Abstract: Disclosed is a print instruction apparatus, which makes it possible to conduct a print setting operation only by performing an intuitive touch panel action onto a print image currently displayed. The apparatus includes: an image display section to display a print image; an inputted information parsing section that parses signals outputted from the touch panel so as to specify a predetermined touch panel operation performed onto a predetermined area; a storage section to store correlating information for correlating the predetermined touch panel operation with a print setting; a print setting managing section to specify the print setting that corresponds to the predetermined touch panel operation; a display image creating section that creates image data representing the print image so as to update a print image currently displayed; and a print information creating section to create information representing an instruction for implementing a printing operation in conformity with the print setting.

Abstract: An operating screen including a printing setup screen containing the setup items of printing conditions that a user can select is provided to the user. Further, a result of searching for printers that match the values of the setup items is arranged on the printer selection screen within the operating screen, and a “Print” button is arranged on the operating screen for the user to operate for instructing a printer displayed as the result of the search.

Abstract: There is described a printing system, which includes a plurality of printers and a user terminal device, while makes it possible to easily and securely specify a printer desired by the user. The user terminal device is provided with: a command transmitting section that transmits the printer retrieving command to the plurality of printers; a command judging section that determines whether or not specific information is attached to the printer-retrieving command response; and a display controlling section to display the specific printer in a recognizable manner on a printer selecting screen. Each printer is provided with: a command processing section that determines whether or not the user information added to the printer retrieving command coincides with the other user information inputted and stored in advance; and a command responding section that transmits the printer-retrieving command response to the user terminal device, when the two user information coincide with each other.

Abstract: An operating screen including a printing setup screen containing the setup items of printing conditions that a user can select is provided to the user. Further, a result of searching for printers that match the values of the setup items is arranged on the printer selection screen within the operating screen, and a “printer” button is arranged on the operating screen for the user to operate for instructing a printer displayed as the result of the search.