JP2013067034A - Image forming apparatus, image forming method and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus which acquires print settings desired by a user and flexibly and easily prints input data including a plurality of data sheets, and to provide an image forming method and a program.SOLUTION: The image forming apparatus which forms an image on the basis of the input data includes: a setting acquisition means for acquiring print setting from one specified data sheet when the input data has the plurality of data sheets, each of which includes print setting; a setting reflecting means for reflecting the print setting acquired by the setting acquisition means in the print setting related to other data sheets; and a print control means for forming an image regarding the data sheet where the print setting is reflected by the setting reflecting means including at least other data sheets.

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, an image forming method, and a program.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there are various types of spreadsheet software that use a spreadsheet function using cells, create a table list, or use as a database. In recent years, work to standardize the output format of office software such as spreadsheet software has been underway. OOXML (Office Open XML), which is used as an output file format in Excel (MICROSOFT EXCEL: registered trademark), which is one of spreadsheet software, is one of the standardized file formats. Standardization of the output file format facilitates the development of new data-compatible software.

  The output data file that stores data created by the spreadsheet software can be configured to include a plurality of pieces of data sheet information in which grids are arranged in a grid called a spreadsheet. The print setting when printing the created data by the spreadsheet software is performed for each spreadsheet. Therefore, when printing a plurality of spreadsheets, it is necessary to individually perform print settings.

  In Patent Document 1, the print settings acquired when printing one spreadsheet are used as common print settings when other spreadsheets are printed, or the print settings set for each spreadsheet are invalidated separately. A technique related to a printer driver that performs printing using a set print setting as a common setting is disclosed.

JP 2008-33460 A

  However, in the conventional technology, it is difficult to acquire print settings to be used from an arbitrary data sheet and flexibly apply the print settings to a desired data sheet, and efficiently print a plurality of data sheets. There is a problem that it may be difficult.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus, an image forming method, and an image forming apparatus capable of acquiring a print setting desired by a user and performing printing flexibly and easily when printing input data including a plurality of data sheets, and To provide a program.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention described in claim 1
In an image forming apparatus including an image forming unit that forms an image based on input data,
The input data has a plurality of data sheets, and when the data sheet includes print settings individually, setting acquisition means for acquiring the print settings from the specified one of the data sheets;
Setting reflection means for reflecting the print settings acquired by the setting acquisition means to the print settings related to the other data sheets;
At least a print control unit that causes the image forming unit to form an image on the data sheet including the other data sheet on which the print setting is reflected by the setting reflecting unit;
It is characterized by having.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect,
An operation unit for a user to input setting information related to the operation of the setting acquisition unit and the operation of the setting reflection unit;
The setting information includes specification information of the one data sheet.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus of the second aspect,
The setting information includes first selection information for selecting whether or not the setting reflection unit reflects the print setting on the other data sheet.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the second or third aspect,
The setting information includes second selection information for selecting the other data sheet on which the setting reflecting unit reflects the print setting.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the second to fourth aspects,
The setting information includes third selection information for selecting a setting portion to be reflected in the other data sheet by the setting reflection unit in the print settings.

The invention described in claim 6 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,
The setting reflecting means reflects the print setting on all the other data sheets,
The printing control means is characterized in that image formation is performed on the one data sheet and all the other data sheets.

The invention according to claim 7 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 1,
The setting information related to the operation of the setting acquisition unit and the operation of the setting reflection unit is acquired by being input in association with the input data,
The setting information includes specification information of the one data sheet.

The invention according to claim 8 is the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 7,
The setting reflection unit is configured when the setting content of any setting portion of the print setting does not satisfy a predetermined standard with respect to the setting content of the setting portion before the print setting is reflected to the other data sheet. And determining whether the setting reflecting means is operable based on an input from the operating means.

The invention according to claim 9 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 8,
The setting reflecting means includes a difference between a paper size in the print setting and a paper size in a print setting set in the other data sheet before the setting is reflected within a predetermined magnification range. If there is not, it is characterized in that whether or not the setting reflecting means can be operated is determined based on an input from the operating means.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the eighth aspect,
The setting reflection unit is configured such that the number of different setting portions between the print setting and the print setting set in the other data sheet before the print setting is reflected is a predetermined number or more. Is characterized by determining whether or not the setting reflecting means is operable based on an input from the operating means.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to tenth aspects,
The input data is XML format output data of spreadsheet software,
The plurality of data sheets are data related to a plurality of spreadsheets in the XML format output data.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus of the eleventh aspect,
The setting acquisition unit is configured to acquire the print setting relating to the spreadsheet for which active setting has been made.

The invention according to claim 13
An image forming method for causing an image forming means for forming an image based on input data to form an image,
A setting acquisition step of acquiring print settings from one specified data sheet when the input data has a plurality of data sheets, and each of the data sheets includes print settings individually;
A setting reflection step of reflecting the print setting acquired in the setting acquisition step on the print setting related to the other data sheet;
At least a print control step for causing the image forming unit to form an image for the data sheet including the other data sheet on which the print setting is reflected in the setting reflection step;
It is characterized by including.

The invention according to claim 14
A computer having image forming means for forming an image based on input data,
A setting acquisition means for acquiring print settings from one specified data sheet when the input data has a plurality of data sheets, and each of the data sheets includes print settings individually;
Setting reflection means for reflecting the print settings acquired by the setting acquisition means to the print settings related to the other data sheets;
Print control means for causing the image forming means to form an image on at least the data sheet including the other data sheet on which the print setting is reflected by the setting reflecting means;
It is a program to make it function as.

  According to the present invention, when input data composed of a plurality of data sheets is printed, there is an effect that printing desired by the user can be acquired and printing can be performed flexibly and easily.

1 is a configuration diagram of a network system including an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the internal structure of a computer. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of the image forming apparatus. FIG. It is the figure which showed the file structure in the Excel file of an OOXML format. It is a figure which shows the example of the content of a workbook.xml file. It is a figure which shows the example of the content of a sheet2.xml file. It is a figure which shows the example of the content of a sheet1.xml file. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a control procedure of print control processing by a control unit of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of the setting screen displayed on a touchscreen. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a control procedure of print control processing by a control unit of the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a network system including an image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

In this network system, image forming apparatuses 2, 2, 2 are communicably connected to computers 1, 1 via a line 3.
The line 3 constitutes a network including the image forming apparatuses 2, 2, 2 and the computers 1, 1. The line 3 may be in any form as long as it connects the computers 1 and 1 and the image forming apparatuses 2, 2, and 2 so that they can communicate. For example, the line 3 may be a wired connection line such as a LAN (Local Area Network) cable, a coaxial cable, or an optical fiber, or may be a line using various wireless communication standards such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or wireless LAN. A plurality of combinations may be used. Further, the line 3 may be a LAN, the Internet, or any other network scale.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the computer 1.
Specific examples of the computer 1 include a PC (Personal Computer), a PDA (Portable Device Assistant), a mobile phone, and a smartphone.

  The computer 1 includes a control unit 11, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 12, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 13, a storage unit 14, an operation unit 15, a display unit 16, and a communication unit 17. .

  The control unit 11 includes a CPU. The control unit 11 develops various programs and data stored in the ROM 13 and the storage unit 14 in the RAM 12, performs various arithmetic processes, and controls the overall operation of the computer 1 based on the programs.

  The RAM 12 is a volatile memory that temporarily develops various programs and data executed by the control unit 11 and provides a working memory space for storing temporary data processed by the various programs. The ROM 13 stores a control program such as BIOS (Basic Input / Output System) executed by the control unit 11 and initial setting data in a readable manner. The ROM 13 may be a flash memory or an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable and Programmable Read Only Memory).

The storage unit 14 stores various software (programs) and application data so that they can be read, written, and used. The storage unit 14 is a hard disk in the present embodiment, but is not limited thereto. The storage unit 14 may be, for example, an SSD (Solid State Disk). The software stored in the storage unit 14 includes a print data transmission program 14a.
The print data transmission program 14a is a program for transmitting to the image forming apparatus 2 a spreadsheet software output data file in an OOXML format designated as a print target (for example, an output file by Excel, hereinafter referred to as an Excel file). The print data transmission program 14a may be capable of transmitting print setting information in addition to the Excel file. As will be described in detail later, the print setting information includes setting information for applying the print setting of one designated spreadsheet as the print setting of another spreadsheet. The setting information is set by the user via the GUI screen in advance when the print request is transmitted or before the print request is transmitted. When the print setting information is set in advance before sending the print request, the set print setting information is stored in the storage unit 14.
In addition, for example, spreadsheet software is stored in the storage unit 14, and the created data can be saved as an Excel file in the OOXML format.

The operation unit 15 converts a user operation input into an electric signal and transmits the electric signal to the control unit 11. The operation unit 15 is, for example, a keyboard or a mouse.
The display unit 16 displays and outputs information according to a command from the control unit 11. The display unit 16 is a display composed of, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or an organic ELD (Electro-Luminescent Display).
Alternatively, the operation unit 15 and the display unit 16 may have both a display operation such as a touch panel and an input operation reception. The operation unit 15 and the display unit 16 may be externally connected via a cable or the like, or may be integrally provided on the outer surface of the computer 1.

  The communication unit 17 performs communication control for connecting the computer 1 to another device connected to the line 3 and an external network via the line 3, and is, for example, a NIC (Network Interface Card). .

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the image forming apparatus 2.
The image forming apparatus 2 includes a control unit 21 (setting acquisition unit, setting reflection unit, print control unit), a RAM 22, a ROM 23, a storage unit 24, a setting information storage unit 25, a touch panel 26 as an operation unit, A communication unit 27, a language processing unit 28, a print processing unit 29 (image forming means), and the like are provided.

  The control unit 21 includes a CPU. The control unit 21 develops various programs and data stored in the ROM 23 and the storage unit 24 in the RAM 22 to perform various arithmetic processes, and performs overall control of the entire operation of the image forming apparatus 2 based on the programs. .

  The RAM 22 is a volatile memory that temporarily expands various programs and data executed by the control unit 21 and provides a working memory space for storing temporary data processed by the various programs. The ROM 23 stores a control processing program executed by the control unit 21 and setting data to be used in a readable manner.

  The storage unit 24 stores various software, application data, and print setting information sent from the computer 1 and an Excel file as input data to be printed, which can be read, written, and used. The storage unit 24 is a hard disk in the present embodiment, but is not limited thereto. The storage unit 24 may be, for example, an SSD (Solid State Disk).

The software stored in the storage unit 24 includes a print control program 24 a and a setting program 24 b for performing print settings in the image forming apparatus 2. The print control program 24a is a program that performs various processes for converting the contents of an Excel file in OOXML format into intermediate language data for printing (DL: display list). The setting program 24b is a program that is executed when performing print settings for a print target file via the touch panel 26.
The image forming apparatus 2 may have a configuration in which these software and programs are stored in advance in the ROM 23 and not provided with the storage unit 24. Further, the print setting information and the Excel file may be stored in the RAM 22 without being stored in the storage unit 24 and processed.

  The setting information storage unit 25 stores print setting data set by the setting program 24b. The setting information storage unit 25 is, for example, a hard disk, but is not limited thereto. The setting information storage unit 25 may be, for example, a flash memory or an EEPROM. The setting information storage unit 25 may be a part of the storage unit 24 as a non-volatile storage device.

  The touch panel 26 is an input / output device that displays print information and a menu for performing print settings based on a command from the control unit 21 and inputs settings by a user operation. Here, the touch panel 26 has a structure in which, for example, a pressure sensor that detects a user's pressing operation and its pressing position and an LCD are stacked. Alternatively, for example, an operation key or the like may be provided as an operation unit, and a display including an LCD or an organic ELD may be provided as a display unit. The operation unit receives an operation from the user, generates an input signal, and outputs the generated input signal to the control unit. The display unit displays various setting screens, operation statuses, processing results, and the like according to display signals output from the control unit 21.

  The communication unit 27 performs communication control for connecting the image forming apparatus 2 and an external network via the line 3 and is, for example, a NIC (Network Interface Card).

  Based on the setting data stored in the setting information storage unit 25, the language processing unit 28 converts the intermediate language data to be printed (DL data) sent from the control unit 21 into raster image data for printing, and prints it. The data is output to the processing unit 29. The language processing unit 28 includes a dedicated CPU and RAM independent of the control unit 21 and can generate raster image data at high speed. Alternatively, the language processing unit 28 may be configured to use the CPU of the control unit 21 together. Further, the conversion process to the intermediate language data may be performed not by the control unit 21 but by the language processing unit 28.

  The print processing unit 29 (printer engine) performs image formation (printing) processing based on the raster image data for printing sent from the language processing unit 28. A printing method that can be adopted by the print processing unit 29 is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include an electrophotographic method, an inkjet method, a thermal transfer method, and an offset.

Next, print settings performed when printing an OOXML-format Excel file will be described.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of files included in an Excel file in the OOXML format.

  An Excel file in the OOXML format (extension is .xlsx) is an archive file in which at least a plurality of XML files (extension is .xml) and related files (extension is .rels) are compressed and stored in the ZIP format. For example, one Excel file (here, sample.xlsx) is composed of [Content_Types] .xml and files included in both the _rels and xl folders.

A file workbook.xml in the folder xl is a file indicating the configuration of the entire workbook in the Excel file. This workbook.xml includes information indicating which one of a plurality of spreadsheets (data sheets) included in the file is set to be active. Styles.xml is a style file possessing default font information and the like in the entire workbook.
Also, the file worksheetY.xml is stored in the folder worksheets. Here, Y is an integer and indicates a sheet number. That is, the files sheet1.xml to sheet3.xml shown in FIG. 4 are files indicating the contents of the spreadsheets 1 to 3, respectively, and the data described in the cells of the spreadsheets 1 to 3 are stored. ing. In addition, print setting information is individually stored in these files sheetY.xml.

  The folder drawings stores a file drawingY.xml (Y is an integer, indicating a sheet number). The file drawing1.xml includes data related to the figure and text box inserted into the spreadsheet 1. Further, in the folder drawings and the subfolder_rels, when a background image is included in the header of the spreadsheet, a file including information indicating the background image is created.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the contents of workbook.xml.
In the file workbook.xml, the property “workbookView” included in the tag of the “bookViews” class is in an active state in addition to the attribute values indicating the arrangement and size of the workbook as shown in FIG. An attribute value indicating a spreadsheet is described. Here, it is indicated that the spreadsheet 2 is active by setting the attribute activeTab = “1”. Further, as shown in FIG. 5B, the file workbook.xml includes the name and reference ID of each spreadsheet included in the workbook according to each attribute value of the property “sheet” included in the tag of the “sheets” class. Are recorded together.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the contents of sheet2.xml.
As shown in FIG. 5, the file sheet2.xml is a data file indicating the contents of the second spreadsheet, and the active state is set in the file workbook.xml. Corresponding to this active state, tabSelected = “1” is set as the attribute value of the property “sheetView” in the “sheetViews” class in the file sheet2.xml, as shown in FIG. Then, after the data of each cell recorded in the tag of the “sheetData” class, as shown in FIG. 6B, the print setting data of each spreadsheet is set by the property “pageMargins” and the property “pageSetup”. It is recorded. Here, first, the left and right margins are set to 0.75, the upper and lower margins are set to 0.70, and the header and footer margins are set to 0.30 by the property “pageMargins”, respectively. Also, the property “pageSetup” indicates that the paper size attribute value pageSize = “9”, that is, A4 size, the paper layout attribute value orientation = “landscape”, that is, landscape orientation, and the resolution attribute value is vertical (verticalDpi) and horizontal Both directions (horizontalDpi) are set to 300 dpi (dots per inch).
Further, when performing the grid line print setting and the row number and column number print setting in the spreadsheet, the attribute values “gridlines” and “headings” in the property “printOptions” are used, respectively, as shown in FIG. A description is added. With regard to such print settings set by the spreadsheet software, the image forming apparatus 2 of the present embodiment is configured to be readable.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the contents of sheet1.xml.
In the file workbook.xml, the file sheet1.xml is set to be data of the first spreadsheet. Unlike the active spreadsheet shown in FIG. 6A, as shown in FIG. 7C, the property “sheetView” in the “sheetViews” class has an attribute value “tabSelected” indicating the active state. Not. Further, in this file sheet1.xml, as shown in FIG. 7 (d1), in the property “pageMargins” and the property “pageSetup” indicating the print settings, the left and right margin values and the sheet layout are shown in the file sheet2 shown in FIG. It is different from the setting in .xml.

  In the image forming apparatus 2 of the present embodiment, the print settings of the second spreadsheet shown in FIG. 6 can be used for other spreadsheets, so that the print settings can be shared and the settings can be simplified. That is, in this case, as shown in FIG. 7B, the print setting property “pageMargins” and the property “pageSetup” in the file sheet1.xml are replaced with the print setting properties in the file sheet2.xml. Printing (image formation) is performed according to print settings. Further, in the file sheet3.xml (not shown), for example, when the print setting is not made, the print setting made in the file sheet1.xml becomes the print setting of the file sheet3.xml as it is.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a control procedure of image formation control processing executed by the control unit 21 including a CPU in the image forming apparatus 2 of the first embodiment.

  Here, an image formation control process when a print request for the entire workbook in an Excel file in the OOXML format is acquired by a user operation will be described.

  When a print request is acquired, the control unit 21 first acquires a data file to be printed (step S101). This data file may be stored in the storage unit 14 in advance, or may be sent from the computer 1 together with a print request.

Next, the control unit 21 accesses the setting information storage unit 25 to read the sheet number (designation information) from which the print setting is acquired, and substitutes it in the variable “n” (step S102). Next, the control unit 21 accesses the spreadsheet file sheetN.xml (N is the value of the variable “n”) corresponding to the variable “n”, and acquires the described print setting information (step S103). .
Here, when the sheet number for acquiring the print setting is not stored in the setting information storage unit 25, the control unit 21 stores the sheet number information for acquiring the print setting in the print setting information sent from the computer 1. If not included, the workbook.xml included in the data file to be printed is accessed, the sheet number set to be active is read, and assigned to the variable “n”. Then, the control unit 21 acquires print setting information from the file sheetZ.xml related to the active spreadsheet.
Since the value of the attribute “activeTab” relating to the active setting starts from 0 and deviates by 1 from the sheet number, the numerical value is corrected when the sheet number of the current sheet is acquired.

  The control unit 21 reads the file workbook.xml and acquires the number of spreadsheets included in the workbook (step S104). The control unit 21 obtains the number of spreadsheets to be printed by counting the number of tags related to the property “sheet” included in the “sheets” class, and substitutes it in the variable “k”.

  The control unit 21 then applies the sheet number (first selection information, second selection information) to which the print setting acquired from the setting information storage unit 25 is applied, and the setting item (setting to be applied) among the acquired print settings. Setting information (third selection information) related to (part) is acquired (step S105).

The control unit 21 performs a loop process while sequentially increasing the variable “i” by 1 from the initial value 1 to the number of spreadsheets “k” to be printed (steps S106 to S111). First, the control unit 21 determines whether or not the variable “i” is the same as the variable “n” indicating the print setting acquisition destination sheet number (step S107). When it is determined that the variable “i” is the same as the variable “n”, the process of the control unit 21 proceeds to step S110. When it is determined that the variable “i” is not the same as the variable “n”, the control unit 21 determines whether the variable “i” corresponds to the sheet number to which the print setting is applied. (Step S108). If it is determined that the variable “i” does not correspond to the sheet number to which the print setting is applied, the process of the control unit 21 proceeds to step S110. When it is determined that the variable “i” corresponds to the sheet number to which the print setting is applied, the control unit 21 reads the spreadsheet data file sheetI.xml corresponding to the variable “i” (I is the variable “i”). Among the print setting information included in (Value), the print setting content of the setting item to be applied is replaced with the content of the acquired print setting setting item (step S109). Then, the process of the control unit 21 proceeds to step S110. In the process of step S110, the control unit 21 converts the data stored in sheetI.xml into intermediate language data for printing based on the print setting data. Then, the process returns to step S106.
When there is no sheet number to which the print setting is applied, that is, when the acquired print setting is not reflected on other spreadsheets, all the determination processing and the print setting application processing in steps S107 to S109 are performed. Omitted, the control unit 21 may immediately perform the process of step S110.

  When the variable “i” becomes larger than the set value “k” in the process of step S106, the process of the control unit 21 exits the loop process and proceeds to step S112. Then, the control unit 21 performs a printing process while collectively converting the obtained intermediate language data of the page to be printed into image data for printing. When the printing process ends, the control unit 21 ends the printing control process.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a setting menu displayed on the touch panel 26 when the setting program 24b is executed. As described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, the print setting information is stored in the properties included in the data file sheetY.xml for the selected spreadsheet, that is, “pageMargin”, “pageSetup”, and “printOptions”. It is determined by each attribute value included. As attribute values defined for the property “pageSetup”, usable attribute values “BlackAndWhite” indicating black and white printing in addition to the paper size, paper layout, and resolution shown in FIGS. , An attribute value “FirstPageNumber” indicating the first page number, an attribute value “scale” indicating the scale of enlargement or reduction of display, and an attribute value “copies” indicating the number of copies to be printed. Also, the header, footer, and background images described in these can be used as common settings at the time of printing by reflecting the description content of the property “headerFooter”, related file information, etc. in other spreadsheets. In the setting program 24b, it is possible to set whether or not to apply these elements acquired from one spreadsheet data as a batch or individually as print settings for another spreadsheet.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 9A, in the image forming apparatus 2 of the present embodiment, the image is set in the designated spreadsheet by the user input operation via the setting screen displayed on the touch panel 26. Whether to apply the print setting information to the printing of other spreadsheets. In addition, when applying to printing of other spreadsheets, a sheet number for designating a spreadsheet for acquiring print settings can be input.

  Also, by specifying detailed information editing, detailed information editing scenes are displayed as shown in FIG. 9B. For example, print items such as paper layout, paper size, resolution, background, and margin are displayed. The setting items to be applied to printing of other spreadsheets can be partially selected. Data related to the print settings made via these setting screens is stored in the setting information storage unit 25.

  As described above, according to the image forming apparatus 2 of the present embodiment, when printing input data composed of a plurality of spreadsheets such as an Excel file, print setting is performed from a spreadsheet set in advance using the touch panel 26. Can be applied to other spreadsheets and the other spreadsheets can be printed, so there is no need to make print settings for each of the multiple spreadsheets. Sheet printing can be performed. In particular, the entire book can be easily printed based on the print settings made for one spreadsheet.

  In addition, since the print settings of any spreadsheet can be acquired, even if there are a mixture of spreadsheets with different print settings, the necessary print settings can be acquired and applied to the spreadsheet to be printed. Can do.

  In addition to the Excel file itself, setting information can be input in advance from the touch panel 26 of the image forming apparatus 2 at the time of printing or before execution of printing, and therefore, via application software such as Excel. A desired spreadsheet can be easily printed based on the print settings set for other spreadsheets. Therefore, when excel files are exchanged, for example, the image forming apparatus 2 can easily print a necessary spreadsheet without starting application software even from a mobile terminal.

  Further, the image forming apparatus 2 has a function of analyzing the contents of the OOXML file and applying the acquired print settings to printing of other spreadsheets. Therefore, the printer driver can be used or specific print settings can be set. A print request can be transmitted to the image forming apparatus 2 from any computer 1 connected to the image forming apparatus 2 without performing the process again.

  Also, if you do not need to apply print settings for other spreadsheets, you can turn off the application of print settings, so if different print settings are set for each spreadsheet, each print setting The optimum printing can be performed according to the above.

  In addition, by making it possible to set the target spreadsheet to which the print settings are applied, it is possible to print only the spreadsheets for which the print settings are not made. Further, by making it possible to select setting items to be applied from among the print settings, for example, it is possible to print a flexible spreadsheet so that only the layout of paper is printed using individual settings.

  Further, when a print request is made to the image forming apparatus 2 connected to the network and it is troublesome to input the print setting from the touch panel 26, the print request is associated with the print data when the print request is transmitted. By making it possible to transmit the setting information related to the print settings, it is possible to more easily apply the print settings related to one spreadsheet to another spreadsheet.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.
The image forming apparatus 2 of the second embodiment has the same configuration as the image forming apparatus 2 of the first embodiment shown in FIG.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a control procedure of image formation control processing executed by the control unit 21 in the image forming apparatus 2 according to the second embodiment.
The image formation control process of the second embodiment is the same as the image formation control process of the first embodiment except that the processes of steps S121 to S123 are performed instead of the process of step S108. The same reference numerals are given and description thereof is omitted.

  In the image forming control process in the image forming apparatus 2 of the second embodiment, if it is determined in step S107 that the sheet number “i” is different from the sheet number “n” for which the print setting has been acquired, the control unit 21 The process proceeds to step S121. Then, the control unit 21 compares the print setting of the sheet number “n” with the print setting described in the spreadsheet data of the sheet number “i”, whether or not a predetermined standard is satisfied, that is, It is determined whether or not the difference between the two is within a predetermined range of conditions.

  Here, the range of the specified condition includes a predetermined item, for example, a case where the paper size to be printed does not change greatly and the reduction / enlargement ratio is within the predetermined range. This is because, as a result of outputting completely different size output data on the same size paper, there is a possibility that the character size of the image formed is too small and the content cannot be determined.

  Alternatively, the range of defined conditions is not a single item, but includes, for example, a case where the number of print setting items changed between the two items is a predetermined number or less. If a very large number of items are changed as a result of replacing the preset print setting in the spreadsheet with the sheet number “i” with a uniform print setting, the result of the change is rather undesirable printing. This is because there is a risk of setting.

Furthermore, it is also possible to combine these conditions as a range of defined conditions. For example, when the paper margin is changed, the change is reflected even if all six values are changed. However, when the paper size and the paper layout are changed at the same time. Even if there is no change in other items, it may be set to be out of the range of the prescribed conditions.
Here, regarding the items for which print settings are not set in the spreadsheet to which the print settings are applied, the determination of whether or not the print settings are changed may be omitted.

  If it is determined in step S121 that the print setting difference is within the specified range, the control unit 21 proceeds to step S109, and the control unit 21 determines that the sheet number “n” is set. The acquired print settings are reflected in the spreadsheet data with the sheet number “i”. On the other hand, when it is determined that the print setting difference is not within the specified range, the control unit 21 displays the difference on the touch panel 26 and the sheet number “n” acquired for printing the spreadsheet. The user makes a selection display for instructing whether to use the print setting or not, and waits until an operation input from the user is detected (step S122).

  Then, when detecting an operation input for the selection display displayed on the touch panel 26, the control unit 21 determines whether or not the input result is an instruction to apply print settings (step S123). If it is determined that the instruction is to apply the print setting, the control unit 21 applies the acquired print setting of the sheet number “n” as the print setting of the spreadsheet of the sheet number “i” (step S109). . And the process of the control part 21 transfers to step S110. On the other hand, if it is determined that the instruction is not to apply the print setting, the process of the control unit 21 proceeds to step S110 as it is.

  As described above, according to the image forming control process in the image forming apparatus 2 of the second embodiment, even when the setting for applying the print setting to another spreadsheet is performed, the acquired print setting and the target of the application are described. If the print settings of the spreadsheet are different in many respects, etc., and if it is expected that problems will occur if printing is performed by applying the print settings, the fact is displayed on the touch panel 26 to determine the user's judgment. When an exceptional setting is made, it is possible to perform printing by selecting and applying an appropriate print setting as occasion demands.

  In particular, the print paper size associated with the acquired print settings is significantly different from the print paper set in the applicable spreadsheet, resulting in an extremely large number of blank pages or a large change in character size. In such a case, it is possible to prevent the user from making a decision by displaying the fact on the touch panel 26 and making the user's judgment possible.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made.
For example, in the above embodiment, the case where the entire book of the Excel file is printed has been described. However, the present invention can also be applied to the case where only a part is printed. Further, the spreadsheet for which the print setting has been acquired may not be printed.

  In the above-described embodiment, Excel has been described as an example of spreadsheet software. However, the present invention is not limited to files created using other spreadsheet software or programs other than spreadsheet software, such as databases. The present invention can also be applied to data obtained by converting a file created by software into the OOXML format.

  In the above embodiment, data in the OOXML format has been described. However, the present invention can also be applied to a spreadsheet file in the ODF format (Open Document Format). This ODF format data is not compatible with the OOXML format data, but, like the OOXML format data, a plurality of XML files are archived in the ZIP format, and print settings related to the specified spreadsheet are obtained. Then, it is possible to reflect the print setting on another spreadsheet and perform printing.

  Further, the present invention is not limited to the case of printing a file in a spreadsheet software output format. For example, when a plurality of database output records and output reports are output in XML format and placed in one file, when printing a file that holds the print settings for each output. Can also be used.

  In the above embodiment, when the print setting is reflected in another spreadsheet, the print setting is replaced with the print setting of another spreadsheet. However, as a replacement method, spreadsheet data is used. It is not limited to those that directly rewrite the print settings included in the. When the intermediate language data is created from the spreadsheet data based on the print settings, the acquired print settings may be substituted instead of reading the spreadsheet setting data.

  In the above-described embodiment, the print data and the print request are transmitted from the computer 1 connected via the line to the image forming apparatus 2. However, the portable storage medium is connected to the image forming apparatus 2 for printing. The present invention can also be applied to a configuration in which data is input to the image forming apparatus 2 and a print request is made directly from the touch panel 26.

In the above description, an example in which the storage unit 24 or ROM such as HDD or SSD is used as a computer-readable medium of the program according to the present invention is disclosed, but the present invention is not limited to this. As other computer-readable media, a non-volatile memory such as a flash memory and a portable storage medium such as a CD-ROM can be applied. A carrier wave is also applied to the present invention as a medium for providing program data according to the present invention via a communication line.
In addition, details such as the specific configuration, operation procedure, display content, and arrangement shown in the above embodiment can be changed as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

1 Computer 2 Image Forming Apparatus 3 Line 11 Control Unit 12 RAM
13 ROM
14 storage unit 14a print data transmission program 15 operation unit 16 display unit 17 communication unit 21 control unit 22 RAM
23 ROM
24 storage unit 24a print control program 24b setting program 25 setting information storage unit 26 touch panel 27 communication unit 28 language processing unit 29 print processing unit

Claims (14)

In an image forming apparatus including an image forming unit that forms an image based on input data,
The input data has a plurality of data sheets, and when the data sheet includes print settings individually, setting acquisition means for acquiring the print settings from the specified one of the data sheets;
Setting reflection means for reflecting the print settings acquired by the setting acquisition means to the print settings related to the other data sheets;
At least a print control unit that causes the image forming unit to form an image on the data sheet including the other data sheet on which the print setting is reflected by the setting reflecting unit;
An image forming apparatus comprising: An operation unit for a user to input setting information related to the operation of the setting acquisition unit and the operation of the setting reflection unit;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the setting information includes designation information of the one data sheet. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the setting information includes first selection information for selecting whether the setting reflection unit reflects the print setting on the other data sheet. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the setting information includes second selection information for the setting reflection unit to select the other data sheet that reflects the print setting. 5. The setting information includes third selection information for selecting a setting portion to be reflected on the other data sheet by the setting reflection unit of the print settings. The image forming apparatus according to one item. The setting reflecting means reflects the print setting on all the other data sheets,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the print control unit causes image formation to be performed on the one data sheet and all the other data sheets. The setting information related to the operation of the setting acquisition unit and the operation of the setting reflection unit is acquired by being input in association with the input data,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the setting information includes designation information of the one data sheet. The setting reflection unit is configured when the setting content of any setting portion of the print setting does not satisfy a predetermined standard with respect to the setting content of the setting portion before the print setting is reflected to the other data sheet. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein whether or not the setting reflection unit is operable is determined based on an input from the operation unit. The setting reflecting means includes a difference between a paper size in the print setting and a paper size in a print setting set in the other data sheet before the setting is reflected within a predetermined magnification range. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein if there is not, the operation of the setting reflection unit is determined based on an input from the operation unit. The setting reflection unit is configured such that the number of different setting portions between the print setting and the print setting set in the other data sheet before the print setting is reflected is a predetermined number or more. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein whether or not the setting reflection unit is operable is determined based on an input from the operation unit. The input data is XML format output data of spreadsheet software,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of data sheets are data related to a plurality of spreadsheets in the XML format output data. The image forming apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the setting acquisition unit acquires the print setting related to the spreadsheet for which an active setting has been made. An image forming method for causing an image forming means for forming an image based on input data to form an image,
A setting acquisition step of acquiring print settings from one specified data sheet when the input data has a plurality of data sheets, and each of the data sheets includes print settings individually;
A setting reflection step of reflecting the print setting acquired in the setting acquisition step on the print setting related to the other data sheet;
At least a print control step for causing the image forming unit to form an image for the data sheet including the other data sheet on which the print setting is reflected in the setting reflection step;
An image forming method comprising: A computer having image forming means for forming an image based on input data,
A setting acquisition means for acquiring print settings from one specified data sheet when the input data has a plurality of data sheets, and each of the data sheets includes print settings individually;
Setting reflection means for reflecting the print settings acquired by the setting acquisition means to the print settings related to the other data sheets;
Print control means for causing the image forming means to form an image on at least the data sheet including the other data sheet on which the print setting is reflected by the setting reflecting means;
Program to function as.

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