Abstract:
A computer readable storage medium in which a printer driver is stored is provided. The printer driver causes a computer to operate as a computing apparatus including: a memorizing unit that memorizes a plurality of set value combinations in each of which a set value is associated with each setting item; a selection accepting unit that displays information indicating the set value combinations in a selectable manner and accepts selection of at least one set value combination; and a set value changing unit that applies, to a part of setting items for which values have already been set, a set value for a setting item included in the set value combination the selection of which has been accepted by the selection accepting unit so as to effect a change.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     1. Technical Field 
     The present invention relates to a computer readable storage medium in which a printer driver is stored. 
     2. Related Art 
     There are various items of print settings that can be set by means of a printer driver. The settable items include, for example, page imposition, data superposition such as form overlay, stamping, and the like as well as settable parameters for adjusting image quality. 
     These days, as the functions of a printer and those of a printer driver diversify, the number of setting items is on the increase. As a solution to lighten the burden of user setting, “presetting (manufacturer-defined settings)” and “user-defined settings” are available. A combination of set values used frequently is pre-defined as presetting. A user can save desired settings arbitrarily as user-configured settings. The number of manufacturer-defined settings offered by a manufacturer is not one. The same applies for the number of user-defined settings. That is, a user can choose desired or appropriate one among a plurality of setting combinations for use. For example, the user can make selection among a plurality of print settings such as “Print with light color (or low density) for saving toner”, “Print two pages on a face of a single sheet for saving paper (2-up printing)”, “Duplex (double, face printing)”, and the like. An example of related art is disclosed in JP-A-11-149361. 
     However, it is necessary to pre-store set value combinations such as manufacturer-defined settings and user-defined settings individually. That is, it is not possible to effect a setting change for a part of setting items set in manufacturer-defined settings and user-defined settings. 
     Accordingly, in the above example, all of necessary setting combinations such as “Print lightly with two pages on each side of a single sheet in duplex”, “Print lightly with two pages on a side of a single sheet in simplex (single side printing)”, “Print lightly with one page on each side of a single sheet in duplex”, “Print with normal density with two pages on each side of a single sheet in duplex”, and the like must be saved separately. 
     SUMMARY 
     An advantage of some aspects of the invention is to provide a computer readable storage medium with a printer driver stored therein that makes it possible to effect a setting change for a part of setting items set in manufacturer-defined settings and user-defined settings. 
     In order to address the above-identified problems without any limitation thereto, a computer readable storage medium in which a printer driver is stored is provided. The printer driver causes a computer to operate as a computing apparatus including: a memorizing section that memorizes a plurality of set value combinations in each of which a set value is associated with each setting item; a selection accepting section that displays information indicating the set value combinations in a selectable manner and accepts selection of at least one set value combination; and a set value changing section that applies, to a part of setting items for which values have already been set, a set value for a setting item included in the set value combination the selection of which has been accepted by the selection accepting section so as to effect a change. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like numbers reference like elements. 
         FIG. 1  is a block diagram that schematically illustrates an example of the functional components of a printing system according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a diagram that schematically illustrates an example of the data structure of a preset registration table according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 3  is a flowchart that schematically illustrates an example of print-setting processing according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 4  is a diagram that schematically illustrates an example of a setting screen according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 5  is a diagram that schematically illustrates an example of an editing screen according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 6  is a diagram that schematically illustrates an example of a registration screen according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 7  is a diagram that schematically illustrates an example of a confirmation screen according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS 
     With reference to the accompanying drawings, an exemplary embodiment of the present invention will now be explained in detail. 
       FIG. 1  is a block diagram that schematically illustrates an example of the functional components of a printing system  10  according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the printing system  10  includes an information processing apparatus  100  and a printing apparatus  200  that are connected to each other for communication. The printing apparatus  200  is hereinafter referred to as “printer”  200 . The information processing apparatus  100  and the printer  200  may be connected to each other via a USB cable or the like. Or, the information processing apparatus  100  and the printer  200  may be connected to each other via a computer network such as the Internet, LAN, or the like. 
     The information processing apparatus  100  is a general computer that is provided with, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), a random access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), a hard disk, a display device, an input device, a communication interface, and the like. The input device includes a keyboard, a mouse, and the like. The communication interface is used for transmitting data to the printer  200  and receiving data from the printer  200 . These components of the computer  100  are not illustrated in the drawing. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the information processing apparatus  100  includes a printer driver unit  110  and a memory unit  120  as functional blocks thereof. The function of the printer driver unit  110  is implemented as a result of the execution of a computer program (i.e., printer driver). The computer program is loaded into the RAM from, for example, the ROM of the information processing apparatus  100  and is then executed by the CPU. The memory unit  120  is built as a storage device such as a ROM, a hard disk, or the like. 
     The printer driver unit  110  makes settings for printing performed by the printer  200 . In addition, the printer driver unit  110  controls the operation of the printer  200 . As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the printer driver unit  110  includes a setting unit  111  and an execution unit  112 . 
     The setting unit  111  makes print settings for the printer  200 . The print settings made by the setting unit  111  include a plurality of setting items such as print color, paper size, and the like. The setting unit  111  sets a value (i.e., set value) for each setting item. 
     The setting unit  111  may set each value individually on the basis of instructions given by a user. Or, the setting unit  111  may set values for a plurality of setting items in a batch setting process with the use of default preset values. Therefore, the setting unit  111  has stored registration information on the default preset values in the memory unit  120  in advance. The preset values are pre-stored in a preset registration table  121 . A more detailed explanation of the preset registration table  121  will be given later. 
     The setting unit  111  can apply default preset values that are different from each other or one another to the same setting item in accordance with printing conditions and/or in response to a request made by a user. To apply the different values to the same setting item, the setting unit  111  pre-stores registration information on a plurality of “print formats” in the memory unit  120  (i.e., the preset registration table  121 ). The print formats include, for example, draft printing, text-and-image printing, WEB printing, N-UP printing, user definition printing, and the like. 
     The setting unit  111  causes a display device to display a plurality of icons each of which represents the corresponding one of the plurality of print formats on the basis of registration information that is pre-stored in the memory unit  120 . When any one or more icons (i.e., at least one icon) are selected by the user, the setting unit  111  sets values for a plurality of setting items in a batch setting process with the use of the registration information on the default preset values for the selected print format(s). 
     The execution unit  112  generates print data. The execution unit  112  transmits the generated print data to the printer  200  and causes the printer  200  to perform printing on the basis of the print data. The execution unit  112  transmits a control command, which instructs the printer  200  to perform printing on the basis of the print settings made by the setting unit  111 , to the printer  200  together with the print data. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the memory unit  120  stores the preset registration table  121 . 
     The preset values for the print setting items have been stored in the preset registration table  121  in advance. 
       FIG. 2  is a diagram that schematically illustrates an example of the data structure of the preset registration table  121 . As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the preset registration table  121  is made up of a plurality of records  1216  each of which corresponds to a print format. In each record  1216 , identification information  1211  (ID) that is used for identifying the print format, selection information  1212  that indicates the state of the selection of the print format by a user, a print format name  1213  that shows the name of the print format, a category  1214  to which the print format belongs, and setting item information  1215  that is made up of set values for respective setting items of the print format are stored in association therewith. 
     The identification information (ID)  1211  includes information for identifying the print format. For example, the identification information (ID)  1211  is made up of a predetermined string of characters or the like. The string of characters may be a string of numerals or may include numerals. 
     The selection information  1212  includes information for identifying a print format that is selected by a user for print execution or print setting. For example, the selection information  1212  is made up of a set of characters such as “ON” that indicates that the corresponding print format is currently in a selected state or a set of characters such as “OFF” that indicates that the corresponding print format is not in a selected state. Or, the selection information  1212  may be an identifier that indicates the state of the selection of the corresponding print format. 
     The print format name  1213  includes information that indicates the name of the print format. A string of characters (which may include numerals) that shows a name that a user can easily associate with the content of print settings is used for the print format name  1213 . For example, “draft printing”, “text-and-image printing”, “WEB printing”, “N-UP printing”, and the like are used as the print format name  1213 . 
     The category  1214  includes information for classifying the print format. For example, the category  1214  is made up of a string of characters (which may include numerals) such as “manufacturer-defined (preset)”, “user-defined”, and the like. 
     The setting item information  1215  includes a set value that is stored for each of a plurality of setting items that are grouped into the print format. 
     Specifically, as illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the setting item information  1215  includes set values stored for the plurality of setting items in a hierarchical structure. 
     The setting item information  1215  includes collective setting item names  1221  and collective application OK/NG information  1222  that are stored in association therewith. A plurality of setting items is grouped together under the collective setting item name  1221 . The collective application OK/NG information  1222  is used for determining whether it is OK to collectively enable possible application of respective set values (default preset values) for all setting items that belong to the group under the collective setting item name  1221  thereto or not. If the collective application OK/NG identifier  1222  is set as OK, in the processing of the setting unit  111  described later, an individual judgment is made for each of the plurality of setting items that belong to the group under the collective setting item name  1221  as to whether it is OK to apply a set value for the setting item thereto with the use of an individual application OK/NG information  1225  mentioned below. On the other hand, if the collective application OK/NG identifier  1222  is set as NG, the indication of the individual application OK/NG information  1225  for each of the plurality of setting items that belong to the group under the collective setting item name  1221  is ignored. Accordingly, it is judged that the value should be applied for none of these setting items. In the illustrated example, the setting item information  1215  includes two collective setting item names  1221 . However, the number of the collective setting item names  1221  included in the setting item information  1215  is not limited to two. The number thereof may be one, or three or more. 
     For each of the plurality of setting items grouped together under the collective setting item name  1221 , the setting item information  1215  includes a setting item name  1223 , a set value  1224 , and the aforementioned individual application OK/NG information  1225  that are stored in association therewith. The setting item name  1223  indicates the name of the setting item. The set value  1224  is a value specified for the setting item. The individual application OK/NG information  1225  is used for determining whether it is OK to apply the set value  1224  thereto or not. 
     In addition, though not illustrated in the drawing, for each print format (the record  1216 ), a comment on the printing format (i.e., explanatory text) as well as a print format icon that visualizes the print format (i.e., image data) is stored in association therewith. 
     The printer  200  is provided with, for example, a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, a network interface, a print engine, an input device such as a button, a touch panel, and the like and a display device such as a display panel or the like. These components of the printer  200  are not illustrated in the drawing. The configuration of the printer  200  is not limited to the above example. For example, the printer  200  may be provided with an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), which performs specific processing. The printing apparatus  200  is not limited to a printer but may be configured as other apparatus having a printing function. For example, the printing apparatus may be a multi-function apparatus, a facsimile machine, or the like. 
     The printer  200  includes at least a print execution unit  210  as a functional block thereof. The function of the print execution unit  210  is implemented as a result of the execution of a computer program loaded into the RAM of the printer  200  by the CPU thereof and the operation of the print engine thereof. Or, the function of the print execution unit  210  may be implemented as a result of the operation of a dedicated ASIC or the like. 
     The print execution unit  210  prints out print data transmitted from the information processing apparatus  100 . Specifically, the print execution unit  210  receives print data generated by the execution unit  112  of the printer driver unit  110  of the information processing apparatus  100  as well as a control command for printing. Following the received control command, the print execution unit  210  controls the operation of the print engine for printing out the received print data. In a case where the print data received from the printer driver unit  110  is not available for direct printing, the print execution unit  210  performs predetermined image processing on the received print data to convert the format of the data into one that can be processed for printing. Thereafter, the print execution unit  210  performs print processing. 
     Next, the characteristic operation of the printing system  10  that has the above configuration is explained below.  FIG. 3  is a flowchart that schematically illustrates an example of print-setting processing performed by the information processing apparatus  100 . 
     When a user operates an input device to give instructions for making print settings, the printer driver unit  110  of the information processing apparatus  100  receives the instructions. Upon receiving the instructions, the printer driver unit starts print-setting processing. 
     As a first step of the print setting, the setting unit  111  of the printer driver unit  110  reads a default preset value from the preset registration table  121  (step S 101 ). Specifically, the setting unit  111  searches for a record  1216  whose selection information  1212  is set ON in the preset registration table  121 . Then, the setting unit  111  reads out the setting item information  1215  that is contained in the retrieved record  1216 . 
     Next, the setting unit causes the display device such as a display panel to display a setting screen  300  (step S 102 ). 
       FIG. 4  is a diagram that schematically illustrates an example of the setting screen  300  that is displayed under the control of the setting unit  111 . As illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the setting screen  300  includes a Basic Settings tab  310 , an Advanced Layout tab  320 , an Optional Settings tab  330 , and a Setting Information tab  340 . The setting unit  111  causes the display device to display a setting screen for each of the tabs  310 ,  320 ,  330 , and  340 . The setting screens displayed for these tabs differ from one to another. The setting unit  111  accepts various print settings made on these setting screens. For example, when a user selects the Basic Settings tab  310 , the setting unit  111  causes the display device to display a setting screen that is used for making basic print settings such as color-print setting, paper-size setting, and the like. Various print settings made on this setting screen are accepted. When the user selects the Setting Information tab  340 , the setting unit  111  causes the display device to display a setting screen that is used for, for example, adding/deleting a setting item to/from the plurality of setting items that make up the print format and changing a set value (default preset value) of each setting item. Various print settings made on this setting screen are accepted. When the user selects none of the tabs  310 ,  320 ,  330 , and  340 , the setting unit  111  judges that the Basic Settings tab  310  is currently selected. In this case, the basic setting screen is displayed as illustrated in the example of  FIG. 4 . 
     In the setting screen  300 , a category area ( 410 ,  420 , - - - ) is provided for each category under which the print formats fall. In the illustrated example, three category areas  410 ,  420 , and  430  are provided for three categories, that is, Category A, Category B, and Category C. The ratio of the sizes of, the respective category areas  410 ,  420 , and  430  is determined in proportion to the number of the print formats that fall under each category. For example, the ratio of the display widths of the respective category areas  410 ,  420 , and  430  is determined in proportion to the number of the print formats that fall under each category. The setting unit  111  refers to the preset registration table  121  to count the number of the records  1216  that have the same category  1214 . Then, depending on the ratio of the number of the records  1216  counted for the respective categories, the ratio of the sizes of the respective category areas  410 ,  420 , and  430 , for example, the ratio of the display widths thereof, is determined. Accordingly, the number of the category areas that are displayed on the setting screen  300  is determined on the basis of the number of types of the category  1214  that is stored in the preset registration table  121 . Regardless of which tab  310 ,  320 ,  330 , or  340  described above is currently selected, the category areas  410 ,  420 , and  430  are displayed. 
     As illustrated in the enlarged view part of  FIG. 4 , each of the category areas  410 ,  420 , and  430  includes a left scroll button  411   a , a right scroll button  411   b , print format icons  412  ( a, b , and  c ), and radio buttons  413  ( a, b , and  c ). 
     The left scroll button  411   a  is a button that scrolls the print format icons  412  in the category area  410  in order to display other print format icons  412  that are not currently shown in the category area  410 . The right scroll button  411   b  is also a button that scrolls the print format icons  412  in the category area  410  in order to display other print format icons  412  that are not currently shown in the category area  410 . 
     As explained above, each of the print format icons  412   a ,  412   b , and  412   c  is an icon that is associated with a print format (a record  1216 ) in the preset registration table  121  and displayed for the corresponding print format. The setting unit  111  causes the display device to display the print format icons  412  ( a, b , and  c ) in accordance with the sequential order of the records  1216  that are stored in the preset registration table  121  in the category area ( 410 ,  420 ,  430 ). 
     The radio buttons  413   a ,  413   b , and  413   c  are a set of buttons used for selecting a setting target print format or an editing target print format. At each time when the setting screen  300  is displayed, the setting unit  111  identifies the record  1216  whose setting information  1212  is set ON in the preset registration table  121  (step S 101 ). Then, the setting unit  111  places a dot mark in (i.e., checks) the radio button  413   a ,  413   b , or  413   c  for the print format corresponding to the identified record  1216 . 
     Referring back to  FIG. 3 , in a step S 102 , the setting unit  111  accepts the selection (change) of any radio button  413   a ,  413   b , or  413   c  in the category area ( 410 ,  420 ,  430 ). 
     Subsequently, the setting unit  111  judges whether a user has given instructions for editing setting information on the print format that corresponds to the selected radio button  413   a ,  413   b , or  413   c  (step S 103 ). Specifically, the setting unit  111  judges that instructions for editing setting information are given when the user selects the Setting Information tab  340  through the manipulation of the input device. The setting unit  111  judges that instructions for editing setting information are not given if manipulation other than the selection of the Setting Information tab  340  is performed by the user. 
     If the setting unit  111  judges that the editing of setting information on the print format is instructed (step S 103 : YES), the process proceeds to a step S 108 . If the setting unit  111  judges that the editing of setting information on the print format is not instructed (step S 103 : NO), the process proceeds to a step S 104 . 
     When the process proceeds to the step S 108 , the setting unit  111  causes the display device such as a display panel to display an editing screen  500 . 
       FIG. 5  is a diagram that schematically illustrates an example of the editing screen  500  that is displayed under the control of the setting unit  111  (step S 108 ). As illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the editing screen  500  includes a print format list  510 , a setting item list  520 , a comment field  530 , a display order UP button  540 , a display order DOWN button  550 , a New Category button  560 , and a Save/Delete button  570 . 
     A list of print format icons each of which indicates the corresponding print format is displayed in the print format list  510 . As illustrated therein, each print format icon is displayed in a section area corresponding to a category under which the corresponding print format falls. Dotted lines demarcate these category areas. The print format icon  511  that is currently selected by the user through the operation of the input device is indicated in highlighted display. The setting unit  111  retrieves the record  1216  corresponding to the selected print format icon  511  from the preset registration table  121 . In addition, the comment that is linked with the retrieved record  1216  is displayed in the comment field  530 . 
     The order of the arrangement of the print format icons can be changed in the print format list  510 . 
     When a user clicks the display order UP button  540  with the use of the input device, the setting unit  111  moves the print format icon  511  that is currently selected up by one row in the display list. In accordance with the upward shifting of the selected print format icon  511 , the setting unit  111  searches for the record  1216  corresponding to the selected print format icon  511  in the preset registration table  121  and changes the sequential position of the found record  1216  that is stored therein. The setting unit  111  may move the print format icon  511  that is currently selected from one category to another. That is, the setting unit  111  may move the selected print format icon  511  across a dotted category partition line. 
     In like manner, when a user clicks the display order DOWN button  550  with the use of the input device, the setting unit  111  moves the print format icon  511  that is currently selected down by one row in the display list. In accordance with the downward shifting of the selected print format icon  511 , the setting unit  111  searches for the record  1216  corresponding to the selected print format icon  511  in the preset registration table  121  and changes the sequential position of the found record  1216  that is stored therein. 
     A new category can be added to the print format list  510 . When the user clicks the New Category button  560  with the use of the input device, the setting unit  111  creates an area for a new category in the print format list  510 . A tentative print format icon, for example, a plain print format icon, is displayed in the created area. 
     A list of setting items for the print format (the print format icon  511 ) that is currently selected in the print format list  510  is displayed in the setting item list  520 . The setting unit  111  retrieves the record  1216  corresponding to the print format icon  511  that is currently selected in the print format list  510  from the preset registration table  121 . The setting item list  520  is displayed on the basis of the data structure of the setting item information  1215  that is associated with the retrieved record  1216 . That is, the setting unit  111  causes the display device to display a set value for each of the plurality of setting items that are stored as the setting item information  1215  in a hierarchical display structure. 
     As illustrated in the enlarged view part of  FIG. 5 , higher-level layer boxes  521   a  and lower-level layer boxes  521   b  are displayed in the setting item list  520  in a tree structure. The higher-level layer boxes  521   a  reflect the set state of the collective application OK/NG information  1222  of the setting item information  1215 . The lower-level layer boxes  521   b  reflect the set state of the individual application OK/NG information  1225  thereof. For example, if the collective application OK/NG identifier  1222  is set as OK, a checkmark is placed in the higher-level layer box  521   a . If the individual application OK/NG identifier  1225  is set as OK, a checkmark is placed in the lower-level layer box  521   b . If the collective application OK/NG identifier  1222  is set as NG, a blank higher-level layer box  521   a  is displayed without a checkmark. If the individual application OK/NG identifier  1225  is set as NG, a blank lower-level layer box  521   b  is displayed without a checkmark. 
     When a user operates the input device to touch the higher-level layer box  521   a  or the lower-level layer box  521   b  that is displayed in the setting item list  520 , the setting unit  111  changes the check state of the box. That is, if a checkmark is placed in the box when the user touches the box, the checkmark is removed. If no checkmark is placed in the box when the user touches the box, a checkmark is placed in the box. 
     As illustrated in the enlarged view part of  FIG. 5 , a collective setting item name  522   a  is displayed next to each higher-level layer box  521   a  in the setting item list  520 . A setting item name  522   b  is displayed next to each lower-level layer box  521   b . In addition, a set value  523   a  is displayed for each lower-level layer box  521   b  next to the setting item name  522   b . The setting unit  111  reads the collective setting item name  1221  out of the preset registration table  121  and then shows the read name as the collective setting item names  522   a . In addition, the setting unit  111  reads the setting item name  1223  and the set value  1224  that is associated with the setting item name  1223  out of the preset registration table  121  and then shows the read name and the read value as the setting item name  522   b  and the set value  523   a , respectively. 
     When the user operates the input device to touch the set value  523   a  that is displayed in the setting item list  520 , the setting unit  111  causes the display device to display a selection box  524  as illustrated in the enlarged view part of  FIG. 5 . Candidates of applicable set values are presented in the selection box  524  as choices. The setting unit  111  accepts the selection of one set value. 
     The Save/Delete button  570  is a button that is used for registering a change made on the higher-level layer box  521   a , the lower-level layer box  521   b , the set value  523   a , or the like, which was accepted in the setting item list  520 . Or, the Save/Delete button  570  can be used for deleting the print format that is currently selected in the print format list  510 . 
     The setting unit  111  causes the display device to continuously display the editing screen  500  until instructions for registration are given after the displaying of the editing screen  500 . For continuous display, it is judged in a step S 109  whether registration is instructed or not. 
     When the setting unit  111  judges that instructions for registration (or deletion) are given (step S 109 : YES), the process proceeds to a step S 110 . Specifically, when the user clicks the Save/Delete button  570  through the manipulation of the input device, the setting unit  111  judges that instructions for registration (or deletion) are given. Accordingly, the process proceeds to the step S 110 . 
     When the process proceeds to the step S 110 , the setting unit  111  causes the display device such as a display panel to display a registration screen  600 . 
       FIG. 6  is a diagram that schematically illustrates an example of the registration screen  600  that is displayed under the control of the setting unit  111  (step S 110 ). As illustrated in  FIG. 6 , the registration screen  600  includes a registered list  610 , a name field  620 , a category selection pull-down box  630 , a comment creation field  640 , an icon assignment field  650 , a Save button  660 , a Delete button  670 , and a Cancel button  680 . 
     A list of the print formats that have already been saved in the preset registration table  121  is displayed in the registered list  610 . Specifically, the setting unit  111  reads out the print format names  1213  that are respectively contained in all of the records  1216  stored in the preset registration table  121  and then causes the display device to display the read names therein. 
     The name of the print format that is selected in the print format list  510  of the editing screen  500 , that is, the print format name  1213  thereof, is displayed in the name field  620 . When the user desires to rename the print format (i.e., the print format name  1213 ), the setting unit  111  accepts a change to a desired name, which is inputted through the user&#39;s manipulation of the input device. Or, when a new print format is created, the setting unit  111  accepts the naming thereof as desired through the user&#39;s manipulation of the input device. 
     Candidates of categories that are available for selection are presented in the category selection pull-down box  630 . The setting unit  111  reads out all types of the category  1214  that are stored in the preset registration table  121  and causes the display device to display the read category types in the category selection pull-down box  630  as available choices. The setting unit  111  accepts the selection of one category. 
     A comment (i.e., explanatory text) that is to be displayed in the comment field  530  of the editing screen  500  is displayed in the comment creation field  640 . 
     Notwithstanding the above, when a new print format is created, the setting unit  111  accepts the inputting of a desired comment through the user&#39;s manipulation of the input device. 
     In addition to the print format icon of the print format that is selected in the print format list  510  of the editing screen  500 , a list of print format icons that are available for assignment (change) is displayed in the icon assignment field  650 . The print format icons that are available for assignment have been stored in the memory unit  120  in advance. The setting unit  111  reads the available print format icons out of the memory unit  120  and then causes the display unit to display them in the icon assignment field  650 . 
     The Save button  660  is a button for registering (i.e., recording) set values for the print format that is selected in the print format list  510  of the editing screen  500 . 
     For example, when the user touches the Save button  660  through the manipulation of the input device, the setting unit  111  stores the input content accepted on the editing screen  500  or the registration screen  600  into the preset registration table  121 . 
     Specifically, the setting unit  111  retrieves the record  1216  corresponding to the print format (the print format icon  511 ) selected in the print format list  510  of the editing screen  500  and then overwrites the print format name  1213  of the retrieved record  1216  with the name that was inputted in the name field  620 . In like manner, the setting unit  111  overwrites the category  1214  of the retrieved record  1216  with one that was selected in the category selection pull-down box  630 . In addition, the setting unit  111  overwrites the setting item information  1215  of the retrieved record  1216  with data (the higher-level layer boxes  521   a , the lower-level layer boxes  521   b , the collective setting item names  522   a , the setting item names  522   b , and the set values  523   a ) of the setting item list  520 . Moreover, the setting unit  111  overwrites the comment (i.e., explanatory text) linked with the retrieved record  1216  with one that was inputted in the comment creation field  640 . Furthermore, the setting unit  111  overwrites the print format icon of the print format in the retrieved record  1216  with one that was assigned thereto in the icon assignment field  650 . As a result of the processing explained above, various settings on the print format are registered. 
     The Delete button  670  is a button that is used for deleting the print format that is selected in the print format list  510 . For example, when the user touches the Delete button  670  through the manipulation of the input device, the setting unit  111  deletes the record  1216  corresponding to the print format (the print format icon  511 ) selected in the print format list  510  of the editing screen  500  from the preset registration table  121 . 
     The Cancel button  680  is a button that is used for canceling the setting input of the print format. For example, when the user touches the Cancel button  680  through the operation of the input device, the setting unit  111  discards all of the input content accepted on the editing screen  500  or the registration screen  600 . 
     Referring back to  FIG. 3 , when the user touches any of the Save button  660 , the Delete button  670 , and the Cancel button  680  during the display of the registration screen  600  explained above, the setting unit  111  returns the procedure to the step S 102 . Accordingly, the setting screen  300  is displayed again. 
     As the other branch of the illustrated processing flow, if the process proceeds from the step S 103  to the step S 104 , that is, if operation other than the selection of the Setting Information tab  340  has been performed by the user on the setting screen  300 , the setting unit  111  judges whether the user&#39;s command has been issued for the purpose of terminating the ongoing print-setting processing or not (step S 104 ). An End button that is not illustrated in the drawing is provided in the setting screen  300 . If the End button is touched, the setting unit  111  judges that the print-setting processing should be terminated. If the End button is not touched, the setting unit  111  judges that instructions other than one for the termination of the print-setting processing are given currently and thus judges that the print-setting processing should not be terminated. 
     If it is judged that the instructions have been issued for the purpose of terminating the print-setting processing (step S 104 : YES), the setting unit  111  terminates the print-setting processing. 
     If it is judged that other instructions that are not intended for terminating the print-setting processing have been issued (step S 104 : NO), a series of processing from the step S 102  inclusive to the step S 104  inclusive is repeated until it is judged in a step S 105  that the confirmation of the print settings accepted in the step S 102 , the step S 108 , or the step S 110  is instructed. The setting unit  111  judges that the instructions for confirmation are given when the user touches a Confirm button on the setting screen  300 . The Confirm button of the setting screen  300  is not illustrated in the drawing. 
     When it is judged that the instructions for confirming the print settings are given currently (step S 105 : YES), the setting unit  111  causes the display device to display a confirmation screen  700  (step S 106 ). 
       FIG. 7  is a diagram that schematically illustrates an example of the confirmation screen  700  that is displayed under the control of the setting unit  111  (step S 106 ). As illustrated in  FIG. 7 , the confirmation screen  700  includes a setting item confirmation area  440 , an OK button  450 , and a Cancel button  460 . The setting item confirmation area  440  is used for displaying a list of print setting items for the execution of printing. 
     When the radio button  413  ( a, b, c ) shown in the category area ( 410 ,  420 ,  430 ) is selected during the display of the confirmation screen  700 , the setting unit  111  causes the display device to display set values for the print format that corresponds to the selected radio button  413  (a, b, c) in the setting item confirmation area  440 . 
     Specifically, the setting unit  111  searches for the record  1216  for the print format that corresponds to the selected radio button  413  ( a, b, c ) in the preset registration table  121 . Then, the setting unit  111  identifies the collective setting item name(s)  1221  that is contained in the setting item information  1215  of the found record  1216  and is associated with the collective application OK/NG information  1222  that is set as OK. In addition, for the plurality of setting items that are grouped together under the identified collective setting item name  1221 , the setting unit  111  identifies all of the setting item names  1223  each of which is associated with the individual application OK/NG information  1225  that is set as OK. Then, the setting unit  111  reads out the identified setting item names  1223  and the set values  1224  that are respectively associated with the setting item names  1223 . The read setting item names  1223  and the read set values  1224  are displayed in the setting item confirmation area  440 . 
     More than one radio button  413  ( a, b, c ) may be selected on the confirmation screen  700 . In a case where more than one radio button  413  ( a, b, c ) is selected, the same processing as above for a case where a single radio button  413  ( a, b, c ) is selected is performed for each of the plurality of selected radio buttons  413  ( a, b, c ). That is, for each of the plurality of selected radio buttons  413  ( a, b, c ), the setting unit  111  identifies all of the setting item names  1223  each of which is associated with the individual application OK/NG information  1225  that is set as OK and then reads out the identified setting item names  1223  and the set values  1224  that are respectively associated with the setting item names  1223 . In a case where the setting item name  1223  is included redundantly, for example, the set value  1224  associated with the print format corresponding to the last-selected radio button  413  (a, b, c) only is read out and displayed in the setting item confirmation area  440 . 
     When the user touches the OK button  450  during the display of the confirmation screen  700 , the process proceeds to a step S 107 . The setting unit  111  performs processing for applying the set values  1224  displayed in the setting item confirmation area  440  to printing (step S 107 ). The processing performed in this step may be hereinafter referred to as “print-setting application processing”. The setting unit  111  stores the set values  1224  displayed in the setting item confirmation area  440  into a predetermined memory area that has been allocated in advance for print setting. At the time of the creation of print data, the execution unit  112  reads the set values  1224  out of the memory area to generate the aforementioned control command. 
     Upon the completion of the print-setting application processing, the print-setting processing ends. 
     On the other hand, when the user touches the Cancel button  460  during the display of the confirmation screen  700 , the print-setting processing is terminated without performing the print-setting application processing of the step S 107 . 
     Since the print-setting processing explained above is performed with the use of the information processing apparatus  100 , it is possible to make a setting change for a part of items set on a print-format-by-print-format basis into other set values. That is, it is not necessary for a user to individually set the set values of all setting items. Therefore, it is possible to make print settings easily. 
     The scope of the invention is not limited to an exemplary embodiment described above. The invention may be modified, adapted, changed, or improved in a variety of modes in its actual implementation. 
     For example, in the foregoing description of an exemplary embodiment of the invention, it is explained that if the setting item name  1223  is included redundantly when more than one radio button  413  ( a, b, c ) is selected on the confirmation screen  700 , the setting unit  111  reads out the set value  1224  associated with the print format corresponding to the last-selected radio button  413  (a, b, c) only so that it is displayed in the setting item confirmation area  440 . However, the scope of the invention is not limited to such an example. For example, in a case where the setting item name  1223  is included redundantly, the setting unit  111  may read out only the set value  1224  that is the last one set in the setting item list  520  of the editing screen  500 . In such a modification example, in order to read out the last set value only, the setting unit  111  pre-stores the sequential order of settings made in the setting item list  520  in association with the set values  1224 . 
     The entire disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. 2008-268323, filed Oct. 17, 2008 is expressly incorporated by reference herein.