JP2006185307A - Print controller, print control method, computer readable recording medium with program stored therein, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent the execution of such print from which characters, lines and images included in drawn information of an original cannot be read by reduction layout processing. <P>SOLUTION: In this print controller capable of generating print data in which a plurality of logical pages are subjected to a page layout on one physical page on the basis of a drawing instruction from an application, layout limitation information to respective drawing instructions with different drawing types included in the drawing instructions is set, the number of logical pages to be laid out on one physical page is determined on the basis of each set layout limitation information, and print data in which a plurality of pages are reduced in a layout on the basis of the determined number of logical pages are generated. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a print control apparatus and a print control method capable of generating print data in which a plurality of logical pages are laid out on one physical page based on a drawing command from an application, and a recording medium storing a computer-readable program And program.

  Conventionally, in a printing system comprising a printing apparatus (hereinafter referred to as “printer”) having image forming means in page units and an information processing apparatus (hereinafter referred to as “host computer”) connected to the printer, this page unit A technique called “multiple pages / sheet printing” is considered in which data for a plurality of pages is printed on one sheet by performing reduction and layout processing on the print data.

  In this multi-page / sheet printing, for example, if 2-page / sheet printing is used, print data that originally requires two sheets can be printed on one sheet, and the number of output sheets, toner, ink, etc. are consumed. This makes it possible to reduce the number of products and speed up the printing process as the number of printed sheets decreases.

  In addition, by increasing the reduction ratio and increasing the number of pages laid out on one sheet, such as 4 pages / sheet printing, 8 pages / sheet printing, and 16 pages / sheet printing, these effects can be further improved. It has become.

  However, on the other hand, since the above-described technique is realized by reducing the original data, there is a possibility that various types of printing fraud and visibility may be reduced due to the reduction.

  In addition, this phenomenon increases as the reduction ratio increases, that is, as the number of pages laid out on one sheet increases, and this phenomenon can be observed by looking at what is actually output from the printing apparatus. Since the user can recognize for the first time, it is difficult for the user to select an appropriate reduction ratio and layout in advance, and cost and time are lost when an incorrect print result occurs.

  In recent years, it has been possible to avoid such problems and provide the user with the optimal reduction ratio and layout multiple page / sheet print settings that can suppress the occurrence of incorrect print results while being the best in cost and print time. Technology has been developed for this purpose.

  As one of them, Patent Document 1 below describes a range in which readability is maintained by calculating a font size when a plurality of pages / sheet printing is applied from a font size included in an original image, and determining the readability. Among them, a printing system that automatically applies a plurality of pages / sheet printing having the highest printing cost is disclosed.

In particular, Patent Document 1 describes that a useable sheet is avoided by calculating a range that can be reduced from the minimum font size included in the data and automatically applying appropriate plural pages / sheet printing. ing.
JP 2002-152497 A

  A printing system that automatically applies multiple page / sheet printing in consideration of the readability of character data, such as the printing system disclosed in Patent Document 1, has already been proposed. There is nothing to consider regarding data or image data.

  In particular, due to the recent increase in the number of functions for creating original data, print data has various drawing specifications other than text, and improper printing due to reduction is not only due to the readability of character data. ing. Therefore, the system described in Patent Document 1 is insufficient as a means for maintaining the quality of print output.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to generate print data in which a plurality of logical pages are page-laid on one physical page based on a drawing command from an application. In the print control apparatus, layout restriction information is set for each drawing command having a different drawing type included in the drawing command, and the number of logical pages to be laid out on one physical page based on each set layout restriction information And generating print data in which a plurality of pages are reduced and laid out based on the determined number of logical pages, and when automatic layout printing is selected, the original layout information is included in the original drawing information in the reduced layout process. This prevents printing that cannot read the included characters, lines, and images. To provide a printing control apparatus, a printing control method, a recording medium storing a computer-readable program, and a program capable of easily obtaining a printing result that can simultaneously satisfy the reading request and the request to reduce the number of printed sheets. .

  The print control apparatus of the present invention that achieves the above object has the following configuration.

  A print control apparatus capable of generating print data in which a plurality of logical pages are page laid out on one physical page based on a drawing command from an application, and for each drawing command having a different drawing type included in the drawing command Setting means for setting layout restriction information, determination means for determining the number of logical pages to be laid out on one physical page based on each layout restriction information set by the setting means, and the determination means And generating means for generating print data in which a plurality of pages are reduced and laid out based on the number of logical pages.

  The printing control method of the present invention that achieves the above object has the following configuration.

  A print control method in a print control apparatus capable of generating print data in which a plurality of logical pages are page laid out on one physical page based on a drawing command from an application, each having a different drawing type included in the drawing command A setting step for setting layout restriction information with respect to the drawing command, a determination step for determining the number of logical pages to be laid out on one physical page based on each layout restriction information set in the setting step, and the determination step And generating a print data in which a plurality of pages are reduced and laid out based on the number of logical pages determined by the step (1).

  According to the present invention, when automatic layout printing is selected, it is possible to prevent printing that cannot read characters, lines, and images included in the original drawing information in the reduced layout processing. It is possible to easily obtain a print result that can satisfy the user-readable request and the request to reduce the number of printed sheets at the same time.

  Next, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

<Description of system configuration>
[First Embodiment]
Before describing an embodiment of the present invention, a system comprising a printer to which the present invention is applicable and an information processing apparatus such as a personal computer connected thereto, in particular, transmitting to the printer on the information processing apparatus. Before generating the print data to be printed, a spool means for temporarily storing the data in a data format (hereinafter referred to as an intermediate code) different from the print data finally sent to the printer is provided. A configuration of a printing system including despooling means for generating print data to be finally sent to the printer from data temporarily stored in a code format and means for generating a printer control command will be described.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a printer control system to which the print control apparatus of the present invention can be applied. As long as the function of the present invention is executed, a system in which processing is performed by being connected via a network such as a LAN or WAN, whether it is a single device or a system composed of a plurality of devices. Even so, the present invention can be applied.

  In FIG. 1, the host computer 100 performs document processing in which graphics, images, characters, tables (including spreadsheets, etc.) are mixed based on a document processing program stored in the ROM 103 program ROM or the external memory 111. The CPU 101 includes a CPU 101 to be executed, and the CPU 101 generally controls each device connected to the system bus 104.

  The ROM 103 program ROM or external memory 111 stores an operating system program (hereinafter referred to as OS) which is a control program of the CPU 101, and the ROM 103 font ROM or external memory 111 stores the above-mentioned document processing. Font data to be used is stored, and various data used when the document processing is performed is stored in the data ROM of the ROM 103 or the external memory 111. The RAM 102 functions as a main memory, work area, and the like for the CPU 101.

A keyboard controller (KBC) 105 controls key input from a keyboard (KB) 109 or a pointing device (not shown).

  A CRT controller (CRTC) 106 controls display on a CRT display (CRT) 110. A disk controller (DKC) 107 is a hard disk (HD) that stores a boot program, various applications, font data, user files, editing files, a printer control command generation program (hereinafter referred to as a printer driver), and a flexible disk (FD). The access to the external memory 111 is controlled. A printer controller (PRTC) 108 is connected to the printer 150 via a bidirectional interface (interface) 112 and executes communication control processing with the printer 150.

  Note that the CPU 101 executes, for example, outline font development (rasterization) processing on the display information RAM set on the RAM 102 to enable WYSIWYG on the CRT 110. Further, the CPU 101 opens various windows registered based on commands instructed by a mouse cursor (not shown) on the CRT 110, and executes various data processing. When executing printing, the user opens a window relating to print settings, and can set the print processing method for the printer driver including printer settings and print mode selection.

  On the other hand, in the printer 150, a printer CPU 151 is a printing unit I / F 506 connected to the system bus 154 based on a control program stored in the program ROM of the ROM 153 or a control program stored in the external memory 160. Then, an image signal as output information is output to the printing unit (printer engine) 158. Further, the ROM for program of the ROM 153 stores a control program for the CPU 151 and the like.

  The font ROM of the ROM 153 stores font data used when generating the output information. In the case of a printer without the external memory 160 such as a hard disk, the data ROM of the ROM 153 runs on the host computer. Information to be used is stored.

  The CPU 151 can communicate with the host computer 100 via the input unit 155 and can notify the host computer 100 of information in the printer. The RAM 152 functions as a main memory of the CPU 151, a work area, or the like, and is configured such that the memory capacity can be expanded by an optional RAM connected to an expansion port (not shown).

  The RAM 152 is used as an output information expansion area, environment data storage area, NVRAM, and the like. Access to the above-described external memory 160 such as a hard disk (HD) or IC card is controlled by a memory controller (MC) 157. The external memory 160 is connected as an option and stores font data, an emulation program, form data, and the like. In addition, a switch 159 and an LED display are arranged on the operation panel 159 described above.

  The external memory 160 described above is not limited to one, and a plurality of external memories 160 are provided, and a plurality of external memories storing an option card and a program for interpreting a printer control language having a different language system in addition to the built-in font can be connected. May be. Furthermore, an NVRAM (not shown) may be provided to store printer mode setting information from the operation panel 159.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a control module of the host computer 100 in the printing system shown in FIG. 1, in which the host computer 100 and the printer 150 are directly connected or connected via a network. Corresponds to the example.

  The host computer 100 shown in FIG. 2 includes an application 201, a graphic engine 202, a printer driver 203, and a system spooler 204 as software resources, and these software resources are stored in the external memory 111 shown in FIG. 1 is a program module that is loaded into the RAM 102 shown in FIG. 1 and executed by the OS or a module that uses the module when the file is executed and executed.

  The application 201 and the printer driver 203 can be added to the HD of the external memory 111 via the FD of the external memory 111, a CD-ROM (not shown), or a network (not shown).

  The application 201 stored in the external memory 111 is loaded into the RAM 102 and executed. When printing is performed from the application 201 to the printer 150, the graphic that is similarly loaded into the RAM 102 and executable. Output (drawing) is performed using the engine 202.

  The graphic engine 202 similarly loads the printer driver 203 prepared for each printing apparatus from the external memory 111 to the RAM 102, and sets the output of the application 201 in the printer driver 203. Then, the GDI (Graphic Device Interface) function received from the application 201 is converted into a DDI (Device Driver Interface) function, and the DDI function is output to the printer driver 203. Based on the DDI function received from the graphic engine 202, the printer driver 203 converts it into a control command that can be recognized by the printer, for example, a PDL (Page Description Language). The converted printer control command is output as print data to the printer 150 via the interface 112 via the system spooler 204 loaded into the RAM 102 by the OS.

  In addition to the printing system including the printer 150 and the host computer 100 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the printing system of this embodiment further has a configuration in which print data from an application is temporarily spooled with intermediate code data.

  In this system, the contents of intermediate code data once spooled can be processed. As a result, functions that the application 201 does not have, such as enlargement / reduction or printing by reducing a plurality of pages into one page, can be realized with respect to print data from the application 201.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the detailed configuration of the control module in the host computer 100 shown in FIG. 2. When sending a print command from the graphic engine 202 shown in FIG. An example of a system extended to generate a spool file 304 is shown.

  In the present embodiment, the contents of the spool file 304 can be directly processed. As a result, it is possible to perform high-value-added printing that realizes a printing function that the application 201 does not have, such as enlargement / reduction of the print data from the application 201 or layout printing by reducing a plurality of pages into one page.

  For these purposes, the system of FIG. 2 has been extended to spool with intermediate code data as shown in FIG.

  In order to process the print data, settings are usually made from a window (displayed on the CRT 110 shown in FIG. 1) provided by the printer driver 203, and the printer driver 203 stores the setting contents on the RAM 102 or externally. Store on the memory 111. Details of FIG. 3 will be described below.

  As shown in FIG. 3, in this extended print control processing method, the dispatcher 301 receives a DDI function that is a print command from the graphic engine 202. When the print command (DDI function) received by the dispatcher 301 from the graphic engine 202 is based on the print command (GDI function) issued from the application 201 to the graphic engine 202, the dispatcher 301 stores it in the external memory 111. The spooler 303, which is the internal spool processing module, is loaded into the RAM 102, and a print command (DDI function) is sent to the spooler 303 instead of the normal print data creation processing 307.

  The spooler 303 analyzes the received print command, converts it into an intermediate code for each page, and outputs it to the spool file 304. The intermediate code spool file stored in units of pages is referred to as a page drawing file (PDF).

  Further, the spooler 303 acquires processing settings (bookbinding printing, Nup, double-sided, stapling, color / monochrome designation, etc.) relating to print data set for the printer driver 203 from the printer driver 203 as a file for each job. Saved in the spool file 304. At this time, the setting file stored for each job is called a job setting file (sometimes simply referred to as SDF: Spool Description File). This job setting file will be described later.

  The spool file 304 is generated as a file on the external memory 111, but may be generated on the RAM 102.

  Further, the spooler 303 loads the spool file manager 305 stored in the external memory 111 into the RAM 102 and notifies the spool file manager 305 of the generation status of the spool file 304. Thereafter, the spool file manager 305 determines whether printing can be performed in accordance with the contents of the processing settings relating to the print data stored in the spool file 304.

  When the spool file manager 305 determines that printing can be performed using the graphic engine 202, the despooler 306 stored in the external memory 111 is loaded into the RAM 102 and is described in the spool file 304 with respect to the despooler 306. The intermediate code page drawing file is instructed to be printed.

  The despooler 306 processes the page drawing file of the intermediate code included in the spool file 304 according to the job setting file including the processing setting information included in the spool file 304, regenerates the GDI function, and again converts the GDI function via the graphic engine 202. Output.

  If the print command (DDI function) received by the dispatcher 301 from the graphic engine 202 is based on the print command (GDI function) issued from the despooler 306 to the graphic engine 202, the dispatcher 301 is not the spooler 303. A print command is sent to the normal print data creation processing 307 of the printer driver 203.

  The printer driver 203 generates a printer control command including a page description language based on the DDI function acquired from the graphic engine 202 and outputs the printer control command to the printer 150 via the system spooler 204.

  One of the functions realized by using the internal spool function is a multiple page / sheet printing (Nin1) in which print data composed of a plurality of pages is reduced and laid out and printed side by side on one physical paper page. Printing).

  By applying this function, the number of sheets to be used can be saved, and the time required for the printing process can be shortened.

  In the present embodiment, a printer 150 that enables “multiple pages / sheets” printing in which a plurality of logical pages are laid out and printed on one physical page, and a host computer such as a personal computer connected to the printer 150 In the system comprising 100, the printer driver 203 detects the drawing designation included in the print data, and means for calculating the printing result by the reduction processing when the aforementioned “multiple pages / sheets” are applied to the detected drawing designation and the calculation As a result, it is possible to automatically provide the optimum setting to the user by having means for applying the “multiple pages / sheets” setting with an appropriate reduction ratio.

  Also, the printer driver 203 detects the line thickness set in the line drawing designation that is one of the graphics data included in the print data, and the line drawing designation is subjected to a reduction process associated with “multiple pages / sheets” printing. The line thickness when applied is calculated, and the minimum line thickness required for the print result is specified by the user, so that the most appropriate “multiple pages / A configuration that applies the “sheet” setting is adopted.

  Further, the printer driver 203 detects the resolution set in the image drawing designation included in the print data, calculates the resolution when the reduction processing associated with “multiple pages / sheets” printing is applied to the image drawing designation, and A configuration is adopted in which the most appropriate “multiple pages / sheets” setting is applied while maintaining the resolution below the maximum by allowing the user to specify the maximum resolution required for the print result.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing variations of layout printing results in the printing control apparatus according to the present invention. Assuming that a plurality of pages / sheet printing is applied, print data consisting of 1 to 6 pages, for example, 2in1 printing, 4in1 printing, This is an example of printing in 8-in-1 printing.

  If there is print data 401 made up of a plurality of logical pages (six pages in this example) created on the host computer 100, the print data 401 is reduced, and two pages of data 402 and four pages of data are printed on one sheet. Data 403 is rearranged like data 404 for eight pages, and this data is printed on one physical page.

  In this case, as the reduction is further performed and the number of logical pages laid out on one physical page is increased, it becomes possible to obtain effects such as paper saving and printing time reduction.

  However, on the other hand, the reduction processing necessary for performing this processing may cause a decrease in the visibility and reproducibility of the printed matter, and since the phenomenon can be confirmed only after actual printing, it is appropriate. As a result, a printed matter that is not is generated, and paper and time are wasted.

  As one means for avoiding this, a technique is used in which a character size is used as a threshold value for reduction, a reduction rate is calculated so that the character size does not become a certain value or less, and a layout process corresponding thereto is applied (Patent Document 1). See). As a result, the optimum multiple page / sheet printing was achieved while maintaining visibility.

  However, in the prior art, it is possible to ensure the visibility of character data, but no consideration is given to other data such as graphics and images. For this reason, it has been impossible to avoid various types of printing fraud due to the reduction of these data.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, by providing the same avoidance means for fine line data and image data, which are particularly problematic in the reduction of graphics data, it is possible to optimize the quality of printed matter with respect to more types of data. It is possible to provide multiple page / sheet printing.

[First illegal printing example]
FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a first print data processing example by the print control apparatus according to the present invention, and a reduction process for thin line data included in graphics data intended to be avoided in the present embodiment. This is an example of improper printing when applying.

  As shown in (a) of FIG. 5, as shown in the drawing data 501, for example, there are two line drawings drawn by designating thicknesses of 4 dots and 1 dot, respectively, and this is reduced by 25%. Processing shall be performed.

  In this case, of the line data L1 and L2 having a sufficient thickness, it can be reproduced in the reduced data as the line data L1, but the reduced line thickness is less than 1 dot. In the case of simple line data L2, as shown in the reduced drawing data 502, the pixels constituting the drawing data L2 are lost and loss occurs in main data.

  Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 5B and 5C, when the line color is designated by an intermediate color, the density is expressed using a dithering process using dither. As the data 503A and 503B are reduced to a certain extent by reducing the line thickness, there is no area for reproducing the dither pattern 507, and the assumed density cannot be reproduced, and the drawing data 504 cannot be reproduced. There is a possibility that a phenomenon such as drawing data 506 in which lines are interrupted or not displayed, such as the drawing data 505A and 505B, may occur.

[Second illegal printing example]
FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a second print data processing example by the print control apparatus according to the present invention, and shows a print fraud when a reduction process is performed on image data.

  In FIG. 6, when 50% reduction processing is performed on the original data 601 (consisting of thin lines and characters having different thicknesses), the information displayed in 4 dots in the original data is not displayed in 1 dot. Do not be.

  Therefore, information loss occurs in the drawing data 602, and as a result, the original data 601 cannot be reproduced. When the reduction ratio is increased, the degree of fraud becomes remarkable as shown in the drawing data 603.

  Accordingly, in the present embodiment, the above-described illegal printing phenomenon is avoided, and at the same time, the optimum multiple page / sheet printing is provided by the following means.

  FIG. 7 is a view showing an example of a print setting screen in the print control apparatus according to the present invention, which is a user interface (UI) provided by the printer driver 203 shown in FIG. 3, and is a CRT 110 shown in FIG. Displayed above.

  In FIG. 7, a new setting item 703 “Auto” is provided in a control 702 that is provided on a user interface 701 of the printer driver 203 and includes a conventional combo box that provides a page layout function. When the user operates and selects an input device such as a pointing device, this function is realized by executing a control procedure as described later.

  Note that a control 702 for setting a page layout is arranged on the UI screen shown in FIG. 7. When a button on this combo box is operated, a settable page layout item 703 is displayed.

  In this embodiment, the page layout item 703 usually includes 2 pages / sheets, 4 pages / sheets, 6 pages / sheets, 8 pages / sheets, in addition to 1 page / sheet set as a default. It has 9 pages / sheet, 16 pages / sheet, poster (2 × 2), poster (3 × 3), poster (4 × 4), and automatic.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a print setting screen in the print control apparatus according to the present invention. When the “automatic” is selected by the user in the page layout of the setting screen shown in FIG. An example of a UI displayed on the CRT 110 under the control of FIG.

  In FIG. 8, reference numeral 801 denotes an automatic page layout setting screen. In this embodiment, in addition to setting a font size threshold value, a check box 802 for setting a thin line as graphics data, a control 803, A check box 804 and a control 805 are provided for making settings relating to image data.

  The setting related to the thin line data is enabled by first setting the check box 802.

  If this setting has not been made, processing for thin line data, which will be described later, is not performed. When the check box 802 is set, the number of dots intended by the user is input as a range in which line data reduction is permitted in the numerical value input control 803. In an actual automatic layout process to be described later, this value is used as a threshold value.

  The setting relating to image data is enabled by first setting the check box 804. If this setting has not been made, the processing relating to the image data is not performed in the same way as the thin line data setting method.

  If the check box 804 is set, the numerical value input control 805 inputs the resolution intended by the user as a range that allows reduction of the image data in% that is a ratio with the print resolution of the printer. In an actual automatic layout process described later, this value is used as a threshold value.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of a first data processing procedure in the print control apparatus according to the present invention, and corresponds to a print data creation processing procedure including an automatic layout process by the printer driver 203 shown in FIG. In addition, (901)-(909) show each step. Each step is realized by the CPU 101 loading the printer driver 203 into the RAM 102 and executing it. Further, this process is performed at the start of the printing process.

  When the printing process is started (printing instruction by the application by the user), the user sets the page layout via the user interface shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 (901). Although not particularly described in the flowchart, the user performs input for an actual print instruction and the next step (902) is executed.

  In step (902), the CPU 101 determines whether or not “automatic” is set in the control 702 of the user interface. If it is determined that this setting has not been made, a conventional single page / sheet layout or a conventional multiple page / sheet setting without correction based on designation on the user interface is performed (908). Note that step (908) is a conventional layout setting, and therefore the details are omitted.

  On the other hand, if the CPU 101 determines in step (902) that “automatic” has been set, the processing is switched as follows.

  First, the drawing designation designated by the application 201 shown in FIG. 2 via the graphic engine 202 is sequentially confirmed, and the drawing designation includes fine line data or image data to be processed. A drawing command search process for searching whether or not is performed (903). Details of the processing will be described later.

  The drawing designation is directly subjected to the internal spool processing (904) and stored as spool data SPD on the temporary storage device (905).

  Further, regarding all drawing designations included in the print data, when the internal spool processing is completed in step (903) and in step (904), automatic layout application processing is started (906).

  In this process, an appropriate reduction ratio and layout are calculated from various drawing commands retrieved in step (903) and threshold values set by the user (see FIGS. 7 and 8), and each print object is calculated based on the calculated reduction ratio and layout. Reduction processing and layout processing are performed. Detailed processing will be described later.

  The spool data SPD for which the layout application processing has been completed in step (906) passes through the graphic engine 202 again by the despooling processing by the despooler 306 in step (907), and in step (909), the printer driver 203 And executed in normal print data creation processing.

  As a result, print data having an appropriate layout is output, and a print result desirable for the user can be obtained.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the second data processing procedure in the print control apparatus according to the present invention. The printer driver 203 shown in FIG. 2 searches for the drawing designation command in step (903) shown in FIG. It corresponds to the detailed procedure of processing. In addition, (1001)-(1010) show each step. Each step is realized by the CPU 101 loading the printer driver 203 into the RAM 102 and executing it. Further, this process is performed at the start of the printing process.

  In this processing, when each setting is performed on the check box 802 and the control 803 as a spin box by the user via the automatic layout setting screen 801 shown in FIG. 8 (1001), the minimum line thickness is set at the start of the processing. Variable L (stored in the work of the RAM 102 shown in FIG. 1) and a variable R for temporarily storing the image data value with the highest resolution. (Stored in the work of the RAM 102 shown in FIG. 1), and appropriate initial values, L0 (e.g., a sufficiently large line thickness value), R0 (e.g., a sufficiently small resolution value), respectively. It is set (1002). More specifically, step 1001 is for setting a printer driver detailed setting screen 801 by calling from a print screen displayed by a user's print instruction in an application before an actual print instruction. When an actual print instruction is given, the next step (1002) is executed.

  When printing is started and “automatic” is set in the user interface control 702 shown in FIG. 7, the drawing designation command passed from the graphic engine 202 shown in FIG. Therefore, the following processing is performed for each of these (1003).

  First, it is determined whether or not the drawing designation that has been passed designates line drawing, and whether or not the setting for checking thin line data has been made in the user interface 802 (1004). If the CPU 101 determines that this condition is satisfied, the value of the line thickness set in this line drawing designation is compared with the value of the variable L set in step (1002) (1005), and at this time the line drawing designation is made. If the CPU 101 determines that the inner line thickness is smaller than L, the value is set to L (1006), and step (1003) is performed until it is determined in step (1010) that the drawing command is completed. ) And repeat the same process.

  On the other hand, if the CPU 101 determines that the condition is not satisfied in step (1004), the image drawing designation detection process is continued.

  With respect to the image drawing designation, as in the case of the line drawing designation, the user interface 804 is configured to check whether the drawn drawing designation specifies image drawing or to check the image data. (1007). If it is determined that this condition is satisfied, the resolution set in the image drawing designation is compared with the value of the variable R set in step (1003) (1008).

  At this time, if the CPU 101 determines that the resolution during image drawing designation is larger than R, the value is set to R (1009). In step (1010), all drawing designations are repeated until it is determined that the drawing command is completed (1003).

  As a result, the line thickness set for the thinnest line drawing specification included in the print data is set in the variable L, and the image drawing specification with the highest resolution included in the print data is set in the variable R. The resolution will be detected.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a third data processing procedure in the print control apparatus according to the present invention. The layout automatic application processing in step (906) shown in FIG. 9 by the printer driver 203 shown in FIG. Corresponds to the detailed procedure. In addition, (1101)-(1108) show each step. Each step is realized by the CPU 101 loading the printer driver 203 into the RAM 102 and executing it. Further, this process is performed at the start of the printing process.

  In this process, the line thickness set in the thinnest line drawing designation obtained in the detection process of the drawing designation command in step (903) shown in FIG. 9 is set in the image drawing designation having the highest resolution and the highest resolution. Based on the resolution, and the thresholds set in the check boxes 802 and 804 in the automatic page layout setting screen 801 shown in FIG. The most efficient layout setting within a range that does not exceed the value is obtained, and this is applied to the process of applying the layout setting.

  First, the user sets threshold values intended by the user via the check boxes 802 and 804 and the controls 803 and 805 in the automatic page layout setting screen 801 shown in FIG. 8 (1101). Next, based on the set threshold value, a variable LT (stored in the work of the RAM 102 shown in FIG. 1) and a variable RT (stored in the work of the RAM 102 shown in FIG. 1) are set ( 1102). In more detail, in step 1101, a printer driver detailed setting screen 801 is set by calling from a print screen displayed by a user's print instruction in an application before an actual print instruction. .

  Further, when performing this processing, a table is prepared on the RAM 102 in which the layout type is associated with the reduction ratio when applying the layout type.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a page layout determination table secured on the RAM 102 shown in FIG.

  12, nmax indicates the layout type “N pages / sheet” having the highest reduction ratio supported by the printer driver 203 shown in FIG.

  In step (1103), a variable n is prepared on the RAM 102 and initialized with a minimum value 0 (= 1 page / sheet) (1103). By increasing this value to nmax (1104), the setting values in this table are applied sequentially.

  First, from the reduction ratio Scale [n + 1] when the layout n + 1 is applied with respect to the line drawing designation by the user on the layout setting screen shown in FIG. 8, the above-described drawing designation command search processing is performed in step (903) shown in FIG. The number of dots of the thinnest line drawing L obtained in (1) is determined to be reduced to a line, and the value is compared with the threshold LT (L * Scale [n + 1] <LT) (1105).

  If the CPU 101 determines that the threshold value LT is not exceeded (NO in step (1105)), it is assumed that the line thickness expected by the user can be reproduced, and the process proceeds to step (1106). In step (903) shown in FIG. 9, the resolution of the image resolution with the highest resolution obtained by the search processing of the above-described drawing designation command is obtained and the value RT is compared with the threshold value RT. (R / Scale [n + 1]> RT) is performed (1106). Here, if the threshold value RT is not exceeded (NO in step (1106)), it is assumed that the image printing expected by the user can be realized, the process is continued, and n is incremented by 1 (1107). The reference position of the page layout determination table shown in FIG. 12 is advanced to the next one, and the same processing is repeated.

  On the other hand, when step (1105) or step (1106) is established, that is, when it is considered that drawing data not expected by the user is obtained exceeding the threshold set by the user, this processing is interrupted.

  At this time, n indicates the immediately preceding layout type, that is, the layout type that allows the drawing expected by the user and is the most efficient.

  Accordingly, the layout type Layout [n] at this time is set as a set value, and the spool data 905 is subjected to processing such as reduction and layout using the internal spool data editing function (1108), and this processing ends.

  According to the present embodiment, it is possible to calculate the layout type having the highest reduction ratio within the range of the threshold set by the user.

  As a result, it is possible to provide the user with a print output in which multiple pages / sheet printing that is most efficient in the number of sheets to be used and the printing time is automatically applied while ensuring the print quality expected by the user. Become.

  Although the embodiments have been described in detail above, the present invention can take an embodiment as, for example, a system, apparatus, method, program, or recording medium, and specifically includes a plurality of devices. The present invention may be applied to a system that is configured, or may be applied to an apparatus that includes a single device.

[Second Embodiment]
In the first embodiment, the automatic page layout setting screen 801 shown in FIG. 8 has been described with respect to an example in which the line density is not considered when the line thickness threshold value is specified. When binarization is performed, especially when the color density assigned to the line drawing specification is lighter and the line thickness is thinner, due to interference with dither, the color of the data is lost in the case of missing or color data. Increases the possibility of fraud.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, the processing of the first embodiment uses a line color set for line drawing designation, and provides a function for finely adjusting the possible reduction range according to the color density, thereby providing print data. By applying an optimal layout that also considers the density of the thin lines contained therein, a means for performing printing that is more favorable for the user is provided. The embodiment will be described below.

  It should be noted that the printing system to which this example is applied (see FIG. 1), the flow of printing processing (see FIG. 2), the flow of internal spool processing (see FIG. 3), and the application example of the conventional multi-page / sheet printing. Since it is the same as that of the first embodiment (see FIG. 4), the description is omitted.

  FIG. 13 is a view showing an example of an automatic page layout setting screen in the print control apparatus showing the second embodiment of the present invention, and is displayed on the CRT 110 shown in FIG. 1 by the control of the printer driver 203 shown in FIG. Is done. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the same thing as FIG.

  As described above, as one of the problems when the thin line data is printed, the dither pattern 507 generated when the line drawing command in which the intermediate color is designated is binarized using the dither and printed. There is interference with. This may cause a phenomenon of print data loss or color fraud.

  As shown in FIGS. 5B and 5C, an intermediate density line such as the drawing data 505 is sufficiently thin as the drawing data 506 compared to the size of the dither pattern 507. When the image data has been reduced, the image data 506 may not be printed with the reduced image data 506 depending on the overlap with the dither pattern 507, as indicated by the oblique line on the right side of the image data 505.

  This phenomenon is more likely to occur as the color density of the line becomes lower, that is, as the number of dither patterns 507 decreases, and as the line thickness becomes sufficiently smaller than the dither pattern 507 size.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, it is possible to apply multiple page / sheet printing using a further optimal reduction ratio by setting the line color density as a processing target to the function provided in the first embodiment. To provide a system.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the page layout setting UI for executing this processing is displayed on the CRT 110 shown in FIG. 1 by the printer driver 203 as in the first embodiment.

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, a user interface 1301 shown in FIG. 13 is prepared as a means for setting whether or not the line color density is to be processed. The check box and combo box are the same as those in the first embodiment, and the process for thin line data is performed or the range in which the reduction of line data is permitted is set.

  In the processing in the present embodiment, a check box 1301 for enabling the color density of the line as a determination condition is further provided. When the user activates the check box 1301, processing related to the color density of the line, which will be described later, is performed. Note that the check box 1301 becomes valid when the check box 802 is set in the same manner as the combo box 803.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of a fourth data processing procedure in the print control apparatus according to the present invention. The layout automatic application processing in step (906) shown in FIG. 9 by the printer driver 203 shown in FIG. Corresponds to the detailed procedure. In addition, (1401)-(1410) shows each step. Each step is realized by the CPU 101 loading the printer driver 203 into the RAM 102 and executing it. Further, this process is performed at the start of the printing process.

  FIG. 14 shows the detection processing related to the line drawing designation in the drawing command detection processing shown in FIG. 10 of the first embodiment, which is extended according to the present embodiment.

  This process is a part of the automatic layout application process shown in FIG. 10, and this process is performed by the user via the automatic layout setting screen 801 shown in FIG. When each setting is made in the control 803 (1401), a variable L (stored in the work of the RAM 102 shown in FIG. 1) for temporarily storing the minimum line thickness value at the start of processing. And a variable R (stored in the work of the RAM 102 shown in FIG. 1) for temporarily storing the value of the image data with the highest resolution is prepared. (Example: sufficiently large line thickness value) and R0 (Example: sufficiently small resolution value) are set (1402). More specifically, in step 1401, a printer driver detailed setting screen 801 is set by calling from a print screen displayed by a user's print instruction in an application before an actual print instruction. .

  Then, the operation is switched based on the setting value input on the layout setting screen 801.

  First, a variable L (stored in the work of the RAM 102 shown in FIG. 1) for temporarily storing a minimum line thickness value at the start of processing and a value of image data having the lowest density are stored. Variables D (stored in the work of the RAM 102 shown in FIG. 1) for temporary storage are prepared, and appropriate initial values, L0 (for example, a sufficiently large line thickness value), D0, respectively. (Example: a sufficiently large density value) is set (1402).

  Then, when printing is started and the CPU 101 determines that “automatic” 703 is set in the control 702 of the setting screen 701, the drawing designation command transferred from the graphic engine 202 is sequentially transferred to this processing. . For each of these, the following processing is performed.

  First, it is determined whether or not the drawing designation that has been passed designates line drawing, and whether or not the setting for checking thin line data is checked in the check box 802 (1404). When the CPU 101 determines that this condition is satisfied, the line thickness set by the line drawing designation is compared with the value of the variable L.

  Specifically, it is determined whether or not the line thickness in the line drawing designation is the same as or smaller than L (line thickness ≦ variable L) (1405). Is equal to L (line thickness = variable L) (1406). Hereinafter, the processing is switched as follows for each of these conditions.

  First, if the line thickness is larger than the variable L, that is, if it is determined to be No in step (1405), a line thinner than the currently detected line has previously existed. The process proceeds to step (1410) without performing the process.

  On the other hand, if the line thickness is smaller than the variable L in step (1405), that is, if it is determined No in step (1406), the currently detected line thickness is thinner than the previous one. Therefore, the value is replaced with a variable L (1407). Further, the color density of the line at this time is replaced with the variable D set in step (1401) (1408), and the process proceeds to step (1410).

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step (1406) that the line thickness is the same as the variable L, that is, when it is determined that the line thickness is Yes in step (1406), the currently detected line thickness is before that. The color density of the line at this time is compared with the variable D (0 <color density <D) (1409), and if it is determined to be small, it is replaced with the variable D (1408). Go to step (1410).

  However, since the printing is not performed when the density is “0”, there is no influence of dither interference, and therefore, it is excluded from the target in step (1409).

  The above processing is repeated for all drawing designations included in the spool data until it is determined in step (1410) that the drawing command is finished (1403), and finally the variable L is included in the spool data. In the variable D, the color density of the line with the lowest color density among the lines with the thickness L is set.

  In addition, when it determines with NO by step (1404) shown in FIG. 14, although the case where this process transfers to step (1410) is demonstrated, in step (1402), step (1002 of FIG. 10) is demonstrated. ), A variable R (stored in the work of the RAM 102 shown in FIG. 1) for temporarily storing the value of the image data with the highest resolution is prepared, and an appropriate initial value R0 (example) : Sufficiently small resolution value) is set, and if NO is determined in step (1404) shown in FIG. 14, steps (1007) to (1009) shown in FIG. 10 are executed. It may be configured.

  Next, the enlargement / reduction ratio is finely adjusted based on the thickness of the thinnest line drawing obtained in the above-described processing and the color density.

  The actual processing is realized by adjusting the line thickness threshold LT set in the layout automatic application processing in step (1102) shown in FIG.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining an example of color density adjustment in automatic layout processing in the print control apparatus according to the present invention, and corresponds to an example of a calculation formula LT ′ for adjusting using color density.

  As shown in FIG. 15, in step (1102) shown in FIG. 11, the threshold value set by the user is LT, the converted threshold value is LT ', and the maximum density value is Dmax. For the coefficient a, an arbitrary value that makes the adjustment range appropriate is set. As a result, the value LT ′ of the line thickness threshold value can be increased in proportion to the decrease in the density D.

  By setting this threshold value LT ′ to LT in the step (1102) shown in FIG. 11, it becomes possible to suppress the maximum value of the applicable reduction rate in proportion to the thinness of the density. . Subsequent processing is the same as in the first embodiment.

  As a result, it is possible to calculate the layout type with the highest reduction ratio in consideration of not only the thickness of the line data, which is graphics data, but also its color density. As a result, it is possible to provide the user with a print output in which multiple pages / sheet printing that is most efficient in the number of sheets to be used and the printing time is automatically applied while ensuring the print quality expected by the user. Become.

  In the case of color data, the processing described in the above embodiments is performed for each color component data, and the layout type with the highest reduction ratio is selected from the layout types calculated for each color component. You may comprise.

  As a result, it is possible to prevent color fraud due to reduction of color data.

[Third Embodiment]
The configuration of a data processing program that can be read by the print control apparatus according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the memory map shown in FIG.

  FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a memory map of a recording medium that stores various data processing programs that can be read by the print control apparatus according to the present invention.

  Although not specifically shown, information for managing a program group stored in the recording medium, for example, version information, creator, etc. is also stored, and information depending on the OS on the program reading side, for example, a program is identified and displayed. Icons may also be stored.

  Further, data depending on various programs is also managed in the directory. In addition, a program for installing various programs in the computer, and a program for decompressing when the program to be installed is compressed may be stored.

  The functions shown in FIGS. 9, 10, 11, and 14 in this embodiment may be performed by a host computer by a program installed from the outside. In this case, the present invention is applied even when an information group including a program is supplied to the output device from a recording medium such as a CD-ROM, a flash memory, or an FD, or from an external recording medium via a network. Is.

  As described above, a recording medium recording software program codes for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or apparatus, and a computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus stores the recording medium in the recording medium. It goes without saying that the object of the present invention can also be achieved by reading and executing the programmed program code.

  In this case, the program code itself read from the recording medium realizes the novel function of the present invention, and the recording medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

  Therefore, as long as it has the function of the program, the form of the program such as an object code, a program executed by an interpreter, or script data supplied to the OS is not limited.

  As a recording medium for supplying the program, for example, a flexible disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, MO, CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, ROM, DVD, etc. Can be used.

  In this case, the program code itself read from the recording medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiment, and the recording medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

  As another program supply method, a browser of a client computer is used to connect to a homepage on the Internet, and the computer program itself of the present invention or a compressed file including an automatic installation function is stored on a recording medium such as a hard disk from the homepage. It can also be supplied by downloading. It can also be realized by dividing the program code constituting the program of the present invention into a plurality of files and downloading each file from a different homepage. That is, a WWW server, an ftp server, and the like that allow a plurality of users to download a program file for realizing the functional processing of the present invention on a computer are also included in the claims of the present invention.

  In addition, the program of the present invention is encrypted, stored on a recording medium such as a CD-ROM, distributed to users, and key information for decryption is downloaded from a homepage via the Internet to users who have cleared predetermined conditions. It is also possible to execute the encrypted program by using the key information and install the program on a computer.

  Further, by executing the program code read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also an OS (operating system) or the like running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by performing part or all of the actual processing and the processing is included.

  Furthermore, after the program code read from the recording medium is written in a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted in the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function expansion is performed based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that the case where the CPU or the like provided in the board or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.

  According to each of the above-described embodiments, multiple page / sheet printing that can reduce the printing cost and the printing time most automatically while maintaining the quality of graphics data and image data that has not been considered in the conventional technology is automatically performed. It is possible to provide a printing system, a control method, and a program that can be adapted.

  As a result, it was necessary to improve the print quality, reduce the cost and time wasted due to the generation of illegal printed materials, and at the same time, perform these processes automatically, so that optimum settings can be made manually. It is possible to eliminate the load on the user.

  The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications (including organic combinations of the embodiments) are possible based on the spirit of the present invention, and these are excluded from the scope of the present invention. is not.

  Although various examples and embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will recognize that the spirit and scope of the present invention are not limited to the specific descriptions in the present specification, but the following embodiments. Needless to say, is also included. Hereinafter, Embodiments 1 to 12 will be described.

[Embodiment 1]
A print control apparatus capable of generating print data in which a plurality of logical pages are page laid out on one physical page based on a drawing command from an application, and for each drawing command having a different drawing type included in the drawing command A layout on one physical page based on setting means for setting layout restriction information (set via a setting screen displayed by the printer driver 203 shown in FIG. 3) and each layout restriction information set by the setting means. A determination unit (by the function of the despooler 306 shown in FIG. 3) for determining the number of logical pages to be generated, and generation for generating print data in which a plurality of pages are reduced and laid out based on the number of logical pages determined by the determination unit Means (depending on the function of the despooler 306 shown in FIG. 3) The control device.

  As a result, it is possible to prevent the number of page layouts from becoming unreadable for each drawing information having different drawing types such as characters, lines, and images included in the original drawing information in the reduced layout processing. Print data that can read the drawing information can be generated.

[Embodiment 2]
The setting means includes layout restriction information for restricting the character size for the character data included in the drawing command, layout restriction information for restricting the fineness of the line for the line data, and an image reduction size for the image data. The print control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein layout restriction information to be restricted can be set.

  As a result, it is possible to prevent the number of page layouts from being unreadable in the original drawing information in the reduced layout process, and to generate print data that can read the characters, lines, and images. .

[Embodiment 3]
The print control apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the setting unit can designate an attribute for adjusting layout restriction information for restricting line fineness with respect to line data.

  As a result, it is possible to prevent a situation where line data composed of a small number of dots is lost in the reduction process.

[Embodiment 4]
The printing according to claim 2, wherein the setting means sets layout restriction information for each drawing command having a different drawing type included in the drawing command via a predetermined print setting screen by a printer driver. Control device.

  Thereby, the layout restriction information intended by the user at the time of print setting can be freely set.

[Embodiment 5]
The setting means sets layout restriction information for each drawing command having a different drawing type included in the drawing command when an automatic layout is selected on a predetermined print setting screen by a printer driver. The printing control apparatus according to the second embodiment.

  Thereby, when the user selects an automatic layout at the time of print setting, intended layout restriction information can be freely set.

[Embodiment 6]
A print control method in a print control apparatus capable of generating print data in which a plurality of logical pages are page laid out on one physical page based on a drawing command from an application, each having a different drawing type included in the drawing command A setting step (step (901) shown in FIG. 9 and the like) for setting layout restriction information for the drawing command, and a logical page to be laid out on one physical page based on each layout restriction information set by the setting step A determination step (steps (903) to (906) shown in FIG. 9) for determining the number, and a generation step for generating print data in which a plurality of pages are reduced and laid out based on the number of logical pages determined by the determination step (Step (907) shown in FIG. 9) Your way.

  Thereby, the effect equivalent to Embodiment 1 can be expected.

[Embodiment 7]
The setting step includes layout restriction information for restricting the character size for the character data included in the drawing command, layout restriction information for restricting the fineness of the line for the line data, and an image reduction size for the image data. 6. The print control method according to claim 5, wherein layout restriction information to be restricted can be set.

  Thereby, the effect equivalent to Embodiment 2 can be expected.

[Embodiment 8]
8. The print control method according to claim 7, wherein the setting step makes it possible to specify an attribute for adjusting layout restriction information for restricting line fineness for line data.

  Thereby, the effect equivalent to Embodiment 3 can be expected.

[Embodiment 9]
The printing according to claim 7, wherein the setting step sets layout restriction information for each drawing command having a different drawing type included in the drawing command via a predetermined print setting screen by a printer driver. Control step.

  Thereby, an effect equivalent to that of Embodiment 4 can be expected.

[Embodiment 10]
In the setting step, when automatic layout is selected on a predetermined print setting screen by a printer driver, layout restriction information for each drawing command having a different drawing type included in the drawing command is set. The printing control method according to the seventh embodiment.

  Thereby, an effect equivalent to that of Embodiment 5 can be expected.

[Embodiment 11]
A computer-readable recording medium storing a program for executing the printing control method according to any one of Embodiments 6 to 10.

  Thereby, the effect equivalent to Embodiment 6-10 can be anticipated.

[Embodiment 12]
A program that causes a computer to execute the printing control method according to any one of Embodiments 6 to 10.

  Thereby, the effect equivalent to Embodiment 6-10 can be anticipated.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printer control system to which a print control apparatus of the present invention can be applied. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a control module of a host computer in the printing system illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of a control module in the host computer shown in FIG. 2. It is a figure which shows the variation of the layout printing result in the printing control apparatus which concerns on this invention. It is a figure explaining the 1st example of print data processing by the printing control apparatus which concerns on this invention. It is a figure explaining the 2nd example of print data processing by the printing control apparatus which concerns on this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the print setting screen in the print control apparatus which concerns on this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the print setting screen in the print control apparatus which concerns on this invention. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a first data processing procedure in the print control apparatus according to the present invention. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a second data processing procedure in the print control apparatus according to the present invention. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a third data processing procedure in the print control apparatus according to the present invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the page layout determination table ensured on RAM shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the automatic page layout setting screen in the printing control apparatus which shows 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the 4th data processing procedure in the printing control apparatus which concerns on this invention. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of color density adjustment in automatic layout processing in the print control apparatus according to the present invention. It is a figure explaining the memory map of the recording medium which stores the various data processing program which can be read by the printing control apparatus which concerns on this invention.

Explanation of symbols

100 Host computer 101 CPU
102 RAM
111 External Memory 150 Printer 201 Application 202 Graphic Engine 203 Printer Driver 204 System Spooler 302 Internal Spool Processing 303 Spooler 304 Internal Spool File 305 Spool File Manager 306 Despooler

Claims (12)

A print control apparatus capable of generating print data in which a plurality of logical pages are laid out on one physical page based on a drawing command from an application,
Setting means for setting layout restriction information for each drawing command having a different drawing type included in the drawing command;
Determining means for determining the number of logical pages to be laid out on one physical page based on each layout restriction information set by the setting means;
Generating means for generating print data in which a plurality of pages are reduced and laid out based on the number of logical pages determined by the determining means;
A printing control apparatus comprising:   The setting means includes layout restriction information for restricting the character size for the character data included in the drawing command, layout restriction information for restricting the fineness of the line for the line data, and an image reduction size for the image data. The print control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein layout restriction information to be restricted can be set.   The print control apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the setting unit is capable of designating an attribute for adjusting layout restriction information for restricting line fineness with respect to line data.   3. The printing according to claim 2, wherein the setting unit sets layout restriction information for each drawing command having a different drawing type included in the drawing command via a predetermined print setting screen by a printer driver. Control device.   The setting means sets layout restriction information for each drawing command having a different drawing type included in the drawing command when an automatic layout is selected on a predetermined print setting screen by a printer driver. The print control apparatus according to claim 2. A print control method in a print control apparatus capable of generating print data in which a plurality of logical pages are page laid out on one physical page based on a drawing command from an application, each having a different drawing type included in the drawing command A setting step for setting layout restriction information for the drawing command of
A determination step of determining the number of logical pages to be laid out on one physical page based on each layout restriction information set in the setting step;
A generation step of generating print data in which a plurality of pages are reduced and laid out based on the number of logical pages determined in the determination step;
A printing control method characterized by comprising:   The setting step includes layout restriction information for restricting the character size for the character data included in the drawing command, layout restriction information for restricting the fineness of the line for the line data, and an image reduction size for the image data. 6. The print control method according to claim 5, wherein layout restriction information to be restricted can be set.   The print control method according to claim 7, wherein the setting step makes it possible to specify an attribute for adjusting layout restriction information for restricting line fineness for line data.   8. The printing according to claim 7, wherein the setting step sets layout restriction information for each drawing command having a different drawing type included in the drawing command via a predetermined print setting screen by a printer driver. Control step.   In the setting step, when automatic layout is selected on a predetermined print setting screen by a printer driver, layout restriction information for each drawing command having a different drawing type included in the drawing command is set. The printing control method according to claim 7.   A computer-readable recording medium storing a program for the computer to execute the print control method according to claim 6.   A program for causing a computer to execute the print control method according to claim 6.

Images