PROGRAM, INFORMATION PROCESSING APPARATUS, AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING INFORMATION PROCESSING APPARATUS

Abstract

To output an output object suitable for user's intention with suppressing failure in printing when using a recording apparatus which can carry out successive printing by feeding paper from a plurality of paper feeding slots.SOLUTION: The prevent invention is directed, through an embodiment thereof, to a program for causing a computer of an information processing apparatus to function as acquiring means for acquiring print setting information corresponding to each of paper feeding parts of a recording apparatus capable of feeding paper from its plurality of paper feeding parts and including at least information of a kind of paper set in each of the paper feeding parts and information of a paper width, first generating means for generating a display item for a GUI which allows a user to designate all of the paper feeding parts matching both the kind and the width of paper among the paper feeding parts of the recording apparatus, and second generating means for, when the user designates the paper feeding unit matched as an output designation, generating a print job which includes commands for use in automatic selection of a paper feeding part by the recording apparatus from the matched paper feeding parts.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the art of continuous printing. [Background technology]

[0002] There is known an image output device that outputs output continuously (i.e., without interruption) by feeding and printing across multiple paper feed inlets (i.e., from multiple paper feed inlets) when the print output based on one print job has a large number of pages or when there is little paper remaining, etc. Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for outputting output continuously across multiple paper feed inlets, in which when the sizes of paper in the paper feed inlets differ during continuous printing, a composite printing is performed by applying a different form for each size.

[0003] Another known technique is to specify the size of standard cut paper to be placed in the paper feed inlet, and when the same paper size is set for multiple paper feed inlets on the image output device, printing continues without stopping.

[0004] However, the above-mentioned method of continuing printing by specifying the cut paper size cannot be applied to printers that print on roll paper (hereafter referred to as roll paper printers). This is because with roll paper printers, the paper size varies depending on where the roll paper is cut, so the paper size cannot be uniquely determined.

[0005] To solve this problem, a technique is known in which an information processing device creates a print job using a command to automatically select a paper feed port on the image output device, such as a roll paper printer, to match the size of the image to be printed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] JP 2009-33419 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] However, in Patent Document 1, when performing continuous printing by feeding paper from multiple paper feed ports in an image output device in which different sizes of paper are loaded in multiple paper feed ports, the print settings may not be properly reflected, such as the paper size or type specified by the user not being used. Therefore, there is a problem that the output may have image missing or large margins that the user did not intend. In addition, there is also a problem that the color of the output may change between different types of paper because the amount of ink used differs depending on the type of paper.

[0008] In view of the above problems, one embodiment of the present invention aims to reduce printing failures and produce output that conforms to the user's intentions when using a recording device capable of performing continuous printing by feeding paper from multiple paper feed ports. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] One embodiment of the present invention is a program for causing a computer of an information processing device to function as: an acquisition means for acquiring print setting information corresponding to each paper feed unit in a recording device capable of feeding paper from multiple paper feed units, and including at least information on the paper type and paper width regarding the paper loaded on the recording device; a first creation means for creating a display item for a GUI that allows the user to collectively specify paper feed units among the paper feed units of the recording device that have both the same paper type and paper width; and a second creation means for creating a print job when a user specifies the matching paper feed unit as the output destination via the display item, wherein the print job includes a command for the recording device to automatically select a paper feed unit from the matching paper feed units. Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to one embodiment of the present invention, when using a recording device capable of printing by feeding paper from multiple paper feed ports, it is possible to reduce printing failures and output an output that conforms to the user's intentions. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] Block diagram showing the configuration of a printing system [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of an image output device 100. [Diagram 3] Block diagram showing the hardware configuration of PC101 [Figure 4] Printing system functional block diagram [Diagram 5] A table that holds print setting information [Figure 6] Print setting GUI screen displayed on the display connected to PC101 [Figure 7] 1 is a flowchart showing a process in which the PC 101 acquires print setting information for the image output device 100. [Figure 8] Flowchart of the process by which the PC101 generates and stores automatic flag values [Figure 9] Display based on paper feed information generated using automatic flags [Figure 10] 1 is a flowchart showing a process in which the PC 101 creates a print job and transmits it to the image output device 100. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a manner in which the width size of page data is expanded to be the same as the paper width size of roll paper. [Figure 12] A flowchart of a print execution process that involves determining whether all pages included in a print job can be output on paper of a size desired by a user. [Figure 13] Warning message notifying you that the paper is running low DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the scope of the present invention, and not all of the combinations of features described in the following embodiments are necessarily essential to the solution of the present invention.

[0013] [First embodiment] <Printing system configuration> Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a printing system in this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, an image output device 100 is capable of communicating with an information processing device (hereinafter referred to as a PC) 101 capable of creating a print job via a network 102. The image output device is also called an image recording device or a printer. The PC 101 can cause the image processing device 100 to execute printing by acquiring information regarding the width of paper fed to the image output device 100 and transmitting a print job to the image output device 100.

[0014] In this embodiment, the printing system is configured to have one image output device, but the number of image output devices in the printing system is not limited to one and may be two or more. Similarly, the number of PCs is one, but it may be two or more. Furthermore, if the functions of the PC are incorporated in the image output device, the printing system may be configured only with the image output device.

[0015] <Hardware configuration of image output device> 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the image output device 100. The image output device 100 is controlled by a CPU 200. The CPU 200 operates based on a control program stored in a ROM 201 or an external memory 208. The CPU 200 outputs an image signal as output information to a printing unit (specifically, a printer engine) 207 connected to a printing unit I / F 205 via a system bus 203.

[0016] The CPU 200 is capable of communication processing with the PC 101 via the input unit 204, and can notify the PC 101 of information indicating the state of the image output device 100 and information indicating the status of the print processing. The CPU 200 can also receive, via the input unit 204, the output data itself to be output to the print unit 207, or data required to generate the output data (for example, a print job including print setting information and image data).

[0017] The RAM 202 functions as the main memory of the CPU 200 and as a RAM that functions as a work area, etc., and is configured such that the memory capacity can be expanded by an optional RAM connected to an expansion port (not shown). The RAM 202 is used as an output information expansion area, an environment data storage area, a non-volatile memory, etc.

[0018] An external memory 208 such as a hard disk (HDD) or an IC card is controlled for access by a memory controller 206. The external memory 208 is optionally connected as needed, and stores font data, an emulation program, form data, information regarding paper registered in the image output device, and paper attribute information, etc. Further, the operation unit 209 has a panel and can display various information, and the user can give instructions to the image output device 100 via the panel.

[0019] <Hardware Configuration of the PC> FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the PC 101 shown in FIG. 1. The PC 101 has a CPU 300, a ROM 301, a RAM 302, a network I / F 303, a keyboard controller 304, a display controller 305, and a disk controller 306.

[0020] The CPU 300 reads out various programs such as a control program, a system program, and an application program from an external memory 310 via the disk controller 306, and expands the read-out various programs in the RAM 302. By executing the various programs expanded in the RAM 302, the CPU 300 performs each process described below and controls the display on the display 309. Note that the CPU 300 may read out a control program, etc. from the ROM 301 instead of the external memory 310, or a dedicated circuit such as an ASIC may be used instead of the CPU 300. The CPU 300 and the dedicated circuit are examples of a hardware circuit and a hardware processor.

[0021] The RAM 302 is configured so that its capacity can be expanded by an optional RAM (not shown) or the like, and is used mainly as a work area for the CPU 300.

[0022] A keyboard controller 304 controls key input from a keyboard 308 or a pointing device (not shown). A display controller 305 controls the display on a display 309. A disk controller 306 controls access to an external memory 310 such as a HD, CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, UDB, or MO. The CPU 300 is also capable of communication processing with the PC 101 via a network I / F 303.

[0023] In this embodiment, unless otherwise specified, the CPU 300 controls each unit connected to the main bus 311 via the main bus 311.

[0024] <Printing system software configuration> Fig. 4 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the software configuration of the printing system shown in Fig. 1. First, the software configuration of the image output device 100 will be described. The image output device 100 has a device information storage unit 405, a print job receiving unit 406, and a print execution unit 407. These modules are realized by hardware components of the image output device 100, such as a CPU 200, a ROM 201, and a RAM 202.

[0025] The device information storage unit 405 stores information (referred to as status information of the image output device 100) that reflects the paper feed status and device setting status. The print job receiving unit 406 receives a print job sent from the PC 101, and checks the consistency between the received print job and the information stored in the device information storage unit 405. If there is no problem as a result of checking the consistency, the print execution unit 407 executes print processing based on the print job received by the print job receiving unit 406.

[0026] Next, the software configuration of PC 101 will be described. PC 101 has a print setting information database (abbreviated as print setting information DB) 400, an information acquisition unit 401, an information comparison unit 402, an information display unit 403, and a print job transmission unit 404. These modules are part of the functional modules of an application that executes printing in cooperation with a printer driver. For example, print setting information DB 400 is realized by hardware components of PC 101 such as ROM 301, RAM 302, or external memory 310. Moreover, information acquisition unit 401, information comparison unit 402, information display unit 403, and print job transmission unit 404 are realized by hardware components of PC 101 such as CPU 300.

[0027] The print setting information DB 400 stores status information of the image output device 100 acquired by the information acquisition unit 401 and information acquired from a printer driver and an OS installed in the PC 101. The information display unit 403 creates a GUI screen for displaying the print setting information based on the print setting information stored in the print setting information DB 400, and displays the created GUI screen on the display 309. The information display unit 403 also stores print setting values ​​changed by user input via the GUI screen in the print setting information DB 400. Furthermore, the information display unit 403 requests the print job transmission unit 404 to create a print job and transmit the created print job to the image output device 100. The information comparison unit 402 performs information verification, such as comparing the information stored in the print setting information DB 400 with print setting values ​​input via a GUI 600 described later. Then, the information comparison unit 402 requests the information display unit 403 to display warning information based on the verification result. As a result, for example, a message notifying the user that there is insufficient paper is displayed on the display 309. This will be described in detail in the second embodiment.

[0028] <Print setting information> FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a table that holds print setting information stored in the print setting information DB 400. The table shown in FIG. 5 has setting items such as ID 500, printer name 501, paper feed port 502, which is a paper feed unit, paper width 503, paper type 504, automatic flag 505, and remaining paper amount 506. In the records (rows) of this table, print setting information for each ID for uniquely identifying the print setting information is described, and the print setting information is used to create a GUI screen 600 (see FIG. 6) described later. In particular, one of the important features of this embodiment is that in the column of the automatic flag 505, a flag value indicating whether or not to display "roll paper automatic" on the GUI screen 600 is described. The GUI screen 600 and roll paper automatic will be described later.

[0029] In this embodiment, seven types of setting items are provided as shown in Fig. 5, but other setting items may be used, and the number of types of setting items in the table may be increased. Also, although a form in which all print setting information is managed in one table has been shown here, a table for each setting value related to a specific setting item (for example, a first table corresponding to printer 1 and a second table corresponding to printer 2) may be prepared.

[0030] 6 is a diagram showing an example of a GUI screen of a printing application for a user to perform print settings, and shows a case where "Printer 1" corresponding to image output device 100 in FIG. 1 is specified as the output destination printer. This GUI screen is displayed on display 309 connected to PC 101.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 6, a GUI screen 600 has a file list display section 601, a preview display section 602, a print setting display section 603, and a print execution button 604.

[0032] A list of document files to be printed and a list of pages included in the documents are displayed in the file list display area 601, and the file name and the number of pages are displayed as information related to the documents. By selecting a page for each document displayed in the file list display area 601, the user can select the preview display target or limit the print target.

[0033] The preview display section 602 displays a preview of the print layout of the page selected via the file list display section 601 .

[0034] The print setting display section 603 displays information about print settings generated based on the information stored in the table shown in Fig. 5. The print setting display section 603 has a first pull-down list 605 for selecting a destination printer, a second pull-down list 606 for selecting a paper feed medium, and a third pull-down list 607 for selecting print quality.

[0035] When the print execution button 604 is pressed by the user, a print job is created based on the contents set via the GUI screen 600, and the created print job is sent to the image output device 100.

[0036] It should be noted that the GUI screen shown in FIG. 6 is an example, and the GUI screen may include elements other than those described above.

[0037] <Print setting information acquisition process> 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a process for acquiring print setting information executed by the PC 101. The following process is triggered by the start of a printing application installed on the PC 101.

[0038] In step S700, the information acquisition unit 401 communicates with one or more image output devices 100 connected to the PC 101, and acquires status information for each image output device 100, including the paper feed status. As described above, this status information is stored in advance in the image output device 100 by the device information storage unit 405. For simplicity, "step S~" will be abbreviated to "S~" below.

[0039] In S701, the information acquisition unit 401 writes the status information of the image output device 100 acquired in S700 in a table stored in the print setting information DB 400, and a series of processes ends. After this step, of the seven setting items in the table shown in Fig. 5, the values ​​of setting items 500 to 504 and 506 are written. The above is the content of the print setting information acquisition process.

[0040] <Automatic flag value generation and memory processing> 8 is a flow chart showing an example of a process for generating and storing an automatic flag value as a preparatory process for generating paper feed information to be displayed in the second pull-down list 606. Here, it is assumed that the following process is started when a printer is specified by the user via the first pull-down list 605 (see FIG. 6).

[0041] In S800, the information comparison unit 402 acquires the printer name of the printer specified via the first pull-down list 605.

[0042] In S801, information comparison unit 402 acquires the ID500 value that holds the same value as the printer name acquired in S800 by searching the column of printer name 501 in the table in Fig. 5. For example, if the printer name acquired in S800 is "Printer 2" shown in Fig. 5, the ID500 values ​​acquired in this step are ID-E, ID-F, ID-G, ID-H, and ID-I.

[0043] In S802, the information comparison unit 402 extracts, from the ID500 values ​​acquired in S801, those whose paper feed slot 502 value is "ROLL*" (* can be any character, and ROLL* indicates that roll paper is set). For example, if the ID500 values ​​acquired in S801 are ID-E, ID-F, ID-G, ID-H, and ID-I shown in Fig. 5, the ID500 values ​​extracted in this step are ID-E, ID-F, ID-G, ID-H, and ID-I.

[0044] In S803, the information comparison unit 402 determines whether there is any ID500 value extracted in S802 that matches both the paper width 503 and the paper type 504. If the determination result in this step is true, the process proceeds to S804. On the other hand, if the determination result in this step is false, the series of processes ends. For example, consider the case where the ID500 values ​​extracted in S802 are ID-E, ID-F, ID-G, ID-H, and ID-I shown in FIG. 5. In this case, for ID-E, ID-F, and ID-G, the paper width value is 24 inches, the paper type value is plain paper, and both the paper width 503 and the paper type 504 values ​​match. Therefore, the determination result in this step is true.

[0045] In S804, the information comparison unit 402 writes ON as the value of the automatic flag 505 corresponding to the value of ID 500 for which it was determined in S803 that both the values ​​of the paper width 503 and the paper type 504 match, and updates the table. Note that Fig. 5 shows that ON has been written as the value of the automatic flag for each of ID-E, ID-F, and ID-G as a result of this step.

[0046] As described above, in this embodiment, the start trigger for the series of processes is the printer specification via the first pull-down list 605, but the start trigger is not limited to this. For example, the generation and storage process of the automatic flag value may be started at the timing when the value of a setting item other than the automatic flag 505 is written among the setting items of the table shown in Fig. 5 as a result of the PC 101 communicating with the image output device 100. The above is the content of the generation and storage process of the automatic flag value.

[0047] <Display paper feed information based on auto flag value> 9 is a diagram showing an example of paper feed information display when the ▽ on the right side of second pull-down list 606 is pressed while printer 2 (see FIG. 5) is selected in first pull-down list 605. As shown in the figure, information is displayed for each paper type linked to the value of ID 500 that matches the printer name (printer 2 in this case) selected via first pull-down list 605 and the value of printer 501.

[0048] In this case, for paper types associated with ID 500 values ​​where the value of auto flag 505 is blank, that is, no value is written for auto flag 505, items based on the value of paper feed slot 502 are displayed for each paper type. In this example, "Roll paper 4 A2 plain paper" and "Roll paper 5 24 inch coated paper" are displayed.

[0049] In contrast, the paper types that are commonly placed in the paper feed ports whose auto flag 505 values ​​are ON are displayed together in one item on the GUI, as shown in Fig. 9. The user can use this single display item to collectively specify all the paper feed ports whose auto flag values ​​are ON. In this example, since the auto flag values ​​for ID-E, ID-F, and ID-G are all ON, the item "Roll paper, automatic: 24 inch, plain paper" is displayed as the content related to the paper type associated with these ID values.

[0050] <Print job creation process> Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a process in which the PC 101 creates a print job and transmits the created print job to the image output device 100. The process shown in Fig. 10 starts when the print execution button 604 is pressed by the user.

[0051] In S1000, the information display unit 403 detects that the user has pressed the print execution button 604, and requests the print job transmission unit 404 to create a print job.

[0052] In step S1001 , the print job transmission unit 404 acquires print setting values ​​set by the user via the print setting display unit 603 .

[0053] In S1002, the print job sending unit 404 determines whether the value set via the second pull-down list 606 among the print setting values ​​acquired in S1001 is "Roll paper automatic...". "Roll paper automatic..." means that continuous printing is performed by feeding paper across multiple paper feed ports. In other words, in this continuous printing, when feeding paper from the first paper feed port and printing, even if the first paper feed port runs out of paper in the middle of the print job (before all printing of the print job is completed), paper is fed from another paper feed port, the second paper feed port. This allows printing to be completed without interrupting the print. If the determination result in this step is true, the process proceeds to S1004. On the other hand, if the determination result in this step is false, the process proceeds to S1003.

[0054] In S1003, the print job transmission unit 404 specifies a paper feed port setting command, which is one piece of print setting information to be included in the print job. The paper feed port setting command is used when selecting a paper feed port to be actually used in the image output device 100. In this embodiment, a command for directly specifying a paper feed port set by the user via the second pull-down list 606 is specified as the paper feed port setting command.

[0055] In step S1004, the print job transmission unit 404 specifies a paper feed port setting command for specifying a paper feed port for which the value of the automatic flag 505 is ON.

[0056] In S1005, the print job transmission unit 404 determines whether the page width size for the image data to be output is smaller than the paper width size of the specified roll paper. If the result of the determination in this step is true, the process proceeds to S1006. On the other hand, if the result of the determination in this step is false, the process proceeds to S1007.

[0057] In step S1006, the print job transmission unit 404 expands the page width size of the image data to be output so that the page width size is equal to the paper width size of the specified roll paper. Details of this step will be described later with reference to FIG.

[0058] In S1007, the print job transmission unit 404 designates other print setting information and creates a print command.

[0059] In S1008, the print job transmission unit 404 creates a print job including the print command created in S1007, and transmits the created print job to the image output device 100.

[0060] <Expanding the page width size for the image data to be output> 11 is a diagram for explaining the process (S1006 in FIG. 10) of expanding the page width size of the image data to be output so that it is equal to the paper width size of the roll paper 1100. This expansion process is not essential in terms of the configuration, but by providing this expansion process, it is possible to prevent problems such as the following, in which the intended output is not obtained.

[0061] Consider the case where information about paper feed ports with the auto flag value ON is displayed together as shown in Fig. 9, and a paper feed port setting command is specified to specify a paper feed port with the auto flag value ON in S1004 of Fig. 10. In such a case, if there is another roll paper whose difference between the page width size and paper width size for the image data to be output is smaller than that of the specified roll paper, the other roll paper is selected preferentially on the image output device 100 side. This causes a problem in which the output product does not match the content displayed in the preview display unit 602, and in order to solve this problem, it is necessary to perform a process to expand the page width size of the image data to be output.

[0062] 11, in this embodiment, the page width size for the image data to be output is expanded by adding a margin area 1102 to the original page area 1101. As a result, the page width size for the image data to be output becomes equal to the paper width size of the roll paper 1100.

[0063] <Effects of this embodiment> According to this embodiment, when performing continuous printing in which paper is fed from multiple paper feed ports, it is possible to reduce print failures and output an output that matches the user's intention.

[0064] [Second embodiment] In this embodiment, when a created print job is sent to the image output device 100, the PC 101 calculates the amount of paper required to output the print job. After that, based on the calculated amount of paper and the remaining amount of paper in the image output device 100, the PC 101 displays a message to that effect if there is a paper shortage or a message urging the user to replace the roll of paper. Note that in the following, descriptions of the same content as in the previous embodiment will be omitted as appropriate, and differences from the previous embodiment will be mainly described.

[0065] FIG. 12 is a flowchart of a series of processes that are executed when a print job is sent to image output device 100 (S1008 in FIG. 10), and that involve determining whether the page data for all pages contained in the print job can be output on paper of the size desired by the user.

[0066] In S1200, the print job transmission unit 404 searches the table shown in Fig. 5 and determines whether there is an ID value whose automatic flag value is ON. If the determination result in this step is true, the process proceeds to S1201. On the other hand, if the determination result in this step is false, the process proceeds to S1209.

[0067] In S1201, the print job transmission unit 404 calculates the paper length required for output based on print setting information included in the print job, specifically, information on the number of pages and information on the page size.

[0068] In S1202, the print job transmission unit 404 focuses on one of the unprocessed ID values ​​whose auto flag value is ON (this ID value is called a target ID value). The print job transmission unit 404 then determines whether the magnitude relationship between the paper length required for output most recently calculated (i.e., in S1201 or S1204 described later) and the remaining amount of paper corresponding to the target ID value satisfies the following formula (1). If the determination result in this step is true, the process proceeds to S1203, whereas if the determination result is false, the process proceeds to S1209.

[0069]

number

[0070] Note that when there are multiple ID values ​​with the automatic flag value ON and one ID value to be focused on is determined in this step, the order of focus may be determined based on the state of roll paper feed in each paper feed inlet of the image output device 100. In other words, to make the roll paper printable, preparation processes such as moving the leading edge of the roll paper to a specified position and rewinding it to increase the tension are required, so an embodiment can be considered in which priority is given to ID values ​​indicating paper feed inlets for which this preparation process has been completed. Alternatively, the value of remaining paper amount 506 in the table shown in Figure 5 may be taken into consideration, and attention may be given to those with the greatest amount of remaining paper.

[0071] In S1203, the print job transmission unit 404 determines whether there is an ID value with the automatic flag value ON that has not yet been noted in S1202 (i.e., unprocessed). If the determination result in this step is true, the process proceeds to S1204, whereas if the determination result is false, the process proceeds to S1205.

[0072] In S1204, print job transmission unit 404 calculates the number of pages that cannot be output using the paper placed in the paper feed slot corresponding to the target ID value. Then, based on this calculated number of pages and the page size information also used in S1201, calculates the paper length required to output the remaining number of pages. In the loop process of S1202 to S1204 as a whole, it is determined whether the total remaining amount of paper placed in each of the multiple paper feed slots specified as output destinations is greater than the paper length required for output.

[0073] If NO in S1203, there is a shortage of paper of the size desired by the user in the image output device 100, and so continuing printing as is may result in output on paper of a size different from the desired size, resulting in an output that is not intended by the user. Therefore, in this case, in S1205, the print job transmission unit 404 requests the information display unit 403 to display a warning GUI on the display 309.

[0074] 13 shows a GUI 1300 as an example of a warning GUI displayed in S1205. The GUI 1300 has an area 1301 for displaying a message to warn the user. The GUI 1300 also has a first button 1302 that is pressed when continuing printing, a second button 1303 that is pressed when starting printing after adding paper to the image output device 100, and a third button 1304 that is pressed when canceling printing.

[0075] Returning to the description of Fig. 12, in S1206, the print job transmission unit 404 determines whether or not there is an instruction to continue printing from the user. If the determination result in this step is true, the process proceeds to S1209, whereas if the determination result is false, the process proceeds to S1207. In this embodiment, if pressing of the first button 1302 is detected, it is assumed that there is an instruction to continue printing, and the process proceeds to S1209. On the other hand, if pressing of the second button 1303 or the third button 1304 is detected, it is assumed that there is no instruction to cancel printing, and the process proceeds to S1207.

[0076] In S1207, the print job transmission unit 404 determines whether or not a print cancel instruction has been issued by the user. If the determination result in this step is true, the process proceeds to S1210, whereas if the determination result is false, the process proceeds to S1208. In this embodiment, if pressing of the third button 1304 is detected, it is assumed that a print cancel instruction has been issued, and the process proceeds to S1210. On the other hand, if pressing of the second button 1303 is detected, it is assumed that no print cancel instruction has been issued (in other words, there is an instruction to start printing after adding paper), and the process proceeds to S1208.

[0077] If the result in S1207 is NO, this means that the user selected the option to start printing after adding the missing paper to the image output device 100. In this case, therefore, the PC 101 waits until the user adds the missing paper to the image processing device 100. In detail, in S1208, the print job transmission unit 404 determines whether the table shown in FIG. 5 stored in the print setting information DB 400 has been updated as a result of adding the missing paper. If the result of the determination in this step is true, it is assumed that the paper status in the image output device 100 has changed, and the process proceeds to S1200. On the other hand, if the result of the determination in this step is false, loop processing is performed.

[0078] In S1209, the print job transmitting unit 404 transmits the created print job to the image output device 100, causing the image output device 100 to execute the print process.

[0079] In S1210, the print job transmission unit 404 executes a job cancellation process to delete the created print job.

[0080] <Effects of this embodiment> As described above, in this embodiment, when the remaining amount of paper specified by the user is low in the image output device, a warning GUI is displayed to notify the user of the warning. This allows the user to replace the paper in the image output device or cancel printing, thereby preventing printing failures.

[0081] [Other embodiments] The present invention can also be realized by a process in which a program for realizing one or more functions of the above-mentioned embodiments is supplied to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in a computer of the system or device read and execute the program. The present invention can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) for realizing one or more functions. [Explanation of symbols]

[0082] 100 Image output device 101 Information processing device (PC) 401 Information Acquisition Department 403 Information display section 404 Print job sending section

Claims

1. The computer of the information processing device, an acquisition unit that acquires print setting information corresponding to each of the paper feed units in a recording device capable of feeding paper from a plurality of paper feed units and including at least information on the paper type and paper width of the paper placed on the recording device; a first creation means for creating a display item for a GUI that can collectively designate paper feed units having the same paper type and paper width among the paper feed units of the recording device; a second creation means for creating a print job when a user designates the matching paper feed unit as an output destination via the display item, the print job including a command for the recording device to automatically select a paper feed unit from among the matching paper feed units; A program to function as a

2. The computer further comprises: A determination means for determining, using the print setting information, whether or not there is a paper feed unit in the recording device that has both the same paper type and paper width. The program according to claim 1 for causing the program to function as a

3. When the determination result by the determination means is true, the first creation means creates the display items using the print setting information.

3. The program according to claim 2 .

4. The paper sheets loaded in each of the paper feed units of the recording device include roll paper and cut paper.

4. The program according to claim 1, wherein the program is a program for executing a program for executing a program.

5. the GUI has a preview display section for displaying a preview of a print layout, a first pull-down list for selecting a recording device as an output destination, and a second pull-down list for selecting a paper feed medium; 5. The program according to claim 1, wherein the program is a program for executing a program for executing a program.

6. The computer further comprises: A display control means for displaying, on a display means, a warning GUI indicating that the remaining amount of paper is insufficient, based on the relationship between the remaining amount of paper specified and the length of paper required for output. The program according to any one of claims 1 to 5, for causing the program to function as a

7. when the matching paper feed units are specified as output destinations via the display items, the display control means causes the display means to display the warning GUI when the total amount of remaining paper loaded in each of the matching paper feed units is shorter than the required paper length.

7. The program according to claim 6 .

8. an acquisition unit that acquires print setting information corresponding to each of the paper feed units in a recording device capable of feeding paper from a plurality of paper feed units and including at least information on the paper type and paper width of the paper placed on the recording device; a first creation means for creating a display item for a GUI that can collectively designate paper feed units having the same paper type and paper width among the paper feed units of the recording device; a second creation means for creating a print job when a user designates the matching paper feed unit as an output destination via the display item, the print job including a command for the recording device to automatically select a paper feed unit from among the matching paper feed units; 13. An information processing device comprising:

9. acquiring print setting information corresponding to each of the paper feed units in a recording device capable of feeding paper from a plurality of paper feed units and including at least paper type information and paper width information relating to paper placed on the recording device; creating a display item for a GUI that can collectively specify paper feed units having the same paper type and paper width among the paper feed units of the recording device; a step of creating a print job when a user designates the matching paper feed unit as an output destination via the display item, the print job including a command for the recording device to automatically select a paper feed unit from among the matching paper feed units; 13. A method for controlling an information processing apparatus comprising the steps of:

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