JP2017039258A - Image forming device, image forming method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming device capable of performing the settings on a print and printing without operating image forming device directly.SOLUTION: An image forming device comprises: at least one processor; at least one memory part; at least one module stored in said memory part and executed by said at least one processor; a display part for displaying a printing image based on at least one file; a selection part for inputting an instruction to select the page of a printing object, from said file displayed; and a printing part for printing on the basis of said printing data. Said module includes: an acquisition module for acquiring at least one file from a file memory region connected to the outside, to provide the same to said display part; and a printing data generation module for generating printing data on the basis of the page of the printing object, to which an instruction to be selected by said selection part is inputted, thereby to provide the printing data to said printing part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

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

  When printing is performed by a printer, a target printed matter can be printed by selecting a file to be printed from an image supply apparatus (computer such as a personal computer) connected to the printer. For example, there is a print control apparatus (image supply apparatus) that can perform printing by selecting files to be printed stored across a plurality of folders, respectively (Patent Document 1). The image control apparatus can also select which image to print among the images stored in the folder.

JP 2006-350943 A

  However, in the above-described image supply apparatus, in order to select a print target from a print target file, it is necessary to select a file or an image using the image supply apparatus. Therefore, when printing, even when the user is in the vicinity of the image forming apparatus (printer), the user must return to the place where the image supply apparatus is installed and operate the image supply apparatus. Then, after operating the image supply apparatus, the user must move to the place where the image forming apparatus is installed again and take out the printed document.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus, an image forming method, and a program that can perform printing and perform printing without directly operating the image forming apparatus. It is to provide.

  In order to solve the problems described above, the present invention provides at least one processor, at least one memory unit, at least one module stored in the memory unit and executed by the at least one processor, A display unit that displays a print image based on at least one file; a selection unit that inputs an instruction to select a page to be printed from the displayed file; and a printing unit that performs printing based on the print data; The acquisition module for acquiring at least one file from an externally connected file storage area and providing it to the display unit, and the page to be printed on which an instruction to select by the selection unit is input A print data generation module that generates print data based on the print data and provides the print data to the print unit; No.

  Further, according to the present invention, in the above-described image forming apparatus, the display unit displays a print image image of each page for the plurality of acquired files, and the selection unit is specified over a plurality of files. An instruction to select each page as a page to be printed is input.

  According to the present invention, in the above-described image forming apparatus, the module includes a division boundary input module that inputs a boundary for dividing the assigned image image, and a plurality of prints within one page of the print medium according to the input boundary. A page division editing module to which an area is assigned, and the printing unit lays out and prints the page to be printed on the assigned print area.

  Further, according to the present invention, in the above-described image forming apparatus, the page division editing module integrates print areas in response to an input of an instruction to connect the divided print areas.

  According to the present invention, in the above-described image forming apparatus, the module includes a layout editing module that determines a layout of a print area for the print medium based on at least one of a print direction and a print area for the print medium. Including.

  Further, according to the present invention, in the above-described image forming apparatus, when an instruction to rotate the print page is input from the user, the layout editing module rotates the print page according to the input rotation direction. Assign a print target page to a subsequent print page.

  According to the present invention, in the image forming apparatus described above, when the user inputs an instruction to rotate the orientation of the print target page assigned to the print page, the layout editing module prints the print target for the print page according to the rotation direction. Rotate the page orientation relatively.

  Further, according to the present invention, in the above-described image forming apparatus, when the user inputs an instruction to rotate both the print page and the print target page, the layout editing module keeps the orientation of the print target page with respect to the print page as it is. Thus, the entire print page is rotated according to the operated rotation direction.

  According to the present invention, in the above-described image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus includes a document imaging unit that captures an image of a document placed on an imaging stand and generates imaging data, and the module is configured to respond to an editing instruction. An editing module for editing the imaging data is included, and the printing unit performs printing based on the edited imaging data.

  According to the present invention, in the above-described image forming apparatus, the module includes an authentication module that determines whether or not to log in based on a user's login input, and the file storage area is connected via at least a network. There is a storage area of the server and a storage area of the user's computer, and the acquisition module is within a range of reference authority given to the logged-in user among the plurality of files stored in the file storage area. Get the file.

  In the image forming apparatus described above, the image forming apparatus may include a reading unit that reads identification information for identifying a user from a plurality of storage media adjacent to each other in a communication area, and the authentication module includes: Authentication is performed using each of the read identification information, and the acquisition module acquires a file within a range based on the reference authority given to the user corresponding to the identification information for which authentication has been obtained.

  Further, according to the present invention, in the above-described image forming apparatus, the acquisition module acquires a recommended file including content related to a logged-in user from an externally connected server, and the selection unit includes the recommended unit. Enter instructions to select pages contained in the file.

  The present invention is also an image forming method in an image forming apparatus, wherein a display unit displays a print image image based on at least one file, and a selection unit selects a page to be printed from the displayed file. A file storage area in which a module that prints based on the print data and is stored in the memory unit and executed by at least one processor is connected to at least one file externally Is acquired and provided to the display unit, print data is generated based on a page to be printed on which an instruction to select by the selection unit is input, and is provided to the printing unit.

  The present invention also includes a step of acquiring at least one file from an externally connected file storage area on an electronic device, a step of displaying a print image based on the at least one file, and the displayed file A step of inputting an instruction to select a page to be printed from each of the above, a step of generating print data based on the selected page to be printed, and a step of printing based on the print data. This is a program to be executed.

  As described above, an object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus, an image forming method, and a program capable of performing printing with settings related to printing without directly operating the image forming apparatus.

1 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printing system 1 to which an image forming apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied. 2 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 10. FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the image forming apparatus 10. 4 is a flowchart for describing print setting processing of the image forming apparatus 10. 12 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a display example of a login screen displayed on the display unit 102. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a menu screen displayed on the display unit 102. FIG. It is a figure showing the screen when the file and folder memorize | stored in the user terminal 20 of the user who logged in are displayed. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen when selected content is displayed on a display unit 102. FIG. It is a figure showing the screen on which the relevant information was displayed. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen displayed on the display column of related information. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen for demonstrating the case where related information is selected. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen for demonstrating the case where related information is selected. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen for demonstrating the case where related information is selected. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen for demonstrating the case where related information is selected. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen for demonstrating the case where related information is selected. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen after a page was long-pressed. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen where a print setting button is displayed. It is a figure explaining the case where the icon for starting a print setting is touched. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen displayed in a print setting screen. It is a figure explaining the case where the direction of a print page is changed. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen in a state where a print medium is in a horizontal direction and pages to be printed are laid out in a vertical direction. It is a figure which shows an example of a preview screen. It is a figure explaining the case where the printing order of the page to be printed is changed. It is a figure explaining the case where the printing order of the page to be printed is changed. It is a figure explaining the allocation in a print page. It is a figure explaining the allocation in a print page. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen which designates the number of copies to print. It is a figure explaining the other example of a login area. It is a figure explaining the interruption use mode. It is a figure explaining shared use mode. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen which designates the number of copies to print. It is a figure explaining allocation of a print page. It is a figure explaining allocation of a print page. It is a figure explaining allocation of a print page. It is a figure explaining the case where the allocated printing object page is integrated. It is a figure explaining the case where the allocated printing object page is integrated. It is a figure explaining the case where allocation is performed by reduction operation with respect to the printing object page. It is a figure explaining the case where allocation is performed by reduction operation with respect to the printing object page. It is a figure explaining the case where allocation is changed by rotating a printing page. It is a figure explaining the case where allocation is changed about the direction of a printing object page. It is a figure explaining the case where the direction of the whole page is changed. It is a figure explaining the case where the position where the printing object page was allocated to the printing page is changed. It is a figure explaining the order which arrange | positions a printing object page to a printing page. It is a figure explaining a layout template. It is a figure explaining a layout template. It is a figure showing an example of the allocation template memorize | stored in the memory | storage part. It is a figure explaining the case where a division area is changed. It is a figure explaining the case where the content for printing is arrange | positioned with respect to the allocation template. It is a figure explaining the case where the size of the printing object content is not changed with respect to the allocation template. It is a figure explaining the case where various edits are performed about the printing object content allocated to the print page. It is a figure explaining the case where the allocated printing object content is replaced. It is a figure explaining the case where the printing object content is allocated according to the allocation template. It is a figure explaining the case where imaging data is edited.

An image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram showing a configuration of a printing system 1 to which an image forming apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied.
In this figure, in the printing system 1, an image forming apparatus 10, a user terminal 20, a shared server 30, and a web server 40 are connected via a network 50. The image forming apparatus 10 prints print data. The user terminal 20 is a computer that each user owns or uses, and is installed in, for example, a workplace or home.
The shared server 30 is a server used by organizations such as companies and schools. The shared server 30 is accessed by users belonging to the organization via the user terminal 20 and the image forming apparatus 10. The web server 40 is a server that can be connected to the user terminal 20 and the image forming apparatus 10 via the Internet or the like.
Each of the user terminal 20, the shared server 30, and the web server 40 has a storage device such as a hard disk or a memory, and supplies data stored in the storage area in response to an access from the image forming apparatus 10 via the network. To do. As the web server 40, for example, a cloud server using cloud technology may be used.
The storage area may be a terminal device, a server, a cloud, or the like, but a storage medium (such as a memory card) may be connected to the image forming apparatus and the storage area of the storage medium may be referred to.

FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 10.
In this figure, an acquisition unit 101 acquires at least one file from a file storage area connected to the outside. In addition, the acquisition unit 101 acquires a file within a range of reference authority given to a logged-in user among a plurality of files stored in the file storage area. The acquisition unit 101 acquires a file within a range based on the reference authority given to the user corresponding to the identified identification information. The acquisition unit 101 acquires a recommended file including content related to the logged-in user from the server. A file is also referred to as content.

  The display unit 102 displays print image images based on the plurality of files. The display unit 102 can also display a print image image of each page for a plurality of acquired files. The screen size of the display unit 102 is, for example, a size that can display an A3 size image in actual size. The input unit 103 inputs an instruction to select a print target page from each of the files displayed on the display unit 102. In addition, the input unit 103 inputs an instruction to select each page specified over a plurality of files as a page to be printed. Further, the input unit 103 inputs a boundary for dividing the assigned image. The input unit 103 inputs an instruction to select a page included in the recommended file. For example, the display unit 102 and the input unit 103 can be configured by a touch panel.

  The print data generation unit 104 generates print data based on the selected print target page. The page division editing unit 105 assigns a plurality of print areas in one page of the print medium according to the input boundary. Further, the page division editing unit 105 integrates the print areas in response to an instruction to connect the divided print areas. The layout editing unit 106 determines the layout of the print area for the print medium based on at least one of the print direction and the print area for the print medium (for example, print paper). The document imaging unit 107 captures an image of a document placed on an imaging stand and generates imaging data. The editing unit 108 edits the imaging data according to the editing instruction.

  The authentication unit 109 determines whether or not login is possible based on the user's login input. The authentication unit 109 can perform authentication using identification information read from the storage medium. As the recording medium, for example, an RFID (radio frequency identifier) card can be used. The reading unit 110 reads identification information for identifying a user from a plurality of storage media adjacent to each other in the communication area. As the reading unit 110, for example, a reader / writer can be used, and the reading unit 110 is attached to the back side of the touch panel constituting the display unit 102. The communicable area in the horizontal direction of the reading unit 110 is desirably set to a size substantially equal to the area of the touch panel screen.

The storage unit 111 stores various information. For example, the storage unit 111 stores identification information of each user who can use the image forming apparatus 10. A user having an RFID card that matches this identification information can log in. The storage unit 111 stores user setting information for each user. This user setting information is information representing various settings when the user uses the image forming apparatus 10. For example, the icon placement position, the widget type and placement position on the menu screen, and the background color of the menu screen This is information for determining a folder to be displayed first on the menu screen.
Further, the storage unit 111 stores policy information for specifying a storage area that can be referred to for each user identification information. The policy information only needs to be able to specify data that can be referred to. For example, the storage area of the user terminal of another user that can be referred to, the storage area of the shared server 30, or the storage area of the Web server is specified. Any information can be used. More specifically, the identification information may be associated with information on whether or not each file can be referenced.

The control unit 112 controls each unit of the image forming apparatus 10.
The printing unit 113 prints on a print medium based on the print data. Further, the printing unit 105 lays out and prints a page to be printed on the assigned print area. The printing unit 113 prints based on the imaging data edited by the imaging data editing unit 108.

Next, the operation of the above-described image forming apparatus 10 will be described using the flowchart of FIG.
The authentication unit 109 of the image forming apparatus 10 first performs a login process (step S100). Here, the display unit 102 displays a login screen on the touch panel. Then, when the RFID card carried by the user approaches or is placed on the touch panel by the user, the reading unit 110 reads the identification information stored in the RFID card. The authentication unit 109 compares the read identification information with the identification information of the authentication target stored in the storage unit 111. If they match, the authentication unit 109 establishes authentication and logs in. If they do not match, the authentication unit 109 Is not established, and an error is displayed by the display unit 109. Here, for example, two areas of a left area and a right area on the touch panel are displayed, and when an RFID card is placed in either area, the user can select the area according to the area of the placed position. It is also possible to detect left-handed or right-handed and display a menu screen corresponding to the dominant hand. For example, when an RFID card is placed in the left area, a left-handed menu screen is displayed. When an RFID card is placed in the right area, a right-handed menu screen is displayed. In the left-handed menu screen, the menu button is displayed in a predetermined area (for example, the right end) of the touch panel, and in the right-handed menu screen, the menu button is displayed in a predetermined area (for example, the left end). The

When logged in, the control unit 112 refers to the storage unit 111, reads user setting information corresponding to the identification information of the logged-in user, and displays a menu screen corresponding to the user setting information (step S101). For example, an icon that can access the authenticated user terminal 20, the shared server 30, and the web server 40 connected via the network 50 is displayed. In addition, printer functions frequently used by the logged-in user, widgets arbitrarily arranged, and the like are displayed.
When the menu screen is displayed, the acquisition unit 101 specifies a file that can be referred to based on the identification information of the logged-in user and the policy information stored in the storage unit 111, and touches the file that can be referred to with the touch panel. Displayed above (step S102).

  When a file to be printed is touch-input by the user via the touch panel among the files displayed on the touch panel (step S103), the acquisition unit 101 selects a file related to the touch-input file as policy information. Search from the range that can be referred to. The control unit 112 displays the file obtained by the search on the touch panel as related information (step S104). Here, the file includes the file creator, data storage location (personal terminal, cloud, shared server, etc.), identification information and groups of users with access rights, production date, shareable member information, file When an image is included, information representing the characteristics of the image, usage frequency, and the like are associated and stored as attribute information. The control unit 112 searches the other user's user terminal 20, the shared server 30, and the web server 40 for other files that match the attribute information of the file that is currently touch-input, and finds the file obtained as a result of the search as related information. Get as. As attribute information, a file that matches all items may be obtained, or a file that matches some of the items may be obtained. It is also possible to search related information using a character string included in the selected file as a keyword, or to perform image recognition on an image included in the selected file, and to search related information related to the recognized image. it can. For example, if a keyword such as “printer” or “printing paper” is included in the selected file, related information corresponding to the keyword is obtained. In addition, when it is detected using a face authentication function or the like that the image included in the selected file is a specific person (for example, a sports player), information related to the person (sports player) (game) As a result, the next scheduled game date, information on other players of the team to which the athlete belongs is obtained. In addition, when the user arbitrarily extracts information as related information, it is obtained as related information by accessing a specific storage area from various icons displayed in the upper part of the recommended area on the right side of the screen and specifying a file to be used. You can also.

Then, when any of the displayed related information is touch-input by the user (step S105), the touched file is displayed. Here, when other files are already displayed, the selected file among the related information is also displayed side by side. Further, rearrangement display for changing the display position of the displayed file is also performed according to the drag operation.
The acquisition unit 101 further searches for related information with respect to the file that is the selected related information. The control unit 112 displays the related information obtained by the search as second related information on the touch panel (step S106). Similarly to the above-described related information, the second related information can also be obtained by searching using attribute information. When the displayed related information has a hierarchical structure, the file located in the lower layer is also displayed in response to the file touch operation.

  Next, the input unit 103 receives a selection input for selecting a page to be printed out of the displayed files in accordance with an operation input from the user (step S107). For example, if the control unit 112 presses and holds any page of a file including the page to be printed via the input unit 103 (continues the touch for a predetermined time or longer), the control unit 112 displays the page of each file. Display a check box on the touch panel. The user can select a page to be printed by touching this check box. Here, when there are pages to be printed in different files, the control unit 112 accepts input of designation of pages to be printed across a plurality of files.

  When a page to be printed is selected and a button for instructing activation of print settings is touched by the user, the input unit 103 receives an input of an instruction for activation of print settings (step S108). The control unit 112 executes print setting processing in response to the print setting activation instruction, receives various print setting inputs from the user, and performs print settings in accordance with the input various setting instructions (step S109). . When the print settings are completed, the print data generation unit 104 generates print data in which pages to be printed are arranged according to the contents of the set print settings. When the print data is generated, the printing unit 113 prints on the print medium according to the print data (step S110).

  Next, the print setting in step S109 in FIG. 3 will be further described with reference to the flowchart in FIG. When an instruction for designating the paper orientation is input after the print setting activation instruction is input, the paper orientation is determined in accordance with the input instruction (step S200). For example, the control unit 112 displays a paper image on the touch panel, and when an instruction to rotate while tapping two points of the paper image is input, according to the rotation direction and the rotation amount, Change the orientation of. For example, the control unit 112 displays a paper image in a portrait orientation for A4 size paper, and when an instruction to change the orientation is input, the paper image in a landscape orientation. And the landscape orientation is determined as the orientation of the printing paper. Note that the controller 112 can change the orientation again when an instruction to change the orientation is input after the determination.

  Next, the control unit 112 displays a print preview screen, and when a gesture input for enlarging or reducing is input via the input unit 103, the preview screen is enlarged or reduced according to the instruction. (Step S201). When the enlargement instruction is input, the control unit 112 enlarges and displays the preview screen. For example, in the case of enlarging display, the page to be printed can be enlarged and displayed so that only one page is displayed on the display screen according to the operation amount. On the other hand, when a reduced display is performed, the display can be reduced and displayed so that all pages to be printed fit on the display screen according to the operation amount.

  Next, the control unit 112 changes the printing order of pages to be printed in response to an instruction to change the order of printing objects. For example, the control unit 112 arranges and displays pages to be printed in the horizontal direction according to the printing order, and the user performs a drag-and-drop operation on one of the pages in accordance with the position where the page is dropped. To rearrange the pages. Here, when the pages are rearranged, the rearranged arrangement order corresponds to the printing order.

  Next, the control unit 112 performs page allocation (step S203). Specifically, when the control unit 112 is input to any page on the preview screen so as to trace with the finger from the upper end side toward the lower end side, starting from the approximate center of the upper side of the page. The two pages are laid out and displayed so that two pages are arranged in the horizontal direction. As a result, it is accepted as a print setting which is a page allocation in which two pages are arranged in the horizontal direction on one print sheet. Here, various page assignments can be set according to the direction and number of tracing with a finger.

  Next, the control unit 112 receives an input for designating the number of copies (number of copies) (step S204). Here, the control unit 112 accepts designation of the number of prints according to the number of print copies input. For example, when the number of copies is input as 2, two copies of each page are printed.

  The order in which the processing from step S200 to step S204 described above is performed is not limited to this, and may be performed in any order according to an input instruction from the user, or only a part of the processing is performed. May be.

Next, a screen example displayed on the display unit 102 will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a display example of a login screen.
On the display screen 500 of the display unit 102, for example, a message such as “Please place an authentication card” is displayed. Further, a login area 501 is set on the left side and a login area 502 is set on the right side with respect to the center of the display unit 102. For example, when the RFID card 503 is placed in the login area 502 by the user, the reading unit 110 reads the identification information stored in the RFID card 503 placed in the login area 502. The authentication unit 109 performs authentication based on the read identification information and detects that the user has logged in using the login area 502. Thereby, it is possible to display a menu screen based on the fact that the user has logged in using the login area 502 and the identification information. When the RFID card 503 is placed in the login area 501, the authentication unit 109 performs authentication based on the identification information read by the reading unit 110 from the login area 501. In this case, the menu screen is displayed based on the fact that the user has logged in from the login area 501 and the identification information. For example, when the user logs in using the login area 501 arranged on the left side of the login screen, the user is likely left-handed, and thus a left-handed menu screen is displayed. On the other hand, when the user logs in using the login area 502 arranged on the right side of the login screen, the user is likely to be right-handed, so a right-handed menu screen is displayed. Thereby, a menu screen corresponding to the login area to be used can be displayed.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a menu screen displayed on the display unit 102. Here, a screen based on the login area where the RFID card is placed and the authenticated identification information is displayed. For example, according to the user setting information corresponding to the identification information of the logged-in user, an icon arrangement position, a background color, a folder to be displayed on the menu screen, and the like are displayed. For example, a main menu display area 510 in which a main menu is displayed is assigned to the left end side of the screen, and a widget display area 511 in which a printing function of a printer that is frequently used by a user or a widget arranged arbitrarily is displayed is on the upper side of the screen. A shared area 512 that is displayed and displays files and folders that can be shared and referenced with users other than the user is displayed on the lower side of the screen.
Also, for example, depending on user settings, folders such as the user terminal 20 used by authenticated individual users, the cloud (web server 40), the shared server 30 shared among groups belonging as in-house members, and the like are displayed. You can also In addition, folders such as a cloud shared by other members (web server 40) and shared server 30 shared with other users can be displayed.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a screen when a file or folder stored in the user terminal 20 of the logged-in user is displayed. Here, on the menu screen as shown in FIG. 6, files and folders stored in the user terminal 20 are displayed in response to a swipe operation performed by the user. Here, for example, when a content (reference numeral 520) arranged on the lower left side of the screen is selected, the selected content is read from the user terminal 20 and displayed on the screen as shown in FIG.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a screen on which related information is displayed. When the file selected by the user is displayed as shown in FIG. 8, the control unit 112 searches for the related information and displays the obtained related information on the left side of the screen (reference numeral 530). Here, when a plurality of pieces of related information are obtained, they are displayed side by side in the vertical direction. Further, when an instruction to scroll the related information in the vertical direction (for example, downward) is input from the user, an icon for accessing the user terminal 20 or the shared server 30 of the user himself / herself can be displayed (FIG. 10, FIG. 10). 540). By touching this icon, the user can add and display a file other than the currently displayed file on the screen.

  11, FIG. 12, FIG. 13, FIG. 14 and FIG. 15 are diagrams for explaining a case where related information is selected. For example, when the second file (reference numeral 550) from the top among the related information is selected, as shown in FIG. 12, the file already displayed on the screen (reference numeral 561) and the selected file are displayed. Each page (reference numeral 562) is displayed side by side. When the selected file is displayed, the acquiring unit 101 searches for and acquires related information related to the selected file as second related information. The obtained second related information is displayed on the left end side of the screen (FIG. 13, reference numeral 570). Then, when one of the files displayed as the second related information is touched and the file has a hierarchical structure, the lower layer files are displayed side by side in the second related information ( FIG. 13, reference numeral 571). When a file is selected by the user from the second related information, it is displayed on the screen side by side with the already displayed file (reference numeral 580 in FIG. 14). Further, when another file, related information, second related information, or the like is selected, the selected file is displayed each time it is selected on the screen (FIG. 15, reference numeral 590). For the displayed file, the pages included in the file are displayed side by side in the horizontal direction. If the arranged pages do not fit within the screen, the user can also display other pages by flicking the screen (FIG. 15, reference numeral 591).

Here, when the user performs a pinch-in or pinch-out operation on any page of each folder displayed on the screen, the control unit 112 enlarges the operated page in accordance with the operation. Perform display or reduced display. Further, when the icon (FIG. 15, reference numeral 592) attached to the first page of the file is long pressed by the user, the control unit 112 changes the arrangement of the file in the vertical direction with respect to other files. Can be displayed.
As described above, since each page of the file including the page to be printed is displayed for each of a plurality of files, the user can print while browsing various files on the list screen across the files. Target pages can be selected individually.

Further, the files displayed in FIG. 15 are displayed even if the file formats are different. For example, in a general print job, the printer receives only the data to be printed from a computer such as a personal computer, or receives the data after converting the data format to a format that can be easily printed (bitmap format, etc.) Unlike the above, data can be read out for each file on the display unit 102 of the image forming apparatus 10 (the image forming apparatus 10 can copy and hold the file). For example, a file created by document creation software, a file created by illustration creation software, a file created by spreadsheet software, a photo data file, etc. are arranged vertically on one screen, and each Each page of the file can be displayed side by side.
Also, from the viewpoint of security, when it is set not to duplicate a file, it is possible to always use it as one file by moving the file from the computer.
By displaying the related information, it is possible to present to the user a file that is related to the file that the user is trying to use. For this reason, the user can select files that are likely to be used from the related information in addition to the files that the user originally intended to use, and create and create what kind of files to print on the spot. Can do.

  FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen after any page is long pressed on the screen illustrated in FIG. 15. When any page is long pressed on the screen shown in FIG. 15, a check box is displayed on each page of each displayed file. In this check box, information indicating whether the page is a print target can be input. When the user touches the check box, the page is set as a print target page, and a check mark indicating that the page is a print target page is displayed in the check box (reference numeral 600). Here, it is possible to specify a page to be printed across not only one file but also a plurality of files. When each necessary page is checked, a print setting button for setting how to print the selected page is displayed (FIG. 17, reference numeral 610).

When the print setting button is touched by the user, the page with the check mark is displayed on the screen, and the page without the check mark is hidden (FIG. 18). When the icon for starting print setting on the left end of the screen is touched (FIG. 18, reference numeral 620), the screen shifts to the print setting screen.
In this manner, a plurality of contents can be displayed side by side, an arbitrary page can be selected, and can be printed together as one print data.

FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on the print setting screen. On the print setting screen, for each print page (reference numeral 630, reference numeral 631), the corresponding page to be printed is laid out and displayed as a print preview screen (reference numeral 632, reference numeral 633). Here, the page to be printed is laid out and displayed so as to fit within the area of the print page. Here, the page size of the print page is determined by default, but can be changed to any size such as A4 to A3, B5 to B4, and the like. Here, the user can perform a swipe operation to display other print pages that are not displayed on the current screen.
Here, since the screen size of the display unit 102 is a screen size that can display A3 in actual size, even if the print size of the print page is set to A3, A4, B5, etc., the actual size of the set print size Large print images can be displayed. Therefore, the user can confirm the atmosphere when actually printed on the screen.

FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating a case where the orientation of the print page is changed. The layout editing unit 106 performs an operation input to rotate around the center of the print page in the state where the vicinity of two opposite vertices of the print page (reference numeral 640) is touched by the user (reference numeral 641, reference numeral 642). When (reference numeral 643) is performed, the print page is rotated according to the rotation direction. As shown by reference numeral 640, when an operation input for changing the orientation of the print page is made in a state where the print target page is laid out on the vertical print page, as shown by reference numeral 640 in FIG. The content to be printed is laid out and displayed in the vertical direction on the print page in the direction. When the instruction to change the orientation of the print page is input in this way, as shown in FIG. 21, a screen is displayed in a state where the page to be printed is laid out in the vertical direction with the print medium in the horizontal direction. The In this way, it is possible to intuitively set the layout by rotating while touching with a finger while confirming the layout direction on the screen of the display unit 102.
It is also possible to input an operation for enlarging or reducing on the preview screen. For example, when a reduction display instruction is input from the user on the preview screen, the control unit 112 reduces and displays the preview screen as shown in FIG. Here, the four pages to be printed are reduced and displayed so as to fit within the screen. Here, the images are displayed in order from the left according to the printing order.

23 and 24 are diagrams for describing a case where the printing order of pages to be printed is changed. For example, on the screen where the print preview is displayed as shown in FIG. 21 or FIG. 22, the printing order can be changed by dragging any page by the user and dropping it at a position corresponding to any printing order. . For example, in FIG. 23, when the last page (print page displayed at the right end of the four pages) is dragged and dropped onto the second print page from the left among the four print pages, the second page is printed. The printing order is changed. As the printing order is changed, the printing order of the contents to be displayed displayed on the second page and the third page is changed on the third page and the fourth page, and the order is also changed on the screen. It is displayed (FIG. 24). Although the case where the print target page is moved has been described here, the print order can be changed by moving the print target content together with the print page.
As described above, the printing order can be changed by dragging, dropping, or the like while visually confirming the arrangement position on the screen, so that the printing order can be easily understood and performed by a simple operation.

FIG. 25 and FIG. 26 are diagrams for explaining allocation in a print page. In the default state, one print target content is assigned to one print page. Here, when an operation input is made by the user to trace from one end side to the other end side of one of the print pages, the page division editing unit 105 adds a print target page to the print page according to the instruction. The setting is changed so as to increase, and the page allocation position is determined according to the tracing direction. For example, when an operation is input so as to trace the print target page in the vertical direction as shown in FIG. 25 (reference numeral 650), as shown in FIG. 26, two print target contents in the horizontal direction with respect to one print page. Are arranged so as to be arranged for one page (reference numeral 660) and displayed. Here, the other print pages are changed so as to have the same assignment, and the print pages to which the print target content is not assigned are not displayed.
Thus, by performing allocation according to the user's gesture, it is possible to perform allocation intuitively with a simple instruction.

  FIG. 27 is a diagram illustrating the designation of the number of copies to be printed. When the user sets a print number setting button (reference number 670), the control unit 112 displays a sub-screen (reference number 671) for designating the number of print copies. The number of copies to be printed is determined according to the input of the number to be expressed. When the user touches a button indicating the start of printing, the print data generation unit 104 generates print data according to the displayed print image, and outputs the print data to the printing unit 113 with the number of copies specified. The printing unit 113 prints this print data according to the designated number of copies.

Next, a modification of the above-described embodiment will be described.
FIG. 28 is a diagram illustrating another example of the login area. In the above-described embodiment, the case where the login areas are arranged separately on the left and right has been described. However, as shown in FIG. 28, two areas can be arranged in the vertical direction. For example, a login area 680 is arranged above the screen of the display unit 102, and a login area 681 is arranged below. For example, the login area 680 is a login area set for a general user, and the login area 681 is a login area set for a child or a user using a wheelchair. When an RFID card is placed in the login area 680, various icons and menus are arranged in accordance with the screen settings corresponding to the identification information of the logged-in user with reference to the normal menu screen. On the other hand, when the login area 681 is set for children and an RFID card is placed, various icons and icons are displayed according to the screen settings corresponding to the identification information of the logged-in user, based on the menu screen for children. A menu is placed. In the menu screen for children, the menu screen in a range narrowed down to simple functions compared to that for general users is arranged and displayed on the front side of the screen (below the screen). On the displayed menu screen, icons limited to three functions of “print”, “copy”, and “original scan” can be displayed, and these functions can be limited to be usable. Further, by arranging the menu screen on the front side of the screen (below the screen), it is possible to make it easier for a child with a short height to input an operation.
Further, when the login area 681 is set for wheelchair users and an RFID card is placed, the menu screen for wheelchair users is used as a reference, and the screen setting corresponding to the identification information of the logged-in user is used. Various icons and menus are arranged. As a menu screen for a wheelchair user, for example, the icon of the main menu is arranged and displayed on the front side of the screen (below the screen) so that the wheelchair user can easily touch while sitting.

  Further, the login may be performed not only by one person but also by a plurality of persons at the same time. For example, when a plurality of people log in at the same time, an interrupt usage mode and a shared usage mode can be selected. FIG. 29 is a diagram for explaining the interrupt use mode. The interrupt use mode is a mode in which the screens of the users who have logged in at the same time (reference numerals 690 and 691) can be switched and used by pressing a screen switching button. In the interrupt use mode, the logged-in first user and the second user maintain the second user's use environment while maintaining the first user's use environment, and switch the screen for any user. Display and input operation.

FIG. 30 is a diagram for explaining the shared use mode. In the shared use mode, menus, files, and folders that can be used by each of a plurality of users are displayed on a single screen. For example, the main menu 700 is displayed on the left end side of the screen, and the icon 701 for accessing the logged-in first user's user terminal 20 and the logged-in second user's user terminal 20 are accessed. An icon 702 for accessing the area on the shared server 30 that can be referenced from both the first user and the second user, and from both the first user and the second user An icon 704 for accessing the area of the server (web server 40) on the cloud that can be referred to is displayed. In the shared use mode, according to a combination of a plurality of users, it is possible to perform access by limiting to a reference target file and perform printing. Moreover, it is good also as browsing possible the file which at least any one user of a 1st user and a 2nd user can refer.
In addition, a menu screen corresponding to the first user who logs in first is displayed, and when the second user logs in from the middle, a folder that the first user does not permit other users to use, Files and settings are hidden (unusable), and files, folders, and settings that can be used simultaneously by two people are displayed. Here, whether or not it is possible to log in simultaneously between the first user and the second user is stored as policy information, referred to when performing authentication, and simultaneous login is permitted from both. In such a case, a user who has made a login request later may be permitted to log in. When the shared use mode is used, print data can be created while a plurality of people collaborate and share files within a range that can be viewed with each other on the spot. In addition, since files within a range that can be viewed with each other can be shared on the spot, it is not necessary to share them by means such as having a file transmitted from a PC or the like, and labor can be saved.

  For users who did not bring an RFID card when logging in, for example, on the screen, enter the employee ID, etc., which is their identification information, by keyboard input or character recognition by manual input, The authentication unit 109 may perform authentication. Further, without logging in, it is possible to shift to the menu screen and perform various printings so that only a storage area that can be browsed by an unspecified user can be used.

  FIG. 31 is a diagram illustrating another example relating to setting of the number of copies to be printed. For example, when a print page is pressed for a long time in a state where a sub-screen for setting the number of prints is displayed, the control unit 112 changes the number of prints for the print page. For example, when an instruction (symbol 710) indicating that the number such as “× 2” is doubled is input on the sub-screen of the print page displayed in response to the long press, the printing unit 113 displays the corresponding page. Only print twice the number of copies.

32, 33, and 34 are diagrams for explaining another example of allocation. In the above-described embodiment, the assignment in the case where the user inputs an operation in the vertical direction has been described. However, the assignment can also be made in the case where an operation input in the horizontal direction or an operation input in both directions is given.
For example, when the layout editing unit 106 performs an operation input by tracing with a finger in the horizontal direction (reference numeral 721) from the one side in the vertical direction toward the other side facing the print page indicated by reference numeral 720, Like the print page indicated by reference numeral 725, the pages to be printed are allocated so as to be arranged on the upper side (reference numeral 726) and the lower side (reference numeral 727) in the print page. Further, when an operation input is made to trace the print page indicated by reference numeral 725 in FIG. 32 in the vertical direction as shown by reference numeral 730 in FIG. 33, the reference numeral 735 in FIG. As shown, the print target pages are assigned to one print page so that there are two columns vertically and two columns horizontally. Here, for example, the printing order is set in the order of upper left (reference numeral 736), upper right (reference numeral 737), lower left (reference numeral 738), and lower right (reference numeral 739).

It is also possible to divide and assign the print target page after allocating so that there are two columns vertically and two columns horizontally. For example, when an operation input is made to divide the upper two pages to be printed (reference numeral 741) as shown in FIG. 34, reference numeral 740, and as shown in FIG. When an operation input that divides the print target page is made (reference numeral 743), as shown in FIG. 34, reference numeral 744, allocation is performed so that there are three columns vertically and two columns horizontally. Here, two print target pages (reference numerals 745 and 746) are assigned to the upper stage, two print target pages (reference numerals 747 and 748) are assigned to the middle stage, and two print target pages (reference numerals 749 and 750) are assigned to the lower stage. Is done. In the same manner, according to the operation input to be divided, it is possible to divide the print target page on the basis of the straight line input to the operation input and increase the print target pages allocated to one print page.
Further, the layout editing unit 106 cancels the operation input to be divided and does not perform the assignment of division when the operation input is made such that the finger is temporarily stopped in the middle of the operation input to be divided and then returned to the original position as it is. It can also be done.

  FIGS. 35 and 36 are diagrams illustrating a case where the allocated print target pages are integrated. As indicated by reference numeral 760 in this figure, the user touches the vicinity of the upper two print target pages (reference numeral 761) and the vicinity of the two middle print target pages (reference numeral 762) while approaching as indicated by the arrows. When the operation input is made, the page division editing unit 105 integrates the upper two print target pages and the middle two print target pages as shown by reference numeral 765 in FIG. Change the assignment so that there are 2 columns vertically and 2 columns horizontally. Here, in the assignment at 760 in FIG. 35, the user touches the vicinity of the middle two print target pages and the vicinity of the lower two print target pages and performs an operation input in a direction to bring them closer to each other. Similarly, they can be integrated as indicated by reference numeral 765 in FIG. Also, in the state of being arranged so that there are two columns in the vertical direction and two columns in the horizontal direction, as shown by reference numeral 770 in FIG. When an operation input is made in the direction approaching as indicated by an arrow while the vicinity of the page (reference numeral 772) is touched, the page division editing unit 105 performs two printing operations in the upper and lower directions as indicated by reference numeral 773 in FIG. Integrate to be the target page and change the allocation. In FIGS. 35 and 36, the case where the print target pages in the vertical direction are integrated has been described. However, an operation for bringing one column of print target pages in the vertical direction close to another one of the print target pages. When input is made, the pages to be printed in the vertical direction can be integrated. As described above, with respect to the layout, the print area can be divided and integrated by an intuitive operation. In addition, when the layout editing unit 106 performs division or integration with respect to the above-described allocation, the layout editing unit 106 performs content allocation again on the divided region or the integrated region and re-displays it on the display unit 102. As a result, the assignment can be performed promptly every time division or integration is performed.

  FIG. 37 is a diagram for explaining a case where allocation is performed by a reduction operation on a print target page. In this case, as shown by reference numeral 780 in FIG. 37, the layout editing unit 106, in the state in which one print target page is assigned to one print page in the vertical direction, near the opposite vertex of the print target page. When a pinch-out operation input by the user is performed while pressing two points (reference numeral 781, reference numeral 782) with a finger, as shown in reference numeral 783 in FIG. The two print target pages are arranged in the vertical direction. Further, when a pinch-out operation is performed at two points (reference numeral 784 and reference numeral 785) in the vicinity of the vertex in one print target page, the layout editing unit 106, as indicated by reference numeral 786 in FIG. A page to be printed in the vertical direction of two vertical rows and two horizontal rows is allocated to one print page in the direction.

FIG. 38 is a diagram for explaining a case where allocation is performed by a reduction operation on a print target page. In this case, as shown by reference numeral 790 in FIG. 38, the layout editing unit 106, in the state where one print target page is allocated in the horizontal direction for one print page in the horizontal direction, near the opposite vertex of the print target page. When a pinch-out operation input from the user is performed while pressing the two points (reference numeral 791 and reference numeral 792) with a finger, as shown in the reference numeral 793 in FIG. The two print target pages are arranged in the vertical direction. Further, when a pinch-out operation is performed at two points (reference numeral 794 and reference numeral 795) near the vertex in one print target page, the layout editing unit 106 displays the horizontal direction as shown by reference numeral 796 in FIG. A page to be printed in two horizontal rows and two horizontal rows is allocated to one print page in the direction.
As shown in FIGS. 37 and 38, the case where the allocation is performed by the reduction operation of the print target page has been described. However, the allocation may be performed by the enlargement operation of the print target page. For example, when a pinch-in operation is performed on a print target page assigned to a print page, the layout editing unit 106 performs reassignment so as to reduce the print target pages assigned to one print page.
In addition, as described above, the layout editing unit 106 reassigns contents according to the changed assignment and redisplays them on the display unit 102 by reassigning according to the size change. Thereby, even if the size is changed, the assignment can be performed promptly.

FIG. 39 is a diagram illustrating a case where the layout is changed by rotating the print page. In this figure, in the state in which the horizontal content is allocated as two vertical columns and two horizontal columns with respect to the horizontal print page, the user is in the vicinity of the vertexes of two opposing points on the print page (reference numerals 801 and 802). ) Is touched and an operation input for rotating the print page clockwise or counterclockwise is made, the layout editing unit 106 makes the print page vertical and allocates the print page without changing the size of the print target page. Do. Here, three vertical contents are allocated to the vertical print page, and one horizontal content is allocated to the next print page (reference numeral 803). Here, when the print page is rotated, the layout editing unit 106 assigns the content in the same direction as before the rotation to the rotated print page, and the content is rotated to be printed after the rotation. If it is determined that the page does not fit in the page, a new print page having the same orientation as the rotated print page is generated, and the content that does not fit in the page is allocated. In addition, when the layout editing unit 106 assigns the content in the same direction as before the rotation to the rotated print page, the layout editing unit 106 applies the content in the vertical direction and the horizontal number of the content before the rotation to the print page. It is determined whether or not the contents can be accommodated. If the contents do not fit, the number of contents arranged in the vertical direction and the number of contents arranged in the horizontal direction are changed so as to fit. In FIG. 39, contents arranged in two vertical columns and two horizontal columns are changed to one vertical column and three horizontal columns after rotation. The determination as to whether or not the content fits on the print page can be made by referring to the vertical and horizontal sizes of the print page, the vertical and horizontal sizes of the content, and the margin size of the print page, for example.
In this way, the allocation can be easily performed according to the combination of the size and orientation of the content and the orientation and size of the print page. In addition, if the content assigned to the print page fits in the rotated print page, the content can be assigned to the rotated print page. Depending on the content, content that cannot be assigned to one print page can be assigned to the next print page. Thereby, it is possible to reduce the burden that the user has to consider in terms of size and orientation when allocating content as the print page rotates.

  FIG. 40 is a diagram illustrating a case where the layout is changed with respect to the orientation of the print target page. As indicated by reference numeral 810 in FIG. 40, an operation input is made to rotate clockwise or counterclockwise while touching the vicinity of two opposite vertices (reference numerals 811 and 812) on the print target page allocated to the print page. Then, the layout editing unit 106 rotates the print target page relative to the print page by the rotation amount (rotation angle), and performs allocation. That is, the orientation of the print page is rotated while the orientation of the print page remains unchanged. Here, for example, as shown by reference numeral 813 in FIG. 40, the print pages are allocated so as to be inclined by an angle corresponding to the operation amount. Thereby, it is possible to perform allocation with a high degree of freedom.

  FIG. 41 is a diagram illustrating a case where the orientation of the entire page is changed. As indicated by reference numeral 820 in this figure, both the print page and the print target page are printed by the user in a state in which the horizontal print target page is allocated to the horizontal print target page in two vertical rows and two horizontal rows. Is input (reference numeral 821), the layout editing unit 106 rotates the entire print page in the operated rotation direction while maintaining the orientation of the print target page with respect to the print page. As a result, the print pages are arranged in the vertical direction, but the pages to be printed are allocated with being rotated by 90 degrees (reference numeral 822). Here, as a method of inputting an instruction to rotate both the print page and the print target page from the user, for example, there is an operation input method of rotating in a state where three or more points are touched by the user. is there. Alternatively, the user may touch and rotate at 4 or 5 locations (with all 5 fingers). As a result, the orientation of the content and the print page can be easily changed together.

  FIG. 42 is a diagram illustrating a case where the position where the print target page is allocated to the print page is changed. As indicated by reference numeral 830 in FIG. 42, in a state where the horizontal print target pages are arranged in the vertical direction on the vertical print pages, either of the print target pages allocated on the upper side is touched by the user. , The layout editing unit 106 changes the position of the print target page with respect to the print page according to the operation direction and the operation amount. For example, as indicated by reference numeral 832 in FIG. 42, the print target page allocated on the upper side is moved to the upper left. Further, when the page to be printed allocated on the lower side is touched by the user and moved in any direction (for example, the right direction (reference numeral 833)), the layout editing unit 106 performs the operation. In accordance with the direction and the operation amount, the position of the print target with respect to the print page is moved to the right side (reference numeral 834). Thereby, allocation with a high degree of freedom can be performed.

  FIG. 43 is a diagram illustrating the order in which the print target pages are arranged on the print page. Regardless of the total number of print target pages to be arranged on one print page, the order in which the print target pages are arranged is arranged from the upper left side to the right and then from the lower left side (reference numeral 840). There is an order (reference numeral 841), which is arranged from the upper left side to the lower stage and then from the upper right side. The layout editing unit 106 receives a designation input from the user in which order to arrange, and arranges the print target contents in order according to this instruction.

44 and 45 are diagrams for explaining the layout template. For example, the layout template is stored in the storage unit 111, and in response to an input of a template selection instruction from the user, the layout editing unit 106 reads out from the storage unit 111 according to the instruction and uses it as a print setting. In the layout template, for each combination of the number of print target contents assigned to one print page and the print page orientation, patterns having different print target content orientations are determined. In this layout template, the divided areas in the print page are fixedly determined in advance, and the print target content is arranged in the divided areas.
For example, in FIG. 43, when the number of print target contents to be allocated to one print page is two and the print page is in portrait orientation, the landscape print target is divided into each of the print page areas divided vertically. Either a pattern in which content is arranged one by one, a pattern in which one vertical print target content is arranged in each of the print page areas divided into left and right, or a print page area divided up and down One horizontal print target content is arranged on one side, and one vertical print target content is arranged on the other side, and one vertical print target content is placed on one of the areas of the print page divided into left and right. There is a pattern in which the content to be printed is arranged in the other area. Also, in the case of assigning three or more print target contents to one print page, depending on the orientation of arranging the print target content with respect to the combination of the print page orientation and the division direction (left-right direction, up-down direction), Various layout templates are stored in advance.
Thereby, the user can select and use an arbitrary template from among many options.

Next, the case of a variable-size layout that can change the size and position of the divided areas in the print page will be described.
FIG. 46 is a diagram illustrating an example of an allocation template that is stored in the storage unit 111 and in which a size and a division position of an area for dividing a print page are determined as defaults. In this layout template, for example, various divided patterns are stored depending on the orientation of the print page and the number of print target contents allocated to the print page. For example, there are a pattern that is divided into a plurality of parts in the vertical direction, a pattern that is divided into a plurality of parts in the horizontal direction, and a pattern that is divided into a plurality of parts in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction. Further, there are an even number pattern and an odd number pattern after the division. Here, the order in which the print target content is arranged in the divided areas may also be determined.

  FIG. 47 is a diagram illustrating a case where the divided areas are changed. When the layout template is selected by the user, the layout editing unit 106 displays the selected layout template on the display unit 102. Then, as shown by reference numeral 850 in FIG. 47, when the layout editing unit 106 touches the boundary (partition line) of the divided area of the displayed layout template and performs an operation input to move it in any direction, The boundary is moved according to the moving direction. For example, in the case of an allocation template in which a divided area that is divided into four parts in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction is set for a horizontally oriented print page, a border (reference numeral 851) that divides the left and right areas in the lower area is touched. Then, when an operation input to move to the right side is made, the lower boundary portion is moved to the right side as shown by reference numeral 852 in FIG. 47 (reference numeral 853 in FIG. 47). Here, for the upper divided area, the boundary between the left and right divided areas is not moved, and the size of the divided area is changed by moving the left and right boundary areas in the lower divided area. In this way, the user can change the size of the divided area by changing the position of the boundary to an arbitrary position based on the divided area determined by default.

  FIG. 48 is a diagram for explaining a case where the print target content is arranged with respect to the layout template. When the layout template is selected by the user and the selection of whether or not to change the boundary portion and the change of the boundary portion are completed, the layout editing unit 106 arranges the print target content on the layout template. Here, for example, the print target content is arranged in each of the regions divided into four in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction with respect to the horizontally oriented print page. When the content to be printed is in portrait orientation, it is placed in portrait orientation, and when the content to be printed is in landscape orientation, it is placed in landscape orientation.

In addition, when the size is such that the print target content does not fit in the divided area, the layout editing unit 106 arranges the layout so as to reduce the size to fit the print target content. In addition, when the divided area is sufficiently larger than the size of the print target content, the print target content can be enlarged and arranged. FIG. 49 is a diagram for explaining a case where the size of the content to be printed is changed with respect to the layout template. Here, four print target contents (print target contents for four pages) are allocated to the print page, and the print target content 861, the print target content 862, and the print target content 864 have the same size and the same size. A case where the print target content 863 is larger in size than the print target content 861 will be described. In addition, for the layout of the print page, an layout template in which the print page is in landscape orientation and the area is divided into left and right is used.
When an instruction for enlarging or reducing the size of the print target content is input from the input unit 103 by the user, the layout editing unit 106 reduces the print target content 863 to a size that fits within the divided region of the layout template. Assigned. Therefore, the print target contents 861, 862, 863, and 864 are arranged one by one in the left and right divided areas of the print page (reference numeral 865). Since the print target contents 861, 862, and 864 are sizes that can be accommodated in the divided areas, they are allocated without changing the size.
As described above, when pages having different sizes of the print target content are included, the size of the print target content is changed so as to be within the size of the divided area of the layout template. As a result, even if print target contents having different sizes are included, the allocation according to the allocation template can be performed by changing the size.

On the other hand, when an instruction not to enlarge or reduce the size of the print target content is input from the input unit 103 by the user, the layout editing unit 106 allocates the print target content 863 without changing the size. For example, the layout editing unit 106 assigns the print target contents 861 and 862 to one print page according to the assignment template. Then, the layout editing unit 106 does not divide the print page and changes the size of the print target content 863 to one print page because the size of the print target content 863 does not fit in one divided area. Assign without. The layout editing unit 106 assigns the print target content 864 to the divided area on the left side of the print page according to the assignment template (reference numeral 866).
As described above, even when pages having different sizes of the contents to be printed are included and the size is not changed, the allocation can be flexibly performed by appropriately changing the division area of the allocation template.

FIG. 50 is a diagram illustrating a case where various types of editing are performed on the print target content allocated to the print page. The layout editing unit 106 performs various types of editing on the print target content allocated to the print page in accordance with an operation input from the user via the input unit 103. For example, when an instruction to move in one direction, for example, the left direction is input in a state where a part of the area where the content to be printed is displayed is touched, the layout editing unit 106 displays the divided area on the print page. The content to be printed is moved to the left side (reference numeral 870). Further, when an operation input is made to rotate about the print target content in a state where two portions of the area within the area where the print target content is displayed are touched, the layout editing unit 106 determines the operation direction. The content to be printed is rotated according to the operation amount (reference numeral 871). In addition, when an operation input for pinching out the print target content on the print page is made, the layout editing unit 106 changes the size of the print target content (reference numeral 872).
As described above, it is possible to individually edit the print target content allocated to one print page. Thereby, it becomes possible to allocate flexibly to the user according to the intention.

FIG. 51 is a diagram for explaining a case where the allocated print target content is replaced. The layout editing unit 106 reads out a new print target content from a storage area such as the user terminal 20, the shared server 30, or the web server 40 in a state where the print target content is allocated to the layout template, and any of the allocated layouts. Is dragged so as to overlap the print target content, the print target content already allocated and the dragged print target content are replaced (reference numeral 880). That is, the already allocated print target content is deleted from the print page, and the dragged print target content is allocated to the print page.
In addition, as another function for replacing the print target content, the layout editing unit 106 is a menu for reading other print target content when the user presses the print target content to be replaced via the input unit 103 for a long time. A screen (reference numeral 881) is displayed. Then, the layout editing unit 106 reads the print target content selected from the menu screen from the storage area such as the user terminal 20, the shared server 30, the web server 40, etc., and the print target content already allocated and the dragged print target. The content is replaced (reference numeral 882).
As a result, even after the print target content is assigned, the print target content can be replaced as necessary while confirming the assigned print image.

  FIG. 52 is a diagram for explaining the case where the print target content is allocated according to the allocation template. For example, even when printing is performed in a state in which the content to be printed in portrait orientation and the content to be printed in landscape orientation are mixed (reference numeral 890), the layout editing unit 106 uses the layout template as needed. The size of the print target content is changed, and the print target content is allocated to each divided area of each print page (reference numeral 890).

  FIG. 53 is a diagram for explaining a case where imaging data is edited. After the document to be imaged is placed on the imaging stand by the user (reference numeral 900), when the imaging button is touched, the document imaging unit 107 captures an imaging range and generates imaging data. When the imaging data is generated, the imaging data editing unit 108 generates editing data based on the imaging data. The edit data is data that can be printed by editing the image data. For example, it is possible to add characters to the image data or delete a part of the image data. The imaging data editing unit 108 corrects the imaging data so as to eliminate the inclination of characters, photos, etc., and generates editing data (reference numeral 901). When a part of the generated editing data image is touched, a character input field (reference numeral 902) is displayed starting from the touched position, and a software keyboard is displayed at the bottom of the screen (reference numeral 903). . Then, the imaging data editing unit 108 inputs a character input by the user from the software keyboard into the character input field, and when the input is completed, generates the editing data in which the character is input. When a printing instruction is input from the user, the printing unit 112 generates print data based on the editing data and performs printing.

  When the document to be imaged is A3 size or smaller, the image data is displayed on the display unit 102 having an A3 size screen, so that the content can be displayed while checking the actual size.

  According to the image forming apparatus described above, it is possible to creatively create and print print data by performing an intuitive operation on the image forming apparatus without input from the PC. In addition, since it is possible to perform various printing settings for content on the image forming apparatus without a PC, for example, by installing this image forming apparatus in public spaces such as stations, airports, schools, hotels, The user can print out the necessary content by operating only the image forming apparatus on the go.

The above-described image forming apparatus is based on, for example, at least one processor, at least one memory unit, at least one module stored in the memory unit, and executed by at least one processor, and at least one file. A module that includes at least a display unit that displays a print image, a selection unit that inputs an instruction to select a page to be printed from the displayed file, and a printing unit that performs printing based on print data. The print module generates print data based on an acquisition module that acquires a single file from an externally connected file storage area and provides it to the display unit, and a page to be printed on which an instruction to select by the selection unit is input. And a print data generation module to be provided.
Then, various functions to be realized in the image forming apparatus are stored as modules in the storage unit of the image forming apparatus, and the processor reads out and executes the functions, thereby realizing each function of the above-described image forming apparatus. Also good.

  The image forming apparatus 10 in the above-described embodiment may be realized by a computer. In that case, a program for realizing this function may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the program recorded on this recording medium may be read into a computer system and executed. Here, the “computer system” includes an OS and hardware such as peripheral devices. The “computer-readable recording medium” refers to a storage device such as a flexible medium, a magneto-optical disk, a portable medium such as a ROM and a CD-ROM, and a hard disk incorporated in a computer system. Furthermore, the “computer-readable recording medium” dynamically holds a program for a short time like a communication line when transmitting a program via a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line. In this case, a volatile memory inside a computer system serving as a server or a client in that case may be included and a program held for a certain period of time. Further, the program may be a program for realizing a part of the above-described functions, and may be a program capable of realizing the functions described above in combination with a program already recorded in a computer system. You may implement | achieve using programmable logic devices, such as FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

  The embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the specific configuration is not limited to this embodiment, and includes designs and the like that do not depart from the gist of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Image forming apparatus 20 User terminal 30 Shared server 40 Web server 50 Network 101 Acquisition part 102 Display part 103 Input part 104 Print data generation part 105 Page division editing part 106 Layout editing part 107 Document imaging part 108 Imaging data editing part 109 Authentication part 110 Reading unit 111 Storage unit 112 Control unit 113 Printing unit

Claims (14)

At least one processor;
At least one memory section;
At least one module stored in the memory unit and executed by the at least one processor;
A display unit for displaying a print image based on at least one file;
A selection unit for inputting an instruction to select a page to be printed from the displayed file;
A printing unit that performs printing based on the print data,
The module obtains at least one file from an externally connected file storage area and provides it to the display unit, and prints based on a print target page to which an instruction to select by the selection unit is input. A print data generation module that generates data and provides the data to the printing unit. The display unit displays a print image of each page for the plurality of acquired files;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the selection unit inputs an instruction to select each page specified across a plurality of files as a page to be printed. The module is
A dividing boundary input module for inputting a boundary for dividing the assigned image, and
A page division editing module for allocating a plurality of print areas in one page of the print medium according to the input boundary,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the printing unit lays out and prints the page to be printed on the assigned print area. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the page division editing module integrates the print areas in response to an input of an instruction to connect the divided print areas. The module is
5. The layout editing module according to claim 1, further comprising: a layout editing module that determines a layout of a print area for the print medium based on at least one of a print direction and a print area for the print medium. Image forming apparatus. When the user inputs an instruction to rotate the orientation of the print page, the layout editing module rotates the print page according to the input rotation direction, and assigns a print target page to the rotated print page. Item 6. The image forming apparatus according to Item 5. 6. The layout editing module, when an instruction to rotate the orientation of a print target page assigned to a print page is input from a user, the orientation of the print target page relative to the print page is relatively rotated according to the rotation direction. Image forming apparatus. When the user inputs an instruction to rotate both the print page and the print target page, the layout editing module keeps the orientation of the print target page with respect to the print page and follows the rotation direction in which the entire print page is operated. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the image forming apparatus is rotated. The image forming apparatus includes:
Including a document imaging unit that captures an image of a document placed on an imaging stand and generates imaging data;
The module is
Including an editing module for editing the imaging data in response to an editing instruction;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the printing unit performs printing based on edited imaging data. The module includes an authentication module that determines whether or not to log in based on a user's login input,
The file storage area includes at least a server storage area and a user computer storage area connected via a network,
The acquisition module acquires a file within a range of reference authority given to the logged-in user among a plurality of files stored in the file storage area. 2. The image forming apparatus according to item 1. The image forming apparatus includes:
Including a reading unit that reads identification information for identifying a user from a plurality of storage media in the communication area,
The authentication module authenticates using each of the read identification information,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the acquisition module acquires a file within a range based on a reference authority given to a user corresponding to identification information obtained by authentication. The acquisition module acquires a recommended file including contents related to a logged-in user from an externally connected server;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the selection unit inputs an instruction to select a page included in the recommended file. An image forming method in an image forming apparatus,
The display unit displays a print image based on at least one file,
The selection unit inputs an instruction to select a page to be printed from the displayed file,
The printing unit prints based on the print data,
A module stored in the memory unit and executed by at least one processor obtains at least one file from a file storage area connected to the outside, provides the display unit with an instruction to select by the selection unit An image forming method for generating print data based on an input page to be printed and providing the print data to the printing unit. Electronic equipment,
Obtaining at least one file from an externally connected file storage area;
Displaying a print image based on the at least one file;
Inputting an instruction to select a page to be printed from each of the displayed files;
Generating print data based on the selected page to be printed;
Printing based on the print data;
A program for running

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