JP4871149B2 - Printing program and image forming system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing program and an image forming system having a function of adding annotation character string data such as a header or a footer to print data.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, printer drivers having a function of adding annotation character string data such as a header or footer to print data when a print instruction by a user is received on an application such as word processing software are known.

  However, when printing using the above functions, the text (including images etc.) and the annotation character string may overlap, or multiple annotation character strings may overlap each other. There was a problem that the information of {circle around (2)} was lost {see FIG. 7B}. In addition, when the print magnification information input from the input means of the computer device indicates enlargement of the drawing target area, when printing using the above function, the text is enlarged and the annotation character string is also displayed. As a result, the annotation character string may be entirely or partially protruded from the effective print area, and the information of the annotation character string may be lost {see FIG. 8A}. The effective print area is an area within a dotted frame shown in FIG. 6 and is an area on the paper on which the printer can print.

  In view of the above problems, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-228561, before adding the annotation character string data to the body print data, the print data is printed so that the drawing area of the print data does not overlap the drawing area of the annotation character string data. A printer driver that reduces a data drawing area is disclosed. Hereinafter, the drawing range of print data is referred to as a main drawing region, and the drawing range of annotation character string data is referred to as a sub drawing region.

Patent Document 2 below discloses a format overlay control method for moving or reducing an annotation character string so that it does not overlap when the main drawing area and the sub-drawing area should not overlap each other.
JP 2002-73595 A JP 9-319855 A

  However, the invention of Patent Document 1 reduces the main drawing area so that the main drawing area does not overlap the sub-drawing area, so the print size of the text may be reduced to a size not intended by the user. Further, in Patent Document 1, a plurality of annotation character strings are overlapped with each other, or all or a part of the annotation character string protrudes outside the effective print area, thereby solving the problem that the information on the annotation character string is impaired. Can not. Furthermore, since it is determined whether or not to reduce the main drawing area for each page, the sense of unity of the text across all pages may be lost.

  In addition, since the invention of Patent Document 2 merely moves or reduces the annotation character string so that the main drawing region and the sub drawing region do not overlap each other, a plurality of annotation character strings overlap each other, or an annotation It is impossible to solve the problem that all or part of the character string protrudes outside the effective print area and the information of the annotation character string is lost. Also, by moving the annotation character string, multiple annotation character strings may overlap each other, or all or part of the annotation character string may protrude outside the effective print area and the information on the annotation character string may be damaged. is there. Furthermore, since it is determined whether or not the sub-drawing area is moved or reduced for each page, the sense of unity of the position and size of the annotation character string across all pages may be lost {see FIG. 13A}.

  In view of such problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a printing program and an image forming system capable of preventing the information on the text and the annotation character string from being damaged without reducing the print size of the text. It is to provide.

  A further object of the present invention is to provide a printing program and an image forming system capable of achieving the above-mentioned object and preventing the sense of unification of the position and size of annotation character strings over all pages. It is in.

In the printing program according to the first aspect of the present invention,
In a printing program for causing a processor of a computer device to add annotation character string data to print data stored in a temporary storage unit of the computer device,
Based on the print data of all the pages to be printed, the drawing area when all the pages are overlaid is calculated as the main drawing area, and the drawing area is calculated as the sub drawing area based on the annotation character string data. A first step to:
A second step of determining whether or not the main drawing area and the sub drawing area overlap each other and determining whether or not all or a part of the sub drawing area protrudes from the effective print area;
When at least one of the second step is affirmatively determined, the main drawing area and the sub drawing area are not overlapped, and the sub drawing area is entirely within the effective printing area. A third step of changing the annotation character string data to move, reduce or divide the annotation character string;
A fourth step of adding the modified annotation character string data to the print data;
Is executed by the processor.

  The print program includes a printer driver, a printer driver module (plug-in module), or a combination thereof. In the first to fourth steps for the processor, the printer driver alone or the printer driver module alone executes all the steps, and the plurality of printer driver modules execute the steps in a shared manner. Or, it includes a case where the printer driver and the printer driver module share and execute each step.

  The annotation character string data includes not only character information of the annotation character string but also position information and format information. Further, the annotation character string is not limited to a character string for explaining the significance of the text, but also includes a character string not related to the text. Furthermore, the computer apparatus includes a computer apparatus provided in the image forming apparatus.

In the printing program in the second aspect of the present invention,
In a printing program for causing a processor of a computer device to add annotation character string data to print data stored in a temporary storage unit of the computer device,
A first step of calculating the drawing area as a main drawing area based on the print data for one page and calculating the drawing area as a sub-drawing area based on the annotation character string data;
A second step of determining whether or not the main drawing area and the sub drawing area overlap each other and determining whether or not all or a part of the sub drawing area protrudes from the effective print area;
When at least one of the second step is affirmatively determined, the main drawing area and the sub drawing area are not overlapped, and the sub drawing area is entirely within the effective printing area. A third step of changing the annotation character string data to divide the annotation character string into two stages;
A fourth step of adding the modified annotation character string data to the print data;
Is executed by the processor.

In the printing program in the third aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect,
The two-stage division is performed so that the main drawing area and the sub drawing area do not overlap when at least one of the second steps is affirmed in the second step, and the sub drawing area is entirely within the effective print area. The annotation character string data is changed so that the annotation character string is moved so that the main drawing area overlaps with the sub drawing area even if the annotation is moved, or all or part of the sub drawing area Is carried out when it goes out of the effective print area.

In the printing program according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to third aspects,
There are a plurality of annotation strings,
In the second step, it is further determined whether or not the plurality of sub-drawing regions overlap each other, and when the determination is affirmative, in the third step, the annotation is made so that the plurality of sub-drawing regions do not overlap each other. Change the string data.

In the printing program according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to fourth aspects,
The annotation character string includes a character string input from input means of the computer device.

In the printing program according to the sixth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to fifth aspects,
In the second step, the main drawing area and the sub drawing area are calculated in consideration of print magnification information input from the input means of the computer device.

An image forming system according to a seventh aspect of the present invention includes:
A computer device comprising: temporary storage means for storing print data; annotation character string addition means for adding annotation character string data to the print data; and transmission means for transmitting the added annotation character string data;
An image forming apparatus coupled to the computer apparatus for printing the print data received from the computer apparatus;
An image forming system comprising:
The annotation character string adding means includes:
Based on the print data of all the pages to be printed, the drawing area when all the pages are overlaid is calculated as the main drawing area, and the drawing area is calculated as the sub drawing area based on the annotation character string data. And
Determining whether the main drawing area and the sub-drawing area overlap each other, and determining whether all or a part of the sub-drawing area protrudes outside the effective printing area;
When at least one of these determinations is affirmative, the annotation is made so that the main drawing area and the sub drawing area do not overlap with each other and the entire sub drawing area falls within the effective printing area. Change the character string data, move, reduce or split the annotation character string,
The changed annotation character string data is added to the print data.

An image forming system according to an eighth aspect of the present invention includes:
A computer device comprising: temporary storage means for storing print data; annotation character string addition means for adding annotation character string data to the print data; and transmission means for transmitting the added annotation character string data;
An image forming apparatus coupled to the computer apparatus for printing the print data received from the computer apparatus;
An image forming system comprising:
The annotation character string adding means includes:
Calculating the drawing area as a main drawing area based on the print data for one page, and calculating the drawing area as a sub-drawing area based on the annotation character string data;
Determining whether the main drawing area and the sub-drawing area overlap each other, and determining whether all or a part of the sub-drawing area protrudes outside the effective printing area;
When at least one of these determinations is affirmative, the annotation is made so that the main drawing area and the sub drawing area do not overlap with each other and the entire sub drawing area falls within the effective printing area. Change the string data and split the annotation string into two stages
The changed annotation character string data is added to the print data.

  According to the configuration of the first aspect, the drawing area (main drawing area) and the drawing area (sub-drawing area) of the annotation character string data when all pages are overprinted are not overlapped with each other, and the sub-drawing is performed. The printing program changes the annotation character string data to move, reduce, or divide the annotation character string so that the entire area falls within the effective print area. There is an effect that it is possible to prevent the information of the text and the annotation character string from being damaged without losing a sense of unity and without reducing the print size of the text.

  According to the configuration of the second aspect, the drawing area of the print data for one page (main drawing area) and the drawing area of the annotation character string data (sub drawing area) do not overlap each other, and the sub drawing area The printing program changes the annotation character string data and divides the annotation character string into two stages so that everything falls within the effective print area of the printing paper, so the text and annotation characters can be reduced without reducing the print size of the text. There is an effect that it is possible to prevent the information in the column from being damaged. It is an unprecedented idea to divide the annotation character string into two stages.

  According to the configuration of the fourth aspect, when there are a plurality of annotation character strings, the printing program changes the annotation character string data so that the plurality of sub-drawing areas do not overlap each other. Since step division or the like is performed, it is possible to prevent the information of the annotation character string from being damaged. In addition, when there are a plurality of annotation character strings or when an arbitrary character string input from the input unit is included in the annotation character string, there is a high possibility that the problem described in the background art column will occur. This problem can be solved by this configuration.

  According to the configuration of the sixth aspect, the printing program calculates the main drawing area and the sub drawing area in consideration of the printing magnification information. Therefore, the annotation character string is enlarged based on the printing magnification information, and the annotation character string It is possible to prevent all or part of the information from protruding outside the effective print area, thereby preventing the information on the annotation character string from being damaged.

  Other objects, configurations and effects of the present invention will become apparent from the following description.

  FIG. 9 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the image forming system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  This image forming system is constructed from a computer 1 such as a personal computer and a printer 2. The printer 2 is a PDL compatible printer, and employs a system in which print data converted into the PDL language by the printer driver 20 is expanded into bitmap data on the printer 2 side and printed.

  In the computer 1, a RAM 12, a ROM 13, an HDD 14, an interactive input device 15 such as a keyboard and a pointing device, a display device 16, and a communication port 17 such as a USB port and a parallel port are coupled to the CPU 10 via an interface 11. In FIG. 9, a plurality of interfaces are shown as one block for the sake of simplicity. The communication port 17 is coupled to the printer 2 via a cable or a wireless communication medium.

  The RAM 12 is for main memory. The ROM 13 stores a bootstrap and BIOS. The HDD 14 stores an operating system (OS), application programs, driver setting data including annotation character string data 18, and various device drivers including the printer driver 20 according to the present invention. The printer driver 20 includes a data control module 21 having a function of controlling print data, a data conversion module 22 having a function of converting a description language of print data into a language interpretable by the printer 2, and the present invention. An annotation character string layout change module 23 having a function of changing the layout of the annotation character string data 18 such as a header or a footer is provided. The application program includes an application program 24 having a function of printing a document, an image, or the like. For example, document creation software, spreadsheet software, image software, Web browser, and the like correspond to this.

  The printer driver 20 alone or the annotation character string layout change module 23 alone is normally recorded on a program recording medium readable by the computer 1, for example, a floppy disk ("floppy" is a registered trademark), a CD-ROM, or the like. It is read from this recording medium and installed in the HDD 14. Alternatively, it is recorded on a recording medium of another computer (server or the like) and installed via a communication line such as a LAN or the Internet.

  Hereinafter, when the application program 24 is activated, the annotation character string such as a header or footer is set, and the layout of the annotation character string data 18 is changed by using the annotation character string layout changing module 23. The flow of printing the contents displayed on the screen of the display device 16 on the sheet by the application program 24 will be described.

  When the user presses the print menu displayed on the menu bar on the application 24, a print dialog box 30 as shown in FIG. 2 is displayed. When the user selects a printer name to be used and presses the detailed setting button 31, a setting routine of the printer driver 20 is called, and a print setting dialog box 32 corresponding to the selected printer name as shown in FIG. Is displayed on the screen of the display device 16. Here, the print setting dialog box 32 is displayed by the application 24 via the printer driver 20, and each process related to this box is executed by the printer driver 20 with respect to the CPU 10. Next, when the header / footer print button 33 in the print setting dialog box 32 is pressed, a header / footer print dialog box 40 as shown in FIG. 4 is displayed.

  In the header / footer printing dialog box 40, whether or not to add a user name, computer name, page number, date, or user-specified annotation character string to the print data as a header or footer, and a position corresponding thereto are selected. You can select from boxes 41-45. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, from the selection boxes 41 to 45, “No”, “Upper left” 46, “Upper center” 47, “Upper right” 48, “Lower left” 49, “Lower center” 50, Alternatively, “lower right” 51 can be selected. These indicate the positions on the paper shown in FIG.

  Also, in this header / footer print dialog box 40, when adding the date annotation character string data 18 to the print data, whether or not to add the time character string after the annotation character string is indicated by a check box 52. You can choose. Furthermore, an arbitrary annotation character string can be added to the print data by inputting it into the input box 53. Furthermore, “font”, “size”, “style”, and “color” related to the annotation character string formatting can be selected from the selection boxes 54 to 57, respectively.

  In the first embodiment, “upper left” 46 is selected from the list of the selection box 42 corresponding to “print computer name” displayed in the header / footer print dialog box 40 and corresponds to “print date”. It is assumed that “lower left” 49 is selected from the list of the selection box 44, “lower right” 51 is selected from the selection box 45 corresponding to “print character string”, and an input box 53 corresponding to “print character string”. The e-mail address shall be entered. The other settings shown in FIG. 4 use default settings.

  When the OK button 58 shown in FIG. 4 is pressed after setting the header / footer as described above, the setting contents are confirmed in the driver setting data stored in the HDD 14 as the annotation character string data 18. The header / footer print dialog box 40 is closed, and at the same time, the print setting dialog box 32 shown in FIG. 3 is activated.

  When the OK button 60 in the print setting dialog box 32 is pressed, other print setting information in the driver setting data, such as paper information and layout information, is confirmed, and the dialog box 32 is closed. The print dialog box 30 shown becomes active.

  When the print button 61 in the print dialog box 30 is pressed, the annotation character string data 18 is added to the print data, and the contents of the data are formed on the paper.

  Here, the reason why the data added to the print data is not expressed as header or footer data but is expressed as annotation character string data 18 is that the annotation character string layout changing module 23 is used as an annotation character as a header or footer as described later. This is because a character string may be added at a position beyond the concept area of the header or footer in order to move the string.

  The flow from when the print button 61 is pressed until the content of the print data is formed on the paper will be described below using the functional block diagram shown in FIG. This functional block diagram shows only functional parts related to the present invention of the image forming system.

  When the application 24 accepts the pressing of the print button 61 by the user, the application 24 calls a function of the GDI 100 corresponding to the text data created by the application 24 and delivers the document data to the function (converts the document data into a GDI drawing command). ).

  The function of the GDI 100 converts a GDI drawing command into a drawing command (DDI command) that can be interpreted by the printer driver 20, and stores this as an EMF (Enhanced Meta File) file 101 in a spool area on the RAM 12 or the HDD 14.

  The print spooler 102 checks whether or not the printer 2 is ready for printing by background processing. When printing is possible, the contents of the EMF file 101 stored in the spool area are sent to the printer driver 20. Deliver sequentially.

  In response to this, the printer driver 20 calls the data control module 21 in the driver.

  In response to this, the data control module 21 passes the print data sequentially received from the print spooler 102 to the data conversion module 22 and determines whether the command statement of the data is a page break. If an affirmative determination is made, the driver setting data is read out to further determine whether or not the comment character string data 18 is present in the data. Before passing, the annotation character string layout change module 23 is called.

  In response to this, the annotation character string layout change module 23 interprets the EMF file 101, changes the layout of the annotation character string data 18 under a predetermined condition as will be described later, and uses the data as a data control module. Pass to 21.

  In response to this, the data control module 21 passes the annotation character string data 18 to the data conversion module 22 in the same manner as when the print data is received, and then passes the page break command data. As a result, the annotation character string data 18 is added to the print data before the page break command. Thereafter, the same processing as described above is repeated for the print data of the remaining pages sequentially received from the print spooler 102.

  Here, for example, when the print result based only on the print data of the text is as shown in FIG. 7A, if the annotation character string data 18 is printed without being changed, the print result as shown in FIG. Thus, the print data drawing area (main drawing area) and the annotation character string data 18 drawing area (sub drawing area) overlap each other, and a plurality of sub drawing areas overlap each other. Reference numerals 42a, 44a, and 45a shown in FIGS. 7B and 7C indicate annotation character strings of a computer name, date, and mail address, respectively.

  Further, when the print magnification information input from the interactive input device 15 indicates enlargement of the drawing target area, if the annotation character string data 18 is printed without being changed, as shown in FIG. As a result of printing, all or part of the sub-drawing area protrudes outside the effective printing area 62. It should be noted that 'st-comp', which is a part of the computer name 42a in FIG. 8 (A), and all of the date 44a 'date: October 6, 2006' and all of the mail address 45a 'XXXXX'. ○○ @ co. jp 'is not actually printed, but is shown for explanation.

  In order to solve the above problem, the annotation character string layout changing module 23, which is the main part of the present invention, does not overlap the main drawing area and the sub drawing area of the print data for one page included in the EMF file 101. As described above, the annotation character string data 18 is such that the drawing areas of the plurality of annotation character string data 18 do not overlap each other and that the entire drawing area of the annotation character string data 18 falls within the effective print area 62 of the printing paper. The annotation character string is moved or reduced by changing the position coordinates or font size indicated by.

  The data conversion module 22 converts the data received from the data control module 21 into a PDL language that can be interpreted by the printer 2, and passes it to the print spooler 102 as RAW data.

  The print spooler 102 transmits the RAW data to the printer 2 via the interface 11 and the communication port 17.

  The printer 2 interprets the RAW data sequentially received from the print spooler 102, and develops and synthesizes the print data of each layer (including the annotation character string layer) for one page into bitmap data. Thereafter, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum of the print engine based on the combined data, developed with toner, transferred to a sheet, fixed, and discharged.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing processing performed by the CPU 10 in accordance with the annotation character string layout change module 23. In the following, the step identification codes in FIG. 5 are shown in parentheses.

  (S1) One page before the page break command including drawing information such as character and image position information and format information, and print setting information such as paper size information, print magnification information, and layout information from the EMF file 101 Get print data for minutes.

  (S2) Annotation character string data 18 including character information and drawing information such as position information and format information is acquired.

  (S3) The following steps S4 to S12 are repeated as many times as the number of annotation character strings added.

  (S4) The drawing area of the print data is calculated based on the print data for one page acquired from the EMF file 101, stored in the RAM 12 as the main drawing area, and the annotation based on the annotation character string data 18 The drawing area of the character string data 18 is calculated and stored in the RAM 12 as a sub-drawing area. The calculated drawing area is, for example, an area obtained by approximating each drawing object of a character string, a vector figure, and an image with a rectangular area. If the printing magnification information input from the interactive input device 15 is input from the interactive input device 15, the rectangular areas of the main drawing area and the sub drawing area are calculated in consideration of the magnification.

  (S5) By performing a figure logical product operation, it is determined whether or not the main drawing area and the sub drawing area overlap each other, it is determined whether or not a plurality of sub drawing areas overlap each other, and the sub drawing is performed. It is determined whether or not all or part of the area protrudes outside the effective print area 62. If it is determined that they overlap, or if it is determined that they are protruding, the process proceeds to the next process, and if not, the process proceeds to step S11.

  (S6) The annotation character string is moved by changing the position coordinates of the annotation character string indicated by the annotation character string data 18, for example, the upper left vertex coordinate of the rectangular frame of the character string within the effective print area 62. Here, the movement method may be any form, but in the first embodiment, a predetermined order of up, down, left, and right according to this position at a pitch of, for example, 1 mm from the position coordinates (see FIG. 6) set at the beginning. Let's move the annotation string.

  (S7) It is determined whether or not the position coordinates of the annotation character string have been changed in all ranges within the effective print area 62. When it determines with having changed in all the ranges, it progresses to the next process, and when that is not right, it returns to the process of step S4.

  (S8) The font size indicated by the annotation character string data 18 is changed by, for example, one point smaller to reduce the annotation character string.

  (S9) It is determined whether or not the font size is an allowable size. If it is determined that the font size is larger than the allowable size, that is, the lower limit size, the process returns to step S4, and if not, the process proceeds to the next process.

  (S10) The fact that the annotation character string data 18 cannot be added to the print data of the corresponding page is displayed on the screen of the display device 16, and the process proceeds to step S12.

  (S11) The layout information in the annotation character string data 18 relating to one annotation character string is determined.

  (S13) The annotation character string data 18 is passed to the data control module 21, and the data control module 21 passes the data to the data conversion module 22 in the same manner as when the print data is received. Instruction data is passed. As a result, the annotation character string data 18 is added to the print data before the page break.

  In the first embodiment, the annotation character string layout change module 23 makes an annotation so that the main drawing area and the sub drawing area do not overlap each other and the entire sub drawing area falls within the effective print area 62 of the printing paper. Since the annotation character string printed by the printer 2 is moved or reduced by changing the position coordinates or the font size indicated by the character string data 18, the information of the text and the annotation character string is lost without reducing the print size of the text. There is an effect that it can be prevented.

  When adding a plurality of annotation character strings, the annotation character strings are moved by changing the position coordinates or font size of the annotation character strings indicated by the annotation character string data 18 so that the plurality of sub-drawing areas do not overlap each other. Alternatively, since the information is reduced, the information of the annotation character string can be prevented from being damaged. In addition, when there are a plurality of annotation character strings or when an arbitrary character string by the user is included in the annotation character string data 18, there is a high possibility that the problem described in the background art column will occur. This problem can be solved by the configuration.

  In the second embodiment, a functional configuration according to the present invention will be described in an image forming system that spools print data not in the EMF format but in the RAW format.

  FIG. 10 is a system schematic block diagram of an image forming system according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

  As in the first embodiment, after print settings are made in the print dialog box 30, print setting dialog box 32, and header / footer print dialog box 40, the print button 61 shown in FIG. 2 is pressed. The flow from when the pressing is performed until the content of the print data is formed on the paper will be described below with reference to the functional block diagram shown in FIG.

  When the application 24 accepts the pressing of the print button 61 by the user, the application 24 calls a function of the GDI 100 corresponding to the text data created by the application 24 and delivers the document data to the function (converts the document data into a GDI drawing command). ).

  The GDI 100 function converts a GDI drawing command into a drawing command (DDI command) that can be interpreted by the printer driver 20, and sequentially passes the command data to the printer driver 20.

  In response to this, the printer driver 20 calls the data control module 21 in the driver.

  In response to this, the data control module 21 passes the converted command data received in sequence to the data conversion module 22 as print data, and stores the data in the page buffer 103. Further, when the data is transferred to the data conversion module 22, it is determined whether or not the command statement of the data is a page break. If an affirmative determination is made, the driver setting data is read out to further determine whether or not the comment character string data 18 is present in the data. Before passing, the annotation character string layout change module 23 is called.

  In response to this, the annotation character string layout changing module 23 interprets the print data for one page stored in the page buffer, and the annotation character string data 18 in the case of a predetermined condition as in the first embodiment. And the data is transferred to the data control module 21.

  In response to this, the data control module 21 passes the annotation character string data 18 to the data conversion module 22 in the same manner as when the print data is received, and then passes the page break command data. As a result, the annotation character string data 18 is added to the print data before the page break command. Thereafter, the same process is repeated for the remaining page print data sequentially received from the GDI function 100 after the page break command.

  The data conversion module 22 converts the data received from the data control module 21 into a PDL language that can be interpreted by the printer 2, and stores it as a RAW file 101 A in the spool area on the RAM 12 or the HDD 14.

  The print spooler 102 confirms whether or not the printer 2 is ready for printing by background processing. When printing is possible, the print spooler 102 communicates the RAW file 101A stored in the spool area with the interface 11. The data is transmitted to the printer 2 via the port 17.

  The printer 2 interprets the RAW file 101A received from the print spooler 102, and develops and synthesizes the print data of each layer (including the annotation character string layer) included in one page into bitmap data. Thereafter, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum of the print engine based on the combined data, developed with toner, transferred to a sheet, fixed, and discharged.

  Various other modified examples are included in the first or second embodiment of the present invention.

  For example, the printer 2 only needs to have a print function, and may be a part of a multifunction peripheral, for example.

  The communication port 17 is not limited to a USB port or a parallel port, and may be a port for performing communication such as a serial port or a SCSI port.

  Further, the recording medium of the printer driver 20 is not limited to the HDD 14, floppy disk, CD-ROM, or server HDD, but an external external HDD, flash memory, MD, SD card, or CF card. It may be.

  Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the configuration in which the annotation character string layout changing module 20 causes the CPU 10 of the computer 1 to perform processing has been described. However, the annotation character string layout changing module 20 is stored in the HDD of the printer 2. Alternatively, the configuration may be such that the CPU of the printer 2 performs processing.

  The functional block diagram shown in FIG. 1 or FIG. 10 described in the above embodiment is only one aspect in which the OS is premised on Windows (registered trademark), and may be in another aspect on the premise of Windows. Also, other modes based on other OSs such as Linux (registered trademark) may be used.

  Further, in the first embodiment, the configuration of the image forming system in which the print data is spooled in the EMF format and the second embodiment is spooled in the RAW format has been described. However, the configuration may be such that the print data is not spooled.

  Furthermore, although the case where the printer 2 is a PDL compatible printer has been described, the printer 2 may be a host base printer (dumb printer). In that case, unlike the embodiment, the printer 2 does not synthesize the print data and the annotation character string data, and synthesizes them after the printer driver 20 develops the bitmap. In this case, after the bitmap development, the annotation character string layout changing module 23 may be used to move the annotation character string.

  The flowchart shown in FIG. 5 is only one aspect of the processing of the annotation character string layout changing module 23, and the order of the moving processing and the reduction processing is not particularly limited.

  Further, when the print magnification information input from the interactive input device 15 indicates the enlargement of the drawing target area, the main drawing area and the main drawing area are enlarged so as to enlarge only the main drawing area without enlarging the sub drawing area. The annotation character string layout change module 23 may be configured to enlarge the print data before calculating the sub-drawing area.

  Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the printer driver 20 has the data control module 21, the data conversion module 22, and the annotation character string layout change module 23, and the configuration in which each module performs each process has been described. The printing program such as 20 or another module may be configured to perform all or a part of each process.

  In the above-described first or second embodiment, the problem described in the column of the problem to be solved by the invention is solved by moving or reducing the annotation character string. In this configuration, however, the annotation character string is too long. If the character string is excessively moved or reduced, it may be difficult to recognize the character string.

  Therefore, in the third embodiment, a description will be given of a configuration that ensures the visibility by dividing the annotation character string to be printed by the annotation character string layout changing module 23 into two stages.

  Hereinafter, a method in which the annotation character string layout changing module 23 divides the annotation character string into two stages will be described.

  The hardware configuration and system configuration of the image forming system according to the third embodiment are the same as those described in the first embodiment.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating processing performed by the CPU 10 in accordance with the annotation character string layout change module 23 according to the third embodiment. In parentheses are step identification codes in FIG.

  (S20 to S23) The same processing as steps S1 to S4 in FIG.

  (S24) By performing a figure logical product operation, it is determined whether or not the main drawing area and the sub drawing area overlap each other, it is determined whether or not a plurality of sub drawing areas overlap each other, and the sub drawing is performed. It is determined whether or not all or part of the area protrudes outside the effective print area 62. If it is determined that they overlap, or if it is determined that they protrude, the process proceeds to the next process, and if not, the process proceeds to step S30.

  (S25) The position of the annotation character string is changed as in step S6 in FIG. 5 described in the first embodiment, and the printed annotation character string is moved.

  (S26) It is determined whether or not the position coordinates of the annotation character string have been changed in the entire range within the effective print area 62. When it determines with having changed in all the ranges, it progresses to the next process, and when that is not right, it returns to the process of step S23.

  (S27) It is determined whether or not the annotation character string indicated by the annotation character string data 18 has already been divided into two stages. If it is determined that it is divided into two stages, the process proceeds to step S29, and if not, the process proceeds to the next process.

  (S28) The annotation character string indicated by the annotation character string data 18 is divided into two stages, and the process returns to step S23. Here, the division method may be any form. In the third embodiment, for example, the annotation character string is divided into a front part and a rear half part, and the rear part is arranged in the next stage of the front part. The annotation character string data 18 is changed. Note that both half-width characters and full-width characters are counted as one character. If the number of characters cannot be divided in half (if the annotation character string cannot be divided in half), the number of front characters is divided by one more than the number of rear characters. To do.

  (S29-32) The same processing as steps S10-S13 in FIG.

  When printing data with annotation character string data 18 added to the printer 2 is printed on a sheet, a printing result as shown in FIG. 7B is obtained originally, but printing as shown in FIG. Results are obtained.

  The other points are the same as those in the first embodiment.

  In the third embodiment, when there are a plurality of annotation character strings so that the main drawing area and the sub drawing area do not overlap each other, and the entire sub drawing area falls within the effective print area 62 of the printing paper. In addition, the annotation character string data is changed so that a plurality of sub-drawing areas do not overlap each other, and the annotation character string is moved. There is an effect that it is possible to prevent the information of the text and the annotation character string from being damaged without reducing the print size.

  The third embodiment includes various other modified examples.

  For example, before step S29 shown in FIG. 11, a step of reducing the annotation character string as in steps S8 and S9 in FIG. 5 described in the first embodiment may be added.

  Furthermore, the flowchart shown in FIG. 11 is only one aspect of the processing of the annotation character string layout changing module 23, and the order of the moving processing and the dividing processing is not particularly limited.

  FIG. 13A shows a printing result in which the annotation character string layout change module 23 according to the first embodiment moves or reduces the annotation character string with respect to the drawing area (main drawing area) of the print data for each page. . A hatched area in the figure represents a main drawing area.

  As shown in FIG. 13A, in the first embodiment, the annotation character string is moved or reduced with respect to the main drawing area for each page. Therefore, when the EMF file 101 includes multiple pages of print data (print document) Result in different positions and sizes of annotation strings across all pages. The same applies to the inventions of Examples 2 and 3.

  Therefore, in the fourth embodiment, the annotation character string layout change module 23 calculates the drawing area when all the pages are overlapped and printed as the main drawing area, so that the position and size of the annotation character string have a sense of unity. The configuration will be described. Here, the drawing area when all pages are overprinted indicates, for example, a hatched area shown in FIG. This figure is a diagram showing a drawing area when all the pages shown in FIG. 13A are overprinted.

  Hereinafter, processing performed by the CPU 10 in accordance with the annotation character string layout change module 23 according to the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In the fourth embodiment, it is assumed that the EMF file 101 includes print data including a plurality of pages.

  (S1) The EMF file 101, that is, print data for all pages is acquired.

  (S2) Annotation character string data 18 including character information and drawing information such as position information and format information is acquired.

  (S3) The following steps S4 to S12 are repeated as many times as the number of annotation character strings added.

  (S4) Based on the acquired EMF file 101, the drawing area of the print data for each page as shown in FIG. 13A is calculated, and the figure logical sum of all these drawing areas is obtained, The drawing area {hatched area shown in FIG. 13B} is stored in the RAM 12. Further, the drawing area of the annotation character string data 18 is calculated based on the annotation character string data 18 and stored in the RAM 12 as a sub drawing area. The calculated drawing area is, for example, an area obtained by approximating each drawing object of a character string, a vector figure, and an image with a rectangular area. If the printing magnification information input from the interactive input device 15 is input from the interactive input device 15, the rectangular areas of the main drawing area and the sub drawing area are calculated in consideration of the magnification.

  (S5) By performing a figure logical product operation, it is determined whether or not the main drawing area and the sub drawing area overlap each other, it is determined whether or not a plurality of sub drawing areas overlap each other, and the sub drawing is performed. It is determined whether or not all or part of the area protrudes outside the effective print area 62. If it is determined that they overlap, or if it is determined that they are protruding, the process proceeds to the next process, and if not, the process proceeds to step S11.

  (S6 to S13) Processing similar to that described in the first embodiment is performed.

  If the main drawing area and the sub-drawing area overlap each other, the annotation character string layout change module 23 is set to the annotation character when called by the data control module 21 in the first page break instruction included in the print data. When the column data 18 is changed but is called by a subsequent page break command, it is called first so that the drawing area and the drawing area of the annotation character string do not overlap each other when all pages are printed in an overlapping manner. Since the annotation character string data 18 has already been changed at this time, the annotation character string data 18 is not changed further after the first change. That is, when the flowchart shown in FIG. 5 is executed and the annotation character string data 18 is changed and then the flowchart is further executed, an affirmative determination is not made in step S5 shown in FIG. Therefore, the same annotation character string data 18 can be used for all pages, and the position and size of the annotation character string are unified.

  With the above processing, if the annotation character string data 18 is changed and the position and size of the annotation character string are unified over the entire page from the print result as originally shown in FIG. 13A, as shown in FIG. Print results. However, since the drawing area (main drawing area) when all pages are printed in an overlapping manner is likely to be wider than the drawing area of the print data for each page, the annotation characters are not overlapped with the main drawing area. The column may be moved or shrunk excessively. Therefore, in the fourth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 15, it is possible to select whether or not to unify the position and size of the annotation character string across all pages from the check box 200 in the header / footer print dialog box 40a. . Here, the annotation character string layout changing module 23 calculates the drawing area when all the pages are overprinted when there is a check as the main drawing area, and when there is no check, the annotation character string layout changing module 23 calculates the print data for one page. The drawing area is calculated as the main drawing area.

  The other points are the same as those in the first embodiment.

  The above invention according to the fourth embodiment may be applied to the flowchart shown in FIG. 11 described in the third embodiment.

  In the fourth embodiment, the drawing area (main drawing area) and the drawing area (sub-drawing area) of the annotation character string data 18 when all pages are printed in an overlapping manner do not overlap each other, and the entire sub-drawing area The annotation character string data 18 is changed so that the plurality of sub-drawing regions do not overlap with each other so that the sub-drawing region does not overlap with each other. Since the columns are moved, reduced, or divided into two stages, the text and annotation character string information can be saved without losing a sense of uniformity in the position and size of the annotation character strings across all pages and without reducing the print size of the text. There is an effect that it can be prevented from being damaged.

  In the above-described first to fourth embodiments, the configuration in which the annotation character string layout change module 23 moves the annotation character string within the effective print area 62 with respect to the CPU 10 has been described. As a result of moving the annotation character string, FIG. 4 or an annotation character string may be added to a location beyond the user's assumption from the print position selected in the selection boxes 41 to 45 shown in FIG. 15 to obtain a print result unintended by the user {FIG. B) or FIG. 12}.

  Therefore, in the fifth embodiment, the movement range of the annotation character string is limited to the allowable area corresponding to the printing position designated by the user, and the information on the text and the annotation character string is prevented from being damaged. A configuration for preventing unintended printing results will be described.

  The hardware configuration and system configuration of the image forming system according to the fifth embodiment are the same as those described in the first embodiment.

  FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an allowable area corresponding to the position designated by the user. In the fifth embodiment, the printing positions “upper left” 46, “upper center” 47, “upper right” 48, “lower left” 49, “lower center” 50, or “lower right” 51 are selected from the selection boxes 41 to 45 shown in FIG. When “” is selected, the movement range of the annotation character string is limited to the allowable area 300, 301, 302, 303, 304 or 305, respectively.

  For example, when the print position “upper left” 46 is selected and the annotation character string data 18 includes the position coordinate information of the annotation character string corresponding to the “upper left” 46, the annotation character string layout change module according to the fifth embodiment is used. 23 causes the CPU 10 to perform the processing shown in FIG. However, in step S7, the position coordinates of the annotation character string, for example, the upper left vertex coordinates of the rectangle including the annotation character string are changed at a 1 mm pitch in the allowable area 300 corresponding to the print position “upper left” 46. It is determined whether or not the position coordinates are changed over the entire range in the region.

  In the fifth embodiment, since the movement range of the annotation character string is limited to the allowable area of the printing position selected by the user, the information on the text and the annotation character string can be prevented from being damaged, and the print result unintended by the user can be prevented. The effect that it can prevent obtaining is obtained.

  The fifth embodiment includes various other modified examples.

  The change range of the position coordinates described above is merely an example. For example, when the print position “upper left” 46 is selected from the selection boxes 41 to 45, the position coordinates are within the allowable area including the allowable areas 300, 301, and 302. May be changed.

  The invention according to the fifth embodiment is applicable not only to the invention according to the first embodiment but also to the inventions according to all other embodiments.

  In the above first to fifth embodiments, when a plurality of annotation character strings are designated and printed from the selection boxes 41 to 45 shown in FIG. 4 or FIG. 15, at least one of the annotation character strings, the text, and other There may be no region where the annotation character string does not overlap, and the information of the annotation character string may be lost.

  In the sixth embodiment, a configuration that prevents the information of the annotation character string that is more important to the user from being damaged by the case in the first embodiment will be described.

  The hardware configuration and system configuration of the image forming system according to the sixth embodiment are the same as those described in the first embodiment.

  FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a header / footer print dialog box 40b according to the sixth embodiment.

  In the header / footer print dialog box 40b, selection boxes 310 to 314 are provided between the types of annotation character strings and the selection boxes 41 to 45. From the selection boxes 310 to 314, the movement priority order of each annotation character string can be selected. When the OK button 58 is pressed, the selected content is confirmed as a part of the annotation character string data 18. Here, since the selection boxes 310 to 314 are independent of each other, the movement priority order may overlap between the annotation character strings. In such a case, when the annotation character string data 18 is determined by pressing the OK button 58, the order is changed so that the movement priority order does not overlap between the annotation character strings. For example, in the header / footer print dialog box 40b shown in FIG. 17, the movement priority of the annotation character string positioned above the other annotation character strings among the annotation character strings having the same movement priority order is determined first. Decrease the same movement priority of other comment strings.

  The annotation character string layout change module 23 according to the sixth embodiment causes the CPU 10 to perform the processing shown in FIG. However, the processing from step S4 to S11 is performed first from the annotation character string data 18 having the high movement priority.

  In the sixth embodiment, by letting the user select the movement priority order of the annotation character string, there is no area that does not overlap with the main text and other annotation character strings, thereby preventing the information on the annotation character string important for the user from being damaged. There is an effect that can be done.

  The invention according to the sixth embodiment can be applied not only to the invention according to the first embodiment but also to the inventions according to all other embodiments.

  In the first to sixth embodiments, immediately after the annotation character string data 18 is added to the print data, the print spooler 102 sends the print data to the printer 2 to start printing. Therefore, until the printing is completed, the user cannot confirm the print content after the annotation character string data 18 is added, and a print result unintended by the user may be obtained.

  In the seventh embodiment, a configuration capable of preventing the information of the text and the annotation character string from being damaged and preventing obtaining a print result unintended by the user in the first embodiment will be described. By providing this configuration, it is possible to prevent the annotation character string from being set and printed again, thereby reducing labor and paper waste.

  The hardware configuration and system configuration of the image forming system according to the seventh embodiment are the same as those described in the first embodiment.

  The annotation character string layout change module 23 according to the seventh embodiment causes the CPU 10 to perform the processing shown in FIG. However, before shifting to the process of the data control module 21 in step S13, a print preview dialog box 320 as shown in FIG. Display above.

  The print preview dialog box 320 includes a print preview 321 indicating the print contents of the print data including the annotation character string data 18, an OK button 322, and a cancel button 323. Here, if the OK button 322 is pressed, the processing is continued (in this case, it is considered that the OK button 322 is pressed after the next page), and printing by the printer 2 is started. If the cancel button 323 is pressed, the process is canceled and the header / footer print dialog box 40 shown in FIG. 4 is displayed on the screen of the display device 16.

  In the seventh embodiment, before the process is transferred to the data control module 21, the print preview dialog box 320 is displayed to allow the user to determine whether or not to continue the process. This is effective in that it is possible to prevent a print result unintended by the user from being obtained.

  The seventh embodiment includes various other modified examples.

  For example, in the seventh embodiment, the print preview 321 for one page is displayed, but the print preview 321 for the next page and after may also be displayed.

  In addition, the description has been given of the configuration in which the annotation character string layout changing module 23 displays the print preview dialog box 320 before the CPU 10 shifts to the processing of the data control module 21. However, the print data is transmitted to the printer 2. The print preview dialog box 320 may be displayed before the print data is displayed. For example, the print spooler 102 transmits data to the printer 2 after the transition from the annotation character string layout conversion module 23 to the processing of the data control module 21. The annotation character string layout change module 23 may be called before and the print preview dialog box 320 may be displayed.

  Further, although the configuration in which the annotation character string layout changing module 23 displays the print preview dialog box 320 has been described, a configuration in which a printing program such as the printer driver 20 or another module displays may be used.

  Furthermore, the invention according to the seventh embodiment can be applied not only to the invention according to the first embodiment but also to the inventions according to all other embodiments.

It is a functional block diagram showing a portion related to the present invention of an image forming system. It is a figure showing the printing dialog box displayed on the screen of a display apparatus. It is a figure showing the print setting dialog box displayed on the screen of a display apparatus. It is a figure showing the header / footer print dialog box displayed on the screen of a display apparatus. 12 is a flowchart illustrating processing performed by a CPU according to an annotation character string addition module according to the first or third embodiment. It is explanatory drawing regarding the effective printing area | region and the starting point of a header and a footer. (A) is a diagram showing the print result of the text print data, (B) is a diagram showing the print result of adding the comment character string to the text print data based on the annotation character string data as it is, C) is a diagram illustrating a printing result obtained by adding the annotation character string data to the body print data after moving or reducing the annotation character string based on the body print data and the annotation character string data. (A) is a figure which shows the printing result which added annotation character string data as it is, without changing to the printing data of a text, when printing magnification information shows expansion of a drawing object field, (B) is printing Print result of adding annotation character string data to the body print data after moving or reducing the annotation character string based on the body print data and the annotation character string data when the magnification information indicates enlargement of the drawing target area FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of an image forming system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. It is a system schematic block diagram of the image forming system which concerns on Example 2 of this invention. 10 is a flowchart illustrating processing performed by a CPU according to an annotation character string addition module according to the second embodiment. 7 is a printing result to which the invention according to Example 2 is applied. (A) is a printing result to which the invention according to the first embodiment is applied. (B) is a diagram showing a drawing area when all pages shown in (A) are overlaid and printed. 10 is a printing result to which the invention according to Example 3 is applied. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a header / footer print dialog box according to a third embodiment. It is a figure which shows the tolerance | permissible_area corresponding to the position designated by the user. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a header / footer print dialog box according to a sixth embodiment. It is a figure showing the print preview dialog box displayed on the screen of a display apparatus.

Explanation of symbols

1 Computer 2 Printer 10 CPU
11 Interface 12 RAM
13 ROM
14 HDD
15 Interactive input device 16 Display device 17 Communication port 18 Annotation character string data 20 Printer driver 21 Data control module 22 Data conversion module 23 Annotation character string layout change module 24 Application program 30 Print dialog box 31 Detailed setting button 32 Print setting dialog box 33 Header / Footer Print Buttons 40, 40a, 40b Header / Footer Print Dialog Boxes 41-45 Selection Box 42a Computer Name 44a Date 45a Email Address 46 “Upper Left”
47 “Upper center”
48 “Upper right”
49 “Lower left”
50 “Bottom Center”
51 “Lower right”
52 Check box 53 Input boxes 54 to 57 Selection box 58 OK button 60 OK button 61 Print button 62 Effective print area 100 GDI
101 EMF file 101A RAW file 102 Print spooler 103 Page buffer 200 Check box 300, 301, 302, 303, 304, 305 Allowable area 310-314 Selection box 320 Print preview dialog box 321 Print preview 322 OK button 323 Cancel button

Claims (8)

In a printer driver that causes a processor of a computer device to add annotation character string data to print data stored in a temporary storage unit of the computer device,
Based on the print data of all the pages to be printed, the drawing area when all the pages are overlaid is calculated as the main drawing area, and the drawing area is calculated as the sub drawing area based on the annotation character string data. A first step to:
A second step of determining whether or not the main drawing area and the sub drawing area overlap each other and determining whether or not all or a part of the sub drawing area protrudes from the effective print area;
When at least one of the second step is affirmatively determined, the main drawing area and the sub drawing area are not overlapped, and the sub drawing area is entirely within the effective printing area. A third step of changing the annotation character string data to move, reduce or divide the annotation character string;
A fourth step of adding the modified annotation character string data to the print data;
A program for printing which causes the processor to execute. In a printer driver that causes a processor of a computer device to add annotation character string data to print data stored in a temporary storage unit of the computer device,
A first step of calculating the drawing area as a main drawing area based on the print data for one page and calculating the drawing area as a sub-drawing area based on the annotation character string data;
A second step of determining whether or not the main drawing area and the sub drawing area overlap each other and determining whether or not all or a part of the sub drawing area protrudes from the effective print area;
When at least one of the second step is affirmatively determined, the main drawing area and the sub drawing area are not overlapped, and the sub drawing area is entirely within the effective printing area. A third step of changing the annotation character string data to divide the annotation character string into two stages;
A fourth step of adding the modified annotation character string data to the print data;
A program for printing which causes the processor to execute.   The two-stage division is performed so that the main drawing area and the sub drawing area do not overlap when at least one of the second steps is affirmed in the second step, and the sub drawing area is entirely within the effective print area. The annotation character string data is changed so that the annotation character string is moved so that the main drawing area overlaps with the sub drawing area even if the annotation is moved, or all or part of the sub drawing area 3. The printing program according to claim 2, wherein the printing program is executed when the image is out of the effective print area. There are a plurality of annotation strings,
In the second step, it is further determined whether or not the plurality of sub-drawing regions overlap each other, and when the determination is affirmative, in the third step, the annotation is made so that the plurality of sub-drawing regions do not overlap each other. The printing program according to claim 1, wherein the character string data is changed.   5. The printing program according to claim 1, wherein the annotation character string includes a character string input from an input unit of the computer apparatus.   6. The method according to claim 1, wherein in the second step, the main drawing area and the sub drawing area are calculated in consideration of print magnification information input from an input unit of the computer apparatus. The printing program described in 1. A computer device comprising: temporary storage means for storing print data; annotation character string addition means for adding annotation character string data to the print data; and transmission means for transmitting the added annotation character string data;
An image forming apparatus coupled to the computer apparatus for printing the print data received from the computer apparatus;
An image forming system comprising:
The annotation character string adding means includes:
Based on the print data of all the pages to be printed, the drawing area when all the pages are overlaid is calculated as the main drawing area, and the drawing area is calculated as the sub drawing area based on the annotation character string data. And
Determining whether the main drawing area and the sub-drawing area overlap each other, and determining whether all or a part of the sub-drawing area protrudes outside the effective printing area;
When at least one of these determinations is affirmative, the annotation is made so that the main drawing area and the sub drawing area do not overlap with each other and the entire sub drawing area falls within the effective printing area. Change the character string data, move, reduce or split the annotation character string,
An image forming system, wherein the modified annotation character string data is added to the print data. A computer device comprising: temporary storage means for storing print data; annotation character string addition means for adding annotation character string data to the print data; and transmission means for transmitting the added annotation character string data;
An image forming apparatus coupled to the computer apparatus for printing the print data received from the computer apparatus;
An image forming system comprising:
The annotation character string adding means includes:
Calculating the drawing area as a main drawing area based on the print data for one page, and calculating the drawing area as a sub-drawing area based on the annotation character string data;
Determining whether the main drawing area and the sub-drawing area overlap each other, and determining whether all or a part of the sub-drawing area protrudes outside the effective printing area;
When at least one of these determinations is affirmative, the annotation is made so that the main drawing area and the sub drawing area do not overlap with each other and the entire sub drawing area falls within the effective printing area. Change the string data and split the annotation string into two stages
An image forming system, wherein the modified annotation character string data is added to the print data.

Images