JP2012234274A - Information processor and data composition method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To obtain data in which contents of a plurality of files are arranged in one page without performing complicated editing operations.SOLUTION: An information processor comprises: a storage device for storing software and a plurality of files created by the software; a display unit which can display a plurality of files; an input unit for receiving instruction input for opening files, setting input for setting display positions and/or sizes of the opened files on the display unit, and input for selecting the plurality of files displayed on the display unit as selected files; and a composition processing unit for generating composition data in which respective pages of each selected file are combined and arranged in one page.

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus such as a personal computer. The present invention also relates to a data synthesis method in the information processing apparatus.

  Various software (applications) are installed on the computer according to the purpose, such as for document creation (word processing), spreadsheet, image data editing, and electronic document browsing. The editing contents (documents, graphs, etc.) using each software are stored as files. When printing a plurality of files, a print instruction for each file may be bundled and combined into a single print job instead of giving a print instruction for each file. An invention relating to the combination of print jobs of a plurality of files is described in Patent Document 1.

  Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-228561 manages printing conditions of a plurality of files created by at least one application program, and prints the files according to the application program that created the files based on the printing conditions when printing out the plurality of files. A print management method, a program, and a print management apparatus for controlling execution instructions are described. Specifically, it is intended to improve the operability by setting the start page and the end page of printing in each file (Patent Document 1: Claim 1, paragraphs [0004], [0055], FIG. 2). (See (b) etc.).

JP2007-042023

  Conventionally, in order to combine the contents included in a plurality of files into one page, editing has to be performed. For example, if you place a document contained in a file on the left side of the page and want data (material) or a printed material with a graph or figure contained in another file on the right side of the page, the user starts the software. Thus, an editing operation such as creating a new file and copying and pasting the contents of one file and another file to the new file is necessary.

  However, in editing, editing operations may be complicated, such as manually setting the resizing of the layout and pasting contents (pasting data). Further, when creating a document, there are cases where editing needs to be performed for a large number of pages (for example, several tens of pages), and the editing work becomes more complicated as the editing amount increases. Also, when copying the contents of a file in a certain format and pasting it into a file in another format, it may not be possible to paste it as it is. In such a case, the data format of the pasted content may need to be converted. Thus, there is a problem that editing for rearranging the contents of a plurality of files within one page can be complicated.

  In the invention described in Patent Document 1, when printing a plurality of files, detailed settings such as a print start page and an end page of each file can be made, but the collected files are sequentially (sequentially for each file). It is something to print. Therefore, the contents of a plurality of files cannot be arranged in one page, and the above problem cannot be solved.

  In view of the above-mentioned problems, the present invention performs composition by automatically arranging the contents of a plurality of files opened on the display unit within one page, and the contents of the plurality of files can be saved without performing complicated editing work. It is an object to obtain data arranged in one page.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, the information processing apparatus according to claim 1, a storage device that stores software and a plurality of files created by the software, a display unit that can display the plurality of files, and at least the file An input unit for accepting input for selecting a plurality of the files displayed on the display unit as selection files, an instruction input for opening the file, a setting input for the display position and size of the opened file on the display unit, And a synthesis processing unit for synthesizing the respective pages of each of the selected files and generating synthesized data arranged in one page.

  According to this configuration, the synthesis processing unit synthesizes each page of each selected file and generates synthesized data arranged in one page. Thus, the user can obtain data in which the contents of a plurality of selected files are combined into one page by automatic processing by the information processing apparatus without performing editing operations such as copying and pasting. Therefore, complicated editing work can be eliminated, and user convenience and convenience can be improved.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the composition processing unit maintains a display positional relationship between the upper, lower, left, and right selected files on the display unit, and a plurality of the selected files. The combined data is generated by reducing or enlarging the respective pages and arranging them in one page.

  According to this configuration, the composition processing unit reduces or enlarges each page of each of the plurality of selected files while maintaining the display positional relationship of the selected files on the display unit in the vertical and horizontal directions. To generate composite data. Thus, by adjusting the display position of each selected file on the display unit in advance, the user can obtain composite data in which pages of each selected file are arranged in one page with a desired layout. In other words, composite data reflecting the layout of the selected file on the display unit can be obtained.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect of the present invention, the composition processing unit divides the area of one page in the composite data equally by the number of the selected files, thereby obtaining one divided area. One synthetic file is generated by arranging one page of the selected file.

  According to this configuration, the synthesis processing unit equally divides the area of one page in the synthesized data by the number of selected files, and arranges one selected file page in one divided area to generate synthesized data. . Thereby, for example, as in 2in1 or 4in1, one page of the combined data is divided equally, and easy-to-read combined data in which the contents of the selected file are inserted into the equally divided regions can be obtained.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the first to third aspects of the present invention, the composition processing unit has an area allocated within one page of the composite data as the selected file displayed larger on the display unit. The area of one page in the composite data is divided so as to be wider, and a wider divided area is assigned to the selected file that is displayed larger on the display unit.

  According to this configuration, the synthesis processing unit divides the area of one page in the synthesized data so that the area allocated in one page of the synthesized data becomes larger as the selected file displayed larger on the display unit, A larger divided area is assigned to a selected file that is displayed larger on the display unit. Thus, by adjusting the size (size) of the display of the selected file on the display unit in advance, the user can change the divided area allocated to the page of the specific selected file in the page of the composite data. Adjustments such as widening and narrowing can be performed.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the first to fourth aspects of the invention, when a display magnification is set in each of the selected files, the composition processing unit causes the selected data to have a larger display magnification. The area of one page in the composite data is divided so that the area allocated in one page becomes larger, and the larger divided area is allocated to the selected file having a larger display magnification.

  In the display of the file on the display unit, the magnification in the display may be set, such as the same size, fit to the page width, or display the entire page. Therefore, according to this configuration, the synthesis processing unit divides the area of one page in the synthesized data so that the area allocated in one page of the synthesized data becomes wider as the selected file having a larger display magnification, and the display magnification is increased. The larger the selected file, the wider the divided area. Thus, by adjusting the display magnification of the selected file in advance, the user can make adjustments such as widening or narrowing the divided area allocated to the page of the specific selected file in the page of the composite data. Can do.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the first to fifth aspects of the invention, the input unit accepts a setting input for setting a page to be included in the composite data for each of the selected files, and the composite processing unit In each of the selected files, combined data of the set page is generated when included in the combined data.

  According to this configuration, the composition processing unit generates composition data of a set page when included in the composition data in each selected file. Thus, the user can make fine settings for inserting the page of the selected file into a desired page in the composite data. Therefore, it is possible to generate composite data as desired by the user.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the first to sixth aspects of the invention, when the number of pages included in the composite data does not match for each of the selected files, the synthesis processing unit selects the selection having the largest number of pages. Generate the composite data using the divided area assigned to the selected file other than the file as a blank page, or leave pages to be included in the synthesized data in the area assigned to the selected file other than the selected file with the largest number of pages. The synthesized data is generated by arranging pages of the selected file.

  According to this configuration, for each selected file, when the number of pages to be included in the synthesized data does not match, the synthesis processing unit generates synthesized data using the divided area allocated to the selected file other than the selected file with the largest number of pages as blank paper. Alternatively, the synthesized data is generated by arranging pages of the selected file in which pages to be included in the synthesized data remain in the area allocated to the selected file other than the selected file having the largest number of pages. Thereby, it is possible to set how to generate the composite data when the number of pages of each selected file does not match.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the first to seventh aspects of the invention, the display unit displays a preview of the composite data generated by the composite processing unit.

  According to this configuration, the display unit performs a preview display of the synthesized data generated by the synthesis processing unit. Thus, the user can confirm what kind of composite data is generated before actually generating the composite data.

  The invention according to claim 9 is the invention according to claims 1 to 8, wherein the input unit accepts an operation for moving a boundary of the divided region, and the composition processing unit is adapted to the moved boundary, The size of each of the divided areas is changed.

  According to this configuration, the input unit accepts an operation for moving the boundary between the divided regions, and the composition processing unit changes the size of each divided region in accordance with the moved boundary. Thereby, the size of the divided area allocated to each selected file can be changed within one page of the combined data by moving the boundary. Then, the contents of the page of each selected file can be matched to the size of each divided area by moving the boundary.

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the first to ninth aspects of the invention, the synthesis processing unit generates a file including the synthesized data, and the storage device stores the file including the synthesized data. It was decided to.

  According to this configuration, the synthesis processing unit generates a file including the synthesized data, and the storage device stores it. As a result, the user can easily reuse the composite data.

  The invention according to claim 11 is the invention according to claim 10, wherein the input unit accepts an input for setting a file format for generating a file including synthesized synthesized data, It was decided to generate a file containing the combined data combined in the set file format.

  According to this configuration, the synthesis processing unit generates a file including the synthesized data in the set file format. Thereby, the composite data can be filed in a format desired by the user.

  According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the first to eleventh aspects of the invention, the input unit accepts an input for selecting the file by designating a range of the file displayed on the display unit.

  According to this configuration, the input unit accepts input for selecting a file displayed on the display unit by specifying a range. Thus, it is possible to easily input a file by designating a range.

  According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in any of the first to twelfth aspects of the present invention, an output device that performs printing is provided, and the output device performs printing based on the composite data generated by the composite processing unit.

  According to this configuration, the output device performs printing based on the composite data generated by the composite processing unit. Thereby, a printed matter of the composite data can be obtained, and a material in which the contents of a plurality of files are arranged in one page can be easily created.

  The data composition program according to claim 14 causes the input unit to accept an input for selecting a plurality of files displayed on the display unit as a selection file, and causes the composition processing unit to synthesize each page of each of the selected files. Thus, the composite data arranged in one page is generated.

  According to this configuration, similarly to the first aspect of the invention, the contents of a plurality of selected files are combined into one page by automatic processing by the information processing apparatus without performing editing operations such as copying and pasting. Data can be obtained. Therefore, complicated editing work can be eliminated, and user convenience and convenience can be improved.

  According to the configuration of the present invention, it is possible to provide an information processing apparatus and program that can obtain data in which the contents of a plurality of files are arranged in one page, without selecting a file and performing complicated editing work. Can do.

It is the schematic which shows an example of information processing apparatus. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the hardware constitutions of information processing apparatus. It is a figure which shows an example of the basic setting screen when operating the driver program in information processing apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of selection of the file which performs a synthetic | combination process. It is a figure which shows an example of the synthetic | combination process setting screen in information processing apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of arrangement | positioning in synthetic | combination data when arrangement | positioning is set by Nin1. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the arrangement | positioning in synthetic | combination data when arrangement | positioning is set by the width of a display. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the arrangement | positioning in synthetic | combination data when arrangement | positioning is set by display magnification. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the synthetic | combination data produced | generated by the setting of each selection file inserted in synthetic | combination data. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the handling of the blank part in synthetic | combination data. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the preview display screen of the produced | generated synthetic data. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of the synthetic | combination process in information processing apparatus.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. However, each element such as the configuration described in this embodiment does not limit the scope of the invention and is merely an illustrative example.

(Schematic configuration of the information processing apparatus 100)
First, an outline of an information processing apparatus 100 according to an embodiment and an output apparatus connected to the information processing apparatus 100 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the information processing apparatus 100.

  The information processing apparatus 100 is, for example, a personal computer or a server, and may be a laptop type or a tower type as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 1, each information processing apparatus 100 is connected to a multifunction machine 1 having a printer function (corresponding to an output apparatus) as an output apparatus that performs print output via a network or a cable. . Each information processing apparatus 100 transmits print data to the multifunction device 1, and the multifunction device 1 performs printing based on the print data.

  Each information processing apparatus 100 has a display 2 (corresponding to a display unit) for displaying various information, a keyboard 31 (corresponding to an input unit) and a mouse 32 for operating / inputting each information processing apparatus 100. (Corresponding to the input unit). A pointing device may be separately provided as an input unit for performing operations and inputs. Moreover, when the touch panel is provided in the display 2, you may use a touch panel as an input part.

(Hardware configuration of information processing apparatus 100)
Next, an example of the hardware configuration of the information processing apparatus 100 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the information processing apparatus 100. In FIG. 2, only one information processing apparatus 100 is shown for convenience.

  First, the information processing apparatus 100 will be described. In the information processing apparatus 100, a CPU 41 as a central processing unit, a ROM 42 (Read Only Memory) that stores data and programs for activation, a RAM 43 (a program used for processing in the CPU 41, and a data file 6 are expanded. A control unit 4 (corresponding to a synthesis processing unit) including a random access memory is provided. The CPU 41 of the control unit 4 performs processing and calculation based on programs and software 5.

  In addition, the information processing apparatus 100 includes a large-capacity auxiliary storage device 44 (corresponding to a storage device) such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive) (may be externally attached). As shown in FIG. 2, the auxiliary storage device 44 creates document creation software (word processor software), spreadsheet software, image data editing software (graphic software), electronic document creation software, browsing software, a slide screen, and the like. A plurality of software 5 (applications) such as presentation software can be installed. As shown in FIG. 2, the user can store a plurality of files 6 created using the software 5 as various applications in the auxiliary storage device 44.

  Further, the user can issue a print instruction for the file 6 created using the various software 5. A driver program 7 (corresponding to a synthesis program) for using the multifunction device 1 is installed in the auxiliary storage device 44. The driver program 7 is provided from the manufacturer of the multifunction device 1. When there is a print instruction, the driver program 7 is activated. The driver program 7 causes the control unit 4 (CPU 41) to process data used for printing. The data processed by the control unit 4 is sent from the communication unit 46 to the multifunction device 1. The multifunction device 1 performs printing based on the received data.

  In this embodiment, the information processing apparatus 100 performs a data composition process for inserting the contents (pages) of a plurality of files 6 in one page of the composite data 9. In the description of the present embodiment, an example will be described in which the driver program 7 includes a program for performing this synthesis process. Note that the program for performing the synthesis process may be separate from the driver program 7.

  The information processing apparatus 100 is provided with an input / output device such as a keyboard 31, a mouse 32, and a display 2, and an I / O unit 45 for inputting and outputting data. A keyboard 31, a mouse 32, a display 2, and the like are connected to the I / O unit 45, and the user can view software 6 and data stored on the auxiliary storage device 44 while viewing the contents of the file 6 and data on the display 2. 5, opening the file 6 stored in the auxiliary storage device 44, and various inputs and operations such as new creation, update, and deletion of the file 6. In addition, while viewing the contents of the file 6 and data on the display 2, it is possible to input the setting of the display position and size of the opened file 6 on the display 2 using the keyboard 31 and the mouse 32.

  Next, the configuration of the multifunction machine 1 connected to the information processing apparatus 100 will be described. A main control unit 10 is provided in the machine for operation control of each part and each member of the multifunction machine 1 of the present embodiment.

  For example, the main control unit 10 is provided with a CPU 101, a storage unit 102, and the like. The CPU 101 is a central processing unit of the multifunction machine 1 and performs various computations based on the control program and data to control each part of the multifunction machine 1. The storage unit 102 is configured by combining volatile and nonvolatile storage devices such as ROM, RAM, and flash ROM. The storage unit 102 stores various data such as a control program, control data, and image data of the multifunction machine 1.

  In addition, the multifunction device 1 is provided with an image reading unit 11 as a portion for scanning. The image reading unit 11 includes a contact glass on the upper surface, and reads a document placed on the contact glass. In the image reading unit 11, for example, an exposure lamp, a mirror, a lens, an image sensor (for example, a CCD), etc. (all not shown) are arranged, and the reflected light to the document is guided to the image sensor. Is A / D converted to obtain document image data.

  Further, the multifunction device 1 is provided with a paper feeding unit 12, a conveyance path 13, an image forming unit 14, a fixing unit 15 and the like as parts for printing. The paper feeding unit 12 accommodates various sizes of paper such as copy paper. The paper feed unit 12 then feeds the paper one sheet at a time to the transport path 13 during printing. The conveyance path 13 is a path that conveys the sheet supplied from the sheet feeding unit 12. The transport path 13 is provided with, for example, a guide plate for guiding paper, a pair of transport rollers that are connected to a drive mechanism (not shown) made of a motor and the like to rotate and transport the paper.

  The image forming unit 14 forms a toner image based on the image data and transfers the toner image onto the conveyed paper. The image forming unit 14 includes, for example, a photosensitive drum, a charging unit, a developing unit, a cleaning unit, and the like (not shown). The image forming unit 14 forms a toner image based on the image data acquired by the image reading unit 11, the image data received from the information processing apparatus 100, and the like. Specifically, in the toner image formation, the charging unit charges the surface of the photosensitive drum to a predetermined potential. The exposure unit turns on and off a semiconductor laser device (not shown) according to the image data, and scans and exposes the charged photosensitive drum. The developing unit stores toner and charges the toner to a predetermined potential. Further, the developing unit causes the toner to fly and supplies the toner to the electrostatic latent image. As a result, the electrostatic latent image is developed as a toner image. The cleaning unit is in contact with the photosensitive drum and collects and removes residual toner and the like.

  The fixing unit 15 includes, for example, a heating roller that incorporates a heating element and a pressure roller that presses the heating roller. Then, the fixing unit 15 passes the sheet on which the toner image is transferred between both rollers, and fixes the toner image on the sheet. When the fixing is completed, printing of one sheet is completed, and the printed sheet is discharged outside the apparatus.

  The main control unit 10 is connected to the image reading unit 11, the paper feeding unit 12, the conveyance path 13, the image forming unit 14, the fixing unit 15 and the like of the multifunction machine 1 so that printing can be performed appropriately. Control the operation of each part.

(Print settings in driver program 7)
Next, an outline of the driver program 7 of the present embodiment will be described based on FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the basic setting screen S1 when the driver program 7 is operated in the information processing apparatus 100 according to the embodiment.

  First, the control unit 4 activates the driver program 7 when printing is instructed by the various software 5 using the mouse 32 or the keyboard 31 or when it is input that the selection file 8 described later is to be combined. Let 3 is an example of the basic setting screen S1 among the setting screens displayed when the information processing apparatus 100 starts the driver program 7. As the driver program 7 is activated, the control unit 4 causes the display 2 to display a basic setting screen S1. Then, the user can perform settings such as printing by inputting the setting screen displayed on the display 2 with the mouse 32 or the like.

  In the basic setting screen S1 shown in FIG. 3, basic items that are frequently set by the user regarding printing, such as paper size, printing direction, and number of copies, can be set. When the setting is completed, the user presses the OK key K1. When the OK key K <b> 1 is pressed, the driver program 7 causes the control unit 4 to generate print data and starts transmission of print data from the communication unit 46 to the multifunction device 1. The cancel key K2 is pressed when printing is stopped. Further, a plurality of tabs are arranged at the top of the screen, and in FIG. 3, the basic setting tab TB1 is selected. Although various settings can be performed by pressing other tabs, the description of the settings when pressing other tabs is omitted except when the composite tab TB2 described below is pressed.

  When the user selects the composite tab TB2 with the mouse 32 or the like, the composite processing setting screen S2 (for combining data for inserting the contents of the plurality of files 6 into one page of the composite data 9) Can be displayed.

(File 6 selection and compositing setting)
Next, an example of setting in the composition processing of this embodiment will be described based on FIG. 4 and FIG. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of selection of the file 6 to be combined. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the composition processing setting screen S2 in the information processing apparatus 100.

  First, an example of selecting the file 6 to be combined will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 4, the user opens a plurality of files 6 (four examples of files A to D in FIG. 4) using the mouse 32 and the keyboard 31, and each opened file 6 is displayed on the display 2 as a window. The state that has been done. Further, the display width (size) of the opened file 6 and the display position of the file 6 can be set (adjusted) using the mouse 32 and the keyboard 31.

  For example, when a file A (for example, a document file 6) and a file B (for example, a file 6 including a graph) are selected as the files 6 to be combined, the user can use a mouse as shown in FIG. By performing a drag operation of 32, the cursor CS displayed on the display 2 is moved so that the file A and the file B are suspended, and the range on the display 2 is designated. As a result, file A and file B are selected. Note that the keyboard 31 may accept a selection input of the file 6 to be synthesized.

  When an operation for selecting a plurality of files 6 is performed by specifying a range or the like, the control unit 4 reads the driver program 7 from the auxiliary storage device 44 and activates the driver program 7. And the control part 4 displays the synthetic | combination process setting screen S2 as shown in FIG. When the range is specified, the menu is displayed by right-clicking the mouse 32, and an item such as “compositing process” is included in the menu, and when the “compositing process” item is selected, the control unit 4 A synthesis processing setting screen S2 as shown in FIG.

  For example, the composition processing setting screen S2 is displayed as a part of various settings in the driver program 7 (a state where the composition tab is selected). The composition processing setting screen S2 includes an arrangement setting area F1 for setting how to place a page included in the selected file 6 (selected file 8) on each page of the data to be synthesized, and by synthesis. An insertion page setting area F2 for setting which page in the selected file 8 is inserted into the data to be generated and a file creation setting area F3 for setting saving and printing of the composite data 9 are provided.

(Page layout settings)
Next, the layout of pages of each selected file 8 in the composition process will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of arrangement in the composite data 9 when arrangement is set with Nin1. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the arrangement in the composite data 9 when the arrangement is set according to the display size. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the arrangement in the composite data 9 when the arrangement is set with the display magnification.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the user uses the check boxes CB1 to CB3 provided in the arrangement setting area F1 of the synthesis processing setting screen S2 to show how in the page of the synthesis data 9 generated by the synthesis processing. It is possible to set whether to arrange pages of each selected file 8. The check box CB1 is labeled “Nin1”, the check box CB2 is labeled “fit to the display size of the file 6”, and the check box CB3 is labeled “fit to the display magnification of the file 6”. Note that any one of the check boxes CB1 to CB3 can be selected. For this reason, radio buttons may be used instead of check boxes.

[Arrangement of Nin1]
Therefore, first, a synthesis process when the check box CB1 is checked will be described with reference to FIG. When the check box CB1 is checked, the control unit 4 equally divides the area of each page of the composite data 9 by the number N of the selected files 8. For example, the composite data 9 is image data (image data). Then, the control unit 4 arranges (inserts) the contents of each page included in each selected file 8 in the divided area (divided area). In other words, the driver program 7 causes the control unit 4 to evenly divide the area of each page of the composite data 9 by the number N of the selected files 8, and to divide the contents of each page included in each selected file 8 into the divided areas. Place (insert).

  FIG. 6 shows an example of the synthesis process when the selected file 8 is two files A and B and the check box CB1 is checked. At this time, the control unit 4 equally divides the area of one page in the data (synthesis data 9) generated by the synthesis into two. Then, according to the display position (display layout) of the selected file 8 on the display 2, the control unit 4 inserts the page of the file A into the left divided area of the page of the composite data 9 and sets the file in the right divided area. The page B is inserted to generate composite data 9 for one page. In this way, the control unit 4 generates the composite data 9 by directly reflecting the display layout (vertical / horizontal relationship) of the selected file 8 on the display 2.

  In the example of FIG. 6, the control unit 4 arranges the first page (A1) of the file A and the first page (B1) of the file B on the first page of the composite data 9. For example, the control unit 4 arranges the second page (A2) of the file A and the second page (B2) of the file B on the second page in the composite data 9. Then, the control unit 4 repeats the generation of the combined data 9 for one page by the number of pages of the selected file 8 included in the combined data 9. Thereby, for example, data in which a document is arranged on the right side of the page and a graphic such as a graph is arranged on the left side of the page can be automatically generated without editing.

  Here, the size of the composite data 9 can be set by selecting, for example, the output paper size pull-down menu PM1 on the basic setting screen S1 shown in FIG. 3 (for example, A4 size). Note that the size of the composite data 9 may be set on the composite processing setting screen S2.

  When the control unit 4 inserts the page of each selection file 8 into each divided area to generate the composite data 9, the image data (image data) is generated for each page of the selection file 8 included in the composite data 9, as in printing. (At this time, the function included in the driver program 7 is used). And the control part 4 synthesize | combines the produced | generated image data of each selection file 8, and produces | generates the synthetic data 9 for 1 page, and if necessary, repeats the synthetic | combination data 9 production | generation for 1 page.

  When inserting the page of the selected file 8 into the divided area, the control unit 4 performs a reduction process, an enlargement process, and a rotation process on the image data of each page of each selected file 8 as necessary. For example, when the resolution is the same, if the size of the combined data 9 is A3 size and the paper size setting of the selected file 8 is A4, no reduction or enlargement is necessary. On the other hand, when the resolution is the same, if the size of the composite data 9 is A4 and the paper size setting of the selected file 8 is A4, the size of the selected file 8 in the composite data 9 is A5 size. The unit 4 reduces the image data of each page of the selected file 8 by about 71%. For example, if the size of the composite data 9 is A3 size, the paper size setting of the selection file 8 is B5, and the resolution is the same, the size of the selection file 8 in the composite data 9 is A4 size. Therefore, the control unit 4 enlarges the image data of each page of the selected file 8 by about 114%.

[Arrangement in accordance with the display of the selected file 8 on the display 2]
Next, with reference to FIG. 7, a composition process when the check box CB2 is checked will be described. When the check box CB2 is checked, the control unit 4 divides the area of each page of the composite data 9 by the number N of the selected files 8. At the time of this division, the control unit 4 changes the size (size) of the divided region on the page of the composite data 9 according to the display area (area) of each selected file 8 on the display 2 ( The selected file 8 displayed larger on the display unit is divided so that the area allocated in one page of the combined data 9 becomes wider. Then, the control unit 4 allocates a wider divided area to the selected file 8 displayed larger on the display unit, and arranges (inserts) the contents of each page included in each selected file 8 in the divided area. In other words, the driver program 7 causes the control unit 4 to divide the area of each page of the data generated by the synthesis process in accordance with the display area (area) of each selected file 8 on the display 2 and to divide the area into divided areas. The contents of each page included in each selected file 8 are arranged (inserted).

  FIG. 7 shows an example of the synthesis process when the selected file 8 is three of file A, file B, and file C (for example, a file containing graphics) and the check box CB2 is checked. At this time, the control unit 4 divides the page of the composite data 9 into three regions according to the sizes displayed on the respective displays 2 of the files A to C. In the example of FIG. 7, the ratio of the display width on the display 2 is file A: file B: file C≈4: 2: 1.

  In any case, it may be difficult to perfectly match the ratio of the widths of the divided areas in the page of the composite data 9 with the ratio of the width of the display on the display 2 of each selected file 8. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 7, the control unit 4 maintains the size relationship of the display on the display 2 of each selected file 8 and the positional relationship (up / down / left / right relationship) of the display, and the page area of the composite data 9. Split. In the example of FIG. 7, the division area for file A> the division area for file B> the division area for file C.

  Then, the control unit 4 inserts the page of the file A into the left divided area of the composite data 9 according to the display position (display layout) of each selected file 8 on the display 2. Then, the control unit 4 inserts the page of the file B into the upper divided area among the right divided areas. Further, the control unit 4 inserts the page of the file C into the lower divided area among the right divided areas. In this way, the control unit 4 generates the composite data 9 while reflecting the display layout (vertical / horizontal relationship) of the selected file 8 on the display 2 as it is.

  In the example of FIG. 7, the control unit 4 includes the first page (A1) of the file A, the first page (B1) of the file B, and the first page (C1) of the file C. ). For example, the control unit 4 includes the second page (A2) of the file A, the second page of the file B (B2), and the second page (C2) of the file C as the second page of the composite data 9. Deploy. Thereafter, the number of pages of each selected file 8 included in the composite data 9 is continued. Thereby, for example, data in which a document is arranged on the right side of the page and a graphic such as a graph is arranged on the left side of the page can be automatically generated without editing.

  Here, the size (A4, etc.) of the composite data 9 can be set as described above. Then, as described above, the control unit 4 reduces or enlarges or rotates the image data of each page of each selected file 8 if necessary to insert the page of each selected file 8 into each divided area. Process.

[Arrangement according to display magnification of selected file 8]
Next, the composition processing when the check box CB3 is checked will be described using FIG. When the check box CB3 is checked, the control unit 4 divides the page area in the composite data 9 by the number N of the selected files 8. At the time of this division, the control unit 4 changes the size of the divided area according to the size of the display magnification of each selected file 8 on the display 2.

  For example, when displaying the file 6, the software 5 may be able to set the display magnification. For example, the display magnification may be set based on a numerical value (100%, 200%, 50%, etc.), a page width, or a character string width. When there is such a display magnification, the control unit 4 changes the size of the divided area allocated to each selected file 8 on the page of the composite data 9 according to the size of the display magnification of each selected file 8. In other words, the control unit 4 divides the area of one page in the synthesized data 9 so that the area allocated in one page of the synthesized data 9 becomes wider as the selected file 8 having a larger display magnification.

  Then, the control unit 4 assigns a wider divided area to the selected file 8 having a larger display magnification, and arranges (inserts) the contents of each page included in each selected file 8 in the divided area. In other words, the driver program 7 causes the control unit 4 to divide the area of each page of the data generated by the synthesis process in accordance with the display magnification of each selection file 8 on the display 2, and each selection file 8 is divided into the division areas. Arrange (insert) the contents of each page included in.

  FIG. 8 shows an example of the synthesis process when the selected file 8 is two files A and D (for example, a document file 6 similar to the file A) and the check box CB3 is checked. . For example, on the software 5, an example is shown in which the display magnification of the file A is set to 100% and the display magnification of the file D is set to 200%. At this time, the control unit 4 divides the area of the data (synthesis data 9) generated by the synthesis into two according to the display magnifications on the respective displays 2 of the file A and the file D. For example, if the size of the divided area into which the page of the file A is inserted is 1, the size of the divided area into which the page of the file D is inserted is set to 2.

  Here, in any case, it may be difficult to divide the page of the composite data 9 in accordance with the display magnification of each selected file 8 completely. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 8, the control unit 4 divides the page area of the composite data 9 while maintaining the display magnification relationship and the display positional relationship (up / down / left / right relationship) of each selected file 8. . Specifically, the division area for file A <the division area for file D.

  Then, the control unit 4 inserts the page of the file A into the left divided area in the composite data 9 according to the display position (display layout) of each selected file 8. Then, the control unit 4 inserts the page of the file D into the right divided area. In this way, the control unit 4 generates the composite data 9 while reflecting the display layout (vertical / horizontal relationship) of the selected file 8 on the display 2 as it is.

  In the example of FIG. 8, for example, the control unit 4 arranges the first page (A1) of the file A and the first page (D1) of the file D on the first page in the composite data 9. For example, the control unit 4 arranges the second page (A2) of the file A and the second page (D2) of the file D on the second page of the composite data 9. Thereafter, the number of pages of file A and file D is continued. Thereby, for example, data in which a document is arranged on the right side of the page and another document is arranged on the left side of the page can be automatically generated without editing.

  Here, the size of the composite data 9 can be set as described above. As described above, the control unit 4 performs a reduction process, an enlargement process, and a rotation process on the image data of each page of each selected file 8 as necessary when inserting the page of each selected file 8 into each divided area. Do.

(Setting of page of selected file 8 to be inserted into composite data 9)
Next, an example of setting the page of each selected file 8 to be inserted into the composite data 9 will be described with reference to FIGS. 5, 9, and 10. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the synthesized data 9 generated by the setting of each selected file 8 to be inserted into the synthesized data 9. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the handling of a blank portion in the composite data 9.

  The user sets which of the pages included in the selected file 8 is to be synthesized by setting the items displayed in the insertion page setting area F2 on the synthesis processing setting screen S2. can do.

  For example, in the insertion page setting area F2 of the composition processing setting screen S2, a selected file name display field C1 in which the name of the selected file 8 is displayed, a start page setting field C2 associated with the selected file name display field C1, and An end page setting field C3 is provided. In the insertion page setting area F2 shown in FIG. 5, four combinations of the selected file name display column C1, the start page setting column C2, and the end page setting column C3 are provided, but four or more may be provided.

  The control unit 4 displays each file name of the selected file 8 selected by range designation or the like in any selected file name display column C1. FIG. 5 shows an example in which there are two selected files 8. Then, the user uses the keyboard 31 and the mouse 32 in each selected file 8 to specify the range of pages to be inserted into the synthesized data 9 (targeted for the synthesis process) as the start page setting field C2 and the end page setting field. Input to C3. Thereby, the page of the selection file 8 included in the composite data 9 can be set in detail. Then, the control unit 4 inserts the pages included in the selection file 8 set in the start page setting column C2 and the end page setting column C3 into each page of the composite data 9. The control unit 4 may determine that all pages included in the selected file 8 are included in the composite data 9 when no page number is input in the start page setting field C2 or the end page setting field C3.

  A specific example will be described with reference to FIG. For example, it is assumed that two files 6, file A and file B, are selected as synthesis targets. For example, with respect to the file A, it is assumed that among the pages included in the file A, the start page is set as the second page and the end page is set as the fourth page. As for the file B, it is assumed that, among the pages included in the file B, the start page is set as the sixth page and the end page is set as the eighth page.

  Based on the input to the start page setting field C2 and the end page setting field C3, as shown in FIG. 9, the control unit 4 controls the second page (A2) of the file A and the sixth page (B6) of the file B. Is placed on the first page of the composite data 9, the third page (A3) of the file A and the seventh page (B7) of the file B are placed on the second page of the composite data 9, and the fourth page of the file A The second page (B8) of the file (B) and the eighth page (B8) of the file B are arranged on the third page of the combined data 9 to generate combined data 9 of a total of three pages. As a result, the user can generate composite data 9 in which a page of a selected file 8 is combined with a desired page of another selected file 8.

  Here, the number of pages to be inserted into the composite data 9 may differ between the selected files 8. For example, when all pages of file A (for example, 5 pages) and all pages of file B (for example, 10 pages) are included in composite data 9, file A is less than 5 pages for file B.

  Therefore, the user checks the check box CB4 when inserting a page of the selection file 8 in which pages still remain in the divided area allocated to the selection file 8 having a small number of pages to prevent the occurrence of a blank portion. Insert. On the other hand, when the divided area allocated to the selection file 8 having a small number of pages is left blank, although the blank page portion is generated, the check box CB4 is not checked.

  The difference between the synthesized data 9 generated when the check box CB4 is checked and when it is not checked will be described with reference to FIG. For example, it is assumed that two files 6, that is, a file A of all three pages and a file B of all one page are selected as synthesis targets. Further, it is assumed that all pages included in the selected file A and file B are to be combined.

  When the check box CB4 is not checked, the control unit 4 basically inserts the page of the file A into the divided area assigned to the file A and assigns it to the file B in each page of the composite data 9 The page of file B is inserted into the divided area. Then, as shown on the left side of FIG. 10, when the control unit 4 has inserted all the pages for the file B, the divided area allocated for the page of the file B is left blank and generates the composite data 9. To do.

  As a result, the control unit 4 inserts only the first page (A1) of the file A and the first page (B1) of the file B and the second page (A2) of the file A and assigns it to the file B. The composite data 9 including the page where the divided area is blank and the page where the third area (A3) of the file A is inserted and the divided area assigned to the file B is blank is generated.

  On the other hand, when the check box CB4 is checked, as shown on the right side of FIG. 10, when the control unit 4 finishes inserting all the pages for the file B, the control unit 4 sets the divided areas allocated for the pages of the file B. The composite data 9 is generated by inserting the page of the file A for which all the pages have not been inserted yet.

  As a result, the control unit 4 inserts the first page (A1) of the file A and the first page (B1) of the file B and the second page (A2) of the file A and assigns it to the file B. The composite data 9 including the page in which the third page (A3) of the file A is inserted into the divided area is generated.

  As described above, when the number of pages to be combined is different among the selected files 8, the divided areas assigned to the selected file 8 with a small number of pages to be combined are left blank or are still combined. It is possible to set whether to insert a page of the selected file 8 in which the target page remains to prevent the generation of a blank page.

(Save / print composite data 9)
Next, storage and printing of the composite data 9 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the composition processing setting screen S2 shown in FIG. 5, a file creation setting area F3 for setting saving and printing of the composition data 9 is provided.

  A check box CB5 is provided to set whether to save the composite data 9 or not. When the check box CB5 is checked using the mouse 32 and the keyboard 31, and the OK key K1 is pressed, the control unit 4 stores the generated composite data 9 in the auxiliary storage device 44 as the file 6. In other words, the driver program 7 causes the auxiliary storage device 44 to store the generated composite data 9 as the file 6. A pull-down menu PM2 for selecting a file format for saving data is provided on the side of the check box CB5. The user selects a desired format from the pull-down menu PM2, and the control unit 4 stores the composite data 9 in the selected format.

  Here, as described above, the control unit 4 generates image data of each selection file 8 and combines (combines) the generated image data. In other words, the control unit 4 generates image data (image data) as the composite data 9. Therefore, if the selected format is for image data (for example, JPEG or TIFF), the control unit 4 matches the format of the generated composite data 9 with the selected file format, and selects the selected format. Store as file 6. On the other hand, if the selected format is not for image data (for example, the format of word processing document software or spreadsheet software), the control unit 4 pastes the image data of the composite data 9 in the file 6. The composite data 9 is stored in the auxiliary storage device 44 as the file 6.

  A check box CB6 is provided to set whether to print the composite data 9. When the check box CB6 is checked using the mouse 32 and the keyboard 31, and the OK key K1 is pressed, the control unit 4 outputs the generated composite data 9 from the communication unit 46 to the multi function device 1. In other words, the driver program 7 causes the communicator 46 to output the generated composite data 9 (after causing the control unit 4 to perform processing as needed in the multi-function device 1 if necessary) from the communication unit 46.

  As described above, in the composition processing setting screen S2, it is possible to set the storage file format of the composition data 9 to be generated and whether or not to perform printing.

(Preview display)
Next, an example of a preview display of the generated composite data 9 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the preview display screen S3 of the generated composite data 9.

  As shown in FIG. 5, a preview key K3 is provided in the lower center portion of the composition processing setting screen S2. The user presses the preview key K3 when previewing the composite data 9 in order to confirm in advance how the composite data 9 is created. When the preview key K3 is pressed with the mouse 32 or the like, the control unit 4 causes the display 2 to display a preview image PV reflecting various settings on the composition processing setting screen S2. In other words, when the preview key K3 is pressed, the driver program 7 operates the control unit 4 so that the display 2 displays the preview image PV reflecting various settings on the synthesis processing setting screen S2.

  For example, when the preview key K3 is pressed, the control unit 4 causes the display 2 to display the preview display screen S3 as a separate screen (separate window) above the composition processing setting screen S2, for example. As shown in FIG. 11, a preview display area F4 (shown by shading) is provided in the preview display screen S3. The control unit 4 displays a preview image PV when the composite data 9 is generated using the selection file 8 in the preview display area F4. The example of FIG. 11 shows a preview image PV in which the first page (A1) of the file A and the first page (B1) of the file B are combined in 2in1.

  At this time, the control unit 4 generates image data for the preview image PV from each selected file 8 as in the case of the composition process. Then, the control unit 4 reflects various settings on the composition processing setting screen S2, divides the preview-displayed page, and reduces (in some cases, enlarges) the image data for the preview image PV of each selected file 8 in the divided area. ) To synthesize. Thereafter, the control unit 4 displays the preview image PV on the display 2 based on the image data for preview display after the synthesis.

  Here, the user can move the boundary line BL displayed in the preview using the mouse 32, the keyboard 31, or the like. By moving the boundary line BL, the size of the divided area assigned to the selected file 8 can be changed. When the boundary line BL is moved and the size of the divided area is changed, the control unit 4 changes the reduction ratio (enlarged in some cases) of the image data for the preview image PV (so that the page of the selected file 8 can be accommodated). Then, the preview image PV is displayed again on the display 2 in accordance with the changed size of each divided area.

  After the boundary line BL is moved, when the file output key K4 or the print key K5 arranged in the preview display screen S3 is pressed, the control unit 4 moves the page of the composite data 9 after moving the boundary line BL. The selected file 8 is inserted into each divided area.

(Composition process flow)
Next, an example of the flow of composition processing in the information processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment will be described based on FIG. FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of the synthesis process in the information processing apparatus 100.

  First, at the start of FIG. 12, a plurality of files 6 created by the software 5 installed in the information processing apparatus 100 are opened, and the files 6 are selected using the mouse 32 or the like among the opened files 6. This is the time when the OK key K1, the file output key K4, and the print key K5 are pressed using the mouse 32 and keyboard 31 after the operation is performed and various settings are made on the composition processing setting screen S2.

  When the OK key K1 or the like is pressed on the composition processing setting screen S2 and the control unit 4 recognizes the generation start of the composition data 9, the control unit 4 displays the display layout on the display 2 of the selected file 8 or the composition processing setting screen S2. In accordance with this setting, the page area in the composite data 9 is divided into a plurality of divided areas (step # 1). In other words, the driver program 7 causes the control unit 4 to divide the page area of the synthesized data 9 into a plurality of divided areas in accordance with the display layout of the selected file 8 on the display 2 and the setting on the synthesis process setting screen S2. .

  Next, the control unit 4 generates image data of each page of the selection file 8 set to be included in the composite data 9 among the pages included in each selection file 8 (step # 2). In other words, the driver program 7 causes the control unit 4 to generate image data of a page that is set to be included in the composite data 9 among the pages included in each selected file 8 as in the case of printing with various files.

  Then, if necessary, the control unit 4 performs an enlargement / reduction process or a rotation process of the image data of the page of each selected file 8 set to be included in the composite data 9 so as to fit in the divided area (step #). 3). In other words, the driver program 7 causes the control unit 4 to perform enlargement, reduction processing, rotation processing, and the like of the image data of the first page of each selection file 8 set to be included in the composite data 9 if necessary.

  Next, the control unit 4 combines the image data of each selected file 8 in order from the first page in the synthesized data 9 to generate synthesized data 9 in which a plurality of pages of the selected file 8 are arranged in one page. (Step # 4). In other words, the driver program 7 combines the image data of each selected file 8 in order from the first page in the synthesized data 9, and controls the synthesized data 9 in which a plurality of pages of the selected file 8 are arranged in one page. Generated in part 4. At this time, depending on whether or not the check box CB4 is checked, the blank paper portion is filled or not filled.

  Then, in accordance with the setting on the composition processing setting screen S2, the composition data 9 is made into a file 6 and stored in the auxiliary storage device 44 or printed (step # 5). In other words, the driver program 7 causes the control unit 4 to convert the composite data 9 into a file 6 in accordance with the settings on the composite processing setting screen S2, and store the file 6 in the auxiliary storage device 44. Let them print.

  As described above, the information processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment includes the software 5 and a storage device (for example, the auxiliary storage device 44) that stores a plurality of files 6 created by the software 5, and a display that can display a plurality of files 6. A part (display 2), at least an instruction input to open the file 6, a setting input of a display position and a size on the display part of the opened file 6, and a plurality of files 6 displayed on the display part are selected file 8 An input unit (mouse 32, keyboard 31) that receives an input to be selected, and a synthesis processing unit (control unit 4) that synthesizes each page of each selection file 8 to generate synthesized data 9 arranged in one page; ,including. Thus, the user can obtain data in which the contents of the plurality of selected files 8 are combined into one page by automatic processing by the information processing apparatus 100 without performing editing operations such as copying and pasting. Therefore, complicated editing work can be eliminated, and user convenience and convenience can be improved.

  Further, the composition processing unit (control unit 4) reduces or enlarges each page of each of the plurality of selected files 8 while maintaining the display positional relationship of the selected files 8 on the display unit (display 2). Then, the combined data 9 is generated within one page. The composition processing unit reduces or enlarges each page of each of the plurality of selected files 8 while maintaining the display position relationship of the selected files 8 on the display unit in the upper, lower, left, and right directions, and arranges them within one page. 9 is generated. Thus, by adjusting the display position of each selection file 8 on the display unit in advance, the user obtains composite data 9 in which the pages of each selection file 8 are arranged in one page with a desired layout. Can do. In other words, composite data 9 reflecting the layout of the selection file 8 on the display unit can be obtained.

  Further, the composition processing unit (control unit 4) divides the area of one page in the composition data 9 equally by the number of the selected files 8, and arranges the page of one selected file 8 in one divided area and composes it. Data 9 is generated. Thereby, for example, as in 2in1 or 4in1, one page of the composite data 9 is divided equally, and the easy-to-read composite data 9 in which the contents of the selected file 8 are inserted into the equally divided regions can be obtained.

  In addition, the composition processing unit (control unit 4) is configured so that the selected file 8 displayed larger on the display unit (display 2) has a larger area allocated within one page of the composition data 9 in the composition data 9. The area of one page is divided, and a wider divided area is assigned to the selected file 8 displayed larger on the display unit. Thus, by adjusting the display area of the selection file 8 on the display unit in advance, the user can widen the divided area allocated to the page of the specific selection file 8 within the page of the composite data 9. Can be adjusted.

  In the display of the file 6 on the display unit (display 2), the display magnification may be set, such as the same magnification, the page width, or the entire page. Therefore, when the display magnification is set for each selected file 8, the composition processing unit (control unit 4) causes the selected file 8 having a larger display magnification to have a larger area allocated within one page of the composite data 9. Then, the area of one page in the composite data 9 is divided, and a wider divided area is assigned to the selected file 8 having a larger display magnification. As a result, by adjusting the display magnification of the selected file 8 in advance, the user makes adjustments such that the divided area allocated to the page of the specific selected file 8 within the page of the composite data 9 is widened or narrowed. It can be performed.

  Further, the input unit (mouse 32, keyboard 31) accepts a setting input for setting pages to be included in the composite data 9 for each selection file 8, and the composition processing unit (control unit 4) performs composition for each selection file 8. When it is included in the data 9, composite data 9 of the set page is generated. The synthesis processing unit generates the synthesized data 9 of the set page when each selected file 8 is included in the synthesized data 9. As a result, the user can make fine settings for inserting the page of the selected file 8 into a desired page in the composite data 9. Therefore, the composite data 9 as desired by the user can be generated.

  Further, when the number of pages included in the composite data 9 does not match for each selected file 8, the composition processing unit (control unit 4) assigns the divided area assigned to the selected file 8 other than the selected file 8 with the largest number of pages as a blank sheet. Or the page of the selected file 8 in which the pages to be included in the synthesized data 9 remain in the area allocated to the selected file 8 other than the selected file 8 having the largest number of pages. Is generated. Thereby, it is possible to set how to generate the composite data 9 when the number of pages of each selected file 8 does not match.

  The display unit (display 2) displays a preview of the synthesized data 9 generated by the synthesis processing unit (control unit 4). As a result, the user can confirm what kind of combined data 9 is generated before actually generating the combined data 9.

  The input unit (mouse 32, keyboard 31) accepts an operation to move the boundary of the divided areas, and the composition processing unit (control unit 4) changes the size of each divided area according to the moved boundary. Let Thereby, the size of the divided area allocated to each selected file 8 can be changed within one page of the composite data 9 by moving the boundary. Then, the contents of the page of each selected file 8 can be matched to the size of each divided area by moving the boundary.

  Further, the synthesis processing unit (control unit 4) generates a file 6 including the synthesized data 9 and the storage device (for example, the auxiliary storage device 44) stores the file 6 including the synthesized data 9. The synthesis processing unit generates a file 6 including the synthesized data 9, and the storage device stores it. As a result, the user can easily reuse the composite data 9.

  The input unit (mouse 32, keyboard 31) accepts an input for setting the file format for generating the file 6 including the synthesized composite data 9, and the synthesis processing unit (control unit 4) is set. A file 6 including the synthesized data 9 synthesized in the file format is generated. Thereby, the composite data 9 can be made into a file 6 in a format desired by the user.

  The input unit (mouse 32, keyboard 31) accepts an input for selecting the file 6 by designating the range of the file 6 displayed on the display unit (display 2). Thereby, the input which selects the file 6 easily by designating a range can be performed.

  In addition, an output device (for example, a multifunction device 1 or a printer) that performs printing is provided, and the output device performs printing based on the composite data 9 generated by the composite processing unit (control unit 4). Thereby, a printed matter of the composite data 9 can be obtained, and a material in which the contents of the plurality of files 6 are arranged in one page can be easily created.

  The present invention can also be understood as a data synthesis program (driver program 7). Specifically, the data synthesis program causes the input unit (mouse 32, keyboard 31) to accept an input for selecting the plurality of files 6 displayed on the display unit (display 2) as the selection file 8, and the synthesis processing unit ( The control unit 4) causes the respective pages of each selected file 8 to be combined to generate combined data 9 arranged in one page. Similar to the information processing apparatus 100 described above, the data obtained by combining the contents of each of the plurality of selected files 8 into one page is obtained by automatic processing by the information processing apparatus 100 without performing editing operations such as copying and pasting. Can do. Therefore, complicated editing work can be eliminated, and user convenience and convenience can be improved.

  Next, another embodiment will be described. In the above embodiment, a personal computer is used as an example of the information processing apparatus 100. However, the multifunction machine 1 also includes the control unit 4, the storage unit, and the operation panel, and can function as the information processing apparatus 100. For this reason, the multifunction peripheral 1 (image forming apparatus) can be equipped with a program for performing the composition processing according to the present invention, and the multifunction peripheral 1 can be used as the information processing apparatus 100.

  In the above embodiment, the control unit 4 is exemplified as the synthesis processing unit. However, a circuit (hardware) for performing synthesis processing may be provided separately from the control unit 4 and the circuit may be used as the synthesis processing unit. Good.

  The embodiment of the present invention has been described above, but the scope of the present invention is not limited to this, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

  The present invention is applicable to the information processing apparatus 100 and programs installed in the information processing apparatus 100.

100 Information processing device 1 Multifunction device (output device)
2 Display (display unit) 31 Keyboard (input unit)
32 Mouse (input unit) 4 Control unit (composite processing unit)
44 Auxiliary storage device (storage device) 5 Software 6 File 8 Select file 7 Driver program (synthesis program)
9 Composite data

Claims (14)

A storage device for storing a plurality of software and files created by the software;
A display unit capable of displaying a plurality of the files;
At least an instruction input for opening the file, an input for setting the display position and size of the opened file on the display unit, and an input for selecting the plurality of files displayed on the display unit as selection files are accepted. An input section;
An information processing apparatus comprising: a synthesis processing unit that synthesizes each page of each of the selected files to generate synthesized data arranged in one page.   The composition processing unit reduces or enlarges each page of each of the plurality of selected files while maintaining the display position relationship of the selected files on the display unit in the vertical and horizontal directions, and arranges them in one page. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the composite data is generated.   The synthesis processing unit equally divides an area of one page in the synthesized data by the number of the selected files, and arranges one page of the selected file in one divided area to generate synthesized data. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information processing apparatus is characterized.   The synthesis processing unit divides the area of one page in the synthesized data so that the area allocated in one page of the synthesized data becomes wider as the selected file displayed larger on the display unit, The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a wider divided area is assigned to the selected file displayed larger on the display unit. When the display magnification is set in each selected file,
The synthesis processing unit divides the one page area in the synthesized data so that the area allocated in one page of the synthesized data becomes wider as the selected file having a larger display magnification, and the selection having a larger display magnification. 5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the divided area is allocated to a larger file. The input unit accepts a setting input for setting pages to be included in the composite data for each of the selected files,
The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the synthesis processing unit generates synthesized data of a page that is set to be included in the synthesized data in each of the selected files. .   When the number of pages included in the composite data does not match for each selected file, the composite processing unit generates composite data using the divided areas allocated to the selected files other than the selected file with the largest number of pages as blank paper Or generating a composite data by arranging pages of the selected file in which pages to be included in the composite data remain in an area allocated to the selected file other than the selected file having the largest number of pages. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display unit displays a preview of the combined data generated by the combining processing unit. The input unit accepts an operation for moving a boundary of the divided area;
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the synthesis processing unit changes the size of each of the divided regions in accordance with the moved boundary. The synthesis processing unit generates a file including the synthesized data synthesized,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the storage device stores a file including the synthesized data. The input unit accepts an input for setting a file format for generating a file including synthesized synthesized data,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the synthesis processing unit generates a file including synthesized data synthesized in a set file format.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the input unit receives an input for selecting the file by specifying a range of the file displayed on the display unit. An output device for printing,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the output device performs printing based on the composite data generated by the composite processing unit. The input unit accepts input for selecting a plurality of files displayed on the display unit as a selection file,
A data synthesizing program that causes a synthesizing processing unit to synthesize each page of each of the selected files to generate synthesized data arranged in one page.