JP2012141857A - Information processor, gui program and recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable a user to perform page edition by free imposition setting.SOLUTION: An information processor includes: creation means for creating a setting file including each parameter of imposition processing on drawing data while performing display control of a layout based on the each parameter; storage means for storing the setting file created by the creation means; image processing means which, if a print setting using the setting file is performed, performs imposition processing on the drawing data based on the setting file read from the storage means; and transmission means for transmitting the drawing data having undergone imposition processing by the image processing means to an output destination.

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, a GUI program, and a recording medium.

  There is a need to save paper resources when printing with a printer. In view of this, the printer driver employs an aggregation printing technique in which a plurality of pages (2, 4, 6, 9, 16p) are imprinted on one sheet through a print setting screen. In addition, as an application technology of consolidated printing, layout technology that changes the order of aggregation by arranging pages from the upper left to the lower right or arranging pages from the upper right to the lower left, and folding printed paper to fold Thus, bookbinding printing technology to form a book is already known.

  Specific examples of aggregate printing and bookbinding printing will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of aggregate printing. As shown in FIG. 1, when aggregate printing is set, the printer generates a physical page by performing reduction and allocation processing on a logical page. There are aggregate printing such as “1 in 1”, “2 in 1”, and “4 in 1”.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of bookbinding printing. As illustrated in FIG. 2, when bookbinding printing is set, the printer driver generates a physical page by performing reduction and allocation processing on a logical page as in aggregate printing. The example shown in FIG. 2 is an example of bookbinding printing when all pages are six pages.

  Next, the layout technique will be described. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of page layout. If the top is given priority over the first and the left is given priority over the second, as shown in FIG. 3A, the pages are in the order of upper left, upper right, lower left, and lower right. If the left is given priority over the first and the top is given priority over the second, the page order is the upper left, lower left, upper right, and lower right as shown in FIG. 3B. If the top is given priority over the first and the right is given priority over the second, as shown in FIG. 3C, the pages are in the order of upper right, upper left, lower right, and lower left. If priority is given to the first on the right and the second on the top, as shown in FIG. 3D, the page order is the upper right, lower right, upper left, and lower left.

  Next, a UI (User Interface) for setting aggregation and layout will be described. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a setting screen. A setting screen 401 is an example of an aggregation setting screen. The user uses the cursor to select one of “No”, “2 pages into 1 page (2 in 1)”, and “4 pages into 1 page (4 in 1)”.

  Next, the user sets an arrangement (layout) of pages. The setting screen 402 is an example of a page layout setting screen. The arrangement of the pages is described in characters as shown in FIG. The user uses the cursor to “upper left, upper right, lower left, lower right”, “upper left, lower left, upper right, lower right”, “upper right, upper left, lower right, lower left”, “upper right, lower right, upper left, lower left” Select one of the following. Using the setting screen as shown in FIG. 4, the user performs aggregate print settings.

  Here, with respect to aggregate printing, there is a need to perform aggregation other than a predetermined number of page aggregations and layout positions. In response to this need, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-140176 discloses a technique for designating the number of aggregations and the aggregation order when performing aggregate printing by numerical values.

  However, even in the above prior art, print settings such as layout position, size, angle, page repetition, page arrangement order, and the like cannot be selected other than predetermined settings, and free imposition settings by the user are not possible. There is a problem.

  Accordingly, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an information processing apparatus, a print control program, a recording medium, a print processing system, and an image forming apparatus that enable a user to freely edit pages for imposition settings. The purpose is to provide.

  An information processing apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention includes: a creation unit that creates a setting file including parameters for imposition processing on drawing data while controlling display of a layout based on the parameters; and the creation unit A storage unit that stores a setting file; an image processing unit that performs imposition processing on drawing data based on the setting file read from the storage unit when a print setting that uses the setting file is made; and the image Transmitting means for transmitting drawing data subjected to imposition processing by the processing means to an output destination.

  A GUI program according to another aspect of the present invention includes a creation step for creating a setting file including parameters for imposition processing on drawing data while controlling a layout based on the parameters, and the creation step. A storage step of storing the set file in the storage unit.

  The information processing apparatus of the present invention can be realized by a program that can be executed by a computer, and can also be realized by causing a computer to read a recording medium that records the program.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to edit a page with a desired imposition setting by a user.

The figure which shows the specific example of consolidated printing. The figure which shows the specific example of bookbinding printing. The figure which shows the example of page arrangement | positioning. The figure which shows the example of a setting screen. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of a print control system according to the present invention. The block diagram which shows an example of the hardware of PC. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of functions of a PC according to the first embodiment. The figure which shows the various examples of consolidated printing. The figure which shows an example of the arrangement order of a free page. The figure which shows the example of the setting file of the custom 1 shown in FIG. The figure which shows the example of the setting file of the custom 3 shown in FIG. The figure which shows the example of the setting file of the custom 4 shown in FIG. The figure which shows the example of the setting file of the custom 5 shown in FIG. The figure which shows an example of the print setting screen which enables selection of a part of setting example shown in FIG. The figure which shows an example (the 1) of a menu screen. The figure which shows an example (the 1) of a page edit screen. The figure which shows an example (the 2) of a page edit screen. The figure which shows the example which changes the size and position of the page of page number 1. The figure which shows the example which changes the size of the page of page number 1. FIG. The figure which shows the example which rotates a logical page. The figure which shows the example which changes an original direction. The figure which shows an example (the 2) of a menu screen. The figure which shows an example of the determination screen of a layout name and the number of aggregation. The figure which shows an example of the selection screen of a layout. The figure which shows an example of the page edit screen of the selected layout. The figure which shows the example of a scenario of a RAW spool. The flowchart which shows an example of the page edit at the time of RAW spool. The sequence diagram which shows an example of RAW spool printing. FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating an example of functions of a PC according to a second embodiment. The figure which shows the example scenario of an EMF spool. The sequence diagram which shows an example of EMF spool printing. FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating an example of an MFP according to a modification.

  Exemplary embodiments of an information processing apparatus (hereinafter also referred to as PC: Personal Computer), a GUI program, and a recording medium according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  In the embodiment described below, as an apparatus for outputting image data, a multifunction peripheral (MFP) having a printer function, a scanner function, a copy function, and a facsimile function mounted in one housing may be used. May be a printing apparatus (for example, a printer) that has at least a function of outputting.

[Example 1]
<System>
First, the system configuration of the print control system according to the present invention will be described. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of a print control system according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 5, in the print control system, a PC 501 and a printer 502 are connected via a network. The PC 501 shown in FIG. 5 converts the drawing data instructed for printing into print data that can be interpreted by a printer. The print data is output to the printer 502.

  In the example shown in FIG. 5, one information processing device (PC) and one printer are connected, but it goes without saying that the number of information processing devices and printers is not limited to these numbers.

<Hardware>
FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an example of hardware of the information processing apparatus (PC) 600. As shown in FIG. 6, a PC 600 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 601, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 602, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 603, a network I / F unit 604, an input unit 605, a display unit 606, an external device. A recording device I / F unit 607 is included. These components are connected to each other via a bus so as to be able to transmit and receive data.

  The CPU 601 is an arithmetic device that controls each device, calculates data, and processes in the computer. The CPU 601 is an arithmetic device that executes a program stored in the RAM 602. The CPU 601 receives data from the input device or the storage device, calculates and processes the data, and outputs the data to the output device or the storage device.

  The RAM 602 is a storage device that stores or temporarily stores programs and data such as an OS and application software that are basic software executed by the CPU 601.

  The HDD 603 is a storage device that stores data related to application software and the like.

  The network I / F unit 604 is connected via a network (for example, Ethernet (registered trademark)) such as a LAN (Local Area Network) and a WAN (Wide Area Network) constructed by a data transmission path such as a wired and / or wireless line. This is an interface between the connected printers 620 and 630 having communication functions and the PC 600.

  The input unit 605 includes a keyboard having cursor keys, numeric input, various function keys, and the like, a mouse and a slice pad for performing key selection on the display screen of the display unit 606, and the like. An input unit 605 is a user interface for a user to give an operation instruction to the CPU 601 and input data.

  The display unit 606 is configured with a CRT, LCD, or the like, and performs display according to display data input from the CPU 601.

  The external recording device I / F unit 607 is an interface between the information processing device 600 and a recording medium 608 (for example, a flash memory) connected via a data transmission path such as USB (Universal Serial Bus).

  Further, a predetermined program is stored in the recording medium 608, and the program stored in the recording medium 608 is installed in the information processing apparatus 600 via the external recording apparatus I / F unit 607, and the installed predetermined program is information It can be executed by the processing device 600.

<Function>
FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating an example of functions of the PC according to the first embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 7, the PC 701 includes an OS (Operating System) 702, an application 703, a printer driver 704, a print processor 710, a storage unit 711, a file creation unit 712, and a communication unit 713. In the first embodiment, a case where printing is performed using a RAW spool will be described.

  The OS 702 controls the entire processing of the PC 701. The application 703 is a general application (Word, PDF, etc.). The application 703 receives a print instruction from the user and outputs DEVMODE to the printer driver (UI unit) 704.

  A printer driver 704 controls a printer for performing printout in accordance with a print instruction of the application 703. The printer driver 704 includes a print setting (UI) unit 705 and a drawing (graphic) unit 707.

  A print setting unit 705 provides a print setting screen to the user so that print settings such as the number of copies and the number of aggregations can be input. The print setting unit 705 passes the print setting input from the user to the application 703. The print setting unit 705 has a first interpretation unit 706.

  The first interpretation unit 706 interprets necessary parameter information for displaying on the UI from the setting file stored in the storage unit 711. The necessary parameter is, for example, a file name. The setting file will be described later.

  A graphic unit 707 converts data to be printed into print data that can be understood by the printer based on print settings set by the print setting unit 705 and the application 703. For example, the drawing unit 707 performs page editing for aggregation and bookbinding printing. In addition, the drawing unit 707 includes an editing execution unit 708 and a second interpretation unit 709 for performing page editing.

  The second interpretation unit 709 interprets each parameter of the setting file stored in the storage unit 711, and makes the format (for example, a script language) understandable by the editing execution unit 708. The editing execution unit 708 performs page editing based on the editing settings provided from the second interpretation unit 709. Page editing includes enlargement, reduction, rotation, and translation. The editing execution unit 708 performs these processes based on each parameter.

  The print processor 710 performs imposition processing on the print data. Imposition processing refers to processing such as rotation, reduction, parallel movement, and layout setting of image data. However, in the case of a RAW spool as in the first embodiment, the print processor 710 does not perform imposition processing.

  The storage unit 711 stores a setting file. The setting file includes parameters for setting printing operations such as aggregation, bookbinding, and the number of aggregations, layout position, size, angle, page repetition, aggregation such as blank page insertion, and bookbinding. Each of these parameters is centrally managed as a custom parameter. This makes it easy to manage a plurality of custom settings because custom parameters need only be edited when custom settings are made.

  The storage unit 711 may hold one setting file and hold a plurality of custom parameters for the setting file. Thereby, the setting files can be managed collectively.

  The storage unit 711 may hold one or a plurality of setting files, and one setting file may hold one custom parameter. This facilitates editing such as addition and deletion of parameters.

  The file creation unit 712 creates the setting file described above. For example, the file creation unit 712 is a text editor that can directly create and edit a setting file, or a GUI application that holds the creation of a setting file when the user determines the layout of a page using a mouse or the like. There is.

The file creation unit 712 can execute editing of each parameter and the like while displaying and controlling a layout based on each parameter of the setting file on the screen. Thereby, the user can create a setting file while confirming the layout based on each parameter.
A communication unit 713 exchanges data with the printer. For example, the communication unit 713 outputs the drawing data subjected to the imposition process to the printer 502.

  The OS 702 can be realized by the CPU 601 or the RAM 602 as a work memory.

<Setting example>
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating various examples of aggregate printing. The custom example shown in FIG. 8 can be realized by the user creating a setting file using the file creation unit 712.

  Custom 1 shows an example of an arbitrary aggregation number. In the example illustrated in FIG. 8, an example in which the aggregation number is “5” is illustrated. A general printer driver cannot set the aggregation number “3” or “5”. However, in this embodiment, the aggregation number can be set to “5” in the setting file.

  Custom 2 shows an example of a free arrangement. In the example shown in FIG. 8, the pages are arranged in an arbitrary order in a Y shape. In a general printer driver, only a predetermined page arrangement order such as upper left to lower right can be selected. However, in the present embodiment, it can be arranged at a free position by the setting file.

  Custom 3 shows an example in which white paper is arranged at a free position. In the example shown in FIG. 8, two blank sheets are inserted between the first page and the second page. With a general printer driver, blank sheets cannot be inserted into the aggregation or bookbinding page. However, in this embodiment, the blank page can be arranged at any position by setting the blank page parameter in the setting file.

  Custom 4 shows an example in which the size is changed for each image (or for each page). In the example shown in FIG. 8, the second page and the third page are made smaller than other images. A general printer driver cannot change the size of each page in the bookbinding page. However, in this embodiment, the size of each page can be set using the parameters of the setting file.

  Custom 5 shows an example of changing the angle of each page. In the example shown in FIG. 8, each page is rotated about 45 degrees. With a general printer driver, it is not possible to select the angle of each page in the aggregation or bookbinding page. However, in this embodiment, the angle of each page can be changed using the parameters of the setting file.

  Custom 6 shows an example of repeating an arbitrary page. In the example shown in FIG. 8, one page is repeated three times. With a general printer driver, it is not possible to repeat any page in the bookbinding page. However, in this embodiment, arbitrary pages can be repeated according to the parameters of the setting file.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a free page arrangement order. When it is necessary to know the total number of pages of a document when changing the order of pages, a user writes script code as shown in FIG. 9 in a setting file and freely changes the page order. As the order of the pages, a function can be used as shown in FIG.

<Setting file>
Next, a specific example of the setting file will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the custom 1 setting file shown in FIG. Reference numeral 1000 shown in FIG. 10 indicates the name of the setting file. In this example, “Custom1 (number of aggregations)”.

  The aggregation number can be set by “layoutNum” of reference numeral 1001 in the setting file. If “layoutNum” is set to “5”, the aggregation number becomes “5”, and if “layoutNum” is set to “7”, the aggregation number becomes “7”.

  A portion denoted by reference numeral 1002 in FIG. 10 indicates a page parameter. The parameters include “number” indicating a logical page, “rotate” indicating an angle, “x, y, width, height” indicating a position and size, and “zoom” indicating a magnification. The above parameters are set for each logical page. The setting file shown in FIG. 10 shows one physical page.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of the custom 3 setting file illustrated in FIG. 8. Reference numeral 1100 illustrated in FIG. 11 indicates the name of the setting file. Reference numeral 1101 indicates that the aggregation number is “4”. Reference numerals 1102 and 1103 shown in FIG. 11 indicate blank pages. A logical page whose “number” is “0” means a blank page. In the example of Custom 3, there are two “0” s between “number” and “1” and “2”, which means that two blank sheets are inserted between the first and second logical pages.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the custom 4 setting file shown in FIG. The code | symbol 1200 shown in FIG. 12 shows the name of a setting file. In the portions indicated by reference numerals 1201 and 1202 shown in FIG. 12, the parameter “zoom” is set to “50”. That is, “zoom” of “50” means “0.5” times since “100” is used as a reference in this case.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the custom 5 setting file shown in FIG. Reference numeral 1300 shown in FIG. 13 indicates the name of the setting file. Reference numerals 1301, 1302, 1303, and 1304 shown in FIG. 13 indicate parameters of each page. Here, the parameter “rotate” of each page is set to “−45”, “45”, “−135”, and “135”, respectively. In this example, the clockwise direction is “+”. That is, the custom 5 shown in FIG. 8 is obtained according to the set value of the parameter “rotate” shown in FIG.

  10 to 13 are created by the file creation unit 712. How to create these setting files will be described later. The setting file may be acquired through a network or may be acquired by copying from a recording medium. Note that the setting file may be a text file or a script file.

  When the setting file is a text file, the visibility of the file is improved and each parameter can be easily added, modified, or deleted. When the setting file is a script file, the order of pages can be changed in a complicated manner, and each parameter can be easily added, modified, and deleted.

  In the example illustrated in FIGS. 10 to 13, the setting file is stored in a JSON (JavaScript (registered trademark) Object notation) format, but may be in an XML format or the like. The user can freely edit each parameter of the setting file by using the file creation unit 712.

<Example of setting screen>
FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print setting screen that allows a part of the setting example illustrated in FIG. 8 to be selected. In the example illustrated in FIG. 14, it is assumed that setting files for custom 1 and custom 2 are stored in the storage unit 711.

  The first interpretation unit 706 acquires setting file identification information (for example, a file name) stored in the storage unit 711. The print setting unit 705 includes, in addition to “no”, “consolidate two pages into one page”, and “consolidate four pages into one page” preset in the printer driver 704 as aggregation options, “Custom 1” and “Custom 2” acquired in 706 are used as options.

  The print setting unit 705 displays the setting screen 1401 shown in FIG. 14 on the display unit 606 by displaying the above options on the screen. Accordingly, the user can select “Custom 1” and “Custom 2” added by the user from the print setting screen 1401.

<Create configuration file>
Next, creation of a setting file will be described. The file creation unit 712 controls display of the layout based on each parameter of the setting file, and creates the setting file while allowing the user to confirm the layout.

(1) Editing an existing setting The file creation unit 712 can edit an existing setting file and create a new setting file. FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example (part 1) of the menu screen. As shown in FIG. 15, the user can open the page editing screen by selecting an existing layout name (or setting file name) and pressing a “change setting” button. When detecting that the “setting change” button is pressed, the file creation unit 712 controls display of the page editing screen.

  FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example (part 1) of the page editing screen. The file creation unit 712 displays physical page settings “name”, “number of aggregations”, “next start page number”, “sort method”, and the like, and the user can edit these data. . Page numbers 1 to 4 shown in FIG. 16 indicate logical page numbers.

  FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example (part 2) of the page editing screen. When the user selects a logical page with a pointing device such as a mouse, a logical page setting dialog shown in FIG. 17 is displayed. The user can edit the setting of each parameter of this logical page. When the file creation unit 712 detects selection of a logical page by the pointing device, the file creation unit 712 controls display of a logical page setting dialog.

  Each parameter of the logical page includes “page number”, “angle”, “x”, “y”, “width”, “height”, “zoom”, “rotation angle when mixing document directions”, and the like. A user can edit the size, position, and angle of a logical page graphically using a mouse, or can directly edit a logical page setting value. The file creation unit 712 receives a user operation for setting a logical page and reflects this operation on the editing screen.

  In consideration of the nature of page editing, it is better to match parameters such as the size of each logical page at the time of aggregation. Therefore, a check box is provided beside each parameter for logical page setting. When this check box is checked, the file creation unit 712 reflects the parameter setting value of one logical page in the parameters of all other logical pages.

  FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of changing the size and position of the page with page number 1. In the example shown in FIG. 18, the page size of logical page 1 is reduced, and the position of logical page 1 (x = 0, y = 0) is changed to another position (x = 0.2, y = 0.2). To do. This position is, for example, the position of the upper left corner.

  FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating an example of changing the size of the page with page number 1. In the example shown in FIG. 19, the check boxes for the parameters “width” and “height” are checked, and changes in these parameters are reflected in all logical pages. For example, the file creation unit 712 also applies the size change of the logical page 1 to the logical pages 2 to 4.

  FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an example of rotating a logical page. In the example illustrated in FIG. 20, the logical page is rotated by selecting the rotation icon 2001. In the example shown in FIG. 20, since the “angle” check box is checked, the rotation is reflected on all logical pages.

  FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating an example of changing the document direction. The example shown in FIG. 21 shows a display example when the document orientation is changed to the horizontal from the initial state of “collect four pages into one page”. When “horizontal” is selected from the document direction pull-down menu 2101 shown in FIG. 21, the file creation unit 712 controls the display of the layout with the document direction set to horizontal. This is used when confirming how the document is displayed when the document orientation is horizontal.

(2) Creating a new setting file The file creating unit 712 can create a new setting file. An example in which the user newly creates a setting file will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating an example (part 2) of the menu screen. In the example shown in FIG. 22, the user can open the page editing screen by pressing the “New” button. When the file creation unit 712 detects that the “new creation” button is pressed, the file creation unit 712 controls display of a layout name (setting file name) and an aggregation number determination screen (FIG. 23).

  FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating an example of a layout name and aggregation number determination screen. In the example shown in FIG. 23, the layout name is “Custom1” and the aggregation number is “3”. When the file creation unit 712 detects that the “OK” button is pressed, the file creation unit 712 transitions to the next screen (FIG. 24).

  FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating an example of a layout selection screen. In the example illustrated in FIG. 24, the file creation unit 712 presents a layout that is expected to be frequently used to the user according to the determined aggregation number. The file creation unit 712 holds a layout that is expected to be frequently used for each aggregation number. Thereby, the user can select a layout close to a desired layout, and can create a new layout with a minimum operation.

  FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating an example of a page editing screen of the selected layout. As shown in FIG. 25, when a logical page is selected by a pointing device or the like, a logical page setting dialog is displayed.

  The editing of the setting file is the same as the editing content described in (1). The file creation unit 712 stores the edited setting file in the storage unit 711. The file creation unit 712 performs the above-described processing by executing the above-described GUI program that enables editing.

<Scenario>
Next, a Windows (registered trademark) printing scenario will be described. FIG. 26 is a diagram illustrating an example of a RAW spool scenario. The RAW spool is a data format that can be directly interpreted by the printer, and is converted into a printer language by the drawing unit 2605 of the printer driver 2604 at the time of spooling. The data format that can be interpreted depends on the device. With the RAW spool, a correct drawing result can be obtained.

  The user issues a print instruction to the application 2602. Upon receiving a print instruction, the application 2602 outputs DEVMODE and a GDI call that is a document drawing command to a GDI (Graphical Device Interface) 2603.

  The GDI 2603 is an OS drawing unit. The GDI 2603 acquires a GDI call from the application 2602, converts the GDI call into a DDI call, and outputs the DEVMODE and DDI call to the drawing unit 2605.

  Upon obtaining a DDI (Device Driver Interface) call, the drawing unit 2605 converts the drawing data into PDL print data that can be interpreted by the printer. The print data includes PDL drawing data and control data. The drawing unit 2605 outputs the converted print data to the spooler 2606.

  The spooler 2606 temporarily stores the acquired print data as a spool file (RAW data) 2607. The spooler 2606 outputs the spool file 2607 to the port monitor 2608. The spool file 2607 is RAW data print data that can be interpreted by the printer.

  The port monitor 2608 outputs print data to the output destination indicated by the set port number.

  FIG. 27 is a flowchart illustrating an example of page editing during RAW spooling. In step S101 shown in FIG. 27, the printer driver 704 accumulates print data for one page. In the RAW spool, processing is performed in order from one page.

  In step S102, the printer driver 704 determines whether all pages necessary for page editing have been accumulated. In the printer driver 704, for example, it is necessary to temporarily accumulate pages necessary for aggregation. If the determination result in step S102 is YES (stored), the process proceeds to step S103, and if the determination result is NO (not stored), the process returns to step S101.

  In step S103, the printer driver 704 performs aggregation processing and arranges each page at a necessary position.

  In step S104, the printer driver 704 outputs a print command together with the print data to the printer via the spooler.

  Note that the GDI 2603 and the spooler 2606 are functions provided by the OS 702. The application 2602, GDI 2603, printer driver 2604, and spooler 2606 are realized by, for example, the CPU 601 and the RAM 602 as work memory, and the port monitor 2608 can be realized by, for example, the CPU 601 and the network I / F unit 604.

<Operation>
Next, the operation of the print control system in the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 28 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of RAW spool printing. The example illustrated in FIG. 28 is an example of “3 in 1” consolidated printing.

  In step S <b> 201, the OS 702 detects a print instruction from the application and makes a print setting determination request to the print setting unit 705.

  In step S202, when the print setting unit 705 receives a print request from the OS 702, the print setting unit 705 requests the first interpretation unit 706 to acquire a list of setting files added by the user.

  In steps S <b> 203 and 204, the first interpretation unit 706 searches for the setting file stored in the storage unit 711 and acquires the name of the setting file, for example.

  In step S205, the print setting unit 705 adds the name of the setting file acquired in step S204 to the list of default aggregate printing options.

  In step S206, the print setting unit 705 displays a print setting screen (see, for example, FIG. 14) on the display unit 606, and accepts input of print settings from the user. The print setting is determined, and the print execution button is pressed by the user.

  In step S207, the OS 702 requests the drawing unit 707 to start a print job. In step S208, the drawing unit 707 requests the editing execution unit 708 to prepare for page editing (for example, imposition processing) based on the set print settings.

  In step S209, the editing execution unit 708 sends a setting file acquisition request to the second interpretation unit 709. Here, “3 in 1” is input in step S206, and the setting file stored in the storage unit 711 is used.

  In steps S210 and S211, the second interpretation unit 709 searches for a setting file corresponding to “3 in 1”, and acquires each parameter of the searched setting file. Each acquired parameter is output to the editing execution unit 708 and the drawing unit 707.

  In step S <b> 212, the drawing unit 707 issues a job command to the printer 502. The printer 502 returns a command response to the drawing unit 707. The drawing unit 707 outputs a command response to the OS 702.

  In step S213, if the response acquired from the printer 502 via the drawing unit 707 indicates that the job start is OK, the OS 702 notifies the drawing unit 707 of the start of the document.

  In step S <b> 214, the drawing unit 707 issues a document start command to the printer 502. The printer 502 returns a command response to the drawing unit 707. The drawing unit 707 outputs a command response to the OS 702.

  In step S215, if the OS 702 obtains from the printer 502 via the drawing unit 707 and the response indicates document start OK, the OS 702 notifies the drawing unit 707 of the start of the page.

  In step S216, the drawing unit 707 notifies the editing execution unit 708 of the start of the page. Thereby, the edit execution unit 708 starts to acquire page data.

  In step S217, the OS 702 notifies the drawing unit 707 of the end of the page.

  In step S218, the drawing unit 707 notifies the editing execution unit 708 of the end of the page.

  In step S219, the edit execution unit 708 accumulates page data in the memory. The memory may be an internal memory of the editing execution unit 708 or an external memory.

  Steps S220 to S224 and steps S225 to S229 are the same as steps S215 to S219. In the example illustrated in FIG. 17, since “3 in 1”, the processing in steps S215 to S219 is repeated for three pages.

  In step S230, the edit execution unit 708 arranges data for three pages on a physical page based on each parameter of the setting file.

  In step S231, the editing execution unit 708 issues a command to the printer 502 to output data for three pages. The printer 502 returns a command response to the editing execution unit 708, and this response is notified to the OS 702 via the drawing unit 707.

  In step S232, the OS 702 notifies the drawing unit 707 of the end of the document.

  In step S233, the drawing unit 707 issues a document end command to the printer 502. The printer 502 returns a response to the document end command to the drawing unit 707. The drawing unit 707 outputs a response to the OS 702.

  In step S234, the OS 702 notifies the drawing unit 707 of the end of the job.

  In step S235, the drawing unit 707 issues a job end command to the printer 502. The printer 502 outputs a response to the job end command to the OS 702 via the drawing unit 707.

  As described above, according to the first embodiment, it is possible to graphically create a setting file in which parameters of imposition processing are set. Also, according to the first embodiment, when printing using the RAW spool, the user can freely set imposition by using the setting file created by the user. Therefore, flexible collective printing and bookbinding printing that meet the user's needs can be performed.

[Example 2]
Next, a print control system according to the second embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment, a case where printing is performed using an EMF spool will be described.

<Function>
FIG. 29 is a block diagram illustrating an example of functions of a PC according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 29, the PC 2901 includes an OS (Operating System) 2902, an application 703, a printer driver 2903, a print processor 2905, a storage unit 711, a file creation unit 712, and a communication unit 713. 29, the same functions as those shown in FIG. 7 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

  Unlike the first embodiment, the printer driver 2903 illustrated in FIG. 29 performs PDL conversion without performing page editing or the like. The rendering unit 2904 performs PDL conversion.

  A print processor 2905 performs imposition processing for page editing related to aggregate printing and the like. The print processor 2905 may determine from the DEVMODE whether or not to perform imposition processing on the drawing data, or may directly determine print settings from the attribute information. For example, if the print setting is 2in1 aggregation, the print processor 2905 can determine that at least reduction and rotation imposition processing is necessary. The print processor 2905 includes an editing execution unit 2906 and a second interpretation unit 2907 for performing page editing.

  The editing execution unit 2906 is similar in function to the editing execution unit 708 of the first embodiment, but is provided in the print processor 2905. The second interpretation unit 2907 is similar in function to the second interpretation unit 709 of the first embodiment, but is provided in the print processor 2905.

<Scenario>
Next, a Windows (registered trademark) printing scenario will be described. FIG. 30 is a diagram illustrating an example of an EMF spool scenario. The EMF spool is a common data format in Windows (registered trademark), and the printer driver is activated at the time of spooling. The common data format is device independent. In the EMF spool, since time-consuming processing is performed in the background, the time for returning control to the application after the print start instruction is short. In the functions shown in FIG. 30, the same functions as those shown in FIG. 26 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

  As illustrated in FIG. 30, the user issues a print instruction to the application 2602 of the PC 3001. Upon receiving a print instruction, the application 2602 outputs a DEVMODE and a GDI call, which is a document drawing command, to the GDI 3002.

  The GDI 3002 is an OS drawing unit. The GDI 3002 acquires a GDI call from the application 2602, converts the GDI call into a DDI call, and outputs the DEVMODE and DDI call to the spooler 3003.

  The spooler 3003 temporarily stores the acquired EMF data as a spool file 3004. The print processor 3005 acquires the spool file 3004 (EMF data) and performs imposition processing. At this time, the print processor 3005 can also perform imposition processing based on the setting file stored in the storage unit 711. The print processor 3005 outputs the impositioned data to the spooler 3003.

  The spooler 3003 outputs the drawing data subjected to the imposition process to the GDI 3002. The GDI 3002 outputs the drawing data subjected to the imposition processing to the drawing unit 3006 by a DDI call.

  The drawing unit 3006 converts the acquired drawing data into PDL that can be interpreted by the printer 502, and outputs the converted print data (drawing data and control data) to the spooler 3003.

  The spooler 3003 temporarily stores the acquired print data. The spooler 3003 outputs print data to the port monitor 3007. The port monitor 3007 outputs print data to the output destination indicated by the set port number. The print processor 3005 can be realized by an OS 601 and a RAM 602 as a work memory.

<Operation>
Next, the operation of the print control system in the second embodiment will be described. FIG. 31 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of EMF spool printing. The example shown in FIG. 31 is an example of “3 in 1” consolidated printing. In the process shown in FIG. 31, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same processes as those shown in FIG. 28, and the description thereof is omitted.

  In step S301, the OS 2902 notifies the print processor 2905 of the start of printing.

  In step S302, the print processor 2905 requests the edit execution unit 2906 to prepare for page editing based on the print setting selected by the user. Here, it is assumed that the user has selected a print setting (“3 in 1 consolidated printing”) corresponding to the setting file stored in the storage unit 711.

  In step S303, the editing execution unit 2906 requests the second interpreting unit 2907 to acquire the page editing setting content.

  In step S304, the second interpretation unit 2907 searches the storage unit 711 for the setting file selected by the user.

  In step S305, the second interpretation unit 2907 obtains each parameter described in the searched setting file. When the third interpretation unit 2907 acquires each parameter of the setting file, the third interpretation unit 2907 outputs the parameter to the print processor 2905 via the editing execution unit 2906.

  In step S306, the print processor 2905 notifies the drawing unit 2904 of the start of the job.

  In step S307, the drawing unit 2904 issues a job command to the printer 502. The printer 502 returns a command response to the drawing unit 2904. The drawing unit 2904 outputs a command response to the print processor 2905.

  In step S308, if the response acquired from the printer 502 via the drawing unit 2904 indicates OK, the print processor 2905 notifies the drawing unit 2904 of the start of the document.

  In step S <b> 309, the drawing unit 2904 issues a document start command to the printer 502. The printer 502 returns a command response to the drawing unit 2904. The drawing unit 2904 outputs a command response to the print processor 2905.

  In step S310, if the response acquired from the printer 502 via the drawing unit 2904 indicates that the document start is OK, the print processor 2905 notifies the editing execution unit 2906 of the start of the page.

  In step S311, the edit execution unit 2906 notifies the drawing unit 2904 of the start of the page.

  In step S312, the drawing unit 2904 issues a page start command to the printer 502. The printer 502 returns a command response to the drawing unit 2904. The response to the command is output to the print processor 2905 via the editing execution unit 2906.

  In step S313, the print processor 2905 notifies the editing execution unit 2906 of the end of the page.

  In steps S <b> 314 to S <b> 316, the editing execution unit 2906 arranges three pages based on each parameter of the setting file. In the EMF spool, drawing commands from the application 703 are temporarily stored in the EMF format, so that page editing can be performed by the print processor 2905.

  In step S317, the edit execution unit 2906 notifies the drawing unit 2904 of the end of the page together with the edited print data.

  In step S318, the drawing unit 2904 issues a page end command to the printer 502 together with the print data converted into PDL. The printer 502 outputs a response to the end command to the drawing unit 2904. A response to the end command is notified to the print processor 2905 via the editing execution unit 2906.

  In step S319, the print processor 2905 notifies the drawing unit 2904 of the end of the document.

  In step S320, the drawing unit 2904 issues a document end command to the printer 502. The printer 502 returns a response to the document end command to the drawing unit 2904. The drawing unit 2904 outputs a response to the print processor 2905.

  In step S321, the print processor 2905 notifies the drawing unit 2904 of the end of the job.

  In step S322, the drawing unit 2904 issues a job end command to the printer 502. The printer 502 outputs a response to the job end command to the print processor 2905 via the drawing unit 2904.

  As described above, according to the second embodiment, it is possible to graphically create a setting file in which parameters for imposition processing are set. Further, according to the second embodiment, when printing is performed using an EMF spool, a user can freely set layouts by using a setting file created by the user. Therefore, flexible collective printing and bookbinding printing that meet the user's needs can be performed.

[Modification]
Next, an image forming apparatus according to a modification will be described. In the modification, the above-described print control process (printer driver) is incorporated in the MFP. FIG. 32 is a block diagram illustrating an example of an MFP 3201 according to a modification. As shown in FIG. 32, the MFP 3201 stores a print control program 3203 in a memory, and generates print data by executing the print control program. The generated print data is imaged and output. Thereby, according to the MFP 3201 according to the modification, the processing shown in each embodiment can be performed by the MFP alone.

  The program executed by the PC of each embodiment or the MFP of the modification is a file in an installable or executable format, such as a CD-ROM, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-R, a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), etc. And recorded on a computer-readable recording medium.

  Further, the program executed by the PC of each embodiment or the MFP of the modification may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by being downloaded via the network.

  Further, the program executed by the PC of each embodiment or the MFP of the modification may be provided by being incorporated in advance in a ROM or the like.

  The program executed by the PC of each embodiment and the MFP of the modification has a module configuration including the above-described units, and as actual hardware, a CPU (processor) reads the program from the storage medium and executes it. As a result, the functions are loaded onto the main storage device, and the functions are created on the main storage device.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to the said Example as it is, A component can be deform | transformed and embodied in the range which does not deviate from the summary in an implementation stage. Moreover, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of constituent elements disclosed in the above embodiments. For example, some components may be deleted from all the components shown in the embodiments. Furthermore, constituent elements over different embodiments may be appropriately combined.

501,600PC
502, 620, 630 Printer 601 CPU
602 RAM
603 HDD
604 Network I / F unit 605 Input unit 606 Display unit 607 External storage device I / F unit 608 Recording medium 702 OS
703, 2602 Applications 704, 2604, 2903 Printer driver 705 Print setting unit 706 First interpretation unit 707, 2904 Drawing unit 708, 2906 Edit execution unit 709, 2907 Second interpretation unit 710, 3005 Print processor 711 Storage unit 712 File creation unit 713 Communication unit 2603, 3002 GDI
2605, 3005 Drawing unit 2606, 3003 Spooler 2608, 3007 Port monitor 2301 MFP
2303 Print control program

JP 2002-140176

Claims (9)

Creating means for creating a setting file including parameters for imposition processing on drawing data while controlling display based on the parameters;
Storage means for storing the setting file created by the creating means;
An image processing unit that performs imposition processing on the drawing data based on the setting file read from the storage unit when a print setting using the setting file is made;
Transmitting means for transmitting drawing data subjected to imposition processing by the image processing means to an output destination;
An information processing apparatus comprising: The creating means includes
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a setting value of a parameter in one logical page can be reflected in parameters in all other logical pages.   3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each of the parameters includes an aggregation number, a layout position, a size, an angle, and a repetition of a page, and is centrally managed as a custom parameter.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the setting file holds a plurality of the custom parameters.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the setting file holds one custom layout.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the setting file is a script file.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the setting file is a text file. A creation step for creating a setting file including parameters for imposition processing for drawing data while controlling display based on the parameters;
A storage step of storing the setting file created by the creation step in a storage unit;
GUI program for causing a computer to execute.   A computer-readable recording medium on which the GUI program according to claim 8 is recorded.

Images