized in that the first setting includes setting the position of the envelope flap and setting the open / closed state of the envelope flap.

6. A computer, The program according to claim 5, characterized in that it determines whether the image needs to be rotated based on a plurality of settings including a setting of the position of the flap and a setting of the open / closed state of the flap of the envelope, and the orientation of the image in the print data.

7. The program described in Claim 1, characterized in that the information includes an image that notifies the user how to set the envelope on the sheet holding means.

8. The program described in Claim 1, characterized in that when the specified object is changed to a state that makes it selectable by the user, the specified object is displayed in an highlighted state.

9. The program described in Claim 1, characterized in that the state in which the specified object cannot be selected by the user is a state in which the specified object is grayed out.

10. The program described in Claim 1, characterized in that on the setting screen, the specified object is placed near an object for making the settings regarding the envelope.

11. A storage medium storing a program described in any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. A control method for an information processing device, comprising: a first display step of displaying a setting screen on a display unit; a changing step of changing a predetermined object included in the setting screen from a state where it is not selectable by the user to a state where it is selectable by the user when a setting related to an envelope is accepted on the setting screen; a receiving step of receiving a plurality of settings including a first setting for a flap of the envelope and a second setting for a sheet holding means from which the envelope is conveyed after the predetermined object is selected by a user on the setting screen; a second display step of displaying information notifying a method for setting the envelope on the sheet holding means based on the first setting and the second setting; A program comprising:

13. An information processing device, a first display means for displaying a setting screen on a display unit; a change means for changing a predetermined object included in the setting screen from a state where it is not selectable by the user to a state where it is selectable by the user when a setting related to an envelope is accepted on the setting screen; a receiving unit configured to receive a plurality of settings including a first setting for a flap of the envelope and a second setting for a sheet holding unit that is a transport source of the envelope after the predetermined object is selected by a user on the setting screen; a second display means for displaying information notifying a method for setting the envelope on the sheet holding means based on the first setting and the second setting; An information processing device comprising:

Images