JP2010191805A - Image-forming device and printer driver program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image-forming device which prevents the occurrence of erroneous printing, in which an image which is edited so that it may fit in one page on an editing screen is divided and printed on a plurality of pages, and obtains a printed image having a layout which a user wants at a smaller load. <P>SOLUTION: A printing system 10 which includes a printer 34 and a display part includes a control part having; a page number determination function which determines whether the number of image data printing pages is two or larger; a display control function which makes the display part display a dialog box for confirming printing which makes a user determine whether an image based on the image data should be printed in the case that the page number determination section determines that the number of image data printing pages is two or larger; a reception function which receives the user's determination; and a print control function which makes the printer 34 print the image based on the image data on the basis of the determination which the reception function receives. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and a printer driver program, and more particularly to a technique for reducing printing errors.

  Some application software for PC (Personal Computer) is ambiguous in terms of pages. When printing an image based on a file edited by such application software, there is a problem that the image on the editing screen is different from the print image. For example, when printing an image based on a file edited by “Microsoft Excel (registered trademark)” which is a spreadsheet software (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “Excel file”), the user sets a print range. Instead, if a print instruction is issued with reference to only the editing screen, an image edited to fit within one page on the editing screen may be divided into a plurality of pages and printed. When such a printing mistake occurs, there is a possibility that a recording agent such as recording paper and toner is wasted.

  As a method for preventing the above-described printing mistake, there is a method in which a user confirms a preview screen before printing. However, it is difficult for a user who does not have the habit of using such a method or a user who does not have time to check the preview screen to prevent the above-described printing mistake.

  As another method, there is a technique disclosed in Patent Document 1 described later. In this technique, when the ratio of the margin of the last page in the primary image data formed based on the print target data is a certain level or more, the content portion other than the margin of the last page is included in the page before the last page. Secondary image data is formed, and printing is performed based on the formed secondary image data.

JP 2005-219294 A

  In the technique disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-228688, the process of filling the content portion other than the margin of the final page into the page before the final page is mechanically performed, so that the obtained print image is different from the layout desired by the user. There is a fear. In addition, when the obtained print image is different from the layout desired by the user, the process of creating the secondary image data having a large processing load is wasted.

  An object of the present invention is to prevent a printing mistake in which an image edited so as to fit within one page on the editing screen is divided into a plurality of pages and printed image having a layout desired by the user. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus and a printer driver program that can be obtained with a small load.

  An image forming apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention is an image forming apparatus including a printing unit that prints an image based on image data specified by a user, and a display unit that displays an image based on the image data. When the page number determining means for determining whether or not the number of print pages of the image data is 2 or more and the page number determination means determine that the number of print pages of the image data is 2 or more, display Display control means for displaying a confirmation image for allowing the user to determine whether or not to print an image based on the image data, and whether or not to print the image based on the image data by the user. Receiving means for receiving, and print control means for causing the printing means to print an image based on the image data based on the determination received by the receiving means.

  As described above, when the number of print pages of the image data is two or more, a confirmation image for causing the user to determine whether or not to print an image based on the image data is displayed. The above determination can be made based on the image. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a printing error in which an image edited so as to fit on one page on the editing screen is divided into a plurality of pages and printed. Further, since the printing unit performs printing based on the above determination by the user, the user can re-edit the image data when it is determined not to perform printing. Therefore, a print image having a layout desired by the user can be obtained with a small load.

  Preferably, the image forming apparatus determines whether there is a print page having a print area having a size equal to or smaller than a predetermined threshold in the print pages excluding the first page of the image data. The display control means is a case where the page number determination means determines that the number of print pages of the image data is 2 pages or more, and the print area determination means determines the first page of the image data. When it is determined that there is a print page having a print area having a size equal to or smaller than a predetermined threshold among the print pages excluding the, the confirmation image is displayed on the display means.

  As a result, the user can more easily determine whether to print an image based on the image data based on the confirmation image. Accordingly, it is possible to more easily prevent a printing error in which an image edited so as to fit within one page on the editing screen is divided into a plurality of pages and printed.

  More preferably, when the image data is PDL (Page Description Language) data converted into a page description language, the print area determination unit determines a predetermined print page in the print page excluding the first page of the image data. By determining whether or not there is a print page having an object number equal to or less than the threshold value, it is determined whether or not there is a print page having a print area having a size equal to or smaller than a predetermined threshold value. This makes it possible to determine whether or not there is a print page having a print area having a size equal to or smaller than a predetermined threshold value more easily and reliably.

  More preferably, when the image data is GDI (Graphical Device Interface) data converted into a bitmap format, the print area determination unit is a predetermined print page excluding the first page of the image data. By determining whether or not there is a print page having a dot number equal to or less than the threshold value, it is determined whether or not there is a print page having a print area having a size equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value. This makes it possible to determine whether or not there is a print page having a print area having a size equal to or smaller than a predetermined threshold value more easily and reliably.

  More preferably, the image forming apparatus further includes an application determination unit that determines whether or not the image data is image data edited by a predetermined predetermined application software, and the display control unit includes the page number determination unit. The number of print pages of the image data is determined to be two or more, and the print area determination means prints a print page having a size equal to or smaller than a predetermined threshold among the print pages excluding the first page of the image data. When it is determined that there is a print page having an area, and the application determination unit determines that the image data is image data edited by predetermined application software, a confirmation image is displayed to the display unit. Is displayed.

  Thus, the user can more easily determine whether to print an image based on the image data based on the confirmation image. Therefore, it is possible to further easily prevent a printing error in which an image edited so as to fit on one page on the editing screen is divided into a plurality of pages and printed.

  More preferably, the image based on the image data edited by the predetermined application software determined in advance differs between when printed by the printing unit and when displayed by the display unit. Accordingly, it is possible to further reliably prevent a printing error in which an image edited so as to fit on one page on the editing screen is divided into a plurality of pages and printed.

  More preferably, the display control means includes, as a confirmation image, the number of print pages of the image data and a confirmation message for causing the user to determine whether or not to print an image based on the image data. Display a dialog box.

  Thus, the user can more easily determine whether to print an image based on the image data based on the confirmation image. Therefore, it is possible to further easily prevent a printing error in which an image edited so as to fit on one page on the editing screen is divided into a plurality of pages and printed.

  More preferably, the printing unit prints an image based on the image data when the receiving unit receives a determination to print an image based on the image data by the user. Thus, the user can edit the image data again more reliably when it is determined that printing is not performed. Therefore, a print image having a layout desired by the user can be obtained more reliably with a small load.

  A printer driver program according to a second aspect of the present invention includes an image forming apparatus including a printing unit that prints an image based on image data designated by a user and a display unit that displays an image based on the image data. A printer driver program that functions as a computer, the page number determining means for determining whether or not the number of printed pages of image data is two or more, and the number of printed pages of image data by the page number determining means. Display control means for causing the display means to display a confirmation image for allowing the user to determine whether or not to print an image based on the image data when the image data is determined to be two pages or more; Receiving means for accepting a determination as to whether or not to print an image based on the Zui with respect printing means, to function as a print control means for causing the printing of an image based on image data.

  As described above, when the number of print pages of the image data is two or more, a confirmation image for causing the user to determine whether or not to print an image based on the image data is displayed. The above determination can be made based on the image. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a printing error in which an image edited so as to fit on one page on the editing screen is divided into a plurality of pages and printed. Further, since the function as the printing unit performs printing based on the above determination by the user, the user can edit the image data again when it is determined not to perform printing. Therefore, a print image having a layout desired by the user can be obtained with a small load.

  According to the present invention, when the number of print pages of the image data is two or more, a confirmation image for causing the user to determine whether or not to print an image based on the image data is displayed. The above determination can be made based on the confirmation image. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a printing error in which an image edited so as to fit on one page on the editing screen is divided into a plurality of pages and printed. Further, since the printing unit performs printing based on the above determination by the user, the user can re-edit the image data when it is determined not to perform printing. Therefore, a print image having a layout desired by the user can be obtained with a small load.

1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a printing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of information processing apparatus. It is a figure which shows the control structure of the computer program for implement | achieving the print confirmation process which concerns on this Embodiment with a flowchart format. It is a figure which shows an example of the dialog box for printing confirmation. It is a figure which shows an example of the printing image based on the produced image data. It is a figure which shows an example of the printing image based on the produced image data. It is a figure which shows the control structure of the computer program for implement | achieving the printing confirmation process which concerns on this modification in a flowchart format.

  In the following description and drawings, the same reference numerals and names are assigned to the same components. Their functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a printing system 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1, a printing system 10 includes a digital multi-function peripheral 22 and an information processing apparatus 12, and operates as an image forming apparatus as a whole. The digital multi-function peripheral 22 and the information processing apparatus 12 are connected to each other via a network 20 including a LAN (Local Area Network) line and can transmit and receive various types of data including image data to each other.

  The information processing device 12 is a terminal device such as a PC that is operated by a general user in order to use the digital multi-function peripheral 22. Although only one information processing apparatus 12 is shown in FIG. 1, there are actually many information processing apparatuses 12.

  In the printing system 10, when the information processing apparatus 12 transmits a print instruction signal for instructing the digital multifunction peripheral 22 to execute a print job and image data to be printed, the digital multifunction peripheral 22 receives the print instruction. Responsive to the signal, the print job is executed.

<Hardware configuration>
[Digital MFP 22]
Referring to FIG. 1, the digital multi-function peripheral 22 includes a control unit 24, a scanner unit 32, a printer unit 34, an image processing unit 35, an operation panel 36, a NIC (Network Interface Card) 38, and a power supply control unit 39. .

  The control unit 24 is substantially a computer and includes a CPU 40, a ROM 42, a RAM 44, and an HDD 46. A BUS line 26 is connected to the CPU 40, and a ROM 42, a RAM 44, and an HDD 46 are electrically connected to the BUS line 26. The CPU 40 executes various computer programs in accordance with instructions from the operation panel 36 and the like, thereby executing desired processes such as the operation of each unit of the digital multi-function peripheral 22 and communication with the information processing apparatus 12. The various computer programs are stored in advance in the ROM 42 or the HDD 46, and are read from the ROM 42 or the HDD 46 and transferred to the RAM 44 when a desired process is executed. The CPU 40 reads and interprets a program instruction from an address in the RAM 44 specified by a value stored in a register called a program counter (not shown) in the CPU 40. The CPU 40 also reads data necessary for the operation from the address specified by the read instruction, and executes an operation corresponding to the instruction on the data. The execution result is also stored in an address designated by the instruction, such as a register in the RAM 44, HDD 46, and CPU 40.

  The HDD 46 stores a computer program for realizing general operations of the digital multi-function peripheral 22. This computer program is provided from the information processing apparatus 12 via the network 20 and the NIC 38. This computer program may be provided by a recording medium such as a DVD on which the computer program is recorded. That is, a DVD as a computer program recording medium may be mounted on a DVD drive (not shown) built in the digital multi-function peripheral 22, and the computer program may be read from the DVD and installed in the HDD 46.

  In addition, the HDD 46 stores various data including image data and the like.

  Further, a scanner unit 32, a printer unit 34, an image processing unit 35, an operation panel 36, a NIC 38, and a power supply control unit 39 are electrically connected to the BUS line 26.

  The scanner unit 32 includes a document detection sensor and a CCD (Charge-Coupled Device) line sensor (none of which is shown). The document detection sensor is a light source (not shown) for an image surface of a document placed on a document placement table (not shown) manually by a user or by an automatic document feeder (not shown). The reflected light image obtained by irradiating light is formed on the CCD line sensor. The CCD line sensor sequentially photoelectrically converts the formed reflected light image and outputs it to the image processing unit 35 as image data. That is, when copying or scanning a document, the scanner unit 32 reads image information from a document placed on a document placement table by a document detection sensor and converts the read image information into an electrical signal by a CCD line sensor. The data is output to the image processing unit 35.

  The printer unit 34 includes an image memory 48 and a printing unit 50. The image memory 48 includes a RAM and temporarily stores print data in units of pages. The image memory 48 temporarily stores, for example, print data input from the image processing unit 35 for transmission to the printing unit 50 in response to an instruction from the control unit 24 or the like, and stores the stored print data. Data is output to the printing unit 50 in synchronization with image formation by the printing unit 50. The printing unit 50 is detachably attached to the photosensitive drum, the charger, the LSU (Laser Scanning Unit), the developing device, the transfer device, the cleaning device, and the fixing device (none of which are shown), and the digital multi-function device 22. Includes a toner cartridge to be mounted. The printing unit 50 further includes a manual paper feed tray, a first paper feed tray, and a second paper feed tray (all of which are not shown) that are detachably attached to the digital multifunction peripheral 22. These paper feed trays are installed so as to be lined up and down in this order, hold the recording paper, and feed the recording paper to a paper transport unit (not shown). The manual paper feed tray is a tray for a user to manually place desired recording paper, and the first paper feed tray and the second paper feed tray are trays for holding recording papers of different sizes. . In response to an instruction from the control unit 24 or the like, the printing unit 50 performs an image based on print data transmitted from the image memory 48 on a recording sheet conveyed from any of the above-described paper feed trays via the sheet conveyance unit. To print.

  The image processing unit 35 includes an MPU (Micro Processing Unit, not shown). The image processing unit 35 performs various processes including predetermined image processing such as rasterization processing on the image data received from the scanner unit 32 or the information processing apparatus 12 to generate print data having a predetermined gradation. Created and output to the printer unit 34.

  When the image data received from the information processing apparatus 12 is PDL data converted into a page description language, the image processing unit 35 performs predetermined image processing such as rasterization processing to create print data. On the other hand, when the image data received from the information processing device 12 is GDI data converted into the bitmap (BMP) format, the processing such as the rasterizing process already performed in the information processing device 12 is excluded. Various processing is performed to create print data.

  The operation panel 36 includes a display output unit including a liquid crystal display and an operation interface unit including operation buttons and a touch panel. The display output unit provides the user with various types of information such as information on the state of the digital multifunction peripheral 22 and the state of various processes. The operation interface unit provides an interface for the user to operate the digital multi-function peripheral 22. The operation panel 36 also provides an interactive operation interface for the user, which is configured by overlapping a liquid crystal display and a touch panel. This interactive operation interface accepts a user instruction for the operation of the entire digital multi-function peripheral 22 from the touch panel, displays the contents of the instruction on the liquid crystal display, and sends a control signal corresponding to the instruction to the control unit 24 or the image. Output to the MPU of the processing unit 35. The operation panel 36 further includes a power button for inputting a power-on instruction and a power-off instruction, a print start key for starting a print job, and the like.

  The NIC 38 interfaces with the network 20. The digital multi-function peripheral 22 can perform data communication according to a predetermined communication protocol with the information processing apparatus 12 on the network 20 via the NIC 38. The digital multi-function peripheral 22 can receive an instruction signal for instructing execution of various processes such as a print job from the information processing apparatus 12 via the NIC 38.

  The power supply control unit 39 is electrically connected to the external power supply 52. The power supply control unit 39 acquires power necessary for the operation of each unit of the digital multi-function peripheral 22 from the external power source 52 and supplies the acquired power to each unit of the digital multi-function peripheral 22.

  The digital multi-function peripheral 22 operates the above-described units to copy a document image on a recording sheet in accordance with an instruction from a user input operation from the operation panel 36 or an instruction from the information processing apparatus 12 or the like. Execute one of various modes such as a print mode for receiving image data transmitted from the information processing device 12 and printing on recording paper, and a scanner mode for reading a document image and transmitting it to the information processing device 12 or the like. To do.

[Information processing apparatus 12]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the information processing apparatus 12. With reference to FIG. 2, the information processing apparatus 12 includes a control unit 100, an HDD 112, an operation unit 114, a display unit 116, and a NIC 118.

  The control unit 100 is substantially a computer, and includes a CPU 122, a ROM 124, and a RAM 126. A BUS line 128 is connected to the CPU 122, and a ROM 124 and a RAM 126 are electrically connected to the BUS line 128. The CPU 122 executes various computer programs in response to instructions from an external device including the digital multi-function peripheral 22 or the like or the operation unit 114, thereby performing desired operations such as operation of each unit of the information processing device 12 and communication with the external device. Execute the process. The various computer programs are stored in advance in the ROM 124 or the HDD 112, and are read from the ROM 124 or the HDD 112 and transferred to the RAM 126 when a desired process is executed. The CPU 122 reads and interprets a program instruction from an address in the RAM 126 specified by a value stored in a register called a program counter (not shown) in the CPU 122. CPU 122 also reads data necessary for the operation from the address specified by the read instruction, and executes an operation corresponding to the instruction on the data. The execution result is also stored in an address specified by an instruction, such as a register in the RAM 126, the HDD 112, and the CPU 122.

  Further, the HDD 112, the operation unit 114, the display unit 116, and the NIC 118 are electrically connected to the BUS line 128. The HDD 112 includes a magnetic storage medium, and stores various data including image data for displaying various screens on the display unit 116.

  The HDD 112 stores a predetermined threshold value for determining whether or not there is a print page having an extremely small print area in the print page of the image data in a print confirmation process described later. This threshold value is set so that it is determined that the print area is extremely small when the size of the print area in the print page is equal to or smaller than a predetermined threshold value. In the present embodiment, the number of objects serving as an index indicating the size of the print area in the PDL data is used as the predetermined threshold value. Here, the number of objects indicates the number of data described as objects in the page description language included in the PDL data.

  The HDD 112 further stores a printer driver program (hereinafter simply referred to as “printer driver”) for causing the digital multi-function peripheral 22 to execute a print job. By executing this printer driver, the information processing apparatus 12 can realize an operation for causing the digital multi-function peripheral 22 to print an image based on the contents of the file designated by the user, a print confirmation process described later, and the like. . The printer driver may be provided by an external storage device in which the printer driver is recorded, for example, a recording medium such as a DVD. That is, a DVD as a recording medium for the printer driver may be mounted on a DVD drive (not shown) built in the information processing apparatus 12, and the printer driver may be read from the DVD and installed in the HDD 112.

  The HDD 112 further stores various application software. By executing the application software, the information processing apparatus 12 can realize an operation for editing the content of the file, an operation for browsing the content of the file, and the like. As various application software, for example, “Microsoft Excel (registered trademark)” which is a spreadsheet software in “Microsoft Office (registered trademark)” of Microsoft (registered trademark), and “Microsoft Word (registered trademark)” which is a word processor software are included. ) ”Etc. A specific extension associated with each application software is added to the end of the file name of the file edited by these application software. These application softwares are executed under the control of an OS (Operating System). The OS acquires the execution file name of the application software associated with the extension based on the extension attached to the file name of the specified file, and executes the corresponding application software based on the acquired execution file name To do.

  The operation unit 114 is an input device including a keyboard for performing various inputs and character inputs in accordance with user instructions and the like, and a pointing device such as a mouse. The operation unit 114 is connected to the BUS line 128 via an interface (not shown).

  The display unit 116 is a display device composed of a liquid crystal display or the like for displaying the processing result of the information processing device 12. The display unit 116 is connected to the BUS line 128 via a video circuit (not shown) for driving the display unit 116.

  The information processing apparatus 12 is connected to the network 20 via the NIC 118 and can perform data communication with an external apparatus including the digital multifunction peripheral 22 connected on the network 20. The information processing apparatus 12 can transmit an instruction signal for instructing execution of various processes such as a print job to the digital multifunction peripheral 22 via the NIC 118.

  A power supply (not shown) is connected to each part of the information processing apparatus 12, and each part of the information processing apparatus 12 operates by supplying power from this power supply.

  The information processing apparatus 12 performs a print confirmation process, which will be described later, when a predetermined file is specified by an input operation from the operation unit 114 by the user and an instruction for executing a print job is issued. A print instruction signal for instructing execution of a print job and image data based on the designated file are transmitted to the digital multi-function peripheral 22 according to the result of the confirmation process.

<Software configuration>
[Information processing apparatus 12]
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the control structure of the computer program for realizing the print confirmation processing according to the present embodiment. As described above, a part of the printer driver stored in the HDD 112 is programmed to execute the print confirmation process. This print confirmation process is realized by the cooperation of the hardware and the computer program by the CPU 122 controlling the operation of each unit of the information processing apparatus 12 according to the computer program that is a part of the printer driver. It is executed by a function, a page number determination function, a print area determination function, a display control function, a reception function, and the like.

  The application determination function is a function for determining whether or not the image data is image data based on a file edited by a predetermined predetermined application software. The page number determination function is the image data. Is a function for determining whether or not the number of print pages is 2 or more. The print area determination function is a print page excluding the first page of image data within a predetermined threshold value or less. The display control function is a function for determining whether or not there is a print page having a print area of the size. This is a function that displays a print confirmation dialog box that contains a confirmation message that allows the user to determine whether or not to print an image based on The ability of the user is a function of accepting a determination of whether to print the image based on the image data.

  A printer driver including a computer program for realizing print confirmation processing is activated when the information processing apparatus 12 is turned on.

  Referring to FIG. 3, the computer program for realizing the print confirmation process specifies a predetermined file by an input operation from operation unit 114 and print buttons (not shown) displayed on display unit 116. .) Is waited until the button is clicked, and in step S101, when a predetermined file is specified and it is determined that the print button is clicked (YES), the PDL data based on the specified file is executed. Is created as image data.

  The program further obtains an execution file name of the application software associated with the extension based on the extension attached to the file name of the specified file, and designates based on the acquired execution file name. Step S104 for determining whether or not the processed file is an Excel file.

  Further, this program is executed when it is determined in step S104 that the file is an Excel file (in the case of YES), and whether or not the number of print pages of the image data becomes two or more based on the created PDL data. In step S105 and step S105, the process is executed when the number of print pages is determined to be two or more (in the case of YES), and the number of objects in the print page excluding the first page of the PDL data is determined for each page. Step S106.

  The program further determines, based on the calculated number of objects, whether or not there is a print page having an object number equal to or less than a predetermined threshold in a print page excluding the first page of the PDL data. When it is determined in S107 and step S107 that there is a print page having an object number equal to or less than a predetermined threshold (in the case of YES), that is, when it is determined that there is a print page having an extremely small print area And step S108 for controlling a video circuit (not shown) to display a print confirmation dialog box on the display unit 116.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the print confirmation dialog box 400. Referring to FIG. 4, a print confirmation dialog box 400 is a dialog box displayed on the edit screen 401, such as “The number of print pages is two. Are you sure you want to print?” A confirmation message 402 for allowing the user to determine whether or not to print an image based on the image data, a print confirmation button 404 for accepting a request to execute the print job by the user, and execution of the print job by the user And a print cancel button 406 for accepting a request to not.

  This program is further executed in step S109 for determining whether or not the print confirmation button 404 has been clicked, and if it is determined in step S109 that the print confirmation button 404 has not been clicked (in the case of NO), printing is performed. Step S110 for determining whether or not the stop button 406 is clicked. If it is determined in step S110 that the print cancel button 406 has been clicked (YES), the control returns to step S101, and if it is determined that the print cancel button 406 has not been clicked (NO). Then, control returns to step S109.

  This program is further executed when it is determined in step S109 that the print confirmation button 404 has been clicked (in the case of YES), or in the case of NO in step S104, step S105, or step S107, and the digital multi-function peripheral 22 is executed. In contrast, step S111 for transmitting the print instruction signal and the image data is included.

<Operation>
1 to 4, the printing system 10 according to the present embodiment operates as follows when a print job is executed. Note that the operations for realizing the general functions of the printing system 10 except the operations at the time of executing the print job are the same as the operations in the conventional printing system.

  The user of the information processing apparatus 12 turns on the power of the information processing apparatus 12 and executes “Microsoft Excel (registered trademark)” which is one of the application software, and the editing screen in which the Excel file is displayed on the display unit 116. Edit above. At this time, the user edits the Excel file so that the print image fits on one page. After editing the Excel file, the user designates the Excel file edited by the input operation from the operation unit 114 and clicks a print button (not shown) displayed on the display unit 116 to designate the specified Excel. Give instructions to request printing of the file.

  When a predetermined file is designated and the print button is clicked (YES in S101), CPU 122 creates PDL data based on the designated Excel file as image data (S102).

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print image 500 based on the created image data. Referring to FIG. 5, print image 500 includes a first print image 502 based on the image data of the first page and a second print image 504 based on the image data of the second page. The second print image 504 has an extremely small print area. Further, since the print image 500 does not fit on one page, the layout is not desired by the user.

  Further, the CPU 122 acquires the execution file name of the application software associated with the extension based on the extension attached to the file name of the designated Excel file (S103). In the present embodiment, the file name of the image data has an extension “xls”. Therefore, the CPU 122 obtains the execution file name “C: \ Program Files \ Microsoft Office \ OFFICE11 \ EXCEL.exe” of “Microsoft Excel (registered trademark)” which is application software associated with this extension.

  The CPU 122 determines that the specified file is an Excel file based on the acquired executable file name (YES in S104), and the number of print pages of image data is two or more based on the created PDL data. It is determined whether or not (S105).

  At this time, since the number of print pages of the image data is two pages (see FIG. 5), the CPU 122 determines that the number of print pages of the image data is two pages or more (YES in S105), and one page of PDL data. The number of objects in the printed page excluding the eyes is calculated for each page (S106). Then, based on the calculated number of objects, it is determined whether or not there is a print page having an object number equal to or less than a predetermined threshold in the print pages excluding the first page of the PDL data (S107).

  In the present embodiment, since the second print image 504 has an extremely small print area, the calculated number of objects is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value. Therefore, CPU 122 determines that there is a print page having an object number equal to or smaller than a predetermined threshold (YES in S107), controls video circuit (not shown), and prints on display unit 116. A confirmation dialog box 400 (see FIG. 4) is displayed (S108).

  The user confirms the content of the confirmation message 402, clicks the print cancel button 406, then executes “Microsoft Excel (registered trademark)” again, and the Excel file is displayed on the editing screen displayed on the display unit 116. Edit again. After re-editing the Excel file, the user designates the Excel file re-edited by the input operation from the operation unit 114 and clicks the print button displayed on the display unit 116 to print the designated Excel file. Give instructions to request.

  After the print cancel button 406 is clicked (YES in S110), a predetermined file is designated, and when the print button is clicked (YES in S101), the CPU 122 causes the PDL based on the designated Excel file. Data is created as image data (S102).

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print image 600 based on the created image data. Referring to FIG. 6, print image 600 includes a first print image 602 based on the image data of the first page. Since the print image 600 fits within one page, the layout is desired by the user.

  In the same manner as described above, the CPU 122 further executes the application software execution file name “C: \ Program Files \” associated with the extension based on the extension “xls” attached to the file name of the designated Excel file. Microsoft Office \ OFFICE11 \ EXCEL.exe "is acquired (S103).

  The CPU 122 determines that the specified file is an Excel file based on the acquired executable file name (YES in S104), and the number of print pages of image data is two or more based on the created PDL data. It is determined whether or not (S105).

  At this time, since the number of print pages of the image data is one page (see FIG. 6), the CPU 122 determines that the number of print pages of the image data does not become two pages or more (NO in S105), and the digital multifunction peripheral 22 In response to this, a print instruction signal and image data are transmitted (S111).

  When the print instruction signal and the image data are received by the NIC 38 of the digital multi-function peripheral 22, the image processing unit 35 performs various processes including predetermined image processing such as rasterization processing on the received PDL data as the image data. To generate print data and output it to the printer unit 34.

  The printer unit 34 prints an image based on the print data input from the image processing unit 35 on a recording sheet.

[Modification]
A modification of the printing system 10 is to realize the point that the number of dots serving as an index indicating the size of the printing area in the GDI data is used as a predetermined threshold value stored in the HDD 112 and the print confirmation process. The configuration is the same as that of the printing system 10 according to the above embodiment except that the program is different. In this modification, the same reference numerals and names are assigned to components having the same functions as those of the printing system 10, and detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

<Software configuration>
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the control structure of the computer program for realizing the print confirmation process according to this modification. Referring to FIG. 7, in the computer program for realizing the print confirmation process according to this modification, each process except the processes in step S202, step S205, step S206, and step S207 is performed by the computer program shown in FIG. This is the same as each process to be executed. Hereinafter, different parts will be described.

  The program creates GDI data based on the specified file as image data in step S202, and determines whether or not the number of print pages of the image data is two or more based on the created GDI data. In step S206, the number of dots in the print page excluding the first page of GDI data is calculated for each page, and based on the calculated number of dots, the print page excluding the first page of PDL data And step S207 for determining whether or not there is a print page having a dot number equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value. Note that step S208 is executed when it is determined in step S207 that there is a print page having a dot number equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value (in the case of YES).

<Operation>
With reference to FIGS. 1, 2, and 4 to 7, the modified example of the printing system 10 operates as follows when a print job is executed. The operations for realizing the general functions of the modified example of the printing system 10 except for the operations at the time of executing the print job are the same as the operations in the conventional printing system.

  The user of the information processing apparatus 12 turns on the power of the information processing apparatus 12 and executes “Microsoft Excel (registered trademark)” which is one of the application software, and the editing screen in which the Excel file is displayed on the display unit 116. Edit above. At this time, the user edits the Excel file so that the print image fits on one page. After editing the Excel file, the user designates the Excel file edited by the input operation from the operation unit 114 and clicks a print button displayed on the display unit 116 to request printing of the specified Excel file. Give instructions.

  When a predetermined file is designated and the print button is clicked (YES in S201), CPU 122 creates GDI data based on the designated Excel file as image data (S202).

  Further, the CPU 122 executes the application software execution file name “C: ¥ Program Files ¥ Microsoft Office ¥ OFFICE11 ¥ EXCEL” associated with the extension based on the extension “xls” attached to the file name of the specified Excel file. .Exe ”is acquired (S203).

  The CPU 122 determines that the specified file is an Excel file based on the acquired executable file name (YES in S204), and the number of print pages of image data is two or more based on the created GDI data. It is determined whether or not (S205).

  At this time, since the number of print pages of the image data is two pages (see FIG. 5), the CPU 122 determines that the number of print pages of the image data is two pages or more (YES in S205), and one page of GDI data. The number of dots in the printed page excluding the eyes is calculated for each page (S206). Then, based on the calculated dot number, it is determined whether or not there is a print page having a dot number equal to or less than a predetermined threshold in the print page excluding the first page of GDI data (S207).

  In the present modification, the second print image 504 (see FIG. 5) has an extremely small print area, so the calculated number of dots is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value. Therefore, CPU 122 determines that there is a print page having a dot number equal to or smaller than a predetermined threshold (YES in S207), and controls the video circuit (not shown) to print on display unit 116. A confirmation dialog box 400 (see FIG. 4) is displayed (S208).

  The user confirms the content of the confirmation message 402, clicks the print cancel button 406, then executes “Microsoft Excel (registered trademark)” again, and the Excel file is displayed on the editing screen displayed on the display unit 116. Edit again. After re-editing the Excel file, the user designates the Excel file re-edited by the input operation from the operation unit 114 and clicks the print button displayed on the display unit 116 to print the designated Excel file. Give instructions to request.

  After the print cancel button 406 is clicked (YES in S210), a predetermined file is specified, and when the print button is clicked (YES in S201), the CPU 122 performs GDI based on the specified Excel file. Data is created as image data (S202).

  In the same manner as described above, the CPU 122 further executes the application software execution file name “C: \ Program Files \” associated with the extension based on the extension “xls” attached to the file name of the designated Excel file. Microsoft Office \ OFFICE11 \ EXCEL.exe "is acquired (S203).

  The CPU 122 determines that the specified file is an Excel file based on the acquired executable file name (YES in S204), and the number of print pages of image data is two or more based on the created GDI data. It is determined whether or not (S205).

  At this time, since the number of print pages of the image data is one page (see FIG. 6), the CPU 122 determines that the number of print pages of the image data does not become two pages or more (NO in S205), and the digital multi-function peripheral 22 In response to this, a print instruction signal and image data are transmitted (S211).

  When the print instruction signal and the image data are received by the NIC 38 of the digital multi-function peripheral 22, the image processing unit 35 performs rasterization that has already been performed in the information processing apparatus 12 on the GDI data that is the received image data. Print data is generated by performing various processes other than the process such as the process, and is output to the printer unit 34.

  The printer unit 34 prints an image based on the print data input from the image processing unit 35 on a recording sheet.

<Action and effect>
According to the embodiment and the modification described above, the printing system 10 includes the printer unit 34 that prints an image based on image data created based on a file specified by the user, and a display that displays an image based on the image data. And an application determination function for determining whether or not the image data is image data edited by predetermined application software, and the number of print pages of the image data is two pages. Whether or not there is a print page having a print area having a size equal to or smaller than a predetermined threshold among the print pages excluding the first page of the image data, and a page number determination function for determining whether or not the above is satisfied The print area determination function and the page number determination function for determining whether or not the number of print pages of the image data is two or more. In addition, it is determined by the print area determination function that there is a print page having a print area having a size equal to or smaller than a predetermined threshold in the print pages excluding the first page of the image data, and the application determination function When the image data is determined to be image data edited by predetermined application software, the display unit 116 is caused to determine whether or not to print an image based on the image data. A print control dialog box 400 for displaying a print confirmation dialog box, a reception function for accepting the determination by the user, and a determination received by the reception function, the printer unit 34 prints an image based on the image data. A control unit 100 having a print control function to be performed is included.

  As described above, when the number of print pages of the image data is two or more, and the print page excluding the first page of the image data has a print area having a size equal to or smaller than a predetermined threshold value. If there is a print page having image data and the image data is image data edited by a predetermined application software, the user determines whether to print an image based on the image data. Since the print confirmation dialog box 400 is displayed, the user can easily make the above determination based on the print confirmation dialog box 400. Therefore, it is possible to easily prevent a printing error in which an image edited so as to fit within one page on the editing screen is divided into a plurality of pages and printed. Further, since the printer unit 34 performs printing based on the above determination by the user, the user can re-edit the image data when it is determined not to perform printing. Accordingly, a print image having a layout desired by the user can be obtained with a small load.

  Further, according to the above embodiment, the print region determination function of the control unit 100 includes the PDL data converted into the page description language in the print page excluding the first page of the image data. Then, it is determined whether there is a print page having a print area having a size equal to or smaller than a predetermined threshold by determining whether there is a print page having a number of objects equal to or smaller than a predetermined threshold. Further, according to the above-described modification, the print region determination function of the control unit 100 includes the GDI data converted into the bitmap format in the print page excluding the first page of the image data. By determining whether or not there is a print page having a dot number equal to or smaller than a predetermined threshold, it is determined whether or not there is a print page having a print area having a size equal to or smaller than a predetermined threshold.

  This makes it possible to determine whether or not there is a print page having a print area having a size equal to or smaller than a predetermined threshold value more easily and reliably.

  Further, according to the above-described embodiment and modification, an image based on image data edited by predetermined application software is different between when printed by the printer unit 34 and when displayed by the display unit 116. . Such predetermined application software is not limited to the above-mentioned “Microsoft Excel (registered trademark)”. For example, “Mailer” that is application software for sending and receiving e-mails, “Web browser” that is application software for browsing Web pages, and for creating and editing text files It may be a “text editor” which is application software.

  Accordingly, it is possible to further reliably prevent a printing error in which an image edited so as to fit on one page on the editing screen is divided into a plurality of pages and printed.

  Further, according to the above-described embodiment and modification, the display control function of the control unit 100 provides the display unit 116 with a print confirmation dialog box 400 that prints the number of print pages of image data and prints an image based on the image data. A dialog box including a confirmation message 402 for allowing the user to determine whether or not to perform is displayed.

  Thus, the user can more easily determine whether to print an image based on the image data based on the print confirmation dialog box 400. Therefore, it is possible to further easily prevent a printing error in which an image edited so as to fit on one page on the editing screen is divided into a plurality of pages and printed.

  Further, according to the embodiment and the modification described above, when the reception function of the control unit 100 receives the determination that the user prints an image based on the image data, the printer unit 34 receives the image based on the image data. Print. Thereby, the user can re-edit the image data more reliably when it is determined not to perform printing. Therefore, a print image having a layout desired by the user can be obtained more reliably with a small load.

  The embodiment disclosed this time is merely an example, and the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above. The scope of the present invention is indicated by each claim in the scope of claims after taking into account the description of the detailed description of the invention, and all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the wording described therein are included. Including.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Printing system 20 Network 12 Information processing apparatus 22 Digital multifunction device 24,100 Control part 26,128 BUS line 32 Scanner part 34 Printer part 35 Image processing part 36 Operation panel 38,118 NIC
39 Power control unit 40, 122 CPU
42,124 ROM
44,126 RAM
46,112 HDD
48 Image memory 50 Printing unit 52 External power supply 114 Operation unit 116 Display unit

Claims (9)

An image forming apparatus comprising: a printing unit that prints an image based on image data specified by a user; and a display unit that displays an image based on the image data.
Page number determination means for determining whether or not the number of print pages of the image data is two or more;
When the page number determination unit determines that the number of print pages of the image data is two or more, the display unit causes the user to determine whether to print an image based on the image data. Display control means for displaying a confirmation image for
Accepting means for accepting a determination as to whether or not to print an image based on the image data by the user;
An image forming apparatus comprising: a printing control unit that causes the printing unit to print an image based on the image data based on the determination received by the receiving unit. A print area determination means for determining whether or not there is a print page having a print area having a size equal to or smaller than a predetermined threshold in the print pages excluding the first page of the image data;
The display control means is a case where the number of print pages of the image data is determined to be two or more by the page number determination means, and the first page of the image data is determined by the print area determination means. 2. The confirmation image is displayed on the display unit when it is determined that there is a print page having a print area having a size equal to or smaller than a predetermined threshold among the print pages excluding the above. The image forming apparatus described in 1.   When the image data is PDL data converted into a page description language, the print area determination unit includes the number of objects equal to or less than a predetermined threshold in a print page excluding the first page of the image data. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein it is determined whether or not there is a print page having a print area having a size equal to or smaller than a predetermined threshold value by determining whether or not there is a print page having a predetermined value.   When the image data is GDI data converted into a bitmap format, the print area determination unit includes the number of dots equal to or less than a predetermined threshold in a print page excluding the first page of the image data. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein it is determined whether or not there is a print page having a print area having a size equal to or smaller than a predetermined threshold value by determining whether or not there is a print page having a predetermined value. Application determination means for determining whether the image data is image data edited by a predetermined application software set in advance;
The display control means determines that the number of print pages of the image data is 2 or more by the page number determination means, and the print area determination means removes the first page of the image data. In the image, it is determined that there is a print page having a print area having a size equal to or smaller than a predetermined threshold, and the image data is edited by a predetermined application software by the application determination unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein when the data is determined to be data, the display unit displays the confirmation image.   6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein an image based on the image data edited by the predetermined application software is different between a case where the image is printed by the printing unit and a case where the image is displayed by the display unit. .   The display control means provides the display means with the number of print pages of the image data as the confirmation image and a confirmation message for allowing the user to determine whether or not to print an image based on the image data. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a dialog box including the dialog box is displayed.   The printing unit prints an image based on the image data when the receiving unit accepts a determination to print an image based on the image data by the user. The image forming apparatus according to any one of the above. A printer driver program that causes a computer to function as an image forming apparatus that includes a printing unit that prints an image based on image data designated by a user and a display unit that displays an image based on the image data.
The computer
Page number determination means for determining whether the number of print pages of the image data is two or more;
When the page number determination unit determines that the number of print pages of the image data is two or more, the display unit causes the user to determine whether to print an image based on the image data. Display control means for displaying a confirmation image for
Accepting means for accepting a determination as to whether or not to print an image based on the image data by the user;
A printer driver program that causes the printing unit to function as a print control unit that prints an image based on the image data based on the determination received by the receiving unit.

Images