JP6922608B2 - Application programs and systems - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an application program and a system incorporated in an information processing device capable of communicating with a device. More specifically, it relates to techniques for setting program-specific default devices.

Conventionally, a technique has been known in which a so-called default printer can be set as an operating system (OS) as a printer to be normally used in order to save the trouble of selecting a printer each time when printing is performed by controlling a printer from an information processing device. ing. The device controlled from the information processing device is not limited to a printer, and includes, for example, a scanner. In this case, a so-called default scanner can be set in the OS as a normally used scanner.

For example, Patent Document 1 is a document that discloses a technique relating to a default device. In Patent Document 1, when a system including a device management application and a driver associated with the device management application is set as a default device, a driver set as a default device associated with the device management application. A configuration is disclosed that displays the name of a device and displays the name of one of the drivers associated with the device management application if the driver associated with the device management application is not set as the default device. ..

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2013-229847

Devices capable of communicating with the information processing device include, for example, a device for a special purpose such as a label printer or a mobile printer, and a specific program which is an application program for the device for the special purpose may be incorporated in the information processing device. In this case, the specific program is mainly expected to use a device for special purposes, but other programs are also expected to use a device other than the device for special purposes. Therefore, it is conceivable to provide a default device specific to the specific program in the specific program in addition to the default device of the OS. However, if a default device specific to a specific program is provided, the setting work may be troublesome for the user.

The present invention has been made to solve the problems of the above-mentioned specific program. In other words, the problem is to provide a technology that reduces the time and effort required to set a default device specific to a program.

The application program made for the purpose of solving this problem is an application program incorporated in an information processing device that communicates with a device via a communication interface, and the information processing device is provided with a default device set in the operating system. The default device identification process to be specified, the device list acquisition process to acquire a list of devices compatible with the functions provided by the application program, and the list acquired by the device list acquisition process to the list acquired by the default device identification process. When the specified default device is included, the default device specified in the default device specifying process is set as the default device of the application program, and the first setting process is executed.

The information processing apparatus in which the application program disclosed in the present specification is incorporated sets a default device for each of the OS and the application program. Then, the information processing device acquires a list of devices that can support the functions provided by the embedded application program, and if the OS default device is included in the list, the OS default device is used as the application program default device. Set to.

By executing the application program disclosed in this specification, if the default device of the OS can support the functions provided by the application program, the default device of the application program is automatically set as the default device of the OS. NS. Therefore, the time and effort of the user can be reduced.

According to the present invention, when a program-specific default device is provided, a technique for reducing the trouble of setting the device is realized.

It is a schematic block diagram of the printing system which concerns on embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the program for printing of an information processing apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which shows two kinds of printing paths. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the recommended device list. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of a default setting process. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of an alert. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the default change processing. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of an alert. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of an alert.

Hereinafter, embodiments that embody the printing system according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The present invention is an application of the present invention to a printing system including a printing device and an information processing device capable of communicating with each other.

As shown in FIG. 1, the printing system 100 of this embodiment has a plurality of printing devices 1A, 1B, 1C and an information processing device 2, and is connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other. The printing devices 1A, 1B, and 1C are devices capable of printing on a medium to be printed, and are, for example, a label printer, a page printer, a copier, and a multifunction device. In the following, when it is not necessary to distinguish between them, it is simply referred to as the printing device 1. The information processing device 2 is a device that generates and processes image data to be printed by the printing device 1, transmits a print execution instruction to the printing device 1, and is, for example, a smartphone, a personal computer, or a tablet computer. The number of printing devices 1 and information processing devices 2 constituting the printing system 100 is not limited to the example shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 1 as a representative of the printing device 1A, the printing device 1 includes a controller 11, an image forming unit 12, an operation panel 13, and a network interface 14. The controller 11 includes a CPU, a memory, and the like, and controls each component of the printing device 1. Note that the controller 11 in FIG. 1 is a general term for the hardware used for controlling the printing device 1, and does not necessarily represent a single hardware actually existing in the printing device 1.

The image forming unit 12 is configured to print an image on a medium to be printed. The image forming method of the image forming unit 12 may be an electrophotographic method or an inkjet method. Further, the printing device 1 may be a device capable of forming a color image or a device capable of performing only monochrome printing. The operation panel 13 is, for example, a touch panel, which accepts input by the user and displays information. The operation panel 13 may include various indicator lamps, buttons, and the like. The network interface 14 includes hardware for communicating with the information processing device 2.

As shown in FIG. 1, the information processing device 2 has a CPU 21, a ROM 22, a RAM 23, a non-volatile memory 24, an operation display unit 26, and a network interface 27. The ROM 22 stores a start-up program or the like for starting the information processing device 2. The RAM 23 is used as a work area when various processes are executed, or as a storage area for temporarily storing data. The non-volatile memory 24 is, for example, an HDD or a flash memory, and stores various programs and data.

The CPU 21 executes various processes according to a program read from the ROM 22 or the non-volatile memory 24. The operation display unit 26 is, for example, a touch panel, which accepts input by the user and displays information. The operation display unit 26 may include a keyboard, a mouse, a display, and the like. The network interface 27 includes hardware for communicating with the printing device 1. The network interface 27 is an example of a communication interface.

In the printing system 100 of this embodiment, the information processing device 2 and the printing device 1 perform wireless communication conforming to the Wi-Fi (registered trademark) standard via a common access point 3. That is, the network interfaces 14 and 27 are both interfaces that enable wireless communication according to the Wi-Fi (registered trademark) standard. More specifically, it is an interface that enables wireless communication based on the standard of IEEE802.11 and a standard equivalent thereto. The communication mode of this embodiment is an example, and is not limited to the above-described mode. For example, the information processing device 2 and the printing device 1 may communicate with each other by wireless communication by direct connection without going through the access point 3.

As shown in FIG. 2, the non-volatile memory 24 of the information processing apparatus 2 includes an application program (image editing application) 41 for image editing, an image data generation program 42, a dedicated print control program 43, and an operating system ( OS) 44 and are stored. Further, the OS 44 of the information processing apparatus 2 incorporates a general-purpose print control program 45 and a communication program 46. Hereinafter, the application program is referred to as an "application". In FIG. 2, the flow directions of various data are indicated by solid arrows.

The image editing application 41 is, for example, a program having a function of receiving a user's instruction, a function of displaying an image, and a function of editing and saving an image. The image editing application 41 also has a function of reading a generated label image file, a function of accepting a print instruction, and a function of accepting various settings at the time of printing. Further, the image editing application 41 also has a function of acquiring the state information of the device from the printing device 1 via the dedicated print control program 43 or the general-purpose print control program 45, as shown by the alternate long and short dash line in FIG. The device status information includes, for example, a print completion notification and an error notification.

The image data generation program 42 is a program having a function of generating an image file for printing. In the information processing device 2 of the present embodiment, the image data generation program 42 generates a label image file based on, for example, an editing instruction received by the image editing application 41. The label image file is a data file for printing on a tape-shaped label medium. The procedure of the process of generating the label image file by the image editing application 41 is, in detail, the generation instruction is output from the image editing application 41 to the image data generation program 42, and the label generated by the image data generation program 42. The procedure for acquiring the image file by the image editing application 41 is included.

The dedicated print control program 43 has, for example, a function of rasterizing the image data included in the label image file to generate rasterized data, and a function of controlling the communication program 46 to transmit the generated rasterized data to the printing device 1. It is a program. The dedicated print control program 43 is a dedicated program corresponding to a printing device of a specific model, and does not correspond to a printing device other than the specific model such as a model of another manufacturer. The dedicated print control program 43 of this embodiment is, for example, a program corresponding to the function of the printing device 1A, capable of supporting all detailed print settings that can be executed by the printing device 1A, and is supported by the printing device 1A. Generate rasterized data in a supported format. The dedicated print control program 43 is an example of a specific program.

The general-purpose print control program 45 is a program having a function of generating standard data for printing based on a predetermined print standard and a function of controlling the generated standard data and transmitting the generated standard data to the printing device 1. The general-purpose print control program 45 is a standard program provided by the OS 44 in order to realize the print control function. The standard data transmitted by the general-purpose print control program 45 is, for example, data conforming to a predetermined standard that can be processed by a printing apparatus 1B having a general-purpose rasterization process, and is not rasterized.

Further, the general-purpose print control program 45 is a general-purpose program corresponding to various printing devices that support a predetermined printing standard. Therefore, any printing device of any manufacturer can execute printing based on the standard data as long as the printing device has a function corresponding to the general-purpose print control program 45. Since the general-purpose print control program 45 is a general-purpose program corresponding to a plurality of models, the print settings that can be accepted are limited to general ones. Therefore, the general-purpose print control program 45 does not always accept all print settings that can be executed by the print device 1. Examples of the printing system using the general-purpose print control program 45 include AirPrint and Mopria (both are registered trademarks).

The label image file described above is a file suitable for processing in the dedicated print control program 43. When passing the image data to be printed to the dedicated print control program 43, the image editing application 41 uses a label image file suitable for the printing device 1 and the dedicated print control program 43. When the image editing application 41 passes the image data to be printed to the general-purpose print control program 45, the image editing application 41 uses a label image file suitable for the general-purpose print control program 45.

The communication program 46 is a program having a function of controlling the network interface 27 to communicate with the device of the communication partner. For example, the dedicated print control program 43 passes the generated rasterized data to the OS 44. The OS 44 of the information processing device 2 transmits the rasterized data to the printing device 1 via the network interface 27 by the communication program 46. The communication program 46 is also a standard program provided by OS44. A part of the communication program 46 may be stored in the ROM 22.

The printing system 100 of the present embodiment has two types of routes as shown in FIG. 3 as processing routes for processing data instructing printing so that the printing apparatus 1 can perform printing. The two types of routes are a first route in which the information processing device 2 performs rasterization processing and a second route in which the printing device 1 performs rasterization processing. The first route is an example of the first route, and the second route is an example of the second route.

When the printing device 1 is made to print using the first path, as shown in FIG. 3, the information processing device 2 executes a rasterization process to rasterize the image data included in the label image file, and the rasterized data. Is transmitted to the printing device 1. The printing device 1 receives the rasterized data and prints based on the received rasterized data. In the first path, the information processing apparatus 2 rasterizes the image data to be printed using the dedicated print control program 43 shown in FIG.

Since the first route uses the dedicated print control program 43, it corresponds to various print settings that can be supported by the printing device 1. Since the dedicated print control program 43 is not included in the OS 44, the information processing apparatus 2 does not use the print control function (for example, the general-purpose print control program 45) included in the OS 44 when printing by the first route.

When printing is performed by the printing device 1 using the second path, as shown in FIG. 3, the information processing device 2 standardizes the image data included in the label image file in the standardization process, and obtains the standard data. It is transmitted to the printing device 1. The printing apparatus 1 performs a general-purpose rasterization process for rasterizing standard data, and prints based on the data rasterized by the general-purpose rasterization process. In the second path, the information processing apparatus 2 standardizes the image data to be printed by the general-purpose print control program 45 shown in FIG.

Since the second route uses the general-purpose print control program 45, which is a print control function included in the OS 44, it may not be possible to correspond to all the print settings that can be supported by the printing apparatus 1. For example, the general-purpose print control program 45 does not support high-resolution print settings that can be supported only by a specific model. Therefore, in printing using the second route, printing settings that can be supported by many models are used.

As described above, the processing entity for rasterizing the image data to be printed differs between the first path and the second path. That is, the first route is a route for causing the information processing apparatus 2 to perform rasterization, and the second route is a route for causing the printing apparatus 1 to perform rasterization. Further, the rasterization processing algorithm is different between the first path and the second path, and the processing result may be different. That is, the first route is a route for performing rasterization that can correspond to detailed print settings, and the second route is a route for performing rasterization in which some print settings are restricted. Further, the type and data format of the data transmitted from the information processing device 2 to the printing device 1 are also different between the first path and the second path. As a result, even if the printed matter is based on the same label image file, the printed matter by the first path and the printed matter by the second path may have different print results.

The printing device 1 may be compatible with data transmitted by either the first path or the second path, or may be compatible with only one of the data. The information processing device 2 can determine which route the printing device can handle based on, for example, the model name, model number, firmware version, and the like of the printing device. The information processing device 2 transmits data by using wireless communication by the network interface 27 in both the first path and the second path. That is, the communication mode may be the same regardless of whether it is the first route or the second route.

Subsequently, in the printing system 100 of this embodiment, the operation of setting the default device for the OS and the default device for the application will be described. Hereinafter, an example in which a printing device is targeted as a device will be described, but the setting method of a default device other than the printing device is also the same, and each device type is individually set. For example, if the device type is a scanner, the scanner used by default is set as the default device.

The information processing device 2 performs an operation of searching for a connected device as a function of the OS44. For example, the OS 44 controls the network interface 27 to transmit a predetermined inquiry signal by multicast or broadcast, and executes a search operation for receiving a predetermined response signal transmitted from each device. The OS44 acquires device information including model information for all usable devices based on the response signal received within a predetermined time. Then, based on the acquired device information, the information processing device 2 registers, for example, all the devices capable of printing in the second path as OS devices, and the device information is non-volatile as a device list for the OS. It is stored in the sex memory 24. The information processing device 2 performs a device search operation when it receives a print instruction when the device is not registered or when it receives an instruction to select a device.

Further, the information processing apparatus 2 sets the default device for the OS, which is the device to be preferentially used among the devices registered in the device list for the OS, based on the instruction of the user. The information processing device 2 is set as the default device for the OS, for example, even when a print instruction is received by an application other than the image editing application 41 such as a document editing application, unless the device is specified by the user. Send a print command to the device. The information of the default device for the OS is stored in the storage area of the OS 44.

On the other hand, the image editing application 41 of this embodiment accepts the setting of its own default device for the application separately from the default device for the OS. The default device for the application may be the same as the default device for the OS, or may be different. When the image editing application 41 receives the print instruction, the information processing device 2 transmits the print command to the device set as the default device for the application unless the user specifies the device. The information of the default device for the application is stored in the dedicated storage area of the image editing application 41 or the storage area for each user.

The information processing device 2 includes a list of recommended devices that can support the functions provided by the image editing application 41. That is, in the ROM 22 or the non-volatile memory 24 of the information processing device 2, for example, as shown in FIG. 4, a list of models of the printing device, which is a recommended device, is stored as the recommended device list 51. The recommended device of the image editing application 41 is a model capable of supporting all the functions of the dedicated print control program 43, and means a printing device capable of appropriately executing printing using the first route. The information stored in the recommended device list 51 is, for example, the type name of the model that has been released, regardless of whether or not it has been connected to the information processing device 2.

The information processing device 2 can determine whether or not the default device for the OS is the recommended device of the image editing application 41 based on the recommended device list 51. If the default device for the OS is the recommended device of the image editing application 41, the image editing application 41 may use the default device for the OS as the default device for the application. For example, if the default device for the OS is the printing device 1A and the model of the printing device 1A is the device A, the information processing device 2 refers to the recommended device list 51, and the printing device 1A is the recommended device. Can be obtained. In this case, in the information processing device 2 of the present embodiment, the default device for the application is the same printing device 1A as the default device for the OS.

On the other hand, when the default device for the OS is not the recommended device of the image editing application 41, the default device for the OS cannot sufficiently reflect the functions provided by the image editing application 41 in printing. Therefore, the information processing device 2 may set the default device for the application to a device different from the default device for the OS. In the information processing device 2 of the present embodiment, for example, if any of the recommended devices of the image editing application 41 is connected in addition to the default device for the OS, that device is used as the default device for the application.

Subsequently, the procedure of the default setting process executed by the information processing apparatus 2 in order to realize the setting operation of the default device for the application described above in the printing system 100 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. do. This default setting process is executed by the CPU 21 of the information processing device 2 at the first operation of the image editing application 41, for example. The default setting process is a process included in the image editing application 41.

In the default setting process, the CPU 21 first determines whether or not the default device is set in the OS 44, that is, whether or not there is a default device for the OS (S101). S101 is an example of the default device identification process.

When it is determined that the default device for the OS is set (S101: YES), the CPU 21 acquires the recommended device list 51 from the non-volatile memory 24 (S102). S102 is an example of the device list acquisition process. The execution timing of S102 is not limited to the default setting process, and may be set in advance before the default setting process is executed.

Further, the CPU 21 refers to the acquired recommended device list 51 and determines whether or not the default device for the OS is the recommended device of the image editing application 41 (S103). Then, when it is determined that the default device for the OS is the recommended device for the image editing application 41 (S103: YES), the CPU 21 sets the default device for the OS as the default device for the application (S104). S104 is an example of the first setting process. Further, the CPU 21 determines the default processing route as the first route (S105), and ends the default setting processing. S105 is an example of the first routing process.

That is, since the default device for the OS is the recommended device, it is highly possible that the default device for the OS can support the functions of the image editing application 41. Therefore, the CPU 21 adjusts the default device for the application to the default device for the OS. That is, in this case, the default device for the application and the default device for the OS are the same device. Even when the default device for the application is set in S104, it is not necessary for the user to set the default device, and the time and effort of the user can be reduced. The CPU 21 stores the set default device for the application in the non-volatile memory 24.

Further, when the default device for the OS is the recommended device, it is highly possible that the default device for the OS can support the processing by the first route. When the default device for the OS is the recommended device, the CPU 21 determines the default processing route as the first route, so that a route with a high possibility of printing that matches the user's wishes is set. Further, since the default processing route is automatically set in S105 after S104, the user does not need to set the route, and the time and effort of the user can be reduced.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the default device for the OS is not set (S101: NO), or when it is determined that the default device for the OS is not the recommended device of the image editing application 41 (S103: NO), the CPU 21 determines. A search operation is performed by the image editing application 41 (S106). S106 is an example of the search process.

The information processing device 2 of the present embodiment can search for a device compatible with each function of the image editing application 41 by using the dedicated print control program 43. Specifically, the CPU 21 controls the network interface 27 to perform a multicast search operation by the OS 44, and includes model information about the device that can support the dedicated print control program 43 among the devices that responded. Get device information.

By this search operation, the CPU 21 acquires a list of devices that are compatible with each function of the image editing application 41 and are currently in a usable state. The device acquired in S106 is a device capable of executing the printing process in the first path. Then, the CPU 21 determines whether or not there is a device corresponding to the function of the image editing application 41, that is, whether or not the device is found by the search operation of S106 (S107).

Then, when it is determined that there is a device corresponding to the function of the image editing application 41 (S107: YES), the CPU 21 sets the found device as the default device for the application (S108). S108 is an example of the second setting process. Further, the CPU 21 determines the default processing route as the first route (S109), and ends the default setting processing. S109 is an example of the second routing process.

If the default device for the OS is not the recommended device for the image editing application 41, the default device for the OS may not be able to print by fully utilizing the functions of the image editing application 41. Therefore, the information processing device 2 automatically sets the device corresponding to the function of the image editing application 41 as the default device of the application, if there is a device, based on the search result of the device by the dedicated print control program 43. In this case, the default device for the application is a device different from the default device for the OS. This configuration also saves the user the trouble of setting the default device.

It is highly possible that the device corresponding to the function of the image editing application 41 can support the processing by the first route. When the CPU 21 sets the device corresponding to the function of the image editing application 41 as the default device for the application, the CPU 21 determines the default processing route as the first route, so that there is a possibility that printing that matches the user's wishes can be performed. High route is set. Further, since the default processing route is automatically set in S109 after S108, it is not necessary for the user to set the route, and the time and effort of the user can be reduced.

If a plurality of devices corresponding to the function of the image editing application 41 are found, one of them may be automatically selected as the default device for the application, or the user may be allowed to select the default device for the application. May be good. When automatically selected, for example, it may be randomly selected, it may be the one searched first, or it may be the one with the highest specifications.

On the other hand, when it is determined that there is no device corresponding to the function of the image editing application 41 (S107: NO), the CPU 21 determines whether or not there is a default device for the OS (S110). S110 is the same process as S101. Then, when it is determined that there is an OS default device (S110: YES), the CPU 21 confirms the connection with the OS default device (S111). For example, the CPU 21 inquires about the state of the default device for the OS, and can confirm whether or not it is in a communicable state depending on the presence or absence of a response. Then, the CPU 21 determines whether or not the connection is possible (S112).

When it is determined that the connection is possible (S112: YES), the CPU 21 sets the default device for the OS as the default device for the application (S113). S113 is an example of the third setting process. Further, the CPU 21 determines the default processing route as the second route (S114), and ends the default setting processing. S114 is an example of the third routing process.

At least if the device is set as the default device for the OS, there is a possibility that even a part of the desired processing can be processed. Therefore, by automatically setting the default device for the application as the default device for the OS, it is possible to save the user's trouble in setting the default device.

The device set as the default device for the application in S113 is likely to be a device that cannot support the processing by the first route. In this case, it is more likely that printing that meets the user's wishes can be performed if the processing route is the second route. Further, since the default processing route is automatically set in S114 after S113, it is not necessary for the user to set the route, and the time and effort of the user can be reduced.

It should be noted that the default device for the application set in S113 is not the recommended device of the image editing application 41, and there is a high possibility that some of the functions of the image editing application 41 cannot be supported. Therefore, the CPU 21 may only be temporarily used as the default device for the application. When the default device for the application is set in S113, the CPU 21 may return to the state in which the default device for the application is not set, for example, at the end of the image editing application 41 or after a predetermined time has elapsed.

When it is determined that there is no default device for the OS (S110: NO), or when it is determined that the connection is not possible (S112: NO), the CPU 21 indicates that the device cannot be found, for example, as shown in FIG. An alert including the warning message of (S115) is displayed, and the default setting process is terminated.

The information processing device 2 may perform this default setting process not only at the first operation of the image editing application 41 but also every time the image editing application 41 is started. Alternatively, it may be executed not when the image editing application 41 is started but when the printing instruction is received by the image editing application 41. Further, the information processing device 2 may determine, for example, whether or not the default device for the application is set when the image editing application 41 is started, and if it is not set, execute the default setting process.

Next, the procedure of the default change process for realizing the change operation of the default device for the application in the printing system 100 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 7. This default change process is executed by the CPU 21 of the information processing device 2 when a change in the default device for the OS is detected after the default device for the OS and the default device for the application are set. When the default device for OS is changed, it may be preferable to change the default device for application. The default change process is a process included in the image editing application 41.

When the information processing device 2 sets the default device for the application, the default device for the OS at that time is also stored in the non-volatile memory 24. The CPU 21 can acquire the stored default device for the OS as the default device for the OS before the change. The image editing application 41 may detect a change in the default device for the OS by a notification from the OS 44, and is set at that time, for example, when the image editing application 41 is started or when a print instruction is received. The default device for the OS may be read and collated with the stored default device for the OS before the change.

If the default device for the application is not set when the default device for the OS is changed, the CPU 21 executes the default setting process described above. In this case, the default device for the OS during the default setting process is the default device for the OS after the change.

In the default change process, the CPU 21 first determines whether or not the stored default device for the OS and the default device for the application match (S201). Then, when it is determined that the default device for the OS before the change and the default device for the application match (S201: YES), the CPU 21 is the default device for the changed OS, that is, for the currently set OS. The default device is specified, and it is determined whether or not the default device for the OS is the recommended device of the image editing application 41 (S202). The CPU 21 determines S202 based on the recommended device list 51 described above.

Then, when it is determined that the changed default device for the OS is the recommended device (S202: YES), the CPU 21 determines whether or not the follow-up setting of the default device is made (S203). The default device follow-up setting is a setting in which the default device for the application automatically follows the change of the default device for the OS, and is set by the user as described later.

If it is determined that the default device follow-up setting has been made (S203: YES), the CPU 21 sets the default device for the application to the same device as the default device for the OS (S204), and ends the default change process. That is, the default device for the application is changed to the same device as the default device for the OS after the change. When the follow-up setting is made by the user, it is not necessary to ask the user every time whether or not to change the default device for the application, and the user's trouble can be further saved.

If it is determined that the default device tracking setting has not been made (S203: NO), the CPU 21 controls the operation display unit 26, and for example, as shown in FIG. 8, whether or not to allow the change of the default device for the application. A message asking for the default is displayed (S206). Since there may be a user who does not want to change the default device for the application, the information processing device 2 of the present embodiment asks the user whether or not the change is possible before changing the default device for the application.

In S206, as shown in FIG. 8, the CPU 21 may also display a message inquiring whether or not to perform the follow-up setting of the default device. Alternatively, the follow-up inquiry may be displayed again when a change is selected.

Then, the CPU 21 determines whether or not the instruction for permitting the change of the default device for the application has been accepted (S207). When it is determined that the instruction for permitting the change of the default device for the application has been accepted (S207: YES), the CPU 21 changes the default device for the application to the default device for the OS after the change (S208). S208 is the same process as S204.

Then, the CPU 21 determines whether or not it has received the instruction to set the follow-up of the default device (S209). When it is determined that the instruction to set the follow-up of the default device has been accepted (S209: YES), the CPU 21 stores the information to the effect that the follow-up setting of the default device is to be performed in the non-volatile memory 24 (S210).

When it is determined that the instruction not to allow the change of the default device for the application has been accepted (S207: NO), or when it is determined that the instruction not to set the follow-up of the default device has been accepted (S209: NO), or after S210. , CPU 21 ends the default change process. If NO is determined in S207, the CPU 21 does not change the default device for the application, and keeps the same device as the default device for the OS before the change.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the changed OS default device is not the recommended device (S202: NO), the CPU 21 confirms the connection to the device set as the application default device (S212). Then, the CPU 21 determines whether or not it can be connected to the default device for the application (S213). The CPU 21 controls the network interface 27, for example, transmits a signal inquiring about the state to the default device for the application, and determines S213 based on whether or not an appropriate response signal is received within a predetermined time. S213 is an example of the connection confirmation process.

When it is determined that the default device for the application can be connected (S213: YES), the CPU 21 ends the default change process. In this case, the CPU 21 does not set the default device for the application. That is, the CPU 21 does not change the default device for the application, and keeps the same device as the default device for the OS before the change. Therefore, the default device for the application is a device different from the default device for the OS. If the changed OS default device is not the recommended device, it is more likely that the user's desired printed matter can be obtained by using the application default device, which is likely to be the recommended device.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the application default device cannot be connected (S213: NO), the CPU 21 sets the OS default device as a device to be used temporarily (S214), and ends the default change process. .. S214 is an example of the default device permission process. It is not possible to print on a device that cannot be connected. If the default device for the application is no longer available, there is a possibility that even a part of the desired processing can be processed, at least if the device is set as the default device for the OS. Therefore, by using the default device for the OS, there is a high possibility that it is possible to avoid a state in which processing cannot be performed at all. The use of the default device for the OS is limited, and may be limited to, for example, one process until the process of the image editing application 41 is completed.

If it is determined that the default device for the OS before the change and the default device for the application do not match (S201: NO), the CPU 21 recommends that the default device for the OS after the change is the image editing application 41. Whether or not it is determined (S216). S216 is the same process as S202.

Then, when it is determined that the changed OS default device is the recommended device (S216: YES), the CPU 21 controls the operation display unit 26, and changes the application default device, for example, as shown in FIG. A message asking whether or not to do so is displayed (S217).

If the default device for the OS and the default device for the application are different from each other before changing the default device for the OS, it is possible to operate the device from the image editing application 41 separately from the use of the device from other applications. Highly sexual. Therefore, even if the default device for the OS is changed, it may not be desired to change the default device for the application. Therefore, the user is inquired whether or not the default device for the application can be changed before the change.

Then, the CPU 21 determines whether or not the instruction to change the default device for the application has been accepted (S218). When it is determined that the instruction to change the default device for the application is accepted (S218: YES), the CPU 21 sets the default device for the application as the default device for the OS after the change (S219), and ends the default change process. S219 is the same process as S204 and S208.

In the example of FIG. 9, unlike the example of FIG. 8, the inquiry regarding the follow-up setting is not displayed. Since the default device for the application before the change is different from the default device for the OS, it can be regarded as not following. That is, if the default device for the application before the change is different from the default device for the OS, the CPU 21 does not perform the tracking setting. However, if it is determined in S218 that the instruction to be changed has been accepted, the CPU 21 may display an inquiry as to whether or not to perform the follow-up setting, and perform the follow-up setting if the user so desires.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the changed OS default device is not the recommended device (S216: NO), or when it is determined that the instruction not to change the application default device has been accepted (S218: NO), the CPU 21 uses the application. Ends the default change process without changing the default device. If the changed OS default device is not the recommended device for the app, changing the app default device to the OS default device may limit processing. Therefore, the CPU 21 does not change the default device for the application.

As described in detail above, in the information processing device 2 of this embodiment, the default device for the OS is included in the recommended device list 51 when the default device for the application is not set or the default device for the OS is changed. Determine if it is possible or not. Then, when included, the information processing device 2 sets the default device for the OS as the default device for the application. If the default device for the OS is a device that can support the functions provided by the image editing application 41, there is a possibility that the desired printed matter can be obtained even if printing is performed using the device according to the instruction from the image editing application 41. high. Therefore, by automatically setting the default device for the OS as the default device for the application, it is possible to save the user's trouble in setting the default device.

It should be noted that the present embodiment is merely an example and does not limit the present invention in any way. Therefore, as a matter of course, the present invention can be improved and modified in various ways without departing from the gist thereof. For example, the printing device 1 does not have to include the operation panel 13. The information processing device 2 is not limited to the non-volatile memory 24, and may be provided with any kind of large-capacity storage device.

Further, the communication method between the printing device 1 and the information processing device 2 is not limited to wireless communication conforming to the Wi-Fi (registered trademark) standard. For example, it may be wired communication using a LAN cable or a USB cable, or wireless communication based on another standard such as Bluetooth (registered trademark). Further, it may have a plurality of communication functions.

Further, the image file to be printed is not limited to the label image file for printing on the label. For example, a PDF file, a compressed file such as JPEG, or a bitmap file may be used. When an image file other than the label image file is targeted, an image editing application 41 or a dedicated print control program 43 that matches the target image file may be used.

Further, in the present embodiment, the second path is rasterized by the printing device 1, but any path different from the first path may be used, and the path may be rasterized by the information processing device 2. For example, if the general-purpose print control program 45 has a rasterization function, it may be rasterized by the rasterization function. Even in this case, the rasterization processing algorithm is different between the first path and the second path. Even in this case, the first route is a route that does not use the print control function of OS44, and the second route is a route that uses the print control function of OS44.

Further, in the present embodiment, it is described that there are two types of routes that can be handled by the printing system 100, the first route and the second route, but there may be other routes. Other routes include, for example, a route for printing using a dedicated driver for the device, and a route for printing using CUPS, which is a printing driver for Unix, macOS, and Linux (registered trademark). The device-dedicated driver and CUPS are programs incorporated in the OS44 (see FIG. 2) of the information processing device 2 to rasterize the image data.

Further, in the present embodiment, the recommended device list 51 is stored in the non-volatile memory 24, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it may be provided as data of the image editing application 41, or may be acquired via a network. Further, the information processing device 2 may appropriately change the recommended device list 51 based on the update information or the like.

Further, in this embodiment, when the default device for the OS is changed, the default change process is executed, but it is not necessary. Further, although it is assumed that the default device for the application is stored in the non-volatile memory 24, it is not necessary. For example, the default setting process may be executed every time the image editing application 41 is started. The default device for the application may be set only until the image editing application 41 is terminated.

Moreover, the follow-up setting may not be necessary. You may contact the user every time. However, by providing the follow-up setting, the user who wants to follow can save the trouble of answering the inquiry. Moreover, you may not make an inquiry. For example, if the changed default device for the OS is the recommended device, the default device for the application may be automatically changed to the default device for the OS. However, the user's wishes can be confirmed by inquiring.

Further, in the present embodiment, the image editing application 41 has a function of editing an image, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the image may be edited by another general-purpose application, and the image editing application 41 may have a function of printing a file created by the general-purpose application.

Further, the process disclosed in the embodiment may be executed by a single CPU, a plurality of CPUs, hardware such as an ASIC, or a combination thereof. In addition, the process disclosed in the embodiment can be realized in various aspects such as a recording medium or a method in which a program for executing the process is recorded.

1A, 1B, 1C Printing device 2 Information processing device 21 CPU
27 Network interface 41 Image editing application 51 Recommended device list 100 Printing system

Claims (15)

An application program embedded in an information processing device that communicates with a device via a communication interface.
The default device identification process that identifies the default device set in the operating system, and
A device list acquisition process for acquiring a list of devices compatible with the functions provided by the application program, and
When the list acquired in the device list acquisition process includes the default device specified in the default device identification process, the default device specified in the default device identification process is set as the default device of the application program. The first setting process to be performed and
An application program characterized by executing. In the application program according to claim 1,
The device is a printer
The operating system of the information processing device has a print control function and has a print control function.
The information processing device incorporates a specific program, which is a program corresponding to a specific model including the model of the device.
The information processing apparatus uses a first route for causing the printer to print using the specific program and the print control function as a route for processing data instructing the device to print based on image data to be printed. Has a second path for printing on the printer.
When the default device of the application program is set in the first setting process, the first route determination process of determining the route for processing the data as the first route,
Is an application program characterized by causing the information processing apparatus to execute the above. In the application program according to claim 1 or 2.
A search process that searches for devices that can support the functions provided by the application program when the default device specified in the default device identification process is not included in the list of devices acquired in the device list acquisition process. When,
When a device is searched by the search process, a second setting process of setting one of them as the default device of the application program and
Is an application program characterized by causing the information processing apparatus to execute the above. In the application program according to claim 3,
The device is a printer
The operating system of the information processing device has a print control function and has a print control function.
The information processing device incorporates a specific program, which is a program corresponding to a specific model including the model of the device.
The information processing apparatus uses a first route for causing the printer to print using the specific program and the print control function as a route for processing data instructing the device to print based on image data to be printed. Has a second path for printing on the printer.
When the default device of the application program is set in the second setting process, the second route determination process of determining the route for processing the data as the first route,
Is an application program characterized by causing the information processing apparatus to execute the above. In the application program according to claim 3 or 4.
A third setting process for setting the default device specified in the default device identification process as the default device of the application program when the device is not searched in the search process.
Is an application program characterized by causing the information processing apparatus to execute the above. In the application program according to claim 5.
The device is a printer
The operating system of the information processing device has a print control function and has a print control function.
The information processing device incorporates a specific program, which is a program corresponding to a specific model including the model of the device.
The information processing apparatus uses a first route for causing the printer to print using the specific program and the print control function as a route for processing data instructing the device to print based on image data to be printed. Has a second path for printing on the printer.
When the default device of the application program is set in the third setting process, the third route determination process of determining the route for processing the data as the second route,
Is an application program characterized by causing the information processing apparatus to execute the above. In the application program according to any one of claims 1 to 6.
When the application program is started for the first time, at least the first setting process is executed by the information processing apparatus.
An application program characterized by that. In the application program according to any one of claims 1 to 7.
When a change in the default device of the operating system is detected, the information processing apparatus is made to execute the default device identification process and the first setting process.
In the default device identification process, the default device after the change of the operating system is acquired.
An application program characterized by that. In the application program according to claim 8.
In the first setting process,
When the list of devices acquired in the device list acquisition process includes the default device specified in the default device identification process, an inquiry is made as to whether or not to allow the change of the default device of the application program, and the change is made. On condition that it is permitted, the default device specified in the default device identification process is set as the default device of the application program.
An application program characterized by that. In the application program according to claim 8.
The application program includes
There is a follow-up setting as to whether or not to match the default device of the application program with the default device of the operating system.
In the first setting process,
When the default device specified in the default device identification process is included in the list of devices acquired in the device list acquisition process.
If the follow-up setting is not set to match the default device of the operating system, an inquiry is made as to whether or not to allow the change of the default device of the application program, and the default device is specified on condition that the change is permitted. The default device specified in the process is set as the default device of the application program.
If the follow-up setting is set to match the default device of the operating system, the default device specified in the default device identification process is set as the default device of the application program without making the inquiry.
An application program characterized by that. In the application program according to any one of claims 8 to 10.
In the first setting process,
When the default device specified in the default device identification process is included in the list of devices acquired in the device list acquisition process.
If the default device before the change of the operating system and the default device of the application program do not match, inquire whether to allow the change of the default device of the application program, provided that the change is permitted. The default device specified in the default device identification process is set as the default device of the application program.
An application program characterized by that. In the application program according to any one of claims 8 to 11.
In the first setting process,
If the list of devices acquired in the device list acquisition process does not include the default device specified in the default device identification process, the default device of the application program is not changed.
An application program characterized by that. In the application program according to claim 12,
When the list of devices acquired in the device list acquisition process does not include the default device specified in the default device identification process, the connection confirmation process for confirming the connection with the default device of the application program, and the connection confirmation process.
When the connection with the default device of the application program is not confirmed in the connection confirmation process, the default device permission process for permitting the use of the default device specified in the default device identification process, and the default device permission process.
Is an application program characterized by causing the information processing apparatus to execute the above. In the application program according to claim 3,
The device is a printer
The operating system of the information processing device has a print control function and has a print control function.
The information processing device incorporates a specific program, which is a program corresponding to a specific model including the model of the device.
The information processing apparatus uses a first route for causing the printer to print using the specific program and the print control function as a route for processing data instructing the device to print based on image data to be printed. Has a second path for printing on the printer.
In the search process, a device is searched using the specific program.
An application program characterized by that. In a system provided with an information processing device and a device and communicating between the information processing device and the device.
The information processing device
An application program that uses the device is built in.
The information processing device
Default device identification means to identify the default device set in the operating system,
A device list acquisition means for acquiring a list of devices compatible with the functions provided by the application program, and
When the list of devices acquired by the device list acquisition means includes the default device specified by the default device specifying means, the default device specified by the default device specifying means is set as the default device of the application program. The first setting means to set to
To prepare
A system characterized by that.

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