Application program, control method and information processing device

Abstract

To provide an information processing apparatus, a print setting application, a method for controlling an information processing apparatus, and a program that can prevent a reduction in operability during printing.SOLUTION: A client terminal 101 that is an information processing apparatus comprises: acquisition means that acquires ability information related to the ability of printing from a cloud print server 102 providing a cloud print service 321 or a cloud print-enabled printer 104; and display control means that displays a screen. The ability information forms a hierarchical structure including item names 501 that are first information and attribute values 502 that are a plurality of pieces of second information belonging to the first information. The display control means is capable of first display of collectively displaying the item names 501 and the respective attribute values 502, and second display of classifying the plurality of attribute values 502 into attribute values 502 relevant to each other before displaying the attribute values.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 13

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, a print setting application, and a control method and program for the information processing apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, a generic printer driver that operates based on an industry standard protocol such as IPP (Internet Printing Protocol) has been considered. Generic printer drivers include a local printer driver that directly transmits print data to a printer (image forming device) and a cloud printer driver that transmits print data via a cloud print service. Generic printer drivers can also communicate with printers provided by multiple printer vendors. This allows print data to be transmitted to a printer or a cloud print service without installing a printer driver specific to the printer vendor. Therefore, a generic printer driver can handle print jobs executed by printers of various printer vendors, but items and functions that can be set as print settings may be limited accordingly. As a device that overcomes this limitation, for example, a device that acquires a driver extension package (print extension application) that expands the functions of a driver is known (see Patent Document 1, for example). When acquiring a driver extension package, the device described in Patent Document 1 updates the information in the database if the information included in the driver extension package is newer than the information already registered in the printer database. This allows the use of a print setting UI (User Interface) and print job editing function unique to each printer vendor. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2021-124791 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the generic printer driver, after updating the information, for example, in the case of double-sided printing, the selection items "Double-sided printing ON / OFF", "Binding direction when double-sided printing is short edge binding", and "Binding direction when double-sided printing is long edge binding" are displayed together in one combo box. This display style is different from the display style that general users are accustomed to, in which "Switch between double-sided printing / single-sided printing" is displayed together in one combo box, and "Bind on short edge" and "Bind on long edge" are displayed together in one combo box. As a result, there is a risk that operability when selecting an item for double-sided printing may decrease.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and has an object to provide an information processing device, a print setting application, and a method and program for controlling the information processing device, which are capable of preventing a decrease in operability during printing. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the information processing device of the present invention comprises an acquisition means for acquiring capability information regarding printing capabilities from a server providing a cloud print service or a printer, and a display control means for displaying a screen, wherein the capability information has a hierarchical structure including at least one first information and a plurality of second information belonging to the first information, and the display control means is capable of a first display for displaying the first information and each of the second information together, and a second display for sorting and displaying the plurality of second information according to related second information. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent deterioration of operability during printing. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of a printing system. [Diagram 2] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of each device included in the printing system shown in FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] 11 is a sequence illustrating an example of a process for installing a print setting extension application. [Figure 4] This is a screen related to printers registered in the client terminal. [Diagram 5] 11 is a table illustrating an example of capability information. [Figure 6A] 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of device capability information in an initial state included in an OS. [Figure 6B] 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of device capability information updated using capability information acquired from a cloud print service. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of an extended setup information file. [Figure 8] 11 is a sequence showing an example of a process from making print settings in a print setting extension application to transmitting print data. [Figure 9] 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print setting screen that is displayed when a print setting extension application is not installed. FIG. [Figure 10] 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print setting screen that is displayed when a print setting extension application is installed. FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 illustrates an example of a print setting screen displayed by a document generation application. [Figure 12] 13 is a sequence showing a process in which a print setting extension application divides and adds print setting items and displays them. [Figure 13] 13 is a flowchart showing a process in which a print setting extension application divides and adds a print setting item. [Figure 14] 13 is a flowchart showing a process in which a print setting extension application reflects setting values ​​changed by a UI operation in an object of the OS. [Figure 15]11 is a flowchart showing a process in the OS until a print setting extension application is installed in the client terminal. [Figure 16] 11 is a flowchart showing a process for making print settings using a print setting extending application and generating print data. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the configurations described in the following embodiments are merely examples, and the scope of the present invention is not limited to the configurations described in the embodiments. For example, each part constituting the present invention can be replaced with any configuration that can exert the same function. In addition, any configuration may be added.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of a printing system. As shown in FIG. 1, the printing system 1000 includes a client terminal 101, a cloud print server 102, an application management server 103, a cloud print-compatible printer 104, and an online support server 105. These devices are connected to each other via a network 107 so as to be able to communicate with each other. The client terminal 101 is, for example, an information processing device such as a personal computer (PC), a tablet terminal, or a smartphone, and is a terminal operated by a user. The client terminal 101 includes an OS (operating system) 313. A cloud printer driver 311, a print setting extension app (print setting application) 312, and a local printer driver 314 can be executed on the OS 313. The cloud printer driver 311 and the local printer driver 314 are, for example, generic printer drivers (OS standard printer drivers) that are installed in advance or installed after the purchase of the client terminal 101. The print setting extension app 312 is installed in the client terminal 101 from an application management service 331 of the application management server 103. The print setting expanding application 312 is application software that expands the functions of the cloud printer driver 311 and the local printer driver 314. Therefore, the print setting expanding application 312 is a program that causes the CPU 212 to execute each unit and each means (control method of the information processing device) of the client terminal 101. In other words, the print setting expanding application 312 is a program that causes the CPU 212 (client terminal 101) to execute each process of an acquisition process and a display control process described later.

[0011] The cloud print-compatible printer 104 is an image forming device that prints on a recording medium such as paper. In the printing system 1000, the cloud print-compatible printer 104 converts print data received via the network 107 into image data and prints it on a recording medium. The cloud print-compatible printer 104 can receive print data from the client terminal 101 via the cloud print server 102, and can receive print data directly from the client terminal 101 without going through the cloud print server 102. This allows the cloud print-compatible printer 104 to receive print data generated by the cloud printer driver 311 of the client terminal 101 via the cloud print server 102. In addition, the cloud print-compatible printer 104 can receive print data generated by the local printer driver 314 of the client terminal 101 without going through the cloud print server 102.

[0012] The cloud print server 102 is a server that provides a cloud print service 321. Specifically, the cloud print server 102 accepts a print instruction and print data from an external device such as the client terminal 101. The cloud print server 102 then transmits the received print data to a predetermined cloud print-compatible printer 104. The application management server 103 is a server that provides an application management service 331, and holds and manages various applications. The application management server 103 receives application identification information and a download request from the client terminal 101. The application management server 103 then transmits to the client terminal 101 an application identified based on the received identification information. The online support server 105 is a server that provides an online support service 351. The online support service 351 can provide the client terminal 101 with an extended setup information file 700 in which information for extending the functions of the client terminal 101 is described. The network 107 depends on the usage environment of the printing system 1000, but may be, for example, a LAN or a WAN.

[0013] In this embodiment, the number of client terminals 101 and the number of cloud print-compatible printers 104 are one each, but the number is not limited to one and may be more than one. Also, the cloud print server 102, the application management server 103, and the online support server 105 may each be configured as one server or multiple servers. When the cloud print server 102, the application management server 103, and the online support server 105 are each configured as multiple servers, the load during processing can be distributed. Also, the cloud print server 102, the application management server 103, and the online support server 105 may be built into one server.

[0014] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of each device included in the printing system shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 2(a) is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a client terminal. As shown in FIG. 2(a), the client terminal 101 has a control unit 211, a storage unit 214, a network communication unit 215, a display unit 216, and an operation unit 217. The control unit 211 is composed of a CPU 212 and a memory 213, and controls the overall operation of the client terminal 101. The CPU 212 is a computer that loads a program stored in the storage unit 214 into the memory 213 and executes the program. The memory 213 is the main storage memory of the CPU 212 and is used as a work area and a temporary storage area for loading various programs. The storage unit 214 is a non-volatile storage device such as a hard disk or SSD, and is capable of storing and rewriting digital data. The network communication unit 215 is a device that communicates with an external device via the network 107. As a result, the network communication unit 215 can input and output digital data to and from the client terminal 101, etc., via the network 107. The display unit 216 is, for example, a liquid crystal display, and is a device that displays visual information to the user on a screen in real time. The screen display by the display unit 216 is controlled by the control unit 211 (display control means). The operation unit 217 is, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, and is a device that accepts input from the user. The client terminal 101 may have a device such as a touch panel that has the functions of both the display unit 216 and the operation unit 217.

[0015] Fig. 2(b) is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the cloud print server. As shown in Fig. 2(b), the cloud print server 102 has a control unit 221 composed of a CPU 222 and a memory 223, a storage unit 224, and a network communication unit 225. The control unit 221, the storage unit 224, and the network communication unit 225 are the same as those of the client terminal 101, so the description thereof will be omitted.

[0016] Fig. 2(c) is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the application management server. As shown in Fig. 2(c), the application management server 103 has a control unit 231 composed of a CPU 232 and a memory 233, a storage unit 234, a network communication unit 235, a display unit 236, and an operation unit 237. The control unit 231, the storage unit 234, the network communication unit 235, the display unit 236, and the operation unit 237 are the same as those of the client terminal 101, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0017] FIG. 2(d) is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a cloud print-compatible printer. As shown in FIG. 2(d), the cloud print-compatible printer 104 has a control unit 241 consisting of a CPU 242 and a memory 243, a storage unit 244, a network communication unit 245, a display unit 246, an operation unit 247, and a printing unit 248. The control unit 241 and the storage unit 244 are the same as those of the client terminal 101, so their description will be omitted. The network communication unit 245 is a device that communicates with an external device via the network 107. The network communication unit 245 mainly plays a role of receiving print data and transmitting information about the state of the cloud print-compatible printer 104, such as an error, to an external device such as the cloud print server 102. The display unit 246 is a device that is composed of, for example, a touch panel or LED, and displays visual information to a user in real time. The operation unit 247 is composed of, for example, a touch panel and hard keys such as a numeric keypad, and is a device for receiving input from a user. The printing unit 248 is a device that performs printing processing by performing a series of operations of feeding, printing, and discharging paper (recording medium) prepared in a cassette or tray. The printing method is not particularly limited, and for example, an electrophotographic method or an inkjet method can be used. The printing unit 248 also includes a finishing device such as a duplex unit, stapling, or punching used when discharging paper. Note that the cloud print-compatible printer 104 is a single-function printer that performs only a printing function in this embodiment, but is not limited thereto, and may be, for example, a multifunction printer (multifunction device) that also has a scanner function and a fax function.

[0018] FIG. 2(e) is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the online support server. As shown in FIG. 2(e), the online support server 105 has a control unit 251, a storage unit 254, a network communication unit 255, a display unit 256, and an operation unit 257. The control unit 251 is composed of a CPU 252 and a memory 253, and controls the overall operation of the online support server 105. The CPU 252 is a computer that develops a program in the memory 253 and executes it. The storage unit 254 is, for example, a non-volatile storage device such as a hard disk or SSD. The storage unit 254 stores an extended setup information file to be provided to the client terminal 101. The extended setup information file is a file in which information for extending the function of the client terminal 101 is described. The network communication unit 255 is an interface for the online support server 105 to communicate with the client terminal 101. The online support server 105 receives a request to acquire a file stored in the storage unit 254 via the network communication unit 255. Then, the online support server 105 transmits a file corresponding to this received request to the client terminal 101. The display unit 256 and the operation unit 257 are the same as those of the client terminal 101, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0019] A sequence executed among the application management service 331, the online support service 351, the OS 313 of the client terminal 101, the cloud print service 321, and the cloud print-compatible printer 104 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a sequence showing an example of a process for installing a print setting extension app. First, the cloud print-compatible printer 104 accepts a printer registration operation for registering the cloud print-compatible printer 104 in the cloud print service 321 from a user. As shown in Fig. 3, in step S3001, the cloud print-compatible printer 104 transmits a printer registration request together with its device identification information to the cloud print service 321. The device identification information is information for identifying the cloud print-compatible printer 104, and examples of this information include, but are not limited to, a HWID (hardware ID) assigned to each printer model.

[0020] When the cloud print service 321 receives the registration request in step S3001, it transmits the URL of the cloud print service 321 for printer registration to the cloud print-compatible printer 104. This allows the user to access the URL, for example, by operating the cloud print-compatible printer 104 (or an information processing device such as the client terminal 101). Then, an input screen for inputting a user ID and password for using the cloud print service 321 is displayed on the display unit 246 of the cloud print-compatible printer 104. The user inputs a user ID and password via the operation unit 247 of the cloud print-compatible printer 104 to log in to the cloud print service 321. When the login is successful, the cloud print service 321 transmits a request to the cloud print-compatible printer 104 to obtain information required for printer registration. The cloud print-compatible printer 104 transmits printer information to the cloud print service 321 in response to the request.

[0021] The cloud print service 321 that has received the printer registration request in step S3001 registers information about the cloud print-compatible printer 104 and generates a print queue for the cloud print-compatible printer 104. At this time, the cloud print service 321 acquires capability information about the cloud print-compatible printer 104. Then, the cloud print service 321 links the capability information to the print queue. The "capability information" is information about the printing capability of the cloud print-compatible printer 104, that is, information necessary for the user to set as print settings when printing. The capability information is not particularly limited, and examples include double-sided printing capability information, color capability information, and staple (stapling) capability information.

[0022] FIG. 5 is a table showing an example of capability information. The storage unit 244 of the cloud print-compatible printer 104 stores capability information shown in FIG. 5, for example. The capability information has a hierarchical structure including an item name (item) 501 as the first information and a plurality of attribute values ​​502 as the second information belonging to the first information. Note that there are a plurality of item names (items) 501 in this embodiment, but at least one is sufficient. The item name 501 corresponds to a setting item of the print setting. The attribute value 502 corresponds to a setting value, option, and value range that can be set in each setting item. The item name 501 includes an item name defined as an industry standard specification by the IPP (Internet Printing Protocol) as a communication protocol, and an item name that is uniquely (uniquely) defined by a printer vendor. Similarly, the attribute value 502 includes an attribute value defined by the IPP and an attribute value that is uniquely defined by a printer vendor.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 5, for example, "duplex printing" among the item names 501 is an item name defined by IPP. Attribute values ​​502 belonging to (associated with) "duplex printing" include "single-sided (duplex printing disabled)", "short-edge binding in duplex printing", and "long-edge binding in duplex printing". Also, "save job in printer", "abbreviated job name", and "stapleless binding" among the item names 501 are item names uniquely defined by a printer vendor. Attribute values ​​502 belonging to "save job in printer", "abbreviated job name", and "stapleless binding" are "ON" and "OFF", respectively, which are also attribute values ​​uniquely defined by a printer vendor. "Save job in printer" is an item for setting whether or not the cloud print-compatible printer 104 (hereinafter may be simply referred to as "printer") will store print data received from the cloud print service 321 after printing. The "job name shortening" is an item for setting whether or not to shorten the name given to the print data when the cloud print-compatible printer 104 displays the bibliographic information of the print data received from the cloud print service 321 on the display unit 246. The "staple-free binding" is an item for setting whether or not to bind the output paper based on the print data received from the cloud print service 321 by the cloud print-compatible printer 104 without using staples. "Binding without staples" refers to binding the paper by, for example, pressure bonding. Note that a printer vendor's own attribute value may be defined as the attribute value 502 corresponding to the item name 501 defined as an industry standard specification. For example, the "folding setting" is the item name 501 defined by the IPP. On the other hand, the "saddle folding" which is one of the attribute values ​​502 of the "folding setting" is a value for folding and discharging one or more sheets of paper together without stapling them, and is an attribute value defined independently by the printer vendor.

[0024] In this embodiment, the cloud print-compatible printer 104 communicates capability information to the cloud print service 321 according to the IPP. The cloud print-compatible printer 104 registers capability information using a command prepared for registering capability information in the cloud print service 321. The cloud print-compatible printer 104 notifies the cloud print service 321 of item names 501, attribute values ​​502 corresponding to each item name 501, and default values. The capability information notified here does not matter whether the item names 501 and attribute values ​​502 are defined in the IPP or not. For example, the item names 501 of "save job in printer", "shorten job name", and "stapleless binding", which are not defined in the IPP, are also notified to the cloud print service 321 and registered. In addition, "saddle fold", which is one of the attribute values ​​502 of "folding setting" and is a printer vendor-specific attribute value, is also notified to the cloud print service 321 and registered.

[0025] When registering the cloud print-compatible printer 104 in the client terminal 101, a standard print function, which is one of the functions of the OS 313 of the client terminal 101, is used. As shown in FIG. 3, in step S3002 after step S3001, the OS 313 (control unit 211) of the client terminal 101 accepts a setup operation for printing with the cloud print-compatible printer 104. This setup operation is performed by the user operating a screen 400 (see FIG. 4) displayed on the display unit 216 of the client terminal 101. FIG. 4 shows a screen related to a printer registered in the client terminal. As shown in FIG. 4, the screen 400 includes an object 401, an area 402, an icon 403, and an icon 404. When the user selects the object 401, a printer search instruction is input to the OS 313. The OS 313 that has accepted the printer search instruction determines whether or not it holds an access token for the cloud print service 321. If it is determined that the OS 313 does not hold an access token (token), the OS 313 displays an input screen for inputting user information (login name and password) (not shown) on the display unit 216. On the other hand, if it is determined that the OS 313 holds an access token, the process proceeds to step S3008.

[0026] In step S3003, the OS 313 of the client terminal 101 transmits the user information input via the input screen to the cloud print service 321, and requests user authentication and an access token.

[0027] In step S3004, the cloud print service 321 performs user authentication processing based on the user information received in step S3003 from the client terminal 101. When the cloud print service 321 completes the user authentication processing, it notifies the client terminal 101 of the result of the authentication processing.

[0028] If the user authentication is successful, in step S3005, the OS 313 of the client terminal 101 acquires an access token from the cloud print service 321, and the process proceeds to step S3008. On the other hand, if the user authentication is unsuccessful, in step S3006, the cloud print service 321 notifies the OS 313 of the client terminal 101 of an authentication error. In step S3007 after the authentication error notification, the OS 313 of the client terminal 101 stops the authentication process based on the authentication error information received in step S3006. Then, the subsequent processes end.

[0029] In step S3008, the OS 313 of the client terminal 101 searches for printers registered in the cloud print service 321 and printers connected to the network 107. At that time, the OS 313 sends to the cloud print service 321 a printer information acquisition request with an access token attached.

[0030] The access token attached to the acquisition request in step S3008 is used to identify information about the printer that the user is permitted to use. In step S3009, the cloud print service 321 transmits this printer information to the client terminal 101. Note that the printer information includes the printer name given to the printer registered in the cloud print service 321 and the HWID of the printer.

[0031] Furthermore, the OS 313 of the client terminal 101 acquires the printer list transmitted from the cloud print service 321 and the identification information of the printer in the printer list. In parallel with the processes of steps S3008 and S3009, the OS 313 of the client terminal 101 searches for printers connected to the same network 107 as the client terminal 101. This search is a device search using mDNS, Bonjour, or the like. Then, the OS 313 displays the printer list on the display unit 216 based on the printer information acquired from the cloud print service 321 and the printer information detected by the search on the network 107. As shown in FIG. 4, this printer list is displayed in an area 402. Of the printers displayed in the area 402, "Cloud Printer 001", "Cloud Printer 002", and "Cloud Printer 003" are printer information acquired from the cloud print service 321. Furthermore, "Printer XX" is printer information detected by the search on the network 107. "Cloud Printer 001", "Cloud Printer 002", and "Cloud Printer 003" are displayed with the icon 403 added. "Printer XX" is displayed with an icon 404 that is different from the icon 403 added. This allows the user to know whether each printer in the printer list is a printer acquired from the cloud print service 321 or a printer detected by a search on the network 107. Note that the printer list may display printers acquired from the cloud print service 321, and omit printers detected by a search on the network 107. Then, the user can select printer information corresponding to a printer that the user wishes to register in the client terminal 101 from the printer list.

[0032] After this selection, in step S3010, the OS 313 of the client terminal 101 inquires of the cloud print service 321 about the capability information of the selected printer. Which capability information to inquire about is determined by the specifications of the OS 313, that is, is preset in the OS 313. Specifically, the OS 313 (acquisition means) determines whether or not to acquire capability information depending on the type of the item name 501. For example, if the item name 501 is a setting item defined as a standard specification by the IPP (such as "paper size," "paper type," and "color mode"), the OS 313 will acquire capability information including the item name 501.

[0033] In step S3011, the cloud print service 321 responds with the capability information of the cloud print-compatible printer 104 to the OS 313 of the client terminal 101. This allows the OS 313 to acquire the capability information (acquisition process). In this embodiment, the OS 313 acquires the capability information from the cloud print service 321 (cloud print server 102), but is not limited to this, and may directly acquire the capability information from the cloud print-compatible printer 104. Also, in this embodiment, the information registered in the cloud print service 321 in step S3001 is transmitted to the client terminal 101 in step S3011, but is not limited to this. For example, the information registered in the cloud print service 321 may be transmitted to the client terminal 101 at a timing other than this transmission timing. In this case, for example, the information registered in the cloud print service 321 can be transmitted to the client terminal 101 in association with a change in the capability information of the cloud print-compatible printer 104. Also, the user may instruct to update the capability information on a user interface (for example, the screen of the display unit 246) provided by the cloud print service 321, and the capability information updated in response to the instruction may be transmitted to the client terminal 101. Also, at the execution timing of step S3010, the cloud print service 321 may acquire capability information from the cloud print-compatible printer 104 and transmit the acquired capability information to the client terminal 101.

[0034] Also, in step S3011, the cloud print service 321 responds with the attribute value 502 belonging to the item name 501 specified by the client terminal 101 and a default value. Here, the attribute values ​​502 responded are all attribute values ​​registered in the cloud print service 321, regardless of whether they are attribute values ​​defined by IPP. The default value is an initial state value. Note that if the cloud print service 321 does not store the attribute value 502 corresponding to the inquiry from the OS 313, it does not respond in step S3011.

[0035] Next, the OS 313 starts installing the cloud printer driver 311 based on the identification information and printer name of the printer selected by the user. In step S3012, the OS 313 generates a print queue for the cloud printer driver 311 having basic device capability information included in the OS 313. The "device capability information" is definition information required to generate print setting capability information for the cloud printer driver 311. The device capability information is, for example, information described in XML (Extensible Markup Language) such as Print Device Capabilites. FIG. 6A is a diagram showing an example of device capability information in an initial state included in the OS. For example, "Feature" in FIG. 6A indicates that "PageMediaSize" indicating paper size is a setting item (item name 501). "Option" indicates an option (attribute value 502) corresponding to "PageMediaSize". As shown in FIG. 6A, the initial value of the device capability information has only two options for paper size: "A4" and "LETTER". This information is linked to the print queue when the print queue is generated and stored, and is managed by the OS 313. The initial device capability information is unique device capability information, regardless of the information of the printer on the network 107 .

[0036] After that, the OS 313 updates the device capability information constituting the cloud printer driver 311 using the capability information acquired from the cloud print service 321. FIG. 6B is a diagram showing an example of device capability information updated using the capability information acquired from the cloud print service. For example, to the "PageMediaSize" indicating the paper size in FIG. 6B, "Option" other than "A4" and "LETTER" is added as a paper size that the cloud print-compatible printer 104 can print. In this way, the client terminal 101 first associates the cloud printer driver 311 with the device capability information included in the OS 313 and registers them in the print queue. After that, the device capability information linked to the print queue is updated with the capability information acquired from the cloud print service 321. At this time, the OS 313 updates the device capability information using only the attribute value 502 defined by IPP out of the capability information acquired from the cloud print service 321. With this update, for example, if the item name 501 is double-sided printing, the presence of "single-sided / double-sided (short-edge binding) / double-sided (long-edge binding)" as attribute value 502 belonging to double-sided printing is stored in the device capability information. On the other hand, even if a vendor-specific attribute value 502 is acquired as a paper type when acquiring capability information, for example, the attribute value 502 is not added to the device capability information. This makes it possible to set print setting values ​​that cannot be set in the device capability information included with the OS 313. This completes the installation of the cloud printer driver 311. This makes it possible to send print data from the client terminal 101 to the print queue for the cloud print-compatible printer 104 generated in the cloud print service 321.

[0037] Next, the OS 313 starts an installation process of the print setting extension application 312 that is linked to the printer and extends the function of the cloud printer driver 311. In this installation process, the OS 313 first performs an identification additional information addition process on the device identification information. The identification additional information addition process is a process required when acquiring the extended setup information file 700 (see FIG. 7) from the online support server 105, and a character string different from the normal device identification information is added. In this embodiment, in order to distinguish from applications of other devices, the OS 313 adds the identification additional information "PrinterApp_" to the device identification information, which indicates that the application is compatible with the printer. Note that "PrinterApp_" is an example, and other character strings, numbers, and symbols different from the character string may be used. As a result of the identification additional information addition process, for example, if the device identification information of the cloud print compatible printer 104 is device001, the device identification information after the identification additional information addition process becomes "PrinterApp_device001".

[0038] 3, in step S3013, the OS 313 transmits the device identification information with additional information to be searched for to the online support service 351. The OS 313 also requests the online support service 351 to search for the extended setup information file 700 including the device identification information with additional information. In response to the request in step S3013, the online support service 351 is notified of "PrinterApp_device001" to which the additional identification information has been added.

[0039] The online support service 351 stores an extended setup information file 700 (see FIG. 7). FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the extended setup information file. The extended setup information file 700 is a file created by a vendor of the cloud print-compatible printer 104 and registered in the online support service 351. The extended setup information file 700 describes an application identifier for identifying the print setting extension application 312 used to set print data sent to the cloud print-compatible printer 104. In the extended setup information file 700 shown in FIG. 7, an item 701 called "PackageFamilyName" is identification information of the print setting extension application 312. Meanwhile, "PrinterHardwareID" is a character string 702 in which additional identification information is added to the identification information of the cloud print-compatible printer 104. In addition to the extended setup information file 700 in which the identification information (item 701) of the print setting extension application 312 is described, the online support service 351 stores extended setup information in which the identification information of the printer driver is described. In the extended setup information file in which the printer driver identifier is described, the printer driver identifier is described in "PackageFamilyName". Also, in the extended setup information file, device identification information without additional identification information is described in "PrinterHardwareID". In this way, the online support service 351 stores an extended setup information file in which the printer driver identifier is described, and an extended setup information file in which the print setting application identifier is described. Therefore, the OS 313 adds additional identification information to the device identification information in order to appropriately acquire the necessary extended setup information file.

[0040] After receiving the search request in step S3013, the online support service 351 identifies the extended setup information file. This extended setup information file is an extended setup information file in which the device identification information with the additional identification information specified in the request matches the "PackageFamilyName" in the extended setup information file.

[0041] 3, in step S3014, if the online support service 351 stores the extended setup information file 700 including the device identification information to be searched for, the online support service 351 returns the extended setup information file 700 to the OS 313. At this time, the contents of the extended setup information file 700 are written to the registry of the OS 313.

[0042] In step S3015, the OS 313 links the extended setup information written in the extended setup information file 700 acquired from the online support service 351 with the print queue generated in step S3012 and installs it.

[0043] In step S3016, the OS 313 extracts an application ID from the extended setup information installed in step S3015. The "application ID" is an identifier defined by "PackageFamilyName" in the extended setup information file 700. The above is the processing when the extended setup information file 700 corresponding to the cloud print-compatible printer 104 is stored in the online support service 351.

[0044] On the other hand, there may be cases where the extended setup information file 700 containing the device identification information to be searched for is not found. In this case, in step S3017, the OS 313 completes the installation of the cloud printer driver 311 and stops the application installation process. The process of step S3017 is executed, for example, when the extended setup information file 700 cannot be received within a predetermined time from the search request in step S3013, or when an error notification is received from the online support service 351.

[0045] The processing from step S3018 onwards is the processing in the case where the extended setup information file 700 can be acquired and the application ID can be extracted in step S3016. In step S3018, the OS 313 requests an application whose application ID matches the application ID extracted above from the application management service 331. The application management service 331 stores the application running on the client terminal 101 in association with the application ID that is an identifier of the application. The application and application ID are registered in the application management service 331 by the vendor that provides the cloud print-compatible printer 104.

[0046] If the application management service 331 holds the print setting extension application 312 that matches the application ID requested in step S3018, the process proceeds to step S3019. In step S3019, the application management service 331 returns the print setting extension application 312 to the client terminal 101. The print setting extension application 312 returned in step S3019 is an application to which the same ID as the application ID has been assigned.

[0047] In step S3020, the OS 313 of the client terminal 101 installs the print setting extension application 312 transmitted in step S3019 in association with the print queue on the client side. After the installation is complete, the OS 313 saves an application ID in the registry as print queue information. The print setting extension application 312 also sets the OS 313 to perform an event notification when the print queue associated with the application is set on the print setting screen. The print setting extension application 312 installed in step S3020 starts after the power of the client terminal 101 is turned on and the OS 313 starts. After that, the print setting extension application 312 operates as a background task.

[0048] On the other hand, if the application management service 331 does not hold the print setting extension application 312 that matches the application ID requested in step S3018, the process proceeds to step S3021. In step S3021, the OS 313 stops the application installation process. In this case, the print queue generated above and the cloud printer driver 311 are linked and installed. Also, the print setting extension application 312 ends without being linked to the print queue.

[0049] In the above process, the search for the extended setup file is performed by adding a specific character string to the device identification information of the cloud print-compatible printer 104, but this is not limited to the above. For example, if the file for installing the printer driver can be distinguished, the search may be performed without adding a specific character string.

[0050] Next, a sequence executed between the print setting extending application 312, the document generation application 315, and the OS 313 of the client terminal 101, the cloud print service 321, and the cloud print-compatible printer 104 will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 shows a sequence illustrating an example of a process from making print settings with the print setting extending application to transmitting print data.

[0051] The document generation application 315 is an application such as a document data creation application, a presentation material creation application, and a photo or image data display application. The document generation application 315 is pre-installed in the client terminal 101. The document generation application 315 displays a print setting initial screen 1100 (see FIG. 11) as a print setting screen for selecting a print queue on the display unit 216. The print setting initial screen 1100 includes an object 1101 for selecting a print queue, an object 1102 for performing various print settings, and a print preview image 1103. The print setting initial screen 1100 also includes an object 1104 for performing other settings, and an object 1105 for inputting a print instruction. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a print setting screen displayed by the document generation application. In FIG. 11, "double-sided printing" is set as an example of the object 1102, and includes "single-sided printing (single-sided) / double-sided (short-edge binding) / double-sided (long-edge binding)". As described above, "double-sided printing" is the item name 501 (first information), and "single-sided printing (single-sided)", "double-sided (short-edge binding)", and "double-sided (long-edge binding)" are attribute values ​​502 (second information) (see FIG. 5). Therefore, in the object 1102, the item name 501 (first information) and each attribute value 502 (second information) are displayed together. Hereinafter, such a display is referred to as "first display". In the object 1102, one of "single-sided / double-sided (short-edge binding) / double-sided (long-edge binding)" can be selected. Note that the print setting initial screen 1100 is displayed by the document generation application 315 in this embodiment, but is not limited thereto, and may be displayed by the OS 313, for example.

[0052] 8, in step S801, the OS 313 selects a print queue. This print queue is linked to a printer set as a default printer. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the cloud print-compatible printer 104 is selected as the default printer. Note that the processing from step S801 onward is also executed when the user operates the object 1101 on the print setting initial screen 1100 to change the printer.

[0053] In step S802, the OS 313 inquires of the queue on the cloud of the cloud print service 321 corresponding to the cloud print-compatible printer 104 about the capability information of the cloud print-compatible printer 104. As described above, which capability information is to be inquired is determined in advance in the specifications of the OS 313. Therefore, the capability information acquired at this timing is the same as that acquired in step S3001 of the sequence shown in FIG. 3. The inquiry is made to the cloud print-compatible printer 104 using a standard protocol command defined by IPP, such as Get-print-Attributes. When Get-print-Attributes is used, the capability information determined by the OS 313 is inquired in list format.

[0054] In step S803, the cloud print service 321 responds to the OS 313 with the capability information of the cloud print-compatible printer 104. This capability information is obtained from a list of capability information including double-sided printing sent by Get-print-Attributes. For example, it is assumed that the item name 501 "paper size (media size)" is specified by Get-print-Attributes (IPP). If the cloud print service 321 has an attribute value 502 of the paper size, it responds with the attribute value 502, such as "A4", "B5", or "Letter". In this embodiment, the cloud print service 321 responds to the OS 313 with "double-sided printing" and the associated "single-sided / double-sided (short-edge binding) / double-sided (long-edge binding)" as capability information. If the attribute value 502 specified by Get-print-Attributes does not exist in the queue of the cloud print-compatible printer 104 of the cloud print service 321, the cloud print service 321 does not respond with the associated attribute value 502. The capability information acquired in step S803 is capability information that can be queried regardless of the type and capability of the printer to which the OS 313 is connected.

[0055] In step S804, the OS 313 updates the device capability information using the capability information acquired from the cloud print service 321 in step S803. Specifically, the OS 313 adds the capability information acquired in step S803 to the device capability information generated in step S3012 of the sequence shown in Fig. 3. Then, when there is an update to the device capability information, the device capability information managed by the client terminal 101 can be updated by executing step S804. Note that the device capability information updated in step S804 is updated only for the attribute value 502 defined by the industry standard specifications. Also, in step S804, capability information for double-sided printing is written to the device capability information.

[0056] In step S805, the OS 313 notifies the print setting extension application 312 of an API (Application Programming Interface) used for editing the event and device capability information. At this notification timing, the print setting extension application 312 is registered in the OS 313 of the client terminal 101.

[0057] When the print setting extending application 312 receives this notification, it requests the cloud print service 321 to obtain capability information. The capability information obtained here is for writing the item name 501 and attribute value 502 defined by the printer vendor in the device capability information. Therefore, in step S806, when the print setting extending application 312 receives a notification from the OS 313, it inquires about the capability information of the cloud print-compatible printer 104 via the cloud print service 321. At this time, the print setting extending application 312 inquires about the capability information including the item name 501 and the attribute value 502 unique to the printer vendor to the cloud print service 321. This inquiry is performed using Get-print-Attributes, as in step S802. Note that in this embodiment, in step S806, capability information including the item name 501 and the attribute value 502 defined by the printer vendor is obtained. Note that, in the capability information acquisition by the OS 313, capability information may also be acquired for the item name 501 that has already been acquired.

[0058] In step S807, when the cloud print-compatible printer 104 receives a capability information inquiry from the print setting extension application 312 in step S806, the cloud print-compatible printer 104 responds with the capability information via the cloud print service 321. The response method here is similar to that in step S3011 of the sequence shown in FIG. 3. In this embodiment, in step S807, the cloud print service 321 responds with the capability information of the cloud print-compatible printer 104 stored in the cloud print service 321. Note that in step S807, the cloud print service 321 may reacquire the capability information from the cloud print-compatible printer 104 after receiving the request in step S806, and respond to the client terminal 101.

[0059] In step S808, the print setting extending application 312 acquires capability information from the cloud print-compatible printer 104 via the cloud print service 321 (acquisition step), and then edits the device capability information managed by the OS 313 with a configuration information object. The "configuration information object" is a collection of data groups required for editing the device capability information. In this embodiment, the print setting extending application 312 cannot directly edit the device capability information held by the OS 313. Therefore, the print setting extending application 312 uses the configuration information object to change the device capability information held by the OS 313. Specifically, in step S808, the print setting extending application 312 converts the capability information including "stapleless binding" and "save job to printer" acquired in step S807 into device capability information and adds it to the configuration information object, thereby editing the device capability information. By executing the process up to step S808, in addition to the standard capability information acquired by the inquiry of the OS 313, the printer vendor's unique item name 501 and attribute value 502 are stored in the device capability information.

[0060] Next, in step S809, the print setting expanding application 312 passes the device capability information edited in step S808 to the OS 313. Then, the OS 313 associates the device capability information acquired from the print setting expanding application 312 with the print queue and stores it.

[0061] In step S810, when the OS 313 updates the device capability information, an object that triggers displaying a UI (User Interface) of the print setting extension application 312 is enabled. Hereinafter, this UI (User Interface) of the print setting extension application 312 is referred to as a "second display (see FIG. 10)". The second display will be described later. In addition, in this embodiment, the object that triggers displaying the second display is an object 1104 of a print setting initial screen 1100 shown in FIG. 11. The object 1104 functions as an operation means for changing the display state on the display unit 216 from a state in which the first display (see FIG. 11) is displayed to a state in which the second display is displayed. There are users who do not mind that the display state on the display unit 216 when performing printing remains the first display, and users who think that the second display is better (preferable). The object 1104 allows the user to select the display state on the display unit 216 according to their preference. Note that the object 1104 is grayed out until the process in step S810 is completed, and the UI (print setting screen 100) of the print setting extension application 312, i.e., the second display, is not displayed even if the user operates it. When the process in step S810 is completed, the grayed out state of the object 1104 is released, and the user can operate the object 1104.

[0062] When the user operates the object 1104, in step S811, the print setting extending application 312 displays the print setting screen 100 shown in Fig. 10 as the second display. Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the print setting screen displayed when the print setting extending application is installed. This print setting screen 100 is displayed regardless of the type of the document generation application 315.

[0063] Here, a screen display when the print setting extending application 312 is not installed will be described. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a print setting screen displayed when the print setting extending application is not installed. When the print setting extending application 312 is not installed, that is, when the print setting extending application 312 is not linked to the print queue selected above, a standard print setting screen 900A shown in FIG. 9(a) is displayed. The standard print setting screen 900A is pre-installed in the OS 313. In the standard print setting screen 900A, double-sided printing is displayed as an example of a setting item, and "single-sided / double-sided (short-edge binding) / double-sided (long-edge binding)" belonging to the double-sided printing is displayed selectably. This display state is the same as the display state (first display) of the object 1102 of the print setting initial screen 1100 shown in FIG. 11.

[0064] By operating the detail setting button 901, the standard print setting screen 900A is switched to a detail print screen 900B shown in FIG. 9B. The detail print screen 900B is a detail print screen for setting setting items that cannot be displayed in FIG. 9A. The detail print screen 900B is scrolled by operating the scroll bar 906. As a result, as shown in FIG. 9C and FIG. 9D, a plurality of setting items supported by the OS 313 are displayed, and print settings can be made for these as well. By operating the OK button 902 on the detail print screen 900B, the print settings set on the detail print screen 900B are saved, and the screen can return to the standard print setting screen 900A shown in FIG. 9A. The apply button 903 on the standard print setting screen 900A is a button for saving the print settings, and the cancel button 904 is a button for returning to the print setting initial screen 1100 (see FIG. 11) without saving the print settings. Also, by operating the OK button 905 on the standard print setting screen 900A, the print setting is saved and the screen returns to the print setting initial screen 1100. It should be noted that the standard print setting screen 900A and the detailed print screen 900B cannot set the item name 501 and attribute value 502 that are uniquely defined by the printer vendor. Also, since the items of the print setting capability information generated by the OS 313 are displayed as they are, the print setting screen may be displayed in a way that is not intended by the vendor. For example, in the case of double-sided printing, in the printer driver of a conventional printer vendor, "Double-sided: On / Off" and "Binding side: Short side / Long side" are displayed separately. This display is what general (many) users often see, that is, what they are accustomed to seeing. In contrast, in the case of double-sided printing, in the OS standard driver, "Double-sided printing: One-sided / Two-sided (short-side binding) / Two-sided (long-side binding)" are displayed together as one, that is, the display is displayed in the first display. This display is not often seen by general users, and some users may be confused about how to operate the printer, resulting in reduced operability.

[0065] Therefore, the client terminal 101 is configured to prevent such a decrease in operability during printing. The configuration and operation will be described below. Here, we return to the description of the screen display when the print setting extending application 312 is installed. The print setting extending application 312 receives print setting information based on print setting capability information generated by the OS 313 from the device capability information, and displays the print setting screen (extended print setting screen) 100 shown in FIG. 10 on the display unit 216. The print setting screen 100 is scrolled by operating the scroll bar 1003. As a result, the display contents of the print setting screen 100 are changed as shown in FIG. 10(a) to FIG. 10(e), and each print setting item can be set.

[0066] For example, the output paper size of the setting item 1001 of the print setting screen 100 shown in FIG. 10(a) is print setting information generated from "psk:PageMediaSize" in FIG. 6B. Also, "A4", which is an option of the output paper size, is generated by the print setting extension application 312 based on the print setting information "psk:ISOA4" and displayed. In this way, the print setting extension application 312 converts the device capability information into a setting value and displays the print setting screen 100. Also, since the print setting screen 100 is generated from the device capability information including the capability information specific to the printer vendor, it is possible to set a setting item or a setting value that cannot be set on the standard print setting screen 900A or the detailed print screen 900B provided by the OS 313. Also, the user can select an object 1002 on the print setting screen 100. The object 1002 is an object for confirming the print setting. The print setting extension application 312 provides a function for the user to arbitrarily change the print setting, and when the function is changed, the setting value is saved. For example, assume that the user changes the paper size from "A4" to "Letter." In this case, the print setting information held by the print setting extension application 312 is also changed from "A4" to "Letter." When the object 1002 is selected, the print setting extension application 312 passes the print setting information processed in the print setting screen 100 to the OS 313.

[0067] 8, in step S812, when the print setting expanding application 312 passes the print setting information to the OS 313, the print setting screen 100 is terminated. After the process of step S812, the print setting initial screen 1100 shown in FIG. 11 is displayed. The print setting initial screen 1100 at this time is a screen including the setting values ​​set by the print setting expanding application 312.

[0068] When the user selects an object 1105 on the print setting initial screen 1100, a print instruction is input to the OS 313. In step S813, the OS 313 executes a process related to printing based on the instruction input via the document generation application 315.

[0069] In step S814, when the OS 313 receives the print instruction input in step S813, it generates intermediate data and passes this intermediate data and the print setting information edited in the print setting screen section to the print setting extension application 312. "Intermediate data" is data generated before conversion to print data such as PDL (Page Description Language), such as XPS data. The print setting information is also included in this intermediate data.

[0070] In step S815, the print setting extending application 312 receives the intermediate data and the print setting information in step S814, generates print data based on the intermediate data, and generates print capability information based on the print setting information. "Print data" refers to a PDL such as a PDF file. "Print capability information" refers to information in which the print setting information is described using attribute values ​​defined by IPP.

[0071] In step S816, the print setting expansion application 312 passes the print data and printing capability information generated in step S815 to the print queue of the OS 313.

[0072] In step S817, the OS 313 generates XPS data, edits the page layout, and converts the XPS data into a predetermined format, thereby generating print data and printing capability information.

[0073] In step S818, the OS 313 transmits the print data and printing capability information passed from the print setting extension application 312 or the print data and printing capability information generated by the OS 313 to the cloud print service 321 via the print queue.

[0074] In step S819, the cloud print service 321 transmits the print data and printing capability information passed from the client terminal 101 in step S818 to the cloud print-compatible printer 104. Note that, in this embodiment, when the cloud print service 321 receives the print data and printing capability information, it transmits the received print data and printing capability information to the cloud print-compatible printer 104, but this is not limited thereto. For example, the cloud print-compatible printer 104 may be configured to periodically inquire of the cloud print service 321 and acquire unprinted print data and printing capability information corresponding to the print data.

[0075] Next, the print setting UI (second display) displayed by the print setting extension application 312 will be described. Here, double-sided printing will be described as an example. Double-sided printing is acquired from the device capability information, and the print setting capability information created by the OS 313 is "psk:JobDuplexAllDocumentsContiguously". In addition, "psk:OneSided, psk:TwoSidedShortEdge, psk:TwoSidedLongEdge" are created as options (attribute values ​​502) of this print setting (item name 501). If these are displayed as they are on the print setting UI, as described above, "Double-sided printing: one-sided / double-sided (short-edge binding) / double-sided (long-edge binding)" will be displayed together. On the other hand, in the case of double-sided printing in the printer driver of a conventional printer vendor, "Double-sided: on / off" and "Binding side: short-edge / long-edge" are displayed separately. Therefore, the display state of the print setting capability information created by the OS 313 when displayed directly on the print setting UI differs from that when displayed by a conventional printer driver, which may result in a sense of incongruity in appearance and usability, and a decrease in operability.

[0076] A sequence executed between the user, the print setting extending application 312, the OS 313 of the client terminal 101, and the cloud print service 321 will be described with reference to Fig. 12. Fig. 12 is a sequence showing a process in which the print setting extending application divides and adds print setting items for display. In the sequence shown in Fig. 12, the process starts when the user selects a print queue for the object 1101 on the print setting initial screen 1100 shown in Fig. 11. In step S1201, the user selects a print queue to perform printing.

[0077] In step S1202, the OS 313, triggered by the selection in step S1201, queries the cloud print service 321 about the capability information of the corresponding print queue.

[0078] In step S1203, the cloud print service 321 responds to the OS 313 with capability information in response to the inquiry in step S1202.

[0079] In step S1204, the OS 313 updates the device capability information by using the capability information obtained in step S1203. Note that steps S1201 to S1204 are similar to steps S801 to S804 in the sequence shown in FIG.

[0080] In step S1205, the user opens the print setting initial screen 1100.

[0081] In step S1206, the print setting extension application 312 refers to the capability information held by the OS 313 as a result of the print setting initial screen 1100 being opened in step S1205.

[0082] In step S1207, the print setting extending application 312 generates the print setting screen 100 (UI) shown in FIG. 10(a) to FIG. 10(f).

[0083] In step S1208, the print setting extending application 312 displays the print setting screen 100 generated in step S1207 on the display unit 216. This allows the user to visually recognize the print setting screen 100.

[0084] The process of step S1207 will now be described in detail with reference to Fig. 13. Fig. 13 is a flowchart showing the process in which the print setting extending application divides and adds a print setting item. As shown in Fig. 13, in step S1301, the print setting extending application 312 acquires (references) capability information held by the OS 313, similar to step S1206. This capability information includes information such as "psk:PageMediaSize" and "psk:PageOrientation" as Features, and "psk:ISOA4" as an Option thereof.

[0085] In step S1302, the print setting extension application 312 arranges on the print setting UI (print setting screen 100) UI display objects for each print setting item supported by the print setting extension application 312. Note that the UI display objects are objects that can be displayed regardless of the printer capability information.

[0086] In step S1303, the print setting extension application 312 selects one of the capability information acquired in step S1301.

[0087] In step S1304, the print setting extension application 312 determines whether the Feature (capability information) selected in step S1303 is a Feature that has been determined in advance as a split target. If it is determined in step S1304 that the Feature is a Feature that has been determined in advance as a split target, the process proceeds to step S1305. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1304 that the Feature is not a Feature that has been determined in advance as a split target, the process proceeds to step S1307. In this embodiment, "psk:JobDuplexAllDocumentsContiguously" is used as an example of a Feature to be split. Therefore, if "psk:JobDuplexAllDocumentsContiguously" is detected in step S1304, the process proceeds to step S1305, and if it is not detected, the process proceeds to step S1307.

[0088] In step S1305, the print setting extension application 312 creates an object for "Double-Sided Printing: On / Off" out of the two feature management objects for "Double-Sided Printing: On / Off" and "Binding Edge: Long Edge / Short Edge". During this creation, if the Option of "psk:JobDuplexAllDocumentsContiguously" is "psk:TwoSidedShortEdge", the value of "Double-Sided: On" is set (written). Similarly, if the Option is "psk:TwoSidedLongEdge", the value of "Double-Sided: On" is set. Also, if the Option is "psk:OneSided", the value of "Double-Sided: Off" is set.

[0089] In step S1306, the print setting extension application 312 creates an object of "Binding Side: Long Side / Short Side". "Long Side" and "Short Side" are set (written) in the Option group. If the Option of "psk:JobDuplexAllDocumentsContiguously" detected in step S1304 is "psk:TwoSidedShortEdge", the Option is set to "Short Side". On the other hand, if the Option is "psk:TwoSidedLongEdge", the Option is set to "Long Side". When setting, "Visibility" is set to "Visible". If the Option is "psk:OneSided", "Visibility" is set to "Collapsed". After executing step S1306, the process proceeds to step S1308.

[0090] In step S1307 after step S1304 is executed, the print setting extension application 312 refers to the capability information held by the OS 313. Then, the print setting extension application 312 sets a Visibility value that switches between displaying / hiding the currently held Options and the selected Option in the feature management object. In step S1307, the print setting extension application 312 sets "Visibility" of the feature management object corresponding to the selected feature to "Visible". After step S1307 is executed, the process proceeds to step S1308.

[0091] In step S1308, the print setting extension application 312 determines whether there is an unprocessed feature. If it is determined in step S1308 that there is an unprocessed feature, the process returns to step S1303 and executes the subsequent steps in sequence. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1308 that there is no unprocessed feature, the process proceeds to step S1309.

[0092] In step S1309, the print setting extension application 312 associates the UI display object with the feature management object. This association allows the value of the feature management object to be reflected in the UI display object. In addition, the value of the UI display object that is changed when a UI operation is performed can be reflected in the feature management object.

[0093] In step S1310, the print setting extension application 312 reflects the values ​​set in the UI display object to the UI (print setting screen 100). As a result, the Option group, Visibility, and the above selected value set in the UI display object are reflected in the UI. Note that for Features in which UI display objects are placed and which were not selected in step S1303, "Visibility" is set to "Collapsed" to hide the Features.

[0094] As shown in FIG. 12, in step S1209, the user performs a predetermined UI operation to save the settings.

[0095] In step S1210, the print setting expansion application 312 converts the setting values ​​saved in step S1209.

[0096] In step S1211, the print setting extension application 312 reflects the setting value converted in step S1210 in an object held by the OS 313.

[0097] Here, the processing of steps S1209 to S1211 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 14. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing processing in which the print setting extending application reflects a setting value changed by a UI operation in an object of the OS. As shown in FIG. 14, in step S1401, the print setting extending application 312 judges whether or not a user operation (UI operation) has been detected. If it is determined in step S1401 that a user operation has been detected, the processing proceeds to step S1402. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1401 that a user operation has not been detected, the processing remains in step S1401 and waits.

[0098] In step S1402, the print setting extension application 312 determines whether the "Double-Sided" option in the UI (print setting screen 100) is set to "ON." If it is determined in step S1402 that the option is set to "ON," the process proceeds to step S1403. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1402 that the option is not set to "ON," the process proceeds to step S1406.

[0099] In step S1403, the print setting extension application 312 sets the "Visibility" of the UI display object for "Binding Direction" to "Visible", and the process proceeds to step S1404.

[0100] In step S1406 after step S1402, the print setting extension application 312 determines whether the "Double-Sided" option in the UI is set to "OFF." If it is determined in step S1406 that it is set to "OFF," the process proceeds to step S1407. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1406 that it is not set to "OFF," the process proceeds to step S1404.

[0101] In step S1407, the print setting extension application 312 sets the "Visibility" of the UI display object of "Binding Direction" to "Collapsed." This makes the "Binding Direction" object invisible on the UI, and limits (restricts) the setting of "Binding Direction."

[0102] In step S1404, the print setting extension application 312 reflects the value in the feature management object corresponding to the UI display object operated above.

[0103] In step S1405, the print setting extension application 312 determines whether the OK button (object 1002) has been operated. If it is determined in step S1405 that the OK button has been operated, the process proceeds to step S1408. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1405 that the OK button has not been operated, the process returns to step S1401, and the subsequent steps are executed in sequence.

[0104] In step S1408, the print setting extension application 312 reflects (writes) the print setting information held by the OS 313 according to the value of the feature management object. For "duplex printing", objects of "duplex printing: on / off" and "binding direction: long side, short side" are held. This is different from "psk:JobDuplexAllDocumentsContiguously" in the duplex printing item of the capability information held by the OS 313, so a value conversion is required. Specifically, in the case of "duplex printing: off", Option "psk:OneSided" is written for the capability information. Also, in the cases of "duplex printing: on" and "binding direction: long side", Option "psk:TwoSidedLongEdge" is written for the capability information. Also, in the case of "duplex printing: on" and "binding direction: short side", Option "psk:TwoSidedShortEdge" is written for the capability information.

[0105] By the above-mentioned process (print setting extension application 312), the print setting screen 100 (second display) shown in Fig. 10(a) to Fig. 10(f) can be displayed on the display unit 216. As described above, the capability information has a hierarchical structure including item names 501 as first information and multiple attribute values ​​502 as second information belonging to the first information (see Fig. 5). "Double-sided (double-sided printing)" is one of the item names 501. Also, "single-sided (double-sided printing enabled / disabled)", "short-edge binding (short-edge binding in double-sided printing)", and "long-edge binding (long-edge binding in double-sided printing)" are each attribute values ​​502 belonging to "double-sided printing".

[0106] In this embodiment, the print setting extension application 312 can display these three attribute values ​​502 by classifying them into attribute values ​​502 that are related to each other and attribute values ​​502 that are the remaining attribute values ​​502 excluding the attribute values ​​502 that are related to each other (second display). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 10(c) and FIG. 10(g), the attribute values ​​502 that are related to each other, "short edge binding (short edge binding)" and "long edge binding (long edge binding)", are displayed selectably in a combo box (second combo box) 1005, separately from the item name 501. The name 1007 of "binding direction" is given to this combo box 1005. As shown in FIG. 10(c), FIG. 10(f), and FIG. 10(g), the remaining attribute value 502, "single-sided", is displayed selectably in a combo box (first combo box) 1004 together with the item name 501, "double-sided". This combo box 1004 is given a name 1006 of "double-sided printing". In this embodiment, the combo boxes 1004 and 1005 are arranged one above the other, but the present invention is not limited to this and they may be arranged at different positions. In this embodiment, for example, the determination of "whether there is correlation" is made based on whether information regarding "binding" is included. This determination criterion is stored in advance in the print setting extension application 312, for example.

[0107] Such a second display is displayed by the above-mentioned OS standard driver, and is different from the first display that is rarely seen by general users, and is closer to the display that general users often see, that is, are accustomed to seeing. This allows the user to operate the print setting screen 100 without feeling strange, and prevents a decrease in operability during printing.

[0108] Also, as shown in FIG. 10(c), when "Double-Sided" is selected in the combo box 1004, either "Short-Edge Binding" or "Long-Edge Binding" can be selected in the combo box 1005. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 10(f) and FIG. 10(g), when "Double-Sided" is not selected in the combo box 1004 and "Single-Sided" is selected, "Short-Edge Binding" and "Long-Edge Binding" cannot be selected in the combo box 1005. Note that the method of disabling selection in the combo box 1005 is not particularly limited, and examples include a method of suppressing the display of the combo box 1005 (see FIG. 10(f)), a method of displaying the combo box 1005 in a grayed-out state (see FIG. 10(g)), and the like. Note that display can be suppressed by setting "Visibility" to "Collapsed". Graying out can be achieved by setting the IsEnabled property to "false". In this way, the selection in the combo box 1005 can be switched between valid and invalid depending on the option in the combo box 1004. This allows the user to quickly grasp whether an operation on the combo box 1005 is possible or not.

[0109] Also, as shown in FIG. 10(c), combo boxes 1004 and 1005 can be displayed together. This allows the user to quickly move on to an operation on combo box 1005 after performing an operation on combo box 1004. Unlike the display shown in FIG. 10(c), when combo boxes 1004 and 1005 are displayed across two screens, for example, combo boxes 1004 and 1005 can be displayed in sequence by a scroll operation. In this case as well, it is possible to quickly move on to an operation on combo box 1005 after performing an operation on combo box 1004.

[0110] Furthermore, the second display can be omitted if there are no related attribute values ​​502 among the multiple attribute values ​​502. This makes it possible to prevent unnecessary second displays from being displayed.

[0111] So far, the print setting extending application 312 has been described as being applied to double-sided printing as an example, but the print setting extending application 312 can also be applied to other item names 501 such as stapling (stapler) and punching. Staple is represented by "psk:JobStapleAllDocuments" in the capability information, and options include "psk:StapleTopLeft" and the like. Punch is represented by "psk:JobHolePunch" in the capability information, and options include "psk:HolePunchLeft" and the like. These can also be displayed separately, just like double-sided printing.

[0112] For example, when the item name 501 is "stapling", the attribute value 502 is classified into "staple: on / off" and "upper left", "upper right", "lower left", "lower right", "left side", "right side", "top side", and "bottom side" which are related to the position of the staple (see FIG. 10(h)). "Staple: on / off" is arranged in a combo box 1008, and "upper left" and the like are arranged in a combo box 1009. When the item name 501 is "punching", the attribute value 502 is classified into "2 holes", "3 holes", "4 holes", "multiple holes", and "none" which are related to the number of punched holes, and "left side", "right side", "top side", and "bottom side" which are related to the binding direction (see FIG. 10(i)). "2 holes" and the like are arranged in a combo box 1010, and "left side" and the like are arranged in a combo box 1011.

[0113] In the flowchart shown in FIG. 13, in the case of stapling, in step S1302, the print setting extension application 312 creates "staple: on / off" and "staple position" as objects for UI display. In step S1303, the print setting extension application 312 creates a feature management object by referring to the capability information possessed by the OS 313. At this time, if the option of selecting "psk:JobStapleAllDocuments" is "psk:None", the "Visibility" of the feature management object such as the "upper left" of the staple position is set to "Collapsed". In other cases, the "Visibility" is set to "Visible". In addition, in the flowchart shown in FIG. 14, steps S1402 and S1406 are read as "whether or not stapling is turned ON". In addition, in steps S1403 and S1407, "binding direction" is read as "staple position". As a result, the print setting extension application 312 can perform the same processing as double-sided printing even in stapling.

[0114] In addition, in the case of punching, in step S1302, the print setting extension application creates the number of punch holes "2 holes" and the binding direction "left side" as objects for UI display. In step S1303, the print setting extension application 312 creates a feature management object by referring to the capability information possessed by the OS 313. At this time, if the selected Option of "psk:JobHolePunch" is "psk:None", "Visibility" of the binding direction "left side" and the like is set to "Collapsed". In addition, in other cases, "Visibility" is set to "Visible". Also, steps S1402 and S1406 are read as "whether the number of punch holes is set to "2 holes" and the like". This allows the print setting extension application 312 to perform the same process in punching as in double-sided printing. In this way, even in the case of stapling (stapler) and punching, the user can operate the print setting screen 100 without feeling strange, just like in the case of double-sided printing, and a decrease in operability during printing can be prevented.

[0115] As described above, there are multiple item names 501, and the print setting extension application 312 may change the display order of these on the print setting screen 100 (see FIG. 10) in accordance with the frequency of use. For example, if, among double-sided printing, stapling, and punching, double-sided printing is used most frequently, followed by stapling and punching, double-sided printing is displayed as close to the top as possible on the print setting screen 100. Then, with each downward scroll operation, stapling and punching are displayed. This improves the operability (user-friendliness) of the print setting screen 100.

[0116] Fig. 15 is a flowchart showing the processing in the OS until a print setting extension application is installed in a client terminal. A program based on the flowchart shown in Fig. 15 is stored in the storage unit 214 of the client terminal 101. This program is executed by the CPU 212 of the client terminal 101. As shown in Fig. 15, in step S1501, the CPU 212 displays the screen 400 shown in Fig. 4 on the display unit 216 and accepts a printer search instruction from the user. The CPU 212 accepts the printer search instruction when the object 401 on the screen 400 is selected.

[0117] In step S1502, the CPU 212 determines whether or not it has stored (has) an access token for the cloud print service 321. The client terminal 101 stores an access token for acquiring information from the cloud print service 321 for each user who logs in to the client terminal 101. The CPU 212 can then determine whether or not an access token associated with a user who has logged in to the client terminal 101 has been stored. If it is determined in step S1502 that an access token has been stored, the process proceeds to step S1506. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1502 that an access token has not been stored, the process proceeds to step S1503.

[0118] In step S1503, the CPU 212 transmits an authentication request to the cloud print service 321. Then, the CPU 212 receives from the cloud print service 321 a URL for displaying a screen for inputting information required for this authentication (hereinafter referred to as "authentication information").

[0119] In step S1504, CPU 212 accesses the URL received in step S1503 and displays a screen for inputting authentication information. The authentication information includes, for example, a user ID (user identifier) ​​and a password.

[0120] In step S1505, the CPU 212 transmits authentication information to the cloud print service 321 to obtain an access token, and the process proceeds to step S1506. If the authentication to the cloud print service 321 fails, the CPU 212 cannot obtain an access token, and the process ends.

[0121] In step S1506, the CPU 212 transmits, to the cloud print service 321, a request to acquire information on the printer registered in the cloud print service 321 based on the access token. The cloud print service 321 selects information on the printer available to the user identified by the access token received above, and transmits the information to the client terminal 101. In this embodiment, the printer name registered in association with the printer is used as the printer information.

[0122] In step S1507, the CPU 212 displays the printer information acquired from the cloud print service 321 in step S1506 on the display unit 216 of the client terminal 101. With this display, the printer information is displayed in the area 402 of the screen 400 in a list format.

[0123] In step S1508, CPU 212 determines whether or not the printer information displayed in step S1507 was selected. If it is determined in step S1508 that the printer information was selected, the process proceeds to step S1509. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1508 that the printer information was not selected, the process remains in standby at step S1508, that is, step S1508 is repeatedly executed.

[0124] In step S1509, the CPU 212 transmits a request to acquire capability information of the printer selected in step S1508 to the cloud print service 321. Here, it is assumed that the cloud print service 321 is inquired about setting items registered in advance in the OS 313. In addition, the OS 313 acquires information such as the HWID of the printer selected in step S1508.

[0125] In step S1510, the CPU 212 updates the printer capability information stored in the client terminal 101 based on the information acquired from the cloud print service 321 in step S1509, and generates a print queue.

[0126] In step S1511, the CPU 212 transmits a request to the online support service 351 to acquire the extended setup information file 700. This request includes the HWID of the printer.

[0127] In step S1512, CPU 212 determines whether acquisition of extended setup information file 700 in step S1511 was successful. If it is determined in step S1512 that acquisition was successful, processing proceeds to step S1513. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1512 that acquisition was not successful, i.e., failed, processing ends.

[0128] In step S1513, the CPU 212 transmits an acquisition request for the print setting extended application 312 included in the extended setup information file 700 acquired in step S1512 to the application management service 331. Specifically, the CPU 212 acquires the application identifier of the print setting extended application 312 from the extended setup information file 700. Then, the CPU 212 transmits an acquisition request for the print setting extended application 312 to the application management service 331 by specifying this application identifier.

[0129] In step S1514, CPU 212 determines whether acquisition of print setting extension application 312 was successful. If it is determined in step S1514 that acquisition was successful, the process proceeds to step S1215. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1514 that acquisition was not successful, the process ends.

[0130] In step S1515, the CPU 212 installs the print setting extending application 312 acquired in step S1514, and registers the application identifier of the print setting extending application 312 in association with the print queue. This enables the print setting extending application 312 to be used on the client terminal 101. Also, in step S1515, an event is registered that indicates the timing of notification to the OS 313. Here, this registration is performed when a print queue associated with the print setting extending application 312 is selected on the print setting initial screen 1100 displayed by the document generation application 315.

[0131] Fig. 16 is a flowchart showing a process when print settings are made by the print setting extending application and print data is generated. A program based on the flowchart shown in Fig. 16 is stored in the print setting extending application 312. This program is deployed in the memory 213 of the client terminal 101 and executed by the CPU 212. As shown in Fig. 16, in step S1601, the CPU 212 determines whether or not an event notification has been received in step S1515. If it is determined in step S1601 that an event notification has been received, the process proceeds to step S1602. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1601 that an event notification has not been received, the process remains in step S1601 and waits.

[0132] In step S1602, the CPU 212 transmits a capability information acquisition request to the cloud print service 321. Specifically, the CPU 212 transmits a capability information acquisition request to the cloud print service 321 for the setting items set in the print setting extension application 312. Here, capability information is also acquired for the setting items that were not acquired in step S1506 of FIG.

[0133] In step S1603, CPU 212 determines whether or not the acquisition of capability information in step S1602 has been completed. If it is determined in step S1603 that the acquisition has been completed, the process proceeds to step S1604. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1603 that the acquisition has not been completed, the process remains in step S1603 and waits.

[0134] In step S1604, the CPU 212 updates the device capability information with the capability information acquired in step S1603. With this update, capability information is also stored in the client terminal 101 for setting items that the OS 313 does not acquire.

[0135] In step S1605, the CPU 212 determines whether an instruction to display the print setting screen (print setting screen 100) from the print setting extending application 312 has been accepted. In this embodiment, the "screen display instruction from the print setting extending application 312" refers to an instruction based on a selection operation of the object 1104 on the print setting initial screen 1100, but is not limited to this. If it is determined in step S1605 that a screen display instruction has been accepted, the process proceeds to step S1606. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1605 that a screen display instruction has not been accepted, the process proceeds to step S1609.

[0136] In step S1606, the CPU 212 displays the print setting screen 100 shown in Fig. 10 based on the printer device information updated in step S1604. This enables the CPU 212 to accept a user operation to select a setting value via the print setting screen 100.

[0137] In step S1607, CPU 212 determines whether or not an instruction has been given to end (close) the display of print setting screen 100. If it is determined in step S1607 that an instruction to end the display has been given, the process proceeds to step S1608. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1607 that an instruction to end the display has not been given, the process remains in step S1607 and waits.

[0138] In step S1608, CPU 212 edits the print setting information with the setting values ​​selected on print setting screen 100. Then, CPU 212 ends the display of print setting screen 100.

[0139] In step S1609, the CPU 212 determines whether the print setting extension application 312 has received intermediate data from the OS 313. If it is determined in step S1609 that the intermediate data has been received, the process proceeds to step S1610. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1609 that the intermediate data has not been received, the process returns to step S1605, and the subsequent steps are executed in sequence.

[0140] In step S1610, CPU 212 generates print data and printing capability information (capability information) based on the intermediate data received in step S1609. CPU 212 also generates image data in a predetermined format based on the intermediate data and the print setting information. CPU 212 also generates printing capability information described in attribute values ​​502 defined by IPP based on the print setting information. This printing capability information can include other information as appropriate in addition to attribute values ​​502 defined by IPP. This allows item names 501 and attribute values ​​502 uniquely defined by the printer vendor to be included in the printing capability information.

[0141] In step S1611, the CPU 212 provides the print data generated in step S1610 to the OS 313. The OS 313 transmits the data received via the print queue to the cloud print service 321. This allows the cloud print-compatible printer 104 to perform printing based on the print data in step S1610.

[0142] The disclosure of this embodiment includes the following configuration, method, and program. (Configuration 1) A server providing a cloud print service or an acquisition means for acquiring capability information regarding printing capabilities from a printer; A display control means for displaying a screen, the capability information has a hierarchical structure including at least one first information and a plurality of second information items belonging to the first information; The information processing device is characterized in that the display control means is capable of a first display in which the first information and each of the second information are displayed together, and a second display in which the multiple second information are sorted into related second information and displayed. (Configuration 2) The information processing device according to configuration 1, wherein in the second display, the related second information is displayed separately from the first information. (Configuration 3) The information processing device according to configuration 1 or 2, characterized in that the display control means displays the remaining second information among the plurality of second information, excluding the second information that is related to each other, together with the first information. (Configuration 4) The first information and the remaining second information are displayed selectably in a first combo box; 4. The information processing device according to configuration 3, wherein the related second information is displayed selectably in a second combo box arranged at a position different from the first combo box. (Configuration 5) The information processing device according to configuration 4, wherein the display control means enables selection of the related second information in the second combo box when the first information is selected in the first combo box, and disables selection of the related second information in the second combo box when the first information is not selected in the first combo box. (Configuration 6) The information processing device according to configuration 4 or 5, wherein the display control means displays the first combo box and the second combo box together. (Configuration 7) The information processing device according to configuration 4 or 5, wherein the display control means displays the first combo box and the second combo box by a scroll operation. (Configuration 8) An information processing device according to any one of configurations 1 to 7, characterized in that the display control means omits the second display when there is no second information that is related to each other among the multiple second information. (Configuration 9) The information processing device according to any one of configurations 1 to 8, further comprising an operation means for performing an operation to change a display state from a state in which the first display is displayed to a state in which the second display is displayed. (Configuration 10) The information processing apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 9, wherein the acquisition means determines whether or not to acquire the capability information depending on the type of the first information. (Configuration 11) An information processing device described in any one of configurations 1 to 10, characterized in that the first information is an item defined by IPP (Internet Printing Protocol), and the second information is an attribute value defined by the IPP. (Configuration 12) The information processing device according to configuration 11, wherein the items include double-sided printing, and the attribute values ​​include whether the double-sided printing is enabled or disabled, short edge binding in the double-sided printing, and long edge binding in the double-sided printing. (Configuration 13) A print setting application installed in an information processing device for processing information, comprising: An acquisition step of acquiring capability information regarding printing capabilities from a server providing a cloud print service or a printer; a display control step of displaying a screen on the information processing device; the capability information has a hierarchical structure including at least one first information and a plurality of second information items belonging to the first information; The print setting application is characterized in that, in the display control step, the plurality of pieces of second information can be sorted into related pieces of second information and displayed. (Method 1) A method for controlling an information processing device that processes information, comprising the steps of: An acquisition step of acquiring capability information regarding printing capabilities from a server providing a cloud print service or a printer; A display control step of displaying a screen, the capability information has a hierarchical structure including at least one first information and a plurality of second information items belonging to the first information; The control method for an information processing device, characterized in that the display control process is capable of displaying a first display in which the first information and each of the second information are displayed together, and a second display in which the multiple second information are sorted into related second information and displayed together. (Program 1) A program for causing a computer to execute each means of the information processing device according to configuration 1.

[0143] Although the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention. The present invention can also be realized by a process in which a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-mentioned embodiment is supplied to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors of a computer in the system or device read and execute the program. The present invention can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that realizes one or more functions. Furthermore, the print setting extension application 312 may be configured to display the first display in addition to the second display. [Explanation of symbols]

[0144] 101 Client terminals 102 Cloud Print Server 103 Application Management Server 104 Cloud Print Compatible Printers 211 Control Unit 311 Cloud Printer Driver 312 Print setting extension app (print setting application) 313 OS (operating system) 501 Item name (item) 502 Attribute Value

Claims

1. An application program that supports printing software capable of sending print data to printing devices provided by multiple vendors, In the information processing device, a step of displaying a first setting item and a second setting item on a display device of the information processing device; outputting a print instruction corresponding to the user's selection of the first setting item and the second setting item; An application program characterized in that the first setting value of the first setting item and the second setting value of the second setting item are included in the setting value of a third setting item displayed by the printing software.

2. The first setting item is a setting item related to double-sided printing, 2. The application program according to claim 1, wherein the second setting item is a setting item relating to a binding direction.

3. An application program as described in Claim 2, characterized in that a setting value for double-sided printing or a setting value for single-sided printing can be selected via the first setting item.

4. An application program as described in Claim 2, characterized in that a setting value for short edge binding or a setting value for long edge binding can be selected via the second setting item.

5. When the single-sided printing is selected via the first setting item, the setting value of the second setting item cannot be selected, 4. The application program according to claim 3, wherein when the double-sided printing is selected via the first setting item, the setting value of the second setting item can be selected.

6. An application program as described in Claim 3, characterized in that the second setting item is displayed on the display device in response to double-sided printing being selected via the first setting item.

7. An application program as described in Claim 1, characterized in that the setting values of the third setting item include a setting value for single-sided printing, a setting value for short-edge binding in the binding direction for double-sided printing, and a setting value for long-edge binding in the binding direction for double-sided printing.

8. The application program described in Claim 7, characterized in that the setting value of the third setting item is defined by IPP (Internet Printing Protocol).

9. A control method for controlling an information processing device, comprising: The information processing device includes a display device, at least one processor, and a memory connected to the at least one processor, and the memory stores an application program that supports printing software capable of transmitting print data to printing devices provided by multiple vendors; The control method includes: a step of displaying a first setting item and a second setting item on the display device; outputting a print instruction corresponding to the user's selection of the first setting item and the second setting item; A control method characterized in that the first setting value of the first setting item and the second setting value of the second setting item are included in the setting value of a third setting item displayed by the printing software.

10. The first setting item is a setting item related to double-sided printing, 10. The control method according to claim 9, wherein the second setting item is a setting item relating to a binding direction.

11. A control method as described in Claim 10, characterized in that a setting value for double-sided printing or a setting value for single-sided printing can be selected via the first setting item.

12. A control method as described in Claim 10, characterized in that a setting value for short edge binding or a setting value for long edge binding can be selected via the second setting item.

13. When the single-sided printing is selected via the first setting item, the setting value of the second setting item cannot be selected, 12. The control method according to claim 11, wherein when the double-sided printing is selected via the first setting item, the setting value of the second setting item can be selected.

14. The control method described in Claim 11, characterized in that the second setting item is displayed on the display device in response to double-sided printing being selected via the first setting item.

15. A control method as described in Claim 9, characterized in that the setting values of the third setting item include a setting value for single-sided printing, a setting value for short-edge binding in the binding direction for double-sided printing, and a setting value for long-edge binding in the binding direction for double-sided printing.

16. The control method according to claim 15, wherein the setting value of the third setting item is defined by IPP (Internet Printing Protocol).

17. A display device; at least one processor; a memory coupled to the at least one processor; The memory stores an application program that supports printing software capable of transmitting print data to printing devices provided by multiple vendors; The application program causes the at least one processor to: a step of displaying a first setting item and a second setting item on the display device; outputting a print instruction corresponding to the user's selection of the first setting item and the second setting item; An information processing apparatus, characterized in that a first setting value of the first setting item and a second setting value of the second setting item are included in setting values of a third setting item displayed by the printing software.

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