Image forming apparatus, control method for image forming apparatus, and program

Abstract

To provide an image forming device that is configured so that some of setting items are prevented from being changed when a plurality of setting items are read out as collective settings.SOLUTION: An image forming device comprises: memorizing means that memorizes setting values of a plurality of setting items and identification information while associating the values with the information; receiving means that receives, from a predetermined print service, a request for obtaining the identification information memorized in the memorizing means; and transmitting means that transmits, to the predetermined print service, the memorized identification information and information for making the predetermined print service set a first setting item, associated with the identification information, which cannot be set by the predetermined print service, and does not transmit, to the predetermined print service, information for making the predetermined print service set a second setting item, associated with the identification information, which cannot be set by the predetermined print service, on the basis of the received request for obtaining the identification information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, a control method for the image forming apparatus, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, the Internet Printing Protocol (IPP) has become a standard printing function provided by the operating systems (OS) that make up information processing devices. With IPP, an information processing device can select various print settings on its print screen according to capability information notified by an image forming device. The present invention relates to this capability notification and selection method.

[0003] It is considered that setting values ​​for multiple setting items are registered in an image forming device as a single set of collective settings, and print settings are performed on an information processing device using the set of setting values ​​registered in the image forming device. In Patent Document 1, a user sets multiple setting items in the image forming device in advance and registers them in the image forming device. The information processing device acquires information for identifying the set of setting values ​​registered in the image forming device from the image forming device and displays it on a display unit of the information processing device. The information processing device displays the acquired identification information and accepts from the user selection of identification information to be used for printing. The information processing device then transmits the selected identification information to the image forming device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-006099 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, on the print setting screen provided by an IPP-compatible print service, the setting items that can be set by the user are limited to those defined by IPP, and it is not possible to set setting items or values ​​specific to the image forming device vendor. For example, setting items and values ​​specific to the vendor include those related to the "opening direction" and "creep correction amount" when performing bookbinding.

[0006] Among the vendor-specific setting items included in the set of multiple setting items registered in the image forming device, there are some items whose settings need to be changed before printing and some that do not need to be changed before printing. For example, the creep correction amount mentioned above may need to be changed appropriately before printing depending on the number of pages to be printed. On the other hand, the toner save setting, which saves the amount of toner used, is enabled every time a job is executed using the batch setting, and is therefore an item whose settings are unlikely to be changed before printing. Displaying a screen for changing setting items for items whose settings are unlikely to be changed would result in a display that is likely unnecessary for the user. Therefore, the image forming device described in the present embodiment aims to allow some settings to be changed while preventing other setting items from being changed when multiple setting items are read as batch settings. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problem, an image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment is an image forming apparatus having a storage means for storing a combination of setting values ​​of a plurality of setting items in association with identification information of the combination, a notification means for notifying an information processing apparatus of the identification information, a reception means for receiving print data from the information processing apparatus, and an image forming means for executing image formation based on the received print data, wherein the plurality of setting items include a first setting item and a second setting item, and the notification means notifies the information processing apparatus of information used by the information processing apparatus to display an object for changing the setting value of the first setting item on a display unit of the information processing apparatus, and notifies the information processing apparatus of information used by the information processing apparatus to display an object for changing the setting value of the second setting item on a display unit of the information processing apparatus.The information processing device is provided with information used by the information processing device to display an object for changing the setting value on the display unit. It is characterized by not notifying. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] The image forming apparatus described in the present application, when reading out multiple setting items as a batch setting, can allow some settings to be changed while preventing some setting items from being changed. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration described in an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a hardware configuration of an information processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a software configuration of an image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a software configuration of an information processing device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 6] 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a preset / template registration screen in the present embodiment. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing a preset / template setting process in the present embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print setting screen displayed on a touch panel of the information processing apparatus in the present embodiment. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a process for acquiring a vendor extended attribute in this embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing the process of obtaining and setting extended attributes associated with a template / preset in this embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the data structure of a table stored in a preset / template DB 416 in this embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] In this embodiment, a user registers presets or templates in an image forming device as a set of setting values ​​for multiple setting items. The information processing device acquires batch setting identification information, which is a set of setting values ​​for multiple setting items, from the image forming device and displays it on a print setting screen. The user acquires the batch setting identification information to be used for print settings from the print setting screen of the information processing device. Note that in this embodiment, in addition to setting items and setting values ​​defined by IPP, vendor-specific setting items and setting values ​​can also be set as batch settings.

[0011] The image forming apparatus identifies setting items that need to be changed before a job is executed from among the setting items included in one batch setting.

[0012] Then, among the setting items included in the batch setting, vendor-specific setting items and setting values ​​that may be changed before job execution are notified to the image forming device in a manner linked to the batch setting identification information. In this way, when a user selects batch settings to be used for printing from the batch setting, the information processing device allows the image forming device to change the print settings of the setting items before job execution, even if the selected batch setting includes vendor-specific items.

[0013] Referring to FIG. 1, FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a printing system according to the present invention. An image forming apparatus 101 is connected to a LAN (Local Area Network) 100. Information processing apparatuses 103, 104, and 105 are connected to the LAN 100 via an AP access point 102. In this embodiment, information processing apparatuses 103, 104, and 105, such as tablets, smartphones, and PCs, are described as examples of information processing apparatuses. In the following description, tablets, smartphones, and PCs are collectively referred to as information processing apparatuses. These information processing apparatuses can send print data to the image forming apparatus 101 via the LAN 100. In this embodiment, the above configuration example is described as an example of a printing system, but the present invention is not limited to this. It is sufficient that at least one information processing apparatus and an image forming apparatus are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other via a network. The network may be wireless or wired.

[0014] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 101. As shown in FIG.

[0015] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 101 according to this embodiment. While this embodiment will be described using an image forming apparatus as an example, the image forming apparatus may also be an image forming apparatus such as an MFP (Multi Function Peripheral) including a scanner or FAX function. A control unit 210 including a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 211 controls the overall operation of the image forming apparatus 101. The CPU 211 loads programs stored in a ROM (Read Only Memory) 212 or storage 214 into a RAM 213 and executes the programs to perform various controls such as print control and read control. The ROM 212 stores control programs, boot programs, etc. that can be executed by the CPU 211. The RAM (Random Access Memory) 213 is the main storage memory of the CPU 211 and is used as a work area or a temporary storage area for loading various control programs. The storage 214 stores print data, image data, various programs, and various setting information. In this embodiment, the storage 214 is assumed to be an auxiliary storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), but a non-volatile memory such as an SSD (Solid State Drive) may also be used.

[0016] In the image forming apparatus 101 according to this embodiment, one CPU 211 executes each process shown in the flowcharts described below using one RAM 213, but other configurations are also possible. For example, multiple CPUs, RAMs, ROMs, and storages may work together to execute each process shown in the flowcharts described below. Also, some of the processes may be executed using hardware circuits such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array).

[0017] The operation unit interface I / F 216 connects the operation unit 217 and the control unit 210. The operation unit 217 is equipped with a display unit with a touch panel function, various hard keys, and the like, and functions as a display unit that displays information and a reception unit that receives user instructions. The printing unit I / F 218 connects the printing unit 219 and the control unit 210. Image data generated by analyzing a print job received from the information processing device is transferred from the control unit 210 to the printing unit 219 via the printing unit I / F 218. The printing unit 219 receives control commands and a print job to be printed via the control unit 210, and prints an image on a sheet fed from a paper feed cassette (not shown) based on the print job. The printing unit 219 may use an electrophotographic method or an inkjet method. Other printing methods, such as a thermal transfer method, may also be used. The control unit 219 is also connected to the LAN 100 via a communication unit I / F 222. The communication I / F 222 transmits information to the information processing apparatuses 103 , 104 , and 105 , and receives print jobs and information from the information processing apparatuses 103 , 104 , and 105 on the LAN 100 .

[0018] The image processing unit 215 has a RIP (Raster Image Processor) function that converts print jobs received from the information processing devices 103, 104, and 105 and generates print image data. The image processing unit 215 can also convert the resolution of image data obtained by converting the print jobs and perform correction processing. While the present embodiment assumes that the image processing unit 215 is implemented using a hardware circuit such as an ASIC or FPGA, this is not limiting. For example, the image forming device 101 may further include a processor for image processing, and the processor may execute an image processing program to perform image processing and print data expansion processing. In this case, the processor and the CPU 211 cooperate to realize the flowcharts described below. Furthermore, the CPU 211 may execute a program for image processing to perform image processing and print data expansion processing. Image processing may also be performed using any combination of these.

[0019] The sheet processing unit I / F 220 connects the control unit 210 and the sheet processing unit 221. The sheet processing unit 221 receives a control command from the control unit 210, and performs post-processing on the sheet printed by the printing unit 219 in accordance with the control command.

[0020] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the software configuration of the image forming apparatus 101. As shown in FIG.

[0021] It is assumed that each functional block shown in FIG. 4 is achieved by the CPU 211 executing a program loaded in the RAM 213.

[0022] The WebUI control unit 415 has the function of registering multiple print settings as a set, as shown in Fig. 6 (described later), and registering and editing batch settings to be applied all at once. The user registers multiple print settings that have been selected and set in advance as a single batch setting via a screen 600 (described later). The batch setting created by the user via the WebUI is saved as a preset or template in the preset / template DB 416. The preset / template DB 416 internally has an extended attribute DB 417 that holds detailed information about the data type, value range, and initial value of vendor-specific extended attributes that are not defined in the IPP standard.

[0023] In this embodiment, presets and templates can include not only setting items defined by the IPP standard, but also vendor-specific settings. For example, “Number of Copies” and “2-Sided Printing” are attributes defined by IPP. On the other hand, “Booklet,” “Store,” and “Toner Save” are vendor-specific setting items. “Booklet” is a setting item that determines whether or not to perform booklet printing. When Booklet is set to ON, the opening direction of the output and the creep correction value can be set. “Store” is a setting that instructs the image forming apparatus 101 to save received print data. When Store is set to ON, the user can set which of the boxes, which are storage folders in the image forming apparatus 101, to save the print data in. “Toner Save” is a setting that determines whether to print with reduced toner consumption. Toner Save can be switched ON / OFF. Furthermore, even setting items defined by IPP, such as “Staple” and “Punch,” may have vendor-specific setting values ​​or setting values ​​that cannot be set using a specific print service provided by the OS. In this embodiment, setting items including setting values ​​that cannot be set by a specific print service, as described above, are treated as vendor-specific setting items. For example, when "Staple," which binds the output, is set to ON, it is possible to set the number of staples and the position on the paper where the staples will be placed. When "Punch," which punches holes in the paper, is set to ON, it is also possible to set the number of punch holes and the position on the paper where the punch holes will be placed.

[0024] When a user includes vendor-specific setting items in a batch setting, these setting items related to vendor extensions are linked to the name of the batch setting and notified to the information processing apparatus as capability information of the image forming apparatus.

[0025] The IPP server control unit 401 has a printer capability notification unit 402. The printer capability notification unit 402 receives inquiries from the information processing devices 103, 104, and 105 to the image forming device and notifies the image forming device of printer capability information. Specific examples of the notified capability information include a list of names of batch settings for print items held in the preset / template DB 416 and detailed information such as data type, value range, and initial value of vendor extended attributes included in the batch settings. For the names of these batch settings and vendor extended attributes, the language support DB 418 provides character strings for UI display in Message-Catalog format.

[0026] After acquiring the printer capabilities, the information processing devices 103, 104, and 105 generate print jobs suited to the printers and transmit them to the image forming devices. The IPP server control unit 401 performs processing to receive print data from the information processing devices.

[0027] When the image forming device receives an IPP print job from the information processing device 103, 104, or 105, it generates a new job in the job control unit 407 via the print job generation unit 404. Next, the job setting storage and verification unit 403 verifies the job attributes specified in the IPP attributes and writes them to the job attribute storage unit 408. If a batch setting of print attributes in Finishing-Template format is assigned to the job, the image forming device queries the preset / template DB 416 for the attributes to be applied and reflects them in the print settings. If individual print attributes are set in addition to the batch setting, the batch setting is overwritten. Details of the attributes that can be set in batch are explained in FIG. 6.

[0028] In parallel with the attribute processing, the IPP server control unit 401 transfers and temporarily stores the drawing data of the job data to the data reception control unit 405. The data reception control unit 405 is a buffer area for print jobs received by the print job generation unit 404, and stores the data in the storage 214 for each print job.

[0029] The PDL analysis unit 406 provided in the image forming apparatus 101 of this embodiment supports PDF and PWG-Raster formats. The PDL analysis unit 406 receives instructions from a job control unit 407 and requests print rendering data from a data reception control unit 405, and performs analysis processing. With regard to the page data generated by the PDL analysis unit 406, a page control unit 409 stores image data in a page storage unit 410 and page attribute information in a page attribute storage unit 411.

[0030] The page control unit 409 controls the page analysis processing of the PDL analysis unit 406, the RIP processing of the RIP control unit 413, and the print control processing of the print control unit 412. The print control unit 412 acquires RIP-completed image data from the page storage unit 410, separates the image data into RGB, and transfers it to the engine control unit 414. The engine control unit 414 receives RGB image data on a page-by-page basis from the print control unit 412, and controls the print control unit 412 to perform print processing for each page. The UI / WebUI control unit 415 acquires information regarding the status of print jobs being processed from the job control unit 407, and displays the processing status of the print jobs on the UI screen.

[0031] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of the information processing devices 103, 104, and 105.

[0032] The control unit 300, including the CPU 311, controls the overall operation of the information processing device. The CPU 311 loads programs stored in the ROM 314 or storage 313 into the RAM 312 and executes them to perform various controls, such as controlling the print setting screen, generating print data, and transferring print jobs. The ROM 314 stores control programs and boot programs executable by the CPU 311. The RAM 312 is the CPU 311's main memory and is used as a work area or temporary storage area for loading various programs. The storage 313 stores the OS, print applications, the OS print framework, print jobs generated by the OS print framework, and various setting information. In this embodiment, the storage 313 is assumed to be an auxiliary storage device such as an HDD hard disk drive, but non-volatile memory such as an SSD solid state drive may also be used. The touch panel 318 is connected to the operation unit I / F 315 and not only performs screen drawing for each application and the print setting screen, but also notifies the application running on the CPU 311 of user touch operations.

[0033] 5 is a diagram showing an example of the software configuration of the information processing apparatuses 103, 104, and 105. In this embodiment, the OS provides a predetermined print service in accordance with IPP.

[0034] It is assumed that each of these functional blocks is achieved by CPU 311 executing a program expanded in RAM 312. Application 501 is any application that a user installs on an information processing device, and is a general application such as a word processor, spreadsheet, database, email, or web browser. OS print framework 502 is made up of an IPP client control unit 503, a print spooler 509, and a print screen control unit 510. IPP client control unit 503 is made up of a printer information management unit 504 and a print job generation unit 505. Printer information management unit 504 queries image forming device 101 via data communication control unit 520, and acquires and stores capability information of image forming device 101.

[0035] The printer information management unit 504 acquires the capability information of the image forming device 101, such as a list of names of batch settings such as presets or templates, and detailed information of vendor-specific print settings included in the batch settings, such as data type, value range, and initial value.

[0036] A list of batch setting names is maintained in a preset / template management unit 513 within the printer information management unit 504. When a user selects batch setting that includes vendor-specific setting items and setting values, an extended attribute management unit 514 acquires information on the attribute names, data types, and value ranges of the vendor-specific setting items and setting values ​​from the image forming apparatus. The extended attribute management unit 514 saves the acquired vendor-specific setting items and setting values ​​in the extended attribute management unit 514.

[0037] The print screen control unit 510 displays the print screen in response to a call from the application 501. The print screen control unit 510 has a preset name / template name display unit 515, which displays the names of batch settings held by the preset / template management unit 513. Batch setting in the IPP-Preset format is a format in which, in response to a capability information inquiry from an information processing device, the information processing device is notified of the batch setting and the setting items and setting values ​​that have been set. Batch setting in the Finishing-Template format is a format in which the name of the batch setting is notified, but the setting items and setting values ​​that have been set are not notified.

[0038] When a user selects a batch setting in which vendor-specific setting items and setting values ​​are set, the extended attribute management unit 514 queries the image forming apparatus for information necessary to display a screen for setting the vendor-specific setting items included in the selected batch setting name on the information processing apparatus. If the batch setting includes vendor-specific setting items and setting values, the image forming apparatus notifies the information processing apparatus of information on the data type, value range, and initial value stored in the image forming apparatus's extended attribute DB 417 as capability information linked to the batch setting name. The information processing apparatus stores detailed information on the notified setting items in the extended attribute management unit 514 and simultaneously displays the vendor-extended attribute setting items on the print setting screen via the extended attribute display unit 516. The user configures print settings on the print screen and prints.

[0039] The print screen control unit 510 and print job generation unit 505 generate job attributes and document attributes for the IPP job from the setting items on the print screen. In addition to the batch settings and batch settings supported by the image forming apparatus 101, the IPP standard print attributes and vendor extended attributes that were changed immediately before printing are acquired and specified for each job or page in the print data.

[0040] When the user selects batch settings in Finishing-Template format, the print screen control unit 510 and print job generation unit 505 notify the information processing device of vendor-specific setting item information in addition to the setting name of the batch setting. On the other hand, when the user selects batch settings in IPP-Preset format, the print screen control unit 510 and print job generation unit 505 specify both the IPP standard attributes and vendor-extended attributes included in the batch setting for each job or page in the print data. At this time, the specified attributes, both IPP standard attributes and vendor-specific setting items, are reflected on the print setting screen, and the values ​​are reflected again as attributes of the print job. If the user changes the setting values, the changed values ​​are reflected as they are.

[0041] The page generation unit 507 cooperates with the PDL generation unit 508 to convert the drawing data generated by the application 501 through the OS drawing engine 530 into PDL data supported by the image forming apparatus 101 and transmit the PDL data to the image forming apparatus 101 .

[0042] In response to a request from the application 501, the OS drawing engine 530 draws print page data in an OS standard drawing format and passes it to a page generation unit 507 of the OS print framework 502. The data communication control unit 520 transmits and receives, to the image forming apparatus 101, messages for printer management, job transmission, and job management, which are generated by the IPP client control unit.

[0043] Here, a method for registering presets and templates, which are batch settings, in the image forming apparatus will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 shows an example of a screen displayed on the touch panel 318 when the image forming apparatus is accessed from any of the information processing apparatuses 103, 104, and 105 and logged in to the image forming apparatus. Authentication for logging in here is performed by comparing the user name and password information entered by the user with a user management table 1110, which will be described later with reference to Fig. 11.

[0044] An input field 601 is a field for inputting an arbitrary batch setting name to be assigned to the batch setting to be registered. The name input in the input field 601 is notified to the information processing apparatus and is displayed on the print setting screen as a selectable batch setting.

[0045] A selection checkbox 602 is a checkbox for setting whether the batch setting to be registered is to be notified to the information processing apparatus as an IPP-Preset or as a Finishing-Template. If IPP-Preset is selected, the image forming apparatus notifies the information processing apparatus of the name of the batch setting, the set setting items, and the setting values. If Finishing-Template is selected, the image forming apparatus notifies the image forming apparatus of the name of the batch setting.

[0046] Selection check boxes 603 are check boxes for selecting individual setting items to be included in the batch setting.

[0047] The setting item name 609 is the name of a setting item that can be set as a batch setting. The setting items 609 are defined by IPP and include setting items that can be displayed on the print setting screen provided by the OS without obtaining the item name, data type, or value range from the image forming device. The setting items 609 also include items such as 607 and 608 that are not defined by IPP and require the item name, data type, and value range provided by the printing device to be displayed on the print setting screen provided by the OS. The opening style 607 is the opening direction of the output during bookbinding printing, and the setting value can be selected from right-opening, left-opening, top-opening, and bottom-opening. The creep correction 608 is a setting that adjusts the printing position of the image on the paper during bookbinding printing. The user can set the printing position in millimeters.

[0048] The value range selection list input field 604 is an area for selecting and inputting the setting values ​​of each setting item to be included in the collective setting.

[0049] The selection checkbox 605 is a checkbox for selecting whether the setting values ​​of the setting items included in the batch setting can be changed on a job-by-job basis immediately before printing. If the selection checkbox 605 is selected, the user can change the setting values ​​of the setting items included in the selected batch setting after selecting the batch setting to be used for printing on the information processing device.

[0050] If the setting items or values ​​set by the checkboxes as changeable immediately before printing are vendor-specific setting items or values ​​that are not defined as IPP standards, the image forming device notifies the information processing device of the name, data type, value range, and initial value of the setting items. This allows the user to operate the information processing device to change the print settings included in the batch settings, even if the setting items are not defined in IPP.

[0051] The "Add" button 606 is a button for registering a template or preset, which is a batch setting, in the preset / template DB. When the user selects the "Add" button 606, the settings made on the registration screen 600 are registered in the preset / template DB.

[0052] In this way, in this embodiment, vendor-specific setting items can be included in batch setting, which handles multiple setting items as a single set, and it is further possible to set whether or not to allow setting changes to those items before printing. For vendor-specific setting items that are allowed to be changed before printing, the image forming apparatus 101 notifies the information processing apparatus 103 of the information required for that setting. The information processing apparatus 103 displays a setting screen based on the information provided by the image forming apparatus 101, allowing the setting of the vendor-specific setting items to be changed using a predetermined print service provided by the OS.

[0053] 7, a process in which the image forming apparatus stores data of batch settings in the preset / template DB 416 and the extended attribute DB 417. The process shown in FIG. 7 is realized by the CPU 211 controlling the WebUI control unit 415 of the image forming apparatus.

[0054] The process shown in FIG. 7 is started in response to the selection of the "Add" button 606 on the registration screen 600 shown in FIG.

[0055] The WebUI control unit 415 extracts the name of the batch setting set in the input field 601 of the registration screen 600 and the setting item selected in the selection check box 603 (S711).

[0056] The WebUI control unit 415 determines whether one of the setting items extracted in S711 is a setting item for which changing of the setting value is permitted before printing (S712). The WebUI control unit 415 references the selection checkbox 605 for that setting item and determines whether the checkbox is selected. If selected, the WebUI control unit 415 proceeds to S713. On the other hand, if the selection checkbox 605 is not selected, the WebUI control unit 415 proceeds to S714.

[0057] For the setting items determined in S712 to be permitted to change their setting values ​​before printing, the WebUI control unit 415 sets an attribute ID indicating the setting item, an initial value indicating the setting value, and a last-minute change flag indicating a change in the setting value before printing in the extended attribute DB 417 (S713). Details of the information stored in the extended attribute DB 417 will be described later using the batch setting management table 1120 and the batch attribute management table 1140 in Fig. 11. In S713, because changing the setting value before printing is permitted, the last-minute change flag is set to YES.

[0058] For setting items for which it was determined in S712 that changing the setting value before printing is not permitted, the WebUI control unit 415 sets, in the extended attribute DB 417, an attribute ID indicating the setting item, an initial value indicating the setting value, and a last-minute change flag indicating a change in the setting value before printing (S714). Details of the information stored in the extended attribute DB 417 will be described later using the batch setting management table 1120 and the batch attribute management table 1140 in Fig. 11. In S714, because changing the setting value before printing is not permitted, the last-minute change flag is set to NO.

[0059] The WebUI control unit 415 determines whether the processing of S712 has been performed for all the setting items extracted in S711 (S715). When registration of all setting items set on the registration screen 600 in the extended attribute DB 417 has been completed, the WebUI control unit 415 completes the processing shown in Fig. 7. If there are any setting items for which processing has not been completed, the WebUI control unit 415 returns the processing to S712 and executes the processing from S712 onwards.

[0060] By the above process, batch settings registered as presets or templates can be stored.

[0061] Next, print settings related to printing on an image forming apparatus in which presets and templates are registered will be described using Fig. 8. Fig. 8 shows an example of a print screen provided by the OS of the information processing apparatuses 103, 104, and 105 that supports two batch setting methods, IPP-Preset (preset) and Finishing-Template (template). Here, the information processing apparatus 103 will be used as an example.

[0062] A screen 800 is a print setting screen that is displayed when a user issues an instruction to print data from an application.

[0063] The printer selection area 803 is an area for selecting an image forming device to which the information processing device 103 can send print data. When object 804 is selected, a list of image forming devices to be used for printing is displayed, and the user can select the image forming device to be used for printing from the displayed image forming devices. Objects with the same shape as object 804 shown on screens 800, 810, 820, 830, 840, and 850 are buttons for displaying a list of options for the corresponding setting item.

[0064] The preset selection area 801 is an area for selecting a preset to use for settings from IPP-Presets registered in the image forming apparatus. When the user selects an object in the preset selection area 801, screen 820 is displayed. The user selects the preset they want to use from a list of IPP-Preset names obtained from the image forming apparatus 101. When the user selects a preset, the settings corresponding to the selected preset are displayed on screen 820. For example, if "Sided" corresponding to "com.canon.oip.grpsetting002" registered in the batch setting management table of FIG. 11 is selected, screen 850 is displayed. Here, the settings corresponding to the selected Sided are displayed, with "Two-Sided" set to "Long Edge" for left-hand binding and double-sided printing. Furthermore, for setting items not set in the preset, default values ​​are set. Note that "com.canon.oip.grpsetting002" has enabled the toner save function, which reduces toner consumption during printing, and the store function, which saves print data in the image forming apparatus 101, and Box1 is specified as the storage destination. However, these setting items are not displayed on screen 850.

[0065] When the user selects option button 851, screen 840 is displayed. Screen 840 displays settings for setting items that cannot be displayed on screen 850 provided by the OS of the information processing apparatus 103. Area 841 displays the name of the selected preset. Areas 842 and 843 are areas displayed based on the attribute ID, data type, initial value, and value range acquired from the image forming apparatus 101. Area 842 is an area for setting whether to enable or disable the Store function. As the initial value, "ON" set by the user on the registration screen 600 is displayed. When the user selects an object in area 842, the value range notified by the image forming apparatus is displayed as a configurable option, allowing the user to change the setting before issuing a print instruction. Area 843 is an area for setting the box number to be used as the save destination. As the initial value, the value set by the user on the registration screen 600 is displayed. Numerical value 844 is the value notified as the value range by the image forming apparatus and is information indicating the range of values ​​that can be set for the setting item. After completing the settings, the user selects "close" 845. When "close" 845 is selected, the information processing apparatus 103 displays a screen 850. The user sets other print settings, selects "Print" 852, and instructs execution of printing.

[0066] Next, a case where a template is used will be described. The user selects the option button 802 on the screen 800 without selecting a preset. In this embodiment, only one of a preset and a template can be used. Therefore, when using a template, the user does not select a preset in the preset selection area 801, but instead selects the option button 802, or deselects the preset and then selects the option button 802.

[0067] When the user selects option button 802, screen 810 is displayed. Screen 810 is a screen for selecting the Finishing-Template to use. When an object in area 811 is selected, a list of templates acquired from the image forming apparatus 101 is displayed. The user selects a template to use for print settings from the displayed list. When the user selects a template, screen 830 is displayed. Note that if the user wants to return to the previous screen without selecting a template, the user selects "close" 812.

[0068] Area 831 is an area for selecting the template to be used. When the user selects an object in area 831, a list of template names is displayed, and the user can select the template to be used. In this example, a template named "Booklet" is selected, with booklet printing set to left-open, creep amount set to 0.1 mm, and all settings set to allow changes to be made to the settings before printing.

[0069] Area 832 displays the names and initial values ​​of setting items included in the template that can be changed. When the user selects an object in area 832, the value range notified by the image forming apparatus 101 is displayed as a configurable option.

[0070] Area 833 displays the names and initial values ​​of setting items included in the template that can be changed. Here, the numerical range registered as a value range in the image forming apparatus 101 is displayed as the numerical range (0.00-10.00) that can be set on screen 830. When the user selects "close" 834, screen 800 is displayed. After the user sets other print settings, the user selects "Print" 805 and instructs printing to be performed. Note that setting items defined by IPP included in the template are not displayed on the print setting screen of the information processing apparatus 103, and settings cannot be changed before printing.

[0071] The above is an overview of the operations performed by the user operating the information processing apparatus 103 up to the point where the user issues an instruction to execute printing using a preset or a template.

[0072] Next, the process from making print settings to issuing a print instruction on the information processing device 103 will be described with reference to Figures 9(A) and 9(B). The process shown in Figure 9(A) is realized by the CPU 311 controlling the software modules shown in Figure 5.

[0073] The print screen control unit 510 receives an instruction to open the print screen 800 from an application on the information processing device, and displays the screen shown in the screen 800 (S901).

[0074] The print screen control unit 510 controls the IPP client control unit 503 to acquire batch setting information registered in the batch setting management table 1120 stored in the preset / template DB 416 from the IPP server control unit 401 of the image forming apparatus (S902). The print screen control unit 510 notifies the image forming apparatus 101 of the user ID of the user logged in to the information processing apparatus 103, and acquires the name of the batch setting corresponding to the user ID. At this time, for a batch setting set as IPP-preset, the name of the preset and the names and initial values ​​of the setting items defined in IPP associated with the preset are acquired. For a batch setting set as Finishing-Template, only the name of the template is acquired.

[0075] The print screen control unit 510 receives a selection of batch settings to be used for print settings from the user (S903). The print screen control unit 510 displays the screen 810 or the screen 810, and receives the selection of batch settings. Here, the received batch settings may be IPP-Preset or Finishing-Template.

[0076] The print screen control unit 510 determines whether the selected batch setting is a batch setting in IPP-Preset format (S904). The batch setting information acquired in S902 includes whether each batch setting is a batch setting in IPP-Preset format or a batch setting in Finishing-Template format. The print screen control unit 510 references the above information and determines whether the selected batch setting is a batch setting in IPP-Preset format. If it is a batch setting in IPP-Preset format, the print screen control unit 510 proceeds to S905. If it is not a batch setting in IPP-Preset format, it is a batch setting in Finishing-Template format, so the print screen control unit 510 proceeds to S906.

[0077] The print setting screen control unit 510 reflects the initial values ​​of the setting items defined by IPP, included in the batch setting information acquired in S902, on the print setting screen provided by the OS, and displays screen 850 (S905). Setting items that correspond to the selected batch setting and that can be set on the print setting screen 800 displayed by the OS are displayed as being changeable, even if the setting allowing setting changes before printing is not set on the registration screen 600.

[0078] The extended attribute display unit 516 transmits to the image forming apparatus 101 a request to acquire the names of the setting items that correspond to the batch setting selected in S903 and that are specific to the vendor and whose settings are permitted to be changed before printing (S906). The acquired result is stored in the extended attribute management unit 514.

[0079] The extended attribute display unit 516 acquires information on the data type, initial value, and value range of the setting item acquired in S906 from the image forming apparatus 101 (S907). The acquired results are also stored in the extended attribute management unit 514.

[0080] The extended attribute display unit 516 displays a screen 810 or 820 on which the user can input the setting value for the vendor-specific setting item corresponding to the selected batch setting (S908). On this screen, the setting value set on the registration screen 600 is displayed as the initial value. For setting items for which the setting value is selected from multiple options, the screen accepts a user instruction to change the setting, displays a list of options, and changes the setting to the option selected by the user. For setting items for which a setting value must be entered, the screen displays the values ​​and character types that can be entered, and accepts the user's input of numbers or characters to be the setting value.

[0081] Upon receiving a print instruction from the user, the print job generation unit 505 generates a print job (S909). Note that if the print settings have been changed on the screens 800, 820, 830, and 840, the print job is generated with the changed settings.

[0082] The PDL generation unit 508 determines whether a batch setting is set in the print settings, and if a batch setting is set, whether the batch setting in the IPP-Preset format or the Finishing-Template format is selected (S910). If the batch setting that is set is the IPP-Preset format batch setting, the PDL generation unit 508 proceeds to S911. If the batch setting that is set is the Finishing-Template format batch setting, the PDL generation unit 508 proceeds to S912. If neither batch setting is set, the PDL generation unit 508 proceeds to S913.

[0083] The PDL generation unit 508 acquires the setting values ​​set on the screens 850 and 840 for the setting items corresponding to the selected preset from the print screen control unit 510 and adds them to the print job (S911). At this time, for setting items corresponding to the selected preset that are vendor-specific and do not allow changes to the settings before printing, the values ​​notified from the image forming apparatus 101 are added to the print job even if they are not displayed on the screen. Furthermore, for setting items whose settings have not been changed by the user, those values ​​are added to the print job. Note that when a preset is used, the name of the preset does not need to be added to the print job.

[0084] The PDL generation unit 508 adds the name of the selected template and the names and setting values ​​of the vendor-specific setting items to the print job (S912). For vendor-specific setting items that are set as permitted for setting before printing on the registration screen 600, the attribute values ​​and setting values ​​of those items are added to the print job. For setting items displayed on the print setting screen provided by the OS, the values ​​set on the print setting screen are added to the print job.

[0085] The PDL generation unit 508 acquires the setting values ​​of the setting items defined in the IPP immediately before printing from the print screen control unit 510 and adds them to the job (S913).

[0086] The print job generated by the print job generation unit 505 is sent to the printing device via the print spooler 509 (S914). As a result, the information processing device 103 can send a print job with print settings set using batch setting to the image forming device 101.

[0087] Next, referring to Fig. 9B, the process on the image forming apparatus 101 side while the information processing apparatus 103 displays the print setting screen and generates a print job will be described. Each process shown in Fig. 9B is realized by the CPU 211 controlling each module shown in Fig. 4.

[0088] The printer capability notification unit 402 determines whether or not a batch setting acquisition request has been received from the information processing apparatus 103 (S921). If a batch setting acquisition request has not been received, the printer capability notification unit 402 repeats the process of S921.

[0089] When a batch setting acquisition request is received, the printer capability notification unit 402 executes the process described in S922. The printer capability notification unit 402 references the preset / template DB 416 and extracts the batch setting key 1125 of the batch setting registered in the batch setting management table 1120, which will be described later in FIG. 11, for the batch setting whose type 1124 is "preset." Furthermore, the printer capability notification unit 402 references the batch attribute management table 1140 to acquire initial values ​​for the setting items set for the extracted batch setting and for which the extended attribute 1133 in the batch attribute master table 1130 is "NO." The printer capability notification unit 402 then notifies the information processing apparatus 103 of the extracted batch setting key and the initial values ​​of the setting items defined in the IPP.

[0090] The printer capability notification unit 402 refers to the preset / template DB 416 and extracts a batch setting key 1125 having a type 1124 of "fin-template" that is a batch setting registered in the batch setting management table 1120 of Fig. 11 (S923). Then, the printer capability notification unit 402 notifies the information processing device 103 of the extracted batch setting key.

[0091] The printer capability notification unit 402 determines whether or not a batch setting key for batch setting selected on the print setting screen has been received from the information processing apparatus 103 (S924). If a batch setting key has not been received, the process proceeds to S928.

[0092] When a batch setting key is received, the printer capability notification unit 402 determines whether the selected batch setting is a vendor-specific setting item and includes a setting item that is permitted to be changed before printing (S925). The printer capability notification unit 402 references the batch attribute management table 1140 and the batch attribute master table. The printer capability notification unit 402 determines whether there is a setting item for which the attribute ID corresponding to the batch setting key notified from the information processing device 103 in S924 has YES in the Last Change 1143 and YES in the Extended Attribute 1133. If there is no setting item corresponding to the notified batch setting that is a vendor-specific setting item and is permitted to be changed before printing, the printer capability notification unit 402 proceeds to S928. If there is no setting item corresponding to the notified batch setting that is a vendor-specific setting item and is permitted to be changed before printing, the printer capability notification unit 402 proceeds to S926.

[0093] The printer capability notification unit 402 notifies the information processing device 103 of the names of the setting items that are vendor-specific and correspond to the selected batch setting, and whose settings are permitted to be changed immediately before printing (S926). Here, the printer capability notification unit 402 notifies the information processing device 103 of the attribute keys 1132 of the setting items that are vendor-specific and correspond to the selected batch setting, and whose settings are permitted to be changed immediately before printing.

[0094] The printer capability notification unit 402 notifies the information processing device 103 of the data type, value range, and initial value for the vendor-specific setting item notified in S926 (S927). The printer capability notification unit 402 references the batch attribute master table 1130 and notifies the information processing device 103 of the data type 1134 and value range 1135 of the attribute key 1132 corresponding to the setting item notified in S926. Furthermore, the printer capability notification unit 402 references the batch attribute management table 1140 and notifies the information processing device 103 of the batch setting ID of the selected batch setting and the initial value 1144 corresponding to the setting ID notified in S926.

[0095] The job generating unit 404 determines whether or not a print job has been received from the information processing device 103 (S928). If the job generating unit 404 has not received a print job, the job generating unit 404 returns the process to S924. If a print job has been received, the job generating unit 404 proceeds to S929.

[0096] The print job generation unit 404 determines whether the received print job includes a Finishing-Template name that identifies the Finishing-Template (S929). If the received print job does not include a Finishing-Template name, the print job generation unit 404 proceeds to S931.

[0097] If the received print job includes the name of a Finishing-Template, the print job generation unit 404 reads the Finishing-Template with the received name from the preset / template DB 416 and applies it to the print job. At this time, for vendor-specific setting items corresponding to the Finishing-Template and for which settings are permitted to be changed before printing, the values ​​set in the received print job are set. On the other hand, for vendor-specific setting items corresponding to the Finishing-Template and for which settings are not permitted to be changed before printing, the setting values ​​stored in the preset / template DB 416 are set in the print job. In this way, for vendor-specific setting items that are collectively set as a template, it is possible to change the settings of some items on the print setting screen and prevent the settings of some items from being changed on the print setting screen.

[0098] The print job generation unit 404 executes printing based on the print job received from the information processing apparatus 103 or the print job to which settings have been added in S930 (S931).

[0099] As described above, printing using batch settings can be performed on the image forming apparatus 101. In this embodiment, information necessary to change the settings of only the vendor-specific setting items that are set as batch settings is transmitted from the image forming apparatus to the information processing apparatus. By limiting the information provided from the image forming apparatus to the information processing apparatus in this way, the information necessary to display a screen for changing the settings of the vendor-specific setting items can be reduced, and a screen for changing the vendor-specific setting items can be quickly displayed.

[0100] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing the processing between the image forming apparatus 101 and the information processing apparatus 103 when the print setting screen shown in FIG. 8 is displayed.

[0101] The printer information management unit 504 inquires of the printer capability notification unit 402 of the image forming device whether the batch setting IPP-Preset format and the Finishing-Template format are supported. The printer information management unit 504 further inquires of the image forming device 101 about supported languages ​​for the Message-Catalog format (S1001). At this time, the information processing device 103 notifies the image forming device of the identification information of the user logged in to the information processing device.

[0102] The printer capability notification unit 402 references the batch setting management table 1120 and returns to the image forming apparatus 101 the batch setting key corresponding to the user ID notified from the image forming apparatus (S1002). The printer capability notification unit 402 notifies the information processing apparatus 103 that "com.canon.oip.grpsetting002" registered as IPP-Preset and that double-sided printing with the binding margin on the short side are set as a setting item defined by IPP. Note that, among the settings linked to "com.canon.oip.grpsetting002", vendor-specific items for which the extended attribute 1133 is YES are not notified. Furthermore, the printer capability notification unit 402 notifies that "com.canon.oip.grpsetting001" is registered as Finishing-Template. For Finishing-Template, the setting items and setting values ​​are not notified regardless of whether the extended attribute 1133 is YES or NO. The printer capability notification unit 402 also notifies the information processing apparatus 103 that "English" and "Japanese" are supported as language information supported in the Message-Catalog format.

[0103] The printer information management unit 504 of the information processing device 103 notifies the image forming device 101 which language, from the languages ​​notified as supported, to display in. In this case, the image forming device 101 is notified that English (en) will be displayed (S1003). Based on the received language display information, the image forming device 101 identifies a URI for acquiring a message catalog to be notified to the information processing device 103. The message catalog is text information used by the information processing device 103 when displaying attribute information notified by the image forming device 101. The message catalog is, for example, a table such as the message catalog table 1150 shown in FIG. 11.

[0104] The printer capability notification unit 402 of the image forming apparatus 101 notifies the information processing apparatus 103 of the URL for acquiring the message catalog table (S1004).

[0105] The print screen control unit 510 accesses the URI notified in S1004 and transmits a request to acquire a message catalog corresponding to English from the printing device (S1005).

[0106] The printer capability notification unit 402 of the image forming apparatus 101 returns the message catalog table 1150 of FIG.

[0107] The print screen control unit 510 of the information processing apparatus displays the print setting screen in accordance with the acquired message catalog (S1007). As a result, the print screen control unit 510 can display "com.canon.oip.grpsetting001" as "Booklet." Furthermore, the information processing apparatus 103 can display "com.canon.oip.grpsetting002" notified from the image forming apparatus 101 as "Sides."

[0108] Here, an example will be described in which the user sets print settings using a Finishing-Template.

[0109] The user selects "Booklet" as a batch setting in the Finishing-Template format in the menu 811 on the screen 810 (S1008).

[0110] The printer information management unit 504 of the information processing apparatus transmits a request to the image forming apparatus 101 to acquire information on the vendor-specific setting items corresponding to the collective setting key "com.canon.oip.grpsetting001" (S1009).

[0111] The printer capability notification unit 402 of the printing device extracts the vendor-specific setting items corresponding to "com.canon.oip.grpsetting001" that are permitted to be changed before printing. The vendor-specific setting items corresponding to "com.canon.oip.grpsetting001" are identified from the collective attribute management table of FIG. 11. Here, "com.canon.oip.booklet", "com.canon.oip.booklet-opening-type", and "com.canon.oip.booklet-creep-correction" are identified. Of these, "com.canon.oip.booklet" is not permitted to be changed before printing, so it is not notified to the information processing device 103.

[0112] The printer capability notification unit 402 notifies the information processing apparatus 103 of "com.canon.oip.booklet-opening-type" and "com.canon.oip.booklet-creep-correction" (S1011).

[0113] Upon receiving the request from the extended attribute display unit 516, the printer information management unit 504 of the information processing device 103 requests the data type, value range, and initial value of "com.canon.oip.booklet-opening-type" from the printing device (S1012).

[0114] The printer capability notification unit 402 references the collective attribute master table 1130 and extracts the data type 1134 and value range 1135 corresponding to "com.canon.oip.booklet-opening-type" (S1013). Then, the printer capability notification unit 402 notifies the information processing device 103 of the data type, value range, and initial value (S1014).

[0115] Upon receiving the request from the extended attribute display unit 516, the printer information management unit 504 of the information processing device 103 requests the data type, value range, and initial value of "com.canon.oip.booklet-creep-correction" from the printing device (S1015).

[0116] The printer capability notification unit 402 references the collective attribute master table 1130 and extracts the data type 1134 and value range 1135 corresponding to "com.canon.oip.booklet creep-correction" (S1016). Then, the printer capability notification unit 402 notifies the information processing device 103 of the data type, value range, and initial value (S1017).

[0117] The print screen control unit 510 and extended attribute display unit 516 of the information processing device reload the message catalog and display the print setting screen for the vendor-specific setting items (S1018). "com.canon.oip.booklet-opening-type" is displayed as "OpeningType." Also, "com.canon.oip.booklet-creep-correction" is displayed as "CreepCorrection." The value range and initial value are also reflected in the list menu, etc. from the message catalog.

[0118] The user modifies the values ​​of the vendor extension attributes included in the booklet (S1019) as necessary, for example, changing the booklet opening direction to right and modifying the creep correction to 2.0 mm.

[0119] The print job generation unit 505 generates a print job including the setting values ​​set on the print setting screen, and transmits the print job to the image forming apparatus 101 via the print spooler 509 (S1020). The print job notifies the image forming apparatus 101 of the batch setting key of the used Finishing-Template and the changed setting values.

[0120] The print job generation unit 404 of the image forming apparatus 101 references the collective attribute management table 1140 for setting items corresponding to the notified Finishing-Template that are not permitted to be changed before printing, and adds the settings to the received print job. In this example, "com.canon.oip.booklet=true" is the print setting to be added. After adding the print setting, the image forming apparatus 101 executes the processing required for printing and notifies the information processing apparatus 103 of the results.

[0121] The difference between using IPP-Preset as a batch setting and using Finishing-Template is the processing that is performed when the IPP-Preset to be used is selected in S1008. When an IPP-preset is selected, the setting items and setting values ​​notified in S1002 are reflected on the print setting screen. Therefore, with IPP-Preset, you can also change the settings of IPP attributes before printing.

[0122] Finally, the tables managed by the preset / template DB 416 of the image forming apparatus 101 will be described with reference to Fig. 11. Each table shown in Fig. 11 is stored in the storage 214 of the image forming apparatus, and the CPU 211 loads and updates the table information in the storage in the RAM 213, and reflects the updated information in the data stored in the storage.

[0123] The user management table 1110 will now be described. This management table is composed of a user ID 1111 that uniquely identifies a user for each record, a user password 1112, and a user name 1113. A unique and unique user ID is automatically assigned to identify the registrant of each batch setting in the batch setting management table. The WebUI control unit 415 can access the batch setting registration screen 600 only if the user name 1113 and password 1112 match. The user ID is also used to manage the users who have registered batch settings.

[0124] The batch setting management table 1120 is a table for managing batch settings such as templates and presets. The registered vehicle ID 1121 is information indicating which user performed the batch setting via the registration screen 600. The batch setting ID is information for identifying the batch setting registered on the registration screen 600 and is an ID shared by the multiple tables shown in FIG. 11. The type 1124 is information indicating whether the registered batch setting is an IPP-Preset or a Finishing-Template. "fin-template" indicates that it is a Finishing-Template. "preset" indicates that it is an IPP-Preset. The batch setting name 1123 is the name of the batch setting entered on the registration screen 600. This name is also registered in the Message Catalog table 1150, which will be described later. The batch setting key 1125 is a character string for identifying the batch setting and is one of the identification information for identifying the batch setting.

[0125] The collective attribute master table 1130 is a table that indicates the names, data types, and value ranges of setting items defined by IPP and vendor-specific setting items.

[0126] Attribute ID 1131 is identification information unique to a setting item. Attribute IDs are shared among the tables shown in FIG. 11. Attribute key 1132 is a character string indicating a setting item used when the image forming apparatus 101 notifies the information processing apparatus 103 of its capability information. Extended attribute 1133 is information indicating whether each setting item is an IPP-defined setting item or a vendor-specific setting item. "YES" indicates that the setting item is a vendor-specific setting item. On the other hand, "NO" indicates that the item is an IPP-defined setting item. Data type 1134 indicates the data type when setting the setting item. Boolean indicates that either "true" or "false" is taken. Integer indicates that an integer value can be taken. Type 2 Keyword and Type 3 Keyword indicate that a region expression is performed based on a format defined in IPP.

[0127] The batch attribute management table 1140 indicates which setting items are set with what initial values ​​for each batch setting registered in the batch setting management table 1120. Since one batch setting is made up of one or more attributes, the printer capability notification unit 402 acquires multiple rows of records to acquire information about one batch setting.

[0128] The batch setting ID 1141 is an ID that is common to the batch setting ID 1122 in the batch setting management table, and indicates which batch setting the row relates to. The attribute ID 1142 is an ID that is common to the attribute ID 1131 in the batch attribute master table 1130, and is information indicating which setting item is set or not. The last change 1143 indicates whether or not the setting value of the setting item is permitted to be changed after the batch setting is reflected. If the selection check box 605 on the registration screen 600 is checked, and changes before printing are permitted, "YES" is set. If the selection check box 605 on the registration screen 600 is not checked, and changes to settings before printing are not permitted, "NO" is set. The initial value 1144 is the initial value when the batch setting is displayed on the print setting screen. The value set in 604 on the registration screen 600 is stored in the initial value 1144.

[0129] The preset / template DB 416 of the image forming device receives an inquiry from the information processing device about individual vendor extended attributes linked to batch settings, and references the table shown in Fig. 11. The image forming device links 1131 of the batch attribute master table 1130 with 1142 of the batch attribute management table 1140 as a primary key, and links 1122 of the batch setting management table 1120 with 1141 of the batch attribute management table 1140 as a primary key. The image forming device then searches for attribute information corresponding to the batch setting ID in the table that links the three tables together.

[0130] The message catalog table 1150 is a table for converting the batch setting key 1125, attribute key 1132, and value range 1135 of each table shown in FIG. 11 into character strings to be displayed on the print setting screen. The table is created for each corresponding language. The message catalog table 1150 is a table obtained when the information processing device 103 displays the print setting screen. This table may be managed in a location different from the image forming device 101.

[0131] As explained above, by linking vendor extended attribute information with the name of the batch setting and limiting it to attributes that need to be changed for each job, the capability notification between the printing device and the information processing device transfers the minimum number of vendor extended attributes necessary. This reduces the amount of data sent from the printing device to the information processing device. Furthermore, by performing this transfer when applying the batch setting at the time of printing, it becomes possible to reconfigure only the vendor extended attributes that need to be changed on a job-by-job basis, without having to re-edit or re-register the batch setting itself that was registered in advance.

[0132] <Other embodiments> 10, the identification information of the user who is logged in to the information processing device 103 is transmitted to the image forming device 101, and the batch setting corresponding to the user ID of the user is acquired. In S1001, the user identification information may not be transmitted, and information on all batch settings registered in the image forming device 101 may be transmitted to the information processing device 103.

[0133] In this embodiment, after the user selects the batch setting to be used, the attribute key, data type, value range, and initial value of the vendor-specific setting item corresponding to the selected batch setting are transmitted to the information processing apparatus 103. In S1002 of Fig. 10 , the attribute key, data type, value range, and initial value of the vendor-specific setting item corresponding to the batch setting registered in the image forming apparatus may be transmitted to the information processing apparatus 103.

[0134] In this embodiment, the registration screen 600 shown in FIG. 6 allows the user to set whether or not to allow setting changes before printing for any setting item. Alternatively, the setting of whether or not to allow setting changes may be disabled depending on the Type selected by the user. For example, if the user selects to use Finishing-Template, setting items defined by IPP, such as “Number of Copies” and “2-Sided Printing,” cannot be changed on the print setting screen displayed on the information processing device 103. Therefore, when Finishing-Template is selected in Type 602, the “Change by job” option for the IPP-defined items may be grayed out and disabled from being set. In this case, “NO” is set in the last change 1143 field in the global attribute management table 1140. Furthermore, in IPP-Preset, setting changes before printing are permitted for the IPP-defined items. Therefore, when IPP-Preset is selected in Type 602, the “Change by job” option for the IPP-defined items may be grayed out and disabled from being set. In this case, “YES” is set in the last change 1143 field in the global attribute management table 1140.

[0135] The present invention can also be realized by executing the following process. That is, software (programs) that realize the functions of the above-described embodiments are supplied to a system or device via a network or various storage media, and a computer (or CPU, MPU, etc.) of the system or device reads and executes the program code. In this case, the computer program and the storage medium storing the computer program constitute the present invention.

Claims

1. a storage means for storing a combination of setting values ​​of a plurality of setting items and identification information of the combination in association with each other; a notification means for notifying the information processing device of the identification information; a receiving means for receiving print data from the information processing device; an image forming unit that forms an image based on the received print data, the plurality of setting items include a first setting item and a second setting item, An image forming apparatus characterized in that the notification means notifies the information processing device of information used by the information processing device to display an object for changing the setting value of the first setting item on the display unit of the information processing device, and does not notify the information processing device of information used by the information processing device to display an object for changing the setting value of the second setting item on the display unit, which does not display an object for changing the setting value on the display unit.

2. the first setting item is a setting item that allows a setting value to be changed, the second setting item is a setting item whose setting value is not allowed to be changed, 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a setting unit for setting which of the plurality of setting items is the first setting item or the second setting item in accordance with a user operation.

3. An image forming apparatus as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the information used by the information processing device to display an object for changing the setting value of the first setting item on the display unit is information including at least one of the data type, range, and initial value of the setting value of the first setting item.

4. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, upon receiving the identification information, the notification means notifies information used by the information processing device to display an object for changing the setting value of the first setting item on the display unit.

5. 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information processing apparatus displays an object for changing a setting value of the first setting item in response to the selection of the identification information.

6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the identification information is displayed on the display unit so as to be selectable by a user of the information processing apparatus.

7. a storage step of storing a combination of setting values ​​of a plurality of setting items and identification information of the combination in association with each other; a notification step of notifying an information processing device of the identification information; a receiving step of receiving print data from the information processing device; an image forming step of executing image formation based on the received print data, the plurality of setting items include a first setting item and a second setting item, A control method for an image forming device, characterized in that the notification process notifies the information processing device of information used by the information processing device to display an object for changing the setting value of the first setting item on a display unit of the information processing device, and does not notify the information processing device of information used by the information processing device to display an object for changing the setting value of the second setting item on a display unit of the information processing device, which does not display an object for changing the setting value on the display unit.

8. A program executed by a computer that controls an image forming apparatus, a storage step of storing a combination of setting values ​​of a plurality of setting items and identification information of the combination in association with each other; a notification step of notifying an information processing device of the identification information; a receiving step of receiving print data from the information processing device; an image forming step of forming an image based on the received print data, the plurality of setting items include a first setting item and a second setting item, The notification process is a program characterized in that it notifies the information processing device of information used by the information processing device to display an object for changing the setting value of the first setting item on a display unit of the information processing device, and does not notify the information processing device of information used by the information processing device to display an object for changing the setting value of the second setting item on a display unit of the information processing device, which does not display an object for changing the setting value on the display unit.

Images