Printer control device, printer control method and program

Abstract

To provide users with more convenient favorite settings.SOLUTION: An application program according to one embodiment of the present invention for supporting a software function that generates print data printable by printing apparatuses supplied from a plurality of manufacturers causes a computer to: store a collection of set values for print settings items; display a print settings screen that allows selection of the collection; receive selection of the collection by a user; and apply the set values for the print settings items included in the selected collection on the print settings screen. The collection is displayed on the print settings screen using different display methods depending on whether or not the set values for the print settings items included in the collection include a set value that is not implementable by a printing apparatus associated with the print settings screen.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a print control device, a print control method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] A known configuration uses a printer driver installed on a host computer as software for controlling the printing device to issue print instructions to a printing device connected to the host computer. An operating system (OS), which is the basic software, is installed on the host computer, and the printer driver is configured according to the specifications defined by the OS and runs when called by the OS. By providing a printer driver that conforms to the OS specifications, a printing device vendor can provide a means for issuing print instructions to the printing device using the OS.

[0003] In recent years, Windows® has provided standard class drivers (hereafter referred to as "standard drivers") that can be used with printing devices from multiple vendors. These standard drivers are included in the OS package and can be easily used by connecting any printing device to a host computer. This eliminates the need to separately install a model-specific printer driver suited to the printing device, providing great convenience.

[0004] The standard driver is also configured to allow the user to specify print functions according to the PrintCapabilities generated based on information obtained from the connected printing device. This allows users of the standard driver to specify print functions according to the capabilities of the connected printing device, even though they are using a single standard driver.

[0005] A standard driver can be associated with an application that extends or supports its functions (hereinafter referred to as an "extension application"). An extension application can be provided by the vendor that supplies the printing device. By providing this extension application, the vendor (manufacturer) can provide functions (extension functions) that cannot be achieved with the standard driver alone.

[0006] Patent Document 1 discloses a technology for sharing favorite settings that are combinations of print settings saved on multiple print setting screens. However, the sharing method described in Patent Document 1 is a sharing method within the same printing device, and does not allow favorite settings to be shared between different printing devices. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-176354 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] The present invention aims to provide users with more suitable favorite settings by using an application that extends and supports the functionality of a standard driver that generates print data that can be printed on multiple printing devices. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] An application program according to one aspect of the present invention is an application program that supports the functions of software that generates print data that can be printed on printing devices provided by multiple manufacturers, and causes a computer to save sets of setting values ​​for print setting items, display a print setting screen on which the sets can be selected, accept a selection of the sets from a user, and cause the setting values ​​of the print setting items included in the selected set to be selected on the print setting screen, and the set is displayed on the print setting screen in different display methods depending on whether or not the setting values ​​of the print setting items included in the set include setting values ​​that cannot be executed on the printing device associated with the print setting screen. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a favorite setting in an extended application, thereby improving usability. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of a printing system. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a printing system. [Figure 3] 10 is an example of a print setting screen of an extension application. [Figure 4] An example of PDC and PT. [Figure 5] An example of favorites management data. [Figure 6] An example of the favorites addition screen for an extended application. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing the process of registering an extension application as a favorite. [Figure 8] An example of PT. [Figure 9] An example of the print settings screen of an extension application associated with printer B. [Figure 10] An example of PDC and PT for printer B. [Figure 11]10 is a flowchart showing a favorites list display process on the print setting screen of the extension application. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a favorite selection process on the print setting screen of the extension application. [Figure 13] An example of a confirmation screen for updating an extension application to favorites. [Figure 14] An example of the favorites editing screen of the extension application. [Figure 15] 10 is a flowchart showing a process for displaying a list of favorites on the favorites editing screen of the extension application. [Figure 16] 10 is a flowchart showing a favorite setting display process on the favorites editing screen of the extension application. [Figure 17] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a process for starting a print setting screen of an extension application according to the second embodiment. [Figure 18] 10 shows an example of favorite support management data for an extension application according to the second embodiment. [Figure 19] 10 is an example of a favorite selection screen for an extended application according to the second embodiment. [Figure 20] 10 shows an example of a print setting screen of an extension application according to the second embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a favorites list display process on the print setting screen of the extension application according to the second embodiment. [Figure 22] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a process of registering an extension application as a favorite in the third embodiment. [Figure 23] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a favorites list display process on the print setting screen of an extension application according to the third embodiment. [Figure 24] 13 shows an example of a print setting screen of an extension application according to the third embodiment. [Figure 25] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of a printing system according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 26] 13 shows an example of a print setting screen of an extension application according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 27] 13 is an example of a favorites editing screen for an extension application according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 28] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a favorite file reading process of an extension application according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 29] 13 shows an example of a print setting screen after a favorite file of an extension application is loaded according to the fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the scope of the present invention as defined in the claims, and not all of the combinations of features described in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the solution of the present invention. Note that the same components are given the same reference numerals and their description will be omitted.

[0013] <<First embodiment>> 1 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of a printing system. In this diagram, a host computer 101 is an example of an information processing device, and includes an input interface 110, a CPU 111, a ROM 112, a RAM 113, an external storage device 114, an output interface 115, and an input / output interface 116.

[0014] Input devices such as a keyboard 118 and a pointing device 117 are connected to the input interface 110, and display devices such as a display unit 119 are connected to the output interface 115. The NETIF 120 is a network interface that controls data transfer between external devices via a network.

[0015] An initialization program is stored in the ROM 112. Application programs, an operating system (OS), print data generation software, and various other data are stored in the external storage device 114. The RAM 113 is used as a work memory when the various programs stored in the external storage device 114 are executed, and enables the various programs to run within the host computer 101.

[0016] In this embodiment, the CPU 111 executes processing according to the procedures of a program stored in the ROM 112, thereby executing functions described below in the host computer 101 and processing related to flowcharts described below. The printing device 102, which is a device, is connected to the host computer 101 via an input / output interface 116.

[0017] Here, the host computer 101 and the printing device 102 are configured as separate devices, but they may also be configured as a single information processing device. The host computer 101 may be a desktop personal computer, a smartphone, or a notebook computer.

[0018] 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a printing system. Here, the description is based on the premise that the printing system uses a host computer 101 with Microsoft® Windows® 11 installed as the OS. FIG. 2(a) shows a typical configuration when an extension application 210 is not associated with print data generation software 202 and the printing device 102.

[0019] The drawing application 201 is software that creates content (drawing data) to be printed and outputs images to be printed, such as a word processing application or a spreadsheet application.

[0020] When the drawing application 201 receives a print request from a user, it issues a print instruction to the OS. The print instruction includes print setting information for instructing the operation of the print data generation software 202 and the printing device 102. The print setting information is also called a PrintTicket (hereinafter, "PT").

[0021] To output print setting information, the drawing application 201 can display a print setting screen provided by the print data generation software 202, the OS, or the drawing application 201. The print setting screen includes setting items (hereinafter also referred to as "control items") indicating configurable print functions and control items indicating their setting values ​​according to capability information (information that can be set as print settings) acquired from the print data generation software 202.

[0022] The capability information is also called PrintCapabilities (hereinafter, "PC"). The print data generation software 202 determines the PC based on the print function information 203. The print function information 203 is data indicating all the print functions that can be set, their setting values, and the exclusive relationships between the setting values.

[0023] The print capability information 203 is also called PDC (Print Device Capabilities). The print capability information 203 is included in a configuration file of the print data generation software 202 and is stored in the external storage device 114 as an unmodifiable file. Alternatively, the print data generation software 202 can dynamically generate the print capability information 203. Specifically, the print data generation software 202 or the OS can be configured to acquire printing device attribute data from the printing device 102 and generate the print capability information 203 according to the attribute information in the acquired attribute data.

[0024] Note that when the printing capability information 203 is dynamically generated, the generated printing capability information 203 can be edited. Note that the printing device attribute data acquired from the printing device 102 is a response acquired by issuing a Get-Printer-Attributes operation of the Internet Print Protocol (IPP) to the printing device. The response includes attribute information indicating functions that can be specified by the printing device 102 (printing device capabilities) and setting values ​​related to that attribute information. This response is saved in RAM 113.

[0025] By configuring it in this way, the print data generation software 202 can be configured so that the user can specify the print functions available on each printing device 102 according to the connected printing device 102. In other words, even when printing devices with different functions or printing devices developed or provided by different vendors (manufacturers) are connected, the print data generation software 202 can be configured so that the user can specify the print functions available on the connected printing device.

[0026] Here, a configuration will be described in which the print data generation software 202 uses an IPP Class Driver that is installed in Windows (registered trademark) 11. The IPP Class Driver is a printer driver that executes print processing in accordance with the specifications of a standard print protocol called IPP (Internet Print Protocol), and is included in the OS package.

[0027] The IPP Class Driver is not a printer driver specific to the model of the printing device 102, but a standard class driver that can be used by printing devices provided by multiple vendors (manufacturers). The IPP Class Driver also acquires capability information of the connected printing device 102 so that the user can specify the printing functions supported by the connected printing device 102, and generates printing function information 203 based on that information.

[0028] As described above, the print data generation software 202 and the OS provide the printing function of the host computer 101. Therefore, the print data generation software 202 and the OS are an example of software in the present invention that generates print data that can be printed on printing devices provided by multiple vendors (manufacturers).

[0029] 2(b) is a diagram showing a configuration in which the extended application 210 is associated with the print data generation software 202 and the printing device 102. Note that configurations and processes not specifically mentioned below are the same as those in FIG. 2(a).

[0030] The extension application 210 is software for extending and supporting the functions of the print data generation software 202, and is software that is not pre-installed (not bundled) in the OS. Therefore, the user must operate the host computer 101 to download and install the extension application 210 from a server via the Internet. Alternatively, the extension application 210 may be installed automatically when the printing device 102 is connected to the host computer 101.

[0031] Specifically, when the printing device 102 is connected to the host computer 101, the OS acquires device identification information from the printing device 102. The OS may download and install the extended application 210 corresponding to the acquired device identification information from a server via the Internet. In other words, the print data generation software 202 and the extended application 210 are stored in the host computer 101 as separate files.

[0032] When the extended application 210 is installed in a state in which the printing device 102 and print data generation software 202 are associated as shown in FIG. 2(a), the OS associates the extended application 210 with the print data generation software 202. The OS also associates the extended application 210 with the printing device 102. Through this processing, the software configuration of the host computer 101 becomes the configuration shown in FIG. 2(b).

[0033] The print data generation software 202 and the extension application 210 may be updated and upgraded, but these update processes are also performed at different times. That is, the timing at which the host computer 101 acquires the print data generation software 202 is different from the timing at which the extension application 210 is acquired. Furthermore, the trigger for the host computer 101 to acquire the print data generation software 202 is different from the trigger for the host computer 101 to acquire the extension application 210.

[0034] The extension application 210 described in this embodiment includes a print setting screen extension unit 211, a skip control unit 212, a print function extension unit 213, a print data editing unit 214, and a notification unit 215. The extension application 210 also includes shared information 210 that can be commonly accessed by each unit. The shared information 210 is actually a file saved in the external storage device 114 or information stored in the RAM 113. The extension application 210 writes and reads information to and from the shared information 210 by using an API (Application Program Interface) provided by the OS.

[0035] The extension application 210 may terminate operation each time the processing of each unit is completed. In this case, the OS will launch the extension application 210 each time a request to use each unit is received. Other configurations are also possible. For example, the OS may terminate the operation of the extension application 210 when the processing of the print setting screen extension unit 211 is completed, but the OS may keep the extension application 210 running even after the processing of the skip control unit 212 is completed.

[0036] Furthermore, the extension application 210 may cancel the processing of each unit during its processing. If the processing is canceled, the job being processed in the print queue is deleted by the OS.

[0037] When the drawing application 201 receives a print request from a user, it issues a print instruction to the OS. In this configuration, as in the configuration of FIG. 2(a), the drawing application 201 can display a print setting screen. In this configuration, the print setting screen provided by the extension application 210 is displayed. Specifically, the print setting screen provided by the print setting screen extension unit 211 included in the extension application 210 is displayed. Whether the print setting screen provided by the print setting screen extension unit 211 is displayed depends on the user's operation.

[0038] Furthermore, when the drawing application 201 receives a print request from a user and issues a print instruction to the OS, the OS activates the skip control unit 212. The skip control unit 212 controls whether or not to skip the processing of the print data generation software 202. After the skip control processing of the skip control unit 212, the OS generates intermediate data based on the print instruction output from the drawing application 201, and the intermediate data is passed to the print data generation software 202.

[0039] Here, if skip control is not performed by skip control unit 212, the intermediate data is processed by print data generation software 202 into print data that can be interpreted by printing device 102, and is passed to print data editing unit 214. On the other hand, if print data generation software 202 is skipped, the intermediate data is passed to print data editing unit 214 without being processed by print data generation software 202. This makes it possible for the intermediate data to be processed by print data editing unit 214.

[0040] The print data editing unit 214 edits the intermediate data passed from the print data generation software 202 or the print data processed by the print data generation software 202. Taking layout printing as an example of the editing content, the print data editing unit 214 changes the layout of the intermediate data or print data based on the print setting information for layout printing received from the OS.

[0041] Furthermore, the print data editing unit 214 can display a UI screen on the display unit 119, and can display the intermediate data or the layout result of the print data as a preview screen. Note that with the print data editing unit 214, print data is not sent to the printing device 102 while the screen is open, and the print data sending process is activated when the screen is closed.

[0042] After the print data editing unit 214 edits the print data, the print data is passed to the printing device 102. The printing device 102 prints on paper based on the received print data. Note that if the skip control unit 212 skips the print data generation software 202, the print data editing unit 214 may convert the received intermediate data into print data that can be interpreted by the printing device 102. Alternatively, a function provided by the OS may be used to convert the intermediate data into print data.

[0043] The extension application 210 has a print function extension unit 213. The print function extension unit 213 can edit the print function information 203 (PDC) generated by the print data generation software 202 or the OS.

[0044] This allows the print function extension unit 213 to add functions provided by the extension application 210. Furthermore, the print function extension unit 213 can also add functions that are supported by the printing device 102 but not by the print data generation software 202, add exclusive relationships between setting values ​​of print functions, etc. The OS starts the print function extension unit 213 when the extension application 210 is first associated with the printing device 102 and the print data generation software 202.

[0045] Furthermore, the OS may start the print function extension unit 213 at other times, such as when the OS starts up. In cases where an optional device (for example, a finisher) is added to the printing device 102 later, and printing-related functions are extended, the print function extension unit 213 can detect the extended function and add it to the print function information 203.

[0046] The extension application 210 also has a notification unit 215. The notification unit 215 can display a notification to the user in response to an error occurring in the printing device 102. For example, when an out-of-paper error occurs in the printing device 102, the print data software 202 detects this, and the OS uses a notification function called a toast notification, which is an OS function, to display a message on the display unit 119.

[0047] When the user presses this toast notification, the OS calls the notification unit 215 of the extension application 210, and the UI screen of the notification unit 215 is displayed. The UI screen of the notification unit 215 can display, for example, a detailed message about the out-of-paper error and instructions on how to refill paper.

[0048] Once the extension application 210 has sent print data to the printing device 102, it is no longer possible to display on the screen a guide or other information associated with the print data while each unit is processing.

[0049] Furthermore, the configuration of the extension application 210 for realizing this embodiment is not limited to one having all of the above-mentioned functions (units), but may be one having only some of the functions or one having other functions. Also, the extension application 210 may simply be called printing software.

[0050] <Displaying the print settings screen> 3 shows an example of a screen displayed by the print setting screen expansion unit 211 when printer A is connected as the printing device 102. The print setting screen expansion unit 211 is called by the OS when a user instructs the drawing application 201 to display the print setting screen for printer A. Based on the PC of printer A that can be obtained from the OS, the print setting screen expansion unit 211 displays a screen on which the user can specify setting values ​​for print functions that can be specified in the print data generation software 202.

[0051] Here, the PC is generated by the OS based on the PDC; an example of a PDC for Printer A is shown in PDC401 in Figure 4(a), and an example of a PC is shown in PC403 in Figure 4(b). The information in psftype="Feature" in PDC401 indicates the functions supported by the printing device, and the information in PageMediaSize402 indicates that the paper size function can be set. The item psftype="Option" indicates the setting values ​​that can be set for each function, and indicates that ISOA4 size, for example, can be set as the paper size (PageMediaSize402).

[0052] The ScoredProperty in each setting value (Option) indicates the detailed parameters of each setting value. For example, the paper size (PageMediaSize402) includes information on the width (MediaSizeWidth) and height (MediaSizeHeight) of each size. PC403 is generated based on PDC401, and the information on PageMediaSize402 of PDC401 is generated as PageMediaSize404 of PC403, and each setting value such as ISOA4 is also generated.

[0053] 3(a) shows the state immediately after the print setting screen 301 is displayed in response to a user instruction, with various print settings set to their initial settings. Favorites 302 is an item for selecting a favorite setting, which is a combination of any print setting values. When any favorite setting is selected, the combination of print setting values ​​saved in that favorite setting is reflected on the print setting screen.

[0054] When the extended application 201 is installed by the OS, it saves the default favorite settings, which return each setting value to the value immediately after installation, in the shared information 216. An example of the favorite setting management data saved by the extended application 201 in the shared information 216 is shown in Fig. 5(a). Fig. 5(a) shows the state immediately after the extended application 201 is installed, in which only the default settings are registered.

[0055] The management data for favorite settings stores a management ID, the registered favorite name, a comment, the type of printing device on which the favorite is saved, and the setting value saved as the favorite setting, all associated with each other. The information stored as management data may be part of these or may include other information.

[0056] Here, the standard settings are favorite settings that are common to all models, so the type "ALL" is saved, indicating that they can be used with all printing devices. Since the standard settings are favorite settings that are used to restore the initial values ​​immediately after installation, no specific values ​​are saved as setting values; instead, the initial values ​​of each setting written in the PDC (Option with default="true" in FIG. 4A) are read and reflected. Note that in this embodiment, only the standard settings are described as favorite settings that are registered (pre-installed) when the extension application 201 is installed, but other combinations of setting values ​​may also be registered in advance.

[0057] The comment is used to inform the user of the combination of setting values ​​using any character string, and in this embodiment, it is used to display in the comment 1504 on the favorites editing screen 1501 described later.

[0058] The add button 303 is a button for saving the currently set combination of print settings as a favorite setting, and the edit button 304 is a button for editing the saved favorite setting.

[0059] The check box 305 that prioritizes application settings is a function that prioritizes application settings when the favorite settings are reflected while the check box is checked. In other words, the check box 305 is a function that prevents favorite settings from being reflected for print settings that can be set by the user from the drawing application 201 without opening the print setting screen for printer A, such as paper size and print orientation.

[0060] Paper type 306, paper size 307, print orientation 308, paper feed slot 309, print quality 310, color mode 311, layout 312, and duplex printing 313 are determined from various options supported by the printing device based on the PC information acquired from the OS. The user can make any desired print settings by selecting any option from the displayed options.

[0061] The OK button 314 is a button for saving the currently selected various setting values ​​in the print settings (PT) and closing the print settings screen 301. The cancel button 315 is a button for closing the print settings screen 301 without saving the print settings.

[0062] <Save Favorite Settings> Next, an example of saving favorite settings will be described.

[0063] Figure 3(b) shows the state in which the user has changed the settings from Figure 3(a) to set paper feed slot 309 to cassette 2, layout 312 to 2 in 1, and double-sided printing 313 (long edge binding). When the user wants to save this combination of setting values ​​as a favorite setting, the user presses add favorite button 303. When the add favorite button 303 is pressed, the add favorite screen is displayed.

[0064] Fig. 6(a) shows an example of the Add Favorites screen that is displayed when the Add Favorites button 303 is pressed. On the Add Favorites screen 601 shown in Fig. 6(a), the user enters the name of an arbitrary favorite setting (favorite name) in Name 602 and arbitrary text in Comment 603. Then, by pressing OK button 604, the combination of print setting values ​​at the time the Add Favorites button 303 was pressed can be saved as a favorite setting.

[0065] FIG. 7(a) shows the processing flow that is executed when the user presses the OK button 604.

[0066] When the user presses the OK button 604, the print setting screen expansion unit 211 executes the process of S701. In S701, the print setting screen expansion unit 211 checks the favorite name entered in the name 602 on the add favorite screen 601, and determines whether it is blank with no entry or whether it has the same name as a pre-installed favorite setting. If the name 602 is blank or has the name "standard setting," which is a pre-installed favorite setting, a warning dialog box is displayed in S702, and the process ends.

[0067] 6B shows an example of the warning dialog box displayed by the print setting screen expansion unit 211 in S702. The warning dialog box 611 includes a message 612 informing the user that the entered name cannot be used for saving, and a button 613 for closing the warning dialog box 611. When the user presses button 613, the print setting screen expansion unit 211 closes the warning dialog box 611 and returns to the add favorites screen 601.

[0068] In S701, if the print setting screen expansion unit 211 determines that the name 602 is not blank and is different from the name "standard setting," which is the pre-installed favorite setting, the process proceeds to S703.

[0069] In S703, the print setting screen expansion unit 211 checks whether the favorite name entered in the name 602 on the add favorite screen 601 exists in the favorite management data saved in the shared information 216. If it is determined in S703 that the same name exists, the print setting screen expansion unit 211 displays a confirmation dialog box in S704 to confirm whether to overwrite the existing favorite setting with the same name.

[0070] 6(c) shows an example of the confirmation dialog box displayed in S704. The confirmation dialog box 621 includes a message 622 for confirming whether to overwrite the favorite setting with the same name, an OK button 623 for instructing to overwrite the favorite setting with the same name, and a Cancel button 624 for not instructing to overwrite the favorite setting with the same name.

[0071] If the user presses the OK button 623 in the confirmation dialog box 621, the print setting screen expansion unit 211 determines Yes in S705 and proceeds to processing in S706. If the user presses the Cancel button 624 in the confirmation dialog box 621, the print setting screen expansion unit 211 closes the confirmation dialog box 621, determines No in S705, ends processing, and returns to the favorite addition screen 601.

[0072] If a favorite with the same name does not exist in the saved favorites data (S703: No), or if a favorite with the same name exists in the saved favorites data and an overwrite instruction is issued (S705: Yes), the print setting screen expansion unit 211 proceeds to S706. In S706, the print setting screen expansion unit 211 acquires the type of printing device associated with the currently open print setting screen. Details of the printing device type determination process are shown in FIG. 7(b).

[0073] Fig. 7(b) is a flowchart showing the detailed flow of the processing of S706 by the print setting screen expansion unit 211. Note that the flow of Fig. 7(b) is based on the premise that the information acquired in S706 is information obtained in response to the IPP Get-Printer-Attributes operation of the printing device 102. However, the flow of Fig. 7(b) may also be a flow in which the device type is determined using information obtained by other methods.

[0074] In S711, the print setting screen extension unit 211 checks whether the response from the printing device 102 to the IPP Get-Printer-Attributes operation includes a marker-types attribute.

[0075] If the determination in S711 is Yes, the print setting screen expansion unit 205 checks in S712 whether the marker-types attribute value is ink-cartridge.

[0076] If the determination in S712 is Yes, the print setting screen expansion unit 205 determines in S713 that the device type of the printing device 102 is an inkjet device (IJ). Here, the marker-types attribute and the ink-cartridge attribute value are attributes and attribute values ​​defined in IPP.

[0077] If the determination in step S711 is No, the print setting screen extension unit 205 checks in step S715 whether the printer-supply attribute is included in the response to the IPP Get-Printer-Attributes operation of the printing device 102. Here, the printer-supply attribute is an attribute defined in the IPP.

[0078] If the determination in S715 is Yes, the print setting screen expansion unit 211 checks in S716 whether the printer-supply attribute value includes type=toner.

[0079] If the determination in S806 is Yes, the print setting screen expansion unit 211 determines in S717 that the device type of the printing device 102 is an electrophotographic device (EP). Here, the printer-supply attribute and the type=toner attribute value are attributes and attribute values ​​defined in IPP.

[0080] If the print setting screen expansion unit 211 determines No in S712, S715, or S716, it determines in S714 that the device type of the printing apparatus 102 is "other."

[0081] 7B, the print setting screen expansion unit 205 determines the device type based on information obtained in response to the IPP Get-Printer-Attributes operation of the printing device 102. However, the print setting screen expansion unit 205 may also make a determination based on other information. For example, the device type may be determined based on information obtained from the printing device 102 by another method.

[0082] The determination may also be based on information such as the name of the printing device 102 and supported settings obtained from the printing device 102, and table information held by the extended application 204. The table information may also be configured to be obtained from a server (not shown). Although the device types are EP and IJ, the type may also be determined based on the purpose of the printer, such as home printer, office printer, or photo printer, based on information on supported functions.

[0083] Returning to the explanation of the flow in Fig. 7(a), next, in S707, the print setting screen expansion unit 211 acquires the current print setting (PT) from the OS. An example of the PT acquired in S707 is shown in Fig. 8.

[0084] 8 represents the settings in FIG. 3(c) when the Add to Favorites button 303 is pressed, with Cassette 2 (Cassette2) set in Paper Feed Method (JobInputBin) 802. Also, TwoSideLongEdge is set in Double-Sided Printing (JobDuplexAllDocumentsCotiguously) 803. And 2 in 1(2) is set in Layout (JobNupAllDocumentsCotiguously) 804.

[0085] Finally, in S708, the print setting screen expansion unit 211 saves the type of printing device acquired in S706 and the print settings acquired in S707 as favorite management data of the shared information 216. Fig. 5(b) shows an example of the favorite management data after the new favorite settings have been saved (added).

[0086] In FIG. 5(b), the 2 in 1 (double-sided) favorite setting specified by the name in FIG. 6(a) is registered as the next favorite setting after the pre-installed standard favorite setting.

[0087] The type of favorite setting is the type acquired in S706. In this embodiment, printer A is an EP device, and the character string EP, which indicates an EP device, is saved as the 2 in 1 (double-sided) type. In this embodiment, the type is saved as a character string, but any value that can identify the type may be saved. The setting values ​​for the added 2 in 1 (double-sided) are the settings in FIG. 3(b), and in this example, all setting values ​​written in the PT are saved.

[0088] The setting save format shown in Figure 5(b) is an example, and it may also be saved in a unique binary format. Also, instead of saving the setting values ​​of all print setting items described in the PT, it is also possible to save only the setting values ​​of print setting items that have been changed from their default values, and to reflect the default values ​​for print settings that have not been changed.

[0089] After the 2 in 1 (double-sided) favorite setting is saved, Fig. 3(c) shows a screen in which the 2 in 1 (double-sided) favorite setting is selected as favorite 302 on the print setting screen displayed by the print setting screen expansion unit 211. In Fig. 3(c), the setting values ​​in Fig. 3(b) remain the same, and the favorite name saved in Fig. 6(a) is displayed as favorite 302.

[0090] <Print setting screen for different types of printing devices> Next, we will explain the state when the print setting screen of printer B, which is different from the printer shown in FIG. 3, is opened as the printing device 102 while the extended application 201 has saved the favorites management data shown in FIG. 5(b) in the shared information 216. Note that printer B is an inkjet device (IJ), and is a different type (EP) from printer A.

[0091] 9A shows an example of a screen displayed by the print setting screen expansion unit 211 when printer B is connected as the printing device 102. The print setting screen expansion unit 211 is called by the OS when the user instructs the drawing application 201 to display the print setting screen for printer B.

[0092] The print setting screen expansion unit 211 displays a screen on which the user can specify the setting values ​​of the print functions that can be specified by the print data generation software 202, based on the PC of printer B that can be obtained from the OS. Here, the PC is generated by the OS based on the PDC, and an example of the PDC of printer B is shown as PDC1101 in FIG. 10(a), and an example of the PC is shown as PC1103 in FIG. 10(b).

[0093] In this embodiment, printer B differs from printer A in that it does not support cassette 2 as a paper feed slot setting. Therefore, JobInputBin 1102 and JobInputBin 1104, which indicate paper feed slot functions, do not have a setting value (Option) for cassette 2 (Cassette2). Also, printer B differs from printer A in that it does not support double-sided printing, so PDC 1101 and PC 1103 do not have JobDuplexAllDocumentsContiguously, which indicates double-sided printing. In Figure 9, the same functions as in Figure 3 are denoted by the same numbers, and details are omitted.

[0094] FIG. 9(b) shows an example of a state in which the user clicks on the combo box of favorites 302 with the pointing device 117, and a list 1002 of selectable favorite settings is displayed. In FIG. 9(b), the 2 in 1 (double-sided) favorite setting saved in the print settings of printer A is displayed as a different type of favorite setting with a notification icon 1003. When the user hovers the cursor over 2 in 1 (double-sided) with the pointing device 117, a tool tip 1004 displays a message indicating that the favorite setting is saved for a different printing device.

[0095] FIG. 11 shows the process for creating data in the combo box of Favorites 302. This process is executed when the print setting screen expansion unit 211 is called from the OS. When the print setting screen expansion unit 211 is called from the OS, in S1201 it acquires the type of printing device associated with the currently open print setting screen. The details of the process in S1201 are the same as those in FIG. 7(b), and a detailed description will be omitted. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the printer B associated with the print settings in FIG. 9 is determined to be an IJ printer.

[0096] Next, in S1202, the print setting screen expansion unit 211 acquires one piece of favorite data from the favorite management data shown in FIG. 5(b).

[0097] Thereafter, in S1203, the print setting screen expansion unit 211 compares whether the type of favorite data acquired in S1202 matches the type of printer B acquired in S1201. Specifically, in the favorite management data of Fig. 5(b), standard setting data is acquired as the first favorite setting. Since the standard setting is a favorite setting that is compatible with all printing devices, the type is set to ALL, and in this case, the determination in S1203 is that there is a match regardless of the type of printing device acquired in S1201.

[0098] If it is determined in S1203 that the names match, in S1204 the print setting screen expansion unit 211 adds the favorite name acquired in S1202 as an item in the combo box of the favorites 302. In other words, if the first data is the standard setting, the standard setting is added.

[0099] Thereafter, the print setting screen expansion unit 211 determines in S1205 whether all favorites have been acquired from the favorite management data. In the case of the favorite management data shown in Fig. 5(b), after acquiring the first standard setting, the favorite data for 2 in 1 (double-sided) remains, so the determination is No, and the next data, 2 in 1 (double-sided), is read again in S1202.

[0100] The type of printer B associated with the print settings of FIG. 9 acquired in S1201 is IJ, and the type of 2 in 1 (double-sided) acquired in S1202 is EP, so No is determined in S1203 and the processing of S1205 is executed.

[0101] In S1205, when the print setting screen expansion unit 211 adds the favorite name acquired in S1202 as an item in the combo box of the favorites 302, it adds the notification object 1003. Therefore, the 2 in 1 (double-sided) favorite name is added to the combo box with the notification object 1003. Note that, as long as the user can recognize the difference, any display method may be adopted, such as changing the background color of the favorite name instead of the object 1003.

[0102] Thereafter, in S1206, it is determined whether all the favorites in FIG. 5(b) have been acquired, and since all the favorites, including the standard setting and 2 in 1 (double-sided), have been acquired, the result is determined as Yes, and in S1207, a favorite combo box is displayed.

[0103] <Reflecting favorite settings> When the user selects any favorite setting from the list 1002 of selectable favorite settings, the combination of setting values ​​saved in the selected favorite setting is reflected in the print settings.

[0104] FIG. 12 shows a flow of processing executed by the print setting screen expansion unit 211 when the user selects any favorite setting.

[0105] When the user selects any favorite setting, the print setting screen expansion unit 211 acquires the type of printing device associated with the print setting screen (selected as the print output destination) in S1301. The details of the processing in S1301 are the same as those in FIG. 7B, and the details are omitted here. It is assumed that the type of printer B associated with the print setting screen in FIG. 9 is determined to be IJ.

[0106] Next, in S1302, the print setting screen expansion unit 211 determines whether the type of print setting acquired in S1301 matches the type of favorite setting selected from the list 1002 of selectable favorite settings. If it is determined in S1302 that the types match, the process proceeds to S1305. If it is determined in S1302 that the types do not match, the process proceeds to S1303, where the print setting screen expansion unit 211 displays a screen that prompts the user to select whether to reflect the favorite settings. Figure 13 shows an example of the reflection confirmation screen displayed by the print setting screen expansion unit 211 in S1303.

[0107] 13 includes a message 1402 for confirming the reflection of the favorite settings, an OK button 1403 for allowing the reflection, and a Cancel button 1404 for canceling the reflection. When the user presses the OK button 1403, the print setting screen expansion unit 211 determines in S1304 that the reflection has been permitted, and the process proceeds to S1305. When the user presses the Cancel button 1404, the print setting screen expansion unit 211 determines in S1304 that the reflection has been denied, and the process ends without taking any action.

[0108] If the printing device and favorite type match in S1302, or if reflection of a different type of favorite setting is permitted in S1304, the print setting screen expansion unit 211 acquires the setting value of the selected favorite setting in S1305.

[0109] Next, the print setting screen expansion unit 211 acquires from the OS the PC (here, printer B) corresponding to the printing device 102 selected as the print output destination in S1306.

[0110] Thereafter, in S1307, the print setting screen expansion unit 211 reads one of the setting values ​​of the selected favorite setting acquired in S1305.

[0111] In S1308, the print setting screen expansion unit 211 determines whether the setting value of the favorite setting read in S1307 is a feature supported by the PC of the printing device acquired in S1306. If it is determined in S1308 that the setting value of the favorite setting is an unsupported function, the process proceeds to S1315. If it is determined in S1308 that the setting value of the favorite setting is supported, the process proceeds to S1309.

[0112] In S1309, the print setting screen expansion unit 211 determines whether the check box 305 for prioritizing the (drawing) application settings shown in Fig. 9 is set to ON. If the check box 305 is set to ON, in S1310 the print setting screen expansion unit 211 determines whether the function of the setting value read in S1307 is a function for prioritizing the application settings.

[0113] Specifically, the print setting screen expansion unit 211 determines whether the function of the setting value read in S1307 is paper size or print orientation, and if the setting is applicable, proceeds to S1314. In S1314, the print setting screen expansion unit 211 reflects the setting value set by the application in the applicable function on the print setting screen, and proceeds to S1315. Note that if there are applicable functions other than paper size and print orientation that prioritize application settings, these may also be included in the determination.

[0114] If it is determined in S1309 that the checkbox 305 that prioritizes application settings is OFF, the print setting screen expansion unit 211 proceeds to S1311. Also, if it is determined in S1310 that the setting value read in S1307 is not a function that prioritizes application settings, the print setting screen expansion unit 211 proceeds to S1311.

[0115] In S1311, the print setting screen expansion unit 211 determines whether the favorite setting value read in S1307 is a setting value (Option) supported by the PC obtained in S1306. If it is determined in S1311 that the favorite setting value read in S1307 is a supported setting value, the print setting screen expansion unit 211 proceeds to S1312. In S1312, the print setting screen expansion unit 211 reflects the favorite setting value read in S1307 in the corresponding function of the print setting screen.

[0116] If it is determined in S1311 that the favorite setting value read in S1307 is an unsupported setting value, the print setting screen expansion unit 211 proceeds to S1313. In S1313, the print setting screen expansion unit 211 reflects the initial value of the setting value of the corresponding function from the PDC 1101 in the corresponding function on the print setting screen.

[0117] Specifically, when the user selects the 2 in 1 (double-sided) favorite setting on the print setting screen of printer B in Figure 9, the paper feed slot is set to Cassette 2 in the 2 in 1 (double-sided) favorite setting. However, printer B does not support Cassette 2 as a setting value for the paper feed slot (there is no Cassette 2 option in JobInputBin 1102 of PDC 1101).

[0118] Therefore, if you select the 2 in 1 (double-sided) favorite setting, the setting value for the paper feed slot will be set to automatic (AutoSelect), which is the initial setting value (Option with default="true") for the paper feed slot 1102 of PDC 1101.

[0119] If the determination in S1308 is No, or after S1312, S1313, and S1314 have been executed, the print setting screen expansion unit 211 checks in S1315 whether all the setting values ​​of the favorite settings acquired in S1305 have been read in. If all the favorite settings have not been read in, the process returns to S1307, the next favorite setting is read, and subsequent processing is performed for the read setting values.

[0120] In S1315, if the print setting screen expansion unit 211 determines that all the setting values ​​of the favorite settings acquired in S1305 have been read, the process ends.

[0121] The print setting screen in Fig. 9(c) shows a state in which the 2 in 1 (double-sided) favorite setting has been reflected from the list of selectable favorite settings 1002 in Fig. 9(b). When the user selects 2 in 1 (double-sided) from the list of selectable favorite settings 1002 in Fig. 9(b), a favorite setting reflection confirmation screen 1401 in Fig. 13 is displayed. When the user presses an OK button 1403 on the setting reflection confirmation screen 1401, the state of the print setting screen in Fig. 9(c) appears.

[0122] Specifically, in the print settings of Fig. 9(a), the paper feed slot 309 is set to the default value of automatic, and the layout 312 is set to 2 in 1. Other settings are either the same as those in Fig. 9(a), or are left as they are due to the setting of 305, which prioritizes the application settings. By pressing the OK button 314, the user can reflect the print settings on the print settings screen 1001 in the PT, which will be used when generating print data.

[0123] <Edit Favorite Settings> Fig. 14(a) is an example of a favorites editing screen displayed by the print setting screen expansion unit 211 when the favorites editing button 304 is pressed in Fig. 9. The favorites editing screen 1501 displays a list of saved favorites 1502, the name 1503 of the favorite setting selected in the favorites list 1502, a comment 1504, and setting details 1505. It also has a button 1506 for deleting the favorite setting selected in the favorites list 1502, an OK button 1507 for reflecting the final changes, and a cancel button 1508 for closing the favorites editing screen 1501 without doing anything.

[0124] FIG. 14 shows a state in which the 2 in 1 (double-sided) favorite setting is selected in the favorites list 1502, and shows a state in which the name, comments, and setting contents of 2 in 1 (double-sided) are displayed.

[0125] When the favorites editing screen 1501 is displayed, a list of favorites saved in the favorites list 1502 is displayed. The processing flow for displaying the list of favorites saved in the favorites list 1502 is shown in Fig. 15. The same processes as those in Fig. 11 are designated by the same numbers, and detailed explanations will be omitted.

[0126] When the user presses the Edit Favorites button 304, the print setting screen expansion unit 211 determines in S1203 whether the acquired type of printing device matches the acquired type of favorites.

[0127] If it is determined in S1203 that there is a match, the print setting screen expansion unit 211 adds the acquired favorite name to an item in the list box of the favorites list in S1601. If it is determined in S1203 that there is no match, the print setting screen expansion unit 211 adds a notification object to the acquired favorite name and adds it to an item in the list box of the favorites list in S1601.

[0128] If it is determined in S1206 that all the favorites have been acquired, the print setting screen expansion unit 211 displays a list box of the favorites list in S1603.

[0129] 14(a) shows an example in which it is determined that the 2 in 1 (double-sided) favorite setting is different from the type of printer B associated with the print setting in FIG. 9, and is displayed with a notification object 1509. Note that, as long as the user can recognize the difference, any display method may be used, such as changing the background color of the favorite name instead of object 1509.

[0130] 16 shows the processing flow when an arbitrary favorite setting is selected in the favorites list 1502. When the user selects an arbitrary favorite setting in the favorites list 1502, the print setting screen expansion unit 211 acquires the data of the selected favorite setting in S1701. Next, in S1702, the print setting screen expansion unit 211 displays the favorite name in the favorite setting data acquired in S1701 in the name 1503. Thereafter, in S1703, the print setting screen expansion unit 211 displays the comment in the favorite setting data acquired in S1701 in the comment 1504.

[0131] Next, in S1704, the print setting screen expansion unit 211 acquires from the OS the PC (here, printer B) corresponding to the printing device 102 selected as the print output destination. Thereafter, in S1705, the print setting screen expansion unit 211 reads one of the print settings from the favorite setting data acquired in S1701 and performs the process of S1706.

[0132] In S1706, the print setting screen expansion unit 211 determines whether the favorite setting value read in S1705 is a feature supported by the PC acquired in S1704. If the print setting screen expansion unit 211 determines in S1706 that the favorite setting value read in S1705 is a supported feature, the process proceeds to S1707.

[0133] In S1707, the print setting screen expansion unit 211 determines whether the favorite setting value read in S1705 is a setting value (Option) supported by the PC obtained in S1704. If the print setting screen expansion unit 211 determines in S1707 that the favorite setting value is a setting value supported by the PC, the print setting screen expansion unit 211 proceeds to S1708. In S1708, the print setting screen expansion unit 211 adds the favorite setting value read in S1705 to the setting content list box of the favorite editing screen 1501.

[0134] In S1707, if the print setting screen expansion unit 211 determines that the favorite setting value read in S1705 is a setting value that is not supported by the PC, the print setting screen expansion unit 211 proceeds to S1709. In S1709, the print setting screen expansion unit 211 adds the initial value of the setting value of the corresponding function from the PDC 1101 to the setting content list box 1505 of the favorite editing screen 1501, along with a notification object 1510.

[0135] Specifically, when the user selects the 2 in 1 (double-sided) favorite setting on the favorites editing screen for printer B in Fig. 14, the paper feed slot is set to cassette 2 in the favorites setting. However, printer B does not support the setting value for cassette 2 (there is no option for Cassette 2 in paper feed slot 1104 of PC 1103).

[0136] Therefore, when the 2 in 1 (double-sided) favorite setting is selected, the setting value of the paper feed slot is set to the initial value (Option with default="true") of the setting value of the paper feed slot 1102 of the PDC 1101. In other words, the setting value of the paper feed slot is displayed as automatic (AutoSelect) with the notification object 1510 attached. Note that, as long as the user can recognize the difference, any display method may be used, such as changing the background color of the favorite name instead of the object 1510.

[0137] Note that a message may be displayed in the form of a tooltip when the user hovers the cursor with the pointing device 117 over a favorite setting to which a notification object 1509 has been assigned or over a setting value to which a notification object 1510 has been assigned. Fig. 14(b) shows an example of a case in which a message 1511 is displayed in the form of a tooltip when the user hovers the cursor with the pointing device 117 over a setting value to which a notification object 1510 has been assigned.

[0138] If the determination in S1706 is No, or after S1708 and S1709 have been executed, the print setting screen expansion unit 211 checks in S1710 whether all of the setting values ​​of the favorite settings acquired in S1701 have been read in. If it is determined that all of the setting values ​​of the favorite settings acquired in S1701 have not been read in, the process returns to S1705, the setting value of the next favorite setting is read, and subsequent processing is performed for the read setting value.

[0139] In S1710, if the print setting screen expansion unit 211 determines that all of the setting values ​​of the favorite settings acquired in S1701 have been read, the print setting screen expansion unit 211 proceeds to S1711. In S1711, the print setting screen expansion unit 211 updates the display of the list box of the favorite setting contents 1505 and ends the process.

[0140] Name 1503 and comment 1504 on favorites editing screen 1501 display the name and comment registered in the favorite selected in favorites list 1502, but can be changed to any name and comment. When the user changes name 1503 and comment 1504 and presses OK button 1507, print setting screen expansion unit 211 changes the information in the favorites management data of shared information 216 to the changed name and comment.

[0141] Furthermore, if the name 1503 or comment 1504 of a favorite setting on the favorites editing screen 1501 is changed, the data in the temporary area is edited. Also, by pressing the delete button 1506, it is possible to delete the favorite setting selected in the favorites list 1502, but pressing the delete button 1506 deletes the target favorite from the data in the temporary area. When the user presses the OK button 1507, the print setting screen expansion unit 211 reflects the changed data in the temporary area in the favorites management data of the shared information 216.

[0142] Furthermore, when a pre-installed favorite such as a standard setting is selected, the name 1503, comment 1504, and delete button 1506 are grayed out so that they cannot be changed.

[0143] As described above, in the printing system of this embodiment, the user can register multiple combinations of print settings of their choice using the extension application, and can print by setting the registered combination of print settings.

[0144] <<Second embodiment>> The following describes a second embodiment. This embodiment is an example in which, when the print setting screen of a printing device newly associated with an extension application is launched, the favorite settings to be used are selected from the favorite settings saved in the print settings of other printing devices. Note that configurations and processes not mentioned below are the same as those of the first embodiment, and therefore will not be described again.

[0145] In this embodiment, "favorite support management data" is stored in the shared information 216. The favorite support management data manages (stores) favorite settings supported by each printing device 102. Here, the favorite settings supported by each printing device 102 refer to the favorite settings used by each printing device 102, and it is not necessary that all functions and setting values ​​included in the favorite settings are executable by the printing device 102. In this embodiment, a case will be described in which the user selects favorite settings to be used (supported) by each printing device 102.

[0146] 17 shows a process flow executed when the print setting screen expansion unit 211 is started in response to an instruction from the OS in this embodiment. When the print setting screen expansion unit 211 is started in response to an instruction from the OS, the print setting screen expansion unit 211 executes S1801. That is, in S1801, the print setting screen expansion unit 211 checks whether data for the printing device 102 associated with the print setting screen currently being started exists in the favorite support management data saved in the shared information 216.

[0147] An example of favorite management data for an extended application in the second embodiment is shown in Fig. 5(c). An example of favorite support management data is shown in Fig. 18. In this example, the type of printer A is EP and the type of printer B is IJ, and Fig. 18(a) shows the state in which favorite settings have been registered in the print settings of each model. The support favorite number indicates the ID of the favorite management data and corresponds to the favorite management data in Fig. 5(c).

[0148] In the favorites management data of FIG. 5(c), the standard settings are pre-installed favorite settings common to all models, and are saved as the ALL type. 2 in 1 (double-sided) is a favorite setting saved in the print settings of printer A, as in the first embodiment, and is saved as the EP type. Favorites 1 and 2 are favorite settings saved in the print settings of printer B, and are saved as the IJ type. In this embodiment, the setting values ​​of Favorites 1 and Favorites 2 are not described, but in reality, some set of setting values ​​is saved.

[0149] Returning to the description of the processing in Fig. 17, in S1801, the print setting screen expansion unit 211 checks whether data of the printing device 102 associated with the print setting screen currently being started exists in the favorite support management data.

[0150] If the favorite support management data contains data for the printing device 102 associated with the print setting screen currently being launched, the print setting screen expansion unit 211 proceeds to step S1806. In step S1806, the print setting screen expansion unit 211 displays the favorite settings indicated by the support favorites corresponding to the printing device 102 so that they can be selected on the print setting screen.

[0151] If the favorite support management data does not contain data for the printing device 102 associated with the print setting screen currently being launched, the print setting screen expansion unit 211 proceeds to processing in S1802. In S1802, the print setting screen expansion unit 211 checks whether there are favorite settings other than the standard settings pre-installed in the favorite management data. If the print setting screen expansion unit 211 determines in S1802 that there are favorite settings other than the standard settings pre-installed in the favorite management data, it displays a favorite selection screen in S1803.

[0152] Specifically, when the favorite support management data in FIG. 18(a) is saved and the user launches the print setting screen for printer C for the first time, the favorite support management data in FIG. 18(a) does not contain information about printer C. Therefore, a "No" determination is made in S1801 and S1802 is executed. Next, in S1802, it is determined that favorite settings other than the standard settings exist in the favorite management data in FIG. 5(c), so the process proceeds to S1803.

[0153] 19 shows an example of the favorites selection screen displayed by the print setting screen expansion unit 211 in S1803. The favorites selection screen 2101 displays a list of saved favorites 2102, a comment 2103 for the favorite setting selected in the favorites list 2102, and setting details 2104. It also includes an OK button 2105 for registering the favorite setting selected in the favorites list 2102 and closing this screen.

[0154] 19 shows a state in which the 2 in 1 (double-sided) favorite setting is selected in the favorites list 2102, and shows a state in which the name, comments, and setting contents of 2 in 1 (double-sided) are displayed. The favorites list 2102 displays a list of favorite settings registered in the favorite management data of FIG. 5(c), but the standard settings are not displayed in the favorites list 2102 and are unconditionally supported so that they can be selected on any model.

[0155] A notification object 2106 is attached to favorite settings saved in print settings of a printing device of a type different from the type of printing device 102 associated with the print setting screen extension unit 211 currently being started. Furthermore, a notification object 2107 is attached to unsupported setting contents. Note that the notification object 2106 may also be attached to favorite settings saved in print settings of the same type of printing device if they contain unsupported setting contents (functions, setting values).

[0156] Note that any display method may be used, as long as the user can recognize the difference, such as displaying the favorite name in a different background color instead of objects 2106 and 2107. When the user hovers the cursor over notification object 2106 with pointing device 117, a tooltip message may be displayed indicating that the favorite setting was saved on a different type of printing device. Furthermore, when the user hovers the cursor over notification object 2107 with pointing device 117, a tooltip message may be displayed indicating that the target setting value has been changed to the default value.

[0157] In Figure 19, the user has checked 2 in 1 (double-sided) and Favorite 2 as favorite settings to be used in the print settings of printer C. When the user presses the OK button 2105 on the favorite selection screen 2101, the process proceeds to S1804. In S1804, the print setting screen expansion unit 211 registers the standard settings, which are pre-installed favorites, and the favorite settings selected (checked) in the favorite list 2102 in the favorite support management data of Figure 18(a).

[0158] The favorite support management data after registration is shown in Figure 18(b). The favorite support management data in Figure 18(b) shows that the following favorite settings are associated as supported favorites with Printer C, which is associated with the print setting screen expansion unit 211 that is currently being started. In other words, it shows that the standard setting ID 1, the ID 2 for 2 in 1 (double-sided) selected on the favorite selection screen 2101, and the ID 4 for Favorite 2 are associated as supported favorites for Printer C.

[0159] Then, in S1806, the print setting screen expansion unit 211 displays a print setting screen on which the favorite settings associated as support favorites can be selected, and ends the process.

[0160] An example of the print setting screen displayed in S1806 is shown in Figure 20(a). The same functions as in Figure 3 are designated by the same numbers, and their explanations will be omitted. Figure 20(b) shows an example of a state in which the user clicks the combo box for Favorites 302 on the print setting screen 2201 of Printer C with the pointing device 117, and a list 2202 of selectable favorite settings is displayed. The list 2202 of favorite settings displays the favorite settings supported by Printer C in the favorite support management data of Figure 18(b).

[0161] The details of the process for displaying the combo box of favorites 302 are shown in the flow of Fig. 21. The same processes as those in Fig. 11 are denoted by the same numbers, and the explanation will be omitted.

[0162] First, in S2301, the print setting screen expansion unit 211 acquires the favorite support management data of printer C, which is the printing device associated with the print settings, from the favorite support management data shown in Fig. 18(b). Then, in S2302, it checks whether one of the favorites in the favorite management data of Fig. 5(c) acquired in S1202 is a favorite supported by printer C in the favorite support management data acquired in S2301.

[0163] In S2302, if the print setting screen expansion unit 211 determines that the target favorite exists, it adds the favorite acquired in S1202 to the items in the combo box 302. In S2302, if the print setting screen expansion unit 211 determines that the target favorite is not supported, it does nothing.

[0164] If the print setting screen expansion unit 211 determines in S1206 that all favorite settings have been acquired, it displays a favorite combo box in S1207. In this embodiment, the favorite selection screen in Fig. 19 displays the favorite settings selected by the user, and therefore does not display notification objects or messages for different types of favorites.

[0165] Also, when the user presses the Add Favorites button 303 and adds a new favorite setting on the Add Favorites screen 601 in Fig. 6(a), the print setting screen expansion unit 211 adds the new favorite setting to the favorite management data in Fig. 5(c). Furthermore, the print setting screen expansion unit 211 adds the ID of the registered favorite setting to the target model in the favorite support management data in Fig. 18(b).

[0166] As described above, in the printing system of this embodiment, the user can select any combination of print settings to be used from the extended application, thereby improving usability.

[0167] <<Third embodiment>> The following describes a third embodiment. This embodiment is an example in which favorite settings are managed for each printing device by associating the printing device name with favorite management data. Note that configurations and processes not mentioned below are the same as those of the first or second embodiment, and therefore will not be described again.

[0168] Fig. 5D is an example of favorites management data in this embodiment. The favorites management data in Fig. 5D stores, as a type, the name of the printing device associated with the print setting screen on which the favorite settings are saved.

[0169] The process for registering the favorites management data in Fig. 5(d) is shown in Fig. 22. The same processes as those in Fig. 7 are designated by the same numbers, and detailed explanations will be omitted. The process in Fig. 22 is executed when any favorite setting is added on the add favorites screen 601.

[0170] If a favorite with the same name does not exist in S703, or if an instruction to overwrite an existing favorite with the same name is given in S705, the print setting screen expansion unit 211 acquires the name of the printing device associated with the print setting screen in S2501. Here, it is assumed that the name of the printing device is information obtained from the printing device 102 in response to the IPP Get-Printer-Attributes operation, but it may be information obtained by other methods.

[0171] Thereafter, in S707, the print setting screen expansion unit 211 acquires the PT from the OS, and in S2502, saves the name of the printing device acquired in S2501 and the print settings indicated by the PT acquired in S707 in favorites management data.

[0172] 23 shows the process flow for displaying the print setting screen in this embodiment. When the print setting screen expansion unit 211 is called by the OS, it acquires the name of the printing device associated with the currently open print setting screen in S2601. The process of S2601 is the same as S2501.

[0173] Next, in S1202, the print setting screen expansion unit 211 acquires one piece of favorite data from the favorite management data in Fig. 5(d). Then, in S2602, the print setting screen expansion unit 211 determines whether the type of favorite data acquired in S1202 matches the name of the printing device acquired in S2601.

[0174] If it is determined in S2602 that there is a match, the print setting screen expansion unit 211 adds the name of the favorite data acquired in S1202 to the favorite combo box. Here, the type of pre-installed standard settings is ALL, and it is determined that there is a match with the name of any printing device. When processing for all favorite data is complete, the setting screen expansion unit 211 displays in S1207 a combo box in which the favorite settings determined to match in S2602 can be selected.

[0175] FIG. 24 shows an example of the print setting screen displayed by the print setting screen expansion unit 211 when printer A, printer B, and printer C are associated as the printing devices 102.

[0176] 24(a) shows an example of a state in which the user has clicked the combo box of Favorites 302 with the pointing device 117 on the print setting screen associated with Printer A. A list of favorite settings 2701 displays the standard setting, 2 in 1 (double-sided), associated with Printer A in the favorite management data shown in FIG. 5(d).

[0177] 24(b) shows an example of the state in which the user has clicked the combo box for Favorites 302 with the pointing device 117 on the print settings screen associated with Printer B. In the favorite settings list 2702, the standard settings, Favorites 1, and Favorites 2 associated with Printer B are displayed from the favorite management data shown in FIG. 5(d).

[0178] 23(c) shows an example of a state in which the user has clicked the combo box for Favorites 302 with the pointing device 117 on the print settings screen associated with Printer C. In the favorite settings list 2703, the standard settings and Favorites 3 associated with Printer C are displayed from the favorite management data shown in FIG. 5(d).

[0179] As described above, in the printing system of this embodiment, by allowing only favorite settings that are compatible with the printing device to be used, it is possible to prevent the user from using unintended favorite settings, thereby improving usability.

[0180] 15 (S1602) in the first embodiment, if the determination in S2601 is No, a notification object may be displayed. In this case, the user can also recognize that making a selection may cause inconvenience, thereby improving usability.

[0181] <<Fourth embodiment>> The fourth embodiment will be described below. This embodiment is an example in which different extension applications are used for each model of printing device, and favorite settings saved in one extension application can be used in another extension application. Note that configurations and processes not mentioned below are the same as those in the first, second, or third embodiment, and therefore will not be described again.

[0182] The system configuration of this embodiment is shown in Fig. 25. Fig. 25(a) shows an example in which printing device A2802 is associated with extended application A2810 corresponding to printing device A, and Fig. 25(b) shows an example in which printing device B2804 is associated with extended application B2813 corresponding to printing device B. In this embodiment, printing device A and printing device B are assumed to be different models.

[0183] 25, print function information (PDC) is also created for each printing device model (print function information A2803 and print function information A2805). In addition, the shared information within the extended application is also different for each model (shared information A2812 and shared information B2815).

[0184] 5(e) and 5(f) show examples of favorite management data in this embodiment. Fig. 5(e) shows favorite management data stored in the shared information 2812 of extended application A 2810 corresponding to printing device A 2802. Fig. 5(f) shows favorite management data stored in the shared information 2815 of extended application B 2813 corresponding to printing device B 2804.

[0185] 26(a) shows an example of a state in which the user clicks the combo box of favorites 302 with the pointing device 117 on the print setting screen displayed by the print setting screen extension unit 2811 associated with printer A as printing device A 2802. The favorite setting list 3001 displays the favorite names of the favorite management data shown in FIG. 5(e).

[0186] 26(b) shows an example of a state in which the user has clicked the combo box for favorites 302 with the pointing device 117 on the print settings screen displayed by the print settings screen extension unit 2814 associated with printer B as printing device B 2804. The favorite settings list 3002 displays the favorite names of the favorite management data shown in FIG. 5(f).

[0187] Fig. 27(a) shows an example of the favorites edit screen that is displayed when the favorites edit button 304 in Fig. 26(a) is pressed. In Fig. 27(a), the favorites list 1502 displays the favorite names in the favorites management data shown in Fig. 5(e), and shows that the 2 in 1 (double-sided) favorite setting has been selected by the user. Controls with the same numbers as in Fig. 14 will be described in detail below.

[0188] In this embodiment, there are provided a button 3101 for saving the favorite setting selected in the favorite setting list 1502 to a file, and a button 3102 for loading the saved favorite setting from a file.

[0189] When the user presses the save to file button 3101, the print setting expansion unit 2811 displays a favorites save screen 3111 shown in FIG. 27(b). When the user presses the save button 3114 on the favorites save screen 3111, the print setting expansion unit 2811 saves the favorite settings selected in the favorites list 1502. The favorite settings selected in the favorites list 1502 are saved in an arbitrary file location 3112 under the specified save file name 3113. Then, the print setting expansion unit 2811 closes the favorites save screen 3111.

[0190] When the user presses the cancel button 3115 on the favorites save screen 3111 , the print setting expansion unit 2811 closes the favorites save screen 3111 without doing anything, and returns to the favorites edit screen 1501 .

[0191] When the user presses the Load from File button 3102, the print setting expansion unit 2811 displays a favorites loading screen 3121 shown in Fig. 27(c). When the user presses the Open button 3124 on the favorites loading screen 3121, the print setting expansion unit 2811 opens a file present in an arbitrary file location 3122 and adds the saved favorite settings to the favorites management data of shared information A.

[0192] When the user presses the cancel button 3125 on the favorites read screen 3121, the print setting expansion unit 2811 closes the favorites read screen 3121 without doing anything, and returns to the favorites edit screen 1501.

[0193] Although the explanation of FIG. 27 has been given using the extended application A 2810 in FIG. 25(a) as an example, the extended application B 2813 in FIG. 25(b) also operates in the same manner.

[0194] Figure 28 shows the flow of processing executed by the print setting expansion unit 2811 or the print setting expansion unit 2814 when the user presses the open button 3124 on the favorites load screen 3121 in Figure 27(c). The same processes as those in Figures 7 and 16 are indicated by the same numbers, and their explanations will be omitted. A detailed explanation will be given using an example in which processing is performed by extension application B 2813.

[0195] When the user presses the open button 3124 on the favorites load screen 3121, the print setting expansion unit 2814 acquires, in S3201, the name of the favorite setting specified on the favorites load screen 3121. The name of the favorite setting is the file name of the specified favorite setting, but it may also be saved in advance together with the setting value and acquired.

[0196] Next, in S703, the print setting expansion unit 2814 checks whether the name of the favorite setting acquired in S3201 exists in the favorite management data stored in the shared information B 2815, and if it exists, displays the overwrite confirmation dialog 621 in S704.

[0197] If the user presses the cancel button 624 in the overwrite confirmation dialog 621, the print setting expansion unit 2814 determines No in S705 and ends the processing. If the user presses the OK button 623 in the overwrite confirmation dialog 621 to instruct overwriting, or if a favorite setting with the same name does not exist in the favorite management data in S704, the print setting expansion unit 2814 proceeds to processing in S3202.

[0198] In S3202, the print setting expansion unit 2814 acquires the favorite setting data from the file specified on the favorite setting read screen 3121. Then, in S3203, the print setting expansion unit 2814 reads one of the print settings registered in the favorite setting data acquired in S3202.

[0199] Thereafter, in S3204, the print setting expansion unit 2814 determines whether the favorite setting acquired in S3203 is a feature supported by the PC acquired in S1704. If it is determined in S3204 that the feature is supported by the PC, the print setting expansion unit 2814 proceeds to S3205.

[0200] In S3205, the print setting expansion unit 2814 determines whether the setting value of the favorite setting acquired in S3203 is a setting value (option) supported by the PC. If it is determined that the setting value of the favorite setting acquired in S3203 is a setting value supported by the PC, the print setting expansion unit 2814 proceeds to S3206. In S3206, the setting value of the favorite setting acquired in S3204 is saved in a temporary area as new favorite data.

[0201] If the print setting expansion unit 2814 determines in S3205 that the setting value of the favorite setting acquired in S3203 is a setting value not supported by the PC acquired in S1704, the process proceeds to S3207. The print setting expansion unit 2814 saves the initial value of the setting value read from the PDC in S3207 in a temporary area as new favorite data.

[0202] If it is determined in S3204 that the function is not supported by the PC, or after the processing of S3206 and S3207, the print setting expansion unit 2814 proceeds to S3208. In S3208, the print setting expansion unit 2814 determines whether all print settings registered in the favorite setting data acquired in S3202 have been read, and if all settings have not been read, the process returns to S3203.

[0203] If it is determined in S3208 that all print settings registered in the favorite setting data acquired in S3202 have been read, the print setting expansion unit 2814 saves the favorite settings saved in the temporary area in S3209 in the favorite management data.

[0204] FIG. 5(g) shows an example of the favorites management data after the extension application B 2813 having the favorites management data of FIG. 5(f) reads the favorites settings and adds the favorites settings.

[0205] The 2 in 1 (double-sided) favorite settings in Fig. 5(g) were added by the following process: The 2 in 1 (double-sided) favorite settings shown in Fig. 5(e) were saved to a file from the favorite save screen 3111 of the extension application A 2810. The saved 2 in 1 (double-sided) favorite setting file was then loaded on the favorite load screen 3121 of the extension application B 2813.

[0206] In this embodiment, the functions supported by extension application B2813 are functions that can be executed by printer B and are functions supported by the PC in Fig. 10(b). Of the 2 in 1 (double-sided) settings saved in Fig. 5(g), the setting for Cassette 2 (Cassette2) in the paper feed slot (JobInputBin) saved in Fig. 5(e) is not supported by extension application B2813.

[0207] Therefore, the default paper source setting for the extension application B2813 is converted to automatic (AutoSelect), and the setting for unsupported double-sided printing (JobDuplexAllDocumentsContiguously) is not saved.

[0208] FIG. 29 shows an example of a state in which the user has clicked the combo box of Favorites 302 with the pointing device 117 on the print setting screen of extension application B 2813 associated with printer B as printing device B 2804.

[0209] The favorite settings of the favorite management data shown in Fig. 5(g) are displayed in the favorite settings list 3401. The 2 in 1 (double-sided) favorite setting added by the process described with reference to Fig. 28 is additionally displayed from the print setting screen of the extension application B 2813 in Fig. 26(b).

[0210] FIG. 29 shows the print setting screen in a state where 2 in 1 (double-sided) added as a favorite 302 is selected, with automatic being set as the paper feed slot 309 and 2 in 1 being set as the layout 312.

[0211] The saving and loading of favorite settings described in this embodiment may be implemented in other embodiments.

[0212] As described above, in the printing system of this embodiment, by making the extended application compatible with each printing device, it is possible to use favorite settings for each printing device. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the user from using unintended favorite settings, improving usability. Furthermore, by making it possible to save and load favorite settings, it is possible to use the same favorite settings on other printing devices.

[0213] <Other embodiments> The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and having one or more processors in the computer of the system or device read and execute the program.The present invention can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that realizes one or more functions. [Explanation of symbols]

[0214] 102 Printing device 201 Drawing Applications 202 Printing data generation software 203 Printing function information 210 Extended Applications

Claims

1. An application program that supports the function of software that generates print data that can be printed on printing devices provided by multiple manufacturers, On the computer, Save the set of print setting items, Displaying a print setting screen on which the set can be selected, Accepting a selection of the set from a user; On the print setting screen, the setting values ​​of the print setting items included in the selected set are set to a selected state; A program characterized in that the set is displayed on the print setting screen in different display methods depending on whether or not the setting values ​​of the print setting items included in the set include setting values ​​that cannot be executed on the printing device associated with the print setting screen.

2. Displaying the name of the set on the print setting screen; The program described in claim 1, characterized in that the display method of the group on the print setting screen is changed by adding an object to the name of the group that notifies that the setting values ​​of the print setting items included in the group include setting values ​​that cannot be executed on the printing device associated with the print setting screen.

3. Displaying the name of the set on the print setting screen; 2. The program according to claim 1, wherein the display method of the group on the print setting screen is changed by changing the background color of the name of the group.

4. 2. The program according to claim 1, wherein the settings on the print setting screen are saved as the set.

5. 2. The program according to claim 1, wherein the program stores the set in association with the type of printing device associated with the print setting screen.

6. 6. The program according to claim 5, wherein when the type of printing device associated with the print setting screen differs from the type associated with the group, the method of displaying the group on the print setting screen is changed.

7. 2. The program according to claim 1, wherein the program stores the set in association with the name of the printing device associated with the print setting screen.

8. displaying a button for receiving an instruction to save the set on the print setting screen; In response to the button being pressed, a screen is displayed for accepting the name of the set; 2. The program according to claim 1, wherein the program stores the set values ​​on the print setting screen when the button is pressed in association with the name as the set.

9. The program according to claim 1, characterized in that when the selected set includes a setting value that cannot be executed by the printing device associated with the print setting screen, the initial value of the setting item to which the setting value that cannot be executed belongs is selected.

10. storing the set of information available for each printing device; 2. The program according to claim 1, wherein the combinations available for use in a printing device associated with the print setting screen are displayed on the print setting screen in a selectable manner.

11. outputting the set of information; The program according to claim 1, characterized in that the output set is read by another application that supports the functions of the software and is different from the application, and the set is displayed in a selectable manner on a print setting screen displayed by the other application.

12. When a print instruction is issued to the software from a drawing application that outputs an image to be printed, the application is started, 2. The program according to claim 1, further comprising causing the computer to accept an instruction to prioritize the setting values ​​selected by the drawing application even when the selection of the set has been accepted.

13. A method for controlling an information processing device having software for generating print data that can be printed on printing devices provided by multiple manufacturers and an application that supports the functions of the software, comprising: Save the set of print setting items, Displaying a print setting screen on which the set can be selected, Accepting a selection of the set from a user; On the print setting screen, the setting values ​​of the print setting items included in the selected set are set to a selected state; A control method characterized in that the set is displayed on the print setting screen in different display methods depending on whether or not the setting values ​​of the print setting items included in the set include setting values ​​that cannot be executed on the printing device associated with the print setting screen.

14. Displaying the name of the set on the print setting screen; The control method described in claim 13, characterized in that the display method of the group on the print setting screen is changed by adding to the name of the group an object that notifies that the setting values ​​of the print setting items included in the group include setting values ​​that cannot be executed on the printing device associated with the print setting screen.

15. Displaying the name of the set on the print setting screen; The control method according to claim 13 , wherein the display method of the group on the print setting screen is changed by changing the background color of the name of the group.

16. 14. The control method according to claim 13, wherein the settings on the print setting screen are saved as the set.

17. The control method according to claim 13 , wherein the group is stored in association with the type of printing device associated with the print setting screen.

18. The control method according to claim 17 , wherein when the type of printing device associated with the print setting screen differs from the type associated with the group, a display method of the group on the print setting screen is changed.

19. The control method according to claim 13 , wherein the set is stored in association with the name of the printing device associated with the print setting screen.

20. displaying a button for receiving an instruction to save the set on the print setting screen; In response to the button being pressed, a screen is displayed for accepting the name of the set; 14. The control method according to claim 13, wherein the contents of the setting values ​​on the print setting screen when the button is pressed are stored as the set in association with the name.

21. The control method according to claim 13, characterized in that when the selected set includes a setting value that cannot be executed by the printing device associated with the print setting screen, the initial value of the setting item to which the setting value that cannot be executed belongs is selected.

22. storing the set of information available for each printing device; 14. The control method according to claim 13, wherein the combinations that are available for use in the printing device associated with the print setting screen are displayed on the print setting screen in a selectable manner.

23. outputting the set of information; The control method according to claim 13, characterized in that the output set is read by another application that supports the functions of the software and is different from the application, and the set is displayed in a selectable manner on a print setting screen displayed by the other application.

24. the information processing device has a drawing application that outputs an image to be printed, When a print instruction is issued from the drawing application to the software, the application is started; 14. The control method according to claim 13, further comprising accepting an instruction to prioritize the setting values ​​selected by the drawing application even when the selection of the set is accepted.

25. An information processing device having software for generating print data that can be printed on printing devices provided by multiple manufacturers, and an application that supports the functions of the software, Save the set of print setting items, displaying a print setting screen on which the set can be selected; accepting a selection of said set from a user; On the print setting screen, the setting values ​​of the print setting items included in the selected set are set to a selected state; An information processing device characterized in that the group is displayed on the print setting screen in different display methods depending on whether or not the setting values ​​of the print setting items included in the group include setting values ​​that cannot be executed on the printing device associated with the print setting screen.

Images