JP6107181B2 - Printing program, printing apparatus, and printing method - Google Patents

Description

  This case relates to a printing program, a printing apparatus, and a printing method.

  Conventionally, when printing form data including a stamp field and a signature field, the form data is frequently reduced and printed in consideration of manageability of the printed paper medium.

  On the other hand, when creating form data, it is often important to cover items that should be included as forms. In other words, the created form data is not necessarily printed at the print size intended by the creator. For example, form data created at the A3 size may be printed at the A4 size.

JP 2010-81077 A

  However, if the form data to be printed includes a stamp field or a signature field, the size of the field may be smaller than the size of the seal stamp or the size required for writing the signature depending on the reduction ratio. There is a case. In this case, there is a possibility that it becomes inconvenient when using the printed form.

  A technique is known in which when a plurality of pages are combined and printed out, a page including a stamp column is excluded from the combination printing target (see, for example, Patent Document 1). However, the above technique is inconvenient in terms of paper medium management.

  In one aspect, an object of the present invention is to provide a printing program, a printing apparatus, and a printing method capable of printing form data including a field used for stamping or signature without causing inconvenience. To do.

Reduced printing programs described herein, receives a reduced printing instruction of the form data to be printed, the data other than the column that is used to seal or signature is included in the form data designated by the reduced printing instruction with printing with reduced at a rate, the column is printed by reducing at different reduction ratio and the reduction ratio is a printing program for executing the processing to the computer.

  When the print program described in this specification receives an instruction to reduce the form data, the print program expands the fields used for the seal or signature included in the form data in a range that does not overlap with data other than the fields of the form data. A print program for generating a new form data, printing the new form data at a reduction rate specified by the reduction print instruction, and causing the computer to execute processing.

When the printing apparatus described in this specification receives a reduced print instruction for the form data to be printed , data other than a column used for a seal or signature included in the form data is specified by the reduced print instruction. with printing with reduced at a rate, the column is a printing apparatus for printing by reducing with different reduction ratio and the reduction ratio.

  The printing apparatus described in the present specification, when receiving a reduction print instruction of the form data, a range that does not overlap a field used for the seal or signature included in the form data with data other than the field of the form data A generating unit that generates new form data enlarged in step (1), and a printing unit that prints the new form data with a reduction rate specified by the reduction print instruction.

In the printing method described in this specification, when receiving a reduction print instruction of the form data to be printed , data other than the fields used for the seal or signature included in the form data is specified by the reduction print instruction. with printing with reduced at a rate, the column is a printing method of a computer a process of printing with reduced at different reduction ratio is executed with the reduction ratio.

  In the printing method described in this specification, when receiving a reduction print instruction for form data, the range used for the seal or signature included in the form data does not overlap with the data other than the field of the form data. A printing method in which a computer executes a step of generating new form data enlarged in step (a) and a step of printing the new form data with a reduction ratio specified by the reduction print instruction.

  The printing program, the printing apparatus, and the printing method described in the present embodiment have an effect that it is possible to print form data including a column used for a stamp or a signature without inconvenience.

1 is a diagram schematically showing a configuration of a PC according to a first embodiment. It is a functional block diagram of CPU of FIG. FIG. 3A is a diagram showing the guaranteed size DB, and FIG. 3B is a diagram showing the stamp column reference position DB. It is a figure which shows an example of the form data of printing object. It is a flowchart which shows the process regarding form data printing by PC. FIG. 6A is a diagram showing an example of the stamp column size, FIG. 6B is a diagram showing an example of the designated reduction rate size, and FIG. 6C is a diagram showing an example of the required size. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the specific process of step S26 of FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the process of step S100 of FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of print data 2; It is a flowchart which shows the specific process of step S106 of FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the printing data 2 (no column). It is a figure which shows an example of the printing data 2 (there is a colorless column). It is a figure which shows another example (an example different from FIG. 12) of the printing data 2 (with a colorless column). It is a figure which shows the printing result in the process of step S110 of FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of the screen displayed in step S114 of FIG. FIG. 16A is a diagram illustrating a printing result in the process of step S120, and FIG. 16B is a diagram illustrating a printing result in the process of step S122. It is a flowchart which shows the specific process of step S26 (impression column adjustment printing) in 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the specific process of step S106 '(superimposition determination process at the time of a stamp column expansion) in 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the print data 2 in 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the printing data 2 (with a colorless column) in 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows another example (an example different from FIG. 20) of the print data 2 (with a colorless column) in 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the printing result in the process of step S110 of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the superimposition determination process (step S106 ") at the time of the stamp column expansion which concerns on 3rd Embodiment.

<< First Embodiment >>
Hereinafter, the first embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 1 shows a hardware configuration of a PC (Personal Computer) 10 as a printing apparatus. The PC 10 of the first embodiment is an information processing apparatus used for work such as form creation and form browsing. The PC 10 receives a print instruction from the user and outputs print data to be printed (for example, form data) to the printer 20. When the print instruction from the user is a “reduced print” instruction, the PC 10 reduces the print data or, in some cases, reduces the print data after processing a part of the print data. And output to the printer 20.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a PC 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 90, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 92, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 94, a storage unit (HDD (Hard Disk Drive)) 96, and an interface unit. 97, a portable storage medium drive 99, and the like. Each component of the PC 10 is connected to a bus 98. A display unit 93 and an input unit 95 are connected to the interface unit 97. The display unit 93 includes a liquid crystal display or the like, and the input unit 95 includes a keyboard and a mouse. In the PC 10, the CPU 90 executes a program (including a printing program) stored in the ROM 92 or the HDD 96 or a program (including a printing program) read from the portable storage medium 91 by the portable storage medium drive 99. 2 functions are realized.

  In addition to the display unit 93 and the input unit 95, the printer 20 is connected to the interface unit 97 of the PC 10. It is assumed that the PC 10 and the printer 20 are connected via a printer cable, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable, a LAN (Local Area Network) cable, or the like. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the PC 10 and the printer 20 may be connected by a wireless LAN. As the printer 20, a printer such as an ink jet printer or a laser printer can be adopted.

  FIG. 2 shows a functional block diagram of the PC 10. When the CPU 90 executes the program, the PC 10 executes a print data reading unit 30, a print data analyzing unit 32 as a calculation unit and a comparison unit, a print data processing unit 34 as a determination unit and a generation unit, and a print data output as a printing unit. The function as the unit 36 is realized. In FIG. 2, the guaranteed size DB 40 and the stamp column reference position DB 42 stored in the HDD 96 and the like are also illustrated.

  When there is a print instruction from the user, the print data reading unit 30 reads the print data and transmits it to the print data analysis unit 32. In the first embodiment, it is assumed that the print data is form data (data created using spreadsheet software) as shown in FIG. 4, and the form data includes a stamp column 50. It shall be assumed. This stamp column 50 is a column for a person who confirms and approves the contents of the form data printed on paper to perform stamping. It is assumed that a stamp column ID is assigned to the stamp column 50.

  The print data analysis unit 32 analyzes whether or not appropriate printing according to a print instruction (particularly, a reduced print instruction) from the user can be performed without processing the form data received from the print data reading unit 30. Further, the print data analysis unit 32 transmits the form data to the print data output unit 36 when appropriate printing can be performed without processing the form data. The print data analysis unit 32 transmits the form data to the print data processing unit 34 when appropriate printing cannot be performed unless the form data is processed. Note that the print data analysis unit 32 refers to the guaranteed size DB 40 and the stamp column reference position DB 42 in the analysis.

  Here, the guaranteed size DB 40 and the stamp column reference position DB 42 will be described. FIG. 3A shows an example of the data structure of the guaranteed size DB 40, and FIG. 3B shows an example of the data structure of the stamp column reference position DB.

  As shown in FIG. 3A, the guaranteed size DB 40 has fields of “stamping column ID”, “necessary size (width)”, and “necessary size (high)”. In the field of “stamping column ID”, an ID assigned to each stamping column is stored. In the “necessary size (width)” and “necessary size (high)” fields, the necessary size (size corresponding to the size of the seal stamp pressed in the stamping field) is stored for each stamping field. The The “necessary size (width)” and “necessary size (high)” data in the guaranteed size DB 40 are values set when the user who created the form data inserts the object of the stamp field into the form data. And However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it is assumed that the guaranteed size DB 40 is created in advance, and the user selects the stamp field to be inserted (stamp field ID) at the stage of inserting the stamp field object into the form data. Also good.

  As shown in FIG. 3B, the stamp column reference position DB 42 has fields of “stamp column ID”, “reference vertex”, and “reference position”. In the field of “stamping column ID”, an ID determined for each stamping column is stored. The “reference vertex” field stores which vertex of the four corners of the stamping column is used as a reference. In the reference vertex field, one of “upper right”, “upper left”, “lower right”, and “lower left” is stored. In the “reference position” field, information on which position on the coordinate system of the form data the reference vertex is located is stored. It should be noted that the “reference vertex” and “reference position” data in the stamp column reference position DB 42 are input every time the user who created the form data inserts an object in the stamp column. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the data of “reference vertex” and “reference position” may be automatically set according to the insertion position of the stamp column with respect to the form data. For example, when the insertion position of the stamp field is at the upper right of the form data, the reference vertex is automatically set at the upper right, and at a predetermined distance from the lower end of the character string located above the stamp field and the right end of the form data. The position may be automatically set to the reference position.

  Returning to FIG. 2, when performing the reduced printing, the print data processing unit 34 sets the size of the seal column to a reduction rate different from the reduction rate indicated by the reduction print instruction input by the user, and print data ( Print data 2) is generated. The reduction ratio for the stamp field may be a reduction ratio that is lower than the reduction ratio input by the user, that is, a reduction ratio that is larger than the reduction ratio input by the user. Further, the reduction ratio for the stamp field can be set so that the size of the stamp field can be stamped. The print data processing unit 34 transmits the processed data to the print data output unit 36.

  The print data output unit 36 outputs the form data transmitted from the print data analysis unit 32 or new print data transmitted from the print data processing unit 34 to the printer 20. The print data output unit 36 enlarges or reduces the form data or new print data based on a print instruction from the user, and outputs it to the printer 20. The printer 20 prints (prints out) the received data.

  Next, specific processing of the PC 10 in the first embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing processing related to form data printing by the PC 10. The process of FIG. 5 is a process executed when the user inputs a form data print instruction via the input unit 95. In the first embodiment, it is assumed that the user has input a reduced print instruction for the form data shown in FIG.

  In the process of FIG. 5, first, in step S10, the print data reading unit 30 acquires the input print reduction rate (designated reduction rate) and form data to be printed (hereinafter referred to as “print data”). To do. The print data reading unit 30 transmits the acquired designated reduction ratio and the print data to the print data analysis unit 32. Here, the print reduction ratio means a length ratio before reduction and after reduction.

  Next, in step S12, the print data analysis unit 32 acquires the ID of the stamp field (print field ID) in the print data. Here, for example, it is assumed that “in01” is acquired as the stamp column ID. If the form data to be printed is data that does not include a stamp field, the print data analysis unit 32 executes only the process of step S24 (described later).

  Next, in step S14, the print data analysis unit 32 searches the guaranteed size DB 40 (FIG. 3A) using the acquired stamp field ID as a key, and acquires the necessary size (width, height) of the corresponding record. To do. Here, for example, it is assumed that the necessary size (width) = “10 mm” and the necessary size (high) = “15 mm” corresponding to the stamp field ID = “in01” are acquired.

  Next, in step S16, the print data analysis unit 32 acquires the size of the stamp column in the print data. Here, for example, it is assumed that the size (width = 12 mm, height = 18 mm) as shown in FIG.

  Next, in step S18, the print data analysis unit 32 calculates the size (specified reduction rate size) when the size of the acquired stamp field is printed at the specified reduction rate. For example, if the designated reduction ratio is 60%, the print data analysis unit 32 calculates 12 mm × 0.6 = 7.2 mm as the designated reduction ratio size (width) and sets the designated reduction ratio size (high). , 18 mm × 0.6 = 10.8 mm is calculated (see FIG. 6B).

  Next, in step S20, the print data analysis unit 32 compares the calculated designated reduction ratio size (width, height) with the required size (width, height). In step S22, the print data analysis unit 32 determines whether the specified reduction rate size is greater than or equal to the required size in both width and height. In the case of the designated reduction ratio size (width, height) in FIG. 6B, it is smaller than the required size (width, height) shown in FIG. 6C, so the determination here is denied and the process proceeds to step S26. .

  If the determination in step S22 is affirmative, that is, if the specified reduction ratio size is greater than or equal to the required size in both width and height, the print data analysis unit 32 proceeds to step S24. In step S <b> 24, the print data analysis unit 32 transmits the fact and the print data to the print data output unit 36. In this case, the print data output unit 36 prints the entire print data at the designated print reduction rate (outputs the reduced print data to the printer 20). That is, the print data output unit 36 performs normal printing of the entire print data. Thereafter, all the processes in FIG. 5 are terminated.

  On the other hand, when the determination in step S22 is negative and the process proceeds to step S26, the print data analysis unit 32 transmits the fact and the print data to the print data processing unit 34. Then, the print data processing unit 34 executes a subroutine for the stamp column adjustment printing process. In the process of step S26, if the print data is reduced and printed as it is based on the specified reduction ratio, there is a possibility that the seal stamp may protrude from the inside of the stamp field, so printing is performed after adjusting the size of the stamp field. It is a process to try.

  Hereinafter, the specific process of step S26 is demonstrated. FIG. 7 shows a flowchart showing the specific processing of step S26. In the process of FIG. 7, first, in step S100, the print data processing unit 34 searches the stamp column reference position DB 42 using the stamp column ID as a key, and acquires a reference vertex and a reference position. When the stamp column ID is “in01”, the print data processing unit 34 acquires “upper right” as the reference vertex and “210, 340” as the reference position from the stamp column reference position DB 42. The reference positions “210, 340” acquired in step S100 are assumed to be the positions shown in FIG.

  Next, in step S102, the print data processing unit 34 sets the required size (width, height) to 1, calculates the ratio of the calculated designated reduction rate size, and sets the reciprocal thereof as the required enlargement rate. In the examples of FIGS. 6B and 6C, 1 / 0.72≈1.39 that is the reciprocal of 7.2 / 10 = 0.72 is the required enlargement ratio.

  Next, in step S104, the print data processing unit 34 enlarges the size of the stamp field in the print data by the necessary enlargement ratio, and positions the reference vertex of the stamp field in the reference position of the stamp field in the print data. Print data 2 is prepared. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 9, the stamp field is enlarged 1.39 times, and print data in which the reference vertex (upper right) of the stamp field is positioned at the reference position (210, 340) is created. It is assumed that the print data is 2.

  Next, in step S106, the print data processing unit 34 executes a stamp field expansion superimposition determination process. The process of step S106 is a process of determining whether or not the enlarged stamp field overlaps a portion (character or frame line) other than the stamp field of the print data. In step S106, specifically, processing according to the flowchart of FIG. 10 is executed.

  In the process of FIG. 10, first, in step S <b> 200, the print data processing unit 34 obtains the coordinate position of each vertex of the stamp field in the print data 2.

  Next, in step S202, the print data processing unit 34 acquires the background color of the print data 2 (during printing). For example, the print data processing unit 34 acquires “white” as the background color.

  Next, in step S <b> 204, the print data processing unit 34 creates print data 2 (no field) from which only the stamp field data is deleted from the print data 2. Specifically, the print data processing unit 34 creates data as shown in FIG. 11 and sets it as print data 2 (no column).

  Next, in step S206, the print data processing unit 34 sets the print data 2 (with a colorless column) in which the color (frame line, fill) is the same as the background color (when printing) for the stamp column of the print data 2. create. That is, the print data processing unit 34 creates the data shown in FIG. 12 in which the frame of the stamp column in FIG. 9 is eliminated and the stamp column is white, and is set as print data 2 (with a colorless column). In FIG. 12, for convenience of illustration, the stamp column portion is indicated by a broken line, but the broken line is not displayed in the actual print data 2 (with a colorless column). Note that the print data processing unit 34 executes the process of step S206 based on the coordinate position of each vertex of the stamp column obtained in step S200.

  Next, in step S208, the print data processing unit 34 creates print preview data of the print data 2 (no column) (FIG. 11) and sets it as print data 2 (no column) prev. Next, in step S210, the print data processing unit 34 creates print preview data of print data 2 (with a colorless column) (FIG. 12) and sets it as print data 2 (with a colorless column) prev.

  Next, in step S212, the print data processing unit 34 compares the print data 2 (no column) prev and the print data 2 (with a colorless column) prev. In the next step S214, the print data processing unit 34 determines whether or not there is a difference between the print data 2 (no column) prev and the print data 2 (with a colorless column) prev. If the determination here is negative (as shown in FIG. 12, if the stamp field does not overlap with characters or frame lines), the process proceeds to step S218. In step S218, the print data processing unit 34 determines that the stamp field in the print data 2 does not overlap other data. Thereafter, all the processes in FIG. 10 are terminated, and the process proceeds to step S108 in FIG.

  On the other hand, if the print data 2 (with the colorless column) is data as shown in FIG. 13, the determination in step S214 is affirmed, and the print data processing unit 34 proceeds to step S216. In step S216, the print data processing unit 34 determines that the stamp field overlaps other data in the print data 2. Thereafter, all the processes in FIG. 10 are terminated, and the process proceeds to step S108 in FIG.

  Returning to FIG. 7, when the process proceeds to step S <b> 108, the print data processing unit 34 determines whether or not the enlarged stamp field overlaps with other data. When the determination here is negative (when print data 2 (with a colorless column) is data as shown in FIG. 12), the process proceeds to step S110. In step S110, the print data processing unit 34 prints the print data 2 at the designated print reduction rate. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 9, the print data processing unit 34 transmits the data (print data 2) after enlarging the stamp field about 1.39 times to the print data output unit 36. Then, the print data output unit 36 reduces the entire print data 2 at a specified reduction ratio of 60% and outputs it to the printer 20. Thereby, a printing result as shown in FIG. 14 can be obtained. In FIG. 14, the form data can be printed according to the reduction rate designated by the user while ensuring the necessary size of the stamp field. The process in FIG. 7 and the entire process in FIG.

  On the other hand, if the determination in step S108 is affirmative (if the print data 2 (with a colorless column) is data as shown in FIG. 13), the process proceeds to step S112. In step S112, the print data processing unit 34 sets “necessary enlargement ratio × specified reduction ratio” as the reduction reduction ratio for the stamped column. According to the above example, the reduction ratio of the stamped column reservation is 1.39 × 60% = 83.4%.

  Next, in step S114, the print data processing unit 34 displays a screen as shown in FIG. 15 on the display unit 93 to indicate that the required size of the stamp field cannot be secured and the stamp field securing reduction rate. And inquires of the user as to whether or not to print at the stamping column securing reduction rate.

  Next, in step S116, the print data processing unit 34 stands by until an answer is received from the user. In this case, when the user presses the “print” or “cancel” button in FIG. 15, the print data processing unit 34 proceeds to step S118 and determines whether or not the answer is “print”. If the determination here is negative, the process proceeds to step S120, and the entire original print data (FIG. 4) is printed at the specified print reduction rate (specified reduction rate) (here, 60%). Specifically, the print data processing unit 34 transmits the original print data to the print data output unit 36, and the print data output unit 36 reduces the entire original print data at a specified reduction ratio of 60%, 20 is output. Thereby, a printing result as shown in FIG. 16A can be obtained. In FIG. 16A, although the required size of the seal column cannot be secured, printing can be performed according to the reduction rate specified by the user. The process in FIG. 7 and the entire process in FIG.

  On the other hand, if the determination in step S118 is affirmed, the process proceeds to step S122, where the print data processing unit 34 converts the entire original print data (FIG. 4) at the stamping column securing reduction rate (83.4%). Print. Specifically, the print data processing unit 34 transmits the original print data to the print data output unit 36, and the print data output unit 36 reduces the entire original print data at a stamping column securing reduction rate of 83.4%. And output to the printer 20. Thereby, a printing result as shown in FIG. 16B can be obtained. In FIG. 16B, although it is not the reduction ratio initially specified by the user, printing can be performed in a state where the necessary size of the stamping column is secured. Note that when printing is performed with the print data reduced at the stamping column secured reduction rate, the form data may not fit in the paper size specified by the user. In such a case, it may be notified to the user and prompted to change the paper size. The process in FIG. 7 and the entire process in FIG.

  As described above in detail, according to the first embodiment, based on the reduction ratio when printing the form data to be printed, the data other than the stamp column included in the form data is based on the reduction ratio. Printing, and the stamping column is printed at a reduction rate different from the reduction rate. As a result, the form data (other than the stamp field) can be printed according to the reduction ratio designated by the user while the size of the stamp field is printed with an appropriate size. Further, in the first embodiment, the print data analysis unit 32 designates the stamp field included in the form data based on the reduction ratio (specified reduction ratio) when printing the form data to be printed. The size when reduced in step S18 is calculated (S18). The print data processing unit 34 then prints the stamp field in a range that does not overlap the data other than the stamp field included in the form data based on the size when reduced at the specified reduction rate. The size of the time is determined, and the print data output unit 36 prints data other than the stamp field based on the reduction ratio and prints the stamp field with the determined size (S26 (particularly, S110)). As a result, in the first embodiment, printing is performed in a state in which the size of the stamp field is largely secured in a range that does not overlap with the portion other than the stamp field, and the form data (other than the stamp field) is reduced by the user. Can be printed as per rate. Therefore, it is possible to print the form data including the stamping column without causing inconvenience for the user.

  In the first embodiment, upon receiving an instruction to reduce the form data, new form data (print data 2) obtained by enlarging the stamp field included in the form data within a range that does not overlap with data other than the stamp field is displayed. It is generated (S104), and new form data (print data 2) is reduced and printed at a specified reduction rate (S110). As a result, in the first embodiment, the print data 2 is reduced and printed at the specified reduction ratio, so that the print data 2 is printed in a state in which the size of the stamping column is large, and the reduction ratio specified by the user is satisfied. Form data (other than the stamp field) can be printed on the. Therefore, it is possible to print the form data including the stamping column without causing inconvenience.

  In this case, since the stamp field does not overlap with data other than the stamp field of the form data, it is possible to prevent the visibility of data other than the stamp field from being deteriorated by printing the stamp field large. In addition, since the user does not need to trial and error the reduction rate (that is, it is not necessary to repeat the operation of actually printing and determining whether or not the stamp is possible), the convenience of the user can be improved.

  In the first embodiment, the print data analysis unit 32 performs a process (S22) for comparing the required size of the predetermined stamp field with the size when the stamp field is printed at the specified reduction rate. Do. As a result of the comparison, if the size when the stamp field is printed at the specified reduction ratio is smaller than the required size of the stamp field, the process of reducing the print data 2 is executed. As a result, reduced printing using the print data 2 can be performed only in a situation where the reduced print of the print data 2 is necessary.

  In the first embodiment, the size of the stamp field when printing is determined based on a predetermined required size of the stamp field (S102). As a result, the stamp field can be printed with a size corresponding to the required size, and data other than the stamp field of the form data can be printed at the specified reduction rate.

  In the first embodiment, since the required size of the stamp field is stored in the guaranteed size DB 40 for each seal field ID, the stamp field corresponding to the size of the seal corresponding to the title of the person to be stamped is printed. Is possible.

  In the first embodiment, the case where the reference position is stored in the stamp column reference position DB 42 has been described. However, the reference position may not be stored. In this case, in step S104, the stamp field may be positioned so as to reduce the margin in the vicinity of the reference vertex of the stamp field.

  In the first embodiment, a case has been described in which printing is performed at a specified reduction ratio other than the stamp field of the form data, and printing is performed at a reduction ratio that is printed larger than the specified reduction ratio. However, it is not limited to this. For example, the stamp field may be printed at a reduction rate that is smaller than a specified reduction rate. In this case, there is an effect that the imprinting column can be printed with an appropriate size when an imprinting column larger than necessary is printed if the reduction printing is performed at the specified reduction ratio.

  In the first embodiment, the case where the reference position of the stamp column is one of the four corner apexes has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the reference position of the stamp field can be the center of the stamp field. The second embodiment described below is an example in the case where the reference position of the stamp field is the center of the stamp field.

<< Second Embodiment >>
Hereinafter, the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. In the second embodiment, the PC 10 has the same configuration as that of the first embodiment except that the PC 10 does not have the stamp column reference position DB 42 shown in FIG. Further, in the second embodiment, the same processing as that of FIG. 5 is performed, but the processing of FIG. 17 is executed in step S26 (stamping column adjustment printing processing), and step S106 ′ (stamping column of FIG. 17). 18 is different from the first embodiment in that the process shown in FIG. In the second embodiment, the same step numbers as those in the first embodiment are assigned to steps that perform the same processing as in the first embodiment. Also, in the second embodiment, “′” is added to the step number of the first embodiment for the step corresponding to the step of the first embodiment.

  Hereinafter, the processing of FIGS. 17 and 18 will be described in detail. If it is determined in step S22 of FIG. 5 that the specified reduction ratio size is smaller than the required size (S22: No), the process proceeds to FIG.

  In the process of FIG. 17, first, in step S <b> 100 ′, the print data analysis unit 32 sets the center position of the stamp column in the print data as the reference position. Next, in step S102, as in the first embodiment, the print data processing unit 34 sets the required size (width, height) to 1, obtains the ratio of the calculated designated reduction rate size, and calculates the reciprocal thereof as the required enlargement rate. And Here, it is assumed that the necessary enlargement ratio is 1.39 times as in the first embodiment.

  Next, in step S104 ', the print data processing unit 34 enlarges the size of the stamp field in the print data by the necessary enlargement ratio, and prepares print data 2 having the center placed at the reference position. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 19, the print data processing unit 34 creates print data by enlarging the stamp field 1.39 times without moving the center of the stamp field, and sets it as the print data 2.

  Next, when the process proceeds to step S <b> 106 ′, processing according to the flowchart of FIG. 18 is executed.

  In the process of FIG. 18, first, in step S202, the print data processing unit 34 acquires the background color (for example, white) of the print data 2 (during printing). Next, in step S <b> 204, the print data processing unit 34 creates print data 2 (no field) from which only the stamp field data is deleted from the print data 2. In this case, data similar to that in FIG. 11 is created.

  Next, in step S <b> 200 ′, the print data processing unit 34 obtains the coordinate position of each vertex of the stamp field in the print data 2. Thereafter, in steps S206 to S214, processing similar to that in the first embodiment is executed. Specifically, in step S206, the print data processing unit 34 creates data as shown in FIG. In steps S208 and S210, the print data processing unit 34 creates the print preview data (print data 2 (no column) prev, print data 2 (with colorless column) prev) shown in FIGS. In step S212, the print data processing unit 34 compares the print data 2 (no column) prev and the print data 2 (with a colorless column) prev.

  In step S214, it is determined whether there is a difference as a result of the comparison. If the determination here is negative, in step S218, the print data processing unit 34 determines that the stamp field in the print data 2 does not overlap with other data, and proceeds to step S108 in FIG.

  On the other hand, if the determination in step S214 is affirmative, that is, as shown in FIG. 21, if the stamp field overlaps with characters and frame lines, the process proceeds to step S220.

  In step S220, the print data processing unit 34 determines whether the difference is up / down / right / left with respect to the reference position. In the case of FIG. 21, it is determined that the difference is on the lower side with respect to the reference position. Next, in step S222, the print data processing unit 34 determines whether the existing difference is both up and down or both left and right. If the determination here is affirmative, that is, for example, if both the upper and lower sides of the stamp field overlap with characters, the print data processing unit 34 proceeds to step S224. In step S224, the print data processing unit 34 determines that the stamp field in the print data 2 overlaps with other data, and proceeds to step S108 in FIG.

  On the other hand, if the determination in step S222 is negative, that is, if the difference is either up or down or left or right, the print data processing unit 34 proceeds to step S226. In step S226, the print data processing unit 34 moves the position of the stamp column in the print data 2 in the direction opposite to the existing difference by the minimum unit (for example, 1 mm, 1 pixel, etc.). In the example of FIG. 21, the print data processing unit 34 moves the position of the stamp column in the print data 2 upward by the minimum unit. Thereafter, the process returns to step S200 ', and after step S200', the processing and determination up to step S226 are repeated. It should be noted that the stage where the process of step S218 or step S224 is executed, that is, the stage where the stamping column can be positioned at a position not overlapping with other data, or the stamping column is moved to a position where it does not overlap with other data. At the stage where it has been determined that this is not possible, the entire processing in FIG. 18 is terminated, and the process proceeds to step S108 in FIG.

  Thereafter, the processing and determination in steps S108 to S122 in FIG. 17 are executed in the same manner as in the first embodiment. Thus, when step S218 in FIG. 18 is performed, print data 2 is printed at the designated print reduction rate in step S110 in FIG. 17 (see FIG. 22). In FIG. 22, the form data can be printed according to the reduction rate designated by the user while ensuring the necessary size of the stamp field. When step S224 in FIG. 18 is performed, the original print data (FIG. 4) as a whole is designated in step S120 or S122 in FIG. 17 according to the user's selection. Or the entire original print data (FIG. 4) is printed at the stamping column securing reduction rate (FIG. 16 (b)). In FIG. 16A, the required size of the stamp field cannot be secured, but printing can be performed according to the reduction ratio specified by the user. In FIG. 16B, although the reduction ratio initially specified by the user is not satisfied. Thus, printing can be performed in a state where the required size of the stamping column is secured.

  As described above in detail, according to the second embodiment, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained. Further, there is an advantage that it is not necessary to prepare the stamp column reference position DB 42.

  In the second embodiment, the case where the center of the stamping column is set as the reference position has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and any position other than the center may be set as the reference position.

<< Third Embodiment >>
Next, a third embodiment will be described. The third embodiment is different only in the processing contents of the overlap determination process at the time of stamp field enlargement (step S106 in the first embodiment and step S106 ′ in the second embodiment). Therefore, in the following, only the overlay determination process at the time of expansion of the stamp field will be described.

  FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing the stamping field enlargement superimposition determination process (step S106 ″) according to the third embodiment. In the process of FIG. 23, it is shown that the form data is created using spreadsheet software. In this third embodiment, it is determined whether or not the expanded stamp field overlaps with other data in the form data. It is assumed that the data is created on fields arranged in the direction and the column direction, and the data on the width and height of each cell is associated with the form data.

  In the process of FIG. 23, first, in step S300, the print data processing unit 34 obtains the coordinate position of each side of the stamp column in the print data 2. Next, in step S302, the print data processing unit 34 acquires the width and height of each column and each row in the print data. Next, in step S304, the print data processing unit 34 sets the number of cells in the print data to N.

  In step S306, the print data processing unit 34 sets n indicating the number of the cell of interest to 1.

  Next, in step S308, the print data processing unit 34 obtains the coordinate position (upper left) of the nth (here, the first) cell in the print data. Next, in step S310, the print data processing unit 34 acquires the presence / absence of a frame line of the nth cell in the print data. Next, in step S312, the print data processing unit 34 determines whether there is a frame line. When judgment here is affirmed, it transfers to step S314.

  When the process proceeds to step S314, the print data processing unit 34 obtains the coordinates of the frame line of the nth cell in the print data. In this case, the print data processing unit 34 determines the frame line of the nth cell from the upper left coordinate position obtained in step S308 and the width and height of each column and each row acquired in step S302. Coordinates can be obtained. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S320.

  On the other hand, if the determination in step S312 is negative (if the nth cell has no frame line), the process proceeds to step S316. In step S316, the print data processing unit 34 acquires a character string in the nth cell in the print data and its font size. Next, in step S318, the print data processing unit 34 sequentially adds the font size of each character to the coordinate position (upper left) of the nth cell to obtain the coordinates of each character. If there is no character string in the nth cell, the processes in steps S316 and S318 are omitted. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S320.

  After going through step S314 or steps S316 and S318 to step S320, the print data processing unit 34 increments n by 1 (n = n + 1). In the next step S322, the print data processing unit 34 determines whether or not n> N. If the determination here is negative, that is, if the processing for all the cells in the form data has not been completed, the process returns to step S308. On the other hand, if the determination in step S322 is affirmed, the process proceeds to step S324. In addition, in the stage which transfers to step S324, when the cell contained in form data has a frame line, the coordinate of the said frame line is acquired, and when the cell does not have a frame line, The coordinates of the characters included in the cell are acquired.

  Next, in step S324, the print data processing unit 34 determines the coordinates of each side of the stamp column in the print data 2 and the coordinates of other data (the coordinate position of the frame line acquired in the processing up to step S322 / each character). It is determined whether or not the coordinates of

  As described above, when the processing in FIG. 23 is completed, the process proceeds to step S108 in FIG. 7 or FIG. In FIGS. 7 and 17, based on the determination result in step S324 in FIG. 23, printing is performed at the specified reduction rate of the print data (step S110), or printing according to the user's selection is performed. (Steps S120 and S122).

  As described above in detail, according to the third embodiment, by using the fact that the form data is created using the spreadsheet software, the superimposition determination process (step S106 ″) at the time of expanding the stamping column is performed. As a result, the same effects as those of the first and second embodiments can be obtained without performing image processing or the like.

  In each of the above embodiments, the case where there is one stamp field has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and there may be a plurality of stamp fields. In such a case, each of the stamp fields may be enlarged based on the required size, or a plurality of stamp fields may be enlarged together. In the former case, the stamp fields should not overlap. In the latter case, all the stamp fields are enlarged so as to satisfy the required size.

  In each of the embodiments described above, the case where the form data includes the stamp field has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the form data may include a signature field instead of or together with the stamp field. Also in this case, when creating the print data 2, the signature field is enlarged so that the signature field satisfies the required size (the size necessary for signing) and does not overlap with data other than the signature field. What should I do?

  In each of the above embodiments, the case where the reduction ratio is the length ratio before and after reduction has been described, but the reduction ratio may be an area ratio before and after reduction. In this case, the processing described above may be changed as appropriate according to the definition of the reduction ratio.

  In each of the above embodiments, as illustrated in FIGS. 6A to 6C, the case where the seal column is a range including the characters “store manager” has been described. A blank part (inside the rectangular frame) below the character “” may be used as a stamp field. In this case, if the required size of the blank portion (inside the rectangular frame) is stored in the guaranteed size DB 40, the same processing as in the above embodiments can be performed.

  The above processing functions can be realized by a computer. In that case, a program describing the processing contents of the functions that the processing apparatus should have is provided. By executing the program on a computer, the above processing functions are realized on the computer. The program describing the processing contents can be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium (except for a carrier wave).

  When the program is distributed, for example, it is sold in the form of a portable recording medium such as a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) or a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory) on which the program is recorded. It is also possible to store the program in a storage device of a server computer and transfer the program from the server computer to another computer via a network.

  The computer that executes the program stores, for example, the program recorded on the portable recording medium or the program transferred from the server computer in its own storage device. Then, the computer reads the program from its own storage device and executes processing according to the program. The computer can also read the program directly from the portable recording medium and execute processing according to the program. Further, each time the program is transferred from the server computer, the computer can sequentially execute processing according to the received program.

  The above-described embodiment is an example of a preferred embodiment of the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

In addition, regarding the above description of the first to third embodiments, the following additional notes are disclosed.
(Supplementary Note 1) Based on the information on the reduction rate when printing the form data to be printed, the data other than the column used for the seal or signature included in the form data is printed based on the reduction rate. , Printing the field at a reduction rate different from the reduction rate,
A printing program for causing a computer to execute processing.
(Appendix 2) The printing process is
Based on the information about the reduction rate when printing the form data to be printed, calculate the size when the column used for the seal or signature included in the form data is reduced at the reduction rate,
Based on the size when reduced at the reduction rate, the size of the column at the time of printing is determined in a range that does not overlap the data other than the column included in the form data with the data reduced at the reduction rate. ,
The printing program according to claim 1, wherein the printing program is a process for printing data other than the field included in the form data based on the reduction ratio and printing the field at the determined size.
(Supplementary Note 3) Further, the computer further executes a process of comparing the information regarding the size of the predetermined column with the size when the column is printed at the reduction ratio,
The process for determining the size of the column at the time of printing is a process executed when the size when the column is printed at the reduction ratio is smaller than the predetermined size of the column. The printing program according to appendix 2, characterized by:
(Additional remark 4) The process which determines the size at the time of the printing of the said field is a process which determines the size at the time of the printing of the said field based on the information regarding the size of the said field determined beforehand. The printing program according to Supplementary Note 2 or 3, which is a feature.
(Supplementary Note 5) Upon receiving an instruction to reduce the form data, new form data obtained by enlarging the fields used for the seal or signature included in the form data within a range not overlapping with the data other than the fields of the form data is displayed. Generate
The new form data is reduced and printed at a reduction rate specified by the reduced print instruction;
A printing program for causing a computer to execute processing.
(Additional remark 6) Let the said computer further perform the process which compares the information regarding the magnitude | size of the said column determined beforehand, and the magnitude | size at the time of printing the said column by the said reduction ratio,
The process of generating the new form data is a process executed when the size when the column is printed at the reduction ratio is smaller than the predetermined size of the column. The printing program according to appendix 5.
(Additional remark 7) The process which produces | generates the said new form data is a process which expands the said field based on the information regarding the magnitude | size of the said predetermined field, and produces new form data, It is characterized by the above-mentioned. The printing program according to appendix 6.
(Supplementary Note 8) Based on the information on the reduction ratio when printing the form data to be printed, the data other than the column used for the seal or signature included in the form data is printed based on the reduction ratio. A printing apparatus for printing the column at a reduction rate different from the reduction rate.
(Additional remark 9) Based on the information regarding the reduction rate at the time of printing the form data to be printed, the size when the column used for the seal or signature included in the form data is reduced at the reduction rate is calculated. A calculating unit to
Based on the size when reduced at the reduction ratio, the size at the time of printing of the column is determined in a range that does not overlap the data other than the column included in the form data with the data reduced at the reduction rate. A decision unit;
The printing apparatus according to appendix 8, further comprising: a printing unit that prints data other than the field included in the form data based on the reduction ratio and prints the field with the determined size.
(Additional remark 10) It further has a comparison part which compares the information about the size of the field defined beforehand with the size at the time of printing the field at the reduction ratio,
The determining unit determines the size when the column is printed when the size when the column is printed at the reduction ratio is smaller than the predetermined size of the column. The printing apparatus according to appendix 9.
(Additional remark 11) The said determination part determines the magnitude | size at the time of the printing of the said column based on the information regarding the magnitude | size of the said predetermined field, The printing apparatus of Additional remark 9 or 10 characterized by the above-mentioned. .
(Additional remark 12) When receiving a reduction print instruction of the form data, a new form in which the field used for the seal or signature included in the form data is expanded within a range not overlapping with the data other than the field of the form data A generator for generating data;
And a printing unit that prints the new form data with a reduction rate specified by the reduction print instruction.
(Additional remark 13) It further has the comparison part which compares the information regarding the magnitude | size of the said field determined beforehand, and the magnitude | size at the time of printing the said field with the said reduction ratio, The said production | generation part has the said reduction ratio 13. The printing apparatus according to appendix 12, wherein the size when printing the column is determined when the size of the column printed is smaller than a predetermined size of the column.
(Additional remark 14) The said production | generation part expands the said field based on the information regarding the magnitude | size of the said predetermined field, The printing apparatus of Additional remark 13 characterized by the above-mentioned.
(Additional remark 15) Based on the information regarding the reduction ratio at the time of printing the form data to be printed, the data other than the column used for the seal or signature included in the form data is printed based on the reduction ratio. A printing method, wherein the computer executes a step of printing the column at a reduction rate different from the reduction rate.
(Supplementary Note 16) The printing step includes:
A step of calculating a size when a column used for a seal or a signature included in the form data is reduced by the reduction ratio based on information on a reduction ratio when printing the form data to be printed;
Based on the size when reduced at the reduction ratio, the size at the time of printing of the column is determined in a range that does not overlap the data other than the column included in the form data with the data reduced at the reduction rate. Process,
The printing method according to claim 15, further comprising: printing data other than the field included in the form data based on the reduction ratio, and printing the field with the determined size. .
(Supplementary Note 17) The computer further executes a step of comparing information regarding the size of the predetermined column with a size when the column is printed at the reduction ratio,
The step of determining the size of the column at the time of printing is performed when the size when the column is printed at the reduction ratio is smaller than the predetermined size of the column. The printing method according to appendix 16.
(Supplementary Note 18) In the step of determining the size of the column at the time of printing, the size of the column at the time of printing is determined based on information on the size of the column that is determined in advance. 18. The printing method according to appendix 16 or 17.
(Supplementary note 19) When receiving a reduction print instruction of form data, a new form in which the fields used for the seal or signature included in the form data are expanded in a range that does not overlap with data other than the fields of the form data Generating data; and
A printing method, wherein the computer executes a step of printing the new form data with a reduction rate specified by the reduction print instruction.
(Supplementary note 20) The computer further executes a step of comparing information regarding the size of the predetermined column with a size when the column is printed at the reduction ratio,
The step of generating the new form data is executed when the size when the column is printed at the reduction ratio is smaller than the predetermined size of the column. The printing method as described in.
(Supplementary note 21) In the step of generating the new form data, the form is expanded based on information about the size of the predetermined field to create new form data. The printing method as described in.

10 PC (printing device)
50 Stamp field
32 Print data analysis unit (calculation unit, comparison unit)
34 Print data processing unit (decision unit, generation unit)
36 Print data output section (print section)

Claims (11)

When receiving the reduced printing instruction of the form data to be printed, as well as printing by reducing the data other than the column that is used to seal or signature is included in the form data at the reduction rate specified by the reduced printing instruction, the The column is printed with a reduction ratio different from the reduction ratio;
A printing program for causing a computer to execute processing. The printing process is
Based on the information about the reduction rate when printing the form data to be printed, calculate the size when the column used for the seal or signature included in the form data is reduced at the reduction rate,
Based on the size when reduced at the reduction rate, the size of the column at the time of printing is determined in a range that does not overlap the data other than the column included in the form data with the data reduced at the reduction rate. ,
The printing program according to claim 1, wherein the printing program is a process for printing data other than the field included in the form data based on the reduction ratio and printing the field with the determined size. . Further causing the computer to execute a process of comparing the predetermined information regarding the size of the column with the size when the column is printed at the reduction ratio,
The process for determining the size of the column at the time of printing is a process executed when the size when the column is printed at the reduction ratio is smaller than the predetermined size of the column. The printing program according to claim 2.   The process for determining the size of the column at the time of printing is a process for determining the size of the column at the time of printing based on information relating to a predetermined size of the column. Item 4. The printing program according to Item 2 or 3. Upon receiving a reduction print instruction of the form data, new form data is generated by expanding the field used for the seal or signature included in the form data in a range that does not overlap with data other than the field of the form data,
The new form data is reduced and printed at a reduction rate specified by the reduced print instruction;
A printing program for causing a computer to execute processing. Further causing the computer to execute a process of comparing the predetermined information regarding the size of the column with the size when the column is printed at the reduction ratio,
The process of generating the new form data is a process executed when the size when the column is printed at the reduction ratio is smaller than the predetermined size of the column. The printing program according to claim 5.   The process for generating the new form data is a process for creating new form data by enlarging the field based on information relating to a predetermined size of the field. The printing program described in 1. When receiving the reduced printing instruction of the form data to be printed, as well as printing by reducing the data other than the column that is used to seal or signature is included in the form data at the reduction rate specified by the reduced printing instruction, the A printing apparatus, wherein a column is reduced and printed at a reduction rate different from the reduction rate. When receiving a reduction print instruction of form data, new form data is generated by expanding the fields used for the seal or signature included in the form data within a range that does not overlap with data other than the fields of the form data. A generator,
And a printing unit that prints the new form data with a reduction rate specified by the reduction print instruction. When receiving the reduced printing instruction of the form data to be printed, as well as printing by reducing the data other than the column that is used to seal or signature is included in the form data at the reduction rate specified by the reduced printing instruction, the printing method characterized by field and process a computer executes to print reduced at different reduction ratio and the reduction ratio. When receiving a reduction print instruction of form data, new form data is generated by expanding the fields used for the seal or signature included in the form data within a range that does not overlap with data other than the fields of the form data. Process,
A printing method, wherein the computer executes a step of printing the new form data with a reduction rate specified by the reduction print instruction.

Images