Patent Publication Number: US-2005134891-A1

Title: Image processing apparatus

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
      1. Field of the Invention  
      This invention relates to an image processing apparatus.  
      2. Description of Related Art  
      Conventionally, with printers, when printing is executed with use of an application program, i.e., an application, such as a word processing program installed in a host apparatus such as, e.g., a personal computer, a printing setting dialog corresponding to a driver for the printer is to be displayed, to confirm or to change details of the printing setting, on a screen of a displaying apparatus on the host apparatus (ref., e.g., Japanese Patent Application Publication No. JA10-211751).  
       FIG. 2  is the first view showing a display example of printing instruction with an application;  FIG. 3  is a view showing a display example of a printing dialog with the application;  FIG. 4  is a view showing a display example of a printing setting dialog corresponding to a driver for a printer executing printing; and  FIG. 5  is the second view showing a display example of printing instruction with the application.  
      Where the printing is executed with using a generally used application, the printing dialog such as shown in  FIG. 3  is displayed in selecting a “print” menu from a “file” menu of the application displayed on the screen of the displaying apparatus on the host apparatus as shown in  FIG. 2 . In a case of selecting the printer executing printing from the printing dialog and further selecting, upon clicking, a “property” button as shown by M 1  in  FIG. 3  or a “detail setting” button not shown, the printing setting dialog corresponding to the driver for the printer executing printing is displayed as shown in  FIG. 4 . The operator, furthermore, confirms setting contents shown in the printing setting dialog, and if necessary, changes the setting, thereby closing the screen of the printing setting dialog corresponding to the driver for the printing upon clicking an “OK” button. Subsequently, in the screen of the printing dialog, when the operator carries out printing start instruction by clicking the “OK” button, the application starts a printing processing.  
      Even if the “file” menu or the “printing” menu is not selected, where displaying a printing icon at the toolbar as shown at M 2  in  FIG. 5 , the application can also start the printing processing by the clicking of the printing icon without displaying the printing dialog.  
      There is, furthermore, a case where the printing processing can immediately start since the application for recognizing the document file is run upon dragging and dropping a document file as a printing object to the icon of the printer executing the printing in an aggregate folder of printer icons, referred to as a “printer” or a “printer and facsimile” folder, i.e., upon putting a pointer over the document file icon and moving a mouse with clicking the button, thereby releasing the button over the printer icon.  
      When starting the printing processing, the application draws, with use of a graphic function of an OS (Operating system), printing data to be printed. In that case, the operating system is to call the driver for the printer to transfer the printing data drawing of the application thereto. The driver for the printer, furthermore, converts, based on the printer driver&#39;s printing setting set with the application or on the standard printing setting, the printing data drawing of the application into a printing controlling code interpretable to the printer, thereby transmitting the printing controlling code to the printer. The printing is thus carried out.  
      With the aforementioned conventional printer, however, it is necessary to open the printing setting dialog corresponding to the driver for the printer by clicking the “property” or the “detail setting” button to change the details of the printing setting in executing the printing with displaying the printing dialog from the application, but a name specified as “property” is not a direct expression for meaning the details of the printing setting. Therefore, some operator exists, such as not recognizing that the details of the printing setting can be set upon clicking the “property” button. In that case, useful functions end up unutilized sufficiently.  
      This invention is aimed to solve the aforementioned conventional problems and to provide an image processing apparatus capable of notifying the operators who do not have adequate understanding about the displaying method of the details of the printing setting by displaying the dialog for confirming or changing the details of the printing setting after starting the printing processing with the application, and capable of reducing useless printed material by enabling the operator to obtain his intending printing results.  
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
      To achieve the above, an image processing apparatus has a displaying unit for displaying, upon input of printing start instruction, information based on printing setting information; a timer for measuring time from the displaying start of the displaying unit; and a data converter for converting printing data into printing controlling data based on the printing setting information at a time when the timer reaches a prescribed amount, and forms an image by transmitting the printing controlling data to an image forming unit.  
      According to this invention, the image processing apparatus can notify an operator who does not recognizes a method for displaying details of the printing setting, about the detailed setting upon displaying a dialog for confirming or changing the details of the printing setting after a start of a printing processing with an application, and furthermore can reduce useless printed materials upon enabling the operator to obtain his intending printing results.  
      Additionally, in a case of displaying of a confirmation dialog for the printing setting details, when certain time passes without any input by the operator, the printing is automatically continued, so delay in the printing can be avoided. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       FIG. 1  is a block diagram showing a composition of an image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment of this invention;  
       FIG. 2  is the first view showing a display example of printing instruction with an application;  
       FIG. 3  is a view showing a display example of a printing dialog with an application;  
       FIG. 4  is a view showing a display example of a printing setting dialog corresponding to a driver for a printer executing a printing;  
       FIG. 5  is the second view showing a display example of printing instruction with an application;  
       FIG. 6  is a view showing a display example of printing setting information according to the first embodiment of this invention;  
       FIG. 7  is a flow chart showing operation of a printer driver according to the first embodiment of this invention;  
       FIG. 8  is a flow chart showing a subroutine for a printing setting information displaying and changing processing with a timer according to the first embodiment of this invention;  
       FIG. 9  is a flow chart showing a subroutine for a timer processing according to the first embodiment of this invention;  
       FIG. 10  is a view showing a display view of printing setting information according to the second embodiment of this invention;  
       FIG. 11  is a flow chart showing a subroutine for processing a printing setting information displaying and changing processing with a timer according to the second embodiment of this invention;  
       FIG. 12  is the first view showing a display view of printing setting information according to the third embodiment of this invention;  
       FIG. 13  is the second view showing a display view of printing setting information according to the third embodiment of this invention;  
       FIG. 14  is a flow chart showing a subroutine for printing setting information displaying and changing processing with a timer according to the third embodiment of this invention;  
       FIG. 15  is a view showing a display view of printing setting information according to the fourth embodiment of this invention;  
       FIG. 16  is a flow chart showing operation of a printer driver according to the fourth embodiment of this invention;  
       FIG. 17  is a block diagram showing a composition of an image processing apparatus according to the fifth embodiment of this invention;  
       FIG. 18  is a view showing a display example of printing setting information according to the fifth embodiment of this invention; and  
       FIG. 19  is a flow chart showing operation of a printer driver according to the fifth embodiment of this invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION  
      Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of this invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.  
       FIG. 1  is a block diagram showing a composition of an image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment of this invention.  
      In the figure, numeral  10  is an image processing apparatus having, from the view point to functions, an application  11 , an operating system  20 , a displaying unit, an inputting unit, a printer driver  40 , and an image forming unit. Herein, the image processing apparatus  10  has, from the view point to hardware, for example: an operation means such as a CPU, a MPU or the like, e.g., a personal computer, a server, a workstation; a memory means such as a magnetic disk, a semiconductor memory, or the like; an input means such as a keyboard, a mouse, or the like; an displaying means such as a CRT, a liquid crystal display, or the like; a host apparatus serving as a computer having input/output interfaces, and a printing apparatus having image forming functions, such as a printer, a photocopier, a facsimile machine, or the like. In that case, the host apparatus and the printing apparatus can be composed as separated and independent to each other, so those apparatuses may be connected to be mutually communicable with a network such as, e.g., communication cable, a LAN (Local Area Network), a WAN (Wide Area Network), an intranet, or the Internet, or may be composed in a unified manner as being a single apparatus.  
      It is to be noted that the description herein is made, for convenience of explanation, as the image processing apparatus  10  is a kind of an image forming system composed of the host apparatus and the printing apparatus composed as mutually independent separated apparatuses. In that case, in Figures, an displaying apparatus  31  functions as the displaying unit; an inputting apparatus  32  functions as the inputting unit; and a printing apparatus  51  functions as the image forming unit. Additionally, the application  11 , the operating system  20 , the displaying apparatus  31 , the inputting apparatus  31 , the inputting apparatus  32 , and the printer driver  40  are belonging to the host apparatus.  
      The application  11  is an application program for generating and printing a document to be printed, whereas the operating system  20  has a graphic device interface  21  for providing graphic drawings (hereinafter, referred to as “printing data drawing”) not depending on output used for printing of the document with the application  11 . It is to be noted that the documents of the application  11  as well as information for carrying out printing start instruction for the document, or the like are displayed on the displaying apparatus  31 , but data displayed on the displaying apparatus  31  are administrated with the operating system  20 , and are displayed by a method for, e.g., displaying upon writing other information over a screen already displayed.  
      The data displayed on the displaying apparatus  31  may be in any format of a figure, a letter or character, an image or the like, but in this embodiment, those data are displayed by a method referred to as a GUI (Graphical User Interface). It is to be noted that the inputting apparatus  32  notifies a module about a demand from an operator with regard to waiting for the demand from the operator occurring during an execution process of the printing. Additionally, a printing method of the printing apparatus  51  may be any kind of the printing methods such as, e.g., an inkjet method, an electrophotostatic method or xerography method, and a thermal transfer method. It is to be noted that the operating system  20  administrates the application  11 , the displaying apparatus  31 , the inputting apparatus  32 , and the printing apparatus  51 .  
      The printer driver  40  has: a printing instruction and data receiver  41  for receiving the printing start instruction and the printing data drawing carried out via the graphic device interface  21 , for printing the document with the application  11 ; a printing setting information displaying and changing unit  42  serving as a printing setting information changing inputting unit for displaying the printing setting information such as, e.g., a printed format of the printing data and for receiving a change from the operator; a timer unit  43  serving as a timer for measuring time in which the printing setting information displaying and changing unit  42  displays a current setting and carries out the displaying of the current setting after the application  11  carries out the printing start instruction for the document; a printing setting information memory  44  for memorizing the printing setting information such as, e.g., the printed format of the printing data of the application  11  received with the printing instruction and data receiver  41 ; a printing data converter  45  serving as a converter for converting based on the printing setting information memorized in the printing setting information memory  44 , the printing data drawing of the application  11  received with the printing instruction and data receiver  41  into printing controlling data  46  depending on the printing apparatus  51 ; the converted printing controlling data  46 ; and a data transmitter  47  for transmitting the printing controlling data  46  to the printing apparatus  51 .  
      It is to be noted that the printing setting information memorized in the printing setting memory  44  and used as a basis when the printing data converter  45  executes the conversion into the printing controlling data  46 , is information for designating the printed format of the printing data, such as printing paper size, paper source, resolution, layout method, orientation, or the like.  
      The image processing apparatus  10  thus constituted operates as follows.  FIG. 6  is a view showing a display example of the printing setting information according to the first embodiment of this invention;  FIG. 7  is a flow chart showing operation of the printer driver according to the first embodiment of this invention;  FIG. 8  is a flow chart showing a subroutine for the printing setting information displaying and changing processing with the timer according to the first embodiment of this invention; and  FIG. 9  is a flow chart showing a subroutine for the timer processing according to the first embodiment of this invention.  
      First, in a case of printing the document generated with the application  11 , the operator is to carry out operation such as, for example, selecting a “printing” menu from a “file” menu of the application  11  such as shown in  FIG. 2 , as explained above for the related arts, displaying a printing dialog such as shown in  FIG. 3 , as explained above likewise, selecting the printer performing the printing from the printing dialog, and clicking the “OK” button.  
      In that case, the application  11  first retrieves the printing setting information of the printer driver  40  for the selected printing apparatus  51  with using the function provided by the operating system  20  or by the graphic device interface  21 . The operator then, upon manipulating the inputting apparatus  32 , selects the menu or clicks the button, for printing the document generated by the application  11 .  
      Subsequently, the application  11  displays, according to the operation method by the operator, the printing dialog such as shown in  FIG. 3 . Furthermore, where the operator selects a “property” button upon the clicking operation, the application  11  renders, via the graphic device interface  21 , the printing setting information displaying and changing unit  42  of the printer driver display a printing setting screen such as shown in  FIG. 4 , as explained above on the displaying apparatus  31 . The application  11  then allows the operator select his desired printing setting information with use of the inputting apparatus  32 .  
      In the screen of the printing dialog, subsequently, when the operator clicks the “OK” button, the application  11  notifies, with the graphic device interface  21 , the printer driver  40  about the printing setting information while carrying out the printing start instruction. Where the printing instruction and data receiver  41  receives the printing start instruction, the printer driver  40  memorizes the current printing setting information designated with the application  11  in the printing setting information memory  44  and suspends receptions of, via the graphic device interface  21 , the printing data from the application  11 . Herein, in a case of no concrete means for suspending, e.g., in a case of a system in which the processing does not proceed without responding to the calling of this time to the printer driver  40 , the processing inside the driver may preferably continue without responding to the calling.  
      Subsequently, the printing setting information displaying and changing unit  42  retrieves a setting value (hereinafter, referred to as “bDispEnable” or “value of bDispEnable”) indicating, according to the printing start instruction, as to whether the printing setting is to be displayed on the displaying apparatus  31  based on the printing setting information as well as a setting value (hereinafter, referred to as “Time Out” or “value of Time Out”) for a time-out of time during the displaying of the printing setting information on the displaying apparatus  31 . The above described bDispEnable and Time Out are to be set prior to start of the printing with the application  11 , upon the operator&#39;s use of the displaying apparatus  31  and the inputting apparatus  32 . When the operator does not set those values, default values previously set are used.  
      The printer driver  40  makes the judgment, according to whether or not the Time Out is equal to zero, as to whether the printing setting information is to be displayed on the displaying apparatus  31 . Herein, the printing setting information is to be displayed where the bDispEnable is TRUE in a Boolean value, whereas the printing setting information is not to be displayed where the bDispEnable is FALSE in the Boolean value. Additionally, the Time Out indicates the period of time up to the time-out. According to this embodiment, the bDispEable converges on the setting value for the Time Out, and where the Time Out is equal to zero, the bDispEnable is synonymous with a FALSE state, whereas where the Time Out is not equal to zero, the bDispEnable is synonymous with a TRUE state. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the values of the bDiapEnable and the Time Out are held as the printing setting information but may be defined by other memory means.  
      Where the Time Out is not equal to zero, i.e., where the bDispEnable is TRUE, the printing setting information displaying and changing unit  42  displays the printing setting information on the displaying unit  31  based on the printing setting information memorized in the printing setting information memory  44 , or namely performs the printing setting information displaying and changing processing with the timer. In that case, the printing setting information displaying and changing unit  42  displays, based on the printing setting information, the printing setting information having contents such as, e.g., Paper size, Paper source, Paper thickness, Layout, Resolution, and Orientation, memorized in the memory  44  as shown in  FIG. 6 .  
      Next, the timer unit  43  carries out the timer processing. In that case, the timer unit  43  retrieves the time-out time from parameters, thereby storing the time-out time in the Time Out. The timer unit  43  stores the current time in Start Time as the displaying starting time. The timer unit  43  subsequently makes the comparison between the current time and the Start Time, thereby making the judgment as to whether the current time passes over the time-out time from the Start Time. The timer unit  43  waits until the time-out time passes, completes the timer processing when the time-out time passes, deletes the printing setting information displayed on the displaying unit  31 , and completes the displaying of the printing setting information.  
      Receptions of the printing data from the application  11  are subsequently started, and the printing data converter  45  converts, based on the printing setting information stored in the printing setting memory  44 , the printing data drawing received with the printing instruction and data receiver  41  from the application  11  into the printing controlling data  46  depending on the printing apparatus  51 . The data transmitter  47  then transmits the printing controlling data  46  to the printing apparatus  51 , so the printing apparatus  51  forms the images to carry out the corresponding printing.  
      The flow chart showing the operation of the printer driver  40  is explained next. The printer driver  40  receives printing start instruction from the application  11  at the step S 1 . The printer driver  40  stores the current printing setting information of the application  11  at the step S 2 . The receiving of the printing data of the application  11  is suspended at the step S 3 . At the step S 4 , the printer driver  40  retrieves the Time Out for the time during the displaying of the printing setting information the displaying apparatus  31 . The printer driver  40  makes the judgment at the step S 5  as to whether the Time Out is equal to zero. Where the Time Out is equal to zero, the operation goes to the step S 7 , whereas where the Time Out is not equal to zero, the operation goes to the step S 6 . The printing setting information displaying and changing processing with the timer is carried out at the step S 6 . The receiving of the printing data from the application  11  is started at the step S 7 . The printing data drawing is converted into the printing controlling data  46  based on the printing setting information at the step S 8 . The printing controlling data  46  are transmitted to the printing apparatus  51 , so this processing is completed at the step S 9 .  
      The flow chart showing the subroutine for the printing setting information displaying and changing processing with the timer is next explained. The current printing setting information is displayed on the displaying apparatus  31  based on the printing setting information at the step S 6 - 1 . The timer processing is carried out at the step S 6 - 2 . The displaying of the printing setting information is completed and this processing is completed at the step S  6 - 3 .  
      The flow chart showing the subroutine for the timer processing is next explained. The time-out time is retrieved from the parameters and stored in the Time Out at the step S 6 - 2 - 1 . The current time is stored as a starting time in the Start Time at the step S 6 - 2 - 2 . The judgment is made at the step S 6 - 2 - 3  as to whether the current time passes over the time-out time from the Start Time. When the current time passes over the time-out time from the Start Time, this processing is completed, whereas when the current time does not pass over the time-out time from the Start Time, this processing becomes waiting.  
      As described above, in this embodiment, the printing setting information can be displayed merely by executing the printing even where the operator dose not understand well the operation for displaying the printing setting information. Accordingly, the manipulation for confirming the printing setting information can be simplified by omitting the operation for displaying the printing setting information. Usability of this apparatus is greatly improved because the displaying of the printing setting information prior to the printing makes it possible to confirm as to whether the printing is based on the unintended setting or not, and the printing can be continued without the operator&#39;s particular operation by starting the printing when certain time passes after the displaying of the printing setting information.  
      The second embodiment of this invention will be next explained. Structured same as the first embodiment is assigned with the same numerals to omit duplicating explanation. Explanation for the same operation and effect as the first embodiment is also omitted.  
      To confirm the details of the printing setting in a case of printing upon displaying the printing dialog, the operator is to display printing setting dialog corresponding to the driver for the printer by clicking the “property” or the “detail setting” button, clicks the “OK” button with the printing setting dialog corresponding to the driver for the printer after he confirms the printing setting, and clicks again the “OK” button to start the printing after returning to the printing dialog. Therefore, this processing for the printing takes time and loses good usability.  
      In a case of printing with displaying the printing dialog, when the operator executes the printing by clicking the “OK” button without confirming the details of the printing setting, it happens that the printing is executed based on the different printing setting from his originally intended printing result. In displaying the printing icon on the toolbar by the application, when the application starts upon the operator&#39;s clicking of the printing icon, without displaying the printing dialog, the same thing as described above may happen since the details of the printing setting are not confirmed. When the application for recognizing the document file is started and to start immediately the printing processing by dragging and dropping a document file as a printing object to the icon of the printer executing the printing in the “printer” or “printer and facsimile” folder, the same thing as above may happen since the details of the printing setting are not confirmed. As described above, the useless printed material may be produced when the printing is executed based on the different setting from the originally desired printing result.  
      When the printing setting is displayed for confirmation of the details of the printing setting after the printing processing is started with the application, the printing is not to be carried out until the operator clicks the “OK” button upon confirmation in a state where the confirmation dialog for the details of the printing setting is displayed. Thus, it may happen that where the operator leaves his seat immediately after the printing processing is started and thereafter returns to the seat at a time when the printing is supposed to be completed the printing is not yet started since the confirmation dialog for the details of the printing setting has been displayed as waiting for clicking action of “OK” dialog. In this case, the operator wastes his time.  
      In this embodiment, in a case of the displaying of the confirmation dialog for the details of the printing setting, the delay can be prevented by continuing or resuming the printing when certain time passes without any input by the operator.  
      In this embodiment, the composition of the image processing apparatus  10  is same as that of the first embodiment, so the explanation for  FIG. 1  is quoted. It is to be noted that in this embodiment, where the operator does not input when the dialog for confirming or changing the details of the printing setting information is displayed after the printing processing with the application is started, the printing is to be continued or resumed after certain time passes, whereas when the operator inputs before certain time passes, the printing setting information is to be updated upon canceling the timer and receiving the input by the operator.  
      The operation of the image processing apparatus  10  according to this embodiment is next explained.  
       FIG. 10  is a view showing a display view of the printing setting information according to the second embodiment of this invention, and  FIG. 11  is a flow chart showing the subroutine for the printing setting information displaying and changing processing with the timer according to the second embodiment of this invention.  
      In this embodiment, the operation other than that the printing setting information displaying and changing processing with the timer is the same as that according to the first embodiment. Thus, a duplicated explanation is omitted, and only the operation of the printing setting information displaying and changing processing with the timer is explained.  
      In this embodiment, the time-out status of the displaying time of the printing setting information on the displaying apparatus  31  is not processed with the module which is independent as the timer, but detected by a method for measuring the time in a flow of the operations for displaying and input waiting.  
      With the printing setting information displaying and changing processing with the timer, the printing setting information displaying and changing unit  42  displays, based on the printing setting information, the printing setting information having contents, e.g., such as shown in  FIG. 10 . Where the button such as shown by M 3  in  FIG. 10  is clicked, the printing setting dialog as shown in  FIG. 4 , corresponding to the driver for the printer executing the printing is displayed, thereby enabling the operator to change the printing setting information.  
      Next, the timer unit  43  measures the time, and the processing waits for the operator&#39;s input with the inputting apparatus  32  until the time indicated by the Time Out passes. The timer unit  43 , in that case, stores the current time as the displaying starting time in the Start Time. The comparison is subsequently made between the current time and the Start Time, thereby making the judgment as to whether the current time passes over the time-out time from the Start Time. Where the time-out time does not pass yet, the judgment is made as to whether the operator inputs upon operating the inputting apparatus  32 , and where the operator does not make an input, the processing waits until the time-out time passes. When the operator inputs upon operating the inputting apparatus  32 , the judgment is made as to whether the input operation is for completion operation for the displaying of the printing setting information. When the input operation is not for the completion of the operation for the displaying of the printing setting information, the processing waits until the operator carries out the completion of the operation for the displaying of the printing setting information upon using the inputting apparatus  32 . When the operator carries out the completion of the operation for the displaying of the printing setting information, the judgment is then made as to whether printing cancellation operation is carried out. When the printing cancellation is selected, the printing setting information is deleted and completed from the displaying apparatus  31 , thereby canceling the printing. When the operator selects the “OK” for instructing to start the printing, not the printing cancellation, the processing stores the printing setting information in the printing setting information memory  44 , deletes the printing setting information displayed on the displaying apparatus  31 , and completes the displaying of the printing setting information. The printing data converter  45  subsequently converts the printing data drawing of the application  11  received with the printing instruction and data receiver  41 , based on the printing setting information stored in the printing setting information memory  44 , into the printing controlling data  46  depending on the printing apparatus  51 , and the data transmitter  47  transmits the printing controlling data  46  to the printing apparatus to render the printing apparatus  51  carry out the printing.  
      The flow chart is next explained. The current printing setting information is displayed, based on the printing setting information, on the displaying apparatus  31  at the step S 6 - 11 . The displaying starting time is stored at the step S 6 - 12 . The judgment is made at the step S 6 - 13  as to whether the time-out time passes from the displaying starting time. When the time-out time passes from the displaying starting time, the operation goes to the step S 6 - 18 , whereas the time-out time does not pass yet from the displaying starting time, the operation goes to the step S 6 - 14 . The judgment is made at the step S 6 - 14  as to whether the operator operates the inputting apparatus  32 . Where the operator operates the inputting apparatus  32 , the operation goes to the step S 6 - 15 , whereas where the operator does not operate the inputting apparatus  32 , the operation returns to the step S 6 - 13 . The judgment is made at the step S 6 - 15  as to whether the input operation is the completion of the operation for the displaying of the printing setting information. Where the input operation is the completion of the operation for the displaying of the printing setting information, the operation goes to the step S 6 - 18 , whereas where the input operation is not the completion of the operation for the displaying of the printing setting information, the operation goes to the step S 6 - 16 . The processing waits at the step S 6 - 16  until the operator operates the inputting apparatus  32 . The judgment is made at the step S 6 - 17  as to whether the operator operates the inputting apparatus  32 . Where the operator operates the inputting apparatus  32 , the operation goes to the step S 6 - 15 , whereas where the operator does not operate the inputting apparatus  32 , the operation returns to the step S 6 - 16 . The judgment is made at the step S 6 - 18  as to whether the printing cancellation operation is carried out. Where the printing cancellation operation is carried out, the operation goes to the step S 6 - 20 , whereas where the printing cancellation operation is not carried out, the operation goes to the step S 6 - 19 . At the step S 6 - 19 , the printing setting information changed by the operator is stored in the printing setting information memory  44 . The displaying of the printing setting information is completed and this processing is completed at the step S 6 - 20 .  
      As described above, in this embodiment, even where the operator does not understand well the operation for displaying the printing setting information, the printing setting information can be displayed only by executing the printing. The confirmation operation for the printing setting information, furthermore, can be simplified by omitting the operation for displaying the printing setting information. Additionally, the confirmation can be made, by displaying the printing setting information prior to printing, as to whether the printing is based on the unintended setting, and further, in a case of the unintended printing, the printing can be discontinued by operating the inputting apparatus  32 , so the useless printing can be omitted. The useless printing, furthermore, can be omitted by changing the setting without discontinuing the printing and thereafter printing based on the new setting. Also, even in a case of no continuing operation by the operator, the apparatus resumes printing after certain time passes, so it does not happen that the operator uselessly wastes time, such that the operator notices the printing is not carried out when returning to his seat at a time the printing is supposed to be completed after leaving his seat after the start of the printing processing.  
      The third embodiment is next explained. Structures same as in the first embodiment and the second embodiment are assigned with the same numerals to omit duplicated explanation. Explanation for the same operation and effect as the first embodiment and the second embodiment is also omitted.  
      In this embodiment, the composition of the image processing apparatus  10  is the same as that of the first embodiment, so the explanation for  FIG. 1  is quoted. It is to be noted in this embodiment, where the operator does not input when the dialog for confirming or changing the details of the printing setting information is displayed after the printing processing with the application  11  is started, the printing is to be continued or resumed after certain time passes, whereas when the operator inputs before certain time passes, transition until certain time passes is displayed on the screen, in a case of canceling the operation of the timer, receiving the input by the operator, and updating the printing setting information.  
      Structures of the image processing apparatus  10  thus composed are next explained.  
       FIG. 12  is the first view showing a display view of printing setting information according to the third embodiment of this invention;  FIG. 13  is the second view showing a display view of the printing setting information according to the third embodiment of this invention; and  FIG. 14  is a flow chart showing a subroutine for the printing setting information displaying and changing processing with the timer according to the third embodiment of this invention.  
      In this embodiment, operation other than the printing setting information displaying and changing processing with a timer is same as that according to the first embodiment, and thus corresponding explanation is omitted, so only the operation for the printing setting information displaying and changing processing with the timer is explained.  
      In this embodiment, as same as the second embodiment, the time-out of the time during the displaying of the printing setting information on the displaying apparatus  31  is not processed with the module which is independent as the timer, but detected by a method for measuring the time in a flow of the operations for displaying to waiting for the input. It is to be noted that in this embodiment, the processing is added to the second embodiment, such that the printing setting information displaying and changing unit  42  displays, in a case, e.g., where one minute passes, the state where one minute already passes on the displaying apparatus  31  until the time indicated by the Time Out passes from the displaying starting.  
      That is, with the printing setting information displaying and changing processing with the timer, the printing setting information displaying and changing unit  42  displays, based on the printing setting information, the printing setting information having contents such as, e.g., shown in  FIG. 12  and  FIG. 13  on the displaying apparatus  31 . In that case, remaining time is displayed by the second.  
      The timer unit  43 , next, measures the time, and the processing waits for the operator&#39;s input with the inputting apparatus  32  until the time indicated by the Time Out passes. The timer unit  43 , in that case, stores the current time as the displaying starting time in the Start Time. A value as converted into second from the setting value for the time-out of the time during the displaying of the printing setting information on the displaying apparatus  31  is displayed as being showed by M 4  in  FIG. 12 .  
      The comparison is subsequently made between the current time and the Start Time to make the judgment as to whether the current time passes over the time-out time from the Start Time. When the time-out time does not pass yet, the judgment is made as to whether the operator inputs upon operating the inputting apparatus  32 , and where the operator does not input yet, remaining time is calculated based on the current time, and the values of the Start Time and the Time Out. The remaining time is calculated by a following formula ( 1 ). Accordingly, the current time, and the values of the Start Time and the Time Out are same in the unit. 
 
Remaining time=Time Out−(Current time−Start Time)   Formula (1) 
 
      Next, the calculated remaining time is converted into second, and compared with the remaining number of seconds, so the judgment is made as to whether the remaining number of seconds displayed on the displaying apparatus  31  changes. Where the remaining number of seconds changes, the processing update to display the M 4  in  FIG. 12  to the value of the remaining time calculated and converted into second.  
      Furthermore, as described above, the judgment is made as to whether the operator inputs upon operating the inputting apparatus  32 , and when the operator inputs upon operating the inputting apparatus  32 , the display of the M 4  in  FIG. 12  showing the remaining time is deleted and completed. The judgment is further made as to whether the input operation is the completion operation for the displaying of the printing setting information. Where the input operation is not the completion operation for the displaying of the printing setting information, the processing waits until the operator carries out the completion operation for the displaying of the printing setting information with use of the inputting apparatus  32 . When the operator carries out the completion operation for the displaying of the printing setting information, the judgment is made as to whether the printing cancellation operation is carried out. Where the printing cancellation is selected, the printing setting information is deleted from the displaying apparatus  31 , thereby being completed to cancel the printing. When the operator selects the “OK” for instructing the start of the printing, not the printing cancellation, the printing setting information is stored in the printing setting information memory  44 , and the printing setting information displayed on the displaying apparatus  31  is deleted, so the displaying of the printing setting information is completed. The printing data converter  45  converts, based on the printing setting information stored in the printing setting information memory  44 , the printing data drawing of the application  11  received with the printing instruction and data receiver  41  into the printing controlling data  46  depending on the printing apparatus  51 , and thereafter the printing data transmitter  47  transmits the printing controlling data  46  to the printing apparatus  51 , so the printing apparatus  51  carries out the printing.  
      The flow chart is next explained. The current printing setting information is displayed on the displaying apparatus  31  based on the printing setting information at the step S 6 - 21 . The displaying starting time is stored at the step S 6 - 22 . The remaining time up to the Time Out is displayed on the displaying apparatus  31  at the step S 6 - 23 . The judgment is made at the step S 6 - 24  as to whether the time-out time passes from the start of the displaying. When the time-out time passes from the start of the displaying, the operation goes to the step S 6 - 33 , whereas when the time-out time does not pass yet from the start of the displaying, the operation goes to the step S 6 - 25 . The judgment is made at the step S 6 - 25  as to whether the operator operates the inputting apparatus  32 . When the operator operates the inputting apparatus  32 , the operation goes to the step S 6 - 29 , whereas when the operator does not operate the inputting apparatus  32 , the operation goes to the step S 6 - 26 . The remaining time up to the Time Out is calculated at the step S 6 - 26 . The judgment is made at the step S 6 - 27  as to whether the remaining time changes compared with the displayed remaining time. When the remaining time changes, the operation goes to the step S 6 - 28 , whereas when the remaining time does not change, the operation returns to the step S 6 - 24 . The displaying of the time up to the Time Out is updated at the step S 6 - 28 . The displaying of the remaining time up to the Time Out is completed at the step S 6 - 29 . The judgment is made at the step S 6 - 30  as to whether the input operation is the completion operation for the displaying of the printing setting information. When the input operation is the completion operation for the displaying of the printing setting information, the operation goes to the step S 6 - 33 , whereas when the input operation is not the completion operation for the displaying of the printing setting information, the operation goes to the step S 6 - 31 . The processing waits at the step S 6 - 31  until the operator operates the inputting apparatus  32 . The judgment is made at the step S 6 - 32  as to whether the operator operates the inputting apparatus  32 . When the operator operates the inputting apparatus  32 , the operation goes to the step S 6 - 29 , whereas when the operator does not operate the inputting apparatus  32 , the operation returns to the step S 6 - 31 . The judgment is made at the step S 6 - 33  as to whether the printing cancellation operation is carried out. Where the printing cancellation operation is carried out, the operation goes to the step S 6 - 35 , whereas where the printing cancellation operation is not carried out, the operation goes to the step S 6 - 34 . The printing setting information changed by the operator is stored in the printing setting information memory  44  at the step S 6 - 34 . The displaying of the printing setting information and the remaining time up to the Time Out is completed, and this processing are completed and this processing is completed at the step S 6 - 35 .  
      As described above, in this embodiment, in addition to the effect of the second embodiment, it is possible to inform the operator of the remaining operatable time by displaying the remaining time during the displaying of the printing setting information, and therefore the operator can assuredly operate at ease.  
      The fourth embodiment of this invention will be next explained. Composed same as the first embodiment, the second embodiment, and the third embodiment is assigned same numeral to omit corresponding explanation. Explanation for the same operation and effect as the first embodiment, the second embodiment, and the third embodiment is also omitted.  
      In this embodiment, the composition of the image processing apparatus  10  is same as that of the first embodiment, so the explanation for  FIG. 1  is quoted. It is to be noted that in this embodiment, after the application  11  starts the printing processing with defining the document of one or several pages as single job, the printing instruction and data receiver  41  receives the entire printing data of the single job from the application  11 , and the printing setting information memory  44  stores the printing setting information immediately after the start of the printing processing as well as the printing setting information changed in the process of in single jog. Before printing for real, the dialog for displaying, with simplified expression, the printing setting information for each page in the single job is displayed, for confirmation or changing of the details of the printing setting information, on the displaying apparatus  31 . Herein, when the operator does not input, the printing is continued after certain time passes, whereas when the operator inputs before certain time passes, the timer is cancelled, and the printing setting information is updated upon receiving the input by the operator.  
      Operation of the image processing apparatus  10  according to this embodiment is next explained.  
       FIG. 15  is a view showing a display view of the printing setting information according to the fourth embodiment of this invention; and  FIG. 16  is a flow chart showing operation of the printer driver according to the fourth embodiment of this invention.  
      First, when the operator clicks the “OK” button displayed in the screen of the printing dialog such as shown in  FIG. 3 , the printing setting information is notified via the graphic device interface  21  to the printer driver  40  while the printing start instruction is carried out. The printer driver  40  receives the printing start instruction of the application  11  with the printing instruction and data receiver  41 .  
      In the first embodiment and the second embodiment, in the meantime, after receiving the printing start instruction with the printing instruction and data receiver  41 , the printer driver  40  suspends the receiving of the printing data from the application  11 , and displays the printing setting, according to the printing start instruction, on the displaying apparatus  31  based on the printing setting information. In this embodiment, on the other hand, after receiving the printing start instruction with the printing instruction and data receiver  41 , the printer driver  40  memorizes the printing setting information designated by the application  11  with the printing setting information memory  44 , and receives continuously the printing data without suspending the receiving of the printing data form the application  11  until the single job is completed.  
      The printer driver  40 , herein, memorizes the printing data from the application  11  and the printing setting information with the printing setting information memory  44  while memorizes, where the application  11  changes the printing setting information in the process of the single job, the changed printing setting information and page(s) with the printing setting information memory  44 . As shown by M 5  in  FIG. 15 , for example, paper size, paper direction, or the like in the page(s) of the single job are displayed with the simplified images, according to the printing setting information memorized in the printing setting information memory  44 . Furthermore, in memorizing the printing setting information designated with the application  11  with the printing setting information memory  44 , the printer driver  40  memorizes the starting time of the job in addition to the printing setting information, and further, memorizes the printing setting information as the current setting.  
      The printer driver  40 , subsequently, starts receiving the printing data from the application  11  via the graphic device interface  21 . It is to be noted that where there is not any concrete means for starting, the image processing apparatus  10  may respond this time&#39;s calling to the printer driver  40  and exit the processing from the printer driver  40 .  
      The printer driver  40  next makes the judgment as to whether the application  11  changes the printing setting information in the process of the single job, and where the application  11  changes the printing setting information, the printer driver  40  stores the changed printing setting information in the printing setting information memory  44 . In that case, the printing setting information is stored separately, not written over the information already stored, thereby stored with added with a page number wherein the printing setting is changed, as shown by the M 5  in  FIG. 15 . The printing setting information is, furthermore, stored as the current setting upon overwriting. The printer driver  40  receives the printing data from the application  11  via the graphic device interface  21 . Where the printing setting information is not changed, the printer driver  40  receives directly the printing data.  
      The printer driver  40  converts, based on the printing setting information stored as the current setting memorized in the printing setting information memory  44 , the printing data drawing of the application  11  received with the printing instruction and data receiver  41  into the printing controlling data  46  depending on the printing apparatus  51 . Furthermore, the converted printing controlling data  46  are temporally saved as stored in the file.  
      The printer driver  40 , subsequently, makes the judgment as to whether one page is completed. Where one page is not completed yet, the printer driver  40  receives again the printing data form the application  11  via the graphic device interface  21 . Where one page is completed, the printer driver  40  further makes the judgment as to whether the single job is completed. Where the single job is not completed, the judgment is further made as to whether the application  11  changes again the printing setting information in the process of the job. Where the single job is completed, the printing setting information displaying and changing unit  42  retrieves the bDispEnable defined as the setting value, indicating according to the printing start instruction, based on the printing setting information, as to whether the printing setting is to be displayed on the displaying apparatus  31  as well as retrieves the Time Out defined as the setting value for the time-out of the time during the displaying of the printing setting information on the displaying apparatus  31 .  
      The printer driver  40 , next, makes the judgment, according to whether or not the Time Out is equal to  0 , as to whether the printing setting information is to be displayed on the displaying apparatus  31 . Where the Time Out is not equal to  0 , the printing setting information displaying and changing unit  42  displays, based on the printing setting information memorized in the printing setting information memory  44 , the printing setting information on the displaying apparatus  31 , that is, the printing setting information displaying and changing processing with the timer is carried out. The printing setting information displaying and changing processing with the timer, herein, is same as that of the third embodiment, so corresponding explanation is omitted. Where the Time Out is equal to  0 , the printing setting information displaying and changing processing is not carried out.  
      The data transmitter  47 , subsequently, transmits the printing controlling data  46  temporally saved as stored in the file to the printing apparatus  51 , and the printing apparatus  51  carries out the image forming processing and the printing.  
      The flow chart showing the operation of the printer driver  40  is next explained. The printer driver  40  receives the printing starting instruction with the application  11  at the step S 11 . The current printing setting information of the application  11  is stored at the step S 12 . The printer driver  40  starts receiving the printing data from the application  11  at the step S 13 . The judgment is made at the step S 14  as to whether the printing setting information is changed. Where the printing setting information is changed, the application goes to the step S 15 , whereas where the printing setting information is not changed, the operation goes to the step S 16 . The printer driver  40  stores the changed printing setting information of the printing data of the application at the step S 15 . The printer driver  40  receives the printing data of the application  11  at the step S 16 . The printing data drawing is converted, based on the printing setting information, into the printing controlling data  46  at the step S 17 . The printing controlling data  46  are temporally saved as stored in the file at the step S 18 . The judgment is made at the step S 19  as to whether one page is completed. Where one page is completed, the operation goes to the step S 20 , whereas where one page is not completed, the operation returns to the step S 16 . The judgment is made at the step S 20  as to whether the single job is completed. Where the single job is completed, the operation goes to the step S 21 , whereas where the single job is not completed, the operation returns to the step S 14 . At the step S 21 , the printer driver  40  retrieves the Time Out defined as the setting value for the time-out of the time during the displaying of the printing setting information on the displaying apparatus  31 . The judgment is made at the step S 22  as to whether the Time Out is equal to  0 . Where the Time Out is equal to  0 , the operation goes to the step S 24 , whereas where the Time Out is not equal to 0, the operation goes to the step S 23 . The printing setting information displaying and changing processing with the timer is carried out at the step S 23 . The printing controlling data  46  stored temporally in the file is transmitted to the printing apparatus  51 , and this processing is completed at the step S 24 .  
      As described above, in this embodiment, in addition to the effect of the third embodiment, it is possible to let the operator know about the printing setting information more plainly by displaying summaries of the printing results of the printing data. Furthermore, even where pages having different printing setting information mix in the single job, those information can be visually displayed.  
      The fifth embodiment of this invention will be next explained. Composed same as the first embodiment to the fourth embodiment is assigned same numeral to omit corresponding explanation. Explanation for the same operation and effect as the first embodiment to fourth embodiment is also omitted.  
       FIG. 17  is a block diagram showing a composition of the image processing apparatus according to the fifth embodiment of this invention.  
      The image processing apparatus  10  of this embodiment is different from that of the first embodiment to the fourth embodiment in that the printer driver  40  further has, as shown in  FIG. 17 , a reproducible intermediate printing data memory  48  serving as an intermediate data memory as well as an intermediate printing data reproducer  49 . Herein, the reproducible intermediate printing data memory  48  memorizes, as the reproducible intermediate printing data, the printing data drawing received with the printing instruction and data receiver  41 , carried out for the printing of the document, with the application  11  via the graphic device interface  21 . It is to be noted that peculiar format of the intermediate printing data is not required but, for example, a format provided with the operating system  20  may be acceptable. Furthermore, the intermediate printing data reproducer  49  reproduces, in the graphic device interface  21 , the reproducible intermediate printing data stored with the reproducible intermediate data memory  48 , thereby reproducing the reproducible intermediate printing data as the printing data drawing.  
      In this embodiment, after printing processing is started in a condition where the document of one or several pages with the application  11  is considered as single job, the printing instruction and data receiver  41  receives the entire printing data of the single job from the application  11 , and the above data are stored as the reproducible intermediate printing data in the printing setting information memory  44 . Furthermore, the printing setting information immediately after the start of the printing processing as well as the printing setting information changed in the process of the single job are stored, and before printing for real, the dialog for displaying, with simplified expression, the printing setting information for each page in the single job on and the reproducible intermediate printing data is displayed, for confirmation or changing of the details of the printing setting information, on the displaying apparatus  41 .  
      Operation of the image processing apparatus  10  thus composed is next explained.  
       FIG. 18  is a view showing a display example of the printing setting information according to the fifth embodiment of this invention; and  FIG. 19  is a flow chart showing operation of the printer driver according to the fifth embodiment of this invention.  
      In the meantime, the printer driver  40  according to the fourth embodiment is to receive continuously, after receiving the printing start instruction with the printing instruction and data receiver  41 , the printing data without suspending the receiving of the printing data from the application  11  until the single job is completed. Furthermore, the printing data converter  45  is to convert, based on the printing setting information memorized with the printing setting information memory  44 , the printing data into the printing controlling data  46  depending on the printing apparatus  51 , and the printing data is to be stored in the printing setting information memory  44 .  
      The printing driver  40  according to this embodiment, on the other hand, likewise receives continuously, after receiving the printing start instruction with the printing instruction and data receiver  41 , the printing data without suspending the receiving of the printing data from the application  11  until the single job is completed. However, when the printing is continued after the printing data are stored as the reproducible intermediate printing data in the reproducible intermediate printing data memory  48  and the printing setting information is displayed on the displaying apparatus  31 , the intermediate printing data reproducer  49  is to reproduce the reproducible intermediate printing data stored with the reproducible intermediate printing data memory  48  on the graphic device interface  21  to reproduce the above data as the printing data drawing.  
      First, when the operator clicks the “OK” button displayed in the screen of the printing dialog such as shown in  FIG. 3 , the printing setting information is notified to the printer driver  40  via the graphic device interface  21  while the printing start instruction is carried out. The printer driver  40  receives the printing start instruction by the application  11  with the printing instruction and data receiver  41 . The printer driver  40 , furthermore, memorizes the printing setting information designated by the application  11  with the printing setting information memory  44 , and receives continuously the printing data without suspending the receiving of the printing data from the application  11  until the single job is completed.  
      The printer driver  40 , subsequently, memorizes the printing data from the application  11  as well as the printing setting information with the printing setting information memory  44 , while storing the changed printing setting information and page(s) in the printing setting information memory  44  when the application  11  changes the printing setting information in the process of the single job. The printing setting information is, additionally, stored as the information indicating the starting time of the job. The printing setting information is, furthermore, stored as the current setting also.  
      The printer driver  40 , subsequently, starts receiving the printing data from the application  11  via the graphic device interface  21 . It is to be noted that where there is not any concrete means for starting, the image processing apparatus  10  may respond this time&#39;s calling to the printer driver  40  and exit the processing from the printer driver  40 .  
      The printer driver  40  next makes the judgment as to whether the application  11  changes the printing setting information in the process of the job, and where the application  11  changes the printing setting information, the printer driver  40  stores the changed printing setting information in the printing setting information memory  44 . In that case, the printing setting information is stored separately, not written over the information already stored, thereby being stored with added with a page number wherein the printing setting is changed, as shown by M 6  in  FIG. 18 . The printing setting information is, furthermore, stored as the current setting upon the overwriting. The printer driver  40 , subsequently, receives the printing data from the application  11  via the graphic device interface  21 . Where the printing setting information is not changed, the printer driver  40  receives directly the printing data.  
      The printer driver  40  saves and stores, as the reproducible intermediate printing data, the printing data drawing of the application  11  received with the printing instruction and data receiver  41  in the reproducible intermediate printing data memory  48 . As shown by the M 6  in  FIG. 18 , for example, the printer driver  40  displays the image reproduced upon downsizing to screen size, the reproducible intermediate printing data corresponding to the printing data drawing of the application  11 , stored with the reproducible intermediate printing data memory  48 .  
      The printer driver  40 , subsequently, makes the judgment as to whether one page is completed. Where one page is not completed, the printer driver  40  receives again the printing data drawing from the application  11  via the graphic device interface  21 . Where one page is completed, the judgment is further made as to whether the single job is completed. Where the single job is not completed, the judgment is made as to whether the application  11  changes again the printing setting information in the process of the job. Where single job is completed, the printing setting information displaying and changing unit  42  retrieves the bDispEnable defined as the setting value, indicating according to the printing start instruction, based on the printing setting information, as to whether the printing setting is to be displayed on the displaying apparatus  31  as well as retrieves the Time Out defined as the setting value for the time-out of the time during the displaying of the printing setting information on the displaying apparatus  31 .  
      The printer driver  40  next makes the judgment based on whether or not the Time Out is equal to 0, as to whether the printing setting information is to be displayed on the displaying apparatus  31 . Where the Time Out is not equal to 0, the printing setting information displaying and changing unit  42  displays, based on the printing setting information memorized in the printing setting information memory  44 , the printing setting information on the displaying apparatus  31 , that is, the printing setting information displaying and changing processing with the timer is carried out. The printing setting information displaying and changing processing with the timer is, herein, same as the processing according to the third embodiment, so the corresponding explanation is omitted. Additionally, where the Time Out is equal to 0, the printing setting information displaying and changing processing with the timer is not carried out.  
      The intermediate printing data reproducer  49  reproduces, on the graphic device interface  21 , the reproducible intermediate printing data of the single job stored with the reproducible intermediate data memory  48 , thereby reproducing the above data as the printing data drawing. The printing data converter  49  converts, based on the printing setting information memorized with the printing setting information memory  44 , the printing data drawing received with the printing instruction and data receiver  41 , reproduced with the intermediate printing data reproducer  49  into the printing controlling data  46  depending on the printing apparatus  51 .  
      The data transmitter  47 , next, transmits the converted printing controlling data  46  to the printing apparatus  51 , so the printing apparatus  51  carries out the image forming processing to execute the printing.  
      The flow chart is next explained. The printing start instruction of the application  11  is received at the step S 31 . The current printing setting information of the application  11  is stored at the step S 32 . The receiving of the printing data from the application  11  is started at the step S 33 . The judgment is made at the step S  34  as to whether the printing setting information is changed. When the printing setting information is changed, the operation goes to the step S 35 , whereas when the printing setting information is not changed, the operation goes to the step S 36 . The changed printing setting information corresponding to the printing data of the application  11  is stored at the step S  35 . The printing data of the application  11  is received at the step S 36 . The printing data of the application  11  is stored as the reproducible intermediate printing data at the step S 37 . The judgment is made at the step S 38  as to whether one page is completed. Where one page is completed, the operation goes to the step S 39 , whereas where one page is not completed, the operation returns to the step S 36 . The judgment is made at the step S 39  as to whether the single job is completed. Where the single job is completed, the operation goes to the step S 40 , whereas where the single job is not completed, the operation returns to the step S 34 . At the step S 40 , the printer driver  40  retrieves the Time Out defined as the setting value for the time-out of the time during the displaying of the printing setting information on the displaying apparatus  31 . The judgment is made at the step S 41  as to whether the Time Out is equal to 0. When the Time Out is equal to 0, the operation goes to the step S 43 , whereas where the Time Out is not equal to 0, the operation goes to the step S 42 . The printing setting information displaying and changing processing is carried out at the step S 42 . The reproducible intermediate printing data is reproduced at the step S 43 . The printing data drawing is converted at the step S 44  based on the printing setting information into the printing controlling data  46 . The printing controlling data  46  is transmitted to the printing apparatus  51 , and this processing is completed at the step S 45 .  
      As described above, in this embodiment, in addition to the effect of the third embodiment, it is possible to let the operator know about the printing setting information more plainly by displaying previously summaries of the printing results of the printing data as well as the printing contents. Furthermore, even where pages having different printing setting information mix in the single job, those information can be visually displayed.