WO2006109788A1

WO2006109788A1 - Information processing device and information processing method

Info

Publication number: WO2006109788A1
Application number: PCT/JP2006/307620
Authority: WO
Inventors: Aya Fukuzawa
Original assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
Priority date: 2005-04-12
Filing date: 2006-04-11
Publication date: 2006-10-19
Also published as: JP2006293758A

Abstract

A printing function of printing unique information such as a text or an image desired by the operator in an information recording area or in a given area of a formatted form where the information recording area or an image is provided in an adequate layout is performed. By the printing function, a layout image of a formatted form to be printed is actually acquired, the acquired image is displayed on display means, the operator sets a desired unique information in the image in the recording area of the displayed layout image a and commands the display means to display it so as to create a print image. The set-in displayed unique information is printed on the formatted form used to acquire the image by printing means.

Description

Specification

Information processing apparatus and information processing method

Technical field

[0001] The present invention can execute a printing function for printing unique information such as characters and images in the entry area or arbitrary area of the format paper in which the entry area or image of information is described in an appropriate layout. The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus and an information processing method.

Background art

[0002] For example, format papers such as postcards, envelopes, purchase orders, receipts, etc., have a standard type of format paper with a standard layout and a special type of layout. There are special types of format paper.

[0003] In order to print unique information such as characters and images in the entry area of various format sheets, there have been thought of various devices (methods)! /

[0004] As an example, in a printing device for printing entries on the surface of a postcard, printing is started in accordance with the number of characters to be printed in order to print in a well-balanced manner in the recipient name field including the title. There is a method to adjust the position (for example, see Patent Document 1). O

[0005] Further, when the variable data input by the operator and the data selected by the operator among the plurality of fixed data stored in the memory and having different numbers of rows are printed in one print area, There is a postcard printing apparatus that sets data that can be printed from another fixed data as print data when printing is not possible (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

[0006] In addition, a plurality of print formats are stored in advance, the format is automatically determined based on the format information imported from the optical reader, and the input is input in advance. There is a method of printing items that the format requires in a predetermined position (for example, see Patent Document 3).

Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 3035080

Patent Document 2: JP 2000-190588 A

Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-181913 Disclosure of the invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

[0007] In the conventional example according to Patent Document 1, since the layout is determined from the number of input characters on the device side, the operator cannot determine the print position.

[0008] In the conventional example according to Patent Document 2, the layout is determined on the apparatus side.

If it does not fit within the layout, the text on the device can be changed, and it may not be printed as desired by the operator.

[0009] Further, in the conventional example according to Patent Document 3 described above, the format information is read from the optical reader, and the format is determined. The format is not stored in the storage device. I could not decide the layout on the side

[0010] By the way, even in standard type format paper such as Nogaki Envelope, the layout of the information entry area etc. may be slightly different depending on the manufacturer and production year.

[0011] In such a case, a layout image of a standard type format sheet stored in advance in the storage device is displayed on the screen of the display device, and then the operator's desired area is displayed in the entry area. If a print image is created by inserting and displaying unique information, the entry area is misaligned between the layout image and the format sheet actually used for printing. If printing is performed in this state, the displayed unique information will be misaligned in the entry area of the format paper to be printed, and the print image and the print state actually printed on the format paper will be printed. And madness occurs.

[0012] Also, if you want to print unique information such as a message on an appropriate area of a special type of format paper where an image such as an illustration is printed in advance on the back of a commercially available postcard, indicate the outline of the postcard. An image is displayed, and a special image to be printed is created based on the print image after creating a print image by displaying unique information such as a message in the outline of the image at a desired position of the operator. Print unique information on other format papers. In this case, the relative position between an image such as an illustration on formatted paper and the printed unique information may differ from the printed image. [0013] Therefore, in order to solve the above-described problem, the present invention provides a character or image desired by the operator in the entry area or arbitrary area of the format sheet in which the information entry area or image is appropriately described in a layout. An information processing apparatus and an information processing method capable of executing a print function for printing the specific information of the user and printing the specific information desired by the operator on the format paper to be printed without being displaced. It is an object.

Means for solving the problem

[0014] In order to achieve the above object, the information processing apparatus according to the present invention provides an operator's desired area in the entry area or an arbitrary area of the format sheet in which an information entry area or an image is described in an appropriate layout. Control means for executing a printing function for printing unique information such as characters and images to be printed, and the printing function by the control means actually acquires a layout image related to the format paper to be printed, and acquires the layout In addition to displaying the image, the operator creates a print image by inserting and displaying any desired unique information in an entry area image or an arbitrary area in the displayed layout image, and the embedded unique information is displayed in the image. It is characterized by printing on the target format paper used for acquisition.

[0015] In this configuration, the information processing apparatus includes an input unit that outputs input information such as characters and images and command information such as an operation instruction to the control unit according to an operation of the operator, and an appropriate sheet. The image input means for acquiring the contents being displayed, the display means for displaying characters and images, and the printing means for printing the characters and images on the prepared paper. An image acquisition process for controlling the operation of each unit as necessary, and for the print function by the control unit to actually acquire a layout image related to the format paper to be printed by the image input unit. The acquired layout image is displayed on the display means, and any specific information desired by the operator in the entry area image or an arbitrary area in the displayed layout image is displayed. A display editing process for creating a print image by displaying the inset on the input means, and a print process for printing on the format paper to be printed used for acquiring the image by the printing means with the embedded specific information. May be included. If necessary, The operation of each means is controlled at least by controlling the operations of the image input means, the display means, and the printing means in accordance with the output of input information and command information from the input means. .

[0016] According to the present invention, the layout image of the format paper to be printed is actually captured and displayed as described above, and arbitrary specific information is inserted and displayed in the entry area image or arbitrary area. Since the print image is created, the layout does not shift between the print image and the format paper to be printed.

[0017] According to the present invention, the unique information is printed based on the print image created faithfully to the format paper to be printed. Therefore, the operator desires the unique paper desired for the format paper to be printed. It is possible to print the information accurately without shifting the position.

[0018] In addition, the control means in the information processing apparatus performs an inset display on the display means in response to a movement command from the input means in the display editing process. The display position may be displayed on the display means and moved to an arbitrary position of the layout image.

[0019] According to this configuration, it is possible to increase the degree of freedom of arrangement of the unique information, which is advantageous in reflecting the operator's preference in the print result.

[0020] Further, the information processing apparatus includes a storage unit in which an information entry area is described in a standard layout !, and a layout image relating to a standard type format sheet is stored, and the control unit includes: In the image acquisition process, in response to a selection command from the input unit, a layout image relating to a standard type format paper in the storage unit is extracted and used for display on the display unit, and the image input The layout image of the format paper to be printed may be acquired by the means, and either one of the forms in which the acquired layout image is used for display on the display means may be selected.

[0021] According to this configuration, when creating a print image, in the case of using a layout image in the storage unit, the time required for image acquisition can be omitted, so that printing can be performed easily and quickly. On the other hand, the layout image of the format paper to be printed In the case of a form in which an image is actually acquired and used, as described above, accurate printing with no positional deviation becomes possible. In addition, since it is possible to select these two types of force, it becomes possible to respond widely to the individual requirements of the operator, improving usability.

[0022] Further, in order to achieve the above object, the information processing method according to the present invention provides an operator with an information entry area, an image, or the like in the entry area or an arbitrary area of a format sheet on which an appropriate layout is described. A print function for printing specific information such as desired characters and images, and the print function includes an image acquisition step for actually acquiring a layout image relating to the format paper to be printed, and the acquired layout. In addition to displaying the image, a display editing process in which the operator creates a print image by inserting and displaying any desired specific information in the entry area image or in an arbitrary area in the displayed layout image, and this inset display And a printing process for printing the specific information on the format paper to be printed used for the image acquisition. It is set to.

[0023] According to the present invention, the layout image of the format paper to be printed is actually captured and displayed as described above, and arbitrary specific information is inserted and displayed in the entry area image or arbitrary area. Since the print image is created, the layout does not shift between the print image and the format paper to be printed.

[0024] Further, according to the present invention, since the unique information is printed based on the print image created faithfully on the format paper to be printed, the operator can place the format paper on the print target. The desired unique information can be printed accurately without being displaced.

The invention's effect

[0025] According to the present invention, it is possible to print the specific information desired by the operator on the format paper to be printed without being displaced.

Brief Description of Drawings

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an embodiment of an information processing apparatus according to the present invention.

2 is a perspective view showing an appearance of the information processing apparatus of FIG.

3 is a flowchart used for explaining the operation of the information processing apparatus of FIG.

4 is a diagram showing an example of a display image used for explaining the operation of FIG. [5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing another example of a display image used for explaining the operation of FIG.

Explanation of symbols

[0027] 1 Input means

2 Image input means

3 Display means

4 Printing means

5 Control means

7 Format paper

11 CPU

12 Program memory

13 Data memory

14 Unique information memory

20, 30 layout image

21, 31 Contour image

22 Postal code entry area image

23 Destination address entry area image

24 Destination name entry area image

25 Image of title area

32 illustration images

33 Message entry area image

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

One embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, and this embodiment will be described in detail below.

As shown in the schematic configuration diagram of FIG. 1, the information processing apparatus according to this embodiment includes an input unit 1, an image input unit 2, a display unit 3, a printing unit 4, and a control unit 5. As shown in the external view of FIG. 2, the input means 1, the image input means 2 and the display means 3 are arranged on the upper surface of the single case 6, and the printing means 4 and the control means are provided inside. It has a structure equipped with 5. [0030] The input means 1 outputs input information such as characters and images and command information such as operation instructions to the control means 5 in response to a human operation, and includes a plurality of operation keys as shown in FIG. It has a configuration having la and a cursor key lb for moving the cursor in the vertical and horizontal directions. In addition, the input unit 1 may be a keyboard or the like that outputs input information such as characters and images and command information such as operation instructions to the control unit 5 in accordance with a human operation.

[0031] The image input means 2 is a scanner (optical reading device) or the like that acquires the contents described on the sheet to be read as electronic information.

For example, in FIG. 2, the image input means 2 places a sheet to be read on the sheet mounting surface 2a and positions the sheet on the sheet mounting surface 2a in an immovable position with a pressing lid 2b that can be freely opened and closed. In addition, it is configured to block outside light.

The electronic information acquired by the image input unit 2 is temporarily stored in a nother area of the data memory 13 in the control unit 5.

It should be noted that the electronic information acquired by the image input unit 2 is used when, for example, printing is performed on an appropriate format sheet by the printing unit 4, or is printed on a blank sheet by the printing unit 4. It is also possible to output the data to a telephone line (not shown) for facsimile transmission.

[0035] The display means 3 is an LCD, CRT, or the like that displays characters, images, and the like.

The printing unit 4 is a printer that prints characters, images, and the like on blank paper and various format papers.

[0037] Note that various format papers include, for example, text, oysters, envelopes, order forms, receipts, and the like. Among these format papers, there are standard type format papers where the layout of information entry areas is standard, and special type format papers where the layout of information entry areas is freely set.

[0038] The control means 5 is an electronic control unit (ECU) or the like that realizes various functions by comprehensively controlling the operations of the means 1 to 4, a central processing unit (CPU) 11, a program memory (ROM) 12, Data memory (RAM) 13, Unique information memory 14, etc. are connected to each other via a bidirectional bus.

One function that can be executed by the control means 5 is a printing function. [0040] This printing function prints specific information such as characters and images desired by the operator in the entry area or arbitrary area of the format sheet in which the entry area or image of information is described in an appropriate layout. is there.

In this embodiment, the print function is devised so that the simple print mode and the favorite print mode can be selected, and the selection between the simple print mode and the favorite print mode will be described in detail later. To do.

[0042] The program memory 12 stores at least a program for executing the above functions.

The data memory 13 stores data necessary for operation control when each function is executed.

[0044] The unique information memory 14 has at least an area (storing means) in which information of a layout image relating to a standard type format sheet is stored, and an area in which unique information such as characters and images is stored. .

In this embodiment, the specific information memory 14 may be an external storage device using an information recording medium such as a force floppy disk or a compact disk, which is a read-only memory (ROM), for example.

It should be noted that the layout image stored in the specific information memory 14 is an entire image including an information entry area on the front and back surfaces of a standard type format sheet, the layout of the entry area, and an outline.

[0047] The unique information stored in the unique information memory 14 is, for example, a sentence such as a name, a zip code, an address, or a greeting.

[0048] Next, procedures and operations related to the printing function executed by the control means 5 will be described.

For example, when the printing function is started by an operator, the process enters the flowchart shown in FIG.

First, in step S1, it is determined whether or not a layout image of a print image to be displayed on the display unit 3 is read from the image input unit 2.

[0051] In other words, in step S1, the simple print mode or the preferred print mode is set. You have chosen to do. This selection is performed by the operator operating the input means 1.

Here, when the simple print mode is set, a negative determination is made in step S1, and an appropriate layout image designated by the operator is read from the unique information memory 14 in step S2. In step S6, the read layout image is displayed in the first display area 3b on the display screen 3a of the display means 3, for example, as shown in FIGS.

[0053] The example of Fig. 4 shows a layout image 20 relating to the surface of a standard type postcard as a format sheet. This layout image 20 includes an outline image 21, a postal code entry area image 22, and a destination. Includes address entry area image 23, destination name entry area image 24, honorific name entry area image 25, and the like.

In the example of FIG. 5, a layout image 30 relating to the reverse side of a standard type postcard as a format sheet is shown. The layout image 30 includes an outline image 31 and an illustration image 32.

And message entry area image 33.

In FIGS. 4 and 5, 3c is a second display area on the display screen 3a of the display means 3, and 3d is a third display area.

On the other hand, when the favorite print mode is set, an affirmative determination is made in step S 1, and the format sheet 7 to be printed prepared by the operator is set in the image input means 2 in step S 3.

In this step S3, the format paper 7 to be printed is placed on the paper mounting surface 2a, and the presser lid 2b is urged to close. When the operator operates the scan start key in the input means 1, in step S4, the image input means 2 is activated to read the layout image relating to the format paper 7 to be printed. After this reading, in step S5, the format paper 7 set in the image input means 2 is taken out and set in the paper feed tray 4a of the printing means 4 (see, for example, FIG. 2).

In this step S5, for example, a message “Please set paper to be printed in the paper feed tray 4a of the printing means 4” is displayed on the display means 3, and for example, formatting paper 7 is set. Make sure that the operator confirms it.

[0059] After this, the layout image read in step S4 is displayed on the display means 3 in step S6. Displayed in the first display area 3b.

[0060] In step S7, whether or not to directly input the specific information to be entered in the information entry area image (22 to 25 or 33) in the displayed layout image (20 or 30) from the input means 1 Determine whether.

Here, in the case of direct input from the input means 1, an affirmative determination is made in step S7, and in step S8, the central processing unit 11 switches to the direct input mode, and the operator's operation on the input means 1 is performed. In step S10, the input unique information is displayed in the second display area 3c of the display means 3 and also displayed in the first display area 3b. A print image is created by displaying the image (20 or 30) in the entry area image (22 to 25 or 33).

[0062] On the other hand, in the case of reading from the unique information memory 14, a negative determination is made in step S7, and in step S9, the unique information desired by the operator is read from the unique information memory 14 and input in step S10. The displayed unique information is displayed in the second display area 3c of the display means 3, and is inserted into the entry area image (22 to 25 or 33) in the layout image (20 or 30) displayed in the first display area 3b. By displaying, a print image is created.

[0063] In step S9, when an item including desired unique information, for example, "phone book" is selected from the unique information memory 14, an item name is displayed in the third display area 3d of the display means 3. That is, the “phone book” is displayed, and when the desired unique information is selected by the operator, the contents, that is, the unique information such as name, address, and postal code are displayed in the second display area of the display means 3. Display in 3c.

[0064] After that, in step S11, the position related to the unique information displayed in the second display area 3c of the display means 3 is adjusted so as to move according to the operation of the input means 1 by the operator.

The position adjustment in step S 11 is performed using, for example, the cursor key lb in the input unit 1. For example, first, an entry area image (22 to 25 or 33) to be adjusted is selected, and then the selected entry area image (22 to 25 or 33) is selected again using the cursor key lb. 20 or 30) within the outline (21 or 31) Move it appropriately in the direction and place it in the desired position.

[0066] By the way, in Fig. 4, when the unique information is selected from the phone book and displayed, each postal code number as the unique information is arranged at the center of each frame of the postal code entry area image 22. Can be moved to a position that suits the operator's preference. In addition, destinations and addresses as specific information can be placed at positions that suit the operator's preference.

When the position adjustment is completed in this way, printing is performed on the prepared format paper 7 (see FIG. 2) in step S12.

[0068] In this step S12, when the operator presses the print start key of the input means 1, the format paper 7 to be printed set on the paper feed tray 4a in the printing means 4 is displayed on the display screen 3a. The unique information that is displayed by being embedded in the entry area image (22 to 25 or 33) of the printed image is printed.

By the way, in the processing operation of the information processing apparatus as described above (the operation process of the information processing method), steps S1 to S5 are the image acquisition process (image acquisition process), and steps S6 to S11. Up to here is the display editing process (display editing process), and step S12 is the printing process (printing process).

[0070] As described above, in the information processing apparatus and information processing method of the present embodiment, the layout images 20 (30) of various format sheets 7 to be printed are actually captured and displayed, and The print area is created by inserting and displaying any specific information in the entry area image 22 to 25 (33) or an arbitrary area, and the specific information displayed on the format sheet 7 to be printed is displayed. I try to print.

Thereby, the layout does not shift between the print image and the format paper 7 to be printed.

Accordingly, since the unique information is printed based on the print image created faithfully to the format paper 7 to be printed, the unique information desired by the operator is positioned on the format paper 7 to be printed. It becomes possible to print accurately without shifting.

[0073] Incidentally, even with standard format paper such as commercially available postcards and envelopes, the information The position of the information entry area may vary slightly, but even in such a case, if the print function is executed in the preferred print mode, the information entry area of the postcard or envelope to be printed is unique. Information can be printed without being displaced.

[0074] Further, for example, when the unique information such as a message is printed on an appropriate area of a special type of format paper in which an illustration or the like is printed in advance on the back side of a commercially available postcard, the preferred print mode described above is used. If the print function is executed in, the relative position between the existing illustration on the back of the postcard to be printed and the message to be printed can be set according to the print image displayed on the display means 3. The operator can change the location of the message flexibly while looking at the print image displayed on means 3. Therefore, a message according to the operator's preference can be placed at a location according to the preference.

Note that, in the information processing apparatus (information processing method) according to the above-described embodiment, the image acquisition process (image acquisition process), the display edit process (display edit process), and the print process (print process) are performed using the print function. Connect each process) in series! It is possible to execute each of them independently (a series of operation steps).

[0076] Further, the present invention can be implemented in various other forms without departing from the spirit or main characteristic power thereof. Therefore, the above-described embodiment is merely an example in all respects and should not be interpreted in a limited manner. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims, and is not restricted by the text of the specification. Further, all modifications and changes belonging to the equivalent scope of the claims are within the scope of the present invention.

[0077] This application also claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2005-114703 filed in Japan on April 12, 2005. By referring to this, the entire contents thereof are incorporated into the present application.

Industrial applicability

[0078] The present invention makes it possible to execute a printing function for printing unique information such as characters and images in the entry area or arbitrary area of a format sheet on which an information entry area or image is described in an appropriate layout. It can be applied to an information processing apparatus and an information processing method.

Claims

The scope of the claims

[1] In an information processing device,

There is a control means for executing a print function for printing specific information such as characters and images desired by the operator in the entry area or arbitrary area of the format sheet where the information entry area or image is appropriately described in the layout. And

The printing function by the control means actually acquires a layout image relating to a format sheet to be printed, displays the acquired layout image, and displays the acquired layout image in an entry area image or an arbitrary area in the displayed layout image. The operator creates a print image by displaying the desired unique information in an embedded manner, and prints the embedded unique information on the format paper to be printed used for acquiring the image. Processing equipment.

[2] Input means for outputting input information such as characters and images and command information such as operation instructions to the control means in accordance with the operation of the operator;

Image input means for acquiring the contents described on an appropriate sheet,

Display means for displaying characters, images, etc .;

Printing means for printing characters, images, etc. on the prepared paper,

The control means controls the operation of each means as necessary, and the printing function by the control means is an image that actually acquires a layout image related to the format paper to be printed by the image input means. The acquisition process and the acquired layout image are displayed on the display means, and the operator inserts arbitrary desired specific information in the entry area image or an arbitrary area in the displayed layout image by the input means. And a display editing process for creating a print image, and a printing process for printing by the printing means on the format paper to be printed that is used to acquire the image and the unique information displayed in the embedded state. 1. The information processing apparatus according to 1.

[3] In the display editing process, the control means displays, on the display means, the display position of the unique information that is embedded in the display means in response to a movement command from the input means. The layout image is moved to an arbitrary position. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2.

[4] It has storage means for storing layout images related to standard type format sheets in which the information entry area is described in the standard layout.

In the image acquisition process, the control means takes out a layout image related to a standard type format sheet in the storage means in response to a selection command from the input means and uses it for display on the display means And a mode in which the layout image of the format paper to be printed is acquired by the image input means and the acquired layout image is used for display on the display means. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2 or 3.

[5] In the information processing method,

Execute the print function to print the specific information such as characters and images desired by the operator in the entry area or arbitrary area of the format paper where the entry area or image of information is described in the layout as appropriate,

The print function displays an image acquisition process for actually acquiring a layout image relating to a format sheet to be printed, and displays the acquired layout image, and an operator in an entry area image or an arbitrary area in the displayed layout image. Includes a display editing process for creating a print image by displaying arbitrary desired unique information in a display, and a printing process for printing the embedded specific information on the format paper to be printed used for obtaining the image. An information processing method comprising: