JP2012198765A - Printer driver and print control device - Google Patents

Abstract

A more convenient search for a printer is performed.
A print control apparatus receives a first print setting used for printing. Further, a search is made for a printing device that can be used by the print control device. A first candidate printing device capable of executing printing without changing the first print setting by comparing the information related to the searched printing device with the first print setting; A second candidate printing apparatus that can execute printing is specified by changing the print setting. Then, information for identifying the first candidate printing device and information for identifying the second candidate printing device are displayed.
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a printer driver and a print control apparatus, and more particularly to a printer search.

  Printer drivers that can search for multiple models of printers and cause the printer selected from the search results to execute printing (for example, “Common Driver”, “Model Common Printer Driver”, etc.) are known Yes. If such a printer driver is installed in a terminal such as a smartphone or a mobile PC (Personal Computer), for example, the printer can be easily found even if the terminal moves, and more than one printer Since one printer can be easily selected from among them and printing can be executed, the convenience of printing is improved.

  For example, Patent Document 1 describes a technique in which a terminal sends a printer search request to a server, and the server searches for a printer near the current position of the terminal and sends a list of printers to the terminal.

JP 2006-195765 A

  By the way, in a printer driver having a conventional printer search function, a printer that can be found from the terminal is unconditionally searched regardless of the print setting designated by the user, and the found printer is displayed as a search result. Therefore, there is a possibility that a printer that cannot execute printing with the print settings designated by the user may be selected. If a printer that cannot perform printing with the print settings specified by the user is selected, the execution of printing may fail or the printing result desired by the user may not be obtained.

  For example, if the user specifies duplex color printing in the print settings and the printer that does not support duplex color printing is selected, printing cannot be executed or the user needs to change the print settings .

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is to perform a more convenient search for a printer.

  One aspect of the present invention for solving the above-described problem is a printer driver that causes a computer to function as a print control device that controls a printing device, the receiving unit receiving a first print setting used for printing, A search unit that searches for a printing device that can be used by the print control device, compares the information about the searched printing device with the first print setting, and executes printing without changing the first print setting. Identifying a first candidate printing device capable of specifying the second candidate printing device capable of executing printing by changing the first print setting; and identifying the first candidate printing device A display means for displaying information and information for identifying the second candidate printing apparatus, and the computer function.

  Here, the specifying unit compares the information about the second candidate printing device with the first print setting, and executes the second candidate executable from the first print setting on the second candidate printing device. The change contents to the print setting may be specified, and the display unit may display the change contents together with information for identifying the second candidate printing apparatus.

  Further, the printer driver includes a selection accepting unit that accepts a selection of one of the displayed first candidate printing device and the second candidate printing device, and the selected printing device is the first candidate. If the selected print device is a second candidate, the print data is generated based on the first print setting and transmitted to the selected print device. The computer is caused to function as a print control unit that changes to the second print setting according to the above, generates print data based on the second print setting, and transmits the print data to the selected printing apparatus. Also good.

  The printer driver causes the computer to function as a storage unit that generates and stores print data based on the first print setting when the selected printing device is a second candidate. It is good.

  The print data stored by the storage unit may be in a file format that can be transmitted to the first candidate printing apparatus by a predetermined program and that can be interpreted by the first candidate printing apparatus. .

  In addition, when the selected printing device is a second candidate, the selection receiving unit further receives a selection of any one of the first candidate printing devices, and the storage unit stores the predetermined program It is also possible to start, specify the stored print data as a print target, generate a file specifying the selected first candidate printing apparatus as a transmission target, and store the file.

  The display means may display status information of the printing apparatus together with information for identifying the first candidate printing apparatus and the second candidate printing apparatus.

  The display unit may display information for identifying the second candidate printing apparatus in an order of a small amount of the change.

  Another aspect of the present invention for solving the above-described problem is a print control apparatus for controlling a printing apparatus, wherein the first print setting used for printing can be received and the print control apparatus can be used. Search means for searching for a printing device, comparing the information about the searched printing device with the first print setting, and a first candidate capable of executing printing without changing the first print setting Specifying means for specifying a printing apparatus, a second candidate printing apparatus capable of performing printing by changing the first print setting, information for identifying the first candidate printing apparatus, and the second Display means for displaying information for identifying candidate printing apparatuses.

1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of hardware of a print control apparatus according to an example of an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a print control apparatus according to an example of an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a printing apparatus search dialog according to an example of an embodiment of the present invention. The figure which shows the warning dialog which concerns on an example of one Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a printing apparatus list according to an example of an embodiment of the invention. The flowchart which shows the search process which concerns on an example of one Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing print processing according to an example of an embodiment of the present invention.

  Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of hardware of a print control apparatus according to an example of an embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in the figure, the printing system 1 includes a print control apparatus 2 for realizing various processes by an application program, various processes by a printer driver program (hereinafter also simply referred to as a printer driver), and the like. And a printing apparatus 3 (A to E) that receives a print instruction.

  The printing apparatus 3 is connected to a network 5 such as a LAN (Local Area Network). An access point 4 that provides wireless communication is connected to the network 5. The print control apparatus 2 is connected to the network 5 via the access point 4 by wireless communication. Therefore, the print control apparatus 2 and the printing apparatus 3 can communicate with each other.

  The printing apparatus 3 performs printing based on the print data sent from the print control apparatus 2. The printing apparatus 3 has, for example, a laser type or inkjet type printing mechanism, and performs color or monochrome printing. Of course, the printing method is not limited to the above.

  In the present embodiment, the printing apparatuses 3A to 3E are different models and have different capabilities (for example, duplex printing, color, monochrome, copy-forgery-inhibited pattern printing, supported paper sizes, and the like). In the present embodiment, the printing apparatus 3 has a function of transmitting identification information, status information, capability information, and the like of the own apparatus in response to a request from the print control apparatus 2.

  The print control apparatus 2 issues a print instruction to the printing apparatus 3. That is, print data that can be interpreted by the printing apparatus 3 based on the print target data is generated and transmitted to the printing apparatus 3.

  As will be described later, the print control device 2 has a printer driver (common driver) installed, and the printer driver can interpret the function of searching for available printing devices 3 on the network and the selected printing device. A function of generating print data and executing printing;

  The form of the printing system 1 is not limited to the above. For example, the print control apparatus 2 may be connected to the network 5 by wired communication. The printing apparatus 3 may be connected to the network 5 by wireless communication. Further, the numbers of the printing control device 2, the printing device 3, and the access point 4 are not limited to the example illustrated.

  The print control apparatus 2 is, for example, a computer such as a PC. The print control device 2 includes a controller 20 that controls the print control device 2 in an integrated manner, a built-in or external auxiliary storage device 26 such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SDD (Solid State Drive), a keyboard, a mouse, An input device 27 such as a touch panel and a display 28 such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display are provided.

  The controller 20 stores in advance a CPU 21 that performs processing based on various programs, a RAM 22 that temporarily stores data and the like, and various data and various programs and the like for controlling the print control apparatus 2 in a nonvolatile manner. The ROM 23 includes a network interface (I / F) 24 that wirelessly connects to the network 5 to transmit and receive data, and a USB I / F 25 that connects to an external device such as a storage medium.

  Of course, the configurations of the printing system 1, the printing control device 2, and the printing device 3 described above are not limited to the above because the main configurations have been described in describing the features of the present invention. Further, a general printing system, a printing control apparatus, and other configurations included in the printing apparatus are not excluded. The printing apparatus 3 may be a multifunction machine or a copier having a scanner function and a facsimile function. Further, the print control apparatus 2 may be a terminal such as a mobile phone or a smartphone.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the print control apparatus according to an example of the embodiment of the present invention.

  The print control apparatus 2 includes an OS (Operating System) unit (not shown), an application unit 200, and a printer driver unit 210.

  The OS unit and application unit 200 are realized, for example, by the CPU 21 executing a predetermined OS program and application program loaded from the auxiliary storage device 26 to the RAM 22. The printer driver unit 210 is realized, for example, when the CPU 21 executes a predetermined printer driver program loaded from the auxiliary storage device 26 to the RAM 22.

  The printer driver program can be downloaded from a server on a network such as the Internet, and can be installed or updated in the print control apparatus 2. It may be read from a storage medium such as a CD-ROM or a storage medium such as a flash ROM and installed or updated in the print control apparatus 2.

  The OS unit has a so-called basic software function that provides system management and a basic user operation environment of the print control apparatus 2. The application unit 200 and the printer driver unit 210 are realized under the management of the OS unit.

  The application unit 200 has a so-called application software function that provides a user with specific functions according to various purposes. For example, the application unit 200 performs processing such as creation, display, and editing of a document file and an image file.

  In addition, the application unit 200 receives a print instruction for a file or the like (hereinafter also referred to as print target data) selected by the user via a predetermined user interface screen, for example. When the application unit 200 receives the print instruction, the application unit 200 notifies the printer driver unit 210 of the print target data and print settings, and instructs printing.

  The printer driver unit 210 searches for a printing apparatus that can be used by the print control apparatus 2 and performs processing for controlling the selected printing apparatus 3 to execute printing.

  In the present embodiment, the printer driver unit 210 functions as a common driver that can support a plurality of types of printing apparatuses 3.

  The printer driver unit 210 includes, for example, a process for controlling display of various user interface screens of the printer driver, a process for controlling input of a user operation via the user interface screen, print target data received from the application unit 200, and the user. A process of generating print data based on the designated print setting, a process of transmitting the print data to the printing apparatus 3 and executing printing are performed. Also, a process for searching for an available printing apparatus 3 from the print control apparatus 2 and a process for receiving selection of the printing apparatus 3 that executes printing are performed.

  Although details will be described later, in this embodiment, the printer driver unit 210 includes a first candidate that can execute printing without changing user-specified print settings from the searched printing apparatuses 3, and a user. The specified print settings are changed to identify and display a second candidate that can be printed. Further, when the second candidate is selected as a print execution target, a process of saving print data generated based on the print setting before the change is performed according to a user instruction.

  The printer driver unit 210 implements the above-described various processes, for example, a setting reception unit 220, a printing device search unit 230, a printing setting change unit 240, a printing device list generation unit 250, and a printing device list storage unit. 260, a print data generation unit 270, and a print data storage unit 280.

  In this embodiment, main processes such as print setting reception, printer search, printer selection reception, print data generation, and the like are realized by the printer driver program. The search and selection processing may be realized by another program that can cooperate with the printer driver program.

  The setting reception unit 220 is a functional unit that performs display control of a user interface screen or the like on the display 28 and input control from the input device 27.

  The setting receiving unit 220 displays, for example, a predetermined user interface screen, and receives print settings, a printing device search instruction, a printing device selection, a print execution instruction, a print data storage instruction, and the like. In addition, another function unit is instructed to execute processing according to the received content. The setting reception unit 220 receives print target data created by an application unit or the like.

  Specifically, when the setting reception unit 220 receives an instruction to change print settings by a user operation via a predetermined user interface screen displayed by the OS unit or the application unit 200, for example, the predetermined reception interface 220 Display the screen. Also, changes in various print settings are accepted via the user interface screen. The setting reception unit 220 holds the print settings (user-specified print settings) set on the predetermined user interface screen as print settings used for printing. In the present embodiment, the processing related to acceptance of print settings is not a main function, and thus description thereof is omitted.

  In addition, the setting reception unit 220, for example, when receiving an instruction to start printing by a user operation via a predetermined user interface screen displayed by the OS unit or the application unit 200, is a predetermined for searching for a printing device. Displays the user interface screen. Various operations are accepted via the user interface screen.

  The predetermined user interface screen for searching for a printing device can be, for example, a printing device search dialog 300 as shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a printing apparatus search dialog according to an example of the embodiment of the present invention.

  The printing device search dialog 300 prints either a search button 310 for executing a printing device search, a search result area 320 for displaying a list of search results of the printing device, or a printing device included in the search result list. Printing device selection area 330 for designating as an execution target, print button 350 for applying the printing apparatus selected in the printing apparatus selection area 330 as a print execution target (port for outputting print data), and canceling the application The cancel button 360 to be included.

  Of course, the configuration of the printing apparatus search dialog 300 is not limited to the above. For example, the arrangement and display mode of various areas are not limited to the above. Further, for example, each button or region may not be included in the same screen, and may be displayed on separate screens.

  When receiving the selection of the search button 310, the setting reception unit 220 instructs the printing device search unit 230 to search for the printing device 3 that can be used by the print control device 2. Note that when the printing device search dialog 300 is displayed or before it is displayed, the printing device search unit 230 may be automatically instructed to perform search processing.

  The setting reception unit 220 retrieves corresponding contents based on a device ID (identification information) 510, status information 530, print setting change information 540, and candidate rank 550 in a printing device list 500 described later. Display in area 320. Therefore, for each printing apparatus, information in which the apparatus ID (identification information) 321, status information 322, print setting change information 323, and candidate rank 324 are associated is displayed.

  Here, for example, the setting reception unit 220 may display the entries of the first candidate printing apparatus and the entries of the second candidate printing apparatus in groups. Also, for example, the higher candidate may be displayed at a position easy for the user to understand, such as displaying the first candidate on the upper side and the second candidate on the lower side. In addition, the display order of the second candidate entries may be an order that is convenient for the user, for example, an order in which the number or amount of print setting change locations specified from the print setting change information 540 is small. In this way, it is easy for the user to find a second candidate printing apparatus with few print setting changes.

  In addition, the setting receiving unit 220 receives any one of the printing device selection areas 330 corresponding to the printing apparatuses displayed in the search result area 320 as described above by a user operation.

  In addition, when the setting reception unit 220 receives an operation of the print button 350, the setting reception unit 220 specifies the printing device designated by the printing device selection area 330 as a print execution target. Also, the printing device search dialog 300 is closed. Note that when the operation of the cancel button 360 is received, for example, the printing apparatus search dialog 300 may be closed and the execution of printing may be stopped. A predetermined user interface screen of the OS unit or application unit 200 may be displayed again.

  In addition, the setting reception unit 220 refers to the printing apparatus list 500 and determines whether the printing apparatus 3 specified as the print execution target is a first candidate that can execute printing without changing the user-specified print settings. Determine whether. If it is the first candidate, the print data generation unit 270 is instructed to transmit the print data to the specified printing apparatus 3. If it is not the first candidate, a user interface screen for notifying the user that the print setting designated by the user is changed is displayed on the display 28. Various operations are accepted via the user interface screen.

  The user interface screen for notifying the user that the print setting is changed may be, for example, a warning dialog 400 as shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a warning dialog according to an example of an embodiment of the present invention.

  The warning dialog 400 includes a change message 410 indicating the change contents of the print settings, a save instruction area 420 for instructing save of print data generated based on the print settings before the change, and settings relating to the save of the print data. A save setting button 430 for performing printing, a print button 450 for instructing continuation of printing, and a cancel button 460 for canceling printing.

  Of course, the configuration of the warning dialog 400 is not limited to the above. For example, the arrangement and display mode of various areas are not limited to the above. Further, for example, each button or region may not be included in the same screen, and may be displayed on separate screens.

  The setting reception unit 220 displays the change contents of the print setting in the change message 410 based on the print setting change information 323 corresponding to the printing apparatus designated as the print execution target in the printing apparatus selection area 330.

  In addition, the setting reception unit 220 receives selection of the save instruction area 420 by a user operation. Further, when the setting reception unit 220 receives an operation of the print button 450, the setting reception unit 220 notifies the print data generation unit 270 to transmit the print data to the specified printing apparatus 3 together with whether or not the save instruction area 420 is selected. Instruct. Also, the warning dialog 400 is closed. Note that when the operation of the cancel button 460 is accepted, for example, the warning dialog 400 may be closed and the printing device search dialog 300 may be displayed again.

  When the setting reception unit 220 receives an operation of the storage setting button 430, for example, a predetermined storage dialog for setting a storage destination and a storage file name of print data generated based on the print setting before the change is made. Is displayed. It also accepts save destination settings and save file name settings. When the dialog is closed, the warning dialog 400 may be displayed again.

  The printing device search unit 230 is a functional unit that searches for a printing device 3 that can be used by the print control device 2. For example, in response to an instruction from the setting reception unit 220, the printing device search unit 230 searches the network for a printing device 3 that can be used by the print control device 2. And the information regarding the said apparatus is acquired from each searched printing apparatus 3. FIG. The acquired information can be stored in the RAM 22 or the auxiliary storage device 26.

  Information that can be acquired from the printing device 3 includes, for example, information for identifying the printing device 3 connected to the network (IP address, MAC address, model name, etc.), information indicating the capability of the printing device 3 (paper can be fed) Paper size, presence / absence of double-sided printing mechanism, color printing / monochrome printing, presence / absence of tint block printing function for printing predetermined patterns and characters, supported languages, etc.), information indicating status of printing device 3 (error, idle, printing) Possible, number of printed pages, remaining ink amount, etc.).

  In the present embodiment, the specific search processing of the printing apparatus is not a main function, and thus description thereof is omitted. For example, a technology such as UPnP (Universal Plug and Play) or Bonjour can be used to search for a printing apparatus.

  The print setting changing unit 240 is a functional unit that determines whether printing is possible without changing the print setting specified by the user in each searched printing apparatus.

  Specifically, the print setting change unit 240 compares the capability information with the user-specified print settings for each printing device searched by the printing device search unit 230. Then, for each printing device, whether printing is possible without changing the print setting (first candidate), whether printing is possible if at least a part of the print setting is changed (second candidate), and changing the print setting Analyze whether printing is impossible. In the case of the second candidate, the setting content to be changed (print setting change information) is specified.

  For example, when printing that reflects all the settings included in the print settings (for example, A3 size, double-sided, color, copy-forgery-inhibited pattern printing, etc.) can be executed, the print setting changing unit 240 can print without changing the print settings. Judge that there is. For example, when the print setting includes designation of the paper size A3 and the capability information includes information indicating that the paper size A3 cannot be fed, the print setting change unit 240 changes A3 to A4. It is determined that printing is possible. For example, if the print setting includes designation of double-sided printing and the capability information includes information indicating that there is no double-sided printing mechanism, the print setting changing unit 240 can print by changing double-sided printing to single-sided printing. It is determined that For example, if the printing apparatus uses a language that is not supported by the printer driver unit 210, the print setting change unit 240 determines that printing is impossible even if the print setting is changed.

  Further, the print setting changing unit 240 changes the user-specified print setting in accordance with an instruction from the print data generating unit 270. Specifically, the print setting change unit 240 acquires the user-specified print settings from the setting reception unit 220 and also acquires the print setting change information 540 of the printing apparatus 3 to be printed from the printing apparatus list 500. Then, the print setting acquired from the setting reception unit 220 is changed based on the acquired print setting change information 540.

  The printing device list generation unit 250 generates a printing device list. Specifically, the printing device list generation unit 250 generates a printing device list based on the information of each printing device 3 searched by the printing device search unit 230 and the analysis result by the print setting change unit 240, and prints the printing device list. The information is stored in the device list storage unit 260.

  The printing device list can be, for example, a list as shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a printing apparatus list according to an example of the embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in the figure, the printing device list 500 includes, for each printing device, a device ID 510 that is identification information of the printing device, capability information 520 that indicates the capability of the printing device, and status information 530 that indicates the status of the printing device. And print setting change information 540 indicating a change location of the print setting, and a first candidate that can be printed without changing the print setting or a second candidate that can be printed if at least a part of the print setting is changed. An entry in which the candidate rank 550 is associated is stored.

  The printing device list generation unit 250 acquires the device ID, capability information, and status information from the printing device search unit 230 for the printing device that the print setting change unit 240 determines to be the first candidate, and enters an entry that correlates these. Generate and add to the printing device list 500. In the case of the first candidate, the print setting change information 540 is set with information indicating that there is no change portion (“None” in FIG. 5), and the candidate rank 550 indicates that it is the first candidate. Information to be shown (“first candidate” in FIG. 5) is set.

  The printing device list generation unit 250 acquires the device ID, capability information, and status information from the printing device search unit 230 for the printing devices that the print setting change unit 240 determines to be the second candidate. Also, print setting change information indicating a print setting change location is acquired from the print setting changing unit 240. Then, an entry in which these are associated is generated and added to the printing apparatus list 500. In the case of the second candidate, information indicating the second candidate (“second candidate” in FIG. 5) is set in the candidate rank 550.

  Note that an entry may be created and added to the printing apparatus list 500 for a printing apparatus that is determined to be unable to print even if the printing setting is changed. In this case, for example, information indicating that printing is not possible may be set in the candidate rank 550.

  The printing device list storage unit 260 stores the printing device list 500 generated by the printing device list generation unit 250.

  The print data generation unit 270 generates print data for causing the printing apparatus 3 designated by the setting reception unit 220 to perform printing based on print settings and print target data. Therefore, the print data generation unit 270 has a function of generating print data in a page description language format based on, for example, print settings and print target data. In addition, the print data generation unit 270 transmits the generated print data to the printing apparatus 3 designated by the setting reception unit 220 to perform printing.

  In this embodiment, when the printing apparatus 3 to be printed is the first candidate, the print data generation unit 270 acquires the user-specified print settings and print target data from the setting reception unit 220, and based on these Print data. Further, the generated print data is transmitted to the printing apparatus 3 designated by the setting reception unit 220.

  When the printing apparatus 3 to be printed is the second candidate, the print data generation unit 270 changes the print settings so that the user-specified print settings are changed to print settings that can be executed by the printing apparatus 2 to be printed. The unit 240 is instructed. Further, the print setting after the setting change is acquired from the print setting changing unit 240, the print target data is acquired from the setting receiving unit 220, and the print data is generated based on the print setting and the print target data after the setting change. In addition, the generated print data is transmitted to the printing apparatus 3 to be printed.

  Also, when notified from the setting reception unit 220 that the save instruction area 420 has been selected, the print data generation unit 270 acquires the user-specified print settings and print target data from the setting reception unit 220, and stores them in these. Based on this, print data is generated and stored in the print data storage unit 280. That is, print data is generated and stored based on the print settings before being changed.

  The format of the print data to be stored can be, for example, a binary file such as a PRN file that can be interpreted and executed by the printing apparatus as it is. The PRN file can be sent to the first candidate printing device other than the second candidate printing device, for example, using application software for controlling printing of the PRN file, and printed as it is. It is assumed that the application software can unconditionally search for a printing apparatus and select a printing execution target printing apparatus. In this way, the user can easily print the print data generated based on the print settings before changing the settings as needed, without going through the steps such as selecting print target data and print settings. can do.

  Further, in addition to the print data or separately from the print data, for example, a file (for example, an execution file or a batch file) including a parameter for starting the application software and a parameter for specifying a transmission target PRN file is stored. You may do it. Further, the selection of one of the first candidate printing devices may be accepted from the warning dialog 500, and the identification information of the selected first candidate printing device may be included in the file as a parameter indicating the transmission destination. . In this way, the user can select the print data generated based on the print settings before changing the settings without going through the steps such as selecting the print target data, the print settings, and the predetermined application software. Can be easily printed as needed.

  Further, for example, the selection of one of the first candidate printing devices from the warning dialog 500 is accepted, and in addition to the print data or separately from the print data, a parameter for starting the printer driver unit 210 and the print data to be transmitted And a file (for example, an execution file or a batch file) including a parameter for designating the selected first candidate printing apparatus as a transmission destination may be stored. When this file is executed, for example, the setting reception unit 220 instructs the print data generation unit 270 to transmit the print data to be transmitted to the first candidate printing device specified in the file. . In this way, the user can easily print the print data generated based on the print settings before changing the settings as needed, without going through the steps such as selecting print target data and print settings. can do.

  Further, for example, in addition to the print data or separately from the print data, a file (for example, a print setting data before setting change, a parameter for starting the printer driver unit 210, and a parameter for specifying the print data to be transmitted (for example, (Executable file, batch file) may be saved. When this file is executed, for example, the setting reception unit 220 displays the printing device search dialog 300 and instructs the printing device search unit 230 to perform search processing. The setting reception unit 220 displays a list of first candidate printing devices in the search result area 320 based on the printing device list 500 generated based on the print setting data before the setting change and the search result. Further, selection of a print execution target is received from the first candidate printing apparatuses, and the print data generation unit 270 is instructed to transmit print data to be transmitted to the selected printing apparatus 3. In this way, the user can select the print data generated based on the print setting before the setting change as the newly searched first candidate, without going through the steps such as selecting print target data and print settings. Printing can be easily performed on a printing apparatus as necessary.

  The print data storage unit 280 stores the print data generated by the print data generation unit 270. The print data storage unit 280 corresponds to the storage destination set in the predetermined storage dialog described above. Further, the print data is saved with the save file name set in the predetermined save dialog.

  The above components are classified according to main processing contents in order to facilitate understanding of the configuration of the print control apparatus 2. The present invention is not limited by the way of classification and names of the constituent elements. The configuration of the print control apparatus 2 can be classified into more components according to the processing content. Moreover, it can also classify | categorize so that one component may perform more processes. Further, the processing of each component may be executed by one hardware or may be executed by a plurality of hardware.

  Next, characteristic processing realized by the print control apparatus 2 will be described.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing search processing according to an example of the embodiment of the present invention. This flow is started, for example, when the search button 310 of the printing apparatus search dialog 300 displayed by the setting reception unit 220 is operated.

  In S (step) 1, the printing device search unit 230 searches for a printing device. Specifically, in response to an instruction from the setting reception unit 220, the printing device search unit 230 searches the network for a printing device 3 that can be used by the print control device 2. Then, the process proceeds to S2. If a printing apparatus is found, identification information of the printing apparatus can be acquired.

  In S2, the printing device search unit 230 determines whether a printing device has been found. Specifically, the printing apparatus search unit 230 determines whether or not a new printing apparatus has been discovered by the search process of S1. If a printing device is found (S2: YES), the process proceeds to S3. If no printing device has been found, that is, if all available printing devices have been found or none exist (S2: NO), the process proceeds to S10.

  In S3, the printing device search unit 230 acquires capability information of the printing device. Specifically, the printing device search unit 230 acquires capability information from the printing device 3 discovered in S2. Then, the process proceeds to S4.

  In S4, the printing apparatus search unit 230 acquires status information of the printing apparatus. Specifically, the printing apparatus search unit 230 acquires status information from the printing apparatus 3 discovered in S2. Then, the process proceeds to S5.

  In S5, the print setting changing unit 240 compares the print setting with the capability information. Specifically, the print setting changing unit 240 compares the capability information of the printing apparatus 3 acquired in S3 with the print setting designated by the user. Whether printing is possible without changing the print settings (first candidate), whether printing is possible if at least part of the print settings is changed (second candidate), and printing is possible even if the print settings are changed. Analyze what is impossible. In the case of the second candidate, the setting content to be changed (print setting change information) is specified. Then, the process proceeds to S6.

  In S6, the print setting changing unit 240 determines whether or not the print setting needs to be changed. Specifically, the print setting changing unit 240 advances the process to S7 when printing is possible without changing the print setting based on the analysis result of S5 (S6: NO). If printing is possible if at least a part of the print settings is changed, or if printing is not possible even if the print settings are changed (S6: YES), the process proceeds to S8.

  In S7, the printing apparatus list generation unit 250 adds the printing apparatus to the printing apparatus list as a first candidate. Specifically, the printing device list generation unit 250 determines the device ID (S1), capability information (S3), and status information (S4) from the printing device search unit 230 for the printing device determined as the first candidate in S6. , And an entry that associates them is generated and added to the printing apparatus list 500. Information indicating that there is no change portion is set in the print setting change information 540, and information indicating the first candidate is set in the candidate rank 550. Then, the process returns to S1.

  In S8, the print setting changing unit 240 determines whether printing is possible if the setting is changed. Specifically, the print setting changing unit 240 advances the process to S9 when printing is possible if at least a part of the print settings is changed based on the analysis result of S5 (S8: YES). If printing is not possible even after changing the print settings (S8: NO), the process returns to S1.

  In S9, the printing apparatus list generation unit 250 adds the printing apparatus to the printing apparatus list as a second candidate. Specifically, the printing device list generation unit 250 determines the device ID (S1), capability information (S3), and status information (S4) from the printing device search unit 230 for the printing device determined as the second candidate in S8. To get. Also, print setting change information indicating a print setting change location is acquired from the print setting changing unit 240. Then, an entry in which these are associated is generated and added to the printing apparatus list 500. Information indicating that the candidate rank 550 is the second candidate is set. Then, the process returns to S1.

  In S10, the setting reception unit 220 displays the search result. Specifically, the setting reception unit 220 refers to the generated printing apparatus list 500 and based on the apparatus ID (identification information) 510, status information 530, print setting change information 540, and candidate rank 550. The corresponding contents are displayed in the search result area 320. Then, this flow ends.

  As described above, the first candidate and the second candidate printing apparatuses are displayed as the search results of the printing apparatus. The user can select a printing device to be printed by looking at status information, print setting change information, candidate ranking, and the like.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing print processing according to an example of the embodiment of the present invention. This flow is started, for example, when the print button 350 of the printing apparatus search dialog 300 displayed by the setting reception unit 220 is operated.

  In S11, the setting reception unit 220 determines whether the selected printing apparatus is the first candidate. Specifically, the setting reception unit 220 refers to the printing device list 500 and determines whether or not the candidate rank 550 corresponding to the printing device designated by the printing device selection area 330 is the first candidate. If it is the first candidate (S11: YES), the process proceeds to S16. If it is not the first candidate, that is, if it is the second candidate (S11: NO), the process proceeds to S12.

  In S12, the setting reception unit 220 displays a warning. Specifically, the setting reception unit 220 displays a warning dialog 400. The setting receiving unit 220 refers to the printing apparatus list 500 and displays the change contents of the print settings as a change message 410 based on the print setting change information 323 corresponding to the printing apparatus designated by the printing apparatus selection area 330. Then, the process proceeds to S13.

  In S13, the setting reception unit 220 determines whether an instruction to start printing has been received. Specifically, the setting reception unit 220 determines whether the print button 450 of the warning dialog 400 has been operated or the cancel button 460 has been operated. When the print button 450 is operated (S13: YES), the print data generation unit 270 is notified of whether or not the save instruction area 420 is selected, and the process proceeds to S14. When the cancel button 460 is operated (S13: NO), this flow is finished.

  In S14, the print data generation unit 270 determines whether or not to save the print data before the setting change. Specifically, the print data generation unit 270 makes a determination based on whether or not the save instruction area 420 has been selected notified from the setting reception unit 220. If the save instruction area 420 has been selected (S14: YES), the process proceeds to S15. If the save instruction area 420 has not been selected (S14: NO), the process proceeds to S16.

  In S15, the print data generation unit 270 generates and stores print data based on the print settings before being changed. Specifically, the print data generation unit 270 acquires print settings and print target data from the setting reception unit 220, generates print data based on these, and stores the print data in the print data storage unit 280. Then, the process proceeds to S16.

  In S16, the print setting changing unit 240 changes the print setting. Specifically, the print setting change unit 240 acquires the user-specified print settings from the setting reception unit 220 and also acquires the print setting change information 540 of the printing apparatus 3 to be printed from the printing apparatus list 500. Then, the print setting acquired from the setting reception unit 220 is changed based on the acquired print setting change information 540. Then, the process proceeds to S17.

  In S17, the print data generation unit 270 generates print data. Specifically, when the printing apparatus is the first candidate (S11: YES), the print data generation unit 270 acquires user-specified print settings and print target data from the setting reception unit 220, and based on these Generate print data. When the printing apparatus is the second candidate (S11: NO), the print data generation unit 270 acquires the print setting after the setting change from the print setting change unit 240 and the print target data from the setting reception unit 220. Print data is generated based on the print setting after the setting change and the print target data. Then, the process proceeds to S18.

  In S18, the print data generation unit 270 transmits the print data. Specifically, the print data generation unit 270 transmits the print data generated in step S <b> 17 to the print execution target printing apparatus instructed by the setting reception unit 220. Then, this flow ends.

  As described above, when the second candidate printing apparatus is selected, print data is generated after the print settings are changed, and printing is executed. When an instruction to save the print data before changing the setting is given, the print data is generated and saved based on the print setting before the change.

  The description of the flow of FIGS. 6 and 7 is divided according to the main processing contents in order to facilitate understanding of the processing of the print control apparatus 2. The present invention is not limited by the way of dividing the processing unit or the name. The processing of the print control apparatus 2 can be divided into more processing units according to the processing content. Moreover, it can also divide | segment so that one process unit may contain many processes. Further, the order of the processing units is not limited to the above as long as similar results can be obtained.

  Heretofore, an example of an embodiment of the present invention has been described. According to the present embodiment, a more convenient search for a printer can be performed.

  That is, in the present embodiment, a printing apparatus (first candidate) that can be printed without changing the print setting designated by the user is searched and displayed as a candidate for execution of printing. With such a configuration, the user can easily search for a printing apparatus that can obtain a desired print result without changing search conditions and print settings. Further, if the first candidate printing apparatus is used, it is possible to prevent a situation in which execution of printing fails or a printing result desired by the user cannot be obtained.

  In the present embodiment, a printing apparatus (second candidate) that can be printed by changing a part of the print settings designated by the user is searched and displayed as a candidate for printing execution. With such a configuration, the user can easily use the alternative printing apparatus even when the first candidate printing apparatus does not exist or the first candidate printing apparatus is not printable.

  In the present embodiment, when the second candidate printing apparatus is selected as a print execution target, the print setting change is automatically applied, and print data is generated based on the changed print setting. With such a configuration, even when the user selects the second candidate printing apparatus, the user can easily perform printing without performing the work of changing the print settings himself.

  Further, since the change contents of the print setting are displayed for the second candidate printing apparatus, the user can perform printing after recognizing the change contents. Further, since the status information of the first candidate printing apparatus is displayed, the user can select the second candidate after recognizing the status of the first candidate.

  In the present embodiment, when the second candidate printing apparatus is selected as a print execution target, print data is generated and stored based on the print setting before the change in accordance with a user instruction. With this configuration, the user can easily print the print data generated based on the print settings before changing the settings as needed, without going through the steps such as selecting print target data and print settings. can do.

  The above-described embodiments of the present invention are intended to illustrate the gist and scope of the present invention and are not intended to be limiting. Many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

1: printing system, 2: printing control device, 3 (A to E): printing device, 4: access point, 5: network, 20: controller, 21: CPU, 22: RAM, 23: ROM, 24: network I / F, 25: USB I / F, 26: auxiliary storage device, 27: input device, 28: display, 200: application unit, 210: printer driver unit, 220: setting reception unit, 230: printing device search unit, 240 : Print setting change unit, 250: Printing device list generation unit, 260: Printing device list storage unit, 270: Print data generation unit, 280: Print data storage unit, 300: Printing device search dialog, 310: Search button, 320: Search result area, 321: device ID, 322: status information, 323: print setting change information, 324: candidate order 330: Print device selection area, 350: Print button, 360: Cancel button, 400: Warning dialog, 410: Change message, 420: Save instruction area, 430: Save setting button, 450: Print button, 460: Cancel button, 500 : Printer device list, 510: Device ID, 520: Capability information, 530: Status information, 540: Print setting change information, 550: Candidate ranking

Claims (9)

A printer driver that causes a computer to function as a print control device for controlling a printing device,
A receiving means for receiving a first print setting used for printing;
Search means for searching for a printing device that can be used by the print control device;
The first candidate printing device capable of executing printing without changing the first print setting by comparing the information related to the searched printing device with the first print setting, and the first print setting Identifying means for identifying a second candidate printing device capable of performing printing by changing
Display means for displaying information for identifying the first candidate printing device and information for identifying the second candidate printing device;
A printer driver for causing the computer to function. The printer driver according to claim 1,
The specifying unit compares the information about the second candidate printing device with the first print setting, and the second print setting executable by the second candidate printing device from the first print setting. Identify changes to
The display means displays the change contents together with information for identifying the second candidate printing apparatus.
A printer driver characterized by this. A printer driver according to claim 2,
Selection accepting means for accepting selection of one of the displayed first candidate printing device and the second candidate printing device;
When the selected printing device is a first candidate, when print data is generated based on the first print setting and transmitted to the selected printing device, and the selected printing device is a second candidate Print control means for changing the first print setting to the second print setting according to the changed content, generating print data based on the second print setting, and transmitting the print data to the selected printing apparatus As
A printer driver for causing the computer to function. The printer driver according to claim 3,
When the selected printing device is a second candidate, as a storage unit that generates and stores print data based on the first print setting,
A printer driver for causing the computer to function. The printer driver according to claim 4,
The print data stored by the storage unit is in a file format that can be transmitted to the first candidate printing device by a predetermined program and that can be interpreted by the first candidate printing device.
A printer driver characterized by this. The printer driver according to claim 5,
When the selected printing device is a second candidate, the selection accepting unit further accepts the selection of any one of the first candidate printing devices,
The storage unit starts the predetermined program, specifies the stored print data as a print target, generates a file specifying the selected first candidate printing apparatus as a transmission target, and stores the file;
A printer driver characterized by this. A printer driver according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
The display means displays status information of the printing apparatus together with information for identifying the first candidate printing apparatus and the second candidate printing apparatus.
A printer driver characterized by this. The printer driver according to claim 2,
The display means displays the information for identifying the second candidate printing device in the order of few changes;
A printer driver characterized by this. A printing control device for controlling a printing device,
A receiving means for receiving a first print setting used for printing;
Search means for searching for a printing device that can be used by the print control device;
The first candidate printing device capable of executing printing without changing the first print setting by comparing the information related to the searched printing device with the first print setting, and the first print setting Identifying means for identifying a second candidate printing device capable of performing printing by changing
Display means for displaying information for identifying the first candidate printing device and information for identifying the second candidate printing device;
A printing control apparatus comprising:

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