Support Program

Abstract

This invention provides a support program for an information processing device that incorporates a standard OS-standard general-purpose printing program, which displays information about the composition image of the printed material before a print command is issued. [Solution] The auxiliary program 42 installed in PC1 corresponds to the printer 2 connected to PC1 and supports the general-purpose printing program 41 pre-installed in the OS 21 of PC1. The general-purpose printing program 41 handles data for displaying the print settings screen D2 on the display 13a of PC1. When the general-purpose printing program 41 requests processing due to a change in the print settings screen D2, the auxiliary program 42 obtains the print settings, generates notification data including a notification image showing the composition image of the printed material based on the obtained print settings, passes the generated notification data to the general-purpose printing program 41, and displays the notification data on the print settings screen D2.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The technical field disclosed in this specification is a support program for supporting the control of a printer and relates to it.

Background Art

[0002] As a technology for controlling a printer from an information processing device such as a personal computer, a printer driver is installed in the information processing device, and print data is generated by the printer driver, and the print data is transmitted to the printer. This configuration is widely known (for example, Patent Document 1). The printer driver is provided by the printer manufacturer and corresponds to various functions of the printer, and the printer can be fully utilized.

Prior Art Documents

[0003]

Patent Documents

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

[0004]

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] ​​​​​​​However, in an information processing device that uses the OS standard general-purpose printing program, No known technology allows for the display of information regarding the compositional image of a printed material before it is shown. Therefore, even if the print settings result in an unintended printout, the user can still... There is room for improvement, as sometimes the system may instruct the printer to execute a print job without realizing this. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The support program created to address the aforementioned issues is a con It is executable by a computer and corresponds to a printer connected to the information processing device, A general-purpose printing program pre-installed in the operating system of an information processing device. A support program that supports the general-purpose printing program, wherein the information processing It is possible to handle data for displaying the print settings screen on the device's display. Therefore, the computer, when the print settings are changed on the print settings screen, A setting acquisition process that acquires the print settings when a processing request is made from a general-purpose printing program. Based on the print settings obtained in the aforementioned setting acquisition process, the composition image of the printed material is A generation process that generates notification data including the notification image shown, and the generation process that generates the notification data including the notification image shown. The notification data is passed to the general-purpose printing program and displayed on the display of the information processing device. The process involves displaying the notification data on the print settings screen shown, and then executing the following: It is composed of sea urchin.

[0007] An information processing device incorporating a support program having the above configuration is a general-purpose printing program When the print settings are changed on the print settings screen displayed by RAM, the support program acquires the changed print settings and generates notification data including a notification image showing a compositional image of a printed matter based on the changed print settings. The support program passes the generated notification data to a general-purpose print program to display it on a print settings screen. As a result, in an information processing apparatus using a general-purpose print program of an OS, it is possible to notify a compositional image of a printed matter before a user gives a print instruction. As a result, since the user knows the layout of an image in the printed matter before giving the print instruction, the possibility of avoiding an unintended print result is increased. A control method, an apparatus, and a computer-readable storage medium storing the support program for realizing the functions of the support program are also novel and useful.

Advantages of the Invention

[0008] According to the technology disclosed in this specification, a technology for displaying information regarding a compositional image of a printed matter before a print instruction is realized in an information processing apparatus in which a general-purpose print program conforming to an OS standard is incorporated.

[0009]

[0010] [Figure 1]

Brief Description of the Drawings

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as "PC" ") that uses the support program of this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. This specification discloses a support program executed on a PC.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 1, the PC 1 of this embodiment includes a controller 10 including a CPU 11 and a memory 12. The PC 1 is an example of an information processing apparatus. The CPU 11 is an example of a computer. Further, the PC 1 includes a user interface (hereinafter referred to as "user IF") 13 and a communication interface (hereinafter referred to as "communication IF") 14, and these are electrically connected to the controller 10. Note that the controller 10 in FIG. 1 is a general term for the hardware and software used for the control of the PC 1, and does not necessarily represent a single hardware existing in the actual PC 1. The CPU 11 operates according to the program read from the memory 12 and in accordance with the user's operations. 1.

[0013] The CPU 11 operates according to the program read from the memory 12 and also according to the user's operations. ​​​​​Based on this, various processes are executed. Memory 12 contains various programs and various data. It is stored. Memory 12 is also used as a workspace when various processes are executed. The buffer provided by CPU 11 is also an example of memory. An example of memory 12 is... Not limited to ROM, RAM, HDD etc. built into PC1, but also as readable by CPU11 and Writable storage media, such as CD-ROMs and DVD-ROMs, It's okay to have it.

[0014] User IF13 is hardware that displays a screen to inform the user of information, and This includes hardware that accepts operations from the user. Note that user IF13 receives information A displayable display 13a and a combination of a mouse, keyboard, etc., which have input acceptance functions. It may also be a touch panel equipped with a display 13a and an input acceptance function. That's good too. User interface 13 includes an example of a display.

[0015] Communication IF14 includes hardware for communicating with external devices such as printer 2. The communication standards for IF14 are Ethernet (registered trademark), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), and USB. And so on. PC1 may also be able to connect to the internet via communication IF14. Furthermore, PC1 may have multiple communication IF14s that support multiple communication standards. .

[0016] The memory 12 of PC1 contains an operator including a general-purpose printing program 41, as shown in Figure 1. The operating system (hereinafter referred to as "OS") 21, auxiliary programs 42, and various applications The application program (hereinafter referred to as "app") is stored. OS21 is For example, Windows (registered trademark), macOS (registered trademark), Linux (registered trademark) The registered trademarks are iOS®, Android®, and iOS®. Auxiliary program 42 is This is an example of a support program.

[0017] In this configuration, PC1 has various applications installed, such as an information application 43. Information apps 43 include, for example, map apps, calendar apps, and browsers. It has a function to display various information on display 13a in response to the user's request. App 43 is an example of an application program. Note that information app 43 itself is It does not need to have a function to print the displayed information.

[0018] The general-purpose printing program 41 is an OS standard program provided with OS21. The information displayed on the display 13a is transmitted to the printer 2, etc. by the information application 43, etc. It has a function to print to the image to be printed. The general-purpose printing program 41 of this embodiment has a function to print the image to be printed. This program includes a function to generate intermediate image data based on the data. (General-purpose printing program) Program 41 is a printer with multiple models offered by various printer vendors. It supports functions that can be used in common. The general-purpose printing program 41 supports various prints Unlike printer drivers specific to a particular printer, this software includes all the unique features that each type of printer possesses. It's not a matter of compatibility; the supported functions are limited to general-purpose ones.

[0019] The auxiliary program 42 receives instructions from the OS 21 in conjunction with the processing of the general-purpose printing program 41. A program or group of programs that performs processing based on the target hardware This is a program that supports control. In this form, the auxiliary program 42 is connected to PC1. This corresponds to the model of printer 2, and for example, the general-purpose printing program 41 When the system receives an instruction to use printer 2 to perform printing, the general-purpose printing program 4 It starts from step 1. Auxiliary program 42 is, for example, a print support application (abbreviated as PSA). This is also known as a hardware support application (HSA).

[0020] Furthermore, the auxiliary program 42 is a set of multiple programs, each of which accepts execution instructions. It can be a combination of different parts, or it can be a single program with different processing depending on the instruction. It may be a program that can execute the printer's ven It may also be a program provided by the developer for each type of printer. For example, Auxiliary programs for inkjet printers and auxiliary programs for laser printers are available. It would be fine if they were prepared. Not limited to printer type, but also by printer model and printer There may be auxiliary programs available for each model series.

[0021] For example, if a new printer is connected to PC1, the OS21 on PC1 will... Depending on the type and model of your printer, download the appropriate auxiliary program from the server or other source. It can then be incorporated into PC1. OS21 is the identification information of the incorporated auxiliary program. The printer information of the newly connected printer is associated with this information and stored in memory 12.

[0022] In this configuration, PC1 is connected to printer 2, as shown in Figure 1. Printer 2 is It is a device that has at least a printing function and a communication function. Printer 2 receives print data and prints The system receives settings from an external device such as PC1 and prints according to the print settings. Examples of items include: number of copies, print orientation, print quality, paper size, paper tray, paper type, and dual-sided printing. We offer full-surface printing, color printing, and borderless printing.

[0023] Examples of print settings include the settings mentioned above, as well as settings for processing the image to be printed. There are processing options. Examples of processing options include consolidated printing, split printing, and scaling printing. Yes, it exists. Collated printing involves reducing the size of N (where N is multiple) pages of images and arranging them on a single sheet of paper for printing. This is a printing method. Examples of collated printing include layout printing (Nin1) and booklet printing. In layout printing, the images of the original document are arranged on a single sheet of paper in page order. (Booklet printing) So, when you fold the paper like a booklet, the pages of the manuscript will be arranged in order. Rearrange the images to place the original image on the front and back of the paper. Split printing is for one page This is a printing method that divides an image into M (where M is multiple) sheets of paper for printing. An example of split printing is... One type of poster printing involves printing with margins to allow for pasting together printed sheets. Printing is a method of printing that enlarges or reduces an image on a single page to a specified magnification. ru.

[0024] The print settings also include options for post-processing that printer 2 performs on the printed document. Post-processing includes, for example, stapling printed materials together with needles or other fasteners.

[0025] Printer 2 accepts various print settings based on the functions it possesses. This can be done. The auxiliary program 42 provides a dedicated print settings screen (hereinafter referred to as "detailed settings screen") for printer 2. Print settings can be accepted via the "surface". In the detailed settings screen, It can accept the same settings as printer 2. In the detailed settings screen, printer 2 can be configured. You may accept settings for items that are not currently selected. For example, on the detailed settings screen, you can select processing options. If the auxiliary program 42 performs the processing for this, and printer 2 does not, the detailed settings screen will appear. Then, you may accept settings regarding processing options.

[0026] The auxiliary program 42 includes a management table (hereinafter referred to as "management TB") 31. For example, as shown in Figure 2, the management TB31 generates a notification image associated with the print setting parameters. The image is stored. In other words, the auxiliary program 42 has multiple notification images stored in advance. It is included. The notification image is an image showing the composition of the printed document created according to the print settings. This is image data. Unlike the preview image, the notification image contains the content (for printing). The image is not included in the composition.

[0027] The management TB31 displays a notification image regarding the parameters that can be set by the auxiliary program 42. It is remembered. Therefore, the notification image stored in management TB31 can be printed by printer 2. A notification image showing the configuration of the processing options that are not available, and the general-purpose printing program 41 that supports them. The notification image also includes a configuration diagram showing features that are not yet implemented.

[0028] The print settings parameters that are the target of the notification image are, for example, parameters that represent the processing result as an image. These are parameters that can be used. For example, layout printing, booklet printing, poster printing, stapling. This applies.

[0029] For example, as shown in Figure 2, "Layout Printing (2in1)" is associated with notification image 201. It is stored in memory. Notification image 201 shows two pages of the document arranged side by side on a single sheet of paper. The configuration is shown. Notification image 201 includes numbers indicating the page order. .

[0030] The notification image 202 is associated with and stored under "Layout Printing (4in1)". Image 202 shows a configuration in which four pages of a document are arranged side by side on a single sheet of paper. Image 202 contains numbers and arrows indicating the page layout.

[0031] The notification image 203 is associated with "booklet printing" and stored in memory. This is a printed document with two pages of text on the front and two on the back of the paper, which is then folded like a booklet. In this case, a configuration is shown in which the images are rearranged so that the documents are placed in order.

[0032] The notification image 204 is associated with and stored for "Poster Printing (1 in 2 x 2)". Notification image 204 is divided into two vertically and two horizontally, and then divided into four sheets of paper. The configuration for arranging and printing the images is shown. Notification image 204 shows the layout of four sheets of paper. The image breaks are indicated depending on the state of the divided images. Notification image 204 shows It may also include information indicating the printing order.

[0033] The "Staple (top left)" is associated with and stored as notification image 205. Notification image In 205, image 205a, which shows the paper, is shown in the upper left corner, and image 205b, which shows the needle, is shown. The diagram shows a configuration where the upper left corner of the paper is fastened with a pin.

[0034] The general-purpose printing program 41 allows you to configure the functions it supports via the print settings screen. The settings are accepted. Also, the general-purpose printing program 41 receives from the auxiliary program 42. It has a function to display information on the print settings screen. The information that can be displayed includes, for example, print settings. This includes items, parameters, and notification images.

[0035] Next, a printing procedure including the operation of the auxiliary program 42 of this embodiment, and information application 43 For the procedures performed by each program when printing is selected, please refer to the sequence diagram in Figure 3. I will explain this in reference. Note that in Figure 3 and the other sequence diagrams described later, printer 2 corresponds to This describes the operation when the auxiliary program 42 is installed on PC1.

[0036] Furthermore, each processing step in the process and flowchart in this embodiment is basically an auxiliary process. This shows the processing of the CPU 11 according to the instructions written in programs such as program 42. Processing by PU11 also includes hardware control using the OS21 API. This explains the operation of each program, omitting detailed descriptions of OS21. Also, "Acquisition" is It is used in concepts where requirements are not mandatory.

[0037] At the beginning of the procedure, the user launches the information application 43 (A01). The information application 43 is... In response to the user's instructions, an information screen containing various information is displayed on the display 13a (A 02) If you want to print the image of the information screen that is currently displayed, the user selects print on the information screen. Select (A03). For example, as shown in Figure 4, the information screen D1 has a setting button SW1. It is included. When the setting button SW1 is pressed by the user, as shown in Figure 4, A dropdown menu DL containing "Print" is displayed. When "Print" is selected by the user, the information application 43 will use the general-purpose printing program of OS21. Send the display request and information screen data to 41 (A04).

[0038] The general-purpose printing program 41 displays the print settings screen in response to a display request. Display on Ray 13a (A06). The print settings screen contains instructions for print settings and instructions for executing the print job. This is the screen that accepts the printer settings. For example, as shown in Figure 5, the print settings screen D2 shows the printer A printer selection field 51 that accepts selections, a notification field 52 that displays notification images, and various signs A print settings field 53 that accepts the specification of print settings, and a preview showing the image of the information screen to be printed. View panel 54, advanced settings button SW2 which accepts instructions for making detailed print settings, and print It includes a print button SW3 that accepts execution instructions.

[0039] In the print settings section 53, the general-purpose printing program 41 displays the print settings items and parameters It can accept settings. Examples of items that can be set via the print settings field 53 include This includes the number of copies, print orientation, print quality (resolution), layout, stapling, print area, and paper type. There are options for type, color, borderless printing, and scaling. For example, in a list box layout, 1 "Standard (1-in-1)" places one page's worth of changes on one sheet of paper at 1:1 scale, and "Layout Printing" You can select "(2-in-1)" or "Layout Printing (4-in-1)". In print settings section 53, To simplify print settings, only the main items are displayed, and when you manipulate other settings, You may also add and display other items. The print settings section 53 contains items specific to printer 2. The display may include the eyes.

[0040] The notification image displayed in notification area 52 is an image that shows the content of the notification to be sent to the user. The print program 41 handles data for displaying the print settings screen D2. can.

[0041] As shown in Figure 3, the user selects the printer in the printer selection field 51 on the print settings screen D2 that is currently displayed. You can select a printer by performing the following operation (A07). Selected printer If it is printer 2, the general-purpose printing program 41 will use an auxiliary program corresponding to printer 2. RAM42 is started and the process corresponding to the printer selection is requested (A08). The general-purpose printing program 41 retrieves information about the selected printer and the settings configured when the printer is selected. The stored print settings information is passed to the auxiliary program 42.

[0042] Note that the general-purpose printing program 41 is set as the printer to be used normally in OS21. If 2 is set, then, for example, as shown in Figure 5, printer 2 is selected. Then, display the print settings screen D2 (A06) and start the auxiliary program 42 (A08). In other words, OS21 automatically selects printer 2, and the general-purpose printing program 41, Based on the information of the selected printer 2, A08 is executed. In this case, the user A Step 07 is unnecessary.

[0043] Instead of the general-purpose printing program 41 displaying the print settings screen D2, the information application 4 It is also acceptable for 3 to display the print settings screen D2. In that case, information application 43 is A03 Depending on whether printing is selected, the general-purpose printing program 41 is launched and the print settings screen D2 is displayed. The data to be displayed is obtained from the general-purpose printing program 41, and the print settings screen D2 is then displayed. Display it on display 13a. Then, information application 43 has printer 2 selected. Depending on the circumstances, or depending on the selection of printer 2 in A07, the following will be selected. The information from printer 2 is passed to the general-purpose printing program 41. 41 starts the auxiliary program 42 corresponding to printer 2 at A08.

[0044] The auxiliary program 42, upon activation, communicates the capabilities of printer 2 to OS21. Requesting information (A11). OS21, upon receiving a request from auxiliary program 42, pre A request is sent to printer 2 to obtain capability information, and the capability information is obtained from printer 2 (A 12). OS21 passes the capability information obtained from printer2 to auxiliary program 42 (A 13).

[0045] OS21, for example, communicates according to IPP (Internet Printing Protocol). Then, it communicates with printer 2. Note that auxiliary program 42 requests OS21 instead. For example, using MIB (Management Information Base), from printer 2 You may obtain ability information directly.

[0046] The capability information obtained from printer 2 includes information on the parameters that can be set as print settings. It is included. Furthermore, the capability information includes information indicating the appropriate combination of print settings. Furthermore, capability information includes, for example, status information, remaining consumables information, and installed trays. Information such as paper type information for each tray, and information on supported print resolutions, It is included. In addition, printer 2 performs image processing based on the received print job, and the image Functions that print based on data after image processing, such as aggregate printing with Nin1, watermark It may also have functions for synthetic printing such as black, and energy-saving printing that reduces the amount of colorants used. If printer 2 has image processing capabilities, printer 2 will provide information about those capabilities. You can pass this capability information to OS21.

[0047] The auxiliary program 42 receives capability information notified by OS21 in A13 and stores it in memory 12. It is stored in a designated area usable by the auxiliary program 42 (A14). Gram 42, if ability information is already stored in memory 12, then the stored ability information The current ability information will be overwritten and stored in memory.

[0048] The auxiliary program 42 identifies the notification image based on the acquired capability information (A20). Specifically, the auxiliary program 42 uses the acquired capability information to store the information set in printer 2. If it includes, the information is checked against management TB31. The information set for printer 2 is If the management TB31 includes a parameter, the notification screen corresponding to that parameter will be displayed. Identify the image as a target for notification.

[0049] As shown in Figure 3, auxiliary program 42 uses capability information acquired in A13 and A20 Based on the identified notification image, the notification data generation process is executed (A21). The data generation process generates notification data that indicates the notification image to be displayed in the notification area 52 of the print settings screen D2. This is the generation process. The notification image to be displayed in the notification area 52 can be, for example, text or a still image. Videos may be included, and combinations of these are also acceptable.

[0050] Furthermore, the auxiliary program 42 generates print settings based on the generated notification data and capability information. The display information, including the information, is passed to the general-purpose printing program 41 (A22), and the process is terminated. The printing program 41, based on the display information received from the auxiliary program 42, Display a notification image in the notification area 52 of the print settings screen D2 shown on screen 13a. (A23). In A23, a notification image based on the notification data is displayed in the notification area 52, In the print settings section 53, information based on the capabilities of printer 2 is displayed as the initial value for each print setting. This is shown. Note that the processing of A23 is performed when the information application 43 displays the print settings screen D2. The information app 43 receives the notification data and displays the notification image in the notification area 52.

[0051] Note that auxiliary program 42 is accessed via A08 from the general-purpose printing program 41 to the print settings screen. If the print settings set in D2 are received, then in A20, instead of capability information, The print settings are then compared with the management TB31 to identify the notification image, and the identified image is then processed in A21. Notification data including an image may be generated. Then, the auxiliary program 42 generates the data The data is passed to the general-purpose printing program 41, and a notification image based on the print settings is displayed in the notification area 52. You may have them show it (A22, A23).

[0052] For example, when printer 2 is identified, the general-purpose printing program 41 will be called "Layout Printing (2i If n1) is set, the auxiliary program 42 will notify the management TB31 of image 20 Read 1 (see Figure 2), generate notification data including notification image 201, and print settings screen Display notification image 201 in notification area 52 of D2.

[0053] According to this, when printer 2 is selected, the print settings obtained from the general-purpose printing program 41 are The corresponding notification image will be displayed in the notification area 52, so for the selected printer 2, The user can immediately see the layout of the printed document based on the settings. The process in A08 is an example of a setting acquisition process. The process in A20 is an example of a generation process. The processing in A22 is an example of display processing.

[0054] Note that in the example in Figure 5, the print settings screen D2 is shown, which includes one notification field 52. The arrangement, shape, size, and number of items 2 are not limited to the example shown in this figure. Auxiliary program 42 is general Information from the notification field 52 is obtained from the printing program 41, and based on the obtained information, the notification field You may decide which notification data to display in 52. For example, the arrangement in which the notification area 52 can be displayed is If there are multiple options and the display location can be specified in auxiliary program 42, then auxiliary program 4 Option 2 may pass notification data containing information specifying the display location to the general-purpose printing program 41. Also, if the size of the notification area 52 can be selected, the auxiliary program 42 will select the size. The information to be specified may also be passed to the general-purpose printing program 41.

[0055] Furthermore, the auxiliary program 42 generates notification data and passes it to the general-purpose printing program 41. Alternatively, the auxiliary program 42 itself can display the information. However, in that case, This will display a separate screen from the print settings screen D2. OS21 General Purpose Print Program 4 Displaying it within the print settings screen D2 1 simplifies the display and reduces user stress. It is avoided.

[0056] Next, while the print settings screen D2 shown in Figure 5 is displayed, the user's operation on the advanced settings button SW2 For the procedures each program follows when it receives detailed setting instructions from the user, please refer to Figure 6. I will explain by referring to it.

[0057] As shown in the sequence diagram in Figure 6, the general-purpose printing program 41 allows the user to perform detailed settings. Based on the instructions (B01), the auxiliary program 42 is launched (B02). General-purpose printing program Ram41 uses the print settings set in print settings section 53 of print settings screen D2 as an auxiliary program. Pass it to Gram42 and request a process to accept detailed settings.

[0058] The auxiliary program 42 displays, for example, the detailed settings screen D3 shown in Figure 7 on the display 13a. To show: The detailed settings screen D3 displays the detailed settings section 61 and the apply button SW22. (B03). In the detailed settings section 61, the functions supported by the auxiliary program 42 are described. Various print settings are displayed. Each item receives from the general-purpose print program 41. The print settings you selected are reflected.

[0059] In the detailed settings section 61, in addition to the items that can be set on the print settings screen D2 (see Figure 5), print settings Even items that cannot be set on the regular screen D2 can be set. In the fixed column 61, you can also set items that printer 2 cannot set. For example, processing options In some cases, poster printing cannot be set in the print settings screen D2 and printer 2. Additionally, poster printing settings can be configured on the detailed settings screen D3.

[0060] The auxiliary program 42 accepts instructions to change the print settings by operating the apply button SW22. Then, the print settings received in B02 will be used with the print settings set in the detailed settings section 61. Change (B04). Auxiliary program 42 applies the changed print settings to the generic print program. Pass to 41 and terminate processing (B05). Items that cannot be set on the print settings screen D2. This is stored in the memory area for auxiliary program 42. The general-purpose printing program 41 is an auxiliary Figure 5 shows the print settings that can be displayed after the changes received from Assistant Program 42. Display it in the print settings section 53 of the print settings screen D2 (B06).

[0061] The auxiliary program 42 checks the changed print settings against the management TB31 and the changed print settings If a notification image corresponding to the parameters included exists in the management TB31, print that notification image. Specify the target to be displayed in the notification area 52 of the settings screen D2 (B10). Then, the auxiliary program Ram 42 generates notification data including the identified notification image (B11), and the general-purpose printing program The program passes to M42 (B13). The general-purpose printing program 41 receives from the auxiliary program 42. The notification data is displayed in the notification section 52 of the print settings screen D2 (B14). The system also displays items in the notification area 52 that cannot be confirmed in the print settings screen D2. The notification image allows you to understand the layout of the printed material. Note that B10, B11, B13, Since B14 performs the same processing as C10, C11, C13, and C14, which will be described later, we will omit the explanation. .

[0062] Next, while the print settings screen D2 shown in Figure 5 is displayed, the user's operation on the print settings field 53... The procedure for each program when it receives a print setting change instruction is shown in Figure 8. Please refer to the Kens diagram for explanation. Note that in the print settings screen D2, as mentioned above, print settings Instructions to change print settings by operating in column 53, and execution of printing by operating the print button SW3. We can accept instructions from you.

[0063] The general-purpose printing program 41, based on the user's instruction to change the print settings (C01), Change the display content of print settings section 53 on print settings screen D2 (C02). Furthermore, general-purpose printing Program 41 also starts auxiliary program 42 when the print settings are changed, and print Requests processing to respond to changes in print settings (C03). In C03, auxiliary program 42 C03 receives information about the changed print settings from the general-purpose printing program 41. This is an example of a profitable process.

[0064] The auxiliary program 42 stores the modified print settings in a memory area for the auxiliary program 42. Apply the changes to the current print settings (C04).

[0065] The auxiliary program 42 identifies the notification image (C10) based on the changed print settings. The auxiliary program 42 verifies the modified print settings obtained in C03 against the management TB31. The auxiliary program 42 will, if there is a notification image corresponding to the changed print settings, provide... Assistant program 42 reads the notification image. It can read one or more notification images. i. The auxiliary program 42 generates notification data including the identified notification image (C11). The notification data includes a notification image and a description of the parameters set in the modified print settings. It may also include text information. C10 and C11 are examples of generation processes.

[0066] The auxiliary program 42 passes the notification data generated by C11 to the general-purpose printing program 41. (C13). The general-purpose printing program 41 displays the received notification data itself. Display it in the notification area 52 of the print settings screen D2 (C14). The process in C13 is the display process. This is one example.

[0067] Let's explain the processes C10 to C14 with specific examples. For example, the print settings screen in Figure 5. In D2, the setting value of the "Layout" setting item has changed from "Standard (1in1)" to "Allocation Let's assume it has been changed to "Print (2in1)". In this case, the general-purpose printing program 41 will be changed The print settings are passed to the auxiliary program 42 (C01, C02, C03 in Figure 8). Print after the changes. The settings include parameters for items that have been changed, as well as parameters for items that have not been changed, such as print orientation. The meter is also included.

[0068] The auxiliary program 42 receives the modified print settings from the general-purpose printing program 41, Match it to the management TB31 shown in Figure 2. The changed print settings include "Layout Printing (2i n1) corresponds to the print settings stored in management TB31. Auxiliary program 42 is management Notification image 201 (see Figure 2) associated with "Layout Printing (2in1)" from TB31. Read the data (C10 in Figure 8) and generate notification data including notification image 201 (C11 ). Furthermore, auxiliary program 42 describes the parameters corresponding to notification image 201. The notification data includes the following text information. For example, the notification data may include "Layout Print (2i This includes text information explaining that "n1)" is set in the "Layout" item. ru.

[0069] The auxiliary program 42 passes the generated notification data to the general-purpose printing program 41 (Figure 8). C13). The general-purpose printing program 41 is, for example, as shown in Figure 9(a), the information application 43 The auxiliary program 42 generates the notification area 52 of the print settings screen D2, which is displayed upon request. Display the notification image 201 and text information 311 included in the notification data (C14) The user can specify the layout of a printed document in which two pages of images are laid out side by side. This can be known before the line. Also, by manipulating the "layout" parameters, From the content of text information 311, it can be understood that the layout of the manuscript can be adjusted.

[0070] Also, for example, in the print settings screen D2 in Figure 5, set the setting item "Staple" to "Top Left". With the settings configured, the setting value of the "Layout" item changes from "Standard (1in1)" to "Divided". It has been changed to "2-in-1 printing". Auxiliary program 42 is a general-purpose printing program. When the modified print settings are received from Mu41 (C01~C03 in Figure 8), the management T shown in Figure 2 From B31, notification image 201 associated with "Layout Printing (2in1)" and "Stay Retrieve notification image 205 associated with the pull (top left) (C10).

[0071] The auxiliary program 42 generates notification data based on the read notification images 201 and 205. This is accomplished (C11 in Figure 8). For example, auxiliary program 42 uses notification image 201 and notification image 2 A composite image is generated by combining 05 and 05, and this composite image is included in the notification data as the notification image. In this case, the auxiliary program 42 sets the parameter "assignment mark" corresponding to the notification image 201. This explains the parameter "Staple (top left)" which corresponds to "Print (2in1)" and notification image 205. The text information to be revealed is included in the notification data.

[0072] Furthermore, the management TB31 of the auxiliary program 42 contains notification images corresponding to multiple parameters. A composite image (for example, composite image 401) created by combining these elements may be stored in advance. In this case, the auxiliary program 42 manages the composite image from TB31 based on multiple parameters. Since the data is read directly, the process of compositing notification images becomes unnecessary, shortening the time required to create notification data. .

[0073] The auxiliary program 42 passes notification data including the composite image to the general-purpose printing program 41. As shown in Figure 8 (C13) and Figure 9(b), the composite image 401 and text included in the notification data The message information 312 is displayed in the notification area 52 (C14). The user can, for example, view the print settings screen. If you have changed the "Layout" on surface D2 and have not changed the "Staple" settings: Also, we can learn from notification image 401 that the 2-in-1 printed paper is fastened with a staple. Furthermore, by manipulating the "staple" parameter, the user can control whether or not staples are present and whether or not staples are used. From the content of text information 312, it can be understood that the position can be adjusted.

[0074] Furthermore, the auxiliary program 42 displays multiple notification images in C10 of Figure 8 (here, notification If image 201 and notification image 205 are identified, they will be included as is in the notification data. It may be passed to the printing program 41. In other words, the auxiliary program 42 processes the composite image 401. It is not necessary to generate it. In this case, the print settings screen displayed using the general-purpose printing program 41 As shown in Figure 9(c), the notification area 52 on surface D2 contains multiple notification images included in the notification data. The images (notification image 201 and notification image 205) may be reduced in size and displayed separately side by side. The notification area 52 displays multiple notification images included in the notification data, switching between them at predetermined time intervals. You may do so.

[0075] In this way, multiple notification images are displayed separately in the notification area 52 without being combined. The notification image shows the composition of the printed material, and it is determined by the action of which parameters. The system becomes easier to understand. In this case, the text information 312 will also be displayed in the notification area 52. Switching based on the image allows users to better understand the relationship between the notification image and the parameters. It will become cheaper.

[0076] Note that "Layout Printing (2in1)" is an example of the first parameter, and "Staple ( The upper left is an example of the second parameter. Notification image 201 is an example of the first notification image. Notification image 205 is an example of a second notification image.

[0077] When auxiliary program 42 generates notification data in C11 of Figure 8, it does not use synthesis. The following processing may be applied to the notification image. For example, in the print settings screen D2 of Figure 5, "Re The setting for "Print Out" has been changed to "Layout Printing (4in1)". (Assistant Program) 42 receives the modified print settings from the general-purpose printing program 41 (C01~C in Figure 8) 03) The management TB31 shown in Figure 2 is associated with "Layout Printing (4in1)". Read image 202 (C10).

[0078] For example, when the "layout" is changed, the "print quality" is set to "highest speed". Let's assume that "maximum speed" is a setting that prioritizes reducing printing time over the beauty of the printed result. At "maximum speed," the print density becomes lighter than usual. In this case, auxiliary program 42 controls the tube The notification image 202 read from TB31 and the information that displays the notification image 202 in a low resolution are used. It will be included in the notification data. Furthermore, the auxiliary program 42 will display the notification image 202 in a low resolution. The processed notification image may be included in the notification data. Auxiliary program 42 says, Include text information in the notification data that explains the "Maximum Speed" parameter of "Print Quality".

[0079] The auxiliary program 42 passes the generated notification data to the general-purpose printing program 41 and sets the print settings The generated notification data is displayed in the notification area 52 of the fixed screen D2 (C13, C14 in Figure 8). As shown in Figure 10(a), the notification area 52 contains a roughly processed notification image 4 of the notification image 202. 02 is displayed. Processing may be performed by the general-purpose printing program 41, or by the auxiliary program 4 2 may be performed when generating notification data. In the notification field 52, "Maximum Speed" is set for "Print Quality". Text information 301 explaining what is set is displayed. The user can see the current print settings. Notification image 402 indicates that printing at the default setting results in faint printouts. Furthermore, users can learn that the reason for faint printing is related to "print quality."

[0080] Furthermore, the auxiliary program 42, for example as shown in Figure 10(b), receives notification images 202. The text information 303 may be displayed at all times to inform the user that the print will become fainter. According to this, the image processing by auxiliary program 42 is reduced, and the generation time of notification data is shortened. It can be done. "Print quality" is an example of a specific parameter.

[0081] By the way, the auxiliary program 42 received the settings on the detailed settings screen D3 shown in Figure 7. In this case, a notification image corresponding to the settings will be displayed in the notification field 52 of the print settings screen D2 shown in Figure 5. You may do so.

[0082] For example, regarding poster printing, which is a function not supported by the general-purpose printing program 41: If "Do" is set, the auxiliary program 42 will print the notification image associated with poster printing. Image 204 is read from management TB31, and notification image 204 and the text corresponding to notification image 204 are read. Generate notification data including strike information (B10, B11 in Figure 6). Auxiliary program 42 The generated notification data is passed to the general-purpose printing program 41, and the general-purpose printing program 41 displays The notification image 204 and text information 321 are displayed in the notification area 52 of the print settings screen D2. This means that the notification area 52 will show how the image will be divided.

[0083] The user can see from the notification image 204 displayed in the notification area 52 that the image will be split and printed. This allows you to know that. Also, even if other settings are made in the print settings section 53, the notification section 52 displays an image based on notification image 204, indicating that the image will be split and printed. The user will be able to find out. As a result, the print result may not be what the user intended. This increases the likelihood of avoiding that situation.

[0084] Auxiliary program 42 checks if color printing is set in the modified print settings, and also checks if monochrome printing is set. The notification data will switch the display color of the notification image depending on whether black printing is enabled or disabled. This may be generated. According to this, the user will see it displayed in the notification area 52 of the print settings screen D2. The color of the notification image makes it easy to determine whether or not color printing is enabled.

[0085] Next, while the print settings screen D2 shown in Figure 5 is displayed, the user's operation on the print button SW3 The procedure for each program when it receives a print execution instruction is shown in Figure 11. Refer to the Kens diagram for explanation. Note that user instructions to execute printing are handled by the general-purpose printing program. The data can be entered directly into M41, or it can be entered into the information application 43 and then sent from the information application 43 to general-purpose applications. The output may be sent to the print program 41.

[0086] When the general-purpose printing program 41 receives a print command from the user (D01), Using the print settings received on the print settings screen D2, the image data representing the image to be printed is generated. Intermediate image data is generated by converting the format to the format of the intermediate image data (D02), raw The resulting intermediate image data is passed to the auxiliary program 42 (D03). It is included in the information application 43. The image data is of various types, and the general-purpose printing program 41 is used to print the image of the target image. The data is converted into intermediate image data suitable for generating print data. If the data is suitable for generating print data, the generation of intermediate image data will be omitted. It can be used as intermediate image data as is. Intermediate image data is, for example, XPS data.

[0087] The auxiliary program 42 processes the intermediate image data received in D03 according to the print settings. The data is processed to reflect the content (D04). The auxiliary program 42 processes the processed intermediate image data. Next, rasterization is performed to generate print data that represents the image to be printed (D05). The print data generated in step 05 is in a format that can be used for printing on printer 2. For example, this is PDL data specific to printer model 2.

[0088] By rasterizing with auxiliary program 42 compatible with printer 2, general-purpose printing pro Compared to rasterizing with Gram 41, it offers greater flexibility and allows printing with Printer 2. There is a high probability that suitable print data will be generated. The print data is in a format that can be used for printing on printers other than the Printer 2 model. It's also acceptable if it's a data entry.

[0089] Auxiliary program 42 instructs the printer to execute the print operation using the print data generated in D05. Send the command to printer 2 (D06). D06 is an example of the transmission process. If the auxiliary program 42 has decided to have printer 2 perform image processing, it will then... It generates a print command that also includes information about the print data. The auxiliary program 42 further generates a print command that includes information about the print data. The general-purpose printing program 41 may be notified that transmission has been completed (D08).

[0090] Printer 2, having received the print data and print command, processes the print based on the received print command. Then, the image of the print data is printed (D07). This generates the printed document.

[0091] Instead of the auxiliary program 42 generating the print data, the general-purpose print program 41 The program may also generate the print data. For example, the auxiliary program 42 processes in D03. The intermediate image data and print execution information are passed to the general-purpose printing program 41, and the general-purpose printing program Ram 41 may rasterize the intermediate image data to generate print data. The general-purpose printing program 41 then passes the generated print data to the auxiliary program 42. When the auxiliary program 42 receives print data from the general-purpose printing program 41, Printing commands that instruct the execution of printing based on print data received from the printing program 41. It is sent to printer 2 along with the data.

[0092] The print data generated by the general-purpose printing program 41 can be printed on various printers. The print data must be in a usable format, such as PWGRaster data or PD. This is F data. If it is to be rasterized by the general-purpose printing program 41, the auxiliary program The processing of gram 42 is minimal, and an increase in processing time is expected to be avoided. Also, auxiliary program 42 The program size can be reduced.

[0093] Furthermore, the general-purpose printing program 41 is responsible for sending print data and print commands to printer 2. You can go ahead. In other words, the auxiliary program 42 sends the generated print data to printer 2. It may also be passed to the general-purpose printing program 41 so that it is sent from PC1 as the destination. In this case, the general-purpose printing program 41 processes the print data, etc. received from the auxiliary program 42. Send to printer 2. In this case, auxiliary program 42 sends the print data to general-purpose printing program 41. The process of passing data is one example of a transmission process.

[0094] As explained above, in PC1 with the auxiliary program 42 installed, the general-purpose printing program When the print settings are changed on the print settings screen D2 displayed by RAM41, the auxiliary program Ram 42 retrieves the changed print settings and configures the print output based on the changed print settings. It generates notification data that includes a notification image showing the image. The auxiliary program 42 is a general-purpose printing program. The generated notification data is passed to program 41 and displayed in the notification field 52 of print settings screen D2. As a result, in PC1 using the general-purpose printing program 41 of OS21, the structure of the printed material is The final image can be notified. As a result, the user can see the final image before giving a print command. Knowing the layout of images in printed materials helps avoid unintended printing results. The possibility of success increases.

[0095] The embodiments disclosed herein are merely illustrative and do not limit the present invention in any way. It is not a matter of departing from the gist of the invention. Therefore, the technology disclosed herein will naturally not deviate from the gist of the invention. Various improvements and modifications are possible within the enclosure. For example, the device connected to PC1 is connected to the printer. It is not limited to, but any device with printing capabilities such as a multifunction printer, copier, fax machine, etc. Also, P The number of printers connected to C1 is not limited to the example shown; it can be two or more.

[0096] For example, in the above embodiment, the management TB31 was incorporated into the auxiliary program 42. However (see Figures 1, 3, and 8), as shown in Figure 12, it may also be incorporated into printer 2. Printer 2 is an example of an external device.

[0097] As shown in Figure 12, the auxiliary program 42 sends a notification image to the printer 2. In response, it requests (C51). At this time, the auxiliary program 42 is the general-purpose printing program 41 The print settings received from are sent to printer 2. Printer 2 is then sent to auxiliary program 42 or The received print settings are then compared with the management TB31 to identify the notification image (C52), and the identified message The image is sent back to auxiliary program 42 (C53). Auxiliary program 42 is printer 2 (C11) generates notification data including the notification image received from and uses the generated notification data for general purposes. The notification data is passed to the print program 41 and displayed in the notification field 52 of the print settings screen D2. C13, C14).

[0098] In this way, the auxiliary program 42 obtains the notification image from the printer 2, Compared to a configuration in which program 42 itself has a management TB31 and stores notification images, the auxiliary program The size of gram 42 can be reduced. Furthermore, if you want to change the notification image, use auxiliary program 4. No changes are needed for item 2. External devices that store notification images include printer 2, as well as printer mail It may also be a server of the -ka. However, as in the above embodiment, the auxiliary program 42 itself It has a management TB31 and stores notification images, so notification images can be retrieved from an external device. Compared to configurations that offer advantages, this configuration allows for the rapid generation of notification data, including notification images.

[0099] Furthermore, for example, the notification images in Figures 9 and 10 are all just examples, and are not illustrations. It is not limited to this. For example, auxiliary program 42 generates notification data that does not contain text information. It is also permissible. In other words, the notification field 52 contains text information 311, 312, 301, 302, 303,321 do not need to be displayed. However, if the auxiliary program 42 is not displayed in the notification image It generates notification data that also includes text information explaining the corresponding parameters, and places it in the notification field 52 By displaying it this way, users can understand which parameters are at play in determining the notification image. It becomes easier.

[0100] Furthermore, for example, the print settings screen D2 shown in Figure 5 and the detailed settings screen D3 shown in Figure 7 are both This is just one example, and is not limited to the example shown.

[0101] Furthermore, after the general-purpose printing program 41 displays the print settings screen D2, the user Through this operation, the default printer is changed from another printer to printer 2 via OS21. Even if the settings are changed, the general-purpose printing program 41 may still launch the auxiliary program 42. In that case as well, the auxiliary program 42 will send notification data It is recommended to execute the generation process and pass the notification data to the general-purpose printing program 41.

[0102] Furthermore, in this embodiment, only the printing operation is described in detail as an operation of the auxiliary program 42. However, auxiliary program 42 may have other roles. The program that performs the processing is not limited to the auxiliary program 42, but also the general-purpose printing program 41. When printing using this method, instructions are received from OS21 or the general-purpose printing program 41. Any program will do. For example, a print workflow program whose specifications have been released by Microsoft. Print workflow is also acceptable.

[0103] Furthermore, the execution timing of the auxiliary program 42 is not limited to the example of this embodiment. For example, It can be executed directly by OS21, or it can be a resident auxiliary program. It may also be 42. If it is resident, the auxiliary program 42 receives an execution command before You should perform the actions described above.

[0104] Furthermore, in any flowchart disclosed in the embodiments, any multiple steps Multiple processes in the process can be executed in any order, provided that no inconsistencies occur in the process content. It can be executed, or in parallel.

[0105] Furthermore, the processing disclosed in the embodiments can be performed using a single CPU, multiple CPUs, ASICs, etc. It may be run on any hardware, or a combination thereof. Also, in the embodiment The disclosed process is recorded on a recording medium containing a program for performing that process, and This can be realized in various ways, such as by different methods. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0106] 1 PC 2 Printer 11 CPU 13a Display 21 OS 41 General-purpose printing program 42 Support Programs

Claims

1. It is executable by the computer of the information processing device and connects to the information processing device. It is compatible with the Linter and is pre-installed in the operating system of the information processing device. A support program that supports a general-purpose printing program, wherein the general-purpose printing program The RAM retrieves data to display the print settings screen on the display of the information processing device. It is possible to handle it, To the aforementioned computer, As a result of changing the print settings on the aforementioned print settings screen, the general-purpose printing program... If processing is requested, The setting acquisition process for acquiring the aforementioned print settings, Based on the print settings obtained in the aforementioned setting acquisition process, the composition image of the printed material is generated. A generation process that generates notification data including a notification image, The notification data generated in the above generation process is passed to the general-purpose printing program, The notification data is displayed on the print settings screen shown on the display of the information processing device. The display process to be shown, To execute A support program configured in this way.

2. In the support program described in claim 1, The support program contains the notification image corresponding to the print settings. 、 In the above generation process The notification image corresponding to the print settings obtained in the setting acquisition process is identified, To generate notification data including the specified notification image, A support program configured in this way.

3. In the support program described in claim 1, In the above generation process The request to send the notification image corresponding to the print settings obtained in the setting acquisition process is Output to an external device, and transmitted from the external device based on the output of the transmission request. The system receives the notification image, generates notification data including the received notification image, and The device has a corresponding notification image for each of the print settings, and the transmission request When received, the notification image corresponding to the print settings specified by the transmission request Send to the requester of the aforementioned transmission request. A support program configured in this way.

4. In a support program described in any one of claims 1 to 3, In the above generation process, The print settings obtained in the aforementioned settings acquisition process are used to collect images for N pages (where N is multiple). When collated printing is set to print approximately on one sheet of paper, N images will be printed on one sheet of paper. The notification image, which is arranged and includes information indicating the page order for each image, Generate notification data A support program configured in this way.

5. In a support program according to any one of claims 1 to 4, In the above generation process, The print settings obtained in the aforementioned settings acquisition process are used to add images for one page (M is multiple). When split printing is set to print across ) sheets of paper, one image is divided into M sections. The notification data includes the notification image, which also contains information indicating the edges of the image. generate A support program configured in this way.

6. In a support program according to any one of claims 1 to 5, In the above generation process, The print settings obtained in the aforementioned setting acquisition process include the first parameter and the second parameter. The following are set, and a first notification image corresponding to the first parameter and the second parameter If there is a second notification image corresponding to the first notification image, the first notification image and the second notification image are used. The notification data is generated, which includes the synthesized image as the notification image. A support program configured in this way.

7. In a support program according to any one of claims 1 to 5, In the above generation process, The print settings obtained in the aforementioned setting acquisition process include the first parameter and the second parameter. The following are set, and a first notification image corresponding to the first parameter and the second parameter If there is a second notification image corresponding to the first notification image, the first notification image and the second notification image are used. Including, before displaying the first notification image and the second notification image separately on the print settings screen. Generate notification data A support program configured in this way.

8. In a support program described in any one of claims 1 to 7, In the above generation process, If a specific parameter is set in the print settings obtained in the aforementioned setting acquisition process, In that case, the notification image shows a configuration image of the printed material corresponding to the specific parameter, A notification data is generated that includes text information describing the specific parameter. A support program configured in this way.

9. In a support program according to any one of claims 1 to 8, To the aforementioned computer, When the aforementioned printer is selected, processing is requested from the general-purpose printing program. Even in that case, the setting acquisition process, the generation process, and the display process are executed. A support program configured in this way.

10. In a support program according to any one of claims 1 to 9, To the aforementioned computer, The mark output from the application program incorporated into the aforementioned information processing device A print instruction, which causes the general-purpose printing program to print an image to the printer. If the aforementioned print command is received and processing is requested from the general-purpose printing program: to, The general-purpose printing program obtains image data showing the image, and the image data Based on this, the system executes a transmission process to send a print command to the printer. A support program configured in this way.

Images