Patent Abstract:
In an image processing apparatus which has a plurality of overlapping entry screens, a desired one is selectively displayed and various operation conditions are set on the selected entry screen. The contents of all the set operation conditions are displayed in the form of a list. The list is displayed together with an entry screen.

Full Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
   This application is based on application No. 2000-28275 filed in Japan, the entire content of which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   The present invention relates to a technology of setting a plurality of items associated with operation conditions of an image processing apparatus such as a printer or a copier. 
   2. Description of the Related Art 
   Some of the recent copiers and printers have not only printing functions but also postprocessing functions performed after printing. The postprocessing functions include stapling, punching and paper folding. Printing is performed based on operation conditions such as “the number of copies”, “the paper size”, “the orientation of printing”, “whether to perform duplex printing or not” and “selection of a paper feed tray.” Postprocessing is performed based on operation conditions such as “whether to perform stapling or not”, “the position stapled”, “whether to perform punching or not”, “the position punched”, “N-up” and “covered binding.” 
   The user sets operation conditions of a printer or a copier through a printer driver. The printer driver displays on the display an entry screen for entering data for a plurality of items specifying operation conditions. The printer driver registers the data entered by the user as the set values of the corresponding items, and sets the operation conditions. 
   In recent years, the number of operation conditions has been increasing because the number of printing functions and postprocessing functions has been increasing. Since this increases the number of items for which data is to be entered, it is difficult to display all the items within one entry screen. 
   For this reason, recent printer drivers accept data entry by displaying a plurality of entry screens so as to be switchable on the display. The items are all classified into a plurality of groups, and an entry screen is provided for each group. The entry screens each have the form of a card and are displayed so as to overlap one another on the display. A desired entry screen is displayed on the top by selecting the tab provided for the entry screen. The tab is labeled with “Setup”, “Finishing” or the like. From the label, the user can grasp the items that can be set on the entry screen up to a point. 
   Some of the printing functions and the postprocessing functions cannot be selected unless an appropriate value is set for a certain item. For example, in a copier where it is mechanically impossible to perform stapling or punching on the short edge when the paper size is A4, it is necessary that a value making the paper size, for example, A3 be set for the item specifying the paper size. 
   Moreover, when an operation condition is specified by items existing over a plurality of entry screens, in other words, when it is necessary to enter appropriate data while switching entry screens, the following problem arises: When data is entered for an item on the displayed entry screen, it is necessary for the user to be conscious of the data having been entered or to be entered on other entry screens being hidden. Consequently, data entry requires time and effort, so that operation condition setting cannot be performed quickly and easily. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   An object of the present invention is to provide solutions to the above-mentioned problems. 
   Another object of the present invention is to provide an image processing apparatus where operation conditions can be easily entered. 
   Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an image processing apparatus where an appropriate value can be easily set even when an operation condition is specified by items existing over a plurality of entry screens. 
   Still another object of the present invention is to provide an image processing apparatus where a plurality of operation conditions existing on different entry screens can be easily referred to. 
   These and other objects are attained by an image processing apparatus having, a plurality of entry screens, first display means for selectively displaying a plurality of entry screens, setting means for setting an operation condition on a displayed entry screen, a list screen on which all the set operation conditions are collectively displayed, and second display means for displaying the entry screen displayed by the first display means and the list screen at the same time. 
   Moreover, the above-mentioned objects of the present invention are achieved by a setting method having, a first step in which one of a plurality of entry screens is displayed, a second step in which an operation condition is set on the displayed entry screen, a third step in which a plurality of operation conditions is set by repeating the first step and the second step, and a fourth step in which a list of all the set operation conditions and the entry screen are displayed at the same time. 
   The invention itself, together with further objects and attendant advantages, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a schematic view showing the structure of a print system; 
       FIG. 2  is a view showing a connection among a client computer, a printer server computer and a digital copier; 
       FIG. 3  is a view showing a print dialog box of a word processing application; 
       FIG. 4  is a view showing a properties window of a printer driver; 
       FIG. 5  is a view showing an entry screen of “Setup”; 
       FIG. 6  is a view showing an entry screen of “Advanced”; 
       FIG. 7  is a view showing an entry screen of “Finishing”; 
       FIG. 8  is a flowchart showing processing performed by a client computer; 
       FIG. 9  is a flowchart showing operation condition setting processing shown in  FIG. 8 ; 
       FIG. 10  is a view showing part of a determination table; 
       FIG. 11  is a view showing a list of setting results; and 
       FIGS. 12 to 17  are views showing other examples of the list of setting results. 
   

   In the following description, like parts are designated by like reference numbers throughout the several drawings. 
   DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
   Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. 
   As shown in  FIG. 1 , the print system has a plurality of client computers  10 ,  12 ,  14  and  16 , a printer server computer  20  and a digital copier  30 . The client computers  10 ,  12 ,  14  and  16  and the printer server computer  20  are connected to a network  40 . 
   Data and various commands can be communicated among the client computers  10 ,  12 ,  14  and  16  and between each of the client computers  10 ,  12 ,  14  and  16  and the printer server computer  20 . 
   As shown in  FIG. 2 , the client computers  10 ,  12 ,  14  and  16  are provided with a word processing application  10 A and a printer driver  10 B. The digital copier  30  is connected to the printer server computer  20 , and is capable of not only copying but also printing of data received from the client computers  10 ,  12 ,  14  and  16  by way of the printer server computer  20 . 
   As shown in  FIG. 3 , the word processing application  10 A displays a screen for print setting (print dialog box  50 ) on a display connected to the computer. As shown in  FIG. 4 , the printer driver  10 B displays a screen for setting edit functions of the digital copier  30  (properties window  60 ) on the display. The edit function is a generic name for the print functions and the postprocessing functions performed after printing. 
   When the user clicks on a properties button  51  in the print dialog box  50 , the properties window  60  opens. When the user clicks on an OK button  61  in the properties window  60 , the properties window  60  closes after the set values are updated. When the user clicks on a cancel button  62 , the properties window  60  closes without the set values updated. When an apply button  63  is clicked on, although the set values are updated, the properties window  60  remains open. 
   On the print dialog box  50 , of the operation conditions associated with the print functions, basic ones such as “printer selection”, “the print area” and “the number of copies” can be set. When the user clicks on an OK button  52  in the print dialog box  50 , printing and postprocessing are started. 
   On the properties window  60 , values can be set for a plurality of items specifying operation conditions associated with printing and a plurality of items specifying operation conditions associated with postprocessing. Since the number of items is large, a plurality of (in the illustrated example, eleven) entry screens  64 ,  66 ,  67 ,  68  are displayed so as to be switchable in the properties window  60 . The items are all classified into a plurality of groups, and an entry screen is provided for each group. The entry screens  64 ,  66 ,  67 ,  68  each have the form of a card and are displayed so as to overlap one another. A tab  65  is provided at the upper end of each entry screen. The eleven tabs  65   a–g  do not overlap one another. The tabs  65   a–g  are labeled with “General”, “Details”, “Setup”, “Advanced”, “Finishing ”, “Graphics”, “Font” and the like. When the user clicks on a tab  65 , the entry screen  64  provided with the tab  65  is displayed on the top. 
     FIG. 5  shows an example of an entry screen  66  of a group “Setup.”  FIG. 6  shows an example of an entry screen  67  of a group “Advanced.”  FIG. 7  shows an example of an entry screen  68  of a group “Finishing.” In the following description, the entry screens  66  to  68  will also be referred to as “Setup tab  66 ”, “Advanced tab  67 ”, and “Finishing tab  68 ”, respectively. 
   The items displayed on the entry screens  66  to  68  are as follows: 
   (1) Setup tab  66  ( FIG. 5 ) 
   “Copies”: item specifying the number of copies 
   “Paper Size”: item specifying the paper size 
   “Orientation”: item specifying the orientation of printing with respect to the sheet 
   “Paper Source”: item specifying the paper feed tray 
   (2) Advanced tab  67  ( FIG. 6 ) 
   “Duplex Print”: item specifying whether to perform duplex printing or not, and the position of the binding margin in duplex printing 
   “Layout”: item specifying a layout such as N-up or magazine binding 
   “Watermarks”: item specifying printing of watermarks 
   (3) Finishing tab  68  ( FIG. 7 ) 
   “Collate”: item specifying the order of output when a plurality of copies is printed 
   “Staple”: item specifying the position where the printed sheets are stapled 
   “Hole-Punch”: item specifying the position where the printed sheets are punched 
   “Folding”: item specifying folding of the printed sheets 
   While the other entry screens are not shown, on the entry screen of a group “Graphics”, items specifying whether to perform halftone processing or not, contrast adjustment and the like are shown. On the entry screen of a group “Font”, items specifying whether to print the data as it is in a True Type font or not and the like are shown. 
     FIG. 8  is a flowchart showing the processing performed by the client computer  10 . 
   The user creates a document by use of the word processing application  10 A that runs on the client computer  10  (S 11 ). When an instruction to print the document is provided (“Y” of S 12 ), the word processing application  10 A displays the print dialog box  50  on the display (S 13 ). 
   On the print dialog box  50 , the user selects the digital copier  30  or the printer to which the data is output (S 14 ). When the user clicks on the properties button  51  (“Y” of S 15 ), the printer driver  10 B of the selected digital copier  30  is activated. The printer driver  10 B sets values for a plurality of items specifying operation conditions associated with editing (S 16 ). 
   In a case where the properties button  51  is not clicked on (“N” of S 15 ) or after the operation condition setting by the printer driver  10 B is finished, when the OK button  52  in the print dialog box  50  is clicked on (“Y” of S 17 ), the digital copier  30  starts printing and postprocessing (S 18 ). The digital copier  30  operates based on the operation conditions set by the printer driver  10 B at step S 16 . 
     FIG. 9  is a flowchart showing the operation condition setting processing (S 16 ) shown in  FIG. 8 . 
   The printer driver  10 B displays the properties window  60  on the display (“Y” of S 21 ). The printer driver  10 B calls up pre-registered default values, and sets the default values for the corresponding items (S 22 ). 
   The user clicks on a tab  65  labeled with a desired one of a plurality of groups. The printer driver  10 B selects the group the tab  65  of which is clicked on, and generates an entry screen for entering data for the items belonging to the selected group (S 23 ). The printer driver  10 B displays the generated entry screen in the properties window  60  (S 23 ). 
   The printer driver  10 B judges the operation condition setting results based on the set values of all the items, and generates a list of setting results (S 24 ). The printer driver  10 B displays a list  81  as shown in  FIG. 11  on the display (S 24 ). The setting result list  81  will be described later. 
   When the user enters data for an item on the displayed entry screen, the printer driver  10 B determines that a set value has been changed (“Y” of S 25 ). However, setting at which the digital copier  30  cannot operate must be avoided. More specifically, setting of items associated with edit functions not supported by the digital copier  30  must be inhibited. Setting contradictory to an already set value must also be inhibited. 
   Therefore, with reference to a determination table  70  as shown in  FIG. 10 , the printer driver  10 B detects combinations of set values at which the digital copier  30  can operate (S 26 ). The printer driver  10 B determines whether the entered data can be set as a new set value or not (S 27 ). This determination is made based on whether combination of the entered data and the set value of another item is inhibited or not. 
   When the setting is impossible (“N” of S 27 ), the printer driver  10 B provides the user with an error notification that the setting is inhibited, and prompts the user to enter appropriate data (S 28 ). Moreover, the printer driver  10 B is capable of forcibly setting a value at which the digital copier  30  can operate and notifying the user of this. 
   When the setting is possible (“Y” of S 27 ), the printer driver  10 B registers the entered data as the set value of the corresponding item (S 29 ). 
   The printer driver  10 B again judges the operation condition setting results based on the set values of all the items, and displays an updated setting result list  81  (S 30 ). 
   When the user enters data for another item on the same entry screen (“N” of S 31 , “N” of S 32 ), the printer driver  10 B performs steps S 25  to S 30  and updates the list  81 . 
   When the user clicks on another tab  65  (“Y” of S 31 ), after displaying the selected entry screen on the top (S 23 ), the printer driver  10 B performs steps S 24  to S 30  and updates the list  81 . 
   When the user clicks on the OK button  61  in the properties window  60  (“Y” of S 32 ), the printer driver  10 B updates the set values of the items and closes the properties window  60 . 
     FIG. 10  shows part of the determination table  70 . 
   In the determination table  70 , combinations of set values at which the digital copier  30  can operate and combinations of set values at which the digital copier  30  cannot operate are recorded. The determination table  70  differs among the apparatuses to which data is output. The determination table  70  is provided in the form of a file as part of the printer driver  10 B. 
   In the determination table  70 , the “pre-set mode” represents items the set values of which have already been set, and the “post-set model” represents items the set values of which are to be changed. Inhibited combinations of the post-set mode and the preset mode are indicated by “X”, whereas permitted combinations are indicated by “∘.” 
   The shown determination table  70  is referred to when the items of the group “Setup” are the preset mode and the items of the group “Finishing” is the post-set mode. In the digital copier  30  shown as an example, when the paper size is A4, it is mechanically impossible to perform stapling or punching on the short edge. Therefore, the cell representative of combination of “Short Edge 2-points” of the item “Staple” and “A4” of the item “Paper Size” is marked with “X”. The cell representative of combination of “Short Edge Punch” of the item “Hole-Punch” and “A4” is also marked with “X”. On the contrary, the cell representative of combination of “Long Edge 2-points” of the item “Staple” and “A4” is marked with “∘”. The combinations marked with “∘” indicate that the digital copier  30  can operate without a hitch at these combinations of setting values. 
   When the user tries to set “Short Edge 2-points” or “Short Edge Punch” although the set paper size is A4, the printer driver  10 B detects that the combination is inhibited with reference to the determination table  70 . Consequently, the printer driver  10 B inhibits such setting. When the user sets “Long Edge 2-points” in a case where the set paper size is A4, the printer driver  10 B detects that the combination is permitted with reference to the determination table  70 . Consequently, the printer driver  10 B registers “Long Edge 2-points” for the item “Staple” as a new set value. 
     FIG. 11  is a view showing an example of the setting result list  81 . 
   The list  81  is displayed in a setting confirmation window  80 . The setting confirmation window  80  is opened separately from the properties window  60  on the display. The printer driver  10 B always opens the setting confirmation window  80  when the properties window  60  is opened. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the printer driver  10 B may open the setting confirmation window  80  to display the list  81  only when instructed to do so by the user. 
   The list  81  has a plurality of label fields  82  and data fields  83  disposed on the right of the label fields  82 . In the label fields  82 , the titles of the setting results are displayed. In the data fields  83 , the set values and options are concretely displayed. 
   In the list  81 , “Copies”, “Paper Size”, “Paper Source”, “Duplex Print”, “Layout”, “Collate”, “Staple” and “Hole-Punch” are displayed as the titles of the setting results. In  FIG. 11 , the set values and conditions are as follows: the number of copies, “1”; the paper size, “A4”; the paper feed tray, “Auto”; the duplex print, “None”; the layout, “None”; the position stapled, “Corner Staple”; and the position punched, “Short Edge Punch.” 
   In the data field  83  of the title “Collate”, the word “Collate” and an inhibition mark  84  are displayed. The inhibition mark  84  is added to the item the setting of which is inhibited. The setting of “Collate” is inhibited for the following reason: Since the currently set number of copies is one, it is meaningless to set “Uncollated” for the item “Collate” of the finishing tab  68 . By adding the inhibition mark  84 , the user can easily find the item the setting of which is inhibited. The means for notifying the user of inhibition of setting is not limited to the inhibition mark  84 . For example, the title the setting of which is inhibited may be displayed in color, the word and the background in the data field  83  may be displayed in reverse video or the data field  83  may be grayed out. 
   To inhibit the setting by the user, the printer driver  10 B grays out the items the setting of which is inhibited on the entry screen. In the above-described example, the printer driver  10 B grays out the item “Collate” of the Finishing tab  68 . The printer driver  10 B is capable of displaying the reason for the inhibition as well as inhibiting setting. In the above-described example, a message “The set number of copies is one.” or the like is displayed in a memo field provided in the properties window  60 . 
   The shown list  81  shows the results of setting made on the Setup tab  66 , the Advanced tab  67  and the Finishing tab  68  ( FIGS. 5 to 7 ). However, the setting results of the item “Orientation” on the Setup tab  66 , the item “Watermarks” on the Advanced tab  67  and the item “Folding” on the Finishing tab  68  are not shown. Further, the results of setting made on the other entry screens are not shown, either. These results are not shown for simplification of the description and not with the intention of limiting the present invention. Therefore, a list of all the setting results including the setting results not shown or described or a list of some of the setting results can be displayed. 
   Displaying a list of the operation condition setting results produces the following advantage: When data is entered for an item on the displayed entry screen, it is unnecessary for the user to be conscious of or memorize the data having been entered or to be entered on other entry screens being hidden. Therefore, even when an operation condition is specified by items existing over a plurality of entry screens, data entry is not complicated, so that an appropriate value can be quickly and easily set. 
   The setting result list is not limited to the above-described configuration, but may be modified as shown in  FIGS. 12 to 17 . 
     FIG. 12  is a view showing a relevant part of another example of the setting result list. The list  81  shown in  FIG. 11  is generated by use of letters and numbers. On the contrary, a list  85  shown in  FIG. 12  is created by use of symbols including letters, numbers and icons. 
   Description will be given using as an example “N-up” which is a setting result of the item “Layout” on the Advanced tab  67 . The printer driver  10 B generates the list  85  by use of an icon  86  representative of a condition “N-up: None”, and displays the list  85  in the setting confirmation window  80 . When the user set “2-up” for the item “Layout” under this condition, the printer driver  10 B updates the list  85  to one using an icon  87  representative of a condition “2-up.” 
   By generating the list  85  by use of the icons  86  and  87 , the user can intuitively or visually grasp the setting results. 
     FIG. 13  is a view showing a relevant part of another example of the setting result list. The printer driver  10 B generates a list  91  including settable values, and displays the list  91  in the setting confirmation window  80 . The settable values include setting ranges and options of the items. 
   The list  91  has a plurality of label fields  92  and first and second data fields  93  and  94  disposed on the right of the label fields  92 . In the first data fields  93 , the set values and options are concretely displayed. In the second data fields  94 , the settable values are displayed in accordance with the functions supported by the digital copier  30 . For example, with respect to the number of copies, the set number “1” is displayed in the first data field  93 , and the settable range “(1–999)” is displayed in the second data field  94 . Likewise, with respect to the paper size, “A4/Letter” representative of the settable options is displayed in the second data field  94 . With respect to the paper feed tray, “Tray 1/2” representative of the settable options is displayed in the second data field  94 . 
   By generating the list  91  including the settable values, the user can easily find the settable ranges and options. 
     FIG. 14  is a view showing another example of the setting result list. In the list  101 , the results of setting associated with the currently displayed entry screen are shown so as to be distinguished from the other setting results. 
   The list  101  has label fields  102  and data fields  103 . Description will be given using as an example a case where the Advanced tab  67  is displayed on the top. First, the printer driver  10 B identifies, among the setting results shown in the list  101 , “Duplex Print” and “Layout” which are setting results decided based on the displayed Advanced tab  67 . Then, the printer driver  10 B generates the list  101  in which the identified “Duplex Print” and “Layout” are distinguished from the other setting results, and displays the list  101  in the setting confirmation window  80 . The “Duplex Print” and “Layout” are distinguished from the other setting results by displaying the letters and the background in the data fields  103  in reverse video. The identified setting results may be distinguished from the other setting results by displaying the titles of the identified setting results in a different color from the other titles or by adding a mark. 
   Displaying the setting results associated with the currently displayed entry screen so as to be distinguished in the list  101  produces the following advantage: From the list  101 , the user can easily find whether the entry screen including the item which the user intends to set is displayed or not. In the above-described example, the user finds that the Advanced tab  67  on which “Duplex Print” and “Layout” can be set is displayed. 
     FIG. 15  is a view showing another example of the setting result list. On the list  105 , the user can specify the entry screen which the user intends to display. 
   The list  105  has a plurality of label fields  106  and buttons  107  disposed on the right of the label fields  106 . The buttons  107  are provided for selecting a setting result from among the setting results shown in the list  105 . In the data field provided on each button  107 , the set value or option is concretely displayed. For example, with respect to “Paper Size”, the set paper size “A4” is displayed on the button  107 . 
   Assume that the user clicks on the button  107  on which “A4” is displayed. This button  107  corresponds to, “Paper Size.” Then, the printer driver  10 B switches the entry screen to the Setup tab  66  including the item “Paper Size” deciding the selected setting result “Paper Size”, and displays the Setup tab  66 . The titles may be displayed on buttons. 
   Since the displayed entry screen can be switched on the list  105 , the following advantage is produced: Even when a plurality of entry screens is displayed so as to overlap one another, the user can immediately display the target entry screen merely by clicking on the button  107  on which the item the user intends to set is displayed. Since the user is saved from having to repetitively click on the tab  65  until the target entry screen is displayed, operation condition setting can be performed more quickly and easily. 
     FIGS. 16 and 17  show other examples of the setting result list.  FIG. 16  shows a condition where the Setup tab  66  is displayed in the properties window  60 .  FIG. 17  shows a condition where the Advanced tab  67  is displayed in the properties window  60 . 
   The list  81  shown in  FIG. 10  is displayed in the setting confirmation window  80  opened separately from the properties window  60 . On the contrary, a list  111  shown in  FIGS. 16 and 17  is displayed in the properties window  60 . Although the entry screen is switched from the Setup tab  66  of  FIG. 16  to the Advanced tab  67  of  FIG. 17  by clicking on the tab  65 , the list  111  is always displayed. 
   Storing a program describing the processing as shown in  FIG. 9  in a computer-readable record medium allows a computer to function as an edit function setter or a printer driver. 
   As described above, according to the operation condition setting technology of this embodiment, since a list of operation condition setting results is displayed, even when an operation condition is specified by items existing over a plurality of entry screens, an appropriate value can be easily set. 
   Although the present invention has been fully described by way of examples with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be noted that various changes and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, unless such changes and modifications depart from the scope of the present invention, they should be construed as being included therein.

Technology Classification (CPC): 6