Patent Abstract:
A display method for drivers is provided that executes according to printing instruction on an application, retrieving data from the application, and converting the retrieved data into printing data readable with an image forming apparatus. The display method includes the steps of executing a first driver according to the application, displaying functional information of the first driver on a display screen for the executing first driver, and displaying information regarding a second driver different from the executing first driver together with the display screen for the executing first driver. The display method allows a user to effectively select whether to acquire the second printer driver, and further allows one of the printer drivers to correspond to the image forming apparatus.

Full Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of copending U.S. application Ser. No. 12/360,362 filed Jan. 27, 2009, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to a display method for drivers installed in an information processing apparatus, which is directly or indirectly connected to an image forming apparatus through a communication line such as a network in a printing system. 
     2. Description of Related Art 
     A related art printing system includes an information processing apparatus and an image forming apparatus each of which is directly connected or indirectly connected through a communication line such as a network. The related art printing system acquires a printer driver, used in a case of converting application data prepared by a user into a printer language, from the image forming apparatus such as a printer, and installs the printer driver in the information processing apparatus. Such a related art printing system is disclosed, for example, in Japanese Un-examined Patent Application Publication No. 2003-241930. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     According to one aspect of the invention, a display method for drivers executing according to printing instruction on an application, retrieving data from the application, and converting the retrieved data into printing data readable with an image forming apparatus, said display method comprises the steps of; executing a first driver according to the application; displaying functional information of the first driver on a display screen for the executing first driver; and displaying information regarding a second driver different from the executing first driver together with the display screen for the executing first driver. 
     Additional features and advantages of the present invention will be more fully apparent from the following detailed description of embodiments, the accompanying drawings and the associated claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       A more complete appreciation of the aspects of the invention and many of the attendant advantage thereof will be readily obtained as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a block diagram illustrating a printing system according to a first embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of apparatus information; 
         FIG. 3  is a flowchart illustrating an example procedure in a case where a computer serving as an information processing apparatus and a printer serving as an image forming apparatus are connected; 
         FIG. 4A  is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a selection screen; 
         FIG. 4   b  is a schematic diagram illustrating another example of a selection screen; 
         FIG. 5  is a flowchart illustrating an example procedure in a case of executing print operation; 
         FIG. 6A  is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a print setting dialog screen; 
         FIG. 6B  is a schematic diagram illustrating another example of a print setting dialog screen; 
         FIG. 7  is a flowchart illustrating an example procedure in a case where the computer serving as the information processing apparatus and the printer serving as the image forming apparatus are disconnected; 
         FIG. 8  is a block diagram illustrating a printing system according to a second embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 9  is a flowchart illustrating an example procedure in a case where a computer serving as an information processing apparatus and a printer serving as an image forming apparatus are connected according to the second embodiment; 
         FIG. 10  is a flowchart illustrating an example procedure in a case of executing print operation; 
         FIG. 11A  is a schematic diagram illustrating an example screen displayed by a specific driver function information display unit; 
         FIG. 11B  is a schematic diagram illustrating another example screen displayed by the specific driver function information display unit; 
         FIG. 12  is a block diagram illustrating a printing system according to a third embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 13  is a flowchart illustrating an example procedure in a case where a computer serving as an information processing apparatus and a printer serving as an image forming apparatus are connected according to the third embodiment; 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     In describing embodiments illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology is employed for the sake of clarity. However, the disclosure of this patent specification is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology so selected and it is to be understood that each specific element includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner. Referring now to the drawings, like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding parts throughout the several views. 
     First Embodiment 
     A printing system using a display method for drivers according to a first embodiment of the present invention is described with reference to  FIG. 1 . The printing system includes a computer  100  serving as an information processing apparatus and a printer  200  serving as an image forming apparatus. The computer  100  converts application data prepared by a user into print data and supplies to the image forming apparatus, and the printer  200  prints an image based on the print data transmitted from the information processing apparatus. The computer  100  and the printer  200  are connected by a connection method so as to be detected by an interface, for example, a universal serial bus (UBS). A general driver  104  (described later) serving as a first printer driver is installed in the computer  100  beforehand. A specific driver  202  (described later) serving as a second printer driver is stored in a printer storage unit  206  serving as a printer driver storage device. The computer  100  and the printer  200  are described in detail below. 
     The computer  100  includes: a print data preparation unit  101  preparing the print data by cooperation with the printer driver; a specific driver acquisition unit  102 , serving as a printer driver acquisition unit, acquiring the specific driver  202  serving as the second printer driver from the printer  200  connected; an apparatus information acquisition unit  103  acquiring apparatus information  204  (described later) from the printer  200  connected; the general driver  104 ; a printer connection judgment unit  105  detecting connection with the printer  200  and judging whether to correspond the general driver  104  already installed to the printer  200  in the course of detection to the printer  200  or additionally acquire and install the specific driver  202 ; a printer driver storage unit  106 , serving as an installation region of the printer driver, storing the general driver  104  already installed; and a computer storage unit  107 , serving as a storage device of the computer  100 , storing the printer driver storage unit  106 . 
     The print data preparation unit  101  is activated from application software (not shown) by an instruction of a user. The print data preparation unit  101  cooperates with the printer driver stored in the printer driver storage unit  106 , thereby converting the application data prepared by the user into the printer language readable by the printer  200  and preparing the print data. The print data prepared by the print data preparation unit  101  is transmitted to the printer  200 . 
     The specific driver acquisition unit  102  requests with respect to a specific driver transmitting unit  203  (described later) of the printer  200  connected to transmit the excusive driver  202 , receives the specific driver  202  transmitted from the excusive driver transmitting unit  203  of the printer  200 , and executes the installation of the specific driver  202  by storing in the printer driver  106 . 
     The apparatus information acquisition unit  103  requests with respect to an apparatus information transmitting unit  205  (described later) to transmit the apparatus information  204 , and receives the apparatus information  204  transmitted from the apparatus information transmitting unit  205  of the printer  200 . 
     The general driver  104  serves as a printer driver that is commonly applicable with respect to the printer  200  corresponding to the printer language of widely know, for example, PostScript™. In a case where the print data is prepared using the general driver  104 , the print data having a basic instruction defined by such a printer language is prepared. However, since the print data having an instruction specialized for the printer  200  is not prepared, print operation using all of functions of the printer  200  is not executed. Here, the instruction specialized for the printer  200  is, for example, an instruction to select whether to use dithering or error diffusion in a course of a half-tone procedure of a multi-color image. Since the instruction specialized for such a printer  200  is not prepared, all of the print operation are executed by a standard parameter of the printer  200  in a case where the print data is prepared using the general driver  104 . Moreover, the general driver  104  includes a basic function only, thereby reducing a consumption amount of a resource in a case of being installed in the computer  100 . According to the first embodiment, the general driver  104  can prepare the print data having “PUBLIC LANGUAGE” of the printer language. 
     The printer connection judgment unit  105  is read in a case where the printer  200  is connected to and disconnected from interface of the computer  100 . The printer connection judgment unit  105  is registered in a device driver of the interface beforehand so as to be read in a case where the printer  200  of a specific maker is connected. According to the first embodiment, in a case where the printer  200  having maker information of “ABC” is connected to the computer  100 , the printer connection judgment unit  105  is read. Moreover, the printer connection judgment unit  105  supplies an instruction with respect to the apparatus information acquisition unit  103  to transmit the apparatus information  204  of the printer  200  in a case where the printer  200  is connected. The printer connection judgment unit  105  examines whether or not the specific driver  202  of the printer  200  is already installed in the computer  100  based on the apparatus information  204  of the printer  200  received by the apparatus information acquisition unit  103 . Moreover, the printer connection judgment unit  105  examines whether or not the printer  200  can print the print data prepared using the general driver  104 . In a case where the printer  200  can print the print data prepared using the general driver  104 , the printer connection judgment unit  105  provides a query with respect to the user whether to correspond the general driver  104  already installed to the printer  200  or whether to acquire and install the excusive driver  202  of the printer  200 . For example, in a case where the user selects to install the specific driver  202 , the printer connection judgment unit  105  acquires a storage location of the specific driver  202  from the apparatus information  204  of the printer  200  and supplies the instruction to the specific driver acquisition unit  102  to acquire the specific driver  202 . The specific driver  202  acquired by the specific driver acquisition unit  102  is installed by being stored in the printer driver storage unit  106 . On the other hand, in a case where the user selects to use the general driver  104  already installed in the computer  100 , the printer connection judgment unit  105  allows the general driver  104  already installed to correspond to the printer  200  and allows the general driver  104  to be the printer driver of the printer  200 . In a case where the printer  200  cannot print the print data prepared using the general driver  104 , the printer connection judgment unit  105  acquires the storage location of the specific driver  202  of the printer  200  and supplies the instruction to the specific driver acquisition unit  102  to acquire the specific driver  202 . The specific driver  202  acquired by the specific driver acquisition unit  102  is installed by being stored in the printer driver storage unit  106 . Moreover, the printer connection judgment unit  105  operates in a case where the computer  100  and the printer  200  are disconnected. In a case where the printer driver corresponding to the printer  200  being disconnected from the computer  100  is the general driver  104 , the printer connection judgment unit  105  cancels the correspondence between the general driver  104  and the printer  200 . The printer connection judgment unit  105  is read in a case where the interface of the computer  100  is connected to and disconnected from the printer  200 . Alternatively, the printer connection judgment unit  105  may monitor the interface of the computer  100  and may monitor the connection and disconnection of the printer  200 . 
     The print data preparation unit  101 , the specific driver acquisition unit  102 , the apparatus information acquisition unit  103 , the general driver  104 , and the printer connection judgment unit  105  described above are mounted as programs in the computer  100 . Each of such programs may be stored in a volatile memory of the computer  100  or a nonvolatile memory such as a read only memory (ROM). In addition, each of such programs may be mounted as a nonvolatile rewritable storage device such as a flash memory or may be mounted as a magnetic medium such as hard disk. 
     The printer driver storage unit  106  serves as the installation region of the printer driver. According to the first embodiment, the general driver  104  is already installed. The printer connection judgment unit  105  allows the printer driver already installed to correspond to the printer  200 , thereby providing a function of the printer driver. 
     The computer storage unit  107  serves as the storage device of the computer  100  and stores the printer driver storage unit  106 . The computer storage unit  107  may be mounted as the volatile memory, the nonvolatile rewritable storage device such as the flash memory or the magnetic medium such as the hard disk. 
     The computer  100  includes an input device (not shown) such as a keyboard or a pointing device serving as user interface, and a display device (not shown) such as a cathode ray tube (CRT) display or a liquid crystal display. In addition, the computer  100  includes a central processing unit (CPU, not shown) controlling operation thereof and a primary storage device (not shown) such as a memory serving as a working area of the CPU. 
     Now, the printer  200  is described in detail. The printer  200  includes: a print unit  201  printing the image based on the print data transmitted from the computer  100 ; the specific driver  202 ; the specific driver transmitting unit  203  transmitting the specific driver  202  to the computer  100  connected; the apparatus information  204  serving as driver information of the printer  200 ; the apparatus information transmitting unit  205  transmitting the apparatus information  204  to the computer  100  connected; and the printer storage unit  206  not only serving as a storage device of the printer  200  but also serving as the printer driver storage device storing the specific driver  202  and the apparatus information  204 . 
     The print unit  201  prints print data rasterized on a recording medium. For example, in a case of an electrophotographic printer, an electrostatic latent image is formed on a photosensitive drum (not shown) based on the print data, and toner is adhered to such an electrostatic latent image, thereby forming a toner image. Such a toner image is transferred to the recording medium, thereby printing the image based on the print data. 
     The specific driver  202  is installed in the computer  100  and serves as the program preparing the print data by cooperation with the print data preparation unit  101 . The specific driver  202  includes a function of the general driver  104 . Since the specific driver  202  can prepare the print data including the instruction specialized for the printer  200 , the print operation is executed using all of the functions of the printer  200 , for example, a color adjustment function and a two-sided printing function. Moreover, the specific driver  202  can allow a dialog screen, corresponding to a print setting dialog screen, specialized for the printer  200  to be displayed. Since the specific driver  202  includes information of the print setting dialog screen and the program preparing the instruction specialized for the printer  200 , a greater amount of the resource is consumed relative to the general driver  104  in a case where the specific driver is installed in the computer  100 . 
     The specific driver transmitting unit  203  transmits the specific driver  202  stored in the printer storage unit  206  to the computer  100  in response to a transmission request of the specific driver  202  by the specific driver acquisition unit  102  of the computer  100  connected. 
     The apparatus information  204  stores, for example, as illustrated in  FIG. 2 , category information of the apparatus, maker, model, and serial information of the printer  200 , processable language information, specific driver storage location information, version information of the specific driver, and information of the specific driver function explanation. As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , information such as “printer,” “ABC,” “PR1234,” “AB12345678,” “PUBLIC LANGUAGE,” “PRINTER//DRIVER,” “1.2.3,” and “COLOR ADJUSTMENT, TWO-SIDED PRINT” is stored as the category information of the apparatus, the maker, model, and serial information of the printer  200 , the processable language information, the specific driver storage location information, the version information of the specific driver, and the information of the specific driver function explanation, respectively. Herein, the “PUBLIC LANGUAGE” indicates the printer language printable by the general driver  104  stored in the computer  100  as described above with the general driver  104 . The “PRINTER//DRIVER” of the specific driver storage location information indicates a directory location in which the specific driver  202  is stored, for example, a computer connected to the printer  200 . The specific driver  202  is stored in such a directory. 
     The apparatus information transmitting unit  205  transmits the apparatus information  204  stored in the printer storage unit  206  in response to a transmission request of the apparatus information  204  by the apparatus information acquisition unit  103  of the computer  100  connected. 
     The specific driver  202 , the specific driver transmitting unit  203 , and the apparatus information transmitting unit  205  are mounted as the programs in the printer  200 . Each of such programs may be stored in a volatile memory of the printer  200  or a nonvolatile memory such as a read only memory (ROM). In addition, each of such programs may be mounted as a nonvolatile rewritable storage device such as a flash memory or may be mounted as a magnetic medium such as hard disk. 
     The printer storage unit  206  stores the specific driver  202  and the apparatus information  204  of the printer  200 . The printer storage unit  206  may be mounted as the volatile memory, the nonvolatile rewritable storage device such as the flash memory or the magnetic medium such as the hard disk. 
     The printer  200  includes an operation panel (not shown) serving as user interface. In addition, the printer  200  includes a central processing unit (CPU, not shown) controlling operation thereof and a primary storage device (not shown) such as a memory serving as a working area of the CPU. 
     According to the first embodiment, the apparatus information  204  of the printer  200  is stored in the printer storage unit  206 . However, the apparatus information  204  is not limited to be stored in the printer storage unit  206 . The apparatus information  204  may be stored in another storage device included in the printer  200 , or may be stored in a storage device included in the computer  100 . According to the first embodiment, the specific driver  202  is stored in the printer storage unit  206 . However, the specific driver  202  is not limited to be stored in the printer storage unit  206 . The specific driver  202  may be stored in another information processing apparatus (not shown) such as a server. 
     Referring to a flowchart of  FIG. 3 , an example procedure in a case where the computer  100  and the printer  200  are connected is described. 
     In step S 101 , in a case where the printer connection judgment unit  105  detects that the printer  200  is connected to the computer  100 , the printer judgment unit  105  supplies the instruction with respect to the apparatus information acquisition unit  103  to acquire the apparatus information  204  of the printer  200 . Upon receiving the acquisition instruction, the apparatus information acquisition unit  103  requests with respect to the apparatus information transmitting unit  205  of the printer  200  to transmit the apparatus information  204 . 
     Upon receiving the transmission request of the apparatus information  204  of the printer  200 , the apparatus information transmitting unit  205  reads the apparatus information  204  stored in the printer storage unit  206  and transmits to the apparatus information acquisition unit  103  (step S 102 ). 
     Upon acquiring the apparatus information  204 , the apparatus information acquisition unit  103  supplies the apparatus information  204  to the printer connection judgment unit  105 . Upon being supplied with the apparatus information  204 , the printer connection judgment unit  105  examines the apparatus information  204  (step S 103 ). 
     Subsequently, in step S 104 , the printer connection judgment unit  105  examines whether or not the specific driver  202  corresponding to the printer  200  is stored in the printer driver storage unit  106 . That is, the printer connection judgment unit  105  examines whether or not the specific driver  202  is installed in the computer  100 . In a case where the specific driver  202  is installed (Yes in step S 104 ), the printer connection judgment unit  105  ends the procedure. On the other hand, in a case where the specific printer  202  is not installed (No in step S 104 ), flow proceeds to step S 105 . 
     In step S 105 , the printer connection judgment unit  105  refers to the apparatus information  204  and examines whether or not the printer  200  can print the print data prepared using the general driver  104 . Particularly, the printer connection judgment unit  105  examines whether or not the processable language of the apparatus information  204  includes the “PUBLIC LANGUAGE.” In a case where the processable language does not include the “PUBLIC LANGUAGE” (No in step S 105 ), flow proceeds to step S 106  (described later). On the other hand, in a case where the processable language includes the “PUBLIC LANGUAGE” (Yes in step S 105 ), flow proceeds to step S 107  (described later). 
     In a case where the processable language does not include the “PUBLIC LANGUAGE” (No in step S 105 ), the printer connection judgment unit  105  refers to the specific driver storage location information of the apparatus information  204  and examines whether or not the specific drive is acquirable (step S 106 ). In a case where the specific driver  202  is acquirable (Yes in step S 106 ), the printer connection judgment unit  105  supplies the instruction with respect to the specific driver acquisition unit  102  to acquire the specific driver  202  of the printer  200  in step S 110 . On the other hand, in a case where the specific driver  202  is not acquirable (No in step S 106 ), the printer connection judgment unit  105  ends the procedure. Herein, the printer connection judgment unit  105  may request, for example, a storage medium such as CD-ROM in which the specific driver  200  corresponding to the printer  200  is stored, with respect to the user and may install the specific driver  202  instead of ending the procedure. 
     In a case where the processable language includes the “PUBLIC LANGUAGE” (Yes in step S 105 ), the printer connection judgment unit  105  refers to the specific driver storage location information of the apparatus information  204  and examines whether or not the specific driver  202  is acquirable (step S 107 ). In a case where the specific driver  202  is acquirable (Yes in step S 107 ), flow proceeds to step S 108  (described later). On the other hand, in a case where the specific driver  202  is not acquirable (No in step S 107 ), flow proceeds to step S 113  (described later). 
     In a case where the specific driver  202  is acquirable (Yes in step S 107 ), the printer connection judgment unit  105  allows, for example, selection screens as illustrated in  FIGS. 4A and 4B , to be displayed so as to provide a query with respect to the user whether or not to install the specific driver  202 , and waits until the user makes a selection (step S 108 ).  FIG. 4A  is an example of the selection screen displayed in a case where the printer connection judgment unit  105  provides the query with respect to the user whether or not to install the excusive driver  202 . Herein, for example,  FIG. 4B  may be displayed along with  FIG. 4A .  FIG. 4B  is another example of the selection screen and includes, for example, the specific driver function explanation information such as “COLOR ADJUSTMENT, TWO-SIDED PRINT” included in the apparatus information  204  acquired from the printer  200 . 
     In step S 109 , the printer connection judgment unit  105  examines whether or not the user permits the installation of the specific driver  202 . In a case where the user permits the installation of the specific driver  202  (Yes in step S 109 ), the printer connection judgment unit  105  supplies the instruction with respect to the specific driver acquisition unit  102  to acquire the specific driver  202  of the printer  200  in step S 110 . On the other hand, in a case where the user does not permit the installation of the specific driver  202  (No in step S 109 ), flow proceeds to step S 113  (described later). 
     Upon being supplied with the acquisition instruction of the specific driver  202  of the printer  200 , the specific driver acquisition unit  102  requests with respect to the specific driver transmitting unit  203  to transmit the specific driver  202  (step S 110 ). 
     Upon receiving the transmission request of the specific driver  202  of the printer  200 , the specific driver transmitting unit  203  reads the specific driver  202  stored in the printer storage unit  206  and transmits to the specific driver acquisition unit  102  (step S 111 ). 
     The specific driver acquisition unit  102  acquires the specific driver  202  and stores in the printer driver storage unit  106 , thereby installing the specific driver  202  as the printer driver of the printer  200  (step S 112 ). 
     In a case where the specific driver  202  is not acquirable (No in step S 107 ), and in a case where the user does not permit the installation of the specific driver  202  (No in step S 109 ), the printer connection judgment unit  105  allows the general driver  104  stored in the printer driver storage unit  106  to correspond to the printer  200  and allows the general driver  104  to be the printer driver of the printer  200  (step S 113 ). 
     In a case where the computer  100  cannot acquire the specific driver  202  of the printer  200  by any reason, the general driver  104  is allowed to be the printer driver by corresponding to the printer  200 , so that the user can execute the print operation using the computer  100  as long as the printer  200  is corresponded to the general driver  104 . 
     Referring to a flowchart of  FIG. 5 , an example procedure of executing the print operation in a case where the user uses application software of the computer  100  is described. The user presses a print execution button (not shown) after preparing the application data by using prescribed application software. Subsequently, the print data preparation unit  101  is activated. The print data preparation unit  101  prepares a print setting dialog screen to be displayed to the user from the printer driver stored in the printer driver storage unit  106  (step S 121 ). 
     In step S 122 , the print data preparation unit  101  allows the print setting dialog screen as illustrated in  FIGS. 6A and 6B  to be displayed.  FIG. 6A  illustrates an example of the print setting dialog screen in a case where the general driver  104  is used, and  FIG. 6B  illustrates an example of the print setting dialog screen in a case where the specific driver  202  is used. The print setting dialog screen of  FIG. 6B  includes tabs of “COLOR ADJUSTMENT” and “TWO-SIDED PRINT” in addition to a tab illustrated in  FIG. 6A . 
     The print data preparation unit  101  waits unit the user finishes an input (step S 123 ). In a case where the user presses a “PRINT” button of  FIG. 6A , flow proceeds to step S 124  (described later). On the other hand, in a case where the user presses a “CANCEL” button (not shown in flowchart of  FIG. 5 ), the print data preparation unit  101  ends the procedure. 
     In a case where the user presses the “PRINT” button in step S 123 , the print data preparation unit  101  acquires a setting content provided in the print setting dialog screen by the user (step S 124 ). The print data preparation unit  101  prepares the print data based on the setting content acquired in step S 124  (step S 125 ), and transmits the print data prepared to the printer  200  (step S 126 ). Upon receiving the print data transmitted by the print data preparation unit  101 , the print unit  201  of the printer  200  prints the image based on the print data. 
     Referring to a flowchart of  FIG. 7 , an example procedure in a case of disconnecting the computer  100  from the printer  200  is illustrated. 
     In a case where the printer connection judgment unit  105  detects that the computer  100  and the printer  200  are disconnected, the printer connection judgment unit  105  examines whether the printer driver corresponding to the printer  200  disconnected is the general driver  104  or the specific driver  202  (step S 131 ). In a case where the printer driver is the general driver  104  (Yes in step S 131 ), flow proceeds to step S 132  (described later). On the other hand, in a case where the printer driver is the specific driver  202  (No in step S 131 ), the printer connection judgment unit  105  ends the procedure. 
     In a case where the printer driver is the general driver  104  (Yes in step S 131 ), the printer connection judgment unit  105  cancels the correspondence between the general driver  104  stored in the printer driver storage unit  106  and the printer  200 , and ends the procedure (step S 132 ). 
     According to the first embodiment described above, in a case where the printer  200  corresponding to the general driver  104  is connected to the computer  100 , the print operation is executed using the general driver  104  installed in the computer  100  beforehand, thereby reducing necessity of installing the specific driver  202  specialized for the printer  200  in the computer  100 . Therefore, the computer  100  can reduce a waste of the resource thereof according to the first embodiment. 
     Second Embodiment 
     Referring to  FIG. 8 , a printing system using a display methods for drivers according to a second embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. As illustrated in  FIG. 8 , the printing system includes a computer  300  serving as an information processing apparatus and a printer  2000  serving as an image forming apparatus. The computer  300  of the second embodiment is similar to the computer  100  of the first embodiment described above except for an apparatus information storage unit  301  serving as a driver information storage unit and a specific driver function information display unit  302  serving as a driver information display unit. The printer  2000  of the second embodiment is substantially similar to the printer  200  of the first embodiment. Only components and configurations of the computer  300  and the printer  2000  that differ from the computer  100  and the printer  200  of the above embodiment will be described, and like components will be given the same reference numerals as above and description thereof will be omitted. 
     The apparatus information storage unit  301  is stored in the computer  300  and stores apparatus information  204  acquired from the printer  2000  by an apparatus information acquisition unit  103 . 
     The specific driver function information display unit  302  operates while a print setting dialog screen is being displayed by a print data preparation unit  101 . In a case where a printer driver corresponding to the printer  2000  is a general driver  104 , and in a case where the apparatus information  204  of the printer  2000  is stored in the apparatus information storage unit  301 , the specific driver function information display unit  302  allows a button used for installation of a function of the excusive driver  202  and the specific driver of the printer  2000  to be displayed in a vicinity of the print setting dialog. 
     The specific driver function information display unit  302  of the computer  300  is mounted as a program in the computer  300 . Such a program may be stored in a volatile memory of the computer  300  or a nonvolatile memory such as a read only memory (ROM). Moreover, the program may be mounted as a nonvolatile rewritable storage device such as a flash memory or may be mounted as a magnetic medium such as hard disk. 
     Referring to a flowchart of  FIG. 9 , an example procedure in a case where the computer  300  and the printer  2000  are connected is illustrated. Since procedure flow from step S 201  to step S 212  and step S 214  of  FIG. 9  is substantially similar to that from step S 101  to step S 112  and step S 113  of  FIG. 3 , respectively, description of each step is omitted. 
     In a case where the specific driver  202  is not acquirable (No in step S 207 ), and in a case where the installation of the specific driver  202  is not permitted (No is step S 209 ), the apparatus information acquisition unit  103  stores the apparatus information  204  acquired in the apparatus information storage unit  301  (step S 213 ). 
     Referring now to a flowchart of  FIG. 10 , an example procedure of executing print operation in a case where the user uses application software of the computer  300  is described. Since procedure flow of step S 221 , step S 222 , and step S 226 , and step S 233  through step S 235  of  FIG. 10  is substantially similar to that of step S 121 , step S 122 , step S 123 , and step S 124  through step S 126  of  FIG. 5 , respectively, description of each step is omitted. 
     The specific driver function information display unit  302  examines whether or not the printer driver used by the print data preparation unit  101  is the general driver  104  (step S 223 ). In a case where the printer driver used by the print data preparation unit  101  is the general driver  104  (Yes in step S 223 ), flow proceeds to step S 224  (described later). On the other hand, in a case where the printer driver used by the print data preparation unit  101  is not the general driver  104  (No in step S 223 ), flow proceeds to step S 226  (described later). 
     In a case where the printer driver used by the print data preparation unit  101  is the general driver  104  (Yes in step S 233 ), the specific driver function information display unit  302  examines whether or not the apparatus information  204  corresponding to the printer  2000  is stored in the apparatus information storage unit  301  (step S 224 ). In a case where the apparatus information  204  is stored in the information storage unit  301  (Yes in step S 224 ), flow proceeds to step S 225  (described later). On the other hand, in a case where the apparatus information  204  is not stored in the information storage unit  301  (No in step S 224 ), flow proceeds to step S 226  (described later). 
     In a case where the apparatus information  204  is stored in the information storage unit  301  (Yes in step S 224 ), the specific driver function information display unit  302  allows the function of the specific driver  202  to be displayed at a side of the print setting dialog screen as illustrated in  FIG. 11A , for example, and allows an “INSTALL” button for installation of the specific driver  202  to be displayed (step S 225 ).  FIG. 11A  illustrates an example screen to be displayed in a case of using the general driver  104 . 
     The specific driver function information display unit  302  waits until the user finishes an input (step S 226 ). In a case where the “INSTALL” button is not pressed by the user (No in step S 227 ), the specific driver function information display unit  302  ends the procedure while the print data preparation unit  101  proceeds a step beyond step S 233  (described later). On the other hand, in a case where the “INSTALL” button is pressed by the user (Yes in step S 227 ), the specific driver function information display unit  302  saves the setting content provided by the user in the print setting dialog screen (step S 228 ). In a case where a “CANCEL” button is pressed by the user (not shown in the flowchart of  FIG. 10 ), the specific driver function display unit  302  and the print data preparation unit  101  end the procedure. 
     The specific driver function information display unit  302  supplies the instruction with respect to the specific driver acquisition unit  102  to acquire the specific driver  202  of the printer  2000 . Upon receiving the acquisition instruction of the specific driver  202  of the printer  2000 , the specific driver acquisition unit  102  requests with respect to the specific driver transmitting unit  203  of the printer  2000  to transmit the specific driver  202 . Upon receiving the transmission request, the specific driver transmitting unit  203  reads the specific driver  202  stored in the printer storage unit  206  and transmits to the specific driver acquisition unit  102 . Upon acquiring the specific driver  202 , the specific driver acquisition unit  102  stores the specific driver  202  in the printer driver storage unit  106 , thereby installing the specific driver  202  as the printer driver of the printer  2000  (step S 229 ). 
     Subsequently, in step S 230 , the print data preparation unit  101  prepares the print setting dialog screen to be provided to the user from the specific driver  202  stored in the printer driver storage unit  106 , and allows the print setting dialog screen to be newly displayed (step S 231 ). 
     The specific driver function information display unit  302  restores the setting content saved in step S 228  in the print setting dialog newly displayed by the print data preparation unit  101  (step S 232 ).  FIG. 11B  illustrates an example of the print setting dialog newly prepared and displayed. In such a print setting dialog screen of  FIG. 11B , tabs of “COLOR ADJUSTMENT” and “TWO-SIDED PRINT” as functions of the specific driver  202  are included in addition to a tab illustrated in  FIG. 11A , and the setting content input by the user is restored by the specific driver function information display unit  302 .  FIG. 11B  illustrates an example screen to displayed in a case of using the specific driver  202 . 
     According the second embodiment, the apparatus information acquisition unit  103  stores the apparatus information  204  in the apparatus information storage unit  301  in step S 213  of  FIG. 9 . However, the apparatus information  204  may be re-acquired from the printer  2000  in step S 224  of the flowchart of  FIG. 10 . 
     In a case where the printer  2000  is disconnected, and in a case where the printer driver corresponding to the printer  2000  is the general driver  104 , the apparatus information  204  of the printer  2000  may be deleted from the apparatus information storage unit  301 . 
     According to the second embodiment, the installation of the specific driver  202  is displayed on the print setting dialog screen, but is not limited thereto. For example, application software (not shown) capable of installing the specific driver  202  may be provided, and the specific driver  202  may be installed from such application software. 
     As described above, the specific driver function information display unit  302  allows the function of the specific driver  202  to be displayed in the course of the print operation by the user, thereby installing the specific driver  202  without re-connection of the printer  2000  according to the second embodiment. Therefore, the second embodiment can enhance a level of convenience for the user in addition to the advantages of the first embodiment described above. 
     Third Embodiment 
     Referring to  FIG. 12 , a printing system using a display method for drivers according to a third embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. As illustrated in  FIG. 12 , the printing system includes a computer  400  serving as an information processing apparatus and a printer  3000  serving as an image forming apparatus. The computer  400  of the third embodiment is similar to the computer  300  of the second embodiment described above except for an apparatus information comparison unit  401  serving as a driver information comparison unit and a printer driver storage unit  402 . The printer  3000  of the third embodiment is substantially similar to the printer  200  of the first embodiment. Only components and configurations of the computer  400  and the printer  3000  that differ from the computer  300  and the printer  200  of the above embodiments will be described, and like components will be given the same reference numerals as above and description thereof will be omitted. According to the third embodiment, a specific driver  202  of the printer  3000  is installed in the printer driver storage unit  402  of the computer  400  beforehand. 
     The apparatus information comparison unit  401  compares version information of the specific driver  202  of the printer  3000  included in apparatus information  204  acquired by an apparatus information acquisition unit  103  with version information of the specific driver  202  stored in the printer driver storage unit  402 . In a case where the specific driver  202  is judged to be updated as a result of the version information comparison, the apparatus information comparison unit  401  supplies an instruction with respect to the specific driver acquisition unit  102  to acquire the specific driver  202 . Upon receiving the acquisition instruction of the specific driver  202 , a specific driver acquisition unit  102  acquires the specific driver  202  from the printer  3000 , and updates the specific driver  202  stored in the printer driver storage unit  402 , thereby upgrading the specific driver  202 . 
     The apparatus information comparison unit  401  is mounted as a program in the computer  400 . Such a program may be stored in a volatile memory of the computer  400  or a nonvolatile memory such as a read only memory (ROM). In addition, the program may be mounted as a nonvolatile rewritable storage device such as a flash memory or may be mounted as a magnetic medium such as hard disk. 
     Referring to flowchart of  FIG. 13 , an example procedure in a case where the computer  400  and the printer  3000  are connected is illustrated. Since procedure flow of step S 301  through step S 304  and step S 306  through step S 315  of  FIG. 13  is substantially similar to that of step S 201  through step S 204  and step S 205  through step S 214  of  FIG. 9 , respectively, description of each step is omitted. 
     In step S 305 , the apparatus information comparison unit  401  compares the version information of the specific driver  202  of the printer  3000  included in the apparatus information  204  acquired by the apparatus information acquisition unit  103  with the version information of the specific driver  202  stored in the printer driver storage unit  402 , and examines whether or not the version of the specific driver  202  is updated. Particularly, in a case where the version information of the specific driver  202  included in the apparatus information  204  newly acquired from the printer  3000  is newer (superior) than the version information of the specific driver  202  stored in the printer driver storage unit  402 , the apparatus information comparison unit  401  executes step S 307  (described later). On the other hand, in a case where the version information of the specific driver  202  included in the apparatus information  204  newly acquired and the version information of the specific driver  202  stored in the printer driver storage unit  402  is substantially the same, or in a case where the version information of the specific driver  202  included in the apparatus information  204  is older (inferior) than the version information of the specific driver  202  stored in the printer driver storage unit  402 , the apparatus information comparison unit  401  ends the procedure. 
     As described above, in a case where the computer  400  and the printer  3000  are connected, each of the version information of the specific driver  202  is compared according to the third embodiment. In a case where the specific driver  202  is updated, the specific driver installed in the computer  400  is updated, thereby maintaining the specific driver  202  installed in the computer  400  to be a latest version according to the third embodiment. 
     According to each of the first, second, and third embodiments of the present invention described above, the personal computer is used as the information processing apparatus, but is not limited thereto. A computer such as a server computer, a mobile computer, and a workstation may be used as the information processing apparatus. In addition, another mechanism having a function similar to such a computer may be used as the information processing apparatus. For example, an information terminal apparatus, a mobile phone, an electronic mail terminal device, a game terminal device, a set top box device, and the like may be used as the information processing apparatus. According to each of the first, second, and third embodiments of the present invention described above, the printer is used as the image forming apparatus, but is not limited thereto. A facsimile machine, a scanner, a photocopier, and a multi-functional peripheral (MFP) having plural functions of the printer, the scanner, and the facsimile machine, for example, may be used as the image forming apparatus. In addition, according to each of the first, second, and third embodiments of the present invention, the computer and the printer are connected through the USB, but are not limited therethrough. For example, IEEE1394 bus connection, parallel or serial connection, SCSI connection and the like may applied in addition to the USB connection. Moreover, the computer and the printer may be connected through network such as local area network (LAN) or Internet. The computer and the printer may also be connected through wireless LAN, Bluetooth, infrared communication and the like instead of wire connection. 
     The present invention has been described above with regard to particular embodiments, but the present invention is not limited thereto. As can be appreciated by those skilled in the art, numerous additional modifications and variation of the present invention are possible in light of the above-described teachings. It is therefore to be understood that, within the scope of the appended claims, the disclosure of this patent specification may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein.

Technology Classification (CPC): 6