JP2000071547A - Print information setter and setting method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To facilitate setting of print information by displaying a pattern indicative of various information associated with a print object data in the form suitable for actual image. SOLUTION: Size of a print image P1 indicative of a print area on a logical sheet being displayed in a layout display column E14 is determined depending on the enlarging/contracting power designated from a 'enlargement/contraction' data input column E11. Size of a master plan being written over the print image P1 is also determined depending on the enlarging/contracting power designated from the 'enlargement/contraction' data input column E11. Consequently, a pattern can be displayed in the layout display column E14 in the form suitable for actual image to be printed while being enlarged or contracted.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a technique for setting various information for printing on a predetermined printing device (for example, a printer).

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In general, when a printer is connected to a computer and print data created by the computer is to be printed by the printer, it is necessary to incorporate a device driver for the printer (hereinafter referred to as a printer driver) into the computer. The printer driver is a computer program that controls various types of information about the printer, such as the functions and interfaces of the printer, font information, and control codes, in the computer, and controls the printer. The printer driver is prepared for each printer model to be printed.

An operator operates a computer,
The printer driver incorporated in the computer can be activated to set various information. The setting is performed as follows. When the printer driver is started, the computer displays a setting screen on the monitor. FIG. 26 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a setting screen displayed on such a monitor. As shown in the figure, the setting screen includes a data entry field D1 for the various types of information.
The operator sets various types of information by operating a keyboard and a mouse to input data into these data input fields A1. In addition,
It is proposed that the setting screen is provided not only with the data input field A1 but also with a display field A2 which shows predetermined information among the information based on the input data with pictorial diagrams. The predetermined information indicated by the display column A2 is information indicating the size of the printing paper. Display column A
2, a printer paper B2 having a size according to the size of the print paper is drawn on the paper discharge side of the printer on which the outer shape B1 of the printer is drawn three-dimensionally. Since the operator can intuitively know the size of the printing paper by looking at the display column A2, the usability of the printer driver is improved.

[0004]

In the above prior art,
Although the size of the printing paper can be known at a glance, the information about the print target data recorded on the printing paper cannot be known at a glance. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 27, the applicant of the present application displays not only the printing paper B2 but also the character "A" (any character is not limited to this character) B3 on the printing paper B2 in the display column A2. Developed the drawn configuration. According to this configuration, not only the size of the printing paper but also the printing direction of the printing target data and the size of each page of the printing target data can be known from the character “A” at a glance.

However, even with this configuration, when enlarging or reducing the print target data or when printing the print target data for a plurality of pages on one output sheet, the size of one page of the print target data is required. Since the ratio is different from the actual print result (ratio to the print paper size), it cannot be known at a glance from the displayed picture.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and a printing method that displays a pictorial diagram showing various types of information accompanying data to be printed in a form suitable for an actual image. The purpose is to facilitate setting of information.

[0007]

Means for Solving the Problems and Their Functions and Effects To solve such problems, a first device of the present invention comprises a display device, an input device such as a keyboard and a mouse, and the like.
Information input means for displaying a screen area for data input on the display device, based on an input operation from the input device according to the content of the screen area, and capturing various information for printing in a predetermined printing apparatus; A print information setting device including information setting means for setting the various types of information taken in, wherein the information input means comprises predetermined information input means for taking in predetermined information capable of at least changing a print surface formed by printing. Further, magnification data input means for enlarging or reducing the size of print target data represented on the printing surface, magnification data for reduction printing, and magnification data inputting means for capturing magnification data indicating a degree of reduction, A graphic display control means for displaying an image showing the predetermined information captured by the predetermined information input means in the form of a graphic. Moni, the pictorial display control means,
It is characterized by comprising a picture determining means for determining the contents of the picture according to the magnification data.

[0008] According to the first apparatus having the above-described configuration, an image of a pictograph displayed from predetermined information captured by the predetermined information input means can be determined in accordance with magnification data for enlarged or reduced printing. For this reason, the pictorial diagram showing the predetermined information can be displayed in a form suitable for the actual enlarged or reduced printed image. Therefore, the predetermined information can be known at a glance from the displayed picture, and the setting of the print information can be facilitated.

[0009] In the first apparatus having the above-mentioned configuration, the predetermined information taken in by the predetermined information input means may be logical sheet information indicating a possible sheet size of the print target data.

[0010] In the first apparatus having the above-mentioned configuration, the predetermined information taken in by the predetermined information input means may be information on a stamp mark which is watermark-printed on printing paper set in the printing apparatus. It is.

[0011] A second apparatus of the present invention comprises a display device, an input device such as a keyboard and a mouse, and a display device for displaying a screen area for data input on the display device. In the print information setting device, based on the input operation, information input means for capturing various information for printing in a predetermined printing device, and information setting means for setting the captured various information, the information input means, And a predetermined information input unit that captures predetermined information that can change at least a printing surface formed by the printing, and further prints by allocating a plurality of pages of the print target data to output paper set in the printing apparatus. An allocation information input unit that captures information of an allocation area for the allocation printing to be performed, and the predetermined information input unit in the screen area. And a picture display control means for displaying an image showing the captured predetermined information as a picture, and the picture display control means comprises a picture determining means for determining the contents of the picture in accordance with the information of the layout area. It is characterized by.

[0012] According to the second apparatus having the above-described configuration, an image of a pictograph displayed from the predetermined information taken in by the predetermined information input means can be determined according to the information of the layout area in the layout printing. For this reason, the pictorial diagram showing the predetermined information can be displayed in a form suitable for the actual printed image. Therefore, the predetermined information can be known at a glance from the displayed picture, and the setting of the print information can be facilitated.

[0013] In the second apparatus having the above-mentioned configuration, the predetermined information to be taken in by the predetermined information input means may be logical sheet information indicating a possible sheet size of the print target data.

Further, in the second apparatus, the predetermined information taken in by the predetermined information input means may be information on a stamp mark which is watermark-printed on a printing paper set in the printing apparatus. .

[0015] A third device of the present invention comprises a display device, an input device such as a keyboard and a mouse, and a display device for displaying a screen area for data input on the display device. In the print information setting device, based on the input operation, information input means for capturing various information for printing in a predetermined printing device, and information setting means for setting the captured various information, the information input means, A predetermined information input unit that captures predetermined information that can change at least a print surface formed by the printing, and further includes a print direction that captures information of a print direction including at least 180 degrees on an output sheet set in the printing apparatus. A direction input unit, and an image showing, in a pictorial diagram, the predetermined information captured by the predetermined information input unit in the screen area. Together and a pictorial display control unit that presents the pictorial display control means is characterized in that it comprises a pictorial determining means for determining the content of the pictorial according to the print direction information.

According to the third apparatus having the above-described configuration, the image of the pictorial image displayed from the predetermined information captured by the predetermined information input means can be determined in accordance with the information on the printing direction including at least 180 degrees on the output sheet. . For this reason, a pictorial diagram showing predetermined information can be displayed in a form suitable for the actual image of 180-degree rotation printing. Therefore, the predetermined information can be known at a glance from the displayed picture, and the setting of the print information can be facilitated.

In the third apparatus, the predetermined information to be taken in by the predetermined information input means is information on a printable area for limiting a range of the printing surface of a printing sheet set in the printing apparatus. It is possible.

According to a first method of the present invention, (1) while a display device displays a screen area for data input, a predetermined printing device performs a process based on an input operation from an input device in accordance with the contents of the screen region. In a print information setting method including: a step of capturing various information for printing; and (2) a step of setting the captured various information, the step (1) includes:
(1a) including a step of capturing predetermined information that can change at least a print surface formed by the printing,
(3) taking in enlargement data for enlarging or reducing the size of the print target data represented on the printing surface, and taking in magnification data indicating the degree of enlargement or reduction for reduced printing;
(4) displaying, in the screen area, an image showing the predetermined information captured by (1a) as a pictorial diagram, and the step (4) includes: (4a)
A step of determining the contents of the picture according to the magnification data.

According to a second method of the present invention, (1) while displaying a screen area for data input on a display device, a predetermined printing apparatus is operated based on an input operation from an input device in accordance with the contents of the screen area. In a print information setting method including: a step of capturing various information for printing; and (2) a step of setting the captured various information, the step (1) includes:
(1a) including a step of capturing predetermined information that can change at least a print surface formed by the printing,
(3) a step of allocating a plurality of pages of the print target data to an output sheet set in the printing apparatus and taking in information of an allocation area for layout printing, and (4) the step of: Displaying an image showing a pictorial representation of the predetermined information captured in (1a), and the step (4) comprises:
(4a) The method includes a step of determining the contents of the picture according to the information of the allocation area.

According to a third method of the present invention, (1) a display device displays a screen area for data entry and, based on an input operation from an input device in accordance with the contents of the screen area, a predetermined printing apparatus. In a print information setting method including: a step of capturing various information for printing; and (2) a step of setting the captured various information, the step (1) includes:
(1a) including a step of capturing predetermined information that can change at least a print surface formed by the printing,
(3) a step of taking in information of a printing direction including at least 180 degrees on an output sheet set in the printing apparatus; and (4) a drawing of the predetermined information taken in in the step (1a) in the screen area. And a step of displaying an image to be displayed.
(4a) The method according to the present invention is characterized in that the method further comprises a step of determining the contents of the picture according to the information on the printing direction.

According to the first to third methods having the above-described configuration, a pictorial diagram showing predetermined information can be displayed in a form suitable for an actual image, similarly to the first to third devices of the present invention. . Therefore, the predetermined information can be known at a glance from the displayed picture, and the setting of the print information can be facilitated.

The printing apparatus in the first to third apparatuses and the first to third methods may have a configuration having a function of performing printing, and may be a single apparatus such as a printer. Alternatively, it may be a printing mechanism built in a specific device (for example, a facsimile device).

[0023]

Other Embodiments of the Invention The present invention includes the following other embodiments. First, a first aspect is a recording medium which stores a computer program which is executed by a microprocessor of a computer to realize each means or each step of the above invention. A second aspect is an aspect as a program supply device that supplies the computer program via a communication path. In the second embodiment, the above-described apparatus and method can be realized by placing a program on a server or the like on a network, downloading a necessary program to a computer via a communication path, and executing the program.

[0024]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS In order to further clarify the configuration and operation of the present invention described above, embodiments of the present invention will be described below based on examples. FIG. 1 is an external view of a computer system to which an embodiment of the present invention is applied. This computer system includes a computer 10, a CRT display 12 as a peripheral device and a printer 1
4 is provided. The computer 10 is a computer body 1
6, a keyboard 18 and a mouse 20. The computer body 16 is equipped with a floppy disk drive 24 for reading the contents of the floppy disk 22. The printer 14 is a so-called inkjet printer that forms dots on the surface of a sheet by discharging ink droplets, and conveys the sheet in the sub-scanning direction while reciprocating the carriage in the main scanning direction. Is recorded.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of hardware of the computer system. As shown in the figure, the computer body 16 includes a ROM 32, a RAM 33, a mouse interface 34, which are interconnected by a bus around a CPU 31 as a central processing unit.
Keyboard interface 35, FDC36, HDC3
7, a CRTC 38, a printer interface 39, and an I / O port 40.

The ROM 32 is a read-only memory for storing various built-in programs and the like. RAM
A read / write memory 33 stores various data. The mouse interface 34 is an interface that controls exchange of data and the like with the mouse 20. The keyboard interface 35 is a keyboard 18
It is an interface that controls key input from. FDC3
Reference numeral 6 denotes a floppy disk controller that controls a floppy disk drive (FDD) 24. HDC
A hard disk controller 37 controls a hard disk drive (HDD) 41. CRTC38
Is a CRT display 12 for displaying necessary data and the like.
This is a CRT controller that controls signal output to the CRT. The printer interface 39 is an interface that controls output of data to the printer 14. The I / O port 40 has a serial output port, and the modem 4
4 and via this modem 44 to a public telephone line 46. The computer 10 is connected to an external network via a modem 44, and is connectable to a specific server 48.

In this computer system, the operating system is stored in the HDD 41,
When power is supplied to the computer main body 16 in accordance with the loader written in the boot block of D41, the RAM
33 are loaded into a predetermined area. Also, the printer 14
Printer drivers prepared for each model are stored in the floppy disk 22 in advance, and are installed from the floppy disk drive 24 to the computer main body 16 by activating a predetermined installation program. This installed printer driver is H
The information is stored in the DD 41 and is loaded into a predetermined area of the RAM 33 together with the operating system when the computer main body 16 is powered on.

Various components of the present invention are realized by the CPU 31 executing the printer driver.
The software program of the printer driver is stored in the floppy disk 22 as described above, but may be replaced with another portable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, a magneto-optical disk, an IC card, or the like. (Portable recording medium). Further, the above-described software program can be obtained by downloading program data provided via a network from a specific server 48 connected to an external network and transferring the program data to the RAM 33 or the HDD 41. .

Next, a description will be given of how printing is performed by the computer system having the hardware configuration described above. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a state of processing from image information handled by the computer main body 16 to printing. As shown in the figure, an image is displayed on the CRT display 12 via a video driver 52 while processing the image by an application program 51 operating inside the computer main body 16. Also,
When the application program 51 issues a print command, a printer driver 53 in the computer main body 16 receives image information from the application program 51 and converts it into a signal that can be printed by the printer 14.

In the example shown in FIG. 3, the printer driver 5
3, a rasterizer 54 that converts image information handled by the application program 51 into color information in dot units, and the printer 14 generates color in the image information (gradation data) converted into color information in dot units. A color correction module 55 for performing color correction in accordance with the characteristics of the above, a halftone that generates so-called halftone image information that expresses density in a certain area based on the presence or absence of ink in dot units from the image information after color correction A module 56 is provided. Further, an information setting module 57 for setting various information for printing by the printer 14 is provided inside the printer driver 53. Various types of information for printing include information on basic settings such as print resolution and color correction, and information on paper settings such as paper size and paper direction. The information of the color correction set by the information setting module 57 is sent to the color correction module 55. The information setting module 57 displays an image indicating the contents of the setting on the CRT display 12 via the video driver 52.

In the information setting module 57, a predetermined information input unit 57a and a magnification data input unit 57b
, A picture display control unit 57c, and a picture decision unit 57d. Here, since the operation of each module except the information setting module 57 is well known, the description is omitted in principle, and the information setting module 57 including the above-described units 57a to 57d will be described below.

The printer driver 53 can variously control printing by the printer 14 by changing the setting, but the operator needs to make such setting in advance. The information setting module 57 performs the operation of setting various kinds of information for printing. Here, this information setting module 5
The operation performed by the operator by the operation of step 7 will be described first. In this description, Windows 95 (a trademark of Microsoft Corporation) is used as an operating system on which the printer driver 53 operates.
Will be described as an example. The description will be made assuming that the name of the printer 14 is “PM-00”.

First, the operator operates the computer 10 as follows to open a dialog box for setting various information for printing. That is, [Start] →
Open [Printer] window by performing [Settings]-> [Printer]. Next, the window for the printer is opened by double-clicking the icon of the target printer on the window, here, the icon of “PM-00”. Then, from the window, select [Printer]
→ Perform the [Properties] operation to display a dialog box for setting various information about the printer.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the dialog box DB1. As shown in the figure, the dialog box DB1 contains six types of cards CD1, CD2, CD3, and CD of "Information", "Details", "Basic settings", "Paper settings", "Layout", and "Utility".
4, CD5 and CD6 are prepared. The "information" card CD1 is for setting information about the printer, such as a comment on the printer. The “details” card CD2 is for setting detailed information about the printer, such as the port to which the printer is connected.
The "basic setting" card CD3 is for setting basic information relating to print quality. The "paper setting" card CD4 is used to set various information on paper. The “layout” card CD5 is for setting layout information for the paper. The "utility" card CD6 is for setting other useful information. These card CDs
Any one of 1 to 6 is selected by operating the mouse 20 by the operator and is displayed in the dialog box DB1.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram exemplifying a dialog box DB1 in which the "paper setting" card CD4 is opened. As shown in FIG.
Includes "Paper Size", "Copies", "Print Direction",
Data input field E for setting each "printable area"
1, E2, E3, and E4, and a picture display field E5 that shows the contents of these settings in a three-dimensional picture of the printer 14.

The "paper size" data input field E1 is used to set the paper size of the print original indicated by the data to be printed together with the type of paper. For example, "A4 210 ×
297mm "," A4 width 210 × 297mm "," B
5 182 x 257 mm "," Western envelope 120 x 23
5 "," Postcard 100 × 147 mm ", etc. are prepared as options. The paper of the print document indicated by the print target data is referred to as “logical paper”. Enlargement or reduction of the print size of the print target data on the output paper The following “fit page” or “arbitrary enlargement” is not set, and the number of pages to be allocated to one print paper is set. If the “layout” setting is not set, the size of this logical paper matches the size of the output paper that is the paper that is actually printed. If any one of "" and "assignment" is set, the logical paper indicates only the paper size of the print target data created by the application program, and is different from the output paper.

The "number of copies" data entry field E2 is used to set the number of copies to be printed. In addition to the number of copies, whether the printing order is to be printed in units of copies, whether forward or reverse, or not. You can also specify whether to print by clicking the check box. The "print direction" data input field E3 indicates the direction of printing on paper, and "vertical", "horizontal", and "rotate 180 degrees" can be selected. Note that this “rotation by 180 degrees” cannot be selected by itself, but can be selected in a state where one of “vertical” and “horizontal” is selected. In other words, if "180-degree rotation" is selected while "vertical" is selected, a state in which the printing direction is rotated by 180 degrees from the "vertical" state is designated. When “180 ° rotation” is selected in the state where “horizontal” is selected, the printing direction is changed from the “horizontal” state by one.
Specify the state rotated by 80 degrees.

The data input column E4 of the "printable area"
It sets the printable area on the paper,
One of “standard”, “maximum” and “centering” can be selected. The "standard" defines a printable area (referred to as a standard area) such that a large margin is left at the lower end of the sheet P as shown in FIG. "maximum"
Is that the printable area is determined to be the maximum area by adding the extended area to the lower end side of the standard area as shown in FIG. The “centering” defines a printable area such that a blank space is equally provided in four directions, up, down, left, and right of the sheet P, as shown in FIG.

The margin at the lower end of the sheet P defining the standard area shown in FIG. 6 is generated due to the sheet feed mechanism of the printer 14. In addition, the right margin of the sheet P that defines the standard area is caused by a carriage return. Note that the extended area as shown in FIG. 7 is determined by a change in the relation of the paper feed mechanism of the printer 14 to the paper. Hereinafter, the paper feeding mechanism of the printer 14 will be described, and the difference between the standard area and the extended area will be described.

FIG. 9 is a side sectional view showing a mechanism (paper feed mechanism) for transporting the paper P in the printer 14. A mechanism for transporting the paper P is provided by a paper feed roller 7 provided on the paper feed side.
5a, a driven roller 75b, and a paper discharge roller 77a and a knurled roller 77b provided on the paper discharge side. These rollers are driven by transmitting the rotation of a paper feed motor (not shown) by a gear train.
As shown in FIG. 9, first, the sheet P is sandwiched between a sheet feeding roller 75a and a driven roller 75b from the sheet feeding side, and is conveyed by rotation of both rollers. The upper end of the sheet P is a discharge roller 77
a and the jagged rollers 77b, these rollers also feed the paper to the paper discharge side. An image is recorded on the sheet P by a head 78 in an area on the platen 76.

As described above, the paper feed roller 75a and the driven roller 75b, the paper discharge roller 77a and the knurled roller 77b
The case where the paper is fed in both cases corresponds to the case where the standard area is printed. On the other hand, even after the lower end of the paper P is disengaged from the paper feed roller 75a and the driven roller 75b, the paper can be fed by the paper discharge roller 77a and the knurled roller 77b. I do. Since the accuracy of the paper feed is ensured by the rollers 75a and 75b on the paper feed side, when the extended area is printed, the lower end of the paper P is separated from the paper feed roller 75a and the driven roller 75b. Is lower than in the case where the paper is conveyed by the rollers 75a and 75b on the paper supply side. That is, the standard area is an area where the image recording accuracy is sufficiently guaranteed, whereas the extended area is an area where the image recording accuracy is lower than the standard area.

The picture display field E5 in FIG. 5 is an area in which a picture showing the appearance of the printer 14 in a three-dimensional manner is displayed as described above, and represents the attributes of printing by the printer 14. Specifically, the picture is such that the following contents can be understood. Paper type (aspect ratio) Paper loading direction Paper transport path during printing Printing direction on paper Printable area on paper

The above-mentioned pictographs are changed each time the setting contents of the data input fields E1, E3, E4 are changed. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the data input column E1 of “paper size” is “A4 210 × 297 m”.
m ”, the picture in the picture display field E5 is
The paper is set in a size corresponding to A4 in the printer body in the vertical direction. On the other hand, "paper size"
Data entry field E1 is "A4 width 210 x 297 mm"
As shown in FIG. 10, the flat image in the picture display field E5 is in a state where the paper is set in a size corresponding to A4 in the horizontal direction with respect to the printer main body. Also, as shown in FIG. 5, the “paper transport path at the time of printing” is an arrow, the “printing direction on paper” is the direction of the character “A”, and the “printable area” is drawn on the paper portion. This is indicated by the position of the broken line.

FIG. 11 shows a "layout" card CD5.
FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a dialog box DB1 in which is opened. As shown in the figure, the “layout” card CD5 includes “enlargement / reduction”, “assignment”,
Three data entry fields E11 and E1 of "stamp mark"
2, E13 are provided. Also, this card CD5
Is provided with a layout display field E14 for displaying some information set on the card CD5 among the contents of the current setting of the printer driver using a pictorial diagram.

The data input column E11 of “enlarge / reduce” is
The setting for enlargement or reduction printing for enlarging or reducing the size of print target data to be printed on output paper is performed. In the data entry field E11, “None”,
Three types of buttons "fit page" and "arbitrary magnification" b
t1, bt2, bt3 are provided. The “none” button bt1 is used to specify that enlargement or reduction is not performed.

The "fit page" button bt2 is used to specify that the enlargement or reduction is automatically performed in accordance with the size of the output paper (paper set in the printer 14). "Fit page" button bt2 is mouse 2
When the selection is made by 0, as shown in FIG. 12, the data input column er1 of "output paper" is activated.
The “output paper” data input field er1 is used to set the size of the output paper together with the paper type, and is the same as the option provided in the “paper size” data input field E1 of the card “CD” of “paper setting”. Is prepared. That is, “A4210 × 297 mm”, “A4 width 210
× 297 mm ”,“ B5 182 × 257 mm ”,“ Western envelope 120 × 235 ”,“ Postcard 100 × 147 m ”
"m" etc. are prepared as options.

When the operator clicks the “fit page” button bt 2, the operator sets the size of the output paper to be actually set in the printer 14 in the data input box er 1.
Specify from. This makes it possible to automatically enlarge or reduce the print target data created in the size of the paper (logical paper) selected in the data input field E1 of the “paper size” according to the output paper. Becomes For example,
The paper size input from the “paper size” data input field E1 is A4 size, and the “output paper” data input field er1
When the B5 size is set in the print, the print layout (number of lines, columns, characters, margins, etc.) of the print target data created with the A4 format information is automatically reduced linearly to the B5 size. Becomes possible. At this time, the enlargement / reduction magnification is stored as magnification data.

The "arbitrary magnification" button bt3 is used to specify that the operator enlarges or reduces the image at an arbitrary magnification desired by the operator. When the button bt3 of “arbitrary magnification” is selected by the mouse 20, as shown in FIG.
The “output paper” data input column er1 and the “magnification” data input column er2 are in an active state. The operator inputs the size of the output paper actually set in the printer 14 from the data input field er1 and the desired magnification from the data input field er2 together with the click of the button bt3. As a result, it is possible to print at an enlargement or reduction of an arbitrary magnification desired by the operator. At this time, the magnification input from the data input field er2 is stored as magnification data.

When "fit page" or "arbitrary magnification" is selected, the data input column er of "output paper" is selected.
When a paper size different from the paper size selected in the “paper size” data input field E1 is input from No. 1, the pictograph displayed in the pictograph display field E5 is the “paper size” data input field E1. In place of the paper size selected in the above, the output paper is changed to reflect the setting contents of the data input field er1 of this "output paper".

Returning to FIG. 11, the "layout" data input field E12 is used to set the number of pages to be allocated to one print sheet. "1 page" means "2 pages arranged side by side". ", And" 4 pages ", which means an array of four pages in a grid, are prepared as options.

"Stamp mark" data input field E13
Is used to make settings for stamp marks for printing with marks. Here, the printing with a mark is, for example,
This refers to printing in which marks such as “confidential”, “important”, and “urgent” (hereinafter, these marks are referred to as stamp marks) are automatically added on a print screen. In the “stamp mark” data input field E13, a mark name input field er5 and a setting button bt7 are provided. Mark name input field er5
Is used to set a name (stamp mark name) for specifying the type of stamp mark. When the button er5a at the right corner is clicked on with the mouse 20, the menu name er5b is displayed in a pull-down format as shown in FIG. 14 in the mark name input field er5, and “marked secret”, “CONFIDENTAL”, Stamp marks such as “important”, “prohibited to take out”, and “confidential” are prepared as options.

The setting button bt7 is a switch for instructing switching to the detailed mode when setting various information on the stamp mark in detail. Specifically, the setting button bt7 is clicked with the mouse 20. The dialog box D shown in FIG.
B2 opens on the screen.

As shown in FIG. 15, the dialog box DB2 includes data entry fields E for "mark name", "position", "size", "color", and "density".
21, E22, E23, E24, and E25 are provided.

The "mark name" data input field E21 is
This is the same as the mark name input field er5 provided on the “layout” card CD5, and a stamp mark name for specifying the type of stamp mark can be input from both the “layout” card CD5 and this dialog box DB1. What is going on.

The "position" data input field E22 is used to set the printing position of the stamp mark on one page in the printing with the mark, and includes "center", "upper left", "upper right", "lower left", and "right". There are five options "lower". The “size” data input field E23 is for setting the size of the stamp mark to be printed on one page surface, and has a slide lever-shaped button E23a.

The "color" data input field E24 is for setting the color of the stamp mark, and is used for "black", "blue",
“Red”, “yellow”, etc. are prepared as options. The "density" data input field E25 is for setting the density of the stamp mark to be printed on one page, and has a slide lever-shaped button E25a.

Further, in this dialog box DB2, a display field (hereinafter, referred to as a picture field) representing the contents of the marked print is displayed.
(Referred to as a stamp mark display field) E26. The pictorial diagram displayed in the stamp mark display field E26 is the page surface on which the stamp mark is printed (not the surface of the printing paper, for example, if two pages are allocated to the printing paper, only one of the pages is printed). (Equivalent)), and more specifically, an image in which the following contents can be understood. (1) Type of stamp mark (2) Layout position of stamp mark on one page (3) Size of stamp mark (4) Color of stamp mark (5) Density of stamp mark

The pictorial diagrams representing the above (1) to (5) are changed each time the setting contents of the data input fields E21 to E25 are changed. For example, as shown in the figure, the “mark name” data input field E21 is set to “CONFIDENTAL”, the “position” data input field E22 is set to “center”, and the “size” data input field E23 is set to a predetermined size. , The “color” data entry field E23 is red, and the “density” data entry field E2
4 are set to the darkest sides, respectively, the display field E26
As shown in the figure, as shown in the figure, the letters "CONFIDENTAL" were displayed in the center of the rectangular paper in a predetermined size, color (the color is not understood in the figure, but it is assumed to be red), and density. It will be. The outer rectangle r1 in the display column E26 indicates the boundary of the display column E26, the middle rectangle r2 indicates the size of one page to be printed, and the inner rectangle r3 indicates the document in one page. Etc. indicates an area where desired data is printed.

Referring back to FIG. 11, "layout" card C
Next, a pictorial diagram displayed in the layout display section E14 provided in D5 will be described. This layout display field E
14 is a “layout” card CD as described above.
The various types of information set in 5 are displayed using pictorial diagrams, and pictorial diagrams corresponding to actual print results on output paper are displayed. Specifically, it is a pictorial diagram in which the following contents can be understood. (a) Type of output paper (aspect ratio), printing direction and printable area (b) Number of pages allocated to one output paper and allocation position of its page surface (corresponding to logical paper) (c) Each page surface Mark type, position, size, color and density for stamp marks printed with (d) Print area on the page surface

FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a pictorial diagram displayed in the layout display field E14. As illustrated, a solid-line rectangle R1 is drawn in the layout display field E14, and a broken-line rectangle R2 is drawn inside the rectangle R1. A solid line rectangle R1 indicates the type (aspect ratio) of the output sheet. A dashed rectangle R2 indicates a printable area on the output paper (the area set by the data input field E4 of the “printable area” of the card CD4 of “paper setting”). Furthermore, inside the dashed rectangle R2,
A print image P1 schematically showing an image to be printed on a sheet (logical sheet) is drawn. FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing only the print image P1, but as shown in FIG. 17, the print image P1 has no border line with the outside.

When there is the setting of the printing with the mark described above, a stamp mark (“CONFIDENTAL”) is drawn on the print image P1 as shown in FIG. The position, size, color, density, and the like of the stamp mark on the page surface are determined in the same manner as the pictorial diagram displayed in the stamp mark display field E26 shown in FIG.

The example shown in FIG. 16 is an example in which the number of pages allocated to one output sheet is one. Next, an example in which the number of allocated pages is plural will be described. FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a pictorial diagram displayed in the layout display field E14 when the number of allocated pages is four. As shown
As in the case of the example shown in FIG. 16, a solid rectangle R1 and a broken rectangle R2 are drawn in the layout display field E14. Inside the broken-line rectangle R2, a solid-line rectangle R3 indicating the page surface to be allocated to the output sheet is drawn in a number corresponding to the number of pages (here, four). Then, a print image P schematically showing an image to be printed on the logical paper is printed on one of the plurality of page surfaces.
2 is drawn.

The above-described solid rectangle R1 indicates the aspect ratio of the output sheet as described above, and has a rectangular shape. However, this is a rectangular shape for simplicity of description, and is actually a rectangular shape. As shown in FIG. 19, one of the four corners C1 is folded back. The folded corner C1 indicates the direction of printing on the output sheet by its position. That is, in the data input field E3 of “print direction” of the card CD4 of “paper setting”,
When “vertical” is selected, as shown in FIG. 19, the corner C1 in the upper left corner has a folded shape, whereas when “rotate by 180 degrees” is selected, the corner in the lower right corner becomes It has a folded shape.

Further, the print image P1 shown in FIG.
And the print image P2 shown in FIG.
Is changed in accordance with the setting contents of the data input field E11. Hereinafter, this point will be described in detail with reference to a flowchart.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing a display control process for performing display in the layout display section E14.
This flowchart is executed by the CPU 31.
As shown, when the process is started, the CPU 31
First, by executing a data acquisition / calculation routine (step S100), various data required for display in the layout display field E14 is acquired or calculated. Next, by executing the drawing routine (step S200), the CPU 31 draws the picture in the layout display field E14 based on the data. After that, the execution of the display control process ends.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing a data acquisition / calculation routine executed in step S100. As shown in the figure, when the processing shifts to the data fetch / calculation routine, first, the CPU 31 performs processing for fetching paper size and margin information about logical paper and paper size and margin information about output paper (step S110). ). The paper size and margin information are stored in the RAM 33 in advance when data is input to the data input fields of the “paper setting” and “layout” cards CD4 and CD5. Performs a process to capture data.

The paper size of the logical paper is
It is information specified from the data input field E1 of “paper size” of the card “CD” of “paper setting”. Specifically, information such as “210 × 297 mm” specified by 360d
It is stored in the form of the number of dots converted by the resolution of pi. The margin for the logical paper indicates the size of the logical paper outside the printable area, and the margin for the logical paper is specified in accordance with the content specified in the data input field E4 of the “printable area” of the card CD4 of “paper setting”. This is a value obtained from the paper size. That is, when the “printable area” is designated as “standard”, for example, FIG.
As shown in (1), the size of the margin is determined so that a large blank space is provided at the lower end of the sheet.

The paper size and margin information on the output paper can be obtained from the “enlargement /
This is information specified from the data input field E11 of “reduction” and is stored in the form of the number of dots after being converted at a resolution of 360 dpi as in the case of logical paper. The margin information for the output sheet is calculated from the sheet size of the output sheet taking into account the contents specified from the data input field E4 of the “printable area”, as in the case of the logical sheet.

After finishing the process in step S110, the CPU 31 performs a process of calculating a paper size and a margin of output paper (output paper for display) used for display in the layout display field E14 (step S12).
0). This calculation is performed by converting the paper size and the margin information of the output paper taken in step S110 into a size suitable for the size of the layout display field E14.

Subsequently, the CPU 31 performs a process of calculating the paper size and the drawing size of the logical paper (logical display paper) used for the display in the layout display field E14 (step S130). The paper size is calculated by converting the paper size of the logical paper taken in step S110 into a size suitable for the size of the layout display field E14. However, here, when the layout of the multiple-page data is specified in the “layout” data input field E12 of the “layout” card CD5, the process of dividing the paper size of the display logical paper according to the number of allocated pages is performed. There is a need. On the other hand, the drawing size indicates the size of an area on the display logical sheet where printing can be actually performed. The drawing size is calculated by taking into account the enlargement / reduction magnification (the above-mentioned magnification data) from the “enlargement / reduction” data input field E11 based on the paper size of the display logical paper. .

That is, when there are a plurality of allocated pages, the logical paper size is obtained by dividing the output paper size by the number of allocated pages. If the “fit page” button bt2 in the “enlargement / reduction” data input field E11 is specified, the print target data created in the logical paper size is multiplied by the magnification required to fit the output paper. To obtain the drawing size of the logical sheet. Further, when the “arbitrary magnification” button bt3 in the “magnification / reduction” data input field E11 is designated, the multiplication is performed by the magnification designated from the “magnification” data input field er2. Find the drawing size.

Thereafter, the CPU 31 sets the "stamp mark" data input field E1 of the "layout" card CD5.
3 is specified (step S14).
0). Here, when it is determined that the stamp mark is specified, various information about the stamp mark is fetched (step S150). Various kinds of information about the stamp mark can be found in the “Stamp Mark” data input field E13.
Dialog box DB2 for setting stamp and stamp mark
In step S150, a process for capturing these pieces of information is performed.

After execution of step S150, the CPU 31
Performs a process of calculating the size and position of the stamp mark (display stamp mark) used for display in the layout display field E14 (step S160). As for the size of the stamp mark, the size of the display stamp mark is calculated in consideration of the number of pages to be allocated and enlargement / reduction magnification data, as in the process of step S130. That is, the dialog box D
The size specified from the data input field E12 of "Size" of B2 is corrected by the number of pages to be allocated and the enlargement / reduction magnification data. After that, the CPU 31 exits to "return" and temporarily ends this routine. on the other hand,
If a negative determination is made in step S140, the processing in steps S150 and S160 is skipped, and the process directly exits to "Return" to end this routine.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing a drawing routine executed in step S200. As shown in the drawing, when the process proceeds to the drawing routine, the CPU 31 draws a rectangle R1 (see FIG. 16) as a solid line in the layout display field E14 according to the size of the display output paper calculated in step S120. Processing is performed (step S210). Although the rectangle R1 has a shape in which one corner C1 is folded as described above, it is a rectangle here for the sake of simplicity. Next, from the paper size of the display output paper and the margin information calculated in step S120, a process of drawing a rectangle R2 (see FIG. 16) indicating a printable area of the display output paper as a broken line is performed (step S220). ).

Thereafter, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the number of allocated pages is plural (step S230).
If it is determined that there are a plurality, the rectangle R is determined in accordance with the paper size of the display logical paper calculated in step S130.
3 (see FIG. 18) is drawn by a solid line (step S240). On the other hand, if it is determined in step S230 that the number of allocated pages is one, a process of drawing the rectangle R3 in a transparent color according to the paper size of the display logical paper calculated in step S130 is performed (step S250). .

After execution of step S240 or S250, the CPU 31 prints a print image schematically showing an image to be printed on a logical sheet (if the number of allocated pages is 1, it corresponds to P1 shown in FIG. 16; In the case of a plurality of bits, the bitmap data indicating P2 shown in FIG.
A process of pasting the rectangle R3 inside the rectangle R3 drawn with 0 is performed (step S260). At this time, step S1
The above-mentioned pasting is performed according to the drawing size calculated in 30.

After completing the process of step S260, the CPU 31 determines whether or not there is a designation in the data input field E13 of "stamp mark" (step S27).
0). Here, when it is determined that the stamp mark is specified, the stamp mark according to the stamp mark information taken in step S150 is placed in the rectangle R3 according to the size and position of the display stamp mark calculated in step S160. A pasting process is performed (step S280).

After execution of step S280, the CPU 31
Exits this routine after exiting to "Return". On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step S270, the process in step S280 is skipped, the process directly exits to "Return", and the routine is temporarily ended.

With the display control processing thus configured,
The layout display section E14 is drawn. In the example shown in FIG. 11, a rectangle R1, a rectangle R2, and a print image P1 are drawn in the layout display field E14. In this example, since the number of allocated pages is 1 and the data input field E11 of “enlarge / reduce” is set to “none”, the rectangle R3 indicating the logical sheet for display is not displayed (transparent color). , The print image P1 is drawn inside the rectangle R3. At this time, since the display logical sheet is the same size as the output sheet, the print image P1 is drawn in a size suitable for the output sheet.

In the example shown in FIG. 12, as in the example shown in FIG. 11, the rectangle R1, the rectangle R2, and the print image P1 are drawn in the layout display field E14. , Enlargement by "fit page",
Since the print image P1 is reduced according to the reduction magnification data, the print image P1 is slightly smaller than the example shown in FIG. In the example shown in FIG. 12, the magnification data is 9
4%, and the print image P1 is 94% smaller than the example shown in FIG. Also, the stamp mark of “CONFIDENTIAL” drawn over the print image P1 is smaller than the example shown in FIG. 11 by the above magnification data (94%). In the upper left corner of the layout display column E14, text data indicating that the magnification data is 94% is drawn.

In the example shown in FIG. 13, the rectangle R1, the rectangle R2, and the print image P1 are drawn in the layout display section E14 in the same manner as in the example shown in FIG. Since the print image P1 is reduced according to the magnification data based on the “arbitrary magnification”,
Is smaller than the example shown in FIG. In the example shown in FIG. 12, the magnification data is 70%, and the print image P1 is 70% smaller than the example shown in FIG. Text data indicating that the magnification is 70% is drawn in the upper left corner of the layout display field E14.

Next, a case where there are a plurality of layout pages will be described. In the example shown in FIG. 23, a rectangle R3 corresponding to the paper size of the display logical paper is drawn in the layout display section E14 in addition to the rectangles R1 and R2. In this example, since the number of pages to be laid out is four, the rectangle R3 is drawn by a solid line, and four laying-out positions are arranged in a grid pattern. Also, "enlarge / reduce"
Is set to "none", the print image P1 is drawn in an appropriate size inside the rectangle R3 indicating the logical sheet for display. The print image P1 is drawn in one of the four rectangles, and the other rectangles are drawn with numbers 2 to 4.

In the example shown in FIG. 24, the rectangle R1, the rectangle R2, the rectangle R3, and the print image P1 are drawn in the layout display section E14, as in the example shown in FIG. Since the drawing size of the logical paper is reduced according to the magnification data based on “arbitrary magnification”,
The print image P1 is smaller than the example shown in FIG. In the example shown in FIG. 23, the magnification data is 70%, and the print image P1 is 70% smaller than the example shown in FIG. Text data indicating that the magnification is 70% is drawn in the upper left corner of the layout display field E14.

In the examples shown in FIGS. 23 and 24, since no "stamp mark" is set, no stamp mark is drawn on the print image P1. On the other hand, "stamp mark"
Is set, the size of the stamp mark is reduced at the same magnification as that of the print image P1, and then the stamp mark is drawn on the print image P1.

How the layout display field E14 changes according to the content specified from the data input field E3 of “print direction” of the card CD4 of “paper setting” will be described.
Next, a description will be given. When “vertical” is selected in the data input field E3 of “print direction”, FIG.
As shown in the figure, the folded portion indicating the printing direction is located at the upper left corner C1, and the lower end margin m2 of the printable area is larger than the upper end margin m1. On the contrary,
When “180 ° rotation” is selected in addition to “vertical”, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 5 (b), the folded portion is the corner C at the lower right corner.
4, the top margin m1 of the printable area is larger than the bottom margin m2.

As described in detail above, in this embodiment, the print image P1 indicating the print area on the logical paper is
It can be determined according to the enlargement / reduction magnification specified from the data entry field E11 of “enlargement / reduction”. For this reason, the pictorial diagram including the print image P1 displayed in the layout display section E14 can be displayed in a form suitable for the actual image that has been enlarged or reduced. Therefore, the print area on the logical paper can be known at a glance from the displayed picture, and the setting of print information can be facilitated.

In the above embodiment, the print image P1
Can be determined in accordance with the enlargement / reduction magnification specified from the data input field E11 of “enlargement / reduction”. Therefore, the pictorial diagram of the stamp mark displayed in the layout display field E14 is
It can be displayed in a form that matches the actual enlarged or reduced printed image. Accordingly, the stamp mark can be known at a glance from the displayed picture, and the setting of the print information can be facilitated.

Further, a data input column E3 of "print direction" is provided.
When "rotate by 180 degrees" is designated, not only is the wrapped mark indicating the direction of printing rotated by 180 degrees, but also the upper and lower margins of the printable area are changed according to the 180 degree rotation. . Therefore, the margin of the printable area when the print direction is rotated by 180 degrees can be displayed in a form suitable for the actual image. Therefore, the setting of the print information can be further facilitated.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and may be implemented in various modes without departing from the gist of the present invention. be able to. In the above embodiment, the printer 14 is applied to a computer system directly connected to the local computer 10 by a cable. Alternatively, a computer connected to a server on a LAN may be shared by a plurality of computers. It may be configured to be applied to a system. Alternatively, the printer connected to the server connected to the Internet may be applied to a computer system controlled by a computer via the Internet. Alternatively, a printing mechanism built in a specific device such as a facsimile device or a word processing device is considered as a printing device,
The present invention may be applied to a computer connected to the printing mechanism.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an external view of a computer system to which an embodiment of the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of hardware of a computer system.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a state of processing from image information handled by a computer main body 16 to printing.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a dialog box DB1 for setting various information about a printer.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a dialog box DB1 in which a “paper setting” card is opened.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a printable area when “standard” is set.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a printable area when “maximum” is set.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a printable area when “centering” is set.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a paper feeding mechanism of the printer.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a picture displayed in a picture display field E5.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a dialog box DB1 in which a “layout” card CD5 is opened.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a dialog box DB1 when a “fit page” is designated;

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a dialog box DB1 when “arbitrary magnification” is designated;

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing a mark name input field er5 in a state where a menu field er5b is opened in a pull-down format.

FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a dialog box DB2 of “stamp mark setting”;

FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a pictorial diagram displayed in a layout display field E14.

FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing a print image P1.

FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a pictorial diagram displayed in a layout display field E14 when there are four layout pages.

FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a form in which a folded portion indicating a printing direction is added to a rectangle indicating an aspect ratio of output paper;

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing a display control process executed by the CPU 31.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating a data acquisition / calculation routine executed in step S100 of the display control process.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing a drawing routine executed in step S200.

FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a “layout” card CD5 when there are a plurality of layout pages.

FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of the “layout” card CD5 when there are a plurality of layout pages.

FIG. 25 is an explanatory diagram showing a change in a layout display field E14 when “180-degree rotation” is designated.

FIG. 26 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a conventional setting screen.

FIG. 27 is an explanatory diagram for describing a problem to be solved by the invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Computer 12 ... CRT display 14 ... Printer 16 ... Computer main body 18 ... Keyboard 20 ... Mouse 22 ... Floppy disk drive 24 ... Floppy disk drive 31 ... CPU 32 ... ROM 33 ... RAM 34 ... Mouse interface 35 ... Keyboard interface 36 ... FDC 37 ... HDC 38 ... CRTC 39 ... printer interface 40 ... I / O port 41 ... HDD 44 ... modem 46 ... public telephone line 48 ... server 51 ... application program 52 ... video driver 53 ... printer driver 54 ... rasterizer 55 ... color correction module 56 ... halftone module 57 ... information setting module 57a ... predetermined information input section 57b ... magnification data input section 57c ... picture display control section 57d ... picture decision 75a ... feeding roller 75b ... driven roller 76 ... platen 77a ... discharge roller 77b ... toothed roller 78 ... head

Claims (11)

[Claims] 1. A display device, an input device such as a keyboard and a mouse, and an input operation from the input device according to the contents of the screen region while displaying a screen region for data input on the display device. A print information setting device, comprising: an information input unit that captures various types of information for printing in a predetermined printing device; and an information setting unit that sets the captured various information, wherein the information input unit is formed by the printing. A predetermined information input unit that captures predetermined information that can change at least the printing surface, and further includes an enlargement or reduction of the size of the print target data represented on the printing surface, and an enlargement or reduction degree of the reduced printing. Magnification data input means for capturing magnification data indicated by the user; and the predetermined information captured by the predetermined information input means in the screen area. Together with and a pictorial display control means for displaying an image showing with a pictorial, the pictorial display control means, the print information setting apparatus comprising: a pictorial determining means for determining the content of the pictorial accordance with the magnification data. 2. The print information setting device according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined information captured by the predetermined information input unit is logical paper information indicating a paper size that the print target data can take. 3. The predetermined information captured by the predetermined information input means is information on a stamp mark watermark-printed on a printing paper set on the printing apparatus.
The print information setting device according to claim 1. 4. A display device, an input device such as a keyboard and a mouse, and an input operation from the input device according to the contents of the screen region while displaying a screen region for data input on the display device. A print information setting device including: an information input unit that captures various types of information for printing in a predetermined printing device; and an information setting unit that sets the captured various information, wherein the information input unit is formed by the printing. An allocation area for layout printing for allocating and printing a plurality of pages of the data to be printed on output paper set in the printing apparatus, further comprising predetermined information input means for capturing predetermined information capable of changing a printing surface at least; Allocation information input means for capturing the information of the above, in the screen area, the predetermined information input means And a picture display control means for displaying an image showing fixed information in the form of a picture, and the picture display control means comprises a picture determining means for determining the contents of the picture according to the information of the allocation area. Print information setting device. 5. The print information setting device according to claim 4, wherein the predetermined information captured by the predetermined information input unit is logical paper information indicating a paper size that the print target data can take. 6. The predetermined information taken in by the predetermined information input means is information about a stamp mark to be watermark-printed on a printing paper set in the printing apparatus.
The print information setting device according to claim 4. 7. A display device, an input device such as a keyboard and a mouse, and an input operation from the input device according to the content of the screen region while displaying a screen region for data input on the display device. A print information setting device including: an information input unit that captures various types of information for printing in a predetermined printing device; and an information setting unit that sets the captured various information, wherein the information input unit is formed by the printing. A predetermined information input unit that captures predetermined information that can change at least a printing surface; a print direction input unit that captures information of a print direction including at least 180 degrees on an output sheet set in the printing apparatus; A pictorial display for displaying, in a region, an image showing the predetermined information captured by the predetermined information input means as a pictorial image Together and a control means, wherein the pictorial display control means, the print information setting device, characterized in that in accordance with the print direction information comprises pictorial determining means for determining the content of the pictorial. 8. The printing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the predetermined information taken in by the predetermined information input means is information on a printable area for limiting a range of the printing surface of the printing paper set in the printing apparatus. Described print information setting device. 9. While displaying a screen area for data input on a display device, various information for printing in a predetermined printing device is displayed based on an input operation from an input device according to the contents of the screen region. In a print information setting method comprising: a step of capturing; and (2) a step of setting the various types of captured information. In the print information setting method, the step (1) comprises: (3) a step of inputting magnification data indicating a degree of enlargement or reduction in the enlargement or reduction of the size of the print target data represented on the print surface, or a reduction print, 4) displaying, in the screen area, an image showing the predetermined information captured by the above (1a) with a pictorial diagram, and the step (4) comprises: (4a) a print information setting method, comprising the step of determining the contents of the picture according to the magnification data. (1) While displaying a screen area for data input on a display device, various information for printing in a predetermined printing device is displayed based on an input operation from an input device according to the contents of the screen region. In a print information setting method comprising: a step of capturing; and (2) a step of setting the various types of captured information. In the print information setting method, the step (1) comprises: (3) a step of allocating information of a layout area for layout printing in which a plurality of pages of the print target data are allocated and printed on an output sheet set in the printing apparatus; A) displaying an image showing the predetermined information captured in the step (1a) in a pictorial diagram in the screen area; The printing information setting method, wherein the step (4) includes a step (4a) of determining the contents of the picture according to the information of the layout area. (1) While displaying a screen area for data input on a display device, various kinds of information for printing in a predetermined printing device are displayed based on an input operation from an input device according to the contents of the screen area. In a print information setting method comprising: a step of capturing; and (2) a step of setting the various types of captured information. In the print information setting method, the step (1) comprises: (3) capturing information of a printing direction including at least 180 degrees on an output sheet set on the printing apparatus; and (4) storing the information in the screen area in the step (1a). Displaying an image showing the predetermined information captured in a pictorial diagram by the image processing, and the step (4) is performed according to (4a) the information on the printing direction. A print information setting method, comprising a step of determining the contents of the picture.