JPH0926865A - Printing system and page image transfer method of printing system - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Abstract] [Purpose] A reduction print output function for laying out a plurality of pages within one page can be easily added to a printing apparatus that performs printing processing for each page in band units. [Configuration] When page layout information is input by the input device 12, the CPU 14 derives a reduction ratio of each page image based on the input page layout information,
A reduced page image of the page image stored in the RAM 13 is generated based on the derived reduction rate, and the generated reduced page image of each page is reconstructed into an output page image based on the page layout information. The reconstructed output page image is divided into band units and transferred to the printing apparatus.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a printing system for dividing print information edited by an information processing device into band images through a predetermined interface and transferring the band image and a page image transfer method of the printing system.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a printing system in which an information processing apparatus and a printing apparatus (printer) can communicate with each other via a predetermined interface, a plurality of band images are transmitted from the information processing apparatus to print a page.

Further, when the printer outputs a page image of one page, there is a drawback that a plurality of page images cannot be reduced and printed on the same page.

[0004]

As described above, in a system in which a printer outputs a page image of one page, there is a problem that a plurality of page images cannot be reduced and printed on the same page.

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the first to fourth inventions of the present invention is to provide a printing apparatus for processing page images in band units. Each page image is edited by specifying the input page layout information and reconstructing a plurality of pages into one page. The output image is divided into bands and transferred, so that each page is printed in band units. It is an object of the present invention to provide a printing system and a page image transfer method of the printing system that can easily add a reduced printout function in which a plurality of pages are laid out in one page to a printing apparatus.

[0006]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, print information edited by an information processing apparatus having a display means and a storage means for storing a plurality of page images is provided via a predetermined interface. In a printing system that divides a band image and transfers it to a printing device, an input unit for inputting predetermined page layout information for reducing and printing a plurality of page images on the same page, and the page layout input by the input unit. Derivation means for deriving a reduction rate of each page image based on information, and generation means for generating a reduced page image of the page image stored in the storage means based on the reduction rate derived by the derivation means, The reduced page image of each page generated by the generation means based on the page layout information. And constructing means to reconstruct the force page image, and has a transfer means the output page image that is reconstructed by the construction unit is divided into band units and transfers to the printing unit.

A second aspect of the present invention is a display means,
In a printing system in which print information edited by an information processing apparatus having a storage unit for storing a plurality of page images is divided into band images via a predetermined interface and transferred to the printing apparatus, a plurality of page images are formed on the same page. Input means for inputting arbitrary page layout information for reduced printing, and deriving means for deriving the reduction ratio of each page image for each page based on the arbitrary page layout information input by the input means,
Generating means for generating a reduced page image of each corresponding page image stored in the storage means based on the reduction rate of each page derived by the deriving means, and reduction of each page generated by the generating means. The image forming apparatus includes a construction unit that reconstructs a page image into an output page image based on the page layout information, and a transfer unit that divides the output page image reconstructed by the construction unit into band units and transfers the band unit to the printing apparatus. It is a thing.

A third aspect of the present invention is to display on the display means a setting screen for inputting predetermined page layout information for reducing and printing a plurality of page images on the same page.

A fourth invention according to the present invention is a display means,
A page image transfer method for a printing system, wherein print information edited by an information processing device having a storage unit for storing a plurality of page images is divided into band images through a predetermined interface and transferred to the printing device, wherein the display unit is provided. Input step of inputting predetermined page layout information for reducing and printing a plurality of page images on the same page in the layout setting screen displayed on the screen, and reducing each page image based on the input page layout information. A reducing step of deriving a rate and generating a reduced page image of the page image stored in the storage means based on the derived reduction rate; and the generated reduced page image of each page as the page layout information. A reconstructing step of reconstructing an output page image based on the reconstructed output Those having a transfer step of dividing the band unit to transfer to the printing apparatus Jiimeji.

[0010]

In the first aspect of the invention, when the layout information is input by the input means, the derivation means derives the reduction ratio of each page image based on the input page layout information, and the derived reduction ratio. Based on the page layout information, the generating unit generates a reduced page image of the page image stored in the storage unit, and the generating unit reconstructs the reduced page image of each generated page into an output page image based on the page layout information. Then, the reconstructed output page image is divided into band units and transferred by the transfer unit to the printing apparatus, regardless of the memory resources of the printing apparatus.
It is possible to perform reduced printing in which a plurality of pages are laid out in the same page at the same reduction ratio.

In the second aspect of the invention, when arbitrary layout information is input by the input means, the derivation means individually derives the reduction ratio of each page image based on the input arbitrary page layout information, The generating unit individually generates the reduced page image of the page image stored in the storage unit based on the derived reduction ratio, and constructs the generated reduced page image of each page based on the page layout information. Means reconstructs the output page image, divides the reconstructed output page image into band units, and transfers the reconstructed output page image to the printing device, and the plurality of pages are the same page regardless of the memory resources of the printing device. It is possible to perform reduced printing laid out in the individual reduction scales.

In the third invention, a setting screen for inputting predetermined page layout information for reducing and printing a plurality of page images on the same page is displayed on the display means, and the page is visually displayed to the user. Layout information can be specified and input without error.

In a fourth aspect of the invention, predetermined page layout information for reducing and printing a plurality of page images on the same page is input in the layout setting screen displayed on the display means, and the input page is input. A reduction ratio of each page image is derived based on the layout information, a reduction page image of the page image stored in the storage unit is generated based on the derived reduction ratio, and the generated reduction page of each page is generated. Reconstruct the image into an output page image based on the page layout information,
The reconstructed output page image is divided into band units and transferred to the printing apparatus, and reduced printing is performed in which a plurality of pages are laid out at the same reduction ratio within the same page regardless of the memory resources of the printing apparatus. It is possible to automate the process.

[0014]

【Example】

[First Embodiment] An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram for explaining the arrangement of a printing system showing the first embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 1, the information processing device 11 comprises an input device 12, a RAM 13, a CPU 14, a display device 15 including a CRT, and an auxiliary storage device 16. A printer 17 is configured to be communicable via a predetermined interface.

In the information processing apparatus of this embodiment, a page layout setting screen (described later) for making settings for reducing and printing a plurality of page images on the same page by the printing system stored in the auxiliary storage device 16 or the like. 3) is displayed on the display device 15, and a function of designating reduced print of a plurality of pages, a function of setting a position when printing a plurality of reduced page images on the same page, and a function of designating the reduced print of a plurality of pages. When the batch printing on the same page of multiple pages is specified in the function to set the reduction ratio of each page image according to the specification of 1. and the multiple page reduced printing specification function, the band images are grouped in page units. A function to temporarily store the page image in the RAM 13 and the page unit based on the set reduction ratio of the page image. After the function of reducing the stored page image and the page images for the set number of pages for printing the same page are generated, the page image group is reproduced on the RAM 13 as a page image of one page. The printer driver executes the function of configuring and the function of dividing the reconstructed page image into a plurality of band images and transferring the band images to the printer 17.

The printing system according to the present embodiment is stored in the auxiliary storage device 16 as a printer control program, and functions as a means achieved by the CPU 14 executing the program under the control of the OS.

Correspondence between the present embodiment and each means of the first and third inventions and their functions will be described below with reference to FIG.

The first invention is a display means (display device 15).
And print information edited by an information processing device having a storage unit (auxiliary storage device 16 and RAM 13) for storing a plurality of page images is divided into band images via a predetermined interface, and is sent to a printing device (printer 17). In the transfer printing system, based on the input unit (input device 12) for inputting predetermined page layout information for reducing and printing a plurality of page images on the same page, and the page layout information input by the input unit. Derivation means for deriving the reduction ratio of each page image (CP
(By the function of U14), a generation unit (by the function of the CPU 14) for generating a reduced page image of the page image stored in the storage unit based on the reduction ratio derived by the derivation unit, and the generation unit. Construction means (depending on the function of the CPU 14) for reconstructing the generated reduced page image of each page into an output page image based on the page layout information, and dividing the output page image reconstructed by the construction means into band units. Transfer means for transferring to the printing device (CPU 1
When the page layout information is input by the input device 12, the CPU 14 derives a reduction ratio of each page image based on the input page layout information, and the derived reduction is performed. R based on rate
A reduced page image of the page image stored in the AM 13 is generated, the reduced page image of each generated page is reconstructed into an output page image based on the page layout information, and the reconstructed output page image is reconstructed. It is possible to perform reduction printing in which a plurality of pages are laid out in the same page with the same reduction ratio, regardless of the memory resources of the printing device, by dividing the data into band units and transferring to the printing device.

A third aspect of the invention is to set the setting screen (see FIGS. 3 and 10) for inputting predetermined page layout information or arbitrary page layout information for reducing and printing a plurality of page images on the same page. The page layout information is displayed on the display unit (display device 15) so that the user can visually specify and input the page layout information without error.

Hereinafter, the information processing apparatus 11 having the above configuration
In regard to the band image processing operation, one embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

FIG. 2 is a flow chart showing a first embodiment of the page image transfer method of the printing system of the present invention. (1) to (8) indicate each step.

First, FIG. 3 shows a process relating to setting of a plurality of pages.
(1).

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a page layout setting screen displayed on the display device 15 shown in FIG.

As shown in this figure, in this embodiment,
The contents to be set are the size and orientation of the input paper, the output paper size, and the number of print pages per page. For example, the input paper is A4 portrait, the output paper size is A4, and the number of print pages per page is 4. This is an example of the case.

The setting screen is displayed on the display device 15 and the user selects the item with the input device 12 to make the setting.

By setting or changing the setting items, the preview display of the page layout at the lower right of the setting screen is updated. In this update work, information on the reduction ratio of the input paper and the orientation of the output paper determined by the CPU 14 based on the data showing the relationship between the setting items shown in FIG. 4 is generated in the RAM 13 or the auxiliary storage device 16, It is based on the generated information.

FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the relationship of each item generated as a result of setting the page layout shown in FIG.

As shown in this figure, for example, in the screen shown in FIG. 3, if the input paper is A4 portrait, the output paper size is A4, and the number of print pages per page is "4", the input page is The reduction ratio is 50%, the output paper is determined to be in the same direction as the input paper, that is, portrait, and the same screen displays the situation where the output paper is portrait and four pages of data are printed within the page. Corresponds to the state shown in the layout preview display.

Next, it is determined whether or not printing of a plurality of pages on one page is set (2). If it is determined that the multi-page printing is not set, the normal printing process is performed (8) and the band image data generated on the information processing device 11 is transmitted to the printer 17 as a band image. (7), the process ends.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step (2) that multiple page printing is set, the information processing apparatus 11
As shown in FIG. 5, the band image data generated above is stored page by page in the auxiliary storage device 16, and the four band images forming each page are collected into one page image and temporarily stored in the same file. Store in 1
A temporary storage file of 10 pages is generated (3).

Subsequently, based on the reduction ratio set in step (1), the image of the page image file of pages 1 to 10 temporarily stored in step (3) is reduced, and the image in the page image file is reduced. The band information indicating the position and size of each band in the page image is updated so as to match the reduced page image, and as shown in FIG. 6, a new page image of 1 to 10 pages after 50% reduction is newly added. It is generated as a file on the storage device 16, and the temporary storage files of pages 1 to 10 generated in step (3) are deleted (4).

Next, based on the page layout information set in step (1), output page pages 1 to 3 are output from the page image file after 50% reduction of pages 1 to 10 created in step (4). The page image data is generated as a file on the auxiliary storage device 16 as shown in FIG. 6, and the 1% of 50% reduction generated in step (4).
Delete the temporary storage file of page 10 (5).

Then, based on the page image data of the output pages 1 to 3 generated in step (5) and the band information of the 50% reduced page image held in step (4), as shown in FIG. The page image is divided as a band image (6).

Next, each band image divided in step (6) is transmitted to the printer (7).

According to the above first embodiment, it is possible to transfer the data for printing a plurality of pages on the same page to the printing apparatus.

Correspondence between the present embodiment and each step of the fourth invention and its action will be described below with reference to FIG.

The fourth aspect of the present invention is display means (display device 15).
And a storage means (RAM for storing a plurality of page images).
13. A page image transfer method of a printing system, wherein print information edited by an information processing device including an auxiliary storage device 16) is divided into band images via a predetermined interface and transferred to a printing device (printer 17). An input step (step (1) in FIG. 2) of inputting predetermined page layout information for reducing and printing a plurality of page images on the same page in the layout setting screen displayed on the display means; A reduction step of deriving a reduction rate of each page image based on the page layout information and generating a reduced page image of the page image stored in the storage means based on the derived reduction rate (step (2 in FIG. 2). )-(4)) and the reduced page image of each generated page is output based on the page layout information. A construction step of reconstructing a page image (step (5) in FIG. 2) and a transfer step of dividing the reconstructed output page image into band units and transferring them to the printing device (step (6) in FIG. 2). , (7)), it is possible to automate the process of reducing printing in which a plurality of pages are laid out in the same page at the same reduction ratio, regardless of the memory resources of the printing apparatus.

[Second Embodiment] In the first embodiment described above, the same number of pages of the same size are printed on the same page, but a plurality of pages of an arbitrary size are laid out within the same page. The page layout setting may be arbitrarily set so that printing can be performed. The second embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 8 and 9 to 10.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a page layout setting screen in the printing system showing the second embodiment of the present invention. The same parts as those in FIG. 3 are designated by the same reference numerals. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an arbitrary page layout setting screen displayed when an arbitrary button is designated for the number of print pages shown in FIG. 9, and the same elements as those in FIG. 9 have the same form. It is indicated by.

The configuration of the printing system to which the printing system of this embodiment can be applied is similar to that of FIG. 1, and in addition to the function of the program driver shown in the first embodiment, each page of a plurality of page images is further added. With respect to the above, a function of independently setting a reduction ratio and a function of laying out a page image for which each reduction ratio is set in the same page are configured.

Correspondence between this embodiment and each means of the second invention and its operation will be described below with reference to FIG.

A second aspect of the invention is a display means (display device 15).
And a storage means (RAM for storing a plurality of page images).
13. In a printing system in which print information edited by the information processing device 11 including the auxiliary storage device 16) is divided into band images via a predetermined interface and transferred to the printing device (printer 17), a plurality of page images are displayed. An input unit (input device 12) for inputting arbitrary page layout information for reducing and printing on the same page, and a reduction ratio of each page image for each page based on the arbitrary page layout information input by the input unit. Derivation means (by the CPU 14) for deriving in units, and generation means (for generating a reduced page image of each corresponding page image stored in the storage means based on the reduction rate of each page derived by the deriving means). (By the CPU 14) and a reduced page image of each page generated by the generation means Constructing means for reconstructing the output page image based on the page layout information (CPU1
4) and transfer means (by the CPU 14) for dividing the output page image reconstructed by the construction means into band units and transferring it to the printing device. When input, the CPU 14 individually derives the reduction ratio of each page image based on the input arbitrary page layout information, and is stored in the RAM 13 and the auxiliary storage device 16 based on the derived reduction ratio. A reduced page image of a page image is individually generated, the reduced page image of each generated page is reconstructed into an output page image based on the page layout information, and the reconstructed output page image is divided into band units. Transfer the data to the printer 17 by dividing it into multiple pages within the same page regardless of the memory resources of the printing device. It makes it possible to shrink printed is laid out in a different reduction ratio.

FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing a second embodiment of the page image transfer method of the printing system of the present invention, which is processed between step (3) and step (4) of the flow chart shown in FIG. . In addition, (11) shows a step.

In the figure, BT is a button that is instructed when the number of used print pages is arbitrarily set, and corresponds to a state in which the number of print pages is arbitrarily selected, for example.

At this time, in the layout preview display, an arbitrarily set character string is displayed in the center. At this time, the next step (2) corresponds to the case where a plurality of pages are set, and subsequently, in step (3), a temporary storage file of 1 to 10 pages is generated.

Next, 1 to 10 in step (4)
Figure 1 for setting the reduction ratio of each page and the output page layout necessary for reducing each page image of
The arbitrary page layout setting screen shown in FIG.
To be displayed. The user sets each item using the input device 12 (11).

Here, FIG. 10 shows an example in which an arbitrary page layout is being executed, and the description of each item is as follows.

For the size and orientation items of the input paper, the settings relating to the input paper input in FIG. 9 are displayed as they are.
Below that is a list box LB1 with a caption indicating the page number of the page image of pages 1 to 10 generated in step (3).
The page image PI is displayed in a reduced size for display on the display device 15, and is used for designating an input page by the user.

As for the output paper size and orientation items, the settings relating to the output paper whose size is input in FIG. 9 are displayed as they are, and regarding the orientation, "portrait" or "landscape" is used here. To set. In this embodiment, a state in which a landscape is selected on the screen is shown. The list box LB2 under the output paper setting shows the layout PL of each page of the output paper.

In order to lay out the input page on the output paper at an arbitrary reduction ratio, the user first selects a desired page, for example P.P. When 10 gives a selection instruction, the layout group LG in the center of the screen example is displayed.
If the reduction ratio of the input paper is set in the setting item of, for example, 70%, and after the reduction ratio is set and the execution button immediately above is selected and instructed, as shown in the right list box LB2 10 is highlighted together with the display of the number of input pages and the reduction ratio, indicating that the layout has been performed.

To cancel the input page once laid out on the output paper, the desired page is selected from the output page layout by selecting and instructing the desired page from the right list box LB2 and instructing the cancel button CEL in the layout group LG. The layout of the input page is deleted.

In this way, an arbitrary reduction ratio and layout are performed for each input page, and subsequently, the processing of step (4) and subsequent steps shown in FIG. 2 is performed to reduce the page image and re-create the page image. Configuration, page image band division, and band image transmission.

With the above configuration, it is possible to give an arbitrary reduction ratio to each input page independently and perform layout, and generate print information of a plurality of pages in which the user arbitrarily page-lays out within the same page. Then, it becomes possible to transfer to the printing apparatus.

The present invention may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices or an apparatus composed of a single device. Further, it goes without saying that the present invention can be applied to the case where it is achieved by supplying a program to a system or an apparatus.

[0057]

As described above, the first embodiment according to the present invention is described.
According to the invention, when the page layout information is input by the input unit, the derivation unit derives the reduction ratio of each page image based on the input page layout information,
The generation unit generates a reduced page image of the page image stored in the storage unit based on the derived reduction ratio, and the generation unit generates the reduced page image of each generated page based on the page layout information. Reconstructs an output page image, divides the reconstructed output page image into band units, and transfers the reconstructed output page image to the printing apparatus. Therefore, a plurality of pages within the same page are irrespective of the memory resources of the printing apparatus. It is possible to perform reduced printing laid out at the same reduction ratio.

According to the second aspect, when the page layout information is inputted by the inputting means, the reduction ratio of each page image is individually derived based on the arbitrary page layout information inputted by the deriving means. The generating unit individually generates reduced page images of the page images stored in the storage unit based on the derived reduction ratio,
The construction unit reconstructs the generated reduced page image of each page into an output page image based on the page layout information, the reconstructed output page image is divided into band units, and the transfer unit is arranged in the printing apparatus. Since the transfer is performed, it is possible to perform reduced printing in which a plurality of pages are laid out at individual reduction ratios within the same page, regardless of the memory resources of the printing apparatus.

According to the third invention, since the setting screen for inputting the predetermined page layout information for reducing and printing a plurality of page images on the same page is displayed on the display means, the user can visually recognize it. The page layout information can be specified and input without error.

According to the fourth aspect, predetermined page layout information for reducing and printing a plurality of page images on the same page is input in the layout setting screen displayed on the display means, and the input page layout information is input. A reduction ratio of each page image is derived based on the page layout information, a reduced page image of the page image stored in the storage unit is generated based on the derived reduction ratio, and the generated reduction of each page is performed. The page image is reconstructed into an output page image based on the page layout information, and the reconstructed output page image is divided into band units and transferred to the printing device, so that the printing device does not depend on the memory resources of the printing device. , Automate the process of reducing printing in which multiple pages are laid out in the same page with the same reduction ratio by program control Door can be.

Therefore, a reduction print output function for laying out a plurality of pages within one page can be easily added to a printing apparatus that prints each page in band units.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printing system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a first embodiment of a page image transfer method of the printing system of the present invention.

3 is a diagram showing an example of a page layout setting screen displayed on the display device shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a relationship among items that are generated as a result of setting the page layout shown in FIG.

5 is a diagram showing an example of data of a page image generated on the information processing apparatus shown in FIG.

6 is a diagram showing an example of a reduced page image of a page image generated on the information processing apparatus shown in FIG.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a page layout reconfigured based on the conditions set on the setting screen shown in FIG.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a band image transferred to a printing apparatus corresponding to the page layout shown in FIG.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a page layout setting screen in the printing system showing the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an arbitrary page layout setting screen displayed when an arbitrary button is designated for the number of print pages shown in FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a second embodiment of the page image transfer method of the printing system of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 11 Information Processing Device 12 Input Device 13 RAM 14 CPU 15 Display Device 16 Auxiliary Storage Device 17 Printer

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A printing system in which print information edited by an information processing apparatus, which comprises a display means and a storage means for storing a plurality of page images, is divided into band images via a predetermined interface and transferred to the printing apparatus. Input means for inputting predetermined page layout information for reducing and printing a plurality of page images on the same page, and deriving a reduction ratio of each page image based on the page layout information input by the input means Means, generating means for generating a reduced page image of the page image stored in the storage means based on the reduction ratio derived by the deriving means, and reduced page images of each page generated by the generating means. Construction means for reconstructing an output page image based on the page layout information, A printing system comprising: a transfer unit configured to divide the output page image reconstructed by the constructing unit into band units and to transfer the divided image to the printing apparatus. 2. A printing system for dividing print information edited by an information processing apparatus into a band image through a predetermined interface and transferring the band information to the printing apparatus, the display apparatus including a display section and a storage section for storing a plurality of page images. An input unit for inputting arbitrary page layout information for reducing and printing a plurality of page images on the same page; and a reduction ratio of each page image based on the arbitrary page layout information input by the input unit. Derivation means for deriving on a page basis, generation means for generating a reduced page image of each corresponding page image stored in the storage means based on the reduction ratio of each page derived by the derivation means, and the generation The reduced page image of each page generated by the means is output based on the page layout information. A printing system, comprising: a construction unit for reconstructing an output page image, and a transfer unit for dividing the output page image reconstructed by the construction unit into band units and transferring the divided band image to the printing apparatus. 3. The printing according to claim 1, wherein a setting screen for inputting predetermined page layout information for reducing and printing a plurality of page images on the same page is displayed on the display means. system. 4. A printing system for dividing print information edited by an information processing apparatus, which comprises a display means and a storage means for storing a plurality of page images, into band images through a predetermined interface and transferring the band images to the printing apparatus. In the page image transfer method, an input step of inputting predetermined page layout information for reducing and printing a plurality of page images on the same page in a layout setting screen displayed on the display means, and the input page layout. A reduction step of deriving a reduction ratio of each page image based on the information and generating a reduction page image of the page image stored in the storage means based on the derived reduction ratio, and a reduction step of each generated page. A builder that reconstructs the reduced page image into an output page image based on the page layout information. And a transfer step of dividing the reconstructed output page image into band units and transferring the divided band image to the printing apparatus.