JP2012248042A - Information processor and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To automatically process data so as not to print an area (content) as it is, if the area is not necessary for a print executor, thereby reducing waste.SOLUTION: An information processor includes: a data holding unit for storing data in which attribute information indicating to which group the data belongs in an area in a page; an input unit for receiving an input for specifying the group; a generation processing unit for processing an area, in a direction to narrow the area, in data having the attribute information of a non-specified group being a group different from the specified group specified by the input unit and generating the data by eliminating the space produced by the processing; and a communication unit for transmitting print data based on the data generated by the generation processing unit to an image forming apparatus.

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus that transmits data to an image forming apparatus to perform printing. The present invention also relates to an image forming apparatus that performs printing based on image data.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there are image forming apparatuses (for example, multifunction peripherals and printers) that print based on image data transmitted from a computer or setting data for printing. Some image forming apparatuses have an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) and can store image data and the like. In such an image forming apparatus, from the viewpoint of saving resources by reducing the number of printed sheets, unnecessary portions and blank portions may be removed so that the layout of print contents (data) can be adjusted. Patent Document 1 discloses an image processing system and method for adjusting the layout of data used for such printing.

  Specifically, in Patent Document 1, data is transmitted from an information processing apparatus and printing is performed by an image forming apparatus. The information processing apparatus analyzes attribute data to determine attributes and attribute determination means. Separation means for separating the data by object, instruction means for instructing an object to be reduced, object reduction means for reducing an object designated by the instruction means among the separated objects, and a reduced object Search means for searching for a blank portion from data, object moving means for moving the reduced object to the searched blank portion, and deletion means for deleting the blank portion generated on the data after moving the reduced object , An image processing system is described. With this configuration, excessive blank portions on the data to be printed are removed, and paper is saved at the time of printing or copying to efficiently print out (see Patent Document 1: Claim 1, paragraph [0006], etc.). .

JP 2006-048520 A

  Various applications such as document creation software, spreadsheet software, graphic software, and drawing creation software are installed in an information processing apparatus (for example, a personal computer). Then, data such as a file is created using the installed application.

  In recent years, in an office or the like, a plurality of information processing apparatuses are installed, for example, one person. Each information processing apparatus is often connected to be communicable with each other via a LAN or the like. Data such as files may be shared by multiple people. Multiple people in different departments can access the shared file (shared data). Therefore, each person belonging to a different user group (department) may add or modify the contents of one data. Then, in the case of data shared by a plurality of groups, various contents can be included in the data.

  Data shared by a plurality of groups (departments) includes contents that are necessary for a certain group but are not necessary for other groups or are less important. As a result, when printing data that is shared by multiple groups, it may be important for other groups, but there is a problem that contents that are not necessary for one group of people are printed normally (normally) as they are. . As a result, the number of printed sheets may be enormous. Although it is conceivable to edit the contents of data for a specific group (department), the more diverse the contents of data are and the larger the contents are contained, the more labor is required for editing.

  In addition, although it is allowed to open and browse the data, the data may include contents and portions that are not desired to be printed by a person in another group (department) (not desired to be output freely as a printed matter). However, conventionally, all pages (all contents) can be printed with shared data regardless of the group or department to which the user belongs. In other words, according to the group to which the person who performs printing belongs, there is a problem that it is not possible to prevent printing of a part of the area in the data.

  In the invention described in Patent Document 1, it is possible to select either “character” or “graphic” and set the degree of importance of whether “character” is important or “graphic” is important. . Then, the object that has not been selected is reduced as having low importance (see Patent Document 1: Paragraph [0034], etc.).

  Therefore, in the invention described in Patent Document 1, if the data shared by a plurality of groups (departments) includes characters and figures, the total number of printed sheets can be reduced. However, for example, in the invention described in Patent Document 1, when the content included in the file is only characters or only graphics, the number of printed sheets may not be reduced. In addition, a part of the content is not reduced or re-laid out based on whether or not it is necessary for a person who performs printing, and unnecessary information (content) may be normally printed as it is. Therefore, the above problem cannot be solved.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the above problems, the present invention does not leave an area (content) that is not necessary for a print executor as it is in data that is shared by a plurality of groups (departments) without performing complicated operations. An object is to automatically process data so as not to print and reduce waste (reducing the number of printed sheets).

  In order to solve the above problem, the information processing apparatus according to claim 1 includes a data holding unit that stores data in which attribute information indicating which group belongs to a region in a page is predetermined, and a group An input unit that accepts an input that designates and processing in a direction to narrow the area in the data to which the attribute information of the non-designated group that is different from the designated group designated by the input unit is narrowed. A generation processing unit that generates data with spaces filled therein and a communication unit that transmits print data based on the data generated by the generation processing unit to the image forming apparatus are included.

  According to this configuration, the information processing apparatus processes the data in the direction to which the attribute information of the non-designated group that is different from the designated group designated by the input unit is narrowed, and the space generated by the machining And a communication unit that transmits print data based on the data generated by the generation processing unit to the image forming apparatus. Thus, if attribute information is previously attached (set) to the data, the generation processing unit automatically generates data that has been processed to narrow the area to which the attribute information of the non-designated group is attached. Then, printing is performed based on the data generated by the processing. Therefore, by automatically processing data, it is possible to easily reduce the total number of printed sheets by not printing the area (contents) of other groups as they are without imposing complicated work.

  Here, the group corresponds to, for example, the department to which the user belongs and is set in advance so that a plurality of groups can be used. Which group is assigned to which department, department, and personnel can be arbitrarily determined according to the actual situation on the user side.

  The invention according to claim 2 is the invention according to claim 1, wherein the generation processing unit deletes an area in the data to which the attribute information of the non-designated group is attached, and in the space generated by the deletion, An area with the attribute information of the designated group following the deleted area is arranged to generate data with the space filled therein.

  According to this configuration, the generation processing unit deletes the area in the data to which the attribute information of the non-designated group is attached, and the attribute information of the designated group following the deleted area is added to the space generated by the deletion. Arrange the area and generate the data with the space filled. Thereby, the area of the group to which different attribute information is attached according to the group to be designated (set) is not printed. Therefore, the total number of printed data sheets can be reduced. Also, only the portion of the data that is necessary for the group to which it belongs can be printed. In addition, depending on the group to which the person who prints belongs, some areas in the data can be made unprintable.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect of the present invention, the communication unit instructs the part of the printed matter to print that the area to which the attribute information of the non-designated group is not printed. Is sent to the image forming apparatus.

  According to this configuration, the communication unit transmits, to the image forming apparatus, an instruction to print on a part of the printed matter that the area with the attribute information of the non-designated group is not printed. Accordingly, it is possible to indicate which group is not printed with shared data or the like.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the generation processing unit reduces an area in the data to which the attribute information of the non-designated group is attached, and the designation following the reduced area is made into a space generated by the reduction. An area with group attribute information is arranged to generate data in which the space is filled.

  According to this configuration, the generation processing unit reduces the area in the data to which the attribute information of the non-designated group is attached, and the attribute information of the designated group following the reduced area is attached to the space generated by the reduction. Arrange the area and generate the data with the space filled. As a result, the area to which the attribute information of a different group is attached is reduced according to the group to be specified (set). Accordingly, it is possible to reduce the total number of printed data sheets and obtain a printed matter with a difference between an area necessary for the group to which the printer belongs and an area that is not necessary.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus for receiving a data holding unit for storing data in which attribute information indicating which group belongs to an area in a page is predetermined, and an input for specifying the group. Process the data in the direction to narrow the area in the data to which the attribute information of the non-designated group that is different from the designated group specified in the input unit and the designated group is specified, A generation processing unit to be generated and an image forming unit that performs printing based on the data generated by the generation processing unit are included.

  According to this configuration, the image forming apparatus processes the area in the data to which the attribute information of the non-designated group that is different from the designated group designated by the input unit is narrowed, and the space generated by the machining is reduced. It includes a generation processing unit that generates packed data and an image forming unit that performs printing based on the data generated by the generation processing unit. Thus, if attribute information is previously attached (set) to the data, the generation processing unit automatically generates data that has been processed to narrow the area to which the attribute information of the non-designated group is attached. Then, printing is performed based on the data generated by the processing. Therefore, by automatically processing data, it is possible to easily reduce the total number of printed sheets by not printing the area (contents) of other groups as they are without imposing complicated work.

  The invention according to claim 6 is the invention according to claim 5, wherein the generation processing unit deletes an area in the data to which the attribute information of the non-designated group is attached, and in the space generated by the deletion, An area with the attribute information of the designated group following the deleted area is arranged to generate data with the space filled therein.

  According to this configuration, the generation processing unit deletes the area in the data to which the attribute information of the non-designated group is attached, and the attribute information of the designated group following the deleted area is added to the space generated by the deletion. Arrange the area and generate the data with the space filled. Thereby, the area of the group to which different attribute information is attached according to the group to be designated (set) is not printed. Therefore, the total number of printed data sheets can be reduced. Also, only the portion of the data that is necessary for the group to which it belongs can be printed. In addition, depending on the group to which the person who prints belongs, some areas in the data can be made unprintable.

  According to a seventh aspect of the invention, in the sixth aspect of the invention, the image forming unit prints on a part of the printed matter that the area to which the attribute information of the non-designated group is not printed. It was.

  According to this configuration, the image forming unit prints on a part of the printed matter that the area to which the attribute information of the non-designated group is not printed. Accordingly, it is possible to indicate which group is not printed with shared data or the like.

  The invention according to claim 8 is the invention according to claim 5, wherein the generation processing unit reduces the area in the data to which the attribute information of the non-designated group is attached, and in the space generated by the reduction, An area to which the attribute information of the designated group is attached following the reduced area is arranged to generate data in which the space is filled.

  According to this configuration, the generation processing unit reduces the area in the data to which the attribute information of the non-designated group is attached, and the attribute information of the designated group following the reduced area is attached to the space generated by the reduction. Arrange the area and generate the data with the space filled. As a result, the area to which the attribute information of a different group is attached is reduced according to the group to be specified (set). Accordingly, it is possible to reduce the total number of printed data sheets and obtain a printed matter with a difference between an area necessary for the group to which the printer belongs and an area that is not necessary.

  According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the fifth to eighth aspects of the present invention, the input unit is a communication unit that communicates with an external device, and the data holding unit is configured to perform printing received by the communication unit. The image data to be used is stored, and the communication unit receives the information indicating the range of the area of each page in the image data, the information indicating which group the area is, and the information indicating the designated group.

  According to this configuration, the data holding unit stores the image data used for printing received by the communication unit, and the communication unit stores the information indicating the range of the area of each page in the image data and the group in any group. And information indicating the designated group are received. Accordingly, the image forming apparatus can receive data with group attribute information and information indicating the designated group from an external computer or the like, and can perform printing as a printer.

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in any of the fifth to eighth aspects of the present invention, the image processing apparatus further includes a storage unit that stores image data, the input unit is an operation panel that accepts setting input, and the operation panel is an image. An input for setting the range of the area on each page in the data, an input for setting the group to which the set area belongs, and an input for specifying the group in printing are accepted, and the storage unit is associated with the image data, The attribute information indicating the range of the area in each page in the image data and the group to which the set area belongs is stored.

  According to this configuration, the operation panel receives and stores an input for setting a range of an area on each page in image data, an input for setting a group to which the set area belongs, and an input for specifying a group in printing. The unit stores attribute information indicating the range of the area in each page of the image data in the image data and the group to which the set area belongs in association with the image data. Accordingly, the image forming apparatus can set the attribute information to the area of each page of data or set the designated group.

  According to the configuration of the present invention, it is possible to automatically process data so that an area (content) that is not necessary for the print executor is not printed as it is without performing a complicated work by the print executor. An information processing apparatus and an image forming apparatus that suppress paper consumption can be provided.

1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an information processing apparatus and an image forming apparatus connected to the information processing apparatus. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the hardware constitutions of information processing apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the setting of the group by the data in 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. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a group print setting screen when printing is performed by designating a group. An example of data processing when deleting an area of a non-designated group is shown. An example of data processing when the area of a non-designated group is reduced will be shown. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the process of the process and production | generation of data which designated the group. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a multifunction peripheral. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of printing of the data to which the attribute information of the group was attached | subjected.

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

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

  In the present embodiment, one or a plurality of information processing apparatuses 1 are connected to the image forming apparatus 100 so as to communicate with each other. It can be said that the information processing apparatus 1 and the image forming apparatus 100 form one image forming system. Note that the image forming apparatus 100 of the present embodiment is the same as the multifunction machine 2 (corresponding to the image forming apparatus) described in detail in the second embodiment. Each information processing apparatus 1 is connected to be communicable via a network or the like.

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

  Each information processing device 1 includes a display 11 for displaying various information, a mouse 12 (corresponding to an input unit) and a keyboard 13 (corresponding to an input unit) for operating / inputting each information processing device 1. including. A pointing device may be separately provided as an input unit for performing operations and inputs. Further, when the display 11 is provided with a touch panel, the touch panel may be used as an input unit.

(Hardware configuration of information processing apparatus 1)
Next, an example of the hardware configuration of the information processing apparatus 1 according to the first 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 1. In FIG. 2, two information processing apparatuses 1 are illustrated for convenience, but three or more information processing apparatuses 1 can be connected to be communicable. For the sake of convenience, only one of them is shown inside, but each information processing apparatus 1 has the same configuration.

  First, in the information processing apparatus 1, a CPU 101 as a central processing unit, a ROM 102 (Read Only Memory) that stores data and programs for activation, and a RAM 103 that develops data of programs and data used for processing in the CPU 101. A control unit 10 including (Random Access Memory) is provided. The CPU 101 of the control unit 10 performs processing and calculation based on programs and software 3.

  The information processing apparatus 1 includes a large-capacity auxiliary storage device 14 (corresponding to a data holding unit) such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive) (may be externally attached). As shown in FIG. 2, in the auxiliary storage device 14, document creation software (word processing software), spreadsheet software, image data editing software (graphic software), electronic document creation software, browsing software, a slide screen, and the like are created. A plurality of software 3 (applications) such as presentation software can be installed. As shown in FIG. 2, the user can store a plurality of data (files) created using the software 3 in the auxiliary storage device 14.

  Further, the information processing apparatus 1 includes a communication unit 15 as an interface for communicating with the external information processing apparatus 1 and the image forming apparatus 100. The communication unit 15 is mounted with a circuit necessary for communication such as a connector for connecting a network and a cable, a communication chip, a controller, a memory, a protocol, and the like.

  Further, the data (file) stored in the auxiliary storage device 14 can be set to be shared using the keyboard 13, the mouse 12, etc., and can be stored in a shared area in the auxiliary storage device 14. Alternatively, the data may be stored in a shared storage device (for example, a storage device in the HDD or the image forming apparatus 100) connected via the communication unit 15. Access from the other information processing apparatus 1 is permitted to the data in the shared state via the communication unit 15 or the network. The user of each information processing apparatus 1 can browse, update, modify, copy, print, etc. the data in the shared state.

  In addition, the user can instruct printing of data (file) created using various software 3. For example, a driver program 4 for using the image forming apparatus 100 as a printer is installed in the auxiliary storage device 14. When there is a print instruction on the software 3, the driver program 4 is activated. The driver program 4 causes the control unit 10 (CPU 101) to process data used for printing. Data processed by the control unit 10 is sent from the communication unit 15 to the image forming apparatus 100. Then, the image forming apparatus 100 performs printing based on the received data.

  In this embodiment, when generating print data to be transmitted to the image forming apparatus 100 based on a print instruction in each software 3, the control unit 10 of the information processing apparatus 1 performs, for example, each data (file). Image data (image data) described in a page description language is generated for the page (at this time, a function included in the driver program 4 is used). Then, when data is printed, processing (deletion or reduction) of a part of the image data included in the print data transmitted to the image forming apparatus 100 is performed. Specifically, at the time of printing, the area with the attribute information of the designated group is printed as it is (normally), the area with the attribute information of the non-designated group is narrowed, and the generated space is filled. A generation processing unit 17 that performs processing (layout change processing according to a group) and generates new data is provided in the control unit 10.

  Further, the information processing apparatus 1 is provided with an input / output device such as a keyboard 13, a mouse 12, and a display 11, and an I / O unit 16 for inputting and outputting data. A keyboard 13, a mouse 12, a display 11, and the like are connected to the I / O unit 16, and the user can visually confirm the data and the contents of the data on the display 11 while the software 3 stored in the auxiliary storage device 14. Activation, opening of data stored in the auxiliary storage device 14, and various inputs and operations such as new creation, update and deletion of data. In addition, while viewing the data and the contents of the data on the display 11, the group 13 can be set and input for each page area of the data opened using the keyboard 13 and the mouse 12 (details will be described later).

(Group setting in data)
Next, an example of setting a group with data in the information processing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of setting a group with data in the information processing apparatus 1.

  In the information processing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, a group can be set for data to be transmitted to the MFP 2 for printing using the mouse 12 or the keyboard 13. In other words, with respect to the areas included in each page in the data, attribute information indicating which area belongs to which group can be attached to the area in each page.

  First, an example of group setting will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 shows an example of a state in which a certain file (data) is opened and the control unit 10 displays the data on the display 11. Then, with the data opened, the range of the page area in the data is set by dragging the mouse 12, for example. Then, in a state where the range of the area is set, for example, the control unit 10 displays a setting menu M1 for setting a group of the set area according to a click with the mouse 12 or a command selection with the software 3. To display. Then, the user sets the group displayed on the setting menu M1 using the mouse 12 or the like. Thereby, it is possible to set the group of the area where the range is set.

  This group corresponds to, for example, the department to which the user belongs, and it is arbitrarily determined which group is assigned to which department. In this description, two examples of groups, group A (illustrated by a broken line in each figure) and group B (illustrated by a two-dot chain line in each figure) are given as examples (for example, group A is a sales department, a group B is the development department). The number of groups is not limited to two, and may be three or more (for example, groups A to Z).

  Further, in this embodiment, an example of using uppercase letters of alphabets A and B as a group name will be described for the sake of convenience. However, the group name is not limited to alphabets such as A, B, and C, but a number, a plurality of characters ( Kana, kanji, etc.) and symbols can be used arbitrarily. For example, a group name such as a sales department or a development department may be used as the department name. Therefore, the group name may be registered in advance on the driver program 4 or the like.

  In the example illustrated in FIG. 3, a region indicated by a broken line indicates a region set as group A. An area indicated by a two-dot difference line is an area set as group B.

  Here, there is no particular limitation on the data for which the group is set. For example, the mouse 12 and the keyboard 13 accept group settings for data (files) created by each software 3. Further, for example, a group may be set for image data that is separately read by a scanner (not shown) and input to the information processing apparatus 1 via the communication unit 15. For example, special software 3 for opening various data regardless of the file format (data format) and setting a group of partial areas of each page in the data is stored in the auxiliary storage device 14 or the ROM 102. May be.

  The auxiliary storage device 14 stores information indicating the range of the set area and information (attribute information) indicating to which group the set area belongs in association with the data in which the group is set. .

  In any group, an area (portion) to be printed as it is (normally) in the data may not belong to any group. In other words, it is only necessary that the area that is normally (normally) printed is not included in the area range. Then, the control unit 10 does not perform processing such as deletion or reduction for an area that does not belong to any group, regardless of which group is designated during printing.

(Print settings in driver program 4)
Next, an example of print settings in the driver program 4 of the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the basic setting screen S1 when the driver program 4 in the information processing apparatus 1 is operated.

  First, the user can issue a print instruction with the various software 3 using the mouse 12 or the keyboard 13. At this time, the control unit 10 can activate the driver program 4 for using the multifunction device 2 as a printer. 4 is an example of the basic setting screen S1 among the setting screens displayed when the driver program 4 is started in the information processing apparatus 1. As the driver program 4 is activated, the control unit 10 causes the display 11 to display the basic setting screen S1. Then, the user can make settings related to printing by inputting the setting screen displayed on the display 11 with the mouse 12 or the like.

  In the basic setting screen S1 shown in FIG. 4, basic items that are frequently set by the user, such as a paper size, a printing direction, and the number of copies, are arranged. When the setting is completed, the user presses the OK key K1. When the OK key K1 is pressed, the driver program 4 causes the control unit 10 to generate print data and starts transmission of print data from the communication unit 15 to the image forming apparatus 100. The cancel key K2 is pressed when printing is stopped. A plurality of tabs are arranged at the top of the screen, and in FIG. 4, the basic setting tab TB1 is selected. Various settings can be performed by pressing other tabs, but the description when the other tabs are pressed is omitted except when the group tab TB2 described below is pressed.

(Layout change processing according to group)
Next, an example of print settings in the driver program 4 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 5 to 7. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the group print setting screen S2 when printing is performed by designating a group. FIG. 6 shows an example of data processing when deleting an area of a non-designated group. FIG. 7 shows an example of data processing when the area of the non-designated group is reduced.

  For example, shared data can be accessed by various people and updated. Therefore, in the data, it is necessary for a certain department (group), but may not be necessary for people in other departments. However, conventionally, when data is printed, information necessary or unnecessary for a certain group of people is printed in the same way. Therefore, content (information) that is not necessary for a certain group of people is included, and waste is included. If the number of pages included in the data is large, the total number of printed sheets increases. As the number of pages of data increases, the amount of information that is not necessary for a certain group of people in the printed material tends to increase, and there is a detrimental effect that waste increases accordingly.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, when printing is performed, the control unit 10 normally prints the area to which the attribute information of the designated group (designated group) is attached in the original size and designates it. Processing for deleting or reducing an area to which attribute information of a group (non-designated group) different from the group that has been added is performed. Then, data in which space generated by deletion or reduction is filled is generated. Based on the generated data, printing data is transmitted from the communication unit 15 to cause the image forming apparatus 100 to perform printing.

  For this process, the control unit 10 deletes or reduces the area of the non-designated group (area with attribute information different from the designated group), and generates data filled with the space generated by the deletion or reduction. A processing unit 17 is provided. The generation processing unit 17 may be realized in software (functional) form the CPU 101, the RAM 103, or a program.

  Next, an example of setting for specifying a group and processing for a non-specified group area when performing printing will be described. The driver program 4 is activated by a print instruction or the like in the various software 3. When the driver program 4 is activated, the control unit 10 displays a basic setting screen S1. When the user selects the group tab TB2 with the mouse 12 or the like, the control unit 10 causes the display 11 to display the group print setting screen S2. The group print setting screen S2 is a screen for specifying a group for printing data and setting data processing and generation.

  As shown in FIG. 5, a group designation field F1 is provided on the group print setting screen S2. In the group designation field F1, for example, a pull-down menu M2 for designating (selecting) a group is provided. A user who wants to print data selects a group in the pull-down menu M2 with the mouse 12 or the keyboard 13, and designates a specific group.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the group print setting screen S2 sets how to process the area with the attribute information of the group (non-designated group) different from the group designated by the pull-down menu M2. A processing setting field F2 is provided.

  First, two radio buttons are provided in the processing setting field F2. The upper radio button RB1 is selected when setting for deleting an area of a group (non-designated group) different from the designated group (designated group) in the data. When the radio button RB1 is selected, the generation processing unit 17 deletes the area with the attribute information of the non-designated group in the data.

  Specifically, an example of processing and printed matter to be printed when group A is designated, radio button RB1 is selected, OK key K1 is pressed, and printing is executed will be described with reference to FIG.

  Each rectangle on the left side in FIG. 6 shows the first and second pages of the data before processing. A region surrounded by a broken line is a region to which the attribute information of group A is attached. On the other hand, a region surrounded by a two-dot chain line is a region to which group B attribute information is attached.

  6 indicates an example of data generated by the generation processing unit 17 and a printed matter printed based on the generated data when the designated group is the group A. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the generation processing unit 17 deletes the area of group B (non-designated group) while keeping the area of group A (designated group) as it is. Then, the generation processing unit 17 moves the group A region at the rear end position of the second page to the first page, and generates data in which the space generated by the processing of the generation processing unit 17 is filled (padded).

  A check box CB1 is provided below the radio button RB1. This is for selecting whether or not to print that the area with the attribute information of the non-designated group is not printed. The user checks the check box CB1 when printing that the area of the non-designated group is not printed. When the check box CB1 is checked and printing is performed (when the OK key K1 is pressed), the communication unit 15 displays a message indicating that the area with the attribute information of the non-designated group is not printed ( For example, an instruction to print “a message such as“ Group B is not printing ”) is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 100. As a result, the image forming apparatus 100 prints a message on a part of the printed matter.

  The location of the message on the printed material can be determined as appropriate. For example, the image forming apparatus 100 prints a message on the upper end portion and the lower end portion of the printed material.

  Of the two radio buttons in the processing setting field F2, the lower radio button RB2 is selected when an area with attribute information of a group (non-designated group) different from the designated group in the data is reduced. The When the radio button RB2 is selected, the generation processing unit 17 reduces the area to which the attribute information of the non-designated group in the data is attached.

  Specifically, referring to FIG. 7, an example of data generated by processing when the radio button RB2 is selected and the OK key K1 is pressed and printing is performed, and a printed matter printed based on the data will be described. To do.

  Each of the left rectangles in FIG. 7 shows the first to third pages of the data before processing. A region surrounded by a broken line is a region set as group A (region to which attribute information of group A is attached). On the other hand, a region surrounded by a two-dot chain line is a region set as group B (a region to which attribute information of group B is attached).

  The right rectangle in FIG. 7 is data generated by the generation processing unit 17 when the designated group is group A, and shows an example of a printed matter to be printed. As illustrated in FIG. 7, the generation processing unit 17 reduces the area of the non-designated group (group B) while keeping the area of the designated group (group A) as it is. Then, the generation processing unit 17 places the reduced group B area at the rear end position of the first page, deletes (fills) the space generated by the reduction, and sets the third page group A area to two pages. Raise it to the eyes.

  Incidentally, a reduction rate setting field L1 for setting the reduction rate of the area of the non-designated group may be provided corresponding to the radio button RB2. The user uses the mouse 12 and the keyboard 13 to set the reduction ratio for the non-designated group area. When the OK key K1 is pressed, the generation processing unit 17 reduces the area of the non-designated group in the data at the input reduction rate.

  In this way, the information processing apparatus 1 performs a layout change process corresponding to the group. For example, the information processing apparatus 1 generates image data (image data) of data for which printing is instructed by the driver program 4 or the like, processes the data for the specified group, and packs the space. A layout change process is performed according to the above, and new data is generated. Then, print data based on the newly generated data is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 100. Thereby, a printed material for the designated group is obtained.

(Processing of data with attribute information and flow of data generation)
Next, an example of the flow of processing and generating data specifying a group in the information processing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing and generation of data specifying a group.

  First, the start of FIG. 8 is a point in time when data processing and generation are started when a group is designated on the group print setting screen S2 and the OK key K1 is pressed.

  First, the control unit 10 recognizes a group (designated group) designated on the group print setting screen S2 (step # 1). Next, the control unit 10 recognizes the processing content set on the group print setting screen S2 (step # 2). Specifically, the control unit 10 confirms whether to delete or reduce the area to which the attribute information of the non-designated group is attached.

  Next, the control unit 10 generates image data (image data) of the data that has been printed using, for example, the driver program 4 or the like. In other words, the control unit 10 generates data serving as a reference for performing the layout change process according to the group (step # 3). The generation processing unit 17 performs processing (processing in the narrowing direction) for deleting or reducing the area of the non-designated group on the data (image data) in accordance with the processing content set on the group print setting screen S2 (step #). 4).

  Furthermore, the generation processing unit 17 performs a process of filling the space by filling the designated group area (non-processing target area) following the processed non-designated group area (processing target area) according to the space generated by the processing process. Generated data is generated (step # 5).

  Then, the control unit 10 generates print data based on the data generated by the generation processing unit 17, and causes the communication unit 15 to transmit the print data to the image forming apparatus 100 (step # 6). In the group print setting screen S2, if an input indicating that the non-designated group is not printed is printed on a part of the printed page (if the check box CB1 is checked, the communication unit). 15 transmits to the image forming apparatus 100 an instruction to print on a part of the printed matter that the area with the attribute information of the non-designated group is not printed.

  In this way, the information processing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment includes a data holding unit (auxiliary storage) that stores data in which attribute information indicating which group belongs to an area in a page is determined in advance. Device 14), an input unit (keyboard 13, mouse 12, etc.) that accepts an input for designating a group, and attribute information of a non-designated group that is different from the designated group designated by the input unit. A generation processing unit 17 that processes data in the direction of narrowing the area and closes the space generated by the processing, and communication that transmits print data based on the data generated by the generation processing unit 17 to the image forming apparatus 100 Part 15. As a result, if the attribute information is previously attached (set) to the data, the generation processing unit 17 automatically generates data that has been processed to narrow the area to which the attribute information of the non-designated group is attached. Then, printing is performed based on the data generated by the processing. Therefore, by automatically processing data, it is possible to easily reduce the total number of printed sheets by not printing the area (contents) of other groups as they are without imposing complicated work.

  Further, the generation processing unit 17 deletes the area in the data to which the attribute information of the non-designated group is attached, and places the area to which the attribute information of the designated group following the deleted area is attached in the space generated by the deletion. To generate data filled with spaces. Thereby, the area of the group to which different attribute information is attached according to the group to be designated (set) is not printed. Therefore, the total number of printed data sheets can be reduced. Also, only the portion of the data that is necessary for the group to which it belongs can be printed. In addition, depending on the group to which the person who prints belongs, some areas in the data can be made unprintable.

  Further, the communication unit 15 transmits an instruction to the image forming apparatus 100 to print on a part of the printed matter that the area to which the attribute information of the non-designated group is not printed. Accordingly, it is possible to indicate which group is not printed with shared data or the like.

  Further, the generation processing unit 17 reduces the area in the data to which the attribute information of the non-designated group is attached, and arranges the area to which the attribute information of the designated group following the reduced area is attached in the space generated by the reduction. To generate data filled with spaces. As a result, the area to which the attribute information of a different group is attached is reduced according to the group to be specified (set). Accordingly, it is possible to reduce the total number of printed data sheets and obtain a printed matter with a difference between an area necessary for the group to which the printer belongs and an area that is not necessary.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10. FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the MFP 2 according to the second embodiment.

  In the first embodiment, an example has been described in which the information processing apparatus 1 performs a process of processing an area to which the attribute information of the non-designated group is attached in a narrowing direction and filling the generated space. In the present embodiment, an example will be described in which the multifunction device 2 (corresponding to an image forming apparatus) performs the above processing.

  First, the multifunction device 2 is provided with a main control unit 20 in the device for operation control of each part and each member of the multifunction device 2. For example, the main control unit 20 is provided with a CPU 201 and an image processing unit 202. The CPU 201 is a central processing unit of the multifunction device 2, performs various computations based on the control program and data, and controls each unit of the multifunction device 2.

  The image processing unit 202 performs image processing on data such as image data. The image processing unit 202 includes, for example, an ASIC and an image processing memory. Further, for example, in the same way as in the first embodiment, in the image processing unit 202, when printing, the area to which the attribute information of the designated group is attached is printed as it is (normally), and the non-designated group A generation processing unit 21 is provided that generates a new data by performing a process of narrowing a region to which the attribute information is attached and filling a generated space (a layout change process according to a group). The image processing unit 202 may be realized by software (functionally) by the CPU 201 of the main control unit 20, an ASIC, or a program.

  The multifunction device 2 is provided with a storage unit 22 (corresponding to a data holding unit). The storage unit 22 is configured by combining volatile and nonvolatile storage devices such as ROM, RAM, flash ROM, and HDD. The storage unit 22 stores various data such as a control program, control data, and image data of the multifunction machine 2. The main control unit 20 performs control using programs and data stored in the storage unit 22.

  In addition, the multifunction device 2 is provided with an image reading unit 23 as a part for scanning. The image reading unit 23 includes a contact glass on the upper surface, and reads a document placed on the contact glass. In the image reading unit 23, 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 2 is provided with a paper feeding unit 24, a conveyance path 25, an image forming unit 26, a fixing unit 27, and the like as parts for printing. The paper feed unit 24 accommodates various sizes of paper such as copy paper. Then, the paper feed unit 24 feeds the paper to the transport path 25 one by one during printing. The transport path 25 is a path for transporting the paper supplied from the paper supply unit 24. The conveyance path 25 is provided with, for example, a sheet guide guide plate, a conveyance roller pair that is connected to a drive mechanism (not shown) such as a motor and rotates to convey the sheet.

  The image forming unit 26 forms a toner image based on the image data and transfers the toner image onto the conveyed paper. The image forming unit 26 includes, for example, a photosensitive drum, a charging unit, a developing unit, a cleaning unit, and the like (not shown). Then, the image forming unit 26 forms a toner image based on the image data acquired by the image reading unit 23, the image data received from the information processing apparatus 1 or 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 27 includes, for example, a heating roller that incorporates a heating element and a pressure roller that presses the heating roller. Then, the fixing unit 27 passes the paper on which the toner image is transferred between both rollers, and fixes the toner image on the paper. When the fixing is completed, printing of one sheet is completed, and the printed sheet is discharged outside the apparatus.

  The main control unit 20 is connected to each unit such as the image reading unit 23, the paper feeding unit 24, the conveyance path 25, the image forming unit 26, and the fixing unit 27 of the multifunction machine 2 so that printing can be appropriately performed. Control the operation of each part.

  The multifunction device 2 is provided with an operation panel 28 (corresponding to an input unit). For example, the operation panel 28 is provided above the front surface of the multifunction machine 2. The operation panel 28 includes a display control unit 281, a liquid crystal display unit 282, a touch panel unit 283, and a memory 284. The liquid crystal display unit 282 displays a setting screen for selecting the state of the multifunction device 2 and various messages, selecting functions in printing and transmission, setting setting values, and the like. The liquid crystal display unit 282 displays one or a plurality of keys for selecting a function or setting a setting value on the setting screen. The operation panel 28 is also provided with various hard keys (not shown) such as a start key for instructing start of execution of various functions such as copying.

  The touch panel unit 283 is for detecting a position (coordinates) pressed by the liquid crystal display unit 282. The touch panel unit 283 is provided on the upper surface of the liquid crystal display unit 282. For example, the touch panel unit 283 can employ a resistive film type, but is not limited to the resistive film type as long as the pressed position can be detected.

  The display control unit 281 controls display on the liquid crystal display unit 282. The display control unit 281 recognizes the pressed position according to the output of the touch panel unit 283, and recognizes the pressed key in correspondence with the contents of the screen displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 282. The display control unit 281 switches the display of the liquid crystal display unit 282 according to a user's touch input. The memory 284 is a program and data for controlling the operation panel 28, a screen to be displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 282, image data of the image, and data for recognizing a pressed position with respect to an output value of the touch panel unit 283. Memorize etc.

  The multifunction device 2 is provided with a communication unit 29 (corresponding to an input unit). The communication unit 29 is communicably connected to the main control unit 20 and the like. The communication unit 29 is connected to the information processing apparatus 1 (for example, a personal computer or a server) via a network, a public line, or a cable. The communication unit 29 receives image data and print data including print setting data (printer function). The communication unit 29 can transmit image data obtained by reading by the image reading unit 23 to the information processing apparatus 1 (transmission function).

(Data and group settings to be printed)
Next, an example of data to be printed in the MFP 2 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  As described above, similarly to the first embodiment, the MFP 2 of the present embodiment includes the generation processing unit 21. Therefore, layout change processing can be performed according to the area set in the data and the attribute information of the group of each area.

  Data to be printed by the multifunction device 2 includes print data received from the information processing apparatus 1. First, the printing data received by the communication unit 29 is accumulated in the storage unit 22. The main control unit 20 can generate image data based on the print data, and can perform layout change processing corresponding to the group on the image data. In this case, the information processing apparatus 1 includes, in the print data, information indicating the range of the area set on each page of data and attribute information indicating which group each area belongs to.

  Further, the information processing apparatus 1 includes information indicating a group designated by the information processing apparatus 1 in the print data. Accordingly, the communication unit 29 functions as an input unit that receives an input (information) specifying a group. Based on the information included in the print data, the generation processing unit 21 performs layout change processing corresponding to the group, and generates image data that is actually used for printing. Then, the main control unit 20 causes the image forming unit 26 to perform printing based on the image data actually generated for use in printing.

  In addition, the storage unit 22 of the multifunction machine 2 can accumulate (store) image data obtained by reading the document by the image reading unit 23. The main control unit 20 can read out image data stored in the storage unit 22 and use it for printing.

  In the MFP 2 of the present embodiment, it is possible to set an area range and a set range group for the image data stored in the storage unit 22 using the operation panel 28. Specifically, when the operation panel 28 is input to the image data stored in the storage unit 22 to set the area range and set the group of the set range, the display control unit 281 Similar to FIG. 3 in the first embodiment, a preview image of image data is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 282. In other words, in the multifunction device 2, instead of the display 11 in the information processing apparatus 1, data (image data) is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 282 to set the area range in the data and the set area group. Can be set.

  Specifically, the user touches the liquid crystal display unit 282 for each page of the displayed image data, and sets the area range and the area group. In the information processing apparatus 1, the mouse 12 and the keyboard 13 are used. However, in the multifunction machine 2, it can be performed by a user's touch (pressing) operation, and the display control unit 281 recognizes the user's touch (pressing) operation and Accept range and group settings. And the memory | storage part 22 attaches | stores the information which shows the range of an area | region, and the attribute information which shows to which group the set area | region belongs to image data.

  The operation panel 28 selects image data stored in the storage unit 22 and accepts an input for printing. The operation panel 28 (display control unit 281) informs the main control unit 20 that an input for printing the image data stored in the storage unit 22 has been made. The main control unit 20 confirms whether the image data accumulated in the storage unit 22 is attached with information indicating the range of the region and attribute information of the region group.

  If information indicating the range of the region or attribute information of the group of the region is attached to the image data, for example, the main control unit 20 displays the group print setting screen S2 shown in FIG. An instruction to display the same drawing on the liquid crystal display unit 282 is given.

  Then, the operation panel 28 performs selection such as group designation on the group print setting screen S2 or deletion or reduction of an area of a group (non-designated group) different from the designated group (designated group) in the image data. Accept. Therefore, the operation panel 28 functions as an input unit that receives an input (information) specifying a group. Further, when the selection to delete the area with the attribute information of the non-designated group is made, the operation panel 28 indicates that the non-designated group is not printed, as in the first embodiment. Accepts input for printing part. Further, when the selection to reduce the area to which the attribute information of the non-designated group is made is made, the operation panel 28 receives an input for determining the reduction ratio, as in the first embodiment.

  The operation panel 28 (display control unit 281) transmits the setting contents on the group print setting screen S2 to the main control unit 20. The main control unit 20 causes the generation processing unit 21 to perform a layout change process based on the group attribute information in accordance with the setting content on the group print setting screen S2, and generate data (image data). Then, the main control unit 20 performs printing based on the data generated by the generation processing unit 21 such as the image forming unit 26.

(Flow of printing data with attribute information)
Next, an example of the flow of printing image data to which group attribute information is added in the multifunction machine 2 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of printing data with group attribute information.

  First, in FIG. 10, for example, the communication unit 29 uses information indicating the range of an area in each page of image data, attribute information indicating which group each area belongs to, and the information processing apparatus 1. This is a point in time when printing data including information indicating the designated group is received and printing is started as a printer. Alternatively, it is the time when an instruction to print image data stored in the storage unit 22 on the operation panel 28 and attached with group attribute information is given.

  First, the storage unit 22 (RAM) holds (prepares) data to be printed (image data received by the communication unit 29 and image data stored in the storage unit 22) (step # 11). Next, the main control unit 20 recognizes the designated group based on the information included in the print data and the setting contents on the group print setting screen S2 on the operation panel 28 (step # 12).

  Next, based on the information included in the print data and the setting content on the group print setting screen S2 on the operation panel 28, the main control unit 20 performs processing on the area to which the attribute information of the non-designated group is attached. Is recognized (step # 13). Specifically, the main control unit 20 confirms whether to delete or reduce the area to which the attribute information of the non-designated group is attached.

  Next, the main control unit 20 performs a process of deleting, reducing, and narrowing the non-designated group area (processing target area) on the data (image data) (step # 14). Further, the generation processing unit 21 performs a process of filling the space generated by the process for the non-designated group area by filling the area of the designated group subsequent to the processed non-designated group area (layout change process according to the group). Thus, data (image data) is generated (step # 15).

  Based on the data generated by the generation processing unit 21, the main control unit 20 operates the image forming unit 26, the paper feeding unit 24, the conveyance path 25, and the fixing unit 27 to perform printing (step # 16). . If the operation panel 28 has received an input indicating that the non-designated group is not printed on a part of the printed page, the main control unit 20 causes the image forming unit 26 to send the non-designated group attribute. The fact that the area to which the information is attached is not printed is printed on a part of the printed matter (for example, the upper end or the lower end of the margin portion of the paper).

  In this way, the image forming apparatus (for example, the multifunction device 2) of the present embodiment stores data in which attribute information indicating which group belongs to an area in a page is stored in advance. (Storage unit 22), input unit (operation panel 28, communication unit 29) that receives an input for designating a group, and attribute information of a non-designated group that is a different group from the designated group designated by the input unit A generation processing unit 21 that processes data in a direction to narrow the area in the data and generates data in which the space generated by the processing is filled, and an image forming unit 26 that performs printing based on the data generated by the generation processing unit 21 are included. . As a result, if the attribute information is previously attached (set) to the data, the generation processing unit 21 automatically generates data that has been processed to narrow the area to which the attribute information of the non-designated group is attached. Then, printing is performed based on the data generated by the processing. Therefore, by automatically processing data, it is possible to easily reduce the total number of printed sheets by not printing the area (contents) of other groups as they are without imposing complicated work.

  Further, the generation processing unit 21 deletes the area in the data to which the attribute information of the non-designated group is attached, and places the area to which the attribute information of the designated group following the deleted area is attached in the space generated by the deletion. To generate data filled with spaces. Thereby, the area of the group to which different attribute information is attached according to the group to be designated (set) is not printed. Therefore, the total number of printed data sheets can be reduced. Also, only the portion of the data that is necessary for the group to which it belongs can be printed. In addition, depending on the group to which the person who prints belongs, some areas in the data can be made unprintable.

  Further, the image forming unit 26 prints on a part of the printed matter that the area to which the attribute information of the non-designated group is not printed. Accordingly, it is possible to indicate which group is not printed with shared data or the like.

  Further, the generation processing unit 21 reduces the area in the data to which the attribute information of the non-designated group is attached, and places the area to which the attribute information of the designated group following the reduced area is attached in the space generated by the reduction. To generate data filled with spaces. As a result, the area to which the attribute information of a different group is attached is reduced according to the group to be specified (set). Accordingly, it is possible to reduce the total number of printed data sheets and obtain a printed matter with a difference between an area necessary for the group to which the printer belongs and an area that is not necessary.

  The input unit is a communication unit 29 that communicates with an external device, the data holding unit (storage unit 22) stores image data used for printing received by the communication unit 29, and the communication unit 29 stores image data. Information indicating the range of the area of each page in the data, information indicating which group the area indicates, and information indicating the specified group are received. As a result, the image forming apparatus (for example, the multifunction machine 2) can receive data with the group attribute information and information indicating the designated group from an external computer or the like, and can perform printing as a printer.

  In addition, the image processing apparatus includes a storage unit 22 for storing image data. The input unit is an operation panel 28 that accepts setting input. The operation panel 28 includes an input for setting a range of an area on each page in the image data; The storage unit 22 accepts an input for setting a group to which the set area belongs and an input for specifying a group in printing, and the storage unit 22 associates the image data with the range of the area in each page of the image data in the image data. Attribute information indicating the group to which the set area belongs is stored. Accordingly, the image forming apparatus (for example, the multifunction device 2) can set the attribute information to the area of each page of data or set the designated group.

  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 1 and the image forming apparatus.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Information processing apparatus 10 Control part 11 Display 12 Mouse (input part)
13 Keyboard (input unit) 14 Auxiliary storage device (data holding unit)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 15 Communication part 17 Generation process part 100 Image forming apparatus 2 Multifunction machine (image forming apparatus)
20 Main Control Unit 21 Generation Processing Unit 22 Storage Unit (Data Holding Unit) 26 Image Forming Unit 28 Operation Panel (Input Unit) 29 Communication Unit (Input Unit)

Claims (10)

A data holding unit for storing data in which attribute information indicating which group belongs to an area in the page is predetermined;
An input unit that accepts input specifying a group;
Generation processing for processing data in a direction to narrow the area in the data to which the attribute information of the non-designated group that is different from the designated group designated by the input unit is narrowed, and generating data in which the space generated by the processing is filled And
An information processing apparatus comprising: a communication unit that transmits print data based on data generated by the generation processing unit to an image forming apparatus.   The generation processing unit deletes an area in the data to which the attribute information of the non-designated group is attached, and an area to which the attribute information of the designated group following the deleted area is attached to a space generated by the deletion. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein data is arranged and the space is filled.   3. The communication unit transmits to the image forming apparatus an instruction to print on a part of a printed matter that a region to which the attribute information of the non-designated group is attached is not printed. The information processing apparatus described in 1.   The generation processing unit reduces an area in the data to which the attribute information of the non-designated group is attached, and an area to which the attribute information of the designated group following the reduced area is attached to a space generated by the reduction. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein data is arranged and the space is filled. A data holding unit for storing data in which attribute information indicating which group belongs to an area in the page is predetermined;
An input unit that accepts input specifying a group;
Generation processing for processing data in a direction to narrow the area in the data to which the attribute information of the non-designated group that is different from the designated group designated by the input unit is narrowed, and generating data in which the space generated by the processing is filled And
An image forming unit that performs printing based on the data generated by the generation processing unit.   The generation processing unit deletes an area in the data to which the attribute information of the non-designated group is attached, and an area to which the attribute information of the designated group following the deleted area is attached to a space generated by the deletion. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the data is generated by arranging and filling the space.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the image forming unit prints on a part of the printed matter that the area to which the attribute information of the non-designated group is attached is not printed.   The generation processing unit reduces an area in the data to which the attribute information of the non-designated group is attached, and an area to which the attribute information of the designated group following the reduced area is attached to a space generated by the reduction. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the data is generated by arranging and filling the space. The input unit is a communication unit that communicates with an external device,
The data holding unit stores image data used for printing received by the communication unit,
9. The communication unit according to claim 5, wherein the communication unit receives information indicating an area range of each page in image data, information indicating which group the area indicates, and information indicating the designated group. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. A storage unit for storing image data;
The input unit is an operation panel that receives a setting input;
The operation panel accepts an input for setting a range of an area on each page in image data, an input for setting a group to which the set area belongs, and an input for specifying a group in printing,
The storage unit stores attribute information indicating a range of an area in each page of the image data in the image data and a group to which the set area belongs in association with the image data. The image forming apparatus according to any one of 8.

Images