JP2015141268A - Information processing apparatus and image forming apparatus including the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus which outputs a map desired by a user clearly.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus displays a basic map with geographical information of an area designated by a user (S1020), and prompts a user to select additional information to be added to the basic map. When the additional information is selected (S1030), the image forming apparatus displays the selected additional information on the basic map (S1040). When a customized map formed by displaying the additional information on the basic map is divided and printed on a plurality of recording sheets, the image forming apparatus divides the map in a position other than a location designated by the user (S1080), and prints out map data of the divided map (S1100).

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus and an image forming apparatus, and more particularly to an information processing apparatus that processes map information and an image forming apparatus including the information processing apparatus.

  An information processing terminal such as a personal computer or a tablet terminal can display a map converted into electronic data. The map displayed on the information processing terminal can be printed on recording paper using a printing apparatus. Therefore, when carrying a map when going out, a printed map is often carried.

  On the other hand, if it is a portable information processing apparatus such as a tablet terminal, it is possible to browse the map even when going out by carrying the information processing apparatus. In this case, there is no need to print the map data. However, such an information processing device is inferior in portability compared to a paper map. When the display screen of the information processing apparatus is small, the readability is also inferior to a paper map. Therefore, the demand for paper maps is still high.

  Furthermore, in recent years, a service for printing map data using a multifunction machine installed at a convenience store is also provided. By using these services, you can get the maps you need on the go.

  When printing map data on recording paper, the size of the map (print size) may become too large depending on the area and scale of the area to be printed, making it impossible to print on one recording paper. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-133620 proposes a printer that prints a map that is much larger than a recording sheet by dividing it into a plurality of recording sheets. This printer prints indexes on the top, bottom, left, and right edges of each recording sheet to make it easier to grasp the positional relationship of each printed material when the printed material is combined and used after being divided into multiple sheets. To do.

JP 2006-40218 A

  Here, the conventional map displays only predetermined information. When the map that the user wants does not exist, the user himself / herself needs to compare a plurality of maps. For example, when it is desired to simultaneously check information on a sightseeing spot and a store and information on a road map, the user must make a judgment by comparing a tourist map with a different format and a road map. Such work is complicated and causes a problem of stressing the user.

  Although the printer of Patent Document 1 has a function of printing an index on recording paper, the print data (map data) used in the printer displays only predetermined information as in the past. is there. Therefore, the technique described in Patent Document 1 cannot solve such a problem.

  Further, in the conventional technique, when one map is divided and printed on a plurality of recording sheets, there is a problem that the map is difficult to see depending on how the division is performed. Such a problem cannot be solved by the technique described in Patent Document 1.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it provides an information processing apparatus and an image forming apparatus that can output a map desired by a user in an easy-to-see form. is there.

  In order to achieve the above object, an information processing apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a display device, a reception unit for receiving designation of a point by a user, a point received by the reception unit, and the vicinity of the point First display control means for controlling the display of the display device so as to display the basic map on which the geographical information is placed, selection means for causing the user to select additional information to be added to the basic map, and selection means A second display control means for controlling the display of the display device so as to display the additional information selected via the basic map, and a custom map on which the additional information is displayed on the basic map on a plurality of recording sheets In order to divide and print, the division means for dividing the custom map at a position other than the point designated by the user, and the output means for outputting the map data of the map divided by the division means Including the door.

  The information processing apparatus displays a basic map on which a point designated by the user and geographical information around the point are displayed on the display device. The information processing apparatus causes the user to select additional information to be added to the basic map, and displays the selected additional information on the basic map. Thereby, a custom map customized to the user's preference can be displayed. The information processing apparatus further divides the custom map at a position other than the point designated by the user and outputs the map data in order to divide and print the displayed custom map on a plurality of recording sheets.

  According to the information processing apparatus, a map requested by a user can be provided to the user as a custom map. Since the user does not need to compare a plurality of maps having different formats, the occurrence of stress due to such work can be suppressed. Further, when the displayed custom map is divided and printed on a plurality of recording sheets, it is not divided at a point designated by the user, so that the custom map can be printed in an easy-to-read form.

  Preferably, the additional information includes at least one of store information, tourism information, and a map according to a scale whose scale has been changed with respect to the basic map, and the second display control means includes store information, tourism information, and Means for controlling the display of the display device to add at least one of the scale-specific maps to the basic map is included.

  More preferably, the information processing apparatus further includes means for charging according to the additional information selected via the selection means.

  More preferably, the dividing means includes a means for setting a rectangular area including a point designated by the user, and the custom map is arranged so that the rectangular area is included in a part of the divided custom map. Means for dividing.

  More preferably, the dividing unit divides the custom map so as to be divided and printed on a plurality of recording sheets having the same sheet size.

  More preferably, the dividing unit divides the custom map so as to be divided and printed on a plurality of recording sheets including recording sheets having different sheet sizes.

  In this case, preferably, the information processing apparatus further includes means for accepting designation of a sheet size by a user for a plurality of recording sheets.

  More preferably, the first display control means includes means for controlling the display of the display device to display a plurality of basic maps, and the second display control means adds differently to the plurality of basic maps. Means are included for controlling the display of the display device to display information.

  More preferably, it further includes a division method accepting unit for accepting designation of a custom map division method by the user, and the division unit is a unit for dividing the custom map based on the division method accepted by the division method accepting unit. including.

  In this case, the information processing apparatus preferably further includes means for proposing a custom map dividing method to the user.

  More preferably, the information processing apparatus further includes means for adding advertisement information to the custom map.

  An image forming apparatus according to a second aspect of the present invention includes a plurality of recording sheets of custom map images based on the information processing apparatus according to the first aspect and map data output from the information processing apparatus. And image forming means for dividing the image forming unit.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to obtain an information processing apparatus and an image forming apparatus that can output a map requested by a user in an easy-to-see form.

1 is a perspective view showing an appearance of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the menu screen displayed on an operation panel. FIG. 2 is a control block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1. 2 is a flowchart showing a control structure of a program executed by the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the operation screen displayed on an operation panel. It is a figure which shows an example of a basic map. It is a figure which shows an example of the selection screen displayed on an operation panel. It is a figure which shows an example of the custom map which added store information to the basic map. It is a figure which shows an example of the custom map which added sightseeing information to the basic map. It is a detailed flow of step S1080 of FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the division | segmentation method of a custom map. It is a figure which shows the other example of the division | segmentation method of a custom map. It is a figure which shows the other example of the division | segmentation method of a custom map. It is a figure which shows an example of the map after the output size was changed. It is a figure which shows an example of the custom map printed out. It is a figure which shows the other example of the custom map printed out. FIG. 6 is a control block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the information processing apparatus which concerns on the 5th Embodiment of this invention.

  In the following embodiments, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their functions and names are also the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

(First embodiment)
Referring to FIG. 1, an image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment is, for example, a multifunction peripheral (MFP) having a copy function, a print function, a scanner function, and the like. The image forming apparatus 100 is installed in a store such as a convenience store, and provides various services such as a copy service and a print service to a user (user). As one of such services, the image forming apparatus 100 provides a map data print service. Note that the image forming apparatus 100 has a so-called laser (electrophotographic) printing function that uses laser light for exposure. However, other types of printing functions may be provided.

[overall structure]
The image forming apparatus 100 includes an apparatus main body 110 and a charging apparatus 200 installed on the side of the apparatus main body 110. On the upper part of the apparatus main body 110, a document placing table 120 made of transparent glass on which a document is placed is provided. A document reading unit 130 that reads image information of a document is disposed below the document placement table 120. An operation unit 140 is installed in front of the document reading unit 130. The operation unit 140 includes an operation panel 142 for a user to input an instruction to the image forming apparatus 100. The operation panel 142 includes a touch panel display for inputting instructions and displaying information.

  Below the document reading unit 130, an image forming unit 150 for printing an image indicated by the image data on a recording sheet is provided. A paper feeding unit 160 for feeding recording paper to the image forming unit 150 is provided below the image forming unit 150. The paper feed unit 160 includes a plurality of paper feed trays 162 to 168 that store recording paper.

  The billing apparatus 200 is composed of a coin vendor that can insert coins and bills. The image forming apparatus 100 provides a service according to the fee charged to the charging apparatus 200.

  Referring to FIG. 2, menu screen 300 is displayed on operation panel 142. The menu screen 300 displays a button for selecting a service that can be provided. These buttons include a map print selection button 310 for selecting a map data print service. When the map print selection button 310 is operated by the user, the screen of the operation panel 142 changes to a screen for providing a map data print service.

  In the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus 100 is in a mode for providing a map data print service in response to an operation of the map print selection button 310 (hereinafter also referred to as “map mode”). Transition. In this map mode, the image forming apparatus 100 executes a process of creating a custom map customized to the needs of the user in accordance with the operation of the operation panel 142 by the user. The image forming apparatus 100 prints out the created custom map when the user gives an instruction to start printing. When the created custom map is larger than the maximum paper size of the recording paper stored in the paper supply unit 160 (paper supply trays 162 to 168), the image forming apparatus 100 divides the custom map into a plurality of recording papers. Print. At that time, the image forming apparatus 100 divides the custom map at a position other than the point designated by the user.

  In addition to the map print selection button 310, buttons for selecting a service that can be provided include, for example, a copy selection button 312, a fax selection button 314, a photo service selection button 316, a print selection button 318, and a scan selection button 320. Etc. When the copy selection button 312 is operated by the user, the screen of the operation panel 142 is changed to a screen for providing a copy service. When the fax selection button 314 is operated, the screen of the operation panel 142 transitions to a screen for providing a fax service. When the photo service selection button 316 is operated, the screen of the operation panel 142 displays a photo print service. Transition to the screen to provide. When the print selection button 318 is operated, the screen of the operation panel 142 transitions to a screen for providing a print service. When the scan selection button 320 is operated, the screen of the operation panel 142 provides a scan service. Transition to the screen.

[Hardware configuration]
Referring to FIG. 3, image forming apparatus 100 includes control unit 170 and image processing unit 180 in addition to charging device 200, document reading unit 130, operation unit 140, image forming unit 150, and paper feeding unit 160 described above. And NIC (Network Interface Card) 190. In the map mode, the image forming apparatus 100 has a function as an information processing apparatus that processes map information and a function as a printing apparatus that prints out data (map data) obtained by this processing. That is, the image forming apparatus 100 includes an information processing apparatus that processes map information. This information processing apparatus includes at least the control unit 170.

  The control unit 170 is substantially a computer, and is a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 172 that controls the entire image forming apparatus 100, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 174 for storing programs and the like, and a volatile storage device. A RAM (Random Access Memory) 176 and a storage device 178 are included. The storage device 178 is a non-volatile storage device that retains data even when power is turned off, and is a hard disk drive (HDD), a flash memory, or the like. A BUS line 192 is connected to the CPU 172, and a ROM 174, a RAM 176, and a storage device 178 are electrically connected to the BUS line 192.

  The CPU 172 executes various computer programs in accordance with instructions from the operation unit 140 and the like, thereby executing desired processing such as the operation of each unit of the image forming apparatus 100 and communication with an external device such as a server device. The various computer programs are stored in advance in the ROM 174 or the storage device 178, and are read from the ROM 174 or the storage device 178 and transferred to the RAM 176 when a desired process is executed. The CPU 172 reads and interprets a program instruction from an address in the RAM 176 specified by a value stored in a register called a program counter (not shown) in the CPU 172. CPU 172 also reads data necessary for the operation from the address specified by the read instruction, and executes an operation corresponding to the instruction on the data. The execution result is also stored in an address specified by the instruction, such as a register in the RAM 176, the storage device 178, and the CPU 172.

  The storage device 178 stores a computer program for realizing general operations of the image forming apparatus 100. The computer program is provided from an external device or the like via the network 50 and the NIC 190. The computer program may be provided by a storage medium such as a DVD on which the computer program is recorded. That is, for example, a DVD as a computer program recording medium is loaded into a DVD drive (not shown) built in the image forming apparatus 100, and the computer program is read from the DVD and installed in the storage device 178. Also good.

  The storage device 178 further stores basic map data and various additional information for adding information to the data. Basic map data is basic map data containing only geographical information. The basic map is, for example, a house map. The additional information includes, for example, store information, tourism information, and a map according to a scale whose scale has been changed with respect to the basic map. The additional information is stored in the storage device 178 in a form that can be added to the basic map.

  Further, the document reading unit 130, the image processing unit 180, the image forming unit 150, the paper feeding unit 160, the NIC 190, the operation unit 140, and the charging device 200 are electrically connected to the BUS line 192.

  Document reading unit 130 includes a scanner and a CCD (Charge-Coupled Device) line sensor (none of which is shown). The scanner forms on the CCD line sensor a reflected light image obtained by irradiating light from a light source (not shown) onto the image surface of the document placed on the document placement table 120, and the light source is turned on. Scan the document while moving it. The CCD line sensor sequentially photoelectrically converts the formed reflected light image and outputs it to the image processing unit 180 as image data. In other words, the document reading unit 130 reads image information from a document placed on the document placement table 120 by a scanner when the document is copied or scanned, and converts the read image information into an electrical signal by a CCD line sensor. The data is output to the image processing unit 180 as data.

  The image processing unit 180 includes an MPU (Micro Processing Unit, not shown). The image processing unit 180 performs various processes including predetermined image processing such as rasterization processing on the image data received from the document reading unit 130 or an external device to generate print data of a predetermined gradation. Created and output to the image forming unit 150.

  The image forming unit 150 prints an image indicated by image data (including map data) on a recording sheet in color or single color, and includes, for example, a photosensitive drum, a charging device, a laser scanning unit (LSU), A developing device, a transfer device, a cleaning device, a fixing device, a static eliminator, and the like are provided. For example, the image forming unit 150 is provided with a conveyance path, and the recording paper fed from the paper feeding unit 160 is conveyed along the conveyance path.

  The paper feed unit 160 includes a plurality of paper feed trays 162 to 168. The sheet feeding unit 160 pulls out the recording sheets stored in the sheet feeding trays 162 to 168 one by one and sends the recording sheets to the conveyance path of the image forming unit 150. While the recording paper is being transported along the transport path of the image forming unit 150, the recording paper passes between the photosensitive drum and the transfer device, and further passes through the fixing device to perform printing on the recording paper. It is.

  The photosensitive drum rotates in one direction, and its surface is cleaned by a cleaning device and a static eliminator and then uniformly charged by a charging device. The laser scanning unit modulates the laser beam based on the image data to be printed, and repeatedly scans the surface of the photosensitive drum in the main scanning direction with this laser beam to form an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum. To do. The developing device supplies toner to the surface of the photosensitive drum to develop the electrostatic latent image, and forms a toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum. The transfer device transfers the toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum to a recording sheet passing between the transfer device and the photosensitive drum.

  The fixing device includes a heating roller for heating the recording paper and a pressure roller for pressing the recording paper. The recording paper is heated by the heating roller and is pressed by the pressure roller, whereby the toner image transferred onto the recording paper is fixed on the recording paper. The recording paper discharged (printed) from the fixing device is discharged to a paper discharge tray.

  The NIC 190 has an interface with the network 50. The image forming apparatus 100 can perform data communication according to a predetermined communication protocol with an external device or the like on the network 50 via the NIC 190. The image forming apparatus 100 can receive an instruction signal for instructing execution of various processes such as a print job from an external apparatus or the like via the NIC 190.

  The operation unit 140 includes an operation panel 142, and the operation panel 142 includes a touch panel display. The touch panel display includes a display panel and a touch panel. The display panel provides the user with various types of information such as information regarding the status of the image forming apparatus 100 and the status of various processes. The touch panel display also provides an interactive operation interface (user interface) to the user. This interactive operation interface receives a user instruction for the operation of the entire image forming apparatus 100 from the touch panel, displays the content of the instruction on the display panel, and sends a control signal corresponding to the instruction to the control unit 170 or the image. Output to the processing unit 180.

Software configuration
With reference to FIG. 4, a control structure of a computer program executed by the image forming apparatus 100 in order to provide a map data print service will be described.

  This program starts in response to an operation of the map print selection button 310 on the menu screen 300 shown in FIG. This program includes step S1000 for controlling the operation panel 142 to display an operation screen on the operation panel 142.

  Referring to FIG. 5, operation screen 400 displayed on operation panel 142 displays a region 410 for specifying a desired region, a region 420 for specifying a map scale of the region, and a map for the specified region. Region 430 to be included. The designation of the area can be performed by inputting an address in the area 410. In addition to inputting the address, it is also possible to make detailed settings by performing a touch operation on the screen after making a rough designation such as XX prefecture XX region. In the area 430, a map based on the designated area and scale is displayed as a preview.

  Referring to FIG. 4 again, this program is further executed after step S1000, determines whether or not the area and scale are designated, and waits until the area and scale is designated. Step S1020 is executed when it is determined in S1010 that the area and scale have been designated, and the display of the operation panel 142 is controlled to display a basic map corresponding to the designated area and scale. It is determined whether additional information is specified by the user, and it is determined in step S1030 that branches the flow of control according to the determination result, and in step S1030 that additional information is specified. Step S1 is executed to control the display of the operation panel 142 to display additional information on the basic map. 40 and after step S1040, it is determined whether or not additional information has been designated by the user, and the flow of control is branched in accordance with the determination result. In step S1050 and step S1030 or step S1050, addition is performed. Step S1060 is executed when it is determined that there is no designation of information, and the size of the map is determined. If it is determined in step S1050 that additional information has been designated, control returns to step S1040.

  In step S1020, the control unit 170 displays a basic map as shown in FIG. In step S1030, the control unit 170 displays the selection screen 500 shown in FIG. 7 on the operation panel 142, and allows the user to select additional information to be added to the basic map on the selection screen 500. Referring to FIG. 7, selection screen 500 includes buttons 502 to 506 for displaying various additional information on the basic map, and determination button 510. A button 502 is a button for displaying store information on the basic map, a button 504 is a button for displaying tourist information on the basic map, and a button 506 is a button for displaying a map by scale on the basic map. When the button 506 is operated, a screen (not shown) for setting a scale and an arrangement position for the basic map is popped up. The determination button 510 is a button for determining the setting state of the additional information. By operating the determination button 510, a state where additional information is added to the basic map or a state where no additional information is added is determined.

  When the button 502 is operated on the selection screen 500 shown in FIG. 7, store information is added to the basic map as shown in FIG. When the button 504 is operated on the selection screen 500 shown in FIG. 7, tourist information is added to the basic map as shown in FIG. In FIG. 8, information such as a mark image indicating the position of the store is displayed as store information on the basic map. In FIG. 9, information such as a mark image indicating a sightseeing place (tourist spot) is displayed on the basic map as the sightseeing information. When the button 506 is operated on the selection screen 500 shown in FIG. 7, a map (not shown) according to the scale is displayed on the basic map. The map according to the scale is a map having a size smaller than that of the basic map, for example, by changing the scale of the basic map. The map according to the scale includes, for example, a map that shows a part of the basic map in detail and is shown in detail.

  In steps S1030 and S1050, when at least one of the buttons 502 to 506 is operated on the selection screen 500 shown in FIG. 7, it is determined that additional information has been designated, and the decision button 510 is displayed on the selection screen 500 shown in FIG. When is operated, it is determined that no additional information is designated.

  In step S <b> 1060, the control unit 170 calculates the map size based on the map scale and the map range displayed on the operation panel 142. The scale set in step S1010 is not interlocked with the enlargement / reduction of the map on the operation panel 142. The range of the map to be output (output range) is a range displayed on the operation panel 142 or a range set by the user. The user can adjust (set) the range of the map to be output by scaling the map display on the operation panel 142. The controller 170 determines the size of the map from the set map range and scale. That is, the control unit 170 calculates the size when the map range set at the set scale is printed, and determines the size.

  Referring to FIG. 4 again, this program is further executed after step S1060. Based on the determined map size, it is determined whether the map needs to be divided at the time of printing. In response to branching of the flow of control accordingly, in step S1070, it is executed when it is determined that the map needs to be divided, and in step S1080 for executing map division processing, and in step S1070, the map is divided. When it is determined that it is not necessary to perform the processing, or after step S1080, it is determined whether the output size has been changed, and the control flow is branched in steps S1090 and S1090 according to the determination result. It is executed when it is determined that the size has not been changed, and it is determined whether or not there is a print instruction. Step S1100 that waits until there is a print instruction, and Step S1110 that is executed when it is determined in Step S1100 that there is a print instruction, and that controls the image forming unit 150 to execute map data print processing. including. If it is determined in step S1090 that the output size has been changed, control returns to step S1030. When the process of step S1110 ends, the program ends.

  In step S1070, based on whether or not the determined map size is a size that can be printed on one recording sheet, it is determined whether or not the map needs to be divided. If the determined map size is a size that can be printed on one recording sheet, it is determined in step S1070 that the map need not be divided. On the other hand, if the determined map size is not a size that can be printed on one recording sheet, it is determined in step S1070 that the map needs to be divided.

  The output size in step S1090 represents the final output size. By default, the output size is the same as the map size. In step S1090, it is determined whether the output size has been changed to a size larger than the map size. However, even when the output size is changed to a size larger than the map size, the size of the basic map itself (map scale) is not changed.

  FIG. 10 is a detailed flow of step S1080 of FIG. Referring to FIG. 10, this routine determines whether or not a point has been designated by the user. In step S1200 for branching the control flow according to the determination result, and in step S1200, the point is designated. Step S1210 is executed when it is determined that there is no point, and the center of the displayed map is set as the specified point. If it is determined in step S1200 that a point has been specified, or after step S1210. Step S1220 which is executed and sets a minimum print area including the designated point, and step S1230 which is executed after step S1220 and sets to divide the map into a size having the largest area included in the minimum print area. It is executed after step S1230 to determine whether or not a division method has been determined. Flip with and a step S1240 for branching the control flow.

  In step S1220, the control unit 170 sets a rectangular area including the designated point as the minimum print area so that the map is not divided at or near the designated point. In the present embodiment, the minimum print area is included in advance in basic map data or additional information, and when a point is designated, a minimum print area of a predetermined size is set so as to include that point. That is, the map itself (map information) has a data configuration having information on the minimum print area. In step S1230, the map is divided so that the area of the minimum print area included in one recording sheet is maximized when the map is printed in relation to the recording sheet stored in the paper supply unit 160. The

  In step S1200, it is determined whether a desired point on the map displayed on operation panel 142 has been touched by the user. If a desired point is touched, it is determined in step S1200 that the user has specified a point. On the other hand, for example, when a predetermined time has passed without touching the desired spot, it is determined in step S1200 that the spot is not designated by the user.

  This routine is further executed when it is determined in step S1240 that the division method has not been determined, and the setting of the minimum print area is canceled and the division position is set in accordance with the user's operation. When it is determined in step S1240 that the division method has been determined, or after step S1250, the map is divided at the set division position (division method), and this routine is ended. .

[Operation]
Image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment operates as follows. In the following description, only the part related to the present invention in the operation of the image forming apparatus 100 will be described. Other operations are the same as those of the conventional image forming apparatus.

  Referring to FIG. 2, it is assumed that menu screen 300 is displayed in advance on operation panel 142 of image forming apparatus 100. When the user operates the map print selection button 310 to use the map data print service provided by the image forming apparatus 100, the image forming apparatus 100 displays an operation screen on the operation panel 142 (shown in FIG. 4). Step S1000). The image forming apparatus 100 accepts designation of a point (area) and a scale by a user on this operation screen.

  Referring to FIG. 5, on the operation screen 400, an address or the like of a desired area is input to the area 410, and a scale is input to the area 420 (YES in step S1010). When the region (point) and scale are input, the image forming apparatus 100 displays a basic map on which the input point and geographical information around the point are displayed on the operation panel 142 (step S1020). For example, the basic map shown in FIG. 6 is displayed on the operation panel 142.

  When the basic map is displayed on the operation panel 142, the image forming apparatus 100 displays a selection screen for selecting additional information on the operation panel 142. Referring to FIG. 7, when button 502 is operated by a user on selection screen 500, store information is displayed on the basic map as shown in FIG. When the user operates the button 504, the tourist information is displayed on the basic map as shown in FIG. The image forming apparatus 100 displays a custom map customized to the user's preference on the operation panel 142 by allowing the user to select various additional information.

  When the displayed map is printed, the print range is the range displayed on the operation panel 142. When the printing range is designated by the user within the displayed range, the designated range becomes the printing range. The user can adjust the printing range as appropriate by operating the operation panel 142. For example, the print range can be adjusted by enlarging or reducing the map display. When the display of the map is enlarged or reduced, the range of the map displayed on the operation panel 142 is changed, so that the printed range is also changed accordingly. When the determination button 510 is operated on the selection screen 500, the image forming apparatus 100 determines the size of the displayed map (step S1060).

  Here, the scale designated on the operation screen 400 is not changed in conjunction with the enlargement / reduction of the map on the operation panel 142. The control unit 170 of the image forming apparatus 100 calculates and determines the map size based on the map scale and the map range displayed on the operation panel 142.

  The control unit 170 acquires information on the paper size of the recording paper stored in the paper supply trays 162 to 168 from the paper supply unit 160, and the determined map size is larger than the maximum paper size of the stored recording paper. It is determined whether or not it is large, that is, whether or not the size of the map is a size that can be printed on one recording sheet. Based on the determination result, the control unit 170 determines whether or not the map needs to be divided (step S1070). When the map size is larger than the maximum paper size of the recording paper, the image forming apparatus 100 divides the map for printing on a plurality of recording papers.

  Specifically, the control unit 170 determines whether or not a point has been designated by the user. When a part of the map displayed on the operation panel 142 is touched by the user, the control unit 170 determines that the point has been designated, and sets the touched position as the designated point (FIG. 10). YES in step S1200 shown). If there is no designation of a point by the user, the control unit 170 sets the center of the displayed map as the designated position (step S1210). When a point on the map is designated, the control unit 170 sets a minimum print area including the designated point (step S1220). When the minimum print area is set, the control unit 170 adjusts the paper size and the layout of the recording paper so that the area of the minimum print area included in one recording paper is maximized when the map is printed. The user selects and sets the map to be divided based on the selected paper size and layout (step S1230).

  11 and 12 show examples in which the map size is A2 size and the minimum print area is A4 size. Referring to FIG. 11, when point A is designated by the user, for example, control unit 170 sets minimum print region 600 including point A. The method of dividing the map so that the area of the minimum print area 600 included in one sheet of recording paper becomes the largest when the map is printed depends on the paper size of the recording paper stored in the paper supply unit 160. May exist in multiple ways. When the maximum sheet size of the recording sheet stored in the sheet feeding unit 160 is A3 size, for example, (1) A4 sheet × 2 sheets, A5 sheet × 4 sheets, or (2) A3 sheet × 1 sheet, A5 sheet. A plurality of division methods such as x4 can be considered. In this case, the control unit 170 employs a dividing method (for example, A3 paper × 1 sheet, A5 paper × 4 sheet) that uses a small number of recording paper sheets. Therefore, in this case, the control unit 170 sets to divide the map by the dividing line 700, the dividing line 702, the dividing line 704, and the dividing line 706.

  Referring to FIG. 12, for example, when the point B is designated by the user, the control unit 170 sets the minimum print area 610 including the point B. Similarly, when the maximum paper size of the recording paper stored in the paper supply unit 160 is A3 size, the area of the minimum printing area 610 included in one recording paper is maximized when the map is printed. The method of dividing into A3 sheets is 2 sheets of A3 paper. Therefore, in this case, the control unit 170 is set to divide the map along the dividing line 710. In this case, unlike the example shown in FIG. 11, the minimum print area 610 does not fit on one recording sheet (A3 sheet). However, it is specified by adopting a division method in which the area of the minimum print area 610 included in one recording sheet is maximized when a map is printed using the recording sheet stored in the paper supply unit 160. It is difficult to divide at a spot or a position near the spot.

  The division location can be changed by the user. Therefore, when the division method is set, the control unit 170 causes the operation panel 142 to display a screen (not shown) for inquiring the user about whether or not the set division method is acceptable. If the user's answer (operation) to this inquiry is a set division method (YES in step S1240), the control unit 170 divides the map using the set division method (step S1260). On the other hand, if the division method in which the user's answer (operation) to the inquiry is not good (NO in step S1240), the control unit 170 cancels the setting of the minimum print area and the division by the user. Accept the location specification. When the division location is designated by the user, the control unit 170 sets a division method so as to divide at the designated position (step S1250). And the control part 170 divides | segments a map with the set division | segmentation method (step S1260).

  FIG. 13 shows an example in which the division location is changed by the user from the state shown in FIG. Referring to FIG. 13, the setting of the minimum print area is canceled, and the division method is set by the user so that the map of A2 size becomes A4 paper × 4 sheets. In this case, the control unit 170 divides the map by the dividing line 720 and the dividing line 722 set by the user's operation. When the dividing line is set by the user, in order for the dividing line to be set effectively, the size of each area surrounded by the set dividing line is a sheet that can be printed out by the image forming apparatus 100. It is necessary to satisfy a condition that is equal to or smaller than the size (paper size of the recording paper stored in the paper feeding unit 160).

  Subsequently, the control unit 170 determines whether or not there has been an operation for changing the output size by the user (step S1090 shown in FIG. 4). Even when the output size is changed, the size of the basic map itself (the scale of the map) is not changed. Therefore, when there is an operation for changing the output size (YES in step S1090), an empty space is generated around the basic map. It is possible to place other information in this empty space (YES in step S1030 and step S1040).

  Referring to FIG. 14, for example, when a custom map can be printed on one recording sheet, empty spaces 800 to 804 are secured by making the output size larger than the size of the recording sheet. It is possible to arrange a map of another area in these empty spaces 800 to 804, or to add information (for example, an address, a telephone number, a recommended dish, etc.) regarding the store, a coupon, or the like.

  If there is no operation for changing the output size (NO in step S1090 shown in FIG. 4), and if the user instructs to start printing (YES in step S1100), control unit 170 obtains the map data. The image is output to the image forming unit 150, and the image forming unit 150 executes a printing process (step S1110). When additional information is added to the basic map, the control unit 170 outputs map data of the custom map. When the custom map is divided, the custom map is divided and printed on a plurality of recording sheets.

  15 and 16 show examples of custom map printouts. Referring to FIG. 15, in this example, an A3 size custom map in which store information and sightseeing spot information are added to a map of two regions is divided into A4 sheets × 2 by a dividing line 730 and printed. Referring to FIG. 16, in this example, a custom map of A2 size is divided into A3 sheet × 1 sheet and A5 sheet × 4 sheet by dividing line 740, dividing line 742, dividing line 744 and dividing line 746, and the lowest The print area 620 is printed in a secured form (a form that fits within A3 paper).

  If no additional information is added to the basic map, only the basic map is printed.

[Action / Effect]
As is clear from the above description, the following effects can be obtained by using the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment.

  The image forming apparatus 100 displays on the operation panel 142 a basic map on which a point designated by the user and geographical information around the point are placed. The image forming apparatus 100 causes the user to select additional information to be added to the basic map, and displays the selected additional information on the basic map. Thereby, a custom map customized to the user's preference can be displayed. The image forming apparatus 100 further divides the custom map at a position other than the point designated by the user and outputs the map data in order to divide and print the displayed custom map on a plurality of recording sheets. To do.

  According to the image forming apparatus 100, a map requested by a user can be provided to the user as a custom map. Since the user does not need to compare a plurality of maps having different formats, the stress caused by such work can be suppressed. Further, when the displayed custom map is divided and printed on a plurality of recording sheets, it is not divided at a point designated by the user, so that the custom map can be printed in an easy-to-read form.

  The additional information includes store information, tourism information, and a map according to a scale whose scale is changed with respect to the basic map. As a result, when adding information to the basic map and customizing the map, for example, you want to add only store information, or you want to add tourist information and a map by scale, the amount of information and information according to the individual needs of the user You can customize the combination freely.

  When dividing the displayed custom map, the control unit 170 sets a rectangular minimum print area including a point designated by the user so that the minimum print area is included in a part of the divided custom map. Divide the custom map. That is, the control unit 170 divides the custom map so that the entire print area is included in one recording sheet when the map is printed. Thereby, it can suppress that a map is divided | segmented by the location designated by the user and its vicinity. In some cases, it may be difficult to divide the map so that all of the minimum print area is included in one recording sheet when the map is printed due to the size of the recording sheet stored. is there. Even in such a case, it is difficult to divide the map at or near the designated point by adopting a method of dividing so that the area of the minimum print area included in one sheet of recording paper becomes the largest. Become.

  The image forming apparatus 100 can also divide and print a custom map on a plurality of recording sheets, and can also divide and print on a plurality of recording sheets having the same sheet size. It is also possible to print by dividing into a plurality of recording sheets including the recording sheet.

  Further, the image forming apparatus 100 can display a plurality of basic maps on the operation panel 142 and display different additional information for the plurality of basic maps. In this case, as shown in FIG. 15, for example, a custom map in which store information and sightseeing spot information are added to a map of two regions can be divided and printed on a plurality of recording sheets. Furthermore, the map information printed on a plurality of recording sheets is not necessarily a division of a map of one area, but only a map of a house in a certain area, a map in which store information is described, and a map in which tourist information is described It is also possible to print in several patterns.

  Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 100 can accept designation of a custom map dividing method by the user, and can divide the custom map based on the accepted dividing method. Thereby, a map can be divided | segmented according to a user's liking.

(Second Embodiment)
Referring to FIG. 17, image forming apparatus 1100 according to the present embodiment is different from image forming apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment in that charging is performed according to additional information added to the basic map. Therefore, the image forming apparatus 1100 according to the present embodiment includes a control unit 1170 and a charging device 1200, respectively, instead of the control unit 170 and the charging device 200 shown in FIG. In other respects, the image forming apparatuses have the same configuration.

  In the image forming apparatus 1100, a basic charge for a map data print service and a charge for each additional information are set in advance. When additional information is selected on selection screen 500 (see FIG. 7), image forming apparatus 1100 charges according to the selected additional information. When the charging apparatus 1200 detects that a charge obtained by adding the charge of the additional information to the basic charge is input, the charging apparatus 1200 transmits the detection result to the control unit 1170. The control unit 1170 continues to provide a map data print service according to the detection result transmitted from the charging apparatus 1200.

  As described above, in this embodiment, by charging according to the additional information selected via the selection screen 500, it is possible to realize an appropriate price for each user.

(Third embodiment)
The image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment is different from the image forming apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment in that an advertisement or the like can be added to a custom map. In other respects, the image forming apparatuses have the same configuration.

  The image forming apparatus automatically selects an advertisement or the like according to the selected additional information and displays it on a custom map. Advertisements displayed on the custom map include store advertisements, coupons, and the like. Such advertisements are displayed, for example, overlaid on a custom map. The display position is freely set by the user. If an empty space is generated due to the change in the output size, it is also possible to place a store advertisement or the like in the empty space.

  You may make it make a user select whether an advertisement etc. are added. In this case, the service fee may be discounted according to the addition of an advertisement or the like.

(Fourth embodiment)
The image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment is different from the image forming apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment in that it accepts designation of a paper size by a user when dividing a map. In other respects, the image forming apparatuses have the same configuration.

  In the image forming apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment, when there are a plurality of methods for dividing a map, a dividing method that uses a small number of recording sheets is employed. In the present embodiment, when there are a plurality of methods for dividing the map, the specification of the paper size (division method) by the user is accepted. For example, the user can specify the paper size according to map information to be customized, such as dividing an A2 size map into A3 paper × 1 sheet and A4 paper × 2 paper.

  Furthermore, in this embodiment, when there are a plurality of methods for dividing a map, a recommended dividing method is proposed to the user. Specifically, for example, a division method with a small number of recording sheets used is displayed on the operation panel as a recommended division method. A configuration in which a dividing method with a small fee is proposed as a recommended dividing method may be used.

(Fifth embodiment)
Referring to FIG. 18, information processing apparatus 2000 according to the present embodiment is a tablet-type terminal device (tablet terminal) having a display screen of about 10 inches, for example. The information processing apparatus 2000 includes an operation display device such as a touch panel display as a user interface. The information processing apparatus 2000 also communicates with the image forming apparatus 3000 by wire or wireless (in this embodiment, wireless). The image forming apparatus 3000 is composed of a multi-function device, similar to the image forming apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment. The image forming apparatus 3000 is installed in a store such as a convenience store, for example.

  The information processing apparatus 2000 according to the present embodiment executes a process similar to the map information process performed in the image forming apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment. That is, the information processing apparatus 2000 according to the present embodiment has the same function as the information processing apparatus included in the image forming apparatus 100. The information processing apparatus 2000 executes custom map creation processing, map division processing, and the like in accordance with user operations. Such processing is performed by application software installed in the information processing apparatus 2000. If additional information to be added to the basic map is not selected, the information processing apparatus 2000 creates a map (basic map (for example, a house map)) on which no additional information is displayed.

  The information processing apparatus 2000 further stores the map data of the created map in a storage device (not shown). The map stored in the storage device can be printed using the image forming apparatus 3000 installed in the store.

  When printing map data using the image forming apparatus 3000, the user of the information processing apparatus 2000 connects the information processing apparatus 2000 to the image forming apparatus 3000 and performs an operation for starting printing of map data. The information processing apparatus 2000 outputs map data to the image forming apparatus 3000 in response to the print start operation. The image forming apparatus 3000 receives the map data from the information processing apparatus 2000 and prints a map indicated by the received map data on a recording sheet. When the map indicated by the map data is divided, the image forming apparatus 3000 prints the map by dividing it into a plurality of recording sheets.

(Modification)
In the above embodiment, an example in which the present invention is applied to a multifunction peripheral (MFP), which is an example of an image forming apparatus, has been described, but the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. The image forming apparatus may be a printer other than the multifunction peripheral, for example.

  In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the image forming apparatus previously holds basic map data and additional information has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. The image forming apparatus may be configured to acquire basic map data and additional information from a database on a network, for example.

  In the above-described embodiment, an example in which a coin vendor is used as the charging device of the image forming apparatus has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. The charging device may be other than a coin vendor that inserts coins. For example, it may be a prepaid card charging device or a charging device using electronic money. Furthermore, the structure which is not provided with a charging device may be sufficient.

  In the above embodiment, the basic map may be other than the house map. The basic map is preferably a map in which only geographical information is described, but information other than the geographical information may be described in part.

  In the said embodiment, although the additional information showed about the example containing store information, sightseeing information, and the map according to a reduced scale, this invention is not limited to such embodiment. The additional information may be a configuration including at least one of these pieces of information. Further, the additional information may be information other than these information, or may be configured to further include information other than these information. Additional information such as store information and tourism information may be divided into a plurality of information. The additional information may also be configured so that more detailed information can be selected. For example, when store information is selected, more detailed information (for example, restaurant information, department store information, etc.) of store information may be selected.

  In the above embodiment, the map itself has a data structure having information on the minimum print area, and an example in which the minimum print area is automatically set according to the point specified is shown. It is not limited to such an embodiment. The minimum print area may be configured by the user.

  When the minimum print area is automatically set, it is preferable that the image forming apparatus is configured to set the minimum print area so that the designated point is located in the central portion of the minimum print area. Further, it is more preferable that the image forming apparatus is configured to automatically adjust the position where the minimum print area is set in relation to the additional information. In this case, the designated point does not necessarily come to the center portion of the minimum print area. The size of the minimum print area may be set in advance, or may be configured to be automatically changed according to the division method, the paper size, and the like.

  In the said 5th Embodiment, although the example which applied this invention to the information processing apparatus which consists of a tablet terminal was shown, this invention is not limited to such an embodiment. The information processing apparatus may be an apparatus other than the tablet terminal. Examples of such devices include smartphones and personal computers.

  In the fifth embodiment, the example in which map data is directly transmitted (output) from the information processing apparatus to the image forming apparatus has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. For example, the map data output from the information processing apparatus may be transmitted to the image forming apparatus via a server apparatus on a network.

  Embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the techniques disclosed above are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

  The embodiment disclosed herein is merely an example, and the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above. The scope of the present invention is indicated by each claim of the claims after taking into account the description of the detailed description of the invention, and all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the wording described therein are included. Including.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Image forming apparatus 110 Apparatus main body 120 Document mounting stand 130 Document reading part 140 Operation part 142 Operation panel 150 Image forming part 160 Paper feed part 170, 1170 Control part 178 Storage device 180 Image processing part 200, 1200 Billing apparatus 500 Selection screen 600 , 610, 620 Minimum printing area 2000 Information processing device

Claims (12)

A display device;
An accepting means for accepting designation of a point by the user;
First display control means for controlling the display of the display device so as to display the basic map on which the spot accepted by the accepting means and the geographical information around the spot are displayed;
Selection means for allowing the user to select additional information to be added to the basic map;
Second display control means for controlling the display of the display device to display additional information selected via the selection means on the basic map;
Division means for dividing the custom map at a position other than the point designated by the user in order to divide and print the custom map having additional information displayed on the basic map on a plurality of recording sheets; ,
And an output unit for outputting map data of the map divided by the dividing unit. The additional information includes at least one of store information, tourism information, and a map according to a scale whose scale has been changed with respect to the basic map,
The second display control means includes means for controlling display of the display device so as to add at least one of the store information, the tourism information, and the map according to the scale to the basic map, The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising means for charging according to the additional information selected via the selection means. The dividing means includes
Means for setting a rectangular area including a point designated by the user;
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising means for dividing the custom map so that the rectangular area is included in a part of the divided custom map.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the dividing unit divides the custom map so as to be divided and printed on a plurality of recording sheets having the same sheet size.   5. The information processing according to claim 1, wherein the dividing unit divides the custom map so as to be divided and printed on a plurality of recording sheets including recording sheets having different sheet sizes. apparatus.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising means for accepting designation of a sheet size by a user for the plurality of recording sheets. The first display control means includes means for controlling the display of the display device to display a plurality of the basic maps,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second display control means includes means for controlling display of the display device so as to display different additional information for the plurality of basic maps. A division method accepting unit for accepting designation of a division method of the custom map by a user;
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the dividing unit includes a unit for dividing the custom map based on a dividing method received by the dividing method receiving unit.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising means for proposing a custom map dividing method to a user.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising means for adding advertisement information to the custom map. An information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11,
An image forming apparatus comprising: an image forming unit configured to divide and form an image of the custom map on a plurality of recording sheets based on the map data output from the information processing apparatus.

Images