INFORMATION PROCESSING APPARATUS, INFORMATION PROCESSING METHOD CONTROL METHOD, AND STORAGE MEDIUM

The present disclosure is intended to improve usability related to print setting. An embodiment of the present disclosure is a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing one or more programs configured to cause one or more computers to function as: an obtaining unit configured to obtain type information indicating the type of a printing media on which printing is to be performed; and a display controlling unit configured to perform, even when no user instruction to use a past history at printing of a printing target is provided, control to display information as a content to be set to a particular setting item in accordance with the type information obtained by the obtaining unit on a print setting screen displayed based on an operation for printing the printing target, the information indicating print setting based on a setting history including contents of setting by a user at past printing.

BACKGROUND

Field

The present disclosure relates to an information processing apparatus configured to perform setting related to printing, an information processing method control method, and a storage medium.

Description of the Related Art

Printing medium such as sheets used to form an image by a printer (that is, to perform printing) have various kinds and sizes. In a case where printing is performed by transmitting printing data to a printer from an information processing apparatus (for example, a PC) connected to the printer, a user sets the kind and size of a printing media through a setting screen (GUI) of a printer driver installed on the information processing apparatus.

However, it is cumbersome for the user to sequentially set setting items of print setting with consideration on sheets set to the printer. In a method of solving this problem, the printer holds information of the kind and size of a printing media that is set to a feeding unit of the printer. In this method, an information processing apparatus connected to the printer obtains, from the printer, information of the kind and size of the printing media that is set to the feeding unit of the printer and executes processing based on the obtained information.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2017-117026 discloses, as the above-described method, a method of obtaining, from a printer, information including information of the kind and size of a printing media that is set to a feeding unit of the printer, and reflecting the information onto print setting.

SUMMARY

However, various setting items other than the kind and size of a printing media can be set in setting through a GUI of a printer driver but the setting differs depending on usage of a printed material desired by a user. Printed material usage that is different for each user is needed for the same printing media in some cases where, for example, a user desires to print a poster on ordinary paper whereas another user desires to print a CAD drawing on ordinary paper.

Thus, a user needs to perform print setting in accordance with desired printed material usage in each case, which makes an operation extremely cumbersome and leads to poor efficiency.

Thus, the present disclosure is made in view of the above-described problem and intended to improve usability related to print setting.

An embodiment of the present disclosure is a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing one or more programs configured to cause one or more computers to function as: an obtaining unit configured to obtain type information indicating the type of a printing media on which printing is to be performed; and a display controlling unit configured to perform, even when no user instruction to use a past history at printing of a printing target is provided, control to display information as a content to be set to a particular setting item in accordance with the type information obtained by the obtaining unit on a print setting screen displayed based on an operation for printing the printing target, the information indicating print setting based on a setting history including contents of setting by a user at past printing.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

First Embodiment

Preferable embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The embodiments described below are not intended to limit the present invention according to the claims beyond necessity, and not all combinations of characteristics described in the embodiments are necessarily essential as means for solution of the present disclosure.

The configuration of a printing system according to the present embodiment will be described below with reference toFIG.1.FIG.1is a block diagram of the printing system according to the present embodiment.

InFIG.1, a printer101is a color printer configured to perform image formation by an ink jet scheme and forms an image based on printing data generated by a PC102to be described later. The printer101includes a plurality of feeding units. Roll paper can be attached (set) to each of the plurality of feeding units. In the present embodiment, a color printer of the ink jet scheme is employed as the printer101, but the kind of a printer (also referred to as a printing apparatus) is not limited thereto.

An information processing apparatus102performs generation of printing data and control of the printer101connected thereto.

In this example, the information processing apparatus is assumed to be a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as a PC). The PC102has a function to receive user instructions and inputs related to print setting. Although not illustrated inFIG.1, an operation system (OS) for controlling the PC102is incorporated in the PC102, and various kinds of functional modules operate on the OS.

A communication interface100connects the PC102and the printer101. In this example, the communication interface is assumed to be network connection, but may be USB or the like as well and may be any interface such as a wired or wireless interface with which bidirectional communication is achieved. In this manner, the printing system according to the present embodiment is not a single apparatus but has a configuration in which the PC102and the printer101are connected to each other through a particular bidirectional interface. However, the printing system is not limited to this configuration but may be an apparatus-integrated system having integrated functions of a PC and a printer. The following contents of the printer101and the PC102, which are thought to be not particularly necessary for describing features of the present embodiment are omitted as appropriate.

An information display unit108performs display based on sheet information of each feeding unit, which is set by a feeding-unit sheet information setting unit103and printing information (for example, warning information) controlled by a printing control unit106to be described later. The information display unit108includes a display apparatus such as an LED.

The feeding-unit sheet information setting unit103is used to set sheet information of sheets that are set to the plurality of feeding units as part of a printing unit (printer engine)107to be described later. The feeding-unit sheet information setting unit103includes a means such as a button with which a user sets the sheet information. Alternatively, the sheet information may be read and set by using a sensor mounted on each feeding unit.

A feeding-unit sheet information storage unit104is achieved as a non-transitory storage apparatus. The feeding-unit sheet information storage unit104stores the sheet information of each feeding unit, which is set by the feeding-unit sheet information setting unit103.

The printing control unit106receives printing data transmitted from the PC102and loads the printing data onto the printer engine. The printing data transmitted from the PC102is data already provided with image processing on the PC102side based on print setting including the kind and size of a printing media, and in this example, the printer engine is controlled in accordance with a printing control command included in the printing data.

Data including printing binary data (intermediate data yet to be binarized, in some cases) and various kinds of commands for controlling the amount of ink application, the number of passes, the printing direction, and the amount of sheet conveyance is used as specific printing data. Alternatively, typical printing data, in other words, combination of image data in a bit map format of three channels of RGB (hereinafter referred to as RGB image data) and data in which other print setting commands such as the kind and size of a printing media are written may be used. In a case where the typical printing data is used, for example, image processing on the RGB image data and conversion of the RGB image data into binary data that can be handled by the printer engine are performed by the printing control unit106. In addition, information such as the kind and size of a printing media, which is designated by print setting is used to perform processing of determining the amount of ink application, the number of passes, the printing direction, and the conveyance amount of a printing media and loading the determined data together with the binary data onto the printer engine.

The printing unit (printer engine)107performs printing on a printing media (for example, a sheet) as a printing target (printing target object) based on printing data loaded by the printing control unit106. Since the printer101of the present embodiment is a printer of the ink jet scheme as described above, the printing unit (printer engine)107performs image formation by ink discharge.

An I/F control unit105governs interface functions of the printer101.

An I/F control unit110governs interface functions of the PC102.

A printer driver114is an application program and software for performing various kinds of setting for printing, printing data generation, and printer control on the PC102. The printer driver114will be described later in detail with reference toFIG.2. Various kinds of processing of the printer driver114are executed by a CPU111. The application program of the printer driver114is stored in a non-transitory memory111b.

A print spooler115sequentially stores printing data generated by a printing data generation processing unit116(refer toFIG.2) to be described later. The printing data stored in the print spooler115is forwarded to the printer101. The storage and forwarding of the printing data are performed out of synchronization. Thus, even in a case where printing data generation processing is executed faster than printing processing by the printer101, the printing data generation processing unit116can continuously execute the printing data generation processing without waiting printing processing by the printer101, which leads to efficient processing. The print spooler is typically provided as a function of the computer operating system.

The CPU111is a central control unit including at least one processor and configured to control various kinds of functions of the PC102. The CPU111loads a computer program stored in the non-transitory memory111bonto a RAM111aas a work memory and executes the computer program. In addition, the CPU111performs display control to display various display targets on a display unit113. The display control may be performed in cooperation with a non-illustrated graphics processing unit (GPU). An operation unit112is an operation device (input device) such as a keyboard, a touch panel, or a mouse and receives various inputs for reflecting a user's intention onto print setting based on an operation on the operation unit112. A click to be described later is an operation performed with the mouse included in the operation unit112. The display unit113is a display and notifies the user of print setting, warning, and the like through display on the display. Notification by voice output from a speaker or the like can be performed as well as notification through display on the display unit113.

FIG.2is a block diagram illustrating a software configuration of the printer driver114illustrated inFIG.1. Processing of each block illustrated inFIG.2is executed by the CPU111executing the application program as the printer driver114.

A print setting processing unit121is a processing unit configured to perform various kinds of print setting including setting of the kind and size of a printing media to be used and setting of printing quality. The print setting processing unit121has functions to display contents that are set based on instructions and inputs from the user, through a GUI displayed on the display unit113and notify the user of the contents.

The printing data generation processing unit116generates printing data based on print setting that is set by the print setting processing unit121, and spools the generated printing data to the print spooler115.

A monitoring unit118controls forwarding of the printing data stored in the print spooler115based on an instruction from the print spooler115. More specifically, the printing data stored in the print spooler115is sequentially forwarded to the printer101through the I/F control unit110by a data communication processing unit119to be described later, and the monitoring unit118controls this forwarding.

The monitoring unit118obtains print setting information by analyzing the contents of the printing data before forwarding the printing data to the printer. The monitoring unit118also obtains status information such as size information of a printing media, which is set to the printer101, through bidirectional communication with the printer101and controls forwarding of the printing data to the printer101based on the obtained status information.

The data communication processing unit119performs communication processing with the printer101through the I/F control unit110in accordance with an instruction from the monitoring unit118. The communication processing between the data communication processing unit119and the printer101has bidirectional properties.

The bidirectional communication processing includes processing of forwarding data such as the printing data to the printer101and processing of obtaining, from the printer101, printer status information such as information related to the size of a printing media, information related to the progress of printing processing, and information related to the remaining amount of ink.

A print purpose table117is a table for holding a list of a print purpose option as one of print setting items that are set at the print setting processing unit121and the setting content of each option. The print purpose table117is stored in the non-transitory memory111bin the present embodiment but may be stored in, for example, a server on the Internet. Details thereof will be described later with reference toFIG.4.

Kind-specific setting history information120of a printing media means a table in which print purpose information (parameter value) that is set as a content of specific print setting by the print setting processing unit121is held as history information for each kind of printing media. The kind-specific setting history information120is stored in the non-transitory memory111bin the present embodiment but may be stored in, for example, a server on the Internet. Details thereof will be described later with reference toFIGS.7A to7C.

In a case where warning display is performed by the information processing apparatus, the warning display is displayed on the display unit113. For example, in a case where an error occurs at the printer101and its error information is to be displayed, the error information of the printer101is obtained by the data communication processing unit119and displayed on the display unit113by the monitoring unit118. In a case where it is determined that printing is impossible for a reason such as incompatibility of print setting at printing data generation and warning information thereof is to be displayed, the warning information is displayed on the display unit113by the printing data generation processing unit116.

<Display Content of Print Setting Dialog>

FIGS.3A and3Bare each a diagram illustrating an example of a dialog box displayed on the display unit113of the information processing apparatus102illustrated inFIG.1and are each a dialog box as a print setting screen displayed when print setting is performed according to the present embodiment.

The print setting dialog boxes illustrated inFIGS.3A and3Bare GUIs of the printer driver114corresponding to the printer101. Each print setting dialog box is a dialog box displayed before the user performs a printing operation through a software application or the like and is a dialog box for performing print setting related to printing data generation, such as a printing media, a feeding method, and a printing quality.

A print setting dialog box301illustrated inFIG.3Ais a dialog box for performing various kinds of print setting. A pull-down list302is a control for the user to selectively set the kind of a printing media (non-printed material) set to a feeding unit. In the following description, a printing media as a non-printed material is also simply referred to as a “sheet” for sake of convenience. However, the printing target object is sometimes a material other than paper, such as fabric, plastic, a vinyl sheet, or a label surface of a compact disk (CD), and thus a “sheet” includes these printing medium other than paper. “Ordinary paper”, “glossy paper”, and “coated paper” are prepared as options when the user clicks a downward triangle mark of the pull-down list302. In the present specification, a control means a display element that receives a user operation or displays information on an operation screen (GUI) of the information processing apparatus. A control that receives a user operation may be referred to as an operation item or an operation icon.

A pull-down list303is a control for the user to selectively set a print purpose. “Normal setting”, “picture”, “monochrome picture”, “poster”, and “CAD drawing” are prepared as options when the user clicks a downward triangle mark of the pull-down list303. The option “normal setting” is set as an initial value when the print setting dialog box301is first displayed with no printing history. A print purpose according to the present embodiment enables collective setting of a set of parameters corresponding to a print setting item related to printing quality, and the user can set a print purpose through the pull-down list303. The pull-down list303may be invalidated and receive no user operation until the print setting dialog box301is displayed, the printer101obtains sheet information through communication with the information processing apparatus102, and contents based on the sheet information are reflected. In this case, the pull-down lists302,305, and306may be activated or invalidated.

FIG.4is a table listing the contents of a parameter set of print setting items (printing quality, color mode, color adjustment, and matching method) related to printing quality and associated with options that can be selected through the pull-down list303. Such a table is held as the print purpose table117(FIG.2) in the non-transitory memory111b.

These print setting items associated with options of the pull-down list303are the same as print setting items that can be set through a detailed setting dialog box displayed on the display unit113in a case where a detailed setting button304is pressed down.FIG.3Billustrates a detailed setting dialog box310as an example of the detailed setting dialog box.

In a case where the user performs only an operation to set a print purpose by using the pull-down list303for each individual print setting item that is set through the detailed setting dialog box310, a parameter set associated with the set option is automatically selected. Contents actually set in this case are based on contents (refer toFIG.4) held in the print purpose table117included in the printer driver114.

Print setting items that are set through the detailed setting dialog box310will be described below.

A pull-down list311is a control for the user to selectively set printing quality. “Standard”, “fast”, and “fine” are prepared as options when the user clicks a downward triangle mark of the pull-down list311.

A pull-down list312is a control for setting whether to convert a printing document into monochrome color and print the printing document. “Color” and “monochrome” are prepared as options when the user clicks a downward triangle mark of the pull-down list312.

A color adjustment region313is a region in which controls for adjusting color tone at printing are disposed. As illustrated, controls for adjusting the items of “cyan”, “magenta”, “yellow”, “brightness”, and “contrast” are disposed, and one value in the range of −30 to +30 can be set to the adjustment value of each item. The adjustment value of each item has an initial value of “0”.

A pull-down list314is a control for setting a matching method (color correction method) at printing. “Perceptive” and “saturation” are prepared as options when the user clicks a downward triangle mark of the pull-down list314.

An OK button315and a cancel button316are controls for designating whether to confirm contents changed through the detailed setting dialog box310. Specifically, the OK button315is pressed down to confirm the contents changed through the detailed setting dialog box310, and the cancel button316is pressed down to discard the changed contents. When the OK button315or the cancel button316is pressed down, the detailed setting dialog box310is closed and the print setting dialog box301is displayed as active.

The print setting dialog box301will be further described. A pull-down list305is a control for selectively setting from which feeding unit sheets are to be fed among the plurality of feeding units included in the printer101. In the present example, the printer101includes two feeding units, and “roll paper 1” and “roll paper 2” are prepared as options when the user clicks a downward triangle mark of the pull-down list305. The roll paper 1 corresponds to a first feeding unit, and the roll paper 2 corresponds to a second feeding unit.

A pull-down list306is a control for selectively setting the width of roll paper that is set at the feeding unit that is set through the pull-down list305. Paper widths such as “24-inch roll (609.6 mm)” and “A1/A2 roll (594.0 mm)” corresponding to roll paper that can be set to the printer101are prepared as options when the user clicks a downward triangle mark of the pull-down list306.

An OK button307and a cancel button308are controls for designating whether to confirm contents changed through the print setting dialog box301. Specifically, the OK button307is pressed down to confirm the contents changed through the print setting dialog box301, and the cancel button308is pressed down to discard the changed contents.

Operation of the printer driver114according to the present embodiment will be described below with reference toFIG.5. The processing inFIG.5is implemented as a computer program included in the package of the application program (printer driver114) stored in the non-transitory memory111bis loaded onto the RAM111aand executed by the CPU111.

Processing of the flowchart inFIG.5is started when the user provides an instruction to activate the print setting dialog box301(that is, an instruction to display a screen of the print setting dialog box301). Specifically, the processing is triggered by, for example, press of a button (for example, an activation button for displaying the print setting dialog box301) included in a GUI of a software application or the like when the user provides a printing instruction to the printer by using the software application. For example, a printing check screen of an application A (for example, an image browser) as a software application that displays a printing target (for example, an image A) is displayed when printing of the image A is instructed while the image A is displayed by the application A. When a button such as a “printer property” button for displaying details of print setting is pressed down on the printing check screen, the processing inFIG.5is started and the print setting dialog box301is displayed. Upon an instruction to confirm contents set to the print setting dialog box301displayed in the processing inFIG.5, the print setting dialog box301is closed and the printing check screen of the application A is displayed again. When a print button is pressed down on the printing check screen of the application A, a printing job of the image A onto which the contents set (displayed) on the print setting dialog box301are reflected is transmitted to the printer101and printing is executed. No user instruction to use a past history at printing of the image A is provided in the series of operations until the print setting dialog box301is displayed. In other words, the processing inFIG.5is performed based on a normal operation for printing an image file A in the embodiment. The application A is a software application that is different from the above-described application program including the printer driver114in its package. Even in a case where the image A is never printed in the past, the processing inFIG.5is started when a button for displaying details of print setting on the printing check screen of the application A, which is displayed in accordance with a printing instruction for the image A is pressed down. In other words, the processing inFIG.5is performed even in a case where the printing target is a new printing target that is never printed in the past.

At step S501, the CPU111obtains information (referred to as sheet information) indicating which printing media is set to a feeding unit of the printer101. The sheet information is type information indicating the type of the printing media set to the feeding unit. At the present step, the sheet information stored in the feeding-unit sheet information storage unit104of the printer101is obtained through the I/F100by the print setting processing unit121included in the printer driver114.FIG.6illustrates an example of the sheet information obtained at the present step. The sheet information includes, for each feeding unit (the roll paper 1 or the roll paper 2), information (parameter values) of the kind of a set printing media (such as ordinary paper or glossy paper), a roll paper width, and whether the set printing media is moved to a platen position of the printer. Hereinafter, for simplification, “step S” is abbreviated as “S”.

At S502, the CPU111determines whether the sheet information (information set exemplarily illustrated inFIG.6) is obtained at S501. The process proceeds to S503in a case where a result of the determination at the present step is true, or the series of processes ends in a case where the determination result is false. Various factors of failure to obtain the sheet information include power-off of the printer101and failure of communication between the information processing apparatus102and the printer101, but are not particularly limited.

In a case where no printing media is set to the printer101and thus no information related to a fed printing media is included in the sheet information obtained at S501, as well, it is regarded that the sheet information cannot be obtained at S502(NO at S502). When the series of processes illustrated inFIG.5ends, the print setting dialog box301based on the contents of print setting at that time is displayed on the display unit113.

At S503, the CPU111determines whether printing medium are set to two or more feeding units based on the sheet information obtained at S501. The process proceeds to S504in a case where a result of the determination at the present step is true, or the process proceeds to S505in a case where the determination result is false.

S503will be specifically described below. For example, a case printing medium are set to both the first and second feeding units included in the printer101of the present embodiment is discussed. In this case, the sheet information obtained at S501includes both information including “printing media kind” corresponding to “roll paper 1” and information including “printing media kind” corresponding to “roll paper 2”. In such a case, the determination at S503obtains “Yes” and the process proceeds to S504.

A case in which a printing media is set to the first feeding unit but no printing media is set to the second feeding unit is discussed. In this case, the sheet information obtained at S501includes information including “printing media kind” corresponding to “roll paper 1” but does not include information corresponding to “roll paper 2”. Thus, it is understood from the sheet information that no printing media is set to the second feeding unit. In such a case, the determination at S503obtains “NO” and the process proceeds to S505.

At S504, the CPU111checks the sheet information obtained at S501and reflects, onto print setting, the sheet information of a feeding unit loaded to the platen position (feeding unit having a platen value of “loaded”). For example, with the sheet information illustrated inFIG.6, the feeding unit loaded to the platen position is determined as the first feeding unit corresponding to “roll paper 1” and having a platen value of “loaded”. Thus, processing for displaying the print setting dialog box301onto which the contents of the sheet information of “roll paper 1” are reflected is performed at S504. Specifically, “ordinary paper” is reflected onto the pull-down list302. Accordingly, “ordinary paper” is automatically set to the pull-down list302. Similarly, “roll paper 1” is reflected onto the pull-down list305, and “24-inch roll (609.6 mm)” is reflected onto the pull-down list306. The above description is made on the form in which the sheet information of the feeding unit loaded to the platen position is preferentially used, but the present embodiment is not limited to this form. In another form, for example, a priority rank is applied to each of the plurality of feeding units in advance and each feeding unit is determined in accordance with the priority rank, in other words, the sheet information of a feeding unit having the highest priority rank among feeding units the sheet information of which is obtained is used. In another form, for example, a feeding unit the sheet information of which is preferentially used is set through the printer driver in advance. For example, a feeding unit used when printing is actually performed last in the past (in other words, a feeding unit selected last or a latest selected feeding unit) may be selected as a target the sheet information of which is to be reflected on print setting at S504.

At S505, the CPU111checks the sheet information obtained at S501and reflects, onto print setting, the sheet information (including information of a feeding unit, a printing media kind, a roll paper width, and a platen as illustrated inFIG.6) of a feeding unit to which a printing media is set. Specifically, processing for displaying the print setting dialog box301onto which the contents of the sheet information of a feeding unit to which a printing media is set are reflected is performed at the present step. Through the present step, reflection is performed onto the pull-down lists302,305, and306to change the display contents of each pull-down list.

At S506, the CPU111searches the kind-specific setting history information120by using information (value) of a printing media kind reflected onto print setting at S504or S505.FIGS.7A to7Ceach illustrate a table in which specific contents are written as an example of the kind-specific setting history information120. The kind-specific setting history information120is a table in which the parameter value of a print purpose designated for print setting by the print setting processing unit121, specifically, a print setting option that is set through the pull-down list303is held as history information for each kind of a printing media as a printing target object. AmongFIGS.7A to7C,FIG.7Aillustrates the initial state of the kind-specific setting history information120according to the present embodiment, and “normal setting”, which is the initial value of the print purpose is written for all kinds of printing medium that can be set to the printer101. Information written in the kind-specific setting history information120is updated when the user closes the print setting dialog box301. Processing executed when the print setting dialog box301is closed will be described later with reference toFIG.9. In a case where setting of the type of printing media is changed by the user through the pull-down list302in the print setting dialog box301, the processing at S506and later is performed again in accordance with the changed type of printing media. Thus, with a printing media type that is set by the user, as well, the history information search at S506to be described later is performed and setting of the print purpose and detailed setting is changed at S509.

At S507, the CPU111determines whether information extracted as a result of the search performed at S506is the initial state of “normal setting”. The process proceeds to S509in the case of the initial state (in the case of the normal setting), or the process proceeds to S508otherwise.

At S508, the CPU111displays a message (hereinafter referred to as a previous setting value reflection message) indicating reflection of a previous setting value.FIG.8illustrates a display example of the previous setting value reflection message. During display of the previous setting value reflection message, the print setting dialog box301is displayed as inactive and does not receive an operation on the print setting dialog box301. In a case where the information extracted as a result of the search performed at S506is not the initial state of “normal setting”, setting is automatically performed by using setting contents that are previously set by the user. When notified thereof by the previous setting value reflection message, the user can recognize that an “easy print setting” function to be described later is operating. Moreover, it is possible to prevent confusion of the user due to difference of setting contents displayed in the print setting dialog box301from the contents of the normal setting. In addition, the user can reliably recognize that setting is different from the normal setting (default setting), and can be prevented from false recognition of setting contents.

At S509, the CPU111sets a print purpose such as reflection onto the pull-down list303by using the contents of the kind-specific setting history information120.

For example, in a case where “ordinary paper” is reflected onto the pull-down list302at S504or S505, the kind-specific setting history information is searched with “ordinary paper” at S506. Then, in a case where the kind-specific setting history information120at that time is that illustrated inFIG.7B, “CAD drawing” is extracted as information of a print purpose corresponding to the printing media kind “ordinary paper” from the kind-specific setting history information120.

As described above,FIG.8illustrates a display example of a dialog box of the previous setting value reflection message, and in the present example, the dialog box of the previous setting value reflection message does not have a button for closing the dialog box and automatically closes after display for a certain time. The dialog box of the previous setting value reflection message may be provided with a button for closing the dialog box so that the user closes the dialog box of the previous setting value reflection message by pressing down the button at an optional timing. When the dialog box of the previous setting value reflection message is closed, the print setting dialog box301returns to the state of being displayed as active.

Thereafter at S509, the extracted “CAD drawing” is initially set to the pull-down list303and displayed. The “CAD drawing” is a setting content based on a setting history used by the user for past printing and is a print purpose that is set in a case where the printing media kind is “ordinary paper” at the past printing. The “CAD drawing” is a print purpose (latest history) that is set last for “ordinary paper”. In this manner, contents based on history information are automatically initially set to the pull-down list303(one of setting items) and displayed even when no user operation that instructs use of a past history for a current printing target (for example, the above-described image file A) is provided. As described above, the “CAD drawing” is changeable to other setting through selection from among setting value candidates displayed when the user clicks the downward triangle mark of the pull-down list303.

For example, in a case where “glossy paper” is reflected onto the pull-down list302at S504or S505, the kind-specific setting history information is searched with “glossy paper” at S506. Then, in a case where the kind-specific setting history information120at that time is that illustrated inFIG.7B, “normal setting” is extracted as information of a print purpose corresponding to the printing media kind “glossy paper” from the kind-specific setting history information120. Thereafter at S507, the CPU111determines whether the extracted information of the print purpose is the initial state of “normal setting”, and in the present case, no message display (S508) is performed since the information is the initial state of “normal setting”. At the following S509, the extracted “normal setting” is initially set to the pull-down list303and displayed. As described above, the “normal setting” is changeable to other setting through selection from among setting value candidates displayed when the user clicks the downward triangle mark of the pull-down list303.

After S507, the print setting dialog box301based on the contents of print setting at that time is displayed on the display unit113as described above.

The processing executed when the print setting dialog box301is closed will be described below with reference toFIG.9.FIG.9is a flowchart of the processing executed when the print setting dialog box301is closed.

At S901, the CPU111determines whether the OK button307of the print setting dialog box301is pressed down. Press-down of the OK button307is an instruction operation that completes setting change using the print setting dialog box301. Press-down of the OK button307is also an instruction operation that confirms contents that are set through the print setting dialog box301, and an instruction operation that closes a screen for setting change. The process proceeds to S902in a case where a result of the determination at the present step is true. The series of processes ends in a case where the result of the determination at the present step is false (that is, in a case where the cancel button308is pressed down).

The case of YES at S901means that contents currently set in the print setting dialog box301(that is, contents being displayed) are confirmed for print setting.

At S902, the CPU111refers to a history information update check result (value set at S905or S906to be described later) stored in the non-transitory memory111band determines whether history information update is already checked. The history information update check result (value set at S905or S906to be described later) used at the present step is information indicating that a selection operation has been made in a message dialog box1001to be described later. In a case where no history information update check result is stored in the non-transitory memory111b, it is determined that history information update is not already checked, and the process proceeds to S903. Specifically, in a case where the OK button307of the print setting dialog box301is pressed down for the first time (in a case where no selection has been made through the message dialog box1001), it is determined that history information update is not already checked at S902, and the process proceeds to S903. In a case where the history information update check result is stored in the non-transitory memory111b, the process proceeds to S908without displaying the message dialog box1001. The case where the history information update check result is stored in the non-transitory memory111bis a case where history information update is already checked, specifically, a case where information indicating that a selection operation has been made through the message dialog box1001is stored.

At S903, the CPU111displays a message dialog box for checking to the user whether currently set contents are to be stored as a history.FIG.10illustrates an example of the message dialog box displayed at the present step. InFIG.10, the check message, a Yes button1002, and a No button1003are displayed in the message dialog box1001, and the message dialog box1001is closed when any of the two buttons is pressed down. A message “store setting contents currently set in [printing media kind] to enable automatic application when the same [printing media kind] is selected in subsequent occasions?” is displayed as the check message. In this manner, the check message is a message for checking to the user whether to perform automatic print setting based on a past setting history of the user in accordance with a sheet type.

At S904, the CPU111determines whether the Yes button1002of the message dialog box1001is pressed down. The process proceeds to S905in a case where the Yes button1002is pressed down, or the process proceeds to S906otherwise.

At S905, the CPU111stores information indicating acceptance of history information update in the non-transitory memory111b. Specifically, a function (referred to as “easy print setting”) to perform automatic print setting based on a past setting history of the user in accordance with a sheet type is set to effective.

At S906, the CPU111stores information indicating refusal of history information update in the non-transitory memory111band ends processing. Specifically, the function “easy print setting” is set to ineffective.

At S907, the CPU111updates the kind-specific setting history information120by using the value of a printing media kind (the pull-down list302) and the value of a print purpose (the pull-down list303) that are currently set in the print setting dialog box301. Specifically, among setting values written in the kind-specific setting history information120, the setting values of print setting (print purpose, printing quality, color mode, or the like) related to the kind of a printing media that is set in the print setting dialog box301are updated to currently set contents. The currently set contents (current setting contents) are print setting changed when a setting change operation through the print setting dialog box301is performed on setting values (in other words, setting values set by “easy print setting”) automatically set through the processing inFIG.5.

At S908, the CPU111determines whether history information update stored in the non-transitory memory111bindicates acceptance. In a case where update acceptance (in other words, the easy print setting is effective) is determined, the process proceeds to S907. In a case where update refusal (in other words, the easy print setting is ineffective) is determined, the processing inFIG.9ends without performing the processing at S907. In this manner, processing of updating the kind-specific setting history information120by using current setting contents is not performed in a case where the easy print setting is ineffective.

For example, the user activates the print setting dialog box301for the first time, sets “ordinary paper” through the pull-down list302and “CAD drawing” through the pull-down list303in the print setting dialog box301, and presses down the OK button307. In a case where the Yes button1002is pressed down in a history information update check message dialog box1001displayed thereafter, the kind-specific setting history information120is updated from the state illustrated inFIG.7Ato the state illustrated inFIG.7B. In a case where the print setting dialog box301is activated and the OK button307is pressed down again, the history information update check message dialog box1001is not displayed and the kind-specific setting history information120is updated. In this manner, print setting performed in a case of printing on an actual printing target is used (automatically applied) in subsequent occasions as well without a dedicated operation by the user to intentionally register setting for each sheet in advance (in other words, without an operation such as press-down of a registration button). Thus, according to the present embodiment, work for print setting in accordance with the type of printing media in subsequent occasions is omitted based on a print setting operation for printing a printing target without intentional preparation by the user.

Although the case where the history information update check message dialog box1001is displayed only when the OK button307of the print setting dialog box301is pressed down for the first time is described in the present embodiment, the present invention is not limited to the case. For example, the history information update check message dialog box1001may be displayed each time the OK button307is pressed down, and operation may be performed in accordance with press-down of the Yes button1002or the No button1003.

In this manner, according to the present embodiment, a print purpose (and corresponding printing parameters) lastly set for the type of a set printing media is obtained from history information in accordance with the type of the set printing media and is initially set and displayed. Accordingly, a print purpose lastly used for a set sheet (printing media) is set without performing an operation to select a print purpose each time by the user, and thus work for print purpose setting can be omitted.

In other words, according to the present embodiment, in a case where the type of a printing media that is set as a printing target medium is a first type, first information indicating first print setting based on the setting history of the user is displayed as a content to be set to a print purpose as one of setting items. In a case where the type of printing media that is set as a printing target medium is a second type, second information indicating second print setting based on the setting history of the user is displayed as a content to be set to a print purpose as one of setting items. The first type is, for example, “ordinary paper” and the first information is, for example, “CAD drawing”. The second type is, for example, “glossy paper” and the second information is, for example, “normal setting”.

Although the example in which the kind-specific setting history information120is updated with contents that are set at a time point when the OK button307of the print setting dialog box301is pressed down is described in the present embodiment, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, in accordance with instruction of printing execution by the user (in other words, after an instruction of printing execution is made), the kind-specific setting history information120may be updated with setting contents used in the printing execution. Moreover, in accordance with instruction of printing execution by the user and storage of printing data in the print spooler115based on the instruction, the kind-specific setting history information120may be updated with setting contents used in the printing execution. Alternatively, in accordance with instruction of printing execution by the user and forwarding of stored printing data from the print spooler115to the printer101, the kind-specific setting history information120may be updated with setting contents used in the printing execution.

Although the example in which one latest setting content (lastly set setting content) is stored as the kind-specific setting history information120for each kind of printing media is described above, the present invention is not limited thereto. Setting contents for a plurality of times in the past may be stored and a print purpose having the highest use frequency (set frequency) may be initially set and displayed for each kind of printing media. Moreover, a print purpose that is initially set to the pull-down list303may be that lastly set for each kind of printing media or having the highest use frequency. Then, the arrangement order of a plurality of setting candidates displayed when the downward triangle mark of the pull-down list303is clicked may be changed to descending order of dates and times set in the past or descending order of use frequency in the past, and the setting candidates may be displayed.

<Processing Executed in a Case where Detailed Setting is Performed at Print Setting>

A case where the user opens the detailed setting dialog box310by pressing down the detailed setting button304in the print setting dialog box301and changes detailed setting of print setting through the detailed setting dialog box310will be described below.

In this case, the processing illustrated inFIG.9is executed when the print setting dialog box301is closed upon press-down of the OK button307after change and confirmation of detailed setting (press-down of the OK button315) are performed through the detailed setting dialog box310.

At S901, the CPU111determines whether the OK button307of the print setting dialog box301is pressed down. The process proceeds to S902in a case where a result of the determination at the present step is true. The processing inFIG.9ends in a case where the result of the determination at the present step is false (specifically, in a case where the cancel button308is pressed down instead of the OK button307).

Processing at S902and later is the same as above-described operation and thus details thereof is omitted, whereas processing of updating the kind-specific setting history information120at S907will be described below in detail.

At S907, the CPU111updates the kind-specific setting history information120by using the value of a printing media kind (the pull-down list302) and the value of a print purpose (the pull-down list303) that are currently set. The kind-specific setting history information120is also updated by using the value of printing quality (the pull-down list311), the value of a color mode (the pull-down list312), the value of a pull-down list in the color adjustment region313, and the value of a matching method (the pull-down list314).

For example, the user sets “coated paper” through the pull-down list302. In addition, the user sets “fast” through the pull-down list311, “color” through the pull-down list312, “brightness +2” and “contrast +2” in the color adjustment region313, and “saturation” through the pull-down list314. In this case, at S907, the kind-specific setting history information120is updated, and in the present example, is updated to a content as written in the row of the kind “coated paper” inFIG.7C. In such a case where the user changes detailed setting instead of using the value of a print purpose that can be initially selected through the pull-down list303(refer toFIG.4), “user setting” is set as the value of the pull-down list303. In the kind-specific setting history information120as well, “user setting” is written as the value of a print purpose as illustrated inFIG.7C.

Thereafter, the processing illustrated inFIG.5is executed again in a case where the closed print setting dialog box301is activated (displayed). Processing at S501, S502, and S503has the same contents as described above. A case where “coated paper” is reflected onto the pull-down list302of the print setting dialog box301at S504or S505is discussed. In this case, at S506, the CPU111searches the kind-specific setting history information120inFIG.7Cand extracts the print purpose value “user setting” written in the row of “coated paper” and associated values of detailed setting (printing quality, color mode, color adjustment, and matching method). Then at S509, the CPU111reflects contents (values) extracted at S506onto the print setting dialog box301.

Effects of the Present Embodiment

According to the present embodiment, print setting in accordance with usage of a printed material desired for each user does not need to be performed each time a printing media that is set to the printer is replaced. Even when a printing media (printing medium) that is set to the printer is changed, setting based on a past history is performed only by operating in a normal printing operation procedure without performing a setting operation in accordance with the set printing media. Thus, an operation through the printer driver is simplified and efficiency improves. Accordingly, usability related to print setting improves.

Second Embodiment

<Processing Reflecting Print Setting Based on Printing Media Kind and Size>

In the first embodiment, the kind of printing media in the sheet information (FIG.6) of a feeding unit of the printer101is used as a reference. Specifically, in updating of the kind-specific setting history information120, the values of a print purpose and detailed setting, which are selectively set by the user are written and held in the kind-specific setting history information120(S907inFIG.9) for each value of the printing media kind. In addition, reflection (S509inFIG.5) from the kind-specific setting history information120onto the print setting dialog box301is performed for each value of the printing media kind.

However, in the present embodiment, an example in which two of the kind and size (referred to as a roll paper width in the present example) of printing media in the sheet information (FIG.6) of a feeding unit of the printer101are used as references will be described below. In the following, description of the same content as in the first embodiment is omitted as appropriate, and contents different from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

FIGS.11A and11Billustrate examples of the kind-specific setting history information120in a case where the two values of the kind and size of printing media are used as references. Differences from the first embodiment (refer toFIGS.7A to7C) are such that a roll paper width is included as a column, a plurality of values of the roll paper width are set for each value of the printing media kind, and information such as a print purpose is held for each combination of the value of the printing media kind and the value of the roll paper width.

FIG.11Aillustrates the initial state of the kind-specific setting history information120according to the present embodiment, and setting history information of a print purpose is written for each value of the printing media kind and each value of the roll paper width. The initial value of “normal setting” is written as the value of a print purpose for each value of the printing media kind and each value of the roll paper width.

Similarly to the first embodiment, the processing illustrated inFIG.9is executed when the user closes the print setting dialog box301. For example, through the print setting dialog box301, “ordinary paper” is set to the pull-down list302, “24-inch roll (609.6 mm)” is set to the pull-down list306, and “poster” is set to the pull-down list303.

In this case, the content of the kind-specific setting history information120is updated as illustrated inFIG.11Bby the processing at S907. Specifically, the value of a print purpose is changed from “normal setting” to “poster”.

Similarly to the first embodiment, the processing illustrated inFIG.5is executed in a case where the closed print setting dialog box301is activated (displayed). Specifically, at S501, the information illustrated inFIG.6is obtained as the sheet information of a feeding unit. Then at S504, for example, “ordinary paper” is reflected onto the pull-down list302and “24-inch roll (609.6 mm)” is reflected onto the pull-down list306. In this case, at S506, the kind-specific setting history information120inFIG.11Bis searched by using the values of the printing media kind and the roll paper width, which are reflected at S504(or S505). Through the search, “poster” as the value of a print purpose is extracted, and as a result, “poster” is reflected onto the pull-down list303at S509.

Third Embodiment

<Switching of Quality Setting Method Through Setting Mode (Pull-Down List1202)>

In the first embodiment, various kinds of setting is performed through a print setting dialog box (FIG.3A), but detailed setting related to printing quality is performed through a dialog box (FIG.3B) different fromFIG.3A.

However, in the present embodiment, an example in which detailed setting related to printing quality can be performed by switching display without opening another dialog box will be described below. In the following, description of the same content as in the first embodiment is omitted as appropriate, and contents different from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

FIGS.12A to12Dillustrate a print setting dialog box according to the present embodiment. The present embodiment is different from the first embodiment (refer toFIGS.3A and3B) in that a print setting dialog box1201includes a pull-down list1202as a control for switching a quality setting method.

The user can perform detailed setting related to printing quality on the same screen by switching quality setting through the pull-down list1202. InFIGS.12A to12D, any control provided with the same number as in the first embodiment (FIGS.3A and3Brefer to) in the print setting dialog box1201is the same constituent component as in the first embodiment. Detailed description of the constituent component is omitted as appropriate.

The user can select any of “purpose setting mode” and “detailed setting mode” through the pull-down list1202. The “purpose setting mode” is a mode in which quality setting is performed through a print purpose (the pull-down list303), and the “detailed setting mode” is a mode in which various kinds of quality setting are individually performed.

FIG.12Aillustrates an example in a case where the “purpose setting mode” is selected through the pull-down list1202. The print setting dialog box1201in this case includes the pull-down list303for setting a print purpose. The user can selectively set a print purpose through the pull-down list303.

In the present embodiment, “purpose setting mode” is selected in the initial state of the pull-down list1202when the print setting dialog box1201is opened.

FIG.12Billustrates an example in a case where the “detailed setting mode” is selected through the pull-down list1202. In this case, the print setting dialog box1201includes the pull-down list311for setting printing quality, the pull-down list312for setting a color mode, and the pull-down list314for setting a matching method. The user can individually set various qualities through these pull-down lists.

In a case where the “detailed setting mode” is selected through the pull-down list1202, the print setting dialog box1201includes a color adjustment button1203in quality setting. The user can open a color adjustment dialog box1204illustrated inFIG.12Cby pressing down the color adjustment button1203and can perform various kinds of color adjustment setting in the color adjustment region313.

The color adjustment dialog box1204includes an OK button1205and a cancel button1206, and these buttons are controls for designating whether to confirm a content changed through the color adjustment dialog box1204. Specifically, the OK button1205is pressed down to confirm the content changed through the color adjustment dialog box1204, and the cancel button1206is pressed down to discard the changed content. When the OK button1205or the cancel button1206is pressed down, the color adjustment dialog box1204is closed and the print setting dialog box1201is displayed as active.

FIG.12Dillustrates the print setting dialog box in a case where the user selects the “purpose setting mode” through the pull-down list1202after changing any quality setting in a state in which the “detailed setting mode” is selected through the pull-down list1202inFIG.12B. In this case, “user setting” is set as the value of the pull-down list303as illustrated.

Processing performed when the print setting dialog box1201is closed in the present embodiment will be described below with reference toFIG.13.FIG.13is a flowchart of the processing performed when the print setting dialog box1201is closed in the present embodiment. In the following description, the same processing as in the first embodiment is denoted by the same number and detailed description thereof is omitted (refer toFIG.9).

In the present embodiment, processing at S1301is executed in a case where the OK button307in the print setting dialog box1201is pressed down (YES at S901) and history information update is accepted (that is, in the case of YES at S904or YES at S908).

At S1301, the CPU111determines whether “purpose setting mode” is selected in the pull-down list1202and “user setting” is selected in the pull-down list303in the print setting dialog box1201. The process proceeds to S1302in a case where a result of the determination at the present step is true, or the process proceeds to S907in a case where the determination result is false.

At S1302, the CPU111updates the kind-specific setting history information120by using the value of a sheet kind (the pull-down list302) and setting values in a case where quality setting is “detailed setting mode”, which are currently set in the print setting dialog box1201.

The kind-specific setting history information120in the present embodiment will be described below with reference toFIGS.14A to14D.FIGS.14A to14Deach illustrate a table in which specific contents are written as an example of the kind-specific setting history information120. In the present embodiment, unlike the first embodiment (refer toFIG.4), the table includes the column of a setting mode in which setting values set through the pull-down list1202are written in fields as values of a setting mode.

FIG.14Aillustrates the initial state of the kind-specific setting history information120according to the present embodiment, and “purpose setting mode” as the initial value of a setting mode and “normal setting” as the initial value of a print purpose are written for each kind of a printing media that can be set to the printer101.

FIG.14Billustrates, as an update example of the kind-specific setting history information120illustrated inFIG.14A, a state in which the kind-specific setting history information120is updated in “purpose setting mode”. Specifically, in the state illustrated inFIG.14A, “ordinary paper” is set through the pull-down list302, “purpose setting mode” is set through the pull-down list1202, and “CAD drawing” is set through the pull-down list303in the print setting dialog box1201. Thereafter, the kind-specific setting history information120illustrated inFIG.14Bis obtained when the user presses down the OK button307.

FIG.14Cillustrates, as an update example of the kind-specific setting history information120illustrated inFIG.14B, a state in which the kind-specific setting history information120is updated in “detailed setting mode”. Specifically, in the state illustrated inFIG.14B, “glossy paper” is set through the pull-down list302, “detailed setting mode” is set through the pull-down list1202, and “fine” is set through the pull-down list311in the print setting dialog box1201. In addition, “color” is set through the pull-down list312, “brightness +5” and “contrast +5” are set in the color adjustment region313, and “perceptive” is set through the pull-down list314. Thereafter, the kind-specific setting history information120illustrated inFIG.14Cis obtained when the user presses down the OK button307.

FIG.14Dillustrates, as an update example of the kind-specific setting history information120illustrated inFIG.14C, a state in which the kind-specific setting history information120is updated after switching to “purpose setting mode”. Specifically, in the state illustrated inFIG.14C, “coated paper” is set through the pull-down list302, “detailed setting mode” is set through the pull-down list1202, and “fast” is set through the pull-down list311in the print setting dialog box1201. In addition, “color” is set through the pull-down list312, “brightness +2” and “contrast +2” are set in the color adjustment region313, and “saturation” is set through the pull-down list314. Thereafter, “purpose setting mode” is set through the pull-down list1202, and after this setting, the kind-specific setting history information120illustrated inFIG.14Dis obtained when the OK button307is pressed down. In the print setting dialog box1201, since the final switching to “purpose setting mode” is made through the pull-down list1202, “user setting” is set in the pull-down list303for a print purpose. However, the setting mode value in data held in the kind-specific setting history information120is updated to “detailed setting mode” at S1302.

Processing at activation of the print setting dialog box1201in the present embodiment will be described below with reference toFIG.15.FIG.15is a flowchart of the processing at activation of the print setting dialog box1201in the present embodiment. In the following description, the same processing as in the first embodiment is denoted by the same number and detailed description thereof is omitted (refer toFIG.5).

In the present embodiment, the CPU111searches the kind-specific setting history information120illustrated inFIG.14Dat S506and reflects contents (values) extracted at S506onto the print setting dialog box1201at S1501.

In the following, an example in which “coated paper” is reflected onto the pull-down list302in the print setting dialog box1201at S504or S505is discussed. In this case, at S506, the kind-specific setting history information120illustrated inFIG.14Dis searched to extract the setting mode value “detailed setting mode” written in the row of “coated paper” and associated values of detailed setting (printing quality, color mode, color adjustment, and matching method). Then at S1501, the CPU111reflects the contents (values) extracted at S506onto the print setting dialog box1201.

The above description is made on the method of changing the setting value of a setting mode to “detailed setting mode” in a case where the setting value of a print purpose is “user setting” when the kind-specific setting history information120is updated. However, the present embodiment is not limited to the method. For example, when the kind-specific setting history information120is updated, the setting value of a print purpose is stored as “user setting” (the setting value of a setting mode as “purpose setting mode”). Then, at next activation of the print setting dialog box, the setting value of a setting mode may be changed to “detailed setting mode” to reflect various kinds of print setting.

In the present embodiment, in a case where the user selects “user setting” as a print purpose in print setting and updates the kind-specific setting history information120, “detailed setting mode” is automatically selected as quality setting at next activation of the print setting dialog box. Thus, the user can more easily checks details of user setting in print setting, and accordingly, usability related to print setting improves.

Other Embodiments

The above-described embodiments are also achieved by executing processing as follows. Specifically, in the processing, software (computer program) for achieving functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or an apparatus through networks or various storage media and is read and executed by a computer (such as CPU or MPU) of the system or the apparatus. The computer program may be executed by one computer or a plurality of computers in a coupled manner. Not the entire above-described processing needs to be implemented by software, but part or the entire of the processing may be implemented by hardware such as an ASIC. Moreover, not the entire processing needs to be performed by one CPU but the processing may be performed by a plurality of CPUs in appropriate cooperation.

Not only functions of the above-described examples are implemented through execution of a program code read by a computer. For example, an OS operating on the computer may perform part or all of actual processing based on an instruction by the program code, and functions of the above-described embodiments may be implemented through the processing.

According to the present disclosure, it is possible to improve usability related to print setting.

This application claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Applications No. 2023-032749, filed Mar. 3, 2023, No. 2023-156282, filed Sep. 21, 2023, and No. 2023-199024, filed Nov. 24, 2023, which are hereby incorporated by reference wherein in their entirety.