JP2004046902A - Printer control device and method, and recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve the workability of an operator when setting various information while displaying a basic screen by a printer driver.
SOLUTION: Image data of three types of patterns are stored in an HDD 41 as a basic screen displayed when a printer driver is activated. When there is a request for this setting mode, one of the three types of patterns is selected. More specifically, the use level UL is obtained from the printer model name and the port name (S310), and the pattern of the basic screen is selectively displayed according to the use level (S330, S430, S530). As a result, the basic setting screen can be differentiated according to the level of the function of the product or the level of the user.
[Selection diagram] FIG.

Description

The present invention relates to a technique for displaying a basic screen for data input on a monitor and setting various information for printing in a predetermined printer based on input data from an input device according to the contents of the basic screen.

Generally, when a printer is connected to a computer and print data created by the computer is to be printed on the printer, it is necessary to incorporate software called a printer driver into the computer. The printer driver is a computer program that controls various types of information about the printer, such as functions and interfaces of the printer, font information, and control codes, in the computer, and is prepared for each type of printer to be printed.

(4) The operator can operate the computer to start the printer driver incorporated in the computer and set various information. The setting is performed as follows. When the printer driver is started, the computer displays a "basic setting" screen for data input on the monitor. This screen is provided with data input fields for the various information described above. The operator can operate the keyboard and mouse to input various data into these data input fields, thereby setting various information. it can.

In this "Basic setting" screen, basically all information was manually set (inputting data one by one). In some cases, it is also possible to selectively set various information automatically (set it to a predetermined value). In other words, on the “basic setting” screen, a “detailed setting” mode for manually performing detailed settings and a “simple setting (recommended setting)” mode for automatically performing predetermined settings are selectively performed. It was executable.

By the way, in the above-mentioned conventional technology, it is possible to input both the “detailed setting” and the “recommended setting” mode from the “basic setting” screen. Only the mode was used exclusively, and the "detailed setting" mode was never used. In addition, even if the entry user is shown not only to not use but also to display the “detailed setting” mode, he or she may not be able to understand what is written, and may be confused. As a result, there is a problem that the operator has poor workability when setting various information using the “basic setting” screen.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems in the conventional technology, and has as its object to enhance the workability of an operator when setting various information while displaying a basic screen.

In order to solve such a problem, a printer control device of the present invention includes:
A monitor and an input device are provided. While displaying a basic screen for data input on the monitor, various information for printing in a predetermined printer is set based on input data from the input device according to the contents of the basic screen. Printer control device,
Storage means for storing a plurality of screen forming data for respectively forming a plurality of patterns of basic screens having different numbers of the information that can be input from the input device,
Screen forming data selecting means for selecting one of a plurality of screen forming data stored in the storage means,
Display control means for displaying the monitor in accordance with the screen forming data selected by the screen forming data selecting means when there is a request to display the basic screen on the monitor. .

In the printer control device having the above configuration, a plurality of screen forming data for forming a plurality of basic screens each having a different number of various types of inputtable information are stored in the storage unit, and the basic screen is stored in the monitor. When there is a display request, the monitor is displayed according to one drawing forming data of the plurality of screen forming data stored in the storage means.

(4) For this reason, one of a plurality of patterns of the basic screen is selected as the basic screen to be displayed on the monitor. Therefore, for example, the basic screen can be differentiated depending on the operator's proficiency and the degree of use conditions of the printer. As a result, since the basic screen can be optimized in each case, there is an effect that the workability when setting various information from the basic screen is excellent.

In the printer control device having the above-described configuration, the printer control device further includes a level calculating unit that calculates a level of a parameter related to a use condition of the printer, and the screen forming data selecting unit is configured to perform a process based on the level calculated by the level calculating unit. The selection may be made.

According to this configuration, the basic screen can be differentiated according to the level of the parameter related to the use condition of the printer. Therefore, since the basic screen can be optimized according to the level of the parameter, the workability when setting various information from the basic screen can be further improved.

Further, in the printer control device having the above-described configuration, the printer control device further includes a receiving unit that receives model data indicating the model of the printer from outside, and the level calculating unit obtains the level from the model data received from the receiving unit. It is possible.

According to this configuration, the basic screen can be differentiated according to the printer model. For this reason, it is possible to obtain an optimal basic screen according to the height of the function of the printer, such as high function and low function.

In the printer control device having the above configuration, the printer control device may be configured to be connected to the printer so that data can be transmitted and received in both directions, and the receiving unit may receive the model data from the printer.

According to this configuration, the model of the printer can be automatically known based on the model data from the printer.

In the printer control device having the above-described configuration, the storage unit includes: first image data indicating a screen for detailed setting in which approximately all kinds of information that can be set from the basic screen can be input; Second image data indicating a screen for simple setting in which the number of information that can be input is smaller than the screen for detailed setting may be stored as the screen forming data.

According to the printer control device having this configuration, the basic screen can be differentiated by two types of screens, that is, a screen for detailed setting and a screen for simple setting. For this reason, since the basic screen can be made suitable as needed, the workability when setting various information from the basic screen is excellent.

The printer control device having the above configuration also includes basic screen changing means for changing the contents of the basic screen including the number of the inputtable information, and drives the basic screen changing means on the basic screen. May be added to the configuration.

According to the printer control device having this configuration, the basic screen changing unit is driven by the switch added to the basic screen. Therefore, when the basic screen selected as described above does not match the operator's preference, the operator can easily change the contents of the basic screen simply by operating a switch on the basic screen. it can.

The printer control method according to the present invention includes:
A monitor and an input device are provided. While displaying a basic screen for data input on the monitor, various information for printing in a predetermined printer is set based on input data from the input device according to the contents of the basic screen. A printer control method,
(A) storing, in a memory, a plurality of screen forming data for forming a plurality of patterns of basic screens each having a different number of pieces of information that can be input from the input device;
(B) selecting one of a plurality of screen forming data stored in the storing step;
(C) displaying the monitor in accordance with the screen forming data selected in the screen forming data selecting step when there is a request to display the basic screen on the monitor. I have.

According to the printer control method having this configuration, the basic screen can be optimized in each case, similarly to the printer control apparatus described above, so that the workability when setting various information from the basic screen is excellent. It has the effect of being.

The printer control method having the above-described configuration includes (d) calculating a level of a parameter related to a use condition of the printer, and the step (b) is performed based on the level calculated in the step (d). The selection may be made.

Further, in the printer control method having the above configuration, the method further comprises: (e) receiving model data indicating the model of the printer from the outside, wherein the step (d) is performed based on the model data received in the step (e). May be obtained.

The recording medium of the present invention comprises:
A monitor and an input device are provided. While displaying a basic screen for data input on the monitor, various information for printing in a predetermined printer is set based on input data from the input device according to the contents of the basic screen. A recording medium recording a computer program for performing
(A) storing, in a memory, a plurality of screen forming data for forming a plurality of patterns of basic screens each having a different number of pieces of information that can be input from the input device;
(B) selecting one of a plurality of screen forming data stored in the storing step;
And (c) displaying the monitor in accordance with the screen forming data selected in the screen forming data selecting step when there is a request to display the basic screen on the monitor. The gist is that the program was recorded.

Even with the recording medium having the above configuration, the basic screen can be optimized in each case as in the case of the first printer control apparatus and method. Therefore, the workability when setting various information from the basic screen is improved. It has the effect that it is excellent.

In the recording medium having the above configuration, (d) a step of calculating a level of a parameter related to a use condition of the printer is executed, and the step (b) is performed based on the level calculated in the step (d). The computer program may be recorded such that the selection is performed by the computer program.

The present invention can take other aspects as described below. The first aspect is
A printer control device according to claim 2, wherein:
Auxiliary screen display control means for displaying an auxiliary screen associated with the basic screen,
Means for permitting or prohibiting display of the associated screen based on the level calculated by the level calculating means.

The second aspect is
A printer control device according to claim 2, wherein:
Auxiliary screen display control means for displaying an auxiliary screen associated with the basic screen,
Means for changing a display pattern of the accompanying screen based on the level calculated by the level calculating means.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to examples in order to further clarify the configuration and operation of the present invention described above. FIG. 1 is an external view of a computer system to which an embodiment of the present invention is applied. This computer system includes a computer 10, a CRT display 12 and a printer 14 as peripheral devices. The computer 10 includes a computer main body 16, a keyboard 18, and a mouse 20. The computer body 16 is equipped with a floppy disk drive 24 for reading the contents of the floppy disk 22. The computer main body 16 and the printer are connected by a bidirectional parallel interface so that data can be exchanged bidirectionally.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of hardware of the computer system. As shown in the figure, the computer main body 16 includes a ROM 31, a RAM 32, a display image memory 33, a mouse interface 34, a keyboard interface 35, an FDC 36, an HDC 37, and a CRTC 38 which are mutually connected by a bus around a CPU 30 as a central processing unit. , A printer interface 39 and an I / O port 40.

The ROM 31 is a read-only memory that stores various built-in programs and the like. The RAM 32 is a readable / writable memory that stores various data and the like. The display image memory 33 is a memory for storing image data of an image to be displayed on the CRT display 12. The mouse interface 34 is an interface that controls exchange of data and the like with the mouse 20. The keyboard interface 35 is an interface that controls key input from the keyboard 18. The FDC 36 is a floppy disk controller that controls the floppy disk drive (FDD) 24. The HDC 37 is a hard disk controller that controls a hard disk drive (HDD) 41.

The CRTC 38 is a CRT controller that controls the display of an image on the CRT display 12 based on the display image data stored in the display image memory 33. The printer interface 39 is an interface that controls input and output of data to and from the printer 14. The I / O port 40 has a serial output port, is connected to a modem 44, and is connected to a public telephone line 46 via the modem 44. The computer 10 is connected to an external network via a modem 44, and is connectable to a specific server 48.

In this computer system, the operating system is stored in the HDD 41. When the computer main body 16 is powered on in accordance with the loader written in the boot block of the HDD 41, the operating system is loaded into a predetermined area of the RAM 32. The printer driver is stored in the floppy disk 22 in advance, and is installed in the computer main body 16 from the floppy disk drive 24 by activating a predetermined setup program. The installed printer driver is stored in the HDD 41, is incorporated in the operating system when the power of the computer main body 16 is turned on, and is loaded into a predetermined area of the RAM 32.

The software program of the printer driver is stored on the floppy disk 22 as described above, but may be replaced with another portable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, a magneto-optical disk, an IC card, or the like. (Portable recording medium). In addition, the above-mentioned software program can be obtained by downloading program data provided via a network from a specific server 48 connected to an external network and transferring the program data to the RAM 32 or the HDD 41. .

Next, the printing performed by the computer system having the hardware configuration described above will be described. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a state of processing from image information handled by the computer main body 16 to printing. As shown in the figure, an image is displayed on the CRT display 12 via a video driver 52 while processing the image by an application program 51 operating inside the computer main body 16. When the application program 51 issues a print command, a printer driver 53 in the computer main body 16 receives image information from the application program 51 and converts the image information into a signal printable by the printer 14.

In the example shown in FIG. 3, a rasterizer 54 that converts image information handled by the application program 51 into color information in dot units and image information (floor information) converted into color information in dot units are provided inside the printer driver 53. A color correction module 55 that performs color correction on the color data of the printer 14 in accordance with the color development characteristics of the printer 14, and a so-called density expressed in a certain area based on the presence or absence of ink in dot units from the image information after color correction. A halftone module 56 for generating halftone image information is provided. Further, an information setting module 57 for setting various information for printing by the printer 14 is provided inside the printer driver 53. Various types of information for printing include information relating to basic printing settings such as print quality, color correction, and halftone type, and information relating to paper settings such as paper size and printing direction.

The color correction information set by the information setting module 57 is sent to the color correction module 55, and the halftone type information is sent to the halftone module 56. The information setting module 57 displays an image indicating the contents of the setting on the CRT display 12 via the video driver 52. The operation of each module except the information setting module 57 is well-known, and therefore, the description is omitted in principle, and the information setting module 57 will be described below.

The printer driver 53 can variously control the printing by the printer 14 by changing the setting, but the operator needs to make such setting in advance. The information setting module 57 performs the operation of setting various types of information for printing. Here, what screen is displayed on the CRT display 12 by the operation of the information setting module 57 will be described first. In this description, Windows 95 (a trademark of Microsoft Corporation) will be described as an example of the operating system on which the printer driver operates.

The operator first operates the computer 10 as follows to display a dialog box for setting various information for printing on the CRT display 12. That is, the "Printer" window is opened by performing operations of [Start] → [Settings] → [Printer]. Then, double-click the icon of the desired printer on the window to open a window for the printer. Then, from the window, [Printer] → [Properties] is operated to display a property dialog box for setting various information about the printer.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the dialog box DB1 when opened. As shown, five types of cards CD1, CD2, CD3, CD4, and CD5 of "basic setting", "paper setting", "layout", "utility", and "configuration" are prepared in the dialog box DB1. As a default, the card CD1 of "basic setting" is displayed on the front. The "basic setting" card CD1 is for setting basic information related to print quality. The “paper setting” card CD2 is for setting various information about the paper. The “layout” card CD3 is used to set various types of information on layouts for layout at the time of printing. The "utility" card CD4 is for setting other useful information. The "configuration" card CD5 is for setting information for changing the display mode of the "basic setting" card CD1.

(5) Any one of these cards CD1 to CD5 is selected by operating the mouse 20 by the operator, and is displayed in the dialog box DB1.

The card CD1 of the "basic setting" shown in FIG. 4 is one of the three types of patterns. Here, this pattern will be described below as an example. As shown in FIG. 4, the card CD1 of "basic setting" has three data input fields E1 for "mode setting", "paper type", and "ink" as data input fields for receiving data input from an operator. , E2, E3 are provided. Further, the card CD1 is provided with a data display field E4 for displaying some information of the contents of the current setting of the printer driver.

The "mode setting" data input field E1 is used to select a basic setting mode. A "recommended setting" mode for automatically performing a predetermined setting and a "detailed" for manually setting in detail. The setting mode can be selected by buttons E11 and E12.

First, the operation when the button E12 is clicked and the “detailed setting” mode is selected will be described. When the “detailed setting” mode is selected, the data input field E14 and the data input field E15 are activated. Thus, it is possible to input a printing purpose from the data input field E14, and it is possible to open a dialog box for performing manual setting from the data input field E15. The data input field E14 is for setting the type of data to be printed, and has options such as a word processor, a graph, and a photograph.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a manual setting dialog box DB2 opened from the data input field E15. As shown, data input fields E21, E22, E23 for "print quality", "paper type", "ink", "halftone", "microweave", "bidirectional printing", "color adjustment", and the like. , E24, E25, E26, and E27.

デ ー タ The "print quality" data input field E21 is for setting the printing resolution, and three types of "draft", "fine", and "super fine" are prepared as options. Here, “draft”, “fine”, and “superfine” indicate resolutions of 360 × 360 (dot), 720 × 360 (dot), and 720 × 720 (dot), respectively.

The “paper type” data input field E22 is for setting the type of paper, and “plain paper”, “special paper for super fine”, and “special glossy paper” are prepared as options. The “ink” data input field E23 is for setting the type of ink used for the printer 14, and “color” and “black” are prepared as options. Note that the same data input fields E2 and E3 as the "paper type" and "ink" data input fields E22 and E23 are provided on the "basic setting" card CD3. The priority is given, and the display of the data input field which has been input first is changed according to the data input later.

デ ー タ The "halftone" data entry field E24 is for setting the type of halftone, and "high-speed halftone" and "high-quality halftone" are prepared as options. The halftone type information is used in the halftone module 56 (FIG. 3). The “microweave” data input field E25 is for turning on / off the function of the microweave. Here, the microweave is a function provided in the printer 14, and the printing quality can be improved by scanning one line with different heads to overprint one dot. The data entry field E26 for "bidirectional printing" is for turning on / off the function of bidirectional printing. Here, the bidirectional printing is a function included in the printer 14, and the speed of printing can be increased by moving different heads from left and right in both directions.

The “color adjustment” data input field E27 is for setting various information related to color correction, and “color correction by driver”, “video / digital TV camera mode”, and “ICM” are prepared as options. Above, the brightness, contrast, and saturation can be set.

Next, returning to FIG. 4, the operation when the button E11 in the data input section E1 of "mode setting" is clicked and the mode of "recommended setting" is selected will be described. When the "recommended setting" mode is selected, the slide lever-shaped button E13 is activated, so that it is possible to specify the quality of printing by the printer 14.

In detail, the characters “clean” and “fast” are clearly indicated at both ends of the slide lever displayed as the button E13. By dragging the slide lever portion with the mouse 20, “clean” and “fast” are displayed. You can choose any of the fast. Note that the option by the button E13 is a parameter value such as “clean” and “fast” as described above. This is the case when “plain paper” is set in the input field E2 of “paper type”. Things. On the other hand, when another paper type is set in the “paper type” input field E2, other plural parameter values, specifically, “more beautiful”, “fine”, “standard” , Two arbitrary parameter values selected from "fast" are displayed. Here, “fast” means that the printing speed is high, but the printing quality is slightly inferior. This “fast” is also a kind of parameter value that determines the degree of the printing quality.

The parameter values such as "Better", "Better", "Normal", and "Fast" determine the quality of printing step by step. In this "Recommended setting" mode, the slide lever button When one parameter value is selected by E13, the computer 10 executes a process of obtaining various types of quality information for determining print quality from the selected parameter value. Here, the various types of quality information correspond to the printing resolution, the type of halftone, and the functional classification of microweave. These various types of quality information are the same as those included in the information input from the manual setting dialog box DB2.

Next, the data display field E4 will be described. The data display column E4 includes a display area E41 for displaying information on “paper size”, “print direction”, “print quality”, “micro weave”, “bidirectional printing”, “color adjustment”, and “stamp mark”. , E42, E43, E44, E45, E46 and E47. The contents of “paper size” and “print direction” displayed in the display areas E41 and E42 are data input and set using the card CD4 of “paper setting”. The "paper setting" card CD4 is not directly related to the contents of the present invention and will not be described. However, the key is to input and set information on paper settings such as paper size, printing direction, and number of copies. .

The contents of “print quality”, “micro weave”, “bidirectional printing”, and “color adjustment” displayed in the display areas E43, E44, E45, and E46 are based on the “manual setting” dialog box DB2 described above. This is the data that has been input and set. Further, the content of the “stamp mark” displayed in the display area E47 is the data of the stamp mark name input and set using the “layout” card CD5.

The screen display on the CRT display 12 is realized by the information setting module 57 of the printer driver 53. The processing routine of the information setting module 57 will be described later, and here, the printer driver setup processing routine according to the present invention will be described first.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a processing routine for setting up the printer driver executed by the CPU 30. This processing routine is executed when the operator performs an operation of [Start] → [Setting] → [Printer] → [Add a printer], and comprises a preprocessing routine Sp and a main processing routine Sm. Is done. The main processing routine Sm is a well-known one that performs general processing for the setup processing. On the other hand, the pre-processing routine Sp is related to the present invention, and detects information indicating the use conditions of the printer 14.

6. As shown in FIG. 6, when the process is started, the CPU 30 first proceeds to a pre-processing routine Sp to perform a process of reading an INF file from the HDD 41 or the FDD 24 (or a portable recording medium) (step S100). The INF file is a file that defines various information including at least the contents of the processing in the preprocessing. For example, the INF file specifies what items are required to be input as usage conditions of the printer 14. Next, the CPU 30 performs a process of importing model name data indicating the model of the printer transmitted from the printer 14 (step S110). As described above, the printer 14 is configured to be able to transmit data to the computer main body. Here, the CPU 30 captures the model name data transmitted from the printer 14.

Next, the CPU 30 checks whether or not the model name data has been successfully acquired (step S120). If it is determined that the model name data has not been successfully acquired, the process returns to step S110, and the model name data is acquired again. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S120 that the model name data has been successfully acquired, the process proceeds to step S130.

In step S130, the CPU 30 checks whether or not the floppy disk 22 storing the desired printer driver is set in the floppy disk drive 24 (step S130). Here, if it is determined that the desired floppy disk 22 is not properly prepared, the correct floppy disk 22 is set in the floppy disk drive 24 (step S140), and the disk determination in step S130 is performed again.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S130 that the desired floppy disk 22 is appropriately prepared, the CPU 30 subsequently determines whether or not there is an additional condition (step S150). The additional condition referred to here is a use condition of the printer to be detected in the preprocessing routine Sp. In step S150, the INF file read in step S100 is referred to to determine whether or not there is a description of an additional condition in the INF file.

If it is determined in step S150 that there is an additional condition, a process for inputting a printer use condition corresponding to the additional condition described in the INF file is performed (step S160). More specifically, the CPU 30 displays a data input field for use conditions corresponding to the additional conditions on the CRT display 12 and captures input data from the operator by operating the keyboard 18 and the mouse 20 to thereby execute the processing in step S160. Processing is in progress. For example, when the INF file requests the use status of the printer port as an additional condition, the operator inputs information such as Com1 and Com2 as the port to be used. The CPU 30 takes in the input data.

When the input of the additional condition is completed in step S160, the CPU 30 subsequently determines that the model name captured in step S110 and the port name input in step S160 have been determined as use conditions, and displays both on the CRT display 12. (Step S170). FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the display on the CRT display 12. In the example shown in FIG. 7, the CRT display 12 displays that the model name of the printer is “xxx100” and the ports used by the printer are Com1 and Com2. Thereafter, the pre-processing routine Sp ends. After the pre-processing routine Sp, the main processing for the well-known printer driver setup is executed. Thereafter, this setup process ends.

  Next, a processing routine executed by the information setting module 57 of the printer driver 53 that has been set up will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a processing routine of the information setting module 57. As described above, this processing routine is repeatedly executed at predetermined time intervals after the printer driver is started by performing the operation of [Printer] → [Properties]. As shown in the figure, when the processing is started, the CPU 30 first loads five types of cards CD1 to CD5 of “basic setting”, “paper setting”, “layout”, “utility”, and “configuration”. Then, it is determined whether or not there is a command to change the active card (step S200). Here, the card in the active state refers to a card displayed on the CRT display 12 in a data input state. The command to change the card is a command generated by an operation of clicking the index of the card using the mouse 20.

If it is determined in step S200 that there is no command to change the active card, the process returns to "return" and ends the process. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S200 that there is an instruction to change the active card, then the changed card is referred to as “basic setting”, “paper setting”, “layout”, “layout”, It is determined which of the five types of cards CD1 to CD5 of "utility" and "configuration" corresponds (step S210). Subsequently, the processing routine of the mode corresponding to the corresponding card, that is, the processing routine of the basic setting mode, paper setting mode, layout mode, utility mode or configuration mode is executed (steps S220 to S260). After that, the process returns to “return” and ends the process.

Although there is no particular description in this processing routine, immediately after the printer driver is started, the processing proceeds directly to step S220, and the processing routine in the basic setting mode is executed.

Next, the processing routine of the basic setting mode executed in step S220 will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a processing routine in the basic setting mode. As shown, when the processing is started, the CPU 30 executes a card display processing routine for displaying image data indicating the card CD1 of “basic setting” on the CRT display 12 (step S300). Thereafter, various data are input in response to the data input operation using the keyboard 18 and the mouse 20 by the operator who has viewed the display screen of the CRT display 12 (step S400). The input various data is stored in a predetermined position on the RAM 32 (step S500).

For example, in step S300, the image data of the card CD1 of the “basic setting” illustrated in FIG. The operator looks at the image data displayed on the CRT display 12 and, for example, operates the button E13 to input data of “beautiful”. In step S400, the CPU 30 takes in the processing of capturing the “beautiful” data. Perform

(4) When the data storage operation is completed in this way, the process waits for the operator to click "OK" on the display screen of FIG.

Next, the processing routine of the card display executed in step S300 will be described in detail. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a processing routine of the card display. When the process proceeds to step S300, as shown in FIG. 10, CPU 30 first performs a process of obtaining a use level UL from the model name and port name obtained by the printer driver setup process (step S310). The use level UL indicates how much use efficiency of the printer 14 is used by a number from 1 to 3, and is highest when level = 1, and highest when level = 3. Low efficiency.

In step S310, the use efficiency of the printer is estimated from the model name and the port name by using the level search table TBL illustrated in FIG. As shown, the level search table TBL is an array of grid-like numerical values (1 to 3) in which printer model names are assigned in the vertical direction and port names to be used are assigned in the horizontal direction. In the figure, the description of the model name such as “XXX100”, “XXX200”, or “XXX300” indicates that the higher the number, the higher the grade. In addition, in the drawing, it is assumed that the description “LPT1” indicates an output port that is very commonly used.

As shown in FIG. 11, in the level search table TBL, the higher the model name is, the higher the function level is, and the higher the use level UL is, the higher the printer is. Further, the less common the port name is, the higher the use level UL is, assuming that a user with a great knowledge of computer use is using the port name. In step S310, the model name and the port name obtained by the printer driver setup process are compared with the level search table TBL having such a configuration to obtain the use level UL corresponding to both.

When the use level UL is obtained in step S310, in step S320, it is determined whether the use level UL corresponds to value 1, value 2, or value 3 (step S320). Here, if it is determined that the use level UL is the value 1, the process proceeds to step S330.

In step S330, the CPU 30 sends the first image data indicating the first pattern representing the card CD1 of “basic setting” to the display image memory 33, and causes the CRT display 12 to display the first image data. As the image data representing the card CD1 of the "basic setting", there are three types of patterns including the pattern (third pattern) described above with reference to FIG. 4, and the first pattern is the CRT in step S330. It is displayed on the display 12. These three types of patterns are stored in the HDD 41 in advance as image data, respectively. In step S330, the first image data indicating the first pattern is called from the three image data, and the CRT display is executed. 12.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing a first pattern represented by the first image data. As shown in the figure, the first pattern is different from the third pattern (the one shown in FIG. 4) in that the data indicating that the mode is the “recommended setting” is displayed in the data input column E101 of the “mode setting”. The difference is that only the display column E102 is displayed, and only three pieces of information of “paper size”, “print direction”, and “print quality” are displayed in the data display column E104. Is the same. The first pattern shown by the first image data is obtained by deleting the display of the “detailed setting” mode setting and setting the “recommended setting” mode only, assuming use by a junior who has little knowledge of a computer. Is displayed. This is because a lower grader does not make complicated settings, so that it is sufficient to display the mode of “recommended settings”. Further, since complicated settings are not performed, the main display is sufficient for the display of the data display column E104 indicating "current setting", and only three pieces of information are displayed.

In the basic screen of the first pattern, a button E102a is provided at the right corner of the data display field E102. By clicking the button E102a with the mouse 20, the type of data to be printed can appear in a plurality of pull-down formats. The type of printing includes, for example, “word processor”, “graph”, “photograph”, and the like. The operator can select a desired one from these options by operating the mouse 20. .

When the first pattern representing the card "CD1" of the "basic setting" is displayed, the CPU 30 determines whether or not the first option is specified (step S340). The first option here is to measure the remaining amount of ink from the printer 14 using, for example, a bidirectional communication function. In step S340, whether or not to specify such a first option is obtained from the operation of the input device such as the mouse 20, the keyboard 18, and the like by the operator. If it is determined in step S340 that the first option is specified, CPU 30 then performs a process of installing the first option (step S350).

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing the card CD11 of “consumables information”. This card CD11 is also opened from any part of a property dialog box for setting various information about the printer. When the first option is installed in step S350, as shown in FIG. 13, an illustration IK indicating the remaining ink amount is displayed on the card CD11 of "consumables information". On the other hand, if it is determined in step S340 that the first option has not been specified, the process in step S350 is skipped, and the illustration IK indicating the remaining amount of ink is not displayed.

Next, the CPU 30 determines whether or not to specify the second option (step S360). The second option here is, for example, a utility for adjusting the color of the printing ink. In step S360, whether or not to designate such a second option is determined from the operation of the input device such as the mouse 20, the keyboard 18, and the like by the operator. If it is determined in step S340 that the second option is designated, CPU 30 then performs a process of installing the second option (step S370). When the second option is installed, a predetermined screen (not shown) is displayed on the CRT display 12. Thereafter, the process returns to "return" and the process of "card display" is temporarily terminated.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S320 that the use level UL is the value 2, the process proceeds to step S430. In step S430, CPU 30 sends second image data indicating the second pattern representing card CD1 of "basic setting" to display image memory 33, and causes CRT display 12 to display the second image data.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing a second pattern represented by the second image data. As shown in the figure, the second pattern is different from the third pattern (the one shown in FIG. 4) in the “mode setting” data display column E204 in the “paper size”, “print direction”, “print The difference is that only four pieces of information of "quality" and "stamp mark" are displayed, and the other configurations are the same. The second pattern represented by the second image data is intended for use by an intermediate person who has some experience with a computer and can make some setting changes. In the column E104, both modes of “recommended setting” and “detailed setting” are displayed. In the data display column E104, four modes of “paper size”, “print direction”, “print quality”, and “stamp mark” are displayed. Only limited items such as two pieces of information are displayed. Intermediates usually do not make complicated settings, but in some cases, they can also make complicated settings. Of the data display column E104 indicating “setting” is slightly reduced from all items.

After that, the CPU 30 performs an installation process for the first option, as in steps S340 and S350 (steps S440 and S450). Subsequently, the same installation processing as the second option is performed as in step S370 (step S470). When executing step S470, if the use level UL is the value 2, it is not determined whether or not the second option is required as in step S360. Thereafter, the CPU 30 exits to "return" and temporarily ends the "card display" process.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S320 that the use level UL is 3, the process proceeds to step S530. In step S530, CPU 30 sends third image data indicating the third pattern representing card CD1 of “basic setting” to display image memory 33, and causes CRT display 12 to display the third image data. In the third pattern, as described above with reference to FIG. 4, both the “recommended setting” and “detailed setting” modes can be set in the data input column E1 of “mode setting”. In the data display column E4, there are seven paper sizes: "paper size", "print direction", "print quality", "micro weave", "bidirectional printing", "color adjustment", and "stamp mark". This is the case where all of the information is displayed. That is, the third pattern represented by the third image data is intended for use by a computer-savvy advanced user, and the “mode setting” data input field E101 includes “recommended settings” and “detailed settings”. The maximum number of items can be displayed in the data display column E104.

After that, the CPU 30 performs the process of installing the first option and the process of installing the second option, as in steps S350 and S370 (steps S550 and S570). When the steps S550 and S570 are executed and the use level UL is the value 3, it is not determined whether or not each option is specified as in steps S340 and S360. Thereafter, the CPU 30 exits to "return" and temporarily ends the "card display" process.

Using the "basic setting" card CD1 displayed on the CRT display 12 in this way, the data input operation and the data storage operation are performed as described above (steps S400 and S500 in FIG. 9).

As described above, on the basic screen on which the card CD1 of "basic setting" is displayed, a tab which is a switch to the other cards CD2 to CD5 is provided. When a desired one of these tabs is clicked with the mouse 20, a card corresponding to the clicked tab is displayed on the screen of the CRT display 12. Note that one of such cards is a card “Configuration” CD5.

FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram exemplifying a dialog box DB1 in which the card “Configuration” card CD5 is opened. As shown in the figure, the card CD5 of "configuration" is provided with three buttons BT1, BT2, and BT3. The upper button BT1 has the notation "lower level setting", the interrupt button BT2 has the notation "intermediate level setting", and the lower button BT3 has the "higher level setting". There is a notation. The "configuration" card CD5 is used to change the display of the "basic setting" card CD1 which has been described in detail so far. When the buttons BT1 to BT3 are selected by the operator, the card CD5 is displayed. The "basic setting" card CD1 is changed to a display pattern corresponding to the buttons BT1 to BT3. Note that a series of processing for changing the card “CD1” of the “basic setting” corresponds to the processing in the configuration mode in step S260 described above.

Next, the processing routine in the configuration mode will be described. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a processing routine in the configuration mode executed by the CPU 30. As shown in the figure, when the process is started, the CPU 30 first sends the image data showing the image shown in FIG. 15 to the display image memory 33, thereby causing the CRT display 12 to display the image shown in FIG. Perform (step S600). Next, CPU 30 determines whether or not there is an operator's click operation with mouse 20 (step S610). Here, if it is determined that there is no click operation, the process of step S610 is executed again, and the process waits for the click operation to be performed.

If it is determined in step S610 that a click operation has been performed, then it is determined whether or not the click operation is for button BT9 such as "OK" on card CD5. Here, if it is determined to be "OK", the process proceeds to "Return", and this process is temporarily ended.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S620 that the click operation is not “OK”, the click operation is performed on the first button BT1 or the second button BT2 on the card CD5 of “configuration”, and the third button It is determined whether it is for BT3 (steps S630, S640, S650). If it is determined in steps S630 to S650 that the button does not correspond to any of the buttons BT1 to BT3, the process returns to step S610 to prompt the user to input a click operation again.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S630 that the button is for the first button BT1, the CPU 30 indicates the "basic setting" card CD1 as in step S330 (see FIG. 10) of the card display processing routine described above. A process for displaying the first pattern is performed (step S660).

When it is determined in step S640 that the click operation is for the second button BT2, the card CD1 of "basic setting" is the same as in step S430 (see FIG. 10) of the card display processing routine described above. A process for displaying the second pattern to be displayed is performed (step S670). Further, if it is determined in step S650 that the click operation is for the third button BT3, the card CD1 of "basic setting" is the same as that of step S530 (see FIG. 10) of the above-described card display processing routine. A process for displaying the third pattern to be displayed is performed (step S680). After execution of any one of steps S660 to S680, this processing routine ends, and the process proceeds to the basic setting mode. In the basic setting mode at this time, since the basic screen is displayed in any of the above steps S660 to S680, the operation of displaying data is not performed, and the operation of data input and the operation of storing data are not performed. (Steps S400 and S500 in FIG. 9).

That is, according to the processing in the configuration mode, when the first button BT1 for lower-grade setting is clicked with a mouse, the first screen displayed on the CRT display 12 is the first pattern. Is switched to When the second button BT2 for setting for an intermediate person is clicked with a mouse, the basic screen displayed on the CRT display 12 is switched to a screen on which the second pattern is displayed. When the first button BT1 for advanced user setting is clicked on with a mouse, the basic screen displayed on the CRT display 12 is switched to the one on which the third pattern is displayed.

In the computer system of this embodiment described in detail above, the first to third image data indicating the basic screens of the first to third patterns are stored in the HDD 41, and there is a request for the basic setting mode. At times, the display on the CRT display 12 is made in accordance with one of the stored first to third image data.

Therefore, one of a plurality of patterns of the basic screen is selected as the basic screen to be displayed on the CRT display 12. Therefore, the basic screen on which the card CD1 of “basic setting” is displayed can be differentiated according to various cases. As a result, since the basic screen can be optimized in each case, there is an effect that the workability when setting various information from the basic screen is excellent.

In particular, in this embodiment, the level (use level UL) of a parameter relating to the use condition of the printer is obtained from the model name of the printer 14 and the use state of the printer port, and the basic screen is differentiated according to the use level UL. I am trying to do it. Since the use level UL can be regarded as corresponding to the level of the function of the product and the level of the user's proficiency in the computer, the basic screen is optimized according to the level of the function of the product and the level of the user. be able to. Therefore, setting of various information from the basic screen can be further facilitated, and workability can be further improved.

In this embodiment, a switch for opening the card CD5 of "configuration" is provided on the basic screen on which the card CD1 of "basic setting" is displayed. However, if the user does not like it, it is possible to immediately shift from the basic screen to the card CD5 for changing the basic screen. Therefore, there is an effect that the basic screen can be easily changed according to the user's preference.

In the above-described embodiment, in the card display processing routine (FIG. 10), the necessity of designating the first option and the second option is determined based on the operation of the input device by the operator. The necessity may be automatically determined based on the model name and port name obtained in the setup processing routine. In the above embodiment, the display of the remaining amount of ink is employed as the first option, but the display of the remaining amount of ink utilizes the function of the two-way communication as described above. Therefore, when it is determined from the model name that the device is a high-end device and the port status is checked based on the port name and it is determined that the two-way communication is functioning, the first option may be designated. On the other hand, if it is determined that the two-way communication is not functioning even in a high-end model, the first option is not specified.

Similarly, in the second option, for example, even if the function of the two-way communication is working, the low-grade device is not provided with the utility for adjusting the color of the printing ink, and specifies the second option. It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the information is automatically obtained based on the model name and the port name. In other words, not only is the screen for basic settings of the printer driver differentiated from the model name and port name, but also the display added as an option to the Differentiation may be achieved by a specified port state such as whether or not bidirectional communication is possible. In addition, the configuration may be such that the display added as an option to the basic setting screen is differentiated based on the usage level UL calculated from these, instead of the model name and the port name. Note that the differentiation of the options here is not limited to discrimination as to whether or not to display the options, but also includes a configuration in which the contents of the images displayed as the options are different.

In this embodiment, as the plurality of screen forming data stored in the storage means, image data respectively representing a plurality of basic screens having different patterns are prepared. However, this is not necessarily the image data itself. Any form may be used as long as the image data can be formed. For example, the configuration is such that the image data can be generated as a result of performing some processing, such as disassembling the basic screen into each part and performing only some processing such as simply pointing out necessary ones among the plurality of parts. You can also.

Further, the above embodiment is applied to a computer system in which the printer 14 is directly connected to the local computer 10 and a cable. Alternatively, the printer connected to the server on the LAN may be shared by a plurality of computers. It is good also as a structure applied to the computer system which performs. Alternatively, the printer connected to the server connected to the Internet may be applied to a computer system controlled by a computer via the Internet.

As mentioned above, although one Example of this invention was described in full detail, this invention is not limited to such Examples at all, and can be implemented in various aspects in the range which does not deviate from the summary of this invention. Of course it is.

1 is an external view of a computer system to which an embodiment of the present invention is applied. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of hardware of a computer system. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a process from image information handled by a computer main body 16 to printing. It is explanatory drawing which illustrates dialog box DB1 in which card CD1 of "basic setting" was opened. It is explanatory drawing which illustrates dialog box DB2 in which the card of "manual setting" was opened. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a printer driver setup processing routine executed by a CPU 30. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a screen of a CRT display 12 displaying a list of printer use conditions. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a processing routine of an information setting module executed by a CPU 30. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a processing routine in a basic setting mode executed by a CPU 30. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a card display processing routine executed by a CPU 30. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a level search table TBL. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a first pattern representing a card CD1 of “basic setting”. It is an explanatory view showing card CD11 of "consumables information". FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a second pattern representing a card “CD1” of “basic setting”. It is explanatory drawing which illustrates the dialog box DB5 in which the card CD5 of "configration" was opened. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a processing routine in a configuration mode executed by a CPU 30.

Explanation of reference numerals

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Computer 12 ... CRT display 14 ... Printer 16 ... Computer body 18 ... Keyboard 20 ... Mouse 22 ... Floppy disk 24 ... Floppy disk drive 30 ... CPU
31 ... ROM
32 ... RAM
33 ... Display image memory 34 ... Mouse interface 35 ... Keyboard interface 36 ... FDC
37 ... HDC
38 ... CRTC
39 ... Printer interface 40 ... I / O port 41 ... HDD
44 ... Modem 46 ... Public telephone line 48 ... Server 51 ... Application program 52 ... Video driver 53 ... Printer driver 54 ... Rasterizer 55 ... Color correction module 56 ... .Halftone module 57 ... Information setting module 95 ... Windows
TBL ... Level search table UL ... Use level

Claims (11)

A monitor and an input device are provided. While displaying a basic screen for data input on the monitor, various information for printing in a predetermined printer is set based on input data from the input device according to the contents of the basic screen. A printer control device,
Storage means for storing a plurality of screen forming data for respectively forming a plurality of patterns of basic screens having different numbers of the information that can be input from the input device,
Screen forming data selecting means for selecting one of a plurality of screen forming data stored in the storage means,
A display control unit for displaying the monitor in accordance with the screen forming data selected by the screen forming data selecting unit when there is a request to display the basic screen on the monitor. The printer control device according to claim 1, wherein:
Level calculating means for calculating the level of a parameter related to the use condition of the printer,
The screen formation data selection means,
A printer control device, wherein the selection is performed based on the level calculated by the level calculation means. The printer control device according to claim 2, wherein
A receiving unit that receives model data indicating the model of the printer from outside,
The level calculation means,
A printer control device configured to obtain the level from the model data received from the receiving unit. The printer control device according to claim 3, wherein
The printer is connected so that data can be exchanged in both directions,
The printer control device, wherein the receiving means receives the model data from the printer. The printer control device according to claim 1, wherein:
The storage means,
First image data indicating a screen for detailed setting in which approximately all kinds of information that can be set from the basic screen can be input, and the number of the information that can be input from the input device is the number of information for the detailed setting A printer control device for storing, as the screen forming data, second image data indicating a screen for simple setting smaller than the screen. The printer control device according to claim 1, wherein:
Basic screen changing means for changing the contents of the basic screen including the number of the inputtable information,
A printer control device, wherein a switch for driving the basic screen changing means is added to the basic screen. A monitor and an input device are provided. While displaying a basic screen for data input on the monitor, various information for printing in a predetermined printer is set based on input data from the input device according to the contents of the basic screen. A printer control method,
(A) storing, in a memory, a plurality of screen forming data for forming a plurality of patterns of basic screens each having a different number of pieces of information that can be input from the input device;
(B) selecting one of a plurality of screen forming data stored in the storing step;
(C) displaying the monitor in accordance with the screen forming data selected in the screen forming data selecting step when there is a request to display the basic screen on the monitor. The printer control method according to claim 7, wherein:
(D) calculating a level of a parameter related to a use condition of the printer,
The step (b) comprises:
A printer control method, wherein the selection is performed based on the level calculated in the step (d). 9. The printer control method according to claim 8, wherein
(E) receiving a model data indicating the model of the printer from the outside,
The step (d) includes:
A printer control method, wherein the level is obtained from the model data received in the step (e). A monitor and an input device are provided. While displaying a basic screen for data input on the monitor, various information for printing in a predetermined printer is set based on input data from the input device according to the contents of the basic screen. A recording medium recording a computer program for performing
(A) storing, in a memory, a plurality of screen forming data for forming a plurality of patterns of basic screens each having a different number of pieces of information that can be input from the input device;
(B) selecting one of a plurality of screen forming data stored in the storing step;
And (c) displaying the monitor in accordance with the screen forming data selected in the screen forming data selecting step when there is a request to display the basic screen on the monitor. A recording medium on which a program is recorded. The recording medium according to claim 10, wherein
(D) calculating a level of a parameter relating to a use condition of the printer, and
The step (b) comprises:
A recording medium on which the computer program is recorded such that the selection is made based on the level calculated in the step (d).

Images