JP2024001698A - Program, information processing apparatus, and image forming system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To properly change the width of a margin in a medium without setting spacing and the width of a line feed in print data and without enlarging or reducing an image.

SOLUTION: A program causes an information processing apparatus to execute the steps of: setting a medium size; when performing printing on a medium based on print data, analyzing the width of a margin formed in a direction perpendicular to a predetermined edge of the medium; and when it is analyzed that, based on an adjustment item for adjusting the width of a margin, a first width of a margin formed in a direction perpendicular to a first edge of the medium and a second width of a margin formed in a direction perpendicular to a second edge are different from each other, forming, on a display 22, a setting screen for changing the first and second margin widths. The width of the margin in the medium is properly changed, and thereby printing can be performed with appropriate sheet settings.

SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

COPYRIGHT: (C)2024,JPO&INPIT

Description

The present invention relates to a program, an information processing device, and an image forming system.

Conventionally, in image forming apparatuses such as printers, copiers, facsimile machines, and multifunction devices, for example, when print data is sent from a host computer as an information processing apparatus, an image is printed on paper as a medium based on the print data. is formed and printing is performed.

By the way, the host computer adjusts the paper size by setting the line spacing, line feed width, etc. of the print data, and by enlarging or reducing the image so that the aspect ratio of the printing range on the paper becomes an appropriate value. The width of the margin formed outside the upper printing range, that is, the margin width can be changed (for example, see Patent Document 1).

JP2016-87932A

However, in the conventional host computer, it may not be possible to change the margin width appropriately.

The present invention solves the problems of the conventional host computer, and appropriately changes the margin width of the medium without setting the line spacing, line feed width, etc. of print data, or enlarging or reducing the image. The purpose of the present invention is to provide a program, an information processing device, and an image forming system that can perform the following steps.

To this end, the program of the present invention causes the information processing device to execute a function for printing in the image forming device.

and a step of setting a medium size of a medium used for printing, and when printing is performed on a medium of the set medium size based on the print data, a predetermined edge of the medium is a step of analyzing a margin width formed in the vertical direction; and an adjustment item for adjusting the margin width selected by operating an operation unit of the information processing device in the margin width analysis. a first margin width formed in a direction perpendicular to a first edge of the medium, and a second margin width formed in a direction perpendicular to a second edge of the medium opposite the first edge; If it is analyzed that the first and second margin widths are different from each other, the information processing apparatus is caused to execute a step of forming a setting screen on a display unit for changing the first and second margin widths.

According to the present invention, the program causes the information processing device to execute a function for printing in the image forming device.

and a step of setting a medium size of a medium used for printing, and when printing is performed on a medium of the set medium size based on the print data, a predetermined edge of the medium is a step of analyzing a margin width formed in the vertical direction; and an adjustment item for adjusting the margin width selected by operating an operation unit of the information processing device in the margin width analysis. a first margin width formed in a direction perpendicular to a first edge of the medium, and a second margin width formed in a direction perpendicular to a second edge of the medium opposite the first edge; If it is analyzed that the first and second margin widths are different from each other, the information processing apparatus is caused to execute a step of forming a setting screen on a display unit for changing the first and second margin widths.

In this case, in the analysis of the margin width formed in the direction perpendicular to the predetermined edge of the medium, if it is determined that the first margin width and the second margin width are different, A setting screen for changing the margin width of the media is formed on the display, so you can adjust the margin width of the media appropriately without setting the line spacing, line feed width, etc. of print data, or enlarging or reducing the image. You can then print using the appropriate paper settings.

Therefore, not only can image quality be improved, but also unnecessary consumption of media can be prevented.

FIG. 3 is a control block diagram of a host computer according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing a printing system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a paper setting screen formed on the display unit in the first embodiment of the present invention. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the printing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram of paper, print range, and image range in the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a recommended value display screen when adjusting paper size in the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a recommended value display screen when adjusting the print position in the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the position of an image before and after adjusting the paper size and changing the margin width in the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the position of an image before and after adjusting the printing position and changing the margin width in the first embodiment of the present invention. It is a 1st flowchart which shows the operation|movement of the printing system in the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. 12 is a second flowchart showing the operation of the printing system according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram of paper, print range, and image range in the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram of a sheet of paper, a print range, and an image range when an image is rotated in the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a recommended value display screen when adjusting the paper size by rotating an image in the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of an image formed on a sheet of paper when the image is not rotated in the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of an image formed on a sheet of paper when the image is rotated according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In this case, a program, a host computer as an information processing device and a host device, a printer as an image forming device, and a printing system as an image forming system will be described.

FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram showing a printing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

In the figure, Sy is a printing system, and the printing system Sy includes a host computer PC, a printer 10, and a wired or wireless network Nt that connects the host computer PC and the printer 10.

Next, the host computer PC will be explained.

FIG. 1 is a control block diagram of a host computer in a first embodiment of the present invention.

The host computer PC includes an application 16 for the operator of the printer 10 to create files such as documents and images, and various data and information, such as a hard disk in which print settings and print data are recorded in this embodiment. a memory 17 as a storage unit consisting of; a printer driver 18 consisting of a program that causes the host computer PC to execute various functions for printing on the printer 10; an operation unit 21 consisting of a keyboard, mouse, etc. (not shown), a display (not shown), etc. It is equipped with a display unit 22 and the like for the operator to recognize the GUI (graphical operator interface).

The printer driver 18 consists of processing units such as a setting processing unit Pr1, an input processing unit Pr2, a screen display processing unit Pr3, a print data creation processing unit Pr4, and a print data transmission processing unit Pr5. It includes a print data generation processing section Pr11, a margin width estimation processing section Pr12 as a margin width analysis processing section, a recommended information analysis processing section Pr13, and the like.

The setting processing unit Pr1 performs a setting process, and adjusts the items displayed on the print setting screen (not shown) formed on the display unit 22 as a first setting screen based on the operation of the operating unit 21 by the operator. The operator can perform general print settings and use the operation section 21 to perform general print settings and to perform operations on the items displayed on the paper setting screen ds1 (FIG. 3), which will be described later as a medium setting screen and a second setting screen. Based on the operation, paper settings such as setting the paper size of the paper P as a medium used for printing and setting the printing position on the paper P are performed. Note that the setting processing unit Pr1 sets the paper size in the step of causing the host computer PC to execute a function for printing in the printer 10.

The input processing unit Pr2 performs input processing and inputs various data to the host computer PC based on the operation of the operation unit 21 by the operator.

The screen display processing unit Pr3 performs screen display processing, forms the print setting screen on the display unit 22, displays the setting contents of the general print settings on the print setting screen, and displays the paper setting screen ds1. The paper settings are displayed on the paper setting screen ds1, and the recommended value display screens ds2 (FIG. 6) and ds3 (FIG. 7), which will be described later as third and fourth setting screens, are formed to display the recommended values. Setting values recommended to the operator are displayed on the screens ds2 and ds3.

The print data creation processing unit Pr4 performs print data creation processing and creates print data to be sent to the printer 10.

The print data generation processing unit Pr11 performs print data generation processing and generates print data based on the print settings made by the setting processing unit Pr1.

The margin width estimation processing unit Pr12 performs a margin width estimation process as a margin width analysis process, forms an image on the paper P based on the print data, the paper size, print position, etc. set in the paper settings, and prints. The margin width representing the amount of margin outside the printing range formed on the paper P when performing the above is analyzed and estimated.

The recommended information analysis processing unit Pr13 performs a recommended information analysis process and calculates a recommended value for changing the margin width, which represents the analysis result (estimation result) of the margin width.

The print data transmission processing unit Pr5 performs print data transmission processing, transmits print data to the printer 10, and instructs the printer 10 to print.

The memory 17 includes a setting value storage section Me1 as a first storage area in which print settings, paper settings, etc. performed by the setting processing section Pr1 are recorded, and print data created by the print data creation processing section Pr4. It includes a print data storage section Me2 and the like as a second storage area for recorded data.

By the way, if the margin width cannot be changed appropriately depending on the type of paper P, for example, the paper size as the medium size, the position of the image on the paper P will be biased, and not only will the image quality deteriorate, but the paper P will It gets wasted needlessly.

In addition, when using a long roll paper as the paper P and cutting the roll paper at an arbitrary point to form an image, the paper P specified by the operator will be used continuously. , the image quality becomes even lower, and the paper P becomes more needlessly consumed.

Therefore, in this embodiment, the margin width is analyzed and estimated based on the settings of the paper P and print data, and the estimated margin width can be changed.

Next, an example of the paper setting screen ds1 formed on the display section 22 will be described.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a paper setting screen formed on the display unit in the first embodiment of the present invention.

In the figure, ds1 is a paper setting screen, and on this paper setting screen ds1, the operator, for example, in the application 16, specifies a print menu for a predetermined document to be printed and selects the properties of the printer driver 18. Then, a print dialog is displayed on the display unit 22 by the screen display processing unit Pr3.

The paper setting screen ds1 includes a preview display section Ar1 that simply displays the setting status of the paper settings, a paper size that indicates the dimensions of the paper P used for printing, and a print position correction for adjusting the print start position. A paper/print position setting display section Ar2 in which values are displayed, an option as to whether to enable the paper setting estimation mode, and an estimation process setting section Ar3 in which adjustment items to be described later are displayed, etc. are formed. An OK button bt1 as an operating element for saving the settings on the paper setting screen ds1 and a cancel button bt2 as an operating element for canceling the settings on the paper setting screen ds1 are displayed.

In the paper size field of the paper/print position setting display section Ar2, paper sizes such as A column system and B column system specified by Japanese Industrial Standards are displayed in the list box Bx1 in a pull-down manner. The paper length and paper width of the paper size are displayed. In addition, in the print position correction value column of the paper/print position setting display section Ar2, the correction value of the print position, which is the starting position of printing on paper P of the selected paper size, is displayed in x and y coordinates. . Then, an image of the paper P and print range q1 is displayed in the preview display section Ar1, and the paper length, paper width, x-coordinate, and y-coordinate are displayed with arrows.

The estimation processing setting section Ar3 includes a check box Bx2 for the operator to check when enabling the paper setting estimation mode, and a check box Bx2 for the operator to select the paper size as the first adjustment item. A radio button Rb1 and a radio button Rb2 for the operator to select the print position as the second adjustment item are displayed.

Next, the operation of the printing system Sy will be explained.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the printing system in the first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram of paper, print range, and image range in the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 6 is a diagram of the present invention Figure 7 shows an example of a recommended value display screen when adjusting the paper size in the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example, and FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the position of an image before and after adjusting the paper size and changing the margin width in the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the position of an image before and after adjusting the print position and changing the margin width in the embodiment. 8 and 9, (a) is a diagram showing the position of the image before changing the margin width, and (b) is a diagram showing the position of the image after changing the margin width.

In FIG. 5, P is paper, Feg is the leading edge of paper P, Reg is trailing edge of paper P, q1 is the print range, q2 is the image range that is the range of the image formed within the print range q1, and Um is A predetermined edge of paper P, in this embodiment, a first margin width that is the width of a margin formed between the leading edge Feg and the printing range q1 in a direction perpendicular to the leading edge Feg. The upper margin width, Lm, is the lower margin width as the second margin width, which is the width of the margin formed between the trailing edge Reg of the paper P and the print range q1 in the direction perpendicular to the trailing edge Reg. be. Note that the leading edge Feg constitutes the first edge of the paper P, and the trailing edge Reg constitutes the second edge of the paper P.

When the operator operates the operation unit 21 (FIG. 1) and instructs the printer 10 (FIG. 2) to print, the print data generation processing unit Pr11 reads the print settings and paper settings from the setting value storage unit Me1, and stores the print settings. Print data is generated based on the information and paper settings (step S1), and is recorded in the print data storage section Me2 of the memory 17. At this point, print data is generated based on the print settings set by the operator on the print settings screen and the paper settings set by the operator on the paper settings screen ds1 (FIG. 3).

Next, the margin width estimation processing section Pr12 determines whether the paper setting estimation mode is enabled, depending on whether a check mark is placed in the check box Bx2 in the estimation processing setting section Ar3 of the paper setting screen ds1. (Step S2).

If the check box Bx2 in the estimation processing setting unit Ar3 has a check mark and the paper setting estimation mode is enabled, the margin width estimation processing unit Pr12 performs the margin width estimation processing (step S3) and stores the memory. The upper margin width Um formed when reading the print data from the print data storage unit Me2 of No. 17 and printing by forming an image on the paper P based on the print data and print settings is set as the upper estimated margin width. The margin width Lm is analyzed and estimated as the estimated lower margin width.

If the check box Bx2 is not checked in the estimation processing setting section Ar3 and the estimation mode of the paper setting is not enabled, the print data transmission processing section Pr5 reads the print data from the print data storage section Me2, The print data is sent to the printer 10, and printing is instructed (step S11).

Then, the recommended information analysis processing unit Pr13 determines whether there is an extra margin based on the upper and lower margin widths analyzed and estimated by the margin width estimation processing unit Pr12 and the upper margin width Um. The determination is made based on whether or not the lower margin width Lm is different from the lower margin width Lm (step S4). If the upper margin width Um and the lower margin width Lm are different, for example, if the estimated lower margin width is more than twice the estimated upper margin width (200 [%] when expressed as a percentage), the recommended information analysis process is performed. It is determined that part Pr13 has an extra margin.

If there is an extra margin, the recommended information analysis processing unit Pr13 performs estimation processing on the paper setting screen ds1 in order to change the estimated upper margin width and the estimated lower margin width to equalize the upper margin width Um and the lower margin width Lm. Depending on whether the radio button Rb1 is clicked in the setting section Ar3, it is determined whether the paper size is to be adjusted (step S5).

When the radio button Rb1 is clicked in the estimation processing setting part Ar3 of the paper setting screen ds1 and the paper size is to be adjusted, the recommended information analysis processing part Pr13 reads the estimated upper margin width and the lower estimated margin width, and also The paper length set in the print position setting display section Ar2 is read, and the paper length necessary to equalize the upper margin width Um and the lower margin width Lm is calculated as a recommended value of the paper length (step S6). In this case, when the ratio (percentage) of the lower margin width Lm to the upper margin width Um is a predetermined value, in this embodiment, 200 [%] or more, the upper margin width Um and the lower margin width Lm are The paper is arranged so that the difference is a predetermined length, in this embodiment, 0 [mm] or more and 20 [mm] or less, preferably 0 [mm] or more and 1 [mm] or less. The recommended length is calculated.

Therefore, in this embodiment, the upper margin width Um and the lower margin width Lm can be made substantially equal, so that image quality can be improved. Further, even if the upper margin width Um and the lower margin width Lm cannot be made almost equal, the image quality can be improved because the difference between the upper margin width Um and the lower margin width Lm is reduced.

On the other hand, if the radio button Rb2 is clicked in the estimation processing setting part Ar3 of the paper setting screen ds1 and the print position is to be adjusted, the recommended information analysis processing part Pr13 reads the estimated upper margin width and the lower estimated margin width, and , reads the print position set in the paper/print position setting display area Ar2, and calculates the print position necessary to equalize the upper margin width Um and the lower margin width Lm as a recommended value of the print position (step S7). .

Next, when making the upper margin width Um and the lower margin width Lm equal by adjusting the paper size, the screen display processing unit Pr3 displays a recommended value display screen ds2 as shown in FIG. 6 on the display unit 22. If the upper margin width Um and the lower margin width Lm are made equal by forming a pop-up and adjusting the print position, a recommended value display screen ds3 as shown in FIG. 7 is formed in a pop-up on the display unit 22 ( Step S8).

That is, on the recommended value display screen ds2, the image display processing unit Pr3 displays the estimated upper margin width and the estimated lower margin width in the margin width display area Ar4, and displays the message "Top and bottom margins will be equal" in the recommended information display area Ar5. Do you want to change the " Paper Size " like so? " message m1 prompting the operator to change the paper setting of the paper size, as well as the paper length Ls1 before the change and the paper length Le1 after the change which is the recommended value, and the recommended value display screen ds2. An OK button bt3 is displayed as an operation element for saving changes in paper settings in , and a cancel button bt4 is displayed as an operation element for canceling changes in paper settings in recommended value display screen ds2.

In addition, on the recommended value display screen ds3, the screen display processing unit Pr3 displays the estimated upper margin width and the estimated lower margin width in the margin width display area Ar6, and displays the message ``The upper and lower margins will be equal. Do you want to change the " print position " like so? ” etc., which prompts the operator to change the paper settings of the print position, as well as displaying the Y coordinate Ys of the print position before the change, and the Y coordinate Ye of the print position after the change, which is a recommended value. , an OK button bt5 as an operating element for saving changes in paper settings on the recommended value display screen ds3, and a cancel button bt6 as an operating element for canceling changes in paper settings on the recommended value display screen ds3.

Next, the print data generation processing unit Pr11 determines whether the operator pressed the OK button bt3 on the recommended value display screen ds2 and the OK button bt5 on the recommended value display screen ds3 to change the paper settings ( Step S9).

When the operator changes the paper settings, the print data generation processing unit Pr11 generates the recommended paper length and print position values calculated by the recommended information analysis processing unit Pr13 based on the changed paper settings. The print data transmission processing unit Pr5 transmits the print data to the printer 10 and instructs printing (Step S11).

Note that when the screen display processing unit Pr3 adjusts the paper size, an image as shown in FIG. 8(b) is formed on the paper P in the printer 10, and the screen display processing unit Pr3 adjusts the printing position. In this case, in the printer 10, an image as shown in FIG. 9(b) is formed on the paper P.

Furthermore, if the operator does not change the paper settings, the print data transmission processing unit Pr5 transmits the print data before the change to the printer 10 and instructs printing (step S11).

Furthermore, for example, if the estimated lower margin width is less than twice the estimated upper margin width and it is determined that there is no extra margin, the print data transmission processing unit Pr5 transmits the unchanged print data to the printer 10. and instructs printing (step S11). Therefore, in this embodiment, when printing is performed over a plurality of pages, it is possible to give a sense of unity to the images formed on each page.

Next, the flowchart will be explained.
Step S1: The print data generation processing unit Pr11 generates print data based on the print settings and paper settings.
Step S2: The margin width estimation processing unit Pr12 determines whether the paper setting estimation mode is enabled. If the paper setting estimation mode is enabled, the process advances to step S3; if the paper setting estimation mode is not enabled, the process advances to step S11.
Step S3: The margin width estimation processing unit Pr12 performs margin width estimation processing.
Step S4: The recommended information analysis processing unit Pr13 determines whether there is any extra margin. If there is an extra margin, the process advances to step S5; if there is no extra margin, the process advances to step S11.
Step S5: The recommended information analysis processing unit Pr13 determines whether or not to adjust the paper size. If the paper size is to be adjusted, the process proceeds to step S6; if the paper size is not to be adjusted, the process proceeds to step S7.
Step S6: The recommended information analysis processing unit Pr13 calculates the recommended value of the paper length.
Step S7: The recommended information analysis processing unit Pr13 calculates a recommended value for the print position.
Step S8: The screen display processing unit Pr3 forms recommended value display screens ds2 and ds3 on the display unit 22 as pop-ups.
Step S9: The print data generation processing unit Pr11 determines whether the operator has changed the paper settings. If the operator has changed the paper settings, the process advances to step S10, and if the operator has not changed the paper settings, the process advances to step S11.
Step S10: The print data generation processing unit Pr11 generates print data.
Step S11: The print data transmission processing section Pr5 transmits the print data to the printer 10, instructs printing, and ends the process.

As described above, in this embodiment, an image is formed on the paper P based on the print data and the paper size, print position, etc. set in the paper settings, and the image is formed on the paper P when printing is performed. To change the upper margin width Um and the lower margin width Lm when the margin width of the margin outside the printing range is analyzed and it is estimated that the upper margin width Um and the lower margin width Lm are different. Since the recommended value display screen ds2 is formed on the display unit 22, the margin width of the paper P can be changed appropriately without setting the line spacing, line feed width, etc. of the print data, or enlarging or reducing the image. , you can print with appropriate paper settings.

By the way, in this embodiment, the upper margin width Um and the lower margin width Lm are changed when the upper margin width Um and the lower margin width Lm are different, but depending on the type of paper P used, If the side margin width, which is the width of the margin formed between the left and right side edges of the paper P and the print range q1, is large, the image quality may deteriorate or the paper P may be wasted unnecessarily. .

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described in which the margin width can be changed by rotating the image. Components having the same structure as those in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and the effects of the first embodiment are referred to for the effects of the invention due to having the same structure.

FIG. 10 is a first flowchart showing the operation of the printing system according to the second embodiment of the invention, FIG. 11 is a second flowchart showing the operation of the printing system according to the second embodiment of the invention, and FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram of the paper, print range, and image range in the second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram of the paper, print range, and image range when the image is rotated in the second embodiment of the present invention. Conceptual diagram; FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a recommended value display screen when adjusting the paper size by rotating an image in the second embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 15 is a diagram of the second embodiment of the present invention FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of an image formed on paper when the image in the second embodiment of the present invention is not rotated, and FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of an image formed on paper when the image is rotated in the second embodiment of the present invention. It is.

In the figure, P is paper as a medium, Feg is the leading edge of paper P, Reg is the trailing edge of paper P, Seg1 is the left edge as the first side edge of paper P, and Seg2 is the second side of paper P. The right edge is the edge, q1 and q11 are the print ranges, q2 and q12 are the image ranges that are the range of images formed within the print ranges q1 and q11, Um is the top margin width as the first margin width, and Lm is The bottom margin width as the second margin width, Sm1, is the left side margin width as the first side margin width, which represents the margin width between the left edge Seg1 and the printing area q1, and Sm2 is the left side margin width, Sm2 is the margin width between the left edge Seg1 and the printing area q1. The right side margin width is the second side margin width representing the margin width between the printing area q1, Ume is the upper margin width when the image is rotated by 90[°], and Lme is the upper margin width when the image is rotated by 90[°]. This is the bottom margin width when rotated.

When the operator operates the operation unit 21 and instructs the printer 10 to print, the print data generation processing unit Pr11 retrieves print settings and paper from the setting value storage unit Me1 as a first storage area of the memory 17 as a storage unit. The settings are read, print data is generated based on the print settings and paper settings (step S21), and is recorded in the print data storage section Me2 as the second storage area of the memory 17.

Next, the margin width estimation processing section Pr12 as the margin width analysis processing section determines whether or not there is a check mark in the checkbox Bx2 in the estimation processing setting section Ar3 of the paper setting screen ds1 (FIG. 3) as the medium setting screen. , it is determined whether the paper setting estimation mode is enabled (step S22).

If the check box Bx2 in the estimation processing setting section Ar3 has a check mark and the paper setting estimation mode is enabled, the margin width estimation processing section Pr12 performs the margin width estimation processing (step S23) and prints. The upper margin width Um formed when printing is performed by reading the print data from the data storage unit Me2 and forming an image on the paper P based on the print data and print settings is set as the upper estimated margin width, and the lower margin is The width Lm is analyzed and estimated as the estimated lower margin width.

If the check box Bx2 is not checked in the estimation processing setting section Ar3 and the estimation mode of the paper setting is not enabled, the print data transmission processing section Pr5 reads the print data from the print data storage section Me2, The print data is sent to the printer 10, and printing is instructed (step S32).

Then, the recommended information analysis processing unit Pr13 determines whether there is an extra margin based on the upper and lower estimated margin widths analyzed and estimated by the margin width estimation processing unit Pr12 (step S24). .

If there is an extra margin, the recommended information analysis processing unit Pr13 performs estimation processing on the paper setting screen ds1 in order to change the estimated upper margin width and the estimated lower margin width to equalize the upper margin width Um and the lower margin width Lm. Depending on whether the radio button Rb1 is clicked in the setting section Ar3, it is determined whether the paper size is to be adjusted (step S25).

When the radio button Rb1 is clicked in the estimation processing setting part Ar3 of the paper setting screen ds1 and the paper size is to be adjusted, the recommended information analysis processing part Pr13 reads the estimated upper margin width and the lower estimated margin width, and also The paper length set in the print position setting display section Ar2 is read, and the paper length required to equalize the upper margin width Um and the lower margin width Lm is calculated as a recommended value of the paper length (step S26).

When the radio button Rb2 is clicked in the estimation processing setting part Ar3 of the paper setting screen ds1 and the print position is to be adjusted, the recommended information analysis processing part Pr13 reads the upper estimated margin value and the lower estimated margin value, and also The print position set in the print position setting display section Ar2 is read, and the print position necessary to equalize the upper margin width Um and the lower margin width Lm is calculated as a recommended value of the print position (step S27).

Next, the recommended information analysis processing unit Pr13 converts the image to a predetermined angle of 1 [°] or more and 359 [°] or less based on the left side margin width Sm1 and the right side margin width Sm2. In this step, it is determined whether or not the rotation can be performed by 90 degrees (step S28).

In a case where the image cannot be rotated by 90 degrees, the screen display processing unit Pr3 displays the image shown in FIG. If a pop-up recommended value display screen ds2 as shown in FIG. A recommended value display screen ds3 like this is formed as a pop-up (step S29).

Next, the print data generation processing unit Pr11 determines whether the operator pressed the OK button bt3 on the recommended value display screen ds2 and the OK button bt5 on the recommended value display screen ds3 to change the paper settings ( Step S30).

When the operator changes the paper settings, the print data generation processing unit Pr11 generates print data based on the changed paper settings, that is, the recommended value of the paper length, the recommended value of the print position, etc. Step S31), the print data transmission processing unit Pr5 transmits the print data to the printer 10 and instructs printing (Step S32). At this time, in the printer 10, an image as shown in FIG. 15 is formed on the paper P.

Further, if the operator does not change the paper settings, the print data transmission processing unit Pr5 transmits the print data before the change to the printer 10 and instructs printing (step S32).

On the other hand, if the image can be rotated by 90 degrees, the print data generation processing unit Pr11 generates print data in which the image is rotated by 90 degrees (step S33).

Then, the margin width estimation processing unit Pr12 performs a margin width estimation process (step S34), reads the print data from the print data storage unit Me2, forms an image on the paper P based on the print data and print settings, and prints it. The upper margin width Ume that is formed when the above calculation is performed is analyzed and estimated as the upper estimated margin width, and the lower margin width Lme is determined as the lower estimated margin width.

Subsequently, the recommended information analysis processing unit Pr13 determines whether there is an extra margin based on the estimated upper margin width and the estimated lower margin width estimated by the margin width estimation processing unit Pr12 (step S35).

If there is an extra margin, the recommended information analysis processing unit Pr13 performs estimation processing on the paper setting screen ds1 in order to equalize the upper margin width Ume and the lower margin width Lme by changing the estimated upper margin width and the lower estimated margin width. Depending on whether the radio button Rb1 is clicked in the setting section Ar3, it is determined whether the paper size is to be adjusted (step S36).

When the radio button Rb1 is clicked in the estimation processing setting part Ar3 of the paper setting screen ds1 and the paper size is to be adjusted, the recommended information analysis processing part Pr13 reads the estimated upper margin width and the lower estimated margin width, and also The paper length set in the print position setting display section Ar2 is read, and the paper length required to equalize the upper margin width Ume and the lower margin width Lme is calculated as a recommended paper length value (step S37). If there is no extra margin, the screen display processing unit Pr3 displays on the display unit 22 the recommended value of the paper length and the recommended value of the print position, which were calculated before the print data with the rotated image was generated. A recommended value display screen ds3 is formed for (step S29).

On the other hand, if the radio button Rb2 is clicked in the estimation processing setting part Ar3 of the paper setting screen ds1 and the print position is to be adjusted, the recommended information analysis processing part Pr13 reads the upper estimated margin value and the lower estimated margin value, and The print position set in the paper/print position setting display section Ar2 is read, and the print position necessary to equalize the upper margin width Ume and the lower margin width Lme is calculated as a recommended value of the print position (step S38).

Next, when adjusting the paper size, the screen display processing unit Pr3 displays a recommended value display screen ds2 as shown in FIG. 6 on the display unit 22, and a fifth setting screen as shown in FIG. When the recommended value display screen ds4 is formed as a pop-up and the print position is adjusted, a recommended value display screen ds3 as shown in FIG. 7 is formed as a pop-up on the display section 22 (step S39).

That is, on the recommended value display screen ds4, the image display processing section Pr3 displays the estimated upper margin width and the estimated lower margin width in the margin value display section Ar8, and displays "The upper and lower margins are evenly spaced" in the recommended information display section Ar9. Would you like to change the " Paper Size " so that " message m3 prompting the operator to change the paper setting of the paper size, as well as the paper length Ls2 before the change and the paper length Le2 after the change which is the recommended value, as well as the recommended value display screen ds4. An OK button bt7 is displayed as an operation element for saving changes in paper settings in , and a cancel button bt8 is displayed as an operation element for canceling changes in paper settings in recommended value display screen ds4.

Subsequently, the print data generation processing unit Pr11 determines whether the operator has pressed the OK button bt7 on the recommended value display screen ds4 and changed the paper settings (step S30).

When the operator changes the paper settings, the print data generation processing unit Pr11 generates print data based on the changed paper settings, that is, based on the recommended value of the paper length (step S31), and performs print data transmission processing. The unit Pr5 transmits the print data to the printer 10 and instructs printing (step S32). At this time, in the printer 10, an image as shown in FIG. 16 is formed on the paper P.

Next, the flowchart will be explained.
Step S21 The print data generation unit Pr11 generates print data based on the print settings and paper settings.
Step S22: The margin width estimation processing unit Pr12 determines whether the paper setting estimation mode is enabled. If the paper setting estimation mode is enabled, the process advances to step S23, and if the paper setting estimation mode is not enabled, the process advances to step S32.
Step S23: The margin width estimation processing unit Pr12 performs margin width estimation processing.
Step S24: The recommended information analysis processing unit Pr13 determines whether there is any extra margin. If there is an extra margin, the process advances to step S25; if there is no extra margin, the process advances to step S32.
Step S25: The recommended information analysis processing unit Pr13 determines whether or not to adjust the paper size. If the paper size is to be adjusted, the process proceeds to step S26, and if the paper size is not to be adjusted, the process proceeds to step S27.
Step S26: The recommended information analysis processing unit Pr13 calculates a recommended value for the paper length.
Step S27: The recommended information analysis processing unit Pr13 calculates a recommended value for the print position.
Step S28: The recommended information analysis processing unit Pr13 determines whether the image can be rotated by 90 degrees. If the image can be rotated by 90 degrees, the process advances to step S33; if the image cannot be rotated by 90 degrees, the process advances to step S29.
Step S29: The screen display processing unit Pr3 forms recommended value display screens ds2 and ds3 on the display unit 22 as pop-ups.
Step S30: The print data generation processing unit Pr11 determines whether the operator has changed the paper settings. If the operator has changed the paper settings, the process advances to step S31; if the operator has not changed the paper settings, the process advances to step S32.
Step S31: The print data generation processing unit Pr11 generates print data.
Step S32: The print data transmission processing unit Pr5 transmits the print data to the printer 10, instructs printing, and ends the process.
Step S33: The print data generation processing unit Pr11 generates print data by rotating the image by 90 degrees.
Step S34: The margin width estimation processing unit Pr12 performs margin width estimation processing.
Step S35: The recommended information analysis processing unit Pr13 determines whether there is any extra margin. If there is an extra margin, the process advances to step S36; if there is no extra margin, the process advances to step S29.
Step S36: The recommended information analysis processing unit Pr13 determines whether to adjust the paper size. If the paper size is to be adjusted, the process advances to step S37; if the paper size is not to be adjusted, the process advances to step S38.
Step S37: The recommended information analysis processing unit Pr13 calculates the recommended value of the paper length.
Step S38: The recommended information analysis processing unit Pr13 calculates a recommended value for the print position.
Step S39 The screen display processing unit Pr3 forms recommended value display screens ds2 to ds4 as pop-ups on the display unit 22, and the process proceeds to step S30.

As described above, in this embodiment, when the image is rotated by a predetermined angle and printed, the recommended values for changing the upper margin width Ume and the lower margin width Lme are set when the image fits on the paper P. is calculated, the image quality can be improved even if the side margin width is large depending on the type of paper P used, and the paper P can be prevented from being wasted unnecessarily.

In each of the embodiments described above, the upper margin widths Um, Ume and the lower margin widths Lm, Lme are all analyzed and estimated, but the upper margin widths Um, Ume and the lower margin widths Lm, Lme On the other hand, for example, the lower margin widths Lm, Lme can be analyzed and estimated based on the sizes of the upper margin widths Um, Ume and the print ranges q1, q11, or the sizes of the lower margin widths Lm, Lme and the print ranges q1, q11 can be estimated. Based on this, the upper margin widths Um and Ume can be analyzed and estimated.

Further, in each of the embodiments described above, the print data is generated in the host computer PC, but the printer 10 may be used as an information processing device and an image forming device, and the print data may be generated in the printer 10. You can also do it.

Although the host computer PC has been described in each of the above embodiments, the present invention can be applied to image forming apparatuses such as printers, copying machines, facsimile machines, and multifunction peripherals.

It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made based on the spirit of the present invention, and these are not excluded from the scope of the present invention.

10 Printer 22 Display section Feg Front edge Le1 Paper length Lm Lower margin width P Paper PC Host computer Reg Trailing edge Um Upper margin width Ye Y coordinate

Claims (9)

A program that causes an information processing device to execute a function for printing in an image forming device, the program comprising:
(a) setting the media size of the media used for printing;
(b) analyzing a margin width formed in a direction perpendicular to a predetermined edge of the medium when printing is performed on a medium of the set medium size based on the print data; ,
(c) In the analysis of the margin width, the first edge of the medium is adjusted based on the adjustment item for adjusting the margin width, which is selected by operating the operation unit of the information processing device. A first margin width formed in a direction perpendicular to the first edge of the medium and a second margin width formed in a direction perpendicular to a second edge opposite to the first edge of the medium are analyzed. a program that causes the information processing apparatus to execute a step of forming a setting screen on a display unit for changing the first and second margin widths when the first and second margin widths are changed. If the ratio of the second margin width to the first margin width is analyzed to be greater than or equal to a predetermined value, the difference between the first margin width and the second margin width is equal to or less than a predetermined length. 2. The program according to claim 1, which causes the information processing device to execute the step of displaying the estimation results of the first and second margin widths on the display unit so that the results are as follows. When the print data is rotated by a predetermined angle and printed, it is analyzed whether the image fits on the medium of the set medium size, and if the image fits on the medium of the set medium size. 2. The program according to claim 1, which causes the information processing apparatus to execute the step of displaying the analysis results of the first and second margin widths on the display unit. 3. The program according to claim 2, wherein the predetermined length is 0 [mm] or more and 20 [mm] or less. 3. The program according to claim 2, wherein the predetermined length is greater than or equal to 0 [mm] and less than or equal to 1 [mm]. 3. The program according to claim 2, wherein the predetermined value is a value of 200 [%] or more. 4. The program according to claim 3, wherein the predetermined angle is greater than or equal to 1 [°] and less than or equal to 359 [°]. (a) a setting processing unit that sets the medium size of the medium used for printing;
(b) Margin width that analyzes the margin width that is formed in a direction perpendicular to a predetermined edge of the medium when printing is performed on a medium of the set medium size based on the print data. an analysis processing section;
(c) an operation unit that accepts selection of the medium size;
(d) In the margin width analysis, the margin width is adjusted in a direction perpendicular to the first edge of the medium based on an adjustment item for adjusting the margin width selected by operating the operation unit. When it is analyzed that the first margin width formed is different from the second margin width formed in a direction perpendicular to a second edge opposite to the first edge of the medium, An information processing apparatus comprising: a screen display processing section that forms a setting screen on a display section for changing the first and second margin widths. An image forming system comprising: the information processing apparatus according to claim 8; and an image forming apparatus that performs printing according to print data transmitted from the information processing apparatus.

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