JP2011013930A - Booklet printing program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a program for printing print data for one page in spread in booklet printing.SOLUTION: A printer 10 performs booklet printing for forming a booklet. A PC 20a is communicatively connected to a printer 10. A printer driver divides each of image data arranged in the order of pages to generate divided image data. The printer driver moves the data corresponding to the cover on the back side of the booklet among the two divided image data obtained by dividing the image data of the first page to the last of the order of pages. The printer driver allocates the divided image data of the P-th page (P is the variable of a natural number, 1≤P≤N) and the divided image data of (2N+1-P)th page to a print sheet about all the divided image data for 2N pages. The printer driver makes the printer 10 print the divided image data for 2 pages on both the sides of the print sheet based on the result of allocation.

Description

  The present invention relates to a program for causing a printing apparatus to execute booklet printing.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been known an image forming apparatus that executes booklet printing for producing a booklet (booklet) in which a plurality of sheets printed on two pages on the front and back surfaces are overlapped and folded in two. Yes.

JP-A-7-50738

  However, in conventional booklet printing, printing is performed by allocating print data for two pages on one side of the printing paper. Therefore, for example, it is difficult to print print data for one page with a double spread like a pamphlet. In this specification, the technique which can eliminate such inconvenience is provided.

  The program according to the present invention causes a computer to function as a dividing unit, a first rearranging unit, an allocating unit, and a printing control unit. The computer is communicably connected to the printing apparatus. The number of printing apparatuses connected to the computer is not limited to one, and may be plural. Examples of the connection form include Ethernet (registered trademark) and USB. The printing apparatus is capable of booklet printing. Booklet printing is a printing method in which a booklet can be formed by printing two pages each on both sides of a printing paper and then folding the printed printing paper into a plurality of folded sheets.

  The dividing unit divides the image data for each of N pages (N is a natural number) of image data arranged in page order to generate 2N pages of divided image data. When the image data has a rectangular shape that matches the shape of the printing paper, it is preferable to divide the image data so that it passes through the midpoint of the long side. After the divided image data divided into two by the dividing means is bound into a booklet, the divided image data is continued at the page boundary portion of the spread to form one page of image data. Note that the number of pages of divided image data (2N) is twice the number of pages of image data (N).

  The first rearranging means converts the divided image data corresponding to the cover on the back side of the booklet, out of the two divided image data obtained by dividing the image data of the first page, at the end of the page order of the divided image data. Move to. The booklet has a front cover and a back cover. The front cover is paper that covers the first page of the booklet. The back cover is paper that covers the last page of the booklet. After the booklet is bound by moving the divided image data corresponding to the back cover to the end of the page order, two divided images obtained by dividing the image data of the first page The image data for one page can be formed by the data being continuous at the boundary between the front cover and the back cover.

  The assigning means assigns the divided image data of the P page of the divided image data and the divided image data of the (2N + 1−P) page to each of the divided print areas. The divided printing area is each area obtained by dividing the printing paper. When the printing paper has a rectangular shape, it is preferable to divide the printing paper so that it passes through the midpoint of the long side. P is a natural number variable, and the range of the value of P is 1 ≦ P ≦ N. That is, the range of the value of P is from the first page to the middle page of the divided image data. Then, the first divided image data and the last divided image data in the page order of the divided image data are allocated to the divided print area, and the second divided image data from the beginning and the second divided image data in the page order of the divided image data. By repeating the procedure that the second divided image data is allocated to the next divided printing area, the allocation processing is performed for all the divided image data for 2N pages.

  The print control unit performs control to print the divided image data for two pages on each of both sides of the printing paper based on the allocation result of the allocation unit.

  As a result, even in booklet printing in which image data for two pages is assigned to one printing paper, it is possible to print the image data for one page with spread. Further, when the size of the image data and the size of the printing paper are the same size, the image data can be printed without being reduced.

  Further, the computer may function as a second rearranging unit that performs the second rearrangement process. The second rearrangement process is executed when the orientation of the image data is landscape and the booklet binding direction is right binding, or when the image data orientation is portrait and the booklet binding direction is bottom binding. Process. The horizontal direction of the image data is a printing direction of the image data such that the user reads the page so that the number of pages advances in the horizontal direction when the booklet is spread. Further, the portrait orientation of the image data is a print direction of the image data that the user proceeds to read so that the number of pages advances in the vertical direction when the booklet is spread. The right binding of the booklet is a binding direction in which the right side is bound to the front cover of the booklet. The booklet bottom binding is a binding direction in which the lower side is bound to the front cover of the booklet. The second rearrangement unit is executed after the first rearrangement process is performed by the first rearrangement unit. The second rearrangement process is a process of replacing divided image data of adjacent even-numbered pages and odd-numbered pages with respect to divided image data other than the first divided image data and the last divided image data in the page order of the divided image data. That is, the second rearrangement of the divided image data for (2N-2) pages is performed by repeating the procedure of switching the 2nd page and the 3rd page of the divided image data, and switching the 4th page and the 5th page. Processing is performed.

  As an example, a case where the image data is in landscape orientation and the binding direction is right binding will be described. When the image data is divided by the dividing unit, divided image data on the left side and divided image data on the right side are generated across the boundary. Since the divided image data forms image data for one page by spread, it is necessary to assign the left divided image data to the left side of the spread page and to assign the right divided image data to the right side of the spread page. That is, the left-right relationship of the divided image data cannot be changed.

  When the booklet is bound to the left, the number of pages advances in order from the left page to the right page in the spread. Therefore, at the time of the allocation process, the left divided image data is allocated to the left side of the spread page, and the right divided image data is allocated to the right side of the spread page. On the other hand, when the booklet is bound to the right, the number of pages advances in order from the right page to the left page in the spread. Therefore, at the time of the allocation process, the left divided image data is allocated to the right side of the spread page, and the right divided image data is allocated to the left side of the spread page, so that the left-right relationship of the divided image data is switched.

  Therefore, when the image data is in landscape orientation and the binding direction is right binding, the second rearrangement process is performed before the allocation process, and the left and right relations of the divided image data are switched in advance. The left-right relationship of the divided image data is switched again. Therefore, finally, the left divided image data can be assigned to the left side of the spread page, and the right divided image data can be assigned to the right side of the spread page. As a result, the left-right relationship of the divided image data is prevented from being switched, so that one page of image data can be printed in a spread regardless of the binding direction of the booklet. In addition, by performing the left-right relationship replacement processing of the divided image data in advance by the second rearrangement processing, special processing can be made unnecessary in the allocation means. Therefore, since the allocation means can be shared between normal booklet printing and booklet printing of one spread page, the configuration of the program can be simplified.

  Note that the case where the image data is in the vertical direction and the binding direction is the bottom binding is the same as the case in which the image data is in the horizontal direction and the binding direction is the right binding. In other words, the second rearrangement process prevents the vertical relationship of the divided image data from being changed, so that the image data for one page can be printed in a spread regardless of the binding direction of the booklet.

  Further, the computer may function as a page number adjusting unit. The page number adjusting means adds one page of image data when the value of N representing the total number of pages of image data is an odd number. Thereby, after the dividing process by the dividing means, the total number of pages (2N) of the divided image data can be made a multiple of four. In booklet printing, printing is performed for two pages on both sides of a single printing sheet, for a total of four pages, and therefore it is preferable that the total number of divided image data pages is a multiple of four. Booklet printing is possible.

  Further, the computer may function as a cover sheet insertion unit. The cover inserting means inserts the cover image data at the top of the page order of the image data in response to receiving a command to insert a cover page into the booklet. The page insertion command may be input by a user or the like, for example. Further, the image data for the cover may be stored in advance in a computer storage unit or the like, and may be appropriately read and used.

  Further, the page number adjusting means is configured such that when the cover image data is inserted by the cover insert means, the value of N representing the total number of pages of the image data is even before the cover image data is inserted. In this case, the image data for the cover may be inserted at the beginning of the page order of the image data, and the image data for adjusting the number of pages may be inserted at the end of the page order of the image data. The image data for adjusting the number of pages may be, for example, blank image data. Thereby, even when the image data for the cover is inserted, the total number of pages (2N) of the divided image data can be made a multiple of four. Therefore, suitable booklet printing becomes possible.

  Further, the page number adjusting means is configured such that when the cover image data is inserted by the cover inserting means, the value of N representing the total number of pages of the image data is an odd number before inserting the cover image data. In this case, the image data for the cover may be inserted at the top of the image data in the page order. Further, the page number adjusting means is for adjusting the page number when the value of N representing the total number of pages of the image data is an odd number when the image data for the cover is not inserted by the cover inserting means. The image data may be inserted at the end of the page order of the image data. As a result, the total number of pages (2N) of the divided image data can be made a multiple of 4, whether or not the cover is inserted. Therefore, suitable booklet printing becomes possible.

  The allocating means may allocate the divided image data by changing the size of the divided image data so that the divided image data fits in the divided print area when the divided image data is allocated to the divided print area. As a result, booklet printing can be performed corresponding to the sizes of various printing papers.

1 is a configuration diagram of a printing system. It is an operation | movement flowchart of spread booklet printing. It is an operation | movement flowchart of an arrangement | sequence order adjustment process. It is an operation | movement flowchart of a booklet printing process. It is a figure which shows the example (the 1) of spread booklet printing. It is a figure which shows the example (the 2) of spread booklet printing. It is a figure which shows the example (the 3) of spread booklet printing. It is a figure which shows the example of the allocation method of division | segmentation image data.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a printing system 1 according to the present embodiment. The printing system 1 includes a printer 10 and a PC 20a that is a personal computer. The printer 10 and the PC 20a are connected by a LAN 30.

  A detailed configuration of the printer 10 will be described. The printer 10 includes a CPU 11, a liquid crystal display panel 12, an input unit 13, a USB_I / F 15, a storage unit 16, a network I / F 17, a print engine 18, and a RAM 19. These components are connected via a bus.

  The CPU 11 executes various processes such as a printing process based on a program stored in the storage unit 16 or the like. The liquid crystal display panel 12 displays various information. The input unit 13 includes a mechanical switch, a touch panel, and the like, and receives an operation input from a user. The USB_I / F 15 performs communication processing for realizing communication based on the USB standard with a USB compatible device. The storage unit 16 includes a nonvolatile storage medium such as a ROM, a hard disk, and a flash memory, and is used as a data storage area used when the printer 10 realizes various functions. The network I / F 17 communicates with a device on the LAN 30 (PC 20a in this embodiment). The print engine 18 prints an image on a print medium based on a command from the CPU 11. The RAM 19 includes a memory space in which the CPU 11 can write and read data.

  A detailed configuration of the PC 20a will be described. The PC 20 a includes a CPU 21, a display 22, a keyboard 23, a mouse 24, a network I / F 25, a storage unit 26, a USB_I / F 27, and a RAM 29. These components are connected via a bus.

  The CPU 21 executes processing based on various software stored in the storage unit 26. The display 22 displays various information. The keyboard 23 is a well-known keyboard and accepts an operation input from a user. The mouse 24 is a well-known mouse and receives an operation input from the user. The network I / F 25 communicates with other devices on the LAN 30 (the printer 10 in this embodiment). The USB_I / F 27 performs communication processing for realizing communication based on the USB standard with a USB compatible device. The RAM 29 has a memory space in which the CPU 21 can write and read data.

  The storage unit 26 stores various software such as an OS (Operating System), various application programs, and a device driver for controlling the printer 10. These software programs are executed in the memory space of the RAM 19 when executed. Examples of application programs include image display applications such as photo processing software, word processing applications, spreadsheet applications, and the like. An example of the device driver is a printer driver for controlling the printing function of the printer 10.

  The printer driver has a function for setting printer setting values. Examples of the contents of the printer setting value include a paper size, a paper type, the number of copies, whether or not to perform double-sided printing, and the like. In addition, as an example of the contents of printer setting values related to booklet printing, which will be described later, whether to insert cover image data, whether the image data is in landscape orientation or portrait orientation, and if the image data is landscape orientation, the binding direction of the booklet is For example, when the image data is in portrait orientation, the binding direction of the booklet may be top binding or left binding. The printer setting value may be set in advance by a user or the like and stored in the storage unit 26.

  Further, the printer driver generates image data used by the printer 10 based on the print data passed from the application program, and transmits the image data to the printer 10. Image data is data obtained by converting drawing data described in a printer language into page image data.

  The printer driver can cause the printer 10 to execute booklet printing. Booklet printing is a printing method for forming a booklet composed of a plurality of pages. In booklet printing, the pages are arranged so that the order is correct when the printing paper is folded in half. In the booklet printing arrangement, the first page and the last page are arranged on the same sheet, the second page and the second page from the back are arranged on the same sheet, and all the pages are arranged in the same manner. Then, printing is performed on both sides of the printing paper with the two pages arranged in parallel. The printing paper that has been printed on both sides is overlapped in the page order, folded in half, and bound along the crease. This makes it possible to create a saddle-stitched booklet with pages arranged correctly.

  The printing process performed in the printing system 1 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. In the description example of the present embodiment, a case will be described in which image data generated by the printer driver of the PC 20a is transmitted to the printer 10 and spread booklet printing is performed. As an example, a case where the total number of pages of image data N = 4 will be described. In addition, the case where the booklet is folded in half will be described in the case of valley folding with the fold line inside. A case where the printer output stacking method is face-up will be described. Note that the printing process performed in the printing system 1 starts when a printing instruction is input by the user, and ends when printing ends.

  When the spread booklet printing is started, the printer driver acquires the total page number N of the image data in S11. In the example of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5A, image data ID1 to ID4 are arranged, and the total number of pages N = 4 is acquired.

  In S13, the printer driver determines whether or not the setting is made to insert cover image data into the front cover and the back cover of the booklet. The front cover is paper that covers the first page of the booklet. The back cover is paper that covers the last page of the booklet. In the determination, for example, a selection dialog for determining whether or not to use the cover image data is displayed on the display 22, and when the user inputs a selection result using the keyboard 23 or the mouse 24, the cover image data is displayed. The printer driver may determine whether to use it. Further, for example, a printer setting value indicating whether or not to use the cover image data is stored in the storage unit 26, and whether or not to use the cover image data based on the printer setting value read from the storage unit 26. May be determined by the printer driver. Further, the cover image data may be stored in advance in the storage unit 26 and may be read and used as appropriate. If it is determined that the cover image data is not set to be inserted (S13: NO), the process proceeds to S21. If it is determined that the cover image data is set to be inserted (S13: YES), the process proceeds to S15. .

  In S15, the printer driver determines whether the total page number N of the image data is an odd number or an even number. If it is determined that the number is an odd number, the process proceeds to S21 without inserting cover image data. If it is determined that the number is even, the process advances to step S17, and the printer driver inserts the cover image data at the top of the page order of the image data. In the example of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5B, the cover image data IDH having the character string “title” is inserted at the top of the page order of the image data.

  In S19, the printer driver adds one page of the inserted cover image data to the total number N of image data pages. In the description example of the present embodiment, the total number of pages N = 5 (FIG. 5B).

  In S21, the printer driver divides the image data for each of the N pages of image data arranged in the page order to generate divided image data. When the image data has a rectangular shape that matches the shape of the printing paper, it is preferable to divide the image so that it passes through the midpoint of the long side. After the divided image data divided into two by the dividing means is bound into a booklet, the divided image data is continued at the page boundary portion of the spread to form one page of image data. Note that the total divided page number 2N of the divided image data after the division process is twice the total page number N of the image data before the division process. In the example of the present embodiment, each of the image data shown in FIG. 5B is divided, and divided image data shown in FIG. 5C is generated. The total number of divided pages is 2N = 10.

  In step S <b> 25, the printer driver performs an arrangement order adjustment process for the divided image data. The arrangement order adjustment process will be described with reference to the flow of FIG. In the arrangement order adjustment process, an insertion process performed in S41 to S51 and a rearrangement process performed in S53 to S63 are performed.

  The insertion process (S41 to S51) will be described. In S41, the printer driver determines whether the total page number N of the image data is an odd number or an even number. If it is determined that the total page number N is an even number, the insertion process is not performed, the process proceeds to S53, and the process proceeds to the rearrangement process. On the other hand, when it is determined that the total page number N is an odd number, the process proceeds to S43, and an insertion process is executed.

  In booklet printing, divided image data for a total of four pages, two pages each on both sides of a single printing sheet, is printed. Therefore, the total divided page number 2N of the divided image data is preferably a multiple of four. In order to make the divided total page number 2N after division a multiple of 4, the total page number N before division needs to be an even number. Therefore, when the total page number N before the division is an odd number, a process for setting the total page number N to an even number by the insertion process is performed.

  In the insertion process, three patterns 1 to 3 are inserted depending on whether or not the cover image data has been inserted in the previous step, and whether or not the cover image data is set to be inserted. Exists. The insertion pattern 1 is a pattern when the cover image data is not inserted when the cover image data is set to be inserted. In the insertion pattern 1, processing for inserting the cover image data at the head of the page order of the divided image data is performed in the insertion processing. The insertion pattern 2 is a pattern when it is not set to insert cover image data. In the insertion pattern 2, a process for inserting the page number adjusting image data at the end of the page order of the divided image data is performed. The insertion pattern 3 is a pattern when the cover image data has already been inserted in the previous step. That is, the initial total number of pages N is an even number, but the total number of pages N is an odd number by increasing the number of pages by one page by inserting the cover image data in the previous step. It is. In the insertion pattern 3, a process for inserting the page number adjusting image data at the end of the page order of the divided image data is performed. The page number adjustment image data may be, for example, blank image data.

  In S43, the printer driver determines whether or not the setting is made to insert cover image data. When it is determined that the setting is not to insert cover image data (S43: NO), it is determined that the insertion pattern 2 is set. Accordingly, the process proceeds to S49, and the printer driver performs processing for inserting page number adjustment image data at the end of the page order of the divided image data. Then, the process proceeds to S51.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in S43 that the setting is made to insert cover image data (S43: YES), the process proceeds to S45. In S45, the printer driver determines whether cover image data has already been inserted at the head of the divided image data sequence. When it is determined that it has not been inserted (S45: NO), it is determined that it is the case of the insertion pattern 1. Accordingly, the process proceeds to S47, and the printer driver performs a process of inserting cover image data at the top of the page order of the divided image data. Then, the process proceeds to S51.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in S45 that the cover image data has already been inserted (S45: YES), it is determined that the case is the insertion pattern 3. Accordingly, the process proceeds to S49, and the printer driver performs processing for inserting page number adjustment image data at the end of the page order of the divided image data. Then, the process proceeds to S51.

  In S51, the printer driver divides the inserted page number adjustment image data or cover image data into half the size. In step S52, the printer driver adds one page of the inserted page number adjustment image data or cover image data to the total page number N of image data. Further, the printer driver adds two pages increased by dividing the inserted page number adjustment image data or cover image data to the total divided page number 2N of the divided image data.

  Thus, in any case of the insertion patterns 1 to 3, by inserting the image data for the cover of one page or the image data for adjusting the number of pages for one page, the total number of pages N of the image data is set to an even number. can do. Therefore, the total divided page number 2N of the divided image data can be a multiple of four.

  In the explanation example of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5B, the cover image data IDH (FIG. 5B) is already inserted in the previous step S17, and the total number of pages N is It is an odd number. Therefore, this is the case of the insertion pattern 3. Then, as shown in FIG. 5D, the printer driver inserts the page number adjustment image data IDP at the end of the page order of the divided image data (S49), and the inserted page number adjustment image data is inserted. The page is divided (S51), and two pages are added to the total divided page number 2N (S52). Therefore, the total number of divided pages is 2N = 12.

  Next, the rearrangement process (S53 to S63) will be described. The orientation of the image data includes a landscape orientation and a portrait orientation. The horizontal direction of the image data is a printing direction of the image data such that the user reads the page so that the number of pages advances in the horizontal direction when the booklet is spread. At this time, when the image data is divided, left-side divided image data and right-side divided image data are generated across the boundary. Since the divided image data forms image data for one page by spread, it is necessary to assign the left divided image data to the left side of the spread page and to assign the right divided image data to the right side of the spread page. That is, the left-right relationship of the divided image data cannot be changed.

  Further, the portrait orientation of the image data is a print direction of the image data that the user proceeds to read so that the number of pages advances in the vertical direction when the booklet is spread. At this time, when the image data is divided, the upper divided image data and the lower divided image data are generated across the boundary. Then, it is necessary to allocate the upper divided image data to the upper side of the spread page and to allocate the lower divided image data to the lower side of the spread page. That is, the vertical relationship of the divided image data cannot be changed.

  Further, when the image data is in landscape orientation, right binding and left binding exist in the binding direction of the booklet. The booklet right binding is a binding method in which the right side is bound to the front cover of the booklet and the page is opened to the right when the book is read. Further, the booklet left binding is a binding method in which the left side is bound to the front cover of the booklet and the page is opened to the left when the book is read.

  Further, when the image data is in the vertical direction, there are upper binding and lower binding in the binding direction of the booklet. The booklet bottom binding is a binding method in which the lower side is bound to the front cover of the booklet and the page is opened downward when the book is read. Further, the booklet top binding is a binding method in which the upper side is bound to the front cover of the booklet and the page is opened upward when the book is read.

  From the above, booklet binding methods are Pattern A (image data is landscape, booklet is left-bound), Pattern B (image data is landscape, booklet is right-bound), Pattern C (image data is portrait, booklet is top) There are four patterns: binding) and pattern D (image data is vertically oriented and booklet is bound downward).

  In the case of pattern A, the number of pages advances in order from the left page to the right page in the spread. Therefore, at the time of the allocation process, the left divided image data is allocated to the left side of the spread page, and the right divided image data is allocated to the right side of the spread page. Similarly, in the case of pattern C, the number of pages advances in order from the upper page to the lower page in spread. Therefore, at the time of the allocation process, the upper divided image data is allocated to the upper side of the spread page, and the lower divided image data is allocated to the lower side of the spread page, so that the vertical relationship of the divided image data is not changed. Therefore, in the patterns A and C, since the progress direction of the page number in the spread of the booklet coincides with the progress direction of the page number of the divided image data, only the first rearrangement process is performed. The contents of the first rearrangement process will be described later.

  On the other hand, in the case of pattern B, the number of pages advances in order from the right page to the left page in the spread. Therefore, at the time of the allocation process, the left divided image data is allocated to the right side of the spread page, and the right divided image data is allocated to the left side of the spread page, so that the left-right relationship of the divided image data is switched. Similarly, in the case of pattern D, the number of pages advances in order from the lower page to the upper page in the spread. Therefore, during the allocation process, the upper divided image data is allocated to the lower side of the spread page, and the lower divided image data is allocated to the upper side of the spread page, so that the vertical relationship of the divided image data is switched. Therefore, in the patterns B and D, the progress direction of the page number in the spread of the booklet does not match the progress direction of the page number of the divided image data. Then, in the patterns B and D, it is necessary to perform the second rearrangement process after the execution of the first rearrangement process. The contents of the second rearrangement process will be described later.

  Hereinafter, the first rearrangement process and the second rearrangement process will be described in detail. In S53, the printer driver determines whether the orientation of the image data is landscape or portrait. If it is determined that the paper is in landscape orientation, the process advances to step S57, and the printer driver determines whether the binding method is right binding or left binding. When it is determined that the right binding is performed, the process proceeds to S61, and when it is determined that the left binding is performed, the process proceeds to S59. On the other hand, if it is determined in S53 that the document is in the portrait orientation, the process proceeds to S55, and the printer driver determines whether the binding method is upper binding or lower binding. If it is determined that the bottom binding is performed, the process proceeds to S61, and if it is determined that the top binding is performed, the process proceeds to S59.

  Thereby, in the case of the pattern A and the pattern C, it progresses to S59, and in the case of the pattern B and the pattern D, it progresses to S61. Note that the determinations in S53 to S57 may be made based on the printer setting values stored in the storage unit 26 for the orientation of the image data and the binding direction of the booklet.

  Processing contents performed in the case of pattern A and pattern C will be described. As an example, the case of the pattern A shown in FIG. 6 (image data is landscape and booklet is left-bound) will be described. In S59, the printer driver performs a first rearrangement process. In the first rearrangement process, among the two divided image data obtained by dividing the image data of the first page, the divided image data corresponding to the cover on the back side of the booklet is changed to the last in the page order of the divided image data. Move to. Then, page numbers are assigned in order from the first divided image data in the page order.

  In the example of FIG. 6A, the divided image of the first page corresponding to the cover on the back side of the booklet out of the two divided image data IDH1 and IDH2 obtained by dividing the cover image data IDH of the first page. The data IDH1 is moved to the tail (FIG. 6 (A), arrow Y11). Then, the page order is assigned in order from the first page of the first divided image data IDH2 to the twelfth page of the last divided image data IDH1. When the first rearrangement process ends, the process proceeds to S27 (FIG. 2).

  Thus, after the booklet is bound by performing the first rearrangement process, the two divided image data obtained by dividing the image data of the first page are the front cover and the back cover. The image data for one page can be formed by being continuous at the boundary.

  Also, processing contents performed in the case of pattern B and pattern D will be described. As an example, the case of the pattern B shown in FIG. 7 (image data is landscape and booklet is bound right) will be described. In S61, the printer driver performs a first rearrangement process. In the first rearrangement process, among the two divided image data obtained by dividing the image data of the first page, the divided image data corresponding to the cover on the back side of the booklet is changed to the last in the page order of the divided image data. Move to. Then, page numbers are assigned in order from the first divided image data in the page order.

  In the example of FIG. 7A, among the two divided image data IDH1 and IDH2 obtained by dividing the cover image data IDH for the first page, the divided image of the second page corresponding to the cover on the back side of the booklet. The data IDH2 is moved to the tail (FIG. 7A, arrow Y21). Then, the page order is assigned in order from the first page of the first divided image data IDH1 to the twelfth page of the last divided image data IDH2.

  In S63, the printer driver performs a second rearrangement process. In the second rearrangement process, for the divided image data other than the first divided image data and the last divided image data in the page order of the divided image data, the divided image data of the adjacent even page and odd page are replaced. That is, the sets of divided image data that are spread when assigned are replaced. As a result, the 2nd page and the 3rd page of the divided image data are exchanged, and the 4th page and the 5th page are exchanged, whereby the second arrangement of the divided image data for (2N-2) pages is repeated. Replacement processing is performed.

  In the example of FIG. 7 (A), the procedure of page 2 and page 3 of the divided image data, and the page 4 and page 5 are exchanged, which is a spread set, is repeated (FIG. 7 (A)). ), Arrow Y22). When the second rearrangement process ends, the process proceeds to S27 (FIG. 2).

  In S27, the printer driver performs booklet printing processing. The booklet printing process will be described using the flow of FIG.

  In S <b> 81, the printer driver determines whether the size of the divided image data is a size that fits in the divided print area when allocating the divided image data to the divided print area. The divided printing area is each area obtained by dividing the printing paper. When the printing paper has a rectangular shape, it is preferable to divide the printing paper so that it passes through the midpoint of the long side. If it is determined that the size of the divided image data does not fit in the divided print area (S81: NO), the process proceeds to S83. In S83, the printer driver changes the size of the divided image data so that the divided image data fits in the divided print area. Then, the process proceeds to S85. As a result, booklet printing can be performed corresponding to the sizes of various printing papers.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in S81 that the size of the divided image data is a size that fits in the divided print area (S81: YES), the process proceeds to S85 without proceeding to S83.

  In S85, the printer driver determines a combination of allocation of the divided image data. In the allocation combination, the first divided image data in the page order of the divided image data and the last divided image data are combined. Further, the second divided image data from the top in the page order of the divided image data and the second divided image data from the tail are combined. Then, by repeating this procedure, combinations are determined for all the divided image data for 2N pages.

  In step S87, the printer driver determines a method for allocating the divided image data to the divided print area based on the printing direction, the binding direction, and whether the stacking method of the printer output is face up or face down. Face-up is a method of outputting printing paper so that the printing surfaces are stacked upward. An example of a printer using face-up is an ink jet printer. The face-down is a method for outputting printing sheets so that the printing surfaces are stacked downward. Examples of printers that use face-down include laser printers.

  There are eight types of allocation methods determined in S87 depending on the combination of image data orientation, binding direction, and printer output method. Examples of eight allocation methods are shown in FIGS. 8A to 8H. FIG. 8 shows one sheet of printing paper for the four pages of the first page, the second page, the (2N-1) page one page before the last page, and the 2N page which is the last page of the divided image data. It is the figure which showed the method of allocating to both surfaces.

  In the example of FIG. 6 of the present embodiment, the image data is in the horizontal direction, the binding direction is in the left direction, and the printer output method is face up, which corresponds to the allocation method in FIG. In the example of FIG. 7 of the present embodiment, the image data is in landscape orientation, the binding direction is in right binding, and the printer output method is face-up, which corresponds to the allocation method in FIG.

  In step S91, the printer driver performs divided image data assignment processing on both sides of one print sheet according to the determined assignment combination and assignment method. In the first allocation process, the first page and (2N) page of the divided image data are allocated to one side of the printing paper, and the second page and (2N-1) page of the divided image data are assigned to the other side of the printing paper. Assigned to the face. Then, the process proceeds to S93. Here, P is a natural number variable, and the range of the value of P is 1 ≦ P ≦ N.

  In S93, the printer driver causes the printer 10 to print a total of four pages of divided image data on both sides of the printing paper based on the allocation result in S91.

  In step S95, the printer driver determines whether a print end condition is satisfied. The end condition is determined to satisfy the end condition when the Pth page of the divided image data is larger than the value obtained by dividing the total divided page number 2N by 2. That is, when the divided image data is allocated in order from the first page and the divided image data is allocated up to exactly half of the divided total page number 2N, it is determined that the end condition is satisfied. If the end condition is satisfied (S95: YES), the booklet printing is ended. On the other hand, when the termination condition is not satisfied (S95: NO), the process returns to S91.

  Returning to S91, the printer driver assigns the third page and (2N-2) page of the divided image data to one side of the printing paper, and assigns the fourth page and (2N-3) page to the other side of the printing paper. Assign to the face. Then, printing is performed in S93, and the end condition is determined again in S95.

  In this way, by assigning and printing two pages from the beginning of the divided image data and two pages from the last side, printing is repeated until the end condition is satisfied, thereby assigning and printing all the divided image data. Is done.

  In the example of FIG. 6A according to the present embodiment (image data is landscape orientation, binding direction is left binding, and the printer output method is face-up), allocation and printing are performed as shown in FIG. 6B. Further, in the example of FIG. 7A of the present embodiment (image data is landscape orientation, the binding direction is right binding, and the printer output method is face-up), allocation and printing are performed as shown in FIG. 7B.

  The effects of the invention according to this embodiment will be described. In the printer driver according to the present embodiment, each piece of image data is divided to generate divided image data. Of the two divided image data obtained by dividing the image data of the first page, the divided image data corresponding to the cover on the back side of the booklet is moved to the end of the page order of the divided image data. Sorting process is performed. As a result, even in booklet printing in which image data for two pages is assigned to one printing paper, it is possible to cause the printer 10 to print image data for one page with spread.

  In the printer driver according to the present embodiment, when the image data is in landscape orientation and the booklet is bound right, or when the image data is in portrait orientation and the booklet is bound downward, the second alignment is performed before the layout process. Perform the replacement process. In the second rearrangement process, the sets of divided image data that become spread when assigned are respectively replaced. As a result, even when the divided image data of the set that becomes spread at the time of the allocation process is replaced again, the progress direction of the page number in the booklet spread and the progress direction of the page number of the divided image data can be matched. it can. Therefore, regardless of the binding direction of the booklet, it is possible to cause the printer 10 to print image data for one page in a spread.

  In addition, by performing the replacement processing of the divided image data in advance by the second rearrangement processing, it is possible to eliminate the need for special processing in the allocation unit. Therefore, since the allocation means can be shared between normal booklet printing and booklet printing of one spread page, the configuration of the program can be simplified.

  Specific examples of the present invention have been described in detail above, but these are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the claims. The technology described in the claims includes various modifications and changes of the specific examples illustrated above.

  The function of the printer 10 is not limited to the printing function, and may have a scanner function, a copy function, a FAX function, and the like.

  The technical elements described in this specification or the drawings exhibit technical usefulness alone or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims at the time of filing. In addition, the technology illustrated in the present specification or the drawings achieves a plurality of objects at the same time, and has technical utility by achieving one of the objects.

  The printer 10 is an example of a printing apparatus, and the PC 20a is an example of a computer.

  The control unit that executes S21 is an example of a dividing unit. The control unit that executes S59 and S61 is an example of a first rearranging unit. The control unit that executes S83 and S91 is an example of an allocation unit. The control unit that executes S93 is an example of a print control unit. The control unit that executes S63 is an example of a second rearranging unit. The control unit that executes S47 and S49 is an example of a page number adjusting unit. The control unit that executes S17 and S47 is an example of a cover sheet insertion unit.

1 Printing System 10 Printer 20a PC
26 Storage N Total number of pages 2N Total number of divided pages

Claims (6)

Connects to a printing device capable of booklet printing that prints two pages on both sides of the printing paper and forms a booklet by stacking and folding the printed paper into two. Computer
Dividing means for dividing the image data for each of N pages (N is a natural number) of image data arranged in page order to generate divided image data for 2N pages;
Of the two divided image data obtained by dividing the image data of the first page, the divided image data corresponding to the cover on the back side of the booklet is moved to the end of the page order of the divided image data. First sorting means for performing a first sorting process to be performed;
A divided print area obtained by dividing the print sheet into the divided image data of the P-th page (P is a natural number variable, 1 ≦ P ≦ N) and the divided image data of the (2N + 1−P) page. Allocating means for performing allocation processing for all divided image data for 2N pages,
A program for causing the printing apparatus to function as a print control unit that prints the divided image data for two pages on each of both surfaces of the printing paper based on the result of the allocation by the allocation unit. When the orientation of the image data is a landscape orientation in which the number of pages advances in the left-right direction in the spread of the booklet, and the binding direction of the booklet is performed by right binding with the right side bound to the front cover of the booklet, or When the orientation of the image data is a vertical orientation in which the number of pages advances in the booklet spread, and the booklet binding direction is performed by bottom binding in which the lower side is bound to the front cover of the booklet. ,
After the first rearrangement process, the divided image data of adjacent even-numbered pages and odd-numbered pages of the divided image data other than the first divided image data in the page order of the divided image data and the last divided image data. The program according to claim 1, wherein the computer is caused to function as a second rearranging unit that performs a second rearrangement process for exchanging data. 3. The computer according to claim 1, wherein when the value of N representing the total number of pages of the image data is an odd number, the computer is caused to function as a page number adjusting means for adding the image data for one page. The listed program. In response to receiving an instruction to insert a cover page into the booklet, the computer functions as a cover insertion unit that inserts the image data for the cover at the top of the page order of the image data,
The page number adjusting unit is a value of N that represents the total number of pages of the image data before inserting the image data for the cover when the image data for the cover is inserted by the cover inserting unit. When the image data is an even number, the image data for the cover is inserted at the beginning of the page order of the image data, and the image data for adjusting the number of pages is inserted at the end of the page order of the image data. The program according to claim 3. In response to receiving an instruction to insert a cover page into the booklet, the computer functions as a cover insertion unit that inserts the image data for the cover at the top of the page order of the image data,
The page number adjusting unit is a value of N that represents the total number of pages of the image data before inserting the image data for the cover when the image data for the cover is inserted by the cover inserting unit. Is set to an odd number, the image data for the cover is inserted at the top of the page order of the image data and the image data for the cover is not inserted by the cover insert means. 4. The program according to claim 3, wherein, when the value of N representing the total number of pages is an odd number, the image data for adjusting the number of pages is inserted at the end of the page order of the image data. 5. . The allocating means includes
2. When the divided image data is allocated to the divided printing area, the size of the divided image data is changed and allocated so that the divided image data fits in the divided printing area. 6. The program according to any one of 5.

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