Patent Publication Number: US-8120792-B2

Title: Printing control apparatus and method

Description:
This is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/138,837, filed Jun. 13, 2008, now allowed, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/659,262, filed Sep. 11, 2003, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,408,674, issued Aug. 5, 2008, which is a division of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/970,916, filed Oct. 5, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,704,122, issued Mar. 9, 2004, which is a division of U.S. application Ser. No. 08/768,579, filed Dec. 18, 1996, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,327,051, issued Dec. 4, 2001. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Field of the Invention 
     This invention relates to a printing control apparatus and method which make it possible to set the values of functions possessed by a printing device, wherein printing information for controlling the operation of the printing device is delivered to the printing device to control the same. 
     A printing control apparatus known in the art supplies printing information, which is necessary to perform printing using a desired paper and in accordance with a desired method, to a printing device in which it is possible to select plural types of printing paper and a variety of printing methods. With an apparatus of this kind, the user selects or enters various information necessary for printing and the items of information thus selected or entered are combined by the printing control apparatus to obtain the printing information that is required for optimum printing. This information is supplied to the printing device so that a printout may be obtained on the desired paper and in accordance with the desired method. 
     With the example of the prior art mentioned above, however, a considerable burden is placed upon the user since the user is required to select or enter the various information needed for printing. In addition, if the information is entered or selected erroneously, there is a good possibility that printing may not be performed in optimum fashion. Furthermore, since the printing control apparatus combines the entered information, creates printing information necessary to carry out printing and supplies this information to the printing device, it is difficult to deal with situations where the content of the entered information or the number of items in the information changes or situations where the content of the information or number of items in the information supplied to the printing device changes. 
     Further, a printing information supply apparatus known in the art supplies information necessary to perform printing to a printing device in which it is possible to select plural types of printing paper and a variety of printing methods. With a printing information supply apparatus of this kind, the user selects or enters various information necessary for printing and the items of information thus selected or entered are combined to obtain the information that is required for optimum printing. This information is supplied to the printing device. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 64 and 65 , the printing information supply apparatus displays various settable items such as media type, paper size, printing quality, paper supply method, type of dithering and color processing information, as well as values set for these. The user selects or enters the settings from the items displayed. 
     The fact that values are required to be selected or entered with regard to a large number of items places a large burden upon the user. Moreover, if the user selects a value erroneously, the incorrect setting is supplied to the printing device and, as a result, printing is not performed in optimum fashion. For example, to print on OHP (overhead projector) paper, “OHP Paper” is selected as the setting of the item “Media Type.” If “Automatic Sheet Feeder” is selected as the setting of the item “Paper Supply Method,” however, a function that allows manual insertion of the medium will not operate. 
     Furthermore, since the printing information supply apparatus internally combines information, creates information necessary to carry out printing based upon the combination and supplies this information to the printing device, it is difficult to deal with situations where the content of the entered information or the number of items in the information changes or situations where the content of the information or number of items in the information supplied to the printing device changes. 
     Further, in many color inkjet printers, for example, a head for monochrome printing and a head for color printing are separate from each other and the heads must be interchanged in dependence upon the particular printing job. The conventional printing control apparatus is so adapted that color printing and monochrome printing can be set. 
     In order to verify that ink remains in a printer that is not equipped with a remaining ink sensor, often the quantity of ink used is counted in the printer and the amount of ink remaining is sensed based upon the quantity of ink used. In a printer of this kind, resetting of the amount of remaining ink must be performed by the operator in conformity with a cartridge installed to replace the old cartridge. 
     With this example of the prior art, however, a considerable load is placed upon the user as the user is required to select or enter a variety of information necessary for printing. If information is entered or selected incorrectly, it is likely that optimum printing will not be carried out. For example, to print on paper (referred to as paper A) which requires that paper supplied by manual insertion be selected as the paper supply method, “paper A” is selected as the setting of the item “media type.” However, if “automatic sheet feeder” is selected as the setting of the item “paper supply method,” paper cannot be fed by manual insertion and it is likely that a printing problem such as jamming will occur. 
     Further, since items of information are combined within the printing control apparatus, information necessary to perform printing is created based upon the combination and the created information is supplied to the printing device, it is difficult to deal with situations where the content of the entered information or the number of items in the information changes or situations where the content of the information or number of items in the information supplied to the printing device changes. 
     Further, in a case where the operator designates resetting of remaining amount of ink in accordance with cartridge replacement, the remaining amount of ink will not be the correct amount if the cartridge for which resetting has been designated and a cartridge actually installed as the replacement differ. 
     Further, even if the printer is one capable of being fitted with either a color head or a monochrome head, printing data is transmitted to the printing device in accordance with the setting of the printing control apparatus by the operator. If the head installed differs from that for which the setting has been made, correct printing will not be carried out. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A first object of the present invention is to provide a printing control apparatus for controlling a printing device by creating printing information that conforms to results of printing desired by a user, this being performed without placing a burden upon the user. 
     A second object of the present invention is to provide a printing information supply apparatus and method capable of alleviating the burden of entering settings. 
     A third object of the present invention is to provide a printing control apparatus in which the status of a printer is checked before printing, a warning display is presented if a setting made by the printing control apparatus differs from the status of the printer, and it is made possible to change the setting of the printer so as to make it the same as that set by the printing control apparatus, thereby enabling printing to be performed correctly. 
     A fourth object of the present invention is to provide a printing control apparatus and method through which a cartridge installed before replacement and a cartridge installed after replacement are compared and resetting of the amount of remaining ink is performed in conformity with the cartridge after replacement, thereby making it possible to deal with the remaining amount of ink correctly. 
     According to the present invention, the foregoing objects are attained by providing a printing control apparatus in which printing control information to be set in a printing device is stored as settable value information obtained by combining settable items and values. Further, default information, in which appropriate values are set for items capable of being set by the operator and for items that cannot be set by the operator, is stored. In a case where a specific item takes on a specific value, an item and value decided in accordance with this value are stored as link information. When printing is performed, the settable value information and default information that has been stored in advance is read out and the read information is stored and displayed as settings for the printing device. When these values are changed by the operator, the link information is read out based upon the changed items and values. If there is another item for which a value should be changed, the value of this item is changed and displayed. If necessary, the operator can be made to verify these values before sending them to the printing device. 
     In a preferred embodiment, settable values are displayed at all times and settings are displayed in an emphasized manner. 
     Further, the type of ink cartridge used by the printing device is included as the settable information. If the ink cartridge actually installed and the ink cartridge to be installed differ, printing processing is terminated without printing being performed or printing is carried out by another printing device. 
     Further, in a printing control apparatus which manages the amount of remaining ink, a check is performed at the time of ink cartridge replacement to determine whether the cartridges before and after replacement are the same. If the cartridges are the same, the amount of remaining ink is reset and management of the amount of remaining ink is started anew. This makes is possible to manage the amount of remaining ink correctly. 
     Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the figures thereof. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. 
         FIG. 1  is a block diagram showing the general configuration of a system comprising a printing control apparatus and a printing device embodying the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a diagram illustrating an example of the content of a user information storage unit for storing user information; 
         FIG. 3  is a diagram illustrating an example of the content of a user information storage unit for storing user information; 
         FIG. 4  is a diagram illustrating an example of the content of a user information storage unit for storing user information; 
         FIG. 5  is a diagram illustrating an example of the content of a combined information storage unit for storing combined information; 
         FIG. 6  is a diagram illustrating an example of the content of a combined information storage unit for storing combined information; 
         FIG. 7  is a diagram illustrating an example of the content of a combined information storage unit for storing combined information; 
         FIG. 8  is a diagram illustrating an example of the content of a combined information storage unit for storing combined information; 
         FIG. 9  is a flowchart illustrating a procedure for deciding optimum printing information; 
         FIG. 10  is a block diagram of a printing system comprising a host computer and a printing device; 
         FIG. 11  is a diagram showing a memory map which prevails when the program of the flowchart of  FIG. 9  is stored; 
         FIG. 12  is a block diagram illustrating a second embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 13  is a diagram showing an example of emphasized display of default settings; 
         FIG. 14  is a diagram showing an example of a display after a setting for media type is changed; 
         FIG. 15  is a flowchart illustrating a control procedure according to the second embodiment; 
         FIG. 16  is a block diagram illustrating a printing control apparatus embodying the present invention; 
         FIG. 17  is a block diagram of a printing system comprising a host computer and a printing device; 
         FIG. 18  is a diagram showing settable items and settings that have been stored in a settable value storage unit; 
         FIG. 19  is a diagram showing default settings that have been stored in a default setting storage unit; 
         FIG. 20  is a diagram showing a specific example of main properties based upon default settings; 
         FIG. 21  is a diagram showing a specific example of paper properties based upon default settings; 
         FIG. 22  is a diagram showing a specific example of quality properties based upon default settings; 
         FIG. 23  is a diagram showing a specific example of color setting properties based upon default settings; 
         FIG. 24  is a diagram showing the status of main properties in a case where settings of an automatic pallet have been changed from those for a word processor to those of a photographic film; 
         FIG. 25  is a diagram showing the status of quality properties in a case where settings of an automatic pallet have been changed from those for a word processor to those of a photographic film; 
         FIG. 26  is a diagram showing the status of color setting properties in a case where settings of an automatic pallet have been changed from those for a word processor to those of a photographic film; 
         FIG. 27  is a diagram showing the status of quality properties when media settings have been changed from those for high-gloss film to those of a coated paper; 
         FIG. 28  is a diagram showing an example of a display in a case where user judgment is called upon; 
         FIG. 29  is a diagram illustrating a case where settings for method of paper feed have been changed to those for an automatic sheet feeder and settings of media type have been changed to those for coated paper; 
         FIG. 30  is a diagram illustrating a case where settings of media type have been changed to those for coated paper; 
         FIG. 31  is a flowchart of a printer driver according to this embodiment; 
         FIG. 32  is a diagram showing the software configuration of a system according to a third embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 33  is a diagram showing the software configuration of a printing system according to third through eighth embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 34  is a diagram showing a printing dialog box; 
         FIG. 35  is a diagram showing a cartridge menu; 
         FIG. 36  is a diagram showing an error dialog box in case of head mismatch; 
         FIG. 37  is a flowchart of processing for checking heads in the fourth embodiment; 
         FIG. 38  is a diagram showing the construction of an inkjet printer capable of being used by the third through eighth embodiments; 
         FIG. 39  is a diagram showing a paper setting dialog box; 
         FIG. 40  is a diagram showing a paper size menu; 
         FIG. 41  is a diagram showing an error dialog box in case of paper mismatch error; 
         FIG. 42  is a flowchart of processing for checking paper size in the fifth embodiment; 
         FIG. 43  is a diagram showing a printing dialog box  2 ; 
         FIG. 44  is a diagram showing a printer selection dialog box; 
         FIG. 45  is a diagram showing the manner in which a plurality of printers are interconnected; 
         FIG. 46  is a flowchart of processing for checking heads in the sixth embodiment; 
         FIG. 47  is a diagram showing a printing dialog box  3 ; 
         FIG. 48  is a diagram showing a dialog box for confirming monochrome printing; 
         FIG. 49  is a flowchart of processing for checking heads in the seventh embodiment; 
         FIG. 50  is a diagram showing a printing dialog box in the eighth embodiment; 
         FIG. 51  is a diagram showing a cartridge menu when a color head has been installed; 
         FIG. 52  is a diagram showing a cartridge menu when a monochrome head has been installed; 
         FIG. 53  is a diagram showing a cartridge menu when a photographic grade printing head has been installed; 
         FIG. 54  is a flowchart of processing for displaying a printing dialog box in the eighth embodiment; 
         FIG. 55  is a sectional view of a color laser beam printer; 
         FIG. 56  is a block diagram illustrating the hardware configuration of a printing system according to a ninth embodiment; 
         FIG. 57  is a flowchart of processing executed by a print driver of the printing system of the ninth embodiment when an ink cartridge is replaced; 
         FIG. 58  is a diagram showing an example of a utility dialog box of a printer driver; 
         FIG. 59  is a diagram showing an example of a dialog box illustrating that cartridge replacement is in progress; 
         FIG. 60  is a diagram showing an example of a dialog box prompting resetting of remaining ink counter; 
         FIG. 61  is a memory map of a memory for storing a printing control program according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 62  is a memory map of a memory for storing a printing control program according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 63  is a memory map of a memory for storing a printing control program according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 64  is a diagram showing an example of conventional display; and 
         FIG. 65  is a diagram showing an example of conventional display. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     First Embodiment 
     A printing system embodying the present invention will now be described in accordance with the accompanying drawings. 
       FIG. 1  is a block diagram which best represents the characterizing features of a printing system to which the present invention is applied and will be used to describe the printing system. The system includes a printing information input unit  1  by which the user selects or enters the minimum information necessary for printing. The user selects or enters the minimum printing information necessary for printing. Examples of such information are printing paper size, printing paper type, printing quality and whether printing is color or monochrome printing. To this end, the operator may be allowed to enter all of this information by character strings or it may be so arranged that candidates for selection are displayed beforehand in a menu format and the operator is allowed to select the desired data from the menu. For example, printing information is entered for color printing with size A4 as the paper size, coated paper as the paper type and high-quality printing as the printing quality. In a case where the items of information or number thereof necessary for printing have changed, it goes without saying that the items of information or number thereof selected or entered by the user must also be changed. 
     There are many cases in which this entry of printing information can be made from an application program which has a printing function and which is executed in a host computer that uses a printing device. In such case the printing information input unit  1  enters the various printing information via this application program. 
     The system further includes a user information storage unit  2  for storing the printing information selected or entered by the user at the printing information input unit  1 . The printing information entered by the user is stored using a table of the kind shown in  FIG. 2 , by way of example. More specifically, the user information storage unit  2  stores the type of entered information and the content thereof. In a case where the items of information or number thereof selected or entered by user at the information input unit  1  have been changed, then the types of information or number thereof stored in the user information storage unit are also changed accordingly. For example, in a case where information concerning the paper feed method becomes necessary anew in order to perform optimum printing, it is so arranged that the user is capable of selecting, at the printing information unit  1 , the paper feed method from the paper feed tray used or paper feed by manual insertion, whereby the selected paper feed method is stored in the user information storage unit  2 . The content of the user information storage unit  2  in this case is as shown in  FIG. 3 . That is, the paper feed method is added on as a stored item (as type of information), and the paper feed method designated by the operator is stored as the content of this item. In  FIG. 3 , the automatic sheet feeder has been designated as the paper feed method. 
     It can be so arranged that when printing information adequate to perform optimum printing has been obtained even without the user selecting printing quality, the user need not select printing quality at the printing information unit  1 . The user information storage unit  2  in such case is as shown in  FIG. 4 . That is, printing quality is no longer an item and the operator need not designate this. 
     The system further includes a combined information storage unit  3 . It may be so arranged that information obtained by combining all information selected or entered by the user at the printing information unit  1  is stored, and it may be so arranged that only a limited combination of information is stored to carry out optimum printing. Furthermore, there are instances where a function that cannot be selected or entered at the printing information unit  1  is capable of being used at the printing device. By making use of this function at the printing device, optimum printing can be carried out. In such case information obtained by combining information selected or entered by the user and information relating to the function may be stored. At such time a number or the like is assigned to the combination so that the combined information can be selected. The information stored in the combined information storage unit  3  is set by the operator who enters and stores the information from the printing information unit  1  in advance. 
       FIGS. 5 ,  6 ,  7  and  8  are diagrams illustrating specific examples of the content of the combined information storage unit  3 .  FIG. 5  is an example of a case where all combinations of the four items of paper size, paper type, printing quality and printing color have been stored in the storage unit  3 . Though paper size is limited to A4, there are two candidates for each of the other three items. There are eight possible combinations in all.  FIG. 6  is an example of a case where only specific combinations have been stored. These are combinations in which printing quality is decided in conformity with paper type. Low quality corresponds to plain paper and high quality corresponds to coated paper. In this case, information selected or entered by the user at the printing information unit  1  is such that printing quality is decided by designating the type of paper. As a result, items to be designated are only paper size, paper type and printing color. This makes it possible to reduce the burden upon the user. 
       FIG. 7  illustrates an example of the content of the combined information storage unit  3  in a case where a printing device  6  possesses functions that cannot be selected or entered by the user from the printing information unit  1 .  FIG. 7  illustrates an example of a case where the printing device is provided with functions, such as a smoothing function, which, by being used, make it possible to perform printing in optimum fashion. Here smoothing is not carried out in a case where low-quality printing, i.e., plain paper, has been designated; it is performed only when high-quality printing, namely coated paper, has been designated. In a case where the combined information storage unit  3  stores the information shown in  FIG. 7 , the information selected or entered at the printing information unit  1  is only paper size, paper type and printing color, thus making it possible to reduce the burden upon the user. It is not necessary to designate printing quality and smoothing. Furthermore, since the smoothing function not capable of being designated by the user is capable of being used, it is possible to perform ideal printing. 
       FIG. 8  shows an example of the combined information storage unit  3  in a case where the user must select or enter information on the paper feed method at the printing information unit  1 . The structure of the combined information storage unit  3  is such that items stored and combinations can be changed in simple fashion depending upon a change in the content of information or the number of items of information necessary for printing. Examples of this structure are a table structure of the kind illustrated or a tree structure in which each item is a node and the values of the nodes are branches. 
     The system of  FIG. 1  further includes a printing information comparator  4  for comparing information that has been stored in the user information storage unit  2  and information that has been stored in the combined information storage unit  3 . The printing information comparator  4  recognizes a combination of printing information for which a match has been obtained as optimum printing information necessary for printing. For example, assume that information that has been stored in the user information storage unit  2  is as shown in  FIG. 2  and that the content of the combined information storage unit  3  is as illustrated in  FIG. 5 . By comparing the contents of the storage units in this case, it is possible to recognize from  FIG. 5  that the combination that matches the user&#39;s designations, namely A4 as the paper size, coated paper as the paper type, high quality as the printing quality and color as the printing color, is the combination of No.  5  in  FIG. 5 . Further, in a case where the content of the user information storage unit  2  is as shown in  FIG. 4  and the content of the combined information storage unit  3  is as shown in  FIG. 8 , the combination of No.  6  can be recognized as the combination that matches the user&#39;s designations. A combination that thus matches the user&#39;s designations includes optimum values for the combination designated by the user with regard to functions that cannot be designated by the user. In other words, on the basis of the printing information entered by the user, an item that cannot be entered by the user is set automatically in the manner determined in advance. 
     The system further includes a printing information storage unit  5  for storing the optimum information combination necessary for printing recognized in the printing information comparator  4  and for sending this combination to the printing device  6 . In accordance with the printing information sent, the printing device  6  prints out data such as an image or text to be printed. 
     Thus, the printing device  6  is capable of being supplied with optimum information necessary for printing on the basis of the minimum information necessary to carry out printing selected or entered by the user. 
       FIG. 10  illustrates an arrangement in which the printing system shown in  FIG. 1  and comprising the printing information unit  1 , printing control apparatus  10  and printing device  6  is implemented by a host computer  100  and the printing device  6 . The printing information unit  1  and printing control apparatus  10  are realized by the hardware and software resources of the host computer  100 . 
     As for the hardware resources, a CPU  102  controls the overall apparatus and executes the program of a procedure (described later) stored in a RAM  103 , thereby implementing the functions of the printing control apparatus of  FIG. 1 . Furthermore, the CPU  102  executes the above-mentioned application program to allow the user to enter printing information. In addition to programs, the RAM  103  stores the information of the kind shown in  FIGS. 2 through 4 , namely the user printing information, combined printing information predetermined based upon the user printing information and the functions of the printing device  6 , and printing information, which is to be sent to the printing device  6 , obtained by comparing the user printing information and combined printing information. A secondary memory  104  stores a program and data used upon being loaded in the RAM  103 . The program and data to be stored in the RAM  103  are stored in the secondary memory  104  in advance and can be loaded from the memory  104  to the RAM  103 . A display  105  and a keyboard  106  are used when the user enters printing information. The apparatus is equipped not only with a keyboard but also with a pointing device so that desired items can be designated on a menu displayed on the display  105 . 
     In order to implement the functions of the printing control apparatus  10 , the program of a procedure shown in  FIG. 9  is executed by the CPU  102  of the host computer  100  configured as described above. The procedure of  FIG. 9  has already been described with reference to  FIG. 1 , but will now be described again with reference to  FIG. 9 . 
     First, the operator is allowed to enter the printing information necessary to execute printing (step S 1 ). It is determined whether the entered information is the information that should be entered, i.e., whether all of the printing information capable of being entered or selected by the user has been set (step S 2 ). If the answer is “NO”, a message calling for entry to be performed again is displayed in order to allow entry of the insufficient information (step S 3 ). The program then returns to step S 1 . 
     If entry of the information that is to be set by the user is finished, then these items of information are stored in the user information storage section of RAM  103  in the format of  FIGS. 2 through 4  (step S 4 ). 
     Next, the user information is compared with a candidate from the combined information that has been stored beforehand in the combined information storage section of the RAM  103  (step S 5 ). If the compared items of information do not match, then the next combination candidate is selected from the combined information storage section (step S 9 ) and the comparison operation is repeated. If matching is achieved, this combination is stored in the RAM  103  as printing information transmitted to the printing device (step S 7 ) and the combination is sent to the printing device (step S 8 ). 
     If printing data to be printed are subsequently sent to the printing device, then the printing device performs a printout in accordance with the printing information previously sent to the printing device. 
     Thus, the printing control apparatus is capable of setting printing information, which is to be sent to the printing device, by exploiting the functions of the printing device based upon the information set by the user. Further, even if the items of printing information set by the user are fixed items, functions peculiar to the printing device are optimized in dependence upon the user&#39;s setting, thereby making it possible to set printing information so as to accommodate printing devices having different functions. 
     The present invention can be applied to a system constituted by a plurality of devices (e.g., a host computer, interface, reader, printer, etc.) onto an apparatus comprising a single device (e.g., a copier or facsimile machine, etc.). 
     Further, it goes without saying that the object of the present invention can also be achieved by providing a storage medium storing the program codes of the software for performing the aforesaid functions of the foregoing embodiment to a system or an apparatus, reading the program codes with a computer (e.g., a CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus from the storage medium, and then executing the program. 
     In this case, the program codes read from the storage medium implement the novel functions of the invention, and the storage medium storing the program codes constitutes the invention. 
     Further, the storage medium, such as a floppy disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, CD-R, magnetic tape, non-volatile type memory card or ROM can be used to provide the program codes. 
     Furthermore, besides the case where the aforesaid functions according to the embodiments are implemented by executing the program codes read by a computer, the present invention covers a case where an operating system (OS) or the like working on the computer performs a part of or the entire process in accordance with the designation of program codes and implements the functions according to the embodiment. 
     Furthermore, the present invention further covers a case where, after the program codes read from the storage medium are written in a function extension board inserted into the computer or in a memory provided in a function extension unit connected to the computer, a CPU or the like contained in the function extension board or function extension unit performs a part of or the entire process in accordance with the designation of program codes and implements the function of the above embodiments. 
     In a case where the present invention is applied to the above-mentioned storage medium, program codes corresponding to the flowchart described earlier are stored on this storage medium. More specifically, modules illustrating an example of the memory map of  FIG. 11  are stored on the storage medium. 
     Specifically, it will suffice to store program codes of at least a module of an input step of entering control information, a module of a comparison step of storing, in addition to a combination of information capable of being entered, control information candidates which include items not entered but capable of being set on the printing device, and comparing this information with the entered control information, and a module of a transmission step of transmitting control information to the printing device in dependence upon the results of comparison. These program codes are stored on the storage medium. 
     Second Embodiment 
     A second embodiment of the invention will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings. 
       FIG. 12 , which illustrates the second embodiment of the invention, shows a printing information supply apparatus  200  for supplying printing information to a printing device  100 . 
     The printing information supply apparatus  200  includes a setting unit  201  for selecting one setting with regard to each settable item in a menu displayed on a display unit  211 , and a set information storage unit  204  for storing information on settable items and settings of a menu to be displayed. The settable items and settings stored in the set information storage unit  204  are illustrated in Table 1. 
     
       
         
           
               
               
             
               
                 TABLE 1 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 SETTABLE ITEM 
                 SETTING 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                 MEDIA TYPE 
                 PLAIN PAPER 
               
               
                   
                 COATED PAPER 
               
               
                   
                 OHP PAPER 
               
               
                 PAPER SIZE 
                 A4 
               
               
                   
                 A5 
               
               
                   
                 B4 
               
               
                   
                 B5 
               
               
                   
                 POSTCARD 
               
               
                 PRINTING COLOR 
                 COLOR PRINTING 
               
               
                   
                 MONOCHROME PRINTING 
               
               
                 PRINTING QUALITY 
                 HIGH-QUALITY PRINTING 
               
               
                   
                 INTERMEDIATE-QUALITY PRINTING 
               
               
                   
                 LOW-QUALITY PRINTING 
               
               
                 PAPER FEED METHOD 
                 AUTOMATIC SHEET FEEDER 
               
               
                   
                 MANUAL INSERTION 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     A setting information notification unit  203  extracts the settable items of the menu to be displayed and the information representing the settings from the set information storage unit  204 . A default information storage unit  206  is for storing a default setting with regard to each settable item to be displayed. Settings that almost never need to be selected by ordinary users are employed as the default settings stored in the default information storage unit  206 . Examples of default settings are illustrated in Table 2. 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
             
               
                   
                 TABLE 2 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 SETTABLE ITEM 
                 DEFAULT SETTING 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
                 MEDIA TYPE 
                 PLAIN PAPER 
               
               
                   
                 PAPER SIZE 
                 A4 
               
               
                   
                 PRINTING COLOR 
                 COLOR PRINTING 
               
               
                   
                 PRINTING QUALITY 
                 HIGH-QUALITY PRINTING 
               
               
                   
                 PAPER FEED METHOD 
                 AUTOMATIC SHEET FEEDER 
               
               
                   
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     A default setting notification unit  205  is for extracting a default setting with regard to each settable item of the menu from the default information storage unit  206 . A setting change information storage unit  208  stores a list of settings in which correlation between settable items is established in advance. A setting change information notification unit  207  extracts a list related to changed settings from the setting change information storage unit  208 . A printing information selection unit  202  causes the display unit  211  to display the settable items and settings extracted by the setting information notification unit  203  and default information notification unit  205 , respectively, to display the default settings in emphasized form. The printing information selection unit  202  stores the latest settings in a storage area and, if the settings of the list from the setting change information notification unit  207  differ from the settings in this storage area, causes the settings of the list to be displayed in highlighted form. In a case where settings displayed in highlighted form have been decided upon, the printing information selection unit  202  stores the settings that have been decided in a user selection information storage unit  209 . A user selection information notification unit  210  sends information that has been stored in the user selection information storage unit  209  to the printing device  100 . 
     In operation, the printing information selection unit  202  sends the setting information notification unit  203  a setting information request instruction  221  when printing is requested by the user. Upon receiving the instruction  221 , the setting information notification unit  203  sends the set information storage unit  204  a setting information request instruction  222 , whereby all items of setting information  223 , namely all settable items shown in Table 1 and all settings regarding each of the settable items, are extracted from the set information storage unit  204  and the extracted setting information  224  is communicated to the printing information selection unit  202 . Upon receiving this information, the printing information selection unit  202  displays all settable items and all settings regarding these settable items on the display unit  11 . 
     The printing information selection unit  202  sends a default information request instruction  225  to the default information notification unit  205 . Upon receiving the instruction  225 , the default information notification unit  205  sends the default information storage unit  206  a default information request instruction  226 , whereby items of default information  227 , namely the default settings regarding the settable items, are extracted from the default information storage unit  206  and the extracted default information  228  is communicated to the printing information selection unit  202 . The default settings so communicated are “Plain Paper” for the settable item “Media Type”, “A4” for the settable item “Paper Size”, “Color Printing” for the settable item “Printing Color”, “High-quality Printing” for the settable item “Printing Quality”, and “Automatic Sheet Feeder” for the settable item “Paper Feed Method”. The printing information selection unit  202  stores the default settings in the storage area as the latest settings and causes these settings to be displayed on the display unit  211  in emphasized form.  FIG. 13  illustrates an example of the menu displayed on the display unit  211 . 
     When the user operates the setting unit  201  and presses a “Select” screen key shown in  FIG. 13  under these conditions, the default settings are stored in the user selection information storage unit  209  by the printing information selection unit  202 . The settings in the user selection information storage unit  209  are communicated to the printing device  100  by the user selection information notification unit  210  and printing is performed by the printing device  100  in accordance with these default settings. 
     However, the user may not always execute printing using the default settings and may wish to change the settings. If the user operates the setting unit  201  to change a setting, e.g., to change the setting of the item “Media Type” to from “Plain Paper” to “OHP Paper” (at which time the setting “OHP Paper” will be displayed in highlighted form), the printing information selection unit  202  sends a setting change information request instruction  229  to the setting change information notification unit  207 . Table 3 illustrates settable items and settings for which a change has been included in the setting change information request instruction  229 . 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
             
               
                   
                 TABLE 3 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 SETTABLE ITEM 
                 SETTING AFTER CHANGE 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
                 MEDIA TYPE 
                 OHP PAPER 
               
               
                   
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Upon receiving the instruction  229 , the setting change information notification unit  207  sends the setting change information storage unit  208  a setting change information request instruction  230  so that a list containing the changed setting is extracted from the setting change information storage unit  208 . The content of the list extracted is shown in Table 4. 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
             
               
                   
                 TABLE 4 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 SETTABLE ITEM 
                 DEFAULT SETTING 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
                 MEDIA TYPE 
                 OHP PAPER 
               
               
                   
                 PAPER SIZE 
                 A4 
               
               
                   
                 PRINTING COLOR 
                 COLOR PRINTING 
               
               
                   
                 PRINTING QUALITY 
                 HIGH-QUALITY PRINTING 
               
               
                   
                 PAPER FEED METHOD 
                 MANUAL INSERTION 
               
               
                   
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     When this list is communicated to the printing information selection unit  202  by the setting change information notification unit  207 , the printing information selection unit  202  responds by comparing the list with latest settings that have been stored in the storage area of the printing information selection unit  202  and, if there is a setting that is different, by changing the setting of this settable item to the setting in the list. Since the default settings will have been stored in the storage area, the default settings of Table 2 and the settings in the list of Table 4 are compared. The result of the comparison will be that the setting of the item “Paper Feed Method” is “Automatic Sheet Feeder” in one and “Manual Insertion” in the other. Accordingly, the setting for which the change has been made is “Automatic Sheet Feeder.” This example is shown in Table 5. 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
             
               
                   
                 TABLE 5 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 SETTABLE ITEM 
                 SETTING AFTER CHANGE 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
                 PAPER FEED METHOD 
                 AUTOMATIC SHEET FEEDER 
               
               
                   
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Accordingly, the setting “Manual Insertion”, which is the setting in the list, is set and highlighted instead of the setting “Automatic Sheet Feeder.” An example of the display in this case is as shown in  FIG. 14 . 
     When the user operates the setting unit  201  and presses a “Cancel” screen key shown in  FIG. 14  under these conditions, the setting is not finalized and the default setting is left as the setting. In addition, the menu screen vanishes. If the “Select” screen key is pressed, on the other hand, the content of the storage area of printing information selection unit  202  is updated to the settings in the list and the currently prevailing settings are stored in the user selection information storage unit  209  by the printing information selection unit  202 . The settings that have been stored in the user selection information storage unit  209  are communicated to the printing device  100  by the user selection information notification unit  210  and printing is performed by the printing device  100  in accordance with these settings. 
     In the example described above, a correlated value is stored in the setting change information storage unit  208  beforehand with regard to the media type “OHP Paper” in the manner shown in Table 4. However, correlations may be performed solely with regard to some of the settable items. For example, if the setting of “Media Type” is “OHP Paper”, then “A4” would be correlated with “Paper Size” and “Manual Insertion” with “Paper Feed Method.” Nothing is stored for the other settable items. Accordingly, the settable items for which there are correlations, namely paper size and paper feed method, are read out of the setting change information storage unit  208 . The printing information selection unit  202  employs and highlights these settings instead of those selected thus far and adopts the previous settings for the other items. 
       FIG. 15  is a flowchart showing the operation of the printing information supply apparatus according to this embodiment.  FIG. 15  illustrates the procedure of the program executed by the CPU  102  when the arrangement of  FIG. 12  is implemented by the computer having the architecture shown in  FIG. 10 . 
     When this program is executed, settable items and settable values of the kind shown in Table 1 and default settings of the kind shown in Table 2 will have already been stored in the secondary memory  104  or RAM  103 . Further, if, in a case where a certain item has been set to a specific value, there are items that are restricted by this value and are capable of taking on only specific values, default settings of these items in which the values of the items serve as indices will have been stored in the memory  104  or RAM  103 . At readout these default settings are read out in the format of Table 4. 
     The processing indicated by the flowchart of  FIG. 15  starts when a printing request is issued to the printing information supply apparatus  200 . 
     First, the setting information of the kind shown in Table 1 is read out of the secondary memory  104  at step S 1501  in  FIG. 15 , then the items capable of being set and the values which these items can take on are displayed at step S 1502 . This is followed by reading out the default information of Table 2 (step S 1503 ), storing the default values in the RAM  103  as the current settings and displaying these values in highlighted form in the manner shown in  FIG. 13  (step S 1504 ). If the default settings have been displayed in this fashion, the system waits for an input from the operator (step S 1505 ). 
     If the operator makes an input, the CPU  102  determines what kind of input this is (step S 1506 ). If the cancel button is pressed, printing processing remains suspended. If the select button is pressed, the CPU judges that the highlighted settings of the selection items have been selected and sends the current settings to the printing device (step S 1507 ). The printing device thenceforth receives printing data and executes printing. 
     If the input is a change in the setting of a selectable item, then the setting is changed. To change the setting, the operator performs a setting operation by moving a mouse cursor to the desired setting and clicking the mouse button. When values are changed, first new default settings are read out with the set items and values thereof serving as indices (step S 1508 ). In a case where there is no default value for an index, the system waits for an input without changing the display or current settings. If a default setting for an index exists, this value is read out and stored again as the current setting and the display is changed in such a manner that the updated setting is displayed in highlighted form. The system then waits for an input. 
     Thus, in a case where a certain item is set to a specific value, the operator need not be aware of the relationship even if there are items that are restricted by this value and are capable of taking on only specific values. The relationship is stored in the printing information supply apparatus  200  and the settings can be selected in accordance with the particular restriction without the special consideration being required on the part of the operator. 
     Thus, in accordance with the present invention as described above, the user is capable of executing optimum printing by making the minimum number of settings. If the content of information or the number of items thereof are changed by the user, or if the content of information or the number of items thereof supplied to the printing device are changed, this can be dealt with merely by changing the combination of information in advance. 
     Further, since it is so arranged that default settings are made, the user need not makes settings related to printing information when ordinary printing is carried out. This reduces the burden upon the user. 
     If any setting has been changed by the user, the settings of other settable items also are revised to optimum settings that have been predetermined. This reduces the number of settings that the user must make. 
     Third Embodiment 
       FIG. 16  is a block diagram which best represents the characterizing features of a printing system to which the present invention is applied and will be used to describe the printing system. 
     As shown in  FIG. 16 , the system includes a printing control apparatus  300  for supplying the printing device  100  with printing control information and printing data and for controlling printing by the printing device. The printing control apparatus  300  is implemented by having a computer  110  in  FIG. 17  execute the driver program of the printing device, inclusive of an operating system, as will be described later. 
     The printing control apparatus  300  includes a setting unit  301  for selecting one setting with regard to each settable item in a menu displayed on a display unit  309 . The selection of the setting is performed by entry of a value from a keyboard or by selection on a menu made by a pointing device. A settable value storage unit  304  is for setting, as settable values, information representing all combinations of settable items representing the various functions possessed by the printing device  100  and the settings representing the details of these items. More specifically, the settable value storage unit  304  stores settable items and values for every type of printing device.  FIG. 18  illustrates the settable items and settings stored in the settable value storage unit  304 . A settable value information extraction unit  303  extracts the settable items of the menu to be displayed and the information representing the settings from the settable value storage unit  304 . 
     A default information storage unit  306  is for storing a default setting with regard to each settable item to be displayed. Settings that almost never need to be changed by ordinary users and message information settings relating to printing are employed as the default settings stored in the default setting storage unit  306 . Examples of default settings are illustrated in  FIG. 19 . A default setting information extraction unit  305  extracts a default setting with regard to each settable item from the default setting storage unit  306 . 
     A link information storage unit  308  stores a list of settings in which correlations between the settable items of the menu are established in advance. A link information extraction unit  307  extracts a list related to changed settings from the link information storage unit  308 . A setting selection unit  302  stores the latest settings in a storage area  3021  and, if the settings of the list from the link information extraction unit  307  differ from the settings in the storage area  3021 , causes the settings of the list to be displayed on the display unit  309 . In a case where settings displayed on the display unit  309  have been decided upon, the setting selection unit  302  sends these finalized settings to a control command issuance unit  310  so that this information will be sent to the printing device  100 . 
     It should be noted that the link information includes settable items and settings capable of being set by the setting selection unit  302 , as well as non-settable items and settings that cannot be set by the setting selection unit  302 . The link information storage unit  308  combines settings that are capable of being set with regard to settable items and stores link information candidates consisting of desired values set as non-settable items for every settable item combined. 
     &lt;Operation of Printing Control Apparatus&gt; 
     The operation of the apparatus shown in  FIG. 16  will now be described. The setting selection unit  302  sends the settable value information extraction unit  303  a settable value information request instruction  321  when printing is requested of the printing control apparatus  300  by the user. Upon receiving the request  321 , the settable value information extraction unit  303  sends the settable value storage unit  304  a settable value information request instruction  322 . In response to the instruction  322 , all items of settable value information  323 , namely all settable items shown in  FIG. 18  and all settings regarding each of the settable items, are extracted from the settable value storage unit  304 . The settable value information extraction unit  303  communicates the extracted settable value information  324  to the setting selection unit  302 . Upon receiving this information, the setting selection unit  302  stores all of the settable value information in the storage area  3021  and causes the display unit  309  to display, whenever necessary, all settable items and all settings for these settable items. 
     The setting selection unit  302  sends the default setting information extraction unit  305  a default setting information request instruction  325 . Upon receiving the instruction  325 , the default setting information extraction unit  305  sends default setting information  326  to the default setting storage unit  306 . As a result, default settings  327 , namely default settings corresponding to the settable items are extracted from the default setting storage unit  306 . The default setting information extraction unit  305  communicates the extracted default setting information  328  to the setting selection unit  302 . As shown in  FIG. 19 , the communicated default setting information possesses a unique setting for each settable item. The setting selection unit  302  stores the default setting information in the storage area  3021  as the latest settings and causes the display unit  309  to display these settings. 
     If the user designates execution of printing under these conditions, setting information representing each setting is sent to the control command issuance unit  310  by the setting selection unit  302  and printing is performed by the printing device  100  in accordance with a printing control command  334  issued by the control command issuance unit  310 . 
     However, the user may not always execute printing using the default settings and may wish to change the settings. If the user operates the setting unit  301  to change the setting of a certain item, the setting selection unit  302  sends a link information request instruction  329  to the link information extraction unit  307 . The link information request instruction  329  includes the settable item that has been changed and setting information after the change. Upon receiving the link information request instruction  329 , the link information extraction unit  307  sends the link information storage unit  308  a link information request instruction  330 , to which the link information storage unit  308  responds by extracting link information  331 , which includes the changed setting, from the link information storage unit  308 . When this link information is communicated to the setting selection unit  302  by the link information extraction unit  307 , the setting selection unit  302  compares this information and the latest setting that has been stored in the storage area  3021 . If the result of the comparison is that there is a settable item for which the two settings are different, the operator is allowed to select either of the settings of this item to effect a change to the selected setting and store the setting in the storage area  3021 . The latest setting is displayed on the display unit  309 . 
     Whenever the user changes a setting, the exchange of the above-mentioned information is performed, the user designates execution of printing and the setting information representing each setting is sent to the control command issuance unit  310 , whereby the exchange of information is terminated. 
     &lt;Setting of Printer Driver in Computer System&gt; 
     The present invention will now be described with regard to a specific embodiment. In the example set forth below, a printer driver in a computer system having the program constitution shown in  FIG. 32  is imagined as the printing control apparatus  300 . This printer driver corresponds to the printing control apparatus  300  in  FIG. 16 . As shown in  FIG. 32 , software/hardware resources of a host computer  180  are managed by an operating system  182 . An application program  183  utilizes various peripheral drivers and managers via the operating system  182 . These driver programs include a printer driver  181  for controlling the printing device  100  and a display driver for controlling the display unit  309 . 
     In a case where the user creates data using application software (e.g., word processing software)  183  and executes printing by the printer in the system of  FIG. 32 , the user designates execution of printing via an input unit such as a keyboard or mouse. The signal representing this designation is sent from the application software  183  to the operating system  182 , which initiates start-up of the printer driver  181 . The operation of the printer driver at this time is as already described in connection with  FIG. 16 . 
     Specifically, in the printer driver  181 , the setting selection unit  302  sends the settable value information extraction unit  303  the settable value information request instruction  321 , the series of information exchanges described above is carried out and the setting selection unit  302  receives the settable value information  324  from the settable value information extraction unit  303 . The settable value information  324  is stored temporarily in the storage area  3021 , which is provided on a recording medium such as a RAM (random-access memory) or HD (hard disk). Next, the setting selection unit  302  sends the default setting information extraction unit  305  the default setting information request instruction  325 , the series of information exchanges described above is carried out and the setting selection unit  302  receives the default setting information  327  from the default setting information extraction unit  305 . The default setting information  327  is stored temporarily in the storage area  3021  and is displayed on the display unit  309  that is connected to the host computer. At this time the items for which defaults have been set are made distinguishable as by highlighting them. Further, settings made by the user are implemented by the setting unit  301 , which includes the keyboard and pointing device. 
       FIGS. 20 through 23  show windows illustrating various settings regarding the printer driver according to this invention when a user employing Microsoft&#39;s operating system “Windows 95” designates printing from the application software. 
       FIG. 20  shows a window referred to as a “main property” window. The user is capable of employing this window to set an “Automatic Pallet” section through which the operator may select a printing method that is suited to the user&#39;s own application software. Furthermore, the window illustrates messages regarding positions to which “Paper Thickness Selection Lever” and “Paper Thickness Lever” are to be moved in dependent upon thickness of the printing paper and settings of “Media Type” and “Paper Feed Method.” The default settings for each of the items are as follows: “Word Processor” is selected on the automatic pallet, “Inward” for “Paper Thickness Selection Lever”, “Center” for “Paper Thickness Lever”, “Plain Paper” for “Media” and “Automatic Sheet Feeder” for “Paper Feed Method.” These are displayed on the display unit. 
       FIG. 21  shows a window referred to as a “paper property” window. This window makes it possible for the user to set a “Paper Size” field, which indicates the size of the paper that has been designated in the application program, an “Enlarge/Reduce” check box indicating whether an image is to be enlarged or reduced in a case where the size specified in the “Paper Size” field differs from the size of the paper actually loaded in the printer, a “Printing Direction” field for designating the direction of printing, and a “Color Mode” field for designating printing color. The default settings for these settable items are “A4” for “Paper Size”, “OFF” for “Enlarge/Reduce”, “Vertical” for “Printing Direction” and “Color” for “Color Mode”. These are displayed on the display unit. 
       FIG. 22  shows a window referred to as a “quality property” window that opens when a “Detailed Setting” button ( FIG. 20 ) is pressed. This window makes it possible for the user to set a “Printing Quality” slide bar which designates the quality of printing, “Resolution” &amp; “Printing Mode” messages indicating the states of resolution and printing mode in the particular set state of the “Printing Quality” slide bar, a “Paper Feed Method” field for designating the method of paper feed, a “Media” field for designating the printing medium, and a “Dither Setting” field for designating dither processing. The default settings for these settable items are the second graduation from the left for “Printing Quality”, the messages “360×360 dpi” and “HQ” for “Resolution” and “Printing Mode”, respectively, “Automatic Sheet Feeder” for “Paper Feed Method”, “Plain Paper” for “Media” and “Pattern (High Speed)” for “Dither Setting.” These are displayed on the display unit. 
       FIG. 23  shows a window referred to as a “color setting property” window capable of being opened after the window of  FIG. 22  is opened. The user can employ this window to set a “Density” field through which the density of data at the time of printing can be changed, and a “Color Correction” field for performing various color corrections. The default setting for these settable items are “0” for “Density” and “OFF” for “Color Correction.” These are displayed on the display unit. 
     Ordinarily the user selects the type of application from the “Automatic Pallet” of the main property window using the setting unit  301 . Then, in conformity with the selection made on the “Automatic Pallet”, the user merely moves the levers in the directions displayed in the “Paper Thickness Selection Lever” and “Paper Selection Lever” messages and places the medium indicated in the “Media” message in the printer, thereby making it possible to execute printing that conforms to the application. If the application being employed by the user is word processing software, the user need only execute printing by leaving the various settings at the default settings. 
     If the user clicks on the “OK” button in  FIG. 20  in order to execute printing using the default settings, the default settings that have been stored in the storage area  3021  are communicated from the setting selection unit  302  to the control command issuance unit  310  as setting information  333  and to the printing device  100  as the printing control command  334 . As a result, printing in accordance with the default settings is performed by the setting device  100 . 
     However, the user may not always execute printing using the default settings and may wish to change the settings. An example of such a scenario will now be described. 
       FIG. 24  shows a window illustrating a state in which “Photographic Film” has been selected on the “Automatic Pallet” in a case where the image created by a photograph retouching program is to be printed on glossy film paper. 
     In  FIG. 24 , “Outward” has been set for “Paper Thickness Selection Lever”, “Center” for “Paper Selection Lever”, “High-gloss Film” for “Media” and “Manual Insertion” for “Paper Feed Method.” More specifically, the user has, in effect, sent a message meaning “move the Paper Thickness selection lever of the printer outward, move the paper selection lever toward the center, use high-gloss film as the medium placed in the printer and insert the film manually.” Thus, the user is instructed of the operation necessary to perform printing in the manner desired by the user. If the user performs the operation specified for the printer driver and executes printing, it will be possible to obtain printed results suitable for photographic film. 
     If the user is not satisfied with the photographic film setting on the “Automatic Pallet” and wishes to make a more detailed setting, then the user clicks the “Detailed Setting” button in the main property window. This causes the quality property window of  FIG. 25  to open. The user can use this screen to make detailed settings such as by changing the media or dither processing and opening the color setting property window of  FIG. 26  to adjust density or set color balance. 
     In  FIG. 25 , the setting “Pattern (High Speed)” for “Dither Setting” is dimmed and cannot be selected by the user; “Error Diffusion” has been selected. When a button or the like is dimmed on the screen, this means that the button cannot be selected. In the Figures, however, dimmed buttons and the like are not particularly illustrated. The display shown in  FIG. 25  is the result of the user having performed the operation below by selecting “Photographic Film” instead of “Word Processor” on the “Automatic Pallet” of the main property window through use of the setting unit  301 . It should be noted that it is assumed that “Word Processor” has been set as the default setting at start-up of printer driver, and that this setting has been stored in the storage area  3021  as the latest value. 
     The setting selection unit  302  sends the link information extraction unit  307  the link information request instruction  329  relating to the setting “Photographic Film” on the automatic pallet. The link information  331  extracted from the link information storage unit  308  in accordance with the instruction  329  includes information to the effect that “Pattern (High Speed)” of the dither settable item is to be made non-selectable, as well as information to the effect that “Error Diffusion” is to be selected. The link information extraction unit  307  receives the link information  331  and sends the link information  332  to the setting selection unit  302 . Upon receiving the link information  332 , the setting selection unit  302  compares the latest setting information saved in the storage area  3021  with the link information  332 . The result of the comparison is that the two are different. In such case the dither setting is changed from the default “Pattern (High Speed)” to “Error Diffusion” obtained by the link information, and this is stored in the storage area  3021 . The result of the change is displayed on the display unit  309 . 
     Thus, the link information includes a settable item and setting (“Error Diffusion” in this example) capable of being selected by the setting selection unit  302 , as well as non-selectable item and setting [“Pattern (High Speed)”]. The link information storage unit  308  combines settings capable of being set with regard to the above-mentioned settable items and stores link information candidates consisting of desired values set as non-settable items for every settable item combined. When the value of a certain item is changed, therefore, items which must not be set and their values are obtained from the link information together with the item to be changed and its value that are linked to the value of the changed item. 
     Further, the message item “Resolution” has been changed from “360×360 dpi” to “720×360 dpi” and the message item “Printing Mode” has been changed from “HQ” to “FINE”. All of these changes have been made in linkage with the change of the setting of “Automatic Pallet” in the main property window. By virtue of the fact that “Pattern (High Speed)” has been dimmed for “Dither Setting” in  FIG. 25 , high-speed printing that would diminish printing quality is prevented from being executed with regard to high-gloss film, which is a high-grade medium. 
     In a case where the user executes printing using coated paper instead of high-gloss film and making the “Photographic Film” setting in the “Automatic Pallet” field, the setting of the item “Media” is changed from “High-gloss Film” to “Coated Film”, as shown in  FIG. 27 . When this is done, the setting selection unit  302  sends the link information extraction unit  307  the information request instruction  329 , which includes information to the effect that the setting of the item “Media” has been changed from “High-gloss Film” to “Coated Paper.” The link information extraction unit  307  sends the link information storage unit  308  the link information request instruction  330 . Upon receiving the instruction  330 , the link information storage unit  308  sends information, which includes the setting of an item to be changed attendant upon the change of the setting for the item “Media” from “High-gloss Film” to “Coated Paper”, to the link information extraction unit  307  as the link information  331 . This information is delivered from the link information extraction unit  307  to the setting selection unit  302  as link information  322 . The setting selection unit  302  compares the latest set value stored in the storage area  3021  with the link information  332 . If the setting stored in the storage area  3021  and the setting of the link information  332  differ and, moreover, neither can be decided upon, the user is called upon to make the decision, as shown in  FIG. 28 . In a case where the user has decided that a change should be made to the link information, the user clicks on the “OK” button in  FIG. 28 . In response to this operation, the link information  332  is stored on the recording medium as the latest information. The display unit displays the latest information in the manner shown in  FIG. 29 . Here the setting for the item “Paper Feed Method” has been changed from “Manual Insertion” to “Automatic Sheet Feeder.” In a case where the user decides that the preceding setting is acceptable in  FIG. 28 , the user clicks on the “Cancel” button in  FIG. 28 . In response, the information that has been stored in the storage area  3021  is displayed by the display unit  309  in the manner shown in  FIG. 30 . In the window shown in  FIG. 30 , the only change made by the operator from the window of  FIG. 25  is the settable item “Media”, which the operator has changed to “Coated Paper.” 
     This exchange of information is performed among the setting selection unit  302 , link information extraction unit  307  and link information storage unit  308  until the user clicks on the “OK” button in the main property window. 
     When the “OK” button in the main property window is pressed, the latest setting information that has been stored in the storage area  3021  is communicated from the setting selection unit  302  to the control command issuance unit  310  as the setting information  333 . Furthermore, this information is communicated to the printing device  100  as the printing control command  334  so that printing in accordance with the latest setting information is carried out by the printing device  100 . 
     &lt;Hardware Configuration&gt; 
       FIG. 17  is a block diagram illustrating a case where the printing system shown in  FIG. 16  and comprising the printing device  100  and host computer  110  is implemented by hardware resources. 
     As for the hardware resources, the CPU  102  controls the overall apparatus and executes the program of a procedure (described later) stored in the RAM  103 , thereby implementing the functions of the printing control apparatus of  FIG. 16  or of the system shown in  FIG. 32 . Furthermore, the CPU  102  executes the above-mentioned application program to allow the user to enter printing information. In addition to a storage area for programs, the RAM  103  is provided with the storage area  3201  for storing the settable values planted by the setting selection unit  302 , the default settings and the latest settings. The secondary memory  104  stores a program and information used upon being loaded in the RAM  103 . The program and information to be stored in the RAM  103  are stored in the secondary memory  104  in advance and can be loaded from the memory  104  to the RAM  103 . The display  105 , a keyboard  106  and a pointing device  1061  are used when the user selects or enters settings. The windows of FIGS.  20  through  30  are displayed by the display  105  and settings are made by the keyboard or pointing device. 
     In order to implement the functions of the printing control apparatus, the program of a procedure shown in  FIG. 31  is executed by the CPU  102  of the host computer  110  configured as described above. The procedure of  FIG. 31  has already been described with reference to  FIGS. 16 ,  18 - 30  and  32  but will now be described again in terms of the flow of processing. 
     When a print request is issued by the user to call the printer properties, a request for settable value information is made (step S 3101 ), whereupon the settable value information is acquired (step S 3102 ) and stored in the RAM  103  (step S 3103 ). Default information is then requested (step S 3104 ), the default information is acquired (step S 3105 ) and the default information is stored in the RAM  103  (step S 3106 ) and displayed on the display  105  (step S 3107 ). 
     It is determined whether execution of printing has been designated by the user (step S 3108 ). If the answer is “YES”, then setting information is sent to the control command issuance unit (step S 3117 ). The latter sends a control command to the printing device  100  (step S 3118 ), in response to which the printing device  100  executes a printing operation. 
     If it is found at step S 3108  that the user has not designated printing, then it is determined whether a setting has been changed (step S 3109 ). If a setting has not been changed, then the program returns to step S 3108 . 
     If a setting has been changed, on the other hand, then link information is requested (step S 3110 ) and the link information is acquired (step S 3111 ). When the link information has been acquired, the latest setting that has been stored in the storage area and the link information setting are compared (step S 3112 ) and judged (step S 3113 ). If the result of the comparison is that the two are equal, the program returns to step S 3108 . If the two are not equal, then it is determined whether the selection of the setting should be made by the user (step S 3114 ). This decision is made by setting a flag in advance, for every item of link information, indicating whether the item is one to be left to the judgment of the user, and then referring to the flag. 
     If it is decided that the user should make the selection, then the selection entered by the user is investigated (step S 3115 ). If a change has been entered, the portion that is different in the result of the comparison is substituted for the link information setting and this is stored in the RAM  103  (step S 3116 ). 
     If it is judged at step S 3114  that the user should not make the selection, then the program proceeds to step S 3116 . 
     If the changed setting has been stored in the RAM  103  at step S 3116 , the program returns to step S 3108 , where it is determined whether the user has designated the execution of printing. 
     Thus, the printing control apparatus according to the present invention in such that for every value set as a settable item for the purpose of performing printing, other settable items related to this item and the values of these other items are stored beforehand as link information. If the value of any settable item has been changed, link information is retrieved based upon the changed item and its value and the items and values thereof contained in the link information obtained are adopted as new settings or as setting candidates. As a result, the burden of making settings at the time of printing is alleviated as far as the operator is concerned. In addition, the settings at the time of printing are made the optimum values with ease. 
     Further, since it is so arranged that default settings are made, the user need not make many settings relating to printing information in a case where the printing operation is of the ordinary type. This also makes it possible to lighten the burden upon the operator. 
     In a case where a setting has been changed by the user, the settings of other settable items also are made optimum settings decided in advance. As a result, control can be performed in such a manner that the user cannot select combinations that are not allowed. 
     An example of a printer capable of being controlled by a printer driver according to the invention will now be described.  FIG. 55  is a sectional view of a color laser printer  1020 . As shown in  FIG. 55 , the printer includes an optical system  711  having a laser output unit (not shown) for converting an image signal to an optical signal, a polygon mirror  712  having the shape of a polyhedron (e.g., an octahedron), a motor (not shown) for rotating the mirror  712 , and an f/θ lens (image forming lens)  713 . A reflecting mirror  714  changes the optical path of the laser beam. Numeral  715  denotes a photosensitive drum. The laser beam emitted by the laser output unit is reflected by one side of the polygon mirror  712  and linearly scans (raster scans) the surface of the photosensitive drum  715 , which is rotating in the direction indicated by the arrow), through the f/θ lens  713  and mirror  714 . As a result, an electrostatic latent image that corresponds to the image of an original is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum  715 . 
     The printer further includes a primary corona charging device  717 , a full-exposure lamp  718 , a cleaner  723  for recovering residual toner that has not been transferred, and a pre-transfer corona charging device  724 . These units are arranged along the circumference of the photosensitive drum  715 . 
     A developing unit  726  develops the electrostatic latent image that has been formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum  715 . Specifically, the developing unit  726  includes developing sleeves  731 Y,  731 M,  731 C,  731 Bk which perform direct development by contacting the surface of the photosensitive drum  715 , toner hoppers  730 Y,  730 M,  730 C,  730 Bk containing preliminary toners, and screws  732  for conveying developer. The sleeves  731 Y˜ 731 Bk, toner hoppers  730 Y˜ 730 Bk and screws  732  are arranged so as to surround a rotary shaft P of the developing unit. It should be noted that the characters Y, M, C, Bk of these components indicate colors. Specifically, “Y”, “M”, “C” and “Bk” represent the colors yellow, magenta, cyan and black, respectively. When a yellow toner image is formed, a yellow toner development process is performed at the position indicated in  FIG. 55 . When a magenta toner image is formed, the developing unit  726  is revolved about the shaft P to bring the developing sleeve  731 M inside the magenta developing unit into contact with the photosensitive drum  715 . A similar operation is performed with regard to the cyan and black images as well. 
     The printer further includes a transfer drum  716  which transfers the toner images formed on the photosensitive drum  715  from the drum to paper, an actuator plate  719  for detecting the position to which the transfer drum  716  has been moved, a position sensor  720  which, by being approached by the actuator plate  719 , senses that the transfer drum  716  has moved to a home position, a transfer drum cleaner  725 , a paper retaining roller  727 , a charge removing device  728  and a transfer corona charging device  729 . These units  719 ,  720 ,  725 ,  727  and  729  are arranged along the circumference of the transfer drum  716 . 
     Numerals  735 ,  736  denote paper supply cassettes which accommodate sheets of paper. It is assumed in this embodiment that the paper supply cassettes  735  and  736  contain size A4 paper and size A3 paper, respectively. Paper feed rollers  737 ,  738  supply paper from the cassettes  735 ,  736 , respectively. Timing rollers  739 ,  740  and  741  decide the timing of paper supply and conveyance. A sheet of paper supplied and conveyed via these rollers is introduced to a paper guide  749  and the paper is wound upon the transfer drum  716  while its leading edge is held by a gripper, described below. A transition is then made to the image forming process. It should be noted that which of the paper feed cassettes  735 ,  736  is selected is decided by a command from a main controller, and that only a selected paper feed roller is rotated. 
     It should be noted that an inkjet printer can be utilized instead of this laser beam printer. A description of the structure of the inkjet printer is not given here as the structure will be described in conjunction with a fourth embodiment, set forth below. 
     Fourth Embodiment 
     A printing system which implements a printer driver to perform printing will now be described as a fourth embodiment with reference to the arrangement shown in  FIG. 33 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 33 , a controller H 01  (referred to as a “CPU” below) administers overall control of the embodiment. A keyboard H 02  and a pointing device H 21  are used when the operator enters various data. A color display unit H 03  displays image data that has been stored in a RAM H 05 . A ROM H 04  is a read-only memory in which the control procedure for controlling the overall apparatus and various other items of necessary information are stored in advance. A RAM H 05  is a random-access memory utilized as a working area. A hard disk H 06  is for reading and writing various data and for storing programs. A printer interface H 07  is a bidirectional interface for transmitting printing data and for receiving signals representing the status of a printer H 08 . A data bus H 09  is used to transfer various data. It should be noted that the hard disk H 06  stores application programs and a printer driver. These are loaded in the RAM H 05  and are executed by the CPU H 01 . 
     The printer H 08  of this embodiment is a color inkjet printer and is capable of being equipped with three types of interchangeable heads. The first is a monochrome printing head, the second, a color printing head and the third, a photographic grade printing head. The monochrome and color printing heads are bi-level heads, the same as those in conventional printers. One bit of image data in a print command signifies one dot. The photographic grade printing head is capable of performing grayscale printing by superimposing light inks. In this embodiment, the head is capable of printing four gray levels. This means that two bits are necessary to express one dot. Since the number of bits needed to print one dot thus differs depending upon the head, printing cannot be performed correctly unless a print command suited to the head installed in the printer is transmitted. 
     The details of the printing system shown in  FIG. 33  will be described next. This system is so adapted as to determine whether the printing head that has been set in the printer driver and the printing head actually installed in the printer agree, present an error display if the two do not agree and suspend printing or allow the head to be changed. 
     The operation of the printer driver as indicated on the display screen will be described first.  FIG. 34  shows a printing dialog box. The printing dialog box is a display window that allows the operator to make various settings related to printing. The operator observes the display and sets appropriate values by entering them or by selecting them from a menu. When a setting has been made, the setting is stored in the RAM H 05  or hard disk H 06 . A “Cartridge” menu in  FIG. 34  is for selecting the head. Three types of heads can be selected using this menu.  FIG. 35  illustrates selectable items in the “Cartridge” menu. The printer driver generates a print command in conformity with the setting on the “Cartridge” menu when a “Print” button is pressed. The head that has been installed in the printer is checked before the print command is transmitted to the printer. If the installed head agrees with the menu setting, then the print command is transmitted. If non-agreement is found, an error dialog box shown in  FIG. 36  is displayed. If the “Stop” button in this dialog box is pressed, printing is suspended. If the “Continue” button is pressed, then head verification processing is executed and processing is repeated until the setting is found to agree with the actual head. 
     The operation of the printer driver will now be described with reference to a flowchart.  FIG. 37  is a flowchart of processing from clicking of the “Print” button in  FIG. 34  to transmission of the print command. 
     The type of head mounted in the printer H 08  is obtained via the printer interface H 07  of  FIG. 33  at step S 321 . The value set as the “Cartridge” item of the printer driver is obtained at step S 232 . It is determined at step S 233  whether the head that has been mounted in the printer H 08  and the setting obtained at step S 232  agree. If the two agree, the setting is sent to the printer H 08  and a transition is made to printing processing. If the two do not agree, the program proceeds to step S 234 , at which a display is presented to the effect that the printing head is different from the setting of the driver. In this embodiment, the error dialog box of  FIG. 36  is displayed. Steps S 235  and S 236  constitute error dialog processing. It is determined at step S 235  whether the “Stop” button has been pressed. If the “Stop” button has been pressed, a transition is made to suspension of printing. It is determined at step S 236  whether the “Continue” button has been pressed. If this button has been pressed, a transition is made to step S 231 . If this button has not been pressed, however, the program returns to step S 235 . 
     By virtue of the fact that the printer driver controls the setting of the printing head in the manner described above, it is possible to prevent printing malfunction caused by a difference between the setting of printing head and the actually installed printing head. 
       FIG. 38  is diagram showing the construction of a color inkjet recording apparatus IJRA applicable to this embodiment of the invention. It should be noted that this printer can be used not only in the first embodiment but also in the embodiments from the second onward. As shown in  FIG. 38 , a carriage HC is engaged with a helical groove  5004  of a lead screw  5005  rotated via driving force transmission gears  5011 ,  5009  in operative association with the forward and reverse rotation of a driver motor  5013 . The carriage HC has a pin (not shown) moved back and forth in directions of arrows a and b. An inkjet cartridge IJC for the colors Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan) and Bk (black) is mounted on the carriage HC in a case where the color head is selected. If the monochrome head is selected, a cartridge solely for the color black is mounted. If photographic color is selected, a cartridge for photographic color is mounted. A paper retaining plate  5002  presses recording paper P against a platen  5000  along the traveling direction of the carriage. Photocouplers  5007 ,  5008  constitute home position sensing means for verifying the presence of a carriage lever  5006  in the vicinity of the photocouplers and changing over the direction in which the motor  5013  is rotated. A member  5016  supports a cap member  5022 , which is for capping the front side of the recording head. Suction means  5015  for applying suction to the cap subjects the cap to suction recovery via an opening  5023  inside the cap. A member  5019  makes it possible to move a cleaning blade  5017  back and forth. The cleaning blade  5017  and the member  5019  are supported on a support plate  5018 . It goes without saying that the blade need not be of this type and that a well-known cleaning blade can be applied to this embodiment. A lever  5021 , which is for starting the suction of the suction recovery operation, moves with movement of a cam  5020  engaged with the carriage. Movement is controlled by well-known transmission means whereby the driving force from the driver motor is changed over as by a clutch. 
     Fifth Embodiment 
     A fifth embodiment of the invention will now be described. In this embodiment, it is determined whether selection of paper size of the printer driver and the size of the paper actually placed in the printer agree. If the two do not agree, an error display is presented and printing is suspended or the paper is changed. The construction of the printer is the same as that of the fourth embodiment and is as shown in  FIG. 33 . 
     The operation of the printer driver will now be described in terms of the display screen.  FIG. 39  shows a dialog box for setting paper size. This dialog box is a window for setting the size, scale and orientation of the printing paper. The set values are stored in the RAM H 08  or hard disk H 06 . The operator sets printing paper size and the like by setting the values desired for each of the items on the screen or by selecting the values from a menu. In  FIG. 39 , a “Paper Size” menu is a menu for selecting paper size. The printer of this embodiment supports 13 types of paper sizes.  FIG. 40  illustrates the selectable items in the “Paper Size” menu. The “OK” button in the dialog box of  FIG. 39  signifies a decision on paper size and is not for designating execution of printing. Printing is performed by selecting the “Print” button in the printing dialog box of  FIG. 34 . When the “Print” button in the printing dialog box is pressed, the printer driver generates a print command in conformity with the value set for the item “Paper Size.” Before the print command is transmitted to the printer, the size of the paper that has been placed in the printer is confirmed. If the size agrees with the setting, the print command is transmitted to the printer. If the two do not agree, an error dialog box shown in  FIG. 41  is displayed. Printing is suspended if a “Stop” button in  FIG. 41  is pressed. If the “Continue” button is pressed, then paper size verification processing is executed and processing is repeated until the setting is found to agree with the paper size. 
     The operation of the printer driver will now be described with reference to a flowchart.  FIG. 42  is a flowchart of processing from clicking of the “Print” button in  FIG. 34  to transmission of the print command. 
     The size of the paper that has been placed in the printer H 08  is obtained via the printer interface H 07  of  FIG. 33  at step S 281 . The value set of the “Paper Size” set by the operator in the dialog box of  FIG. 39  is obtained at step S 282 . It is determined at step S 283  whether the size of the paper that has been placed in the printer and the value set in the dialog box of  FIG. 39  with respect to the printer driver agree. If the two agree, a transition is made to printing processing. If the two do not agree, the program proceeds to step S 284 , at which a display is presented to the effect that the paper size is different. In this embodiment, the error dialog box of  FIG. 41  is displayed. Steps S 285  and S 286  constitute error dialog processing. It is determined at step S 285  whether the “Stop” button has been pressed. If the “Stop” button has been pressed”, a transition is made to suspension of printing. It is determined at step S 286  whether the “Continue” button has been pressed. If this button has been pressed, a transition is made to step S 281 . If this button has not been pressed, however, the program returns to step S 285 . 
     The processing described above makes it possible to determine whether the size of paper placed in the printer agrees with the paper size set for the printer driver. As a result, printer malfunction caused by the wrong paper size can be prevented. 
     Sixth Embodiment 
     Described next will be a printing system in which when the setting of the printer driver and the setting of the printer differ, a different printer can be selected anew without an error display being presented. A system having a construction the same as that of the printing system of the third embodiment will be described as an example. 
     The connections between a host and printers is as shown in  FIG. 45 . A PC  311  in  FIG. 45  serves as a host and is connected to printers  312 ˜ 314 , each of which has a name assigned to it. The operation of the printer driver will be described in terms of the display screen.  FIG. 43  shows a printing dialog box. A “Cartridge” menu in  FIG. 43  is for selecting the head. The printer driver generates a print command in conformity with the setting on the “Cartridge” menu when a “Print” button is pressed. The head that has been installed in the printer is checked before the print command is transmitted to the printer. If the installed head agrees with the menu setting, then the print command is transmitted. If non-agreement is found, an error dialog box shown in  FIG. 44  is displayed. If the “Stop” button in this dialog box is pressed, printing is suspended. If the printer is selected from the display and a “Choose” button in the dialog box of  FIG. 44  is pressed, then head verification processing is executed again with regard to the printer chosen and processing is repeated until the heads are found to agree. 
     The operation of the printer driver will now be described with reference to a flowchart.  FIG. 46  is a flowchart of processing from clicking of the “Print” button to transmission of the print command. 
     The type of head mounted in the printer H 08  is obtained via the printer interface H 07  of  FIG. 33  at step S 231 . The value set as the “Cartridge” item of the printer driver is obtained at step S 322 . It is determined at step S 323  whether the head that has been mounted in the printer H 08  and the setting of the printer driver agree. If the two agree, a transition is made to printing processing. If the two do not agree, the program proceeds to step S 324 , at which a display is presented to the effect that the head is different from the setting of the driver. In this embodiment, the error dialog box of  FIG. 44  is displayed. Steps S 325  and S 326  constitute error dialog processing. It is determined at step S 325  whether the “Stop” button has been pressed. If the “Stop” button has been pressed, a transition is made to suspension of printing. It is determined at step S 326  whether the “Choose” button has been pressed. If this button has been pressed, a new printer currently connected is selected as the printer whose printing is to be controlled and the processing from step S 321  onward is executed again with regard to this printer. If the “Choose” button has not been pressed, the program returns to step S 325 . 
     Seventh Embodiment 
     Described next will be a printing system in which when the setting of the printer driver and the setting of the printer differ, the setting of the printer driver is changed in conformity with the setting of the printer without an error display being presented. A case in which the printing heads differ in a manner similar to that of the third embodiment will be described as an example. 
     The operation of the printer driver will be described in terms of the display screen.  FIG. 47  shows a printing dialog box. This dialog box is a window for making various settings relating to printing and executing printing. A “Cartridge” menu in  FIG. 47  is for selecting the head. Three types of heads are available for the printer in this printing system. The first is a monochrome printing head, the second, a color printing head and the third, a photographic grade printing head. The printer drive generates a print command in conformity with the setting on the “Cartridge” menu when a “Print” button is pressed. The head that has been installed in the printer is checked before the print command is transmitted to the printer. If the installed head agrees with the menu setting, then the print command is transmitted. If non-agreement is found, an error dialog box shown in  FIG. 48  is displayed. If the “Stop” button in this dialog box is pressed, printing is suspended. If “OK” is selected, a print command is generated in conformity with the head that has been installed in the printer. 
     The operation of the printer driver will now be described with reference to a flowchart.  FIG. 49  is a flowchart of processing from clicking of the “Print” button in  FIG. 47  to transmission of the print command after execution of printing is designated. 
     The type of head mounted in the printer H 08  is obtained via the printer interface H 07  of  FIG. 33  at step S 351 . The value set as the “Cartridge” item of the printer driver is obtained at step S 352 . It is determined at step S 353  whether the head that has been mounted in the printer H 08  and the setting regarding the printer driver agree. If the two agree, a transition is made to printing processing. If the two do not agree, the program proceeds to step S 354 , at which a display is presented to the effect that the set head is different from the head actually installed. In this embodiment, the error dialog box of  FIG. 48  is displayed. Steps S 355  and S 356  constitute error dialog processing. It is determined at step S 355  whether the “Stop” button has been pressed. If the “Stop” button has been pressed, a transition is made to step S 357 . If the “Stop” button has not been pressed, however, the program returns to step S 355 . The setting of the printer driver is made to conform to the head mounted in the printer at step S 358 . Subsequent printing steps generate a command in conformity with the setting of the printer driver. As a result, a command in line with the mounted head is generated. 
     It should be noted that although cartridge type is dealt with in this embodiment, processing would be executed in similar fashion with regard to paper size, etc. 
     By thus making the printer driver setting conform to the setting on the printer per se, printer malfunction caused by erroneous setting at the time of printing can be prevented. 
     Printing can be performed correctly by executing the same processing even in arrangements other than those of the fourth through seventh embodiments, such as in cases where the setting of paper type or paper feed opening differs from that on the printer driver. Further, if the setting information can be transmitted from the printer to the host, any physical interface may be used. 
     Eighth Embodiment 
     The hardware configuration for implementing this embodiment of the invention is as shown in  FIG. 33 , namely a configuration the same as that of the fourth through seventh embodiments. 
     The beginning of ordinary printing processing of the printer driver in this embodiment will now be described. The printer driver displays a dialog box for setting up printing processing before printing, and the user sets up printing processing made to conform to the printed matter and designates execution of printing. Setting of printing processing by the user shall be referred to as “print setting.” Print setting includes designations not only of the head information described below but also designations of paper size, paper type, printing method and paper feed opening. 
     The details of this printing system will now be described. The system is adapted to investigate the head installed in the printer while displaying the printing dialog box of the printer driver and to display a cartridge menu conforming to the head that has been installed. 
     The operation of the printer driver will be described first in terms of the display screen.  FIG. 50  illustrates the printing dialog box. A “Cartridge” menu in  FIG. 50  is for selecting the head. Three types of heads are available for the printer in this printing system. The first is a monochrome printing head, the second, a color printing head and the third, a photographic grade printing head.  FIGS. 51 through 53  show “Cartridge” menus.  FIGS. 51 ,  52  and  53  are menus displayed when the color printing head, monochrome printing head and photographic grade printing head, respectively, have been loaded in the in the printer. The printer driver changes the menu automatically in conformity with the head that has been installed. 
     The operation of the printer driver will now be described with reference to a flowchart.  FIG. 54  is a flowchart of printing dialog processing in the system according to this embodiment. When printing is designated by the operator, processing is started by the procedure of  FIG. 54 . 
     Initial setting of printing is performed at step S 401 . A dialog display is presented at step S 402  in conformity with the current print setting. This is followed by step S 403 , at which it is determined through the printer interface H 07  of  FIG. 33  whether a head has been mounted in the printer H 08 . The setting of the head in print setting and the head that has been installed in the printer are compared at step S 404 . The program proceeds to step S 408  if the two agree. If the two do not agree, processing branches in accordance with the head that has been installed in the printer. The program proceeds to step S 405  if the monochrome printing head has been installed, to step S 406  if the color printing head has been installed and to step S 407  if the photographic printing grade head has been installed. The head information of the print setting is set to black and white at step S 405 , to color at step S 406  and to photographic grade printing at step S 407 . It is determined at step S 408  whether the print button of the printing dialog box has been pressed. If the answer is “YES”, a transition is made to printing processing. If the answer is “NO”, then the program proceeds to step S 409 , where overall processing for printing dialog is executed. Here print settings such as the printing method and paper feed opening are changed. It is determined at step S 410  whether a print setting has been changed at step S 409 . If a print setting has been changed, the program proceeds to step S 402 ; otherwise, the program proceeds to step S 403 . 
     Thus, in a case where the cartridge actually installed in the printer and the printer driver setting differ, the setting of the driver is made to conform to the status of the printer, thereby facilitating the setting operation and making it possible to prevent printing malfunction causes by erroneous settings. 
     Printing processing can be executed under correct settings at all times by executing setting processing through a procedure similar to that of  FIG. 54  to deal with paper size and the status of paper feed. Further, if the setting information can be transmitted from the printer to the host, any physical interface may be used. 
     Ninth Embodiment 
     The hardware configuration of a printer system for realizing this embodiment of the invention will be described with reference to  FIG. 56 . Components similar to those shown in  FIG. 33  are designated by like reference characters and need not be described again. The arrangement of  FIG. 56  differs from that of  FIG. 33  in that the printer H 08  is equipped with counters H 801 , H 802  and H 803  for measuring the amounts of remaining ink in the three types of cartridges. The remaining ink counters are changed over automatically when a cartridge is replaced. However, the amount of ink used is not reset automatically. Further, this system has the software of the kind shown in  FIG. 32 , and the printer driver is implemented by the CPU H 01 , whereby the printer H 08  is controlled. Furthermore, the printer H 08  is capable of discriminating the type of cartridge that has been installed. Specifically, each cartridge is provided beforehand with an identifier such as a projection conforming to the type of cartridge, and the identifier is capable of being sensed by a sensor on the printer body. 
     This embodiment will now be described in conjunction with a display presented on the display screen.  FIG. 58  is a utility dialog window for designating cleaning and cartridge replacement in the printer H 08 . This window is displayed on the display unit H 03  by having the operator make an entry by the keyboard or pointing device to the effect that the utility of the printer driver is to be used. When a cartridge replacement button is pressed on this screen, i.e., when the pointing device is used to select this button to designate execution of the replacement, the printer driver starts cartridge replacement processing. First, the cartridge is moved to a cartridge replacement position, after which the system waits for the cartridge to be replaced. The dialog box of  FIG. 59  is displayed until the new cartridge is installed. If a different type cartridge is found to have been installed when cartridge replacement is finished (i.e., when this is determined by the cartridge sensor), processing is terminated. If a cartridge of the same type is found to have been installed, the dialog box shown in  FIG. 60  is displayed and the operator is requested to select whether the amount of remaining ink is to be reset. If resetting of the amount of remaining ink is selected, the remaining ink counter is reset. If resetting is not selected, then processing is terminated without execution of any other steps. 
     This will now be described with reference to a flowchart.  FIG. 57  is a flowchart of the portion of processing related to cartridge replacement in the printer driver. This flowchart is executed after the cartridge replacement button of  FIG. 58  is pressed. 
     The type of cartridge currently installed, i.e., the type of cartridge prior to replacement, is acquired at step S 431 . More specifically, the type of cartridge that has been sensed by the cartridge recognition sensor of the printer H 08  is requested. Here the dialog box of  FIG. 59  is displayed. A command for moving the cartridge to the cartridge replacement position is transmitted at step S 432 . As a result, the cartridge of the printer is moved to the replacement position. 
     Status as to whether cartridge replacement has been completed is acquired at step S 433 . For example, completion of replacement can be judged to have occurred in the printer H 08  when a cartridge is sensed again by the cartridge sensor after a cartridge has been removed. The printer sends a signal indicative of this decision to the printer driver as status regarding the completion of cartridge replacement. On the basis of the status signal received, it is determined at step S 434  whether the cartridge replacement has been completed. If the answer is “NO”, the program returns to step S 433 . The type of the newly installed cartridge is acquired at step S 435 . Here it will suffice to execute processing the same as that executed at step S 431 . 
     In order to determine whether the type of cartridge after the replacement is the same as that before the replacement, the cartridge type acquired at step S 431  and the type acquired at step S 435  are compared at step S 436 . If the cartridge type is different, then cartridge replacement processing is ended. Next, at step S 437 , the screen of  FIG. 60  is displayed and the operator is allowed to select whether resetting of the amount of remaining ink is to be performed. If the operator does not reset the amount of remaining ink, then cartridge replacement processing is terminated. 
     It is determined at step S 438  whether the cartridge that has been installed is the monochrome cartridge or the color cartridge. A transition is made to step S 439  in case of the monochrome cartridge and to step S 440  in case of the color cartridge. A reset command for resetting the amount of remaining ink in the monochrome cartridge is transmitted to the printer H 08  at step S 439 . A reset command for resetting the amount of remaining ink in the color cartridge is transmitted to the printer H 08  at step S 440 . Though only two types of cartridges are dealt with in  FIG. 57 , resetting of the remaining ink counters corresponding to the cartridges would be performed in the same manner even if there were three or more cartridges. 
     Since a remaining ink counter corresponding to an installed cartridge can be reset in the manner set forth above, it is possible to prevent an error in the remaining ink counter to be reset at the time of cartridge replacement and to prevent the printer from erroneously detecting the amount of remaining ink. 
     Though resetting of the amount of remaining ink is performed from the printer driver in the foregoing embodiment, it goes without saying that the same effects can be obtained even if this is performed using the firmware of the printer per se. 
     Thus, as described above, the present invention has a first cartridge-type acquisition step of acquiring cartridge type before cartridge replacement, a cartridge replacement step of performing cartridge replacement, a second cartridge-type acquisition step of acquiring cartridge type after cartridge replacement, a cartridge-type comparison step of comparing the cartridge types before and after cartridge replacement, and a remaining amount of ink resetting step for resetting amount of remaining ink if the cartridge types are the same, wherein the type of the installed cartridge is recognized automatically and the amount of remaining ink reset correctly. 
     The present invention can be applied to a system constituted by a plurality of devices (e.g., a host computer, interface, reader, printer, etc.) or to an apparatus comprising a single device (e.g., a copier or facsimile machine, etc.). Further, the invention is applicable also to a case where the object of the invention is attained by supplying a program to a system or apparatus. In such case the system or apparatus would make it possible to attain the effects of the invention by supplying the system or apparatus with a storage medium storing a program represented by software for achieving the invention. 
     Further, it goes without saying that the object of the present invention can also be achieved by providing a storage medium storing the program codes of the software for performing the aforesaid functions of the foregoing embodiment to a system or an apparatus, reading the program codes with a computer (e.g., a CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus from the storage medium, and then executing the program. 
     Further, the storage medium, such as a floppy disk, hard disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, magnetic tape, non-volatile type memory card or ROM can be used to provide the program codes. 
     Furthermore, besides the case where the aforesaid functions according to the embodiments are implemented by executing the program codes read by a computer, the present invention covers a case where an operating system (OS) or the like working on the computer performs a part of or the entire process in accordance with the designation of program codes and implements the functions according to the embodiment. 
     Furthermore, the present invention further covers a case where, after the program codes read from the storage medium are written in a function extension board inserted into the computer or in a memory provided in a function extension unit connected to the computer, a CPU or the like contained in the function extension board or function extension unit performs a part of or the entire process in accordance with the designation of program codes and implements the function of the above embodiments. 
     In a case where the present invention is applied to the above-mentioned storage medium, program codes corresponding to the flowchart described earlier are stored on this storage medium. More specifically, modules illustrating an example of the memory map of  FIG. 60  are stored on the storage medium. 
     Specifically, it will suffice to store program codes of at least modules of a code of an input step of entering a value of each item of control information, a code of a readout step of reading out link information from link information storage means, wherein in a case where control information has been entered at the input step, an item to be changed in dependence upon the value of an item and the value of this item are stored beforehand as the link information with regard to predetermined items of the control information, a code of a setting step of setting a value of a relevant item based upon items and values contained in the link information read out at the readout step, and a code of a latest-value storage step of storing the latest value of the control information set at the input step or setting step. 
     Alternatively, each of the modules shown in the example of the memory map of  FIG. 62  is stored on the storage medium. 
     More specifically, it will suffice to store program codes of at least modules of a code of a setting step of entering a value of an item of control information, a code of a setting acquisition step of acquiring setting status from the printing device, a code of a comparison step of comparing an item set at the setting step and setting status acquired at the setting acquisition state, and a code of a display step which, when the result of the comparison at the comparison step is that the value of the set item and the acquired setting status differ, is a step of displaying this fact. 
     Alternatively, each of the modules shown in the example of the memory map of  FIG. 63  is stored on the storage medium. 
     More specifically, it will suffice to store program codes of at least modules of a code of a setting step of setting values of items of control information, a code of a setting acquisition step of acquiring setting status from the printing device, a code of a comparison step of comparing an item set at the setting step and setting status acquired at the setting acquisition state, and a code of a re-setting step which, when the result of the comparison at the comparison step is that the value of the set item and the acquired setting status differ, is for setting the status, which has been acquired at the setting acquisition step, with regard to each item for which a difference is found. 
     Alternatively, it will suffice to store program codes of at least modules of a code of a setting step of setting values of items of the control information, a code of a setting acquisition step of acquiring setting status from the printing device, a code of a comparison step of comparing an item set at the setting step and setting status acquired at the setting acquisition state, and a code of a re-setting step which, when the result of the comparison at the comparison state is that the value of the set item and the acquired setting status differ, is for shifting control to a different printing device. 
     In accordance with the present invention, as described above, the user can execute optimum printing by making the minimum number of settings. In a case where the content of information or number of items thereof selected by the user has changed, or in a case where the content of information or number of items thereof supplied to the printing device has changed, this can be dealt with merely by changing the combination of information. 
     Since it is so arranged that default settings are made, the user need not make many settings related to printing information in the case of ordinary printing. This reduces the burden upon the user. 
     In a case where an arbitrary setting has been changed by the user, the settings of other settable items also are made optimum settings determined in advance. As a result, control can be performed in such a manner that the user cannot select combinations that are not allowed. This makes it possible to minimize damage accompanying a change in settings. 
     In addition, printing can be carried out correctly by making printer driver and printer settings agree. 
     As many apparently widely different embodiments of the present invention can be made without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments thereof except as defined in the appended claims.