Program, information processing device, and configuration method

Abstract

It is desirable to make printing-related apps more efficient to use. [Solution] The program that extends the general-purpose driver causes the computer to perform an acquisition process to acquire the main body information of the printing device from the printing device, and a first generation process to generate a configuration file containing data used to configure one or more linked applications based on the main body information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a program, an information processing apparatus, and a setting method.

Background Art

[0002] In printing, there are cases where a computer controls a printer using a general-purpose driver incorporated in an OS (Operating System) instead of a dedicated printer driver.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a support program that supports a general-purpose printing program. When the OS receives a startup instruction in a state where a printer is selected, the support program causes the CPU of a PC (Personal Computer) to acquire the capability information of the printer via the general-purpose printing program. Further, the support program causes the CPU to list and display information indicating an application that uses the capabilities indicated in the capability information among a plurality of applications to be managed. This enables the PC to receive an execution instruction for the displayed application.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The support program of Patent Document 1 aims to improve the interface for displaying applications to be managed. However, it is also desirable to enable more efficient use of printing-related applications.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A program according to one aspect of this disclosure is a program that extends a general-purpose driver, which causes a computer to perform an acquisition process to acquire main body information of a printing device from the printing device, and a first generation process to generate a configuration file containing data used for setting up one or more linked applications based on the main body information.

[0007] An information processing device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes an acquisition unit that acquires main unit information of a printing device from the printing device, and a generation unit that generates a configuration file containing data used for setting up one or more linked applications based on the main unit information.

[0008] A configuration method relating to one aspect of this disclosure involves a computer obtaining main unit information of a printing device from the printing device and generating a configuration file containing data used to configure one or more linked applications based on the main unit information. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This block shows an example of a printing system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram showing an example of an external computer according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of a printer according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 4] This is a sequence diagram showing the setup flow in the printing system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 5] This is a flowchart showing the procedure for launching the linked application according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 6] This is a block diagram showing an example of an external computer according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 7] This figure shows the display screen for selecting a linked application according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 8] This figure shows the display screen for batch registration of printers according to Embodiment 2. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Embodiments of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. For clarity of explanation, the following descriptions and drawings have been omitted and simplified as appropriate. Each referenced drawing is merely illustrative to illustrate one or more embodiments. Not all features or processes shown in any one of the drawings are essential to illustrating an exemplary embodiment, and some features or processes may be omitted. In each drawing, the same elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions have been omitted where necessary.

[0011] Embodiment 1 [Explanation of the structure] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a printing system according to this disclosure. The printing system 1 comprises an external computer 100 and a printer 200. The external computer 100 is connected to the printer 200 via wired or wireless means. The external computer 100 may be connected to the printer 200 via a LAN such as a wireless LAN (Local Area Network). Alternatively, the external computer 100 may be connected to the printer 200 via the Internet, for example.

[0012] The external computer 100 is a computer having a processor and memory. The external computer 100 is an information processing device or information processing terminal, such as a PC (Personal Computer). The external computer 100 functions as an information processing device that sets the printing mode of the printer 200 and instructs the printer 200 to print. The printer 200 is any printing device having a printing function. The printer 200 can use any printing method, such as an inkjet method or an electrophotographic method. The printer 200 performs printing according to the instructions of the external computer 100.

[0013] The external computer 100 has an OS 110 (Operating System), a PSA 120 (Print Support Application), a collaboration application 130, and a configuration file 140.

[0014] OS110 is the basic software that controls the operation of the external computer 100. OS110 may be, for example, Windows (registered trademark), but is not limited to that. In the following description, examples where OS110 is Windows will be given as appropriate.

[0015] OS110 generates print data during the printing process and outputs it to PSA120. Furthermore, before printing, OS110 obtains the printer 200's internal information from the printer 200 and outputs this information to PSA120. The printer 200's internal information is arbitrary information related to the printer 200. This information may include, for example, arbitrary parameters for setting the printing mode of the printer 200. The internal information may be pre-configured on the printer 200 or configured by the user.

[0016] PSA120 is a generic printer driver, and in this example, it is the standard printer driver for OS110. PSA120 is the software that controls and operates printer 200. When PSA120 receives print data from OS110, it generates a print job containing the print data. The print job is a command to printer 200 to print the image indicated by the print data.

[0017] Further, PSA120 includes a program that extends the driver and executes the following functions. PSA120 requests the printer 200's main body information via the OS110 in response to an instruction from the user. When obtaining the main body information from the printer 200 in response to the request, PSA120 generates a configuration file 140 that includes data used for the settings of the cooperation application 130 based on the main body information. Also, PSA120 activates the cooperation application 130 in response to an instruction from the user.

[0018] The cooperation application 130 is any application software capable of performing processes involving printing by the printer 200. The cooperation application 130 may be, for example, word processing software, spreadsheet software, image editing software, or photo viewing software. Although only one cooperation application 130 is illustrated in FIG. 1, the external computer 100 may have a plurality of cooperation applications 130.

[0019] Also, when the cooperation application 130 is activated under the control of PSA120, if the configuration file 140 for the cooperation application 130 has already been created, the cooperation application 130 can read the configuration file 140. Thereby, the cooperation application 130 can obtain the setting information in the configuration file 140 and execute setting processes according to the main body information of the printer 200.

[0020] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the external computer 100 according to Embodiment 1. The external computer 100 has, as its main hardware components, a processing unit 102, a storage unit 104, a communication unit 106, and a user IF 108 (Interface). The user IF 108 has an input unit 152 and a display unit 154. The processing unit 102, the storage unit 104, the communication unit 106, and the user IF 108 may be interconnected via a data bus or the like.

[0021] The processing unit 102 is a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), MPU (Micro Processing Unit), or ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). The processing unit 102 has one or more processors. The processing unit 102 has the function of an arithmetic unit that performs control processing and calculation processing. The processing unit 102 controls the storage unit 104, the communication unit 106, and the user IF 108.

[0022] The storage unit 104 is a storage device composed of one or more memories or storage devices, or a combination thereof. The memories consist of volatile memory, non-volatile memory, or a combination thereof. Volatile memory may be, for example, RAM (Random Access Memory). Non-volatile memory may be, for example, ROM (Read Only Memory). Storage may be flash memory, HDD (Hard disk drive), or SSD (Solid State Drive). The storage unit 104 has a function for storing control programs and arithmetic programs executed by the processing unit 102. The storage unit 104 also has a function for temporarily storing processing data, etc. The storage unit 104 may include DB 140, which will be described later. The storage unit 104 may store print setting information.

[0023] The communication unit 106 performs the necessary processing for the external computer 100 to communicate with other devices via a communication network. The communication unit 106 may include a communication port, router, firewall, etc. For example, the communication unit 106 performs processing for the external computer 100 to communicate with the printer 200. The communication unit 106 may also perform processing for the external computer 100 to communicate with the printer 200 via a LAN such as a wireless LAN. Furthermore, the communication unit 106 may also perform processing for the external computer 100 to communicate with the printer 200 via the Internet, for example.

[0024] User IF108 has an input unit 152, which is an input device such as a button, keyboard, or mouse. The user inputs information to the external computer 100 by operating the input unit 152. For example, the user can input instructions for print settings and instructions for executing print to the external computer 100 by operating the input unit 152.

[0025] Furthermore, user IF108 has a display unit 154, which is a data output device. The display unit 154 includes, for example, a display. The display unit 154 displays a screen for setting the print mode in response to control from the linked application 130.

[0026] The input unit 152 and the display unit 154 may be configured as a physically integrated device, such as a touchscreen or touch panel.

[0027] Furthermore, the external computer 100 has the aforementioned OS 110, PSA 120, collaboration application 130, and configuration file 140 as its components. The OS 110 has a general-purpose printing program 156 as its program. The general-purpose printing program 156 is an OS standard program that does not depend on the collaboration application 130. The general-purpose printing program 156 performs the process of generating print data and acquiring and outputting device information in the OS 110. If the OS 110 is Windows, the general-purpose printing program 156 may be, for example, an IPP (Internet Printing Protocol) Class Driver. By using an IPP Class Driver, the collaboration application 130 can acquire device information from the printer 200 connected to the external computer 100.

[0028] Furthermore, the external computer 100 further comprises an acquisition unit 162, a generation unit 164, an output unit 166, and a startup unit 168. The acquisition unit 162, generation unit 164, output unit 166, and startup unit 168 may be implemented by the PSA 120 as functions for print settings. For example, each of these components can be implemented by the processing unit 102 reading and executing a program related to the PSA 120 stored in the storage unit 104. Alternatively, each of these components may be implemented by recording the necessary programs on any non-volatile recording medium and installing them on the external computer 100 as needed.

[0029] Furthermore, each component may be implemented not only by software through a program, but also by a combination of hardware, firmware, and software. Additionally, each component may be implemented using a user-programmable integrated circuit, such as an FPGA (field-programmable gate array) or a microcontroller. In this case, the program composed of the above-mentioned components may be implemented using this integrated circuit.

[0030] When the user gives instructions via the input unit 152, the acquisition unit 162 acquires the main unit information of the printer 200 via the general-purpose printing program 156 in accordance with those instructions.

[0031] The generation unit 164 generates a configuration file 140 containing data used to configure the linked application 130, based on the main unit information acquired by the acquisition unit 162. The generation unit 164 converts the format of the main unit information to match the configuration format of the linked application 130, and can create the configuration file 140 using the converted main unit information.

[0032] At this time, the generation unit 164 can set a specific area in the configuration file 140 to specify the initial settings for the next time the linked application 130 is launched. The generation unit 164 sets information corresponding to the acquired main unit information in the specific area. For example, the main unit information used when the linked application 130 last used the printer 200 may be set in the specific area.

[0033] The output unit 166 outputs the generated configuration file 140 to the configuration area of ​​the linked application 130, which is the target of the print settings. The configuration area of ​​the linked application 130 is, for example, a folder in which the linked application 130 is stored on the external computer 100. However, the configuration area may be an area other than the folder in which the linked application 130 is stored. Alternatively, the configuration area may be an area within a device connected to the external computer 100.

[0034] Furthermore, the generation unit 164 can generate a new configuration file 140 if a configuration file for the linked application 130 does not originally exist in the configuration area. The output unit 166 outputs the generated configuration file 140 to the configuration area. As a result, the configuration file 140 is stored in the configuration area.

[0035] However, as another example, the generation unit 164 can generate a configuration file 140 for updating even if a configuration file for the linked application 130 already exists in the configuration area. The output unit 166 updates the configuration file in the configuration area by outputting the generated configuration file 140 to the configuration area. In this way, the configuration file 140 is also stored in the configuration area.

[0036] Furthermore, the output unit 166 may cause the storage unit 104 to store information indicating the location of the configuration area where the configuration file 140 is stored. The information indicating the location of the configuration area may be, for example, the path to the configuration file 140.

[0037] The startup unit 168 starts the linked application 130 in response to instructions from the user via the input unit 152. Alternatively, the startup unit 168 may start the linked application 130 after the output unit 166 outputs the configuration file 140. In this case, the user may include information to identify the configuration file 140 in the instructions. This information may be entered via the command line. This information may include the name of the configuration file 140, or the path to the configuration file 140.

[0038] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of a printer 200 according to Embodiment 1. The printer 200 has, as its main hardware configuration, a processing unit 202, a storage unit 204, a communication unit 206, a user interface 208, a printing unit 210, a paper tray 222, and a print job receiving unit 224. The processing unit 202, storage unit 204, communication unit 206, user interface 208, and printing unit 210 may be interconnected via a data bus or the like.

[0039] The processing unit 202 is a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), MPU (Micro Processing Unit), or ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). The processing unit 202 has one or more processors. The processing unit 202 has the function of an arithmetic unit that performs control processing and calculation processing. The processing unit 202 controls the storage unit 204, the communication unit 206, the user IF 208, and the printing unit 210.

[0040] The storage unit 204 is a storage device composed of one or more memories or storage devices, or a combination thereof. Examples of memories and storage devices are the same as those for the storage unit 104, and therefore will not be described further. The storage unit 204 has the function of storing control programs and arithmetic programs executed by the processing unit 202. The storage unit 204 also has the function of temporarily storing processing data. Furthermore, the storage unit 204 has the function of storing the main unit information of the printer 200. The main unit information stored in the storage unit 204 may be updated as appropriate.

[0041] The communication unit 206 performs the necessary processing for the printer 200 to communicate with other devices via a communication network. The communication unit 206 may include a communication port, router, firewall, etc. For example, the communication unit 206 performs processing for the printer 200 to communicate with an external computer 100. The communication unit 206 may also perform processing for the printer 200 to communicate with the external computer 100 via a LAN such as a wireless LAN. Alternatively, the communication unit 206 may also perform processing for the printer 200 to communicate with the external computer 100 via the Internet.

[0042] The user interface 208 has input devices such as buttons, a keyboard, or a mouse, and output devices such as a display or speakers. The user interface 208 may also be a touch panel or other configuration where the input and output devices are integrated. The user interface 208 accepts data input operations from the user to the printer 200 and also outputs information from the printer 200 to the user.

[0043] The printing unit 210 has a printing function for forming an image on paper, i.e., a printing medium. The printing unit 210 includes a printing engine. The printing engine is a mechanical configuration that performs printing of an image onto the printing medium. The printing engine may have, for example, a mechanism that performs printing using toner in an electrophotographic manner. Alternatively, the printing engine may have, for example, a mechanism that performs printing in an inkjet manner. The printing engine may also have a transport mechanism for transporting the printing medium.

[0044] The paper tray 222 is a tray for supplying paper for printing. The printer 200's main unit information may also include information indicating the characteristics of the printing unit 210 and the paper tray 222.

[0045] The printer 200 also further includes a print job receiving unit 224. The print job receiving unit 224 can be implemented, for example, by having the processing unit 202 control the execution of a program. More specifically, the print job receiving unit 224 can be implemented by having the processing unit 202 execute a program stored in the storage unit 204. Alternatively, the print job receiving unit 224 may be implemented by having the necessary program recorded on any non-volatile recording medium and installed in the printer 200 as needed.

[0046] The print job receiving unit 224 receives print jobs from the external computer 100. The print job receiving unit 224 may be implemented by the communication unit 206. The received print jobs are output to the print unit 210. The print unit 210 performs printing according to the print job. In other words, the print unit 210 performs printing according to the instructions of the external computer 100.

[0047] [Explanation of the processing flow] Figure 4 is a sequence diagram showing the setup flow in the printing system 1 according to Embodiment 1. Figure 4 describes the user U, the components of the external computer 100, namely the PSA 120, OS 110, configuration file 140, linked application 130, and printer 200. In particular, the general-purpose printing program 156 will be described as a function of the OS 110. Furthermore, each function performed by the PSA 120 will be described using the acquisition unit 162, generation unit 164, output unit 166, and startup unit 168 described above.

[0048] The following describes the processing flow and details of the external computer 100 and printer 200, referring to Figure 4.

[0049] (1) First, user U operates the input unit 152 to output a command to the external computer 100 to create a configuration file 140. (2) In response to receiving the creation command, the acquisition unit 162 outputs a request for printer 200's main unit information to the OS 110. (3) In response to receiving the main unit information request, the general-purpose printing program 156 outputs a main unit information request to the printer 200.

[0050] (4) In response to receiving a request for device information, the printer 200 sends the device information stored in the storage unit 204 to the OS 110. (5) In response to receiving the device information, the general-purpose printing program 156 outputs the device information to the PSA 120.

[0051] (6) The acquisition unit 162 acquires the device information. The acquisition unit 162 stores the acquired device information in the storage unit 104. (7) The generation unit 164 converts the format of the device information to match the setting format of the linked application 130. The generation unit 164 uses the converted device information to create a setting file 140 containing data used to configure the linked application 130. Here, the generation unit 164 sets a specific area in the setting file 140 to identify the initial settings for the next time the linked application 130 is started. The generation unit 164 sets the information corresponding to the acquired device information in the specific area. (8) The output unit 166 outputs the generated setting file 140 to the area of ​​the linked application 130 that is the target of the print settings. The path to the setting file 140 is also stored in the storage unit 204.

[0052] (9) User U operates the input unit 152 to output a startup command for the linked application 130 to the external computer 100. At this time, User U includes the path to the configuration file 140 in the command. (10) In response to receiving the startup command, the startup unit 168 outputs a startup request to the linked application 130. The startup request includes the path to the configuration file 140.

[0053] (11) The linked application 130 executes a startup process in response to receiving a startup request. Here, the linked application 130 determines whether a configuration file for the linked application 130 has already been created by referring to the path included in the startup request. In this case, the configuration file 140 has already been created. (12) Therefore, the linked application 130 executes a process to read the created configuration file 140. (13) By reading the configuration file 140, the linked application 130 obtains the configuration information in the configuration file 140. In this manner, the linked application 130 completes the configuration process according to the printer 200's main unit information.

[0054] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the steps for launching the linked application 130. The details of steps (11) through (13) in Figure 4 will be explained below, referring to Figure 5.

[0055] (S21) First, the linked application 130 executes a startup process in response to receiving a startup request. The process in (S21) corresponds to (11) in Figure 4. (S22) Next, the linked application 130 determines whether a configuration file for the linked application 130 has already been created by referring to the path included in the startup request. Specifically, the linked application 130 refers to the area for the settings of the linked application 130 indicated by the path and determines whether a configuration file for the linked application 130 exists within that area.

[0056] (S23) If a configuration file 140 for the linked application 130 exists in the configuration area, the linked application 130 executes a process to read the configuration file 140 that exists in the configuration area. (S24) The linked application 130 executes a process to reflect the configuration information, which is the content of the configuration file 140, into the linked application 130. Processes (S23) and (S24) correspond to (12) and (13) in Figure 4.

[0057] (S25) On the other hand, if a configuration file for the linked application 130 does not exist in the configuration area, the linked application 130 performs configuration processing according to the printer 200's main unit information. In other words, the linked application 130 obtains the main unit information itself and generates the configuration information necessary for configuring the linked application 130 based on that main unit information. In the process of (S25), the linked application 130 needs to create new configuration information. Therefore, the process of (S25) is expected to take longer than the processes of (S23) and (S24).

[0058] (S26) After the processing in (S24) or (S25) above is completed, the linked application 130 determines whether its own settings are complete. (S27) If it determines that it has not yet obtained all the information necessary for setting up the linked application 130, the linked application 130 obtains the information necessary for setting up that has not yet been obtained and sets it up. (S28) On the other hand, if it determines that it has obtained all the information necessary for setting up the linked application 130, the linked application 130 executes itself using the obtained setting information.

[0059] Furthermore, the configuration process for the linked application 130 described above may be performed for each linked application 130 if there are multiple linked applications 130 on the external computer 100.

[0060] [Explanation of effects] In Embodiment 1, the external computer 100 executes the following processes by running a program related to the PSA 120. The acquisition unit 162 acquires the printer 200's main unit information. The generation unit 164 generates a configuration file containing data used to configure one or more linked applications 130 based on the acquired main unit information. Through the processes described above, the external computer 100 can pre-generate a configuration file 140 used to configure the linked application 130. Therefore, when the linked application 130 is started, the linked application 130 does not need to newly generate the necessary configuration information and can execute the configuration by reading the pre-generated configuration file 140. As the time required to configure the linked application 130 is shortened, the user can use the linked application 130 more quickly.

[0061] Furthermore, when the linked application 130 generates new configuration information, user operation may be required for the generation process. In contrast, in Embodiment 1, the configuration file 140 is generated in advance. Therefore, the user can configure the linked application 130 simply by specifying information to identify the configuration file 140. Thus, user convenience is also improved.

[0062] Based on the above, the processing by the external computer 100 allows the user to use the linked application 130 more efficiently.

[0063] It should be noted that even if the configuration file 140 is generated in advance, it is possible that the configuration file 140 does not contain all the information necessary to configure the linked application 130. In such a case, as shown in Figure 5, after the processes S23 and S24 are performed, the process S27 is executed. However, even in this case, it is expected that the time required to configure the linked application 130 will be shorter compared to the case where the configuration file 140 is not generated in advance and the process S25 is executed. This is because the configuration file 140 partially generates the information necessary to configure the linked application 130, and the linked application 130 does not need to generate that portion of the configuration information.

[0064] Furthermore, the external computer 100 can perform the above processing using the PSA 120. Therefore, the external computer 100 can achieve the above effects even in an environment where printing is performed using a commonly used general-purpose driver.

[0065] Furthermore, the output unit 166 of the external computer 100 can output the generated configuration file 140 to the configuration area of ​​one or more linked applications 130. After the output unit 166 outputs the configuration file 140, the startup unit 168 starts one or more linked applications 130 in response to user instructions. When the user starts a linked application 130, the linked application 130 only needs to refer to the configuration area to read the configuration file 140. Therefore, the time it takes for the linked application 130 to read the configuration file 140 is reduced, allowing the user to use the linked application 130 more quickly.

[0066] Furthermore, the generation unit 164 can create a specific area within the configuration file 140 during the configuration file generation process to specify the initial settings for the next startup of one or more linked applications 130. The generation unit 164 sets information corresponding to the main unit information in that specific area. When the linked application 130 starts up, it reads the specific area, thereby setting the information corresponding to the main unit information. Therefore, the linked application 130 can read settings according to the main unit information of the printer 200 as its initial settings at startup. As a result, the linked application 130 can quickly perform printing according to the main unit information of the printer 200.

[0067] Furthermore, the generation unit 164 can unify the format of each configuration file 140 even when generating multiple configuration files 140. Therefore, the total capacity of the configuration files 140 stored in the storage unit 104 can also be reduced.

[0068] Embodiment 2 In the following Embodiment 2, explanations of points already described in Embodiment 1 will be omitted as appropriate, and the differences from Embodiment 1 will be explained in detail.

[0069] [Explanation of the structure] Figure 6 is a block diagram showing an example of an external computer 100 according to Embodiment 2. The external computer 100 differs from the external computer 100 in Figure 2 in that it has multiple collaboration applications 130A to 130C and also has a display control unit 170. Note that the number of collaboration applications 130 that the external computer 100 has is not limited to 3, but may have 2 or 4 or more collaboration applications 130.

[0070] The display control unit 170, like the acquisition unit 162 to the startup unit 168, may be implemented by the PSA 120 as a function for print settings. For example, the display control unit 170 can be implemented by the processing unit 102 reading and executing a program related to the PSA 120 stored in the storage unit 104. Alternatively, these components may be implemented by recording the necessary programs on any non-volatile recording medium and installing them on an external computer 100 as needed.

[0071] In Figure 4 (2), the display control unit 170 displays a display screen on the display unit 154 in response to receiving an instruction to create a configuration file 140. Figure 7 shows the display screen for selecting a linked application. By displaying this screen, the display control unit 170 allows the user to select one of the multiple linked applications 130A to 130C as the target for generating the configuration file. Linked applications A to C in Figure 7 correspond to linked applications 130A to 130C in Figure 6. The user operates the input unit 152 and selects a radio button as shown in Figure 7. As a result, the user selects one of the linked applications 130A to 130C as the target for generating the configuration file 140.

[0072] Furthermore, the display control unit 170 displays "Execute File Generation" as shown in Figure 7 on the display unit 154 as a button for generating the configuration file 140. After the user selects one of the linked applications 130, they press the "Execute File Generation" button via the input unit 152. This instructs the system to generate the configuration file 140 for the selected linked application 130.

[0073] The generation unit 164 generates a configuration file 140 containing data used to configure the selected collaborative application 130, based on the input instructions and the main unit information obtained through the processes shown in Figures 4(2) to (5). The details of this generation are shown in Figures 4(6) to (8). As a result, the external computer 100 can generate a configuration file 140 related to the selected collaborative application 130.

[0074] However, the display control unit 170 may display a screen on the display unit 154 that allows the user to select two linked applications 130 from among the linked applications 130A to 130C. In this case as well, the user can select any two linked applications 130 from among the linked applications 130A to 130C. Alternatively, the display control unit 170 may display a screen on the display unit 154 that allows the user to select all linked applications 130 from among the linked applications 130A to 130C. In this case as well, the user can select all linked applications 130A to 130C. The user then instructs the generation of a configuration file 140 for the selected linked applications 130. This allows the user to have a separate configuration file 140 generated for each of the selected linked applications 130.

[0075] Furthermore, the generation unit 164 may generate a configuration file 140 corresponding to the selected collaboration application 130 for the collaboration application 130 that was not selected. For example, assume that multiple printers 200A and 200B are connected to the external computer 100 as printers 200. The user then selects the collaboration application 130A on the display screen shown in Figure 7, and then presses the "Execute File Generation" button via the input unit 152.

[0076] At this time, the generation unit 164 executes a process to generate a configuration file 140A containing data used to configure the linked application 130A, so that printer 200A is registered as the startup device for the linked application 130A, based on the main unit information. This process will also be referred to as process A below. In this case, the generation unit 164 further executes a process to generate a configuration file 140B containing data used to configure the linked application 130B, so that printer 200A is registered as the startup device for the linked application 130B. This process will also be referred to as process B below. The generation unit 164 may also further execute a process to generate a configuration file 140C containing data used to configure the linked application 130C, so that printer 200A is registered as the startup device for the linked application 130C. This process will also be referred to as process C below. Here, the generation unit 164 may execute process B or C simultaneously with process A, or at different times.

[0077] However, the generation unit 164 may execute process A even if the display screen shown in Figure 7 is not displayed and there is no instruction from the user to execute process A. In this case, the generation unit 164 may execute process B or C simultaneously with process A.

[0078] The display control unit 170 can display a display screen on the display unit 154 at a timing prior to (2) in Figure 4, allowing the user to select whether or not to execute process B or C together with process A. Figure 8 shows the display screen for batch registration of printers. By displaying the display screen, the display control unit 170 allows the user to select whether or not the startup device registered in the configuration file 140A of the linked application 130A should also be applied to other linked applications 130. The user operates the input unit 152 and selects the radio button shown in Figure 7. This allows the user to specify that the startup device registered in the configuration file 140A of the linked application 130A should also be applied to the configuration file 140B of the linked application 130B or the configuration file 140C of the linked application 130C.

[0079] The display control unit 170 displays the "Execute" button shown in Figure 8 on the display unit 154 as a button to confirm the specified content. For example, the user selects the linked application 130B on the display screen in Figure 8, and then presses the "Execute" button via the input unit 152. In this way, the user instructs that process B be executed together with process A before process A is executed. The generation unit 164, in response to this instruction, executes process B simultaneously with process A when executing process A. The external computer 100 can perform the same settings for linked application 130C instead of linked application 130B.

[0080] Furthermore, the user may specify that the startup device registered in configuration file 140A should also apply to both configuration files 140B and 140C. Alternatively, the user may specify that the startup device registered in configuration file 140A should not apply to the configuration file 140 of other linked applications 130. After the user makes this specification, the user confirms the specification by pressing the "Execute" button via the input unit 152. The generation unit 164, in response to the instruction, executes processes B and C simultaneously with process A when executing process A. Alternatively, the generation unit 164, in response to the instruction, does not execute either process B or C together with process A.

[0081] [Explanation of effects] In Embodiment 2, the external computer 100 executes the following processes by running a program related to the PSA 120. The display control unit 170 executes a first display process that displays a selection screen on the display unit 154 allowing the user to select one or more of the multiple linked applications 130. The generation unit 164 executes a first generation process that generates a setting file 140 containing data used to configure the selected one or more linked applications 130 based on the acquired main unit information. Through the processes described above, the external computer 100 allows the user to select the linked applications 130 for which the setting file 140 will be generated. Therefore, the user can flexibly configure the linked applications 130.

[0082] Furthermore, in the first generation process, a configuration file 140A containing data used to configure the linked application 130A may be generated so that a predetermined printer is registered as the startup device for the linked application 130A. At this time, the generation unit 164 can execute a second generation process to generate a configuration file 140B containing data used to configure the linked application 130B so that a predetermined printer is registered as the startup device for the linked application 130B. Therefore, the external computer 100 can register the same predetermined printer as the startup device for both the linked application 130A and the linked application 130B at once. As the time required to configure multiple linked applications 130 is reduced, users can use the linked applications 130 more quickly.

[0083] Furthermore, the display control unit 170 can execute a second display process, which displays a selection screen on the display unit 154 that allows the user to choose whether or not to execute the second generation process together with the first generation process. Therefore, the user can flexibly configure the settings of the linked application 130.

[0084] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, one or more of the processes in the sequence shown in Figure 4 above can be omitted. Also, the PSA120 may acquire main unit information directly from the printer 200 without going through the OS110.

[0085] Embodiment 1 described the case where the OS 110 of the external computer 100 is Windows. However, OS 110 is not limited to Windows; it may be any operating system, such as macOS® or Linux®.

[0086] In the examples described above, the program includes a set of instructions (or software code) that, when loaded into a computer, cause the computer to perform one or more of the functions described in the embodiments. The program may be stored on a non-temporary computer-readable medium or a physical storage medium. Examples, but not limited to, include random-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, solid-state drive (SSD), or other memory technologies. Another example of a computer-readable medium or a physical storage medium includes a CD-ROM, digital versatile disk (DVD), Blu-ray® disc, or other optical disc storage, a magnetic cassette, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage, or other magnetic storage device. The program may be transmitted over a temporary computer-readable medium or a communication medium. Examples, but not limited to, include the temporary computer-readable medium or a communication medium that includes electrically, optically, acoustically, or otherwise propagating signals. The program may also be included in a program product. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0087] 1…Printing system, 100…External computer, 102…Processing unit, 104…Storage unit, 106…Communication unit, 108…User interface, 110…OS, 120…PSA, 130…Linked application, 140…Configuration file, 152…Input unit, 154…Display unit, 156…General-purpose printing program, 162…Acquisition unit, 164…Generation unit, 166…Output unit, 168…Startup unit, 170…Display control unit, 200…Printer, 202…Processing unit, 204…Storage unit, 206…Communication unit, 208…User interface, 210…Printing unit, 222…Paper tray, 224…Print job receiving unit

Claims

1. It is a program that extends general-purpose drivers, On the computer, An acquisition process to obtain the main body information of the printing device from the printing device, A first generation process generates a configuration file containing data used to configure one or more linked applications based on the aforementioned main unit information, A program that executes the command.

2. The aforementioned program is a Print Support Application. The program according to claim 1.

3. To the aforementioned computer, Output process for outputting the configuration file generated by the first generation process to a configuration area for one or more linked applications, After the output processing, the system further executes a startup process that launches one or more of the aforementioned linked applications in response to user instructions. The program according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The computer is instructed, in the first generation process, to provide a region in the configuration file that specifies the initial settings for the next startup of one or more of the linked applications, and to set information corresponding to the main unit information in the region. The program according to claim 1 or 2.

5. To the aforementioned computer, Further, the first display process is executed to display a screen that allows the user to select one or more of the aforementioned linked applications from among the multiple linked applications. In the first generation process, a configuration file is generated that includes data used to configure one or more selected linked applications, based on the main unit information. The program according to claim 1 or 2.

6. To the aforementioned computer, In the first generation process, if a first configuration file containing data used to configure the first linked application is generated so that a predetermined printing device is registered as the startup device for the first linked application, then a second generation process is further executed to generate a second configuration file containing data used to configure the second linked application so that the predetermined printing device is registered as the startup device for the second linked application. The program according to claim 5.

7. To the aforementioned computer, Further, a second display process is executed that displays a screen allowing the user to choose whether or not to perform the second generation process together with the first generation process. The program according to claim 6.

8. An acquisition unit that acquires information about the main body of the printing device from the printing device, The system includes a generation unit that generates a configuration file containing data used to configure one or more linked applications based on the aforementioned main unit information. Information processing device.

9. Computers The printing device acquires the main body information of the printing device, Based on the aforementioned main unit information, a configuration file containing data used for configuring one or more linked applications is generated. How to set it up.

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