Program, method, and system

Abstract

To make it possible to carry out print processing using a virtual printer without any complicated operation for a user.SOLUTION: In a print system 1, a printer 3 is newly connected to a computer 2, and an OS print system 21 generates an existing OS reference print queue 31R obtained by using a driverless arrangement. If detecting the print queue, a print software 23 generates a virtual printer 33 and a dedicated print queue 35, and gives, to the OS print system 21, instructions to generate a virtual OS reference print queue 31V for the virtual printer 33 and to delete the existing OS reference print queue 31R. As a result, the print system 1 makes it possible to generate and add the virtual OS reference print queue 31V in and to the OS print system 21 without making a user perform any complicated operation.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a program, a method, and a system, and is suitable for application when a printer is registered in an operating system such as a computer so that it can be used.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in many information processing apparatuses (hereinafter also referred to as computers) and the like, as preparation before performing print processing by an image forming apparatus (hereinafter also referred to as a printer), installation processing, setting processing, etc. related to the printer (hereinafter referred to as setting registration processing) are performed in an operating system or the like executed on the computer.

[0003] As this setting registration processing, in a conventional operating system, a dedicated printer driver corresponding to each printer is installed, and a print queue corresponding to the printer is generated and registered in a print system on the operating system. That is, in the operating system, when printing of data such as a document is instructed by a user operation in various applications or the like, print data based on the data is generated by the printer driver and transmitted to the printer, so that the printer can perform print processing.

[0004] On the other hand, in some recent operating systems, a mechanism called driverless is provided. In this driverless, a standard printing function, which is a standard function for performing print processing, is incorporated in the operating system in advance, and print processing is performed by each printer using the standard printing function.

[0005] When using this driverless feature, a computer can easily enable the user to use the printer without having the user install a printer driver. However, if the printer has advanced features not included in the standard printing function, this computer cannot cause the printer to perform a printing process using this advanced feature.

[0006] Therefore, in such an operating system, a mechanism has been proposed in which a print queue of a virtual printer, which is a virtual printer in the printing system, is registered, and a printer application corresponding to the virtual printer is used (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0007] When using this virtual printer, in the operating system, when print data is passed to the print queue of the virtual printer, the operating system passes the print data from the virtual printer to the printer application. In response, the printer application can perform changes and additions such as adding instructions for using advanced features to the received print data, and then send it to the printer, thereby causing the printer to perform a printing process using advanced features.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0008]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0009] However, when using a virtual printer, the operating system needs to perform processes such as generating a print queue for the virtual printer and registering it with the printing system as part of the pre-set registration process. Such processes are not standardly provided in the operating system and impose different operations on the user compared to using the standard printing function. Therefore, there is a problem that when the user is unfamiliar with operating a computer or the like, it imposes complicated and difficult-to-understand operations.

[0010] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above points, and intends to propose a program, method, and system that enable printing processing via a virtual printer without imposing complicated operations.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0011] In order to solve such problems, in the program of the present invention, for an information processing apparatus having an operating system that is provided to be connectable to an image forming apparatus and capable of registering a plurality of print queues, as one of the plurality of print queues, a detection step of detecting that a first print queue associated with the image forming apparatus has been generated by the operating system, a generation step of generating a virtual printer connectable to the image forming apparatus when it is detected that the first print queue has been generated, and an association step of associating any one of the plurality of print queues with the virtual printer are executed.

[0012] Also, in the method of the present invention, it is a method in an information processing apparatus having an operating system that is provided so as to be connectable to an image forming apparatus and can register a plurality of print queues. The method includes: a detection step of detecting that a first print queue associated with the image forming apparatus is generated by the operating system as one of the plurality of print queues; a generation step of generating a virtual printer connectable to the image forming apparatus when it is detected that the first print queue is generated; and an association step of associating any one of the plurality of print queues with the virtual printer.

[0013] Furthermore, in the system of the present invention, it is a system having an image forming apparatus and an information processing apparatus having an operating system that is provided so as to be connectable to the image forming apparatus and can register a plurality of print queues. The system includes: a detection unit that detects that a first print queue associated with the image forming apparatus is generated by the operating system as one of the plurality of print queues; a generation unit that generates a virtual printer connectable to the image forming apparatus when it is detected that the first print queue is generated; and an association processing unit that associates any one of the plurality of print queues with the virtual printer.

[0014] The present invention generates a virtual printer corresponding to the image forming apparatus when a first print queue related to the image forming apparatus is generated in the operating system without causing the user to perform complicated operations, and associates any one of the print queues managed by the operating system with the virtual printer. Therefore, in the case of performing printing from an application, when the associated print queue is specified, the present invention can cause the image forming apparatus to perform a printing process using its own functions via the virtual printer.

Advantages of the Invention

[0015] According to the present invention, it is possible to realize a program, a method, and a system that enable printing processing via a virtual printer without forcing complicated operations.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0016]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0017] Hereinafter, the modes for carrying out the invention (hereinafter referred to as embodiments) will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0018] [1. Configuration of the Printing System] As shown in FIG. 1, the printing system 1 according to the present embodiment has a configuration in which a computer 2 and a printer 3 are connected via a network 4. Incidentally, in the present embodiment, it is assumed that the printer 3 is newly connected to the network 4. For this reason, in the initial state, the computer 2 does not have the printer 3 registered, and cannot cause the printer 3 to perform printing processing. For convenience of explanation, hereinafter, the printing system 1 will also be simply referred to as the system.

[0019] [1-1. Hardware Configuration of Computer] The computer 2 is, for example, a personal computer such as a desktop type, a notebook type, or a tablet type, or an information device such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal, and is also called an information processing device. As shown in the schematic hardware configuration diagram in FIG. 1, this computer 2 has a configuration in which a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, a communication unit 13, a display unit 14, an operation unit 15, etc. are interconnected via a bus 10.

[0020] The control unit 11 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11A, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 11B, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 11C, etc. This control unit 11 reads various programs from the ROM 11B and the storage unit 12, and while using the RAM 11C as a work area, performs various arithmetic processes in the CPU 11A to execute various processes, and comprehensively controls the computer 2.

[0021] The storage unit 12 is a non-volatile information storage medium such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state drive (SSD). This storage unit 12 stores various programs, various setting information, or various data, etc.

[0022] The communication unit 13 is an interface such as a wired LAN compliant with standards such as IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) 802.3 (IEEE802.3u / ab / an), or a wireless LAN compliant with standards such as IEEE802.11 (IEEE802.11a / b / g / n / ac / ax). This communication unit 13 performs various modulation processes, demodulation processes, etc., and transmits and receives various information to and from various electronic devices such as a printer 3 via a network 4.

[0023] The display unit 14 is a display device having a display panel such as a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) panel, and forms and displays various display screens. The operation unit 15 is an input operation device such as a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, or a touch pad, and accepts operations of a user who uses the computer 2.

[0024] [1-2. Software Configuration of Computer] Further, the control unit 11 reads out and executes a predetermined operating system (OS: Operating System) from the storage unit 12, thereby enabling various basic processes such as displaying a display screen on the display unit 14 and accepting an input operation by the operation unit 15. As this OS, for example, Windows (registered trademark) of Microsoft Corporation, macOS (registered trademark) of Apple Inc., etc. are known.

[0025] As shown in the schematic block diagram in FIG. 2, the control unit 11 forms various function blocks (not shown) that realize various functions and forms an OS printing system 21 in a state where the OS 20 is being executed. Further, the control unit 11 forms various function blocks by executing each program such as the application 22 and the printing software 23 on the OS 20.

[0026] The OS printing system 21 is managed by the OS 20 and comprehensively controls the functions related to printing in the OS 20. Further, the OS printing system 21 can perform printing processing using a standard printing function without installing a dedicated driver for various models of printers manufactured by various manufacturers by a mechanism called driverless. For example, the above-mentioned macOS (registered trademark) is provided with a mechanism called AirPrint (registered trademark).

[0027] In the OS printing system 21, when there is a printer connected to the computer 2, by using a driverless mechanism to generate and register an OS standard print queue 31 corresponding to the printer, printing processing using the printer can be performed.

[0028] This OS standard print queue 31 is a part that serves as a window for delivering data to be printed from the OS 20 to each printer. It temporarily stores the data received from the application 22 etc., converts it into print data suitable for the printer, and sends it to the printer. Also, the OS standard print queue 31 is a function prepared and managed in advance in the OS 20. While it corresponds to the basic functions commonly possessed by many printers, it does not correspond to the advanced functions or unique functions of each printer.

[0029] Incidentally, in the OS printing system 21, for printers etc. detected by using the function of searching for printers connected via the network 4 in addition to an arbitrary printer specified by, for example, a user's operation, OS standard print queues 31 can be generated and automatically registered respectively.

[0030] Also, the OS printing system 21 stores information regarding the registered OS standard print queues 31 in the OS standard print queue table 32 shown in FIG. 3. In this OS standard print queue table 32, one OS standard print queue 31 is associated with one row, and a queue name column, an address column, and a printer driver column are provided in the column direction.

[0031] In the queue name column, the names of each OS standard print queue 31 are stored, such as "Queue A" for example. Incidentally, the name of each OS standard print queue 31 can be automatically set by the OS and various applications according to a predetermined naming rule when the OS standard print queue 31 is registered, and can also be arbitrarily set by the user.

[0032] The address list stores the addresses of the printers corresponding to the respective OS standard print queues 31. This address is information necessary when accessing the printer in OS 20, and stores, for example, the network address of the printer set in the network 4, etc.

[0033] The printer driver list stores information regarding the printer drivers corresponding to the respective OS standard print queues 31. For example, when the OS standard print queue 31 is associated with driverless, the characters "Driverless" are stored in the printer driver list. Also, when the OS standard print queue 31 is associated with a predetermined printer driver, information representing the printer driver is stored.

[0034] The application 22 (Figure 2) is mainly executed based on user operations, etc., and can perform various processes on various forms of data, such as creating and editing document data, calculating spreadsheet data, or displaying and editing image data and video data. Also, when the application 22 receives an instruction from the user to print the content of the data, it delivers the data to the OS standard print queue 31 registered in the OS printing system 21. At this time, the OS standard print queue 31 can generate print data by performing predetermined conversion processing, processing, etc. based on the received data, and cause the corresponding printer to perform print processing by transmitting this print data to the printer.

[0035] The printing software 23 is software corresponding to the printer 3 (Fig. 1), and is also called a printer application or a printing application. This printing software 23 is pre-installed and executed on the computer 2 before the printer 3 is connected to the network 4. That is, the printing software 23 and each function generated by the printing software 23 are added to the OS 20 afterwards and are not managed by the OS 20. According to the processes described later, this printing software 23 generates a virtual printer 33, which is a virtual (i.e., non-physical) printer corresponding to the printer 3, and performs various processes related to the virtual printer 33.

[0036] Although the virtual printer 33 is a virtual entity configured within the printing software 23, it is recognized by the OS printing system 21 in the same way as an existing printer 3 or the like. This virtual printer 33 can receive print data from the OS standard print queue 31 or the like and deliver the print data to the printing software 23.

[0037] Also, inside the printing software 23, a plurality of function blocks are formed to realize the printing process by the printer 3. Specifically, inside the printing software 23, mainly as parts related to the virtual printer 33, a virtual printer generation unit 41, a dedicated print queue generation unit 42, a search request reception unit 43, a search request response unit 44, a print job reception unit 45, a print job conversion unit 46, a print job transmission unit 47, a screen display unit 48, etc. are formed. Also, inside the printing software 23, mainly as parts related to the OS standard print queue 31, an OS standard print queue monitoring unit 51, an OS standard print queue generation instruction unit 52, an OS standard print queue deletion instruction unit 53, etc. are formed.

[0038] When the virtual printer generation unit 41 has not generated the virtual printer 33, which is a virtual printer corresponding to the printer 3, the virtual printer generation unit 41 newly generates the virtual printer 33. The dedicated print queue generation unit 42 as a generation unit generates a dedicated print queue 35, which is a print queue related to the printer 3, in the print software 23. This dedicated print queue 35 is not managed by the OS 20 but is independently managed by the print software 23.

[0039] The search request receiving unit 43 receives a printer search request for the virtual printer 33 from the OS print system 21. When the search request reply unit 44 receives a printer search request for the virtual printer 33 from the OS print system 21, the search request reply unit 44 transmits a reply from the virtual printer 33 to the OS print system 21.

[0040] The print job receiving unit 45 receives print data sent to the virtual printer 33 from the OS print system 21. The print job conversion unit 46 performs predetermined conversion processing on the print data received by the print job receiving unit 45 to make it in a format interpretable by the printer 3. Also, if the printer 3 has a unique function that cannot be supported in a driverless manner, the print job conversion unit 46 can also convert the print data to use the function. The print job transmitting unit 47 transmits the print data converted by the print job conversion unit 46 to the printer 3. The screen display unit 48 displays information about the print software 23 on the display unit 14 (FIG. 1).

[0041] The OS standard print queue monitoring unit 51 as a detection unit monitors whether a new OS standard print queue 31 is generated (registered) in the OS print system 21 and detects that it has been generated. The OS standard print queue generation instruction unit 52 as an association processing unit instructs the OS print system 21 to generate a new OS standard print queue 31 related to the virtual printer 33. The OS standard print queue deletion instruction unit 53 instructs the OS print system 21 to delete the existing OS standard print queue 31 that has become unnecessary.

[0042] Furthermore, the printing software 23 has a printer information table 55 and a dedicated print queue information table 57 that stores information regarding the dedicated print queue 35.

[0043] The printer information table 55 is a table that stores information regarding the OS standard print queue 31 registered in the OS printing system 21. Information obtained by referring to the OS standard print queue table 32 (FIG. 3) and information obtained from each printer are stored therein. As shown in FIG. 4, the printer information table 55 associates one OS standard print queue 31 with one row, and provides a printer name column, an address column, a manufacturer name column, and a virtual printer column in the column direction.

[0044] The printer name column stores the name of the printer. As the name of this printer, for example, the name of the printer included in the response from each printer when the OS printing system 21 searches for printers via the network 4 is used. The address column stores the address of the printer, similar to the address column of the OS standard print queue table 32 (FIG. 3).

[0045] The manufacturer name column stores a name or the like representing the manufacturer name of the printer. As the manufacturer name of this printer, for example, the manufacturer name of the printer included in the response from each printer when the OS printing system 21 searches for printers via the network 4 is used. The virtual printer column stores information indicating whether the printer is a virtual (non-existent) virtual printer or an existing printer. Specifically, if the printer is a virtual printer, the character string "Yes" is stored, and if it is an existing printer, the character string "No" is stored.

[0046] The dedicated print queue information table 57 is a table that stores information regarding the dedicated print queue 35 generated within the print software 23. When the dedicated print queue 35 is generated by the virtual printer generation unit 41, various information regarding the dedicated print queue 35 is stored therein. As shown in FIG. 5, the dedicated print queue information table 57 associates one dedicated print queue 35 with one row, and a queue name column, an address column, and a printer driver column are provided in the column direction.

[0047] In the queue name column, the name of the dedicated print queue 35 is stored. This name includes a character string representing the name of the corresponding OS standard print queue 31, such as "Dedicated Queue A". In the address column, the address of the printer corresponding to the dedicated print queue 35 is stored. In the printer driver column, information representing the printer driver corresponding to the dedicated print queue 35 is stored.

[0048] [1-3. Configuration of Printer and Network] The printer 3 (FIG. 1), also called an image forming apparatus, has a configuration in which a control unit 61, a storage unit 62, a communication unit 63, and a printing unit 64 are interconnected via a bus 60, as shown in the schematic hardware configuration diagram in FIG. 1. This printer 3, also called an image forming apparatus, forms (i.e., prints) an image on paper by, for example, an electrophotographic method. Incidentally, the printer 3 does not have an image scanner function for reading a document or a communication function using a telephone line, and is a single-function SFP (Single Function Printer) having only a printer function.

[0049] The control unit 61 is configured in the same manner as the control unit 11 of the computer 2, and has a CPU 61A, a ROM 61B, a RAM 61C, and the like. This control unit 61 reads various programs from the ROM 61B and the storage unit 62, and executes various processes by performing various arithmetic processes in the CPU 61A while using the RAM 61C as a work area, thereby comprehensively controlling the printer 3.

[0050] The storage unit 62 is configured in the same manner as the storage unit 12 and is a non-volatile information storage medium such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state drive (SSD). This storage unit 62 stores various programs, various setting information, or various data, etc. The communication unit 63 is configured in the same manner as the communication unit 13 and is an interface for a wired LAN compliant with a standard such as IEEE802.3 or a wireless LAN compliant with a standard such as IEEE802.11. This communication unit 63 transmits and receives various information to and from the network 4 by performing predetermined modulation processing, demodulation processing, etc.

[0051] The printing unit 64 has, for example, an exposure device, a fixing device (not shown), and a paper conveyance mechanism, etc. This printing unit 64 forms a toner image by the exposure device based on the image data supplied from the control unit 61 while conveying the paper by the conveyance mechanism, and fixes the toner image on the paper by the fixing device, thereby printing an image based on the image data.

[0052] The network 4 is an information network composed of various network devices (none of which are shown) such as a hub, a router, or a base station, etc., and functions as a network of a wired LAN compliant with a standard such as IEEE802.3 or a wireless LAN compliant with a standard such as IEEE802.11.

[0053] [2. Generation and Update of Print Queue] Next, when a printer 3 is newly connected to the network 4 in the printing system 1, a series of processes will be described, that is, the process of generating and further updating a print queue related to the printer 3 in the computer 2, that is, registering the printer 3 in the computer 2 to enable the printing process by the printer 3.

[0054] Specifically, when the power is turned on, the control unit 11 of the computer 2 (Fig. 1) performs predetermined initialization processing and the like, then reads the OS 20 from the storage unit 12 to start it up, and also executes the OS printing system 21 and the printing software 23 (Fig. 2) respectively.

[0055] Thereby, the OS printing system 21 starts the processing procedure RT1 shown in the left part of Fig. 6 and moves to the first step SP11. In step SP11, the OS printing system 21 searches for a printer via the network 4 (Fig. 1) and moves to the next step SP12. In step SP12, when the OS printing system 21 detects a new printer, it moves to the next step SP13. The printer detected at this time is the actually existing printer 3 (hereinafter also referred to as the actual printer).

[0056] In step SP13, the OS printing system 21 displays the print queue addition screen 100 shown in Fig. 7 on the display unit 14 and moves to the next step SP14. On this print queue addition screen 100, information for obtaining necessary instructions from the user when adding (registering) the OS standard print queue 31 related to the newly detected printer is displayed. Hereinafter, this print queue addition screen 100 is also referred to as registration instruction information.

[0057] This print queue addition screen 100 is configured as a GUI (Graphical User Interface) provided by the OS 20. Specifically, a printer selection column 101, a print queue name column 102, a driver display column 103, and an add button 104 are displayed. In the printer selection column 101, the names of the detected printers are displayed in a list format, and one of the items is in a selected state (highlighted display in Fig. 7). In the print queue name column 102, as the initial value of the name of the OS standard print queue 3_1 to be added this time, a name combining a part of the printer name and the character string "queue" is stored. This name can be freely changed by the user.

[0058] In the driver display column 103, the name of the printer driver associated with the OS standard print queue 31 to be added this time is displayed. In this driver display column 103, as an initial value, the string "Driverless" indicating that it is driverless is displayed. The add button 104 is an operation button for adding (i.e., generating) the OS standard print queue 31 with the contents respectively displayed in the printer selection column 101, the print queue name column 102, and the driver display column 103 at this time.

[0059] In step SP14, when the OS printing system 21 receives the pressing operation of the add button 104 by the user, it generates the OS standard print queue 31 with the contents respectively displayed in the printer selection column 101, the print queue name column 102, and the driver display column 103 at this time. The OS standard print queue 31 generated at this time becomes a print queue for causing the printer 3 to perform printing processing in a driverless manner. Hereinafter, the OS standard print queue 31 generated at this time is also referred to as an actual OS standard print queue 31R or a first print queue. Further, the OS printing system 21 stores various information regarding the newly generated actual OS standard print queue 31R in the OS standard print queue table 32 (FIG. 3).

[0060] On the other hand, the printing software 23 starts the processing procedure RT2 shown in the right part of FIG. 6 and moves to the first step SP21. In step SP21 as a detection step, the printing software 23 monitors the addition (generation) of a new OS standard print queue 31 in the OS printing system 21 by the OS standard print queue monitoring unit 51 (FIG. 2) and moves to the next step SP22.

[0061] Incidentally, the OS standard print queue monitoring unit 51 determines whether a new OS standard print queue 31 has been added by comparing the information stored in the printer information table 55 (FIG. 4) with the information stored in the OS standard print queue table 32 (FIG. 3) of the OS printing system 21.

[0062] In step SP22, when the printing software 23 detects that a new OS standard print queue 31 has been generated in the OS printing system 21 (i.e., the existing OS standard print queue 31R has been added), it proceeds to the next step SP23. At this time, the printing software 23 adds a row corresponding to the existing OS standard print queue 31R in the printer information table 55 (Figure 4), and stores the name of the existing OS standard print queue 31R in the queue name column. Also at this time, the printing software 23 stores "No" in the virtual printer list as information indicating that the existing OS standard print queue 31R is associated with an existing printer rather than a virtual printer.

[0063] In step SP23, the printing software 23 refers to the OS standard print queue table 32 (Figure 3) of the OS printing system 21 to obtain and store the address of the printer 3 associated with the existing OS standard print queue 31R, and then proceeds to the next step SP24.

[0064] In step SP24, the printing software 23 requests the manufacturer name of the printer 3 for the address associated with the existing OS standard print queue 31R, i.e., the address of the printer 3, and obtains the manufacturer name as a response thereto. Subsequently, the printing software 23 stores the obtained manufacturer name in association with the OS standard print queue 31 in the printer information table 55 (Figure 4), and then proceeds to the next step SP25.

[0065] In step SP25, the printing software 23 determines whether the existing OS standard print queue 31R is the target of processing including the subsequent generation of virtual printers. Specifically, the printing software 23 determines that it is the target of the processing when, for example, the manufacturer name of the existing OS standard print queue 31R matches a preset name (e.g., "Company A") and the virtual printer list is "No", and determines that it is not the target of the processing in other cases.

[0066] If a negative result is obtained in this step SP25, this indicates that, for example, due to reasons such as different manufacturing company names, there is no need to perform a series of processes including the generation of a virtual printer. At this time, the printing software 23 returns to step SP21 again to repeat the series of processes.

[0067] On the other hand, if an affirmative result is obtained in step SP25, this indicates that there is a possibility of performing a series of processes including the generation of a virtual printer. At this time, the printing software 23 moves to the next step SP26.

[0068] In step SP26, the printing software 23 displays, on the display unit 14, the print queue change confirmation screen 110 shown in FIG. 8 by the screen display unit 48 (FIG. 2), and moves to the next step SP27. On this print queue change confirmation screen 110, a message 111, a cancel button 112, and a change button 113 are displayed.

[0069] The message 111 displays a text such as "It is recommended to change queue A to a printing application". This message 111 conveys to the user that although the existing physical OS standard print queue 31R is driverless and some of the functions of the printer 3 cannot be used, by changing and registering to a printing application, these functions can be used.

[0070] The cancel button 112 is an operation button for receiving an instruction from the user to use queue A as it is without changing it. On the other hand, the change button 113 is an operation button for receiving an instruction from the user to change queue A to a printing application.

[0071] In step SP27, the printing software 23 determines whether it has received an instruction from the user to change the existing real OS standard print queue 31R, specifically, whether it has received a pressing operation of the change button 113 (Fig. 8). If an affirmative result is obtained here, this indicates that, in accordance with the user's will, it is necessary to change from the current print queue using the current driverless to the printing process using the printing software 23. At this time, the printing software 23 proceeds to the next step SP28.

[0072] In step SP28 as a generation step, the printing software 23 generates a virtual printer 33 corresponding to the printer 3 by the virtual printer generation unit 41 (Fig. 2), and proceeds to the next step SP29. In step SP29, the printing software 23 generates a dedicated print queue 35 related to the virtual printer 33 by the dedicated print queue generation unit 42 (Fig. 2), and proceeds to the next step SP30. Also, the printing software 23 stores information regarding the newly generated dedicated print queue 35 in the dedicated print queue information table 57 (Fig. 5).

[0073] In step SP30 as an association step, the printing software 23 instructs the OS printing system 21 to generate an OS standard print queue 31 corresponding to the virtual printer 33 by the OS standard print queue generation instruction unit 52.

[0074] In response, the OS printing system 21 proceeds to the next step SP15 and generates a new OS standard print queue 31 (hereinafter referred to as the virtual OS standard print queue 31V, or the second print queue) related to the virtual printer 33. Specifically, the OS printing system 21 adds one new row to the OS standard print queue table 32 (Fig. 3) and appropriately stores information regarding the virtual OS standard print queue 31V.

[0075] At this time, the printing software 23 detects that the virtual OS standard print queue 31V has been added by the OS standard print queue monitoring unit 51 (Fig. 2), and adds a row corresponding to the virtual OS standard print queue 31V to the printer information table 55 (Fig. 4). Further, the printing software 23 stores "Yes" in the virtual printer row in the virtual OS standard print queue 31V.

[0076] Subsequently, the printing software 23 moves to the next step SP31, and the OS standard print queue deletion instruction unit 53 instructs the OS printing system 21 to delete the existing OS standard print queue 31R related to the printer 3 (i.e., driverless), and moves to the next step SP32.

[0077] In response, the OS printing system 21 moves to the next step SP16 and deletes the existing OS standard print queue 31R. Specifically, the OS printing system 21 deletes the row related to the existing OS standard print queue 31R from the OS standard print queue table 32 (Fig. 3). As a result, the OS printing system 21 is in a state where only the virtual OS standard print queue 31V is added as compared to the state before the start of the processing procedure RT1. Thereafter, the OS printing system 21 moves to the next step SP17 and ends the processing procedure RT1.

[0078] At this time, the printing software 23 detects that the existing OS standard print queue 31R has been deleted by the OS standard print queue monitoring unit 51 (Fig. 2), and deletes the row corresponding to the existing OS standard print queue 31R from the printer information table 55 (Fig. 4).

[0079] On the other hand, when a negative result is obtained in step SP27, this indicates that there is no need to change the current driverless printing process. At this time, the printing software 23 moves to the next step SP32. In step SP32, the printing software 23 ends the processing procedure RT2.

[0080] In the computer 2 as described above, in the OS printing system 21, after the actual OS standard print queue 31R related to the printer 3 is generated, the virtual OS standard print queue 31V related to the virtual printer 33 is generated, and then the actual OS standard print queue 31R is deleted. This can be regarded as updating (switching) the printer associated with the OS standard print queue 31 from the actual printer 3 to the virtual printer 33 when both the actual OS standard print queue 31R and the virtual OS standard print queue 31V are collectively regarded as the OS standard print queue 31 related to the printer 3.

[0081] [3. Printing Process Using Virtual Printer] Next, the processing of each part when performing a printing process by the printer 3 using the virtual printer 33 from the computer 2 in the printing system 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 9. This FIG. 9 is a block diagram schematically showing a part of the configuration in the printing system 1.

[0082] Here, it is assumed that based on a user's operation, the application 22 is executed on the computer 2 and an instruction to print predetermined data (for example, a document, an image, etc.) is given. At this time, in the computer 2, the OS printing system 21 is called from the application 22, and it is assumed that the virtual OS standard print queue 31V is selected by the user's operation in a state where a plurality of print queues are presented.

[0083] In this case, in the computer 2, first, data is transmitted from the application 22 to the virtual OS standard print queue 31V of the OS printing system 21. The virtual OS standard print queue 31V converts the received data into print data using standard functions and transmits this to the virtual printer 33 of the print software 23.

[0084] On the printing software 23, the virtual printer 33 delivers the print data to the dedicated print queue 35. The dedicated print queue 35 performs predetermined conversion processing and the like on the received print data, thereby converting it into print data that utilizes the advanced functions and unique functions of the printer 3, and transmits this to the printer 3. As a result, the printer 3 can perform printing processing that fully utilizes the advanced functions and unique functions it possesses.

[0085] [4. Effects, etc.] Here, for comparison with the printing system 1 according to the present embodiment, a conventional printing system in which the printing software 23 is not provided in the computer 2 will be described. In the conventional printing system, in order to generate a virtual printer 33 corresponding to the printer 3 on the OS 20 of the computer 2 and to generate a virtual OS standard print queue 31V related to the virtual printer 33 in the OS printing system 21, a predetermined operation by the user is required.

[0086] [[ID=,10]]For example, the print queue generation screen 120 shown in FIG. 10 is a screen that is displayed when generating and registering a virtual OS standard print queue 31V using a web browser while the OS 20 is being executed on the computer 2 in a conventional printing system. This print queue generation screen 120 is displayed, for example, by having the user input a predetermined URL (Uniform Resource Locator) corresponding to the printing software 23 into the address input field 121. The print queue generation screen 120 displays a printer selection field 122, a printer name input field 123, an add button 124, and the like.

[0087] The printer selection field 122 displays, in a list format, the names of each printer that can be connected from the computer 2, such as "Printer A" and "Printer B", and allows the user to select any one of them. The printer name input field 123 displays a name that includes the name of the printer selected in the printer selection field 122, such as "Printer A (Virtual)", as the name of the print queue to be registered. This name can be appropriately modified by the user. The add button 124 is an operation button for receiving an instruction from the user to generate the virtual OS standard print queue 31V according to the contents displayed in the printer selection field 122 and the printer name input field 123.

[0088] This print queue generation screen 120 is significantly different from the print queue addition screen 100 (Fig. 7) displayed when the OS 20 generates and registers (i.e., adds) a print queue, in terms of the displayed content and the operations to be performed by the user. Therefore, in the conventional printing system, it was necessary to make the user fully understand the meaning and operation procedures of each part on the print queue generation screen 120 and operate appropriately. That is, in the conventional printing system, when generating and registering the virtual OS standard print queue 31V, it was necessary to make users who do not have sufficient knowledge about the computer 2 understand a complex mechanism and may force them to perform cumbersome operations.

[0089] In contrast, in the printing system 1 according to the present embodiment, when a printer 3 is newly connected to the computer 2 via the network 4, a real OS standard print queue 31R using a driverless mechanism is generated by the standard function of the OS printing system 21 incorporated in the OS 20.

[0090] At this time, when the printing software 23 detects that the print queue addition screen 100 (Fig. 7) provided as standard in the OS 20 is displayed and the necessary operations are performed by the user, and as a result, the existing OS standard print queue 31R is generated, it generates a virtual printer 33 and a dedicated print queue 35 after confirming with the user. Subsequently, the printing software 23 instructs the OS printing system 21 to generate (i.e., register) a virtual OS standard print queue 31V associated with the virtual printer 33 and to delete the existing OS standard print queue 31R, and causes the registration and the deletion to be executed.

[0091] As a result, in the printing system 1, without causing the user to perform complicated operations, it is possible to generate and add a virtual OS standard print queue 31V in the OS printing system 21, that is, to set it in a registered state, simply by causing the user to press the change button 113 on the print queue change confirmation screen 110 (Fig. 8).

[0092] That is, in the printing system 1, without forcing the user to use a dedicated operation screen such as the print queue generation screen 120 (Fig. 10) not provided in the OS 20, it is possible to register the virtual OS standard print queue 31V related to the printer 3 simply by allowing the user to make a simple determination and perform an operation via the print queue change confirmation screen 110 (Fig. 8).

[0093] Also, in the printing system 1, after the existing OS standard print queue 31R is generated once, the virtual OS standard print queue 31V is generated and then the existing OS standard print queue 31R is deleted (Fig. 6, steps SP15 and SP16). As a result, in the printing system 1, in the OS printing system 21, only the virtual OS standard print queue 31V related to the printer 3 is registered, so the user will not be confused when selecting a print queue.

[0094] Furthermore, the printing system 1 causes the OS standard print queue monitoring unit 51 (Fig. 2) to monitor the OS standard print queue 31 of the OS printing system 21. When a new OS standard print queue 31 is generated, if it is a processing target, generation of a virtual printer 33 and the like are automatically performed (Fig. 6, step SP21, etc.). For this reason, in the printing system 1, generation of a virtual printer 33 and the like can be performed at an appropriate timing while minimizing the work such as confirmation by the user.

[0095] According to the above configuration, in the printing system 1, when a printer 3 is newly connected to the computer 2 and a real OS standard print queue 31R using a driverless mechanism is generated by the OS printing system 21, the printing software 23, when detecting this, generates a virtual printer 33 and a dedicated print queue 35, and instructs the OS printing system 21 to generate a virtual OS standard print queue 31V related to the virtual printer 33 and delete the real OS standard print queue 31R. As a result, in the printing system 1, a virtual OS standard print queue 31V can be generated and added in the OS printing system 21 without causing the user to perform complicated operations.

[0096] [5. Other Embodiments] In the above-described embodiment, in step SP13 of the processing procedure RT1 (Fig. 6) executed by the OS printing system 21, a print queue addition screen 100 (Fig. 7) is displayed, and a form in which a real OS standard print queue 31R is generated (registered) according to an operation by the user has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, step SP13 may be omitted, and the real OS standard print queue 31R may be automatically generated (registered) without causing the user to perform an operation.

[0097] Also, in the above-described embodiments, a case has been described where, triggered by the generation of a new OS standard print queue 31, processes such as the generation of a virtual printer 33 are performed (FIG. 6). However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when the computer 2 is provided with a connection terminal conforming to a standard such as USB (Universal Serial Bus), and a new printer 3 is connected to the connection terminal and the OS 20 detects this, various processes of the OS 20 associated with the connection of the new printer 3 may be triggered, such as using this detection as a trigger. Alternatively, for example, in a situation where a user operates the application 22 and selects a printer for performing a print process, when a new printer searched via the network 4 is selected, since the OS 20 automatically generates an OS standard print queue 31, this may be used as a trigger.

[0098] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiments, a case has been described where, when generating a virtual printer 33, a dedicated print queue 35 is generated and the OS print system 21 generates a virtual OS standard print queue 31V (FIG. 6). However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when the virtual OS standard print queue 31V is deleted in the OS print system 21 by a user operation or the like, this may be used as a trigger to delete the virtual printer 33 and the dedicated print queue 35 by the print software 23.

[0099] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiments, a case has been described where, when generating a virtual printer 33, the OS print system 21 generates a virtual OS standard print queue 31V and deletes the existing OS standard print queue 31R (FIG. 6). However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the address of the existing OS standard print queue 31R in the OS standard print queue table 32 (FIG. 3) may be rewritten to the address of the virtual printer 33 while leaving the existing OS standard print queue 31R. As a result, it is not necessary to change the name of the existing OS standard print queue 31R, so the user is not troubled with the troublesome work related to naming the print queue.

[0100] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, when generating the virtual printer 33, the print software 23 instructs the OS print system 21 to generate the virtual OS standard print queue 31V, and the OS print system 21 generates the virtual OS standard print queue 31V (Fig. 6). However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the print software 23 may directly edit the OS standard print queue table 32 (Fig. 3) to generate the virtual OS standard print queue 31V. The same applies to the deletion of the actual OS standard print queue 31R.

[0101] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, in step SP26 of the processing procedure RT2 (Fig. 6), the print queue change confirmation screen 110 (Fig. 8) is displayed on the display unit 14 to inquire of the user about the change of the OS standard print queue 31 and, when obtaining approval, change it. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, steps SP26 and SP27 may be omitted from the processing procedure RT2, and the OS standard print queue 31 may be changed without inquiring of the user.

[0102] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, after generating the virtual printer 33 in step SP28 of the processing procedure RT2 (Fig. 6), the dedicated print queue 35 is generated in step SP29. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the dedicated print queue 35 may be generated first and then the virtual printer 33 may be generated.

[0103] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, after instructing the generation of the virtual OS standard print queue 31V in step SP30 of the processing procedure RT2 (FIG. 6), the form of instructing the deletion of the actual OS standard print queue 31R in step SP31 was described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the deletion of the actual OS standard print queue 31R may be instructed first, and then the generation of the virtual OS standard print queue 31V may be instructed. Furthermore, these processes are not limited to the form of being performed after the generation of the dedicated print queue 35, and may be performed before the generation of the dedicated print queue 35.

[0104] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the form of generating the virtual printer 33 inside the printing software 23 being executed in the computer 2 was described (FIG. 2). However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in a predetermined server device (not shown) connected via the network 4, a virtual printer may be generated within a predetermined software.

[0105] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the form of pre-installing the printing software 23 in the computer 2 and executing it on the OS 20 was described (FIG. 2). However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the computer 2 may download and acquire the printing software 23 from a predetermined server device (not shown) connected via the network 4 and execute this on the OS 20.

[0106] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the form of making the printer 3 a single-function image forming apparatus was described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The printer 3 may be, for example, an image forming apparatus (so-called multi-functional device) having various other functions such as a scanner function or a communication function using a telephone line, and operating also as a copier or a facsimile apparatus, such as an MFP (Multi Function Peripheral).

[0107] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiments, when the printer 3 is connected to the computer 2, the form of generating the virtual printer 33 or the like and making the printer 3 usable has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it may be applied when various peripheral devices connectable to the computer 2, such as an image scanner, a keyboard, and a mouse, are newly connected and registered on the OS for use.

[0108] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and other embodiments. That is, the scope of application of the present invention extends to embodiments in which any combination of some or all of the above-described embodiments and the above-described other embodiments is arbitrarily combined, or embodiments in which a part is extracted.

[0109] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiments, the form of configuring the printing system 1 as a registration system by the OS standard print queue monitoring unit 51 as a detection unit, the virtual printer generation unit 41 as a generation unit, and the OS standard print queue generation instruction unit 52 as an association processing unit has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a registration system may be configured by a detection unit, a generation unit, and an association processing unit having various other configurations.

Industrial Applicability

[0110] The present invention can be used when registering to perform a printing process using an image forming apparatus in an information processing apparatus to which the image forming apparatus is connected.

Explanation of Signs

[0111] 1... Printing system, 2... Computer, 3... Printer, 4... Network, 11... Control unit, 12... Memory unit, 13... Communication unit, 14... Display unit, 15... Operation unit, 21... OS printing system, 23... Printing software, 31... OS standard print queue, 31R... Actual OS standard print queue, 31V... Virtual OS standard print queue, 33... Virtual printer, 35... Dedicated print queue, 41... Virtual printer generation unit, 42... Dedicated print queue generation unit, 48... Screen display unit, 51... OS standard print queue monitoring unit, 52... OS standard print queue generation instruction unit, 53... OS standard print queue deletion instruction unit, 100... Print queue addition screen, 110... Print queue change confirmation screen.

Claims

1. A program for causing an information processing apparatus having an operating system that can be connected to an image forming apparatus and can register a plurality of print queues to perform: a detection step of detecting that a first print queue associated with the image forming apparatus is generated by the operating system as one of the plurality of print queues; a generation step of generating a virtual printer connectable to the image forming apparatus when it is detected that the first print queue is generated; an association step of associating any one of the plurality of print queues with the virtual printer.

2. The detection step detects that the first print queue is generated based on the registration instruction information when the registration instruction information for instructing registration of a print queue associated with the image forming apparatus is selected by an operation of an operation unit of the information processing apparatus in a state where the registration instruction information is displayed on a display unit. The program according to claim 1, wherein the program is characterized in that.

3. The registration instruction information is displayed on the display unit based on a GUI (Graphical User Interface) provided by the operating system. The program according to claim 2, wherein the program is characterized in that.

4. The generation step generates the virtual printer corresponding to the image forming apparatus based on the selected registration instruction information. The program according to claim 2, wherein the program is characterized in that.

5. The association step instructs the operating system to generate a second print queue different from the first print queue, and associates the generated second print queue with the virtual printer. The program according to claim 1, wherein the program is characterized in that.

6. The association step associates the virtual printer with the second print queue and instructs the operating system to delete the first print queue. The program according to claim 5, wherein the program is characterized in that.

7. The association step instructs the operating system to change information for connecting to the image forming apparatus to information for connecting to the virtual printer with respect to the first print queue. The program according to claim 1, wherein the program is characterized in that.

8. ​ A method in an information processing apparatus having an operating system, which is provided so as to be connectable to an image forming apparatus and capable of registering a plurality of print queues, comprising: a detection step of detecting that a first print queue associated with the image forming apparatus is generated by the operating system as one of the plurality of print queues; a generation step of generating a virtual printer connectable to the image forming apparatus when it is detected that the first print queue is generated; an association step of associating any one of the plurality of print queues with the virtual printer and a method having the same. **Claim 9** A system comprising: an image forming apparatus; and an information processing apparatus having an operating system provided so as to be connectable to the image forming apparatus and capable of registering a plurality of print queues, a detection unit that detects that a first print queue associated with the image forming apparatus is generated by the operating system as one of the plurality of print queues; a generation unit that generates a virtual printer connectable to the image forming apparatus when it is detected that the first print queue is generated; an association processing unit that associates any one of the plurality of print queues with the virtual printer and a system for executing the same.

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