Patent Publication Number: US-7900146-B2

Title: Image forming system, information processing apparatus and its control method

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to an image forming system having an image forming apparatus, a client computer and a network connecting these devices, and more particularly, to a technique for utilization of a postprocessing device existing on such network. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Generally, a printing system in which an image forming apparatus and a client computer are connected with each other, having finishers for cutting, bookbinding and the like, is known. In this type of printing system, various settings regarding finishers can be made upon generation of a print job, by utilizing characteristic information of postprocessing devices (finishers) available in the system. As methods for utilizing the finisher characteristic information upon generation of print job, (1) a method for controlling printing attribute(s) upon printing and (2) a method for controlling user interface function items of a printer driver, and the like are known. 
     In the above method (1), i.e., the method for controlling printing attribute(s) upon printing by utilizing the finisher characteristic information, a method for automatically setting printing attribute(s) by a printer driver in correspondence with the finisher characteristic information upon generation of print job is known. According to Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-078449, the printer driver obtains the following two items regarding a bookbinder:
         “Pick up from ‘top’ or ‘bottom’ of set document stack”; and   “Set document faced-up or faced down”.
 
Then the printer driver automatically performs setting of a page output order (ascending/descending) and page output surface (faced up/faced down) based on the two items of information so as to set a print output on the bookbinder and normally perform bookbinding processing. By this printer driver&#39;s control, it is unnecessary for a user to grasp these two items of information regarding the bookbinder.
       

     Further, as the above method (2), a method for controlling the user interface function items of the printer driver by utilizing the finisher characteristic information has been proposed. In this method, the type of a finisher attached to a printer is manually or automatically identified, thereby the user interface function items can be controlled. 
     Further, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-125765 discloses a user&#39;s selection of a bookbinding format, then converting print data for bookbinding in accordance with the bookbinding format selected by the user, then print-outputting the print data for bookbinding converted in accordance with the bookbinding format, and outputting a bookbinding original copy. According to Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-125765, a preview screen of bookbinding product, generated based on the bookbinding format designated by the user, is displayed. Accordingly, the user&#39;s desired bookbinding original copy can be outputted without mistake, and improvement in working efficiency, cost reduction and resource conservation can be realized. 
     As described above, when printing is performed using a printer driver, the contents of works performed by the image forming apparatus such as a printer or a multi function peripheral device (MFP) and an in-line finisher connected to the apparatus can be set on a setting screen of the printer driver and print instruction can be performed. That is, the both image forming apparatus and in-line finisher can be controlled from the printer driver. Note that the in-line finisher is a postprocessing device which is physically connected with the image forming apparatus, as an optional device of the image forming apparatus, and which conveys a printed matter outputted by the image forming apparatus to the finisher without manual operation. Further, the in-line finisher by itself cannot perform communication with a host computer, however, the finisher can generate a print job where the content of processing in the finisher (for example, staple processing) is designated using the image forming apparatus or the printer driver. 
     However, for the user, to select such many devices and perform desired settings of these devices, it is necessary and troublesome to grasp functions of the devices and settings to be made. Accordingly, when the settings are complicated or when some settings have been omitted, outputting is performed again. Thus wasteful output may occur. 
     Further, in some cases, bookbinding work is performed by using a postprocessing device such as a near-line finisher or an off-line finisher to which a paper sheet outputted from the image forming apparatus is not automatically conveyed, in addition to the in-line finisher. Note that the near-line finisher has a unit for communication with an external device such as a computer or the image forming apparatus, and the content of processing by the finisher can be set from the external device. That is, in the near-line finisher, the content of processing can be set from an operation unit of the finisher, and further, the content of processing (job ticket) can be inputted and set from another device such as the host computer via the network. Note that the near-line finisher, which is different from the in-line finisher, is not physically connected with the image forming apparatus. A paper sheet outputted from the image forming apparatus is conveyed by an operator. Further, the off-line finisher is a postprocessing device which is not physically connected with the external device as in the case of the near-line finisher, and which has no unit for communication with the external device as in the case of the near-line finisher. 
     When the postprocessing device such as the near-line finisher or the off-line finisher is used, the abilities of these postprocessing devices cannot be recognized on the driver side, while the recognition of the abilities of the in-line finisher are considered as options upon printer driver design. Accordingly, it is necessary for the operator to determine a device to obtain a finally desired bookbinding form and perform print settings while imagining processings executed in the respective postprocessing devices. The operator&#39;s higher-level knowledge and experiences are required. 
     On the other hand, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-125765 discloses setting bookbinding data as an original copy of bookbinding product through plural selection screen images. However, in the technique disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-125765, the operability for a user, who has an image of final bookbound product but who cannot perform determination of a device to be used and perform setting of the device based on the image, is not considered. According to the technique disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-125765, an output format is selected in a predetermined bookbinder, and the output format processed based on settings selected by the user is displayed as a preview screen. Further, processing when the system configuration becomes complicated or changed is not disclosed. Further, when plural postprocessing devices are available, or when a new postprocessing device is added to the system and the number of available bookbinding formats is increased, processing cannot be performed in a flexible manner in accordance with such situation. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention has been made in consideration of the above problems, and has its object to facilitate selection and setting of a device necessary to obtain a desired final product. 
     According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information processing apparatus connectable to an image forming system having plural devices corresponding to plural processing stages including at least printing stage and bookbinding stage, comprising: a holding unit configured to hold function information indicating abilities regarding plural function items of the plural devices; an interface unit configured to provide a user interface for displaying options based on contents of the function items of plural devices corresponding to one processing stage in accordance with the function information held in the holding unit; a narrow-down unit configured to narrow down available devices based on selection of the options; and a determination control unit configured to cause the interface unit and the narrow-down unit to function regarding different function items, more than once, for one processing stage, and determine a device to be used in the processing stage. 
     A printing system according to a first embodiment to be described below has image forming apparatuses, finishers, client computers in which a printer driver is installed, and a network connecting these devices. In the printing system, the printer driver performs finisher setting processing using a file describing the characteristic of a finisher. Further, in the present embodiment, as a wizard-format setting screen is provided, a user can determine a finisher to be used and an image forming apparatus, and can perform print setting by appropriately performing setting through the setting screen based on a desired final output form. 
     Also, according to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming system having plural devices corresponding to plural processing stages including at least printing stage and bookbinding stage, comprising: a holding unit configured to hold function information of the plural devices; an interface unit configured to provide a user interface for displaying options based on contents of the function items of plural devices corresponding to one processing stage in accordance with the function information held in the holding unit; a narrow-down unit configured to narrow down available devices based on selection of the options; and a determination control unit configured to cause the interface unit and the narrow-down unit to function regarding different function items, more than once, for one processing stage, and determine a device to be used in the processing stage. 
     Furthermore, according to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a control method for an information processing apparatus connectable to an image forming system having plural devices corresponding to plural processing stages including at least printing stage and bookbinding stage, comprising: an interface step of referring to a holding unit holding function information indicating abilities regarding plural function items of the plural devices, and providing a user interface for displaying options based on contents of the function items of plural devices corresponding to one processing stage; a narrow-down step of narrowing down available devices based on selection of the options; and a determination control step of performing the interface step and the narrow-down step regarding different function items, more than once, for one processing stage, and determining a device to be used in the processing stage. 
     Other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate the same name 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  illustrates the configuration of a printing system according to a first embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a block diagram showing the software construction of client PCs  11  and  12  including a printer driver; 
         FIG. 3  is a block diagram showing the construction of an image forming apparatus  13  according to the first embodiment; 
         FIG. 4  is an example of a description of a finisher profile of a bookbinder; 
         FIG. 5  is an example of a description of the finisher profile of a cutting machine; 
         FIG. 6  is a block diagram showing modules related to the finisher profile of the image forming apparatus  13 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a table showing the data structure of a finisher management table  52 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a flowchart showing a finisher profile acquisition method; 
         FIGS. 9A and 9B  schematically show ability information of the image forming apparatus  13  and that of an in-line finisher  13   a  among profiles of respective devices obtained by a printer driver  24 ; 
         FIG. 10  is an explanatory diagram showing table generation by a print setting application  27   a;    
         FIG. 11A  is an table showing the data structure of a function table (printing table) according to the first embodiment; 
         FIG. 11B  is a table showing the data structure of a function table (bookbinder table) according to the first embodiment; 
         FIG. 12  is a flowchart showing wizard screen generation processing by a wizard generator; 
         FIG. 13  is an example of a wizard screen for inquiry about execution/non-execution of bookbinding; 
         FIG. 14  is an example of a wizard screen for inquiry about selection of stitching function; 
         FIG. 15  is an example of a wizard screen for inquiry about printing range (number of pages) and printing layout; 
         FIG. 16  is an example of a wizard screen for selection of color/monochrome output; 
         FIG. 17  is an example of a wizard screen for selection of output paper; 
         FIG. 18  illustrates the configuration of the printing system according to a second embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 19  is a flowchart showing a procedure for registering a finisher in the image forming apparatus; 
         FIG. 20  illustrates an initial display status of an operation screen in an operation unit  313  of the image forming apparatus  13 ; 
         FIG. 21  illustrates the operation screen displayed in correspondence with depression of an Options button  2201  in  FIG. 20 ; 
         FIG. 22  is an example of a finisher connection registration screen: 
         FIG. 23  is a table showing the data structure of a finisher management table corresponding to the system configuration in  FIG. 18 ; and 
         FIG. 24  is a table showing the data structure of the function table corresponding to the system configuration in  FIG. 18 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail in accordance with the accompanying drawings. 
     First Embodiment 
     A printing system according to a first embodiment to be described below has image forming apparatuses, finishers, client computers in which a printer driver is installed, and a network connecting these devices. In the printing system, the printer driver performs finisher setting processing using a file describing the characteristic of a finisher. Further, in the present embodiment, as a wizard-format setting screen is provided, a user can determine a finisher to be used and an image forming apparatus and perform print setting by appropriately performing setting through the setting screen based on a desired final output form. 
     [System Configuration] 
       FIG. 1  illustrates the configuration of the printing system according to the first embodiment. As shown in  FIG. 1 , the printing system according to the present embodiment has client PCs  11  and  12  as information processing apparatuses, image forming apparatuses  13  and  14 , and a near-line finisher  15  as a saddle-stitch bookbinder. Further, an in-line finisher  13   a  is connected to the image forming apparatus  13 . The respective devices are communicably interconnected via a network  16 . Note that in the printing system configuration in  FIG. 1 , an off-line finisher which cannot be connected to the network  16  is not shown, however, the printing system may have an off-line finisher. 
     As described in the above conventional art, the respective terms, “in-line”, “near-line” and “off-line” will be described again. First, explanations of the respective terms from a viewpoint of finisher processing control will be made. The in-line finisher is a device which cannot perform communication by itself with a host computer, but the content of processing performed in the finisher can be set from the image forming apparatus or the host computer via the image forming apparatus. The off-line finisher is a device which has no unit for communication with an external device, and the content of processing performed in the finisher is set in the finisher itself. The near-line finisher is a device which has a unit for communication with an external device, and the content of processing performed in the finisher can be set in the finisher itself or from another device (e.g., the client PC  11  or  12 ) via the network. 
     Further, the features of the “in-line”, “near-line” and “off-line” in a print output conveyance passage (paper path) will be described. The in-line finisher is physically connected to the image forming apparatus. The in-line finisher has a structure where paper print-outputted from the image forming apparatus is passed through the conveyance passage (paper path) to the finisher directly and quickly. The off-line finisher is not physically connected to the image forming apparatus. Paper print-outputted from the image forming apparatus is temporarily buffered on a cart, tray, belt conveyer or the like, then set in an input unit of the finisher by the user. In the near-line finisher, paper is temporarily buffered and set in the input unit of the finisher by the operator as in the case of the off-line finisher. 
     [Printer Driver Construction] 
     The client PCs  11  and  12  are realized with a so-called personal computer. As the hardware construction of the personal computer is well known, the illustration and explanation of the hardware construction will be omitted. As the client PCs  11  and  12  have the same structure, only the client PC  11  will be described. 
       FIG. 2  is a block diagram showing the software construction of the client PC  11  including a printer driver. An operating system (OS)  21  is installed in the client PC  11 . The printer driver  24  and an application program  27  are installed on the OS  21 , and controlled by the OS  21 . 
     The printer driver  24  has a user I/F driver  25  for display of a user I/F and storage of settings, and a graphic driver  26  which converts a print drawing command received from an application program through the OS to code interpretable for the image forming apparatus. Note that a printer driver setting storage area  22  is provided in a storage area managed by the OS  21 . A printing attribute set by the user via the user I/F driver  25  is stored in the printer driver setting storage area  22 . Further, the user I/F driver  25 , the graphic driver  26 , and the application software  27  can access the printer driver setting storage area  22  via the OS  21  and read the printing attribute set by the user. A profile storage area  23  is an area within the OS  21  for storing a finisher profile obtained by the printer driver  24  via the image forming apparatus  13  or directly from a finisher. The finisher profile stored in the profile storage area  23  will be described later with reference to  FIGS. 4 and 5 . 
     Further, a communication I/F  28  of the client PC  11  is connected to a communication I/F  29  on the image forming apparatus  13  (and/or  14 ) side via a communication medium such as the network  16 . The graphic driver  26  can transmit print data to the image forming apparatuses  13  and  14  via the OS  21 , and can obtain construction information, statuses and the like of the image forming apparatuses  13  and  14  via the OS  21 . Note that the image forming apparatuses  13  and  14  are respectively provided with a specialized printer driver. 
     [Image Forming Apparatus Construction] 
       FIG. 3  is a block diagram showing the construction of the image forming apparatus  13  according to the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, a multifunction peripheral (MFP) device is used as the image forming apparatus  13 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , the image forming apparatus has a scanner input unit  301  which performs image reading and a FAX unit  302  which performs image transmission/reception utilizing a telephone line represented by facsimile communication. Further, the image forming apparatus  13  has a NIC (Network Interface Card) unit  303  which transmits/receives image data, device information and the like utilizing the network. Further, the image forming apparatus  13  has a specialized I/F unit  304  capable of information transmission/reception with another image forming apparatus, the finisher, the host computer or the like. Further, the image forming apparatus  13  has a USB (Universal Serial Bus) interface (I/F) unit  305  for writing and reading to/from a USB device represented by a USB memory. Note that the communication I/F  29  in  FIG. 2  corresponds to the NIC unit  303 . 
     A job controller  300  controls a processing process (processing path) to temporarily store image data in accordance with purpose of the image forming apparatus, and appropriately read the stored image data or the like and output the data. Further, the job controller  300  performs various controls based on an instruction from the operator inputted via the operation unit  313 . For example, the job controller  300  controls reading of image data stored in a memory such as a hard disk and transfer of the data to the client PCs  11  and  12  or an external device such as another image forming apparatus via the specialized I/F unit  304  or the like. 
     A document storage unit  307  has a memory such as a hard disk capable of storing plural image data. For example, plural types of image data including image data from the scanner input unit  301 , image data of a facsimile job inputted via the FAX unit  302 , image data from an external device such as a computer inputted via the NIC unit  303 , and image data from another image forming apparatus inputted via the specialized I/F unit  304 , can be stored in the memory such as a hard disk. The job controller  300  controls appropriate reading of image data stored in the memory such as a hard disk and transfer of the data to an output unit such as a printer unit  310 . 
     When image data is stored into the document storage unit  307 , a compression/decompression unit  306  compresses the image data and stores the compressed image data, or upon reading compressed image data from the storage unit, decompresses the data to original image data, in accordance with necessity. Further, when image data is transmitted via the network, compressed data such as JPEG, JBIG or ZIP data may be used. In such case, when the image data has been inputted into the image forming apparatus, the compression/decompression unit  306  decompresses the compressed data. 
     A common DB unit  308  holds commonly-used various parameter tables such as font, color profile and gamma tables, and calls them in accordance with necessity. Further, the common DB unit  308  can hold new parameters and tables and correct or update them. For example, registration data regarding a near-line finisher to be newly registered in the image forming apparatus can be stored. 
     When PDL data has been inputted, the job controller  300  controls a PDL unit  312  to perform RIP (Raster Image Processor) processing, or in accordance with necessity, controls an image processing unit  311  to perform image processing for print outputting. Further, the job controller  300  controls storage of intermediate data and print ready data (print-output bitmap data and compressed data thereof) generated upon such image processing, in accordance with necessity, into the document storage unit  307  again. 
     Then the job controller  300  sends the above-described print ready data to the printer unit  310 . A recording medium (print paper sheet) print-outputted by the printer unit  310  is subjected to finishing processing such as sorting or bookbinding in a postprocessing unit  309 . That is, the postprocessing unit  309  includes an in-line finisher. 
     The job controller  300  performs path switching as follows in accordance with use of image forming apparatus. 
     Copier function: scanner input unit→image processing unit→printer unit 
     FAX reception function: FAX unit→image processing unit→printer unit 
     Network scanning: scanner input unit→NIC unit 
     Network printing: NIC unit→PDL unit→image processing unit→printer unit 
     Scanning to external device: scanner input unit→specialized I/F unit 
     Printing from external device: specified I/F unit→image processing unit→printer unit 
     Scanning to external memory: scanner input unit→USB I/F unit 
     Printing from external memory: USB I/F unit→PDL unit→image processing unit→printer unit 
     Box scanning function: scanner input unit→image processing unit→document storage unit 
     Box printing function: document storage unit→printer unit 
     Box reception function: NIC unit→PDL unit→image processing unit→document storage unit 
     Box transmission function: document storage unit→NIC unit 
     Preview function: document storage unit→operation unit 
     In addition to the above functions, combinations of various functions including E-mail services and a Web server function can be employed, however, they will be omitted here. 
     Further, the box scanning, the box printing, the box reception and the box transmission are processing functions of the image forming apparatus accompanied by data writing or reading utilizing the document storage unit  307 . These processing functions divide a memory in the document storage unit  307  by job or user, for temporary data storage, and perform data input/output using combinations of user IDs or passwords. 
     Further, the operation unit  313 , for selecting various flows as above and for issuance of operation instructions, is also used for preview of image data in the document storage unit  307  in accordance with improvement in high resolution display unit of the operation unit  313 . When checked image data is OK, print output can be performed. 
     [Profile Internal Structure] 
     Next, the finisher profile stored in the profile storage area  23  of the client PC  11  will be described. 
     In the present embodiment, the respective devices including the image forming apparatus and the finishers have profile information describing their abilities in the XML format. There are various finisher types such as a bookbinder, a cutting machine and a folding machine, and the functions are much different in accordance with finisher type. Further, the information changes very often by addition of new function or the like. Accordingly, in the present embodiment, the XML format having tag description which can appropriately used in such situation is employed as the finisher profile. Note that any description format can be used without any problem as long as a newly-added function or the like can be adaptively described. Further, the finisher profile is prepared by finisher. 
       FIG. 4  is an example of the description of the finisher profile of a bookbinder.  FIG. 5  is an example of the description of the finisher profile of a cutting machine. In these figures, “FinishingType” represents the type of finisher such as a bookbinder or cutting machine; “Manufacturer”, the name of a maker manufactured the finisher; and “ProductName”, the model of the finisher. Accordingly,  FIG. 4  represents a “model 11ABC bookbinder manufactured by ABC company (type: Bookbinding)”. Further,  FIG. 5  represents a “model 10XYZ cutting machine manufactured by XYZ company (Type: Cutting)”. Note that tags &lt;Booklet&gt; in  FIG. 4  and &lt;Cutting&gt; in  FIG. 5  describe abilities specific to the bookbinder and the cutting machine. In this manner, the functions specific to the respective finishers are respectively defined as tags, thereby a profile description can be realized. The profile information is stored in, e.g., a storage device of the finisher, and read and collected by the image forming apparatus, otherwise, directly collected from the finisher by control of a printer driver of a information processing apparatus as a host computer. 
     [Finisher Profile Management] 
       FIG. 6  is a block diagram showing modules related to the finisher profile of the image forming apparatus  13 . As described in  FIG. 2 , the image forming apparatus  13  has the communication I/F  29  for communication with the outside. A finisher profile control unit  51  performs transmission of a finisher profile in response to a finisher profile acquisition request from the outside. A finisher management table  52  is a table for managing finisher names, corresponding finisher profile names, connection statuses and the like (to be described later in  FIG. 7 ). A finisher profile storage area  53  holds the substance of the finisher profile as described in  FIGS. 4 and 5 . Note that finishers connectable to the image forming apparatus  13  are previously registered. Information of finisher name and the like are stored in a finisher management table  13 , and profiles corresponding to these finishers are stored in the finisher profile storage area  53 . The finishers connectable to the image forming apparatus  13  include an in-line finisher and a near-line finisher. 
       FIG. 7  is a table showing the data structure of the finisher management table  52 . Information on the finishers connectable to the image forming apparatus  13  is previously stored in the finisher management table  52 . The finisher management table  52  according to the present embodiment has, as data items, a management number  101  (variable type is Unsigned Short), a finisher  102  (variable type is String), a manufacture  103  (variable type is String), a corresponding profile  104  (variable type is String), and a finisher connection status  105  (variable type is Boolean: “false” means unconnected status while “true” means connected status). For example, in a column where the management number  101  is “# 5 ”, the finisher name  102  is “Finisher-X”, the manufacturer  103  is “XYZ”, and the corresponding profile name  104  is “finisher-x-of-xyz.XML”. Further, the connection status  105  “true” means that the finisher is connected. In the other columns, similar interpretation can be made. Note that in the table of  FIG. 7 , the other finishers than the management number “# 5 ” finisher are unconnected. In the present embodiment, the Finisher-X corresponds to the in-line finisher  15 . Further, update processing of the finisher management table  52  corresponding to connection of a near-line finisher or the like to the network will be described with reference to a second embodiment ( FIG. 19 ). 
     &lt;Acquisition of Finisher Profile&gt; 
     Next, a procedure for acquisition of finisher profile of a near-line finisher from the image forming apparatus by the printer driver and storage of the acquired profile will be described. 
     In the construction of  FIG. 2 , the profile storage area  23  is a storage area in the OS to store a finisher profile obtained by the printer driver  24  from the image forming apparatus  13 . The printer driver  24  starts a profile acquisition module through the API (Application Programming Interface) of the OS, then obtains a finisher profile from the image forming apparatus using the profile acquisition module, and stores the profile into the profile storage area  23 . The profile acquisition module may be a module as a part of the printer driver  24 , or may be provided as a part of the functions of the OS  21 . Further, to make a finisher profile request or perform transmission of finished profile, a communication medium is used between the communication I/F  28  on the client PC side and the communication I/F  29  on the image forming apparatus side. Note that any protocol can be used in the communication as long as a finisher profile acquisition request can be made from the printer driver and transmission of the substance of finisher profile can be performed, and there is no designation of protocol. Next, a method for acquisition of a finisher profile from the image forming apparatus by the printer driver will be described with reference to a flowchart.  FIG. 8  is a flowchart showing this procedure. The processing in  FIG. 8  is performed when the power of the computer is turned on, when a print processing instruction is made by the user, or performed in accordance with the user&#39;s explicit instruction. 
     First, at step S 1501 , the printer driver  24  requests the image forming apparatus  13  obtain a finisher profile of a finisher which is connected to and registered in the image forming apparatus. In response to the acquisition request from the printer driver, the image forming apparatus  13  transmits a finisher profile stored in the finisher profile storage area  53  to the client PC  11  where the printer driver operates. 
     First, at step S 1511 , the image forming apparatus which has received the request (MFP in  FIG. 8 ) sequentially browses the finisher management table from the top, and thereby checks connection statuses of the respective finishers. For example, when the image forming apparatus has the finisher management table  52  shown in  FIG. 7 , the image forming apparatus  13  checks the connection status of the top “Finisher-A” at the first step. In this table, the finisher connection status is “false” meaning that the finisher is not available. Next, at step S 1512 , the connection status condition is determined. As the “Finisher-A” is in the “false” connection status, the process proceeds to step S 1514 . At step S 1505 , it is determined whether or not all the finishers have been checked. If all the finishers have not checked, the process returns to step S 1511 . This processing is similarly repeated for “Finisher-B”, “Finisher-C” and “Binder-ABC”. 
     Next, at step S 1511 , the connection status of the next entry “Finisher-X” is checked. As the connection status of the “Finisher-X” is “true” meaning that the finisher is available, in the condition determination at the next step S 1512 , the process proceeds to step S 1513 . At step S 1513 , the image forming apparatus transmits the finisher profile of each finisher managed in an available status (i.e., the finisher currently-checked on the finisher management table) to the printer driver. For this purpose, the image forming apparatus reads a corresponding finisher profile name “finisher-x-of-xyz.xml” from the finisher management table  52 . Then the image forming apparatus reads a file with this file name from the finisher profile storage area  53  and transmits the file to the printer driver (step S 1513 ). 
     The processing at the above steps S 1511  to S 1513  is repeated on all the finishers registered in the finisher management table  52 . When the last finisher in the finisher management table has been checked, information indicating the completion of all the finishers is transmitted to the printer driver at step S 1515 , and the processing of the flowchart ends. 
     On the other hand, the printer driver receives a response from the image forming apparatus (step S 1502 ), to determine whether or not the content of the response is “end” (step S 1503 ). When the response is not “end”, as the received data is a finisher profile, the printer driver stores the data in the storage area (step S 1504 ). In this manner, the printer driver obtains a finisher profile of a near-line finisher in a connected status (i.e., available status) from the image forming apparatus. 
     Note that a profile of an in-line finisher can be obtained as in the case of the near-line finisher. Further, regarding the in-line finisher, as the number of in-line finishers connectable to the image forming apparatus is limited, it may be arranged such that the profiles of all the in-line finishers are previously stored in the image forming apparatus. In this case, an activation flag or the like is associated with the profile of a near-line finisher actually connected to the image forming apparatus, thereby the connection status is indicated. Accordingly, upon processing for finisher setting or the like, an activated in-line finisher is an available finisher. 
     Note that in the present embodiment, as the profiles of the near-line finishers are consolidately managed by the image forming apparatus  13 , all necessary finisher profiles can be acquired from the image forming apparatus  13 , however, the present invention is not limited to this arrangement. For example, it may be arranged such that the printer driver  24  directly access a near-line finisher to obtain a finisher profile. In this case, it is necessary for the printer driver  24  to obtain the address of the near-line finisher on the network  16 , however, such address acquisition or the like is apparent for those skilled in the art. Further, in the above description, the printer driver obtains a finisher profile, however, the present invention is not limited to this arrangement. A print setting application  27   a  or another acquisition unit may be employed to obtain a finisher profile. 
     The acquisition of finisher profile from the image forming apparatus  13  and the acquisition of finisher profile from a near-line finisher realized by the communication function of the printer driver  24  are described as above. The acquisition of finisher profile may be performed at arbitrary timing by e.g., polling, or may be performed upon e.g., wizard generation to be described below. Further, it may be arranged such that near-line finisher and off-line finisher may be manually registered. Note that as described above, in a case where the profiles of all the finishers (in-line finishers, near-line finishers and off-line finishers) available for the image forming apparatus  13  can be registered in the finisher management table  52 , the printer driver  24  can obtain all the finisher profiles in the printing system from the image forming apparatus. Further, it may be arranged such that profiles of in-line finishers are notified from the image forming apparatus  13  to the printer driver  24  without management by the finisher management table  52  (in this case, the in-line finishers are not registered in the finisher management table  52 ). 
     [Generation of Function Table] 
     The print setting application  27   a  held on the client PC  11  generates a print setting wizard for the user to instruct print settings. The print setting wizard is generated based on the finisher profiles stored in the profile storage area  23  and the ability information of the image forming apparatuses held in the respective printer drivers. Note that in the present embodiment, the wizard is called the “print setting wizard”, however, the wizard can be used upon setting for performing postprocessing such as bookbinding finishing on printed sheets using the respective finishers. 
     Note that the wizard means a function and its display screen to display an interactive guidance for a user and cause the user to make a selection among plural options in accordance with guidance thereby facilitate complicated software operation or setting. For example, a wizard screen upon installation of application software into a computer which sequentially displays installed functions and installation-destination directories is well known. 
     The print setting application  27   a  first collects the finisher profiles and ability information of the image forming apparatuses, and analyzes the contents of the profiles by function. Then the print setting application  27   a  generates function tables having information in function units such as print function, bookbinding function and cutting function. In the present embodiment, processing stages are classified into “print stage” and “postprocessing stage”. 
       FIGS. 9A and 9B  schematically illustrate the ability and function information of the image forming apparatus  13  and the in-line finisher  13   a  among the ability and function information obtained by the printer driver  24 . Note that the “function” here means executable processing such as print processing or stitching processing, while the “ability” means the specifications of the function such as a printing speed and the number of sheets to be stitched. However, in the following description, for the sake of simplification of explanation, the ability and function information may be simply described as ability information. Actually, the information is described in the XML format as described in  FIG. 4  or  5 . Further,  FIG. 10  is an explanatory diagram showing table generation by the print setting application  27   a . Note that regarding the image forming apparatus and an in-line finisher attached to the image forming apparatus, as the abilities and functions of these devices can be grasped upon printer driver designing, the information is not necessarily described in the above-described XML format. 
     In the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus  13  ( FIG. 9A ) is a color machine (also available as a monochrome machine), having a print speed of 100 sheets/minute, and an available paper size of A4 and A3. Further, the in-line finisher  13   a  is connected to the image forming apparatus  13 , and as its abilities ( FIG. 9B ), the available paper size is A4 and A3, the number of placeable sheets is  16 , and the binding method is side stitching. The print setting application  27   a  generates a device table  120  where these ability information are registered by device. 
     Next, the print setting application  27   a  generates a function table  130  from the device table  120 . For example, the print setting application  27   a  classifies the processings in the printing system into plural processing stages such as print processing and print postprocessing, collects the ability information by processing stage function (print function or bookbinding function), and generates the function table  130 . For example, the print setting application  27   a  collects the ability information of the respective image forming apparatuses (ability information  121  of the image forming apparatus  13  and ability information  122  of the image forming apparatus  14 ) and generates a printing table  131  where the print functions are collected. Further, the print setting application  27   a  collects the ability information of the respective finishers (ability information  124  of the in-line finisher  13   a , ability information  125  of the near-line finisher  15 , and ability information  125  of an off-line finisher (not shown)) and generates a bookbinding table  132  where the bookbinding functions are collected.  FIGS. 11A and 11B  show the data structure of the function table (printing table ( FIG. 11A ) and bookbinding table ( FIG. 11B )) in the present embodiment. 
     [Generation of Wizard Screen by Wizard Generator] 
     The print setting application  27   a  has a wizard generator  140  ( FIG. 10 ) to read the above-described function table  130  and construct the print setting wizard. The wizard generator  140  refers to the function table  130  and generates a wizard screen to be used upon print setting processing to be described later. As shown in  FIGS. 11A and 11B , the function table  130  includes a bookbinding table  132  where finisher functions are collected, with a printing table  131  where image forming functions are collected. The wizard generator is an application to generate a wizard screen to be displayed on a display, and a control program where interscreen transition condition or the like is described. 
       FIG. 12  is a flowchart showing selection and setting of bookbinding device by a wizard. Note that in  FIG. 12 , wizard screen generation is started by referring to the bookbinding table corresponding to the bookbinding processing as the final processing form, i.e., the final stage for generation of a bookbound product, in the function table. 
     At step S 201 , the wizard generator  140  determines whether or not a bookbinding table exists in the function table  130 . When a bookbinding table exists, the process proceeds to step S 202 , at which a wizard screen is generated for inquiry about execution/non-execution of bookbinding.  FIG. 13  is an example of the wizard screen. 
     Next, at step S 203 , the wizard generator  140  determines whether or not plural bookbinding types exist in the bookbinding table  132 . When there are plural bookbinding types, it is impossible merely based on the designation “TO BE BOOKBOUND” in the wizard screen generated at step S 202  to determine a bookbinding type and a finisher to be used. Accordingly, at step S 203 , when there are plural bookbinding types, the process proceeds to step S 204 . Then a wizard screen for selection of bookbinding type is generated at step S 204 . 
     Next, the determination at step S 203  and the generation of the wizard screen at step S 204  will be described more specifically. At step S 203 , the contents of “stitching function” in the bookbinding table  132  are referred to, and it is determined whether or not plural stitching functions exist in the “stitching function”. In the “stitching function” of the bookbinding table  132  shown in  FIG. 11 , it is found that the in-line finisher  13   a  has a function of side stitching, and the near-line finisher  15  has the function of side stitching and a function of saddle stitching. That is, as a bookbound product by side stitching and that by saddle stitching as the bookbinding forms can be produced, a selection is to be made from plural bookbinding types. 
     In this manner, when it is determined at step S 203  that plural bookbinding types (bookbinding forms) exist, the process proceeds to step S 204 . At step S 204 , a bookbinding type selection wizard screen is generated for the user to select one of the plural bookbinding types determined at step S 203 . In this example, as the two bookbinding types, side stitching and saddle stitching exist, a screen to select one of them is generated.  FIG. 14  shows the wizard screen at this time. 
     At step S 205 , if a single finisher has been determined as a result of the selection of function type in the wizard screen in  FIG. 14 , the device is set, and the process proceeds from step S 206  to step S 207 . That is, in a case where a finisher corresponding to the selected bookbinding type, selected from the plural bookbinding types displayed in the bookbinding type selection wizard screen generated at step S 204 , the finisher to execute the user&#39;s desired bookbinding processing is determined at this stage. 
     On the other hand, when the wizard generator  140  determines at step S 205  that a device (finisher) to be used cannot be determined only by selecting one bookbinding type, the process returns from step S 205  to step S 204 . Then, the wizard generator  140  generates a wizard screen for determination of a device to be used in accordance with a finishing device selection rule to be described later. 
     Next, there will be described a particular example of a case where a device (finisher) to be used cannot be determined only by selecting one bookbinding type. For example, when the bookbinding table  132  is referred to and “side stitching” is selected as a function type, this function can be realized by the in-line finisher  13   a  and the near-line finisher  15 . Accordingly, the device to be used cannot be determined at this stage. In the present embodiment, a wizard in accordance with the finishing device selection rule is generated at step S 205 . 
     Further, in a case where only one type of stitching function exists, the stitching function is set. When a finishing device cannot be determined at this stage (for example, there are plural finishers having the same side stitching function), a wizard screen is generated in accordance with the finishing device selection rule to be described later. Note that at this time, it may be arranged such that the existing stitching function is indicated and at the same time a screen notifying that there is no choice of stitching function is generated. 
     Hereinbelow, the finishing device (finisher) selection rule will be described with reference to the function tables in  FIGS. 11A and 11B . Note that the selection rule is merely an example and it does not pose any limitation on the present invention. 
     (Example of Finishing Device Selection Rule) 
     In a case where plural bookbinding devices exist in the bookbinding table  132 , the functions of the respective devices are compared with each other in accordance with the order of predetermined inquiries. Then regarding devices having different contents of function information, a screen for inquiry about selection of function is generated. In the example of the bookbinding table in  FIG. 11B , two types of devices i.e., the in-line finisher  13   a  and the near-line finisher  15  exist. In this case, for example, function comparisons are made in the order “stitching function”→“available paper size”→“number of sheets” . . . , and a wizard is generated only regarding different function information. Hereinbelow, the generation of wizard will be described more specifically. Note that in this example of finishing device selection rule, the processing at step S 204  will be described.
     (1) First, the stitching functions are compared with each other, and a wizard for selection of side stitching or saddle stitching ( FIG. 14 ) is generated. When the user has selected the saddle stitching function through this wizard screen, the near-line finisher is specified as a finishing device to be used. Accordingly, as a screen changed from this screen, a screen for setting specific to the near-line finisher is generated, and the setting is made.   (2) In a case where the side stitching function has been selected, a finishing device cannot be determined. Accordingly, “available paper size” of both devices are compared with each other. According to the information stored in the bookbinding table  132  in  FIG. 11B , as the specification of the “available paper size” is the same in both devices, a wizard is not generated. Note that when the specification of “available paper size” of the in-line finisher is different from that of the near-line finisher, a wizard for selection of paper size is generated.   (3) When a device to be used has not been determined in (2), “number of sheets (upper limit number of stitchable (or bindable) sheets)” of both devices are compared with each other. In the example of the bookbinding table  132  in  FIG. 11B , as the “number of sheets” of the in-line finisher is different from that of the near-line finisher, a wizard for inquiry about a printing range (number of pages) and a printing layout is generated.  FIG. 15  shows an example of this wizard screen. In a printing range  1701 , setting can be made as to whether all the pages of print subject document of designated page(s) is to be print-outputted, and the like. In a printing layout  1702 , the layout of page data with respect to a print sheet is set. In  FIG. 15 , the layout selection is made by pull-down selection. Then, the number of sheets to be stitched is calculated from the setting, and when the number of sheets is more than 16, the near-line finisher  15  is determined as a device to be used. However, when the number of sheets is equal to or less than 16, a wizard for inquiry of another function is generated. Note that the number of pages of print subject document may be obtained upon execution of printing by referring to document data by wizard plug-in. Further, the number of pages may be obtained from an application which has generated the document data.   (4) In a case where a device has not been specified even when all the items of inquiry have been processed, priority is given to an in-line finisher. If a device has not been determined yet, determination is made in accordance with a predetermined selection rule of e.g., the order of device registration, the order of names, or processing speed. At this time, the user may set the selection rule using, e.g., processing-speed priority. Otherwise, a finisher which has become the last one may be displayed so as to be selected by the user.   

     By the processing at step S 204  based on the above-described finishing device selection rule, when it is determined at step S 205  that a finisher corresponding to the bookbinding type can be determined, the process proceeds to step S 206 . At step S 206 , a wizard screen for setting necessary setting conditions (stitching position, paper size, the number of sheets etc.) for use of the finisher corresponding to the bookbinding type is generated. This wizard screen may be a screen displaying all the setting items processible by each finisher, or may be a wizard screen group for stepwisely setting the respective items. For example, in a screen regarding the in-line finisher  13   a , various setting items including a stitching direction (long-side stitching or short-side stitching) and stitching position may be displayed in one screen. Otherwise, a screen for selection of stitching direction is generated first, then a screen for selection of stitching position is generated as a screen to be displayed next. 
     Note that in the above example, plural finishers having stitching functions exist, however, the finishers include a cutting machine to cut paper or the like. For example, when a cutting machine exists, a wizard screen is generated in accordance with “whether or not cutting function exists” from step S 201  in the flowchart of  FIG. 12 . Then, a transition condition between a wizard screen regarding the bookbinding function and a wizard screen regarding the cutting function is determined. That is, when the user has selected “Not to be bound” in the wizard screen in  FIG. 13 , linkage is made such that the screen changes to a wizard screen for selecting “To be cut” or “Not to be cut” as a wizard screen regarding the cutting function. Further, when the user has selected “To be bookbound” in the wizard screen in  FIG. 13 , linkage is made such that setting for the above-described bookbinding is made, then the screen changes to a wizard screen for selecting “To be cut” or “Not to be cut”. When the user has selected “To be bookbound” and the content of set bookbinding has not correspond with the ability of the cutting machine, a wizard regarding the cutting is not displayed, otherwise, a screen notifying the user that the cutting function cannot be utilized is generated, and linkage is made such that the screen is displayed when such setting has been made. For example, when the paper type determined by the user in a wizard screen regarding bookbinding is not an available paper type for the cutting machine, even if a wizard screen for inquiry about use of cutting function has been prepared, the screen is not displayed. Otherwise, a transition condition is previously determined such that a screen notifying “paper type determined in bookbinding setting is not available for cutting function” is displayed. 
     By the above processing, the generation of wizard screen group for the purpose of setting of bookbinding and other postprocessing has been completed. Next, the processing changes to generation of wizard screen group for the purpose of print setting. 
     At step S 207 , generation of a wizard screen for determining a printing device is performed. In this example, the generation processing will be described using a printing device selection rule. 
     (Printing Device Selection Rule) 
     When plural printing devices exist in one printing table, the functions of the respective devices are compared with each other in accordance with a predetermined order. Then a wizard screen for inquiry about selection of function is generated regarding different function information. In the present embodiment, the functions and abilities are compared in the order “color selection” “available paper size” “printing speed” . . . , and a wizard is generated regarding different information. Hereinbelow, a particular procedure will be described using the printing table  131  in  FIG. 11A .
     (1) The “color selection” functions are compared with each other, and a wizard for selecting color/monochrome output as shown in  FIG. 16  is generated.   (2) A screen to change processing in accordance with an item selected in the screen generated in (1) is generated.   

     When color output has been selected in (1), as only the image forming apparatus  13  is capable of color printing, the image forming apparatus  13  is selected in the change screen. Accordingly, a screen, not for specifying a printing device, but for making various settings specific to the image forming apparatus  13 , is generated. When monochrome printing has been selected, as an image forming apparatus cannot be specified, the wizard generator  140  generates a wizard screen corresponding to the “available paper size”. In this case, a wizard screen ( FIG. 17 ) for selecting output paper is generated. In this example, a paper selection screen by pull-down selection ( 1901 ) is shown. When “A3” size has been selected, the image forming apparatus  14  incapable of A3-size output is excluded, and the image forming apparatus  13  is selected as a printing device. However, when “A4” size has been selected, a printing device cannot be specified.
     (3) When one printing device (image forming apparatus) has not been specified in (2), a routine to determine whether or not the finishing device determined using the above-descried wizard for specifying a bookbinding device is an in-line finisher is provided. Then, when it is determined that the finishing device is an in-line finisher, if a printing device connected to the in-line finisher is included in the candidates upon completion of the determination in (2), the printing device is selected. As a result, at a process of actual print setting by the user using the wizard, a printing device is selected when the following conditions are satisfied.
       The finishing device determined in the processing prior to the processing for specifying a printing device is an in-line finisher.   The printing device connected to the in-line finisher is included in the candidates in the completion of the determination in (2).   
       (4) When a printing device has not been determined in (3), a printing device is determined from plural printing devices in accordance with a predetermined selection rule such as a predetermined priority order or output speed. A printing device is not determined by (3) in the following cases.
       The finishing device is not an in-line finisher, or   The printing device as a candidate after (2) is not connected to the in-line finisher determined in the finishing device selection.   
       

     Note that it may be arranged such that the user&#39;s preference (speed priority/running cost priority or the like) is set. Otherwise, it may be arranged such that a screen to display a printing device which has become the last one is generated to cause the user to select the displayed device.
     (5) Finally, a screen for device-specific setting is generated.   

     Then, the wizard screen generation processing ends. 
     The print setting wizard generation processing by the wizard generator  140  is as described above. Note that the wizard generated by the wizard generator  140  is stored as a print setting application in the host computer in  FIG. 2 . Further, the screen group and the transition conditions among the screens are also stored. 
     [Print Setting Processing Using Wizard] 
     Next, print setting using the wizard generated in the above-described procedure will be described. The user starts a “print setting wizard” stored as an application. Then, the user causes the print setting wizard to recognize document data (e.g., a PDF file) that the user wants to print output. This processing is performed by the user&#39;s causing the wizard to display a reference screen for designation of a file and designating a data path of the document data. When a file has been specified, the screen shown in  FIG. 13  is displayed on the screen of the client PC. 
     Then, the user changes the screen while inputting desired contents through the displayed screen, thereby a finishing device and a printing device are automatically determined. 
     Note that the setting information inputted through the wizard is stored by the OS in a temporary storage area owned by the wizard (print setting application). When a printing device has been determined, the print setting application stores the setting information stored in the storage area of the print setting application into the printer driver setting storage area  22  corresponding to the printing device. Thus, a status similar to that upon print setting via a general printer driver can be obtained. 
     In the above-described wizard, when all the setting has been completed, a screen for the user&#39;s designating “whether or not printing is to be started” is displayed. When printing is to be started in this screen, the user input designation of “start printing”. 
     When start of printing has been designated, the print setting application starts the printer driver of the printing device to be utilized. The printer driver receives the document data designated through the wizard using the print setting stored in the printer driver setting storage area  22 . 
     Hereinbelow, a print job including the print subject data that reflects the print setting and commands for execution of instructions and controls for the device is generated. 
     The print job generated by the printer driver is transmitted via the network to the printing device, and printing is performed on the set printing condition. 
     Note that in the case of print setting using a near-line finisher, the setting information is notified to the near-line finisher. The notification of the setting information to the near-line finisher is made as notification of job control information describing the contents of postprocessing. The job control information, which is also referred to as a “job ticket”, has a description in structured language interpretable for the near-line finisher. The job ticket generated by the printer driver is transmitted via the image forming apparatus or directly, to the near-line finisher. The near-line finisher receives the job ticket and interprets the job control information, thereby setting necessary for postprocessing of printed matter outputted from the image forming apparatus can be automatically performed. Note that in the present invention, any method can be used in the generation of the print job, and transmission of the print job from the printer driver to the image forming apparatus, the in-line finisher or the near-line finisher, and any data format of the print job can be used. 
     Note that in the above processing, the generation of the wizard is previously performed, and when the user performs printing, the user interactively sets the conditions from a final product using the wizard, thereby easily performs print setting and postprocessing device setting. However, it may be arranged such that a wizard screen is generated upon display of the wizard. 
     As described above, according to the first embodiment, the print setting wizard is generated for interactive input of necessary items from the user&#39;s desired final product, and the setting regarding printing and postprocessing is performed using the wizard, thereby the selection and setting of an image forming apparatus to obtain the desired final product and other necessary device can be easily performed. 
     Second Embodiment 
     Hereinbelow, the operation of the wizard generator  140  when a near-line finisher has been newly added to the construction of the first embodiment will be described as a second embodiment. 
       FIG. 18  illustrates the configuration of the printing system according to the second embodiment. In the printing system according to the first embodiment in  FIG. 1 , near-line finishers  17  to  19  are newly connected to the network  16 . 
       FIG. 19  is a flowchart showing a procedure for registering a finisher in the image forming apparatus. When the user installs a new finisher and connects it to the network  16 , connection of the new finisher is detected at step S 301 . For the detection of the new finisher, the IP address of the new finisher is inputted via the operating unit of the image forming apparatus, thereby the image forming apparatus can recognize the finisher. Note that the recognition of the finisher may be performed by any other method. 
     Next, at step S 302 , a user interface for changing the status of the connected finisher to a connected status by the operation panel of the image forming apparatus is displayed. Next, the connection operation using the user interface will be described with reference to  FIGS. 20 to 22 . 
       FIG. 20  illustrates an initial display status of an operation screen in an operation unit  313  of the image forming apparatus  13 . To perform finisher connection setting, the user first depresses an Options button  2201  in  FIG. 20 . The button  2201  is used for option setting of the image forming apparatus. By the depression of the button  2201 , an operation screen in  FIG. 21  is displayed. Then the user depresses a “Finisher Registration” button  2301  in  FIG. 21 . By the depression of the button  2301 , a finisher connection registration screen in  FIG. 22  is displayed. 
     In the finisher registration screen shown in  FIG. 22 , a list of registrable finishers is displayed and connection registration of the respective finishers can be performed. The list has a finisher name  2401 , a maker name  2402 , and a connection status  2403 . In the list, seven finishers are displayed at once. To browse finishers prior and subsequent to these seven finishers, buttons  2404  and  2405  to scroll up and down the display list are depressed. 
     The connection registration and cancellation of connection registration using the finisher registration screen in  FIG. 22  are performed as follows. First, a subject finisher is set to a selected status by touching a part of a column displaying the subject finisher. In  FIG. 22 , a column  2407  is in a selected status. In this status where the desired finisher is selected, the finisher in the selected status is connection-registered by touching a “Connect” button  2409 , and the connection status of the finisher in the selected status is released by touching a Disconnect button  2408 . 
     Hereinbelow, the connection registration of a Finisher-Y (near-line finisher  17 ), a Finisher-A (near-line finisher  18 ), a Finisher-B (near-line finisher  19 ) with respect to the system configuration of the first embodiment ( FIG. 1 ) as shown in  FIG. 18  will be described. 
     First, to register the Finisher-Y, the Finisher-Y is set to a selected status by touching a part of the column  2407 . Next, the finisher is connection-registered by touching the “Connect” button  2409 . Similarly, to connection-register the Finisher-A and the Finisher-B, the above registration operation is performed with respect to columns  2412  and  2413 . In this manner, the Finisher-Y (near-line finisher  17 ), the Finisher-A (near-line finisher  18 ) and the Finisher-B (near-line finisher  19 ) become in the “Connect” status. 
     Finally, when an “OK” button  2411  is touched, the above-described setting is enabled, and the initial screen of the operation panel of the image forming apparatus main body is restored. Note that when the above registration operation is cancelled, a “Cancel” button  2410  is touched. By this operation, the contents of the above-described operation are cancelled, and an update operation of the finisher management table of the image forming apparatus to be described later is not performed. 
     By the depression of the OK button  2411 , the process proceeds to step S 303 , at which the image forming apparatus updates the finisher management table  52 . Hereinbelow, the update processing of the finisher management table  52  will be described. In the finisher connection registration screen in  FIG. 22 , as the user connection-registered the Finisher-Y by XYZ company, the Finisher-A by ABC company and the Finisher-B by ABC company, the finisher management table  52  in  FIG. 7  is updated. In accordance with the connection registration, columns of management numbers # 1 , # 2  and # 6  (Finisher-Y, Finisher-A and Finisher-B) are written from “false” to “true”.  FIG. 23  shows the finisher management table  52  in which such update has been performed on the status in  FIG. 7 . As shown in  FIG. 23 , the connection status of the Finisher-A, the Finisher-B and the Finisher-Y of management numbers # 1 , # 2  and # 6  as the management number  101  are changed to “true”. 
     In the above procedure, the connection registration of the finishers installed by the user is completed. Note that in the present embodiment, the user connects the finishers and then performs the finisher connection registration with the operation panel of the image forming apparatus, however, the setting can be performed by any other method as long as the finisher management table can be updated. For example, as the image forming apparatus and the finishers are connected via a communication medium, it may be arranged such that the image forming apparatus automatically connection-registers the finishers by defining a protocol upon connection and performing communication by the image forming apparatus and the finishers based on the protocol. 
     Thereafter, when the client PC  11  performs collection of ability information ( FIG. 8 ) at predetermined timing such as polling by the above-described finisher profile acquisition method, the updated ability information is obtained from the image forming apparatus  13 . Accordingly, the client PC  11  updates the function table  130  in accordance with the obtained ability information. Hereinbelow, the update processing of the function table will be described. 
     [Update of Function Table] 
     The print setting application  27   a  refers to the finisher management table, and updates the previously held bookbinding table as shown in  FIG. 11B  utilizing the profiles of the newly-added finishers.  FIG. 24  shows the bookbinding table corresponding to the present embodiment. Note that in this example, a cutting machine (near-line finisher  18 ), and a folding machine (near-line finisher  19 ) are displayed in the bookbinding table; however, these finishers may be managed in another function table. 
     In this manner, when the function table has been updated, the wizard generator  140  determines whether or not unconformity has occurred between the updated content and the generated wizard. When unconformity has occurred, i.e., new function(s) has been added or function(s) has been deleted, the wizard is re-constructed. 
     For example, as shown in  FIG. 24 , when a case bookbinding function has been added as a stitching function, “case bookbinding” is added to the screen in which the user designates a bookbinding printing method as shown in  FIG. 14 , and at the same time, a screen for setting information specific to a case bookbinding machine is generated. Further, in addition to addition/deletion of finisher, similar processing is performed for addition/deletion of image forming apparatus. 
     As described above, according to the second embodiment, the update processing of the function table is performed and the wizard is re-constructed in a flexible manner, in correspondence with a change of printing system configuration. 
     Third Embodiment 
     [Dynamic Reconstruction by Wizard+DeviceConfig Information] 
     When the print setting application  27   a  has been started, the status information of the respective devices stored in the profile storage area  23  or the device table is obtained. Then it is checked whether or not there is a device having a trouble in its operation (out of consumable goods, failure, busy or the like) based on the status information. When there is a device having a trouble in its operation, a flag is set in the function table so as to disable selection of the device. 
     When there is a device for which the above flag is set, the wizard generator specifies a screen related to the device in condition branching of a previously-generated wizard, and reconstructs the wizard screen not to select the device. Further, when there are other screens (setting conditions) influenced by the reconstruction of the wizard screen, the construction of the screens are sequentially changed. 
     As described above, according to the third embodiment, the wizard screen can be constructed in accordance with finisher status. For example, as the wizard screen can be constructed such that a finisher having a trouble in its operation is excluded from subjects of selection, a reliably available device can be automatically selected. Thus the operability is improved. 
     As described above, the present invention facilitates a user&#39;s selection and setting of a device necessary for obtaining the user&#39;s desired final product. 
     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. 
     This application claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Application No. 2005-128621 filed on Apr. 26, 2005, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.