JP2018197982A - Information input device and computer program - Google Patents

Abstract

To reduce the time and labor of a user in print item setting.SOLUTION: In a print setting UI 300, a favorite setting region 350 includes a button 370. The button 370 contains buttons 371 and 372. Each of the buttons 371 and 372 identifies each of two setting values (color and grayscale) about an item "color selection". Print setting in which setting values of items other than the item "color selection" identified by the button 370 are combined with setting values of the item "color selection" identified by the button 371 is specified by operating the button 371. Print setting in which setting values of items other than the item "color selection" identified by the button 370 are combined with setting value (grayscale) of the item "color selection" identified by the button 372 is specified by operating the button 372.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

  The present disclosure relates to an information input device and a computer program for setting print setting items.

  In the conventional print condition setting, a plurality of print setting items are registered in advance as one selection target, and the plurality of print setting items are set by one selection by selecting the selection target ( There was a so-called “favorite setting function”). In such a function, the user may want to set one value in advance for some items, but may want to set a plurality of values in advance for some items.

  For example, when the print setting item includes two items “staple” and “color / monochrome”, it is desired that only the setting value “staple OFF” is set in advance for “staple”. However, for “color / monochrome”, it is desired to set both the setting value “color” and the setting value “monochrome” in advance. More specifically, the user registers in advance a combination of a setting value of “staple OFF” and a setting value of “color” and a combination of a setting value of “staple OFF” and a setting value of “monochrome”. If you want to do that.

  Against this background, various techniques have been conventionally proposed. For example, Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2014-41447 (Patent Document 1) makes it possible to register a plurality of setting values for each setting item in the batch setting information, and sequentially applies these setting values by repeatedly pressing the batch setting button. An information processing method is disclosed. When a plurality of setting values of a plurality of setting items are registered in the batch setting information, it is possible to edit which setting pattern is applied in which order from the combination.

  Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-112683 (Patent Document 2) enables to create an override setting icon in which only arbitrary items are registered, in addition to the base setting in which all setting items are registered, when the icon is registered. An information processing method is disclosed. This method is configured so that only valid items registered in the icon can be changed by overriding the setting of any item in the base setting (or current setting) using the icon of the override setting. To do.

JP 2014-41447 A JP 2000-112683 A

  However, in the conventional method, when registering a combination of a plurality of settings, the user is required to perform the registration operation a plurality of times. For example, in the method described in Patent Document 1, when a plurality of setting values are registered, the user is required to operate “collective setting buttons” by the number of setting values. In the method described in Patent Document 2, the user is required to individually set a plurality of setting patterns as override settings. There is a need for a technique that further reduces the user's trouble in setting print items.

  The present disclosure has been devised in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to reduce a user's trouble in setting a print item.

  According to an aspect of the present disclosure, an information input device configured to accept input of settings of two or more print items is provided. The information input device includes a memory configured to store a predetermined number of setting contents of a first type item among two or more print items, and a setting of a second type item among the two or more print items. An input interface configured to accept specification of content, a predetermined number of objects for specifying each of setting content specified for the second type of item and a predetermined number of setting content of the first type of item And a processor configured to display on a display device.

  The processor may be configured to display a setting content candidate of the first type item on the display device and accept selection of a predetermined number of setting content from the candidate. The candidate may be a setting content having a frequency of use higher than a predetermined reference among a plurality of setting contents that can be set for the first type item.

  The input interface may be configured to accept designation of necessity of combination of setting contents of the second type item and a predetermined number of setting contents. When the processor accepts that the input interface needs to be combined, the processor specifies each of the setting contents specified for the second type item and the predetermined number of setting contents for the first type item. When a predetermined number of objects to be displayed are displayed on the display device and the input interface accepts the designation that no combination is required, the setting content designated for the second type item and the first type A single object for designating a predetermined single setting content of the item may be displayed on the display device.

  If the second type item is the same as the first type item, the processor uses the second type item instead of the predetermined number of objects for designating each of the predetermined number of setting contents. An object for specifying the setting content specified for the item may be displayed on the display device.

  The processor has a second object for selecting each of a predetermined number of setting contents of the first type item inside the first object for selecting the setting item designated for the second type item. The object may be configured to be displayed.

  The processor includes a first screen for selecting a setting item designated for the second type item, and a screen that is displayed in response to an operation on the first screen. A second screen for selecting each of a predetermined number of setting contents may be displayed.

  The first type of item may include a plurality of items. The predetermined number of setting contents may be configured by a combination of a plurality of setting contents of a plurality of items.

  Each of the predetermined number of objects may represent each of the predetermined number of setting contents of the first type item as an option.

  The processor may be configured to further display an object for selecting the second type item, and to display a predetermined number of objects in response to the operation of the object.

  Each of the predetermined number of objects may correspond to a combination of each of the predetermined number of setting contents of the first type item and the setting contents of the second type item.

  The predetermined number of objects may further specify setting contents of items other than the first type item and the second type item among the two or more print items.

  According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a program that is executed by a computer configured to accept input of settings of two or more print items. The program reads a predetermined number of setting contents of the first type item among the two or more print items to the computer and obtains designation of the setting contents of the second type item among the two or more print items. And a step of displaying on the display device a predetermined number of objects for designating each of the setting contents designated for the second type item and the predetermined number of setting contents of the first type item. Let it run.

  According to the present disclosure, if the setting content for the second type item is designated, each of the setting content designated for the second type item and the predetermined number of setting contents for the first type item are obtained. A predetermined number of objects for designation are displayed on the display device. Thereby, a user's effort is further reduced.

It is a figure showing the structure of a network system. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an information input device 200. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print setting UI (user interface). FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating another example of a print setting UI. It is a figure which shows the screen (favorite setting edit screen) for editing the information linked | related with each button, such as button 360 displayed on the favorite setting area | region 350. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen (variable item setting screen) displayed when the button 550 of FIG. 5 is operated. 3 is a diagram schematically showing an example of the content of information stored in an auxiliary storage device 203. FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically illustrating a data structure of a setting value table 231. FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically illustrating a data structure of a print setting default value table 232. FIG. It is a figure which shows the data structure of the favorite setting table 233 typically. 6 is a diagram schematically showing a data structure of a variable item table 234. FIG. It is a figure which shows typically the data structure of the variable item correlation table 235. It is a flowchart of the process which adds a favorite setting. It is a flowchart of a subroutine of favorite editing processing. It is a flowchart of a subroutine of a favorite list display process. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print setting UI for notifying that a button corresponding to a variable item is displayed on another screen. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of print setting processing when a setting value of a variable item is displayed on a print setting UI. 10 is a flowchart of print setting processing when a variable item setting value is displayed on a screen different from the print setting UI. It is a figure which shows an example of a variable item selection screen. It is a flowchart of the modification of the process of FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the favorite setting area | region 350 by which the color of the clicked button area | region was changed. It is a figure which shows the modification of a display of the favorite setting area | region 350. FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating a state where a button 390 is clicked when the display of the favorite setting area 350 in FIG. 22 is applied to the process in FIG. 20.

  Embodiments of an information input device will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts and components are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, these descriptions will not be repeated.

[1. Network system configuration]
A network system including an information input device according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a network system. The network system includes two image processing apparatuses 100 and two information input apparatuses 200. The number of image processing devices and information input devices in the network system is not limited to that shown in FIG.

  In the network system, the devices can communicate with each other via a local area network (LAN) or the like. The image processing apparatus 100 is realized by, for example, an MFP (multi-functional peripheral). The information input device 200 is realized by a device that inputs print settings in a print job executed by the image processing device, such as a personal computer, a tablet computer, or a smartphone. In one embodiment, the information input apparatus has an operating system (OS) installed therein, and outputs a print job to the image processing apparatus using the OS. The image processing apparatus executes the output print job.

[2. Configuration of information input device]
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the information input device 200. As shown in FIG. 2, the information input device 200 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 201, a main storage device 202, an auxiliary storage device 203, an input device 204, and an output device 205.

  The CPU 201 executes arithmetic processing for controlling the operation of the entire information input device 200. The main storage device 202 functions as a memory configured to temporarily store information in the arithmetic processing of the CPU 201. The auxiliary storage device 203 functions as a storage device that plays an auxiliary role of the main storage device 202, and is realized by, for example, a hard disk. The auxiliary storage device 203 usually has a mechanism capable of storing information for a long time. Computer programs such as an OS, applications, and drivers are stored in the auxiliary storage device 203. Various processes described in the present disclosure are realized, for example, by the CPU 201 appropriately executing a computer program.

  The input device 204 is configured to transmit commands and information from the outside to the terminal, and is realized by, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, and the like. In the information input device 200, the input device 204 is an example of an input interface, and accepts various inputs from the user. The output device 205 is configured to output information on a processing result by the CPU 201 such as a display to the outside. The input device 204 and the output device 205 may be realized by a communication interface for communication with an external device such as a LAN card.

  The CPU 201 executes a printer driver as an example of an application program. The software program for the printer driver is stored in the auxiliary storage device 203, for example. The CPU 201 reads a printer driver software program from the auxiliary storage device 203 to the main storage device 202 as necessary, and executes arithmetic processing related to print settings.

[3. Print Settings UI]
3 and 4 are diagrams each illustrating an example of a print setting UI (user interface) displayed when the information input apparatus 200 executes a printer driver. The CPU 201 displays a print setting UI on a display which is an example of the output device 205, for example.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the print setting UI 300 includes a print setting input area 310 and a favorite setting area 350. The print setting input area 310 receives input of setting values for items relating to printing such as the number of copies.

  The favorite setting area 350 includes buttons 360, 370, 380, and 390, an add button 351, and an edit button 352. Each of the buttons 360, 370, 380, and 390 identifies each of two or more print settings registered in advance.

  The button 370 includes buttons 371 and 372, and each of the buttons 371 and 372 identifies each of two setting values (color and gray scale) for the item “color selection”. By operating the button 371, the setting value of the item other than the item “color selection” identified by the button 370 and the setting value (color) of the item “color selection” identified by the button 371 are combined. , Print settings are specified. By operating the button 372, the setting value of the item other than the item “color selection” identified by the button 370 and the setting value (grayscale) of the item “color selection” identified by the button 372 are combined. Also, print settings are specified.

  Button 390 includes buttons 391, 392, 393, 394. Each of the buttons 391, 392, 393, and 394 identifies a combination of two setting values of the two types of items, that is, each of four types of combinations. More specifically, the button 391 is set when there are two types of setting values (single-sided and double-sided) for the item “print type” and two types of setting values (color and grayscale) for the item “color selection”. A combination of a value (single side) and a set value (color) is identified, a button 392 identifies a combination of a set value (single side) and a set value (grayscale), and a button 393 is a set value (double side) and a set value (color) ) And a button 394 identifies a combination of a set value (both sides) and a set value (grayscale). When the button 391 is operated, setting values of items other than the item “print type” and the item “color selection” identified by the button 390 and the setting value of the item “print type” identified by the button 391 (one side ) And the setting value (color) of the item “color selection” are specified, and print settings are designated.

  In the favorite setting area 350 of the print setting UI 300 illustrated in FIG. 4, the button 370 does not include the buttons 371 and 372, and the button 390 does not include the buttons 391 to 394 compared to FIG. 3. Buttons 371 and 372 and button 390 are buttons 391 to 394 representing variable items. That is, the favorite setting area 350 of the print setting UI 300 shown in FIG. 4 does not include a button representing a variable item. In the information input device 200, variable items are applied as will be described later with reference to FIG. 5 and the like, so that as shown in FIG. Displays buttons for selecting each. A variable item is an item in which setting values that are commonly used for one or more favorite settings are registered in advance among items included in the print settings.

[4. Favorite setting edit screen]
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a screen (favorite setting editing screen) for editing information associated with each of the buttons 360 and the like displayed in the favorite setting area 350. Referring to FIG. 5, screen 500 includes a column 510 for displaying the name of each print setting registered in information input device 200. In the example of FIG. 5, the column 510 displays the names of four settings (booklet A3, double-sided saving, eco printing, and stapling). In the column 510, the name of the selected setting is highlighted. The example of FIG. 5 shows a state in which a setting having the name “staple” is selected.

  The screen 500 includes a column 520 for editing the name of the print setting specified in the column 510, and a column 530 for displaying the setting values of the items (base items) included in the print setting specified in the column 510. , A column 540 for specifying whether or not to apply a variable item in the print setting specified in the column 510, and a screen for editing the variable item (variable item setting screen in FIG. 6 and the like). A button 550 and a button 560 for confirming print settings are included. An example of an item whose setting value is displayed in the column 530 is a base item. The base item is an item in which one setting value different from the default in the favorite setting is registered among the items included in the print setting.

[5. Variable item setting screen]
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen (variable item setting screen) displayed when the button 550 of FIG. 5 is operated. The screen 600 in FIG. 6 displays five print setting items (print type, color selection, paper size, output method, page assignment), and buttons are displayed on the left side of each of the five print setting items. . Each time the button displayed on the left side of the print setting item is operated, whether or not to display two or more set values of the print setting item is switched.

  As shown in FIG. 6, for the item “print type”, three setting values “single side”, “double side”, and “booklet” are displayed. A check column is displayed on the left side of each setting value. In one embodiment, one setting value is set for one setting item in the print setting. In the variable item setting screen, a setting value used to display a button when a print item is set as a variable item is registered.

  In the example of FIG. 6, among the three setting values “single side”, “double side”, and “booklet” of the item “print type”, check marks are displayed in the check boxes for the setting values “single side” and “double side”. No check mark is displayed in the check column of the set value “booklet”. This means that when the item “print type” is set to the variable item, only the setting values “single side” and “double side” among the three setting values “single side”, “double side” and “booklet” are used for displaying the button. Means that.

  Also, as shown in FIG. 6, of the three setting values “color”, “grayscale”, and “two-color” of the item “color selection”, check boxes for the setting values “color” and “grayscale” are checked. Although a mark is displayed, a check mark is not displayed in the check column for the setting value “two colors”. This means that when the item “color selection” is set as a variable item, only the setting values “color” and “grayscale” of the three setting values “color”, “grayscale”, and “two-color” are displayed on the button. It means that it is used for.

  As an example of setting values of variable items used for displaying buttons, the display of buttons 371 and 372 on the button 370 and the display of buttons 391 to 394 on the button 390 will be described.

  The example of FIG. 6 indicates that the setting value “color” and the setting value “grayscale” are used for displaying buttons for the item “color selection”. Accordingly, a button 371 for selecting the setting value “color” and a button 372 for selecting the setting value “grayscale” are displayed on the button 370 in FIG. 3, but the setting value “2” is displayed. The button for selecting “Color” is not displayed. 3, buttons 391 and 393 for selecting the setting value “color” and buttons 392 and 394 for selecting the setting value “grayscale” are displayed. A button for selecting “two-color” is not displayed.

[6. data structure]
7 is a diagram illustrating an example of information used for print setting in the information input device 200 with reference to FIGS. FIG. 7 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of the content of information stored in the auxiliary storage device 203.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the auxiliary storage device 203 stores a setting value table 231, a print setting default value table 232, a favorite setting table 233, a variable item table 234, and a variable item association table 235.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram schematically showing the data structure of the set value table 231. As shown in FIG. The setting value table 231 defines all setting values for each item of print settings. In the example of FIG. 8, for example, the setting values of the item “print type” are “single side”, “double side”, and “booklet”. The setting values of the item “color selection” are “color”, “grayscale”, and “two-color”. The setting values of the item “staple” are “off”, “staple (upper left)”, and “staple (upper right)”.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram schematically illustrating the data structure of the print setting default value table 232. The print setting default value table 232 defines default values for the setting values of each item in the print settings. In the example of FIG. 9, the default value of the setting value of the item “print type” is “one side”. The default value of the setting value of the item “color selection” is “color”. The default value of the setting value of the item “staple” is “none”.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically showing the data structure of the favorite setting table 233. As shown in FIG. The favorite setting table 233 defines setting contents for each favorite setting, and associates the name, base item, other print settings, and variable item application (presence / absence) of each favorite setting. The character string in the parenthesis of the base item represents the setting value of each item. In the favorite setting table 233, “other print settings” define all items other than the base item in the print settings, and are indicated by “*” for convenience in FIG. The value “◯” in the variable item application column means that the variable item is applied in the favorite setting, and the value “×” means that the variable item is not applied in the favorite setting.

  In the example of FIG. 10, in the favorite setting having the name “booklet (A3)”, the item “print type” and the item “paper size” are included as the base items, and the variable item is not applied. “Booklet” is registered as a setting value of the item “print type”. “A3” is registered as a setting value of the item “paper size”.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram schematically illustrating the data structure of the variable item table 234. The variable item table 234 defines items registered as variable items and their set values. In the example of FIG. 11, the item “print type” and the item “color selection” are registered as variable items. As the setting value of the item “print type”, “single side” and “double side” are registered. “Color” and “grayscale” are registered as setting values of the item “color selection”.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram schematically illustrating the data structure of the variable item association table 235. The variable item association table 235 defines items displayed as variable items for each favorite setting. As will be described later, even if the variable item is applied in the favorite setting, the variable item overlapping the base item is not displayed. In the example of FIG. 12, items displayed as variable items are not associated with two of the four favorite settings (named “booklet A3” and “eco-print”), but the remaining two settings ( Items displayed as variable items are associated with the names “paper saving” and “staple”). The name “paper saving” is associated with the item “color selection” as a variable item. The name “staple” is associated with the item “print type” in addition to the item “color selection” as a variable item.

[7. Add favorite settings]
Processing for adding a favorite setting will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 13 is a flowchart of processing for adding a favorite setting. The CPU 201 of the information input device 200 starts the process of FIG. 13 in response to, for example, an add button 351 in the favorite setting area 350 being operated.

  Referring to FIG. 13, in step S1300, CPU 201 registers the current setting value input in print setting input area 310 as a new favorite setting in favorite setting table 233. As a result, one new favorite setting is added to the favorite setting table 233.

  In step S1301, the CPU 201 compares the default value (FIG. 7) of each item with the setting value input in the print setting input area 310, and extracts an item whose setting value is different from the default value.

  In step S1302, the CPU 201 registers the extracted item as a favorite setting base item added in the favorite setting table 233 together with its setting value.

  In step S1303, the CPU 201 executes favorite editing processing. FIG. 14 is a flowchart of a favorite editing process subroutine.

  Referring to FIG. 14, in step S1401, CPU 201 displays a favorite setting editing screen (FIG. 5, etc.) on the display.

  In step S1402, the CPU 201 determines whether or not a variable item setting button (button 550 in FIG. 5) has been clicked on the favorite setting editing screen. If CPU 201 determines that the button has been clicked, control proceeds to step S1403 (YES in step S1402), otherwise control proceeds to step S1406 (NO in step S1402).

  In step S1403, the CPU 201 displays a variable item setting screen (such as FIG. 6) on the display. The CPU 201 receives an input to the variable item setting screen. The accepted input is, for example, a variable item setting value for each item. In a default state of an embodiment, setting values of all items are not set as setting values of variable items. When the user checks the check box provided on the left side of the setting value, the setting value is set as the setting value of the variable item. When at least one setting value of a certain item is set as a setting value of a variable item, the item becomes a variable item.

  In step S1404, the CPU 201 determines whether or not the OK button is clicked on the variable item setting screen. If CPU 201 determines that the OK button has been clicked, it advances control to step S1405 (YES in step S1404), otherwise returns control to step S1403.

  In step S1405, the CPU 201 closes the variable item setting screen. As a result, the display screen returns to the favorite editing screen (FIG. 5 and the like). Then, the CPU 201 registers the variable item setting information input on the variable item setting screen in the variable item table 234 (FIG. 11).

  In step S1406, CPU 201 determines whether or not an OK button (button 560 in FIG. 5) has been clicked on the favorite setting editing screen. If CPU 201 determines that the OK button has been clicked, control proceeds to step S1407 (YES in step S1406), otherwise control returns to step S1401 (NO in step S1406).

  In step S1407, the CPU 201 closes the favorite setting editing screen. As a result, the display screen returns to the print setting UI (such as the print setting UI 300 in FIG. 3). Then, the CPU 201 registers the setting contents (name, comment, and / or application of variable items for each favorite setting) input on the favorite setting editing screen in the favorite setting table 233 (FIG. 10).

  In step S1408, the CPU 201 executes favorite list display processing. FIG. 15 is a flowchart of a favorite list display process subroutine.

  Referring to FIG. 15, in step S1500, CPU 201 displays all favorite setting buttons in favorite setting area 350 of print setting UI. In one embodiment, each favorite setting button displayed in step S1500 does not include a button representing a variable item as shown in FIG.

  In step S1501, the CPU 201 determines whether or not a variable item is registered in the variable item table 234 (FIG. 11). If CPU 201 determines that the variable item is registered, control proceeds to step S1502 (YES in step S1501). Otherwise, processing in FIG. 15 is terminated and control returns to FIG.

  In step S1502, the CPU 201 extracts one of the favorite settings registered in the favorite setting table 233 (FIG. 10). The CPU 201 registers the name, base item, and other print settings of the extracted favorite setting in the variable item association table 235 (FIG. 12).

  In step S1503, the CPU 201 determines whether or not the variable item is applied in the favorite setting extracted in step S1502. In an embodiment, if the setting value of the variable item application column in the favorite setting table 233 is “◯”, the variable item is applied, and if “X”, the variable item is not applied. If CPU 201 determines that the variable item is applied, control proceeds to step S1504 (YES in step S1503), otherwise control proceeds to step S1511 (NO in step S1503).

  In step S1504, the CPU 201 determines whether the item registered as a variable item is included in the favorite setting base item extracted in step S1502. If CPU 201 determines that the item registered as a variable item is included in the base item, control proceeds to step S1505 (YES in step S1504), otherwise control proceeds to step S1506 (NO in step S1504). ).

  In step S <b> 1505, the CPU 201 registers items other than items that overlap the base item among the items registered in the variable item table 234 as variable items in the variable item association table 235.

  In step S1506, the CPU 201 registers items registered in the variable item table 234 as variable items in the variable item association table 235.

  For the example shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, when the favorite setting “paper saving” is extracted in step S1502, the control in step S1505 is executed. That is, the variable item table 234 (FIG. 11) includes an item “print type” and an item “color selection”. As shown in the favorite setting table 233 of FIG. 10, the favorite setting “paper saving” includes an item “print type” and an item “page allocation” as base items. Therefore, the item “print type” is duplicated. Thereby, in the variable item association table 235 (FIG. 12), the favorite setting “paper saving” includes only the item “color selection” as the variable item, and does not include the item “print type”.

  For the example shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, when the favorite setting “staple” is extracted in step S1502, the control in step S1506 is executed. That is, as shown in the favorite setting table 233 of FIG. 10, the favorite setting “staple” includes the item “staple” as a base item. The item “staple” is not registered in the variable item table 234. Therefore, items are not duplicated. Thereby, in the variable item association table 235 (FIG. 12), the favorite setting “staple” includes all items (“print type” and “color selection”) registered as variable items.

  Returning to FIG. 15, in step S <b> 1507, whether the CPU 201 can display buttons corresponding to all the variable items among the buttons corresponding to the favorite setting, as described as the button 370 in FIG. 3. Judging.

  The button corresponding to all the variable items means a button representing each combination of all the variable items of the two or more variable items when two or more variable items are registered. For example, as shown as buttons 391 to 394 in FIG. 3, when two types of variable items are registered, the buttons corresponding to all the variable items are all combinations of the two types of variable items. Means four buttons 391 to 394 representing. In one embodiment, an upper limit of button dimensions is set for each favorite setting. The CPU 201 may make a determination according to the upper limit in step S1507.

  If CPU 201 determines that buttons corresponding to all variable items can be displayed in the favorite setting buttons, control proceeds to step S1508 (YES in step S1507), otherwise control proceeds to step S1509 (step S1509). NO in S1507).

  In step S1508, the CPU 201 generates print setting UI display data so that a button corresponding to the variable item is displayed in the favorite setting button. As a result, screen data for displaying the buttons 371 and 372 in the button 370 of FIG. 3 is generated. Data of a screen displaying buttons 391 to 394 in the button 390 of FIG. 3 is generated.

  In step S1509, the CPU 201 generates display data so that a button corresponding to a variable item is displayed on a screen different from the print setting UI. In an embodiment, the print setting UI notifies that a button corresponding to a variable item is displayed on another screen. FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print setting UI for notifying that a button corresponding to a variable item is displayed on another screen.

  Compared to the favorite setting area 350 in FIG. 3, the favorite setting area 350X in the print setting UI 300 in FIG. 16 includes buttons 370X and 390X instead of the buttons 370 and 390. The button 370 </ b> X includes a character string “variable” instead of the buttons 371 and 372. When the button 370X is clicked, the CPU 201 displays a screen for selecting a variable item setting value corresponding to the button 370X. The button 390X includes a character string “variable” instead of the buttons 391 to 394. When the character string is clicked, the CPU 201 displays a variable item corresponding to the button 390X.

  Returning to FIG. 15, in step S1510, the CPU 201 updates the display of the print setting UI in accordance with the screen data generated in step S1508 or step S1509. In step S1511, the CPU 201 determines whether all favorite settings registered in the favorite setting table 233 (FIG. 10) have been processed in step S1502. If the CPU 201 determines that all favorite settings have been processed in step S1502, the CPU 201 ends the process in FIG. 15 and returns control to FIG. 14. If the CPU 201 determines that there is a favorite setting that has not yet been processed, the process advances to step S1502. Return control.

  In the processing described with reference to FIG. 15, the variable item association table 235 (FIG. 12) is generated according to the favorite setting table 233 (FIG. 10) and the variable item table 234 (FIG. 11), and the contents of the variable item association table 235 are generated. The print setting UI is displayed as shown in FIG. More specifically, the print setting UI displays buttons (buttons 371 and 372 or buttons 391 to 394) for selecting a variable item for a favorite setting to which the variable item is applied.

  If the buttons representing all the variable items do not fit into the buttons representing the favorite settings, as shown in FIG. 16, the buttons representing the favorite settings (buttons 370X and 390X) are set to variable items on a separate screen. Information indicating that a value can be selected (for example, a character string “with variable”) may be displayed. Even when all the variable item buttons are included in the favorite setting buttons, the setting values of the variable items may be selected on a screen different from the print setting UI.

  In the present embodiment, when the add button 351 in the favorite setting area 350 is operated, the processes shown in FIGS. 13 to 15 are executed. When the edit button 352 is operated, for example, the control after step S1303 of FIG. 13 is executed in the processes shown in FIGS.

[8. Generate print settings]
The generation of print settings using the print setting UI will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 17 is a flowchart of an example of the print setting process when the setting value of the variable item is displayed on the print setting UI. The CPU 201 displays a print setting UI on the display in response to the user inputting a document print instruction using the information input device 200. For example, when the displayed print setting UI is based on the data generated in step S1508 (FIG. 15), the process of FIG. 17 is a button area (the button corresponding to the favorite setting in the favorite setting area 350). Is started in response to the operation of the area in which is displayed.

  Referring to FIG. 17, in step S1701, CPU 201 detects a click on the button area.

  In step S1702, the CPU 201 determines whether or not the click detected in step S1701 is a click on the setting value of the variable item. In the example of FIG. 3, when any of the buttons 371 and 372 and the buttons 391 to 394 is clicked, the CPU 201 determines that the click is for the setting value of the variable item. If CPU 201 determines that the detected click is a click on the setting value of the variable item, control proceeds to step S1703 (YES in step S1702), otherwise control proceeds to step S1704 (NO in step S1702). ).

  In step S1703, the CPU 201 generates print settings based on the set value of the clicked variable item, the set value of the base item, and the default values of the other items. For example, when the button 371 is clicked in the favorite setting area 350 of FIG. 3, the CPU 201 includes a variable item setting value corresponding to the button 371 (the setting value “color” of the item “color selection”) and a button 371. The setting value of the base item corresponding to the button 370 (the setting value “double-sided” of the item “print type”, the setting value “2 in 1” of the item “page assignment”), and the default values of the setting values of items other than these items Is used to generate print settings. Thereafter, the CPU 201 transmits a print job including the print setting to the image processing apparatus 100, and ends the process of FIG.

  In step S1704, the CPU 201 generates a print setting based on the setting value of the base item corresponding to the clicked button and the default value of the other items. Thereafter, the CPU 201 transmits a print job including the print setting to the image processing apparatus 100, and ends the process of FIG.

  FIG. 18 is a flowchart of the print setting process when the setting value of the variable item is displayed on a screen different from the print setting UI. For example, when the displayed print setting UI is based on the data generated in step S1509 (FIG. 15), the process of FIG. 18 is a button area (the button corresponding to the favorite setting in the favorite setting area 350). Is started in response to the operation of the area in which is displayed.

  Referring to FIG. 18, in step S1801, CPU 201 detects a click on the button area.

  In step S1802, the CPU 201 determines whether the favorite setting corresponding to the clicked button includes a variable item. For example, the CPU 201 determines whether or not the favorite setting corresponding to the clicked button includes a variable item in the variable item association table 235 (FIG. 12). If CPU 201 determines that the favorite setting includes a variable item, control proceeds to step S1803 (YES in step S1802), otherwise control proceeds to step S1807 (NO in step S1802).

  In step S1803, the CPU 201 displays a variable item selection screen. FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating an example of a variable item selection screen.

  A screen 1900 in FIG. 19 displays the setting values registered in the variable item table 234 for each of the three variable items. In the example of FIG. 11, the variable item table 234 includes two variable items (print type and color selection), but in the example of FIG. 19, the variable item selection screen has three variable items (print type, color selection, and page). Allocation). More specifically, the screen 1900 of FIG. 19 displays two setting values (single side, double side) for the variable item “print type” and two setting values (color, gray scale) for the variable item “color selection”. And three setting values (2 in 1, 4 in 1, 8 in 1) are displayed for the variable item “page allocation”. The screen 1900 further displays radio buttons corresponding to the setting values. The user selects one setting value for each setting item.

  Returning to FIG. 18, in step S1804, the CPU 201 accepts the click of the OK button on the variable item selection screen, and closes the variable item selection screen. As a result, the display on the display returns to the print setting UI (FIG. 16).

  In step S1805, the CPU 201 reads the setting value of the variable item input on the variable item selection screen.

  In step S1806, the CPU 201 performs print settings based on the setting value read in step S1805, the setting value of the base item corresponding to the button that detected the click in step S1801, and the setting values of other items. Generate. Thereafter, the CPU 201 transmits a print job including the print setting to the image processing apparatus 100, and ends the process of FIG.

  In step S1807, the CPU 201 generates print settings based on the setting value of the base item corresponding to the button whose click is detected in step S1801 and the setting values of other items. Thereafter, the CPU 201 transmits a print job including the print setting to the image processing apparatus 100, and ends the process of FIG.

  FIG. 20 is a flowchart of a modification of the process of FIG. In the process of FIG. 20, when the CPU 201 detects a click in the button area in step S1701, the CPU 201 determines whether or not the click detected in step S1701 is a click on the setting value of the variable item. If CPU 201 determines that the detected click is a click on the setting value of the variable item, control proceeds to step S1711 (YES in step S1702), otherwise control proceeds to step S1715 (NO in step S1702). ).

  In step S1711, the CPU 201 changes the color of the clicked button area. FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating an example of the favorite setting area 350 in which the color of the clicked button area is changed. The example of FIG. 21 represents a state in which the color of the button 390 is changed when the button 390 is displayed in the favorite setting area 350 of FIG.

  Returning to FIG. 20, in step S <b> 1712, the CPU 201 further detects a click of a button in the button area whose display color has been changed.

  In step S1713, the CPU 201 determines whether or not the click detected in step S1712 is a click of a button corresponding to the setting value of the variable item. If CPU 201 determines that the detected click is a click of a button corresponding to the set value of the variable item, it proceeds to step S1714 (YES in step S1713), otherwise proceeds to step S1715 (step S1715). NO in S1713). For example, in the state shown in FIG. 21, when any one of the buttons 391 to 394 is clicked among the buttons 390, the control proceeds to step S1714, and the area other than the buttons 391 to 394 is clicked among the buttons 390. Then, the control proceeds to step S1715.

  In step S1714, the CPU 201 generates print settings based on the set value of the clicked variable item, the set value of the base item, and the default values of the other items. Thereafter, the CPU 201 transmits a print job including the print setting to the image processing apparatus 100, and ends the process of FIG.

  In step S1715, the CPU 201 generates print settings based on the setting values of the base item corresponding to the clicked button and the default values of the other items. Thereafter, the CPU 201 transmits a print job including the print setting to the image processing apparatus 100 and ends the process of FIG.

  FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a modification of the display of the favorite setting area 350. In the favorite setting area 350 of FIG. 22, radio buttons corresponding to the setting values of the variable items are displayed as options. More specifically, in the button 370 in FIG. 22, radio buttons 371A and 372A are displayed instead of the buttons 371 and 372 in FIG. Instead of selecting the button 371 or the button 372, the user selects the radio button 371A or the radio button 372A.

  Further, in the button 390 of FIG. 22, radio buttons 391A to 394A are displayed instead of the buttons 391 to 394 of FIG. Instead of selecting any of the buttons 391 to 394, the user selects any one of the radio button 391A and the radio button 392A representing the setting value of the item “print type” and the setting value of the item “color selection”. One of the radio button 393A and the radio button 394A is selected. The CPU 201 generates a print setting based on a setting value corresponding to the selected button.

  FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating a state where the button 390 is clicked when the display of the favorite setting area 350 of FIG. 22 is applied to the processing of FIG. In the favorite setting area 350 of FIG. 23, the display color of the button 390 is changed. In the example of FIG. 23, the user further selects any one of the radio button 391A and the radio button 392A and any one button of the radio button 393A and the radio button 394A. The CPU 201 generates a print setting based on a setting value corresponding to the selected button.

[9. Summary of disclosure]
The present disclosure can be summarized as follows.

  <1> According to an aspect of the present disclosure, an information input device 200 configured to accept input of settings of two or more print items is provided.

  The information input apparatus 200 stores a memory (variable item table 234) configured to store a predetermined number of setting contents (setting values) of a first type item (variable item) among two or more print items. An auxiliary storage device 203), an input interface (input device 204) configured to accept designation of setting contents (setting values) of a second type item (base item) among two or more print items, A display device (output device) displays a predetermined number of objects (buttons such as buttons 371 and 372) for specifying each of the setting contents specified for the two types of items and the predetermined number of setting contents of the first type items. And a processor (CPU 201) configured to display on a display (an example of 205).

  <2> In the present disclosure, the processor may display the setting content candidates of the first type item on the display device. Further, the processor may accept selection of a predetermined number of setting contents from the candidates. The candidate may be a setting content having a frequency of use higher than a predetermined reference among a plurality of setting contents that can be set for the first type item.

  For example, in the variable item setting screen of FIG. 6, all three setting values (single side, double side, booklet) of the item “print type” are used for print setting at a frequency more than a predetermined frequency. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, all setting values are displayed as candidates. Two setting values (single-sided and double-sided) are used for print setting at a frequency more than a predetermined frequency, but one setting value (booklet) is used for print setting at a frequency that does not reach the predetermined frequency. In this case, only two setting values (single side, double side) are displayed as candidates for the setting value of the item “print type” on the variable item setting screen.

  As a result, the user can select the setting value of the variable item from the setting values that are frequently used. It is possible to avoid a situation in which it is difficult to find a desired setting value by displaying up to a setting value having a low use frequency as candidates.

  <3> The input interface may be configured to accept designation of the necessity of combination of the setting contents of the second type item and the predetermined number of setting contents (necessity of variable item application). Good.

  If the processor accepts the designation that a combination is necessary (YES in step S1503), the processor specifies the setting content (the setting value of the base item) designated for the second type item and the first type. A predetermined number of objects (buttons 371 and 372 in FIG. 3) for designating each of the setting contents of the predetermined number of items (setting values of variable items) may be displayed on the display device.

  If the processor accepts the designation that no combination is required (NO in step S1503), the processor specifies the setting content (the setting value of the base item) designated for the second type item and the first type. A single object (button 370 in FIG. 4) for designating a predetermined single setting content (default value of variable item) of the item may be displayed on the display device.

  <4> When the second type item is the same as the first type item (YES in step S1504), the processor sets a predetermined number of objects for designating each of a predetermined number of setting contents. Instead of, an object for specifying the setting content specified for the second type item may be displayed on the display device (if the variable item overlaps the base item, the variable item table Items registered as variable items are not registered as variable items in the variable item association table).

  <5> The processor stores each of the predetermined number of setting contents of the first type item in the first object (button 370) for selecting the setting item designated for the second type item. You may be comprised so that the 2nd object (button 371,372) for selection may be displayed.

  <6> The processor is displayed in accordance with a first screen (favorite setting area 350 in FIG. 16) for selecting a setting item designated for the second type of item and an operation on the first screen. It may be configured to display a second screen (screen 1900 in FIG. 19) for selecting each of a predetermined number of setting contents of the first type item.

  <7> The first type of item may include a plurality of items (variable items “print type” and “color selection” in FIG. 11). The predetermined number of setting contents may be configured by a combination of a plurality of setting contents for each of a plurality of items (buttons 391, 392, 393, and 394 in FIG. 3).

  <8> Each of the predetermined number of objects may represent each of the predetermined number of setting contents of the first type item as an option (radio buttons 317A and 372A in FIG. 22).

  <9> The processor further displays an object (button 370X in FIG. 16) for selecting the second type item, and a predetermined number of objects (variable items in FIG. 19) according to the operation of the object. Radio buttons corresponding to each set value of the above may be displayed.

  <10> Each of a predetermined number of objects (buttons 371 and 372 in FIG. 3) includes a predetermined number of setting contents (“color” and “grayscale”) of the first type item and an item of the second type. (The setting value “double-sided” of the item “print type” and the setting value “2 in 1” of the item “page assignment”) may be supported. Accordingly, when the user selects a single object, both the setting contents of the first type item and the setting contents of the second type item are selected at the same time.

  <11> A predetermined number of objects are set contents of items other than the first type item and the second type item among the two or more print items (other print settings in the variable item association table (FIG. 12)). The setting value) may be further specified. That is, for example, when the button 371 in FIG. 3 is operated, the CPU 201 also uses default values of items other than the base item and the variable item registered in the variable item association table to generate print settings (FIG. 17). Step S1703).

  <12> According to the present disclosure, there is provided a program that is executed by a computer configured to receive input of settings of two or more print items. The program reads a predetermined number of setting contents of a first type item among two or more print items to the computer (step S1502 in FIG. 15) and a second type item among the two or more print items. Step for obtaining designation of setting contents of items (step S1302 in FIG. 13), setting contents designated for the second type item, and setting contents of a predetermined number of items of the first type The predetermined number of objects are displayed on the display device (steps S1507 to S1509 in FIG. 15).

  Each embodiment disclosed this time must be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims. In addition, the invention described in the embodiment and each modification is intended to be carried out independently or in combination as much as possible.

  100 image processing device 200 information input device 202 main storage device 203 auxiliary storage device 204 input device 205 output device 231 setting value table 232 print setting default value table 233 favorite setting table 234 variable item table 235 variable item association table, 310 print setting input area, 350, 350X favorite setting area, 317A, 371A, 372A, 391A, 392A, 393A, 394A radio buttons, 370, 370X, 371, 372, 390, 390X, 391, 392 , 393, 394 buttons.

Claims (12)

An information input device configured to accept input of settings of two or more print items,
A memory configured to store a predetermined number of settings of a first type of the two or more print items;
An input interface configured to accept designation of setting contents of a second type item among the two or more print items;
The predetermined number of objects for designating each of the setting contents designated for the second type item and the predetermined number of setting contents of the first type item are displayed on a display device. An information input device comprising a processor. The processor is
Displaying the setting content candidates of the first type item on a display device;
Receiving selection of the predetermined number of setting contents from the candidates;
Is configured as
2. The information input device according to claim 1, wherein the candidate is a setting content having a frequency of use higher than a predetermined reference among a plurality of setting contents that can be set for the first type item. The input interface is configured to accept designation of necessity of combination of setting contents of the second type item and each of the predetermined number of setting contents;
The processor is
When the input interface accepts the designation that the combination is necessary, the setting contents designated for the second type item and the predetermined number of setting contents for the first type item, respectively. Displaying the predetermined number of objects for designating on a display device,
When the input interface accepts the designation that the combination is unnecessary, the setting content designated for the second type item and a predetermined single setting for the first type item Display a single object on the display device to specify the content,
The information input device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the information input device is configured as described above.   When the second type item is the same as the first type item, the processor replaces the predetermined number of objects for designating each of the predetermined number of setting contents. The information input device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the information input device is configured to display an object for designating a setting content designated for the second type of item on the display device.   The processor selects each of the predetermined number of setting contents of the first type item inside the first object for selecting the setting item designated for the second type item. The information input device according to claim 1, wherein the information input device is configured to display the second object. The processor is
A first screen for selecting a setting item designated for the second type of item;
A screen displayed in response to an operation on the first screen, a second screen for selecting each of the predetermined number of setting contents of the first type item;
The information input device according to claim 1, wherein the information input device is configured to display. The first type of item includes a plurality of items,
The information input device according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined number of setting contents is configured by a combination of a plurality of setting contents of each of the plurality of items.   The information input device according to claim 1, wherein each of the predetermined number of objects represents each of the predetermined number of setting contents of the first type item as an option.   The processor is configured to further display an object for selecting the second type item, and to display the predetermined number of objects in response to the operation of the object. The information input device according to claim 8.   Each of the predetermined number of objects corresponds to a combination of each of the predetermined number of setting contents of the first type item and the setting contents of the second type item. The information input device according to any one of the above.   11. The device according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined number of objects further specifies setting contents of items other than the first type item and the second type item among the two or more print items. The information input device according to claim 1. A program executed by a computer configured to accept input of settings of two or more print items,
The program is stored in the computer.
Reading a predetermined number of setting contents of the first type of the two or more print items;
Obtaining a designation of setting contents of a second type item among the two or more print items;
Displaying the predetermined number of objects for designating each of the setting contents specified for the second type item and the predetermined number of setting contents of the first type item on a display device;
A computer program that runs

Images