JP4788288B2 - Printer control apparatus, printer control program, and recording medium - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a printer control device, a printer control program, and a recording medium, and more particularly to a technique for setting various functions of a printer by a computer.

  Conventionally, when printing is performed by connecting a printer to a computer (such as a personal computer), it is necessary to incorporate a printer driver corresponding to the model of the printer into the computer. Then, by using the printer driver to set the printing conditions for printing, that is, the printer functions used for printing such as the paper feeding device, paper type, ink, etc., printing is performed with the printer according to the set printing conditions. be able to.

  By the way, the printer is equipped with various functions related to the printing method, and there are a wide variety of items that the user sets as printing conditions. At that time, not all combinations of the functions are allowed for the function selected by the user in each item. In the printer driver, priority is given to each function and the higher-order function (priority is higher). The combination of lower-order functions (functions with lower priority) is restricted by function). However, it is difficult for a general user to grasp the combination range of such functions for all setting items. For this reason, when the target lower function is restricted by the upper function, the user has to redo the setting of the printing conditions from the selection of the higher function until the lower function can be selected. There wasn't.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a conventional situation, and an object of the present invention is to provide a printer control apparatus, a printer control program, and a recording medium capable of efficiently performing printer function settings. .

A printer control apparatus according to the present invention includes an operation device connected to a printer and operated by a user, and a display device for displaying various screens, and a plurality of functions set as printing conditions in the printer are predetermined. A print setting screen that divides the function into items and allows the user to select the function to be selected by the user from the function selection column of each item within a predetermined combination range determined in advance according to the priority of each function. In the printer control apparatus that includes display control means for displaying on the display device and controls the printing operation of the printer based on the setting content set on the print setting screen, the display control means is configured such that the priority order is higher. A specific operation for enabling a lower function whose selection is restricted by a defined function is received from the operation device. , And summarized in that a function switching means for switching the setting of the upper function set to enable that feature for the lower level functions.

  According to this configuration, even when a lower function to be selected is restricted by a higher function, the user can set each function while preferentially selecting the lower function. For this reason, a desired function can be preferentially selected.

In the printer control device according to the aspect of the invention, the function switching unit may display a list that allows selection of a higher-order function corresponding to the lower-order function when the specific operation is received from the operation device. Can also be adopted.

According to this configuration, when a lower function is restricted by a higher function, it is possible to grasp a higher function that makes the lower function valid.
A printer control apparatus according to the present invention includes an operation device connected to a printer and operated by a user, and a display device for displaying various screens, and a plurality of functions set as printing conditions in the printer are predetermined. A print setting screen that divides the function into items and allows the user to select the function to be selected by the user from the function selection column of each item within a predetermined combination range determined in advance according to the priority of each function. In the printer control device that includes display control means for displaying on the display device and controls the printing operation of the printer based on the setting content set on the print setting screen, the display control means is configured such that the priority order is lower. When a specific operation for fixing a set value of a defined function is received from the operating device, the set value is fixed and the lower order is set. To a function limiting means for limiting the selection range to a higher functionality to enable features and gist of the.

According to this configuration, the user can select a higher function within a range in which the target lower function (fixed lower function) is valid. That is, the user can set each function by preferentially selecting a target lower function without being restricted by the priority order of each function. Therefore, it is possible to make the selection method with higher function priority than the invention of the printer control apparatus .

A printer control program of the present invention is executed by a computer connected to a printer and operated by a user and a display device for displaying various screens. The printer controls the operation of the printer. A printer control program for functioning as a driver, wherein the printer control program classifies a plurality of functions set as printing conditions in the printer into predetermined items, and selects the user from a function selection column for each item. A display control function for displaying on the display device a print setting screen that allows the operation device to select a function to be selected by the operation device within a predetermined combination within a predetermined priority order according to the priority of each function, and the display control Selection of functions is limited by the function with the highest priority. Function switching function for switching the setting of the upper function to a setting for enabling the function for the lower function when a specific operation for enabling the lower function is received from the operating device The main point is that According to this program, the same operation as the invention of the printer control apparatus is achieved.

A printer control program of the present invention is executed by a computer connected to a printer and operated by a user and a display device for displaying various screens. The printer controls the operation of the printer. A printer control program for functioning as a driver, wherein the printer control program classifies a plurality of functions set as printing conditions in the printer into predetermined items, and selects the user from a function selection column for each item. A display control function for displaying on the display device a print setting screen that allows the operation device to select a function to be selected by the operation device within a predetermined combination within a predetermined priority order according to the priority of each function, and the display control The function fixes the setting value of the function whose priority is set at the lower level. A function restriction function for fixing a set value and restricting the selection of a higher function within a range in which the lower function is valid when a specific operation for the lower function is accepted. And According to this program, the same operation as the invention of the printer control apparatus is achieved.

Recording medium of the present invention is summarized in that a recording medium recording the above Symbol of the printer control program. According to this recording medium, the same operation as the invention of the printer control program is achieved.

(First embodiment)
Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a printing system 1 according to the present embodiment. The printing system 1 includes a printer 2 and a computer 3 (printer control device) that controls the operation of the printer 2. In the present embodiment, the printer 2 is configured by an ink jet color printer, and the computer 3 is configured by a personal computer.

  The computer 3 includes a CPU 11, a ROM 12, a RAM 13, a storage device 14, a display device 15, an operation device 16, an input I / F (interface, the same applies hereinafter) 17, an output I / F 18, and a drive device 19. Are connected to each other.

  The ROM 12 stores programs and data. The RAM 13 temporarily stores programs and data, and the CPU 11 executes processing while using the RAM 13 as a work area. The storage device 14 stores an OS (operating system) that controls the overall operation of the computer 3 and various programs and data that operate under the OS. An application (application program), a video driver program, a printer driver program (printer control program), and the like, which will be described later, are also stored in the storage device 14.

  The display device 15 is composed of, for example, an LCD (liquid crystal display) and is used for displaying various screens. The operation device 16 includes a keyboard, a mouse, and the like, and is used for requests and instructions from users, input of parameters, and the like. The input I / F 17 controls communication with an external device (not shown) (for example, input of image data), and the output I / F 18 controls communication with the printer 2 (for example, output of print data).

  The program and data executed by the CPU 11 are provided on the recording medium 21, for example. The drive device 19 drives the recording medium 21 to access the recorded contents, reads out programs and data from the recording medium 21, and stores them in the storage device 14. In the recording medium 21, in addition to a medium such as an optical disk (CD-ROM, DVD-ROM,...) Or a magneto-optical disk (MO, MD,...), A medium recorded with a program uploaded or downloaded via a communication medium. Also included are disk devices and the like. The printer control program of the present embodiment is also provided by this recording medium 21.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration (main part) of the computer 3.
The computer 3 includes an application 31 that operates under the OS, a printer driver program (printer control program) that operates under the OS, and causes the computer 3 to function as the printer driver 32, and further, the computer 3 A video driver program for functioning as the driver 33 is incorporated.

  The printer driver 32 includes a print control unit 34 that generates print data to be supplied to the printer 2, print conditions for performing printing, in other words, print settings for the user to set the functions of the printer 2 used for printing. A display control unit 35 (display control means) for displaying a screen (print setting dialog box DB1 described later: FIG. 3) on the display device 15 via the video driver 33, and input from the operation device 16 to the print setting screen And an input control unit 36 that captures.

  The print control unit 34 receives image data from the application 31, converts the image data into print data that can be processed by the printer 2 in accordance with printing conditions described later, and transmits the print data to the printer 2. Although not shown, the print control unit 34 includes a rasterization unit that generates RGB data from characters and draw data, a color conversion unit that converts RGB data into CMYK data corresponding to the ink colors provided in the printer 2, and a multi-order. A halftoning unit that converts CMYK data expressed in key to dot data in an expression format based on the presence or absence of dot formation, and a microweave unit that rearranges the dot data in the order to be transferred to the printer 2 are provided. The print control unit 34 transfers the data after the microweave process to the printer 2 as print data in a predetermined command form.

The display control unit 35 displays the print setting dialog box DB <b> 1 (FIG. 3) on the display device 15 based on a predetermined operation for starting print setting by the operation device 16.
Specifically, the display control unit 35 reads a function (printing condition) set in advance as a default value from the RAM 13 and displays the default value in the print setting dialog box DB1. In addition, the display control unit 35 reads a combination table TD1 (FIG. 4) in which combinations of functions that can be selected as printing conditions by the user in accordance with the priority order of the functions are read from the RAM 13, and each combination is within the range of the combinations. The selection of the function is accepted through the print setting dialog box DB1. The priority order is determined in order to restrict the selection by other functions when the user selects a function.

The display control unit 35 further includes a setting change unit 37 and a selection range display unit 38 (selection range display means).
The setting changing unit 37 changes the function set in the dialog box DB1 based on the input to the print setting dialog box DB1 by the operation device 16. That is, the function displayed in the print setting dialog box DB1 is changed from the default value to a function corresponding to the input of the operation device 16.

  The selection range display unit 38 sets a priority lower than that when a user selects a function with a higher priority in the combination table TD1 (hereinafter also referred to as “higher function”). The selected range of functions (hereinafter also referred to as “subordinate functions”) is displayed.

Next, the configuration of the print setting dialog box DB1 will be described.
As shown in FIG. 3, the print setting dialog box DB1 has a function for each setting item of “paper feeder”, “paper type”, and “color (type of ink to be used)” set as printing conditions. Function selection fields 41 to 43 for selecting are provided. Of course, items to be set as printing conditions are not limited to these “paper feeder”, “paper type”, and “color” setting items.

  When the print setting dialog box DB1 is started up, functions set as default values are displayed in the function selection fields 41 to 43, respectively. In addition, an “OK” button 44 that is operated when the setting is completed and a “cancel” button 45 that is operated when the setting is canceled are provided below the screen of the print setting dialog box DB1.

  In each of the function selection columns 41 to 43, selection lists 41a, 42a, and 43a indicating lists of functions that can be selected based on the operation of the operation device 16 are displayed. FIG. 3 shows a state in which the selection list 42a in the function selection column 42 is displayed. The user can select one desired function from each of these selection lists 41a, 42a, 43a.

  In the present embodiment, in the function selection column 41 of “paper feeder”, either “auto sheet feeder” or “auto sheet feeder (borderless)” can be selected from the selection list 41a. . In the “paper type” function selection column 42, any one of “plain paper”, “super fine paper”, “glossy paper”, and “photo paper” can be selected from the selection list 42 a. In the “color” function selection column 43, one of “color”, “monochrome”, and “high quality monochrome” can be selected from the selection list 43a. The auto sheet feeder is a so-called automatic paper feed function that automatically determines the printing position and sets the recording paper at the correct position. The auto sheet feeder (borderless) is a function corresponding to so-called borderless printing that prints the four sides of the recording paper without margins.

  For each of these functions, priority is set among the setting items in the order of “paper feeder”, “paper type”, and “color” by the combination table TD1 shown in FIG. As a result, the functions that can be selected in the function selection field 42 (“paper type”) are limited by the functions selected in the function selection field 41 (“paper feeder”), and can be selected in the function selection field 43 (“color”). This function is limited by the function selected in the function selection field 42 (“paper type”).

  For example, when “auto sheet feeder” is selected in the function selection column 41, any one of “plain paper”, “super fine paper”, and “photo paper” can be selected in the function selection column 42. In addition, when “Auto Sheet Feeder (Borderless)” is selected in the function selection column 41, any of “plain paper”, “glossy paper”, and “photo paper” can be selected in the function selection column 42. . When “photo paper” is selected in the function selection field 42, either “monochrome” or “high quality monochrome” can be selected in the function selection field 43. In addition, when “glossy paper” is selected in the function selection column 42, either “color” or “monochrome” can be selected in the function selection column 43. In the selection list 42a shown in FIG. 3, the shaded display on the “super fine paper” indicates that it cannot be selected (hereinafter the same).

  In the present embodiment, when a function is selected in the function selection field 42 (“paper type”) of the print setting dialog box DB1, the function list having a lower priority than that is selected in the selection list 42a. A function selection range 46 that can be selected in the column 43 (“color”) is displayed. This selection range 46 is displayed by a predetermined mark in the present embodiment. Specifically, among the functions selected in the function selection field 42 (“paper type”), the mark 46 a is displayed in the function that allows “color” to be selected in the function selection field 43 (“color”) of the lower function. Further, a mark 46b is displayed for a function that enables selection of “monochrome”, and a mark 46c is displayed for a function that allows selection of “high quality monochrome”. At this time, in the print setting dialog box DB1, a correspondence table 47 of the marks 46a, 46b, 46c and lower functions is also displayed. Thus, when the user selects a function (higher-order function) in the function selection field 42 (“paper type”), which function (lower function) is selected by the function selection field 43 (“color”). ).

  Next, a print setting routine included in the printer driver 32 will be described. This routine is realized by a printer control program executed by the CPU 11. Specifically, it is determined whether or not an operation command for setting print conditions has been input. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to a print setting routine.

  FIG. 5 is a process flowchart showing a print setting routine. Note that the processing by the CPU 11 according to this print setting routine corresponds to the function (display control function) of the display control unit 35 described above. When the processing is started, the CPU 11 first performs processing for reading the default values of the printing conditions and the combination table TD1 from the RAM 13 (step 100).

  Next, the CPU 11 performs a process of displaying the print setting dialog box DB1 on the display device 15 according to the read default value and the combination table TD1 (step 101). Thereafter, the CPU 11 receives an operation input from the operation device 16 to the print setting dialog box DB1 from the user (step 102). Subsequently, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the operation input received in step 102 is a function change operation from a default value (step 103).

  If an affirmative determination is made in step 103, the CPU 11 subsequently changes the function related to the setting item “paper type”, that is, the function change (selection) operation in the function selection field 42. Whether or not (step 104).

  If the determination in step 104 is affirmative, the CPU 11 selects a function selection range 46 (selectable in the function selection field 43 (“color”) of the lower function in the selection list 42 a of the function selection field 42 (“paper type”). Marks 46a, 46b, 46c) are displayed (step 105). At this time, the correspondence table 47 is also displayed. Thereafter, the CPU 11 performs a process of changing to a function corresponding to an operation input by the operation device 16 (step 106).

  On the other hand, when a negative determination is made in step 104 (that is, in the case of a “paper feeder” or “color” function change operation), the CPU 11 skips step 105 and shifts the process to step 106. After execution of step 106, the CPU 11 returns the processing to step 102 and accepts the next operation input to the print setting dialog box DB1.

  If a negative determination is made in step 103, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the operation input accepted in step 102 is an operation of pressing the “OK” button 44 in the print setting dialog box DB1 (step 107).

  If a negative determination is made in step 107, the CPU 11 returns the process to step 102 and accepts the next operation input to the print setting dialog box DB1. On the other hand, if an affirmative determination is made in step 107, the CPU 11 stores the set value of the print condition at that time, that is, the function set in the print setting dialog box DB1 at that time in the RAM 13 (step 108). After execution of step 108, the CPU 11 closes the print setting dialog box DB1 and ends this print setting routine. In the present embodiment, the processing in step 105 in the print setting routine having such a configuration corresponds to the function (selection range display function) of the selection range display unit 38 described above.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
(1) When a function is selected in the function selection column 42 for the upper function, a selection range 46 (marks 46a, 46b, 46c) of functions that can be selected in the function selection column 43 for the lower function is displayed in the selection list 42a. A selection range display unit 38 is provided. Thus, the user can know which lower-level function selected in the function selection column 43 corresponds to the higher-level function when selecting the higher-level function in the function selection column 42. That is, the selection range 46 of the lower function can be grasped before selecting and determining the higher function. Thereby, the number of retries to the target setting can be reduced.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 8 with a focus on differences from the first embodiment. The same components as those in the first embodiment will be described with the same reference numerals.

In the second embodiment, the function of the display control unit 35 (FIG. 2) in the first embodiment is partially changed, and other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration (main part) of the computer 51 of the present embodiment. The difference from the first embodiment is that a function switching section 54 (function switching means) is provided in the display control section 53 of the printer driver 52 in place of the selection range display section 38 (FIG. 2).

  This function switching unit 54 validates the lower function for the lower function whose selection is restricted by the function whose priority is set higher in the combination table TD1 (FIG. 4). The process of switching the setting of the upper function to the setting is performed.

  FIG. 8 is a processing flowchart showing the print setting routine of this embodiment. In this print setting routine, steps 200, 201, 202, 203, and 204 are respectively performed as steps 100, 101, 102, 103, and 106 in the print setting routine (FIG. 5) of the first embodiment. It corresponds.

  That is, when this routine is started, the CPU 11 displays the print setting dialog box DB2 (FIG. 7) on the display device 15 according to the default values read from the RAM 13 and the combination table TD1, and the print setting dialog box. An operation input by the operation device 16 to DB2 is received from the user. If the determination in step 203 is affirmative, the CPU 11 performs processing for changing the printing condition from the default value to a function corresponding to an operation input by the operation device 16 (selection in the function selection fields 41 to 43).

  On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step 203, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the operation input received in step 202 is a specific operation made to validate a lower function whose selection is restricted by the higher function. Determination is made (step 205).

  Here, the specific operation will be described. As shown in FIG. 7, “high quality monochrome” in the selection list 43a of the function selection column 43 (“color”) is now the function selection column 42 (“paper type”). The selection is restricted by the “glossy paper” of the higher-order function selected in (). At this time, the user cannot select the “high quality monochrome” function by a normal selection operation. In the present embodiment, as a method for enabling a function whose selection is restricted in this way (here, “high quality monochrome”), for example, a specific right-click or the like on the display of the function is performed. When an operation is performed, the CPU 11 shifts to a process for enabling it. In step 205 described above, it is determined whether or not the operation input is such a specific operation.

  If the determination in step 205 is affirmative, the CPU 11 subsequently displays a list of higher-level functions (higher-level functions that can make the limited lower-level functions valid) corresponding to the lower-level functions that have received the specific operation. (Step 206). That is, as in the example shown in FIG. 7, a list 55 including the functions of “plain paper” and “photo paper” for enabling the “high quality monochrome” function is displayed. Thereafter, the CPU 11 changes the setting of the upper function to the function selected from the list 55 based on the operation input by the operation device 16 (step 207). Further, in accordance with the change, the restricted lower function is validated (step 208). Specifically, the setting function in the function selection field 43 is changed to the restricted lower function (here, high quality monochrome). After executing step 208, the CPU 11 returns the process to step 202 to accept the next operation input to the print setting dialog box DB2.

  Thereafter, the CPU 11 repeats the processes of steps 202 to 209 until the determination in step 209 is affirmative that the operation input received in step 202 is an operation of pressing the “OK” button 44 in the print setting dialog box DB2. If the determination in step 209 is affirmative, the CPU 11 stores the set value of the print condition at that time, that is, the function set in the print setting dialog box DB2 at that time in the RAM 13 (step 210). The print setting dialog box DB2 is closed, and this print setting routine is ended. In the present embodiment, in the print setting routine having such a configuration, the processes in steps 205, 206, 207, and 208 correspond to the function (function switching function) of the function switching unit 54 described above.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
(1) For a lower function whose selection is restricted by a higher function, when a specific operation is performed on the display of the function, a higher function that enables the lower function whose selection is restricted A function switching unit 54 that displays the list 55 and switches the setting of the upper function to the function selected from the list 55 is provided. Thereby, even when the target lower function to be selected is limited, the user can set each function while preferentially selecting the lower function. That is, it can be a selection method with priority on function. Thereby, the function setting of the printer 2 can be performed efficiently.

(Third embodiment)
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 to 12, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment. The same components as those in the first embodiment will be described with the same reference numerals.

In the third embodiment, the function of the display control unit 35 (FIG. 2) in the first embodiment is partially changed, and other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment.
FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration (main part) of the computer 61 according to the present embodiment. The difference from the first embodiment is that a function restriction unit 64 (function restriction unit) is provided in the display control unit 63 of the printer driver 62 instead of the selection range display unit 38 (FIG. 2).

  This function restriction unit 64 fixes the setting value of the function whose priority is set to the lower order in the combination table TD1 (FIG. 4), and selects the upper function within the range in which the lower function is valid. Perform limiting process.

  FIG. 11 is a process flowchart illustrating a print setting routine according to the present embodiment. In this print setting routine, steps 300, 301, 302, 303, and 304 are respectively performed in steps 100, 101, 102, 103, and 106 in the print setting routine (FIG. 5) of the first embodiment. It corresponds.

  That is, when this routine is started, the CPU 11 displays the print setting dialog box DB3 (FIG. 10) on the display device 15 in accordance with the default values read from the RAM 13 and the combination table TD1, and the print setting dialog box. An operation input by the operation device 16 to the DB 3 is received from the user. If the determination in step 303 is affirmative, the CPU 11 performs processing for changing the printing condition from the default value to a function corresponding to an operation input by the operation device 16 (selection in the function selection fields 41 to 43).

  On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step 303, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the operation input accepted in step 302 is an operation for fixing the setting value of the lower function (step 305).

Here, an operation for fixing the set values of the lower functions will be described.
As shown in FIG. 10, in the print setting dialog box DB3, a check list 62a, 62b, and 62c is provided for each function in the selection list 43a of the function selection field 43 ("Color"). . In the present embodiment, the setting value of the lower function can be fixed by checking any of these. In step 305 described above, it is determined whether or not the operation input received from the user is an operation for fixing the setting values of such lower functions (that is, an operation for checking any check box).

  If the determination in step 305 is affirmative, the CPU 11 subsequently determines whether or not the lower function for fixing the set value is a function whose selection is restricted by the higher function (step 306). If the determination in step 306 is affirmative, the CPU 11 changes the setting of the upper function so as to validate the setting of the lower function (step 307), and further enters the range in which the setting of the lower function is valid. The selection range of the higher function is limited (step 308).

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 10, for example, “Auto Sheet Feeder (Borderless)” is selected in the function selection column 41 (“Paper Feeder”), and “Function Type” (“Paper Type”) is set to “ When “glossy paper” is selected, only “color” or “monochrome” can be selected in the function selection field 43 (“color”). That is, at this time, “high quality monochrome” cannot be selected depending on the setting of “glossy paper” which is the higher-level function. Here, when the check box 62c is checked to fix the setting value in the function selection field 43 which is a lower function to, for example, “high quality monochrome”, as shown in FIG. 12, the function selection field 42 which is the higher function is shown. For example, the set value is changed to “plain paper”. That is, the setting of the upper function is changed to a function (here, “plain paper”) that enables the selection of “high quality monochrome”. Furthermore, the selection range (options displayed in the selection list 42a) in the function selection column 42 is limited to the functions of “plain paper” and “photo paper” that enable the “high quality monochrome” setting.

  In this way, when any check box is checked to fix the setting value of the lower function, if the lower function is restricted by the higher function, the setting of the higher function is changed. After the selection of the lower function is made effective, the selection range of the upper function is further limited to the range where the setting of the lower function is made effective. In the present embodiment, such processing in steps 305, 306, 307, and 308 corresponds to the function (function restriction function) of the function restriction unit 64 described above. If the CPU 11 makes a negative determination in step 306 (that is, if the lower function that fixes the set value is not restricted by the higher function), the process skips step 307 and moves to step 308. It will be.

  Thereafter, the CPU 11 returns the processing to step 302, and until step 309 determines that the operation input received in step 302 is an operation of pressing the “OK” button 44 of the print setting dialog box DB3, the process proceeds to step 302. The processing of 302 to 309 is repeated. If the determination in step 309 is affirmative, the CPU 11 stores the set value of the print condition at that time, that is, the function set in the print setting dialog box DB3 at that time in the RAM 13 (step 310). Then, the print setting dialog box DB3 is closed and the print setting routine is terminated.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
(1) A function restriction unit 64 is provided for restricting the selection of the upper function within a range in which the set value of the lower function is fixed and the fixed lower function is valid. As a result, the user can select a higher function only within a range in which the fixed lower function is valid. Therefore, it is possible to make the selection method prioritize more functions than the second embodiment.

In addition, you may implement each said embodiment in the aspect of the modification described below.
(Modification 1) As an aspect of a printer driver that includes all of the selection range display unit 38 of the first embodiment, the function switching unit 54 of the second embodiment, and the function restriction unit 64 of the third embodiment. Also good. With this configuration, the function setting of the printer 2 can be performed more efficiently.

  (Modification 2) In the first embodiment, other methods may be used to display the selection range 46 of the lower function. That is, not only the method of displaying in the selection list 42a, it may be displayed at an arbitrary location on the print setting dialog box DB1, and it is sufficient if the selection range of the lower function can be grasped when selecting the upper function. . In addition, the display mode of the selection range 46 is not limited to the mark format by the marks 46a, 46b, and 46c.

  (Modification 3) In the first embodiment, the function selection range 46 that can be selected in the function selection field 42 (“paper type”) is added to the selection list 41 a of the function selection field 41 (“paper feeder”). You may make it display.

  (Modification 4) In the second embodiment, the selection is limited not only to the function whose selection is restricted in the function selection field 43 (“color”) but also in the function selection field 42 (“paper type”). It can be similarly applied to the functions that are present.

  (Modification 5) In the third embodiment, not only the function selected in the function selection field 43 (“color”) but also the function selected in the function selection field 42 (“paper type”) is the same. It is applicable to.

  (Modification 6) Items to be set as printing conditions are not limited to “paper feeder”, “paper type”, and “color” exemplified in the above embodiments. Also, the functions that can be selected by each setting item are not limited to the functions exemplified in the above embodiments.

  (Modification 7) In addition, the design matters in the configuration of each of the above embodiments and each of the above modifications can be appropriately changed within the scope of the technical idea of the present invention.

1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a printing system according to the present invention. The block diagram which shows the function structure (principal part) of the computer of 1st Embodiment. The screen figure which shows the dialog box for print settings of 1st Embodiment. Explanatory drawing which conceptualizes and shows a combination table. 5 is a process flowchart illustrating a print setting routine according to the first embodiment. The block diagram which shows the function structure (main part) of the computer of 2nd Embodiment. The screen figure which shows the dialog box for print settings of 2nd Embodiment. 9 is a process flowchart illustrating a print setting routine according to the second embodiment. The block diagram which shows the function structure (principal part) of the computer of 3rd Embodiment. The screen figure which shows the dialog box for print settings of 3rd Embodiment. 10 is a process flowchart illustrating a print setting routine according to a third embodiment. The screen figure explaining the effect | action of 3rd Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

  1: printing system, 2: printer, 3, 51, 61: computer (printer control device), 11: CPU, 13: RAM, 15: display device, 16: operating device, 21: recording medium, 32, 52, 62 : Printer driver, 34: print control unit, 35, 53, 63: display control unit (display control unit), 36: input control unit, 37: setting change unit, 38: selection range display unit (selection range control unit), 41, 42, 43: function selection column, 41a, 42a, 43a: selection list, 46: selection range, 46a, 46b, 46c: mark, 47: correspondence table, 54: function switching unit (function switching means), 55: List, 64: function restriction unit (function restriction means), 65a, 65b, 65c: check boxes.

Claims (6)

An operation device connected to the printer and operated by a user, and a display device for displaying various screens, and a plurality of functions set as printing conditions in the printer are divided into functions for each predetermined item. Display control for displaying on the display device a print setting screen that allows the operation device to select a function to be selected by the user from the function selection column of an item within a predetermined combination range in accordance with the priority order of each function. A printer control apparatus for controlling a printing operation of the printer based on the setting content set on the print setting screen,
When the display control unit receives a specific operation from the operation device for enabling a lower function whose selection is restricted by a function whose priority is set higher, the display control means A printer control apparatus comprising: function switching means for switching the setting of the upper function to a setting for enabling the function. The function switching means, when the specific operation is accepted from the operation device, displays a list that allows selection of a higher-order function corresponding to the lower-order function;
The printer control apparatus according to claim 1 . An operation device connected to the printer and operated by a user, and a display device for displaying various screens, and a plurality of functions set as printing conditions in the printer are divided into functions for each predetermined item. Display control for displaying on the display device a print setting screen that allows the operation device to select a function to be selected by the user from the function selection column of an item within a predetermined combination range in accordance with the priority order of each function. A printer control apparatus for controlling a printing operation of the printer based on the setting content set on the print setting screen,
When the display control unit receives a specific operation for fixing a setting value of a function whose priority is set at a lower level from the operating device, the display control unit fixes the lower level function by fixing the setting value. A printer control apparatus comprising a function restriction unit for restricting selection of a higher function within a valid range. Printer control executed by a computer connected to a printer and operated by a user and having a display device for displaying various screens, and causing the computer to function as a printer driver for controlling the operation of the printer A program,
The printer control program divides a plurality of functions set as printing conditions in the printer into functions for each predetermined item, and determines a function to be selected by the user from a function selection column of each item according to a priority order of each function. A display control function for displaying on the display device a print setting screen that can be selected from the operation device within a predetermined combination range;
The display control function is:
When a specific operation for enabling a lower function whose selection is restricted by a function having a higher priority is accepted from the operating device, the function is enabled for the lower function. A printer control program comprising a function switching function for switching the setting of the higher-order function to the setting described above. Printer control executed by a computer connected to a printer and operated by a user and having a display device for displaying various screens, and causing the computer to function as a printer driver for controlling the operation of the printer A program,
The printer control program divides a plurality of functions set as printing conditions in the printer into functions for each predetermined item, and determines a function to be selected by the user from a function selection column of each item according to a priority order of each function. A display control function for displaying on the display device a print setting screen that can be selected from the operation device within a predetermined combination range;
The display control function is:
When a specific operation for fixing a setting value of a function whose priority is set at a lower level is received from the operating device, the setting value is fixed and the lower level function is effective in a higher range. A printer control program comprising a function restriction function for restricting selection of functions. A recording medium on which the printer control program according to claim 4 is recorded.

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