JP2020013218A - Information processing apparatus, protrusion determination method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an information processing apparatus that can easily determine the printing with an interrupted edge before the printing is performed by an image forming apparatus.SOLUTION: An information processing apparatus for transmitting print data to an image forming apparatus solves the above-mentioned problem by including: print data generating means for generating, from print target data, first print data using an initially set paper size and second print data using the maximum paper size usable by a printer driver of the image forming apparatus; protrusion determination means for comparing an image of the first print data and an image of the second print data to determine that the image of the first print data protrudes from the initially set paper size if there is a difference between the image of the first print data and the image of the second print data; and display control means for displaying the determination result of the protrusion determination means on a display device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing device, a protruding determination method, and a program.

  For example, in an image forming apparatus that prints print data, when the print area of the print data is larger than the paper size set for printing, printing may be performed with the edges cut off. There is a print preview function as a technique for detecting in advance such a state that the edge is cut.

  Conventionally, there has been an information processing apparatus capable of printing print data on a selected paper size from paper size candidates that can be printed on a paper size smaller than a set paper size for the purpose of performing print processing without paper waste ( For example, see Patent Literature 1).

  However, when using the print preview function to detect in advance the printing in the state where the edge is cut off, the user must check the print preview image and determine whether the printing is in the state where the edge is cut off. It had to be troublesome.

  An embodiment of the present invention aims to provide an information processing apparatus that can easily determine that printing is performed with the edges cut off before printing is performed by the image forming apparatus.

  In order to achieve the above object, a first aspect of the present invention is an information processing apparatus for transmitting print data to an image forming apparatus, wherein the first print data uses a paper size set first, and Print data generating means for generating, from print target data, second print data using a maximum paper size usable by a printer driver of the forming apparatus; and an image of the first print data and the second print data Are compared, and if there is a difference between the image of the first print data and the image of the second print data, the image of the first print data protrudes from the initially set paper size. And a display control means for displaying the result of the determination by the protrusion determination means on a display device.

  According to the embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to easily determine that printing is performed with the edges cut off before printing is performed by the image forming apparatus.

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an example of an information processing system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of an example of a computer according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of an example of an image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a functional configuration diagram of an example of an information processing apparatus according to the embodiment. FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a setting information storage process according to the embodiment. FIG. 7 is an image diagram illustrating an example of a print setting screen of a printer driver for detecting a minimum sheet size according to the embodiment; FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram (1/2) of an example of a printing process using the minimum paper size detection printer driver according to the embodiment. FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram (2/2) of an example of a printing process using the minimum paper size detection printer driver according to the embodiment. It is an image figure of an example of a dialog message screen concerning this embodiment. It is an image figure of an example of a dialog message screen concerning this embodiment. It is an image figure of an example of a dialog message screen concerning this embodiment. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a print image using a paper size set first and a print image using a protruding detection dedicated paper. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a process of determining a minimum standard paper size that can be printed without protruding;

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[First Embodiment]
<System configuration>
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an example of an information processing system according to the present embodiment. The information processing system 1 in FIG. 1 includes one or more information processing apparatuses 10 and one or more image forming apparatuses 12 connected via a network 14 such as a LAN or a WAN. Although FIG. 1 illustrates an example in which the information processing apparatus 10 and the image forming apparatus 12 are connected via the network 14, the information processing apparatus 10 and the image forming apparatus 12 may be directly connected via a USB cable, a printer cable, or the like. The information processing apparatus 10 and the image forming apparatus 12 have a wireless or wired communication unit.

  The information processing device 10 is realized by a terminal device such as a PC, a smartphone, and a mobile phone used by a user. The information processing apparatus 10 includes a real printer driver and a virtual printer driver, which will be described later, and issues a print request to the image forming apparatus 12. The image forming apparatus 12 is a printing device such as a printer, a multifunction peripheral, or a laser printer connected to the information processing apparatus 10 via the network 14. The MFP is a multifunction printer having a print function, a scanner function, a copy function, a facsimile function, and the like.

<Hardware configuration>
The information processing apparatus 10 in FIG. 1 is realized by, for example, a computer having a hardware configuration illustrated in FIG. FIG. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of an example of a computer according to the present embodiment.

  The computer 500 illustrated in FIG. 2 includes an input device 501, a display device 502, an external I / F 503, a RAM 504, a ROM 505, a CPU 506, a communication I / F 507, an HDD 508, and the like. . Note that the input device 501 and the display device 502 may be connected and used when necessary.

  The input device 501 includes a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, and the like, and is used by a user to input each operation signal. The display device 502 includes a display and the like, and displays a processing result by the computer 500.

  The communication I / F 507 is an interface for connecting the computer 500 to the network 14. Thereby, the computer 500 can perform data communication via the communication I / F 507.

  The HDD 508 is an example of a nonvolatile storage device that stores programs and data. The stored programs and data include an OS, which is basic software for controlling the entire computer 500, and application software (hereinafter, simply referred to as an application) for providing various functions on the OS. Note that the computer 500 may use a drive device (for example, a solid state drive: SSD) using a flash memory as a storage medium instead of the HDD 508.

  The external I / F 503 is an interface with an external device. The external device includes a recording medium 503a and the like. Thereby, the computer 500 can read and / or write on the recording medium 503a via the external I / F 503. The recording medium 503a includes a flexible disk, a CD, a DVD, an SD memory card, a USB memory, and the like.

  The ROM 505 is an example of a nonvolatile semiconductor memory (storage device) that can retain programs and data even when the power is turned off. The ROM 505 stores programs and data such as BIOS executed when the computer 500 is started, OS settings, and network settings. The RAM 504 is an example of a volatile semiconductor memory (storage device) that temporarily stores programs and data.

  The CPU 506 is an arithmetic unit that reads out programs and data from a storage device such as the ROM 505 or the HDD 508 onto the RAM 504 and executes processing to realize control and functions of the entire computer 500. The information processing apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment can implement various processes as described later by the hardware configuration of the computer 500.

  The image forming apparatus 12 in FIG. 1 is realized by, for example, the hardware configuration illustrated in FIG. FIG. 3 is a hardware configuration diagram of an example of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. The image forming apparatus 12 includes a controller 601, an operation panel 602, an external I / F 603, a communication I / F 604, a printer 605, a scanner 606, and the like.

  The controller 601 includes a CPU 611, a RAM 612, a ROM 613, an NVRAM 614, an HDD 615, and the like. The ROM 613 stores various programs and data. The RAM 612 temporarily stores programs and data. The NVRAM 614 stores, for example, a setting information file and the like. The HDD 615 stores various programs and data.

  The CPU 611 reads out programs, data, setting information files, and the like from the ROM 613, the NVRAM 614, the HDD 615, and the like onto the RAM 612 and executes the processing, thereby realizing control and functions of the entire image forming apparatus 12.

  The operation panel 602 includes an input unit that receives an input from a user, and a display unit that performs display. The external I / F 603 is an interface with an external device. The external device includes a recording medium 603a and the like. Thus, the image forming apparatus 12 can read and / or write on the recording medium 603a via the external I / F 603. The recording medium 603a includes an IC card, a flexible disk, a CD, a DVD, an SD memory card, a USB memory, and the like.

  The communication I / F 604 is an interface for connecting the image forming apparatus 12 to the network 14. Thereby, the image forming apparatus 12 can perform data communication with the information processing apparatus 10 connected to the network 14 via the communication I / F 604. The printer 605 is a printing device that prints print data on paper. The scanner 606 is a reading device that reads image data (electronic data) from a document.

  FIG. 3 shows an example in which the image forming apparatus 12 is a multifunction peripheral. When the image forming apparatus 12 is an image forming apparatus other than the multifunction peripheral, the printer 605 and the scanner 606 are not necessarily required. The image forming apparatus 12 may include components other than the hardware illustrated in FIG. 3, such as a camera, a lamp light source, and a touch panel.

<Software configuration>
《Information processing device》
The information processing apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment is realized by, for example, the functions illustrated in FIG. FIG. 4 is a functional configuration diagram of an example of the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment. 4 shows an example in which the operating system (OS) is Windows (registered trademark).

  The information processing apparatus 10 in FIG. 4 executes a program to execute an application 20, a document file storage unit 22, a GDI 24, a minimum paper size detection printer driver 26, a setting information file storage unit 28, a print data storage unit 30, and a paper data storage. The unit 32 realizes an actual printer driver 34.

  The minimum paper size detection printer driver 26 has a configuration including a print data generation / storage unit 50, a UI unit 52, an overflow detection dedicated paper generation unit 54, an overflow determination unit 56, a setting information storage unit 58, and a minimum paper size determination unit 60. is there.

  The application 20 is a document creation application or the like that receives a print instruction for a document file to be printed from a user. The document file storage unit 22 stores a document file to be printed. The application 20 sends a document file to be printed to the minimum paper size detection printer driver 26 via the GDI 24.

  The minimum paper size detection printer driver 26 is realized by a virtual printer driver. The minimum paper size detection printer driver 26 operates as a printer driver of the OS, but also has a function of calling the GDI 24 and sending print data of a document file to be printed received from the application 20 to the real printer driver 34. In other words, it can be said that the minimum paper size detection printer driver 26 is a virtual printer driver which also has an application aspect while being a printer driver.

  The setting information file storage unit 28 stores a setting information file described later. The print data storage unit 30 stores print data in EMF (Enhanced Metafile) format written by the printer driver 26 for detecting the minimum paper size. The print data in the EMF format is print data in the intermediate data format (intermediate print data) written using a drawing command of the GDI 24, and does not depend on the model of the image forming apparatus 12. The sheet data storage unit 32 stores sheet data described later.

  The print data generation / storage unit 50 of the printer driver 26 for detecting the minimum paper size generates print data in the EMF format and stores the print data in the print data storage unit 30. In the case of performing the below-described out-of-print determination, the print data generation / storage unit 50 prints EMF-format print data using the initially set paper size and EMF-format print data using the out-of-paper detection-specific paper size described below. Is generated and stored in the print data storage unit 30.

  The UI unit 52 functions as an interface with the user. The protruding-detection-dedicated paper generation unit 54 uses the user-defined paper having at least one of the paper width and the paper length that can be used by the actual printer driver 34 as the protruding detection-specific paper from the paper data stored in the paper data storage unit 32. Generate. The protruding detection-dedicated paper generating unit 54 stores the generated paper data of the protruding detection-specific paper in the paper data storage unit 32.

  The protruding determination unit 56 determines whether there is a difference between the print image of the print data in the EMF format using the initially set paper size and the print image of the print data in the EMF format using the paper size of the protruding detection dedicated paper. Is determined to have protruded. The protruding determination unit 56 uses the UI unit 52 to notify the user of the protruding portion. The details of the process performed by the overflow determining unit 56 will be described later. The setting information storage unit 58 stores the setting information file in the setting information file storage unit 28.

  The minimum paper size determination unit 60 determines the minimum paper size that can be printed without protruding when the protrusion determination unit 56 determines that there is protrusion. The minimum paper size determination unit 60 notifies the user of the determined minimum paper size that can be printed without protruding using the UI unit 52. The details of the processing of the minimum sheet size determination unit 60 will be described later.

  The real printer driver 34 converts the EMF format print data (virtual print data) sent from the minimum paper size detection printer driver 26 into RAW format print data (real print data) depending on the model of the image forming apparatus 12. To the image forming apparatus 12.

  As described above, the minimum paper size detection printer driver 26 is an example of a virtual printer driver for utilizing the overflow determination. The user can use the application 20 to select the minimum paper size detection printer driver 26 and execute printing, thereby utilizing the out-of-print determination and the minimum paper size determination.

<Process>
<< Setting process for minimum paper size detection printer driver >>
The minimum paper size detection printer driver 26 according to the present embodiment stores the setting information file in the setting information file storage unit 28 as shown in the sequence diagram of FIG. FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram of an example of the setting information storage processing according to the present embodiment.

  The minimum paper size detection printer driver 26 has a print setting screen 1000 as shown in FIG. 6 as a property screen. The minimum paper size detection printer driver 26 displays a print setting screen 1000 on the UI unit 52 and accepts input of various print settings from the user.

  FIG. 6 is an image diagram illustrating an example of a print setting screen of the minimum paper size detection printer driver according to the present embodiment. The print setting screen 1000 in FIG. 6 includes a selection field for an actual printer, a selection field for a method for determining a paper size, a selection field for print data for checking the overflow, a selection field for enlargement / reduction of print data at the time of checking for an overflow, and no overflow. Selection column for the presence or absence of a message when it is determined that

  The selection column of the actual printer is a column for selecting the actual printer driver 34 corresponding to the image forming apparatus 12 that performs printing. The selection fields for the method of determining the paper size include “fit right and left to the edge of the paper”, “fit the top and bottom to the edge of the paper”, and “make the whole fit on one page” as options.

  “Fit the right and left to the edge of the sheet” corresponds to the case where the top and bottom are divided into a plurality of pages, and is an option to be selected when the document is vertically long. When the user selects this option, a virtual print image is created using a user-defined sheet in which only the sheet width is maximized. The virtual print image is a print image of print data in the EMF format using the paper size of the protruding detection dedicated paper.

  For example, when the user specifies a paper size of A4 length [21.0 cm wide × 29.7 cm high] as the print setting, a virtual print image is created using a user-defined paper of 50 cm wide × 29.7 cm high.

  "Fit the top and bottom to the edge of the sheet" corresponds to the case where the left and right are divided into a plurality of pages, and is an option to be selected when the document is landscape-oriented. When the user selects this option, a virtual print image is created using a user-defined sheet in which only the sheet length in the vertical direction is maximized. For example, when the user specifies a paper size of A4 length [21.0 cm wide × 29.7 cm high] as the print setting, a virtual print image is created using a user-defined paper of 21.0 cm wide × 50 cm high.

  "Make the whole document fit on one page" corresponds to the case where the whole document originally fits on one page. When the user selects this option, a virtual print image is created using a user-defined sheet having the maximum sheet width and sheet length. For example, when the user specifies a paper size of A4 length [21.0 cm wide × 29.7 cm high] as the print setting, a virtual print image is created using a user-defined sheet of 50 cm wide × 50 cm high.

  As described above, the reason for selecting the method of determining the paper size is that the comparison between the print image (actual print image) of the EMF format print data using the initially set paper size and the virtual print image results in an error. This is to prevent the determination that the print images are different.

  For example, it is assumed that there is a Web page that fits in two pages in A4 vertical. At this time, if a virtual print image is created using a user-defined sheet of 50 cm in width and 50 cm in height, the raster image arranged on the second page on the actual print image may move to the first page. . In this case, the printer driver 26 for detecting the minimum sheet size erroneously determines that the edge is cut off. In order to prevent such erroneous determination, in the present embodiment, a method for determining the paper size is selected as described above.

  The selection fields of the print data for confirming the overflow include “confirmation for raster images and vector graphics” and “confirmation for all text, raster images and vector graphics” as options.

  When “confirm with respect to raster images and vector graphics” is selected by the user, the print data generation / storage unit 50 internally stores the print data once before creating the virtual print image and the actual print image. After saving, delete all character strings from the print data. After that, a virtual print image and a real print image for comparison are created. That is, the comparison of the print image is performed using the raster image and the vector graphic excluding the character string.

  The reason why the virtual print image and the actual print image are compared with the raster image and the vector graphic excluding the character string is that there is an application that determines the line feed position of the character string according to the paper size. Since the line feed position of a document of a general document creation application is determined according to the sheet width, if the sheet size is different, the printed image may be different.

  Therefore, comparing the virtual print image and the actual print image of different paper sizes while including the character string, the overflow determination unit 56 of the printer driver 26 for detecting the minimum paper size erroneously states that it does not "protrude". May be determined to be. By the way, it is often the case that a character that protrudes from an actual print image is not a character string but a raster image or vector graphics.

  Therefore, by comparing the virtual print image and the actual print image of different paper sizes after deleting the character string, it can be correctly determined that the actual print image is "protruding" in most cases.

  However, in the case where there is a “large table with transparent ruled lines”, or in the case of a Web page or the like in which a character string such as an advertisement exists in the peripheral portion, it cannot be determined correctly. The reason why the determination cannot be made correctly is to delete the character string from the print data and determine the “minimum sheet size that does not protrude”. The "Check for text, raster images, and vector graphics" option is provided for such cases.

  The selection fields for print data enlargement / reduction at the time of protruding confirmation include “perform image matching by enlarging / reducing print data” and “perform image matching using only original size print data” as options.

  “Perform image matching by enlarging or reducing print data” is an option that means to enlarge or reduce a print image when comparing a real print image with a virtual print image (image matching). When the user selects this option, the actual print image or the virtual print image is scaled up or down, and even if the print images match for the first time, the print images are regarded as matching.

  For example, the application 20 may enlarge or reduce a print image depending on the paper size. Even in such a case, the user can correctly determine whether or not the print image is out of the paper size of the print setting by selecting the “perform the image matching by scaling the print data” option. .

  In addition, when the option of “perform image matching by enlarging or reducing print data” is selected, “maximum enlargement / reduction rate” is designated. For example, if "20"% is specified, image matching is performed by enlarging or reducing either the real print image or the virtual print image by a maximum of 20%.

  “Perform image matching using only original size print data” is an option that means that when comparing a real print image and a virtual print image, the print image is not enlarged or reduced. This option assumes a case where it is inappropriate for the application 20 to automatically print in a reduced size in order to avoid printing with “cut edges”. For example, in a case where it is difficult to print in a reduced size, such as a musical score that may be difficult to play when reduced, an option of “perform image matching using only original size print data” is selected.

  Also, the selection box for the presence or absence of a message when it is judged that it does not protrude includes a checkbox to select whether to display or not to display the message `` Can print without protruding '' when it is judged that it does not protrude Have been.

  The information input to the print setting screen 1000 in FIG. 6 is stored in the setting information file stored in the setting information file storage unit 28 from the minimum paper size detection printer driver 26 in step S10 in FIG.

<< Print processing using the printer driver for detecting the minimum paper size >>
The information processing system 1 according to the present embodiment performs a printing process using the minimum paper size detection printer driver 26 as shown in the sequence diagrams of FIGS. 7A and 7B. 7A and 7B are sequence diagrams of an example of a printing process using the minimum paper size detection printer driver according to the present embodiment.

  In step S20, the actual printer driver 34 causes the paper data storage unit 32 to store paper information such as usable paper size, paper width, and paper length as paper data. The real printer driver 34 may perform the process of step S20 at the time of installation or the like. The paper data storage unit 32 stores paper information usable by one or more real printer drivers 34 (supported by one or more real printer drivers 34) as paper data.

  In step S22, the printer driver 26 for detecting the minimum sheet size reads the setting information file from the setting information file storage unit 28. The setting information read out here is various print settings input from the print setting screen 1000 in FIG. Proceeding to step S24, the minimum paper size detection printer driver 26 reads the paper data from the paper data storage unit 32.

  Proceeding to step S26, the minimum paper size detection printer driver 26 sends print setting information such as paper data to the application 20. The user displays a print dialog on the application 20, selects the minimum paper size detection printer driver 26 as a printer to be used, and clicks a print button. Note that the user may display the print setting screen 1000 in FIG. 6 in step S28 and input various print settings. In step S28, the application 20 accepts a printing operation by the user who has designated the minimum paper size detection printer driver 26.

  Proceeding to step S30, the application 20 requests the minimum paper size detection printer driver 26 to generate print data using the initially set paper size. Proceeding to step S32, the print data generation / storage unit 50 of the printer driver 26 for detecting the minimum paper size generates print data in the EMF format using the initially set paper size, and causes the print data storage unit 30 to store the print data.

  Proceeding to step S34, the minimum paper size detection printer driver 26 displays the dialog message screen 1100 of FIG. FIG. 8 is an image diagram of an example of the dialog message screen according to the present embodiment. Note that the dialog message screen 1100 in FIG. 8 is an example of a screen image that allows the user to select whether or not to perform the overflow determination. The dialog message screen 1100 may be displayed by a resident application other than the minimum paper size detection printer driver 26. Similarly, a resident application other than the minimum paper size detection printer driver 26 may display a dialog message screen described later.

  The dialog message screen 1100 includes a message for requesting a print operation again after selecting “paper for detecting protruding” when performing protruding determination. In addition, the dialog message screen 1100 includes a message indicating that printing is immediately performed without pressing the cancel button by pressing the cancel button in a case where the determination is not performed.

  When the user presses the cancel button, the minimum paper size detection printer driver 26 proceeds to steps S36 to S38, and performs virtual printing in the EMF format using the initially set paper size stored in the print data storage unit 30. The data is sent to the actual printer driver 34. In step S40, the actual printer driver 34 converts the virtual print data sent from the minimum paper size detection printer driver 26 into actual print data and transmits the actual print data to the image forming apparatus 12. When the user presses the cancel button on the dialog message screen 1100, printing can be performed immediately without judging out of the box.

  When the OK button is pressed by the user, the printer driver 26 for detecting the minimum sheet size proceeds to steps S42 to S44, generates the special-purpose sheet for detecting the protrusion, and stores it in the sheet data storage unit 32. The dialog message screen 1100 is temporarily closed.

  Proceeding to step S46, the user displays a page setting dialog on the application 20, and selects the protruding detection dedicated paper as the paper to be used. Proceeding to step S48, the application 20 acquires, from the paper data storage unit 32, paper data of the protruding detection dedicated paper.

  The user displays the print dialog again on the application 20, selects the minimum paper size detection printer driver 26 as the printer to be used, and then clicks the print button. In step S50, the application 20 accepts a printing operation by the user who has designated the minimum paper size detection printer driver 26.

  Proceeding to step S52, the application 20 requests the minimum paper size detection printer driver 26 to generate virtual print data using the paper size of the protruding detection dedicated paper. Proceeding to step S54, the print data generation / save unit 50 of the printer driver 26 for detecting the minimum paper size generates virtual print data using the paper size of the protruding detection dedicated paper, and stores the virtual print data in the print data storage unit 30. Remember.

  Proceeding to step S56, the minimum paper size detection printer driver 26 reads virtual print data using the initially set paper size from the print data storage unit 30. In step S58, the minimum paper size detection printer driver 26 converts the actual print image of the virtual print data using the initially set paper size and the virtual print image of the virtual print data using the paper size of the protruding detection dedicated paper. Compare. As described above, the minimum paper size detection printer driver 26 compares the real print image with the virtual print image, and checks whether there is a difference between the real print image and the virtual print image.

  If there is a difference between the actual print image and the virtual print image, the minimum paper size detection printer driver 26 determines that the actual print image is out of the initially set paper size. If there is no difference between the actual print image and the virtual print image, the minimum paper size detection printer driver 26 determines that the actual print image does not protrude from the initially set paper size.

  If it is determined that the image does not protrude, the minimum paper size detection printer driver 26 proceeds from step S60 to step S62, and displays the dialog message screen 1200 in FIG. FIG. 9 is an image diagram of an example of the dialog message screen according to the present embodiment.

  The dialog message screen 1200 includes a message notifying that printing is performed without protruding into the paper size set in the print settings. Further, the dialog message screen 1200 includes a message indicating that printing is performed when the OK button is pressed and printing is stopped when the Cancel button is pressed. It is also possible to omit the display of the dialog message screen 1200 shown in FIG. 9 and to execute printing.

  When the user presses the OK button, the minimum paper size detection printer driver 26 proceeds to steps S64 to S66, and performs virtual printing in the EMF format using the first set paper size stored in the print data storage unit 30. The data is sent to the actual printer driver 34. In step S68, the actual printer driver 34 converts the virtual print data sent from the minimum paper size detection printer driver 26 into actual print data and transmits the actual print data to the image forming apparatus 12. The user can print by pressing the OK button on the dialog message screen 1200. When the cancel button is pressed by the user, the printer driver 26 for detecting the minimum sheet size stops printing.

  If it is determined in step S60 that the print data protrudes, the minimum paper size detection printer driver 26 proceeds from step S60 to step S70, and reads out paper data of a paper size usable by the actual printer driver 34 from the paper data storage unit 32. Proceeding to step S72, the minimum paper size detection unit 60 of the minimum paper size detection printer driver 26 determines the minimum paper size that can be printed without protruding as described later.

  Proceeding to step S74, the minimum paper size detection printer driver 26 displays a dialog message screen 1300 of FIG. FIG. 10 is an image diagram of an example of the dialog message screen according to the present embodiment.

  The dialog message screen 1300 includes a message notifying that when printing is performed on the paper size set in the print settings, the image is protruded and the edge is cut off, and a message notifying the minimum paper size that can be printed without protruding. It is. When the OK button is pressed by the user, the minimum paper size detection printer driver 26 proceeds to steps S76 to S78, and deletes the paper data of the protruding detection dedicated paper from the paper data storage unit 32.

《Overrun judgment processing》
The protruding determination process in step S58 will be further described. The overflow determining unit 56 compares the actual print image 1500a and the virtual print image 1500b as shown in FIG. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print image using the initially set paper size and a print image using the protruding detection dedicated paper.

  The actual print image 1500a is an example of an actual print image of virtual print data using the initially set paper size. The actual print image 1500a is an example of a case where the actual print image 1500a is printed out of the initially set paper size with its edges cut off.

  The virtual print image 1500b is an example of a virtual print image of virtual print data using the paper size of the protruding detection dedicated paper. The virtual print image 1500b is an example of a case where printing is performed without protruding from the paper size of the protruding detection dedicated paper and without cutting off the edges.

  As shown in FIG. 11, there is a difference between the actual print image 1500a printed with the edges cut off and the virtual print image 1500b printed with the edges cut off. Therefore, the protruding determination unit 56 determines whether or not the real print image 1500a protrudes from the initially set paper size based on whether there is a difference between the real print image 1500a and the virtual print image 1500b.

  The sequence diagram shown in FIG. 7 is obtained by assuming that the user performs the printing operation twice, and that the virtual print data using the initially set paper size and the virtual print data using the paper size of the protruding detection dedicated paper Has been created. This corresponds to the fact that the minimum paper size detection printer driver 26, which is a Windows (registered trademark) printer driver, cannot request the application 20 to change the paper size. Therefore, if the minimum paper size detection printer driver 26 can request the application 20 to change the paper size, the selection and printing operation of the protruding detection exclusive paper are automatically performed, and the user's printing operation is performed once. Is also good.

《Minimum standard paper size judgment process that can print without sticking out》
The minimum fixed-size sheet size determination process that allows printing without protruding in step S72 will be further described. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a process for determining the minimum standard paper size that can be printed without protruding.

  The minimum fixed-size sheet size determination process that allows printing without protruding in step S72 is realized by a three-stage process described below. In the first stage, a minimum rectangle 1520 that covers the virtual print image 1500b created using the protruding detection paper 1510 is obtained. In the second stage, the standard paper size in the standard paper size list supported by the actual printer driver 34 and the minimum rectangle 1520 are sequentially compared.

  In FIG. 12, as a result of comparing the standard paper size in the standard paper size list supported by the actual printer driver 34 with the minimum rectangle 1520, the standard paper sizes “B4” and “B4” capable of printing the minimum rectangle 1520 (without protruding) are displayed. A3 "is specified. In the third stage, from the standard paper sizes “B4” and “A3” that can print the minimum rectangle 1520 (without protruding), the smaller standard paper size “B4” can be printed without protruding. Is determined.

  In the present embodiment, since the print image of the print data is scanned by the minimum paper size detection printer driver 26 to check the area where the actual data exists, the margin specified by the user in the page setting of the application 20 or the like is ignored. Further, in the present embodiment, no consideration is given to the case where the edge is cut off even if the protruding detection paper is used. If the real printer driver 34 does not support the user-defined paper, the standard paper having the maximum paper area supported by the real printer driver 34 is used as the protruding detection dedicated paper.

(Summary)
Using the virtual printer driver, let the user perform the printing operation twice, and print a print image using the initially set paper size and a print image using the "special paper" for very large paper size. Compare. If there is a discrepancy between the print images, the print image using the initially set paper size is determined to be "cut off", and the minimum paper size is determined based on the print image using protruding detection paper. The minimum paper size detection printer driver 26 makes the determination. Therefore, in the information processing system 1 according to the present embodiment, it is possible to notify a user that an edge is cut off and printed before actually performing printing. In addition, the information processing system 1 according to the present embodiment can notify the user of the minimum paper size that can be printed without protruding before actually performing printing.

  By using a virtual printer driver called the minimum paper size detection printer driver 26 and allowing the user to perform a printing operation using dynamically generated “special paper for detection of protrusion”, processing for judging protrusion and the minimum size of printing without protruding are performed. A standard paper size determination process can be realized.

  As described above, according to the information processing system 1 according to the present embodiment, the fact that the paper size specified by the user is small, protrudes, and the edges are cut off and printed can be printed without using the print preview function. Can be easily determined before performing. Further, according to the information processing system 1 according to the present embodiment, the user can easily determine the minimum paper size that can be printed without protruding.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments specifically disclosed, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the claims. Note that the information processing system 1 described in the present embodiment is merely an example, and it goes without saying that there are various system configuration examples according to applications and purposes.

  The print data generation / storage unit 50 is an example of a print data generation unit described in the claims. The protrusion judging unit 56 is an example of a protrusion judging unit. The UI unit 52 is an example of a display control unit. The minimum paper size determination unit 60 is an example of a minimum paper size determination unit. The protruding detection dedicated paper generation unit 54 is an example of a maximum paper generation unit.

  The document file to be printed is an example of data to be printed. Virtual print data using the initially set paper size is an example of first print data. Virtual print data using the paper size of the protruding detection dedicated paper is an example of the second print data.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Information processing system 10 Information processing apparatus 12 Image forming apparatus 14 Network 20 Application 22 Document file storage part 24 GDI (Graphics Device Interface)
26 Minimum paper size detection printer driver 28 Setting information file storage unit 30 Print data storage unit 32 Paper data storage unit 34 Real printer driver 50 Print data generation / storage unit 52 UI (User Interface) unit 54 Extrusion detection dedicated paper generation unit 56 Extrusion Judgment unit 58 Setting information storage unit 60 Minimum paper size judgment unit 1000 Print setting screen 1100, 1200, 1300 Dialog message screen 1500a, 1500b Print image 1510 Extrusion detection dedicated paper 1520 Minimum rectangle 1530 Standard paper size

JP 2008-40933 A

Claims (7)

An information processing apparatus for transmitting print data to an image forming apparatus,
Print that generates, from print target data, first print data using the initially set paper size and second print data using the maximum paper size that can be used by the printer driver of the image forming apparatus. Data generation means;
Comparing the image of the first print data and the image of the second print data, and if there is a difference between the image of the first print data and the image of the second print data, the first print data Judging that the image protrudes from the initially set paper size,
Display control means for displaying the result of the determination by the protruding determination means on a display device,
Information processing device having If the protruding determination unit determines that the image of the first print data is protruding from the initially set paper size, the plurality of paper sizes that can be used by the printer driver of the image forming apparatus are used. A minimum paper size determination unit that determines a minimum paper size that can be printed without protruding the image of the second print data,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit displays a result of the determination by the minimum sheet size determining unit on the display device. Maximum paper generation for generating a user-defined paper size that maximizes at least one of a paper width and a paper length usable by a printer driver of the image forming apparatus as a maximum paper size usable by a printer driver of the image forming apparatus. means,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the protruding determination unit compares an image of the first print data and an image of the second print data generated without a character string. 5. Information processing device. When comparing the image of the first print data and the image of the second print data, the protruding determination unit enlarges or reduces the image of the first print data or the image of the second print data. By doing so, when there is no difference between the image of the first print data and the image of the second print data, the image of the first print data does not protrude from the initially set paper size. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the information processing apparatus determines: An overflow determination method executed in an information processing apparatus that transmits print data to an image forming apparatus,
Print that generates, from print target data, first print data using the initially set paper size and second print data using the maximum paper size that can be used by the printer driver of the image forming apparatus. A data generation step;
Comparing the image of the first print data and the image of the second print data, and if there is a difference between the image of the first print data and the image of the second print data, the first print data It is determined that the image protrudes from the first set paper size, a protruding determination step,
A display control step of displaying a result of the determination by the protruding determination unit on a display device,
A method for judging protrusion. An information processing apparatus for transmitting print data to the image forming apparatus,
Print that generates, from print target data, first print data using the initially set paper size and second print data using the maximum paper size that can be used by the printer driver of the image forming apparatus. Data generation means,
Comparing the image of the first print data and the image of the second print data, and if there is a difference between the image of the first print data and the image of the second print data, the first print data Judging that the image protrudes from the first set paper size,
Display control means for displaying the result of the judgment by the protruding judgment means on a display device,
Program to function as

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