阅读说明：本技术 印刷系统、信息处理装置、存储介质以及控制方法 (Printing system, information processing apparatus, storage medium, and control method ) 是由 小方善贵 于 2021-05-21 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明的课题在于,当安装有打印机驱动时,能够省略伴随不便的消除所耗费的功夫。印刷系统(10)包括图像形成装置(12)以及多个信息处理装置(14)。另外,在图像形成装置中存储有表示由本机能够实现的印刷条件的设定值的自定义数据。信息处理装置包括CPU(60),由CPU使信息处理装置获取存储在图像形成装置中的自定义数据,并根据该自定义数据设定打印机驱动中的标准印刷条件。(The invention aims to save time and labor for eliminating inconvenience when a printer driver is installed. A printing system (10) includes an image forming apparatus (12) and a plurality of information processing apparatuses (14). In addition, the image forming apparatus stores customization data indicating setting values of printing conditions that can be realized by the apparatus. The information processing apparatus includes a CPU (60) for causing the information processing apparatus to acquire custom data stored in the image forming apparatus and to set a standard printing condition in the printer driver based on the custom data.)

1. A printing system including an image forming apparatus and an information processing apparatus, the printing system being characterized in that,

the image forming apparatus includes:

a first communication unit that communicates with the information processing apparatus; and

a first storage unit for storing set values of printing conditions that can be realized by the own device,

the information processing apparatus includes:

a second communication section that communicates with the image forming apparatus;

a mounting section that mounts a printer driver for controlling the image forming apparatus;

a data acquisition section that acquires the setting value from the image forming apparatus when the printer driver is mounted by the mounting section;

a second storage unit that stores the setting value acquired by the data acquisition unit; and

and a setting unit that sets a standard value of the printing condition in the printer driver based on the set value stored in the second storage unit.

2. A printing system including an image forming apparatus and an information processing apparatus, the printing system being characterized in that,

the control method of the image forming apparatus includes:

(a) a step of communicating with the information processing apparatus; and

(b) a step of storing a set value of a printing condition which can be realized by the self-device,

the control method of the information processing apparatus includes:

(c) communicating with the image forming apparatus; and

(d) a step of installing a printer driver for controlling the image forming apparatus;

(e) a step of acquiring the setting value from the image forming apparatus when the printer driver is installed by the step (d);

(f) a storage step of storing the set value acquired in the step (e); and

(g) setting a standard value of the printing condition in the printer driver based on the set value stored in the step (f).

3. An information processing apparatus communicably connected to an image forming apparatus that stores setting values of printing conditions that can be realized by the apparatus, the information processing apparatus comprising:

a communication section that communicates with the image forming apparatus;

a mounting section that mounts a printer driver for controlling the image forming apparatus;

a data acquisition section that acquires the setting value from the image forming apparatus when the printer driver is mounted by the mounting section;

a storage unit that stores the setting value acquired by the data acquisition unit; and

and a setting unit that sets a standard value of the printing condition in the printer driver based on the set value stored in the storage unit.

4. A storage medium storing a control program for an information processing apparatus connected to an image forming apparatus in a communicable manner, the image forming apparatus storing setting values of printing conditions that can be realized by the apparatus, the storage medium being characterized in that,

the control program causes a processor of the information processing apparatus to execute:

a communication step of communicating with the image forming apparatus; and

a mounting step of mounting a printer driver for controlling the image forming apparatus;

a data acquisition step of acquiring the setting value from the image forming apparatus when the printer driver is mounted by the mounting step;

a storage step of storing the set value acquired in the data acquisition step; and

and a setting step of setting a standard value of the printing condition in the printer driver based on the set value stored in the storing step.

5. A control method of an information processing apparatus communicably connected to an image forming apparatus storing set values of printing conditions that can be realized by the apparatus, the control method comprising:

(a) communicating with the image forming apparatus;

(b) a step of installing a printer driver for controlling the image forming apparatus;

(c) a step of acquiring the setting value from the image forming apparatus when the printer driver is installed by the step (b);

(d) a storage step of storing the set value acquired in the step (c); and

(e) setting a standard value of the printing condition in the printer driver based on the set value stored in the step (d).

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a printing system, an information processing apparatus, a storage medium, and a control method, and more particularly to a printing system, an information processing apparatus, a storage medium, and a control method, for example, to which a printer driver can be attached.

Background

An example of such a background art is disclosed in patent document 1. In the technique disclosed in patent document 1, when a printer driver is installed in a client PC, customization data indicating a setting pattern of a print condition generated in advance by a customization tool provided in the client PC is stored in a registry of the client PC, and a user operation is received via a GUI (graphical user interface) in which a print condition frequently used by a user is set in advance based on the customization data.

Documents of the prior art

Patent document

Patent document 1: japanese laid-open patent publication No. 2013-190897

Disclosure of Invention

Technical problem to be solved by the invention

In the background art, the standard value of the printing condition in the printer driver is freely set by a custom tool. Therefore, the standard printing conditions are freely set in the printer driver mounted on the information processing apparatus. However, the standard printing conditions may correspond to characteristics of a printed matter that the image forming apparatus cannot realize. If an image is printed based on the standard printing condition, an error is generated, or a printed matter is discharged based on a printing condition different from the user's intention, or inconvenience is brought to the user. Therefore, time and effort are required to remove the inconvenience.

Accordingly, a main object of the present invention is to provide a novel printing system, information forming apparatus, control program, and control method.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a printing system, an information processing apparatus, a control program, and a control method that can eliminate the time and effort required to remove inconvenience when installing a printer driver.

Means for solving the problems

A first invention is a printing system including an image forming apparatus and an information processing apparatus, the image forming apparatus including: a first communication unit that communicates with the information processing apparatus; and a first storage unit that stores set values of printing conditions that can be realized by the own apparatus, the information processing apparatus including: a second communication section that communicates with the image forming apparatus; a mounting section that mounts a printer driver for controlling the image forming apparatus; a data acquisition section that acquires the setting value from the image forming apparatus when the printer driver is mounted by the mounting section; a second storage unit that stores the setting value acquired by the data acquisition unit; and a setting unit that sets a standard value of the printing condition in the printer driver based on the set value stored in the second storage unit.

A second aspect of the present invention is a printing system including an image forming apparatus and an information processing apparatus, the method of controlling the image forming apparatus including: (a) a step of communicating with the information processing apparatus; and (b) storing a set value of a printing condition that can be realized by the own apparatus, the method for controlling an information processing apparatus includes: (c) communicating with the image forming apparatus; and (d) a step of installing a printer driver for controlling the image forming apparatus; (e) a step of acquiring the setting value from the image forming apparatus when the printer driver is installed by the step (d); (f) a storage step of storing the set value acquired in the step (e); and (g) setting a standard value of the printing condition in the printer driver based on the set value stored in the step (f).

A third aspect of the present invention is an information processing apparatus communicably connected to an image forming apparatus storing set values of printing conditions that can be realized by the apparatus, the information processing apparatus including: a communication section that communicates with the image forming apparatus; a mounting section that mounts a printer driver for controlling the image forming apparatus; a data acquisition section that acquires the setting value from the image forming apparatus when the printer driver is mounted by the mounting section; a storage unit that stores the setting value acquired by the data acquisition unit; and a setting unit that sets a standard value of the printing condition in the printer driver based on the set value stored in the storage unit.

A fourth aspect of the present invention is a storage medium storing a control program for an information processing apparatus, the information processing apparatus being communicably connected to an image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus storing setting values of printing conditions that can be realized by the apparatus, the control program causing a processor of the information processing apparatus to execute: a communication step of communicating with the image forming apparatus; and a mounting step of mounting a printer driver for controlling the image forming apparatus; a data acquisition step of acquiring the setting value from the image forming apparatus when the printer driver is mounted by the mounting step; a storage step of storing the set value acquired in the data acquisition step; and a setting step of setting a standard value of the printing condition in the printer driver based on the set value stored in the storing step.

A fifth aspect of the present invention is a control method for an information processing apparatus communicably connected to an image forming apparatus storing setting values of printing conditions that can be realized by the apparatus, the control method including: (a) communicating with the image forming apparatus; (b) a step of installing a printer driver for controlling the image forming apparatus; (c) a step of acquiring the setting value from the image forming apparatus when the printer driver is installed by the step (b); (d) a storage step of storing the set value acquired in the step (c); and (e) setting a standard value of the printing condition in the printer driver based on the set value stored in the step (d).

Effects of the invention

According to the present invention, it is possible to eliminate the time and effort required for the inconvenience to be eliminated when the printer driver is mounted.

The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a printing system.

Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the image forming apparatus.

Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the information processing apparatus.

Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a condition setting screen displayed on the display of the information processing apparatus.

Fig. 5 is a diagram showing a relationship between custom data and an image forming apparatus.

Fig. 6 is a diagram showing one example of an acquisition destination selection screen displayed on the display of the information processing apparatus.

Fig. 7 is a diagram illustrating one example of a memory map of the RAM of the image forming apparatus.

Fig. 8 is a diagram showing one example of a memory map of the RAM of the information processing apparatus.

Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing one example of a storage process of the CPU of the image forming apparatus.

Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing one example of device corresponding processing of the CPU of the image forming device.

Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing one example of condition setting processing of the CPU of the information processing apparatus.

Fig. 12 is a diagram illustrating one example of a home screen displayed by the display of the image forming apparatus of the second embodiment.

Fig. 13 is a diagram showing one example of a custom screen displayed by the display of the image forming apparatus of the second embodiment.

Fig. 14 is a diagram illustrating one example of an acquisition screen displayed by the display of the image forming apparatus of the second embodiment.

Fig. 15 is a diagram showing one example of a memory map of the RAM of the image forming apparatus of the second embodiment.

Fig. 16 is a flowchart showing one example of the generation processing of the CPU of the image forming apparatus of the second embodiment.

Detailed Description

[ first embodiment ]

Fig. 1 is a diagram showing one example of the configuration of a printing system 10 of the first embodiment. As shown in fig. 1, the printing system 10 includes an image forming apparatus 12 and a plurality of information processing apparatuses 14.

The image forming apparatus 12 is a multifunction peripheral having a copy function (copy function), a printer function, a scanner function, a facsimile function, and the like, and is applicable to other image forming apparatuses such as a printing apparatus (printer).

The information processing apparatus 14 is a desktop PC, a notebook (laptop) PC, a tablet PC, or the like.

The image forming apparatus 12 and the plurality of information processing apparatuses 14 are connected via a network 16 constituted by the internet. Further, the network 16 may be constituted by a telephone network (public telephone network or mobile telephone communication network) and the internet. Further, image forming apparatus 12 and information processing apparatus 14 may be directly connected.

Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of image forming apparatus 12 shown in fig. 1. As shown in fig. 2, the image forming apparatus 12 includes a CPU 20. The CPU20 is connected to the RAM24, the storage unit 26, the display control circuit 28, the touch panel control circuit 30, the image reading unit 36, the image forming unit 38, the communication unit 40, the detection unit 42, and the conveyance unit 44 via the bus 22.

Further, the image forming apparatus 12 includes a display 32 and a touch panel 34, the display control circuit 28 is connected to the display 32, and the touch panel control circuit 30 is connected to the touch panel 34.

The CPU20 is responsible for overall control of the image forming apparatus 12. The RAM24 is used as a work area and a buffer area of the CPU 20.

The storage unit 26 is a main storage device of the image forming apparatus 12, and uses a nonvolatile memory such as an HDD or an EPPROM. The storage unit 26 may include the RAM 24. The storage unit 26 stores data of a control program for controlling the operations of the respective parts of the image forming apparatus 12 by the CPU20, data of images (display images) of various screens, data necessary for executing the control program, and the like.

The display control circuit 28 includes a GPU, a VRAM, and the like, and under the instruction of the CPU20, the GPU generates a display image for displaying various screens on the display 32 in the VRAM using the image generation data 404b (see fig. 7) stored in the RAM24, and outputs the generated display image to the display 32. As the display 32, for example, an LCD (liquid crystal display), an EL (Electro-Luminescence) display, or the like can be used. The same applies to a display 72 (see fig. 3) described later.

The touch panel control circuit 30 applies a voltage or the like necessary for the touch panel 34, detects a touch operation (user operation) in a touch effective range of the touch panel 34, and outputs touch coordinate data indicating a position of the touch input to the CPU 20.

The touch panel 34 is a general-purpose touch panel, and any type of touch panel such as a capacitance type touch panel, an electromagnetic induction type touch panel, a resistive film type touch panel, and an infrared type touch panel can be used. As the touch panel 34, a capacitive touch panel is used, and the touch panel 34 is provided on the display surface of the display 32. However, a touch panel display in which the display 32 and the touch panel 34 are integrally formed may be used.

The image reading unit 36 includes a light source, a plurality of mirrors, an imaging lens, a line sensor, and the like. The image reading section 36 guides the reflected light reflected from the surface of the original to the imaging lens by a plurality of mirrors. Then, the reflected light is imaged on the light receiving element of the line sensor by the imaging lens. In the line sensor, a read image is input by detecting the luminance or chromaticity of reflected light formed on a light receiving element and generating the read image based on an image on the surface of a document. In addition, the line sensor uses a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor), a CCD (Charge Coupled Device), or the like.

The image forming unit 38 includes a photosensitive drum, a charging device, an exposure device, a developing device, a transfer device, a fixing device, and the like, and forms an image on a recording medium by using a dry electrophotographic method. An image (output image) for forming to a recording medium uses an input image. The input image includes a read image, and an image (reception image) transmitted from an external information processing apparatus or the like. Further, the recording medium is not limited to a recording paper made of paper, and a sheet other than paper such as an OHP film may be used.

The image forming unit 38 may include four photosensitive drums, four charging devices, four developing devices, four intermediate transfer rollers, four cleaning devices, and the like for each color of Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan), and K (black). In this case, an image forming station including a photosensitive drum, a charging device, a developing device, an intermediate transfer roller, and a cleaning device is configured to be capable of printing a color image.

The communication section 40 includes a communication circuit for connecting with the communication module or the network 16 by wire or wirelessly, and performs communication via the network 16 according to an instruction of the CPU 20. As an example, the communication unit 40 transmits and receives data in accordance with a wired communication method based on a communication standard such as ethernet (registered trademark) or a wireless communication method based on a communication standard such as IEEE 802.11.

The communication unit 40 has an external storage medium mounting unit, not shown, to which various media, not shown, can be mounted, and performs data transmission and reception with the media mounted on the external storage medium mounting unit. As media, there are semiconductor media such as SD (Secure Digital) memory cards and USB (Universal Serial Bus) memories, and Disc media such as CDs (Compact discs) and DVDs (Digital Versatile discs).

The detection portion 42 includes a circuit and the like for detecting attachment of the optional device to the image forming device 12 and detachment of the optional device from the image forming device 12.

The above-described alternative apparatus is an apparatus for processing a printed matter. For example, a punching unit for punching a hole in a printed matter, a binding unit for binding a printed matter with a staple, a paper folding unit for folding a printed matter, and the like can be cited.

In addition, the detection of the detachment and attachment of the optional device is determined based on the presence or absence of communication with the optional device. Further, the removal and attachment of the optional device may be detected based on the detection results of the sensors such as the optical sensor and the distance sensor. Further, since the methods of detecting the removal and attachment of the optional device are well known, detailed description is omitted.

The conveyance unit 44 includes a conveyance path and conveyance rollers for conveying the sheets placed on a paper feed cassette and a manual feed tray, not shown, to the paper discharge tray via a transfer device, a fixing device, and the like included in the image forming unit 38.

The conveying section 44 may include a conveying path for returning the sheet subjected to the simplex printing to the conveying path on the upstream side in the conveying direction of the sheet such as the transfer device and the fixing device. In this case, printing can be performed on both sides of the paper.

Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the information processing apparatus 14 shown in fig. 1. As shown in fig. 3, the information processing apparatus 14 includes a CPU 60. The CPU60 is connected to the RAM64, the storage section 66, the display control circuit 68, the operation section control circuit 70, and the communication section 76 via the bus 62.

In addition, the information processing apparatus 14 includes a display 72 and an operation portion 74, the display control circuit 68 is connected to the display 72, and the operation portion control circuit 70 is connected to the operation portion 74.

The CPU60 manages the overall control of the information processing apparatus 14. The RAM64 is used as a work area and a buffer area of the CPU 60.

The storage unit 66 is a main storage device of the information processing device 14, and uses a nonvolatile memory such as an HDD or an EPPROM. The storage unit 66 may be configured to include the RAM 64. The storage unit 66 stores therein data of a control program for controlling the operation of each part of the information processing apparatus 14 by the CPU60, data of images (display images) of various screens, data necessary for executing the control program, a printer driver, and the like as appropriate.

The display control circuit 68 includes a GPU, a VRAM, and the like, and under the instruction of the CPU60, the GPU generates a display image for displaying various screens on the display 72 in the VRAM using the image generation data 504b (see fig. 8) stored in the RAM64, and outputs the generated display image to the display 72.

The operation unit control circuit 70 outputs a signal or operation data corresponding to an input operation (user operation) to the operation unit 74 to the CPU 60.

The operation unit 74 is, for example, a mouse, a keyboard, a touch panel, or the like. Further, in the case of using a touch panel as the operation section 74, the touch panel is provided on the display surface of the display 72. A touch panel display in which the display 72 and the operation portion 74 are integrated may be used.

Similarly to the communication unit 40, the communication unit 76 performs communication via the network 16 in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 60. In particular, the communication unit 76 transmits the print image data in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 60.

Note that the electrical configurations of image forming apparatus 12 shown in fig. 2 and information processing apparatus 14 shown in fig. 3 are merely examples, and need not be limited thereto.

In the printing system 10, the information processing apparatus 14 and the image forming apparatus 12 are connected, and when a predetermined operation is received, the printer driver is installed in the information processing apparatus 14.

Further, the printer driver is a device driver of the image forming apparatus 12. Therefore, the image forming apparatus 12 can be said to be an image forming apparatus 12 that can be controlled by a printer driver.

Then, a standard print condition (standard print condition) is set in the printer driver installed in the information processing device 14. The printing condition is a condition reflecting the operation of image forming apparatus 12 at the time of printing. The characteristics of the printed matter vary depending on the operation of image forming apparatus 12 at the time of printing. Therefore, the characteristics of the printed matter vary depending on the printing conditions. That is, the printing conditions correspond to the characteristics of the printed matter.

The print condition includes a plurality of setting items (hereinafter, simply referred to as "setting items") associated with printing (associated with the operation of image forming apparatus 12 during printing). Then, the operation of image forming apparatus 12 is determined based on the set value of each setting item. That is, the characteristics of the printed matter are determined based on the set values of the setting items.

In the printer driver, a standard set value (standard value) is set in the set value of each set item. The standard value of each setting item may be referred to as a standard value of the printing condition. In addition, when the user instructs printing, the set value of each setting item can be arbitrarily changed from the standard value.

The setting items include, for example, a color mode, single-sided printing/double-sided printing, a paper size, punching, stapling, and paper folding.

The color mode is a setting item related to the color of an image, that is, the color of an image printed on a sheet. In the color mode, for example, "black and white (monochrome)" and "color" can be set.

When the color mode is set to "black and white", a black and white image is printed on the paper. In addition, when the color mode is set to "color", a color image is printed on a sheet.

Single-sided printing/double-sided printing is a setting item relating to the side of the paper on which an image is printed. For example, single-sided printing/double-sided printing may be set to "single-sided printing" and "double-sided printing".

In the case where the single-sided printing/double-sided printing is set to "single-sided printing", an image is printed on one side of the paper. In addition, when the single-sided printing/double-sided printing is set to "double-sided printing", images are printed on both sides of the paper.

The size of the paper is a setting item related to the size of the paper on which the image is printed. The size of the paper sheet may be set to, for example, "a 4", "A3", "B5", or the like.

In a case where the size of the sheet is set to "a 4", a sheet image of a4 size is printed. The same applies to the case of setting to other sizes.

The punching is a setting item concerning the presence or absence of punching processing performed on a printed matter. The punching holes may be set to "no machining" or "machining", for example. If the punching is set to "no processing", the printed matter is not subjected to punching processing. When the punched hole is set to "presence of processing", punching processing is performed at a predetermined position of the printed matter.

Binding is a setting item relating to the presence or absence of binding processing performed on a printed matter. Binding can be set to "no processing", "processing (one binding)", and "processing (two-binding)", for example. When the binding is set to "no processing", the printed matter is not subjected to the binding processing. When the stapling is set to "there is processing (one-point stapling)", the stapling processing is performed on a predetermined position of the printed matter. When the stapling is set to "with processing (two-point stapling)", the stapling processing is performed at two predetermined positions of the printed matter.

The sheet folding is a setting item related to the presence or absence of sheet folding processing performed on a printed matter. The sheet folding can be set to "no processing", "processing (folding back)", and "processing (three folding back)", for example. When the sheet folding is set to "no processing", the sheet folding processing is not performed on the printed matter. When the paper folding is set to "processing" (folding in two) ", the printed matter is subjected to folding processing at a position where the length of the paper in the longitudinal direction of the printed matter is halved. When the paper folding is set to "with processing" (three-fold) ", the printed matter is subjected to folding processing at a position where the length of the printed matter in the longitudinal direction is trisected.

In addition, a setting value corresponding to the setting content is actually set. For example, a setting value corresponding to "black and white (monochrome)" and a setting value corresponding to "color" can be set in the color mode.

Raw data indicating a set value (raw value) predetermined by a developer is used for setting the standard printing condition. Hereinafter, a series of processes until a standard printing condition is set based on the raw data will be described.

The raw data, the printer driver, and the like are stored in a predetermined file in a data format. When the information processing apparatus 14 receives a predetermined operation, the raw data, the printer driver, and the like are developed.

Further, the installation of the printer driver is started in accordance with the development of the raw data, the printer driver, and the like, and the raw data is stored in the information processing apparatus 14.

When the installation of the printer driver is completed, the standard printing conditions in the printer driver are set in accordance with the raw data.

That is, the standard value of the printing condition of the printer driver is set in accordance with the original value. Specifically, the standard value of each setting item is set in accordance with the original value.

For example, in the first embodiment, after the standard print conditions of the printer driver are set, the information processing apparatus 14 receives a predetermined operation, and in response thereto, the operation screen corresponding to the printer driver is displayed on the display 72.

The operation screen here is a condition setting screen 100 (see fig. 4) for setting printing conditions. However, the condition setting screen 100 displayed on the display 72 displays the condition setting screen 100 corresponding to the standard printing conditions.

Fig. 4 shows an example of the condition setting screen 100. In the example shown in fig. 4, for example, the standard value of the color mode corresponds to a set value corresponding to "monochrome".

In addition, custom data may be used instead of the original data in setting the standard printing conditions. The customization data is data indicating a set value (customization value) arbitrarily set by a customization tool.

However, to set the standard printing conditions using the custom data, when the printer driver is installed, the custom data needs to be stored in the information processing apparatus 14 in advance in addition to the original data.

The original data and the custom data are stored in the information processing device 14, and when the installation of the printer driver is completed, the standard printing conditions in the printer driver are set in accordance with the custom data.

However, since the customization value can be freely set in the customization tool, the standard printing condition may correspond to a feature of the printed matter that cannot be realized by the image forming apparatus 12.

In addition, when the standard printing conditions correspond to the features of the printed matter that cannot be realized by the image forming apparatus 12, if the image is printed based on the standard printing conditions, inconvenience is given to the user.

For example, an error is generated. Further, the printed matter is discharged based on a print condition different from the print condition intended by the user.

Since the print condition corresponds to the feature of the printed matter, the standard print condition corresponding to the feature of the printed matter that cannot be realized by the image forming apparatus 12 can also be said to be a standard print condition that cannot be realized by the image forming apparatus 12.

The standard printing conditions corresponding to the features of the printed matter that can be realized by the image forming apparatus 12 can also be said to be standard printing conditions that can be realized by the image forming apparatus 12.

Further, the standard printing conditions are freely set in accordance with the custom values. That is, the custom value may be classified into one of a custom value that can be realized by image forming apparatus 12 and a custom value that cannot be realized by image forming apparatus 12.

In the present embodiment, in order to avoid such inconvenience, standard values of the printing conditions in the printer driver, that is, standard printing conditions are set in accordance with custom values that can be realized by the image forming apparatus 12.

First, in printing system 10, custom data is stored in image forming apparatus 12 in advance.

However, the custom value indicated by the custom data is a custom value that can be realized by image forming apparatus 12.

That is, in the present embodiment, the standard print condition set based on the custom value stored in a certain image forming apparatus 12 is a standard print condition that can be realized by the image forming apparatus 12.

Further, in image forming apparatus 12, when customization data is input from the outside to image forming apparatus 12 through communication unit 40, the customization data is stored in image forming apparatus 12.

For example, as a medium storing custom data is connected to image forming apparatus 12, custom data stored in the medium is input to image forming apparatus 12.

However, when the customization data input to image forming apparatus 12 indicates a customization value that cannot be realized by image forming apparatus 12, the customization value that cannot be realized by image forming apparatus 12 is stored in image forming apparatus 12 after being changed to a customization value that can be realized by image forming apparatus 12. When the custom value represents a custom value that can be realized by the image forming apparatus 12, the custom value is not changed.

Fig. 5 is a diagram showing a relationship between custom data and image forming apparatus 12. Further, custom data A is custom data stored before image forming apparatus 12, custom data B is custom data stored after image forming apparatus 12,

image forming apparatus a is image forming apparatus 12 capable of printing a color image and a monochrome image, and image forming apparatus B is image forming apparatus 12 capable of printing a monochrome image.

As shown in fig. 5, for example, custom data indicating a custom value corresponding to "color" is input to image forming apparatus a and image forming apparatus B.

Since image forming apparatus a is image forming apparatus 12 capable of printing a color image and printing a monochrome image, customization data input to image forming apparatus a is stored in image forming apparatus a without changing the customization value.

On the other hand, since image forming apparatus B is image forming apparatus 12 capable of printing a monochrome image, customization data input to image forming apparatus B is stored in image forming apparatus B after the customization value is changed. Specifically, the custom value corresponding to "color" is changed to the custom value corresponding to "monochrome".

Further, the custom data to be used among the custom data stored in the image forming apparatus 12 is the latest custom data. Further, unused customization data may be appropriately deleted from image forming apparatus 12.

In image forming apparatus 12 of the present embodiment, when a predetermined time (for example, 3 minutes) has elapsed since the option apparatus was detached from image forming apparatus 12, it is determined whether or not the customization value indicated by the customization data is a customization value that can be realized (cannot be realized) by image forming apparatus 12.

When the custom data is represented as a custom value that cannot be realized by image forming apparatus 12, the custom value is changed as described above. In addition, when the custom data is expressed as a custom value that can be realized in image forming apparatus 12, the custom value is not changed.

Further, if the optional device is detached from the image forming apparatus 12 along with maintenance, error removal, or the like, the optional device may be attached to the image forming apparatus 12 again.

For example, if the custom value is changed immediately after the optional device is detached from image forming apparatus 12, it takes time to restore the custom value to the state before the change after the optional device is attached to image forming apparatus 12.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, the custom value is appropriately changed when a predetermined time (for example, 3 minutes) has elapsed after the optional device is detached from the image forming apparatus 12.

Alternatively, the custom value may be changed immediately after the optional device is removed from image forming apparatus 12. However, before a prescribed time (e.g., 3 minutes) elapses, if the detached optional device is mounted on the image forming apparatus 12, the custom value is changed to the custom value before the optional device is detached. Next, a series of processes until the standard printing conditions are set based on the custom data will be described.

When the installation of the printer driver is started, the information processing apparatus 14 selects the acquisition destination of the custom data. However, the image forming apparatus 12 that can be controlled by the printer driver is set at the acquisition destination.

Specifically, the image forming apparatus 12, which is communicably connected to the information processing apparatus 14 and operates in accordance with an instruction from the printer driver, is set as the acquisition destination.

For example, when the installation of the printer driver is started, an acquisition destination selection screen 120 is displayed on the display 72, the acquisition destination selection screen 120 being a screen for selecting an acquisition destination of the custom data.

Fig. 6 is one example of the acquisition destination selection screen 120. The acquisition destination selection screen 120 is provided with a device selection key 122 and a cancel key 124.

The device selection key 122 is provided for selecting an image forming apparatus 12 storing custom data from among the image forming apparatuses 12 whose printer drivers can be controlled.

The device selection key 122 is assigned with a function of acquiring custom data from a predetermined acquisition destination.

If the device selection key 122 is operated, custom data is acquired from the acquisition destination corresponding to the device selection key 122 in which the information processing device 14 is operated, that is, from the image forming device 12 to the information processing device 14.

The customization data acquired by the information processing device 14 is stored in the information processing device 14. Therefore, the standard printing conditions are set according to the custom data.

Specifically, an output instruction (output command) for outputting the custom data is transmitted to image forming apparatus 12 as the acquisition destination of the custom data.

In response to receiving the output command, image forming apparatus 12 outputs (transmits) the custom data to the transmission source of the output command.

The cancel key 124 is provided for canceling the acquisition of the custom data.

The cancel key 124 is assigned a function for terminating selection of an acquisition destination of custom data.

When the cancel key 124 is operated, the acquisition of the custom data is canceled. Therefore, the standard printing conditions are set according to the raw data.

Fig. 7 is a diagram illustrating one example of the memory map 400 of the RAM24 of the image forming apparatus 12 illustrated in fig. 1. As shown in fig. 7, the RAM24 includes a program storage area 402 and a data storage area 404. In addition, as an example of the information processing program, a control program of the image forming apparatus 12 is stored in the program storage area 402 of the RAM 24.

The control program of the image forming apparatus 12 includes: an operation detection program 402a, an image generation program 402b, a display program 402c, a communication program 402d, an input judgment program 402e, a detection program 402f, a time judgment program 402g, a custom value judgment program 402h, a custom value change program 402i, and a data storage program 402 j.

The operation detection program 402a is a program for detecting operation detection data corresponding to an operation on each operation unit of the image forming apparatus 12. For example, when the touch panel 34 is touched, the CPU20 acquires touch coordinate data output from the touch panel 34 as operation data 404a described later in accordance with the operation detection program 402a and stores the data in the buffer. When a button or key of hardware provided in the image forming apparatus 12 is pressed or operated, the CPU20 acquires operation data 404a obtained by pressing or operating the button or key from the operation detection program 402a and stores the operation data in the buffer.

The image generation program 402b is a program for controlling the GPU and generating a display image for displaying various screens using image generation data 404b described later.

The display program 402c is a program for outputting the display image generated by the image generation program 402b to the display 32.

The communication program 402d is a program for controlling the communication unit 40 and communicating with an external device.

The communication program 402d is also a program for controlling the communication unit 40 and communicating with the medium.

The input judgment program 402e is a program for judging whether or not the custom data has been input to the own device (own apparatus) from the communication program 402 d.

The detection program 402f is a program for controlling the detection section 42 and detecting that an optional device from the image forming apparatus 12 is detached.

Further, the detection program 402f is also a program for detecting that an optional device is installed in the image forming apparatus 12.

The time judgment program 402g is a program for judging whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed after the detachment of the optional device is detected according to the detection program 402 f.

The custom value determination program 402h is a program for determining whether or not the custom value indicated by the custom data is a custom value that can be realized by the present apparatus, with reference to the set value data 404d, in response to the input of the custom data in the image forming apparatus 12.

Further, custom value determination program 402h is also a program for determining whether or not the custom value indicated by the custom data is a custom value that cannot be realized by the present apparatus, with reference to set value data 404d, in response to the input of the custom data in image forming apparatus 12.

Further, the custom value judging program 402h may be a program for judging whether or not the custom value indicated by the custom data is a custom value that can be realized by the own machine when it is judged from the time judging program 402g that the predetermined time has elapsed.

Further, the custom value judging program 402h may also be a program for judging whether or not the custom value indicated by the custom data is a custom value that cannot be realized by the own machine when it is judged from the time judging program 402g that the predetermined time has elapsed.

The custom value changing program 402i is a program for changing the custom value that cannot be realized by the own machine to the custom value that can be realized by the own machine based on the set value data 404d when it is determined by the custom value determining program 402h that the custom value represented by the custom data is the custom value that cannot be realized by the own machine.

The data storage program 402j is a program for storing the custom data when the custom data is input into the image forming apparatus 12 and when it is determined from the custom value determination program 402h that the custom value represented by the custom data is a custom value that can be realized by the own machine.

Further, the data storage program 402j is a program for storing custom data when the custom data is input into the image forming apparatus 12 and the custom value indicated by the custom data is changed according to the custom value change program 402 i.

Although not shown in the drawings, other programs and the like necessary for controlling the image forming apparatus 12 are also stored in the program storage area 402.

In the data storage area 404, operation data 404a, image generation data 404b, custom data 404c, and setting value data 404d are stored.

The operation data 404a is operation data detected by the operation detection program 402a, and is stored in time series. Further, the operation data 404a is deleted after being used in the processing of the CPU 20.

The image generation data 404b is data including polygon data and texture data for generating a display image, and the like. The image generation data 404b also includes image data and the like corresponding to the software keys.

The custom data 404c is data representing a custom value stored in the native machine. The setting value data 404d is data indicating a setting value that can be realized by the device itself.

Although not shown in the drawings, other data necessary for executing the information processing program is stored in the data storage area 404, and a flag and a counter (timer) necessary for executing the information processing program are also provided.

Fig. 8 is a diagram showing one example of the memory map 500 of the RAM64 of the information processing apparatus 14 shown in fig. 1. As shown in fig. 7, the RAM64 includes a program storage area 502 and a data storage area 504. In addition, in the program storage area 502 of the RAM64, a control program of the information processing apparatus 14 is stored as an example of an information processing program.

The control program of the information processing apparatus 14 includes: an operation detection program 502a, an image generation program 502b, a display program 502c, a communication program 502d, an installation program 502e, an acquisition destination selection program 502f, a selection judgment program 502g, an acquisition program 502h, a storage program 502i, a setting program 502j, and a driver program 502 k.

The operation detection program 502a is a program for detecting operation detection data corresponding to an operation of each operation unit by the information processing apparatus 14. For example, when the operation unit 74 is operated, the CPU60 acquires touch coordinate data output from the operation unit 74 as operation data 504a to be described later based on the operation detection program 502a and stores the acquired data in the buffer. When a button or key of hardware other than the operation unit 74 is pressed or operated, the CPU60 acquires operation data 504a obtained by pressing or operating the button or key from the operation detection program 502a and stores the operation data in the buffer.

The image generation program 502b is a program for controlling the GPU and generating a display image for displaying various screens using image generation data 504b described later.

The display program 502c is a program for outputting the display image generated by the image generation program 502b to the display 72.

The communication program 502d is a program for controlling the communication unit 76 and communicating with an external device.

The installer 502e is a program for installing a printer driver.

The acquisition destination selection program 502f is a program for selecting an acquisition destination of custom data according to a user operation when the printer driver is installed according to the installer 502 e.

The selection judgment program 502g is a program for judging whether or not the acquisition destination of the custom data is selected, based on the acquisition destination selection program 502 f.

The acquisition program 502h is a program for acquiring custom data from an acquisition destination when the acquisition destination of the custom data is selected according to the selection judgment program 502 g.

The storage program 502i is a program for storing custom data in the storage unit 66 when the custom data is acquired according to the acquisition program 502 h.

In addition, the storage program 502i also includes a program for storing the raw data in the storage section 66 when the printer driver is installed according to the installer 502 e.

The setting program 502j is a program for setting the standard printing conditions in the printer driver in accordance with the customization data when the customization data is stored in the storage unit 66 based on the storage program 502 i.

The setting program 502j includes a program for setting the standard printing conditions in the printer driver in accordance with the original data when only the original data is stored in the storage unit 66 based on the storage program 502 i.

The driver 502k is a program corresponding to a printer driver.

Although not shown, the program storage area 502 stores other programs necessary for controlling the information processing device 14.

The data storage area 504 stores therein operation data 504a, image generation data 504b, raw data 504c, and custom data 504 d.

The operation data 504a is operation data detected by the operation detection program 502a, and is stored in time series. Further, the operation data 504a is deleted after being used in the processing of the CPU 60.

The image generation data 504b is data including polygon data and texture data for generating a display image, and the like. The image generation data 504b also includes image data and the like corresponding to the software keys.

Raw data 504c is data representing the original value. Further, customization data 504d is customization data acquired from image forming apparatus 12. Thus, custom data 504d corresponds to custom data 404 c.

Although not shown in the drawings, other data necessary for executing the information processing program is stored in the data storage area 504, and a flag and a counter (timer) necessary for executing the information processing program are also provided.

Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing one example of the storage processing of the CPU20 of the image forming apparatus 12. The CPU20 starts the storing process, for example, in accordance with the main power supply being turned on.

In step S1, it is determined whether or not custom data is input to the device. If "No" in step S1, that is, if custom data is not input to the native machine, return is made to step S1. On the other hand, if "yes" in step S1, that is, if custom data is input to the native machine, the flow proceeds to step S3.

In step S3, it is determined whether the custom value represented by the custom data is a custom value that cannot be realized by the native machine. If "no" in step S3, that is, if the custom value is a custom value that can be realized by the native machine, the flow proceeds to step S7. If yes in step S3, that is, if the custom value is a custom value that cannot be realized by the native machine, the custom value that cannot be realized by the native machine is changed to a custom value that can be realized by the native machine in step S5, and the process proceeds to step S7.

In step S7, the custom data is stored in the storage section 26, and the process returns to step S1.

Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing one example of the device correspondence processing of the CPU20 of the image forming device 12. The CPU20 starts the device correspondence processing when, for example, detachment of an optional device is detected.

In step S21, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed after the detection of the detachment of the optional device. If "no" in step S21, that is, if it is determined that the prescribed time has not elapsed, return is made to step S21. On the other hand, if yes in step S21, that is, if the prescribed time has elapsed, the flow proceeds to step S23.

In step S23, it is determined whether the custom value represented by the custom data is a custom value that cannot be realized by the native machine. If no in step S23, that is, if the custom value is a custom value that can be realized by the own machine, the device correspondence processing is ended. On the other hand, if yes in step S23, that is, if the custom value is a custom value that cannot be realized by the host computer, the custom value that cannot be realized by the host computer is changed to a custom value that can be realized by the host computer in step S25, and the device associating process is ended.

Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing one example of the condition setting processing of the CPU60 of the information processing apparatus 14. The CPU60 starts the condition setting process in accordance with, for example, the start of the installation of the printer driver.

In step S41, the acquisition destination selection screen 120 is displayed on the display 72, and in step S43, it is determined whether the device selection key 122 has been operated. Here, it is determined whether or not the acquisition destination of the custom data is selected.

If "no" in step S43, that is, if the device selection key 122 is not operated, the flow proceeds to step S53. On the other hand, if yes in step S43, that is, if the device selection key 122 is operated, the flow proceeds to step S45.

In step S45, custom data is acquired and stored in step S47.

In step S49, the raw data is stored, and in step S51, standard printing conditions are set according to the custom data. In step S51, when the standard print conditions are set, the condition setting process is ended.

In step S53, it is determined whether or not the cancel key 124 is operated. Here, it is determined whether the acquisition of the custom data is cancelled.

If "no" in step S53, that is, if the cancel key 124 is not operated, return is made to step S41. On the other hand, if yes in step S53, that is, if the cancel key 124 is operated, the flow proceeds to step S55.

In step S55, the raw data is stored, and in step S57, standard printing conditions are set based on the raw data. In step S57, when the standard print conditions are set, the condition setting process is ended.

According to the first embodiment, when the printer driver is installed, the labor required for the elimination of the inconvenience can be omitted.

[ second embodiment ]

In the second embodiment, the same as the first embodiment except that the image forming apparatus 12 is changed so that the custom value can be set, and therefore, redundant description is omitted.

In the image forming apparatus 12 of the second embodiment, for example, when the main power supply is turned on, a home screen 140 that is a screen of a main menu of the image forming apparatus 12 is displayed on the display 32.

Fig. 12 is an example of the home screen 140. The home screen 140 is provided with a plurality of function selection keys 142 and setting keys 144.

The plurality of function selection keys 142 are used to select a copy function, a facsimile function, and a scanner function of the image forming apparatus 12.

The function selection keys 142 are assigned with a function of displaying an operation screen corresponding to any one of the copy function, the facsimile function, and the scanner function on the display 32.

When a predetermined function selection key 142 is operated, an operation screen of a function corresponding to the operated function selection key 142 is displayed on the display 32.

Setting key 144 is used to perform various settings of image forming apparatus 12. Setting key 144 is assigned with a function of displaying an operation screen (setting screen) for performing various settings of image forming apparatus 12 on display 32. When the setting key 144 is operated, a setting screen is displayed on the display 32.

In the second embodiment, as the setting screen, a custom screen 160, which is a screen for setting a custom value, is displayed on the display 32.

Fig. 13 is an example of a custom screen 160. A schematic view 162 of image forming apparatus 12 viewed from the front is displayed on customization screen 160.

The customization screen 160 is provided with a plurality of item keys 164, an end key 166, an acquisition key 168, and a determination key 170.

The plurality of item keys 164 are provided for setting custom values of the setting items.

Each of the plurality of item keys 164 is assigned with a function of setting a custom value of a predetermined setting item.

When a predetermined item key 164 is operated, a custom value corresponding to the operated item key 164 is set.

Specifically, a pull-down menu, not shown, is displayed on the display 32, and a custom value is set in accordance with a user operation. In addition, in each of the plurality of item keys 164, setting contents corresponding to the custom value are displayed.

However, the customization screen 160 is limited in that the setting of customization values that cannot be realized by the present apparatus is not possible. For example, options corresponding to custom values that cannot be implemented by the native machine are not displayed in the drop down menu. In addition, the operation of the option corresponding to the custom value that cannot be realized by image forming apparatus 12 is invalidated.

The end key 166 is provided to end the setting of the custom value. The end key 166 is assigned a function of displaying an operation screen other than the setting screen on the display 32.

When the end key 166 is operated, the home screen 140 is displayed on the display 32, for example.

The acquisition key 168 is provided for acquiring custom data from the outside. The acquisition key 168 is assigned with a function of displaying an operation screen for acquiring custom data from the outside on the display 32.

When the acquisition key 168 is operated, an acquisition screen 180 (see fig. 14) is displayed on the display 32.

The determination key 170 is provided to end the setting of the custom value. The determination key 170 is assigned with a function of generating custom data.

When decision key 170 is operated, custom data is generated from the set custom value and stored in image forming apparatus 12.

Fig. 14 is an example of the acquisition screen 180. The acquisition screen 180 is a screen for acquiring custom data from the outside.

The acquisition screen 180 includes a display area 182 indicating an acquisition destination of the custom data. In addition, a reference key 184, a return key 186, and an execution key 188 are provided on the acquisition screen 180.

The reference key 184 is provided to refer to the acquisition destination of the custom data. The reference key 184 is assigned a function of presenting a list of the acquisition destinations of the custom data to the user.

When the reference key 184 is operated, for example, a pop-up screen not shown is displayed on the display 32.

A list of external devices (for example, general-purpose servers) as the acquisition destinations of the customization data is displayed on the pop-up screen, and the acquisition destinations of the customization data are selected in accordance with a user operation.

In addition, when the acquisition destination of the custom data is selected, the pop-up screen is set not to be displayed, and a character string indicating the acquisition destination is displayed in the display area 182.

Further, as the acquisition destination, a medium storing custom data may also be set.

The return key 186 is set to return to the previous screen. The return key 186 is assigned with a function of displaying the previous screen on the display 32.

When the return key 186 is operated, the custom screen 160 is displayed on the display 32.

The execution key 188 is set for performing acquisition of the custom data. The execution key 188 is assigned a function of acquiring custom data from a prescribed acquisition destination.

When the execution key 188 is operated, the custom data is input to the image forming apparatus 12.

In addition, when the custom data is input to the image forming apparatus 12, the custom data is stored in the image forming apparatus 12 as described above.

Further, if the acquisition destination of the custom data is not selected, the operation of the execution key 188 is invalidated.

In addition, when execution key 188 is operated and customization data is acquired to image forming apparatus 12, home screen image 140 is displayed on display 32.

Fig. 15 is a diagram showing one example of a memory map 400 of the RAM24 of the image forming apparatus 12 of the second embodiment.

The control program of the image forming apparatus 12 of the second embodiment includes a new data generation program 402 k.

The data generation program 402k is a program for generating custom data when a predetermined user operation is detected by the operation detection program 402 a.

Fig. 16 is a flowchart showing one example of the generation processing of the CPU20 of the image forming apparatus 12. The CPU20 starts the generation process in accordance with, for example, the custom screen 160 being displayed on the display 32.

In step S71, it is determined whether the determination key 170 is operated. If "no" in step S71, that is, if the determination key 170 is not operated, the flow proceeds to step S77. On the other hand, if yes in step S71, that is, if the determination key 170 is operated, the flow proceeds to step S73. In step S75, the generated custom data is stored, and the generation processing is ended.

In step S77, it is determined whether or not a screen other than the custom screen 160 is displayed on the display 32. If "no" in step S77, that is, if a screen other than the custom screen 160 is not displayed on the display 32, it returns to step S71. On the other hand, if yes in step S77, that is, if a screen other than the custom screen 160 is displayed on the display 32, the generation processing is ended.

In the second embodiment, even if there is no custom tool, custom data can be generated by the image forming apparatus 12. That is, the trouble of preparing a custom tool in advance can be eliminated.

Further, in image forming apparatus 12, the setting content of the changed setting item may be notified in response to a change from the customization value that cannot be realized by the apparatus to the customization value that can be realized by the apparatus. For example, if the custom value of the color mode is changed, it is notified that the color mode has been changed from "color" to "black and white (monochrome)".

Specifically, a message for notifying that the setting content has been changed is displayed on the display 32. Note that the notification method is not particularly limited.

This makes it possible for the user to know that the setting content of the setting item has been changed.

The above embodiments are merely examples, and can be modified as appropriate in actual products. Further, the flowcharts shown in the above embodiments are an example, and the order of the steps may be arbitrarily changed while obtaining the same effect.

Description of the reference numerals

10 … printing system

12 … information processing device

14 … image forming apparatus

16 … network

20…CPU

24…RAM

26 … storage part

40 … communication part

42 … detection part

60…CPU

64…RAM

66 … storage part

76 … communication part