JP2012098889A - Image information processing device, image forming system, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image information processing device, an image forming system, and a program that prevent missing of images.SOLUTION: When an image information processing device is directed to form the entire part of an image on a cut sheet P, the device carries out image information processing so that the entire part of the image displayed by image information that displays an input image is formed in an inner area R that is inside the peripheral portion Q of the cut sheet P, irrespective of an image forming area S that is designated by designation information.

Description

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

  In Patent Document 1, in an output device having a function of enlarging or reducing print data and outputting it, a setting unit that sets enlargement or reduction of only an image portion excluding a margin portion of the print data, and a setting unit When enlargement or reduction of only the image part is set, the print data is enlarged or reduced, and the output start position for the image part excluding the margin part of the print data is set before the enlargement of the print data or There is disclosed an output device characterized by including control means for outputting data after enlargement or reduction at the output start position of only the image portion before reduction.

JP 2001-94767 A

  An object of the present invention is to provide an image information processing apparatus, an image forming system, and a program that avoid missing of an image when an image is formed on a recording medium.

  In order to achieve the above object, the image information processing apparatus according to claim 1, designation information for designating an image forming area in which an image is formed by an image forming unit of a recording medium having a peripheral portion where an image is not formed, and Storage means for storing peripheral edge information indicating the peripheral edge, and, when instructed to form the entire image on the recording medium, the image formation specified by the specification information stored in the storage means Regardless of the area, the entire image indicated by the image information indicating the input image is formed in the inner area inside the peripheral edge indicated by the peripheral edge information stored in the storage means. And processing means for processing the image information.

  An image information processing apparatus according to a second aspect of the present invention is the image processing apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein when the processing unit is instructed to form the entire image on the recording medium, the input processing target The entire image indicated by the image information is determined at a magnification determined based on the vertical and horizontal lengths of a predetermined image area including the entire image and the vertical and horizontal lengths of the inner area. The image information is processed so as to be enlarged or reduced.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided the image information processing apparatus according to the second aspect of the present invention, wherein the magnification is determined by the ratio of the vertical length of the inner region to the vertical length of the image region and the horizontal length of the image region. The ratio of the lateral length of the inner region to the length of the inner region is the smaller one.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the image information processing apparatus according to any one of the first to third aspects of the present invention, the image information processing apparatus further includes a reception unit that receives the designation information, and the designation information received by the reception unit. Is stored in the storage means.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the image information processing apparatus according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein an image is formed by the image forming unit based on the image information processed by the processing unit. It further includes display means for displaying an aspect of the formed recording medium.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the image information processing apparatus according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the image forming unit is configured such that after the mode is displayed by the display unit, the mode is displayed by the display unit. When permission information indicating that an image is permitted to be formed on the recording medium is input to the image forming unit, an image based on the image information processed by the processing unit is input to the recording medium. It further includes instruction means for instructing formation.

  An image information processing apparatus according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is the image processing apparatus according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, wherein the instruction information receives instruction information for instructing to form the entire image on the recording medium. The processing unit further includes an accepting unit, and when the instruction information is accepted by the instruction information accepting unit, the processing unit is input regardless of the image forming area designated by the designation information stored in the storage unit. The image information is processed so that the entire image indicated by the image information to be processed is formed in the inner region by the image forming means.

  An image information processing apparatus according to an eighth aspect of the present invention is the image processing apparatus according to the seventh aspect, wherein the processing unit is configured to input the image to be processed when the instruction information is not received by the instruction information receiving unit. An image included in a corresponding area corresponding to the image forming area designated by the designation information stored in the storage means of the entire image indicated by the information is formed in the inner area by the image forming means. The image information is processed as described above.

  The image information processing apparatus according to claim 9 is the image processing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein when the instruction information is not received by the instruction information receiving means, the processing means The image information is processed so that an image included in the corresponding region in the entire image indicated by the image information is enlarged or reduced at a predetermined magnification.

  An image forming system according to a tenth aspect includes the image information processing apparatus according to any one of the first to ninth aspects and the image forming unit.

  12. The program according to claim 11, wherein when the computer is instructed to form the entire image on the recording medium, the image is formed by the image forming means of the recording medium having a peripheral portion where the image is not formed. Image information indicating the input image regardless of the image forming area specified by the specification information stored in the storage unit storing the specification information specifying the formation area and the peripheral information indicating the peripheral edge For functioning as processing means for processing the image information so that the entire image indicated by is formed in an inner region inside the peripheral edge indicated by the peripheral edge information stored in the storage means It is.

  According to the first, tenth, and eleventh aspects of the invention, it is possible to obtain an effect of avoiding image loss when an image is formed on a recording medium.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, the image is not enlarged or reduced at a magnification determined based on the predetermined vertical and horizontal lengths of the image area and the vertical and horizontal lengths of the inner area. The effect is that the entire image can be easily formed in the inner area in accordance with the size of the inner area by the image forming means.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, the magnification is calculated by the ratio of the vertical length of the inner area to the vertical length of the image area and the ratio of the horizontal length of the inner area to the horizontal length of the image area. Compared with the case where the smaller ratio is not used, an effect that the entire image is easily formed in the inner area by the image forming unit in accordance with the size of the inner area can be obtained.

  According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, an effect that the image forming area is easily specified can be obtained as compared with the case where the receiving unit is not provided.

  According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, an effect of preventing an image from being formed in an unintended region by the image forming unit can be obtained as compared with the case where the display unit is not provided.

  According to the sixth aspect of the invention, an effect of preventing an image from being formed in an unintended region by the image forming unit can be obtained as compared with the case where the instruction unit is not provided.

  According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, there is an effect that the image forming unit can easily switch between the case where the entire image is formed in the inner region and the case where the entire image is not formed as compared with the case where the instruction information receiving unit is not provided. It is done.

  According to the eighth aspect of the invention, when the instruction information is not received by the instruction information receiving unit, the designation information stored in the storage unit of the entire image indicated by the input image information of the processing target Compared to the case where the image information is not processed so that the image included in the corresponding area corresponding to the image forming area specified by the image forming means is formed in the inner area, the image forming means converts the entire image into the inner area. There is an effect that the case where the image is formed and the case where the image included in the corresponding region corresponding to the image forming region is formed in the inner region by the image forming unit can be easily switched.

  According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, when the instruction information is not received by the instruction information receiving means, an image included in the corresponding region in the entire image indicated by the input image information of the processing target is further included. Compared to the case where the image is not enlarged or reduced at a predetermined magnification, the image included in the corresponding area corresponding to the image forming area is easily formed in the inner area according to the size of the inner area by the image forming unit. An effect is obtained.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an image forming system according to an embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the cut paper used with the printer which concerns on embodiment. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a cut sheet on which an image formed by a terminal device or a main frame and an image are formed by a printer in the image forming system according to the embodiment. It is a schematic diagram showing an example of a cut sheet on which an image created by a terminal device and an image are formed by a printer in the image forming system according to the embodiment. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a processing flow of a first image formation instruction processing program according to the first embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process of the 1st image information processing program which concerns on 1st Embodiment. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a cut sheet on which an image formed by a terminal device or a main frame and an image are formed by a printer in the image forming system according to the embodiment. 7 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing of a second image formation instruction processing program according to the first embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the display state when the blank area setting screen is selected and displayed in the dialog box displayed on the display device of the terminal device according to the first embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process of the 2nd image information processing program which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram showing an example of a cut sheet on which an image created by a terminal device and an image are formed by a printer in the image forming system according to the embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process of the 1st process command processing program which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process of the 3rd image information processing program which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process of the confirmation process program which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process of the 2nd process command processing program which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process of the 4th image information processing program which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram showing an example of a cut sheet on which an image created by a terminal device and an image are formed by a printer in the image forming system according to the embodiment.

  Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Here, a case where the present invention is applied to an image forming system configured by connecting a mainframe, a terminal device, and a printer to each other via a communication unit will be described.

[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an image forming system 10 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming system 10 includes a main frame 12, a terminal device 14, and a printer 16. The main frame 12, the terminal device 14, and the printer 16 are connected to each other via a communication means (for example, a LAN (Local Area Network)) 18.

  The main frame 12 is a general-purpose large-sized computer used for a mission-critical business system, and is connected to a dot impact printer (not shown) that forms an image on a continuous form, and is used to control the operation of the dot impact printer. . The main frame 12 reads out a control program for controlling the operation of the main frame 12 stored in the CPU (central processing unit) 12A and the secondary storage unit 12D for controlling the entire main frame 12 by executing processing of various programs. The ROM (Read Only Memory) 12B, which is a storage medium in which programs are stored in advance, the RAM (Random Access Memory) 12C, which is a storage medium used as a work area when executing various programs, and the mainframe 12 are turned off. A secondary storage unit (for example, a hard disk) 12D, which is a non-volatile storage medium for storing various information such as a control program for controlling the operation of the mainframe, a first image formation instruction processing program to be described later, various parameters, and the like. Display devices that display various images and messages (for example, liquid crystal Isupurei) 12E, and is configured to include a reception device (e.g., a keyboard and a mouse) 12F for receiving an instruction for controlling the operation of the main frame 12 by being operated by the user. The main frame 12 includes an interface (I / F) 12G that is connected to the communication unit 18 and exchanges various information with external devices (for example, the terminal device 14 and the printer 16) via the communication unit 18. Yes.

  The CPU 12A, ROM 12B, RAM 12C, secondary storage unit 12D, display device 12E, reception device 12F, and interface 12G are connected to each other via a bus 20. Accordingly, the CPU 12A accesses the ROM 12B, RAM 12C, and secondary storage unit 12D, controls the operation of the display device 12E, receives various information received by the receiving device 12F, and transmits and receives various information via the interface 12G. And each.

  The terminal device 14 is a general personal computer and is used for controlling the operation of the printer 16 via the communication means 18. The terminal device 14 stores in advance a program for reading the control program for controlling the operation of the terminal device 14 stored in the CPU 14A and the secondary storage unit 14D, which controls the entire terminal device 14 by executing processing of various programs. ROM 14B as a storage medium, RAM 14C as a storage medium used as a work area when various programs are executed, a control program for controlling the operation of the terminal device 14, a second image formation instruction processing program to be described later, various parameters , And first and second image information processing programs as printer drivers corresponding to the printer 16, and a document creation program, a spreadsheet program, and a drawing program for creating an image to the printer 16 via the printer driver. Image by instructing image formation Non-volatile storage that stores various types of information that must be retained even when the power switch of the terminal device 14 is turned off, such as an application program (hereinafter referred to as “AP with image forming function”) having a function for executing a composition process A secondary storage unit (for example, a hard disk) 14D as a storage medium, a display device (for example, a liquid crystal display) 14E for displaying various images and messages, and the operation of the terminal device 14 by being operated by a user A reception device (for example, a keyboard and a mouse) 14F that receives an instruction is included. The terminal device 14 includes an interface (I / F) 14G that is connected to the communication unit 18 and exchanges various information with an external device (for example, the main frame 12 or the printer 16) via the communication unit 18. Yes.

  The CPU 14 </ b> A, ROM 14 </ b> B, RAM 14 </ b> C, secondary storage unit 14 </ b> D, display device 14 </ b> E, reception device 14 </ b> F, and interface 14 </ b> G are connected to each other via the bus 22. Therefore, the CPU 14A accesses the ROM 14B, RAM 14C, and secondary storage unit 14D, controls the operation of the display device 14E, receives various information received by the receiving device 14F, and transmits and receives various information via the interface 14G. And each.

  When image information indicating an image is input from the outside, the printer 16 forms an image indicated by the input image information on a cut sheet as a recording medium. In the first embodiment, an ink jet printer is employed as the printer 16, but the present invention is not limited to this, and a thermal printer or a xerographic printer may be employed.

  The printer 16 includes a CPU 16A that controls the entire printer 16 by executing various program processes, a ROM 16B that is a storage medium in which control programs for controlling the operation of the printer 16, various parameters, and the like are stored in advance. A RAM 16C, which is a storage medium used as a work area, and a secondary storage unit (for example, a hard disk) 16D, which is a non-volatile storage medium for storing various information that must be retained even when the printer 16 is turned off. It includes a receiving unit (for example, a user interface panel) 16E that receives an instruction for controlling the operation of the printer 16 when operated by a user, and an image forming unit 16F that forms an image on a sheet. The printer 16 includes an interface (I / F) 16G that is connected to the communication unit 18 and exchanges various information with external devices (for example, the main frame 12 and the terminal device 14) via the communication unit 18. Yes.

  The CPU 16A, ROM 16B, RAM 16C, secondary storage unit 16D, receiving device 16E, image forming unit 16F, and interface 16G are connected to each other via a bus 24. Accordingly, the CPU 16A accesses the ROM 16B, the RAM 16C, and the secondary storage unit 16D, receives various information received by the receiving device 16E, controls the operation of the image forming unit 16F, and stores various information via the interface 16G. Send and receive each.

  FIG. 2 shows an example of the cut sheet P on which an image is formed by the printer 16. As shown in the figure, the cut sheet P is formed in a rectangular shape. The cut paper P has a peripheral portion Q (in the same figure, a region sandwiched between a broken line frame and a solid line frame indicating the outer peripheral edge of the cut paper P) where an image is not formed by the printer 16. That is, in the cut sheet P, a region (hereinafter referred to as “inner region”) R inside the inner peripheral edge (broken line frame in the figure) of the peripheral portion Q is a target region in which an image is formed by the printer 16. ing. That is, the printer 16 possesses peripheral edge information indicating the peripheral edge portion Q of the cut sheet P, and among the images indicated by the input image information, the inner area defined by the peripheral edge portion Q indicated by the peripheral edge information. Only the image included in the corresponding region corresponding to R is formed in the inner region R of the cut sheet P. In the first embodiment, A4 paper is used as the cut paper P. Further, in the first embodiment, the inner peripheral edge of the peripheral edge portion Q is a rectangular area formed on the inner side by a predetermined distance with respect to the outer peripheral edge of the peripheral edge portion Q (the outer peripheral edge of the cut paper P). The distance from each side of the inner peripheral edge to the outer peripheral edge of the peripheral edge portion Q (the outer peripheral edge of the cut paper P) is 4.1 mm. Further, in the first embodiment, the peripheral edge information indicating the peripheral edge Q of the cut sheet P (for example, information indicating the distance from each side of the inner peripheral edge of the peripheral edge Q to the outer peripheral edge of the peripheral edge Q) is the printer. 16 ROMs 16B are stored in advance. Further, in the figure, a broken line indicating the inner periphery of the peripheral portion Q is illustrated for convenience of explanation, and is not actually written on the cut sheet P.

  By the way, in general, the AP with image forming function in the terminal device 14 has a function (hereinafter referred to as “designating function”) that allows the user to designate an image forming area S on which an image on the cut sheet P is formed. include. Therefore, according to the conventional technique, the terminal device 14 designates the entire surface of the cut sheet P (the entire area surrounded by the outer periphery of the cut sheet P) as the image forming area S by the designation function, and as an example As shown in FIG. 3, an image formed on the cut sheet P by the printer 16 (in the example of FIG. 3, an image indicating the character “A” at the upper left of the image forming area S and the image forming area S (Image showing a vertically long ellipse in the lower right part of the front view) is created across the peripheral portion Q and the inner region R by the AP with an image forming function, the images included in the image forming region S thus created are Image information to be shown is generated by an AP with an image forming function, and image information indicating an image included in an area corresponding to the inner area R of the image indicated by the generated image information is generated by a printer driver. The generated image information is transmitted to the printer 16. In the printer 16, an image indicated by the image information transmitted from the terminal device 14 is formed on the cut sheet P. In this case, only an image included in the inner region R appears on the cut sheet P as an example as shown in FIG. In other words, in the printer 16, an image created by the terminal device 14 by the AP with the image forming function is formed on the cut sheet P in a state where it is blocked by the peripheral edge Q.

  Further, in the terminal device 14, a part of the inner region R on the cut sheet P (here, a region further inside than the inner region R and formed inside by a predetermined distance from R by the designation function) Area) is designated as the image forming area S, and as an example, as shown in FIG. An image formed with the image forming function AP is created so that the entire image showing the character “A” in the upper left part of the front view is included in the image forming area S, and further, as an image formed on the cut sheet P by the printer 16 When an image showing a vertically long ellipse is created across the image forming area S, the inner area R, and the peripheral edge Q in the lower right part of the cut sheet P when viewed from the front, it is included in the image forming area S thus created. Image information indicating an image to be generated is generated by an AP with an image forming function, and image information indicating an image included in an area corresponding to the inner area R of the image indicated by the generated image information is generated by a printer driver, The generated image information is transmitted to the printer 16. In the printer 16, an image indicated by the image information transmitted from the terminal device 14 is formed on the cut sheet P. In this case, only the image included in the image forming area S appears on the cut sheet P as shown in FIG. That is, in the printer 16, the entire image showing the character “A” is formed in the inner region R, and an image created by the terminal device 14 by the AP with an image forming function (here, an image showing a vertically long ellipse). ) Is formed on the cut sheet P in a state where it is blocked by the area outside the image forming area S.

  As described above, even if the image is formed by the terminal device 14 by the AP with the image forming function, if the image protrudes from the image forming area S designated by the designation function, the image is formed on the cut sheet P by the printer 16. When formed, the protruding portion does not appear on the cut paper P. In addition, even if the image formed by the AP with the image forming function in the terminal device 14 does not protrude from the image forming area S designated by the designation function, if the image protrudes from the inner area R, the printer When the image is formed on the cut paper P in step 16, the protruding portion does not appear on the cut paper P.

  Further, the main frame 12 is originally used for a dot impact printer that forms an image on a continuous form, and therefore does not have a function of designating an image forming area S by a designation function. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the entire surface of the cut sheet P (the area surrounded by the outer periphery of the cut sheet P) is fixed to be processed as the image forming area S. When an image created by the main frame 12 configured as described above is formed on the cut sheet P by the printer 16, the printer driver of the terminal device 14 is used. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, when an image formed on the cut sheet P by the printer 16 is created across the peripheral edge Q and the inner area R by the main frame 12, the image forming area S thus created is created. The image information indicating the image included in the region corresponding to the inner region R among the images included in the image is generated by the printer driver, and the generated image information is transmitted to the printer 16. In the printer 16, an image indicated by the image information transmitted from the terminal device 14 is formed on the cut sheet P. In this case, only an image included in the inner region R appears on the cut sheet P as an example as shown in FIG. That is, in the printer 16, the image created on the main frame 12 is formed on the cut sheet P in a state where the image is blocked by the peripheral edge Q.

  As described above, if the image created by the main frame 12 protrudes from the inner region R, when the image is formed on the cut sheet P by the printer 16, the protruding part does not appear on the cut sheet P.

  Therefore, in the image forming system 10 according to the first exemplary embodiment, when the printer 16 performs image formation, an instruction is given as to whether or not the entire image is to be formed on the cut sheet P regardless of the image forming area S. First image formation instruction processing and first image information processing for processing image information in accordance with an instruction by the first image formation instruction processing are executed.

  First, referring to FIGS. 5 to 7, the operation of the image forming system 10 when the first image forming instruction process is executed by the main frame 12 and the first image information processing is executed by the terminal device 12. explain.

  FIG. 5 is executed by the CPU 12 </ b> A when an instruction to prepare for instructing the printer 16 to form an image with the data created on the main frame 12 is given to the printer 16. 3 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing of the first image formation instruction processing program. Here, in order to avoid complications, an image to be formed on the cut sheet P by the printer 16 is created by the main frame 12, and image information indicating the created image is already determined in advance in the secondary storage unit 12D. The case where it is stored in the storage area will be described.

  In step 100 of the figure, the display device 12E is controlled so as to display a predetermined menu screen, and then in step 102, waiting for completion of input of predetermined information is performed. In step 100, the menu screen is a check box with an item “output the entire image”, and an entire output instruction for instructing to output the entire image to the cut sheet P. A dialog box (not shown) having a check box is employed. Accordingly, when the user puts a check mark in the overall output instruction check box via the receiving device 12F, the entire image indicated by the image information created on the main frame 12A is displayed in the image formation region S (here In this case, the instruction information for instructing the printer 16 to form the inner area R is accepted regardless of the area surrounded by the outer peripheral edge of the cut sheet P. In the first embodiment, a state in which a check mark is entered is adopted as an initial setting state (so-called default state) of the overall output instruction check box.

  When the above dialog box is displayed on the display device 12E, the user deletes or maintains the check mark already put in the overall output instruction check box, and accepts an instruction to end the input to the dialog box. Input is performed using the device 12F. As a result, the above-described step 102 is affirmative, and the routine proceeds to step 104.

  In step 104, it is determined whether or not the instruction information has been accepted by checking the entire output instruction check box on the margin area setting screen. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 106. If a negative determination is made, the routine proceeds to step 108.

  In step 106, the instruction information is stored in a predetermined storage area of the secondary storage unit 12D, and then the process proceeds to step 108 to wait for reception of image formation start instruction information for instructing the printer 16 to start image formation. When the image forming start instruction information is received by the receiving device 12F, the above step 108 becomes affirmative and the process proceeds to step 110.

  In step 110, it is determined whether or not the instruction information is stored in a predetermined storage area of the secondary storage unit 12D. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 112 while the determination is negative. If so, the process proceeds to step 114.

  In step 112, the image information and instruction information are acquired from a predetermined storage area of the secondary storage unit 12D, the image information and instruction information are erased from the storage area, and the acquired image information and instruction information are included. The transmitted image formation instruction information is transmitted to the terminal device 14, and then the first image formation instruction processing program is terminated.

  In step 114, the image information is acquired from a predetermined storage area of the secondary storage unit 12D, the image information is erased from the storage area, and the image forming instruction information including the acquired image information is displayed on the terminal device. 14 and then the first image formation instruction processing program is terminated.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing of the first image information processing program executed by the CPU 14A when the image formation instruction information transmitted by the main frame 12 is received. Here, in order to avoid complications, when the image formation instruction information is received by the CPU 14A, the image information included in the image formation instruction information is stored in a predetermined storage area of the secondary storage unit 14D. The case will be described.

  In step 200 in the figure, it is determined whether or not the received image formation instruction information includes instruction information. If a negative determination is made, the process proceeds to step 202. If a positive determination is made, step 204 is performed. Migrate to

  In step 202, image information included in the corresponding area corresponding to the inner area R of the cut sheet P among the images indicated by the image information stored in the predetermined storage area of the secondary storage unit 14D is generated. The generated image information is stored as processed image information in a predetermined storage area of the secondary storage unit 14D, and then the process proceeds to step 214.

  In step 204, the ratio of the vertical length of the inner region R to the vertical length of the image formation region S (in the first image information processing program, the region surrounded by the outer peripheral edge of the cut sheet P) is shown. The horizontal magnification indicating the ratio of the horizontal length of the inner area R to the horizontal length of the image forming area S (the area surrounded by the outer periphery of the cut sheet P in the first image information processing program). The magnification is calculated, and then the process proceeds to step 206.

  In step 206, it is determined whether or not the vertical magnification and horizontal magnification calculated by the processing in step 204 are smaller than the horizontal magnification. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 208, while negative. If it is determined, the process proceeds to step 210.

  In step 208, the image information is displayed so that the image indicated by the image information stored in the predetermined storage area of the secondary storage unit 14D is enlarged or reduced at the vertical magnification calculated by the process of step 204. Is processed. Note that in this step 208, when the vertical magnification> 1, the image information is processed so that the image is enlarged, and when the vertical magnification <1, the image information is processed so that the image is reduced. When the vertical magnification = 1, the image is not scaled.

  In step 210, the image information is displayed so that the image indicated by the image information stored in the predetermined storage area of the secondary storage unit 14D is enlarged or reduced at the lateral magnification calculated by the process of step 204. And the image information is processed so that an image is formed in the inner region R by the printer 16 based on the peripheral edge information. In step 210, when the horizontal magnification> 1, the image information is processed so that the image is enlarged. When the horizontal magnification <1, the image information is processed so that the image is reduced. When the horizontal magnification = 1, the image is not scaled. In the first embodiment, the image is not scaled even when the vertical magnification = the horizontal magnification.

  In each of step 208 and step 210, after performing the above processing, the process proceeds to step 212, and the image information processed by the processing in step 208 or step 210 is determined in advance in the secondary storage unit 14D as processed image information. After storing in the storage area, the process proceeds to step 214.

  In step 214, the printer 16 waits for completion of preparation for forming an image on the cut sheet P. In the image forming system 10 according to the first embodiment, when the preparation for forming an image on the cut sheet P in the printer 16 is completed, a request signal for requesting the terminal device 14 to transmit image information from the printer 16. Is sent. In step 214, when the CPU 14A receives the request signal transmitted from the printer 16, the determination is affirmative and the process proceeds to step 216.

  In step 216, after the processed image information stored in the predetermined storage area of the secondary storage unit 14D is transmitted to the printer 16, the first image information processing program is terminated.

  Upon receiving the processed image information transmitted by the process of step 216, the printer 16 forms an image indicated by the received processed image information in the inner region R of the cut sheet P. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 3, when an image is created on the main frame 12 and it is determined that the instruction information is not included in the image formation instruction information by the process of step 200 (a negative determination is made in step 200). When the image is formed on the cut sheet P by the printer 16, as shown in FIG. 3, the cut sheet P has an inner region of the image created by the main frame 12 as shown in FIG. Only images included in R appear. On the other hand, when an image is created on the main frame 12 as shown in FIG. 3 and it is determined that the instruction information is included in the image formation instruction information by the process of step 200 (affirmative determination is made in step 200). ), When an image is formed on the cut sheet P by the printer 16, the cut sheet P includes, as an example, an image included in an area surrounded by the outer peripheral edge of the cut sheet P (here, as shown in FIG. 7). Then, the whole of the image showing the character “a” and the image showing the vertically long ellipse appears in the inner region R.

  Next, the operation of the image forming system 10 when the second image formation instruction process is executed by the terminal device 14 will be described.

  FIG. 8 shows the flow of processing of the second image formation instruction processing program executed by the CPU 14A when an instruction for preparation for instructing the printer 16 to perform image formation is given to the terminal device 14. It is a flowchart to show. Further, here, in order to avoid complications, an image to be formed on the cut sheet P by the printer 16 is created by the terminal device 14, and image information indicating the created image is already predetermined in the secondary storage unit 14D. The case where it is stored in the storage area will be described.

  In step 300 of the figure, the display device 14E is controlled to display a dialog box as a predetermined menu screen. Next, in step 302, the dialog box displayed on the display device 14E by the processing of step 300 above. Wait for input to end.

  FIG. 9 shows an example of a display state when a blank area setting screen for setting a blank area in which an image is not formed is selected and displayed in the dialog box displayed on the display device 14E by the processing of step 300 above. It is shown. As shown in the figure, input elements such as a text box and a check box for setting various conditions for the printer 16 are displayed for each item on the margin area setting screen. As the text box, a margin amount text box for inputting a margin amount from each side of the cut sheet S in order to set the image forming region S is provided. In addition, as a check box, a margin specification check box for an item “specify margin” for permitting input of a margin amount in the margin amount text box, and a margin amount for each size of the cut sheet P are specified. "Specify margin for each paper size" item for specifying the margin for each size, and "Output entire image" for instructing to output the entire image to the cut sheet P An overall output instruction check box for the item "" is provided. The entire output instruction check box is checked by the user via the accepting device 14F, so that the entire image indicated by the image information created on the main frame 14A is the image forming area S (here, Regardless of the area surrounded by the outer peripheral edge of the cut sheet P, the instruction information indicating that the printer 16 forms the inner area R is accepted.

  In the margin area setting screen, a check mark is placed in the size-specific margin designation check box to display a list of information indicating the size of the cut sheet P that is the target of margin designation. By designating the display area of the information indicating the size of P, the size of the cut sheet P that is the target of the margin designation is designated. In the first embodiment, as an initial setting state of the dialog box (a so-called default state), a margin amount of “4.1 mm” is input to the margin amount text box on each side, and each of the text selection boxes described above is input. The state with a check mark is applied.

  When the margin area setting screen is displayed on the display device 14E, the user inputs the input elements displayed on the margin area setting screen via the receiving device 14F, and then displays them at the bottom of the dialog box. The designated “OK” button is designated by the accepting device 14F. As a result, the above step 302 becomes an affirmative determination, and the routine proceeds to step 304.

  In step 304, it is determined whether or not the instruction information has been accepted by checking the entire output instruction check box on the margin area setting screen. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 306. If a negative determination is made, the routine proceeds to step 308.

  In step 306, the instruction information is stored in a predetermined storage area of the secondary storage unit 14D, and then the process proceeds to step 308 to wait for reception of image formation start instruction information for instructing the printer 16 to start image formation. When the image forming start instruction information is received by the receiving device 14F, the above-described step 308 is affirmative and the second image forming instruction processing program is terminated.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing of the second image information processing program executed by the CPU 14A when the image forming start instruction information is received by the receiving device 14F in step 308.

  In step 400 of the figure, it is determined whether or not the instruction information is stored in a predetermined storage area of the secondary storage unit 14D. If a negative determination is made, the process proceeds to step 402. If YES, step 404 is entered.

  In step 402, image information included in the image forming area S of the image indicated by the image information stored in the predetermined storage area of the secondary storage unit 14D is generated, and then the process proceeds to step 404. To do.

  In step 404, if a negative determination is made in step 400, the vertical magnification indicating the ratio of the vertical length of the inner area R to the vertical length of the image forming area S and the horizontal length of the image forming area S When the horizontal magnification indicating the ratio of the horizontal length of the inner area R to the height is calculated and an affirmative determination is made in step 400, the image stored in the predetermined storage area of the secondary storage unit 14D The vertical length indicating the ratio of the vertical length of the inner area R to the vertical length of a predetermined image area (here, the area surrounded by the outer peripheral edge of the cut sheet P) including the entire image indicated by the information The magnification and the horizontal magnification indicating the ratio of the horizontal length of the inner region R to the predetermined horizontal length of the image region are calculated, and then the process proceeds to step 406.

  In step 406, it is determined whether or not the vertical magnification and horizontal magnification calculated by the processing of step 404 are smaller than the horizontal magnification. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 408, while negative. If it is determined, the process proceeds to step 410.

  In step 408, if a negative determination is made in step 400, the image indicated by the image information generated by the process in step 402 is the vertical magnification calculated by the process in step 404 (a negative determination in step 400). The image information is processed so that the image information is enlarged or reduced at the vertical magnification calculated in the case of becoming, and when the determination in step 400 is affirmative, the image information is stored in a predetermined storage area of the secondary storage unit 14D. The image information is displayed so that the image indicated by the image information being displayed is enlarged or reduced at the vertical magnification calculated by the processing of step 404 (vertical magnification calculated for the case where an affirmative determination is made in step 400). Is processed.

  In step 410, when a negative determination is made in step 400, the image indicated by the image information generated by the process of step 402 is the horizontal magnification calculated by the process of step 404 (a negative determination in step 400 above). The image information is processed so that the image information is enlarged or reduced at the horizontal magnification calculated in the case of becoming, and when the determination in step 400 is affirmative, the image information is stored in a predetermined storage area of the secondary storage unit 14D. The image information is displayed such that the image indicated by the image information being displayed is enlarged or reduced at the horizontal magnification calculated by the processing of step 404 (the horizontal magnification calculated when the determination is affirmative in step 400). Is processed.

  In each of Step 408 and Step 410, after performing the above processing, the process proceeds to Step 412, and the image information processed by the processing in Step 408 or Step 410 is determined in advance in the secondary storage unit 14D as processed image information. After storing in the storage area, the process proceeds to step 414.

  In step 414, after the printer 16 waits for completion of preparation for forming an image on the cut sheet P, the process proceeds to step 416 and processing stored in a predetermined storage area of the secondary storage unit 14D. After the completed image information is transmitted to the printer 16, the second image information processing program is terminated.

  When the printer 16 receives the processed image information transmitted by the processing of step 416 in the second image information processing program, the printer 16 forms an image indicated by the received processed image information in the inner region R of the cut sheet P. To do. Therefore, when an image is created by the terminal device 14 as shown in FIG. 3 and it is determined that the instruction information is not stored in a predetermined storage area of the secondary storage unit 14D by the process of step 400 (described above) When a negative determination is made in step 400), when an image is formed on the cut sheet P by the printer 16, the cut sheet P is obtained on the main frame 12 as shown in FIG. Of the obtained images, only images included in the inner region R appear.

  3, when it is determined that an image is created by the terminal device 14 and stored in a predetermined storage area of the secondary storage unit 14D by the process of step 400 (in step 400 above). When an image is formed on the cut sheet P by the printer 16, the cut sheet P includes, as an example, an area surrounded by the outer peripheral edge of the cut sheet P (see FIG. 7). The entire image included in the image forming region S) (here, an image showing the characters “a” and an image showing a vertically long ellipse) appears in the inner region R.

  If the terminal device 14 creates an image as shown in FIG. 4 and it is determined that the instruction information is not stored in a predetermined storage area of the secondary storage unit 14D by the process of step 400, the printer When the image is formed on the cut paper P by the image 16, the image included in the image forming area S is preliminarily set on the cut paper P as shown in FIG. And the smaller magnification of the horizontal magnification) and appear in the inner region R. In the example shown in FIG. 11, since the image forming area S having a smaller size than the inner area R is designated on the inner side of the inner area R, the image appears enlarged when the image is formed on the cut sheet P. However, when an image forming area S larger in size than the inner area R protruding from the inner area R is designated, the image appears reduced when the image is formed on the cut sheet P.

[Second Embodiment]
In the first embodiment, the case where the first image formation instruction process is executed by the main frame 12 and the case where the second image formation instruction process is executed by the terminal device 14 have been described. In the embodiment, a case where the first processing command process for instructing processing of image information is executed by the main frame 12 and a case where the second processing instruction process for instructing processing of image information is executed by the terminal device 14. explain. In the second embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, description thereof is omitted, and only differences from the first embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 12 shows the flow of processing of the first processing instruction processing program executed by the CPU 12A when an instruction for preparation for instructing the terminal device 14 to process image information is issued to the main frame 12. It is a flowchart which shows. The first processing command processing program is different from the first image formation instruction processing program shown in FIG. 5 in that step 500 is applied instead of step 108 and step 502 is applied instead of step 112. , And only step 504 is applied instead of step 114. In the following, the same steps as those in the first image formation instruction processing program shown in FIG. Description is omitted, and only differences from the first image formation instruction processing program will be described.

  In step 500 in the figure, the terminal apparatus 14 is waited for reception of processing start instruction information for instructing the terminal device 14 to start processing image information. When the processing start instruction information is received by the receiving device 12F, the above step 500 becomes an affirmative determination, and the process proceeds to step 110.

  In step 502, the image information and instruction information are acquired from a predetermined storage area of the secondary storage unit 12, the image information and instruction information are erased from the storage area, and the acquired image information and instruction information are included. The processed machining command information is transmitted to the terminal device 14, and then the machining command processing program is terminated.

  In step 504, the image information is acquired from a predetermined storage area of the secondary storage unit 12, the image information is erased from the storage area, and the processing instruction information including the acquired image information is received as the terminal device 14. Then, this machining command processing program is terminated.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing of the third image information processing program executed by the CPU 14A when the processing command information transmitted from the main frame 12 is received. Note that the third image information processing program is different from the first image information processing program shown in FIG. 6 in that step 214 is omitted, and step 600, step 602, step 604, step 606, and step 608 are newly added. In the following, the same steps as those in the first image information processing program shown in FIG. 6 are denoted by the same step numbers and the description thereof is omitted, and the first image information is omitted. Only differences from the processing program will be described.

  In each of step 202 and step 212 in the figure, when the processing described in the first embodiment is completed, the process proceeds to step 600, and the processing stored in the storage area in the secondary storage unit 14D in advance is stored. Based on the completed image information, an image image (a so-called print preview) representing an aspect in which the image indicated by the processed image information is formed on the cut sheet P by the printer 16 is displayed on the display device 12E of the main frame 12. Image image information is generated, and then the process proceeds to step 602.

  In step 602, the image information generated by the processing in step 600 is transmitted to the main frame 12, and in the next step 604, a confirmation processing program described later is executed by the CPU 12 </ b> A of the main frame 12. 12 determines whether or not the permission information transmitted from the terminal 12 has been received. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 216. If the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step 606. It is determined whether or not the prohibition information transmitted from the mainframe 12 has been received by the program being executed by the CPU 12A of the mainframe 12, and if a negative determination is made, the process returns to step 604, while an affirmative determination is made. If YES in step 608, the flow advances to step 608 to predetermine the secondary storage unit 14D. Is it after clearing the processed image information stored in the storage area, and ends the third image processing program.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a processing flow of a confirmation processing program executed by the CPU 12A when the power switch of the main frame 12 is turned on.

  In step 650 in the figure, reception of the image information transmitted from the terminal device 14 is waited for. When the CPU 12A receives the image information, step 650 is affirmative and the process proceeds to step 652.

  In step 652, the display device 12E is controlled so that the image image indicated by the image image information received by the processing in step 650 is displayed. As a result, an image is displayed on the display device 12E.

  In the next step 654, permission information indicating permission for the printer 16 to form an image on the cut sheet P so that an image corresponding to the image displayed on the display device 12E actually appears is received by the receiving device 12F. If the result of determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 656. After transmitting the permission information received by the receiving device 12F to the terminal device 14 in step 654, the confirmation processing program Exit.

  On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step 654, the process proceeds to step 658, and it is determined whether or not prohibition information indicating that the printer 16 prohibits image formation on the cut sheet P is received by the receiving device 12F. If the determination is negative, the process returns to step 654. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 660, and the prohibition information received by the reception apparatus 12F is transmitted to the terminal apparatus 14 in step 658. Then, this confirmation processing program is terminated.

  Next, a case where the second processing command process is executed by the terminal device 14 will be described.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing of the second processing instruction processing program executed by the CPU 14A when an instruction for preparation for instructing processing of image information is given to the terminal device 14. The second processing instruction processing program is different from the second image formation instruction processing program shown in FIG. 8 only in that step 700 is applied instead of step 308. Therefore, in the following, FIG. Steps that are the same as those in the second image formation instruction processing program shown in FIG. 5 are denoted by the same step numbers and description thereof is omitted, and only differences from the second image formation instruction processing program are described.

  In step 700 of the figure, the process waits for reception of processing start instruction information for instructing start of processing of image information. When the processing start instruction information is received by the receiving device 14F, step 700 is affirmative and the second processing command processing program is terminated.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing of the fourth image information processing program executed by the CPU 14A when the processing start instruction information is received by the receiving device 14F in step 700. The fourth image information processing program is different from the second image information processing program shown in FIG. 10 in that step 414 is omitted, and step 750, step 752, step 754, step 756, and step 758 are newly added. Therefore, in the following, the same steps as those in the second image information processing program shown in FIG. 10 are denoted by the same step numbers and the description thereof is omitted, and the second image information is omitted. Only differences from the processing program will be described.

  When the processing described in the first embodiment is completed in step 412 in the figure, the process proceeds to step 750 and is based on the processed image information stored in a predetermined storage area of the secondary storage unit 14D. Then, image information is generated, and then the process proceeds to step 752.

  In step 752, the display device 14E is controlled so that the image image indicated by the image image information generated by the processing in step 750 is displayed. Thereby, an image is displayed on the display device 14E.

  In the next step 754, whether or not permission information indicating that the printer 16 permits the image to be formed on the cut sheet P by the printer 16 as represented by the image displayed on the display device 14E has been received by the receiving device 14F. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 416. If the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step 756 to prohibit the printer 16 from forming an image on the cut sheet P. Is determined by the reception device 14F. If a negative determination is made, the process returns to step 754. If an affirmative determination is made, the process proceeds to step 758, where the secondary storage unit After the processed image information stored in the predetermined storage area of 14D is erased, the fourth image information processing program is terminated.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, the case where an area surrounded by the outer peripheral edge of the cut sheet P is adopted as the image forming area S designated when the terminal device 14 creates an image (see FIG. 7) is an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and an image forming region S having an outer periphery between the outer periphery of the cut sheet P and the outer periphery of the inner region R may be employed. In this case, as shown in FIG. 17 as an example, the terminal device 14 creates an image showing the character “A” and an image showing a vertically long ellipse inside the image forming area S, and an overall output instruction check box When a check mark is entered in, the entire image included in the outer peripheral edge of the cut sheet P is formed in the inner region R. If the overall output instruction check box is not checked, an image included in the corresponding area corresponding to the inner area R in the image forming area S is formed in the inner area R of the cut sheet P by the printer 16. Is done.

  Further, according to the image forming system 10 according to each of the embodiments described above, the image forming area S is designated such that the outer edge overlaps the peripheral edge Q where the image is not formed on the cut sheet P on which the image is formed by the printer 16. In addition, when the image is created by the terminal device 14 so that a part of the image protrudes from the image forming area S and the entire output instruction check box is checked, the created image is obtained. Is formed in the inner region R so as not to be lost by the peripheral edge Q of the cut paper P by the printer 16.

  Further, in each of the above embodiments, the vertical magnification indicating the ratio of the vertical length of the inner region R to the vertical length of the region surrounded by the outer peripheral edge of the cut paper P and the outer peripheral edge of the cut paper P are surrounded. Although an example in the case of calculating the horizontal magnification indicating the ratio of the horizontal length of the inner region R to the horizontal length of the region has been described, the present invention is not limited thereto, and for example, the mainframe 12 or the terminal device 14 The vertical magnification indicating the ratio of the vertical length of the inner region R to the vertical length of the rectangular region surrounding the entire image created by the above, and the horizontal length of the inner region R with respect to the horizontal length of the rectangular region You may calculate the horizontal magnification which shows a ratio. The area surrounding the entire image is not limited to a rectangular area, and may be any area as long as it is a geometric area surrounding the entire image, such as a circular area or a polygonal area other than a rectangular area. In addition, as a method of creating a geometric shape region that surrounds the entire image, for example, a method of creating one closed region by combining tangents that touch the outline of the image created by the terminal device 14, And a method of creating one closed region by combining the outer peripheral edge of the cut sheet P.

  Further, in each of the above embodiments, whether or not the entire image created by the main frame 12 or the terminal device 14 is formed by the printer 16 so as to fit in the inner region R of the cut sheet P is determined by the presence or absence of the instruction information. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a predetermined condition (for example, a condition that it is a predetermined time zone, or an instruction to form an image by the printer 16 is given by a specific user. If the condition (condition) is satisfied, the entire image created by the main frame 12 or the terminal device 14 may be formed by the printer 16 so as to fit in the inner region R of the cut sheet P.

  Further, in each of the above embodiments, the peripheral information indicating the peripheral portion Q of the cut sheet P has been described with reference to the form example when stored in the ROM 14B of the terminal device 14 in advance. 14 secondary storage units 14D may be stored in advance. Alternatively, it may be stored in advance in a storage medium outside the terminal device 14 and acquired from the storage medium as necessary. For example, the peripheral part information is stored in the ROM 16B or the secondary storage unit 16D of the printer 16, and the printer 16 reads the peripheral part information from the ROM 16B or the secondary storage unit 16D in response to a request from the terminal device 14, and the terminal device. 14 and the terminal device 14 receives the peripheral edge information transmitted from the printer 16 and stores it in the secondary storage unit 14D.

  In each of the above embodiments, various processing programs are stored in the ROM in advance. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the various processing programs are read by a computer such as a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, or a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory. A form provided in a state stored in a storage medium may be applied, or a form distributed via wired or wireless communication means may be applied.

10 Image forming system 12 Main frame 12A, 14A CPU
12E, 14E Display device 12F, 14F Reception device 14 Terminal device 14D Secondary storage unit 16 Printer

Claims (11)

Storage means for storing designation information for designating an image forming area on which an image is to be formed by an image forming means of a recording medium having a peripheral edge where an image is not formed, and peripheral edge information indicating the peripheral edge;
When instructed to form the entire image on the recording medium, it is indicated by image information indicating the input image regardless of the image forming area specified by the specification information stored in the storage means. Processing means for processing the image information so that the entire image to be formed is formed in an inner region inside the peripheral edge indicated by the peripheral edge information stored in the storage means;
An image information processing apparatus.   When the processing unit is instructed to form the entire image on the recording medium, the entire image indicated by the input image information of the processing target is predetermined to include the entire image. 2. The image information processing according to claim 1, wherein the image information is processed so as to be enlarged or reduced at a magnification determined based on the vertical and horizontal lengths of the image area and the vertical and horizontal lengths of the inner area. apparatus.   The scaling factor is the smaller of the ratio of the vertical length of the inner area to the vertical length of the image area and the ratio of the horizontal length of the inner area to the horizontal length of the image area. The image information processing apparatus according to claim 2, which is a ratio. And further comprising a receiving means for receiving the specified information,
The image information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the designation information received by the receiving unit is stored in the storage unit.   5. The display device according to claim 1, further comprising a display unit configured to display an aspect of the recording medium on which an image is formed by the image forming unit based on the image information processed by the processing unit. Image information processing apparatus.   After the mode is displayed by the display unit, permission information indicating that an image is permitted to be formed on the recording medium by the image forming unit so as to be the mode displayed by the display unit is input. 6. The image information processing apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising an instruction unit that instructs the image forming unit to form an image based on the image information processed by the processing unit on the recording medium. Further comprising instruction information receiving means for receiving instruction information for instructing to form the entire image on the recording medium;
When the instruction information is received by the instruction information receiving unit, the processing unit is configured to input the processing target input regardless of the image forming area specified by the specification information stored in the storage unit. The image information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image information is processed so that the entire image indicated by the image information is formed in the inner region by the image forming unit.   When the instruction information is not received by the instruction information receiving means, the processing means is based on the designation information stored in the storage means of the entire image indicated by the input image information of the processing target. 8. The image information processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the image information is processed so that an image included in a corresponding region corresponding to the designated image forming region is formed in the inner region by the image forming unit.   When the instruction information is not received by the instruction information receiving means, the processing means further includes an image included in the corresponding area in the entire image indicated by the input image information to be processed. The image information processing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the image information is processed so as to be enlarged or reduced at a predetermined magnification. The image information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9,
The image forming means;
Including an image forming system. Computer
When it is instructed to form the entire image on a recording medium, designation information for designating an image forming area in which an image is formed by the image forming means of the recording medium having a peripheral portion where no image is formed, and the peripheral portion The entire image indicated by the image information indicating the input image is stored in the storage means regardless of the image forming area specified by the specification information stored in the storage means storing the peripheral edge information indicating A program for functioning as processing means for processing the image information so as to be formed in an inner region inside the peripheral portion indicated by the peripheral portion information.

Images