JP2000172117A - Copy system, copy controller and computer readable medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a printer system which can print the picture of an original in the center of paper when the original is smaller than the printing possible area of paper being the object of printing. SOLUTION: CPU 100 of a server 10 recognizes the size of an original which is set by a scanner 12 based on information which an operator inputs through a touch panel 112 or information noticed from the scanner 12. CPU 100 recognizes the type of paper being the object of printing based on information which the operator inputs through the touch panel 112 and reads size data of a printing possible area corresponding to the recognized type from a printer table 106. CPU 100 arranges the printing position of a picture in the center of paper against a printing device when the original size after reduction or enlargement is smaller than the area of the printing object. The printing device can print the picture by printing data received from the server 10 in the center of the paper of the printing object.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a copy control device for transmitting image data obtained by reading a document by a document reading device to a printing device and printing it on paper, such a document reading device, and a copy control device. The present invention relates to a copy system including a printer and a printing apparatus, and a medium storing a program for causing a computer to execute the copy control.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In the past, a copying apparatus was of a so-called analog type in which an image of a document placed on a document table was formed directly on a photosensitive drum and developed on paper using an electrophotographic process. However, with the development of digital technology in recent years, in order to enable more advanced image processing, a digital method of reading an original as digital image data, appropriately performing image processing, and then printing the image, has been used in a copying apparatus. The system has become mainstream.

This digital copying apparatus includes a reading apparatus for reading an original, a printing apparatus for printing, and a copy apparatus for controlling these apparatuses and appropriately processing image data received from the reading apparatus and transmitting the processed image data to the printing apparatus. It is composed of a control device. Among them, the reading device and the printing device operate on the same principle as the scanner and the printing device used in the computer system, respectively. Therefore,
If the architecture of the copying apparatus is common to that of a computer system such as a PC-AT, a scanner or a printer can be used as a reading apparatus and a printing apparatus, and a general-purpose personal computer or a dedicated personal computer having a printing control program installed as a copying control apparatus A computer can be used.

Scanners used in computer systems are of various types, such as black-and-white scanners and color scanners, high-resolution scanners and high-speed scanners, according to various demands on the computer system. Is prepared. Similarly, various printers such as a so-called laser printer using an electrophotographic process, an inkjet printer advantageous for color printing, and a sublimation printer are prepared.

For these reasons, in recent years, various types of reading devices (scanners) and printing devices (printers) have been developed.
A copy apparatus configured by selecting an arbitrary combination according to a target specification from among the above and connecting to a copy control apparatus (computer) has also been put to practical use. Also, if a network adapter is set in a computer as a copy control device and connected to a LAN (local area network) or connected to a public line network via a modem or a terminal adapter, other copy systems and other copy systems can be connected via these communication networks. By transmitting image data to a printer with a print server, these devices can print out image data.

[0006]

However, each printer has a unique printable area set for each sheet and print direction set in the printer, and only within the printable area. Printing is possible, and printing is not performed on the non-printable area around the area. This is for the purpose of always printing a fixed image even if the position of the paper is slightly shifted, the purpose of securing a margin for sending out the printed paper (in the case of an ink jet printer), and the adhesion of toner to the transfer roller. This is for the purpose of preventing dirt on the sheet corner due to the cause (in the case of a page printer), and the like.

FIG. 23 shows the contents of "print non-printable area information" for setting the printable area and the print non-printable area. In the “non-printable area information” shown in FIG. 23, the width of the paper in the main scanning direction (the direction in which the print head or the laser beam is scanned; hereinafter, referred to as the “X direction”) is defined by a parameter x. Scanning direction (the direction in which the paper is sent out; hereinafter, "Y direction"
Is defined by the parameter y. The width of the non-printable area on the writing start end side in the X direction is defined by the parameter a, the width of the printable area in the X direction is defined by the parameter b, and the width of the non-printable area on the writing end end in the X direction. Is defined by the parameter c, the width of the non-printable area on the write start end side in the Y direction is defined by the parameter d, the width of the printable area in the Y direction is defined by the parameter e, and the width of the write end end side in the Y direction is The width of the non-printable area is parameter f
Is defined by

The center of such a printable area does not always coincide with the center of the sheet, and may be set off the center of the sheet. Therefore, according to the copy system described above, if printing is performed on paper on which a printable area of a size equal to or larger than the original is set, the entire image of the original can be printed without omission, but the center of the printable area and the center of the paper are If they do not match, there is a problem that the image is printed off the center of the paper.
In particular, when printing on paper on which a printable area of a size larger than the document is set, a range in which an image will be printed at the center of the paper on the flatbed of the scanner is predicted in advance. , The manuscript must be placed in that area. Such a problem can occur even when an image obtained by reading a document is reduced or enlarged and printed on paper. For these reasons, it has been difficult to accurately print an image at the center of a sheet in a conventional copy system.

[0009] Some conventional copy systems include:
In some cases, the read original is displayed on a display, the designation of a printing position is accepted, and printing is performed at the designated printing position on paper. However, such a copying system has a problem that the structure becomes complicated and expensive, and the operation becomes complicated.

[0010] The object of the present invention is to solve the above problems.
When the original is smaller than the printable area of the print target paper in the output destination printing apparatus, or when the enlarged or reduced image is smaller than the printable area of the print target paper, the image of the original is printed at the center of the paper. A copy system, a copy control device, and a computer-readable medium storing a program for causing a computer to execute such copy control.

[0011]

The invention described in each claim is
In order to solve the above problems, the following configuration is adopted.

That is, according to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a reading device that reads an original to generate image data, a control device that converts the image data received from the reading device into print data, and a control device that receives the image data from the control device. A document size obtaining means for obtaining the size of the document, and a sheet size obtaining means for obtaining the size of the print target sheet, in a copy system comprising a printing device for printing an image on a print target sheet based on the obtained print data And, based on the size of the document obtained by the document size obtaining means and the size of the printing target paper obtained by the paper size obtaining means, determine the position of the printing target paper near the center on the printing target paper. Position determining means for determining as an image printing position;
And arranging means for printing the image at the printing position determined by the position determining means.

In the copy system thus configured, the document size obtaining means obtains the size of the document to be read set in the reading device. On the other hand, the print target paper size obtaining means obtains the size of the print target paper set in the printing apparatus. When the document size and the size of the printing target paper are obtained in this manner, the position determining unit determines the printing position of the image to be printed on the printing target paper on the printing target paper based on these dimensions. To a position closer to the center of. The arranging means causes the image to be printed at the position determined by the position determining means by a method of processing the image data, processing the print data, or adjusting the print start position on the printing target paper. As a result, the printing apparatus can print an image at a position near the center of the printing target paper.

The above-described reading device, control device and printing device may be constructed in an integral casing, or may be constructed in separate casings. Further, a cable may be directly connected between them,
The connection may be made via a communication network such as an AN or a public line network. Further, the reading device and the printing device may be configured to be arbitrarily selectable from a plurality of models. Further, the reading device may be a scanner, a film scanner, or the like. The printing device may be a color printer, a monochrome printer, an ink jet printer, or a laser printer. Further, the control device may be a dedicated computer or a normal personal computer.

The document size obtaining means may be a device in which the actual size of the document is directly inputted by the operator, or when the information corresponding to the size of the document is inputted by the operator, the actual size corresponding to the information is obtained. It may be read out. Further, the document size obtaining means may directly detect the actual size of the document set in the reading device by a mechanical sensor or an optical sensor, or may perform image processing on image data obtained by reading the document to perform document processing. May be calculated. When the image is enlarged or reduced and printed on the print target sheet, the print determining unit needs to acquire the size of the image of the original after the enlargement or reduction.

[0016] The print target paper size obtaining means may be a device in which the actual size of the print target paper is directly input by the operator, or when the information corresponding to the paper size is input by the operator. The actual size corresponding to the information may be read. Further, the print target sheet size obtaining means may be one in which the print apparatus itself detects the actual size of the print target paper set in the print apparatus and reports the actual size to the ratio calculation means.

Preferably, the position determining means determines the center of the printing target paper as the printing position of the image. However, if the printing target paper has restrictions on the printable area, the printable area is determined. It is desirable to determine a position as close to the center of the sheet as possible within the range of the image as the print position of the image.

The arranging means may change the position of the image by processing the image data (for example, adding a margin around the image), or may process the print data (for example, The position of the image may be changed by adding a margin around the image), or the position at which the image is printed on the print target sheet in the printing apparatus may be adjusted.

Further, the copy system according to claim 2 is
2. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a printable area information obtaining unit configured to obtain setting information of a printable area set in advance on the print target paper, and wherein the size of an image printed on the print target paper is reduced. If the size is equal to or smaller than the size of the printable area indicated by the setting information obtained by the printable area information obtaining means, the position determining means determines the print position of the image within the printable area, thereby specifying the image. It is. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent the image from being lost by protruding beyond the printable area.

Further, the copy system according to claim 3 is
According to the first aspect, the image processing apparatus is specified by further including a scaling unit that reduces or enlarges an image printed on a printing target sheet.

Further, the copy system according to claim 4 is
4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising: a printable area information obtaining unit configured to obtain setting information of a printable area set in advance on the print target sheet, wherein a size of the image after scaling by the scaling unit is reduced. If the size is equal to or smaller than the size of the printable area indicated by the setting information obtained by the printable area information obtaining means, the position determining means determines the print position of the image within the printable area, thereby specifying It was done. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent the image from being lost by protruding beyond the printable area.

Further, the copy system according to claim 5 is
The arrangement unit of claim 1 specifies the position by adjusting a print start position based on the print data in the printing apparatus.

Further, the copy system according to claim 6 is
6. The position determining unit according to claim 5, wherein the width of the document in the main scanning direction acquired by the document size acquiring unit is x,
When the width in the sub-scanning direction is y, the width in the main scanning direction of the printing target paper acquired by the paper size acquiring means is x ′, and the width in the sub-scanning direction is y ′, the following expression is used. −x) / 2, Y = (y′−y) / 2, the deviation amount (X) between the edge of the printing target paper and the edge of the image in the main scanning direction and the edge and the image of the printing target paper in the sub-scanning direction And the position corresponding to each of the calculated shift amounts (X, Y) is determined as the print start position.

The copy system according to claim 7 is
7. The printing apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising a printable area information acquiring unit configured to acquire setting information of a printable area set in advance for the printing target paper, and wherein the calculated individual shift amounts (X, Y) are set to the values. If the interval between the edge of the printable area acquired by the printable area information acquisition means and the edge of the print target area is narrower, the position determination means sets the print start position on the edge of the print target area. It is specified by changing to the position of. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent the image from being lost by protruding beyond the printable area.

Further, the copy system according to claim 8 is
The arrangement means of claim 1 specifies the print data by adding a margin around the image in the print data.

Further, the copy system according to claim 9 is
The document size acquiring means according to claim 1 is specified by having a sensor for measuring a size of the document set in the reading device.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a copy system according to the first aspect, wherein the document size obtaining means calculates the size of the document by performing image processing on image data obtained by reading the document. It is specified.

Further, in the copy system according to the present invention, an input device for receiving an input of information on the size of the original is connected to the control device of the first embodiment, and the original size obtaining means connects the input device with the input device. The document is specified by acquiring the size of the document based on the information input via the MFP.

In a copy system according to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, an input device for receiving input of information on the type of paper is connected to the control device of the first aspect, and the paper size obtaining means is provided in the control device. In the above, the size of the printing target paper is obtained based on the information input through the input device, thereby specifying the printing target paper.

In a copy system according to a thirteenth aspect, the control device according to the twelfth aspect stores a table storing the actual size of a print target sheet corresponding to the information input through the input device. The print target paper size acquiring means specifies the actual size corresponding to the information input via the input device by reading the actual size from the table.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in the copy system, the printable area information obtaining means of the twelfth aspect stores the setting information in the control device based on the information input through the input device. By acquiring, it is specified.

In a copy system according to a fifteenth aspect, the control device according to the twelfth aspect stores a table storing the setting information in the print target sheet corresponding to the information input through the input device. The setting information corresponding to the information input via the input device is read out from the table by the printable area information obtaining unit, and the printable area information obtaining unit specifies the setting information.

A copy control device according to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention provides a copy control device that is connected to a reading device that reads an original to generate image data and a printing device that prints an image on a print target sheet based on print data. A control device,
A document size obtaining unit for obtaining the size of the document, a sheet size obtaining unit for obtaining the size of the printing target paper, a size of the document obtained by the document size obtaining unit, and a size obtained by the document size obtaining unit. Position determining means for determining a position closer to the center of the print target paper as a print position of the image on the print target paper based on the size of the printable area; and printing the image data received from the printing device. The image processing apparatus further includes a data conversion unit that converts the print data into print data to be transmitted to the apparatus, and an arrangement unit that prints the image at the print position determined by the position determination unit.

In the copy control device thus constructed, the document size obtaining means obtains the size of the document to be read set in the reading device. On the other hand, the print target paper size obtaining means obtains the size of the print target paper set in the printing apparatus. When the document size and the size of the printing target paper are obtained in this manner, the position determining unit determines the printing position of the image to be printed on the printing target paper on the printing target paper based on these dimensions. To a position closer to the center of. The arranging means prints the image at the position determined by the position determining means by processing the image data, processing the print data, or adjusting the print target position on the print target paper. As a result, the printing apparatus can print an image at a position near the center of the printing target paper.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer-readable medium connected to a reading device for reading an original to generate image data and a printing device for printing an image on a print target sheet based on print data. In response to this, the size of the document is obtained, the size of the print target paper is obtained, and a position closer to the center of the print target paper is set based on the obtained size of the document and the size of the printable area. A program that determines the printing position of the image on the printing target paper, converts the image data received from the printing device into print data to be transmitted to the printing device, and prints the image at the determined printing position, Stored.

[0036]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

(Overall Configuration of Copy System) FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram of a copy system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the copy system 1 includes a server 10 as a copy control device,
Operation panel 1 as an input device connected to server 10
1, a scanner 12 as a reading device and a printer 13 as a printing device. In the present invention, the concept of "copy system" may refer to a local system, or may refer to the entire apparatus connected via a network. Hereinafter, the internal configuration of each of these devices will be described.

<Internal Configuration of Server and Operation Panel> First, the internal configuration of the server 10 and the operation panel 11 is shown in the block diagram of FIG. The server 10 is, specifically, a personal computer or a workstation assembled in a tower-type case. As shown in FIG. 2, the CPU 100 is connected to each other by a bus (data bus and system bus) B. , RAM 101, flash memory 102, input control unit 103, LCD control unit 10
4, CD-ROM drive 105, printer table 1
06, a SCSI interface 107, a Centronics interface 108, a LAN adapter 109, and a hard disk 110. Operation panel 1
1 is installed on the server 10, and incorporates an LCD (liquid crystal panel) 111, a touch panel 112 overlaid on the LCD 111, and a keyboard 113.

The above-mentioned LCD 111 is a monochrome two-tone dot matrix liquid crystal panel, and is driven by the LCD controller 104 of the server 10 to display various screens generated by the CPU 100. The screen displayed on the LCD 111 includes an initial screen shown in FIG. 13, a screen showing an output destination dialog shown in FIG. 14, a screen showing a paper size dialog shown in FIG.
, A screen on which a magnification dialog shown in FIG. 17 is displayed, and the like. Also, the touch panel 112 is
And a signal corresponding to the position pressed by the finger of the operator.
Enter 3 The keyboard 113 includes a start key 113a, a numeric keypad 113b, and the like shown in FIG.
A signal corresponding to the key pressed by the operator is input to the input control unit 104.

Also, the above-described LCD control unit 104
LCD 1 according to various screen data generated by PU 100
By applying a drive voltage to each of the eleventh electrodes, the screen is displayed on this LCD. The input control unit 103 as an input device includes a touch panel 112 and a keyboard 1
The CPU 13 encodes the signal input from the CPU 13 and transfers the corresponding data to the CPU 100.

Further, the above-mentioned SCSI interface 1
A SCSI cable connected to the scanner 12 is connected to the scanner 07 for exchanging data with the scanner 12 (transmission of various information and instructions to the scanner 12, transmission of the scanner 1).
2 for receiving various information and image data). Also,
The Centronics interface 108 includes the printer 1
3 is connected, and exchanges data with the printer 13 (transmission of various information, commands, and print data to the printer 13;
Reception of various types of information). A LAN cable such as 10-BASE-T is connected to the LAN adapter 109, and packet-based data exchange with another copy system 3 or another terminal 4 via the LAN (router or hub) 2 is performed. I do.

The CPU 100 is a central processing unit that controls the entire server 10 and functions as a document size obtaining unit, a sheet size obtaining unit, a position determining unit, a printable area information obtaining unit, and a data converting unit. RAM 101
Is a random access memory in which a work area by the CPU 100 is expanded.

The flash memory 102 includes a CPU 100
And a BIOS program to be read and executed. The CPU 100 that reads and executes the BIOS program can control the RAM 101, the hard disk 110, and the CD-ROM drive 105, and reads the program from the CD-ROM disk loaded in the hard disk 110 and the CD-ROM drive 105. I do.

The hard disk 100 as a computer readable medium includes an operation system program, a copy control program (FIGS. 5 to 10), a scanner driver for controlling the scanner 12, a printer 13 connected to the Centronics interface 108, and the like. A printer driver for controlling the printer of the copy system 3 is stored. This printer driver includes a process of converting image data transmitted from the scanner 12 into print data to be printed by the printer (corresponding to a data conversion unit). Includes a color conversion table which is referred to when converting RGB multi-tone signals as image data received from the scanner 12 into YMCK signals required by the printer.

CPU 100 that has read and executed the operation system program in hard disk 100
Can control the SCSI interface 107, the Centronics interface 108, the LAN adapter 109, the input control unit 103, and the LCD control unit 104. Note that by executing this operation system, the CPU 100 determines that the pressed position notified from the input control unit 103 matches the position of any button or tag on the screen displayed on the LCD 111. It recognizes that the input is data corresponding to the button or tag, and executes a process corresponding to the data input. CPU1
At 00, the scanner 12 can be controlled by reading and executing the scanner driver.

The CPU 100 reads out and executes one of the printer drivers to execute the printer 1 operation.
3 or another printer in the copy system 3, and the image data (RGB
Data or monochrome data) to print data (YMCK data for a color printer, monochrome data for a monochrome printer, multi-tone signals for a laser printer, It can be changed to a dot signal in the case of a printer or a dot impact printer.

The printer table 106 stores the server 1
For each printer registered as an output destination at 0 (that is, a printer whose printer driver is stored on the hard disk 110), the printing set for each combination of paper that can be printed by that printer and its direction is set. A table listing in advance the impossible area information (a table describing the actual size of the printing target paper corresponding to the information on the paper type,
4 is a table that stores setting information of a printable area set on a print target sheet corresponding to information on a sheet type. FIG. 18 shows data columns prepared for each printer in the printer table 106. As shown in FIG. 18, in each data column, the printer ID of the printer, the paper type, the paper size (x, y: actual size of paper) for each paper type, and the non-printable area information (a To f: printable area setting information) are written. The printer table 106 is actually stored on the hard disk 110.

The CD-ROM drive 105 is set with a CD-ROM disk (computer-readable medium) storing a new program when the scanner 12 or the printer 13 is changed or added, or when various programs are upgraded. , In response to a request from the CPU 100,
These programs are read from the CD-ROM disk and notified to the CPU 100.

If it is necessary to make the server 10 start up quickly, the operation system, the copy control program, and the
Various drivers may be stored in the flash memory (computer-readable medium) 102.

<Internal Configuration of Scanner> Next, the scanner 1
2 is shown in the block diagram of FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, the inside of the scanner 12 includes a CPU 120.
A SCSI interface 121, a ROM 122, a sensor 123, a reading control unit 124, an A / D converter 126, and a magnification conversion unit 127 connected to the CPU 120;
It comprises a scanning motor 128, an illumination lamp 129 and a CCD 125 connected to the reading control unit 124.

Of these, SCSI interface 1
21 has a SCSI interface 107 of the server 10.
The SCSI cable connected to the server 10 is connected to the server 10
Data exchange with the server (reception of various information and instructions from the server 10, transmission of various information and image data to the server 10)
Govern

Sensor 123 as Document Size Acquisition Means
Is an optical sensor that optically detects the size of a document placed on a document table (plate glass) (not shown) or a microswitch that mechanically detects the position of a guide that regulates the outer edge of the document.

The scanning motor 128 is a driving source for scanning a reading unit (not shown) along the back surface of the document table. The illumination lamp 129 is mounted on a reading unit (not shown).
Illuminates the original on the platen. The CCD 125 is a line sensor fixed along a direction perpendicular to the scanning direction of a reading unit (not shown), and captures an image of a document linearly along its width direction. Upon receiving a reading command from the CPU 120, the reading control unit 124 scans a reading unit (not shown) by rotating the scanning motor 128 while turning on the illumination lamp 129, and also drives the CCD 125 during the scanning to drive the image signal. (Analog signal).

The A / D converter 126 converts an analog image signal output from the CCD 125 into a digital signal and outputs the digital signal. Note that the A / D converter 126 is a CPU 12
If the highest resolution is specified from 0, CCD1
All the pixels of the image data output from 25 are converted from an analog signal to a digital signal. If a lower resolution is specified, only pixels in proportion to the specified resolution are converted from the analog signal. Convert to digital signal.

The magnification conversion unit 127 is firmware as magnification means for performing overlapping output and / or thinning out of pixels (digital signals) output from the A / D converter 126 in accordance with the read magnification specified by the CPU 120. . For example, when the double reading magnification is instructed, the magnification conversion unit 127 outputs the pixel (digital signal) output from the A / D converter 126 twice in duplicate.
If a reading magnification of 0.5 is specified,
The magnification converter 127 thins out every other pixel (digital signal) output from the A / D converter 126 and outputs it. In this way, by combining the pixel overlap output and the thinning-out, the magnification conversion unit 127 can output image data according to any reading magnification. The image data output from the magnification converter 127 is SC
The data is transmitted to the server 10 via the SI interface 121.

The CPU 120 reads out and executes the control program (FIG. 11) from the ROM 122,
Each circuit in the scanner 12 is controlled. That is, the CPU 12
0 is the server 1 via the SCSI interface 121
When a document size detection request is received from 0, the size of the document placed on a document table (not shown) is detected by using the sensor 123, and a response is sent to the server 10. When a notification of the reading magnification is received from the server 10, the CPU
120 sets the reading magnification in the magnification conversion unit 127. When a reading start command is received from the server 10, the reading command is issued to the reading control unit 124, and is output from the CCD 125 by controlling the A / D converter 126 and the magnification conversion unit 127. The image data is transmitted to the server 10 as a digital signal.

<Internal Configuration of Printer> Next, the printer 1
3 is shown in the block diagram of FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, the inside of the printer 13 includes a CPU 130.
And a Centronics interface 131, a flash memory 132, and a ROM 1 connected to the CPU 130.
33, a buffer 134, and a printer engine 135.

The Centronics interface 131 is connected to a Centronics cable connected to the Centronics interface 108 of the server 10 and exchanges data with the server 10 (reception of various information, commands and print data from the printer 13). , Transmission of various information to the server 10).

The buffer 134 is a memory in which the print data received via the Centronics interface 131 is written in order for each page, and outputs the print data to the printer engine 135 in the order of writing.

The printer engine 135 includes the buffer 13
The image indicated by the print data received from
Prints and outputs on the paper specified by. The printer engine 135 is a mechanism for an electrophotographic process including a laser scanning unit and a photosensitive drum when the printer 13 is a laser printer. When the printer 13 is an ink jet printer,
This mechanism includes a print head, a paper feed roller, and the like.

The flash memory 132 is a non-volatile memory for storing the paper data table 132a. The paper data table 132a is a table listing in advance non-printable area information set for each combination of each paper set in the printer 13 and its direction. The paper data table 132a has the same printer 1 as the printer table 106 shown in FIG.
No. 3 printer ID, paper type, paper size (x, y) for each paper type, non-printable area information (af) for each paper type
Has been written.

The CPU 130 reads out and executes the control program (FIG. 12) 133a from the ROM 133 to control each circuit in the printer 13. That is, C
When the PU 130 receives the non-printable area information request from the server 10 via the Centronics interface 131, the PU 130 stores the non-printable area information (a to f) corresponding to the combination of the paper and direction specified by the server 10 in a paper data table. 132a and read back from the server 10.

When the CPU 130 receives print data from the server 10 via the Centronics interface 131, the CPU 130 controls the buffer 134 and the printer engine 135 to copy an image indicated by the print data to a sheet designated by the server 10. Print. At this time, when the print start position offset amount (x ₀ , y ₀ ) is specified from the server 10, the CPU 130 offsets x ₀ , y ₀ from the origin (upper left corner) of the unprintable area on the sheet. The printer engine 135 is controlled so that the position is set as the printing start position (corresponding to an arrangement unit). Server 1
When a margin is designated from 0, the CPU 130
A designated margin is added around the print data of each page received from the Centronics interface 131, and the image data is written into the buffer 134 (corresponding to an arrangement unit).

(Contents of Copy Control) The contents of the copy control executed in the copy system 1 configured as described above will be described below separately for each of the server 10, the scanner 12, and the printer 13.

<Process of Server> First, the copy control process executed by the CPU 100 which has read the copy control program from the hard disk 110 in the server 10 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

This copy control process is automatically started under the control of the BIOS and the operation system after the main power supply of the server 10 is turned on. Then, in the first S001 after the start, the CPU 100
Initialize parameters used for processing. The contents of the parameters initially set here are: magnification = just fit, center printing = designation, output destination = local printer (printer 13), paper size = A4 portrait, original size = A
3, etc.

In the next step S002, the CPU 100 sets the initial screen (FIG. 1) according to the currently set parameters.
3) is displayed on the LCD 111. As shown in FIG. 13, tags (magnification, paper size, document size, output destination, memory) indicating the types of main parameters are displayed in the left column of the initial screen, and the respective columns are displayed in the center column. The current settings of the parameters are displayed. FIG. 13 shows the contents of the initial screen immediately after the execution of S001.

In the next step S 003, the CPU 100 sets the LCD based on the data notified from the input control unit 103.
It is checked whether or not the touch panel 112 has been pressed in an area overlapping with each piece of information (including a tag) displayed on the display 111. In the following, pressing of an area overlapping with any display information is simply expressed as “information is input”. If no information has been input in S003, the CPU 100 determines in S024 whether any key constituting the keyboard 133 has been pressed (input) based on the data notified from the input control unit 103. Check whether or not. If no key is input, the CPU 100
The process returns to S003. These checks in S003 and S004 are repeated until any information or key is input.

If it is determined in S003 that any information has been input, CPU 100 executes a process according to the input information. Specifically, when the “output destination” tag is input, S004 is executed, and when the “paper size” tag is input, S008 is executed,
When the “document size” tag is input, S012 is executed, and when the “magnification” tag is input, S019 is performed.
Is executed, and if other information is input, S02
Execute 3.

In S004, the CPU 100 displays an “output destination” dialog in the center column of the screen as shown in FIG. In the “output destination” dialog, information indicating a printer that can be specified as an output destination and information indicating cancellation are displayed. Printers whose IDs are displayed in the “output destination” dialog box include printers of other copy systems 3 connected via a LAN, as well as local printers (printers 13) connected via a Centronics interface. This is a printer with a printer server (not shown).

In the next S005, CPU 100 checks whether or not information indicating cancellation has been input.
If information indicating cancellation has been input, the processing is terminated after the “output destination” dialog box is closed.
Return to On the other hand, if the information indicating cancellation has not been input, the CPU 100 checks in S006 whether information indicating any printer has been input. If no information has been input yet, the CPU 100 returns the process to the check in S005.

If any of the information representing the printer is selected and input, the CPU 100 proceeds to S006.
To S007. In this S007, the CPU 10
“0” rewrites the “output destination” parameter with the ID of the selected printer. Thereafter, the CPU 100 returns the processing to S002 after closing the “output destination” dialog.

On the other hand, in S008, the CPU 100 sets the “paper size” in the center column of the screen as shown in FIG.
Display a dialog. When displaying the “paper size” dialog, the CPU 100 sets the printer table 1
With reference to 06, a combination of the paper size and direction set in the printer corresponding to the currently set “output destination” parameter is read, and each read combination is displayed in the “paper size” dialog.

In the next S009, CPU 100 checks whether or not information indicating cancellation has been input.
If the information indicating cancellation has been input, the process is terminated after closing the “paper size” dialog.
Return to 02. On the other hand, if the information indicating cancellation has not been input, the CPU 100 determines in step S010 whether information indicating any combination of the size and direction of the paper (information on the type of paper) has been input. Check. If no information has been input yet, the CPU 100 returns the processing to the check of S009.

If information indicating any combination of paper size and orientation is selected and input, the CPU 10
A value of 0 advances the process from S010 to S011. This S0
At 11, the CPU 100 rewrites the “paper size” parameter according to the combination of the selected paper size and direction. Thereafter, the CPU 100 returns the processing to S002 after closing the “paper size” dialog.

On the other hand, in S012, the CPU 100 sets the “document size” in the center column of the screen as shown in FIG.
Display a dialog. In the “document size” dialog, information indicating various document sizes (information related to document dimensions) and information indicating cancellation are displayed.

In the next S013, CPU 100 checks whether or not information indicating cancellation has been input.
If the information indicating cancellation has been input, the process proceeds to S0 after closing the “document size” dialog.
Return to 02. On the other hand, if the information indicating cancellation has not been input, the CPU 100 checks in S014 whether information indicating any document size has been input. If any of the information indicating the document size is selected and input, the CPU 100
Rewrites the "document size" parameter according to the selected document size. After that, the CPU 100 closes the “document size” dialog and returns the processing to S002.

On the other hand, if it is determined in S014 that no information has been input, the CPU 100
Sends a document size detection request to the scanner 12 in S016 (corresponding to document size obtaining means). In the next step S017, it is checked whether or not a response to the document size detection request has been received from the scanner 12. If the answer is not notified, the scanner 12
It is determined that there is no document size detection function, and the process returns to S013 in order to wait for selection input by the operator.

On the other hand, when the answer is notified from the scanner 12, the CPU 100 rewrites the "document size" parameter in S018 according to the notified document size. After that, the CPU 100 closes the “document size” dialog and returns the processing to S002.

On the other hand, in S019, the CPU 100 displays a "magnification" dialog in the center column of the screen as shown in FIG. The "magnification" dialog contains information indicating "just fit", information indicating "actual magnification", information indicating "arbitrary magnification", information indicating "fixed magnification", information indicating "center printing designation", " Information indicating "Central print release",
The information indicating the magnification increase (upward arrow), the information indicating the magnification decrease (downward arrow), and the information indicating the cancellation are:
Is displayed.

The "just fit" is a mode in which the image of the document is automatically enlarged or reduced in accordance with the size of the printable area on the paper. The “arbitrary magnification” is a mode in which the reading magnification can be arbitrarily set using information indicating magnification increase or magnification decrease. The “fixed magnification” is a mode in which a preset reading magnification (for example, A4-B5) can be selected using a sub-dialog not shown.

The "center printing designation" is information that can be input only when the "magnification" parameter is set to "actual magnification", "arbitrary magnification", or "fixed magnification". In this case, the image indicated by the image data received from the scanner 12 is printed at the center of the sheet (if the size of the image data is smaller than the printable area of the sheet). Also, the information indicating the magnification increase or the magnification decrease is
Inputting is possible only when the “magnification” parameter is set to “arbitrary magnification”, and the reading magnification gradually increases or decreases according to each input time length.

In the next S020, CPU 100 checks whether or not information indicating cancellation has been input.
If information indicating cancellation has been input, the process returns to S002 after closing the “magnification” dialog. On the other hand, if information indicating cancellation has not been input, the CPU 100 checks in S021 whether any information has been input.
And if none of the information has been entered yet,
The CPU 100 returns the process to the check in S020.

If any information other than cancel is selected and input, the CPU 100 proceeds to S02
The process proceeds from 1 to S022. In this S022, the CPU 1
00 rewrites the parameter according to the selected information. That is, when information indicating “just fit”, “actual magnification”, “arbitrary magnification” or “fixed magnification” is input, the information is set in the “magnification” parameter. When information indicating “center printing designation” is input, the “center printing” parameter is set to “designation”,
If information indicating “Central print release” is entered,
The “center printing” parameter is set to “cancel”. When information indicating an increase in the magnification is input, the “arbitrary magnification” parameter increases, and when information indicating a decrease in the magnification is input, the “arbitrary magnification” parameter decreases.
After the completion of S022, the CPU 100 returns the processing to S002 after closing the “magnification” dialog.

On the other hand, in S023, CPU 100 executes a process according to the input information, and returns the process to S002.

In response to the above, in S024, the keyboard 1
If it is determined that any of the keys constituting the key 13 has been input, the CPU 100 proceeds from S024 to SS02.
Proceed to 5. In S025, it is determined whether the start key is input or another key is input.
To check. Then, when a key other than the start key is input, the CPU 100 proceeds to step S051,
After executing a process corresponding to the input key, the process
Return to 002.

On the other hand, if it is determined in S025 that the start key has been input, the CPU 10
If “0”, the process proceeds to S026. In S026, it is checked whether the just fit function is valid based on whether the “magnification” parameter is currently set to “just fit”. If the “magnification” parameter is currently set to “just fit”, that is, if the just fit function is valid, the CPU 100 advances the process to S027.

In S027, the CPU 100 acquires the paper size (horizontal dimension x 'and vertical dimension y') corresponding to the "paper size" parameter.

In the next step S028, the CPU 100 checks whether the printer specified by the “output destination” parameter (the printer 13 or a printer connected via the LAN 2) is a printer capable of notifying the non-printable area information. I do. If the printer is not a printer capable of notifying the non-printable area information, the CPU 100
In S029, the printer table 106 is searched,
From the printer column corresponding to the "Output" parameter,
Unprintable area information corresponding to the “paper size” parameter (combination of the paper size and direction indicated by) is searched for (corresponding to a printable area size acquisition unit), and the process proceeds to S032.

On the other hand, if it is determined in S028 that the printer is a printer capable of notifying the non-printable area information, in S030, the CPU 100 proceeds to S030. Or a printer connected via the LAN 2) to request non-printable area information corresponding to the combination of the paper size and direction indicated by the “paper size” parameter (corresponding to a printable area size acquisition unit). In the next S031,
CPU 100 waits for the printer to transmit the non-printable area information in response to the request in S030. Then, after receiving the non-printable area information, the process proceeds to S032.

In S032, CPU 100 obtains a document size (width of document: x and length: y of document) corresponding to the "document size" parameter.

In the next step S033, the CPU 100 calculates a reading magnification used to enlarge or reduce the document data in accordance with the size of the non-printable area. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the magnification calculation subroutine executed in S033. In S101, which is executed first after entering this subroutine, the CPU 100 calculates the X-direction width of the document: X-direction width in the printable area: b (= x'-a) by calculating the following equation (1).
-Ratio of c): Rx is calculated.

Rx = (x′−ac) / x = b / x (1) In the next step S102, the CPU 100 calculates the following formula (2) to obtain the width of the document in the Y direction: y , The ratio of the width in the Y direction in the printable area: e (y′-df) to Ry is calculated.

Ry = (y′−df) / y = e / y (2) In the next S103, the CPU 100 calculates the ratio of the ratio calculated in S101: Rx and the ratio calculated in S102: Ry. The smaller one is substituted for the reading magnification R actually used. After the completion of S103, the CPU 100 ends the magnification calculation subroutine, and returns the processing to the main routine of FIG. In the main routine of FIG. 6 to which the processing has been returned, the CPU 100 advances the processing to S034.

On the other hand, if it is determined in S026 that the “magnification” parameter is not currently set to “just fit”, that is, if the just fit function is invalid, the CPU 100 proceeds to S040. Proceed to

At S040, CPU 100 checks whether or not the "center printing" parameter is currently set to "designation". When the “center printing” parameter is set to “cancel”, the CPU 100
The process proceeds to S049 to execute the normal copy control. In contrast, the "center printing" parameter is set to "specified"
Is set to S041.
In step (1), a document size (horizontal size: x and vertical size: y) corresponding to the "document size" parameter is obtained (corresponding to a document size obtaining means).

In the next step S042, the CPU 100 obtains a paper size (horizontal size: x 'and vertical size: y') according to the "paper size" parameter (corresponding to a paper size obtaining means).

In the next step S043, the CPU 100 checks whether or not the printer specified by the “output destination” parameter (the printer 13 or the printer connected via the LAN 2) is a printer that can notify the non-printable area information. I do. If the printer is not a printer capable of notifying the non-printable area information, the CPU 100
In S029, the printer table 106 is searched,
From the printer column corresponding to the "Output" parameter,
The non-printable area information corresponding to the “paper size” parameter (combination of the paper size and direction indicated by) is searched for (corresponding to a printable area size acquisition unit), and the process proceeds to S047.

On the other hand, if it is determined in S043 that the printer is a printer capable of notifying the non-printable area information, the CPU 100 proceeds to S045, in which the printer (printer 13 Or a printer connected via the LAN 2) to request non-printable area information corresponding to the combination of the paper size and direction indicated by the “paper size” parameter (corresponding to a printable area size acquisition unit). In the next S046,
The CPU 100 waits for the printer to transmit the non-printable area information in response to the request in S045. Then, after receiving the non-printable area information, the process proceeds to S047.

In the next step S047, the CPU 100 determines a reading magnification ratio R (corresponding to a scaling means). That is, CPU
100 determines the reading magnification: R as 100% if the “magnification” parameter is currently set to “actual magnification”, and “arbitrary” if the “magnification” parameter is currently set to “arbitrary magnification”. Determine the reading magnification: R to the value set in the “magnification” parameter, and if the “magnification” parameter is currently set to “fixed magnification”, the reading magnification is set to the preset magnification selected from the sub-dialog by the operator. : Determine R.

In the next S048, the CPU 100 sets
It is checked whether or not the image size of the document enlarged or reduced according to the reading magnification R determined at 47 is larger than the printable area on the output target sheet. Specifically, this check is performed based on whether the following equation (3) or equation (4) holds.

R · x>b> x′-ac (3) R · y>e> y′-df (4) Equation (3) or (4) holds. In that case, C
The PU 100 has an image size of the enlarged or reduced original.
It is determined that the printable area protrudes in the direction or the Y direction, and the process proceeds to S050 in order to shift to normal copy processing. On the other hand, when both the expressions (3) and (4) do not hold, the CPU 100 determines that the image size of the enlarged or reduced original fits in the printable area, and continues the central printing. The process proceeds to S034.

S executed after S033 or S048
In step 034, the CPU 100 sets the reading magnification: R calculated in S033 or the reading magnification: R determined in S048 to:
An instruction is given to the scanner 12 (corresponding to a scaling means).

In the next step S035, the CPU 100 executes a print start position calculation for calculating the print start position offset amount (x ₀ , y ₀ ) (corresponding to position determination means). FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the print start position calculation subroutine executed in S035. In the first step S201 after entering this subroutine, the CPU 1
00 is the X-direction width of the document multiplied by the reading magnification: R based on whether or not the following equation (5) is satisfied: x is the X-direction width in the readable area: b (= x'-ac) Check whether it matches.

R · x = b (5) The CPU 100 proceeds to S if the equation (5) holds.
The process proceeds to S204, and if Expression (5) does not hold, the process proceeds to S202.

[0106] In S202, CPU 100 may start printing position offset amount in the X direction: in x _0, assigns a value determined by the following equation (6).

X ₀ = (x′−R · x) / 2−a (6) The print start position offset amount obtained by Expression (6): x
₀ is the amount of deviation between the left edge of the printable area and the left edge of the image when the image is arranged at the center of the sheet in the X direction.

In the next step S203, the CPU 100 executes the processing in step S2.
It is checked whether or not x ₀ calculated in 02 is a negative value. If negative, the process proceeds to S204, and if 0 or more, the process proceeds to S205.

In S204, the CPU 100 substitutes (overwrites) “0” for the printing start position offset amount: x ₀ in the X direction. When S204 is completed, the CPU 100
Proceeds to S205.

In S205, the CPU 100 determines that the width in the Y direction of the document multiplied by the reading magnification R is equal to the width in the Y direction in the readable area: e (= y) based on whether or not the following equation (7) holds. '-Df' is checked.

R · y = e (7) When the formula (6) is satisfied, the CPU 100 executes the processing in S
The process proceeds to S208, and if Expression (7) does not hold, the process proceeds to S206.

In S206, the CPU 100 substitutes the value determined by the following equation (8) for the printing start position offset amount: y ₀ in the Y direction.

Y ₀ = (y′−R · y) / 2−d (8) The print start position offset amount obtained by Expression (8): y
₀ is a shift amount between the upper end of the printable area and the upper end of the image when the image is arranged at the center of the sheet in the Y direction.

In the next step S207, the CPU 100 executes the processing in step S2.
It is checked whether or not y ₀ calculated in step 06 is a negative value. If the value is negative, the process proceeds to step S208. If the value is 0 or more, the print start position calculation subroutine is terminated. Return to the main routine.

In S208, the CPU 100 substitutes (overwrites) “0” for the print start position offset amount: y ₀ in the Y direction. Thereafter, the CPU 100 ends the print start position calculation processing subroutine, and returns the processing to the main routine of FIG. In the main routine of FIG. 7 to which the processing has been returned, the CPU 100 advances the processing to S036.

In S036, the CPU 100 sends the print start position offset (x ₀ , calculated in S035) to the printer specified by the “output destination” parameter (the printer 13 or the printer connected via the LAN 2). y ₀ ) and the paper size and direction corresponding to the “paper size” parameter are notified (corresponding to the arrangement means). After completion of S036, the CPU 100 proceeds to S0
Proceed to 37.

On the other hand, S049 for normal copy control
Then, the CPU 100 determines the reading magnification: R in the same manner as in S047. In the next S050, the CPU 100
Indicates the reading magnification R determined in S049 and the scanner 1
Instruct 2 After completing S050, the CPU 100 advances the process to S037.

In S037, the CPU 100 notifies the scanner 12 of a reading start command.

In the next S038, the CPU 100 sets the S0
While reading the image data transmitted from the scanner 12 in response to the reading start command at 37, the read image data is converted into print data using a printer driver for an output destination printer (corresponding to data conversion means). ), And transmits the converted print data to the output destination printer.

At the next step S039, the CPU 100 checks whether or not the image data transmitted from the scanner 12 has been completed. If the image data has not been completed yet, the process returns to S038. On the other hand, when the transmission of the image data from the scanner 12 is completed, the CPU 100 returns the processing to S002 and waits for the next operation by the operator.

<Process of Scanner> Next, a control process executed by the CPU 120 which has read the control program from the ROM 122 in the scanner 12 will be described with reference to a flowchart of FIG.

This control process starts when the main power supply to the scanner 12 is turned on. In the first step S301 after the start, the CPU 120 checks whether a document size detection request (S016) has been received from the server 10. If the document size detection request has not been received, the CPU 120 proceeds to step S304.
Instruction of reading magnification: R from server 10 (S034, S05
Check if 0) has been received. Then, if this instruction has not been received, CPU 120 returns the process to S301.

If a document size detection request is received from the server 10 while repeating the loop processing of S301 and S304, the CPU 120 proceeds to S30.
Proceed from 1 to 302. In this S302, the CPU 12
0 indicates the size of the document placed on the document table (not shown) based on the detection information from the sensor 123 or by instructing the reading control unit 124 to perform a prescan.
/ D 126 (corresponding to a document size obtaining unit). Next, the CPU 120
Returns the document size to the server 120 in S303 (S017), and then advances the processing to S304.

When the CPU 120 receives an instruction of the reading magnification: R from the server 10 while repeating the loop processing of S301 and S304, the CPU 120 executes the processing in S3.
Proceed from S04 to S305. In this S305, the CPU
Reference numeral 120 denotes the notified reading magnification: R, which is a magnification conversion unit 127.
(Corresponding to magnification means).

In the next step S306, the CPU 120 waits for a reading start command (S037) to be transmitted from the server 10. In S307 executed when the reading start command is transmitted, the CPU 120 instructs the reading control unit 124 to start reading.

In the next step S308, the CPU 120 executes A /
By controlling the D converter 126, the magnification converter 127, and the SCSI interface 121, the data is output from the CCD 125, converted into a digital signal by the A / D converter 126, and then appropriately enlarged or reduced by the magnification converter 127. The transmission of the image data to the server 10 via the SCSI interface 121 is started.

Thereafter, the CPU 120 waits for the output of the image data from the magnification conversion unit 127 in S309, and returns the processing to S301.

<Process of Printer> Next, a control process executed by the CPU 130 which has read the control program 133a from the ROM 133 in the printer 13 will be described with reference to a flowchart of FIG.

This control process starts when the main power supply to the printer 13 is turned on. In the first step S401 after the start, the CPU 130 initially sets the print start position to the upper left corner of the sheet.

In the next S402, the CPU 130 requests the non-printable area information from the server 10 (S030, S04).
Check if 5) has been received. If the non-printable area information request has not been received, the CPU 13
If it is 0, the process proceeds to S404. In this S404, C
The PU 130 notifies the server 10 of the print start position offset amount (x ₀ , y ₀ ) and the paper size and direction (S03).
Check if 6) has been received. If the notification has not been received, CPU 130 advances the process to S406. In this S406, the CPU 130
Checks whether the print data (S038) has been received from the server 10. If the print data has not been received, the CPU 130 returns the process to S402.

If the CPU 130 receives a non-printable area information request from the server 10 while repeating the above loop processing of S402 to S406, the CPU 130 proceeds to S4.
The process proceeds from S02 to S403. In this S403, the CPU
Reference numeral 130 denotes non-printable area information corresponding to the paper size and direction specified in the non-printable area information request.
Read from the paper data table 132a,
Answer 0 (corresponding to printable area information acquisition means). S
After completing 403, the CPU 130 advances the process to S404.

When the notification of the print start position offset amount (x ₀ , y ₀ ) and the paper size and direction is received from the server 10 while the loop processing of S402 to S406 is repeated, the CPU 130 The process proceeds from S404 to S405. In this S405, the CPU 130
Resets the printing start position to a position offset by x _{0 in} the X direction and y _{0 in} the Y direction from the origin (upper left corner) of the printable area corresponding to the size and direction of the paper (corresponding to the arrangement means). . After the completion of S405, the CPU 130 advances the processing to S406.

When print data is received from the server 10 while the loop processing of S402 to S406 is repeated, the CPU 130 executes the processing from S406 to S406.
Proceed to 407. In this S407, the CPU 130
By controlling the buffer 134 and the engine 135, printing of the received print data on paper is started from the currently set print start position. After that, the CPU 13
0 waits for all the print data to be printed in S408, and returns the processing to S401.

(Operation of Copy System) The operation of the copy system according to the present embodiment configured as described above will be described.

<In the case of just fit specification> First,
The operation when the just fit function is designated will be described. In this case, when the main power is turned on to each of the server 10, the scanner 12, and the printer 13, the main screen shown in FIG. 13 is first displayed on the LCD 111 of the operation panel 11 (S002). In the initial state, the “magnification” parameter is set to “just fit” (S00
1) After the operator presses the “output destination” tag displayed on the main screen to display the “output destination” dialog shown in FIG. 14 (S004), the printer displayed in this dialog is displayed. Among them, those having a function suitable for the purpose of printing and installed at a desired place are selected and input (S006).

Next, the operator presses the “paper size” tag displayed on the main screen to display the “paper size” dialog (FIG. 15) (S008), and then displays the dialog in this dialog. The user selects and inputs a sheet that has a size suitable for the purpose and is set in a desired direction from among the sheets that have been set (S010). Then, the input paper size and direction are stored as “paper size” parameters (S011).

Next, the operator presses a “document size” tag displayed on the main screen to display a “document size” dialog (FIG. 16) (S012), and the message is displayed in this dialog. The user selects and inputs a document size that matches the size of the copy source document from among the document sizes currently set (S014). Then, the input document size is stored as a "document size" parameter (S015).
However, at this time, the original is placed on the original platen of the scanner 12 and the scanner 12 has a sensor 123 for detecting the original size, or has a function of prescanning the original and identifying the original size by image processing. If so, the scanner 12 notifies the document size (S016, S3
02 to S303), the document size is stored as the "document size" parameter without input by the operator (S01).
8).

After making the above preparations, the operator presses the start key 113a of the operation panel 11. Then
Since the “magnification” parameter is set to “just fit” (S026), the paper size (x ′, y ′) corresponding to the paper size and direction set in the “paper size” parameter is stored in the printer table 106. (S027). Further, when the output destination printer can notify the non-printable area information, the non-printable area information (a to
The request of f) is made to the output destination printer (S03).
0), the non-printable area information returned by the printer in response to this request is obtained (S403). However, if the output destination printer cannot notify the non-printable area information, the non-printable area information is read from the printer table 106 (S029).

In the present embodiment, the paper size and direction set in the printer capable of outputting are determined in advance by the server 1.
Although the recognition is performed on the 0 side and the description is made on the assumption that it is displayed in the “paper size” dialog, the printer may also be configured to notify the paper size and direction. Subsequently, the document size (x, y) set in the "document size" parameter is read (S032).

Based on the information read as described above, the CPU 100 of the server 10 determines the ratio Rx, of the non-printable area size to the document size in the X and Y directions.
Ry is calculated respectively (S033, S101, S102),
The smaller one is adopted as the reading magnification R to be actually used (S103). The reason why the smaller of the ratios of the vertical and horizontal directions is adopted as the reading magnification R is as follows. That is, as shown in FIG. 19, the aspect ratio (x:
As long as y) and the aspect ratio (b: e) in the printable area of the paper completely match, the image of the original exactly matches the printable area as long as the image of the original is appropriately reduced or enlarged. .

However, as shown in FIG. 20, when the aspect ratio (b: e) in the printable area of the paper is wider than the aspect ratio (x: y) of the document, the ratio Rx in the X direction is obtained. If the reading magnification is R, the vicinity of the upper and lower edges in the image of the original protrudes beyond the printable area and is lost. Therefore, by adopting the ratio Ry in the Y direction, which is smaller than the ratio Rx in the X direction, as the reading magnification: R, the entire image of the document is printed (allowing for the occurrence of margins on the left and right sides of the image). It was made to fit within the possible area.

Similarly, as shown in FIG. 21, when the aspect ratio (b: e) in the printable area of the paper is longer than the aspect ratio (x: y) of the original, the ratio Ry in the Y direction is obtained. When the reading magnification is R, the vicinity of the left and right edges in the image of the document protrudes beyond the printable area and is lost. Therefore, by adopting the ratio Rx in the X direction smaller than the ratio Ry in the Y direction as the reading magnification R, the entire image of the document can be printed (allowing for the occurrence of margins above and below the image). It was designed to fit within.

As apparent from FIG. 20, the ratio R
If y is smaller than the ratio Rx, there is a certain degree of freedom in the arrangement position of the document image in the X direction. Therefore, in this case, an image is to be printed in the center of the paper in the X direction, the offset x ₀ automatically calculated for unprintable area of the print start position in the X direction (S035, S202), the offset amount notifies x ₀ to the destination printer (S036), and is adapted to start printing starting at the offset x ₀ shifted position from the left end of the printable area in the X direction (S40
4, S405, S407).

Similarly, as is clear from FIG. 21, when the ratio Rx is smaller than the ratio Ry, there is a certain degree of freedom in the arrangement position of the original image in the Y direction. Therefore, in this case, an image is to be printed in the center of the paper in the Y direction, the offset amount y ₀ calculated automatically for unprintable area of the print start position in the Y direction (S035, S206), the offset amount notifies y ₀ to the output destination printer (S036), and is adapted to start printing starting from the offset amount y ₀ shifted position from the upper end of the printable area in the Y direction (S4
04, S405, S407). Of course, when both the ratio Rx, Ry are identical value, both the offset amount _{(x 0,} y ₀₎ are both set to "0". In addition,
Instead of offsetting the print start position instructed to the printer engine 135 according to the offset amount (x _0, y ₀ ) at the output destination printer, a margin is formed around the print data written in the buffer 134 according to the offset amount (x _0, y ₀ ). May be added.

After notifying the output destination printer of the offset amount (x _0, y ₀ ) as described above, the CP of the server 10
U100 instructs the scanner 12 to start reading (S03).
7) In response to the command, the scanner 12 receives the image data obtained by reading the original (S306 to S309), converts the image data into print data in a format suitable for the output printer, and converts the converted print data. The data is transmitted to the output destination printer (S038 to S039). The output destination printer receives the print data and prints an image corresponding to the print data based on a position shifted by the print start position offset amount (x _0, y ₀ ) from the origin of the printable area on the paper. (S406 to S408).

Hereinafter, an example of calculation of the magnification and setting of the print start position when the just fit function is executed using the copy system according to the present embodiment will be described using specific numerical values.

(Embodiment 1) First, a case in which an A4-size original is printed on A4-size paper will be described. In this case, the width of the original in the X direction: x and the width of the paper in the X direction: x 'are both 210 mm, and the width of the original in the Y direction: y and the width of the paper in the Y direction: y' are both 297 mm. Since the printer 13 is an ink jet printer, the non-printable area information (FIG. 23) of the paper is set as follows.

A: 3 mm, b: 204 mm, c: 3 mm,
d: 3 mm, e: 280 mm, f: 14 mm In this case, the calculation of the ratio in the X direction: Rx in S101 and the calculation of the ratio in the Y direction: Ry in S102 are represented by the following equations (9) and (10), respectively. It becomes as follows.

Rx = (210-3-3) /210=204/210=0.97 (9) Ry = (297-3-14) /297=280/297=0.94 (10) The smaller value of 0.94 (94%) is adopted as the reading magnification: R.

S performed because R · x ≠ b
X-direction printing starting position offset amount in 202: calculation of x ₀ is a street as the following equation (11).

X ₀ = (210−0.94 · 210) /2−3=3.3 mm (11) On the other hand, since R · y = e, the Y-direction print start position offset amount: y ₀ is calculated in S208. Is set to “0”.

Therefore, the image of the original on the sheet is arranged at the center of the sheet in the X direction as shown in FIG.
In the Y direction, they are arranged over the entire printable area.

(Embodiment 2) Next, the original in the A4 horizontal direction is
A case where printing is performed on four horizontal papers will be described. in this case,
Both the width of the original in the X direction: x and the width of the paper in the X direction: x 'are 29
7 mm, the width of the original in the Y direction: y and the width of the paper in the Y direction:
Both y 'are 210 mm. Further, since the printer 13 is a laser printer, non-printable area information (FIG.
3) is set as follows.

A: 3 mm, b: 291 mm, c: 3 mm,
d: 3 mm, e: 204 mm, f: 3 mm In this case, the calculation of the ratio in the X direction: Rx in S101 and the calculation of the ratio in the Y direction: Ry in S102 are represented by the following equations (12) and (13), respectively. It becomes as follows.

Rx = (297-3-3) /297=291/297=0.97 (12) Ry = (210-3-3) /210=204/210=0.93 (13) The smaller value of 0.93 (93%) is adopted as the reading magnification: R.

S performed because R · x ≠ b
X-direction printing starting position offset amount in 202: calculation of x ₀ is a street as the following equation (14).

X ₀ = (297−0.93 · 297) /2−3=7.4 mm (14) On the other hand, since R · y = e, the Y-direction printing start position offset amount: y ₀ is determined in S208. Is set to “0”.

Therefore, the image of the original on the paper is arranged at the center of the paper in the X direction as shown in FIG.
In the Y direction, they are arranged over the entire printable area.

(Embodiment 3) Next, the original in the A4
A case in which printing is performed on four vertical papers will be described. in this case,
The width in the X direction of the document: x is 210 mm, and the width in the Y direction: y is 297
mm. The width of the sheet in the X direction: x 'is 257 mm, and the width in the Y direction: y' is 364 mm. Also, the printer 1
Since 3 is an ink jet printer, the non-printable area information (FIG. 23) on the paper is set as follows.

A: 3 mm, b: 251 mm, c: 3 mm,
d: 3 mm, e: 347 mm, f: 14 mm In this case, the calculation of the ratio in the X direction: Rx in S101 and the calculation of the ratio in the Y direction: Ry in S102 are represented by the following equations (15) and (16), respectively. It becomes as follows.

Rx = (257-3-3) /210=251/210=1.19 (15) Ry = (364-3-14) /297=347/297=1.16 (16) Of which is smaller, 1.16 (116%) is adopted as the reading magnification: R.

S performed because R · x ≠ b
X-direction printing starting position offset amount in 202: calculation of x ₀ is a street as the following equation (11).

X ₀ = (257−1.16 · 210) /2−3=3.7 mm (17) On the other hand, since R · y = e, the Y-direction printing start position offset amount: y ₀ is calculated in step S208. Is set to “0”.

Therefore, the image of the original on the paper is arranged at the center of the paper in the X direction as shown in FIG.
In the Y direction, they are arranged over the entire printable area.

(Embodiment 4) Next, the original in the A3 horizontal direction is
A case where printing is performed on four horizontal papers will be described. in this case,
The width of the document in the X direction: x is 420 mm, and the width in the Y direction: y is 297
mm. The width of the sheet in the X direction: x 'is 297 mm, and the width in the Y direction: y' is 210 mm. Also, the printer 1
Since 3 is an ink jet printer, the non-printable area information (FIG. 23) on the paper is set as follows.

A: 5 mm, b: 287 mm, c: 5 mm,
d: 5 mm, e: 200 mm, f: 5 mm In this case, the calculation of the ratio in the X direction: Rx in S101 and the calculation of the ratio in the Y direction: Ry in S102 are represented by the following equations (18) and (19), respectively. It becomes as follows.

Rx = (297-5-5) /420=287/420=0.68 (18) Ry = (210-5-5) /297=200/297=0.67 (19) The smaller value of 0.67 (67%) is adopted as the reading magnification: R.

Also, S performed because R · x ≠ b
X-direction printing starting position offset amount in 202: calculation of x ₀ is a street as the following equation (14).

X ₀ = (297−0.67 · 420) /2−5=2.8 mm (14) On the other hand, since R · y = e, the Y-direction printing start position offset amount: y ₀ is determined in S208. Is set to “0”.

Therefore, the image of the original on the paper is arranged at the center of the paper in the X direction as shown in FIG.
In the Y direction, they are arranged over the entire printable area.

<Case of Specifying Central Printing> Next, the operation when center printing is specified will be described. In this case, the operator presses a “magnification” tag on the main screen to display a “magnification” dialog shown in FIG. 17 (S019), and then displays “magnification”, “arbitrary” displayed in the dialog. magnification"
Alternatively, after inputting “fixed magnification” and inputting magnification increase information or magnification decrease information or information in a fixed magnification sub-dialog (not shown) as required, “center print designation” information is input. Then, the "center printing" parameter is set to "specified".
Is set to Thereafter, the operator inputs "output destination", "paper size", and "document size" as described above.

After making the above preparations, the operator presses the start key 113a of the operation panel 11. Then
Since the “center printing” parameter is set to “designate” (S040), the document size (x, y) set in the “document size” parameter is read (S04).
1) The paper size (x ', y') corresponding to the paper size and direction set in the "paper size" parameter is read from the printer table 106 (S042).
Further, when the output destination printer can notify the non-printable area information, a request for non-printable area information (a to f) set for the paper size and direction is made to the output destination printer. (S045), the non-printable area information returned by the printer in response to this request is obtained (S403). However, if the output destination printer cannot notify the non-printable area information, the non-printable area information is read from the printer table 106 (S0).
44). Next, the CPU 100 determines a reading magnification: R based on a “magnification” parameter or the like (S047).

If the document size multiplied by the reading magnification R is equal to or smaller than the printable area in both the X and Y directions (S048), the CPU 100 offsets the print start position from the origin of the printable area and sets the center of the sheet. It is possible to print the image on the "Just fit" described above
As in the case of ( ₁ ), the automatic calculation of the offset amount (x ₀ , y ₀ ) is performed (S035). However, in this case, unlike the case of “just fit” shown in FIGS. 20 and 21,
As shown in FIG. 22, the offset amounts (x ₀ , y ₀ ) are calculated in the X direction and the Y direction, respectively. However, the offset amount (x ₀ , y ₀ ) calculated in any direction
Has a negative value, it is impossible to print an image in the center of the sheet without protruding the printable area in that direction, so the offset amount (x ₀ , y ₀ ) in that direction is set to “ 0 "(S204, S20
8).

The CPU 100 notifies the offset amount (x ₀ , y ₀ ) thus set to the output destination printer (S 336, S 404, S 405, S 407) and instructs the scanner 12 to start reading (S 037). Then, in response to this command, the scanner 12 receives the image data obtained by reading the original (S306 to S309), converts this into print data in a format suitable for the output destination printer, and outputs the converted print data. To the destination printer (S03
8-S039). The output destination printer receives the print data and prints an image corresponding to the print data based on a position shifted by the print start position offset amount (x _0, y ₀ ) from the origin of the printable area on the paper. Yes (S4
06 to S408). As a result, the image obtained by reading the document is printed at the center of the sheet within the printable area.

[0175]

According to the copy system, the copy control device, and the computer that has executed the program stored in the computer-readable medium according to the present invention configured as described above, the printing target paper in the output destination printing device is printed. When the document is smaller than the printable area, or when the enlarged or reduced image is smaller than the printable area of the print target sheet, the image of the document can be printed at the center of the sheet.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram of a copy system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of a server and an operation panel of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of the scanner shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a circuit configuration of the printer in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the contents of a copy control process executed by a CPU 100 that has read a copy control program stored in a hard disk in FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the contents of a copy control process executed by a CPU 100 that has read a copy control program stored in a hard disk in FIG. 2;

7 is a flowchart showing the contents of a copy control process executed by a CPU 100 which has read a copy control program stored in a hard disk in FIG. 2;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the contents of a copy control process executed by a CPU 100 that has read a copy control program stored in a hard disk in FIG. 2;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a magnification calculation subroutine executed in S033 of FIG. 6;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a print start position calculation subroutine executed in S035 of FIG. 7;

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the contents of control processing executed by a CPU 120 that has read a control program stored in a ROM 122 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the contents of control processing executed by a CPU 130 that has read a control program stored in a ROM 133 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 13 is a display example of a main screen displayed on the LCD of FIG. 2;

FIG. 14 is a display example of an output destination dialog.

FIG. 15 is a display example of a paper size dialog.

FIG. 16 is a display example of a document size dialog.

FIG. 17 is a display example of a magnification dialog.

FIG. 18 is a table showing a printer table and a paper size table.

FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram of a just fit.

FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram of a just fit.

FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram of a just fit.

FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram of central printing.

FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram of non-printable area information.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Copy System 10 Server 12 Scanner 13 Printer 100 CPU 103 Input Control Unit 106 Printer Table 107 SCSI Interface 108 Centronics Interface 110 Hard Disk 120 CPU 121 Centronics Interface 122 ROM 123 Sensor 124 Reading Control Unit 125 CCD 126 A / D Converter 127 Magnification Conversion Unit 130 CPU 131 Centronics interface 132 Flash memory 132a Paper data table 133 ROM 133a Control program

Claims (17)

[Claims] 1. A reading device that reads an original to generate image data, a control device that converts the image data received from the reading device into print data, and a printing target based on the print data received from the control device. In a copy system including a printing device that prints an image on a sheet, a document size obtaining unit that obtains the size of the document, a sheet size obtaining unit that obtains a size of the print target sheet, and the document size obtaining unit. A position near the center of the print target paper is determined as a print position of the image on the print target paper based on the size of the obtained document and the size of the print target paper obtained by the paper size obtaining unit. Position determining means, and arranging means for printing the image at the printing position determined by the position determining means. Copy system that butterflies. 2. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a printable area information obtaining unit configured to obtain setting information of a printable area set in advance on the print target sheet, wherein the position determining unit prints on the print target sheet. When the size of the image to be printed is equal to or smaller than the size of the printable area indicated by the setting information obtained by the printable area information obtaining means, the printing position of the image is determined within the printable area. The copy system according to claim 1, wherein 3. The copy system according to claim 1, further comprising a scaling unit for reducing or enlarging an image printed on the printing target sheet. 4. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a printable area information obtaining unit configured to obtain setting information of a printable area set in advance on the print target sheet, wherein the position determination unit performs the scaling by the scaling unit. When the size of the image later is equal to or smaller than the size of the printable area indicated by the setting information obtained by the printable area information obtaining means, the printing position of the image is determined within the printable area. 4. The copy system according to claim 3, wherein: 5. The copy system according to claim 1, wherein the arranging unit adjusts a printing start position based on the print data in the printing apparatus. 6. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the position determining unit is configured to set a width in the main scanning direction of the document obtained by the document size obtaining unit as x, a width in the sub-scanning direction as y, and the print size obtained by the sheet size obtaining unit. Assuming that the width of the target paper in the main scanning direction is x 'and the width in the sub-scanning direction is y', the following formulas X = (x'-x) / 2 and Y = (y'-y) / 2 are used. The shift amount (X) between the edge of the print target sheet and the edge of the image in the scanning direction and the shift amount (Y) between the edge of the print target sheet and the edge of the image in the sub-scan direction are calculated. 6. The copy system according to claim 5, wherein a position corresponding to the amount (X, Y) is determined as the print start position. 7. A printable area information obtaining means for obtaining setting information of a printable area set in advance for the print target sheet, and wherein the position determining means is configured to calculate the calculated individual shift amount. (X,
If Y) is smaller than the interval between the edge of the printable area and the edge of the print target area obtained by the printable area information obtaining means, the print start position is set on the edge of the print target area. 7. The copy system according to claim 6, wherein the position is changed to a position. 8. The copy system according to claim 1, wherein the arrangement unit adds a margin around the image in the print data. 9. The copy system according to claim 1, wherein said document size obtaining means includes a sensor for measuring a size of said document set in said reading device. 10. The copy system according to claim 1, wherein the document size obtaining means calculates the size of the document by performing image processing on image data obtained by reading the document. 11. An input device for receiving an input of information on the size of the document is connected to the control device, and the document size obtaining means is configured to output the information based on the information input via the input device. 2. The copy system according to claim 1, wherein the size of the document is obtained. 12. An input device for receiving an input of information on the type of paper is connected to the control device, and the paper size obtaining means is input via the input device in the control device. 2. The copy system according to claim 1, wherein the size of the print target sheet is acquired based on the information. 13. The control device stores a table storing the actual size of a print target sheet corresponding to the information input via the input device. 13. The copy system according to claim 12, wherein the actual size corresponding to the information input via an input device is read from the table. 14. The printable area information acquiring unit according to claim 12, wherein the control device acquires the setting information based on the information input via the input device. Copy system. 15. A table storing setting information of a printable area on the print target sheet corresponding to the information input via the input device, wherein the control apparatus stores the table. 13. The copy system according to claim 12, wherein the information acquisition unit reads the setting information corresponding to the information input via the input device from the table. 16. A copy control device connected to a reading device that reads an original to generate image data and a printing device that prints an image on a print target sheet based on print data, the copy control device comprising: Document size obtaining means for obtaining the size of the print target paper, the size of the document obtained by the document size obtaining means and the printable area obtained by the document size obtaining means. Position determining means for determining a position closer to the center of the print target paper as a print position of the image on the print target paper based on the size; and transmitting image data received from the print device to the print device. Data conversion means for converting the print data into print data to be printed; and arranging means for printing the image at the print position determined by the position determination means. Copy control device characterized by obtaining. 17. A computer connected to a reading device that reads an original to generate image data and a printing device that prints an image on a print target sheet based on print data, obtains the dimensions of the original. And printing the image on the print target paper based on the obtained document size and printable area size based on the obtained size of the print target paper. A computer-readable medium that stores a program that causes a position to be determined, converts image data received from the printing device into print data to be transmitted to the printing device, and prints the image at the determined printing position.