JP6167785B2 - Control program, information processing apparatus, and image forming system - Google Patents

Description

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

  A technique for printing a plurality of pamphlets or the like in which images of a plurality of pages are formed on both sides of one sheet without cutting or binding the sheets is already known. Further, in Patent Document 1, all pages consolidated and printed on recording paper are cut in a predetermined cutting position and cutting direction, and other pages following the last page of one page group cut into the minimum unit. An imposition control device that performs imposition control for arranging pages on a recording sheet so that the page order is aligned when the groups are stacked is disclosed.

  However, the conventional technology for printing a pamphlet, for example, requires continuous page image data in order to perform printing. Therefore, when printing a document without editing authority or when the user does not have an editable application, there is a problem that it is not possible to perform arbitrary different image assignment on both sides of a plurality of sheets. .

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and a control program, an information processing apparatus, and an image formation capable of performing arbitrary different image allocation on both surfaces of a plurality of sheets based on image data of continuous pages The purpose is to provide a system.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a control program for controlling an image forming apparatus so as to form a plurality of images included in image data on both sides of each of a plurality of sheets. a receiving means for receiving setting information for a plurality of images of each formation for a plurality of paper both surfaces, based on the setting information received by the receiving means, against the first surface of the sheet, the two or more images A first allocating unit for allocating; a second allocating unit for allocating two or more images to be spread on the second surface of the sheet based on setting information received by the receiving unit; the direction information; Based on the number of images assigned to the first surface and the second surface, each of the plurality of images assigned to the first surface by the first assigning means. Wherein the direction and arrangement with respect to the first surface, said to function as a determining means for determining the direction and disposed with respect to said second surface of each of the plurality of images allocated to the second surface by a second assignment means, said determining means The two or more images assigned to the first side are respectively rotated and arranged so as to be in a booklet form only on the first side when the printed paper is folded based on the number of the images. Then, two or more images assigned to the second surface are arranged in the same direction based on the number of the images .

  According to the present invention, there is an effect that any different image allocation can be performed on both surfaces of a plurality of sheets based on image data of continuous pages.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image forming system including a computer terminal which is an embodiment of an information processing apparatus according to the present invention and a printer which is a printing apparatus that causes the computer terminal to execute printing. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating another example of connection between a computer terminal and a printer. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of the computer terminal illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a software configuration example of the computer terminal illustrated in FIG. FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating some of the functions of the drawing unit. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a display example of the print mode selection screen. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a display example of a page setting screen. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a display example of the allocation setting screen. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a first example of a printed matter. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a second example of a printed matter.

  Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a printing system (image forming system) including a computer terminal which is an embodiment of an information processing apparatus of the present invention and a printer which is a printing apparatus that causes the computer terminal to execute printing. It is.

  A printing system 1 shown in FIG. 1 receives a plurality of computer terminals 10 according to an embodiment of the information processing apparatus of the present invention and print data transmitted from the computer terminals 10, and prints out a document according to the print data. In this system, a plurality of printers 20 are connected via a network 30. Here, it is assumed that the printer 20 is a model capable of duplex printing that forms images on both sides of a sheet material such as paper.

  As the network 30, any communication path can be adopted regardless of whether it is a wired or wireless network including a LAN (local area network). Furthermore, it goes without saying that the number of computer terminals 10 and printers 20 connected to the network 30 is not limited to the number shown. Further, the computer terminal 10 and the printer 20 may be directly connected as shown in FIG.

  Next, FIG. 3 shows a hardware configuration example of the computer terminal 10 shown in FIG. The computer terminal 10 can be configured using a known PC (personal computer) as hardware. As shown in FIG. 3, a CPU 11, a ROM 12, a RAM 13, an I / O (input / output) port 14, a communication I / F (interface) 15, an HDD (hard disk drive) 16, and a recording medium drive 17 are provided. Are connected by a system bus 19.

  The CPU 11 is a control unit that performs overall control of the computer terminal 10 as a whole. In addition, by reading and executing a program stored in the ROM 12 or the HDD 16, various processes described later can be executed and various functions can be realized. The ROM 12 is a non-volatile storage unit that stores a program executed by the CPU 11. The RAM 13 is a storage unit that is used as a work area when the program executed by the CPU 11 is expanded and various processes are performed.

  The I / O port 14 is an interface for connection with operation accepting means such as a keyboard and a mouse and display means such as a display. The communication I / F 15 is an interface for the computer terminal 10 to communicate with other computer terminals and printers via a network or a USB cable. Note that an appropriate communication I / F 15 is prepared in accordance with a network standard, a communication protocol to be used, and the like. It is also possible to provide a plurality of communication I / Fs 15 corresponding to a plurality of standards. The HDD 16 is a large-capacity storage unit that stores programs executed by the CPU 11 and various data processed by the CPU 11.

  The recording medium drive 17 is a recording / reproducing unit that performs recording or reproduction on the recording medium 18, and an appropriate drive is provided according to the type of the recording medium 18 to be used. The recording medium 18 is a computer-readable recording medium such as an optical disk such as a CD or DVD, a magneto-optical disk such as an MO, or a flexible disk such as an FD. Setting a recording medium 18 on which a program for realizing various functions including a function relating to generation and transmission of a print job described later is set in the recording medium drive 17 causes the computer terminal 10 to read the program, It can be installed in the HDD 16 or can be executed by the CPU 11.

  When the power is turned on, the CPU 11 reads various programs including the OS (operation system), applications, and user interface in the HDD 16 according to the boot loader (boot program) in the ROM 12, develops them in the RAM 13, and then operates according to the various programs. (Various programs are selectively executed as necessary), and the CPU 11 controls the device including the ROM 12, the I / O port 14, the communication I / F 15, and the HDD 16, thereby realizing the functions according to the present invention. Can do.

  Next, the software configuration of the computer terminal 10 and the procedure for executing printing will be specifically described with reference to FIG. Further, processing and control related to each software such as an application and a printer driver, which will be described later, are realized by the CPU executing the software. However, for the sake of convenience of explanation, it is assumed that each software executes the processing.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a software configuration example of the computer terminal 10 illustrated in FIG. 1. However, the OS (operating system) is not shown in FIG. In the computer terminal 10, an OS, for example, Windows (registered trademark) of Microsoft Corporation is operating. As a module for performing operations related to the features of this embodiment, an application 101, a printer driver 110, and a GDI which is a component of the OS. The (graphic device interface) 102, the spooler 103, and the port monitor 104 operate.

  The application 101 is a program for editing and managing a document to be printed. A user can create a document or give a print instruction using the application 101. The GDI 102 is a rendering engine provided by the Windows (registered trademark) OS, and is a service that controls drawing in general. If the GDI 102 is used for the output processing of the application, the GDI 102 can absorb the difference between the models and apparatuses, and the appearance and operation feeling of each application can be unified with those provided by Windows (registered trademark).

  When the application 101 is instructed to print a document, the application 101 converts the document data of the document to be printed into a GDI call in a format that can be understood by the GDI 102, and a DEVMODE structure (hereinafter simply referred to as setting information used for printing). (Referred to as “DEVMODE”) and passed to the GDI 102. Then, the GDI 102 converts the received GDI call into a DDI (device driver interface) call according to the capability of the printer driver 110 corresponding to the printer used for printing, and the printer driver 110 together with the DEVMODE received from the application 101. To the drawing unit 112.

  The printer driver 110 is a module for controlling the printer, and is print control means prepared in accordance with the model of the printer 20. A UI (user interface) unit 111 and a drawing unit 112 are also provided. Of these, the UI unit 111 provides a GUI (graphical user interface) for accepting settings specific to the printer to be controlled, which cannot be accepted by the application 101. This setting includes settings related to special duplex printing described later.

  Here, the application 101 holds setting information used for printing as DEVMODE. When the user instructs to change the setting, the application 101 passes the held DEVMODE to the UI unit 111. In response to this, the UI unit 111 displays on the display a GUI for accepting settings to be used for printing using the passed DEVMODE value as an initial value, and accepts a setting operation from the user. When the user confirms the setting change, the value of DEVMODE is changed accordingly, and the changed DEVMODE is returned to the application 101. The application 101 holds the changed DEVMODE as setting information used for subsequent printing.

  The drawing unit 112 draws bitmap data of an image to be formed in the page memory based on document data indicating the content of the image to be printed, which is output from the application 101. The bitmap data is converted into print data (print language format drawing data) written in a printer language in a format that can be processed by the printer to be controlled. In addition, the drawing unit 112 can add setting information to print data using PJL (printer job language) as necessary.

  As described above, the document data edited by the application 101 is converted into a DDI call when it is transferred to the drawing unit 112 during printing. Therefore, it can be said that this DDI call is document data indicating the contents of a document to be printed. The rendering unit 112 performs rendering based on the DDI call and the DEVMODE passed along with the DDI call, and generates print data for causing the printer 20 to perform printing according to the setting indicated by the DEVMODE. The drawing unit 112 functions as a document data receiving unit when receiving a DDI call, and functions as a setting information receiving unit when receiving DEVMODE. When generating print data, it functions as a print data generating means.

  However, settings indicated by DEVMODE include those that should be reflected at the time of drawing and those that should be reflected when the printer 20 forms an image. For example, when consolidated printing is set, one page of bitmap data is generated by reducing each of the plurality of pages and assigning them to an appropriate position based on a DDI call for a plurality of pages of a document at the time of drawing. At this time, it is also possible to rotate the image for each page of the document. Then, the printer 20 can execute printing in which a plurality of document pages are consolidated on one side of the paper by forming an image on one side of the paper based on the bitmap data for one page.

  When double-sided printing is set, drawing is performed in the same manner as single-sided printing. However, when transmitting bitmap data to the printer 20, different images are formed on both sides of the paper based on the bitmap data for two pages by transmitting the bitmap data together with data indicating that duplex printing is to be performed. Can be made. Of course, it is also possible to combine aggregate printing and duplex printing. The print data is a combination of the data indicating the contents of the image to be printed and the setting information indicating both sides and other necessary settings.

  Here, an example in which the drawing unit 112 generates bitmap data has been described. However, when the printer 20 to be controlled has a drawing function, it is also possible to generate print data based on data before drawing. . In this case, the bitmap data may be generated by the printer 20 that has received the print data. In this case, setting information indicating aggregation is also transmitted to the printer 20 and reflected in the drawing on the printer 20.

  The spooler 103 is a module provided by the OS, and has a function of temporarily storing print data to be transmitted to the printer 20. The port monitor 104 is also a module provided by the OS, and when print data to be transmitted to the printer 20 is accumulated in the spooler 103, the print data is transmitted to the printer 20 that is to execute a job related to the print data.

  Next, the functions of the drawing unit 112 will be described in detail. FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating some of the functions of the drawing unit 112. As shown in FIG. 5, the drawing unit 112 includes a setting receiving unit 40, a priority setting receiving unit 41, a specified receiving unit 42, an error setting receiving unit 43, a selection setting receiving unit 44, a direction information acquiring unit 45, and a first allocation. Section 46, second allocation section 47, and allocation section (determination section) 48. Each unit constituting the drawing unit 112 operates based on the setting operation (and the setting indicated by DEVMODE) received by the UI unit 111 as described with reference to FIG.

  The setting receiving unit 40 receives settings (described later with reference to FIGS. 6 to 8) for the direction information acquiring unit 45, the first assigning unit 46, and the second assigning unit 47.

  The priority setting accepting unit 41 accepts a setting that determines which of the first assigning unit 46 and the second assigning unit 47 preferentially assigns an image.

  The designation receiving unit 42 receives a designation input that designates an image that the first assigning unit 46 and the second assigning unit 47 respectively assign to a surface such as paper.

  Whether or not the error setting accepting unit 43 operates the first assigning unit 46 and the second assigning unit 47 in accordance with the designation accepted by the designation accepting unit 42 when there is an error in the designation accepted by the designation accepting unit 42. Alternatively, a setting that determines in advance whether to stop the printer 20 (image forming apparatus) is accepted.

  For example, when the designation receiving unit 42 accepts a designated input, the selection setting accepting unit 44 assigns an image designated by the designated input by the first assigning unit 46 and the second assigning unit 47 or designates by the designated input. A setting for selecting in advance whether to assign an image in the image data after the set image is accepted.

  The direction information acquisition unit 45 acquires direction information indicating the direction of the image with respect to the sheet based on the setting received by the setting reception unit 40. Note that the direction information acquisition unit 45 may be configured to acquire direction information indicating the direction of the image with respect to the sheet based on the direction of the sheet detected by a sheet sensor (not shown) and the image data.

  The first assigning unit 46 assigns a plurality of images to the front surface (first surface) of the sheet according to the setting. Here, the first allocating unit 46 receives the setting received by the setting receiving unit 40, the priority setting receiving unit 41, the setting receiving unit 43 at the time of error and the selection setting receiving unit 44, and the designation input received by the designation receiving unit 42, respectively. Accept as setting.

  The second assigning unit 47 assigns one or more images to be spread on the back surface (second surface) of the sheet according to the setting. Here, the second allocating unit 47 receives the setting received by the setting receiving unit 40, the priority setting receiving unit 41, the setting receiving unit at error 43 and the selection setting receiving unit 44, and the designation input received by the designation receiving unit 42, respectively. Accept as setting.

  The allocating unit 48 is based on the direction information acquired by the direction information acquiring unit 45, the number of images allocated by the first allocation unit 46, and the number of images allocated by the second allocation unit 47, for example, the first allocation unit 46. Each of the plurality of images assigned by is assigned (determined) to the first surface with a direction and an arrangement with respect to the first surface. Further, the assigning unit 48 assigns, for example, the image assigned by the second assigning unit 47 to the second surface based on the number of images assigned by the first assigning unit 46 and the number of images assigned by the second assigning unit 47. The direction and arrangement with respect to are determined and assigned to the second surface.

  In the computer terminal 10 having the above-described software configuration, a characteristic point is a function related to special double-sided printing in which the page allocation method is different between the first side and the second side of the paper. Therefore, this point will be described below. First, FIG. 6 to FIG. 8 show examples of GUIs displayed by the function of the UI unit 111. FIG. 6 shows a print mode selection screen 200 for accepting selection of print modes such as aggregation and duplex.

  The print mode selection screen 200 includes an aggregation selection unit 201, a duplex selection unit 202, a special duplex selection unit 203, an aggregate page number designation unit 204, a duplex format designation unit 205, a detailed setting button 206, an OK button 207, a cancel button 208, A print preview 209 is provided. An aggregation selection unit 201 and a duplex selection unit 202 are check boxes for selecting conventional aggregation printing and duplex printing, respectively. When the user checks these check boxes, the UI unit 111 activates the corresponding aggregate page number designating unit 204 and the duplex format designating unit 205. With these buttons, the user can specify the number of consolidated pages and the duplex printing format. Aggregation and both sides can be selected at the same time.

  A special double-sided selection unit 203 is a check box for selecting special double-sided printing. When the user checks this check box, the UI unit 111 activates the detailed setting button 206. When the user presses the detailed setting button 206, the UI unit 111 pops up a page setting screen 210 shown in FIG. 7 for receiving detailed settings related to special duplex printing. Special duplex printing cannot be selected at the same time as consolidation and duplex, and when special duplex printing is selected, the UI unit 111 automatically cancels the consolidation and duplex settings.

  An OK button 207 is a button for confirming the settings made on the print mode selection screen 200 and the page setting screen 210 and returning to the original screen. A cancel button 208 is a button for returning to the original screen without changing the setting. In addition, the UI unit 111 causes the print preview 209 to display an image indicating the current print mode set on the print mode selection screen 200. The image displayed on the print preview 209 reflects the settings on the print mode selection screen 200. Therefore, the user can intuitively know the current print mode setting from the image displayed in the print preview 209.

  Next, FIG. 7 shows a page setting screen 210. The page setting screen 210 is provided with a front (front) surface setting field 220, a back surface setting field 230, an OK button 241 and a cancel button 242. Among these, the front surface setting column 220 is a portion for accepting settings relating to printing of the first surface in special double-sided printing. The first side assigns images of a plurality of pages in the document data by a first assignment method in which the pages are rotated and arranged so that only the first side is in a booklet form when the printed paper is folded. Surface. The front surface setting field 220 is provided with a document direction setting field 221 and an assigned surface number setting field 222.

  The document orientation setting field 221 is a radio button for setting whether a document page to be printed is portrait or landscape. For example, the setting input via the document direction setting field 221 is input to the direction information acquisition unit 45 via the setting receiving unit 40. The number of assigned pages setting field 222 is an area for setting the number of pages of a document to be assigned (arranged) on the front side of a sheet. The currently set number of faces is indicated by the cursor 222a. In the example of FIG. 7, two and four surfaces are prepared as options, and two surfaces are selected. The page number input field (page designation) 250 accepts designation of a page number assigned to the front surface (first surface). For example, the setting input via the page number input field 250 is input to the first allocation unit 46 via the setting receiving unit 40.

  Next, the back side setting field 230 is a part for receiving settings relating to printing of the second side in special double-sided printing. In the second aspect, images of one or more pages in the document (image) data are allocated by a second allocation method different from the first allocation method in which all pages are arranged in the same direction. Surface. The back side setting field 230 is provided with a document direction setting field 231, an assigned surface number setting field 232, and a back surface layout page setting field 233. The document orientation setting field 231 is a radio button for setting whether a document page to be printed is portrait or landscape. For example, the setting input via the document direction setting field 231 is input to the direction information acquisition unit 45 via the setting receiving unit 40.

  The number of assigned pages setting field 232 is an area for setting the number of pages of a document to be assigned (arranged) on the back side of the paper. The currently set number of faces is indicated by a cursor 232a. In the example of FIG. 7, one, two, four, and six surfaces are prepared as options, and one surface is selected. An “automatic” setting may be provided in which the number of pages to be assigned to the back side is automatically selected according to the number of pages included in the document to be printed and the number of assigned sides of the front side. It should be noted that the setting of the number of assigned surfaces on the back surface in the assigned surface number setting column 232 can be performed independently of the setting of the number of assigned surfaces on the front surface in the assigned surface number setting column 222.

  The back side layout page setting field 233 is an area for setting which page of the document to be printed is assigned to the back side. In the example of FIG. 7, options for the top, end, and designated page are prepared. When the designated page is selected, the UI unit 111 activates the page number input field 233a and accepts the designation of the page number. For example, the setting input via the page number input field 233a is input to the second allocation unit 47 via the setting receiving unit 40. “Top” is the page with the number of allocated pages from the top, “End” is the page with the number of allocated pages from the end, and “Specified page” is the page with the number entered in the page number input field 233a on the back side. This means the setting to be assigned. If the number of numbers input in the page number input field 233a does not match the number of layout pages, for example, the remaining allocation destination may be filled with blanks, or a page without an allocation destination may be allocated to the next sheet. .

  The OK button 241 is a button for confirming the setting made on the page setting screen 210 and returning to the print mode selection screen 200. The cancel button 242 is a button for returning to the print mode selection screen 200 without changing the setting.

  Next, an assignment setting screen 260 is shown in FIG. The layout setting screen 260 is provided with a front surface setting field 270, a back surface setting field 272, an imposition setting field 274, a multi-sheet setting field 276, a print stop setting field 278, and a priority setting field 280. Yes. Here, the setting input via the assignment setting screen 260 is sent via any of the setting receiving unit 40, the priority setting receiving unit 41, the designation receiving unit 42, the error setting receiving unit 43, or the selection setting receiving unit 44. The information is input to the direction information acquisition unit 45, the first allocation unit 46, or the second allocation unit 47 (see FIGS. 3 to 5).

  The front surface setting column 270 accepts an input for selecting and setting whether to assign the designated page and the subsequent pages or all the assigned pages to the front surface of the paper. The back side setting column 272 accepts an input for selecting and setting whether to assign the designated page and the subsequent page or all the assigned pages to the back side of the paper. In other words, the front surface setting field 270 and the back surface setting field 272 make it possible to select whether to assign a specified page according to the selected number of pages or specify all pages for the front surface or the back surface, respectively, in the case of page specification. ing.

  The imposition setting field 274 accepts an input for selecting and setting whether to give priority to the front side or the back side in assigning images to paper. In other words, the imposition setting column 274 accepts an input for setting a priority so that a blank logical page cannot be formed on the front side or the back side of the page.

  The multi-sheet setting field 276 accepts an input for setting the operation of the printer 20 when the print result when the image data is printed becomes two or more. For example, the multi-sheet setting field 276 enables selection of printing only the first sheet and printing all pages when the print result is two or more sheets. In other words, the multi-sheet setting column 276 enables designation of the layout surface for a plurality of sheets.

  The print stop setting column 278 accepts an input for setting that printing is not performed when there is a shortage of the designated number of pages. The priority setting field 280 accepts an input for setting that the designated surface always follows the setting. In other words, the print stop setting field 278 and the priority setting field 280 can select whether to print or not to print when the number of specified pages is excessive or insufficient. Here, the excess or deficiency of page designation means that, for example, when a 10-page document is set to allocate 5 pages on both sides, only one page to be printed on the back side is designated. It is equivalent to.

  In the above description, the front surface (front surface) is the first surface and the back surface is the second surface, but the reverse is also possible. Special duplex printing is basically a printing mode for printing a document on one sheet of paper, so there is no need to be aware of which side of the printed paper is the front side and which side is the back side. . The printer itself has face-up discharge and face-down discharge, but as will be described later, it is usually easy to see which side is the first side when looking at the printed paper. There is no need to be conscious of which of the first side and the second side faces upward during paper discharge. Similarly, there is no need to be particularly conscious of which image on the first side or the second side is formed on the paper first.

  Next, FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 show examples of printed matter printed based on the print data generated by the above processing. FIG. 9 shows an example of the case where the number of rear surface allocation surfaces is one and the number of front surface allocation surfaces is four. FIG. 10 shows the number of rear surface allocation surfaces and the number of front surface allocation surfaces is four. Examples in the case of four surfaces are shown. In each figure, (a) is an example when the document page is horizontally long, and (b) is an example when the document page is vertically long. The numbers in the figure indicate the page number of the document in the application 101, and the arrows indicate the upward direction in the image of each page.

  As shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. 10, in the printed matter, the second surface is printed in a large size or a plurality of pages are printed in the same orientation, so it is suitable for viewing with the paper open. ing.

  Further, the first surface is not aligned in the printing direction of the allocated pages when the paper is opened, and it is difficult to see, but it can be made into a booklet form by folding the paper. In the horizontal example shown in FIG. 9A and FIG. 10A, by folding the right side back in the figure with the central vertical line, and then folding the upper side back in the figure with the central horizontal line, It is possible to form an open booklet of four pages that can be viewed in the same direction on the four pages formed on the first surface.

  9 (b) and 10 (b), in the example of the vertical orientation, fold the lower side back in the figure with the central horizontal line, and then fold the left side in the figure with the central vertical line. Thus, it is possible to form a four-page left-open booklet capable of browsing the four pages formed on the first surface in the same direction. If the allocation position and orientation of each page are changed, a landscape page is arranged so that a horizontally open booklet can be formed, and a portrait page is arranged so that a vertically opened booklet can be formed. You can also.

  In the page setting screen 210 shown in FIG. 7, when the front and back document directions are set to different orientations, the second side is the same as the example of (a), and the first side is (b). It is also possible to assign as in the example. Of course, the second surface can be (b) and the first surface can be (a).

  In any case, information that needs to be frequently viewed is printed on the first surface, and information on the usages to be listed is printed on the second surface. In this way, a convenient booklet that allows you to refer to necessary information in a compact state where paper is normally folded and to refer to additional information by opening the paper and turning it over when necessary. Can be easily created. For example, when creating a facility guide map, such a booklet can be used for printing a description of each area on the first surface and printing the entire map on the second surface.

  In addition, an application in which an outline of the function of the apparatus is described on the first surface and a detailed description is described on the second surface is conceivable. For example, the function list is described on the first surface, and the setting screen of the list is described on the second surface. In this case, since the description of the second surface is also assumed to be a plurality of pages, it is preferable that a plurality of pages can be allocated to the second surface.

  The computer terminal 10 has a function of assigning the contents of each page of the document to the image to be printed in the format shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 in the drawing unit 112 provided in the printer driver 110, that is, the processing in FIG. The function to perform. Therefore, the user can create a booklet without using an editing application that is expensive and complicated in operation.

  That is, for example, a document can be created by a word processor, and a printed material capable of creating a booklet can be obtained by performing only a few settings by the function of the UI unit 111 during printing. If there is a printer capable of duplex printing, booklets can be created without expensive equipment such as finishers and without using tools such as scissors and staplers. Such a function can be said to be particularly useful in an environment where a user who is relatively unfamiliar with a computer needs to produce a booklet with a low budget.

  Note that the process of assigning the first page or pages to the second side as shown in FIG. 9 is useful when it is not desired to create a blank page on the second side. The drawing unit 112 normally receives data sequentially for each page and does not receive data indicating the total number of pages when processing document data. Therefore, if you want to assign a page other than the top page to the second side, you must start creating print data after confirming that the data for the number of pages that need to be placed on the second side is sent. I must. At this time, even if the print data for the first side is created first, in order not to create a blank on the second side, the number of pages that can be allocated to the first side is the page to be allocated to the second side. It is impossible to judge without receiving the data.

  For example, if the number of assigned surfaces on the first surface is 4 and the number of assigned surfaces on the second surface is 1, if data for 5 pages (or more) is sent, 4 pages are sent to the first surface. However, if only four pages or less are sent, if the number of pages allocated to the first side is not reduced, pages to be allocated to the second side will be lost. Therefore, generation of print data cannot be started on both the first and second sides unless it is confirmed that data for five pages (or more) has been sent. If the number of pages to be assigned to the second page is specified, generation of print data for the second page can be started when reception of the page is completed, but generation of print data is still possible until the page is received. Can't start.

  On the other hand, when the first page or pages are arranged on the second side, the generation of the print data for the second side can be started when the data for the first page is received. This is because it is possible to cope with securing a page to be allocated to the second surface and allocating the remaining pages to the first surface. Therefore, the drawing unit 112 can start generating print data immediately after receiving the document data, and can shorten the time required for printing.

  In particular, as shown in FIG. 9, when only one page is arranged on the second side, if the page cannot be arranged on the second side, one-sided printing is practically performed, and the advantage of special double-sided printing cannot be utilized. Therefore, there is a great need not to create a blank on the second surface. The process of assigning the first page of the document to the second side is useful when high-speed printing is performed while satisfying such a need.

  This is the end of the description of the embodiment. However, in the present invention, the specific configuration of each unit, the contents of processing, the contents of the screen, the settable items and options, and the like are not limited to those described in the embodiment. . For example, for the layout of the front face, the form of the booklet may be selected from top open, left open, right open, and the like. In addition, when allocating a plurality of back pages, the order of allocation of each page may be selected. Further, the options for the number of assigned surfaces are not limited to those described above.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the front side is assigned by a method in which the front side is rotated and assigned so that only the front side becomes a booklet form when the printed paper is folded, and the rear side is assigned. In the example described above, all pages are arranged in the same direction. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In other words, the present invention can be applied even when a booklet is formed or when the layout is not particular about opening and viewing the paper. Even in that case, the convenience of page assignment in double-sided printing can be improved by enabling special double-sided printing with different page assignment methods on the first and second sides.

  The control program according to the present invention is a program for causing the CPU 11 in the computer terminal 10 of the above-described embodiment to realize the function of the printer driver 110. By causing the computer to execute such a program, the control program as described above is used. An effect can be obtained.

  Such a program may be stored in a storage means such as a ROM provided in the computer from the beginning, but a non-volatile recording medium (such as a CD-ROM or flexible disk, SRAM, EEPROM, or memory card) that is a recording medium. It can also be recorded and provided in a memory. Each process described above can be executed by installing the program recorded in the memory into a computer and causing the CPU to execute the program.

  Furthermore, it is also possible to download and execute an external device that is connected to a network and includes a recording medium that records the program, or an external device that stores the program in the storage unit. In addition, it goes without saying that the configurations of the embodiments, operation examples, and modifications described above can be arbitrarily combined and implemented as long as they do not contradict each other.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Printing (image formation) system, 10 ... Computer terminal, 11 ... CPU, 12 ... ROM, 13 ... RAM, 14 ... I / O port, 15 ... Communication I / F, 16 ... HDD, 17 ... recording medium drive, 18 ... recording medium, 20 ... printer, 40 ... setting receiving unit, 41 ... priority setting receiving unit, 42. ..Specified receiving unit, 43 ... Error setting receiving unit, 44 ... Selection setting receiving unit, 45 ... Direction information acquiring unit, 46 ... First assigning unit, 47 ... Second assigning , 48 ... Allocation unit, 101 ... Application, 102 ... GDI, 103 ... Spooler, 104 ... Port monitor, 110 ... Printer driver, 111 ... UI part, 112 ..Drawing unit, 200... Print mode selection screen, 201 ..Aggregation selection unit, 202... Double-sided selection unit, 203... Special double-sided selection unit, 204... Consolidated page number designation unit, 205. 207 ... OK button, 208 ... Cancel button, 209 ... Print preview, 210 ... Page setting screen, 220 ... Front side setting field, 221, 231 ... Original direction setting field , 222, 232... Number of assigned pages setting field, 222a, 232a... Cursor, 230... Back side setting field, 233. .. page number input field, 260... Allocation setting screen, 270 .. front surface setting field, 272 .. back surface setting field, 274... Imposition setting field, 276. 278 ・And printing stop setting column, 280 ... priority setting field

JP 2009-64266 A

Claims (6)

A control program for controlling an image forming apparatus so as to form a plurality of images included in image data on both sides of each of a plurality of sheets.
Receiving means for accepting setting information relating to the formation of each of the plurality of images on both sides of each of the plurality of sheets;
Obtaining means for obtaining direction information indicating a direction of an image with respect to the paper based on setting information received by the receiving means;
Based on the setting information received by the receiving means, against the first surface of the sheet, a first assigning means for assigning two or more images,
Second assigning means for assigning two or more images to be spread on the second surface of the paper based on setting information received by the accepting means;
Based on the direction information and the number of images assigned to the first surface and the second surface, the direction and arrangement with respect to the first surface of each of the plurality of images assigned to the first surface by the first assigning means ; , Functioning as a determining means for determining the direction and arrangement of each of the plurality of images assigned to the second face by the second assigning means with respect to the second face ,
The determining means is configured to form two or more images assigned to the first surface based on the number of the images so that a booklet form is formed only on the first surface when the printed paper is folded. Arranging two or more images assigned to the second surface so as to be aligned in the same direction based on the number of the images;
Control program for. An information processing apparatus that controls an image forming apparatus to form a plurality of images included in image data on both sides of each of a plurality of sheets,
A receiving unit that receives setting information related to formation of each of the plurality of images on both sides of each of the plurality of sheets;
A direction information acquisition unit that acquires direction information indicating a direction of an image with respect to the sheet based on setting information received by the reception unit;
Based on the setting information received by the receiving unit, against a first surface of said sheet, a first allocation unit for allocating two or more images,
A second assigning unit that assigns two or more images to be spread on the second surface of the paper based on setting information received by the receiving unit;
Based on the direction information acquired by the direction information acquisition unit and the number of images allocated to the first surface and the second surface, the first of each of the plurality of images allocated to the first surface by the first allocation unit. A direction and arrangement with respect to one surface, and a determination unit that determines the direction and arrangement with respect to the second surface of each of a plurality of images allocated to the second surface by the second allocation unit ;
I have a,
The determination unit is configured so that two or more images assigned to the first surface are in a booklet form only on the first surface when the printed paper is folded based on the number of the images. Arranging two or more images assigned to the second surface so as to be aligned in the same direction based on the number of the images;
An information processing apparatus characterized by that. A priority setting receiving unit that receives a setting that determines which of the first allocation unit and the second allocation unit is to be preferentially allocated an image;
The first assigning unit and the second assigning unit are:
The information processing apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein an image is assigned based on a setting received by the priority setting receiving unit. A designation receiving unit for receiving a designation input designating an image to be assigned by at least one of the first assignment unit and the second assignment unit;
When there is an error in the designation received by the designated receiving unit, the first assigning unit and the second assigning unit are operated based on the designation accepted by the designated accepting unit, or the image forming apparatus is stopped. And an error setting accepting section for accepting a predetermined setting as to whether or not
The first assigning unit and the second assigning unit are:
The information processing apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein an image is assigned based on a designation input accepted by the designation acceptance unit and a setting accepted by the error setting acceptance unit. When the designated receiving unit accepts the designated input, at least one of the first assigning unit and the second assigning unit assigns an image designated by the designated input or is designated by the designated input. A selection setting receiving unit that receives a setting for selecting in advance whether to assign an image in the image data after the first image;
The first assigning unit and the second assigning unit are:
The information processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein an image is assigned based on a setting received by the selection setting receiving unit. An image forming system for forming a plurality of images included in image data on both sides of each of a plurality of sheets,
A receiving unit that receives setting information related to formation of each of the plurality of images on both sides of each of the plurality of sheets;
A direction information acquisition unit that acquires direction information indicating a direction of an image with respect to the sheet based on setting information received by the reception unit;
Based on the setting information received by the receiving unit, against a first surface of said sheet, a first allocation unit for allocating two or more images,
A second assigning unit that assigns two or more images to be spread on the second surface of the paper based on setting information received by the receiving unit;
Based on the direction information acquired by the direction information acquisition unit and the number of images allocated to the first surface and the second surface, the first of each of the plurality of images allocated to the first surface by the first allocation unit. A direction and arrangement with respect to one surface, and a determination unit that determines the direction and arrangement with respect to the second surface of each of a plurality of images allocated to the second surface by the second allocation unit ;
To both sides of the sheet, respectively, a plurality of the first allocation unit while shape forming a plurality of images assigned to the first surface to the first surface, the second allocation unit is allocated to the second surface the images have a an image forming portion for forming the second surface,
The determination unit is configured so that two or more images assigned to the first surface are in a booklet form only on the first surface when the printed paper is folded based on the number of the images. Arranging two or more images assigned to the second surface so as to be aligned in the same direction based on the number of the images;
An image forming system.

Images