Program for aggregating extended print software, extended scan software, and extended fax software, storage medium, information processing method, information processing device, system, and site

Abstract

To provide a program which, even when a plurality of functions such as scanning and printing are used, reduces labor of switching each function.SOLUTION: An application program makes a computer call a plurality of pieces of software, which generate instructions implementable by compound machines provided by a plurality of manufacturers in common, so as to be able to transmit the instructions to the compound machines provided by the plurality of manufacturers.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a program, a storage medium, an information processing method, an information processing device, a system, and a site that integrates advanced print software, advanced scan software, and advanced FAX software. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art A known configuration uses a scan driver installed in a host computer as software for controlling the scanning device, and issues a reading instruction to the scanning device connected to the host computer.

[0003] An operating system (OS), which is the basic software, is installed on the host computer, and the scan driver is configured according to the specifications defined by the OS and runs when called by the OS. By providing a scan driver that conforms to the OS specifications, vendors (manufacturers) of scanning devices can provide a means for instructing the scanning device to scan using the OS.

[0004] In recent years, Windows® has begun to provide standard class drivers (hereinafter referred to as "standard drivers") that can be used with scanning devices provided by multiple vendors (manufacturers). These standard drivers are included in the OS package and can be easily used by connecting any scanning device to the host computer. This eliminates the need to separately install a model-specific scan driver suitable for the scanning device, making it highly convenient.

[0005] It is also expected that the standard driver will be configured to allow the user to specify scan functions based on scan function information generated from information obtained from the connected scanning device. This allows users of the standard driver to specify scan functions that correspond to the capabilities of the connected scanning device, even though they are using a single standard driver. Similarly, standard printer drivers that provide printer functions and standard fax drivers that provide fax functions are also being offered.

[0006] Patent Document 1 discloses a program that expands the printing function of a standard printer driver. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-033526 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] In recent years, there are applications and portal sites that allow users to use both printing and scanning functions at the same time. However, when using the scanning function, it is necessary to call the standard scan driver from the scanning application, and when using the printing function, it is necessary to call the standard printer driver from the drawing application. When using the printing and scanning functions, it is necessary to switch between separate software each time, which increases the user's workload. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In order to solve the above problem, an application program according to one aspect of the present invention is software that causes a computer to generate instructions that can be executed in common by multifunction devices provided by multiple manufacturers, and transmits the instructions to the multifunction devices provided by the multiple manufacturers, and is characterized by causing the computer to call multiple pieces of software. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, even when a plurality of functions such as scanning and printing are used, the time and effort required to switch between the functions can be reduced. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] System configuration diagram of the entire system according to this embodiment [Figure 2] Software configuration diagram for this embodiment [Figure 3] 1 is a diagram of a display unit of an application in the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 1 is a diagram showing the display section of an application, general-purpose scan software, and an extended application in the first embodiment. [Figure 5] 1 is a diagram showing the display unit of an application, general-purpose printing software, and an extension application according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] 1 is a diagram showing the display of an application, general-purpose FAX software, and an extended application in the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a sequence diagram illustrating the operations of an application, general-purpose scan software, an extended application, and an image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a sequence diagram illustrating the operations of an application, general-purpose printing software, an extended application, and an image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a sequence diagram illustrating the operations of an application, general-purpose FAX software, an extended application, and an image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] 1 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] 1 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 12] 1 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 13]Software configuration diagram in the second embodiment [Figure 14] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing the display units of an application, general-purpose printing software, and an extension application according to the second embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 1 is a sequence diagram illustrating the operations of an application, general-purpose printing software, an extended application, and an image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 16] Software configuration diagram in the third embodiment [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating the operations of an application, an extended application, and an image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating the operations of an application, an extended application, and an image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating the operations of an application, an extended application, and an image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a diagram of a display unit of an extension application in the third embodiment. [Figure 21] 10 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of an application in the fourth embodiment. [Figure 22] 10 is a diagram of a display unit of an application in the fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the scope of the present invention, and not all of the combinations of features described in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the solution of the present invention.

[0013] <Embodiment 1> <System hardware configuration> 1 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the 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. The external storage device 114 is, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state drive (SSD). The external storage device 114 stores a group of application programs, an operating system (OS), and various other data. The RAM 113 is used as a work memory or the like when executing the various programs stored in the external storage device 114, and enables the various programs to run within the host computer 101.

[0016] In this embodiment, the CPU 111 performs processing in accordance with the code of a program stored in the ROM 112, thereby executing the functions of the host computer 101, which will be described later, and the processing according to the flowcharts, which will be described later.

[0017] The image forming apparatus 102, which is a device, is an example of a multifunction peripheral, and is connected to the host computer 101 via an input / output interface 198 of the image forming apparatus 102 and an input / output interface 116 of the host computer 101. The input / output interface 198 of the image forming apparatus 102 and the input / output interface 116 of the host computer 101 may be connected via a wired network or a wireless network.

[0018] The image forming apparatus 102 includes an image processing unit 190 , a CPU 191 , a ROM 192 , a RAM 193 , an operation unit 194 , a reading unit 195 , a printing unit 196 , a NETIF 197 , an input / output interface 198 , and a FAX communication control unit 180 .

[0019] The CPU 191 controls the image forming apparatus 102 overall. The ROM 192 is a memory that stores programs. The RAM 193 is a memory that temporarily stores programs and image data. The reading unit 195 is a scanner that reads images from original documents. The printing unit 196 prints images on sheets based on image data. The NETIF 197 is a network interface that controls data transfer between external devices via a network. The image processing unit 190 performs various image editing processes on input image data. The fax communication control unit 180 performs fax communication via a telephone line.

[0020] Here, the host computer 101 and the image forming apparatus 102 are configured separately, but they may be configured as a single information processing apparatus. Also, a setting screen and a detailed setting screen, which will be described later, are displayed on the display unit 119.

[0021] In this embodiment, an electrophotographic digital multifunction peripheral having multiple functions such as copying, printing, and faxing will be described as an example of the image forming apparatus. However, the present embodiment is not limited to this, and can also be applied to devices using other processes such as inkjet printing, or scanners that only read images. The host computer 101 may be a desktop personal computer, a smartphone, or a laptop computer.

[0022] <Software-centric system configuration> Fig. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic software configuration of the system. The software configuration in Fig. 2 is stored in the external storage device 114 in Fig. 1. Here, the explanation is based on the premise that the system uses a host computer 101 equipped with Microsoft (registered trademark) Windows (registered trademark) 11 as the OS.

[0023] 2(a) is a diagram showing a general configuration in which the extended applications 208, 214, and 220 are not associated with the general-purpose software 202, 204, and 206 and the image forming apparatus 102. FIG. 2(b) is a diagram showing a configuration in which the extended applications 208, 214, and 220 are associated with the general-purpose software 202, 204, and 206 and the image forming apparatus 102.

[0024] <Software-centric system configuration (when the extension applications 208, 214, and 220 are not associated)> First, the system configuration when the extended applications 208, 214, and 220 are not associated with each other will be described with reference to FIG. 2(a).

[0025] The application 201 is software that allows the user to use multiple functions of the image forming apparatus, such as printing, scanning, and faxing. The application 201 issues instructions to the OS in response to a user request. For example, a scan instruction includes scan setting information for instructing the operation of the general-purpose scan software 204 and the image forming apparatus 102.

[0026] In this configuration, each general-purpose software is called from a native application, but this is not limited to this; it may also be called from a web application or website on a browser, or it may operate as part of an integrated system.

[0027] The print instruction includes print setting information for instructing the operations of the general-purpose printing software 202 and the image forming apparatus 102. The print setting information is also called a PrintTicket (hereinafter, "PT").

[0028] To output a PT, the application 201 can display a print setting screen provided by the general-purpose printing software 202, the OS, or the application 201. When the advanced settings button in the print setting screen is pressed, the general-purpose printing software 202 additionally displays an advanced settings screen. The print setting screen and advanced settings screen will be described later.

[0029] The detailed setting screen includes setting items (hereinafter also referred to as "control items") indicating configurable printing functions and control items indicating their setting values ​​according to the capability information (configurable information) of the general-purpose printing software 202. The general-purpose printing software 202 determines the capability information based on the printing function information 203. The printing function information 203 is data indicating all configurable printing functions (setting items) and their setting values, as well as the exclusive relationships between the setting values.

[0030] The printing capability information 203 is included in a configuration file of the general-purpose printing software 202 and is stored as an unalterable file in the external storage device 114. Alternatively, the printing capability information 203 can be dynamically generated by the general-purpose printing software 202. Specifically, the general-purpose printing software 202 or the OS can be configured to acquire attribute data of the image forming device from the image forming device 102 and generate the printing capability information 203 according to the attribute information in the acquired attribute data.

[0031] When the printing capability information 203 is dynamically generated, the generated printing capability information 203 can be edited. The attribute data of the image forming device 102 is acquired by issuing a Get-Printer-Attributes operation of the Internet Print Protocol (IPP) to the image forming device. The response includes attribute information indicating functions (printing device capabilities) that can be specified by the image forming device 102 and setting values ​​related to that attribute information. This response is saved in the RAM 113.

[0032] By configuring the software in this manner, the general-purpose printing software 202 can be configured to allow the user to specify print functions available on each image forming device 102, depending on the connected image forming device 102. In other words, even when image forming devices with different functions or image forming devices developed by different vendors are connected, the general-purpose printing software 202 can be configured to allow the user to specify print functions available on the connected image forming device. Note that the vendor may be the manufacturer (manufacturer) of the image forming device 102.

[0033] Here, we will explain a configuration that uses the IPP Class Driver installed in Windows (registered trademark) 11 as the general-purpose printing software 202. The IPP Class Driver is a printer driver that executes printing processing according to the specifications of a standard printing protocol called IPP, and is included in the OS package. In other words, if you purchase an information processing device that has an OS installed, you can use the IPP Class Driver without having to download it separately.

[0034] The IPP Class Driver is not a printer driver specific to the model of image forming device 102, but a standard class driver that can be used by printing devices from multiple manufacturers. In other words, print data generated by the IPP Class Driver can be printed by printing devices from multiple manufacturers, and the IPP Class Driver can send print data to printing devices from multiple manufacturers. Note that the general-purpose scan software 204 and general-purpose FAX software 206 can also be used by devices from multiple manufacturers.

[0035] In addition, the IPP Class Driver acquires capability information of the connected image forming device 102 so that the user can specify the print functions supported by the connected image forming device 102, and generates print function information 203 based on that information.

[0036] When a print instruction is issued from the application 201, an OS module in the general-purpose printing software 202 generates intermediate data (also called input data). The data output by the application 201 for printing is data in Graphic Device Interface format (GDI format data) or XML Paper Specification format (XPS format data).

[0037] Assume that an IPP Class Driver is used as the general-purpose printing software 202. In this case, if the data output by the application 201 is GDI format data, the OS converts the GDI format data output from the application 201 into XPS format data. The intermediate data includes drawing data, which is information about the picture to be formed on paper, and a PT set by the user.

[0038] The general-purpose printing software 202 converts the acquired intermediate data into print data that can be interpreted by the image forming device 102, and transmits the print data to the image forming device 102. Here, the print data in this embodiment is Page Description Language (PDL) data that complies with IPP. PDL data that complies with IPP is, for example, data in PDF (Portable Document Format) or PWG-Raster format.

[0039] The print data includes drawing data, which is information about the picture to be formed on paper, and print setting attribute information (attribute information that specifies print settings) generated based on the PT set by the user. The print setting attribute information includes attribute information that indicates functions (capabilities of the printing device) that can be specified by the image forming device 102, and setting values ​​related to that attribute information.

[0040] The image forming device 102 prints on a medium such as paper based on the print data sent from the general-purpose printing software 202. At this time, the image forming device 102 forms the drawing data included in the print data on the medium in accordance with the print setting attribute information included in the print data. The print setting attribute information includes attribute information and setting values ​​for specifying print quality (priority on image quality, priority on speed, etc.) and double-sided printing. For example, if the print setting attribute information includes attribute information specifying double-sided printing and a setting value indicating that double-sided printing is to be performed, the image forming device 102 executes double-sided printing.

[0041] To execute a scan instruction, the application 201 can display a scan setting screen provided by the general-purpose scan software 204, the OS, or the application 201. When the advanced settings button in the scan setting screen is pressed, the general-purpose scan software 204 additionally displays an advanced settings screen. The scan setting screen and the advanced settings screen will be described later.

[0042] The detailed setting screen includes setting items (hereinafter also referred to as "control items") indicating configurable scan functions and control items indicating their setting values ​​according to the capability information (configurable information) of the general-purpose scan software 204. The general-purpose scan software 204 determines the scan capabilities based on the scan function information 205. The scan function information 205 is data indicating all configurable scan functions (setting items) and their setting values, as well as the exclusive relationships between the setting values.

[0043] The scan function information 205 is included in a configuration file of the general-purpose scan software 204 and is stored as an unmodifiable file in the external storage device 114. Alternatively, the scan function information 205 can be dynamically generated by the general-purpose scan software 204. Specifically, the general-purpose scan software 204 or the OS can be configured to acquire image forming device attribute data from the image forming device 102 and generate the scan function information 205 according to the attribute information in the acquired attribute data.

[0044] When the scan function information 205 is dynamically generated, the generated scan function information 205 can be edited. The attribute data of the image forming device acquired from the image forming device 102 includes attribute information indicating functions (scanning device capabilities) that can be specified by the image forming device 102 and setting values ​​related to the attribute information. This information is stored in the RAM 113.

[0045] To execute a fax instruction, the application 201 can display a fax setting screen provided by the general-purpose fax software 206, the OS, or the application 201. When the advanced settings button on the fax setting screen is pressed, the general-purpose fax software 206 additionally displays an advanced settings screen. The fax setting screen and the advanced settings screen will be described later.

[0046] The detailed setting screen includes setting items (hereinafter also referred to as "control items") indicating configurable fax functions and control items indicating their setting values ​​according to the capability information (configurable information) of the general-purpose fax software 206. The general-purpose fax software 206 determines the fax capabilities based on the fax function information 207.

[0047] The FAX function information 207 is data indicating all the FAX functions that can be set, their setting values, and the exclusive relationships between the setting values. The FAX function information 207 is included in the configuration file of the general-purpose FAX software 206 and is stored in the external storage device 114 as an unchangeable file.

[0048] Alternatively, the FAX function information 207 can be dynamically generated by the general-purpose FAX software 206. Specifically, the general-purpose FAX software 206 or the OS can be configured to acquire attribute data of the image forming device from the image forming device 102 and generate the FAX function information 207 according to the attribute information in the acquired attribute data.

[0049] When the FAX function information 207 is dynamically generated, the generated FAX function information 207 can be edited. The attribute data of the image forming device acquired from the image forming device 102 includes attribute information indicating functions (FAX device capabilities) that can be specified by the image forming device 102 and setting values ​​related to the attribute information. This information is stored in the RAM 113.

[0050] With this configuration, each of the general-purpose software 202, 204, and 206 can be configured so that the user can specify functions available on each image forming apparatus 102 according to the connected image forming apparatus 102. In other words, even when image forming apparatuses with different functions or image forming apparatuses developed by different vendors are connected, the general-purpose software 202, 204, and 206 can be configured so that the user can specify functions available on the connected image forming apparatus.

[0051] The vendor may be the manufacturer of the image forming device 102. In this example, the general-purpose software 202, 204, and 206 are standard class drivers that execute printing, scanning, and faxing based on a standard protocol called Mopria. The general-purpose software 202, 204, and 206 acquire capability information of the connected image forming device 102 and generate function information 203, 205, and 207 based on that information so that the user can specify functions supported by the connected image forming device 102.

[0052] <Configuration of a Software-Centered System (When the Extended Applications 208, 214, and 220 are Associated)> Next, the system configuration when the extended applications 208, 214, and 220 are associated with each other will be described with reference to Fig. 2(b). Note that configurations and processes not specifically mentioned below are the same as those in Fig. 2(a).

[0053] The extended print application 208 is software for extending and supporting the functions of the general-purpose print software 202, and is software that is not included (bundled) in advance with the OS. Therefore, the user must operate the host computer 101 to download and install the extended print application 208 from a server via the Internet.

[0054] Alternatively, the general-purpose printing software 202 may be automatically installed when the image forming apparatus 102 is connected to the host computer 101. Specifically, when the image forming apparatus 102 is connected to the host computer 101, the OS acquires device identification information from the image forming apparatus 102. The OS may download and install the extended printing application 208 corresponding to the acquired device identification information from a server via the Internet. In other words, the general-purpose printing software 202 and the extended printing application 208 are stored in the host computer 101 as separate files.

[0055] The general-purpose printing software 202 and the extended printing application 208 may be updated and upgraded, but these update processes are also performed at different times. That is, the host computer 101 acquires the general-purpose printing software 202 at different times from the host computer 101 acquires the extended printing application 208.

[0056] Furthermore, the trigger for the host computer 101 to acquire the general-purpose printing software 202 is different from the trigger for the host computer 101 to acquire the extended printing application 208. When the extended printing application 208 is installed, the OS associates the extended printing application 208 with the general-purpose printing software 202 and the image forming device 102.

[0057] The extended print application 208 described in this embodiment includes a print setting screen extension unit 209 , a print function extension unit 211 , an intermediate data editing unit 210 , and a notification unit 212 .

[0058] The extended print application 208 also has shared information 213 that can be commonly accessed by each unit. The shared information 213 is actually a file saved in the external storage device 114 or information stored in the RAM 113. The extended print application 208 writes and reads information to and from the shared information 213 by using an API (Application Program Interface) provided by the OS.

[0059] The extended print application 208 may terminate operation each time the processing of each unit is completed. In this case, the OS will start the extended print application 208 each time a request to use each unit is received.

[0060] Furthermore, the extended print application 208 may cancel the processing of each unit during its processing. If the processing is canceled, the job being processed is deleted by the OS.

[0061] When the 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 application 201 can display a print setting screen. In this configuration, a detailed setting screen provided by the extended print application 208 is displayed. Specifically, a detailed setting screen provided by the print setting screen extension unit 209 included in the extended print application 208 is displayed. In addition, the print setting screen extension unit 209 can save the detailed settings set by the user in the shared information 213.

[0062] The extended print application 208 has an intermediate data editing unit 210. The intermediate data editing unit 210 acquires intermediate data from the general-purpose print software 202 and edits the intermediate data. The intermediate data editing unit 210 then converts the intermediate data into print data and passes the print data to the image forming apparatus 102. Furthermore, the intermediate data editing unit 210 acquires detailed setting information from the shared information 213 and adds the detailed settings to the print data. The image forming apparatus 102 prints on paper based on the accepted print data.

[0063] The method of converting intermediate data into print data is not limited to the above. The conversion from intermediate data to print data may be performed by the general-purpose printing software 202. The extended printing application 208 may also be configured to acquire print data generated by the general-purpose printing software 202 and add detailed settings to the print data. In the configuration of FIG. 2(b), the general-purpose printing software 202 may also pass print data to the imaging device 102 without going through the extended printing application 208, as in the configuration of FIG. 2(a).

[0064] The extended print application 208 has a print function extension unit 211. The print function extension unit 211 can edit the print function information 203 generated by the general-purpose print software 202 or the OS. This allows the print function extension unit 211 to add functions provided by the extended print application 208.

[0065] The print function extension unit 211 can also add functions that are supported by the image forming apparatus 102 but not by the general-purpose printing software 202, add exclusive relationships between setting values ​​of print functions, etc. The OS starts the print function extension unit 211 when the extended print application 208 is first associated with the image forming apparatus 102 and the general-purpose printing software 202. Furthermore, the OS may start the print function extension unit 211 at other times, such as when the OS starts up.

[0066] The extended print application 208 also has a notification unit 212. The notification unit 212 can display a notification to the user in response to an error occurring in the image forming device 102. For example, when an out-of-paper error occurs in the image forming device 102, the general-purpose printing 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.

[0067] When the user presses this toast notification, the OS calls the notification unit 212 of the extended print application 208, and the UI screen of the notification unit 212 is displayed. On the UI screen of the notification unit 212, for example, a detailed message about the out-of-paper error and instructions on how to refill paper can be displayed.

[0068] Furthermore, the configuration of the extended print application 208 for realizing this embodiment is not limited to one that has all of the above-mentioned functions (units), but may have only some of the functions or may have other functions. Also, the extended print application 208 may simply be called printing software.

[0069] As described above, the extended print application 208 can be said to have at least one of the following functions. The first is a function to display a settings screen (print setting screen extension unit 209). The second is a function to edit intermediate data, convert it to print data, and add detailed settings to the print data (intermediate data editing unit 210). The third is a function to extend the functions that can be specified in the print data generation software (print function extension unit 211). The fourth is a function to display a screen in response to the occurrence of an error in the image forming device 102 (notification unit 212).

[0070] The extended scan application 214 is software for extending and supporting the functions of the general-purpose scan software 204, and is software that is not included (bundled) in advance with the OS. Therefore, the user must operate the host computer 101 to download and install the extended scan application 214 from a server via the Internet.

[0071] Alternatively, the extended scan application 214 may be automatically installed when the image forming apparatus 102 is connected to the host computer 101. Specifically, when the image forming apparatus 102 is connected to the host computer 101, the OS acquires device identification information from the image forming apparatus 102. The OS may download and install the extended scan application 214 corresponding to the acquired device identification information from a server via the Internet. In other words, the general-purpose scan software 204 and the extended scan application 214 are stored in the host computer 101 as separate files.

[0072] The general-purpose scan software 204 and the extended scan application 214 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 general-purpose scan software 204 and the timing at which the extended scan application 214 is acquired are different.

[0073] Furthermore, the trigger for the host computer 101 to acquire the general-purpose scan software 204 is different from the trigger for the host computer 101 to acquire the extended scan application 214. When the extended scan application 214 is installed, the OS associates the extended scan application 214 with the general-purpose scan software 204 and the image forming device 102.

[0074] The extended scan application 214 described in this embodiment includes a scan setting screen extension unit 215, a scan function extension unit 217, an image data editing unit 216, and a notification unit 218. The extended scan application 214 also includes shared information 219 that can be commonly accessed by each unit.

[0075] The shared information 219 is actually a file saved in the external storage device 114 or information stored in the RAM 113. The extended scan application 214 writes and reads information to and from the shared information 219 by using an API (Application Program Interface) provided by the OS.

[0076] The extended scan application 214 may terminate its operation each time the processing of each unit is completed. In this case, the OS will start the extended scan application 214 each time it receives a request to use each unit.

[0077] Furthermore, the extended scan application 214 may cancel the processing of each unit during its processing. If the processing is canceled, the job being processed is deleted by the OS.

[0078] When application 201 receives a scan request from a user, it issues a scan instruction to the OS. In this configuration, as in the configuration of FIG. 2(a), application 201 can display a scan setting screen. In this configuration, an advanced setting screen provided by extended scan application 214 is displayed. Specifically, an advanced setting screen provided by scan setting screen extension unit 215 included in extended scan application 214 is displayed. In addition, scan setting screen extension unit 215 can save the advanced settings set by the user in shared information 219.

[0079] The extended scan application 214 has an image data editing unit 216. The image data editing unit 216 acquires image data from the image forming device 102 and performs editing. The image data editing unit 216 acquires detailed setting information from the shared information 219 and performs image editing on the image data in accordance with the detailed settings. The extended scan application 214 may also be configured to acquire image data acquired by the general-purpose scan software 204 and perform image editing on the image data in accordance with the detailed settings.

[0080] 2B, there may be cases where the user does not configure detailed settings. In such cases, the general-purpose scan software 204 may issue a scan request instruction to the image forming apparatus 102 without going through the extended scan application 214, as in the configuration of FIG. 2A.

[0081] The extended scan application 214 has a scan function extension unit 217. The scan function extension unit 217 can edit the scan function information 205 generated by the general-purpose scan software 204 or the OS. This allows the scan function extension unit 217 to add functions provided by the extended scan application 214.

[0082] Furthermore, the scan function extension unit 217 can add functions that are supported by the image forming apparatus 102 but not by the general-purpose scan software 204, add exclusive relationships between scan function setting values, etc. The OS starts the scan function extension unit 217 when the extended scan application 214 is first associated with the image forming apparatus 102 and the general-purpose scan software 204. Furthermore, the OS may start the scan function extension unit 217 at other times, such as when the OS starts up.

[0083] The extended scan application 214 also has a notification unit 218. The notification unit 218 can display a notification to the user in response to an error occurring in the image forming device 102. For example, when a reading jam error occurs in the image forming device 102, the general-purpose scan software 204 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.

[0084] When the user presses this toast notification, the OS calls the notification unit 218 of the extended scan application 214, and the UI screen of the notification unit 218 is displayed. The UI screen of the notification unit 218 can display, for example, a detailed message about the scan jam error and how to clear the jam.

[0085] Furthermore, the configuration of the extended scan application 214 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 extended scan application 214 may simply be called scan software.

[0086] As described above, the extended scan application 214 can be said to have at least one of the following functions: The first is a function to display a settings screen (scan setting screen extension unit 215). The second is a function to edit image data according to detailed settings (image data editing unit 216). The third is a function to extend the functions that can be specified in the image data generation software (scan function extension unit 217). The fourth is a function to display a screen in response to the occurrence of an error in the image forming device 102 (notification unit 218).

[0087] The extended FAX application 220 is software for extending and supporting the functions of the general-purpose FAX software 206, and is not included (bundled) in the OS in advance. Therefore, the user must operate the host computer 101 to download and install the extended FAX application 220 from a server via the Internet.

[0088] Alternatively, the extended FAX application 220 may be automatically installed when the image forming apparatus 102 is connected to the host computer 101. Specifically, when the image forming apparatus 102 is connected to the host computer 101, the OS acquires device identification information from the image forming apparatus 102. The OS may download and install the extended FAX application 220 corresponding to the acquired device identification information from a server via the Internet. In other words, the general-purpose FAX software 206 and the extended FAX application 220 are stored in the host computer 101 as separate files.

[0089] The general-purpose FAX software 206 and the extended FAX application 220 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 general-purpose FAX software 206 and the timing at which the host computer 101 acquires the extended FAX application 220 are different.

[0090] Furthermore, the trigger for the host computer 101 to acquire the general-purpose FAX software 206 is different from the trigger for the host computer 101 to acquire the extended FAX application 220. When the extended FAX application 220 is installed, the OS associates the extended FAX application 220 with the general-purpose FAX software 206 and the image forming device 102.

[0091] The extended FAX application 220 described in this embodiment includes a FAX setting screen extension unit 221, a FAX function extension unit 223, an intermediate data editing unit 222, and a notification unit 224. The extended FAX application 220 also includes shared information 225 that can be commonly accessed by each unit.

[0092] The shared information 225 is actually a file saved in the external storage device 114 or information stored in the RAM 113. The extended FAX application 220 writes and reads information to and from the shared information 225 by using an API (Application Program Interface) provided by the OS.

[0093] The extended FAX application 220 may terminate its operation each time the processing of each unit is completed. In this case, the OS will start the extended FAX application 220 each time it receives a request to use each unit.

[0094] Furthermore, the enhanced FAX application 220 may cancel the processing of each unit during its processing. If the processing is canceled, the job being processed is deleted by the OS.

[0095] When application 201 receives a FAX transmission request from a user, it issues a FAX transmission instruction to the OS. Even under this configuration, as with the configuration of FIG. 2(a), application 201 can display a FAX setting screen. Under this configuration, a detailed setting screen provided by extended FAX application 220 is displayed. Specifically, a detailed setting screen provided by FAX setting screen extension unit 221 included in extended FAX application 220 is displayed. Furthermore, FAX setting screen extension unit 221 can save the detailed settings set by the user in shared information 225.

[0096] The extended FAX application 220 has an intermediate data editing unit 222. The intermediate data editing unit 222 acquires intermediate data from the general-purpose FAX software 202, converts it into transmission data, and then passes the transmission data to the image forming apparatus 102. Furthermore, the intermediate data editing unit 222 acquires detailed setting information from the shared information 225 and adds the detailed setting to the transmission data. The image forming apparatus 102 performs transmission based on the accepted transmission data.

[0097] The method of converting intermediate data into transmission data is not limited to the above. The enhanced FAX application 220 may be configured to acquire transmission data generated by the general-purpose FAX software 206 and add detailed settings to the transmission data. Also, in the configuration of FIG. 2(b), the general-purpose FAX software 206 may pass transmission data to the imaging device 102 without going through the enhanced FAX application 220, as in the configuration of FIG. 2(a).

[0098] The extended FAX application 220 has a FAX function extension unit 223. The FAX function extension unit 223 can edit the FAX function information 207 generated by the general-purpose FAX software 206 or the OS. This allows the FAX function extension unit 223 to add functions provided by the extended FAX application 220.

[0099] Furthermore, the FAX function extension unit 223 can add functions that are supported by the image forming apparatus 102 but not by the general-purpose FAX software 206, add exclusive relationships between FAX function setting values, etc. The OS starts the FAX function extension unit 223 when the extended FAX application 220 is first associated with the image forming apparatus 102 and the general-purpose FAX software 206. Furthermore, the OS may start the FAX function extension unit 223 at other times, such as when the OS starts up.

[0100] The extended FAX application 220 also has a notification unit 224. The notification unit 224 can display a notification to the user in response to an error occurring in the image forming device 102. For example, if a line connection error occurs in the image forming device 224, the general-purpose FAX software 206 detects it, 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.

[0101] When the user presses this toast notification, the OS calls the notification unit 224 of the extended FAX application 220, and the UI screen of the notification unit 224 is displayed. The UI screen of the notification unit 224 can display, for example, a detailed message of the error and how to deal with the error.

[0102] Furthermore, the configuration of the enhanced FAX application 220 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 enhanced FAX application 220 may be simply called FAX software.

[0103] As described above, the extended FAX application 220 can be said to have at least one of the following functions: The first is a function to display a settings screen (FAX setting screen extension unit 221). The second is a function to edit intermediate data, convert it to transmission data, and add detailed settings to the transmission data (intermediate data editing unit 22). The third is a function to extend the functions that can be specified in the transmission data generation software (FAX function extension unit 223). The fourth is a function to display a screen in response to the occurrence of an error in the image forming device 102 (notification unit 224).

[0104] Furthermore, the configuration of the system for realizing this embodiment is not limited to one that includes all of the above-mentioned general-purpose printing software 202, general-purpose scanning software 204, and general-purpose FAX software 206, but may include only some of the functions or may include other functions. For example, it may be a configuration that includes only the general-purpose scanning software 204, or a configuration that includes software for transmitting images via a network in addition to the three general-purpose software.

[0105] The general-purpose printing software 202, the general-purpose scanning software 204, and the general-purpose FAX software 206 are examples of software that can generate and transmit instructions that can be executed commonly by multifunction devices provided by multiple manufacturers. The extension applications 208, 214, and 220, as well as the later-described 1301, are examples of support applications.

[0106] Next, an example of an application screen in this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 3. 301 is a screen displayed by the application 201. Control 302 is a print button, and pressing control 302 calls general-purpose print software 202. Control 303 is a scan button, and pressing control 303 calls general-purpose scan software 204. Control 304 is a fax button, and pressing control 304 calls general-purpose fax software 206.

[0107] Control 305 is a manual button, and pressing control 305 calls up a manual built into the application. Alternatively, an online manual on the Internet may be called up. Control 306 is a setting button, and pressing control 306 calls up changeable setting items for the image forming apparatus 102.

[0108] Furthermore, the configuration of the application for realizing this embodiment is not limited to this configuration, and may be configured to have, for example, a control button for sending images via a network or a control button for the function of saving images to a cloud server.

[0109] <Example of scan settings screen / detailed settings screen> Next, examples of the scan setting screen and the advanced setting screen in this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4(a) is the scan setting screen displayed by the application 201. Fig. 4(b) is the advanced setting screen displayed in a configuration where the extended scan application 214 shown in Fig. 2(a) is not present. Fig. 4(c) is the advanced setting screen displayed in a configuration where the extended scan application 214 shown in Fig. 2(b) is present.

[0110] Note that the units and modules that display the scan setting screen are not limited to those described above. For example, the scan setting screen expansion unit 215 may be configured to only generate a display screen. In this case, the scan setting screen expansion unit 215 transmits the generated display screen to the application 201 via the general-purpose scan software 204. The application 201 may be configured to display the acquired display screen.

[0111] <Fig. 4(a) Scan setting screen displayed by application 201> First, let us consider Figure 4(a). Control 401 has various objects that allow the user to set the scanner to which image data will be scanned (the scanner to be used for reading). Control 403 is a scan start button, and control 404 is a button to cancel scanning. Control 402 is a detailed settings button, and when control 402 is pressed, an additional scan screen is displayed by the general-purpose scan software 204 or the scan settings screen extension unit 217.

[0112] <Figure 4(b) Advanced setting screen displayed by the general-purpose scan software 202> Next, we will explain Figure 4(b). Figure 4(b) shows an additional settings screen displayed by the general-purpose scan software 204 when the extended scan application 214 is not present. Control 405 allows the user to set the reading destination and indicates that the platen has been selected. Control 406 is a settings end button, and pressing control 406 returns the user to the scan settings screen in Figure 4(a).

[0113] <Fig. 4(c) Scan setting screen displayed by the scan setting screen extension unit 217> Next, we will explain Figure 4(c). Figure 4(c) shows an additional settings screen displayed by the scan settings screen extension unit 215 when the extended scan application 214 is installed. Unlike Figure 4(b), a control 407 and a list 408 have been added.

[0114] Control 407 is a button that allows selection of a scanning size specification setting, and indicates that A4H is selected. List 408 indicates the setting items for the scanning size specification setting when control 407 is pressed. List 408 indicates that in addition to the currently selected "A4H," there are also "A3," "A5H," "B4," "LTR," and "LGL." The user can select a size setting from list 408 that results in the desired scanning size, thereby switching the scanning size function and performing a scan.

[0115] Here, we will explain why the scan setting items are different between Figures 4(b) and 4(c). The advanced settings screen is generated by referring to the scan capabilities generated based on the scan function information. However, the general-purpose scan software 204 does not support the scan size specification function, so it cannot add the scan size specification function to the scan function information. Furthermore, even if the scan function information originally included the scan size specification function, the general-purpose scan software 204 cannot interpret the scan size specification function included in the scan function information, and therefore cannot display the scan size specification setting on the advanced settings screen.

[0116] Therefore, the scan function extension unit 217 is configured to add a reading size specification function to the scan function information 205, and the scan setting screen extension unit 205 is configured to display the detailed setting screen by referring to the scan capabilities. With this configuration, the extended scan application 214 can display the reading size specification setting on the detailed setting screen. Note that Figure 4(c) may also include additional extended functions other than the reading size specification function.

[0117] <Example of print settings screen / details settings screen> Next, examples of the print setting screen and the advanced setting screen in this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5(a) is the print setting screen displayed by the application 201. Fig. 5(b) is the advanced setting screen displayed in a configuration without the extended print application 208 shown in Fig. 2(a). Fig. 5(c) is the advanced setting screen displayed in a configuration with the extended print application 208 shown in Fig. 2(b).

[0118] Note that the units and modules that display the print setting screen are not limited to those described above. For example, the print setting screen expansion unit 209 may be configured to only generate a display screen. In this case, the print setting screen expansion unit 209 transmits the generated display screen to the application 201 via the general-purpose printing software 202. The application 201 may be configured to display the acquired display screen.

[0119] <Fig. 5(a) Print setting screen displayed by application 201> First, let us consider Figure 5(a). Control 501 has objects that allow the user to set the printer to which image data will be sent (the printer to be used for printing), the print orientation, and the number of copies to print. Control 503 is a print start button, and control 504 is a button to cancel printing. Control 502 is a detailed settings button, and when control 502 is pressed, an additional print screen is displayed by the general-purpose printing software 202 or the print setting screen extension unit 209.

[0120] <FIG. 5(b) Detailed setting screen displayed by the general-purpose printing software 202> Next, we will explain Figure 5(b). Figure 5(b) is an additional settings screen displayed by the general-purpose printing software 202 when the extended printing application 208 is not present. Control 505 allows the paper type to be set, and indicates that plain paper has been selected. Similarly, control 506 allows the paper size to be specified, and control 507 allows the printer paper feed slot to be specified. Control 508 is a settings end button, and pressing control 508 returns to the print settings screen of Figure 5(a).

[0121] <FIG. 5(c) Print setting screen displayed by the print setting screen expansion unit 205> Next, we will explain Figure 5(c). Figure 5(c) is an additional setting screen displayed by the print setting screen extension unit 209 when the extended print application 208 is present. Unlike Figure 5(b), a control 512 and a list 513 have been added. Control 512 is a button that allows you to select a sharpness setting, and indicates that standard is selected. List 513 shows the setting items for the sharpness setting when control 512 is pressed.

[0122] List 513 shows that in addition to the currently selected "+1," there are also "-1," "0," and "+2." Sharpness setting "0" indicates that no sharpness processing is performed. Sharpness settings "+1" and "+2" are settings that improve sharpness, with "+2" improving sharpness more than "+1." Sharpness setting "-1" is a setting that reduces the sharpness of the image. The user switches the sharpness function and prints by selecting a sharpness setting from list 513 that achieves the desired image quality.

[0123] Here, we will explain why the print setting items are different between Figures 5(b) and 5(c). The advanced setting screen is generated by referring to capability information generated based on the print function information. However, the general-purpose printing software 202 does not support a sharpness function, so it cannot add a sharpness function to the print function information. Furthermore, even if the print function information originally included a sharpness function, the general-purpose printing software 202 cannot interpret the sharpness function included in the print function information, so it cannot display the sharpness setting on the advanced setting screen.

[0124] Therefore, the printing function extension unit 211 is configured to add a sharpness function to the printing function information 203, and the printing setting screen extension unit 209 is configured to display a detailed setting screen by referring to the printing capabilities. With these configurations, the extended printing application 208 can display a sharpness setting on the detailed setting screen. Note that FIG. 5(c) may additionally include extended functions other than the sharpness function.

[0125] <Example of FAX setting screen / setting screen> Next, an example of the FAX setting screen and the detailed setting screen in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 6. FIG. 6(a) is the FAX setting screen displayed by the application 201. FIG. 6(b) is the detailed setting screen displayed in the case where there is no extended FAX application 220 shown in FIG. 2(a). FIG. 6(c) is the detailed setting screen displayed in the case where there is an extended FAX application 220 shown in FIG. 2(b).

[0126] Note that the unit or module for displaying the FAX setting screen is not limited to the above. For example, the FAX setting screen extension unit 221 may be configured to only generate a display screen. In that case, the FAX setting screen extension unit 221 transmits the generated display screen to the application 201 via the general-purpose FAX software 206. The application 201 may be configured to display the acquired display screen.

[0127] <FAX setting screen displayed by application 201 in FIG. 6(a)> First, FIG. 6(a) will be described. The control 601 has respective objects for allowing the user to set the destination FAX (printer used for FAX transmission) of the image data and the destination number. The control 603 is a transmission start button, and the control 604 is a button for canceling the transmission. The control 602 is a detailed setting button, and when the control 602 is pressed, an additional FAX screen is displayed by the general-purpose FAX software 206 or the FAX setting screen extension unit 221.

[0128] <Figure 6(b) Advanced setting screen displayed by the general-purpose FAX software 206> Next, we will explain Figure 6(b). Figure 6(b) shows an additional setting screen displayed by the general-purpose FAX software 206 when the extended FAX application 220 is not present. Control 605 allows the user to set the transmission resolution, and indicates that 200 x 100 dpi has been selected. Similarly, control 606 allows the user to specify the paper size. Control 607 is a setting end button, and pressing control 607 returns the user to the FAX setting screen of Figure 6(a).

[0129] <FIG. 6(c) FAX setting screen displayed by the FAX setting screen expansion unit 221> Next, we will explain Figure 6(c). Figure 6(c) is an additional setting screen displayed by the FAX setting screen extension unit 221 when the extended FAX application 220 is installed. Unlike Figure 6(b), a control 610 and a list 612 have been added. Control 610 is a button that allows you to select the paper orientation setting, and indicates that portrait is selected. List 611 shows the setting items for the paper orientation setting when control 610 is pressed.

[0130] The list 611 indicates that in addition to the currently selected "portrait," there is also "landscape." The user can switch the paper orientation function and send a fax by selecting the paper orientation setting that will result in the desired image orientation from the list 611.

[0131] Here, we will explain why the fax setting items are different between Figures 6(b) and 6(c). The advanced setting screen is generated by referring to the fax capabilities generated based on the fax function information. However, the general-purpose fax software 206 does not support a paper orientation function, so it cannot add a paper orientation function to the fax function information. Furthermore, even if the fax function information originally included a paper orientation function, the general-purpose fax software 206 cannot interpret the paper orientation function included in the fax function information, so it cannot display the paper orientation setting on the advanced setting screen.

[0132] Therefore, the FAX function expansion unit 223 is configured to add a paper orientation function to the FAX function information 207, and the FAX setting screen expansion unit 221 is configured to display the detailed setting screen by referring to the FAX capabilities. This configuration enables the extended FAX application 220 to display the paper orientation setting on the detailed setting screen. Note that FIG. 6(c) may also include additional expansion functions other than the paper orientation function. For example, the aforementioned sharpness function or a masking function that conceals personal information by blacking out or the like may be settable.

[0133] <Sequence after application 201 accepts scan settings> Next, the sequence of the application 201, the general-purpose scan software 204, the extended scan application 214, and the image forming apparatus 102 after the application 201 accepts the scan settings will be described with reference to FIG.

[0134] 7 are performed by CPU 111 reading application 201, general-purpose scan software 204, and extended scan application 214 from external storage device 114 to RAM 113 and executing them. Each step of image forming device 102 in FIG. 7 is realized by CPU 191 of image forming device 102 reading a program stored in ROM 192 or external storage device 199 to RAM 193 and executing it.

[0135] First, in step S701, the application 201 accepts scan settings from the user. The user can operate the pointing device 117 or the keyboard 118 to instruct the application 201 to set scan settings.

[0136] Next, in S702, the application 201 displays the scan setting screen shown in FIG.

[0137] Next, in S703, the application 201 receives an instruction to display a detailed settings screen. The user can operate the pointing device 117 or the keyboard 118 to select the control 402 to instruct the display of detailed settings.

[0138] Next, in S704, the application 201 requests the general-purpose scan software 204 to display the detailed settings.

[0139] Next, in S705, the general-purpose scan software 204 requests the extended scan application 214 to display the advanced settings. As described above, in the configuration of Fig. 2(a), the general-purpose scan software 204 displays the advanced settings screen of Fig. 4(b).

[0140] Next, in S706, the scan setting screen extension unit 215 of the extended scan application 214 displays the detailed setting screen of Fig. 4(c) on the display unit 119. The scan setting screen extension unit 215 refers to the scan capability generated based on the added scan function information and displays the detailed setting screen of Fig. 4(c) on the display unit 119.

[0141] Next, in S707, the scan setting screen expansion unit 215 accepts detailed settings. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4C, it is assumed that the user has selected "Reading destination: Platen" and "Reading size: A4H." The accepted settings are stored in the RAM 113 by the CPU 111.

[0142] Next, in S708, the scan setting screen expansion unit 215 accepts that the detailed settings have been completed and instructs the user to write the accepted settings to the scan setting information. The user can instruct the user to complete the detailed settings by operating the pointing device 117 or keyboard 118 to select the control 406. When writing the settings to the scan setting information, it is also possible to write items that the user has not selected, such as resolution, together.

[0143] Next, in S709, the extended scan application 214 notifies the general-purpose scan software 204 that the detailed settings have been completed.

[0144] Next, in S710, the general-purpose scan software 204 notifies the application 201 that the detailed settings have been completed.

[0145] Next, in S711, the application 201 receives a scan instruction. The user can issue a scan instruction by operating the pointing device 117 or keyboard 118 and selecting the control 403.

[0146] Next, in S712, the application 201 issues a scan instruction to the general-purpose scan software 204. Next, in S713, the general-purpose scan software 204 issues a scan instruction to the extended scan application 214.

[0147] Next, in S714, the extended scan application 214 creates a scan instruction command based on the scan setting information written in S708. Next, in S715, the extended scan application 214 issues a scan instruction command by sending it to the image forming apparatus 102. Note that the scan instruction command may be sent to the image forming apparatus 102 via the general-purpose scan software 204 or the OS.

[0148] Next, in S716, the image forming apparatus 102 interprets the scan instruction command and executes the scan. When the scan is executed, the image data is subjected to the necessary image processing in accordance with the scan instruction. In this embodiment, if the scan settings shown in FIG. 4(c) are configured, the scan is performed at the set size. In other words, an A4-sized portrait image is generated.

[0149] Next, in S717, the image forming apparatus 102 transmits the generated image data to the extended scan application 214. Next, in S718, the extended scan application 214 transmits the received image data to the general-purpose scan software 204. Next, in S719, the general-purpose scan software 204 transmits the received image data to the application 201. Next, in S720, the application 201 accepts the image data. Next, in S721, the application 201 displays the accepted image data.

[0150] <Sequence after application 201 accepts print settings> Next, the sequence of the application 201, the general-purpose printing software 202, the extended printing application 208, and the image forming apparatus 102 after the application 201 accepts print settings will be described with reference to FIG.

[0151] 8 are performed by the CPU 111 reading the application 201, the general-purpose printing software 202, and the extended printing application 208 from the external storage device 114 to the RAM 113 and executing them. Each step of the image forming device 102 in FIG. 8 is realized by the CPU 191 of the image forming device 102 reading a program stored in the ROM 192 or the external storage device 199 to the RAM 193 and executing it.

[0152] First, in S801, the application 201 accepts print settings from the user. The user can instruct the print settings to the application 201 by operating the pointing device 117 or the keyboard 118. Next, in S802, the application 201 displays the print setting screen shown in FIG. 5(a) on the display unit 119.

[0153] Next, in S803, the application 201 receives an instruction to display a detailed setting screen. The user can instruct the display of the detailed setting screen by operating the pointing device 117 or the keyboard 118 and selecting the control 502.

[0154] Next, in S804, the application 201 requests the general-purpose printing software 202 to display the detailed settings. Subsequently, in S805, the general-purpose printing software 202 requests the extended printing application 208 to display the detailed settings. Note that, as described above, in the configuration of FIG. 2(a), the general-purpose printing software 202 displays the detailed settings screen of FIG. 5(b).

[0155] Next, in S806, the print setting screen expansion unit 209 of the expansion print application 208 causes the display unit 119 to display the detailed setting screen of FIG.

[0156] Next, in S807, the print setting screen expansion unit 209 accepts detailed settings. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5C, it is assumed that the user has selected paper type: plain paper, paper size: A4, paper feed slot: automatic, and sharpness: +1. The accepted settings are stored in the RAM 113 by the CPU 111.

[0157] Next, in S808, the print setting screen expansion unit 209 accepts that the detailed settings have been completed and instructs that the accepted settings be written to the PT. The user can instruct the user to complete the detailed settings by operating the pointing device 117 or keyboard 118 and selecting the control 508.

[0158] Next, in S809, the extended printing application 208 notifies the general-purpose printing software 202 that the detailed settings have been completed. Next, in S810, the general-purpose printing software 202 notifies the application 201 that the detailed settings have been completed.

[0159] Next, in S811, the application 201 accepts a print instruction. The user can issue a print instruction by operating the pointing device 117 or keyboard 118 to select the control 503. Next, in S812, the application 201 issues a print instruction.

[0160] Next, in S813, the general-purpose printing software 202 generates intermediate data using a module of the OS.

[0161] Next, in S814, the general-purpose printing software 202 saves the PT in the shared information 213. The general-purpose printing software 202 converts the contents of the PT into setting values ​​for IPP data, and generates IPP data.

[0162] Next, in step S815 , the general-purpose printing software 202 passes the intermediate data and the converted IPP data to the extended printing application 208 .

[0163] Next, in S816, the intermediate data editing unit 210 of the enhanced print application 208 obtains the PT saved in S814 from the shared information 208.

[0164] Next, in S817, the intermediate data editing unit 210 of the extended print application 208 assigns the sharpness item name and setting value to the extended area of ​​the IPP data. The intermediate data editing unit 210 of the extended print application 208 generates print data from the intermediate data. Next, in S818, the intermediate data editing unit 210 of the extended print application 208 transmits the print data to the image forming apparatus 102.

[0165] Next, in S819, the image forming apparatus 102 interprets the print data and performs the necessary image processing on the image of the print data. In this embodiment, if the print settings shown in FIG. 5C are configured, image processing with sharpness +1 is performed. In other words, image data with improved sharpness is generated compared to when no sharpness processing is performed.

[0166] Next, in S820, the image forming apparatus 102 prints the image data generated in S819.

[0167] <Sequence after application 201 accepts fax settings> Next, the sequence of the application 201, the general-purpose FAX software 206, the extended FAX application 220, and the image forming apparatus 102 after the application 201 accepts the FAX settings will be described with reference to FIG.

[0168] 9 are performed by CPU 111 reading application 201, general-purpose FAX software 206, and extended FAX application 220 from external storage device 114 to RAM 113 and executing them. Each step of image forming device 102 in FIG. 9 is realized by CPU 191 of image forming device 102 reading a program stored in ROM 192 or external storage device 199 to RAM 193 and executing it.

[0169] First, in step S901, the application 201 accepts FAX settings from the user. The user can operate the pointing device 117 or keyboard 118 to instruct the application 201 to make FAX settings.

[0170] Next, in S902, the application 201 displays the FAX setting screen shown in FIG.

[0171] Next, in S903, the application 201 receives an instruction to display a detailed settings screen. The user can operate the pointing device 117 or the keyboard 118 to select the control 602 to instruct the display of detailed settings.

[0172] Next, in S904, the application 201 requests the general-purpose FAX software 206 to display the detailed settings. Then, in S905, the general-purpose FAX software 206 requests the extended FAX application 220 to display the detailed settings. As described above, in the configuration of FIG. 2(a), the general-purpose FAX software 206 displays the detailed settings screen of FIG. 6(b).

[0173] Next, in S906, the FAX setting screen extension unit 221 of the extension FAX application 220 causes the display unit 119 to display the detailed setting screen of FIG.

[0174] Next, in S907, the FAX setting screen expansion unit 221 accepts detailed settings. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6C, it is assumed that the user has selected "resolution: 200 × 100 dpi," "paper size: A4," and "paper orientation: portrait." The accepted settings are stored in the RAM 113 by the CPU 111.

[0175] Next, in S908, the FAX setting screen expansion unit 221 accepts that the detailed settings have been completed and instructs the user to write the accepted settings to the PT. The user can instruct the user to complete the detailed settings by operating the pointing device 117 or keyboard 118 and selecting the control 607.

[0176] Next, in S909, the extended FAX application 220 notifies the general-purpose FAX software 206 that the detailed settings have been completed. Next, in S910, the general-purpose FAX software 210 notifies the application 201 that the detailed settings have been completed.

[0177] Next, in S911, the application 201 accepts a FAX instruction. The user can issue a FAX instruction by operating the pointing device 117 or keyboard 118 and selecting the control 603. Next, in S912, the application 201 issues the FAX instruction. Next, in S913, the general-purpose FAX software 206 uses an OS module to generate intermediate data.

[0178] Next, in S914, the general-purpose FAX software 206 stores the PT in the shared information 225. The general-purpose FAX software 206 converts the contents of the PT into setting values ​​for IPP data, and generates IPP data.

[0179] Next, in S915, the general-purpose FAX software 206 passes the intermediate data and the converted IPP data to the extended FAX application 220. Next, in S916, the intermediate data editing unit 222 of the extended FAX application 220 obtains the PT saved in S914 from the shared information 225. Next, in S917, the intermediate data editing unit 222 of the extended FAX application 220 adds the item name and setting value for paper orientation to the extended area of ​​the IPP data. The intermediate data editing unit 222 of the extended FAX application 220 generates transmission data from the intermediate data.

[0180] Next, in S918, the intermediate data editing unit 222 of the extended FAX application 220 causes the image forming apparatus 102 to transmit the transmission data. Subsequently, in S919, the image forming apparatus 102 interprets the transmission data and performs the necessary image processing on the image of the transmission data. In this embodiment, if the print settings of FIG. 6(c) have been made, image processing for "paper orientation: portrait" is performed. In other words, image data is generated in which the image has been rotated to match the "paper orientation: portrait." Next, in S920, the image forming apparatus 102 transmits the transmission data generated in S919 to the destination.

[0181] 10, a flow of scan processing of the image forming apparatus 102 that receives a scan instruction from the extended scan application 214 will be described. Note that each operation (step) shown in the flowchart of FIG. 10 is realized by the CPU 191 executing a program stored in the RAM 192.

[0182] In step S 1001 , the CPU 191 receives a scan instruction sent from the extended scan application 214 .

[0183] Next, in step S1002, the scan instruction command received in the previous step S1001 is analyzed and converted into read settings that allow the image forming apparatus 102 to perform read processing. In this embodiment, read settings are made for a reading size of A4H on the platen. Next, in step S1003, the CPU 191 determines the ASIC of the image processing unit 190 to use to perform scanning in accordance with the read settings converted in step S1002, and sets the ASIC.

[0184] In step S1004, the CPU 191 transmits a read instruction according to the read setting to the reading unit 195. In this embodiment, the CPU 191 transmits an instruction to read on the platen at a read size of A4H.

[0185] In step S1005, the CPU 191 acquires image data from the reading unit 195. In this embodiment, image data of A4H size is acquired. In step S1006, the CPU 191 and the image processing unit 190 perform image processing on the received image data. In step S1007, the CPU 191 saves the image data in the external storage device 199.

[0186] In step S1008, CPU 191 determines whether scanning of all pages has been completed. If it is determined that scanning has not been completed, the process proceeds to step S1005, where scanning of the next page is executed. If it is determined that scanning has been completed, the process proceeds to step S1009.

[0187] In step S1009, the CPU 191 and image processing unit 190 convert the image data saved in the previous step S1007 in accordance with the transmission format setting received in the previous step S801. In this embodiment, the transmission format is not included in the scan instruction received from the extension application 204. Therefore, although the image data is converted to the default JPEG of the image forming device 102, the transmission format to be converted is not limited to this and may be any format that can be handled by the information processing device.

[0188] In step S1010, the converted image data is sent to the enhanced scan application 214, and all processing ends.

[0189] 11, a flow of print processing of the image forming apparatus 102 that receives a print instruction from the extended print application 208 will be described. Note that each operation (step) shown in the flowchart of FIG. 11 is realized by the CPU 191 executing a program stored in the RAM 192.

[0190] In step S 1101 , the CPU 191 receives the print data and print instructions sent from the extended print application 208 .

[0191] Next, in step S1102, the print instruction command received in the previous step S1101 is analyzed and converted into print settings that allow the image forming apparatus 102 to perform print processing. In this embodiment, the print settings are as follows: paper type: plain paper, paper size: A4, paper feed slot: automatic, and sharpness: +1.

[0192] Next, in step S1103, the CPU 191 determines the ASIC of the image processing unit 190 to be used for executing printing in accordance with the print settings converted in step S1102, and sets the ASIC.

[0193] In step S1104, the CPU 191 sends a print instruction according to the print settings to the printing unit 196. In this embodiment, the CPU 191 sends an instruction to automatically select a paper feed slot with a paper type of plain paper and a paper size of A4 installed and perform printing.

[0194] In step S1105, the CPU 191 and image processing unit 190 perform image processing on the received print data. In this embodiment, image processing of "sharpness: +1" is performed. If the print data has already undergone image processing for sharpness, the image processing may not be performed in step S1105.

[0195] In step S1106, CPU 191 outputs the print data to printing unit 196. In step S1107, CPU 191 determines whether printing of all pages has been completed. If it determines that printing has not been completed, the process proceeds to step S1105, where printing of the next page is executed. If it determines that printing has been completed, all processing ends.

[0196] 12, a description will be given of the flow of FAX processing by the image forming apparatus 102 that has received a FAX instruction from the extended FAX application 220. Note that each operation (step) shown in the flowchart of FIG. 12 is realized by the CPU 191 executing a program stored in the RAM 192.

[0197] In step S1201, the CPU 191 receives the FAX transmission data and FAX transmission instruction sent from the extended FAX application 220.

[0198] Next, in step S1202, the FAX transmission instruction command received in the previous step S1201 is analyzed and converted into FAX settings that enable the image forming apparatus 102 to process FAX. In this embodiment, the FAX settings are as follows: resolution: 200 x 100 dpi, paper size: A4, and paper orientation: portrait.

[0199] Next, in step S1203, the CPU 191 determines the ASIC of the image processing unit 190 to be used for executing the FAX in accordance with the FAX settings converted in step S1202, and sets the ASIC.

[0200] In step S1204, CPU 191 transmits a FAX instruction according to the FAX settings to FAX communication control unit 180. In this embodiment, an instruction to transmit a FAX to destination number 12345 is transmitted.

[0201] In step S1205, the CPU 191 and image processing unit 190 perform image processing on the received transmission data. In this embodiment, image processing is performed to convert the resolution to 200 x 100 dpi and rotate the paper to match the portrait orientation. If the print data has already undergone image processing such as resolution conversion and rotation, it is not necessary to perform image processing in step S1205.

[0202] In step S1206, CPU 191 saves the image data in external storage device 199. In step S1207, FAX communication control unit 180 transmits the image data saved in step S1206 to the destination. In step S1208, CPU 191 determines whether transmission processing for all pages has been completed. If it determines that transmission processing has not been completed, the process proceeds to step S1205, where transmission processing for the next page is executed. If it determines that transmission processing has been completed, all processing ends.

[0203] As described above, in this embodiment, the application 201 calls the general-purpose printing software 202, the general-purpose scanning software 204, and the general-purpose fax software 206. Furthermore, the general-purpose printing software 202 calls the extended printing application 208, the general-purpose scanning software 204 calls the extended scanning application 214, and the general-purpose fax software 206 calls the extended fax application 220. Through the above series of processes, it becomes possible to provide the user with printing, scanning, and faxing functions using the same application.

[0204] <Embodiment 2> A second embodiment of the present invention will be described below. In the first embodiment described above, when a fax function is provided, a fax-specific setting screen is displayed by the application 201. In the second embodiment, a setting screen displayed by the application 201 displays a screen for print settings, and when fax software is selected as the printer, a fax extension application is displayed by the general-purpose printing software 202. Note that only the differences from the first embodiment will be described below.

[0205] <Software-centric system configuration> Fig. 13 is a diagram schematically illustrating the software configuration of the system of embodiment 2. The software configuration of Fig. 13 is stored in the external storage device 114 of Fig. 1. Here, the explanation is based on the premise that the system uses a host computer 101 equipped with Microsoft (registered trademark) Windows (registered trademark) 11 as the OS.

[0206] 13(a) is a diagram showing a general configuration when the extended application 1301 and the extended scan application 214 are not associated with the general-purpose software 202, 204 and the image forming apparatus 102. FIG. 13(b) is a diagram showing a configuration when the extended application 1301 and the extended scan application 214 are associated with the general-purpose software 202, 204 and the image forming apparatus 102.

[0207] <Software-centric system configuration (when the extension application 1301 and the extension scan application 214 are not associated)> First, the system configuration when the extended application 1301 and the extended scan application 214 are not associated with each other will be described with reference to FIG.

[0208] The application 201 is software that allows the use of multiple functions of the image forming device, such as printing, scanning, and faxing. When the application 201 receives a request from a user, it issues an instruction to the OS. For example, a scan instruction includes scan setting information for instructing the operation of the general-purpose scan software 204 and the image forming device 102.

[0209] In this configuration, each general-purpose software is called from a native application, but this is not limited to this, and it may also be called from a web application or website on the Internet, or operated as part of an integrated system.

[0210] In this embodiment, the configuration file of the general-purpose printing software 202 includes FAX function information 207 in addition to print function information 203. Therefore, in order to execute a FAX instruction, the application 201 can display a FAX setting screen provided by the general-purpose printing software 202, the OS, or the application 201.

[0211] Furthermore, when the advanced settings button in the FAX setting screen is pressed, the general-purpose printing software 202 additionally displays an advanced settings screen. The FAX function information 207 is included in the configuration file of the general-purpose printing software 202 and is stored in the external storage device 114 as an unchangeable file.

[0212] Alternatively, the FAX function information 207 can be dynamically generated by the general-purpose printing software 202. Specifically, the general-purpose printing software 202 or the OS can be configured to acquire attribute data of the image forming device from the image forming device 102, and generate the FAX function information 207 according to the attribute information in the acquired attribute data. Note that when the FAX function information 207 is dynamically generated, the generated FAX function information 207 can be edited.

[0213] The attribute data of the image forming apparatus acquired from the image forming apparatus 102 includes attribute information indicating functions (FAX device capabilities) that can be specified by the image forming apparatus 102 and setting values ​​related to the attribute information. This information is stored in the RAM 113.

[0214] By configuring in this manner, each of the general-purpose software 202, 204 can be configured so that the user can specify functions available in each of the image forming apparatuses 102, depending on the connected image forming apparatus 102. In other words, even when image forming apparatuses with different functions or image forming apparatuses developed by different vendors (manufacturers) are connected, the general-purpose software 202, 204 can enable the user to specify functions available in accordance with the connected image forming apparatus.

[0215] <Software-centric system configuration (when the extension applications 1301 and 214 are associated)> Next, the system configuration when the extended applications 1301 and 214 are associated will be described with reference to Fig. 13(b). Note that configurations and processes not specifically mentioned below are the same as those in Fig. 13(a).

[0216] The extension application 1301 is software for extending the functions of the general-purpose printing software 202, and is software that is not included (bundled) in advance in the OS. Therefore, the user must operate the host computer 101 to download and install the extension application 1301 from a server via the Internet.

[0217] Alternatively, the extension application 1301 may be automatically installed when the image forming apparatus 102 is connected to the host computer 101. Specifically, when the image forming apparatus 102 is connected to the host computer 101, the OS acquires device identification information from the image forming apparatus 102. The OS may download and install the extension application 1301 corresponding to the acquired device identification information from a server via the Internet. In other words, the general-purpose printing software 202 and the extension application 1301 are stored in the host computer 101 as separate files.

[0218] The general-purpose printing software 202 and the extension application 1301 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 general-purpose printing software 202 and the timing at which the host computer 101 acquires the extension application 1301 are different.

[0219] Furthermore, the trigger for the host computer 101 to acquire the general-purpose printing software 202 is different from the trigger for the host computer 101 to acquire the extended application 1301. When the extended application 1301 is installed, the OS associates the extended application 1301 with the general-purpose printing software 202 and the image forming apparatus 102.

[0220] The extension application 1301 described in this embodiment includes a print setting screen extension unit 209 , a print function extension unit 211 , an intermediate data editing unit 210 , a notification unit 212 , a FAX setting screen extension unit 221 , and a FAX function extension unit 223 .

[0221] The extended application 1301 also includes shared information 213 that can be commonly accessed by each unit. The shared information 213 is actually a file saved in the external storage device 114 or information stored in the RAM 113. The extended application 1301 writes and reads information to and from the shared information 213 by using an API (Application Program Interface) provided by the OS.

[0222] The extended application 1301 may terminate its operation each time the processing of each unit is completed. In this case, the OS will start the extended application 1301 each time it receives a request to use each unit.

[0223] Furthermore, the extension application 1301 may cancel the processing of each unit during its processing. If the processing is canceled, the job being processed is deleted by the OS.

[0224] When the application 201 receives a print request or a transmission request from a user, it issues a print instruction or a transmission instruction to the OS. In this configuration, the application 201 can also display a print setting screen, similar to the configuration in FIG. 13(a).

[0225] In this configuration, a detailed setting screen provided by the extension application 1301 is displayed. Specifically, a detailed setting screen provided by the print setting screen extension unit 209 or the fax setting screen extension unit 221 included in the extension application 1301 is displayed. The detailed setting screen to be displayed is determined by the printer selected on the print setting screen. In addition, the print setting screen extension unit 209 and the fax setting screen extension unit 221 can save the detailed settings set by the user in the shared information 213.

[0226] The extension application 1301 has an intermediate data editing unit 210. The intermediate data editing unit 210 acquires intermediate data from the general-purpose printing software 202 and edits the intermediate data. The intermediate data editing unit 210 then converts the intermediate data into print data and passes the print data to the image forming apparatus 102. Furthermore, the intermediate data editing unit 210 acquires detailed setting information from the shared information 213 and adds the detailed settings to the print data. The image forming apparatus 102 prints on paper or sends a fax based on the accepted print data.

[0227] The method of converting intermediate data into print data is not limited to the above. The extension application 1301 may be configured to acquire print data generated by the general-purpose printing software 202 and add detailed settings to the print data. The conversion from intermediate data to print data may also be performed by the general-purpose printing software 202. In the configuration of FIG. 13(b), as in the configuration of FIG. 13(a), the general-purpose printing software 202 may pass print data to the imaging device 102 without going through the extension application 1301.

[0228] The extension application 1301 has a print function extension unit 211. The print function extension unit 211 can edit the print function information 203 generated by the general-purpose printing software 202 or the OS. This allows the print function extension unit 211 to add functions provided by the extension print application 208.

[0229] The print function extension unit 211 can also add functions that are supported by the image forming apparatus 102 but not by the general-purpose printing software 202, add exclusive relationships between setting values ​​of print functions, etc. The OS starts the print function extension unit 211 when the extension application 1301 is first associated with the image forming apparatus 102 and the general-purpose printing software 202. Furthermore, the OS may start the print function extension unit 211 at other times, such as when the OS starts up.

[0230] The extension application 1301 has a fax function extension unit 223. The fax function extension unit 223 can edit the fax function information 207 generated by the general-purpose printing software 202 or the OS. This allows the fax function extension unit 223 to add functions provided by the extension application 1301.

[0231] The FAX function extension unit 223 can also add functions that are supported by the image forming apparatus 102 but not by the general-purpose printing software 202, add exclusive relationships between setting values ​​of FAX functions, etc. The OS starts the FAX function extension unit 223 when the extension application 1301 is first associated with the image forming apparatus 102 and the general-purpose printing software 202. Furthermore, the OS may start the FAX function extension unit 223 at other times, such as when the OS starts up.

[0232] The extension application 1301 also includes a notification unit 212. The notification unit 212 can display a notification to the user in response to the occurrence of an error in the image forming apparatus 102.

[0233] The configuration of the extension application 1301 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. The extension application 1301 may also be simply called printing software.

[0234] Furthermore, the configuration of the system for realizing this embodiment is not limited to one that includes all of the above-mentioned general-purpose printing software 202 and general-purpose scanning software 204, but may include only some of the functions or other functions. For example, it may be a configuration that includes only the general-purpose printing software 202, or a configuration that includes software for transmitting images via a network in addition to the two general-purpose software.

[0235] <Example of print setting screen / detail setting screen in embodiment 2> Next, an example of the print setting screen and the detailed setting screen in this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 14. Fig. 14(a) is a print setting screen displayed by the application 201. Fig. 14(b) is a detailed setting screen displayed in a configuration where the extended application 1301 shown in Fig. 13(a) is not present. Fig. 14(c) is a detailed setting screen displayed in a configuration where the extended application 1301 shown in Fig. 13(b) is present. Note that the units and modules that display the print setting screen are not limited to those described above.

[0236] <FIG. 14(a) Print setting screen displayed by application 201> First, let us consider Figure 14(a). Control 1401 has objects that allow the user to set the printer to which image data will be sent (the printer to be used for printing), the print orientation, and the number of copies to be printed. In addition to printers for printing, printers for faxing are also displayed. In this embodiment, a fax printer 1402 is selected.

[0237] Control 503 is a print start button, and control 504 is a button for canceling printing. Control 502 is a detailed settings button, and when control 502 is pressed, an additional print screen is displayed by the general-purpose printing software 202, or the print setting screen extension unit 209 or FAX setting screen extension unit 221.

[0238] <FIG. 14(b) Detailed setting screen displayed by the general-purpose printing software 202> Next, Fig. 14(b) will be described. Fig. 14(b) shows an additional setting screen displayed by the general-purpose printing software 202 when a fax printer is selected in a configuration without the extension application 1301.

[0239] Control 1403 allows the destination number to be entered, and indicates that 12345 has been entered. Control 1404 allows the transmission resolution to be set, and indicates that 200 x 100 dpi has been selected. Similarly, control 1405 allows the paper size to be specified. Control 1406 is a settings end button, and pressing control 1406 returns to the print settings screen of FIG. 14(a).

[0240] <FIG. 14(c) Print setting screen displayed by the FAX setting screen expansion unit 221> Next, Fig. 14(c) will be described. Fig. 14(c) shows an additional setting screen displayed by the FAX setting screen extension unit 221 when a FAX printer is selected in a configuration with the extension application 1301.

[0241] Unlike FIG. 14(b), a control 1407 and a list 1408 have been added. Control 1407 is a button that allows the user to select the paper orientation setting, and indicates that portrait is selected. List 1408 indicates the setting items for the paper orientation setting when control 1407 is pressed. List 1408 indicates that in addition to the currently selected "portrait," there is also "landscape." The user can switch the paper orientation function and send a fax by selecting the paper orientation setting that results in the desired image orientation from list 1408.

[0242] <Sequence after application 201 accepts fax settings> Next, the sequence of the application 201, the general-purpose printing software 202, the extension application 1301, and the image forming apparatus 102 after the application 201 accepts the FAX transmission settings will be described with reference to FIG.

[0243] 15 is performed by the CPU 111 reading the application 201, the general-purpose printing software 202, and the extension application 1301 from the external storage device 114 to the RAM 113 and executing them. Each step of the image forming device 102 in FIG. 15 is realized by the CPU 191 of the image forming device 102 reading a program stored in the ROM 192 or the external storage device 199 to the RAM 193 and executing it.

[0244] In S1501, the application 201 displays the print setting screen shown in FIG.

[0245] Next, in S1502, the application 201 accepts an instruction to display a detailed setting screen. The user can instruct detailed setting by operating the pointing device 117 or keyboard 118 to select the control 502. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the instruction for detailed setting is accepted with the FAX printer 1402 selected.

[0246] Next, in S1501, the application 201 requests the general-purpose printing software 202 to display detailed settings. In this embodiment, the request is for displaying detailed settings for FAX. Then, in S1503, the general-purpose printing software 202 requests the extended printing application 208 to display detailed settings. In this embodiment, the request is for displaying detailed settings for FAX.

[0247] Next, in S1504, the FAX setting screen extension unit 221 of the extension application 1301 displays the detailed setting screen of FIG.

[0248] Next, in S907, the FAX setting screen expansion unit 221 accepts detailed settings. In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 13(c), it is assumed that the user has selected destination number: 12345, resolution: 200 x 100 dpi, paper size: A4, and paper orientation: portrait. The accepted settings are stored in the RAM 113 by the CPU 111.

[0249] Next, in step S1505, the extension application 1301 notifies the general-purpose printing software 202 that the detailed settings have been completed.

[0250] As described above, in this embodiment, the setting screen displayed by the application 201 displays a screen for print settings, and when fax software is selected as the printer, the general-purpose printing software 202 displays a fax extension application. Through the above series of processes, it becomes possible to provide the user with print, scan, and fax functions using the same application.

[0251] <Embodiment 3> A third embodiment of the present invention will now be described. In the first embodiment described above, an extension application is called from an application via general-purpose software. However, applications are typically provided by each vendor (manufacturer, manufacturer) to improve the convenience of their respective image forming devices. Therefore, the image forming devices used by an application are often limited to image forming devices developed by a specific vendor, and it is sufficient to be able to use only a specific extension application without using general-purpose software.

[0252] In the third embodiment, a configuration in which an application directly calls an extended application will be described. Note that only differences from the previous embodiments will be described below.

[0253] <Software-centric system configuration> Fig. 16 is a diagram showing a schematic software configuration of a system according to embodiment 3. The software configuration shown in Fig. 13 is stored in the external storage device 114 shown in Fig. 1. Here, the explanation is based on the premise that the system uses a host computer 101 that is equipped with Microsoft (registered trademark) Windows 11 as the OS.

[0254] The system configuration in the case where an application and an extended application are directly associated with each other will be described with reference to FIG.

[0255] The application 1601 is software that allows the use of multiple functions of the image forming apparatus, such as printing, scanning, and faxing. The application 1601 is associated with each of the extension applications 208, 214, and 220, and directly calls an extension application when a request is received from the user. For example, when a user requests scanning, the application 1601 calls the extension scan application 214.

[0256] In this configuration, each extended application is called from a native application, but this is not limited to this; it may also be called from a web application or website on the Internet, or operated as part of an integrated system.

[0257] The application may be configured to hold each of the extension applications 208, 214, and 220 as an internal program, or may be configured to call a separate program from a file path.

[0258] By configuring in this way, it is possible to easily provide users with extended applications that correspond to the vendors that provide the applications.

[0259] <Sequence after application 1601 accepts scan settings> Next, the sequence of the application 1601, the extended scan application 214, and the image forming apparatus 102 after the application 1601 accepts the scan settings will be described with reference to FIG.

[0260] 17 is performed by CPU 111 reading application 1601 and extended scan application 214 from external storage device 114 to RAM 113 and executing them. Each step of image forming device 102 in FIG. 17 is realized by CPU 191 of image forming device 102 reading a program stored in ROM 192 or external storage device 199 to RAM 193 and executing it.

[0261] In step S1701, the application 1601 requests the extended scan application 214 to display the detailed settings.

[0262] In S1702, the extended scan application 214 receives a scan instruction and instructs the application 1601 to write the received settings to the scan setting information. The user can issue a scan instruction by operating the pointing device 117 or keyboard 118. In this embodiment, the extended scan application 214 directly receives the scan instruction, but the application 1601 may receive the instruction and then issue the instruction to the extended scan application 214. In S1703, the extended scan application 214 sends the received image data to the application 1601.

[0263] <Sequence after the application 1601 accepts print settings> Next, the sequence of the application 1601, the extended print application 208, and the image forming apparatus 102 after the application 1601 accepts print settings will be described with reference to FIG.

[0264] 18 is performed by the CPU 111 reading the application 1601 and the extended print application 208 from the external storage device 114 to the RAM 113 and executing them. Each step of the image forming device 102 in FIG. 18 is realized by the CPU 191 of the image forming device 102 reading a program stored in the ROM 192 or the external storage device 199 to the RAM 193 and executing it.

[0265] In step S1801, the application 1601 requests the extended print application 208 to display a detailed setting screen.

[0266] In S1802, the extended printing application 208 accepts a print instruction and instructs the user to write the accepted settings to the PT. The user can issue a print instruction by operating the pointing device 117 or keyboard 118. In this embodiment, the extended printing application 208 is configured to directly accept a print instruction, but the application 1601 may also accept the instruction and issue it to the extended printing application 208.

[0267] In S1803, the extended print application 208 generates intermediate data using an OS module.

[0268] In S1804, the extended printing application 208 saves the PT in the shared information 213. The extended printing application 208 converts the contents of the PT into setting values ​​for IPP data, and generates IPP data.

[0269] <Sequence after application 1601 accepts fax settings> Next, the sequence of the application 1601, the extended FAX application 220, and the image forming apparatus 102 after the application 1601 accepts the FAX settings will be described with reference to FIG.

[0270] 19 is performed by CPU 111 reading application 1601 and extended FAX application 220 from external storage device 114 to RAM 113 and executing them. Each step of image forming device 102 in FIG. 19 is realized by CPU 191 of image forming device 102 reading a program stored in ROM 192 or external storage device 199 to RAM 193 and executing it.

[0271] In step S1901, the application 1601 requests the extended FAX application 220 to display the detailed settings.

[0272] In S1902, the extended FAX application 220 receives a transmission instruction and instructs the PT to write the received settings. The user can issue a transmission instruction by operating the pointing device 117 or keyboard 118. In this embodiment, the extended FAX application 220 is configured to directly receive a transmission instruction, but the application 1601 may also receive the instruction and issue the instruction to the extended FAX application 220.

[0273] In S1903, the extended FAX application 220 generates intermediate data using an OS module. In S1904, the extended FAX application 220 saves the PT in the shared information 225. The extended FAX application 220 converts the contents of the PT into setting values ​​for IPP data and generates IPP data.

[0274] <Examples of the scan setting screen / print setting screen / fax setting screen> Next, examples of the scan setting screen, print setting screen, and fax setting screen in this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 20. Fig. 20(a) is a scan setting screen displayed by the extended scan application 214. Fig. 20(b) is a print setting screen displayed by the extended print application 208. Fig. 20(c) is a fax setting screen displayed by the extended fax application 220.

[0275] <Fig. 20(a) Scan setting screen displayed by the scan setting screen expansion unit 217> Next, we will explain Figure 20(a). Figure 20(a) is a setting screen displayed by the scan setting screen expansion unit 215. Control 2004 is a scan start button, and control 2005 is a button for canceling the scan. In this embodiment, a scan request is issued directly, so the scan start button is displayed on the setting screen.

[0276] <FIG. 20(b) Print setting screen displayed by the print setting screen expansion unit 205> Next, we will explain Figure 20(b). Figure 20(b) is a setting screen displayed by the print setting screen expansion unit 209. Control 2013 is a print start button, and control 2014 is a button for canceling printing. In this embodiment, a print request is issued directly, so the print start button is displayed on the setting screen.

[0277] <FIG. 20(c) FAX setting screen displayed by the FAX setting screen expansion unit 221> Next, we will explain Figure 20(c). Figure 20(c) is a setting screen displayed by the FAX setting screen expansion unit 221. Control 2020 is a start transmission button, and control 2021 is a button for canceling transmission. In this embodiment, a transmission request is issued directly, so the start transmission button is displayed on the setting screen.

[0278] As described above, in this embodiment, the application 1601 directly calls the extension application. This process makes it possible to easily provide the user with print, scan, and fax functions using the same application.

[0279] It is also possible to combine the first and third embodiments. For example, if the extended scan application 214 does not exist, the extended print application 208, the general-purpose scan software, and the extended FAX application 220 may be displayed as selectable applications, and the selected one may be called up.

[0280] <Embodiment 4> A fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described below. In the above-described embodiment, the application is configured to always display each function call button. However, there may be cases where some functions are not supported depending on the hardware configuration or software version of the image forming apparatus. Therefore, in the fourth embodiment, a configuration will be described in which the setting screen displayed by the application 201 is displayed according to the capability response of the image forming apparatus. Note that only the differences from the above-described embodiment will be described below.

[0281] 21, a flow in which the application 201 switches the screen display based on the capability response of the image forming apparatus 102 will be described. Note that each operation (step) shown in the flowchart of FIG. 21 is realized by the CPU 191 executing a program stored in the RAM 192.

[0282] In step S2101, the application 201 acquires capability information from the image forming apparatus 102. The capability information is attribute information indicating functions supported by the image forming apparatus 102, items that can be specified for each function, and setting values ​​related to the attribute information. For example, information indicating that the image forming apparatus 102 supports print, scan, and fax functions can be acquired from the image forming apparatus 102. In addition, information such as scan size specification and options that can be set for each item can be acquired.

[0283] In this embodiment, the application 201 directly acquires the capability information from the image forming apparatus 102. However, a configuration is also possible in which the print function expansion unit 211, scan function expansion unit 217, or FAX function expansion unit 223 of each extension application 208, 214, or 220 acquires the capability information and passes it to the application 201.

[0284] In step S2102, CPU 191 determines whether the image forming apparatus supports printing. If it determines that it does not support printing, the process proceeds to step S2104. If it determines that it does support printing, the process proceeds to step S2103. In step S2103, CPU 191 adds the printing function to the supported function information, and the information is stored in RAM 113.

[0285] In step S2104, CPU 191 determines whether the image forming apparatus supports scanning. If it determines that it does not support scanning, the process proceeds to step S2106. If it determines that it does support scanning, the process proceeds to step S2105. In step S2105, CPU 191 adds the scanning function to the supported function information, and the information is stored in RAM 113.

[0286] In step S2106, CPU 191 determines whether the image forming apparatus supports FAX. If it determines that it does not support FAX, the process proceeds to step S2108. If it determines that it does support FAX, the process proceeds to step S2107. In step S2107, CPU 191 adds the FAX function to the supported function information, and the information is stored in RAM 113.

[0287] In step S2107, CPU 191 displays a screen based on the supported function information.

[0288] In this embodiment, the capability information of the image forming apparatus is acquired each time the application 201 is started, but it may be acquired in advance and stored in the external storage device 114, and the screen display may be switched based on that information.

[0289] Next, an example of an application screen in this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 22. 2201 is a screen displayed by the application 201. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the image forming device's capability response results in support of printing and scanning functions, but not support of faxing. Since printing and scanning are supported, the print button in control 302 and the scan button in control 303 are displayed. However, since the faxing function is not supported, the fax button in control 304, which was displayed in Fig. 3, is not displayed.

[0290] Furthermore, in this embodiment, unsupported function buttons are hidden, but they may be grayed out or shaded to indicate that they cannot be used.

[0291] As described above, in this embodiment, the application 201 acquires the capabilities of the image forming apparatus 102. Then, the functions displayed on the display screen are switched according to the acquired capabilities. This process makes it possible to easily provide the user with print, scan, and fax functions.

[0292] <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. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that realizes one or more functions. [Explanation of symbols]

[0293] 111 CPU 112 ROM 113 RAM 201 Applications 202 General-purpose printing software 204 General-purpose scanning software 206 General-purpose fax software 208 Advanced Printing Applications 214 Advanced Scan Application 220 Advanced Fax Application

Claims

1. On the computer, An application program that generates instructions that can be executed commonly by multifunction devices provided by multiple manufacturers, transmits the instructions to the multifunction devices provided by the multiple manufacturers, and causes multiple pieces of the software to be called.

2. 2. The application program according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of software programs include two or more of software programs for generating a print instruction, software programs for generating a scan instruction, and software programs for generating a FAX transmission instruction.

3. On the computer, Acquire the functions of the multifunction device, 2. The application program according to claim 1, wherein the software that can be called is switched depending on the acquired functions of the multifunction device.

4. 2. The application program according to claim 1, wherein the program causes a computer to display a screen for selecting the plurality of software programs.

5. On the computer, An application program that generates instructions that can be commonly executed by multifunction devices provided by a plurality of manufacturers, and calls a plurality of support applications that support the respective functions of a plurality of software programs that can transmit the instructions to the multifunction devices provided by the plurality of manufacturers.

6. 6. The application program according to claim 5, wherein the plurality of support applications include two or more of a support application that supports software that generates print instructions, a support application that supports software that generates scan instructions, and a support application that supports software that generates fax sending instructions.

7. On the computer, Acquire the functions of the multifunction device, 6. The application program according to claim 5, wherein the software that can be called is switched depending on the acquired functions of the multifunction device.

8. 6. The application program according to claim 5, wherein the program causes a computer to display a screen for selecting the plurality of software programs.

9. 6. The application program according to claim 5, wherein the support application provides a setting screen on which setting items that cannot be set on a setting screen provided by the software can be set.

10. 6. The application program according to claim 5, wherein the program causes a computer to display a screen for selecting the plurality of support applications.

11. A control method for an information processing device, characterized in that software generates instructions that can be executed in common by multifunction devices provided by multiple manufacturers, and is capable of sending the instructions to the multifunction devices provided by the multiple manufacturers, and causes multiple pieces of the software to be called.

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

13. On the computer, Acquire the functions of the multifunction device, 12. The method for controlling an information processing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the software that can make the call is switched depending on the acquired functions of the multifunction apparatus.

14. 12. The method for controlling an information processing apparatus according to claim 11, further comprising the step of displaying a screen on a computer for selecting the plurality of pieces of software.

15. On the computer, A control method for an information processing device, characterized by generating instructions that can be executed in common by multifunction devices provided by multiple manufacturers, and calling multiple support applications that support the functions of multiple software programs that can send the instructions to the multifunction devices provided by the multiple manufacturers.

16. 16. The control method for an information processing device according to claim 15, wherein the plurality of support applications include two or more of a support application that supports software that generates print instructions, a support application that supports software that generates scan instructions, and a support application that supports software that generates fax sending instructions.

17. On the computer, Acquire the functions of the multifunction device, 16. The method for controlling an information processing apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the software that can make the call is switched depending on the acquired functions of the multifunction apparatus.

18. 16. The method for controlling an information processing apparatus according to claim 15, further comprising the step of displaying a screen on a computer for selecting the plurality of pieces of software.

19. 16. The method for controlling an information processing apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the support application provides a setting screen on which setting items that cannot be set on a setting screen provided by the software can be set.

20. 16. The method for controlling an information processing apparatus according to claim 15, further comprising the step of displaying a screen on a computer for selecting one of the plurality of support applications.

21. generating instructions that can be commonly executed by multifunction devices provided by a plurality of manufacturers, and selecting and displaying one or more of a plurality of software programs that can transmit the instructions to the multifunction devices provided by the plurality of manufacturers, and one or more of a plurality of support applications that support the functions of the software; An application program that invokes the selected software or support application.

22. a plurality of pieces of software that generate instructions that can be commonly executed by multifunction peripherals provided by a plurality of manufacturers and transmit the instructions to the multifunction peripherals provided by the plurality of manufacturers; and a plurality of support applications that support the functions of the software, displaying one or more of the plurality of software programs and one or more of the plurality of support applications in a selectable manner; A control method for an information processing apparatus, comprising the steps of: calling the selected software or the selected support application.

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