Information processing apparatus, control method, and storage medium

Abstract

Since the print setting items to be mainly confirmed are different depending on the target printer, if the print setting items to be displayed are the same for all the target printers, the usability is poor.SOLUTION: To vary print setting items displayed on a print preview screen depending on a target printer.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] A terminal sends a job to an image processing device, and the image processing device can execute a function based on the job. For example, when a user instructs an image processing device to print print data such as an image or document using an application or the like from a terminal, the image processing device has a function to display a preview of the print data and a function to provide the user with changeable print settings. Patent Document 1 describes that a terminal acquires capability information from a printer and displays a setting screen for setting print settings based on the capability information. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-229748 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When a user issues a job execution instruction to an image processing device from a terminal, etc., it is necessary for the user to appropriately understand the job settings. The present invention provides a method that enables the user to appropriately understand the job settings when issuing a job execution instruction to an image processing device from a terminal, etc. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A program for causing a computer of an information processing device that communicates with a printing device to execute a control method, the control method comprising: an acquisition step of acquiring information about the printing device from the printing device; a display control step of controlling the information processing device to display a print preview screen on which a user can confirm print settings; and an instruction step of instructing the printing device to execute printing when an instruction to execute printing is received on the print preview screen, wherein the display step varies the print setting information displayed on the print preview screen based on the information about the printing device acquired in the acquisition step. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] This allows the user to conveniently understand the job settings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an information processing device and a communication device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a connection state between an information processing device and a communication device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 5A and 5B are diagrams illustrating examples of screens for determining a selected printer and receiving instructions to start each function in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed by an application in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed by an application in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed by an application in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed by an application in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of application processing in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9]4 is a diagram illustrating an example of application processing in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of application processing in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of application processing in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of application processing in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of application processing in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of application processing in the first embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the scope of the present invention as defined in the claims, and not all of the combinations of features described in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the solution of the present invention.

[0009] (First embodiment) The terminal device and communication device included in the communication system of this embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, a smartphone is used as an example of the terminal device, but this is not limited thereto. Various devices, such as a mobile terminal, a notebook PC, a tablet terminal, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), and a digital camera, can be used. In this embodiment, a printer is used as an example of the communication device, but this is not limited thereto. Various devices capable of wireless communication with an information processing device can be used. For example, printers can be inkjet printers, full-color laser beam printers, monochrome printers, and the like. Furthermore, the present invention can be applied not only to printers but also to copiers, facsimile machines, mobile terminals, smartphones, notebook PCs, tablet terminals, PDAs, digital cameras, music playback devices, televisions, smart speakers, and the like. It can also be applied to multifunction peripherals equipped with multiple functions, such as copying, faxing, and printing.

[0010] First, the configuration of an information processing device of this embodiment and a communication device capable of communicating with the information processing device of this embodiment will be described with reference to the block diagram of Fig. 1. In addition, the following configuration will be described as an example in this embodiment, but this embodiment is applicable to devices capable of communicating with the communication device, and the functions are not particularly limited to those shown in this diagram.

[0011] The information processing device 101 is an information processing device of this embodiment. The information processing device 101 includes an input interface 102, a CPU 103, a ROM 104, a RAM 105, an external storage device 106, an output interface 107, a display unit 108, a communication unit 109, and an image capturing device 110. The information processing device 101 is assumed to be a device such as a smartphone, but is not limited to a smartphone.

[0012] The input interface 102 is an interface for receiving data input and operational instructions from the user, and is composed of a physical keyboard, buttons, a touch panel, etc. Note that the output interface 107 described below and the input interface 102 may have the same configuration, and the screen output and the reception of operations from the user may be performed by the same configuration.

[0013] The CPU 103 is a system control unit that controls the entire information processing device 101 .

[0014] The ROM 104 stores fixed data such as control programs and data tables executed by the CPU 103, and embedded operating system (hereinafter referred to as OS) programs. In this embodiment, each control program stored in the ROM 104 performs software execution control such as scheduling, task switching, and interrupt processing under the management of the embedded OS stored in the ROM 104.

[0015] The RAM 105 is configured with an SRAM (Static Random Access Memory) or the like that requires a backup power source. Note that the RAM 105 holds data using a primary battery (not shown) for data backup, so that important data such as program control variables can be stored without volatilization. The RAM 105 also has a memory area for storing setting information for the information processing device 101, management data for the information processing device 101, and the like. The RAM 105 is also used as the main memory and work memory for the CPU 103.

[0016] The external storage device 106 is provided with an application (a print application, described later) that provides a function for instructing an external device to print or scan. The external storage device 106 also has various programs, such as a print information generation program that generates print information that can be interpreted by the communication device 151, and an information transmission / reception control program that transmits and receives information to and from the communication device 151 connected via the communication unit 109. The external storage device 106 also stores various information used by these programs, as well as image data obtained from other information processing devices and the Internet.

[0017] The output interface 107 is an interface that controls the display unit 108 to display data and to notify the status of the information processing device 101 .

[0018] The display unit 108 is configured with an LED (light emitting diode), an LCD (liquid crystal display), etc., and displays data and notifies the status of the information processing device 101. Note that a soft keyboard equipped with keys such as numeric input keys, a mode setting key, a decision key, a cancel key, and a power key may be provided on the display unit 108 to accept input from the user via the display unit 108.

[0019] The communication unit 109 is configured to connect to a device such as the communication device 151 and perform data communication. For example, the communication unit 109 may communicate directly with the communication device 151 by wireless communication without going through an external access point, or may communicate via an external access point (access point 131) that exists outside the information processing device 101 or the communication device 151. An access point is a device that constructs a network and determines a communication channel to be used for communication within the constructed network. In this embodiment, Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) (registered trademark) is used as the wireless communication method of the communication unit 109, but Bluetooth (registered trademark) or the like may also be used. Furthermore, an example of the access point 131 is a device such as a wireless LAN router. In this embodiment, a method in which the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151 are directly connected without going through an external access point is called a direct connection method. Furthermore, a method in which the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151 are connected via an external access point is called an infrastructure connection method.

[0020] The photographing device 110 is a device that converts images photographed by a photographing element into digital data. The digital data is temporarily stored in RAM 105. It is then converted into a predetermined image format by a program executed by CPU 103 and saved in external storage device 106 as image data.

[0021] The communication device 151 is the communication device of this embodiment and includes a ROM 152, a RAM 153, a CPU 154, a print engine 155, a communication unit 156, a display unit 157, and the like.

[0022] The communication unit 156 is configured to connect to a device such as the information processing device 101 and perform data communication. In this embodiment, Wi-Fi is used as the wireless communication method of the communication unit 156, but Bluetooth Classic or the like may also be used. The access point can be connected to the communication unit 109 of the information processing device 101. The access points inside the communication device 151 may be configured as multiple access points with different SSIDs and passwords. In this embodiment, the access points inside the communication device 151 include at least a connection setting access point, which will be described later.

[0023] The RAM 153 is composed of a DRAM or the like that requires a backup power supply. Note that the RAM 153 retains data by being supplied with a data backup power supply (not shown), so it can store important data such as program control variables without volatilizing it. The RAM 153 is also used as the main memory and work memory of the CPU 154, and stores a receive buffer for temporarily storing print information received from the information processing device 101, etc., as well as various other information.

[0024] The ROM 152 stores fixed data such as control programs, data tables, and OS programs executed by the CPU 154. In this embodiment, each control program stored in the ROM 152 performs software execution control such as scheduling, task switching, and interrupt processing under the management of an embedded OS stored in the ROM 152. The ROM 152 also has a memory area for storing data that needs to be retained even when power is not supplied, such as setting information for the communication device 151 and management data for the communication device 151.

[0025] The CPU 154 is a system control unit that controls the entire communication device 151 .

[0026] Based on information stored in the print engine 155 and the RAM 153 or a print job received from the information processing device 101 or the like, the print engine 155 forms an image on a recording medium such as paper using a recording agent such as ink, and outputs the print result.

[0027] Display unit 157 is configured with an LED (light emitting diode), an LCD (liquid crystal display), etc., and displays data and notifies the status of communication device 151. Note that a soft keyboard equipped with keys such as numeric input keys, a mode setting key, a decision key, a cancel key, and a power key may be provided on display unit 157 to accept input from the user via display unit 157.

[0028] 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of a print processing system. This system is centered around an access point 131, and is composed of an information processing device 101 that can connect to the access point 131, and a communication device 151. The system shows a state in which only the information processing device 101 is connected to an infrastructure mode network 132 constructed by the access point 131. The communication device 151 has not yet joined the network 132, and is a device that requires connection setting processing to join the network 132. When the communication device 151 connects to the access point 131, the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151 can be connected via the access point 131.

[0029] The access point 131 and the communication device 151 can be connected via a wireless LAN, but they may also be connected via a wired LAN. The access point 131 and the information processing device 101 can also be connected via a wireless LAN. The communication device 151 has an access point mode, and when the access point mode is enabled, both the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151 can perform peer-to-peer communication via the wireless LAN. When the access point mode is enabled, the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151 perform peer-to-peer communication using an access point provided in the communication device 151. Note that while the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151 perform peer-to-peer communication using the access point provided in the communication device 151, the communication device 151 may also communicate with the access point 131 in parallel. In other words, simultaneous operation is possible in which infrastructure mode communication and direct communication are performed simultaneously. Whether the communication device enables only the access point mode or both the access point mode and communication with the access point 131 is determined by a user instruction.

[0030] <Display screen configuration> First, the operation of a print application running on the information processing device 101 will be described using FIG. 3. FIG. 3 shows a print application screen displayed on the display unit 108 of the information processing device 101. The screen in FIG. 3 includes a printer display area 301 that displays information about the printer that the print application has designated as the target of a job execution instruction, and a function area 302 for selecting a function to be executed. When a display item corresponding to each function included in the function area 302 is selected, the screen transitions to a setting screen for that function, and after setting is made, an instruction to execute the function is issued to the printer. The printer display area 301 displays the icon, model name, and printer status of the printer selected by the user from among the printers registered by the print application. The information displayed in the printer display area 301 is updated when the selected printer is changed by a user operation. The printer displayed in the printer display area 301 is the printer selected by the user and is the target printer for a job execution instruction. In this example, the target printer is assumed to be the communication device 151. The function area 302 may also display a list of functions of the selected printer (the printer displayed in the printer display area 301). The functions displayed in the function area 302 are updated when the selected printer is changed by a user operation. The function area 302 includes a photo print function button 303 for printing photos, a document print function button 304 for printing photos, a scan function button 305 for scanning, etc.

[0031] When the selection of the photo printing function button 303 is accepted, a photo acquisition source list screen shown in FIG. 4(a) is displayed on the display unit 108.

[0032] Figure 4(a) is a photo acquisition source list screen, which displays a terminal image selection button 401, another application image selection button 402, a cloud service image selection button 403, a back button 404, a close button 405, a number of selected images display 406, and a next button 407.

[0033] The internal image selection button 401 is a button for displaying a screen for selecting an image to print from among the images stored in the information processing device 101, and when the internal image selection button 401 is selected, Figure 5(a) is displayed on the display unit 108 of the information processing device 101.

[0034] In this embodiment, the select image obtained by another application button 402 is a button for displaying a screen for selecting an image to be printed from images obtained from a camera by another application. When the select image obtained by another application button 402 is selected, an application other than the printing application is opened on the information processing device 101, and an image selection screen equivalent to that shown in Figure 5(a) is displayed on the display unit 108 of the information processing device 101.

[0035] The cloud service image selection button 403 is a button for displaying a screen for selecting an image to be printed from among the images in the cloud, and when the cloud service image selection button 403 is selected, Figure 5(b) is displayed on the display unit 108 of the information processing device 101.

[0036] The back button 404 is a button for transitioning the screen to the previous screen, and when the selection of the back button 404 is accepted, the screen of FIG. 3 is displayed on the display unit 108 of the information processing device 101.

[0037] The close button 405 is a button for terminating the function, and when the selection of the close button 405 is accepted, the screen of FIG. 3 is displayed on the display unit 108 of the information processing device 101.

[0038] The number of selected images display 406 displays the number of images selected for printing in the photo printing function, and is updated every time the user transitions to the photo acquisition destination list screen.

[0039] The Next button 407 cannot be pressed when no image is selected, and is a button for transitioning to a print preview screen when an image is selected. When the Next button 309 is pressed, Fig. 6(a) or Fig. 6(b) is displayed on the display unit 108 of the information processing device 101.

[0040] 4(b) is a screen that is displayed when, for example, a close button 405 is pressed on the print preview screen described later. In FIG. 4(b), an image deselection dialog 408, a yes button 409, and a cancel button 410 are displayed on the print preview screen.

[0041] The image deselection dialog 408 displays an explanation that the selected image saved as an image to be printed in the print application will be deselected.

[0042] The Yes button 409 is a button for canceling the image selection. When the Yes button 409 is accepted, the image saved in the print application is cancelled, and the screen of FIG. 3 is displayed on the display unit 108 of the information processing apparatus 101.

[0043] When the cancel button 410 is accepted, the image deselection dialog 408 is closed and the image selection is not cancelled.

[0044] In FIG. 5(a), an image selection area 501, a back button 502, and an add button 503 are displayed.

[0045] In the image selection area 501, a list of images stored in the information processing device 101 is displayed. The user selects the image to be printed from the thumbnails of the images displayed in the image selection area 501. At this time, the user may select one image or multiple images.

[0046] The back button 502 is a button for transitioning to the previous screen, and when the selection of the back button 502 is accepted, the screen of FIG. 4( a ) is displayed on the display unit 108 of the information processing device 101 .

[0047] The Add button 503 is a button for adding an image selected from the image selection area 501 as an image to be printed, and is only available for acceptance when an image is selected from the images in the image selection area 501. When the Add button 503 is accepted, the image selected from the image selection area 501 is saved in the print application as an image to be printed, and the screen in FIG. 4(a) is displayed on the display unit 108 of the information processing device 101.

[0048] In FIG. 5(b), an image selection area 504, a back button 505, and a next button 506 are displayed.

[0049] Images stored in the cloud service are displayed as a list in image selection area 504. The user selects the image to be printed from the thumbnails displayed in image selection area 501. At this time, one or more images may be selected.

[0050] The back button 505 is a button for transitioning to the previous screen, and when the back button 505 is pressed, the screen of FIG. 4( a) is displayed on the display unit 108 of the information processing device 101.

[0051] The Next button 506 is a button for adding an image selected from the image selection area 504 as an image to be printed, and is only available for acceptance when an image is selected from the images in the image selection area 504. When the Add button 506 is accepted, the image selected from the image selection area 504 is saved in the print application as an image to be printed, and FIG. 6(a) or (b) is displayed on the display unit 108 of the information processing device 101.

[0052] 6(a) and (b) are examples of a print preview screen that allows the user to check the image to be printed and the print settings. The print preview screen displays a preview area 601, an image deselection button 602, a print setting display 603, a back button 604, a print setting button 605, a print button 606, and a close button 405 on the display unit 108.

[0053] Whether the print preview screen of FIG. 6(a) or the print preview screen of FIG. 6(b) is displayed depends on the printer (target printer) displayed in the printer display area 301. For example, if the target printer is not an electrophotographic printer (e.g., an inkjet printer), the print preview screen of FIG. 6(a) is displayed, whereas if the target printer is an electrophotographic printer, the print preview screen of FIG. 6(b) is displayed. In other words, the print preview screen displayed varies depending on the type of target printer. If the target printer is an electrophotographic printer, detailed print settings can be confirmed as shown in the print setting display 603 of FIG. 6(b). If the target printer is an inkjet printer, only the minimum print settings can be confirmed as shown in the print setting display 603 of FIG. 6(a). The condition for determining whether the print preview screen of FIG. 6(a) or (b) is displayed may be a condition other than whether the target printer is an electrophotographic printer or not. For example, the condition may be whether the target printer is an office printer or a home printer, or whether the target printer is a specified product series.

[0054] The display items of the print setting display 603 may be configured to have the same function as the print setting button 605, and pressing the print setting display 603 may perform the same operation as pressing the print setting button 605. Alternatively, the print setting display 603 may be divided into individual print settings, and a screen corresponding to the print setting item screen of FIG. 7(a) may be directly displayed.

[0055] The preview area 601 displays the image selected as the image to be printed so that the user can confirm that the image to be printed is correct. Also, the print settings made by the user may be reflected in the image displayed in the preview area 601, so that the user can get an idea of ​​what the print result will look like.

[0056] The image selection cancel button 602 is a button for canceling the image displayed in the preview area 602 from the images selected as images to be printed, and when the image selection cancel button 602 is accepted, the image displayed in the preview area 602 is deleted from the selected images saved in the print application.

[0057] The print setting display 603 displays print setting items and the setting values ​​of the selected print setting item. In this embodiment, the print setting items and setting values ​​displayed on the print setting display 603 change depending on the selected printer. For example, if the target printer is an electrophotographic printer, all configurable print setting items and setting values ​​corresponding to the print setting items are displayed, as shown in FIG. 6(b). For example, if the target printer is an inkjet printer, only the main print setting items and setting values ​​corresponding to the print setting items are displayed among the configurable print setting items. Here, the paper type, size, color settings, and number of copies are displayed. If the setting values ​​have not been changed by user operation, the default setting values ​​are displayed.

[0058] The back button 604 is a button for transitioning to the previous screen, and when the selection of the back button 604 is accepted, the screen of FIG. 4( a ) is displayed on the display unit 108 of the information processing device 101 .

[0059] The print setting button 605 is a button for displaying a print setting screen, and when the selection of the print setting button 605 is accepted, the screen of FIG. 7A is displayed on the display unit 108 of the information processing apparatus 101.

[0060] The print button 606 is a button for instructing the printer to print, and when the selection of the print button 606 is accepted, the image data and print settings of the image saved in the print application as the print target are sent to the printer. When printing is completed, FIG. 4(a) is displayed on the display unit 108 of the information processing device 101.

[0061] 6(c) and 6(d) are print preview screens when using the document printing function. In other words, these are print preview screens that are displayed after the document printing function button 304 is selected on the screen in FIG. 3 and the user selects the document file to print.

[0062] Fig. 6(c) is a print preview screen that allows the user to check the image to be printed, and Fig. 6(d) accepts transition to a print setting screen that allows the user to check the print settings.

[0063] The next button 607 is a screen for transitioning to the screen of FIG. 6( d ), and when the selection of the next button 607 is accepted, FIG. 6( d ) is displayed on the display unit 108 of the information processing device 101 .

[0064] The print setting button 608 is a button for displaying a print setting screen, and when the selection of the print setting button 608 is accepted, the screen of FIG. 7A is displayed on the display unit 108 of the information processing apparatus 101.

[0065] The print setting display 609 displays print setting items and the setting values ​​of the selected print setting item. In the case of document printing, the same print settings may be displayed regardless of the target printer, or the print settings displayed may be changed depending on the target printer, as in photo printing. In the case of document printing, if the target printer is an inkjet printer, the print preview screen in FIG. 6(d) may be displayed, and if the target printer is, for example, an electrophotographic printer, the print preview screen in FIG. 6(b) may be displayed.

[0066] The print setting screen of FIG. 7( a ) includes a print setting item display area 701 , a back button 703 , and a close button 405 .

[0067] The print setting item display area 701 displays all print setting items that the target printer supports. In this embodiment, the print setting item display area 701 displays, for each setting item, a button that accepts screen transition to a print setting item screen, such as the paper type change button 702. In this embodiment, when the paper type change button 702 is selected, the screen shown in FIG. 7(b) is displayed on the display unit 108 of the information processing device 101. Here, it is assumed that print setting items that the target printer supports are displayed on the print setting screen, but a print setting screen that includes the same print setting items may be displayed regardless of the target printer. In other words, while the print setting information displayed on the print preview screen differs depending on the target printer, the print setting information displayed on the print setting screen may be configured to remain the same depending on the target printer.

[0068] The back button 703 is a button for transitioning to the previous screen, and when the selection of the back button 703 is accepted, FIG. 6( a) or FIG. 6(b) is displayed on the display unit 108 of the information processing device 101.

[0069] The print setting item screen of FIG. 7B includes a paper type setting value list 704, a back button 705, and a close button 405.

[0070] The paper type setting value list 704 displays the setting values ​​of paper types that can be set by the target printer. When the user selects one of the paper type setting value list 704, the paper type setting value of the print settings saved in the print application is updated to the selected setting value, and the screen of Fig. 7(a) is displayed on the display unit 108 of the information processing device 101.

[0071] <Processing flow> Next, a flowchart showing the processing of the print application when selecting a printer to be used for printing and printing using the photo printing function in this embodiment is shown. Each step of the flowchart is realized by the CPU 103 executing a program stored in the ROM 104 or the external storage device 106. Note that the same step numbers are used to indicate the same processing, and explanations thereof will be omitted.

[0072] FIG. 8 explains the flow from when the user starts using the print application to when the user transitions to the print preview screen or when the user ends the photo printing function. In particular, the flowchart in FIG. 8 is characterized in that when the print setting screen button is pressed on the print preview screen, the user transitions to the print setting screen and selects the print setting items they want to set from the print setting item display area. Assume that the user uses the print application to select the target printer to instruct to print and intends to execute printing using the photo printing function. When the user starts the print application, FIG. 3 is displayed on the display unit 108 of the information processing device 101. In FIG. 3, a printer display area 301 that displays the printer selected as the target printer in the print application and a function area 302 that displays the functions to be executed by the target printer are displayed on the display unit 108.

[0073] In S801, the print application accepts an operation to select a printer to use for printing in the printer display area 301. The print application searches for printers, for example, via a wireless LAN, displays a list of the printers found, and accepts a selection from the user. The printer information for the selected target printer is obtained from the printer and saved in the print application.

[0074] In S802, the print application accepts operation of the photo printing function button 303, which instructs the start of the photo printing function.

[0075] In S803, upon receiving the operation in S802, the print application displays a photo acquisition source list screen shown in FIG. 4A on the display unit 108 of the information processing apparatus 101.

[0076] In S804, the print application determines whether or not it has accepted an operation of the internal image selection button 401. If it has accepted the operation, it proceeds to the processing of S805. If it has not accepted an operation of the internal image selection button 401, it proceeds to the processing of S806.

[0077] In S805, the print application displays the image selection screen of FIG. 5A on the display unit 108 of the information processing device 101. The print application accepts the user's selection of the image they wish to print from the image selection area 501. After selecting the image, if the user presses the Add button 503, the print application saves the selected image. The process then proceeds to S803. However, if no image has been selected, the Add button 503 cannot be pressed.

[0078] In S806, the print application determines whether or not the operation of the select image obtained by another application button 402 has been accepted, and if the operation has been accepted, the process proceeds to S807. If the operation of the select image obtained by another application button 402 has not been accepted, the process proceeds to S808.

[0079] In S807, the other application is displayed on the information processing apparatus 101. Then, the process proceeds to S805, where the print application saves the image selected by the other application as an image to be printed.

[0080] In S808, the print application determines whether or not the cloud service image selection button 403 has been accepted, and if the operation has been accepted, the process proceeds to S809. If the cloud service image selection button 403 has not been accepted, the process proceeds to S813.

[0081] In S809, the print application displays the cloud service image selection screen of Fig. 5B on the display unit 108 of the information processing device 101. Then, in S810, the print application determines whether or not the back button 505 has been pressed, and if the operation has been pressed, the process proceeds to S803. If the operation of the back button 505 has not been pressed, the process proceeds to S811.

[0082] In S811, the print application accepts the selection of an image that the user wants to print in the image selection area 504. If an image is selected, the process proceeds to S810. If no image is selected, the process proceeds to S812.

[0083] In S812, the print application accepts operation of the Next button 506, which instructs transition to the print preview screen. Then, the process proceeds to S819. However, if no image was selected in S811, operation of the Next button 506 is not accepted.

[0084] In S813, the print application determines whether or not an operation on the back button 404 to transition to the original screen or the close button 405 to end the photo printing function has been accepted, and if an operation has been accepted, the process proceeds to S814. If an operation on the back button 404 or the close button 405 has not been accepted, the process proceeds to S817.

[0085] In S814, if one or more images have been selected, the print application proceeds to the process of S815, whereas if one or more images have not been selected, the flow ends.

[0086] In S815 , the print application displays the image deselection dialog 408 , the Yes button 409 , and the Cancel button 410 on the screen displayed on the display unit 108 of the information processing apparatus 101 .

[0087] In S816, the print application determines whether or not the Yes button 409 has been accepted, and if the operation has been accepted, the flow ends. If the Cancel button has been accepted, the process proceeds to S803.

[0088] In S817, the print application determines whether one or more images have been selected, and if so, proceeds to the processing of S818. If not, proceeds to the processing of S804.

[0089] In S818, the print application accepts operation of the Next button 407, which instructs transition to a print preview screen.

[0090] In S819, the print application determines whether the selected target printer is an electrophotographic printer based on the target printer information saved in the print application in S801. If it is an electrophotographic printer, the process proceeds to S821. If the target printer is not an electrophotographic printer (e.g., an inkjet printer), the process proceeds to S820. A table listing the device names and model names of electrophotographic printers and the device names and model names of inkjet printers is saved in the print application in advance, and the target printer is determined to be an electrophotographic printer based on the device name and model name of the target printer and the table. The method of determination is not limited to this; it may be determined whether the device name or model name contains a predetermined character string, or it may be determined based on the capability information of the target printer. Furthermore, although the determination here is made as to whether the printer is an electrophotographic printer, it is not limited to this; it may also be determined whether the target printer is an inkjet printer, or whether the target printer is for office use.

[0091] In S820, the print application displays the print preview screen of Fig. 6A on the display unit 108 of the information processing apparatus 101. Only some of the main print settings are displayed here.

[0092] In S821, the print application displays the print preview screen of Fig. 6(b) on the display unit 108 of the information processing device 101. Here, print settings that are more detailed than those included in Fig. 6(a) are displayed. In other words, a larger number of setting items than those included in Fig. 6(a) and their corresponding setting values ​​are displayed.

[0093] By performing the processing of the above flowchart, the print settings displayed on the print preview screen can be varied depending on the target printer, allowing the user to conveniently check the print settings.

[0094] FIG. 9 illustrates the flow from displaying the print preview screen to transitioning to the print completion or print setting screen and terminating the photo printing function.

[0095] After displaying the print preview screen in S820 and S821, in S901 the print application determines whether or not an operation on the image selection cancel button 602 has been accepted, and if an operation has been accepted, the selection of the image saved as the print target is cancelled and the process proceeds to S902. If an operation on the image selection cancel button 602 has not been accepted, the process proceeds to S903.

[0096] In S902, the print application determines whether one or more images have been selected to be printed, and if so, proceeds to the processing of S803. If not, proceeds to the processing of S820 and S821.

[0097] In S903, the print application determines whether or not an operation on the back button 604 has been accepted, and if an operation has been accepted, the process proceeds to S803. If an operation on the back button 604 has not been accepted, the process proceeds to S904.

[0098] In S904, the print application determines whether or not a predetermined operation, such as an operation on the print setting button 605, has been accepted, and if the operation has been accepted, the process proceeds to S905. If the operation on the print setting button has not been accepted, the process proceeds to S906.

[0099] In S905, the print application displays the print setting screen of Fig. 7A on the display unit 108 of the information processing device 101. Here, it is assumed that the print setting items included in the print setting screen are the same regardless of the target printer, but the print setting items included in the print setting screen may also be different depending on the target printer.

[0100] In S906, the print application determines whether or not an operation on the close button 405 has been accepted, and if an operation has been accepted, the process proceeds to S907. If an operation on the close button 405 has not been accepted, the process proceeds to S909.

[0101] In S907 , the print application displays the image deselection dialog 408 , a Yes button 409 , and a Cancel button 410 on the display unit 108 of the information processing apparatus 101 .

[0102] In S908, the print application determines whether or not an operation on the Yes button 409 has been accepted, and if an operation has been accepted, the flow ends. If the Cancel button 410 has been accepted, the process proceeds to S820 and S821.

[0103] In S909, the print application accepts operation of the print button 606 to instruct the printer to print.

[0104] In S910, when the print button 606 is pressed in S909, the print application transmits the saved image to be printed and the print setting information to the target printer (communication device 151).

[0105] FIG. 10 illustrates the flow from displaying the print setting screen in S905 to returning to the print preview screen, or displaying the print setting item screen and terminating the photo printing function.

[0106] After displaying the print setting screen in S905, in S1001 the print application determines whether or not an operation on the close button 405 has been accepted, and if an operation has been accepted, the process proceeds to S1002. If an operation on the close button 405 has not been accepted, the process proceeds to S1004.

[0107] In S1002 , the print application displays an image deselection dialog 408 , a Yes button 409 , and a Cancel button 410 on the screen of the display unit 108 of the information processing apparatus 101 .

[0108] In S1003, the print application determines whether or not an operation on the Yes button 409 has been accepted, and if an operation has been accepted, the flow ends. If the Cancel button 410 has been accepted, the process proceeds to S905.

[0109] In S1004, the print application determines whether or not an operation on the print setting item button 702 has been accepted, and if an operation has been accepted, the process proceeds to S1005. If an operation on the print setting item button 702 has not been accepted, the process proceeds to S1006.

[0110] In S1005, the print application displays Fig. 7(b) on the display unit 108 of the information processing device 101. Here, a list of setting values ​​corresponding to the print setting items selected on the print setting screen is displayed. The setting values ​​set here are saved in the print application as print setting information.

[0111] In S1006, the print application accepts the operation of the back button 703.

[0112] In S1007, the print application reflects the print setting information saved in the print application on the print preview screen.

[0113] FIG. 11 illustrates the flow from displaying the print setting item screen in S1005 to returning to the print setting screen or ending the photo printing function.

[0114] After displaying the print setting item screen in S1005, it is determined in S1101 whether or not an operation on the close button 405 has been accepted, and if an operation has been accepted, the process proceeds to S1102. If an operation on the close button 405 has not been accepted, the process proceeds to S1104.

[0115] In step S1102 , the print application displays an image deselection dialog box 408 , a Yes button 409 , and a Cancel button 410 on the display unit 108 of the information processing apparatus 101 .

[0116] In S1103, the print application determines whether or not an operation on the Yes button 409 has been accepted, and if an operation has been accepted, the flow ends. If the Cancel button 410 has been accepted, the process proceeds to S1005.

[0117] In S1104, it is determined whether or not an operation on the back button 705 has been accepted, and if an operation has been accepted, the process proceeds to S905. If an operation on the back button 705 has not been accepted, the process proceeds to S1105.

[0118] In S1105, the print application accepts a setting value change instruction. For example, the user selects one desired setting value from the paper type setting value list 704.

[0119] In S1106, the print application saves the print setting information changed in S1105 in the print application and reflects it on the print setting screen.

[0120] 12 explains the flow from displaying the print preview screen to completing printing or transitioning to the print setting screen and terminating the photo printing function. Only if the target printer is an electrophotographic printer and proceeds to the process of S821 after the process of S819, when an instruction to display the print setting item screen is received on the print preview screen, the print setting item screen can be displayed directly without displaying the print setting screen.

[0121] After displaying the print preview screen in S821, the print application determines in S1201 whether or not an operation on the image selection cancel button 602 has been accepted, and if an operation has been accepted, the process proceeds to S1202. If an operation on the image selection cancel button 602 has not been accepted, the process proceeds to S1203.

[0122] In S1202, the print application determines whether one or more images are selected, and if so, proceeds to the processing of S821. If not, proceeds to the processing of S803.

[0123] In S1203, the print application determines whether or not an operation on the back button 604 has been accepted, and if an operation has been accepted, the process proceeds to S803. If an operation on the back button 604 has not been accepted, the process proceeds to S1204.

[0124] In S1204, the print application determines whether or not an operation on the print setting button 605 has been accepted, and if an operation has been accepted, the process proceeds to S1205. If an operation on the print setting button has not been accepted, the process proceeds to S1206.

[0125] In S1205, the print application displays the print setting item screen of Fig. 7B on the display unit 108 of the information processing apparatus 101. The print setting item screen corresponding to the print setting item selected from the print setting display 603 may be displayed.

[0126] In S1206, the print application determines whether or not an operation on the close button 405 has been accepted, and if an operation has been accepted, the process proceeds to S1207. If an operation on the close button 405 has not been accepted, the process proceeds to S1209.

[0127] In S1207, the print application displays an image deselection dialog box 408, a Yes button 409, and a Cancel button 410 on the display unit 108 of the information processing apparatus 101.

[0128] In S1208, the print application determines whether or not an operation on the Yes button 409 has been accepted, and if an operation has been accepted, the flow ends. If the Cancel button 410 has been accepted, the process proceeds to S821.

[0129] In S1209, the print application accepts operation of the print button 606 to instruct the printer to print.

[0130] In S1210, when the print button is pressed in S909, the image to be printed and the print setting information stored in the print application are transmitted to the communication device 151.

[0131] This allows the user to directly access the print setting item screen without going through the print setting screen (e.g., Figure 7(a)) when printing using the communication device 151, thereby reducing the operational steps and enabling printing while reducing the burden on the user.

[0132] 13 illustrates the flow from displaying the print setting item screen in S1205 to returning to the print setting item screen or terminating the photo printing function. As with the flow diagram in Fig. 12, when an instruction to display the print setting item screen is received on the print preview screen, the print setting item screen can be displayed directly without displaying the print setting screen.

[0133] After displaying the print setting item screen in S1205, it is determined in S1301 whether or not an operation on the close button 405 has been accepted, and if an operation has been accepted, the process proceeds to S1302. If an operation on the close button 405 has not been accepted, the process proceeds to S1304.

[0134] In step S1302 , the print application displays an image deselection dialog box 408 , a Yes button 409 , and a Cancel button 410 on the display unit 108 of the information processing apparatus 101 .

[0135] In S1303, the print application determines whether or not an operation on the Yes button 409 has been accepted, and if the operation has been accepted, the flow ends. If the operation on the Cancel button 410 has been accepted, the process proceeds to S1205.

[0136] In S1304, it is determined whether or not an operation on the back button 705 has been accepted, and if an operation has been accepted, the process proceeds to S821. If an operation on the back button 705 has not been accepted, the process proceeds to S1305.

[0137] In S1305, the print application receives an instruction to change the setting value.

[0138] In S1306, the print application saves the print setting information changed in S1305 within the print application and reflects it on the print preview screen.

[0139] Fig. 14 explains the flow from displaying the print preview screen to completing printing or transitioning to the print setting screen, and terminating the photo printing function. The flow in Fig. 14 is characterized in that a print setting item button is provided for each print setting item in the print setting display 603, separate from the print setting button 605, and when a print setting item button is pressed, the corresponding print setting item screen is displayed without going through the print setting screen. Also, pressing the print setting button transitions to the print setting screen.

[0140] After displaying the print preview screen in S820 and S821, the print application determines in S1401 whether or not it has accepted an operation on the image selection cancel button 602. If it has accepted an operation, it proceeds to processing in S1402. If it has not accepted an operation on the image selection cancel button 602, it proceeds to processing in S1403.

[0141] In S1402, the print application determines whether one or more images have been selected, and if so, proceeds to the processing of S820 and S821. If not, proceeds to the processing of S803.

[0142] In S1403, the print application determines whether or not an operation on the back button 604 has been accepted, and if an operation has been accepted, the process proceeds to S803. If an operation on the back button 604 has not been accepted, the process proceeds to S1404.

[0143] In S1404, the print application determines whether or not an operation on the print setting button 605 has been accepted, and if an operation has been accepted, the process proceeds to S905. If an operation on the print setting button has not been accepted, the process proceeds to S1405.

[0144] In S1405, the print application determines whether or not an operation on a print setting item button has been accepted, and if an operation has been accepted, proceeds to the processing of S1205. If an operation on a print setting item button has not been accepted, proceeds to the processing of S1406.

[0145] In S1406, the print application determines whether or not an operation on the close button 405 has been accepted, and if an operation has been accepted, the process proceeds to S1407. If an operation on the close button 405 has not been accepted, the process proceeds to S1409.

[0146] In S1407, the print application displays an image deselection dialog box 408, a Yes button 409, and a Cancel button 410 on the display unit 108 of the information processing apparatus 101.

[0147] In S1408, the print application determines whether or not an operation on the Yes button 409 has been accepted, and if the operation has been accepted, the flow ends. If the operation on the Cancel button 410 has been accepted, the process proceeds to S820 and S821.

[0148] In S1409, the print application accepts the print button 606 for instructing the printer to print.

[0149] In S1410, when the print button is pressed in S1409, the image to be printed and the print setting information stored in the print application are transmitted to the communication device 151.

[0150] The print setting items displayed in the print setting display 603 can be configured by accepting an instruction to transition to the print setting item screen and transitioning directly to the print setting item screen. When setting print setting items not displayed in the print setting display 603, an instruction to transition to the print setting screen can be accepted and transition to the print setting item screen via the print setting screen. This improves usability when the user makes and checks print settings when printing with the communication device 151.

[0151] (Other Examples) In the above embodiments, the print setting information displayed on the print preview screen differs depending on the target printer, i.e., the target image processing device, but this is not limiting and a different print preview screen may be displayed depending on the target image processing device. Not only when a print instruction is given but also when a scan instruction is given, the scan setting information displayed on the preview screen for checking the scan settings may be configured to differ depending on the target image processing device.

[0152] The present invention can also be realized by executing the following process: software (program) that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or device via a network or various storage media, and the computer (or CPU, MPU, etc.) of the system or device reads and executes the program. In this case, the computer program and the storage medium storing the computer program constitute the present invention.

[0153] The disclosure of this embodiment includes the following configurations, methods, and programs.

[0154] (Configuration 1) A program for causing a computer of an information processing device that communicates with a printing device to execute a control method, The control method includes: an acquisition step of acquiring information about the printing device from the printing device; a display control step of controlling the information processing device to display a print preview screen on which a user can check print settings; an instruction step of issuing an instruction to the printing device to execute printing when an instruction to execute printing is received on the print preview screen, The program is characterized in that, in the display step, the print setting information displayed on the print preview screen is changed based on the information about the printing device acquired in the acquisition step.

[0155] (Configuration 2) The program described in configuration 1, wherein the control method further includes a second display control step of controlling the information processing device to display a print setting screen for changing print settings when a predetermined operation is received from a user on the print preview screen.

[0156] (Configuration 3) The program described in configuration 2 further comprises a third display control step of controlling the information processing device to display a print setting item screen including setting values ​​corresponding to the print setting items when a predetermined operation is received on the print setting screen.

[0157] (Configuration 4) 4. The program according to configuration 2 or 3, wherein when the print settings are changed on the print setting screen, the change is reflected on the print preview screen.

[0158] (Configuration 5) 5. The program according to any one of configurations 1 to 4, wherein in the display step, the print setting items displayed on the print preview screen are changed based on the information about the printing device acquired in the acquisition step.

[0159] (Configuration 6) 6. The program according to any one of configurations 1 to 5, wherein the print preview screen includes an image to be printed.

[0160] (Configuration 7) 7. The program according to any one of configurations 1 to 6, wherein the print preview screen includes display items for changing print settings.

[0161] (Configuration 8) 8. A program according to any one of configurations 1 to 7, characterized in that the number of print setting items displayed on the preview screen when the printing device is an electrophotographic printing device is greater than the number of print setting items displayed on the preview screen when the printing device is an inkjet printing device.

[0162] (Configuration 9) 9. The program according to any one of configurations 1 to 8, wherein the program is an application that issues print instructions and scan instructions to an apparatus.

[0163] (Configuration 10) 10. The program according to claim 9, wherein the control method further comprises an image acquisition step of acquiring an image to be printed from an application different from the application or from the cloud.

[0164] (device 1) An information processing device that communicates with a printing device, an acquisition unit for acquiring information about the printing device from the printing device; a display control means for controlling the information processing device to display a print preview screen on which a user can check print settings; an instruction unit that issues a print execution instruction to the printing device when the print execution instruction is received on the print preview screen; The information processing apparatus is characterized in that the display means changes the print setting information displayed on the print preview screen based on the information about the printing device acquired by the acquisition means.

[0165] (Method 1) A control method executed by an information processing device that communicates with a printing device, comprising: an acquisition step of acquiring information about the printing device from the printing device; a display control step of controlling the information processing device to display a print preview screen on which a user can check print settings; an instruction step of issuing an instruction to the printing device to execute printing when an instruction to execute printing is received on the print preview screen, The control method is characterized in that, in the display step, the print setting information displayed on the print preview screen is changed based on the information about the printing device acquired in the acquisition step.

Claims

1. A program for causing a computer of an information processing device that communicates with a printing device to execute a control method, The control method includes: an acquisition step of acquiring information about the printing device from the printing device; a display control step of controlling the information processing device to display a print preview screen on which a user can check print settings; an instruction step of issuing an instruction to the printing device to execute printing when an instruction to execute printing is received on the print preview screen, The program is characterized in that, in the display step, the print setting information displayed on the print preview screen is changed based on the information about the printing device acquired in the acquisition step.

2. The program described in claim 1, characterized in that the control method further includes a second display control step of controlling the information processing device to display a print setting screen for changing print settings when a predetermined operation is received from a user on the print preview screen.

3. The program according to claim 2, further comprising a third display control step of controlling the information processing device to display a print setting item screen including setting values ​​corresponding to the print setting items when a predetermined operation is received on the print setting screen.

4. 3. The program according to claim 2, wherein when the print settings are changed on the print setting screen, the change is reflected on the print preview screen.

5. 2. The program according to claim 1, wherein the display step varies print setting items displayed on the print preview screen based on the information about the printing device acquired in the acquisition step.

6. 2. The program according to claim 1, wherein the print preview screen includes an image to be printed.

7. 2. The program according to claim 1, wherein the print preview screen includes display items for changing print settings.

8. 2. The program according to claim 1, wherein the number of print setting items displayed on the preview screen when the printing device is an electrophotographic printing device is greater than the number of print setting items displayed on the preview screen when the printing device is an inkjet printing device.

9. 2. The program according to claim 1, wherein the program is an application that issues a print instruction and a scan instruction to an apparatus.

10. 10. The program according to claim 9, wherein the control method further comprises an image acquisition step of acquiring an image to be printed from an application different from the application or from a cloud.

11. An information processing device that communicates with a printing device, an acquisition unit for acquiring information about the printing device from the printing device; a display control means for controlling the information processing device to display a print preview screen on which a user can check print settings; an instruction unit that issues a print execution instruction to the printing device when the print execution instruction is received on the print preview screen; The information processing apparatus is characterized in that the display means changes the print setting information displayed on the print preview screen based on the information about the printing device acquired by the acquisition means.

12. A control method executed by an information processing device that communicates with a printing device, comprising: an acquisition step of acquiring information about the printing device from the printing device; a display control step of controlling the information processing device to display a print preview screen on which a user can check print settings; an instruction step of issuing an instruction to the printing device to execute printing when an instruction to execute printing is received on the print preview screen, The control method is characterized in that, in the display step, the print setting information displayed on the print preview screen is changed based on the information about the printing device acquired in the acquisition step.

Images