Support program, information processing device, and printing method

Abstract

In an information processing device that incorporates a general-purpose printing program standard to the OS, print instructions To provide technology that allows users to easily obtain information about processing based on [the specified criteria]. [Solution] The general-purpose printing program 41 is used to instruct the printer 2 to print the image. If instructed, the auxiliary program 42 retrieves the current status information of printer 2 from printer 2. Based on the acquired current status information, display conditions are set to output messages based on the current status information. The system determines whether the conditions are met, and if it determines that the display conditions are met, it displays a message on the UI of PC1. Display it at 20.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] As a technology for controlling a printer from an information processing device such as a personal computer, a printer driver is installed in the information processing device, printing data is generated by the printer driver, and the printing data is transmitted to the printer. This configuration is widely known (for example, Patent Document 1). The printer driver is provided by the printer manufacturer and corresponds to various functions of the printer, enabling full use of the printer.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0002]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] In recent years, a technology for controlling a printer by a general-purpose printing program incorporated in an operating system (OS) as a standard without using the above-described printer driver has been put into practical use. In this technology, when the OS detects the printer, it associates with the general-purpose printing program standard of the OS, and thereafter, when receiving a print instruction for the printer, printing can be performed by the general-purpose printing program standard of the OS without using the printer driver.

[0004] Even in the case of printing by the above-described general-purpose printing program standard of the OS, similar to printing by the printer driver, when the printing data is accumulated in the print queue of the OS, the processing for the print instruction ends. When the user obtains information regarding the subsequent printing data, the user of the OS ​​​​​​​​​​ - It requires users to operate the interface, which is inconvenient for them.

[0005] This specification describes how to print in an information processing device that incorporates an OS standard general-purpose printing program. We will disclose a technology that allows users to easily access information regarding processing based on printing instructions. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One form of a support program designed to solve the aforementioned problems is an information processing system It is executable by a computer and is compatible with a printer connected to the information processing device. A support program that enables the computer to operate the information processing device. For general-purpose printing programs pre-installed in the printing system, print images beforehand. Based on the print command to be executed by the printer, the following processes are performed: acquisition process, judgment process, and display. The process is executed, and in the acquisition process, via the communication interface of the information processing device The printer is contacted, information about the printer is obtained, and in the decision process, the information is obtained Based on the printer information obtained during processing, a message based on the information is output. The system determines whether the display conditions are met, and in the display process, the system determines whether the display conditions are met. If it is determined that the conditions are met, the message will be displayed on the display device of the information processing device. It is characterized by being able to do so.

[0007] The above support program retrieves information about the printer from the printer. If the information is retrieved and the display conditions are met, the device will display a message based on the retrieved information. It is displayed in the OS. According to such support programs, the user can access the OS user interface. By allowing the user to view the message without operating the base, the user can easily obtain information regarding the print job.

[0008] A control method, a computer program, and a computer-readable storage medium storing the computer program for realizing the functions of the above device are also novel and useful.

Advantages of the Invention

[0009] According to the technology disclosed in this specification, in an information processing apparatus incorporating a general-purpose printing program conforming to the OS standard, a technology is realized that enables a user to easily obtain information regarding processing based on a print instruction.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010] [Figure 1] It is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of a printing system. [Figure 2] It is a sequence diagram showing an example of the order of operations by each program. [Figure 3] It is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a data structure, where (a) shows print data and (b) shows status information. [Figure 4] It is a UI diagram showing an example of a message. [Figure 5] It is a sequence diagram showing an example of the order of operations by each program. [Figure 6] It is a sequence diagram showing an example of the order of operations by each program.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, a printing system using the program of the embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. This embodiment relates to a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as "PC") and a printer. Disclosed is an embodiment that embodies a printing system including .

[0012] An example of the configuration of the printing system in which the program of this embodiment is executed is shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 1 The system includes a PC 1, a printer 2, and a printer 3. The PC 1 is an example of an information processing device. The printers 2 and 3 are devices having a printing function and can communicate with the PC 1 via local communication or network communication. Note that a plurality of printers 2 may be connected to the PC 1.

[0013] The PC 1 includes, for example, as shown in FIG. 1, a controller 10, a user interface (hereinafter referred to as "UI") 20, and a communication interface (hereinafter referred to as "communication IF") 30. The UI 20 and the communication IF 30 are electrically connected to the controller 10.

[0014] The UI 20 includes hardware that performs various displays and receives user instruction inputs. The UI 20 may be a touch panel having both a display function and an input reception function, or may be a combination of a display having a display function and a keyboard, a mouse, etc. having an input reception function.

[0015] The communication IF 30 includes hardware for communicating with the printer 2 and the printer 3, and hardware for accessing the Internet. The communication IF 30 may include a plurality of interfaces having different communication methods. Examples of the communication method include network communication and USB communication. Also, it may be wired communication or wireless communication.

[0016] ​​​​​​​​​​​​The controller 10 includes a CPU 11 and memory 12. The CPU 11 is a computer This is an example of a data set. Memory 12 consists of ROM, RAM, non-volatile memory, and CPU 11 This includes a buffer and various application programs (hereinafter referred to as "apps"). It stores programs and various types of data. Note that details of the memory are not provided in this specification. No distinction is made. The CPU 11, according to the program read from memory 12, and also, Based on the instructions from the PC, various processes are executed. Note that the controller 10 in Figure 1 is a PC. This is a general term encompassing the hardware and software used to control PC1. This does not necessarily represent a single piece of hardware present in [location].

[0017] An example of memory 12 may be a computer-readable storage medium. A computer-readable storage medium is a non-transitory medium. It is a body. Non-transitory media include, in addition to the examples above, CD-ROMs, This also includes recording media such as DVD-ROMs. Furthermore, non-transitory media are also included. It is also a tangible medium. On the other hand, downloading from servers on the internet, etc. The electrical signals that carry the programmed program are a type of medium that a computer can read. It is a computer-readable signal medium, but it is non-transitory It is not included in computer-readable storage media.

[0018] Memory 12 contains, for example, an operator including a general-purpose printing program 41, as shown in Figure 1. A editing system (hereinafter referred to as "OS") 21, an auxiliary program 42, and an editing application. 43 and are stored in memory. Auxiliary program 42 is an example of a support program. Auxiliary program 42, for example, uses printer bases based on specifications published by Microsoft. This is a hardware support application (abbreviated as HSA) created by Nanda. 1 is, for example, Microsoft Windows®, MacOS®, L It is inux (registered trademark). In addition to those shown in the diagram, memory 12 is also connected to Various data, including information about the printer, and various programs such as browsers are stored. It is.

[0019] The general-purpose printing program 41 executes printing from PC1 to various printers such as printer2. This is an application for printing, and it is the OS standard print program that is pre-installed in OS21. This is a program. The general-purpose printing program 41 in this embodiment uses the image data to be printed as a basis for the program. This program generates print data that can be handled by the linter.

[0020] The general-purpose printing program 41 is available in multiple models provided by each printer vendor. This is a general-purpose application applicable to all printers, performing common operations on each printer model. It is a program that enables this. Alternatively, the general-purpose printing program 41 is pre-configured in OS21. To integrate it, each printer vendor provides the OS21 vendor with a program. For example, a type of printer driver provided to be pre-installed in OS21. That's fine.

[0021] The auxiliary program 42 receives instructions from the OS 21 in conjunction with the startup of the general-purpose printing program 41. This is a program that performs processing based on the target hardware, such as printer 2. This is an application that supports the control of [something]. Auxiliary program 42 is, for example, a general-purpose printing program. It is started from M41. The auxiliary program 42 is a printer vendor such as printer 2. These are programs provided for each type. For example, auxiliary programs for inkjet printers. Program 42 and auxiliary program 42 for laser printers are provided. Not just for each type, but also for each printer model and each series of printer models. A supplementary program 42 may be available.

[0022] The printer vendor should follow the procedures specified by the OS21 vendor for auxiliary program 42 Register it on the platform provided by the OS21 vendor. OS21 will then add it to PC1. Printer 2 is connected to the platform, and the auxiliary program 42 corresponding to printer 2 is installed on the platform. If registered in the system, the auxiliary program 42 is stored in the auxiliary program 42. Download it from the server and install it on PC1.

[0023] Then, OS21 uses the identification information of the embedded auxiliary program 42 to connect to a newly connected device. The printer information of the printer is associated with the printer and stored in memory 12. (Multiple printer models) On PC1 to which it is connected, each auxiliary program corresponding to the type of each model is installed. The information that associates each printer with each auxiliary program is stored in memory 12. In other words, memory 12 contains printer information for each printer connected to PC1. The printer's model information and access information, along with the corresponding auxiliary program 42 information The information is recorded.

[0024] Editing app 43 is an app for creating and editing image data and document data, for example. It is. The editing application 43 is, for example, Microsoft Word (registered trademark), PowerPoint (registered trademark). Also, it may be an application provided by the vendors of the printer 2 or the printer 3. The editing application 43 accepts user operations including an instruction to cause the printer 2 to perform a predetermined operation. Specifically, the editing application 43 accepts, via the UI 20, for example, a print instruction to cause the printer 2 to execute printing.

[0025] In addition, each process in the embodiment basically shows the process of the CPU 11 according to the instructions described in a program such as the auxiliary program 42. That is, in the following description, "judgment", "extraction", "selection", "calculation", "determination", "specification", "acquisition", "reception", "control", etc. represent the process of the CPU 11. The process by the CPU 11 includes hardware control using the API of the OS 21. In this specification, the detailed description of the OS 21 is omitted and the operations of each program are described. That is, in the following description, the description to the effect that "program B controls hardware C" may refer to "program B controls hardware C using the API of the OS 21". Also, the process of the CPU 11 according to the instructions described in the program may be described in abbreviated language. For example, it may be described by omitting the program as in "performed by the CPU 11". Also, the process of the CPU 11 according to the instructions described in the program may be described in abbreviated language omitting the CPU as in "performed by program A". Note that "acquisition" is used as a concept that does not require a request. That is, the CPU 11 requests

[0026] The process of receiving data without any action is also described as "CPU11 acquires the data". It is included in the definition. Also, "data" as used herein means a computer-readable bit string. It is represented as follows. And data with the same substantial meaning but different formats are the same It shall be treated as data. The same applies to "information" as used in this specification. "To request" and "to instruct" refer to information that indicates a request or instructions that indicate a request. This is a concept that indicates outputting information to the other party. It also indicates information that is being requested. Information indicating that instructions are being given may also simply be referred to as "requests" or "instructions."

[0027] Furthermore, the CPU 11 determines whether or not information A indicates that event B. The principle can be conceptually described as "determining whether or not something is true based on information A." Yes. CPU 11 indicates that information A is fact B, or fact C. The process of determining whether information A indicates event B or event C is called "determining from information A whether it indicates event B or event C". It is sometimes described conceptually as "to decide" or "to reject."

[0028] Next, the configuration of the auxiliary program 42 in this embodiment, and the operation of the auxiliary program 42 are described. An example of the printing procedure will be explained with reference to Figures 2 to 6. The same code is used for common processing.

[0029] The auxiliary program 42, via the editing application 43, etc., provides a corresponding application for the auxiliary program 42. A print command is received to print using the general-purpose printing program 41 with the printer specified. This is a program that is instructed to be executed by the general-purpose printing program 41 when a certain number is entered. In the following section, PC1, via UI20, for example, in the editing application 43, specifies the image data to be printed. In this state, the printer 2 receives instructions to execute printing via the general-purpose printing program 41. If installed, the auxiliary program 42 corresponding to the model type of printer 2 is on the PC Let's explain the case where it's incorporated into item 1.

[0030] As shown in Figure 2, first, the editing application 43, via the UI 20, selects the image to be printed. The system accepts input for setting and executing the print command (arrow A). The image displayed by editing application 43 is This is an example of an image to be printed. Editing application 43 is, for example, an image edited with editing application 43. Documents and photos imported using editing app 43 are displayed as images. Then, print instructions are provided. The editing application 43 that received the instruction sends a print execution notification to the OS indicating the content of the received print instruction. It is passed to 21. Note that in Figure 2, and in Figures 5 and 6 described later, the operation of OS21 is omitted. They are doing it.

[0031] When OS21 receives a print execution notification that uses the general-purpose printing program 41, The print program 41 is executed, and a print execution notification is passed to the general-purpose print program 41 (arrow B). ). The general-purpose printing program 41, in the print execution notification, receives various information included in the print instruction, for example. For example, information indicating the printer to be used for printing, and information indicating the print parameters set in the app. The system acquires information indicating the image data to be printed and information identifying the user who issued the print command. Yes, it is possible. Furthermore, as will be explained later, this information can also be used in auxiliary program 42. It can be done.

[0032] The general-purpose printing program 41 sets the format of the image data included in the print execution notification to intermediate image data. By converting to a specific format, intermediate image data is generated, and the print job containing the intermediate image data is processed. Generate (arrow C). The image data included in the editing application 43 is of various types. The general-purpose printing program 41 processes the received image data into intermediate data suitable for generating print data. Convert to image data. Note that the image data included in the print execution notification will be used to generate the print data. If the data is suitable, the generation of intermediate image data will be omitted, and the intermediate image data will be used directly. That's also good. Intermediate image data is, for example, XPS data.

[0033] Furthermore, the general-purpose printing program 41 prints based on the information contained in the print execution notification. Identify the printer designated as the device to run the program on. The general-purpose printing program 41, For example, if printer 2 is specified, the printer information stored in memory 12 will Based on the included printer model information, the model of printer 2 is identified. Then, The auxiliary program 42 corresponding to printer 2, which is the printer specified in the print command, is stored in memory. Since it is stored in 12, the general-purpose printing program 41 processes the auxiliary program 42. Before outputting the execution command and starting the generation of print data by the general-purpose printing program 41, Activate auxiliary program 42 (arrow D). Note that general-purpose printing program 41 is a general-purpose printing program. Even if you run the auxiliary program 42 after generating print data using the printing program 41, good.

[0034] The auxiliary program 42, in response to the execution command, checks whether there are specific settings in the print parameters. Determine (arrow E). Arrow E is an example of a decision process, and the decision condition for arrow E is the display condition. This is just one example. The print parameters are obtained by the general-purpose printing program 41 from the editing application 43. These may be print parameters attached to the execution command, or the auxiliary program 42 may, for example, print The print parameters may also be those received by displaying the print parameter editing screen.

[0035] The types of print parameters include paper size and other general-purpose print programs 41 that can handle Printer-specific parameters and paper type, etc., are supported by the general-purpose printing program 41. There are some unique parameters that cannot be changed. The editing application 43 is provided by the printer 2 vendor. If it's not an app, only generic parameters are attached to the execution command, but the editing app 43 is pre If the app is provided by the vendor of printer 2, then the general parameters and the specific parameters of printer 2 will be used. A parameter may be attached to the execution instruction. Note that only generic parameters may be attached to the execution instruction. Even in such cases, the auxiliary program 42 adds specific parameters and print parameters. You may do so.

[0036] Among the print parameters, there are some that are set before printing, such as when the paper type is high-quality paper like a postcard. In some cases, it is preferable to confirm with the user whether they intend to print. Therefore, auxiliary program 42 This specifies a particular setting among the configurable print parameters that confirms the print operation before printing. They are doing it.

[0037] For example, auxiliary program 42 sets a specific setting for "postcard," which is one of the paper type settings. If specified, it will determine whether the paper type setting in the print parameters is "postcard". The program 42 will reject the print parameters if the paper type setting is "postcard". The system determines that the data contains specific settings and displays a message (arrow F). Arrow F indicates the display process. This is one example.

[0038] Specifically, for example, the auxiliary program 42 uses the dialog 110 shown in Figure 4(a) as a UI. Display it on 20. Dialog 110 contains a confirmation message to confirm that you want to print on a postcard. Message 114 is displayed. Dialog 110 also displays a message instructing you to continue printing. A continue button 111 and a cancel button 112 that instructs the user to cancel printing are displayed. It is shown.

[0039] If the user presses the cancel button 112 (arrow G), the auxiliary program 42 will: Output the cancellation notification to the general-purpose printing program 41 (arrow H). General-purpose printing program 4 1. Cancel printing in response to the cancellation notification (arrow I), and edit the print cancellation notification. Output to RI43 (arrow J). By displaying confirmation message 114, a specific A user who notices that the setting has been made changes the setting value and then issues a print command again. We can expect that.

[0040] The auxiliary program 42 may accept the change in the setting value, or the editing application 43 may... It may be accepted. Also, similar to dialog 120 in Figure 4(b) described later, dialog A reset button 123 is also provided for unit 110, and when the reset button 123 is operated, the following diagram will be shown. You may perform the same processing as with arrows R~T and D in section 5.

[0041] On the other hand, if the user operates the print continue button 111 (arrow G), auxiliary program 42 This is an editing process that edits the intermediate image data attached to the execution command based on the print parameters. The command is executed (arrow K), and a completion notification is passed to the general-purpose printing program 41 (arrow L). Program 41 is intermediate image data included in the termination notification output from auxiliary program 42. The program generates print data based on the paper (arrow M). In other words, the general-purpose printing program 41 generates print data based on the paper The print data will be generated with the type setting remaining as "postcard". Note that the intermediate image data is general Intermediate image data generated by the general-purpose printing program 41 may also be used. The resulting print data is in a format that can be used for printing on various printers. Yes, there is. The print data is, for example, PWGRaster data or PDF data.

[0042] Furthermore, the auxiliary program 42 controls the operation of the print continue button 111 or the cancel button 112. Depending on the action, Dialog 110 will be cleared and the message display will be terminated. Gram 42 has either a Print Continue button 111 or a Cancel button 112 in dialog 110. If no message is displayed and a specified time has elapsed, the message display will end and printing will continue. You can do that.

[0043] After generating the print data, the general-purpose printing program 41 issues a print command containing the generated print data. Send to printer 2 (arrow N). Note that auxiliary program 42 is specific to printer 2. Machines that process print data, such as adding commands to print data to execute functions. It may have the ability to print the processed print data. In this case, the general-purpose printing program 41 prints the processed print data. It may also be sent to terminal 2. The print data is used to execute the print job, for example, as shown in Figure 3(a). Printer identification information to identify the printer to be used, print image data of the image to be printed, and print Includes parameters.

[0044] When printer 2 receives a print command, it prints based on the print data attached to the print command. The image data is printed. Printer 2 receives the print data with the command attached. If confirmed, the actions indicated by the command will be performed when printing is executed. After the data editing process is complete, the auxiliary program 42 will use the communication IF30 to send a general-purpose print message. A print command may be sent to printer 2 without going through program 41.

[0045] The processes indicated by arrows E and F described above only need to be performed once per print job. The timing of processing F is not limited to the above, but is performed before the print data is sent to printer 2. For example, after editing, before print data is generated, or after print data is generated. It's fine to do it afterward. However, doing it before editing will prevent unnecessary processing that doesn't lead to printing. It can be avoided before it happens.

[0046] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5, for example, the auxiliary program 42 outputs print parameters corresponding to the print instruction. After receiving the meter reading, the system queries the current status information, which is the information from printer 2, and retrieves the current status information. (Arrow O). Arrow O is an example of the acquisition process. Acceptance of print parameters is executed. This may be done by receiving print parameters attached to the command, or by receiving intermediate image data. This can also be done by accepting print parameter settings during the editing process. Program 42 is a program indicated by execution instructions output from the general-purpose printing program 41. The system obtains the printer's identification information and queries the printer indicated by the obtained identification information for current status information. Let it.

[0047] Current status information includes a large amount of information such as status information and setting information, as shown in Figure 3(b), for example. Includes information.

[0048] Status information indicates the status of printer 2 executing the print job. Task information includes, for example, information indicating the availability of memory for storage jobs where print jobs are stored. This includes information such as the progress status of the print job, the remaining amount of colorant, and whether or not a finisher is present. This includes information such as whether or not staples are present.

[0049] The job information includes "Printing in progress" to indicate that the print job is currently being printed, and the print job "Printing complete" indicates that the job has finished printing, while "Printing stopped" indicates that the print job has stopped printing. "Printing stopped" indicates that the printer is currently printing, while "Waiting" indicates that it is waiting for other print jobs to finish. It includes one of the following. Printer 2 receives a cancellation operation via the control panel to stop printing. It can be attached. If printer 2 accepts the cancellation operation, the job information will contain It includes information indicating "Printing complete" and "Cancellation operation: Yes". Meanwhile, printer 2, If printing is terminated without accepting the cancel operation, the job information will contain the message: "Cancel operation The phrase "Created by: Yes" is not included, but "Printing complete" is included.

[0050] The "Printing Stopped" message indicates the type of error, such as a paper jam, running out of paper, or running out of colorant. The following information is added. When printer 2 receives multiple print data, it records the information in its internal memory. The stored print data is processed in order. Therefore, the status of the print job to be executed on printer 2 The states include printing in progress, printing completed, and waiting. The job status may include errors such as paper out or paper jam, or it may be due to a cancellation operation. Printer 2 has finished printing. Printer 2 responds to an inquiry from PC1 and It detects the status of the device and returns the current status information.

[0051] Note that "Printing Stopped" indicates a status where the print job corresponding to the print command cannot be executed. This is an example of the status information displayed. "Printing Complete" means that the print job corresponding to the print command has been completed. This is an example of status information indicating the status of being able to perform an action.

[0052] If the auxiliary program 42 receives current status information from the printer 2, that is, the printer If communication with printer 2 is possible, the information indicates that printer 2 can communicate with PC1. The current status information, which includes the status "online," is stored in memory 12. Furthermore, the auxiliary program 42 may be unable to communicate with printer 2 due to communication errors or power off. If possible, the status will include information indicating "Printing stopped" and information indicating "Offline". The task information is stored in memory 12.

[0053] The memory for accumulated jobs is the storage area for accumulated printing in printer 2. Information indicating the availability of memory for jobs includes, for example, whether memory is available for stored jobs. If no memory is available, "Memory Full" is set; if there is free memory, the amount of free memory is set.

[0054] The configuration information includes the settings configured for printer 2. It has an operating unit that accepts input for type settings. Printer 2, via the operating unit, for example, each The paper size and type settings for the paper loaded into the tray, and the settings for color / monochrome printing. It has the function of accepting a fixed value input and storing it in internal memory. Printer 2 is connected to PC1. When the paper size and paper type settings are returned in response to an inquiry, they are set in internal memory. The paper size and type may be returned to PC1, or the device that detects the paper size and type may be... If possible, the detection result may be returned to PC1.

[0055] The above-mentioned current status information includes unique information and general information. Unique information is general-purpose printing information. Information that program 41 does not support, that is, status information or settings specific to printer 2. This is standard information. For example, the presence or absence of a finisher and staples are included in the status information. Information about optional units such as whether or not they exist, the success or failure of the stapler, and stored information such as memory full. Information regarding memory for the job, information regarding the cancellation operation on printer 2, and configuration information. The paper type settings included are just one example of unique information.

[0056] On the other hand, general-purpose information is general-purpose information that corresponds to the general-purpose printing program 41. This refers to general information that OS21 can understand. For example, it is included in the status information. The print job status, errors, communication status, remaining amount of colorant, and paper size information included in the installation information are all displayed. The settings for color / monochrome printing, etc., are just examples of general information. Note that specific information is... This is an example of information 1, and general information is an example of information 2.

[0057] Returning to Figure 5, the auxiliary program 42 stores the current status information obtained from printer 2 into memory 12. When stored, the values ​​of the print parameters for the print job corresponding to the print command, and the data obtained from printer 2 are retrieved. The current status information obtained matches the value shown in the setting information corresponding to the print parameter. Determine whether it is present or not (arrow P). Note that arrow P is an example of a decision process, and the decision of arrow P The conditions shown are just examples of display conditions.

[0058] For example, the auxiliary program 42 receives the print parameter values ​​and the setting information included in the current status information. Compare the setting value shown with the value shown. For example, if the paper type setting value in the print parameters is "Glossy" The paper type setting value included in the current status information obtained from printer 2 is "plain paper". If so, the auxiliary program 42 will check if the value of the print parameter matches the setting value of the setting information. It determines that there is no such item and displays a message in UI20 (arrow Q). Arrow Q is an example of display processing. be.

[0059] Specifically, for example, the auxiliary program 42 displays the dialog 120 shown in Figure 4(b) as a UI. Display it on page 20. Dialog 120 is because the paper type setting is not compatible with printer 2. Message 124 is displayed to notify you of this. Also, dialog 120 shows the continuation of the print. A print continue button 121 to indicate the next line, and a cancel button to indicate canceling the print job. Button 122 and a reset button 123 that instructs you to change the print settings are displayed. It is being done.

[0060] For example, as shown in Figure 5, when the user operates the reset button 123 via the UI 20 At the end of the sequence (arrow R), the auxiliary program 42 outputs a return notification to the general-purpose printing program 41. (Arrow S). The general-purpose printing program 41 re-outputs the execution command in response to the return notification. (Arrows T, D). For example, in the editing process of auxiliary program 42, set the print parameters. By displaying the settings screen, the paper type in the print parameters can be changed from "Glossy Paper" to "Regular Paper". It is highly likely that the setting will change to "Paper Stream," causing Printer 2 to perform printing unintended by the user. This will be suppressed.

[0061] Furthermore, if the user operates the print continuation button 121 via UI20 (arrow R), Assistant program 42 performs editing (arrow K) and continues printing (arrows K to N). The user has intentionally allowed printing on plain paper via dialog box 120, so print The likelihood of having to redo it is low. In other words, reprinting is minimized.

[0062] Furthermore, when the user operates the cancel button 122 via UI20 (arrow R), Assistant program 42 outputs a cancellation notification to general-purpose printing program 41 (arrow H). The general-purpose printing program 41 cancels printing in response to the cancellation notification (arrow I), and cancels the print Cancellation notifications are output to editing app 43 (arrow J). This prevents users from making unintended changes. Printing will be suppressed.

[0063] Note that the processing of arrows P and Q is performed only once each time the print parameter settings are accepted. It is also acceptable. Furthermore, the timing for executing the processes for arrows P and Q is not limited to the above; for example, This can be done after the data processing, before generating the print data, or after generating the print data.

[0064] As shown in Figure 6, the general-purpose printing program 41 responds to the termination notification from the auxiliary program 42. When the print data is generated and sent to printer 2 (arrow N), printer 2 will: The print data is stored in internal memory, and printing is performed (arrow V). Auxiliary program 42 After outputting a completion notification to the general-purpose printing program 41 (arrow L in Figure 5), the printer 2 displays The system periodically queries for status information and receives the current status information returned from printer 2 (arrow U). The auxiliary program 42 lists the received current status information and stores it in memory 12.

[0065] The auxiliary program 42 determines whether the display conditions are met based on the current status information from the printer 2. For example, it determines whether "printing is stopped" or whether "printing has finished". (Arrow W), display a message if the display conditions are met (Arrow X). Note that Arrow U is This is an example of an acquisition process, arrow W is an example of a decision process, and arrow X is an example of a display process. The criteria for determining arrow U are just one example of display conditions.

[0066] Auxiliary program 42 periodically acquires and updates current status information, thereby providing the latest current status information. It becomes possible to display messages based on this. Note that the auxiliary program 42 is, for example, Regarding the configuration information, when the general-purpose printing program 41 sends print data to printer 2... The system retrieves information from printer 2 only once and displays a message; other current status information is handled as follows: It is acceptable to periodically retrieve the data and display a message. According to this, the current status information will be periodically retrieved. This can reduce the communication load when acquiring data.

[0067] As shown in Figure 3(b), for example, the auxiliary program 42 displays messages such as "Printing stopped" and "Out of paper." If status information for "" is received from printer 2, display the message (arrow X).

[0068] Specifically, for example, auxiliary program 42 displays the dialog 130 shown in Figure 4(c) U Displayed on I20. Dialog 130 shows information that printer 2 has stopped printing, error. - Error message 134 is displayed, notifying you of the content and how to resolve the error. Also, a dialog box appears. Information 135, which shows the progress of the print job, is displayed in section 130. Note that error messages are also displayed. Sage 134 does not need to include the error details or error resolution measures. Also, information 133 is displayed. It doesn't need to be shown.

[0069] Printer 2 will resume printing once the paper supply is replenished. In response to an inquiry from PC1, it returns status information, including "Printing in progress," to PC1. The auxiliary program 42 changes its status information from "Printing stopped" to "Printing in progress". As a result, the system determines that the error has been resolved and terminates the display of dialog box 130. After the dialog box 130 is displayed, the auxiliary program 42 will, if a predetermined amount of time has elapsed, You may close dialog box 130.

[0070] When printing on printer 2 has finished and the current status information includes the status information "Printing Complete", Assistant program 42 displays a message (arrow X) and performs monitoring processing of current status information (arrow W~ The process of repeating X is terminated, and after a predetermined time has elapsed, the message display is terminated.

[0071] Specifically, for example, auxiliary program 42 displays the dialog 140 shown in Figure 4(d) U Display in I20. Dialog 140 contains a print completion message 1 that notifies the end of printing. 44 and progress information 145 are displayed. Note that information 145 does not need to be displayed. Good. After the auxiliary program 42 displays the dialog box 140, and a predetermined amount of time has elapsed, Then, the display of dialog box 140 will end. Note that the message regarding the end of printing will be displayed if printing is successful. This can happen not only when the process is always terminated, but also, for example, when printing is forcibly terminated using the control panel of printer 2. This message may also be displayed when printing terminates under abnormal circumstances.

[0072] Furthermore, in the display processing of arrow F in Figure 2, arrow Q in Figure 5, and arrow X in Figure 6, unique information and general information are used. You may display a message based on both general information and specific information. You may choose to display only the specific information and not display messages based on general information. Specific information is, This tends to be highly important when executing print jobs, and there is a high need to display messages. Therefore.

[0073] Additionally, the display of error messages and print completion messages will end after a predetermined period of time. In such cases, the predetermined time may be changed depending on the display conditions. For example, if the paper is out or there is a paper jam, If a warning level notification is issued, such as a notification that a print job cannot be executed, it will be issued over a long period of time. It displays the error, or displays it until the error is resolved, and the print job can be executed, but the colorants are missing. When issuing warnings or alerts via foot gestures, such as a notice that printing will soon become unavailable, the display will be displayed in a short time. You may stop the demonstration.

[0074] Furthermore, auxiliary program 42 queries for current status information (arrow O in Figure 5, arrow U in Figure 6). The general-purpose printing program 41 performs a periodic repetition of (equivalent) printouts to printer 2. It may be initiated when a printing instruction is given (arrow A in Figures 2, 5, and 6), The program received an execution command from the general-purpose printing program 41 (arrows in Figures 2, 5, and 6). Mark D) May be started. In this case, auxiliary program 42 will start periodic inquiries. Based on the results, you can make a judgment regarding arrow P in Figure 5 and arrow W in Figure 6. Also, in this case, The auxiliary program 42 detects that a cancellation operation has been performed (the trigger for arrow H in Figures 2 and 5), The printer has finished printing (indicated by arrow X in Figure 6), which triggers an inquiry about the current status. You just need to stop repeating this process.

[0075] As explained above, the auxiliary program 42 receives information from the printer 2. The current status information of printer 2 is obtained, and if the display conditions are met, the obtained current status information is displayed. The message based on this is displayed in UI20. According to such an auxiliary program 42, The user can see the message without having to operate the UI20 of OS21. This allows users to easily obtain current status information about their print jobs.

[0076] This embodiment is merely illustrative and does not limit the present invention in any way. Therefore, the present invention is naturally subject to various improvements and modifications without departing from its essence. For example, the devices connected to PC1 are not limited to printers, but also include multifunction printers, copiers, fax machines, etc. Any device with printing capabilities will suffice. The printer connected to PC1 is shown in the example. It's not limited to just one unit; one unit is fine, or three or more units are fine too.

[0077] Furthermore, the module that executes each process in this configuration is not limited to the auxiliary program 42, but also OS2 When printing using the general-purpose printing program 41, the program receives instructions from OS21. Any RAM would suffice. For example, the print workflow app whose specifications have been released by Microsoft ( A print workflow would also work.

[0078] Furthermore, the auxiliary program 42 sends the message indicated by arrow X in Figure 6 via UI20. It may be deleted depending on the operation. Also, the auxiliary program 42 will send a message indicated by arrow X in Figure 6. After displaying the current status information (arrow W in Figure 6), the periodic repetition of the query continues, and If the printer receives status information different from "printing stopped", for example, "printing stopped", When status information indicating "In progress" or "Waiting" is received, the message will be automatically sent. You can delete it. This will automatically delete information that is no longer needed to be displayed. This helps to minimize inconvenience to users.

[0079] At arrow X in Figure 6, it is not necessary to display a message indicating the end of printing. However, By displaying a print completion message, users can easily recognize the useful fact that printing has finished. It will decrease.

[0080] A cancel button is provided in Figure 4(c), allowing the user to cancel printing when an error occurs. It is also possible to enable this. In this case, subsequent print jobs can be executed, making it more convenient to use. Furthermore, the information 135 and 145 shown in Figure 4 are obtained after a print instruction is given, in response to that print instruction. It may remain displayed until the corresponding print job is completed.

[0081] Furthermore, in any sequence diagram disclosed in the embodiments, any multiple steps Multiple processes in the program can have their execution order arbitrarily changed, as long as no inconsistencies arise in the processing content. It can be executed in parallel or in a single process.

[0082] Furthermore, the processing disclosed in the embodiments can be performed using a single CPU, multiple CPUs, ASICs, etc. It may be run on any hardware, or a combination thereof. Also, in the embodiment The disclosed process is recorded on a recording medium containing a program for performing that process, and This can be realized in various ways, such as by different methods. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0083] 1 PC 2 Printer 11 CPU 20 UI 21 OS 30 Communication IF 41 General-purpose printing program 42 Support Programs

Claims

1. It is executable by the computer of the information processing device and connects to the information processing device. This is a support program for the linter, To the aforementioned computer, The general-purpose printing process pre-installed in the operating system of the aforementioned information processing device Based on the fact that a print instruction was given to the printer to print an image of the program, Then, the acquisition process, the judgment process, and the display process are executed. In the aforementioned acquisition process, The printer is contacted via the communication interface of the information processing device. Obtain information about Linta, In the aforementioned decision process, Based on the printer information obtained in the acquisition process, a message based on the information Determine whether the display conditions for outputting the page are met. In the aforementioned display process, If the judgment process determines that the display conditions are met, the message will be sent. To display on the display device of the information processing unit, A support program characterized by the following features.

2. In the support program described in claim 1, After the general-purpose printing program generates the print data, the computer receives the acquisition process The logic, the judgment process, and the display process are executed. The printer information obtained in the aforementioned acquisition process includes the status of the printer. Status information is included, The display conditions are such that the status information can execute a print job corresponding to the print instruction. This indicates a status that does not exist. A support program characterized by the following features.

3. In the support program described in claim 2, In the aforementioned display process, After displaying the aforementioned message, the print job corresponding to the print instruction can be executed. When the status information indicating the status is obtained, the display of the message is terminated. 、 A support program characterized by the following features.

4. In the support program described in claim 1, After receiving the print parameters of the print job corresponding to the print instruction, the computer The system is instructed to perform the acquisition process, the determination process, and the display process. The printer information obtained in the aforementioned acquisition process includes the settings configured for the printer. Includes configuration information, The display conditions are defined by the value of the print parameter and the setting corresponding to the print parameter. The value shown in the information does not match the actual value. A support program characterized by the following features.

5. In the support program described in claim 1, The printer information obtained in the aforementioned acquisition process includes the mark that is executed by the printer. Includes job information that shows the status of the printing job. The display conditions are that the job information of the print job corresponding to the print instruction is the print job This indicates the end of the job. A support program characterized by the following features.

6. In the support program described in claim 1, The types of printer information acquired in the acquisition process include the general-purpose printing program. This includes first information that is not supported by the aforementioned general-purpose printing program and second information that is supported by the aforementioned general-purpose printing program. , The display condition is set to the acquisition of the first information. A support program characterized by the following features.

7. In a support program described in any one of claims 1 to 6, In the aforementioned display process, After the aforementioned message is displayed, if a predetermined time has elapsed, the display of the message will end. To finish, A support program characterized by the following features.

8. In a support program described in any one of claims 1 to 7, To the aforementioned computer, Based on the transmission of the print data generated by the general-purpose printing program to the printer, The periodic execution of the aforementioned acquisition process is initiated. A support program characterized by the following features.

9. In a support program according to any one of claims 1 to 8, To the aforementioned computer, During the display of the message by the display process, the print job corresponding to the print instruction The cancellation acceptance process, When the cancellation of the print job is accepted in the cancellation acceptance process, A transmission process that sends a print job cancellation command to the printer, To execute A support program characterized by the following features.

10. In a support program according to any one of claims 1 to 9, To the aforementioned computer, When the aforementioned print instruction is given, the print parameters of the print job to which the print instruction applies The general-purpose printing program executes a setting acceptance process to accept the settings, and the setting acceptance process is executed by the general-purpose printing program. Based on the print parameter settings received during the processing, print data is generated. Furthermore, the computer, If the above message is displayed in the above display process, the above setting acceptance process is re-executed. ru, A support program characterized by the following features.

11. It is executable by the computer of the information processing device and connects to the information processing device. This is a support program for the linter, To the aforementioned computer, The general-purpose printing process pre-installed in the operating system of the aforementioned information processing device Based on the fact that a print instruction was given to the printer to print an image of the program, When receiving print parameters for a print job corresponding to the print instruction, a decision process is performed. Then, the display process is executed, In the aforementioned decision process, Determine whether or not there are specific settings in the print parameters of the print job corresponding to the aforementioned print instruction. Decline, In the aforementioned display process, If the aforementioned determination process determines that the aforementioned specific setting exists, then based on the aforementioned specific setting The message is displayed on the display device of the information processing device. A support program characterized by the following features.

12. An information processing device comprising a communication interface, a display device, and a computer. hand, The operating system of the aforementioned information processing device is a pre-installed program It has a general-purpose printing program, The information processing device includes a support program that corresponds to the printer connected to the information processing device. Grams are incorporated, The aforementioned computer, A print command is given to the general-purpose printing program to cause the printer to print an image. Based on what happened, the support program performs acquisition processing, judgment processing, and table The process is executed, In the aforementioned acquisition process, The printer is contacted via the aforementioned communication interface, and the printer information is obtained. Obtain, In the aforementioned decision process, Based on the printer information obtained in the acquisition process, a message based on the information Determine whether the display conditions for outputting the page are met. In the aforementioned display process, If the aforementioned determination process determines that the display conditions are met, the message will be displayed in the table. Display on the display device. An information processing device characterized by the following:

13. An information processing apparatus comprising a display device and a computer, The operating system of the aforementioned information processing device is a pre-installed program It has a general-purpose printing program, The information processing device includes a support program that corresponds to the printer connected to the information processing device. Grams are incorporated, The aforementioned computer, A print command is given to the general-purpose printing program to cause the printer to print an image. Based on the information obtained, the support program will print the print corresponding to the print instruction. When accepting print parameters for a job, the following processes are executed: a decision process and a display process. In the aforementioned decision process, Determine whether or not there are specific settings in the print parameters of the print job corresponding to the aforementioned print instruction. Decline, In the aforementioned display process, If the aforementioned determination process determines that the aforementioned specific setting exists, then based on the aforementioned specific setting To display the message on the display device, An information processing device characterized by the following:

14. A printer is connected to the information processing device. The operating system of the aforementioned information processing device is a pre-installed program It has a general-purpose printing program, The information processing device includes a support program that corresponds to the printer connected to the information processing device. Grams are incorporated, The printer is made to perform printing based on the print data generated by the information processing device. In printing methods, A print command is given to the general-purpose printing program to cause the printer to print an image. Based on what has happened, the steps to be taken by the support program are: It includes a step, a decision step, and a display step. In the acquisition step described above, The printer is contacted via the communication interface of the information processing device. Obtain information about Linta, In the aforementioned decision step, Based on the printer information obtained in the acquisition step, Determine whether the display conditions for outputting the message are met. In the aforementioned display step, If the judgment step determines that the display conditions are met, the message will be displayed To display on the display device of the information processing device, A printing method characterized by the following features.

15. A printer is connected to the information processing device. The operating system of the aforementioned information processing device is a pre-installed program It has a general-purpose printing program, The information processing device includes a support program that corresponds to the printer connected to the information processing device. Grams are incorporated, The printer is made to perform printing based on the print data generated by the information processing device. In printing methods, A print command is given to the general-purpose printing program to cause the printer to print an image. Based on the information received, the print parameters for the print job corresponding to the print instruction are accepted. In such cases, the steps performed by the support program include a decision step and a display step. Includes steps, In the aforementioned decision step, Determine whether or not there are specific settings in the print parameters of the print job corresponding to the aforementioned print instruction. Decline, In the aforementioned display step, If it is determined in the aforementioned determination step that the aforementioned specific setting exists, then based on the aforementioned specific setting The message is displayed on the display device of the information processing device. A printing method characterized by the following features.

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