JP6578851B2 - Information processing apparatus and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus and a program.

  As a conventional technique, there is a technique for adding a print setting function that is set when printing is performed by adding an add-in module to a module constituting a printer driver (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2007-272863 A

By the way, if the configuration of the printer driver is changed to use a print setting function different from the existing print setting function, the same print setting function is applied even when a print request is made from a different application. Become. In this case, a new print setting function cannot be added according to the application, or an existing print setting function cannot be deleted according to the application.
It is an object of the present invention to make it possible to change a print setting function set when printing is performed in accordance with an application.

The invention according to claim 1, the print setting function that is set for printing, and a change information for changing the print setting function, additional specification information regarding specification of the additional features to be added in addition to the print setting function, and Receiving means for receiving print setting information including, from the application, prohibition information that is information regarding prohibition that occurs between the additional function and the print setting function, or deletion information that is information indicating the print setting function to be deleted ; Display control means for controlling to display a print setting screen reflecting the change of the print setting function according to the change information, and when receiving a print instruction on the print setting screen, receiving the print setting information, Deriving means for deriving the processing order of the process related to the print setting function after the change from the print setting information, and the process derived by the deriving means An information processing apparatus and a processing means for processing according to the print setting function in order.
The invention according to claim 2, wherein the display control means, when the additional specification information is included in the change information, to control to display the print setting screen to add a setting item of the additional features The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information processing apparatus is an information processing apparatus.
According to a third aspect of the present invention, the display control means sets, when the prohibition information is included in the change information, the print setting function in which a prohibition occurs between the additional function and a setting value of the print setting function. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the print setting screen is controlled so as not to be set.
The invention according to claim 4 is characterized in that the processing means calls the execution means for executing the processing related to the additional function in the processing order of the processing related to the additional function, and performs the processing related to the additional function. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2 or 3.
The invention according to claim 5, wherein the display control means, when the deletion information is included in the change information, to perform control to display the print setting screen to delete the setting items of the print setting function to restrict The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information processing apparatus is an information processing apparatus.
The invention according to claim 6, a print setting function that is set for printing, and a change information for changing the print setting function, additional specification information regarding specification of the additional features to be added in addition to the print setting function, and Receiving means for receiving print setting information including, from the application, prohibition information that is information regarding prohibition that occurs between the additional function and the print setting function, or deletion information that is information indicating the print setting function to be deleted ; Display control means for controlling to display a print setting screen reflecting the change of the print setting function according to the change information, and processing related to the print setting function when a print instruction is given on the print setting screen And an output unit that outputs the print setting information including the change information to a derivation unit that performs the process.
Invention, the computer, the set value of the print setting function that is set for printing, and a change information for changing the print setting function, specification of additional features to be added in addition to the print setting function according to claim 7 Print setting information including additional specification information related to this, and prohibition information that is information about prohibitions that occur between the additional function and the print setting function, or deletion information that is information indicating the print setting function to be deleted. A function to receive from the application, a function to display a print setting screen reflecting the change of the print setting function by the change information, and the print setting information to be received and changed when a print instruction is made on the print setting screen A process for deriving the processing order of the subsequent print setting function from the print setting information, and a process for the changed print setting function. And a program for realizing a function to perform in the derived processing order.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, it is possible to change the print setting function set when printing is performed according to the application.
According to the second aspect of the present invention, it is easier to grasp that the additional function is added by the application, compared to the case where the setting item of the additional function is not added to the print setting screen.
According to the third aspect of the present invention, the print setting function causing the prohibition and the setting value thereof are compared with the case of controlling the print setting screen so that the prohibition can be set. It is possible to suppress the erroneous setting.
According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to facilitate the realization of the additional function by the application as compared with the case where the execution unit is called to perform the process related to the additional function.
According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to suppress erroneous setting of the restricted print setting function as compared with the case where the print setting function restricted by the application is displayed on the print setting screen.
According to the invention which concerns on Claim 6, it becomes possible to change the print setting function set when performing printing according to an application.
According to the seventh aspect of the invention, it is possible to change the print setting function set when printing is performed according to the application.

It is a figure which shows an example of schematic structure of the printing system which concerns on this Embodiment. It is the figure which showed the hardware structural example of the terminal device which concerns on this Embodiment. It is the block diagram which showed the function structural example of the terminal device which concerns on this Embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a PT created by an application when adding a print setting function. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print setting screen of an extended print setting UI before changing a display. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a print setting screen of an extended print setting UI after the display is changed based on the description of PT shown in FIG. 4. An example of a PT created by an application when an “ID Print” function is added as an additional function by the application is shown. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a print setting screen of an extended print setting UI after the display is changed based on the description of PT shown in FIG. 7. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print setting screen of an extended print setting UI when an instruction to delete an existing function is given by an application. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure of processing performed in a driver expansion UI. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure of processing performed by a printer driver.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
<Overall system configuration>
First, the overall configuration of the printing system 1 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of a printing system 1 according to the present embodiment. As illustrated, the printing system 1 includes a terminal device 10 and a printing device 20 that are connected via a network 30.

  The terminal device 10 is a computer device that is operated when a user prints a document, and instructs the printing device 20 to print based on the user's operation. For example, a PC (Personal Computer) may be used as the terminal device 10. In the present embodiment, the terminal device 10 is used as an example of the information processing apparatus.

  The printing apparatus 20 is an apparatus that forms an image on a recording medium such as paper and performs a printing process. As the printing apparatus 20, a printer having only a print function may be used. In addition to the print function, a printer having other image processing functions such as a copy function, a scan function, and a facsimile function may be used.

  The network 30 is a communication unit used for information communication between the terminal device 10 and the printing device 20, and for example, a LAN (Local Area Network) or the Internet may be used.

  Here, in the printing system 1 according to the present embodiment, when the user operates the terminal device 10 to perform printing, the printer driver is activated in the terminal device 10 and a print setting screen for performing print settings is displayed. Is done.

In the following, a Windows (registered trademark) V4 printer driver will be described as an example of a printer driver activated in the terminal device 10. Although details will be described later, in the Windows V4 printer driver, an extended UI capable of designating a function specific to the printing apparatus 20 is used.
The printer driver used in the present embodiment is not limited to the V4 printer driver.

<Hardware configuration of terminal device>
Next, the hardware configuration of the terminal device 10 will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of the terminal device 10 according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in the figure, the terminal device 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11 that is a calculation means, a main memory 12 that is a storage means, and a magnetic disk device (HDD: Hard Disk Drive) 13. Here, the CPU 11 executes various programs such as an OS (Operating System) and application programs (hereinafter referred to as “applications”), and realizes each function of the terminal device 10. The main memory 12 is a storage area for storing various programs and data used for execution thereof, and the magnetic disk device 13 is a storage area for storing input data for various programs, output data from various programs, and the like. . Further, the terminal device 10 includes a communication I / F 14 for performing communication with the outside, a display mechanism 15 including a video memory and a display, and an input device 16 such as a keyboard and a mouse.

  The program for realizing the embodiment of the present invention is a computer-readable recording medium such as a magnetic recording medium (magnetic tape, magnetic disk, etc.), an optical recording medium (optical disk, etc.), a magneto-optical recording medium, or a semiconductor memory. Can be provided in a state stored in the memory. Moreover, you may make it download to the terminal device 10 using communication means, such as the internet.

<Functional configuration of terminal device>
Next, the functional configuration of the terminal device 10 will be described. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of the terminal device 10 according to the present embodiment. In the terminal device 10, an application 101, an OS 102, a printer driver 110, a driver extension UI 120, an additional function module 103, a spooler 104, and a port monitor 105 operate.

The application 101 is a type of application called a Windows store device application that can be installed in conjunction with the V4 printer driver. The application 101 operates on the OS 102 according to a user operation, and creates print data including image data to be printed.
In addition, when there is a print request, the application 101 transmits a print capability (PC) request to the later-described configuration module 111 of the printer driver 110 via the OS 102.

  Here, the PC describes functions supported by the printing apparatus 20 in the XML format. Specifically, the PC describes a print setting function that can be set by the printer driver 110, setting values and attributes of each print setting function in an XML format. For example, in the case of a print setting function for selecting from a plurality of options such as the paper type, the content “setting value of paper type is selectable and A4, A5, Letter can be selected” is described in XML format. The In the case of a print setting function for setting a numerical value such as the number of copies to be printed, the content “setting value is a numerical value and can be input from 0 to 999” is described in XML format.

When the application 101 receives a PC from the configuration module 111, the application 101 grasps the contents described in the PC, and makes a display request for an extended print setting UI 121, which will be described later, to the driver extended UI 120 based thereon.
As will be described in detail later, the application 101 creates a print ticket (PT) based on the contents described in the PC when a request for displaying the extended print setting UI 121 is made. Then, the application 101 transmits the created PT to the function change interpretation unit 123 described later of the driver extension UI 120 via the OS 102.

  Here, PT is an example of print setting information, and describes setting values for a print setting function defined in the PC in an XML format. For example, the content “paper type is A4” is described in the XML format. As the setting value, a default value displayed on the extended print setting UI 121 or a value set on the printer driver 110 side may be described.

The PT can be customized. For example, when creating the PT, the application 101 adds information about addition of a print setting function different from the print setting function defined on the PC or deletion of the print setting function defined on the PC. You can also. Although details will be described later, information on addition or deletion of the print setting function added to the PT by the application 101 includes the display position of the setting item related to the print setting function to be added on the print setting screen, and the print setting function to be added. Information on the processing order of the filter processing, the setting items of the print setting function to be deleted, and options thereof.
In the following description, a print setting function defined in the PC may be referred to as an “existing function”, and a print setting function newly added by the application 101 may be referred to as an “additional function”.

  Further, at the time of printing, the application 101 transmits print data in the XPS (XML Paper Specification) format to the printer driver 110 together with the PT. Here, XPS is an XML-based format for describing an electronic document.

  The OS 102 is basic software, manages the hardware and software of the terminal device 10, and controls various programs and their execution.

  The additional function module 103 is an example of an execution unit, and is a plug-in module that performs processing corresponding to the additional function on the print data. The additional function module 103 performs processing on the XPS format print data transmitted from the application 101 based on a call from the rendering module 113 described later of the printer driver 110. In the additional function module 103, similarly to the rendering module 113 described later, the processing is defined as an XPS filter, and processing is performed according to the print settings included in the XPS file. In the printer driver 110 of this embodiment, the additional function module 103 can perform processing corresponding to the additional function without changing the XPS filter configuration in the rendering module 113.

  The spooler 104 is an OS module that performs print processing schedule management. The spooler 104 performs control of receiving print data registered by a rendering module 113 described later and sequentially transmitting the print data.

  The port monitor 105 is a module that mediates data exchange between the spooler 104 and the printing apparatus 20. Specifically, the port monitor 105 receives print data from the spooler 104 and transmits the received print data to the printing apparatus 20. When the print data is transmitted to the printing apparatus 20, the printing apparatus 20 performs a printing process.

  The printer driver 110 is a V4 printer driver, and includes a configuration module 111, a rendering module changing unit 112, and a rendering module 113.

The configuration module 111 holds information on print setting functions provided in the printer driver 110. When the configuration module 111 receives a PC request from the application 101 via the OS 102, the configuration module 111 generates a PC and returns the PC to the application 101 via the OS 102.
In addition, the configuration module 111 performs print setting control based on the PT received from the later-described extended print setting UI 121 of the driver extended UI 120 via the OS 102.

  The rendering module changing unit 112 is an example of a derivation unit, and interprets the presence / absence of an additional function, the presence / absence of deletion of an existing function, and the like based on the PT received from the extended print setting UI 121 of the driver extended UI 120 via the OS 102 To do. In addition, when there is an additional function or when an existing function is deleted, the rendering module changing unit 112 sends the information on the calling position of the additional function module 103 described in the PT and the existing function to be deleted to the rendering module 113. Tell. In other words, the rendering module changing unit 112 derives the processing order of the processing related to the additional function and the existing function based on the information described in the PT, and notifies the rendering module 113 of the processing order.

The rendering module 113 is an example of a processing unit, and performs various processes on the XPS format print data transmitted from the application 101. Here, in the printer driver 110, each processing is defined as an XPS filter. For this reason, the rendering module 113 is provided with various XPS filters (XPS filter group), and according to the print settings described in the PT sent together with the print data and the information from the rendering module changing unit 112, Appropriate processing is performed with the XPS filter.
Although details will be described later, for example, when there is an additional function, the rendering module 113 calls the additional function module 103 based on the information regarding the calling position received from the rendering module changing unit 112 and executes the processing. Further, when there is a deletion of an existing function, the rendering module 113 executes each process while skipping a process related to the existing function to be deleted.

  The rendering module 113 also has an XPS filter that converts the print data into a page description language (PDL (Page Description Language)) that is finally interpreted by the printing apparatus 20, and this XPS filter converts the print data. Register with the spooler 104.

  The driver expansion UI 120 is a kind of Windows store device application, and is an application for causing the printer driver 110 to perform detailed print settings. In an environment where the driver extension UI 120 exists, the driver extension UI 120 can be called from the application 101 via the OS 102. The driver extension UI 120 includes an extension print setting UI 121, a display control unit 122, and a function change interpretation unit 123.

  The extended print setting UI 121 is a print setting screen that operates on the driver extended UI 120, and is a module that receives an operation input from the user. For example, the extended print setting UI 121 receives a change in the print setting displayed on the screen based on an operation input from the user. In addition, the extended print setting UI 121 needs to comply with the V4 UI guidelines provided by Microsoft, but each printer vendor can freely perform display.

  Further, when the operation input from the user is accepted on the print setting screen, the extended print setting UI 121 stores the setting value (option) set by the user in the PT and outputs it to the rendering module changing unit 112 of the printer driver 110. It also functions as an output means.

  The display control unit 122 is an example of a display control unit, and is a module that displays and controls the screen of the extended print setting UI 121 extended by each printer vendor on the display mechanism 15 or the like. The display control unit 122 according to the present embodiment determines the layout of the print setting screen of the extended print setting UI 121 based on the display information received from the function change interpretation unit 123. Although details will be described later, the function change interpretation unit 123 adds a setting item related to an additional function on the print setting screen of the extended print setting UI 121 based on the display information from the function change interpretation unit 123 or an existing function. Delete the display of the setting items related to.

The function change interpretation unit 123 is an example of a reception unit, and exchanges PTs with the configuration module 111 of the printer driver 110 via the OS 102. Specifically, the function change interpretation unit 123 reflects the information displayed on the extended print setting UI 121 on the PT, and outputs the information to the configuration module 111 via the OS 102.
Further, the function change interpretation unit 123 interprets the PT received from the configuration module 111 via the OS 102 as display information, and outputs the interpreted display information to the display control unit 122.

Furthermore, the function change interpretation unit 123 according to the present embodiment interprets the PT received from the application 101 via the OS 102 as display information, and outputs the interpreted display information to the display control unit 122.
As described above, the display from the application 101 includes information such as the specification of the print setting function (additional function) added by the application 101 and the type of the existing function deleted by the application 101 as display information. Is recorded.

As described above, the V4 printer driver is configured such that the display layout in the extended print setting UI 121 can be changed (customized).
For example, the printer driver 110 can change the display layout of the print setting screen of the extended print setting UI 121 by changing the information of the print setting function held by the configuration module 111.

By the way, there is a case where it is desired to use a print setting function different from the print setting function held by the configuration module 111, for example, when a special print setting function is required when using the business-specific application 101.
Specifically, when a print request is made from a specific application 101, there is a case where a special print setting function is desired, or a case where a different print setting function is desired depending on the type of the application 101 or the like. In such a case, it is necessary to change (customize) the print setting screen of the extended print setting UI 121 in accordance with the addition or deletion of the print setting function by the application 101.

  However, when the print setting function information held by the configuration module 111 is changed and the display layout of the print setting screen of the extended print setting UI 121 is changed for each printer driver 110 as described above, a print request is issued from a different application 101. Even when this is performed, the print setting screen having the same display content is displayed. In this case, when a print setting function different from the existing print setting function is added by the specific application 101, the additional function is not displayed on the print setting screen or cannot be used by the specific application 101. May be displayed on the print settings screen.

For example, when using the OS 102 of Windows 8 or later, when installing the printer driver 110, an electronic signature to the printer driver 110 is essential.
For this reason, if the configuration of the printer driver 110 is changed when adding or deleting the print setting function by the application 101, it is necessary to re-sign the electronic signature. In such a case, it is necessary to perform an electronic signature when changing the display of the print setting screen of the extended print setting UI 121 or when performing processing related to the additional function added by the application 101 to the print data. Because it is, it is easy to take time.

  On the other hand, in this embodiment, by using the PT created by the application 101, it is possible to add or delete the print setting function by the application 101 without changing the configuration of the printer driver 110.

<Processing Example 1 for Changing Print Setting Function by Application>
Next, a specific example of processing performed in the printing system 1 of the present embodiment when a print setting function (additional function) different from the print setting function defined on the PC is added by the application 101. Will be described.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a PT created by the application 101 when a print setting function is added. Here, FIG. 4 shows a PT created by the application 101 when the application 101 adds an “ID Print” function as an additional function.

When the application 101 receives a PC from the configuration module 111 of the printer driver 110, the application 101 creates a PT based on the received PC.
As described above, the application 101 according to the present embodiment adds a print setting function (additional function) to the PT when adding a print setting function different from the print setting function (existing function) defined in the PC. Add information about.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the application 101 adds a print setting function to be added in addition to the setting value information P1 related to the setting value for the print setting function (existing function) defined in the PC. Additional specification information P2 regarding the specification of (additional function) is described. The additional specification information P2 includes the additional function name, additional function setting value type (selection type, setting type, etc.), setting value choices, setting value default values, restrictions on the additional function, and additional functions. The display position of the setting item related to the function, the filter processing position of the additional function, and the like are described in a format that can be interpreted by the function change interpreting unit 123 of the driver extension UI 120. Unlike the setting value information P1, the additional specification information P2 is described in the same format as the specification of the print setting function described in the PC.
In this example, the additional specification information P2 corresponds to change information for changing the print setting function.

  In the PT shown in FIG. 4, the name of the additional function “ID Print”, the type of the setting value, the default value of the setting value (“fx12345”), the display position of the setting item of the additional function “ID Print”, and the like Is described in the XML format.

  Then, the application 101 sends the PT describing the setting value information P1 and the additional specification information P2 to the driver extension UI 120 (function change interpretation unit 123).

When the function change interpretation unit 123 of the driver extension UI 120 receives the PT created by the application 101, it interprets the setting value information P1 and the additional specification information P2 described in the PT. Then, the display control unit 122 of the driver extended UI 120 changes and displays the print setting screen of the extended print setting UI 121 based on the setting value information P1 and the additional specification information P2 interpreted by the function change interpreting unit 123.
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print setting screen of the extended print setting UI 121 (the print setting function is not added by the application 101) before the display is changed. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the print setting screen of the extended print setting UI 121 after the display is changed based on the description of the PT shown in FIG.

  The print setting screen displayed when the print setting function is not added by the application 101, as shown in FIG. 5, is an item 201 of “paper size” as a setting item of the existing function described in the PC. A “paper feeding method” item 202, a “color mode” item 203, a “print orientation” item 204, and a “collective one” item 205 are displayed. Then, as shown in FIG. 5, based on the setting value information P1 described in PT, the “paper size” item 201 is “A4”, the “paper feeding method” item 202 is “automatic”, “color mode” ”Item 203 is set to“ color ”,“ print orientation ”item 204 is set to“ vertical ”, and“ collectively one sheet ”item 205 is set to“ 2 up ”.

On the other hand, when a print setting function (in this example, “ID Print” function) is added by the application 101, the display control unit 122 of the driver extension UI 120 performs print setting based on the additional specification information P2 described in the PT. An item “ID Print” 210 is added to the screen as an additional function setting item. Here, as shown in FIG. 6, the item 210 of “ID Print” that is an additional function is displayed below the item 205 of “collectively one” that is a setting item of the existing function. Then, as shown in FIG. 6, “fx12345” is set as the ID setting value (default value) of the item 210 of “ID Print” which is an additional function.
As described above, the setting items for the additional functions added by the application 101 are displayed on the print setting screen, so that the user can grasp the setting items for the additional functions and their setting values. Thereby, it is suppressed that the additional function which a user does not intend is implement | achieved.

  Subsequently, when an additional function is displayed on the print setting screen and printing is instructed by the user with the setting value set (or selected), the extended print setting UI 121 is set or selected in the additional specification information P2. Information on the set value of the additional function is added and stored in the PT. Then, the extended print setting UI 121 outputs the PT storing the setting value information P1 related to the existing function and the additional specification information P2 related to the additional function to the printer driver 110 via the OS 102.

  Upon receiving the PT from the extended print setting UI 121, the rendering module changing unit 112 of the printer driver 110 interprets the setting value information P1 and the additional specification information P2 described in the PT. In the present embodiment, the rendering module changing unit 112 interprets the setting item and setting value of the existing function from the setting value information P1, and also sets the setting item (“ID Print”) of the additional function from the additional specification information P2. ), The set value (fx12345), and the order in which processing related to the additional function is performed (filter call position related to the additional function). In other words, the rendering module changing unit 112 derives the processing order of processing related to the additional function and the existing function from the PT.

  Subsequently, the rendering module 113 of the printer driver 110 processes the print data based on the information interpreted by the rendering module changing unit 112. That is, the rendering module 113 performs filter processing related to the existing function and filter processing related to the additional function based on the processing order derived by the rendering module changing unit 112. In other words, the rendering module 113 calls the filter related to the additional function from the additional function module 103 at the calling position interpreted by the rendering module changing unit 112 while performing the filter processing related to the existing function, and filters the additional function. Process.

  Here, in the present embodiment, when the rendering module 113 performs the filter processing related to the additional function, the rendering module 113 does not add the filter related to the additional function to the XPS filter group provided in the rendering module 113 but the printer driver. A filter related to the additional function is called from the additional function module 103 provided outside 110 to perform processing. By adopting such a configuration, it is not necessary to change the configuration of the printer driver 110 even when processing related to an additional function is performed in response to a request from the application 101. As a result, in the present embodiment, it is possible to perform processing related to the additional function added by the application 101 without re-signing the digital signature for the printer driver 110.

  After that, the rendering module 113 outputs the print data that has been subjected to processing related to the existing function and the additional function and converted into PDL to the spooler 104. The print data registered in the spooler 104 is transmitted to the printing apparatus 20 via the port monitor 105, and printing processing is performed in the printing apparatus 20. Thereby, a series of processes performed in the printing system 1 of the present embodiment is completed.

<Processing Example 2 for Changing Print Setting Function by Application>
When a print setting function (additional function) different from the print setting function (existing function) defined in the PC is added by the application 101, a prohibition may occur between the existing function and the additional function. Specifically, among the existing functions defined in the PC, there are print setting functions that cannot be performed simultaneously with the additional functions added by the application 101, and additional functions added by the application 101 May have setting values (options) for additional functions that cannot be set (or selected) at the same time.
Here, an example of processing performed in the printing system 1 of the present embodiment when a prohibition occurs between an existing function and an additional function will be described.

FIG. 7 shows an example of a PT created by the application 101 when the “ID Print” function is added as an additional function by the application 101.
In the PT shown in FIG. 7, in addition to the setting value information P1 related to the setting value for the existing function and the additional specification information P2 related to the specification of the additional function, between the additional function added by the application 101 and the existing function The information about the prohibition that occurs in (the prohibition information P3) is described.
In this example, the additional specification information P2 and the prohibition information P3 correspond to the change information.

Here, the prohibition information P3 describes the type of an existing function that is in a prohibition relationship with the additional function, and the setting value (option) of the existing function that is in a prohibition relationship with the additional function.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7, in the prohibition information P3, an existing function that has a prohibition relation with the additional function and its set value are described in a unique tag such as <ns0000: Constraint>, for example. . In this example, as an existing function that is in a prohibited relationship with the “ID Print” function that is an additional function, a “collectively one sheet” function (Document NUp) is described in the tag of <ns0000: Constraint>.

  When the function change interpretation unit 123 of the driver extension UI 120 receives the PT in which the prohibition information P3 is described from the application 101, the function change interpretation unit 123 interprets the prohibition information P3 as well as the setting value information P1 and the additional specification information P2. Specifically, the function change interpretation unit 123 interprets the prohibition information P3 by interpreting the types of existing functions and the set values (options) of the existing functions that are in a prohibition relationship with the additional functions. Then, based on the prohibition information P3, the function change interpretation unit 123 determines whether the existing function included in the setting value information P1 and the setting value thereof are in a prohibition relationship with the additional function.

  Next, the display control unit 122 of the driver extension UI 120 changes the print setting screen of the extension print setting UI 121 based on the setting value information P1, the additional specification information P2, and the prohibition information P3 interpreted by the function change interpretation unit 123. indicate. Specifically, the display control unit 122 does not display, on the print setting screen, the setting items related to the existing functions that are prohibited by the additional functions or the setting values (options) of the existing functions that are prohibited by the additional functions. Or display in gray out. This prevents the user from setting a setting item related to an existing function that is prohibited by the additional function or a setting value (option) of the existing function that is prohibited by the additional function on the print setting screen.

  In the driver extension UI 120 of the present embodiment, the PT is updated each time the setting value (option) of each setting item is changed by the user on the print setting screen, and the function change interpretation unit 123 is set. It is determined whether or not the set value (option) is in a forbidden relationship with the additional function. When the function change interpreting unit 123 determines that the setting value (option) set by the user is in a prohibited relationship with the additional function, the display control unit 122 sets the setting item or setting value (option to be in the prohibited relationship). ) Is hidden or grayed out.

  In the present embodiment, the setting item (option) of the existing function that is in a prohibition relationship with the additional function or the setting value (option) of the existing function that is in a prohibition relationship with the additional function cannot be set, so that the user has a prohibition relationship. Setting an existing function or its setting value incorrectly is suppressed.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a print setting screen of the extended print setting UI 121 after the display is changed based on the description of PT shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 8, a setting item 210 related to the “ID Print” function added by the application 101 is additionally displayed on the print setting screen by the display control unit 122. Further, as shown in FIG. 8, the setting item 205 of the “collectively one sheet” function that is in a prohibited relationship with the “ID Print” function is displayed in gray on the print setting screen by the display control unit 122. This prevents the setting item 205 of the “collectively one sheet” function from being excluded from the operation target by the user and setting the processing related to the “collectively one sheet” function that is prohibited from the “ID Print” function. The

After that, when the user gives a print instruction on the print setting screen, the extended print setting UI 121 displays, in addition to the setting value information P1 and the additional specification information P2, the prohibition information P3 relating to the additional function and the existing function that is prohibited. Is stored in PT. Then, the extended print setting UI 121 outputs the PT to the rendering module changing unit 112 of the printer driver 110.
When the rendering module changing unit 112 receives the PT from the extended print setting UI 121, the rendering module changing unit 112 interprets the existing function that is prohibited in addition to the setting value of the existing function, the setting value of the additional function, and the order of the processing related to the additional function.

  Then, the rendering module 113 performs filter processing related to the existing function and filter processing related to the additional function while calling the additional function module 103 based on the processing order interpreted by the rendering module changing unit 112. At this time, the rendering module 113 skips the additional functions and the existing functions that are prohibited, without performing the process. In this example, the rendering module 113 skips without performing the process related to the “collectively one sheet” function.

  After that, the rendering module 113 outputs the print data that has been subjected to processing related to the existing function and the additional function and converted into PDL to the spooler 104. The print data registered in the spooler 104 is transmitted to the printing apparatus 20 via the port monitor 105, and printing processing is performed in the printing apparatus 20. Thereby, a series of processes performed in the printing system 1 of the present embodiment is completed.

<Processing Example 3 for Changing Print Setting Function by Application>
In some cases, the application 101 may instruct deletion without permitting printing using the print setting function (existing function) defined in the PC. In the PT created by the application 101 when the existing function defined on the PC is deleted, the existing function to be deleted is added to the setting value information P1 (see FIG. 4) regarding the setting value for the existing function. The indicated information (deletion information) is described. In this example, the deletion information corresponds to the change information.

  For example, when the application 101 does not permit printing in color, the function change interpreting unit 123 of the driver extension UI 120 indicates that the “color mode” function is deleted as deletion information in the PT created by the application 101. Is written in a format that can be interpreted. Further, in order to perform monochrome printing without performing color printing, “monochrome” is designated and described as the setting value of the “color mode” function in the PT setting value information P1.

When the function change interpretation unit 123 of the driver extension UI 120 receives the PT in which the deletion information is described from the application 101, the function change interpretation unit 123 interprets the existing function to be deleted.
Then, the display control unit 122 of the driver extension UI 120 changes and displays the print setting screen of the extension print setting UI 121 based on the deletion information interpreted by the function change interpretation unit 123. Specifically, the display control unit 122 hides the setting items related to the existing function to be deleted and displays only the setting items of the existing function that is not deleted on the print setting screen.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print setting screen of the extended print setting UI 121 when an instruction to delete an existing function is issued by the application 101 (see FIG. 3). As shown in FIG. 9, the setting item 203 (see FIG. 5) of the “color mode” function is deleted from the print setting screen by the display control unit 122. In the print setting screen, “paper size” item 201, “paper feeding method” item 202, “print orientation” item 204, “summary”, which are setting items for existing functions other than the “color mode” function, are displayed. "One sheet" item 205 and its set value are displayed.

Thereafter, when the user gives a print instruction on the print setting screen, PT is output from the extended print setting UI 121 to the rendering module changing unit 112 of the printer driver 110. In this example, since the “color mode” function is deleted by the application 101 and printing in color is restricted, “monochrome” is set as the setting value of “color mode” in PT as described above. is described.
When the rendering module changing unit 112 receives the PT from the extended print setting UI 121, the rendering module changing unit 112 interprets the setting value of the existing function, the type of the existing function deleted by the application 101, and the processing order of the existing function.

Then, the rendering module 113 performs filter processing related to the existing function based on the processing order interpreted by the rendering module changing unit 112. At this time, the rendering module 113 skips the existing function deleted by the application 101 without performing the process.
In this example, as described above, the “color mode” function is deleted by the application 101, and “monochrome” is set as the setting value of “color mode”. Therefore, the rendering module 113 outputs the monochrome print data to the spooler 104 without performing the process by the “color” filter on the print data.

  Thereafter, the print data registered in the spooler 104 is transmitted to the printing apparatus 20 via the port monitor 105, and printing processing is performed in the printing apparatus 20. Thereby, a series of processes performed in the printing system 1 of the present embodiment is completed.

<Processing procedure in the driver extension UI>
Next, a procedure of processing performed by the driver extension UI 120 when the print setting function is added / changed by the application 101 will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure performed by the driver extension UI 120.
As described above, when a print request is made, the application 101 that has received the PC from the configuration module 111 of the printer driver 110 creates a PT based on the PC, and the PT is output to the driver extension UI 120 via the OS 102. The

The function change interpretation unit 123 of the driver extension UI 120 receives the PT output from the application 101 (step 101).
Then, the function change interpretation unit 123 interprets the contents of the received PT (step 102), and determines whether or not the additional specification information P2 related to the specification of the additional function exists in the PT (step 103). In other words, the function change interpretation unit 123 determines whether or not a print setting function (additional function) different from the existing function defined in the PC by the application 101 is added.

  If it is determined in step 103 that the additional specification information P2 is present in the PT (Yes in step 103), the function change interpretation unit 123 sets the additional function setting items and the extended print setting UI 121 from the additional specification information P2 of the PT. The display position of the setting item of the additional function on the print setting screen is interpreted and transmitted to the display control unit 122 (step 104). When the prohibition information P3 is included in the PT, in step 104, the function change interpreting unit 123 interprets the setting item or the setting value of the additional function and the existing function that is prohibited, and transmits it to the display control unit 122. .

  Next, based on the information received from the function change interpretation unit 123, the display control unit 122 performs a change to add an additional function setting item to the print setting screen of the extended print setting UI 121 (step 105). In addition, when there is a setting item or setting value of an existing function that is prohibited as an additional function, the display control unit 122 changes the existing function to be deleted or grayed out from the print setting screen.

  If it is determined in step 103 that there is no additional specification information P2 in the PT (No in step 103), the process proceeds to step 106 described later without performing steps 104 and 105.

  Subsequently, the function change interpretation unit 123 determines whether or not there is deletion information regarding deletion of the existing function in the PT (step 106). In other words, the function change interpretation unit 123 determines whether or not the existing function defined in the PC is deleted by the application 101.

If it is determined in step 106 that there is deletion information in the PT (Yes in step 106), the function change interpretation unit 123 interprets the setting items of the existing function to be deleted from the deletion information of the PT, and displays it in the display control unit 122. Tell (step 107).
Next, based on the information received from the function change interpretation unit 123, the display control unit 122 performs a change to delete the setting item of the existing function to be deleted from the print setting screen of the extended print setting UI 121 (step 108).
On the other hand, when it is determined in step 106 that there is no deletion information (No in step 106), the process proceeds to step 109 without performing steps 107 and 108.

  Next, the display control unit 122 displays the print setting screen of the changed extended print setting UI 121 (step 109). As a result, for example, when the print setting function (additional function) is added by the application 101, the setting item 210 of the additional function (“ID Print” function) is added as shown in FIGS. The print setting screen appears. If the print setting function (existing function) is deleted by the application 101, the setting item 203 (see FIG. 5) of the existing function (“color mode” function) is deleted as shown in FIG. The print setting screen appears. Thereby, a series of processing flows in the driver expansion UI 120 is completed.

<Processing procedure in the printer driver>
Next, a procedure of processing performed by the printer driver 110 when the print setting function is added / changed by the application 101 will be described. FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure performed by the printer driver 110.
As described above, when printing is instructed by the user on the print setting screen of the extended print setting UI 121, the extended print setting UI 121 stores setting items, setting values (options), processing order, and the like of existing functions and additional functions. The PT is output to the printer driver 110 via the OS 102.

The rendering module changing unit 112 of the printer driver 110 receives the PT output from the extended print setting UI 121 (step 201).
Then, the rendering module changing unit 112 interprets the contents of the received PT, and determines whether or not a print setting function (additional function) has been added from the application 101 (step 202).

In step 202, when it is determined that the print setting function (additional function) is added from the application 101 (Yes in step 202), the rendering module changing unit 112 performs addition related to processing related to the additional function from the PT. The function module call position is interpreted and transmitted to the rendering module 113 (step 203). In other words, the rendering module changing unit 112 interprets the processing order of the processing related to the additional function and notifies the rendering module 113 of the processing order.
On the other hand, if it is determined in step 202 that the print setting function (additional function) is not added from the application 101 (No in step 202), the process proceeds to step 204 without performing the process in step 203.

Subsequently, the rendering module changing unit 112 interprets the contents of the PT and determines whether or not the print setting function (existing function) has been deleted from the application 101 (step 204).
If it is determined in step 204 that the print setting function (existing function) has been deleted from the application 101 (Yes in step 204), the rendering module changing unit 112 determines from the PT the function module related to the existing function to be deleted. Is transmitted to the rendering module 113 (step 205).
On the other hand, if it is determined in step 204 that the print setting function (existing function) has not been deleted from the application 101 (No in step 204), the process proceeds to step 206 without performing the process in step 205.

Subsequently, the rendering module 113 performs processing on the print data based on the information transmitted from the rendering module changing unit 112 (step 206).
For example, when there is an addition of a print setting function (additional function) from the application 101, the rendering module 113 adds a filter related to the additional function from the additional function module 103 at the calling position transmitted from the rendering module changing unit 112. Call and perform filter processing for additional functions. When the print setting function (existing function) is deleted from the application 101, the rendering module 113 skips without performing the filtering process related to the existing function to be deleted, and performs the filtering process related to another existing function. Execute.
In addition, when there is no addition of a print setting function (additional function) or deletion of a print setting function (existing function) from the application 101, the rendering module 113 executes filter processing related to the existing function in a predetermined order. To do.

  Next, the rendering module 113 outputs the print data converted to PDL by performing processing related to each print setting function to the spooler 104 (step 207). Thereby, a series of processing flow in the printer driver 110 is completed.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Printing system, 10 ... Terminal device, 20 ... Printing device, 103 ... Additional function module, 110 ... Printer driver, 111 ... Configuration module, 112 ... Rendering module change part, 113 ... Rendering module, 120 ... Driver expansion UI, 121 ... extended print setting UI, 122 ... display control unit, 123 ... function change interpretation unit

Claims (7)

A print setting function that is set for printing, and a change information for changing the print setting function, additional specification information regarding specification of the additional features to be added in addition to the print setting function, and the additional function and the print setting function Receiving means for receiving print setting information including , for example, prohibition information that is information regarding prohibition that occurs between the two or deletion information that is information indicating the print setting function to be deleted ;
Display control means for controlling to display a print setting screen reflecting the change of the print setting function by the change information;
A derivation unit that receives the print setting information when a print instruction is given on the print setting screen, and derives the processing order of the process related to the print setting function after the change from the print setting information;
An information processing apparatus comprising: processing means for performing processing related to the print setting function in the processing order derived by the derivation means. Wherein the display control unit, according to claim 1, wherein the additional specification information if included in the change information, and controls to display the print setting screen to add a setting item of the additional features Information processing device. When the prohibition information is included in the change information , the display control unit is configured to prevent the print setting function or the setting value of the print setting function from being set to generate a prohibition between the additional function and the print setting. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the information processing apparatus controls a screen.   4. The processing unit according to claim 2, wherein the processing unit calls the execution unit that executes the process related to the additional function in the processing order of the process related to the additional function, and performs the process related to the additional function. Information processing device. Wherein the display control means, when the deletion information is included in the change information, 1 to claim and performs control to display the print setting screen to delete the setting items of the print setting function to restrict 5. The information processing apparatus according to any one of 4. A print setting function that is set for printing, and a change information for changing the print setting function, additional specification information regarding specification of the additional features to be added in addition to the print setting function, and the additional function and the print setting function Receiving means for receiving print setting information including , for example, prohibition information that is information regarding prohibition that occurs between the two or deletion information that is information indicating the print setting function to be deleted ;
Display control means for controlling to display a print setting screen reflecting the change of the print setting function by the change information;
An information processing apparatus comprising: an output unit that outputs the print setting information including the change information to a derivation unit that performs processing related to the print setting function when a print instruction is given on the print setting screen. On the computer,
The setting values of the print setting function that is set for printing, and a change information for changing the print setting function, additional specification information regarding specification of the additional features to be added in addition to the print setting function, and the additional features and the A function of accepting print setting information from an application, including prohibition information that is information about prohibition that occurs between the print setting function and deletion information that is information indicating the print setting function to be deleted ;
A function for displaying a print setting screen reflecting the change of the print setting function by the change information;
A function of receiving the print setting information when a print instruction is made on the print setting screen, and deriving a processing order of the process related to the print setting function after the change from the print setting information;
A program for realizing a function for performing processing related to the print setting function after the change in the derived processing order.

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