JP2014229269A - Information processing device, control method and control program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent problems in printed results caused by a combination of setting information used upon executing printout by a printer.SOLUTION: An information processing device to execute printout by a printer is configured to function in such a manner that: setting information of printout, which is set for each page range of a printout object, is stored as setting information per page range in a storage medium; setting information per page range to be used upon printout is acquired from the stored setting information per page range; whether or not the acquired setting information per page range is combinable is determined; and if the setting information per page range is determined as combinable, setting information to be used upon executing printout is created by combining acquired setting information per page range and output.

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, a control method, and a control program, and more particularly to print settings when causing a printing apparatus to execute print output.

  In recent years, there has been a tendency to digitize information, and image processing apparatuses such as printers and facsimiles used for outputting digitized information and scanners used for digitizing documents have become indispensable devices. Such an image processing apparatus is configured as an MFP (Multi Function Peripheral) that can be used as a printer, a facsimile, a scanner, and a copier by providing an imaging function, an image forming function, a communication function, and the like. Many.

  Among such image processing apparatuses, in a printing apparatus used for outputting an electronic document, a printer that executes print output based on a print job generated in an information processing apparatus such as a PC (Personal Computer) is provided. Generally used. In general, as a software program that realizes a function for generating a print job to be input to a printer, a printer driver corresponding to the function of each printer is installed in the information processing apparatus.

  In such a printer driver, print output setting information (hereinafter referred to as “print setting information”) set via a GUI (Graphical User Interface) or the like is acquired, and the acquired print setting information is included in the print job. Is set. Then, the printing apparatus executes print output based on the print job in which the print setting information is set. In the printer driver, the acquired print setting information is stored in a storage medium.

  The print setting information includes common setting information applied to the entire print job (hereinafter referred to as “common setting information”), a specific page in the print job, a cover page, and a page added to the print job ( For example, individual setting information (hereinafter referred to as “individual setting information”) set for each page range such as a slip sheet page and an index page is included. In order to save such print setting information and use the saved print setting information, set and save the print setting information for each section in the print document, and read the setting information of the corresponding section at the time of printing. A setting method has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  Such common setting information and individual setting information are stored in a storage medium, and when setting for another print job, when each setting information stored is selected and reused, depending on the combination of the selected setting information, Inconsistencies may occur in the contents of the setting items, which may cause problems in the print results. For example, if one of the two setting information items to be reused is “Left 2” and the other is “Right 2”, the left and right sides of the printed paper as the print result This causes problems such as being unable to turn the page. Further, in the technique of Patent Document 1, no consideration is given to defects in printed matter due to combinations of setting information for each section.

  The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to prevent problems in printing results due to a combination of setting information used when a printing apparatus executes printing output.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, an aspect of the present invention provides an information processing apparatus that causes a printing apparatus to execute print output, and sets the print output setting information set for each print output target page range. A setting information storage processing unit for storing the setting information for each range in the storage medium, and the setting information acquisition for acquiring the setting information for each page range used at the time of print output from the setting information for each page range stored in the storage medium A combination determination unit that determines whether the acquired setting information for each page range is combinable, and the acquired page range when it is determined that the setting information for each page range is combinable And a setting information generation unit that generates and outputs setting information used in print output by combining each setting information.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for controlling an information processing apparatus that causes a printing apparatus to execute print output, wherein the print output setting information set for each print output target page range is displayed for each page range. The setting information for each page range is stored in the storage medium as the setting information, and the setting information for each page range used at the time of printing is obtained from the setting information for each page range stored in the storage medium. It is determined whether or not combination is possible, and when it is determined that the setting information for each page range can be combined, the setting information used for print output is combined with the acquired setting information for each page range. Generated and output.

  According to still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a control program for an information processing apparatus that causes a printing apparatus to execute a print output, wherein the print output setting information set for each page range to be printed is a page range. Storing each setting information in a storage medium, obtaining the setting information for each page range used in print output from the setting information for each page range stored in the storage medium, and the acquired page The step of determining whether the setting information for each range is combinable and, when it is determined that the setting information for each page range is combinable, combining the acquired setting information for each page range, The information processing apparatus is caused to execute a step of generating and outputting setting information used at the time.

  According to still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information processing apparatus for causing a printing apparatus to execute print output, wherein the print output setting information set for each page range to be printed is set to page range setting information. A setting information storage processing unit to be stored as a storage medium, a setting information acquisition unit that acquires the setting information for each page range used in print output from the setting information for each page range stored in the storage medium, Select and set a reference setting value as a reference from setting values of the same type of items included in the setting information for each page range, which may cause inconsistencies as setting contents at the time of print output A setting value changing unit that changes the setting value other than the set reference setting value to the selected reference setting value, and setting information for each page range including the changed setting value. Together, characterized in that it comprises a setting information generation unit for generating and outputting the setting information to be used in the print output.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the malfunction of the printing result by the combination of the setting information used when making a printing apparatus perform printing output can be prevented.

1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a printing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the hardware constitutions of the information processing apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the function structure of the client terminal which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the common setting screen of the print setting which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the separate setting screen of the print setting which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the cover page setting screen which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the insertion page setting screen which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the exception page setting screen which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the exception page setting screen which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the function structure of the principal part of the client terminal which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the file saving screen which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the file selection screen which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the combination information which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the page number setting process with respect to the cover page which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the page number setting process with respect to the exception page which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the combination determination process which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the exception page setting screen which concerns on embodiment of this invention.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, an example of a printing system including a PC (Personal Computer) that is an information processing apparatus in which a printer driver is installed and a printer that is a printing apparatus that executes print output according to a print job generated by the printer driver. Will be described. Note that the printing apparatus may not be a printer, but may be any apparatus that executes image forming output based on a print job generated by a printer driver installed in a PC.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a printing system according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the printing system according to the present embodiment includes n client terminals 1-1 to 1-n (n is an integer equal to or greater than 1. Hereinafter, “client terminal 1” as a whole) and an image forming apparatus. 2, the client terminal 1 and the image forming apparatus 2 are connected via a network.

  The client terminal 1 is an information processing terminal operated by a user, and is realized by an information processing apparatus such as a PC (Personal Computer). The client terminal 1 according to the present embodiment generates a print job by the function of the installed printer driver, and transmits the print job to the image forming apparatus 2 via the network, thereby causing the image forming apparatus 2 to execute image forming output.

  The image forming apparatus 2 is an MFP (Multi Function Peripheral) that can be used as a printer, a facsimile, a scanner, and a copier by providing an imaging function, an image forming function, a communication function, and the like. The image forming apparatus 2 according to the present embodiment has a function of executing image forming output based on a print job that is an image forming output command generated by a printer driver installed and operating on the client terminal 1.

  Next, a hardware configuration of an information processing apparatus such as the client terminal 1 and the image forming apparatus 2 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The image forming apparatus 2 includes an engine for realizing a scanner, a printer, and the like in addition to the hardware configuration shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment includes the same configuration as that of a general server or PC. That is, the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 10, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 20, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 30, a HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 40, and an I / F 50. Connected through. Further, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) 60 and an operation unit 70 are connected to the I / F 50.

  The CPU 10 is a calculation means and controls the operation of the entire information processing apparatus. The RAM 20 is a volatile storage medium capable of reading and writing information at high speed, and is used as a work area when the CPU 10 processes information. The ROM 30 is a read-only nonvolatile storage medium and stores a program such as firmware. The HDD 40 is a non-volatile storage medium that can read and write information, and stores an OS (Operating System), various control programs, application programs, and the like.

  The I / F 50 connects and controls the bus 80 and various hardware and networks. The LCD 60 is a visual user interface for the user to check the state of the information processing apparatus. The operation unit 70 is a user interface such as a keyboard and a mouse for a user to input information to the information processing apparatus.

  In such a hardware configuration, a program stored in a storage medium such as the ROM 30, the HDD 40, or an optical disk (not shown) is read into the RAM 20, and the CPU 10 performs an operation according to the program loaded into the RAM 20, whereby the software control unit Is configured. A functional block that realizes the functions of the client terminal 1 and the image forming apparatus 2 according to the present embodiment is configured by a combination of the software control unit configured as described above and hardware.

  Next, functions of the client terminal 1 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the client terminal 1 according to the present embodiment. In the client terminal 1, the installed application 101 operates on an OS (Operating System) to provide functions such as document creation and image editing, and the source of an image to be printed out according to a user operation. Provide information that becomes.

  The application 101 activates a UI (User Interface) unit 111 of the printer driver 110 in response to a user operation, and print output setting information (hereinafter, “print”) set via the GUI (Graphical UI) of the UI unit 111. Is set in an information format called a DEVMODE structure.

  When a print execution command is input by a user operation to the application 101 or the UI unit 111 activated by the application 101, the application 101 activates a GDI (Graphics Device Interface) 102 and passes through the UI unit 111. The DEVMODE structure set in this way and the image information to be output are passed.

  The GDI 102 is a drawing engine incorporated in an OS that is generally basic software. The GDI 102 activates the graphic unit 112 of the printer driver 110 via a DDI (Device Driver Interface) and transfers the processing.

  The graphic unit 112 of the printer driver 110 has a PDL (Page Description Language) format, which is a data format that can be processed by the image forming apparatus 2 that is to execute print output, on the image data output as an OS internal command by the GDI 102. Convert to data. The data in the PDL format is print control information for causing the image forming apparatus 2 to execute printing. The graphic unit 112 sequentially transfers the data converted into the PDL format to the spooler 103.

  Further, the graphic unit 112 generates setting data for causing the image forming apparatus 2 to execute image forming output based on the DEVMODE structure set via the UI unit 111. For example, data in a PJL (Printer Job Language) format is used as the setting data.

  The print setting control unit 130 of the printer driver 110 controls processing related to print settings such as storage, reading, and generation of print setting information in accordance with operations performed via the UI unit 111. Control of processing relating to such print settings is the gist of the embodiment of the present invention. Details will be described later.

  The spooler 103 temporarily stores the PDL format data and the PJL format data generated by the graphic unit 112 in the storage medium as the spool file 104. Accordingly, after the graphic unit 112 generates PDL data and PJL data in the printer driver 110, the printer driver 110 generates the PDL data and PJL data even if the image forming apparatus 2 cannot accept the PDL data and PJL data. Since the PDL data and the PJL data can be transferred to the spooler 103 and immediately moved to the next process, the process can be made more efficient.

  The data stored in the storage medium as the spool file 104 is transferred again to the spooler 103 by the printer processor 105 and transmitted to the image forming apparatus 2 by the port monitor 106 via the network.

  Next, the GUI of the printer driver 110 for print settings displayed on the LCD 60 of the client terminal 1 will be described. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a GUI for setting common setting information displayed on the LCD 60 of the client terminal 1. The common setting information is setting information applied to the entire print job in the print setting information. When the “common setting” tab is selected on the print setting screen, the common setting information setting screen shown in FIG. 4 is displayed. As shown in FIG. 4, on the setting screen of common setting information, it can be set as a setting value for print output such as “paper tray”, “paper size”, “paper type”, “double-sided”, “staple”, etc. Displays an interface for setting items.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a GUI for setting individual setting information displayed on the LCD 60 of the client terminal 1. The individual setting information is setting information for each page range in the print setting information for which a setting different from the common setting information is made for a certain range of pages. In the page range in which the individual setting information is set, the setting value set in the individual setting information is applied. When the “individual setting” tab is selected on the print setting screen, the setting screen for individual setting information shown in FIG. 5 is displayed. As shown in FIG. 5, the individual setting information setting screen of the printer driver 110 displays an interface including a list of individual settings set for each page range and buttons for individual settings.

  Individual settings for each page range include, for example, settings for a cover page that is printed out as a cover page, settings for insertion pages (additional pages) such as slip sheets inserted between pages included in a print job, and print jobs. This includes settings that apply only to specific pages (exception pages). When the user presses buttons for individual settings such as “cover”, “insert”, and “exception” shown in FIG. 5, a setting screen for a page corresponding to the pressed button is displayed. Note that the cover page and the insertion page may be specified from pages included in the print job, or may be added from other print data.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a cover page setting screen displayed on the LCD 60 of the client terminal 1. When the “cover” button shown in FIG. 5 is pressed, a cover page setting screen shown in FIG. 6 is displayed. As shown in FIG. 6, the cover page includes a front cover and a back cover, and when performing cover setting, the user checks a check box. For example, in the setting screen shown in FIG. 6, since the front cover check box is checked, the front cover is set.

  Then, the user inputs setting values for each item of the individual setting information for the cover via the cover setting screen shown in FIG. For example, in the screen shown in FIG. 6, the items “paper feed tray” and “paper size” are set according to “job setting”, that is, the same setting value as the common setting information, and the item “paper type” is “colored paper”. Is the set value. Therefore, colored paper is used for the cover page, not plain paper set in the “paper type” item of the common setting information.

  Also, as shown in FIG. 6, the setting values of the “printing surface” items include “none” (not printed on the cover), “single side: front side” (printed only on the front side of the cover). ), “Single side: back side” (printing only on the back side of the cover) and “double side” (printing on both sides of the cover). For example, in the setting screen shown in FIG. 6, “one side: front side” is selected. Further, when the “back cover” tab is selected on the setting screen shown in FIG. 6, a back cover setting screen similar to the front cover is displayed.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an insertion page setting screen displayed on the LCD 60 of the client terminal 1. When the “insert” button shown in FIG. 5 is pressed, an insertion page setting screen shown in FIG. 7 is displayed. As shown in FIG. 7, the insertion page includes a slip sheet, an index, and the like. When setting the insertion page, the user can insert the page number, insertion position, Enter the number of inserts.

  For example, the screen shown in FIG. 7 is set to insert one slip sheet before the third page. Similarly to the cover page, the user inputs setting values for each item of the individual setting information for the insertion page via the setting screen shown in FIG. It is also possible to insert slip sheets at a plurality of positions by performing the setting operation on the insertion page setting screen shown in FIG. 7 a plurality of times. In addition, an interface for setting the insertion position and number of slip sheets may be added to the screen shown in FIG. 7 so that a plurality of settings can be performed collectively. Further, when the “index” tab is selected on the screen shown in FIG. 7, an index setting screen similar to that of the slip sheet is displayed.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an exception page setting screen displayed on the LCD 60 of the client terminal 1. When the “exception” button shown in FIG. 5 is pressed, an exception page setting screen shown in FIG. 8 is displayed. When setting an exception page, the user inputs a page range to be set as an exception page via the setting screen shown in FIG. Further, similarly to the cover page and the insertion page, the user inputs the setting values of the items of the individual setting information for the exception page via the setting screen shown in FIG. As with the insertion page, an exception page can be set in a plurality of page ranges.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a setting screen for post-processing of an exception page. When the “edit / post-processing” tab is selected on the screen shown in FIG. 8, the setting screen shown in FIG. 9 is displayed. The user inputs setting values of items such as “rotation”, “double-sided”, “staple”, etc., for the exception page via the setting screen shown in FIG. Note that setting values of similar items set on the setting screen shown in FIG. 9 may also be input on the cover page setting screen and the insertion page setting screen.

  Next, the functional configuration of the print setting control unit 130 of the printer driver 110 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the print setting control unit 130. As shown in FIG. 10, the print setting control unit 130 according to the present embodiment includes an individual setting list information generation unit 131, an individual setting information storage processing unit 132, an individual setting information DB 133, an individual setting information reading unit 134, and common setting information. An acquisition unit 135, a combination information DB 136, a combination determination unit 137, a setting information generation unit 138, and a setting information storage processing unit 139 are included.

  The individual setting list information generation unit 131 acquires the setting value of each item input via the setting screen when the “setting” button on the setting screen illustrated in FIGS. 6 to 9 is pressed. Further, the individual setting list information generating unit 131 generates individual setting list information including the acquired setting values, and displays the list information on the LCD 60 via the UI unit 111 as an individual setting list as shown in FIG. The individual setting list information generation unit 131 sets a page number for each set individual setting page (details will be described later with reference to FIGS. 14 and 15).

  The individual setting information storage processing unit 132 stores the individual setting list information generated by the individual setting list information generating unit 131 in a storage medium such as the individual setting information DB 133 as an individual setting file. Specifically, for example, when an “individual setting registration” button displayed on the individual setting screen shown in FIG. 5 is pressed, a file saving screen as shown in FIG. 11 is displayed. The user inputs the name of the individual setting file to be saved via the file saving screen and presses the “Save” button.

  Accordingly, the individual setting information storage processing unit 132 stores the individual setting list information in the individual setting information DB 133 with the input file name. That is, the individual setting information storage processing unit 132 functions as a setting information storage processing unit that stores setting information in a storage medium. Note that the individual setting information storage processing unit 132 may register a plurality of individual setting information indicated in the individual setting list information as one individual setting file as shown in FIG. Information may be registered as one individual setting file.

  The individual setting information reading unit 134 acquires the individual setting information of the individual setting file selected from the individual setting files stored in the individual setting information DB 133. Specifically, for example, when a “read individual setting” button included in the individual setting screen shown in FIG. 5 is pressed, a file selection screen as shown in FIG. 12 is displayed. A list of individual setting files stored in the individual setting information DB 133 is displayed on the file selection screen. The user selects a necessary individual setting file from this list and presses an “Open” button. Thereby, the individual setting information reading unit 134 acquires the individual setting information of the selected individual setting file. That is, the individual setting information reading unit 134 functions as a setting information acquisition unit that acquires setting information stored in the storage medium.

  The common setting information acquisition unit 135 acquires the setting value of each item of the common setting information input via the common setting screen when the “setting” button on the common setting screen illustrated in FIG. 4 is pressed. Whether the combination information DB 136 can combine the common setting information acquired by the common setting information acquisition unit 135 and the setting values of the same type of items set in the individual setting information read by the individual setting information reading unit 134. Is stored.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram exemplifying a combination information table of staple items stored in the combination information DB 136. For example, as shown in FIG. 13, in the staple setting values of the common setting information and the individual setting information, “left two (two places on the left side of the paper are stapled)” and “upper right (the upper right one of the paper) If a combination with “Staple is stapled” is present, it indicates that the combination is impossible.

  In other words, when print output is executed with these set values, problems such as binding of both the left and right sides and the inability to turn the page of the printed matter occur. Such combination information is stored in advance in the combination information DB 136 for each item that may cause a contradiction depending on a combination of setting values (a problem may occur in the print result).

  The combination determination unit 137 refers to the combination information stored in the combination information DB 136, and sets each of the common setting information input from the common setting information acquisition unit 135 and the individual setting information input from the individual setting information reading unit 134. It is determined whether or not the setting value of the item can be combined. Further, the combination determination unit 137 determines a reference setting value as a reference from the setting value of each setting information determined that combination is impossible, and changes the setting value other than the reference setting value of the item to the reference setting value ( Details will be described later with reference to FIG.

  The setting information generation unit 138 determines that the setting values can be combined in all items to be determined by the combination determination unit 137, or changes to the reference setting value and allows the combination to be performed. Print setting information including information is generated. Thereby, it is determined by the combination determination unit 137 that each item on the common setting screen shown in FIG. 4 and the individual setting screen shown in FIG. 5 can be combined, or the item can be changed to the reference setting value and combined. Each setting value set in the set common setting information and individual setting information is input.

  The setting information storage processing unit 139 stores the setting information generated by the setting information generation unit 138 in the storage medium. For example, when the “print setting registration” button on the print setting screen shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 is pressed, the setting information storage processing unit 139 is set on the print setting screen shown in FIGS. Setting information including each set value is stored in the storage medium.

  Next, page number setting processing by the individual setting list information generating unit 131 described above will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a page number setting process for the front cover page. As illustrated in FIG. 14, when the “setting” button on the cover page setting screen illustrated in FIG. 6 is pressed, the individual setting list information generation unit 131 sets the cover page setting information input via the setting screen. Is acquired (S1400).

  The individual setting list information generation unit 131 that has acquired the cover page setting information sets the setting value of the item “print side” included in the cover page setting information to “none” (that is, does not print on the cover page). ) (S1401 / NO), the page number is set to “none” (S1402). That is, the column of the page of the individual setting list on the individual setting screen shown in FIG. 5 is blank.

  On the other hand, when the setting value of the item “printing surface” is a setting with printing (S1401 / YES), specifically, “double-sided” setting (S1403 / YES), the individual setting list information generating unit 131 is set. Sets the page number to “1-2” (S1404). That is, the column of the individual setting list page of the individual setting screen shown in FIG. 5 is “1-2”.

  On the other hand, when the setting value of the item “printing surface” is a setting with printing (S1401 / YES), specifically, “one side: front surface” is set (S1403 / NO, S1405 / YES). ), The individual setting list information generating unit 131 sets the page number to “1” (S1406). That is, the column of the individual setting list page of the individual setting screen shown in FIG. 5 is “1”.

  On the other hand, when the setting value of the item “printing surface” is a setting with printing (S1401 / YES), specifically, “single side: back side” setting (S1403 / NO, S1405 / NO), The individual setting list information generation unit 131 sets the page number to “2” (S1407). That is, the column of the individual setting list page of the individual setting screen shown in FIG. 5 is “2”.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a page number setting process for an exception page. Here, the front cover page is set to be printed, and the page number setting for the cover page is adjusted according to the page range of the exception page. As illustrated in FIG. 15, the individual setting list information generation unit 131 displays the exception page input via the setting screen when the “setting” button on the exception page setting screen illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9 is pressed. Setting information is acquired (S1500).

  The individual setting list information generation unit 131 that has acquired the setting information of the exception page includes “1” and “2” in the setting value of the “page range” item included in the setting information of the exception page (S1501). / YES, S1502 / YES), the cover page number is set to “none” (S1503).

  On the other hand, when “1” is included in the setting value of the “page range” item included in the setting information of the exception page (S1501 / YES), but “2” is not included (S1502 / NO), The individual setting list information generation unit 131 sets the cover page number to “2” (S1504). On the other hand, when “1” is not included in the setting value of the “page range” item included in the setting information of the exception page (S1501 / NO), but “2” is included (S1505 / YES), The individual setting list information generation unit 131 sets the cover page number to “1” (S1506).

  On the other hand, when neither “1” nor “2” is included in the setting value of the “page range” item included in the setting information of the exception page (S1501 / NO, S1505 / NO), the individual setting list information generation unit 131 Performs normal setting of the cover page number (that is, setting by the processing shown in FIG. 14) (S1507). The individual setting list information generation unit 131 that has set the cover page number sets the page number within the acquired page range for the exceptional page (S1508).

  Next, the combination determination processing by the combination determination unit 137 described above will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating the combination determination process by the combination determination unit 137. As illustrated in FIG. 16, the combination determination unit 137 acquires the setting value of each item included in the common setting information input from the common setting information acquisition unit 135 and the individual setting information input from the individual setting information reading unit 134. (S1600).

  The combination determination unit 137 that acquired the setting value of each item refers to the combination information of a certain item stored in the combination information DB 136 and can combine the setting values in the common setting information and the individual setting information of the item. (S1601 / YES), if it is determined whether or not combinations are possible for all items stored in the combination information DB 136 (S1602 / YES), the process is terminated.

  On the other hand, the combination determination unit 137 refers to the combination information of a certain item stored in the combination information DB 136 and can combine the setting values in the common setting information and the individual setting information of the item (S1601 / YES). If there is an undetermined item among the items stored in the combination information DB 136 (S1602 / NO), it is determined whether or not a combination of set values in the undetermined item is possible (S1601).

  On the other hand, referring to combination information of a certain item stored in the combination information DB 136, when there is a combination of setting values that cannot be combined in the common setting information and individual setting information of the item (S1601 / NO), the combination The determination unit 137 displays each setting value of the item that cannot be combined on the LCD 60 of the client terminal 1 via the UI unit 111, and accepts a user selection of which setting value is a reference ( S1603).

  The combination determination unit 137 that has received a reference setting value (hereinafter referred to as “reference setting value”) by user selection has received a setting value other than the reference setting value of an item that cannot be combined. The reference set value is changed (S1604), and the process returns to S1602. For example, when “two left” and “two right” are set as setting values in the staple item, when “two left” is selected as the reference setting value by the user, “two right” To the set value of “2 left”.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, when the common setting information and the individual setting information used when executing the print output based on the print job can be combined, the print output based on these combinations is possible. Configuration information is generated. As a result, the print output is executed based on the print setting information in which the setting values of the same type of items in the common setting information and the individual setting information are set without contradiction, and thus it is possible to prevent the occurrence of problems in the print result. become.

  Next, an embodiment will be described in which setting values that cannot be combined with setting values input via the common setting screen cannot be selected on the individual setting screen. FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an exception page setting screen. For example, when the staple setting value is “two left” on the common setting screen, “upper right”, “two upper”, “two right”, etc. are selected as the staple setting values on the exception page. , Problems occur in the printing results.

  Therefore, as shown in FIG. 17, when selected as a stapling setting value for an exception page, a problem occurs in the print result such as “on: upper right”, “on: upper two”, “on: two right”, and the like. For example, the set value is not displayed (a cancel line is added in FIG. 17) and cannot be selected. Further, when individual setting information is set on the individual setting screen, it is determined whether or not the combination of the set individual setting information and the already set common setting information and individual setting information is possible. May be. With such a configuration, even when the individual setting information is not acquired from the individual setting information DB 133 and is directly set via the individual setting screen, a problem occurs in the print result due to the combination of the common setting information and the individual setting information. This can be prevented.

  In the above-described embodiment, the common setting information and the individual setting information are distinguished from each other. However, these are not distinguished, and processing is performed as setting information for each page range (setting information for each page range) included in the print job. Also good. That is, since the common setting information indicates setting information applied to the entire print job, that is, all pages included in the print job, it can be set as setting information for each page range in which the page range is all pages.

  In the above embodiment, the common setting information acquisition unit 135 acquires the setting value input on the common setting screen as the common setting information. However, as with the individual setting information, the common setting information is stored in the storage medium. The common setting information selected from the above may be acquired.

  Further, in the above embodiment, when the combination determination unit 137 determines that the combination of setting information is impossible, the reference value selected by the user for each setting value in the item that cannot be combined is set. The case where the setting value is changed is described as an example. In addition, the combination determination unit 137 may propose to the user a setting value that can be combined for the item that is determined to be uncombinable. In this case, the combination determination unit 137 needs to determine which set value among the set values determined to be uncombinable is used as the reference set value.

  For example, the combination determination unit 137 uses the setting value of the item in the common setting information as a reference. In this case, for example, the combination determination unit 137 uses the “two left” staple setting values in the common setting information as a reference, and sets the staple setting values of other individual setting information determined to be uncombinable as “upper left”. "Or" Left 2 ".

  In addition, the combination determination unit 137 may determine a reference setting value according to the priority set in advance in the setting information for each page range. Specifically, for example, when the setting information set for the cover page has the highest priority and the setting information for the cover page is set, the combination determination unit 137 sets the setting for the cover page. Based on the set value of information.

In addition, the combination determination unit 137 may use a setting value having the highest setting frequency as a reference among the setting values of the target item in the setting information selected as the combination target. With such a configuration, since the reference setting value is selected without the user selecting the reference setting value, the convenience for the user is improved. Note that the combination determination unit 137 may change the set value that can be combined to the reference set value without proposing it to the user.

  In the above embodiment, the case where the combination determination unit 137 determines whether the combination of the common setting information and the individual setting information is possible and changes the setting value according to the determination result has been described as an example. However, this is merely an example, and the combination determination unit 137 determines the reference setting value of an item that may cause a contradiction in the setting value from the setting value of the item in each setting information without determining the combination of the setting information. The setting value of the item in the other setting information may be directly changed to the determined reference setting value.

  In this case, for example, a setting value selected by the user or a setting value set in predetermined setting information (for example, common setting information) is determined as the reference setting value. That is, the combination determination unit 137 functions as a setting value changing unit that changes the setting value of an item that may cause inconsistency in the common setting information and the individual setting information to the reference setting value.

  In the above embodiment, the printing system in which the client terminal 1 and the image forming apparatus 2 are connected to the network has been described as an example. However, this is an example, and the client terminal 1 is connected to a DFE (Digital Front End) that performs management and control of print commands from the client terminal 1, and the printing in which the DFE and the image forming apparatus 2 are connected. It may be a system.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Client terminal 2 Image forming apparatus 10 CPU
20 RAM
30 ROM
40 HDD
50 I / F
60 LCD
70 Operation unit 80 Bus 101 Application 102 GDI
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 103 Spooler 104 Spool file 105 Printer processor 106 Port monitor 110 Printer driver 111 UI part 112 Graphic part 130 Print setting control part 131 Individual setting list information generation part 132 Individual setting information storage process part 133 Individual setting information 134 Individual setting information reading part 135 Common setting information acquisition unit 136 Combination information 137 Combination determination unit 138 Setting information generation unit 139 Setting information storage processing unit

JP 2004-110638 A

Claims (10)

An information processing apparatus that causes a printing apparatus to execute print output,
A setting information storage processing unit that stores setting information of the print output set for each page range of the print output target in a storage medium as setting information for each page range;
A setting information acquisition unit that acquires the setting information for each page range used in the print output from the setting information for each page range stored in the storage medium;
A combination determination unit that determines whether the acquired setting information for each page range can be combined;
When it is determined that the setting information for each page range can be combined, the setting information generation unit that generates and outputs the setting information used for print output by combining the acquired setting information for each page range An information processing apparatus comprising: The combination determination unit
Each set value of the same type of items included in each setting information for each page range, which may cause inconsistencies as the setting contents at the time of the print output, is the setting contents at the time of the print output. As to whether or not both are compatible,
When the setting values of the same type of items are compatible as the setting contents at the time of the print output, it is determined that the setting information for each page range can be combined,
Unless it is determined that the setting information for each page range can be combined, a reference setting value serving as a reference is selected from the setting values that are not compatible, and the setting value other than the selected reference setting value is determined. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the reference setting value is changed. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the combination determination unit selects a setting value selected by a user of the printing apparatus from the incompatible setting values as the reference setting value. The said combination determination part selects the setting value contained in the said page range setting information of a predetermined kind among the said page range setting information as said reference | standard setting value. Information processing device. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the combination determination unit selects, as the reference setting value, a setting value having the highest setting frequency among the setting value items that are incompatible. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the setting information for each page includes setting information for a page added at the time of the print output. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the setting information for each page range includes setting information for all pages to be printed out. A method of controlling an information processing apparatus that causes a printing apparatus to execute print output,
The print output setting information set for each page range to be printed is stored in a storage medium as page range setting information,
Obtaining the setting information for each page range used in print output from the setting information for each page range stored in the storage medium;
It is determined whether the acquired setting information for each page range can be combined,
When it is determined that the setting information for each page range can be combined, the setting information for each page range is combined to generate and output setting information used for print output. Control method to do. A control program for an information processing apparatus that causes a printing apparatus to execute print output,
Storing the print output setting information set for each page range of the print output in a storage medium as page range setting information;
Obtaining the setting information for each page range used in print output from the setting information for each page range stored in the storage medium;
Determining whether the acquired setting information for each page range can be combined;
When it is determined that the setting information for each page range can be combined, the setting information used for print output is generated by combining the acquired setting information for each page range and output. A control program which is executed by a processing device. An information processing apparatus that causes a printing apparatus to execute print output,
A setting information storage processing unit that stores setting information of the print output set for each page range of the print output target in a storage medium as setting information for each page range;
A setting information acquisition unit that acquires the setting information for each page range used in the print output from the setting information for each page range stored in the storage medium;
Select a reference setting value that serves as a reference from setting values that are set in advance in the same type of items included in the setting information for each page range and that may cause inconsistencies as setting contents at the time of print output, A setting value changing unit that changes the setting value other than the selected reference setting value to the selected reference setting value;
An information processing apparatus comprising: a setting information generation unit that generates and outputs setting information used in print output by combining the setting information for each page range including the changed setting value.

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