Program and display method

Abstract

To provide a program capable of controlling multiple image processing devices, and to offer a technology that makes it easy for the user to understand whether each image processing device is compatible with a given setting command. [Solution] The PC 11, which executes processing by the kitting application 41, can send setting commands to the label printer 3 connected via the communication IF 14. When sending setting commands, the PC 11 searches for the label printer 3 via the communication IF 14 and classifies each label printer 3 found by the search into three groups: a first group that corresponds to the setting command, a second group that corresponds to the setting command but whose ability to change at least some of the items that can be set by the setting command is restricted, and a third group that does not correspond to the setting command, and displays them on the user IF 13.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The technical field disclosed in this specification relates to a program capable of controlling an image processing apparatus and a display method.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a technique of selecting and controlling an image processing apparatus to be controlled from a management apparatus in a state where a plurality of image processing apparatuses are connected to the information processing apparatus serving as the management apparatus is known. For example, in Patent Document 1, for a group including a plurality of printers as members, the capabilities of each member are acquired, the compatibility for each function is checked, and a configuration is disclosed in which a function that cannot be supported by even one of the members cannot be set on the user interface screen.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The plurality of image processing apparatuses to be controlled do not necessarily all have the same capabilities, and for each image processing apparatus, the compatibility with control commands from the management apparatus may be different. Since Patent Document 1 does not consider making the user recognize the compatibility of each image processing apparatus with respect to control commands from the management apparatus, there is room for improvement in the display mode regarding each image processing apparatus in the management apparatus.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] One embodiment of a program designed to solve the above-mentioned problems is executable by an information processing device and has a setting function that causes the information processing device to send setting commands, which are commands for setting values ​​for multiple items, to an image processing device connected via the communication interface of the information processing device. The program is configured to cause the information processing device to perform a search process to search for an image processing device via the communication interface of the information processing device, and a display process to classify the image processing devices found by the search process into a first group corresponding to the setting commands, a second group corresponding to the setting commands but with restrictions on changing at least some of the items that can be set by the setting commands, and a third group not corresponding to the setting commands, and to display them on the user interface of the information processing device.

[0006] Some image processing devices do not allow changes to at least some of their configuration items, such as custom firmware. A program with the above configuration will classify and display such image processing devices separately from those that do not restrict changes or those that do not support configuration commands. This will allow the user to recognize the existence of image processing devices with restricted changes.

[0007] Furthermore, another embodiment of the program is executable by an information processing device and has a setting function that causes the information processing device to send setting commands, which are commands for setting values ​​for multiple items, to an image processing device connected via the communication interface of the information processing device, and is configured to cause the information processing device to execute a search process to search for an image processing device via the communication interface of the information processing device, and a display process to classify the image processing devices found by the search process into a first group that corresponds to the setting commands, a third group that does not correspond to the setting commands, and a fourth group that does not currently correspond to the setting commands but can correspond to the setting commands by updating the firmware, and display them on the user interface of the information processing device.

[0008] Some image processing devices cannot support configuration commands due to outdated firmware. Such devices can become compatible with configuration commands by updating their firmware. A program with the above configuration classifies and displays such image processing devices as separate from those that support configuration commands and those that do not. This allows the program to prompt users to update the firmware of image processing devices that can support configuration commands through a firmware update.

[0009] The display methods, devices, and storage media readable by the computer storing the program are also novel and useful for realizing the functions of the above program. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] The technology disclosed herein provides a program capable of controlling multiple image processing devices, and enables the user to easily understand whether each image processing device is compatible with a given setting command. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] It is a diagram for explaining the schematic configuration of an information processing apparatus having a knitting application according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a diagram for explaining an example of a device list display screen. [Figure 3] It is a flowchart for explaining the control procedure of the device list display process. [Figure 4] It is a diagram for explaining an example of a device table. [Figure 5] It is a flowchart for explaining the control procedure of the classification process. [Figure 6A] It is a diagram for explaining an example of a device list display screen. [Figure 6B] It is a diagram for explaining an example of a device list display screen. [Figure 6C] It is a diagram for explaining an example of a device list display screen. [Figure 6D] It is a diagram for explaining an example of a device list display screen. [Figure 6E] It is a diagram for explaining an example of a device list display screen. [Figure 7] It is a flowchart for explaining an example of the control procedure of the setting process. [Figure 8] It is a diagram for explaining an example of a setting screen. [Figure 9] It is a flowchart for explaining an example of the control procedure of the update process. <阿 [Figure 10] It is a flowchart for explaining an example of the control procedure of the download process. [Figure 11] It is a flowchart for explaining an example of the control procedure of the startup process. [Figure 12] It is a diagram for explaining the control procedure of the device list display process executed by the knitting application according to the second embodiment. [Figure 13] It is a diagram for explaining an example of a device list display screen.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] Hereinafter, the program according to this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. This embodiment discloses a program that can be executed by a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as "PC") and can set setting values for a label printer connected to the PC.

[0013] (First Embodiment) <Schematic Configuration of PC> As shown in FIG. 1, the PC 1 of the first embodiment includes a controller 10 including a CPU 11 and a memory 12. 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. The PC 1 is connected to a plurality of label printers 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 3E, 3F via the communication IF 14. The label printer 3 may be a printer that prints on cut paper, a multifunction device, a copier, a scanner, etc., as long as it is a device having a function of processing images. The number of devices connected to the PC 1 is not limited to this embodiment. The PC 1 is an example of an "information processing device". The label printers 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 3E, 3F are examples of "image processing devices". In the following description, when there is no need to particularly distinguish the label printers 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 3E, 3F and their components, the suffixes such as "label printer 3" are appropriately omitted.

[0014] The CPU 11 executes various processes according to the program read from the memory 12 and based on the user's operations. 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 actually existing in the PC 1.

[0015] In the memory 12 of the PC 1 of this embodiment, various programs including a kitting application program (hereinafter referred to as "kitting app") 41 and various data are stored. The memory 12 is also used as a work area when various processes are executed.

[0016] The CPU 11 may read the kitting application 41 from a storage medium that the CPU 11 can read. Examples of storage media that the CPU 11 can read include CD-ROMs, DVD-ROMs, USB memory sticks, etc.

[0017] The kitting application 41 is a program provided by the vendor of the label printer 3. The kitting application 41 has a setting function that allows the PC1 to send setting commands to the label printer 3, which is connected via the PC1's communication interface 14. The setting command is a command that sets setting values ​​for multiple items. These items include, for example, auto-sleep, which sets the time for the printer to automatically enter sleep mode, auto-power-off, which sets the time for the printer to automatically turn off the power, and initial values ​​for print settings (for example, print orientation, print density, paper size).

[0018] The kitting application 41 has a setting function, a monitoring function to monitor the status of the label printer 3, and an update function to update the firmware of the label printer 3 by sending an update command from the PC 1. The kitting application 41 has a device table 42. The device table 42 registers the label printer 3 found by the search of the kitting application 41. The kitting application 41 is an example of a "program". The setting command is an example of a "first control command". The update command is an example of a "second control command".

[0019] User IF13 includes hardware that displays a screen for informing the user of information, and hardware that accepts user input. User IF13 may consist of separate hardware for operation and display functions, such as a keyboard and a display, or it may consist of a single piece of hardware for operation and display functions, such as a touch panel.

[0020] The communication interface 14 includes hardware for communicating with external devices. The communication standards for the communication interface 14 include Ethernet®, Wi-Fi®, and USB. PC1 may have multiple communication interfaces 14 that support multiple communication standards. The communication method may be wired or wireless.

[0021] <Label printer configuration> The label printer 3 is a device that prints images onto long printable media that will become labels. When the label printer 3 receives a setting command from, for example, the kitting application 41, it configures its settings according to the settings included in the setting command. The operation of the label printer 3 is controlled by firmware 31. By updating firmware 31, the label printer 3 may gain additional functions, support for new communication standards, or have operational problems corrected or improved. Additional functions may include adding newly released paper types to the list of printable paper types, or adding new font data and templates.

[0022] The vendor of the label printer 3 may be the same as or different from the vendor that provides the kitting application 41. The firmware 31 of the label printer 3 may be the same version or different. The firmware 31 of the label printer 3 may or may not be custom firmware. Custom firmware is customized firmware in which some functions are enabled or disabled, and changes are restricted to at least some of the items that can be handled by setting commands. Restrictions on changes include, for example, restrictions on wireless communication, prohibition of operation of certain operation buttons, and fixing of setting values. In this embodiment, custom firmware has a specific character "S" in its version number, while firmware that is not custom firmware does not have a specific character "S" in its version number. Because changes to custom firmware are restricted, it does not support update commands. On the other hand, if it is not custom firmware, changes are not restricted and it can support update commands.

[0023] <Settings function> Next, we will explain the setting functions of the kitting application 41. Here, we will explain using the example of a user configuring multiple label printers 3 using PC1.

[0024] <Device List Display Process> For example, the user connects multiple label printers 3 to the network to which PC1 is connected, and then launches the kitting application 41. When the CPU 11 of PC1 receives a batch configuration instruction on the screen provided by the kitting application 41, it displays the device list display screen D11 shown in Figure 2 to the user interface 13.

[0025] For example, the device list display screen D11 shown in Figure 2 includes a printer search button SW11 and a device list display field SA11. The printer search button SW11 is an operator that receives a printer search command to search for printers connected to PC1. The device list display field SA11 displays a list of label printers 3 found through the printer search. Before the printer search, the device list display field SA11 is displayed as blank, as shown in Figure 2.

[0026] When CPU 11 receives a printer search command in response to the operation of the printer search button SW11, it executes the device list display process shown in Figure 3 as part of the kitting application 41's processing. Specifically, first, CPU 11 searches for printers connected to PC1 using the communication IF14 (S11). S11 is an example of a "search process". CPU 11 updates the device table 42 based on the label printer 3 found by the search in S11 (S12).

[0027] For example, the CPU 11 performs a broadcast search using the communication IF 14, and registers the label printers 3 that are compatible with the kitting application 41 from among the devices found through the search in the device table 42, as shown in Figure 4. The CPU 11 obtains printer information, including the printer name, model name, serial number, and IP address, from the label printers 3 found through the search, and stores it in the device table 42 for each label printer 3.

[0028] The CPU 11 uses the communication interface 14 to send a command corresponding to a predetermined security level to each label printer 3 registered in the device table 42. If the firmware 31 of the label printer 3 can handle communication at that security level, it returns a response to the PC 1. On the other hand, if the firmware of the label printer 3 cannot handle communication at that security level, it does not return a response to the PC 1. The setting command is sent at the predetermined security level. For label printers 3 that have received a response using the communication interface 14, the CPU 11 stores "Supported" in the support information field of the device table 42, indicating that it supports the setting command. On the other hand, for label printers 3 that have not received a response using the communication interface 14, the CPU 11 stores "Not Supported" in the support information field of the device table 42, indicating that it does not support the setting command.

[0029] The CPU 11 queries each label printer 3 registered in the device table 42 for the firmware version. The CPU 11 stores the firmware version in the firmware version field in the device table 42 based on the response returned by each label printer 3.

[0030] After S12, the CPU 11, having updated the device table 42, executes the printer display process (S13). The printer display process displays the search results of the printer search. The printer display process is an example of a "display process".

[0031] The printer display process will be explained with reference to Figure 5. The CPU 11 extracts one record of a label printer 3 that is not displayed in the device list display column SA11 from the device table 42 (S31). Based on the correspondence information of the extracted record, the CPU 11 determines whether the label printer 3 is compatible with the setting command (S32). If the CPU 11 determines that it is compatible with the setting command (S32: YES), it determines whether the firmware currently installed in the label printer 3 is custom firmware based on the firmware version included in the extracted record (S34).

[0032] For example, the first record in the device table 42 shown in Figure 4 stores information about the label printer 3A. When the CPU 11 extracts the first record, it determines that the label printer 3A is capable of handling the setting command because the corresponding information contains "compatible" (S32: YES). The CPU 11 determines that the firmware 31A of the label printer 3A is not custom firmware because the version "1.4.0" of the firmware 31A included in the first record does not contain the specific character "S" (S34: NO).

[0033] In this case, the CPU 11 classifies the label printer 3A into the α group (S35), and displays the model name "M1", serial number "xxxx1", and firmware 31A version "1.4.0" of the label printer 3A in the display area αX shown in Figure 6A (S36). The display area αX displays a one-to-one correspondence between the label printer 3A and the checkbox CH, allowing for individual selection of the label printer 3A. The α group is the group to which the label printer 3 that executes both setting commands and update commands belongs. The α group is an example of the "first group" or "group A".

[0034] The CPU 11, which has classified and displayed label printer 3A, determines whether it has finished displaying all label printers 3 registered in the device table 42, as shown in Figure 5 (S37). For example, if there are unprocessed records in the device table 42, the CPU 11 determines that it has not finished displaying all label printers 3 (S37: NO) and returns to S31.

[0035] For example, the second record in the device table 42 shown in Figure 4 stores information about the label printer 3B. When the CPU 11 extracts the second record, it finds that the correspondence information is "compatible" and the firmware version "S1.4.0" contains the specific character "S". Therefore, as shown in Figure 5, the CPU 11 determines that the label printer 3B is compatible with the setting command (S32: YES), but that custom firmware 31B is installed (S34: YES).

[0036] It is undesirable for the restrictions on modifications imposed by custom firmware 31B to be lifted or changed by a firmware update. In other words, the label printer 3B should not be made to perform the process of updating the firmware. Therefore, the CPU 11 classifies the label printer 3B into group α and another group β (S61), and displays the label printer 3B in display area βX along with the checkbox CH, as shown in Figure 6A (S62). Group β is the group to which label printers 3 that perform processing by setting commands but not by update commands belong. Group β is an example of "Group 2" or "Group C".

[0037] Furthermore, for example, the third record in the device table 42 shown in Figure 4 stores information about the label printer 3C. When the CPU 11 extracts the third record, it determines that the label printer 3C is not capable of handling the setting command because the corresponding information is stored as "Not compatible" (S32: NO), as shown in Figure 5. In this case, the CPU 11 determines whether the label printer 3C can handle the setting command by updating the firmware 31C (S41).

[0038] For example, the kitting application 41 accesses a server managed by the vendor providing the kitting application 41 and obtains the latest version of the firmware 31 for each model of the label printer 3. Furthermore, the kitting application 41 obtains information from the server, for each model, regarding whether the latest version supports a predetermined security level. The CPU 11 determines that if the latest version of the firmware corresponding to the model name "M0" in the third record supports the predetermined security level, and the firmware 31C version "1.1.0" in the third record is older than the latest version of the firmware corresponding to model "M0", then the label printer 3C will be able to support the configuration command by updating the firmware 31C (S41: YES).

[0039] Even for models that do not support configuration commands, it is undesirable for custom firmware to be updated to a different firmware. Therefore, the CPU 11 determines whether firmware 31C is custom firmware or not, similar to S34 (S42).

[0040] For example, since the version of firmware 31C stored in the third record shown in Figure 4 does not contain the specific character "S", the CPU 11 determines that firmware 31C is not custom firmware (S42: NO). The CPU 11 classifies the label printer 3C into group γ (S43), and displays the label printer 3C in display area γX along with the checkbox CH, as shown in Figure 6A (S44). Group γ is the group to which label printers 3 that execute processing by update commands but do not execute processing by setting commands belong. Group γ is an example of "Group 4" or "Group B".

[0041] Furthermore, even if a label printer 3 can support the setting command through a firmware update, if the firmware is custom firmware (S42:YES), the CPU 11 classifies the label printer 3 into the β group (S61) and displays it in the display area βX (S62). In other words, the firmware update of 31 is restricted.

[0042] Furthermore, for example, the fourth record in the device table 42 shown in Figure 4 stores information about the label printer 3D. When the CPU 11 extracts the fourth record, it determines that the label printer 3D is not capable of responding to the setting command because the corresponding information contains "Not compatible" (S32: NO), as shown in Figure 5. The CPU 11 determines that if the latest version of the firmware corresponding to the model name "M2" included in the fourth record does not support a predetermined security level, updating the firmware 31D of the label printer 3D will not enable it to respond to the setting command (S41: NO). In this case, the CPU 11 determines whether there is another program that can control the label printer 3D (S51).

[0043] The kitting application 41 accesses the aforementioned server and obtains program correspondence information that shows the correspondence between the kitting program and the model name of the label printer 3. The CPU 11 compares the model name "M2" with the program correspondence information and determines that there is another kitting program that corresponds to the model name "M2" and is different from the kitting application 41 (S51: YES). In this case, the CPU 11 determines whether or not another kitting program corresponding to the model name "M2" is already installed on PC1 (S52).

[0044] If the CPU 11 determines that no other program is installed (S52: NO), it classifies the label printer 3D into the δ group (S54) and displays it in the display area δX along with the checkbox CH (S56). The δ group is the group to which label printers 3 belong that do not execute processing by setting commands or update commands, but can be controlled from PC1 by downloading the kitting application 41 and other programs to PC1.

[0045] In contrast, for example, the fifth record in the device table 42 shown in Figure 4 stores information about the label printer 3E. As shown in Figure 5, the CPU 11 determines, based on the correspondence information "Not compatible, model name "M3"" contained in the fifth record, that there is another kitting program that can control the label printer 3E (S32: NO, S41: NO, S51: YES), and further determines that this other program is already installed on PC1 (S52: YES), classifies the label printer 3E into the ε group (S53), and displays it in the display area δX, similar to the label printer 3D in the δ group (S56). The ε group is the group to which label printers 3 that can be controlled from PC1 by launching a program installed on PC1 separately from the kitting application 41, although they do not execute processing by setting commands or update commands.

[0046] For example, the sixth record in the device table 42 shown in Figure 4 contains information about the label printer 3F. If there is no other kitting program corresponding to the model name "XY" in the sixth record, the CPU 11 classifies the label printer 3F into the ζ group (S55) and displays it in the display area δX, similar to the label printer 3D in the δ group (S56). The ζ group is the group to which label printers 3 that cannot be processed by setting commands or update commands, and that cannot be controlled from the PC 1, belong. The δ group, ε group, and ζ group are examples of the "third group" and "group D".

[0047] As shown in Figure 5, the CPU 11 terminates the printer display process when it has displayed all the label printers 3 found by the search in the device list display area SA11 (S37: YES). Initially, the device list display area SA11 displays an unselected checkbox CH for each printer found by the search.

[0048] Returning to Figure 3, the CPU 11 accepts the selection of the label printer 3 via each checkbox CH included in the device list display area SA11 (S21). S21 is an example of the "selection process". In response to the selection of the label printer 3, the CPU 11 makes the first operation button SW31, the second operation button SW32, the third operation button SW33, and the fourth operation button SW34 operable in the operation button display area SA31 of the device list display screen D11 (S22). The first operation button SW31 is an operator that accepts a start command to begin the setup procedure. The second operation button SW32 is an operator that accepts an update command to update the firmware. The third operation button SW33 is an operator that accepts a download command to instruct the download of another program. The fourth operation button SW34 is an operator that accepts a start command to launch another program. In this configuration, the kitting application 41 selects all label printers 3 found through a search on the device list display screen D11, but it exclusively controls the display of the selected items and operation buttons depending on which of the display areas αX to δX the selected label printer 3 belongs to.

[0049] For example, the display of the selection target and operation buttons is mutually exclusive depending on whether the model is compatible with the kitting application 41 or not. As shown in Figures 6A to 6C, when at least one label printer 3 is selected from display areas αX, βX, and γX, a checkbox CH is displayed for each label printer 3 in display areas αX, βX, and γX, while the checkbox CH is not displayed in display area δX. In this case, the selected label printer 3 is limited to label printers that support either or both of the setting command and update command, and no other program is required, so the third operation button SW33 and the fourth operation button SW34 are disabled. Methods of disabling include, for example, graying out, hiding, or displaying but not accepting operation.

[0050] In contrast, as shown in Figures 6D and 6E, when at least one label printer 3 is selected from the display area δX, a checkbox CH is displayed for each label printer 3 in the display area δX, while the checkbox CH is not displayed in the display areas αX, βX, and γX. In this case, the selected label printer 3 does not include a label printer 3 that corresponds to either or both of the setting command and update command, and a different program is required. Therefore, the third operation button SW33 and the fourth operation button SW34 are displayed as enabled, and the first operation button SW31 and the second operation button SW32 are disabled.

[0051] Furthermore, when a model compatible with the kitting application 41 is selected as the control target, the display of the selected target and operation buttons is mutually controlled by display areas βX and γX. As shown in Figure 6B, if at least one label printer 3 is selected from display area βX, a checkbox CH is displayed for each label printer 3 in display areas αX and βX, while the checkbox CH is not displayed in display areas γX and δX. In this case, since the selected label printer 3 includes a label printer 3 that can respond to setting commands but not update commands, only the first operation button SW31 is displayed, and the second to fourth operation buttons SW32 to SW34 are disabled.

[0052] In contrast, as shown in Figure 6C, when at least one label printer 3 is selected from display area γX, a checkbox CH is displayed for each label printer 3 in display areas αX and γX, while the checkbox CH is not displayed in display areas βX and δX. In this case, since the selected label printer 3 includes label printers that can respond to update commands but not to setting commands, only the second operation button SW32 is displayed as active, and the first, third, and fourth operation buttons SW31, SW33, and SW34 are disabled.

[0053] As shown in Figure 6A, if only the label printer 3 in display area αX is selected, all selected label printers 3 can handle both setting commands and update commands. Therefore, the first operation button SW31 and the second operation button SW32 are displayed as active, while the third operation button SW33 and the fourth operation button SW34 are disabled.

[0054] Furthermore, if a model that is not compatible with the kitting application 41 is selected as the control target, the display of the selected target and operation buttons is mutually exclusive depending on the group. For example, as shown in Figure 6D, if a label printer 3 belonging to the δ group is selected within the display area δX, the checkbox CH is displayed for the label printers belonging to the δ group, while the checkbox CH may not be displayed for the label printers belonging to the ε group and the label printers belonging to the ζ group. In this case, since the selected label printer 3 can be controlled from the PC1 on the condition that another program is downloaded, only the third operation button SW33 is displayed as enabled, and the first, second, and fourth operation buttons SW31, SW32, and SW34 are disabled.

[0055] In contrast, as shown in Figure 6E, when a label printer 3 belonging to the ε group is selected within the display area δX, the checkbox CH is displayed for the label printer 3 belonging to the ε group, while the checkbox CH is not displayed for the label printer 3 belonging to the δ group and the label printer 3 belonging to the ζ group. In this case, since the selected label printer 3 can be controlled by launching another program installed on the PC1, only the fourth operation button SW34 is displayed as active, and the first to third operation buttons SW31 to SW33 are disabled.

[0056] Therefore, the kitting application 41 can have the user select a label printer 3 so that there is no discrepancy between the correspondence between setting commands and update commands, and further, have the user operate the appropriate operation button for the selected label printer 3.

[0057] Returning to Figure 3, the CPU 11 determines whether or not it has received an operation for any of the first to fourth operation buttons SW31 to SW34 (S23). If the CPU 11 has received an operation (S23: YES), it executes the processing corresponding to the received operation (S24) and returns to S21. The processing corresponding to the operation will be described later. If the CPU 11 has not received an operation (S23: NO), it determines whether or not it has received an exit command to terminate the display of the device list display screen D11 by operating the exit button SW12 on the device list display screen D11 (S25). If the CPU 11 determines that it has not received an exit command (S25: NO), it returns to S21. If the CPU 11 determines that it has received an exit command (S25: YES), it terminates the device list display process.

[0058] <Configuration Process> Next, we will explain the setting process for setting values ​​in the selected label printer 3. When the first operation button SW31 is operated, the CPU 11 receives a start command and executes the setting process shown in Figure 7. The process of receiving a start command in response to the operation of the first operation button SW31 is an example of a "start reception process".

[0059] The CPU 11 first determines whether label printer 3 of group β is selected (S110). For example, as shown in Figure 6A, if only label printer 3 in display area αX is selected and the first operation button SW31 is operated, the CPU 11 determines that label printer 3 of group β is not selected (S110: NO), as shown in Figure 7. In this case, the CPU 11 displays the settings screen without any restrictions on changes (S111) and proceeds to S112.

[0060] For example, in the settings screen D51 shown in Figure 8, when the main unit setting SA52 is selected, the setting value editing field SA51 and the apply button SW53 are displayed. The setting value editing field SA51 allows editing of setting values ​​for items that can be set using setting commands. The apply button SW53 is an operator for receiving the apply command.

[0061] If label printer 3 in group β is not selected, CPU11 displays setting screen D51 to user IF13 so that it can accept setting values ​​for all items that can be set using the setting command, within the range that can be set for all selected label printers 3.

[0062] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 6B, if the first operation button SW31 is operated while the selected label printer 3 includes the label printer 3 in display area βX, the CPU 11 determines that the label printer 3 in group β is selected (S110: YES) and displays the settings screen with modification restrictions (S115), as shown in Figure 7. After that, the CPU 11 proceeds to S112.

[0063] In other words, the CPU 11 displays the settings screen D51 to the user IF 13 so that it cannot accept editing of the settings restricted for the label printer 3 selected in the display area βX. For example, if the label printer 3 selected in the display area βX has an operation restriction on the "print density" item, the print density item and the setting value setting field will be grayed out. Also, for example, if a fixed value is set for auto-sleep, the fixed value will be displayed in the auto-power-off setting value setting field, and other settings cannot be selected from the pull-down menu.

[0064] After displaying the setting screen D51 in S111 or S115, the CPU 11 accepts editing of the setting value via the setting screen D51 (S112). The CPU 11 determines whether or not it has received an apply instruction (S113). The CPU 11 accepts editing of the setting value until it receives an apply instruction in response to the operation of the apply button SW53 (S113: NO). If the apply button SW53 is operated and the CPU 11 has received an apply instruction (S113: YES), it sends a setting command based on the setting value edited in the setting value editing field SA51 to the label printer 3 selected on the device list display screen D11 using the communication IF 14 (S114), and terminates the setting process. S111, S112, and S113 are examples of "setting acceptance processing". S114 is an example of "transmission processing".

[0065] When a label printer 3 receives a setting command, it sets the setting value included in the setting command. Even if a label printer 3 from the β group is selected, the kitting application 41 accepts editing of the setting value within the range that can be set on all label printers 3 selected in the β group, and sends a setting command to the selected label printer 3, so that the selected label printer 3 is set to the appropriate setting value all at once.

[0066] Furthermore, when the kitting application 41 sets the same settings for both the α group label printer 3 and the β group label printer 3, the application button SW53 can be pressed once to send the setting commands to the selected label printer 3 from the PC1, thereby reducing the number of operations and improving convenience.

[0067] <Update process> Next, we will explain the update process, which involves sending an update command to the label printer 3 to update the firmware. When the second operation button SW32 is operated, the CPU 11 receives the update instruction and executes the update process shown in Figure 9. The process of receiving an update instruction in response to the operation of the second operation button SW32 is an example of the "update acceptance process" or "firmware group update acceptance process".

[0068] The CPU 11 sends an update command to the label printer 3 selected on the device list display screen D11 using the communication IF 14 (S121). S121 is an example of a "firmware update process" or "firmware group update process". After that, the CPU 11 terminates the update process.

[0069] When a label printer 3 receives an update command, if the latest firmware is available, it retrieves the latest firmware from the server and updates the existing firmware to the latest firmware. As a result, even if label printer 3 is in the γ group, for example, the firmware will be updated and it will be able to respond to setting commands. In the next printer search by the kitting application 41, label printer 3 will be classified into the α group and displayed in the display area αX.

[0070] Furthermore, when updating the firmware for label printers 3 in the α group and γ group using the kitting application 41, by selecting the label printers 3 in the display areas αX and γX and operating the second operation button SW32 once, the update command can be sent collectively from PC1 to the selected label printers 3, thereby reducing the number of operations and improving convenience.

[0071] <Download process> Next, we will explain the process of downloading another program. When the third operation button SW33 is operated, the CPU 11 receives a download instruction and executes the download process shown in Figure 10. The process of receiving a download instruction in response to the operation of the third operation button SW33 is an example of a "download acceptance process".

[0072] Upon receiving a download command, CPU 11 executes a process to download another program (S131) ​​and then terminates the download process. For example, CPU 11 launches a browser and displays a site where programs can be downloaded. The user selects the necessary program (for example, a kitting program compatible with the 3D label printer) from the displayed site and downloads it to PC 1. Alternatively, CPU 11, upon receiving a download command, may automatically access a site and download another program to PC 1. This facilitates the download of other kitting programs.

[0073] <Startup process> Next, we will explain the startup process for launching another program. When the fourth operation button SW34 is operated, the CPU 11 receives a startup command and executes the startup process shown in Figure 10. The process of receiving a startup command in response to the operation of the fourth operation button SW34 is an example of a "startup acceptance process".

[0074] The CPU 11, for example, reads another kitting program stored in memory 12, starts it up (S141), and then terminates the startup process. This is expected to facilitate the use of other programs.

[0075] <Summary> Some label printers 3 do not allow changes to at least some of their settings, such as custom firmware. The kitting application 41 of the first embodiment classifies and displays such label printers 3 separately from label printers 3 that are not restricted from modification and label printers 3 that do not support configuration commands, so that the user can recognize the existence of label printers 3 that are restricted from modification.

[0076] Furthermore, some label printers 3 cannot support setting commands because their firmware 31 version is outdated. Such label printers 3 can become compatible with setting commands by updating their firmware 31. The kitting application 41 of the first embodiment classifies and displays such label printers 3 as separate label printers 3 from those that support setting commands and those that do not. As a result, the kitting application 41 of the first embodiment is expected to prompt the user to update the firmware of label printers 3 that can support setting commands by updating their firmware 31.

[0077] (Second Embodiment) Next, the program according to the second embodiment will be described. The kitting application 41 of the second embodiment displays a device list display screen D11x, in which operation buttons are provided for each display area αX to δX, to the user IF13. This differs from the first embodiment, which displays a device list display screen D11 in which operation buttons are not provided for each display area αX to δX. The following description will focus on the differences from the first embodiment, and common points will use the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment in the drawings and descriptions, and explanations will be omitted as appropriate.

[0078] <Device List Display Process> The CPU 11 uses the kitting application 41 of the second embodiment to execute the device list display process shown in Figure 12. When the CPU 11 receives a printer search instruction, it displays the label printers 3 found by the printer search on the device list display screen D11x, similar to the first embodiment (S11-S13). Groups where no printers have been found may be hidden. For example, if the label printers 3 of group β are not found by the printer search, the display area βX may be hidden.

[0079] In the second embodiment, as shown in Figure 13, in the display area αX, label printers 3 that correspond to both setting commands and update commands are displayed as selectable items, so the first operation button SW311 and the second operation button SW321 are displayed. In the display area βX, label printers 3 that correspond to setting commands but not update commands are displayed as selectable items, so only the first operation button SW312 is displayed. In the display area γX, label printers 3 that correspond to update commands but not setting commands are displayed as selectable items, so only the second operation button SW323 is displayed. In the display area δX, label printers 3 that do not correspond to setting commands or update commands are displayed as selectable items, so the third operation button SW334 and the fourth operation button 344 are displayed. Note that the display of the third operation button SW334 and the fourth operation button 344 may be switched depending on the group of label printers 3 selected in the display area δX.

[0080] As shown in Figure 12, the CPU 11 accepts the selection of the label printer 3 for each display area αX to δX (S211). In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 13, the label printer 3 can be selected simultaneously in each of the display areas αX to δX. However, if the label printer 3 is selected in any one of the display areas αX to δX (for example, display area αX), the CPU may not accept the selection of the label printer 3 in the display areas where the label printer 3 is not selected (for example, display areas βX to δX). The process in S211 is an example of "group-based selection processing".

[0081] The CPU 11 determines whether or not it has received an operation from the operation button (S212). If the CPU 11 does not receive an operation from the operation button (S212: NO), it determines whether or not the exit button SW12 on the device list display screen D11x has been operated and whether or not it has received an exit command (S25). If the CPU 11 does not receive an exit command (S25: NO), it returns to S211. If the CPU 11 has received an exit command (S25: YES), it terminates the device list display process.

[0082] When the CPU 11 receives an operation from an operation button (S212:YES), it determines whether the operated operation button is an operation button in the display area where the selected label printer 3 is displayed (S213). For example, if the first operation button SW311 in display area αX is operated when label printer 3 in display area αX is not selected, the CPU 11 determines that the operated operation button is not an operation button in the display area where the selected printer is displayed (S213:NO), and returns to S211.

[0083] In contrast, for example, if the label printer 3 in display area αX is selected and the first operation button SW311 in display area αX is operated, the CPU 11 determines that the operated operation button is the operation button in the display area where the selected printer is displayed (S213: YES), performs processing according to the received operation (setting processing if the first operation button SW311 is operated), and returns to S211.

[0084] Furthermore, the first to fourth operation buttons SW311, SW312, SW321, SW323, SW334, and SW344 may be disabled from accepting commands when no label printer 3 is selected in the corresponding display area αX to δX.

[0085] <Configuration Process> For example, if a user wants to apply the same settings to label printers 3 in groups α and β, they select label printer 3 from display areas αX and βX, as shown in Figure 13. When the user operates the first operation button SW311 in display area αX, the CPU 11 receives a start command and executes the setting process shown in Figure 7. The CPU 11 displays the setting screen D51 with no restrictions on changes to the user IF13 (S110: NO, S111) and accepts editing of the setting values ​​(S112). When the apply button SW53 is operated and the CPU 11 receives an apply command (S113: YES), it sends a setting command based on the setting values ​​edited on setting screen D51 to the label printer 3 selected in display area αX (S114).

[0086] Subsequently, when the user operates the first operation button SW312 in the display area βX, the CPU 11 receives a start command and executes the setting process shown in Figure 7. The CPU 11 displays the setting screen D51 with modification restrictions to the user IF13 (S110:YES, S115) and accepts editing of the setting value (S112). When the apply button SW53 is operated and the CPU 11 receives an apply command (S113:YES), it sends a setting command based on the setting value edited on the setting screen D51 to the label printer 3 selected in the display area βX (S114). Note that the process by which the CPU 11 receives a start command in response to the operation of the first operation buttons SW311 and SW312 is an example of "group-specific start acceptance processing". The process in S112 is an example of "group-specific setting acceptance processing". S114 is an example of "group-specific transmission processing".

[0087] In the second embodiment, the kitting application 41 accepts application instructions for each α group and β group, making it easy to apply settings that distinguish between label printers 3 whose changes are restricted and label printers 3 whose changes are not restricted. In other words, even if the first operation button SW311 is operated while one label printer 3 of the β group is selected on the device list display screen D11x, the settings will not be applied to the label printer 3 belonging to that β group.

[0088] Thus, the kitting application 41 of the second embodiment accepts the selection and start command of the label printer 3 for each of the α group and β group, and can accept setting values ​​within a configurable range suitable for each group and send setting commands. Therefore, the kitting application 41 of the second embodiment can send setting commands to the selected label printer 3 for each group, setting appropriate setting values.

[0089] <Update process> For example, if a user wants to update the firmware for label printers 3 in groups α and γ, they select label printer 3 from display areas αX and γX, as shown in Figure 13. When the user operates the second operation button SW321 in display area αX, the CPU 11 receives the update instruction and executes the update process shown in Figure 9. The CPU 11 sends an update command to the label printer 3 selected in display area αX (S121).

[0090] Subsequently, when the user operates the second operation button SW323 in the display area γX, the CPU 11 receives the update instruction and executes the update process shown in Figure 9. The CPU 11 sends an update command to the label printer 3 selected in the display area γX (S121). The process by which the CPU 11 receives update instructions in response to the operation of the second operation buttons SW321 and SW323 is an example of the "group-specific update acceptance process" and the "firmware group update acceptance process". The process in S121 is an example of the "group-specific firmware update process" and the "firmware group update process".

[0091] Thus, the kitting application 41 of the second embodiment accepts update instructions for each α group and γ group, allowing the user to distinguish which label printers 3 can respond to the setting commands through the firmware update and update the firmware of the label printers 3.

[0092] The embodiments disclosed herein are merely illustrative and do not limit the present invention in any way. Therefore, the technology disclosed herein can naturally be improved and modified in various ways without departing from its essence.

[0093] In the first embodiment described above, the effectiveness of the operation buttons was switched according to the selection of the label printer 3. In contrast, the label printer 3 that can be selected according to the operation of the operation buttons may be limited. For example, the kitting application 41 may enable the first to fourth operation buttons SW31 to SW34 on the device list display screen D11, and when the operation of the first operation button SW31 is received, the label printers 3 displayed in display areas αX and βX may be selected, and the label printers 3 displayed in display areas γX and δX may be excluded from selection.

[0094] For example, in the second embodiment described above, the label printer 3 found by the printer search was displayed as being included in a single device list display screen D11x. However, the kitting application 41 may prepare a separate screen for each group and switch between screens for display. In this case, it is preferable that operation buttons be effectively displayed on the screen based on the characteristics of the group.

[0095] For example, the kitting application 41 does not need to accept update instructions for the label printer 3 in the γ group. However, if the kitting application 41 accepts printer selection including the label printer 3 in the γ group as well as the label printer 3 in the α group, it can send a firmware update command to the label printer 3 that needs a firmware update, increasing the likelihood that the label printer 3 will be able to respond to the configuration command.

[0096] For example, the third and fourth operation buttons SW33, SW34, SW334, and SW344 may be omitted, and the notification process that notifies the use of another program may not be executed.

[0097] For example, steps S34, S61, and S62 in Figure 5 may be omitted. In other words, the kitting application 41 may classify the label printers 3 found in the printer search based on whether or not a firmware update is required, and display them on the device list display screen D11.

[0098] The type of characters used to identify custom firmware and the method of identifying custom firmware may differ from those described herein.

[0099] Furthermore, in any flowchart disclosed in the embodiments, the execution order of any multiple processes in any multiple steps can be arbitrarily changed or executed in parallel, as long as no inconsistencies arise in the processing content.

[0100] Furthermore, the processes disclosed in the embodiments may be executed by a single CPU, multiple CPUs, hardware such as an ASIC, or a combination thereof. Also, the processes disclosed in the embodiments can be implemented in various forms, such as a recording medium or method that stores a program for executing the process. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0101] 1 PC 3. Label printer 13 User Interface 14 Communication IF 41 Kitting Apps

Claims

1. A program that is executable by an information processing device and has a setting function that causes the information processing device to send setting commands, which are commands for setting values ​​for multiple items, to an image processing device connected via the communication interface of the information processing device, The aforementioned information processing device, A search process for searching an image processing device via the communication interface of the information processing device, The image processing devices found by the search process described above are classified into a first group corresponding to the setting command, a second group corresponding to the setting command but with restrictions on changing at least some of the items that can be set by the setting command, and a third group not corresponding to the setting command, and displayed on the user interface of the information processing device. To execute A program configured in such a way.

2. A program according to claim 1, The aforementioned information processing device, A selection process that accepts the selection of at least one image processing device found by the search process via the user interface of the information processing device, A start reception process that receives a start instruction to start a procedure for setting a set value via the user interface of the information processing device, Make it run, The aforementioned information processing device further includes: When a start instruction is received while at least one of the image processing devices classified into the first group or the second group is selected, the information processing device executes a setting acceptance process that accepts the editing of setting values ​​and the application instruction via the user interface of the information processing device, and when at least one of the image processing devices classified into the second group is selected, the editing of the setting values ​​can be accepted within the range that can be set by all selected image processing devices. The aforementioned information processing device further includes: When the aforementioned application instruction is received, the selected image processing device is instructed to perform a transmission process that causes the information processing device to send the setting command based on the edited setting value. A program configured in such a way.

3. A program according to claim 2, The aforementioned information processing device, With an image processing device capable of firmware updates selected from among the image processing devices found by the search process described above, the update acceptance process is executed to receive a firmware update instruction via the user interface of the information processing device. The aforementioned information processing device further includes: When the update instruction is received, the system executes a firmware update process that causes the selected image processing device to send a firmware update command from the information processing device. A program configured in such a way.

4. A program according to claim 3, In the aforementioned update request process, Among the image processing devices found by the search process described above, an image processing device capable of performing a process corresponding to the update command is selected as the image processing device capable of updating the firmware, and the firmware update instruction is received via the user interface of the information processing device. A program configured in such a way.

5. A program according to claim 3, In the aforementioned update request process, Among the image processing devices found by the search process described above, an image processing device that has a firmware version newer than the currently installed firmware version is selected as an image processing device capable of firmware updates, and the firmware update instruction is received via the user interface of the information processing device. A program configured in such a way.

6. A program according to claim 1, The aforementioned information processing device, A group-specific selection process that accepts, for each classified group, the selection of at least one of the image processing devices found by the search process, via the user interface of the information processing device, The information processing device, via the user interface, receives a start instruction for the first group and the second group, for each classified group, to begin the procedure for setting the setting value, and for the third group, it performs a group-specific start acceptance process that does not accept the start instruction. Make it run, The aforementioned information processing device further includes: For each classified group, when a start instruction corresponding to that group is received while at least one of the image processing devices included in the group is selected, the information processing device executes a group-specific setting acceptance process that accepts the editing of the setting value and the application instruction via the user interface of the information processing device, and when a start instruction corresponding to the second group is received, the editing of the setting value is accepted within the range that can be set by all of the image processing devices selected in the second group. The aforementioned information processing device further includes: For each classified group, when the application instruction corresponding to the group is received, a group-specific transmission process is executed, causing the information processing device to send the setting command based on the edited setting value to the image processing device selected in that group. A program configured in such a way.

7. A program according to claim 6, The aforementioned information processing device, The user interface of the information processing device receives a firmware update instruction for the first group, and executes a group-specific update acceptance process that does not accept the update instruction for the second and third groups. The aforementioned information processing device further includes: When the aforementioned update instruction is received, a group-specific firmware update process is executed, which causes the information processing device to send a firmware update command to the image processing device selected in the first group. A program configured in such a way.

8. A program according to claim 1, In the aforementioned display process, The image processing devices found through the search process described above are classified into a first group, a second group, a third group, and a fourth group that currently do not support the setting commands but can be supported by updating the firmware, and these classifications are displayed on the user interface of the information processing device. A program configured in such a way.

9. A program according to claim 8, The aforementioned information processing device, The user interface of the information processing device is used to execute a selection process that accepts the selection of at least one of the image processing devices found by the search process. The aforementioned information processing device further includes: With at least one of the image processing devices that requires a firmware update selected, the information processing device executes a firmware group update acceptance process to receive a firmware update instruction via its user interface. The aforementioned information processing device further includes: When the aforementioned update instruction is received, the system executes a firmware group update process that causes the information processing device to send a firmware update command to the selected image processing device. A program configured in such a way.

10. A program according to claim 1, The aforementioned information processing device, If there is an image processing device classified into the third group, and there is another program capable of controlling the image processing device classified into the third group, the user interface of the information processing device will execute a notification process to notify the use of the other program. A program configured in such a way.

11. A program according to claim 10, The aforementioned information processing device, If there is an image processing device classified into the third group and the other program is already installed on the information processing device, the information processing device will execute a startup acceptance process to receive a startup instruction for the other program via the user interface of the information processing device, and if the startup instruction is received, the other program will be started. A program configured in such a way.

12. A program according to claim 11, The aforementioned information processing device, If there is an image processing device classified into the third group, and the other program is not installed on the information processing device, the information processing device will execute a download acceptance process to receive a download instruction for the other program via its user interface, and if the download instruction is received, it will execute a process to download the other program. A program configured in such a way.

13. A program that is executable by an information processing device and has a setting function that causes the information processing device to send setting commands, which are commands for setting values ​​for multiple items, to an image processing device connected via the communication interface of the information processing device, The aforementioned information processing device, A search process for searching an image processing device via the communication interface of the information processing device, The image processing devices found through the search process are classified into three groups: a first group that corresponds to the setting command, a third group that does not correspond to the setting command, and a fourth group that does not currently correspond to the setting command but can correspond to the setting command by updating the firmware. The display process then displays these classifications on the user interface of the information processing device. To execute A program configured in such a way.

14. A program that is executable by an information processing device and has the function of causing the information processing device to send a first control command to an image processing device connected via the communication interface of the information processing device, and the function of causing the information processing device to send a second control command, The aforementioned information processing device, A search process for searching an image processing device via the communication interface of the information processing device, The image processing devices found by the search process described above are classified into three groups: Group A, which corresponds to both the first control command and the second control command; Group B, which corresponds to the second control command but not to the first control command; Group C, which corresponds to the first control command but not to the second control command; and Group D, which does not correspond to either the first or second control command. A command correspondence display process is then performed to display these classifications on the user interface of the information processing device. To execute A program configured in such a way.

15. A display method for displaying a list of image processing devices connected to the information processing device via its communication interface on the user interface of the information processing device, The information processing device has a program installed that has a setting function that causes the information processing device to send setting commands, which are commands for setting values ​​for multiple items, to the image processing device connected to the information processing device via the communication interface of the information processing device. A search step of searching for the image processing device connected via the communication interface of the information processing device, A display step in which the image processing devices found by the search step are classified into a first group corresponding to the setting command, a second group corresponding to the setting command but with restrictions on changing at least some of the items that can be set by the setting command, and a third group not corresponding to the setting command, and displayed on the user interface of the information processing device. Display methods that include this.

16. A display method for displaying a list of image processing devices connected to the information processing device via its communication interface on the user interface of the information processing device, The information processing device has a program installed that has a setting function that causes the information processing device to send setting commands, which are commands for setting values ​​for multiple items, to the image processing device connected to the information processing device via the communication interface of the information processing device. A search step of searching for the image processing device connected via the communication interface of the information processing device, A display step in which the image processing devices found by the search step are classified into a first group that corresponds to the setting command, a third group that does not correspond to the setting command, and a fourth group that does not currently correspond to the setting command but can correspond to the setting command by updating the firmware, and displayed on the user interface of the information processing device. Display methods that include this.

Images