JP4491486B2 - Printing instruction apparatus, printing system, printing method, program, and recording medium - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a print instruction apparatus that transmits print information to a printing apparatus to form an image based on the print information, and an image forming system including the print instruction apparatus and the printing apparatus.

  Conventionally, a technique has been used in which image data acquired by a digital camera or the like is combined with a background image prepared in advance and printed out.

For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for creating a print layout (template) by combining medical image information and patient character information, and transferring the created print layout to an image forming apparatus.
JP 2006-158647 A (released on June 22, 2006)

  However, the above conventional technique has a problem in that the convenience of the user is low because the user needs to manually set the arrangement of the composite image of the medical image information and the patient character information.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and an object thereof is to improve the convenience of the user regarding the layout design of a composite image including image information and character information.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, the print instruction apparatus of the present invention is a print instruction apparatus that prints print target information in accordance with a print layout indicated by a template, and includes a storage unit that stores a plurality of types of templates, and a display unit Whether or not there is a match between the number of pieces of print target information designated by the user and the number of pieces of print target information that can be arranged in the template designated by the user. If it is determined to be conforming, a print instruction is performed in accordance with the template specified at that time. On the other hand, if it is determined to be incompatible, another conforming template is detected from the storage unit and displayed on the display unit. Display the screen to inquire whether the template needs to be changed, and issue a print instruction according to the template specified at this time. It is characterized in that it comprises a part.

  According to the above configuration, the control unit determines whether or not both are compatible from the number of print target information specified by the user and the number of print target information that can be arranged in the template specified by the user. If it is determined that the template is specified, a print instruction is performed according to the template specified at that time. On the other hand, if it is determined that the template does not match, another template that matches is detected from the storage unit and displayed on the display unit to change the template. The printing instruction according to the template designated at this time is issued.

  Thereby, when the designated template is incompatible, the user can select whether printing is performed using the designated template or printing using another compatible template. Accordingly, it is possible to improve the convenience of layout design when printing the print target information. In addition, since it is possible to select which template to use before executing printing, it is possible to suppress unnecessary printing.

  In addition, the control unit determines whether or not there is the conformity based on whether or not each print target information designated by the user can be printed within a predetermined number of pages when printing is performed according to the template designated by the user. It may be configured to.

  According to the above configuration, the user refers to the template that can be printed within the predetermined number of pages displayed on the display unit when printing cannot be performed within the predetermined number of pages when the specified printing target information is printed according to the specified template. Then, it is possible to select which template is used for printing. Accordingly, it is possible to improve the convenience of layout design when printing the print target information. In addition, since it is possible to select which template to use before executing printing, it is possible to suppress unnecessary printing.

  In addition, the control unit is a template that can print the print target information within a predetermined number of pages when the print target information specified by the user is printed according to the template specified by the user. The number of target information that can be arranged is less than the template selected by the user, or a template that can print each piece of print target information within a predetermined number of pages, and the area of the blank area indicated by the print layout is Presence / absence of conformity based on whether or not a template smaller than the selected template or a template capable of printing each piece of print target information with fewer pages than the template selected by the user is stored in the storage unit The structure which determines this may be sufficient.

  According to the above configuration, the user can print each piece of print target information displayed on the display unit within a predetermined number of pages, and the number of pieces of print target information that can be arranged is from the template selected by the user. Fewer templates, or templates that can print each piece of print target information within a predetermined number of pages, and the area of the blank area indicated by the print layout is smaller than the template selected by the user, or each print target It is possible to select a template to be printed using a specified template or a displayed template by referring to a template that can be printed with a smaller number of pages than the template selected by the user. Accordingly, it is possible to improve the convenience of layout design when printing the print target information. In addition, since it is possible to select which template to use before executing printing, it is possible to suppress unnecessary printing.

  In addition, when a plurality of other matching templates are detected, the control unit has the smallest number of print target information that can be arranged, or a blank area in which the print target information is not printed. The template with the smallest area or the template with the smallest possible number of print target information and the smallest blank area where the print target information is not printed may be displayed on the display unit.

  According to the above configuration, when there are a plurality of matching templates, a template that is considered to be particularly preferable from the plurality of templates is presented to the user so that the user can determine whether or not to change the template. Can do. Therefore, the convenience of layout design can be further improved.

  Moreover, the said control part is good also as a structure which displays these several templates on the said display part, when multiple other suitable templates are detected. As a display method, for example, thumbnail images of a plurality of detected templates, a list of template names, and the like may be displayed as a list.

  According to the above configuration, when there are a plurality of matching templates, the plurality of templates are presented to the user, and the user selects which of the specified template and each matching template is used for printing. Can be judged. Therefore, the convenience of layout design can be further improved.

  The printing system of the present invention is a print instruction apparatus that prints information to be printed in accordance with a print layout indicated by a template, and includes a storage unit that stores a plurality of types of templates, a display unit, and an instruction input unit that receives user instructions And the number of print target information specified by the user and the number of print target information that can be arranged in the template specified by the user are determined whether or not they are compatible. When a print instruction is performed according to the template specified at that time, and it is determined that the template is not compatible, another template that matches is detected from the storage unit and displayed on the display unit to determine whether the template needs to be changed. A printing unit including a control unit that inquires and issues a printing instruction according to the template specified at this time. A device, and a printing apparatus which performs printing in response to a print instruction from the print instruction device. Accordingly, it is possible to obtain substantially the same effect as that of the print instruction apparatus.

  Further, the print instruction device transmits each piece of print target information designated by the user and template information for specifying a template for instructing the print to the print device, and the print device displays an image corresponding to the image data. An image forming unit that prints a template, a print storage unit that stores a plurality of types of templates, a template corresponding to the template information received from the print instruction device is detected from the print storage unit, and the detected template and the print instruction It is good also as a structure provided with the printing control part which makes the said image formation part print the image according to the image data obtained by synthesize | combining with the printing object information received from the apparatus.

  According to the above configuration, since the template information for specifying the template is transmitted from the print instruction apparatus to the printing apparatus instead of the template itself, the amount of data transmitted from the print instruction apparatus to the printing apparatus can be reduced.

  The print control unit sends a request for transmitting a template corresponding to the template information when the template corresponding to the template information received from the print instruction device is not stored in the print storage unit. Or it is good also as a structure which transmits to the other apparatus which can communicate.

  According to the above configuration, even when a template corresponding to the template information received from the print instruction apparatus is not stored in the print storage unit, the template is acquired from the print instruction apparatus or another apparatus capable of communication. Printing according to the print instruction.

  The print instruction apparatus transmits the print target information designated by the user and a template for instructing the print to the print apparatus, and the print apparatus prints an image according to image data; The image forming unit may include a print control unit that causes the image forming unit to print an image corresponding to image data obtained by combining the print target information received from the print instruction apparatus and the template.

  According to said structure, it can print based on the template and printing target information which were transmitted to the printing apparatus from the printing instruction | indication apparatus.

  The print instruction apparatus may be configured to transmit a print instruction to the print apparatus using wireless communication or wired communication.

  Further, the printing system of the present invention includes a print instruction device that outputs a print instruction for printing the print target information in accordance with a print layout indicated by the template, and a printing device that performs printing according to the print instruction from the print instruction device. And a determination processing device that determines whether or not there is a match between the number of pieces of print target information designated by the user and the number of pieces of print target information that can be arranged in the template designated by the user. The print instruction device includes a display unit, an instruction input unit for accepting a user instruction, a communication unit for communicating with the printing device and the determination processing device, and the print specified by the user. Information indicating the number of pieces of target information and the number of print target information that can be arranged in the template specified by the user And a control unit that causes the determination processing device to transmit information to the determination processing device via the communication unit. The determination processing device includes a second communication unit for performing communication with the print instruction device, and a plurality of types of the above-described information. Based on each of the information received from the print instruction device and the storage unit that stores the template, the presence / absence of the conformity is determined, and the determination result is returned to the print instruction device via the second communication unit. A second control unit that detects another matching template from the storage unit and returns the detected template or the template information of the detected template to the print instruction apparatus via the second communication unit. When the determination processing device determines conformity, the control unit issues a print instruction according to the template specified at that time, while If it is determined that the template matches, another matching template detected by the determination processing device is displayed on the display unit to inquire whether or not the template needs to be changed, and a print instruction is performed according to the template specified at this time. It is good also as a structure. According to said structure, the effect substantially the same as the said printing instruction | indication apparatus can be acquired.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, the printing method of the present invention sends a print instruction for printing the print target information according to the print layout indicated by the template from the print instruction apparatus to the printing apparatus, and performs printing based on the print instruction. The printing instruction apparatus includes a storage unit that stores a plurality of types of templates, a display unit, and an instruction input unit that receives a user instruction, and the print target information specified by the user. A determination step for determining whether or not there is a match between the print target information and the number of printable information in the template specified by the user. If it is determined that the printing is in conformity with the printed template, but the non-conformity is determined, another conforming template is stored in the storage unit. And et detected, inquiry whether or not to change the template is displayed on the display unit is characterized in that it comprises a print instruction step of performing a print instruction according template specified at this time.

  According to the above method, from the number of the print target information specified by the user and the number of print target information that can be arranged in the template specified by the user, it is determined whether or not the both match, If it is determined, a print instruction is performed according to the template specified at that time. On the other hand, if it is determined that the template does not match, another template that matches is detected from the storage unit and displayed on the display unit. An inquiry is made as to whether or not the change is necessary, and a printing instruction is performed according to the template specified at this time.

  Thereby, when the designated template is incompatible, the user can select whether printing is performed using the designated template or printing using another compatible template. Accordingly, it is possible to improve the convenience of layout design when printing the print target information. In addition, since it is possible to select which template to use before executing printing, it is possible to suppress unnecessary printing.

  The print instruction apparatus may be realized by a computer. In this case, a program that causes the print instruction apparatus to be realized by a computer by causing the computer to operate as the control unit, and a computer that records the program. A readable recording medium is also included in the scope of the present invention.

  As described above, the print instruction apparatus according to the present invention determines whether or not there is a match between the number of pieces of print target information specified by the user and the number of pieces of print target information that can be arranged in the template specified by the user. If it is determined to be conforming, a printing instruction is performed according to the template specified at that time. On the other hand, if it is determined to be incompatible, another conforming template is detected from the storage unit, and the display unit And a control unit that inquires whether or not the template needs to be changed, and issues a print instruction in accordance with the template specified at this time.

  Further, the printing method of the present invention determines whether or not there is a match between the number of pieces of print target information designated by the user and the number of pieces of print target information that can be arranged in the template designated by the user. If it is determined to be compatible in the process and the determination step, a print instruction is performed according to the template specified at that time, whereas if it is determined to be non-compatible, another template that is compatible is detected from the storage unit, A printing instruction step of inquiring whether or not the template needs to be changed by displaying on the display unit and issuing a printing instruction according to the template designated at this time.

  Therefore, the convenience of layout design when printing the print target information can be improved. Further, it is possible to suppress unnecessary printing.

  An embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of the image forming system (printing system) 1 according to the present embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the image forming system 1 includes a terminal device (printing instruction device) 201, an image forming device (printing device) 202, and a server 203.

  In response to a print instruction from the user, the terminal device 201 print information that is data to be printed, and template information that is information for specifying a print template indicating a print layout when printing the print target information. Are transmitted to the image forming apparatus 202. In the present embodiment, the print target information is information obtained by combining an image file (image data) and a comment file (character data). The template information is information for identifying individual print templates. In the present embodiment, the template name is used as the template information. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and for example, a template number assigned to each print template, a template ID, or the like may be used, or a combination of these may be used.

  Further, when receiving a print instruction from the user, the terminal device 201 compares the print target information selected by the user with the print template and determines whether or not a predetermined condition is satisfied. If the predetermined condition is not satisfied, it is determined whether or not a print template that satisfies the predetermined condition can be used. If the print template can be used, it is determined whether or not to change to a print template that satisfies the predetermined condition. The user is inquired.

  The terminal device 201 only needs to be able to communicate print target information and template information with the image forming apparatus 202. For example, a mobile phone, a smartphone, a PDA, a PHS, a personal computer, a digital camera, a scanner, or the like Can be used.

  The image forming apparatus 202 includes a function of receiving template information and print target information from the terminal apparatus 201, and a function of combining a print template corresponding to the received template information and the print target information and printing out the same. (MFP). Note that the communication method between the terminal apparatus 201 and the image forming apparatus 202 is not particularly limited, and wireless LAN communication via the wireless LAN base station 204 may be used as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 3 (b), Bluetooth (registered trademark) or infrared communication may be used, and a wired LAN may be used as shown in FIG. 3 (c), as shown in FIG. 3 (d). Alternatively, it may be performed via a USB connection or a USB memory. In the case of using Bluetooth, the communicable distance is about 15 meters, and in the case of infrared communication, it is about 3 meters.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating configurations of a terminal device 201, an image forming device 202, and a server 203 provided in the image forming system 1.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the terminal device 201 includes a control unit 11, an image input unit 12, an instruction input unit 13, a layout determination unit 14, a setting change unit 15, an I / F unit 16, a RAM 17, and a storage device (storage unit). 18 and a display unit 19. These units are connected to each other via the data bus 10.

  The control unit 11 controls each unit provided in the terminal device 201.

  The image input unit 12 acquires image data. The image input unit 12 may include, for example, an imaging unit such as a camera or a scanner, and may acquire image data captured by the imaging unit. An image is input from an external device (not shown) connected to be communicable. The structure which acquires data may be sufficient and the structure which combined these may be sufficient. In the present embodiment, an example in which the terminal device 201 includes an imaging unit and image data is acquired by the imaging unit will be mainly described.

  The instruction input unit 13 receives an instruction input from a user. For example, the user inputs a comment (character information) about each image data acquired by the image input unit 12 via the instruction input unit 13, selects print target information or a print template used for printing, prints Various instructions such as instructions and data storage instructions can be input. The configuration of the instruction input unit 13 is not particularly limited. For example, an operation key (button), an operation dial, a keyboard, a mouse, a pen input device, a touch panel, a voice input device, or a combination thereof is used. Can do.

  The layout determination unit 14 displays the number of print target information (consisting of image data and character data) selected by the user and the display area of the print target information per page included in the print layout of the print template selected by the user. It is determined whether or not all pieces of print target information selected by the user can be printed within a predetermined number of pages (for example, one page). The layout determination unit 14 may be provided inside the control unit 11.

  The setting change unit 15 detects from the storage device 18 a print template that can print all pieces of print target information selected by the user within a predetermined number of pages. When the layout determination unit 14 determines that all the print target information selected by the print template selected by the user cannot be printed within the predetermined number of pages, all the print information detected as described above is determined as the predetermined page. A display screen (dialog) for inquiring the user whether to change to a print template that can be printed within a few is displayed on the display unit 19. Then, the print layout used for printing is changed according to an instruction from the user. The setting change unit 15 may be provided inside the control unit 11.

  The I / F unit 16 is an interface unit for communicating with the image forming apparatus 202 and the server 203.

  The storage device 18 is a storage unit that stores various data used in the terminal device 201. The storage device 18 stores, for example, image data acquired by the image input unit 12, comment data input via the instruction input unit 13, data such as a print template, and the like.

  FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a print template. The template name “photo [large]” shown in this figure is a layout in which two images and comments for each image are laid out on the recording paper, and the template name “report” is four images on the recording paper and each image. Comments are laid out, and the template name “index” is a layout of six images and comments of each image on a recording sheet. As shown in this figure, each print template is for displaying image data (print target information) and text data (print target information) corresponding to the image data in a predetermined display area. Each print template has a template name, the number of images that can be displayed in one page (during layout), and the coordinates of the reference position of each print target information (image data and character data) (coordinate values in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction) ) And format information (layout information) indicating size are associated with each other.

  Note that the print template stored in the storage device 18 may be stored in advance when the terminal device 201 is manufactured, or may be downloaded from the server 203 or another device. You may make it acquire by reading memory | storage means, such as a memory card which memorize | stored.

  The RAM 17 receives various data such as a print layout (print template) 17 a, image data 17 b, and comment data (character data) 17 c read from the storage device 18, image data acquired by the image input unit 12, and the instruction input unit 13. This is for temporarily storing input comment data and the like.

  The display unit 19 is display means for displaying image data, comment data, a print layout (print template), an alert display, and the like.

  The image forming apparatus 202 includes a control unit (print control unit) 21, an I / F unit 22, an image formation unit 23, a print layout addition unit 24, a RAM 25, and a storage device (print storage unit) 26. These units are connected to each other via the data bus 20.

  The control unit 21 controls each unit provided in the image forming apparatus 202.

  The I / F unit 22 is an interface unit for performing communication with the terminal device 201 and the server 203.

  The image forming unit 23 combines the print target information received from the terminal device 201 and the print template corresponding to the template information received from the terminal device 201, and forms the combined image on the storage material.

  The storage device 26 is a storage device that stores template information received from the terminal device 201, print target information (image data and comment data), a print template acquired from the server 203, the terminal device 201, or another device.

  The RAM 25 is for temporarily storing various data such as a print layout (print template) 25a, image data 25b, and comment data 25c read from the storage device 26.

  The print layout adding unit 24 acquires a new print template from the server 203 or another device and stores it in the storage device 26. For example, when the print template corresponding to the template information received from the terminal device 201 is not stored in the storage device 26, the print layout adding unit 24 corresponds to the template information to the server 203 or the terminal device 201 via the network. A print template transmission request is transmitted, and the print template is acquired from the server 203 or the terminal device 201 and stored in the storage device 26. Further, the print template stored in the storage device 26 may be updated at an arbitrary time or periodically. In this case, as shown in FIG. 5, for example, a serviceman who performs maintenance / management of the image forming apparatus 202 causes the image forming apparatus 202 to read the storage medium such as a memory card in which the print template is stored to perform the update. Alternatively, when the image forming apparatus 202 accesses the server 203 or the terminal device 201 to check for updates, and there is a print template that is not stored in the storage device 26, the print template is received from the server 203 or the terminal device 201. May be downloaded and stored in the storage device 26. The print layout adding unit 24 may be provided in the control unit 21.

  The server 203 includes a control unit 31, an I / F unit 32, and a storage device 33, and these units are connected to each other via the data bus 30. The control unit 31 controls each unit provided in the image forming apparatus 202. The I / F unit 32 is an interface unit for performing communication with the terminal device 201 and the image forming apparatus 202. The storage device 33 is a storage device that stores a print template in association with a template number and a template name.

  Next, the operation of the image forming system 1 will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of image shooting processing, comment entry processing, image and comment storage processing, and image library processing in the terminal device 201.

  First, the control unit 11 monitors whether there is a menu selection instruction from the user via the instruction input unit 13 (S1). In the present embodiment, it is assumed that shooting, comment entry, storage, image library, and end menu can be selected in the monitoring state of S1 (main menu selectable state). More specifically, when the power of the terminal device 201 is turned on, the control unit 11 displays a selection screen for the main menu “shoot, comment entry, image library, save, end” on the display unit 19. Then, the user can select any one of “photographing, comment entry, image library, storage, and termination” by operating the instruction input unit 13.

  When receiving a menu selection instruction from the user, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the selected menu is “shooting” (S2).

  If it is determined in S2 that it is “photographing”, the control unit 11 determines whether or not captured image data (unsaved captured image data) not stored in the storage device 18 exists in the RAM 17 (S3). . If it is determined that there is unsaved captured image data, the control unit 11 determines whether to discard the captured image data (S4). For this determination, for example, a display for inquiring whether to discard unsaved captured image data may be displayed on the display unit 19, and the determination may be made based on a user input instruction for this display.

  If it is determined in S4 that the unsaved captured image data is not discarded, the control unit 11 returns to S1.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in S3 that there is no unsaved captured image data in the RAM 17, and if it is determined in S4 that the unsaved captured image data is to be discarded, the control unit 11 performs image capturing (S5). The process returns to S1. That is, the imaging unit (not shown) is enabled for imaging, and an image is captured according to the user's shutter button operation. Note that captured image data obtained by imaging is temporarily stored in the RAM 17.

  If it is determined that the menu selected in S2 is not “shoot”, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the selected menu is “comment entry” (S6). If it is determined that “comment is entered”, the control unit 11 acquires a comment (character information) input from the user via the instruction input unit 13 and stores it in the RAM 17 (S7). Return to.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in S6 that it is not “comment entry”, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the selected menu is “save” (S8). Then, if it is determined as “save”, the control unit 11 determines whether or not a comment has been acquired, that is, whether or not a captured image and a comment on the captured image exist in the RAM 17 (S9). .

  If it is determined that the comment has been acquired, the control unit 11 stores the captured image data stored in the RAM 17 in association with the comment corresponding to the captured image data in the storage device 18 (S10). , The process returns to S1. At this time, the captured image data and comments stored in the RAM 17 may be deleted.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that a comment has not been acquired, the control unit 11 causes the display unit 19 to display an error message (for example, a display such as “No comment has been entered”) (S11). Return to.

  If it is determined that the menu selected in S8 is not “save”, it is determined whether or not the selected menu is “image library” (S12). If it is determined that the image library is “image library”, the control unit 11 executes an image library process to be described later (S13), and returns to the process of S1. On the other hand, when determining that it is not “image library”, the control unit 11 determines that the selected menu is “end”, and ends the process. Note that the terminal device 201 may be turned off at the end of the process.

  Next, image library processing will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of image library processing.

  When “image library” is selected in the main menu, the control unit 11 displays a list of thumbnail images of each captured image data stored in the storage device 18 and a check box for switching selection / non-selection of each thumbnail image. , And a selection screen of a submenu of “image library” are displayed (S21). On the submenu selection screen, the user can select any one of “arbitrary image selection”, “print”, and “return (return to main menu)”.

  In the present embodiment, the thumbnail image list, the check box, and the submenu selection screen are displayed at one time. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, the submenu selection screen is displayed and the user can select “ When “select arbitrary image” is selected, a list of thumbnail images and a check box may be displayed. Alternatively, a list of thumbnail images and a submenu selection screen may be displayed, and a check box may be displayed when the user selects “arbitrary image selection”.

  In the present embodiment, the control unit 11 causes the display unit 19 to display thumbnail images of a predetermined number (for example, four) of captured image data among all the captured data stored in the storage device 18, and the user When a scroll operation of the display screen is performed via the instruction input unit 13, a thumbnail image to be displayed on the display unit 19 is sequentially shifted to a thumbnail image of other captured image data. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and thumbnail images of all the captured image data stored in the storage device 18 may be displayed at a time. Instead of the thumbnail images, a list of file names of the respective captured image data is displayed. It may be.

  Thereafter, the control unit 11 monitors whether a submenu selection instruction is input from the user via the instruction input unit 13 (S22). In this state (in the “image library” submenu selectable state), the user can select “image selection (optional image selection)”, “print”, and “return (return to main menu)”.

  Then, upon receiving a submenu selection instruction from the user, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the selected menu is “image selection” (S23). If it is determined that the selection is “image selection”, the control unit 11 receives an image selection instruction from the user (S24). More specifically, it is accepted that a check box corresponding to each thumbnail image is operated.

  When the check box is operated, the control unit 11 determines whether the check box of the selected image is selected (S25). That is, each time the check box is operated once, the image corresponding to the check box is switched between the selected image and the non-selected image, and the control unit 11 selects the operation performed on the check box. It is determined whether the operation is to switch a completed image to a non-selected image or to switch a non-selected image to a selected image. If the check box of the selected image is operated, the selection of the image is canceled to make a non-selected image (S26), and the process returns to S21. On the other hand, when the check box of the non-selected image is operated, the image is switched to the selected image (S27), and the process returns to S21.

  In this embodiment, image data is displayed as a list and a user's selection instruction is accepted, and image data selected as a selected image and comment data corresponding to the image data are used as print target information. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, comment data may be displayed as a list, and image data and comment data may be displayed as a list.

  If it is determined in S23 that it is not “image selection”, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the menu selected by the user is “print” (S28). If it is determined that “print” is selected, the control unit 11 determines whether there is a selected image (whether the number n of selected images is n> 0) (S29). . Here, when there is a selected image, a printing process described later is executed (S30), and the process returns to S21. On the other hand, when determining that the selected image does not exist, the control unit 11 displays an error message (for example, a display such as “No image file is selected”) on the display unit 19 (S31). The process returns to S21.

  If the control unit 11 determines that the menu selected by the user is not “print” in S28, the control unit 11 determines that the selected menu is “return”, and returns to the process of S1 illustrated in FIG.

  Next, the printing process will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of the printing process. When “print” is selected in the sub-menu of the image library, the control unit 11 displays a print template selection screen on the display unit 19 (S41) and a template input from the user via the instruction input unit 13 A selection instruction is accepted (S42). FIG. 9A is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a template selection screen. In the example shown in this figure, thumbnail images and template names of three types of print templates “photo (large)”, “report”, and “index”, and a check box are displayed. A user can select a print template to be used for printing by selecting a check box corresponding to a print template desired by the user and selecting “print under this condition”. The template selection screen is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 9A. For example, the display method is appropriately changed according to the number of print templates that can be selected (templates stored in the storage device 18). May be.

  Next, the control unit 11 controls the layout determination unit 14 to display the number of print target information that can be displayed per page in the print template selected by the user and the number of print target information selected in the image library process. To determine whether all the print target information fits on one page (S43).

  When the layout determination unit 14 determines that the page fits on one page, the control unit 11 controls the layout determination unit 14 and selects all the print target information from all the print templates stored in the storage device 18. Can be stored in one page, and a print template having a smaller number of images per page than the print template selected by the user is searched (S44), and there is a print template corresponding to the above condition (condition of S44). Or not (S45).

  If the print template corresponding to the condition of S44 is not stored in the storage device 18, the control unit 11 selects the template name of the print template designated by the user and the print target information (image data of the selected image) in S42. And comment data corresponding to the image data) and a print instruction are transmitted to the image forming apparatus 202 (S50), and the process ends.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in S45 that the print template corresponding to the condition of S44 is stored in the storage device 18, the control unit 11 controls the setting changing unit 15 to use the print template corresponding to the above condition as a recommended template. A screen (dialog) asking whether to change the template used for printing from the initially selected print template to the recommended template is displayed (alert display) on the display unit 19 (S47).

  FIG. 9B illustrates a case where the number of selected images is 1 to 2 and the user selects a print template “report” in which the number of images per page (the number of arranged images) is 4 as a print template. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the said dialog displayed. In the example shown in this figure, all the selected images can be printed on one page, and the number of images per page is smaller than the print template “report” selected by the user. 2 images are displayed as a recommended template. On this display screen, if the user selects “Yes”, the print layout used for printing is changed to the recommended layout, and if “No” is selected, the print layout selected by the user in S42 is used as it is.

  If a plurality of print templates corresponding to the condition of S44 are detected, a recommended template may be determined based on a preset condition. For example, among the detected print templates, a print template having the smallest number of images per page may be used as the recommended template, and a print template having the smallest margin area indicated by the print layout may be used as the recommended template. A print template that maximizes the image display size may be used as a recommended template, and a print template that requires the least number of pages to print all print target information may be used as a recommended template. Alternatively, a priority order may be set in advance for print templates having the same number of images per page and / or the size of the blank area indicated by the print layout, and a recommended template may be determined based on this priority order.

  In addition, when a plurality of print templates corresponding to the condition of S44 are detected, thumbnail images and template names of the detected print templates are displayed (displayed in a list) on the display unit 19 to change the template used for printing. In the case of changing whether or not to change, the user may be made to select a desired print template from the above-described print templates.

  Next, the control unit 11 determines whether or not to change the print template used for printing to the recommended template based on a user instruction input to the instruction input unit 13 (S48).

  If it is determined that the template is not changed to the recommended template, the control unit 11 transmits the template name, the print target information, and the print instruction to the image forming apparatus 202 based on the print template selected by the user in S42. (S50), the process ends.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in S48 that the template is to be changed to the recommended template, the control unit 11 controls the setting changing unit 15 to change the print template used for printing to the recommended template (S49). (Image data and comment data) and a print instruction are transmitted to the image forming apparatus 202 (S50), and the process ends.

  If it is determined in S43 that the page does not fit on one page, the control unit 11 controls the layout determination unit 14 to store all print target information on one page from all print templates stored in the storage device 18. A print template that can be stored is searched (S51), and it is determined whether there is a print template corresponding to the above condition (condition of S51) (S52).

  If the print template corresponding to the condition of S51 is not stored in the storage device 18, the control unit 11 displays the template name, print target information, and print instruction of the print template selected by the user in S42 as an image. The data is transmitted to the forming apparatus 202 (S50), and the process ends.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in S52 that the print template corresponding to the condition of S51 is stored in the storage device 18, the control unit 11 controls the setting changing unit 15 to use the print template corresponding to the above condition as a recommended template. A screen (dialog) for inquiring whether to change the template used for printing to the recommended template is displayed (alert display) on the display unit 19 (S54).

  FIG. 9C illustrates a case where the number of selected images is 5 to 8, and the user selects a print template “report” having four images per page (number of images arranged) as a print template. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the said dialog displayed. In the example shown in this figure, a print template “index” (the number of images per page is 8) capable of printing all selected images on one page is displayed as a recommended template. On this display screen, if the user selects “Yes”, the print layout used for printing is changed to the recommended layout, and if “No” is selected, the print layout selected by the user in S42 is used as it is.

  When a plurality of print templates corresponding to the condition of S51 are detected, a recommended template is determined based on preset conditions, as in the case where a plurality of print templates corresponding to the condition of S51 is detected. It may be. Further, the thumbnail image and template name of each detected print template may be displayed on the display unit 19 and the user may select a desired print template from these print templates.

  Next, the control unit 11 determines whether or not to change the print template used for printing to the recommended template based on the user's instruction input to the instruction input unit 13 (S55).

  If it is determined that the template is not changed to the recommended template, the control unit 11 transmits the template name, the print target information, and the print instruction to the image forming apparatus 202 based on the print template selected by the user in S42. (S50), the process ends.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in S55 that the template is changed to the recommended template, the control unit 11 controls the setting changing unit 15 to change the print template used for printing to the recommended template (S49), and the template name of the recommended template and the print target information are changed. , And a print instruction are transmitted to the image forming apparatus 202 (S50), and the process ends.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing in the image forming apparatus 202. As shown in this figure, the control unit 21 of the image forming apparatus 202 receives a data reception request (template information of a print template and a print target to be combined with this print template and printed from a terminal device 201 connected via a network. Information and a print instruction reception request) are monitored (S61). When a data reception request is received, data (the template information, the print information, and the print instruction) transmitted thereafter is received (S62) and stored in the RAM 25.

  Thereafter, the control unit 21 determines whether or not all data transmitted from the terminal device 201 has been received (S63). This determination may be made based on the information including, for example, the amount of data to be transmitted in the data reception request or the identification information of the data to be transmitted last. In addition, the terminal device 201 first transmits a print instruction and print target information, and is set to transmit the template information after transmission of the print target information is completed, and the control unit 21 completes reception of the template information. It may be determined that all data has been received.

  If it is determined in S63 that the reception of all data has not been completed, the control unit 21 returns to S62 and continues the data reception process. On the other hand, if it is determined that the reception of all data has been completed, the control unit 21 checks the print template (designated template) designated from the terminal device 201 based on the received template information (S64), and the designated template is found. It is determined whether or not it is stored in the storage device 26 (S65).

  When determining that the designated template is stored in the storage device 26, the control unit 21 combines the print target information (image data and comment data) received from the terminal device 201 with the designated template read from the storage device 26. Then, an image corresponding to the combined image data is printed (image formation) on the recording material by the image forming unit 23 (S66), and the process is terminated. Note that when combining the print template and the print target information, the image data and the comment data are displayed so that the image data and the comment data can be appropriately displayed in the display area (image display area and character display area) of the print target information in the print template. The data may be appropriately scaled.

  On the other hand, when determining that the designated template is not stored in the storage device 26, the control unit 21 transmits a transmission request for the designated template to the terminal device 201, downloads the designated template from the terminal device 201, and temporarily stores it in the RAM 25. (S67). Here, the print template is downloaded from the terminal device 201. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the print template may be downloaded from the server 203.

  Thereafter, the control unit 21 determines whether or not the printing process can be performed using the designated template downloaded from the terminal device 201 (S68). If it is determined that printing is possible, the control unit 21 synthesizes the print target information (image data and comment data) received from the terminal device 201 with the designated template downloaded from the terminal device 201, and synthesizes the combined image data. The corresponding image is printed (image formation) on the recording material by the image forming unit 23 (S69), and the process is terminated. If printing is possible with the specified template, the control unit 21 controls the print layout adding unit 24 to save (add) the specified template downloaded from the terminal device 201 or the server 203 to the storage device 26. Good.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in S68 that printing cannot be performed, the control unit 21 transmits an error message (for example, information indicating that the image forming apparatus 202 does not support the specified template) to the terminal device 201, and ends the processing. .

  As described above, in the image forming system 1 according to the present embodiment, print target information (including image data and character data corresponding to the image data) and a template used for printing are selected via the instruction input unit 13. Then, the control unit 11 compares each print target information selected by the user by comparing the number of print target information per page in the template selected by the user with the number of print target information selected by the user. If it is determined whether printing is possible within a predetermined number of pages, and it is determined that printing is not possible within a predetermined number of pages, a template capable of printing each print target information within a predetermined number of pages is detected from the storage device 18, and the detected template is detected. Is displayed on the display unit 19 as a recommended template, and the user is inquired whether to change the template used for printing.

  When it is determined that each piece of print target information selected by the user can be printed within a predetermined number of pages, the control unit 11 is a template that can print each piece of print target information within a predetermined number of pages, A template in which the number of pieces of information to be printed is less than the template selected by the user is detected, and the detected template is displayed as a recommended template on the display unit 19 to inquire the user whether to change the template used for printing.

  Thus, the user can select whether to perform printing using the initially selected template or the recommended template before issuing a print instruction to the printing apparatus. The convenience of layout design when printing character data corresponding to the image data can be improved. In addition, since it is possible to select which of the template initially selected before executing the printing process and the template that can be accommodated within a predetermined number of pages, it is possible to suppress unnecessary printing.

  In this embodiment, when it is determined that each piece of print target information selected by the user can be printed within a predetermined number of pages, the control unit 11 is a template that can print each piece of print target information within a predetermined number of pages. In the past, a template in which the number of pieces of information to be printed per page is smaller than the template selected by the user is detected. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a template that can print the information to be printed within a predetermined number of pages and that has a blank area indicated by a print layout smaller than the template selected by the user may be detected. You may make it detect the template which can print printing object information by the number of pages fewer than the said template which the user selected.

  Further, in this embodiment, when transmitting a print instruction from the terminal device 201 to the image forming apparatus 202, the template information for specifying the print template and the print target information are transmitted. For example, the print target information and the print template may be transmitted from the terminal device 201 to the image forming apparatus 202. In this configuration, even when the print template designated by the print instruction from the terminal device 201 is not stored in the storage device 26 of the image forming device 202, the image forming device 202 receives the print template received from the terminal device 201. Can be used for printing.

  In addition, the control unit 11 may execute the functions of the layout determination unit 14 and the setting change unit 15 provided in the terminal device 201. That is, the layout determination unit 14 and the setting change unit 15 may be provided in the control unit 11. Similarly, the control unit 21 may execute the function of the print layout adding unit 24 in the image forming apparatus 202.

  In the present embodiment, the terminal device 201 performs the process of determining whether or not the template specified by the user is incompatible (the process of S42) and searching for a compatible template (S44 and S51). Yes, but not limited to this. For example, after receiving a template selection instruction from the user in S42, the print target information and the template or template information selected by the user are sent to another device (determination processing device; for example, server 203) that can communicate from the terminal device 201. It is also possible to perform the processing of S42 or the processing of S42, S44, and S51 in the other device, and return the processing result to the terminal device 201. That is, the other apparatus includes a control unit that performs the process of S42 or the processes of S42, S44, and S51, and this control unit print target information and template information (or template) transmitted from the print instruction apparatus 201. ), The processing of S42 or the processing of S42, S44, S51 may be performed. The determination processing unit may be the control unit 31 of the server 203 or the control unit 21 of the image forming apparatus 202.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the control unit 11 displays the recommended template on the display unit 19 when it is determined that the template specified by the user is incompatible. You may make it display to the effect on the display part 19. FIG. Further, the display unit 19 may display a display indicating non-conformity and a display indicating whether or not to display a recommended template.

  The control unit 11, layout determination unit 14, and setting change unit 15 provided in the terminal device 201, the control unit 21 and print layout addition unit 24 provided in the image forming apparatus 202, and the control unit 31 provided in the server 203 include: It is realized by software using a processor such as a CPU. In other words, the terminal device 201, the image forming apparatus 202, and the server 203 include a CPU (central processing unit) that executes instructions of a control program that implements each function, a ROM (read only memory) that stores the program, and the program. A RAM (random access memory) to be developed, a storage device (recording medium) such as a memory for storing the program and various data, and the like are provided. An object of the present invention is to read the program code (execution format program, intermediate code program, source program) of the control program of the terminal device 201, the image forming apparatus 202, and the server 203, which is software that realizes the functions described above, by a computer. This is achieved by supplying the recording medium recorded as possible to the terminal device 201, the image forming apparatus 202, and the server 203, and the computer (or CPU or MPU) reads and executes the program code recorded on the recording medium. .

  Examples of the recording medium include a tape system such as a magnetic tape and a cassette tape, a magnetic disk such as a floppy (registered trademark) disk / hard disk, and an optical disk such as a CD-ROM / MO / MD / DVD / CD-R. System, card system such as IC card (including memory card) / optical card, or semiconductor memory system such as mask ROM / EPROM / EEPROM / flash ROM.

  The terminal device 201, the image forming apparatus 202, and the server 203 may be configured to be connectable to a communication network, and the program code may be supplied via the communication network. The communication network is not particularly limited. For example, the Internet, intranet, extranet, LAN, ISDN, VAN, CATV communication network, virtual private network, telephone line network, mobile communication network, satellite communication. A net or the like is available. Further, the transmission medium constituting the communication network is not particularly limited. For example, even in the case of wired such as IEEE 1394, USB, power line carrier, cable TV line, telephone line, ADSL line, etc., infrared rays such as IrDA and remote control, Bluetooth ( (Registered trademark), 802.11 wireless, HDR, mobile phone network, satellite line, terrestrial digital network, and the like can also be used. The present invention can also be realized in the form of a computer data signal embedded in a carrier wave in which the program code is embodied by electronic transmission.

  Further, the blocks of the terminal device 201, the image forming apparatus 202, and the server 203 are not limited to those realized using software, and may be configured by hardware logic and perform a part of the processing. A combination of hardware and arithmetic means for executing software for controlling the hardware and performing the remaining processing may be used.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope shown in the claims. That is, embodiments obtained by combining technical means appropriately modified within the scope of the claims are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

  The present invention can be applied to a terminal device that transmits print information to an image forming apparatus to form an image based on the print information, and an image forming system that includes the terminal device and the image forming apparatus.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a terminal device, an image forming apparatus, and a server provided in an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows schematic structure of the image forming system shown in FIG. (A)-(d) is explanatory drawing which shows the communication means between the terminal device and image forming apparatus in the image forming system shown in FIG. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a print layout used in the image forming system illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a method for additionally storing a print layout in an image forming apparatus in the image forming system illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a processing flow of a terminal device provided in the image forming system shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a flow of image library processing in a terminal device provided in the image forming system shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a flow of printing processing in a terminal device provided in the image forming system shown in FIG. 1. (A)-(c) is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the display screen displayed on the display part of the terminal device with which the image forming system shown in FIG. 1 is equipped. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a processing flow of an image forming apparatus provided in the image forming system shown in FIG. 1.

Explanation of symbols

1 Image forming system (printing system)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 Control part 12 Image input part 13 Instruction input part 14 Layout determination part (control part)
15 Setting change part (control part)
16 I / F part (communication part)
17 RAM
18 Storage device (storage unit)
19 Display unit 21 Control unit (printing control unit)
22 I / F unit 23 Image forming unit 24 Print layout adding unit (print control unit)
25 RAM
26 Storage device (print storage unit)
31 control unit (server control unit, second control unit)
32 I / F part (second communication part)
33 Storage device (storage unit)
201 Terminal device (printing instruction device)
202 Image forming apparatus (printing apparatus)
203 server (determination processing device)

Claims (14)

A print instruction apparatus for printing print target information according to a print layout indicated by a template,
A storage unit for storing a plurality of types of the templates;
A display unit;
An instruction input unit for receiving user instructions;
Based on the number of print target information specified by the user and the number of print target information that can be arranged in the template specified by the user, it is determined whether or not they are compatible. If it is determined that the template is incompatible with the template specified in the above, other compatible templates are detected from the storage unit and displayed on the display unit to inquire about the necessity of template change. A printing instruction apparatus comprising: a control unit that issues a printing instruction according to a template designated at this time. The control unit
When the printing target information designated by the user is printed in accordance with the template designated by the user, the presence / absence of the conformity is determined based on whether printing is possible within a predetermined number of pages. Item 2. The print instruction apparatus according to Item 1. The control unit
When printing each piece of print target information designated by the user according to the template designated by the user, the print target information is a template that can be printed within a predetermined number of pages, and the number of print target information that can be arranged is A template that is smaller than the template selected by the user, or a template that can print the information to be printed within a predetermined number of pages, and the area of the blank area indicated by the print layout is smaller than the template selected by the user. Determining whether or not the template is compatible based on whether or not a template or a template capable of printing each piece of print target information with a smaller number of pages than the template selected by the user is stored in the storage unit. The print instruction apparatus according to claim 1 or 2. The control unit
When a plurality of other matching templates are detected, a template with the smallest number of print target information arrangements or a template with the smallest area of the blank area where the print target information is not printed, 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein a template having the smallest possible number of print target information and the smallest area of a blank area where the print target information is not printed is displayed on the display unit. The printing instruction apparatus according to the description. The control unit
4. The print instruction apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when a plurality of other matching templates are detected, the plurality of templates are displayed on the display unit. 5.   A print instruction apparatus that prints information to be printed in accordance with a print layout indicated by a template, a storage unit that stores a plurality of types of templates, a display unit, an instruction input unit that receives a user instruction, and a user-specified instruction Based on the number of pieces of print target information and the number of pieces of print target information that can be arranged in the template specified by the user, the presence / absence of matching between the two is determined. If a print instruction according to the template is given and it is determined that the template is not suitable, another compatible template is detected from the storage unit and displayed on the display unit to inquire whether or not the template needs to be changed. A print instructing device having a control unit for instructing printing according to a template, and the print instructing device Printing system including a printing apparatus which performs printing in accordance with the print instruction. The printing instruction device transmits the printing target information specified by the user and template information for specifying a template for printing instructions to the printing device,
The printing apparatus is
An image forming unit for printing an image according to the image data;
A print storage unit for storing a plurality of types of templates;
An image corresponding to image data obtained by detecting a template corresponding to the template information received from the print instruction apparatus from the print storage unit, and combining the detected template and print target information received from the print instruction apparatus. The printing system according to claim 6, further comprising: a printing control unit that causes the image forming unit to print the image. The print control unit
When a template corresponding to the template information received from the print instruction apparatus is not stored in the print storage unit, a request for transmitting a template corresponding to the template information is sent to the print instruction apparatus or another apparatus capable of communication. The printing system according to claim 7, wherein transmission is performed. The print instruction device transmits the print target information specified by the user and a template for instructing the print to the print device,
The printing apparatus is
An image forming unit for printing an image according to the image data;
7. A print control unit that causes the image forming unit to print an image corresponding to image data obtained by combining print target information received from the print instruction apparatus and a template. The printing system described.   The printing system according to claim 6, wherein the printing instruction device transmits a printing instruction to the printing device using wireless communication or wired communication. A printing system comprising: a print instruction device that outputs a print instruction for printing print target information according to a print layout indicated by a template; and a printing device that performs printing in response to a print instruction from the print instruction device,
A determination processing device for determining whether or not there is a match between the number of pieces of print target information designated by the user and the number of pieces of print target information that can be arranged in the template designated by the user;
The print instruction apparatus
A display unit;
An instruction input unit for accepting user instructions;
A communication unit for communicating with the printing device and the determination processing device;
Control for transmitting information indicating the number of print target information specified by the user and information indicating the number of print target information that can be arranged in the template specified by the user to the determination processing device via the communication unit. With
The determination processing device includes:
A second communication unit for communicating with the print instruction device;
A storage unit for storing a plurality of types of the templates;
Based on the information received from the print instruction apparatus, the presence / absence of the conformity is determined, and the determination result is returned to the print instruction apparatus via the second communication unit. A second control unit that detects the other template from the storage unit and returns the detected template or the template information of the detected template to the print instruction apparatus via the second communication unit,
The control unit
If the determination processing device determines that it conforms, it issues a print instruction in accordance with the template specified at that time, whereas if it determines that it does not conform, it selects another conforming template detected by the determination processing device as described above. A printing system that displays on a display unit and inquires whether or not a template needs to be changed, and issues a print instruction according to a template designated at this time. A printing method for sending a print instruction to print information to be printed in accordance with a print layout indicated by a template from a print instruction apparatus to a printing apparatus, and performing printing based on the print instruction,
The print instruction apparatus includes a storage unit that stores a plurality of types of templates, a display unit, and an instruction input unit that receives a user instruction.
A determination step for determining whether or not there is a match between the number of print target information specified by the user and the number of print target information that can be arranged in the template specified by the user;
If it is determined to be conforming in the determination step, a print instruction is performed according to the template specified at that time. On the other hand, if it is determined to be incompatible, another conforming template is detected from the storage unit, and the display unit A printing instruction step for inquiring whether or not the template needs to be changed and displaying a printing instruction in accordance with the template designated at this time.   A program for operating the printing instruction apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the program causes a computer to function as the control unit.   A computer-readable recording medium on which the program according to claim 13 is recorded.

Images