JP2006018441A - Information processing apparatus, print setting method, storage medium storing computer-readable program, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To construct a print setting environment excellent in operability capable of performing drawing processing of print data that matches a maximum size that can be drawn by an application when long printing is designated by a user-defined paper size. is there.
When a printer driver draws print data, a first document size for drawing the print data is designated, and a user sets a fixed size or a user set as an output size of paper output from a printer. When the definition paper size is designated, the printer driver 130 calculates a suitable second document size for executing enlargement or reduction processing on the print data based on the document size and the output size, The second document size calculated is designated as the first document size.
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus that performs drawing processing of print data that can be output by an image forming apparatus via a printer driver, a print setting method in the information processing apparatus, a storage medium that stores a computer-readable program, and a program It is about.

  In a large format printer process by a printing apparatus, for example, a long printed matter (hereinafter referred to as long printing) of several meters may be output using roll paper. In this long printing, the width is about several tens cm to 1 m at most, but the length is several meters. Therefore, a long and narrow user-defined paper size is used instead of the standard paper size provided in advance by the driver.

  By the way, in a general application, since it is not assumed that printing is performed on a long paper size as long as several meters in this way, printing may not be performed normally. In this case, the desired size can be obtained by performing enlarged printing from a small paper size that can be handled by the application (hereinafter referred to as an original size) to a larger paper size (hereinafter referred to as an output size) by the printer driver. You can get the prints.

As a technique for generating print data by enlarging drawing data received from an application by a printer driver, there is Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H10-228707.
JP 2003-114771 A

  However, when printing on a roll paper-like long recording paper, the length desired by the user varies, so the aspect ratio often does not become a standard size. Therefore, in order to create a document size that is exactly the same size as the target long user-defined paper, the user creates a smaller user-defined paper with the same aspect ratio as the recording paper to be output on the application. There is a need. However, it is very complicated for the user to calculate and create such processing.

  In addition, since the maximum size of paper that can be handled varies depending on the application operating on the information processing apparatus, it is very difficult for the user to understand the characteristics of the application and create an appropriate document size.

  For example, when a printed material having a width of 100 cm and a length of 500 cm is required, as a first example, in a case where the application supports a size up to A4 (210 × 297), the width-height ratio is 1: 5. A suitable document size is 59 × 29 mm.

  As a second example, in a case where the application supports a size up to A3 (297 × 420 mm), the ratio of width to height is 1: 5, so that an appropriate document size is 84 × 420 mm.

  As a third example, in a case where the application supports a size up to A1 (594 × 841 mm), the width / height ratio is 1: 5, so the appropriate document size is 168 × 840 mm.

  Thus, if the document size is too large and exceeds the application limit, printing may not be possible. On the other hand, if it is too small, the drawing range of characters and figures becomes narrow, and if it is excessively enlarged, the print quality may be lowered, for example, the lines become jagged. Therefore, it is most desirable to match the maximum size that the application can draw.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to render print data in an information processing apparatus that renders print data that can be output by an image forming apparatus via a printer driver. When a first original size to be specified is specified and a standard size or a user-defined paper size set by the user is specified as the output size of the paper output from the image forming apparatus, the original size and the output size are used. In order to execute enlargement or reduction processing on the print data, the user calculates a suitable second document size and designates the calculated second document size as the first document size. If the print data needs to be enlarged or reduced with the specified output size and the original size specified for the print data, If the occurrence of a malfunction is expected with the original size, the designated first original size is set to a suitable second original size in order to execute enlargement or reduction processing on the print data. It is possible to re-specify, and even when long printing is specified with a user-defined paper size, it is possible to construct a print setting environment with excellent operability that can perform printing processing of print data that matches the maximum size that the application can draw An information processing apparatus, a print setting method in the information processing apparatus, a storage medium storing a computer-readable program, and a program are provided.

  The information processing apparatus of the present invention that achieves the above object has the following configuration.

  An information processing apparatus that draws print data that can be output by an image forming apparatus via a printer driver, the first designation means for designating a first document size for drawing the print data, and the image forming apparatus Based on the second designation means capable of designating a standard size or a user-defined paper size set by the user as the output size of the paper output by the user, and on the original size and the output size by the first and second designation means And a size adjustment unit that executes an enlargement or reduction process on the print data, and a size suitable for enlargement or reduction executed by the size adjustment unit based on the output size designated by the second designation unit. And a calculating means for calculating the size of the two originals.

  The print setting method of the present invention that achieves the above object has the following configuration.

  A print setting method in an information processing apparatus for drawing print data that can be output by an image forming apparatus via a printer driver, the first specifying step for specifying a first document size for drawing the print data; A second designation step capable of designating a standard size or a user-defined paper size set by a user as an output size of the paper output by the image forming apparatus; the original size and the output by the first and second designation steps; A size adjustment step for executing enlargement or reduction processing on the print data based on the size, and an enlargement or a step executed by the size adjustment step based on the output size specified by the second specification step. And a calculating step for calculating a second document size suitable for reduction.

  According to the present invention, when the print data needs to be enlarged or reduced with the output size specified by the user and the original size specified for the print data, the first original size specified is specified. If a failure is expected, the designated first document size can be re-designated to an appropriate second document size in order to execute enlargement or reduction processing on the print data. Even when long printing is specified with a user-defined paper size, it is possible to construct a print setting environment with excellent operability that can perform print data drawing processing that matches the maximum size that the application can draw. .

  Next, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printing system including an information processing apparatus and a printing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Both an information processing apparatus 300 including a personal computer and a printer 150 are provided. This corresponds to an example of a system that can communicate via the communication interface 21.

  In FIG. 1, reference numeral 110 denotes application software that creates a print document. An operating system (OS) print service 120 mediates print data in response to a print request from the application software 110.

  A printer driver 130 converts print data into data in a format that can be processed by the printer engine unit 140 in accordance with a request from the OS print service 120. A printer 150 receives print data created by the printer driver 130 via the bidirectional interface 21 and performs print processing. The recording medium that can be used by the printer engine unit 140 is configured to support roll paper and execute large format printing processing.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the host computer 300 and the printer 150 shown in FIG. 1, and the same components as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

  In FIG. 1, the host computer 1-1 includes a CPU 1. The CPU 1 executes document processing in which graphics, images, characters, tables (including spreadsheets, etc.) are mixed based on a document processing program stored in the ROM 3 program ROM or the external memory 11, and the system. The CPU 1 generally controls each device connected to the bus 4.

  The ROM 3 program ROM or external memory 11 stores an operating system program (hereinafter referred to as OS) which is a control program for the CPU 1, and the ROM 3 font ROM or external memory 11 stores the above-mentioned document processing. Font data to be used for the document processing is stored, and the data ROM of the ROM 3 or the external memory 11 stores various data to be used when the document processing is performed.

  Reference numeral 2 denotes a RAM that functions as a main memory, a work area, and the like of the CPU 1. A keyboard controller (KBC) 5 controls key input from a keyboard 9 or a pointing device (not shown). Reference numeral 6 denotes a CRT controller (CRTC) which controls display on a CRT display (CRT) 10. Reference numeral 7 denotes a disk controller (DKC) for accessing a boot program, various applications, font data, a user file, an edit file, a printer control command generation program (hereinafter referred to as a printer driver), and the external memory 11. Control. The external memory 11 is configured by a hard disk (HD), a flexible disk (FD), or the like.

  A printer controller (PRTC) 8 is connected to the printer 150 via a USB interface cable as a predetermined bidirectional interface 21 and executes communication control processing with the printer 150.

  The CPU 1 executes, for example, a process for rasterizing display information set in the RAM 2 into an outline font, a drawing process for image data, a drawing process for graphic data, and the like to enable WYSIWYG on the CRT 10. Yes. Further, the CPU 1 opens various registered windows based on commands instructed by a mouse cursor or the like displayed on the CRT 10 and executes various data processing.

  As a result, when executing printing, the user opens a window relating to print settings, a window serving as a print setting user interface shown in FIG. 4 to be described later, and the settings of the printer 150 (including settings of non-standard user-defined papers). Or a print processing method for a printer driver including selection of a print mode.

  On the other hand, the printer 150 includes a printer CPU 12. The printer CPU 12 outputs output information to a printing unit (printer engine) 17 connected to the system bus 15 based on a control program stored in the program ROM of the ROM 13 or a control program stored in the external memory 14. Output image signal.

  Further, a control program for the CPU 12 is stored in the program ROM of the ROM 13. The font ROM of the ROM 13 stores font data used when generating the output information, and the data ROM of the ROM 13 is stored on the host computer 300 in the case of a printer that does not use the external memory 14 such as a hard disk. The information used in is stored.

  The CPU 12 can communicate with the host computer 300 via the input unit 18 and is configured to notify the host computer 300 of information in the printer 150 and the like. Reference numeral 19 denotes a RAM that functions as a main memory, a work area, and the like of the CPU 12, and is configured such that the memory capacity can be expanded by an optional RAM connected to an expansion port (not shown).

  The RAM 19 is used as an output information expansion area, an environment data storage area, NVRAM, and the like. Access to the hard disk (HD) and the external memory 14 such as an IC card is controlled by a disk controller (DKC) 20. The external memory 14 is connected as an option and stores font data, an emulation program, form data, and the like. Further, reference numeral 151 denotes the above-described operation panel, on which switches for operation, LED indicators, and the like are arranged.

  Further, at least one external memory 14 described above is provided, and is configured to be able to connect a plurality of external memories storing an optional font card and a program for interpreting printer control languages having different language systems in addition to the built-in font. May be. Further, a non-volatile NVRAM (not shown) may be provided to store printer mode setting information from the operation panel 151.

  Also, a predetermined operating system is installed on the external memory 11, and when the system is started, the operating system is loaded into the system area on the RAM 2, and the execution of applications, printer drivers, and the like selected by the user is comprehensive. Controlled.

  The features of the present embodiment in the printing system configured as described above will be described below.

  The information processing apparatus 300 that draws print data that can be output by the printer 150 shown in FIG. 1 via the printer driver 130 shown in FIG. 1 is set to the first document size for drawing the print data, for example, as shown in FIG. Specify via the setting screen. Then, a standard size or a user-defined paper size set by the user is specified as the output size of the paper output by the printer 150, for example, via a print setting screen shown in FIG.

  Then, when the printer driver 130 calculates a second document size suitable for enlargement or reduction executed by the size adjusting unit based on the designated output size, the printer driver 130 calculates the second document size based on the designated document size and the output size. Enlarge or reduce the print data.

  As a result, when the print data needs to be enlarged or reduced with the output size specified by the user and the original size specified for the print data, the specified original original size remains unchanged. If the occurrence of a defect is expected, it is possible to re-specify the designated first document size to a suitable second document size in order to execute enlargement or reduction processing on the print data. Even when long printing is specified for the paper size to be printed, it is possible to construct a print setting environment with excellent operability that can perform print data drawing processing that matches the maximum size that can be drawn by the application.

  Further, the second document size calculated by the printer driver 130 is redesignated as the output size.

  Accordingly, an appropriate document size calculated based on the output size of the user-defined paper designated by the user is automatically designated by a simple operation, and an appropriate reduction or enlargement magnification can be determined.

  Further, the printer driver 130 calculates the ratio between the width and the height of the sheet so as to be suitable for enlarging or reducing the output size specified in step S23 shown in FIG. 6 to be described later, and further, the step shown in FIG. In S24, based on the calculated ratio between the width and height of the paper, the length of one of the output sizes is calculated as the maximum length that can be secured within a predetermined maximum number of drawing.

  This makes it possible to calculate the length of the other piece based on the specified ratio, with the maximum length that can be secured within the specified maximum number of renderings as the length of one piece, and is optimal for user-defined output sizes You can set an appropriate document size.

  Further, the predetermined maximum drawing number is determined by an executable application or an operating system.

  As a result, it is possible to designate an optimal document size for an executable application or an operating system.

  Further, in step S31 shown in FIG. 7, the printer driver 130 acquires information on the first document size indicated by the application software. Then, in steps S32 to S34 shown in FIG. 6, a second original size suitable for enlarging or reducing the paper size within the range of the first original size is calculated.

  Thereby, it is possible to easily adjust the size of the document according to the application to be used.

  In step S13 shown in FIG. 5, the printer driver 130 determines whether to calculate the second document size in accordance with the designated output size.

  As a result, the document size can be designated in a timely manner according to the designation state of the output size of the user-defined paper from the user.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a print setting screen displayed on the CRT 10 of the information processing apparatus 300 shown in FIG. 1, and corresponds to an example of a user interface by the printer driver 130 shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 3, reference numeral 210 denotes an original size specification box, which is configured to specify an original size by operating a pointing device with a cursor (not shown) when “original size” corresponding to the paper size of the application 110 is specified. Yes.

  Reference numeral 230 denotes an output size designation box, which can designate an output size by operating a pointing device with a cursor (not shown) when an “output size” corresponding to the paper size mounted on the printer engine unit 140 is designated. Has been.

  Note that when the content of the output size designation box 230 is set to “same as original size”, for example, normal printing (same size printing) is performed, but a size different from the original size 210 and the output size 230 is selected. Then, enlargement / reduction is performed between the paper sizes. Further, the output size designation box 230 is configured so that a user-defined paper other than the standard size can be designated by selecting a user-defined paper (to be described later) in addition to a so-called standard size (A3 or the like).

  Reference numeral 220 denotes a magnification setting box, which is configured to be able to specify a magnification at the time of enlargement / reduction when outputting a document. Reference numeral 240 denotes a copy number setting box, which is configured to be able to specify the number of copies to be printed.

  Reference numeral 250 denotes a print orientation setting button, which is configured to be able to select either the landscape orientation (portrait) or the portrait orientation (landscape) as the print orientation of the document size designation box 210. A print button 260 functions as a button for instructing the printer driver 130 to execute printing. A cancel button 270 functions as a button for canceling printing.

  FIG. 4 is a view showing an example of a print setting screen displayed on the CRT 10 of the information processing apparatus 300 shown in FIG. 1, and an example of a user interface (setting user-defined paper) by the printer driver 130 shown in FIG. Corresponds to an example of a user interface for designating the size). The upper interface screen of FIG. 4 is the same as the configuration of FIG. 3, and the lower interface screen of FIG. 4 is the printer driver when “user-defined paper” is selected in the output size designation box 230. This is a screen displayed on the CRT 10 shown in FIG.

  When an output size designation box 230 shown in FIG. 3 is used to operate a pointing device (not shown) to change to “user-defined paper”, the printer driver 130 displays a user-defined paper setting screen at the bottom of FIG. The interface is displayed on the CRT 10.

  In FIG. 4, reference numeral 310 denotes a unit selection unit configured to select whether to display a unit system of an input size in “millimeters” or “inches”.

  Reference numerals 320 and 330 denote paper size designation sections, which are configured so that the user paper size can be set according to the width and height. Reference numeral 340 denotes an OK button, which is a user-defined paper content shown in FIG. 4, which is pressed when the paper size is determined, and the setting content is reflected in the printer driver 130. A cancel button 350 is pressed to cancel the user-defined paper settings shown in FIG.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the user can specify user-defined paper of an arbitrary size on the user-defined paper setting screen based on the print setting screen shown in FIG.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a first data processing procedure in the information processing apparatus according to the present invention, and corresponds to the user paper designation processing procedure by the printer driver 130 shown in FIG. S11 to S15 indicate each step.

  First, in step S11, as shown in FIG. 4, the output size selection box 230 is operated with a pointing device or the like to change the selection item to “user-defined paper”. Then, the user-defined paper designation screen as shown in the lower part of FIG. 4 is displayed. In step S12, the width 320 mm and the height 330 mm are set to width 1000 mm × height 5000 mm, and the OK button 340 is pressed to select the size. Confirm changes.

  At this time, in step S13, do you adjust the document size to match the output size? Is displayed on the CRT 10 by the printer driver 130, and if the user selects <No> on a screen (not shown), the process ends without doing anything.

  On the other hand, if the <Yes> button is selected in step S130, the document size is adjusted in step S14. For example, according to a predetermined logic, the size of the original size 210 that is optimal for enlarging the size specified by the output size 230 to a width of 1000 mm × height of 5000 mm is calculated.

  In step S15, the document size is changed to the calculated user-defined paper, and the operation is completed.

  Thus, if the user draws print data such as characters and images on the document size 210 created in this way using the application 110, a long print of a desired size can be obtained.

  Next, an example of logic for calculating the optimal document size in step S14 in FIG. 5 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the second data processing procedure in the information processing apparatus according to the present invention. The detailed procedure (shown in FIG. 5) of the user paper setting processing procedure by the printer driver 130 shown in FIG. This corresponds to the detailed procedure in step S14. S21 to S25 indicate each step.

  Also, in this example, since the coordinate system at the time of drawing of many existing applications 110 and OS 120 is the short type, the logic when the maximum value of the drawing pixel is assumed to be “32768” is shown. In order to simplify the description, in this embodiment, both the document size 210 and the output size 230 are defined as “width <height”. Of course, in the present embodiment, it is obvious that it is effective even when “width ≧ height”.

  First, in step S21, the printer driver 130 acquires the resolution (Resol) of image data to be drawn from a setting table (not shown). This time, it is assumed that the resolution is 300 dpi.

  Next, in step S22, “32768”, which is the maximum number of pixels to be drawn (PIXELmax), is divided by the set resolution (300 dpi) to obtain the maximum size (SIZEmax) that can be handled in the drawing coordinate system.

(Size calculation example)
SIZEmax = PIXELmax / Resol = 32768/300 = 109.2 inch = 2773 mm
Thus, the height of the document size 210 is determined. Next, in step S23, the ratio of the width and height of the output size 230 is calculated. Since the current output size 230 is 1000 mm wide × 5000 mm high, the ratio is width: height = 1: 5. Using this ratio value, in step S24, the width value when the height is set to 2773 mm is calculated.

(Size calculation example)
Since 1: 5 = 554.6 mm: 2773 mm, the width is 554.6 mm. Finally, in step S25, the original size 210 is changed to the calculated 554.6 × 2773 mm user-defined paper, and the calculation of the optimum size is completed.

  As described above, based on the size set as the output size 230, by automatically calculating the document size 210 that matches this when enlarged, the long size can be easily obtained regardless of the restrictions of the application 110 and the OS 120. Printing can be realized.

  Whether the printer driver 130 displays the result of the calculated paper size on the CRT 10 via the user interface and asks for confirmation from the user, and then controls whether or not to execute the printing process is optional. It is.

[Second Embodiment]
In the first embodiment, the example of the printing system that assumes that the restrictions of the application 110 and the OS 120 are uniquely the short type has been described. However, various restrictions actually exist depending on the type of application. It is very complicated for the user to consciously control these restrictions one by one. Therefore, the second embodiment is an embodiment for dealing with the limitation for each application. Hereinafter, description will be given with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  In general, when a print setting screen is displayed on the CRT 10 by the printer driver 130 from the application 110, a paper size that can be handled by the application 110 is set in the document size 210.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a third data processing procedure in the information processing apparatus according to the present invention, and corresponds to the user paper setting processing procedure by the printer driver 130 shown in FIG. In addition, S31-S34 shows each step. In the setting state before this processing, it is assumed that, for example, “A3” is set in the document size 210 when the printer driver 130 displays a print setting screen from a certain application, for example.

  First, in step S31, the height of the paper size currently set in the document size 210 is obtained from a setting table (not shown) (secured on the RAM 2 shown in FIG. 2). Here, since the document size 210 is currently set to “A3”, its height is “420 mm”.

  In step S32, the ratio between the width and height of the output size 230 is obtained. Next, in step S33, using the ratio calculated in step S32, a width value is calculated based on the height of the document size 210 acquired in step S31.

[Calculation example]
Since the ratio of width to height satisfies the relationship of 1: 5 = 86 mm: 430 mm, the width is 86 mm.

  Finally, in step S34, 86 × 430 mm from which the document size 210 is calculated is designated to be changed to user-defined paper, and the optimal size calculation process is completed.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram conceptually illustrating a calculation processing example of the size of the user-defined paper in the information processing apparatus according to the present invention.

  In FIG. 8, when creating the document size 210 having the same ratio of width and height as the output size 230 of the long print, the size “A3” originally set in the document size 210 is used. This is an example of calculating the size of a new user-defined paper within a range.

  As described above, the printer driver 130 automatically calculates the document size 210 in which the size of the output size 230 is equal to the ratio of the width and the height, based on the size of the document size passed from the application 110. The size of the document size 210 can be easily adjusted according to the application 110 to be used.

[Third Embodiment]
In the first embodiment, when a user-defined paper is set as the output size 230, a case has been described in which the user is simply inquired about whether to adjust the document size according to the output size. As an embodiment, the printer driver 130 determines whether or not to calculate the second document size from the first determination based on the inquiry result to the user, and the ratio between the width and height of the output size is the existing output. Second determination based on whether the sizes do not match, third determination based on whether the ratio between the width and height of the output size exceeds a certain threshold, a threshold where the output size is constant If it is judged automatically by any one of the fourth judgments of whether or not it exceeds or by a combination of a plurality of judgments of the first to fourth judgments, or when necessary only It is the scope of the present invention to control so as to perform adjustment are.

  Specifically, “When the output size width / height ratio does not match the document size choice”, “When the output size width / height ratio exceeds a certain range”, “Output This is realized by the printer driver 130 determining in step S13 shown in FIG. 5 whether one or a combination of conditions such as “the length of the longer side exceeds a certain threshold”. The

  As a result, when a user-defined paper is specified by the user and long printing is performed, the user's specification burden is reduced, and an operation environment that can automatically specify the optimum document size for the output size with a simple operation. Can be provided to the user.

[Fourth Embodiment]
The configuration of a data processing program that can be read by the printing system according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the memory map shown in FIG.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a memory map of a storage medium that stores various data processing programs readable by the printing system according to the present invention.

  Although not particularly illustrated, information for managing a program group stored in the storage medium, for example, version information, creator, etc. is also stored, and information depending on the OS on the program reading side, for example, a program is identified and displayed. Icons may also be stored.

  Further, data depending on various programs is also managed in the directory. In addition, a program for installing various programs in the computer, and a program for decompressing when the program to be installed is compressed may be stored.

  The functions shown in FIGS. 5, 6, and 7 in this embodiment may be performed by a host computer by a program installed from the outside. In this case, the present invention is applied even when an information group including a program is supplied to the output device from a storage medium such as a CD-ROM, a flash memory, or an FD, or from an external storage medium via a network. Is.

  As described above, a storage medium storing software program codes for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to the system or apparatus, and the computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus stores the storage medium in the storage medium. It goes without saying that the object of the present invention can also be achieved by reading and executing the programmed program code.

  In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the novel function of the present invention, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

  Therefore, as long as it has the function of the program, the form of the program such as an object code, a program executed by an interpreter, or script data supplied to the OS is not limited.

  As a storage medium for supplying the program, for example, a flexible disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, MO, CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, ROM, DVD, etc. Can be used.

  In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

  As another program supply method, a browser of a client computer is used to connect to a homepage on the Internet, and the computer program itself of the present invention or a compressed file including an automatic installation function is stored on a recording medium such as a hard disk from the homepage. It can also be supplied by downloading. It can also be realized by dividing the program code constituting the program of the present invention into a plurality of files and downloading each file from a different homepage. That is, a WWW server, an ftp server, and the like that allow a plurality of users to download a program file for realizing the functional processing of the present invention on a computer are also included in the claims of the present invention.

  In addition, the program of the present invention is encrypted, stored in a storage medium such as a CD-ROM, distributed to users, and key information for decryption is downloaded from a homepage via the Internet to users who have cleared predetermined conditions. It is also possible to execute the encrypted program by using the key information and install the program on a computer.

  Further, by executing the program code read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also an OS (operating system) or the like running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by performing part or all of the actual processing and the processing is included.

  Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written to a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function expansion is performed based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that the case where the CPU or the like provided in the board or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.

  The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications (including organic combinations of the embodiments) are possible based on the spirit of the present invention, and these are excluded from the scope of the present invention. is not.

  Although various examples and embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, the spirit and scope of the present invention are not limited to the specific descriptions in the present specification by those skilled in the art.

  Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and it is needless to say that various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention. Hereinafter, Embodiments 1 to 16 will be described.

[Embodiment 1]
An information processing apparatus that draws print data that can be output by an image forming apparatus (for example, the printer 150 shown in FIG. 1) via a printer driver (printer driver 130 shown in FIG. 1). First specifying means for specifying one original size (for example, specifying via a print setting screen shown in FIG. 4), and a standard size or a user-defined value set by the user as the output size of the paper output by the image forming apparatus Based on the second designation means capable of designating the paper size (for example, designated via the print setting screen shown in FIG. 4), the original size and the output size by the first and second designation means, The print data is specified via a print setting screen displayed on a size adjusting unit (for example, the printer driver 130 shown in FIG. 1) for executing enlargement or reduction processing on the print data. And calculating means (for example, the printer shown in FIG. 1) for calculating a second document size suitable for enlargement or reduction executed by the size adjusting means based on the output size specified by the second specifying means. 5. An information processing apparatus comprising: step S14 shown in FIG.

  As a result, when the print data needs to be enlarged or reduced with the output size specified by the user and the original size specified for the print data, the specified original original size remains unchanged. If the occurrence of a defect is expected, it is possible to re-specify the designated first document size to a suitable second document size in order to execute enlargement or reduction processing on the print data. Even when long printing is specified for the paper size to be printed, it is possible to construct a print setting environment with excellent operability that can perform print data drawing processing that matches the maximum size that can be drawn by the application.

[Embodiment 2]
And third specifying means for re-specifying the second document size calculated by the calculating means as the output size (for example, step S15 shown in FIG. 5 executed by the printer driver 130 shown in FIG. 1). The information processing apparatus according to the first embodiment.

  Accordingly, an appropriate document size calculated based on the output size of the user-defined paper designated by the user is automatically designated by a simple operation, and an appropriate reduction or enlargement magnification can be determined.

[Embodiment 3]
The calculating means calculates a ratio between the width and height of the paper so as to be suitable for enlarging or reducing the output size specified by the second specifying means (for example, the printer driver shown in FIG. 1). One of the output sizes can be secured within a predetermined maximum number of renderings based on the step S23 shown in FIG. The information processing apparatus according to embodiment 1, further comprising size calculation means (for example, step S224 shown in FIG. 6 executed by the printer driver 130 shown in FIG. 1) for calculating the other length as the maximum length.

  This makes it possible to calculate the length of the other piece based on the specified ratio, with the maximum length that can be secured within the specified maximum number of renderings as the length of one piece, and is optimal for user-defined output sizes You can set an appropriate document size.

[Embodiment 4]
The information processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the predetermined maximum drawing number is determined by an executable application or an operating system.

  As a result, it is possible to designate an optimal document size for an executable application or an operating system.

[Embodiment 5]
The calculation means includes an acquisition means (for example, step S31 shown in FIG. 7 executed by the printer driver 130 shown in FIG. 1) for acquiring information on the first document size instructed by the application software. Steps S32 to S34 shown in FIG. 6 executed by the printer driver 130 shown in FIG. 1 calculate a second original size suitable for enlarging or reducing the paper size within the range of the first original size. The information processing apparatus according to the first embodiment.

  Thereby, it is possible to easily adjust the size of the document according to the application to be used.

[Embodiment 6]
Determination means for determining whether to calculate the second document size in accordance with the output size specified by the second specifying means (for example, step S13 shown in FIG. 5 executed by the printer driver 130 shown in FIG. 1). The information processing apparatus according to the first embodiment, which includes:

  As a result, the document size can be designated in a timely manner according to the designation state of the output size of the user-defined paper from the user.

[Embodiment 7]
The determination means determines whether or not to calculate the second document size from a first determination based on a result of an inquiry to the user. The ratio between the width and the height of the output size matches the existing output size. A second determination that determines whether or not the output size width ratio is greater than a certain threshold, a third determination that determines whether or not the output size width exceeds a certain threshold, and the output size exceeds a certain threshold The information processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the information processing apparatus performs the determination based on any one of the fourth determinations based on whether or not there is a combination of a plurality of determinations of the first to fourth determinations.

  As a result, when a user-defined paper is specified by the user and long printing is performed, the user's specification burden is reduced, and an operation environment that can automatically specify the optimum document size for the output size with a simple operation. Can be provided to the user.

[Embodiment 8]
A print setting method in an information processing apparatus that renders print data that can be output by an image forming apparatus via a printer driver, and a first designation step that designates a first document size for rendering the print data (for example, Step S11 shown in FIG. 5 executed by the printer driver 130 shown in FIG. 1 and a second specification that can specify a standard size or a user-defined paper size set by the user as the output size of the paper output by the image forming apparatus. Based on the step (for example, step S12 shown in FIG. 5 executed by the printer driver 130 shown in FIG. 1) and the original size and the output size in the first and second designation steps, A size adjustment step for executing enlargement or reduction processing (for example, executed by the printer driver 130 shown in FIG. 1). Step S13 shown in FIG. 5 and a calculation step (for example, calculating a second document size suitable for enlargement or reduction executed by the size adjustment step based on the output size specified by the second specification step (for example, And a step S14) shown in FIG. 5 executed by the printer driver 130 shown in FIG.

  As a result, when the print data needs to be enlarged or reduced with the output size specified by the user and the original size specified for the print data, the specified original original size remains unchanged. If the occurrence of a defect is expected, it is possible to re-specify the designated first document size to a suitable second document size in order to execute enlargement or reduction processing on the print data. Even when long printing is specified for the paper size to be printed, it is possible to construct a print setting environment with excellent operability that can perform print data drawing processing that matches the maximum size that can be drawn by the application.

  Accordingly, an appropriate document size calculated based on the output size of the user-defined paper designated by the user is automatically designated by a simple operation, and an appropriate reduction or enlargement magnification can be determined.

[Embodiment 9]
And a third specifying step (for example, step S15 shown in FIG. 5 executed by the printer driver 130 shown in FIG. 1) for re-specifying the second document size calculated in the calculating step as the output size. The print setting method according to the eighth embodiment.

  This makes it possible to calculate the length of the other piece based on the specified ratio, with the maximum length that can be secured within the specified maximum number of renderings as the length of one piece, and is optimal for user-defined output sizes You can set an appropriate document size.

[Embodiment 10]
In the calculating step, a ratio calculating step (for example, the printer driver shown in FIG. 1) for calculating the ratio between the width and the height of the paper so as to be suitable for enlarging or reducing the output size specified in the second specifying step. One of the output sizes can be secured within a predetermined maximum number of renderings based on the step S23 shown in FIG. 9. The print setting method according to claim 8, further comprising a size calculation step (for example, step S24 shown in FIG. 6 executed by the printer driver 130 shown in FIG. 1) for calculating the other length as the maximum length.

  Thus, it is possible to execute an appropriate document size designation according to the designation state of the user-defined paper output size from the user.

[Embodiment 11]
The print setting method according to claim 10, wherein the predetermined maximum drawing number is determined by an executable application or an operating system.

  As a result, it is possible to designate an optimal document size for an executable application or an operating system.

[Embodiment 12]
The calculation step (for example, steps S32 to S34 illustrated in FIG. 5 executed by the printer driver 130 illustrated in FIG. 1) is an acquisition step (for example, illustrated in FIG. 7) that acquires information on the first document size indicated by the application software. Step S31 shown in FIG. 7 executed by the printer driver 130 is provided, and the calculating step calculates a second document size suitable for enlarging or reducing the paper size within the range of the first document size. The print setting method according to the eighth embodiment.

  Thereby, it is possible to easily adjust the size of the document according to the application to be used.

[Embodiment 13]
A determination step for determining whether to calculate the second document size in accordance with the output size specified in the second specifying step (for example, step S13 shown in FIG. 5 executed by the printer driver 130 shown in FIG. 1). The print setting method according to claim 8, further comprising:

  As a result, the document size can be designated in a timely manner according to the designation state of the output size of the user-defined paper from the user.

[Embodiment 14]
In the determination step, whether to calculate the second document size is determined based on a first determination based on a result of an inquiry to the user. The ratio between the width and the height of the output size matches the existing output size. A second determination that determines whether or not the output size width ratio is greater than a certain threshold, a third determination that determines whether or not the output size width exceeds a certain threshold, and the output size exceeds a certain threshold The print setting method according to claim 13, wherein the print setting method is performed by any one of the fourth determinations determined by whether or not there is a combination of a plurality of determinations of the first to fourth determinations.

  As a result, when a user-defined paper is specified by the user and long printing is performed, the user's specification burden is reduced, and an operation environment that can automatically specify the optimum document size for the output size with a simple operation. Can be provided to the user.

[Embodiment 15]
A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for executing the print setting method according to any one of Embodiments 8 to 14.

  Thereby, there exists an effect equivalent to the said Embodiments 8-14.

[Embodiment 16]
A program that causes the print setting method according to any one of the embodiments 8 to 14 to be executed.

  Thereby, there exists an effect equivalent to the said Embodiments 8-14.

  According to each of the embodiments described above, it is possible to perform long printing more easily by automatically creating a document size that matches the width / height ratio of the output size. Further, by using the document size information transmitted from the application, an appropriate document size can be set without being aware of restrictions on the application and the OS.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printing system including an information processing apparatus and a printing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a host computer and a printer illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print setting screen displayed on a CRT of the information processing apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print setting screen displayed on a CRT of the information processing apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the 1st data processing procedure in the information processing apparatus which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the 2nd data processing procedure in the information processing apparatus which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a position of the 3rd data processing procedure in the information processing apparatus which concerns on this invention. It is a figure which illustrates notionally the example of a calculation process of the size of the user definition paper in the information processing apparatus which concerns on this invention. It is a figure explaining the memory map of the storage medium which stores the various data processing program which can be read by the printing system which concerns on this invention.

Explanation of symbols

110 Application 120 Operating System (OS)
130 Printer Driver 140 Printer Engine Unit 150 Printer

Claims (16)

An information processing apparatus that renders print data that can be output by an image forming apparatus via a printer driver,
First designation means for designating a first document size for drawing the print data;
A second designating unit capable of designating a standard size or a user-defined paper size set by a user as an output size of the paper output by the image forming apparatus;
Size adjusting means for executing enlargement or reduction processing on the print data based on the original size and the output size by the first and second designation means;
Calculating means for calculating a second document size suitable for enlargement or reduction executed by the size adjusting means based on the output size specified by the second specifying means;
An information processing apparatus comprising:   The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising third specifying means for re-specifying the second document size calculated by the calculating means as the output size. The calculating means calculates a ratio between the width and height of the paper so as to be suitable for enlarging or reducing the output size specified by the second specifying means;
Based on the ratio between the width and the height of the paper calculated by the ratio calculating means, one size of the output size is set as the maximum length that can be secured within the predetermined maximum number of drawing, and the size calculation for calculating the other length is performed. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: means.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the predetermined maximum drawing number is determined by an executable application or an operating system. The calculation means includes an acquisition means for acquiring information on a first document size instructed from application software,
2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the calculating unit calculates a second document size suitable for enlarging or reducing the paper size within the range of the first document size.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a determination unit that determines whether to calculate the second document size in accordance with an output size specified by the second specifying unit.   The determination means determines whether or not to calculate the second document size from a first determination based on a result of an inquiry to the user. The ratio between the width and the height of the output size matches the existing output size. A second determination that determines whether or not the output size width ratio is greater than a certain threshold, a third determination that determines whether or not the output size width exceeds a certain threshold, and the output size exceeds a certain threshold The information processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the information processing apparatus performs the determination based on any one of the fourth determinations based on whether or not there is a combination of a plurality of determinations of the first to fourth determinations. A print setting method in an information processing apparatus for drawing print data that can be output by an image forming apparatus via a printer driver,
A first specifying step of specifying a first document size for drawing the print data;
A second designation step capable of designating a standard size or a user-defined paper size set by a user as an output size of the paper output by the image forming apparatus;
A size adjustment step of executing an enlargement or reduction process on the print data based on the document size and the output size in the first and second designation steps;
A calculation step for calculating a second document size suitable for enlargement or reduction executed by the size adjustment step based on the output size specified by the second specification step;
A print setting method characterized by comprising:   9. The print setting method according to claim 8, further comprising a third specifying step of re-specifying the second document size calculated in the calculating step as the output size. The calculation step includes a ratio calculation step of calculating a ratio between the width and the height of the paper so as to be suitable for enlarging or reducing the output size specified in the second specifying step;
Based on the ratio between the width and height of the paper calculated in the ratio calculation step, the size calculation for calculating the length of one of the output sizes as the maximum length that can be secured within a predetermined maximum number of renderings The print setting method according to claim 8, further comprising: a step.   The print setting method according to claim 10, wherein the predetermined maximum drawing number is determined by an executable application or an operating system. The calculation step includes an acquisition step of acquiring information on a first document size instructed from application software;
9. The print setting method according to claim 8, wherein the calculating step calculates a second document size suitable for enlarging or reducing the paper size within the range of the first document size.   9. The print setting method according to claim 8, further comprising a determination step of determining whether to calculate the second document size in accordance with the output size specified in the second specifying step.   In the determination step, whether to calculate the second document size is determined based on a first determination based on a result of an inquiry to the user. The ratio between the width and the height of the output size matches the existing output size. A second determination that determines whether or not the output size width ratio is greater than a certain threshold, a third determination that determines whether or not the output size width exceeds a certain threshold, and the output size exceeds a certain threshold The print setting method according to claim 13, wherein the print setting method is performed by any one of the fourth determinations determined by whether or not there is a combination of a plurality of determinations of the first to fourth determinations.   15. A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for executing the print setting method according to claim 8.   A program for executing the print setting method according to any one of claims 8 to 14.

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