JP5914277B2 - Drawing data generation apparatus and image forming apparatus using the same - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a drawing data generation apparatus and an image forming apparatus using the same.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, information represented by a plurality of applications such as sentences, diagrams, graphs, photographs, and the like is output as an image on a recording medium such as paper as a single document. However, information expressed by multiple applications cannot be easily integrated into one document, or it is desired to add image data later to a document on a recording medium that has already been imaged. In order to effectively use the blank area in order to save resources, the opportunity to form an image again on the blank area of a recording medium on which an image has already been formed has increased.

  Patent Document 1 below describes an image forming apparatus that forms an image again on a recording medium on which an image has been formed. In this image forming apparatus, it is possible to read a recording medium on which image formation has already been performed, calculate the area of the blank area and the validity of the blank area, and sort the recording medium on which image formation has been performed for each blank validity and sort it by a tray. . Furthermore, it is possible to form an image again on the sorted recording medium, and it is also possible to form an image by reducing the drawing area in accordance with the margin area.

JP 2008-124688 A

  However, the conventional drawing data generation apparatus and the image forming apparatus using the same have the following problems (a) to (c).

  (A) Although it is possible to distinguish the back surface and the front surface of the recording medium and align the surface with the blank area, if the area of the blank area is approximately the same, the same without considering the shape and position of the blank area Will be sorted in the tray.

  (B) In another embodiment, an image-formed recording medium having more than half of the margin area is separated and distinguished from the vertical margin area and the left and right margin area. With regard to the margin area, it cannot be determined whether the upper side is the margin area or the lower side is the margin area unless it is read again.

  (C) The separation of these image-formed recording media is based on the premise that there is a document reading device, and cannot be realized without a document reading device or the like.

The drawing data generation apparatus according to the present invention shows drawing data generation means for analyzing drawing information to generate first drawing data, and an indication of a margin area of a recording medium for image formation based on the first drawing data. A guide mark for determining whether it is necessary to embed a guide mark in the first image data and generating the second drawing data by embedding the guide mark in the first drawing data when the guide mark is necessary Embedding means , wherein the guide mark embedding means determines whether the guide mark needs to be embedded based on whether the ratio of the blank area to the entire recording medium exceeds a predetermined ratio. It is characterized by judging.

  The image forming apparatus of the present invention comprises: the drawing data generating device; and image data generating means for generating image data for image formation on the recording medium from the second drawing data generated by the drawing data generating device; And an image forming unit that forms an image on the recording medium based on the generated image data.

According to the drawing data generation apparatus and the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the drawing data generation unit and the guide mark embedding unit are provided, and the guide mark embedding unit has a ratio of the blank area to the entire recording medium exceeding a predetermined ratio. Whether or not it is necessary to embed a guide mark is determined based on whether or not it is necessary. Therefore, even if there is no document reading device, guide marks indicating the margin area of the image forming recording medium are embedded in the first drawing data as necessary, so that the shape and position of the margin area on the recording medium are taken into consideration. As a result, the image-formed recording medium can be separated.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an outline of an image forming apparatus in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of drawing on a recording medium according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the first drawing data S21 in FIG. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing processing in the drawing data generation apparatus 20 in FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the center line of the recording medium and the blank area in the printing directions Y and X. FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the guide mark G in the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of drawing data of the guide mark G in FIG. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of drawing the image data S25 in which the guide mark G in FIG. 6 is embedded. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing an outline of the image forming apparatus 1A according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the position correction unit 23 in FIG. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing processing in the drawing data generation apparatus 20A in FIG. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of the guide mark G in the second embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of drawing the image data S25A in which the guide mark G in FIG. 12 is embedded.

  Modes for carrying out the present invention will become apparent from the following description of the preferred embodiments when read in light of the accompanying drawings. However, the drawings are only for explanation and do not limit the scope of the present invention.

(Configuration of Example 1)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an outline of an image forming apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  The image forming apparatus 1 is a printer, for example, and is connected to a host computer (hereinafter referred to as “host”) 2 via a communication cable 3 or the like. The receiving unit 4 receives drawing information SB necessary for drawing from the host 2 via the communication cable 3 and outputs the received drawing information SB to the drawing data generation device 20.

  The print control unit 10 performs overall control of the image forming apparatus 1 including control for generating image data S25 for image formation from the drawing information SB received by the receiving unit 4. An operation unit 11, a storage area 12, a drawing data generation device 20, an image data generation unit 25, and a process control unit 26 are connected to the print control unit 10.

  The operation unit 11 is used by the user to make various settings for the image forming apparatus 1. For example, in the image forming apparatus 1, a guide indicating the ratio and position of the margin area YH of the recording medium KB such as paper. It is possible to specify whether or not to embed the mark G. The storage area 12 is used for temporarily storing the drawing information SB received by the receiving unit 4 and the drawing data generation process, or for storing the generated drawing data. Information on whether or not the guide mark G is embedded is also stored in the storage area 12.

  The drawing data generation device 20 is a device that analyzes the drawing information SB received by the receiving unit 4 and generates and outputs the second drawing data S22 that is drawing data that is actually drawn. Whether the drawing data generation apparatus 20 needs to embed the graphic analysis unit 21 as drawing data generation means for generating the first drawing data S21 by analyzing the drawing information SB and the guide mark G in the first drawing data S21. A guide mark embedding unit 22 as guide mark embedding means for embedding the guide mark G in the first drawing data S21 and generating the second drawing data S22 when the guide mark G is necessary. ing.

  The image data generation unit 25 as image data generation means generates image data S25 for image formation from the second drawing data S22 generated by the drawing data generation device 20, and outputs the image data S25 to the process control unit 26. To do. When the process control unit 26 receives the image data S25 generated by the image data generation unit 25, the process control unit 26 controls the image forming unit 27 as an image forming unit to form an image on the recording medium KB based on the received image data S25. It is something to be made.

(Operation of Example 1)
The operation of the first embodiment will be described separately in (I) the overall operation of the image forming apparatus and (II) the operation of the drawing data generation unit.

(I) Schematic Operation of Entire Image Forming Apparatus FIGS. 2A and 2B are diagrams showing an example of drawing on a recording medium in Embodiment 1 of the present invention, and FIG. FIG. 2B shows an example of drawing when the printing direction is X direction and vertical writing.

  FIG. 2A shows a recording medium KB in which the image of the title T and the text BN is formed on the drawable area BK and the print direction is the Y direction. FIG. 2B shows a recording medium KB in which the print direction of the title T, the text BN, and the image of the color pattern data drawing area BG is formed in the X direction in the right portion of the drawable area BK. .

  3A to 3C are diagrams showing an example of the first drawing data S21 in FIG. 1, and FIG. 3A is an example of the drawing color information SB1 drawn in the color pattern data drawing region BG. 3B shows an example of the character information SB2 drawn on the title T or the sentence BN, and FIG. 3C shows an example of the drawing area information SB3.

  The color information SB1 includes a resolution SB1a, an X size SB1b indicating the length of the color pattern data drawing area BG in the X direction, a Y size SB1c indicating the length of the color pattern data drawing area BG in the Y direction, and a reference for placing color pattern data It consists of the X coordinate SB1d of the point, the Y coordinate SB1e of the reference point where the color pattern data is placed, and the color pattern data SB1f.

  The character information SB2 includes a resolution SB2a, an X size SB2b indicating the length of the character data in the X direction, a Y size SB2c indicating the length of the character data in the Y direction, an X coordinate SB2d of the reference point where the character data is placed, and the character data It consists of the Y coordinate SB2e of the reference point to be placed and the character data SB2f.

  The drawing data of the color information SB1 is generated every time the color element is changed, and the drawing data of the character information SB2 is generated for each character.

  First, an outline of an operation from generation of image data S25 from drawing information SB received by the receiving unit 4 to formation of an image on the recording medium KB by the process control unit 26 will be described with reference to FIGS. To do.

  The drawing information SB is sent from the host 2 to the receiving unit 4 collectively or individually. For example, when an image is to be formed with respect to an image of a sentence as shown in FIG. 2A, the receiving unit 4 receives information such as the paper size, color, type of drawing, and position as the drawing information SB. In FIG. 2A, since the title T and the sentence BN are written, information such as a character writing position and a character modification method such as a character size, type, color, and thickness is also included. In the print control unit 10, when the receiving unit 4 receives the drawing information SB, it passes the received drawing information SB to the drawing data generation device 20 and activates the drawing data generation device 20.

  The drawing data generation apparatus 20 analyzes the drawing information SB received by the graphic analysis unit 21, and generates first drawing data S21 that fits in the size of the designated recording medium KB. Here, the information about character drawing is analyzed, the character to be drawn is calculated according to the position, size, type, color, thickness, etc. of the designated character, and the first drawing data S21 is generated.

  When the graphic analysis unit 21 finishes generating the first drawing data S21 for one page of the recording medium KB, the guide mark embedding unit 22 determines whether the guide mark G needs to be embedded. When it is determined that the guide mark G needs to be embedded, the guide mark embedding unit 22 embeds the guide mark G in the first drawing data S21 to generate the second drawing data S22, and the generated second drawing data S22 is converted into an image. The data is output to the data generation unit 25.

  The image data generation unit 25 generates image data S25 for image formation from the second drawing data S22 generated by the drawing data generation device 20, and outputs the generated image data S25 to the process control unit 26. The process control unit 26 controls the image forming unit 27 serving as an image forming unit, and forms an image on the recording medium KB based on the image data S25 generated by the image data generating unit 25.

(II) Operation of Drawing Data Generating Device FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing processing in the drawing data generating device 20 in FIG. 1, and FIGS. 5 (a) and 5 (b) are recording media KB in the printing directions Y and X. It is a figure explaining the relationship between the center line Ty, Tx of this, and a margin area | region. FIGS. 6A to 6D are diagrams showing examples of guide marks G in the first embodiment, and FIGS. 7A to 7D are guide marks of FIGS. 6A to 6D. It is a figure which shows the example of the drawing data of G. Further, FIGS. 8A to 8D are diagrams showing examples of drawing of the image data S25 in which the guide marks G of FIGS. 6A to 6D are embedded.

  Hereinafter, the detailed operation of the drawing data generation apparatus 20 will be described along the flowchart of FIG. 4 with reference to FIGS.

  In FIG. 4, when the process is started, the process proceeds to step ST1, and in step ST1, the graphic analysis unit 21 reads the drawing information SB received by the reception unit 4 one by one, and proceeds to step ST2. In step ST2, the graphic analysis unit 21 determines the type of the read drawing information SB (for example, drawing target, color / pattern related, modification information, etc.), and an object to be actually drawn, such as a graphic, image, or character. If it is (drawing object), the process proceeds to step ST3, and if it is information relating to a color or pattern (pattern) (related to color / pattern), the process proceeds to step ST6. If it is information that modifies the drawing object such as the sheath size and type (modification information), the process proceeds to step ST7. Further, if the information is page end information (page end), the process proceeds to step ST8.

  In step ST6, when the read drawing information SB is related to the color or pattern, the graphic analysis unit 21 calculates the necessary items like the color information SB1 shown in FIG. S21 is generated and stored in the storage area 12, and the process returns to step ST1.

  In step ST7, if the read drawing information SB is modification information, the graphic analysis unit 21 stores the modification information in the recording area 12, and returns to step ST1.

  In step ST3, the graphic analysis unit 21 reads modification information for modifying the drawing object from the storage area 12, and proceeds to step ST4. In step ST4, the drawing object is processed in accordance with the modification information read in step ST3, and the processed drawing object is processed into a shape only in a portion within a range where the drawing can actually be performed. Then, necessary information is calculated like the character information SB2 shown in FIG. 3B, the first drawing data S21 is created and stored in the storage area 12, and the process proceeds to step ST5. In step ST5, the minimum and maximum values of the X and Y coordinates of the position of the drawing object calculated in step ST4 are compared with the minimum and maximum values of the previous X and Y coordinates, and from the previous minimum values. When the new minimum value is small and when the new maximum value is larger than the previous maximum value, the minimum value and the maximum values SB3a to SB3d in the drawing area information SB3 shown in FIG. Return to ST1. If the initial value of the minimum value of the X and Y coordinates is set to the maximum value of the possible values, and the initial value of the maximum value of the X and Y coordinates is set to the minimum value of the possible values, the first first drawing data is set. When S21 is created, the minimum and maximum values of the X and Y coordinates of the first drawing data S21 are set.

  When the processing for one read drawing information SB is completed by the processing in steps ST1 to ST7, the process returns to step ST1 to read the next drawing information SB. This is repeated until all of the drawing information SB for one page is read and processed. If the drawing information SB read in step ST2 is the page end, the graphic analysis process for one page ends, the process proceeds to step ST8, and the process proceeds to a guide mark embedding process.

  In step ST8, the guide mark embedding unit 22 determines whether or not the host 2 or the operation unit 11 has designated to embed the guide mark G. If there is no designation to embed the guide mark G (no designation), the process is performed as it is. If there is a designation to embed the guide mark (with designation), the process proceeds to step ST9. In step ST9, the guide mark embedding unit 22 determines the relationship between the range of the drawing area BH for one page and the size of the recording medium KB.

  5A and 5B are diagrams for explaining the relationship between the center lines Ty and Tx of the recording medium KB and the blank area YH in the printing directions Y and X. FIG. For example, in FIG. 5A, the minimum value and the maximum value of the Y coordinate of the entire drawing are above the center line Ty with respect to the center line Ty drawn by a one-dot chain line in the center of the vertically long recording medium KB. Thus, it can be seen that more than half of the blank area YH is present below the center line Ty with respect to the recording medium KB. Similarly, in FIG. 5B, with respect to the center line Tx drawn with a one-dot chain line at the center of the horizontally long recording medium KB, the minimum and maximum values of the Y coordinate of the entire drawing are on the right side of the center line Tx. Therefore, it can be seen that more than half of the blank area YH is present on the left side of the center line Tx with respect to the recording medium KB. The center lines Tx and Ty are illustrated in the description, and may not actually be recorded on the recording medium.

  In the case of FIG. 5A, if the minimum value of the Y coordinate is larger than the coordinate value of half of the length of the sheet or the maximum value of the Y coordinate is smaller than the coordinate value of half of the length of the recording medium KB, the recording medium. This means that there are more than half margin areas YH with respect to KB, and in the case of FIG.

  In step ST9, when the drawing area BH is only in half of one page, the process proceeds to step ST10. In step ST10, the guide mark embedding unit 22 embeds the guide mark G, and the drawing area BH has a margin of more than half of one page. If there is no area YH, the process ends.

  For example, a guide mark G as shown in FIGS. 6A to 6D is created and placed in advance. 6 (a) and 6 (b) show a guide mark G that is indicated by a white pixel W and a gray pixel H to indicate that there is a blank area YH in the lower half, and FIG. 6 (c) and FIG. 6 (d). Shows a guide mark G indicating that a white area W and a gray pixel H indicate that there is a blank area YH in the upper half.

  In step ST10, color information SB1 for drawing the guide mark G is created in the format shown in FIG. For example, a light color such as gray is set as the color information SB1. Next, the guide mark G is stored in the storage area 12 in the same format as the drawing data SB of the other character information SB2.

  The guide mark G shown in FIG. 6 includes X size 14 and Y size 18 pixels. Further, the position coordinates of the guide mark G in the vertically arranged recording medium KB are set such that the Y coordinate is a half of the length of the recording medium KB, and the X coordinate is positioned at the left and right printing range boundaries. Avoid impact.

  In the horizontal recording medium KB, the X coordinate is positioned at half the length of the recording medium KB, and the Y coordinate is positioned at the upper and lower printing range boundaries.

  When the second drawing data S22 generated in this way is converted into image data S25 for image formation by the image data generation unit 25 and an image is formed on the recording medium KB by the process control unit 26, FIG. The drawing result is as shown in (4). The center lines Tx and Ty in FIGS. 8 (1) to 8 (4) are lines provided for convenience of explanation, and are not actually drawn.

  FIG. 8A is a drawing example of the guide mark G when the printing direction is the Y direction and there is a blank area YH in the lower half, and FIG. 8B is a blank area in the upper half when the printing direction is the Y direction. FIG. 8 (3) is a drawing example of the guide mark G when the printing direction is the X direction and the margin area YH is in the left half, and FIG. ) Is an example of drawing the guide mark G when the printing direction is the X direction and the margin area YH is in the right half. 8 (1) to 8 (4), guide marks G (a), G (b), G (c), and G (d) indicating the position of the margin area YH are embedded.

  8 (3) and FIG. 8 (4), when there is a margin area YH in the left or right direction as shown in FIG. 8 (a), FIG. 6 (b), FIG. 6 (c), The guide marks G (a), G (b), G (c), and G (d) in FIG. 6D are rotated 90 degrees clockwise, and drawing is performed in conjunction with the blank area YH.

  In the above description, the margin area YH has been described as being half of the recording medium KB. However, the margin area YH may be set to 1/3, 2/3, 1/4, etc. according to the degree of utilization by the user. The implementation method of the first embodiment does not change depending on the ratio of the blank area YH to the recording medium KB.

(Effect of Example 1)
According to the drawing data generation apparatus 20 and the image forming apparatus 1 of the first embodiment, there are the following effects (1) to (3).

  (1) The guide mark G is embedded in the half position of the recording medium KB only when the image-formed recording medium KB has a margin area YH of more than half. Accordingly, the user can easily recognize the ratio of the blank area YH without the document reading device, and can immediately determine whether an image can be added to the blank area YH.

  (2) When the margin area YH is small, the guide mark G is not embedded, the margin area is large, and even when the guide mark G is embedded, the color of the embedded guide mark G is light gray. This makes it possible to minimize the consumption of ink, toner, and the like for image formation without significantly impairing the appearance of the document on which the image has been initially formed.

  (3) The user can designate whether to embed the guide mark G from the operation unit 11. Thereby, the user can improve the convenience when reusing the recording medium KB.

(Configuration of Example 2)
FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing an outline of an image forming apparatus 1A according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Elements common to those in FIG. 1 showing the first embodiment are denoted by common reference numerals.

  The image forming apparatus 1A is connected to the same host 2 as in the first embodiment via the communication cable 3 similar to that in the first embodiment. The image forming apparatus 1A includes a receiving unit 4, a print control unit 10, an operation unit 11, a storage area 12, an image data generation unit 25, a process control unit 26, and an image forming unit 27 similar to those in the first embodiment. Includes a drawing data generation device 20A having different functions.

  In the drawing data generation apparatus 20A, a position correction unit 23 for correcting the position of the drawing area BH is added to the drawing data generation apparatus 20 of the first embodiment so that a large margin area YH with respect to the recording medium KB can be obtained. The drawing data generation device 20A determines whether or not it is necessary to embed the guide mark G, and the graphic analysis unit 21 similar to that in the first embodiment, the newly added position correction unit 23, and the guide mark G. A guide mark embedding unit 22A is provided as a guide mark embedding unit for embedding the guide mark G corresponding to the blank area YH of the third drawing data S23 with respect to the third drawing data S23 generated by the correction by the position correction unit 23. ing. Other configurations are the same as those in FIG. 1 showing the first embodiment.

(Operation of Example 2)
First, the drawing data generating device 20A and the image data generating unit 25 generate image data S25A from the drawing information SB received by the receiving unit 4, and the process control unit 26 generates an image on the recording medium KB based on the image data S22A. The outline of the operation up to the formation of will be described with reference to FIG.

  The operation from the reception of the drawing information SB by the receiving unit 4 to the generation of the first drawing data S21 that fits in the designated paper size by the graphic analysis unit 21 of the drawing data generation device 20A is the same as in the first embodiment. When the graphic analysis unit 21 finishes generating the first drawing data S21 for one page, the position correction unit 23 determines whether or not to give priority to margins. The position of the first drawing data S21 generated by the graphic analysis unit 21 is corrected. Subsequently, the guide mark embedding unit 22A determines whether or not the guide mark G needs to be embedded. A guide mark G corresponding to the blank area YH of the drawing data S23 is embedded.

  The operation until the second drawing data S22A generated by the drawing data generation device 20A is edited into the image data S25A by the image data generation unit 25 and the image is formed on the recording medium KB by the process control unit 26 is as follows. The same as in the first embodiment.

  10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining the operation of the position correction unit 23 in FIG. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing processing in the drawing data generation apparatus 20A in FIG. FIGS. 12A to 12D are diagrams showing examples of guide marks G in the second embodiment, and FIGS. 13A to 13D are guides of FIGS. 12A to 12D. It is a figure which shows the example of drawing of image data S25A in which the mark G was embedded.

  Next, detailed operations of the position correction unit 23 and the guide mark embedding unit 22A will be described with reference to FIGS. 3, 9, 10A, 10B, 12A to 12D, and 13A. It demonstrates along the flowchart of FIG. 11, referring to (d).

  When the process is started, the process proceeds to step ST21. In step ST21, the graphic analysis unit 21 analyzes the drawing information SB received by the receiving unit 4 and generates the first drawing data S21. Since it is the same as the method for generating the drawing data S21 (steps ST1 to ST7 in FIG. 4), detailed description of the operation is omitted. When the generation of the first drawing data S21 for one page is finished in step ST21, the process proceeds to step ST22.

  In step ST22, the position correction unit 23 determines whether or not the margin priority is specified from the host 2 or the operation unit 11, and if the margin priority is specified (Yes), the process proceeds to step ST23 and the margin is not prioritized. In the case (none), the process proceeds to step ST26.

  If margin priority is specified in step ST23, the position correction unit 23 determines the positional relationship between the drawing area BH for one page and the recording medium KB. Since the minimum and maximum values of the X and Y coordinates for drawing are calculated by the graphic analysis unit 21 as shown in FIG. 3, the width and height of the drawing area can be calculated. In the second embodiment, the effective margin area YH ratio in the recording medium KB will be described as four types of 1/2, 1/3, 1/4, and 2/3. Among these four types of blank areas YH, the minimum area of the blank area is 1/4 of the recording medium KB. Therefore, since a margin area YH that is 1/4 of the recording medium KB is required at least, the margin area YH exists if the drawing area BH is 3/4 or less of the size of the recording medium KB. For example, when the recording medium KB is placed vertically, the blank area YH exists if the height of the drawing area BH is 3/4 or less of the length of the recording medium KB. Here, when the drawing area BH is larger than 3/4, that is, when the 1/4 margin area YH cannot be obtained (none), it is not necessary to correct the coordinate position, so that the processing of the next guide mark embedding unit 22A is performed. Proceed to step ST26. If it is determined in ST23 that a margin area YH of 1/4 or more can be obtained (Yes), the process proceeds to Step ST24. In step S24, the position correction unit 23 calculates a correction amount of coordinates.

  FIG. 10A shows that the coordinate correction amount (Δx, Δy) can be calculated, for example, by subtracting the upper left coordinate of the drawing area BH from the upper left coordinate of the printable area BK. After calculating the correction amount, the process proceeds to step ST25, where the coordinates are actually moved and corrected by the position correction unit 23, and the minimum and maximum values of the X and Y coordinates representing the drawing area are also corrected. As a method for correcting the position, for example, for the drawing data as shown in FIG. 3, if it is color information, the X and Y coordinates of the reference point are corrected by the correction amount calculated in step ST24. Similarly, in the case of the character information SB2, the X and Y coordinates representing the position are corrected. As a result, for example, the drawing area BH as shown in FIG. 10A is corrected in position as shown in FIG. 10B, and the blank area YH indicated by the broken line is wider than that in FIG. 10A. It becomes a blank area YH.

  The description shifts to the processing of the guide mark embedding unit 22A after step ST26. In the second embodiment, there are four types of blank areas YH, but each guide mark G is created as shown in FIG. 12, for example. 12A shows a margin area 2/3, FIG. 12B shows a margin area 1/2, FIG. 12C shows a margin area 1/3, and FIG. 12D shows a margin area 1/4. The guide marks G are represented by white pixels W and gray pixels H, respectively. In this example, the X size is 14 and the Y size is 16.

  First, in step ST26, the guide mark embedding unit 22A determines whether or not the host 4 or the operation unit 11 has designated to embed the guide mark G, and if there is no designation to insert the guide mark G (no designation), it remains as it is. When the process is finished and the guide mark is designated (designated), the process proceeds to step ST27. In step ST27, the amount of blank area is determined from the drawing area BH for one page and the size of the recording medium KB. For example, when the recording medium KB is placed vertically, the minimum value of the Y coordinate is larger than 2/3 of the recording medium KB, or the maximum value of the Y coordinate is 1 of the length of the recording medium KB. If it is smaller than the coordinate value of / 3, it means that there is a margin area YH of 2/3 or more with respect to the recording medium KB. If it is determined that there is a 2/3 or more margin area YH (2/3 margin is present), the process proceeds to step ST28, and in step ST28, color information for drawing the guide mark G is created in the format of FIG. Then, the data is stored in the storage area 12 and the process is terminated. At this time, as data of the color information SB1 of the guide mark G, for example, a light color such as gray is set. Next, the guide mark G (2/3) shown in FIG. 12A is stored in the storage area 12 in the form of the drawing data SB in the same manner as the drawing data SB of the other character information SB2. In the guide mark G (2/3) in FIG. 12A, the X size is 14 and the Y size is 16. Further, the position coordinate of the guide mark G (2/3) is the Y coordinate in the vertically placed recording medium KB, and the upper 1/3 position when there is a 2/3 margin area YH below the recording medium KB. When there is a 2/3 margin area YH above, it is positioned at the bottom 1/3, and the X coordinate is positioned at the left and right printing range boundaries so as not to affect the drawing of the third drawing data S23. In the horizontal recording medium KB, when there is a 2/3 margin area YH on the left side of the recording medium KB, the X coordinate is at the position 1/3 on the right side, and when the 2/3 margin area YH is on the right side, the left side 1 / 3 and the Y coordinate is positioned at the upper and lower print range boundaries. When the second drawing data S22A generated in this way is converted into image data S25A by the image data generation unit 25 and an image is formed on the recording medium KB, an image formation result as shown in FIG. 13A is obtained.

  In step ST27, if the minimum value of the Y coordinate is larger than the coordinate value of 1/2 of the length of the recording medium KB or the maximum value of the Y coordinate is smaller than the coordinate value of 1/2 of the length of the recording medium KB, recording is performed. It is determined that there is a margin area YH of 1/2 or more with respect to the medium KB. In step ST29, drawing for drawing the guide mark G (1/2) in FIG. 12B representing the margin area 1/2. Data SB is created and saved in the storage area 12, and the process ends. As for the position coordinates of the guide mark G, the Y coordinate is positioned at half the length of the recording medium KB in the vertically arranged recording medium KB, the X coordinate is positioned at the left and right printing range boundary, and the X coordinate is recorded in the horizontal recording medium KB. The half position of the medium KB and the Y coordinate are positioned at the upper and lower printing range boundaries. When the second drawing data S22A generated in this way is converted into image data S25A by the image data generation unit 25 and an image is formed on the recording medium KB, an image formation result as shown in FIG. 13B is obtained.

  In step ST27, if the minimum value of the Y coordinate is larger than the coordinate value of 1/3 of the length of the recording medium KB, or the maximum value of the Y coordinate is smaller than 2/3 of the length of the recording medium KB, recording is performed. It is determined that there is a blank area YH of 1/3 or more with respect to the medium KB. In step ST30, drawing for drawing the guide mark G (1/3) in FIG. 12C showing the blank area 1/3. Data SB is created and saved in the storage area 12, and the process ends. The position coordinate of the guide mark G (1/3) is Y in the vertically arranged recording medium KB, and in the lower 1/3 position when there is a 1/3 margin area YH below the recording medium KB, upward. When there is a 1/3 margin area YH, the position is the upper 1/3 position, the X coordinate is positioned at the left and right printing range boundary, and in the horizontal recording medium KB, the X coordinate is 1/3 on the left side of the recording medium KB. When there is a margin area YH, the position is 1/3 on the left side, and when there is a 1/3 margin area YH on the right side, the position is 1/3 on the right side, and the Y coordinate is positioned at the upper and lower printing range boundaries. When the second drawing data S22A generated in this way is converted into image data S25A by the image data generation unit 25 and an image is formed on the recording medium KB, an image formation result as shown in FIG. 13C is obtained.

  In step ST27, if the minimum value of the Y coordinate is larger than the coordinate value of 1/4 of the length of the recording medium KB, or the maximum value of the Y coordinate is smaller than the coordinate value of 3/4 of the length of the recording medium KB, recording is performed. It is determined that there is a margin area YH of 1/4 or more with respect to the medium KB, and in step ST31, drawing for drawing the guide mark G (1/4) in FIG. 12D showing the margin area 1/4. Data SB is created and saved in the storage area 13, and the process ends. The position coordinate of the guide mark G (1/4) is Y in the vertically arranged recording medium KB, and in the lower 1/4 position when there is a 1/4 blank area YH below the recording medium KB, upward. When there is a ¼ margin area YH, the position is the upper ¼ position, the X coordinate is positioned at the boundary of the left and right printing ranges, and in the case of the horizontal recording medium KB, the X coordinate is ¼ on the left side of the recording medium KB. If there is a margin area YH, the position is 1/4 on the left side, and if there is a 1/4 margin area YH on the right side, the position is 1/4 on the right side, and the Y coordinate is positioned at the upper and lower printing range boundaries. When the second drawing data S22A generated in this way is converted into image data S25A by the image data generation unit 25 and an image is formed on the recording medium KB, an image formation result as shown in FIG. 13D is obtained.

(Effect of Example 2)
According to the drawing data generation apparatus 20A and the image forming apparatus 1A of the second embodiment, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, there are the following effects.

  (1) The type of the guide mark G is 2/3, 1 according to the ratio of the margin area YH of the image-formed recording medium KB, for example, 2/3, 1/2, 1/3, 1/4, etc. It is changed to / 2, 1/3, 1/4, etc., respectively. Thus, even without the document reading apparatus, the user can easily recognize the ratio of the margin area YB and can immediately determine whether or not an image to be added is included in the margin area YH.

  (2) A position correction unit 23 is provided to allow the user to specify margin priority. When the margin priority is specified, the position correction unit 23 corrects the position of the drawing area BH so that a large margin area YH can be obtained. This makes it easier to secure a larger blank area YH and improves the convenience when reusing the image-formed recording medium KB.

(Modification)
The present invention is not limited to the first and second embodiments, and various utilization forms and modifications are possible. For example, there are the following (1) to (3) as usage forms and modifications.

  (1) In the first and second embodiments, the printer is described as the image forming apparatuses 1 and 1A. However, the image forming apparatus is not limited to the printer. For example, the present invention can be applied to a multifunction peripheral (MFP), a facsimile machine, and a copying machine.

  (2) In the first and second embodiments of the present invention, the specific method of the blank area YH in the drawing data generation devices 20 and 20A has been described as a rectangular area having the maximum value and the minimum value in the XY coordinates. Is not limited to a rectangular region. For example, the margin area YH may be specified as an elliptical area or a star-shaped area. In this case, for example, the drawing data of the drawing area information SB3 in FIG. 3C in the case of the elliptical area includes the X and Y coordinates of the center of the elliptical area, the length a of the major axis of the ellipse, and the minor axis of the ellipse. Information such as length b may be used.

  (3) The position correction unit 23 according to the second embodiment has described the position correction in which the drawing area BH is translated so that the margin area YH in the image-formed recording medium KB can be increased. However, the position correction is performed in parallel. The drawing area BH may be reduced at the same ratio between the X axis and the Y axis in addition to the parallel movement.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1,1A Image forming apparatus 2 Host 3 Communication cable 4 Reception part 10 Print control part 11 Operation part 12 Storage area 20, 20A Drawing data generation apparatus 21 Graphic analysis part 22, 22A Guide mark embedding part 23 Position correction part 25 Image data generation Part 26 process control part 27 image forming part BG color pattern data drawing area BH drawing area BK drawable area G, G (a), G (b), G (c), G (d), G (2/3) , G (1/2), G (1/3), G (1/4) Guide mark KB Recording medium Tx, Ty Center line YH Margin area

Claims (7)

Drawing data generating means for analyzing the drawing information and generating first drawing data;
Based on the first drawing data, it is determined whether it is necessary to embed a guide mark indicating a margin area of a recording medium for image formation in the first drawing data, and the guide mark is necessary Includes a guide mark embedding unit that embeds the guide mark in the first drawing data to generate second drawing data;
Bei to give a,
The guide mark embedding means is
A drawing data generating apparatus, wherein it is determined whether or not it is necessary to embed the guide mark based on whether or not the ratio of the blank area to the entire recording medium exceeds a predetermined ratio. Drawing data generating means for analyzing the drawing information and generating first drawing data;
Based on the first drawing data, it is determined whether it is necessary to embed a guide mark indicating a margin area of a recording medium for image formation in the first drawing data, and the guide mark is necessary Includes a guide mark embedding unit that embeds the guide mark in the first drawing data to generate second drawing data;
With
The guide mark is
A drawing data generation apparatus having a plurality of types according to a ratio and a position of the blank area with respect to the entire recording medium. The guide mark embedding means is
3. The drawing data generation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a user can designate whether or not to embed the guide mark. The guide mark embedding means is
4. The guide mark is drawn at a position of a printing range boundary that does not affect drawing by the first drawing data when the second drawing data is drawn on the recording medium. 5. The drawing data generation device according to claim 1. The position of the printing range boundary is
The drawing data generation apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the drawing position is set in accordance with a ratio of the blank area to the entire recording medium. The drawing data generation means includes
A graphic analysis unit that analyzes the drawing information and generates the first drawing data;
The third drawing data is generated by correcting the position of the area where the first drawing data is drawn on the recording medium so that a large amount of the blank area can be taken in the entire recording medium. An output position correction unit;
The drawing data generation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The drawing data generation device according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
Image data generating means for generating image data for image formation on the recording medium from the second drawing data generated by the drawing data generating device;
Image forming means for forming an image on the recording medium based on the generated image data;
An image forming apparatus comprising:

Images