JP2008219398A - Image forming apparatus, image processing method, image processing program and computer readable storage medium with the same stored therein - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable a user to ensure viewing performance as a whole and grasp the whole image in an outputted document when outputting the document described by a control code. <P>SOLUTION: A control code for expanding and outputting a portion of objects in a document (original document) is newly generated to the document which corresponds to a file edited by an application and written in a page description language, and a new document is generated by editing the new generated control code and the original document and is sent to an image forming apparatus. Consequently, for example, the original document for outputting an image including an image object and text object is created again into such a document where the image by the original document and an image for expanding and displaying the text object in the original image are outputted to one and the same face of one piece of paper by 2in1. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to processing of a document described by a control code, and in particular, an image forming apparatus that forms an image from a document described by a control code, an image processing method, an image processing program, and a computer-readable program that stores the image processing program The present invention relates to a storage medium.

  When a document is output on a paper using a printer, a copier, or a MFP (Multi Function Peripheral) that is a complex machine that combines them, if the document contains small characters or detailed figures, The character image or figure in the output image may be too small, or the spacing between the lines constituting the character image or figure may be narrowed, which may impair the visibility or readability of the character or figure.

  In view of this, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-32481 (Patent Document 1) discloses a technique for expanding and outputting image information designated on the reception side at a magnification desired by the user on the reception side in a facsimile apparatus. It is disclosed.

Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2001-257875 (Patent Document 2) discloses a technique for enlarging received information at a preset magnification and printing on recording paper in a communication terminal device.
JP 2003-32481 A JP 2001-257875 A

  However, the technique of simply enlarging and outputting a received document as disclosed in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 has a problem that it is difficult to grasp the entire image of the original document.

  The present invention has been conceived in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus that allows a user to ensure overall visibility and grasp an overall image by an output document, An image processing method, an image processing program, and a computer-readable storage medium storing the image processing program are provided.

  An image forming apparatus according to the present invention is an image forming apparatus that forms an image from an original document described by a control code, and adds a description for enlarging the size of an object included in the original document to the original document A document creating means for creating a new document, a receiving means for receiving an image forming instruction for the original document, and the document creating in response to the receiving means receiving an image forming instruction for the original document. And image forming means for forming an image from a new document created by the means.

  In the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the image forming unit forms an image on an output material having a first side and a second side different from the first side, and the document creating unit The image formed from the original document is output to the first surface, and the image formed from the description for enlarging the size of the object included in the original document is output to the second surface. preferable.

  In the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the image forming unit forms an image on an output material having a first side and a second side different from the first side, and the document creating unit It is preferable that the image formed from the original document is reduced and described so as to be output on the first surface together with the image formed from the description that enlarges the size of the object included in the original document.

  In the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the control code includes data designating a page area of the document, and the document creation unit is configured to generate an image of each page formed from the original document in the new document. However, it is preferable to describe such that, together with a page of an image formed from a description of enlarging the size of an object included in the page, it is output to a page constituting a spread page in booklet printing.

  The image forming apparatus according to the present invention further includes a type storage unit that stores a type of an object to be enlarged, and the document creation unit stores an object of a type stored in the type storage unit in the original document. It is preferable to add a description for increasing the size to the original document.

  In the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the control code includes data designating a character size, and the document creating means is a description for enlarging the character data designated by the first character size in the original document. Is preferably added to the original document.

  In the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the document creating unit adds a description corresponding to a certain object in the original document whose size is to be expanded and a description of a code corresponding to the certain object. It is preferable to add a description of the code corresponding to the certain object to the document.

  The image forming apparatus of the present invention further includes number storage means for storing the number of objects to be enlarged, and the document creation means includes objects equal to or less than the number stored in the number storage means in the original document. Is preferably added to the original document to increase the size.

  An image processing method according to the present invention is an image processing method for processing an image from an original document described by a control code of the present invention, and enlarges the size of an object included in the original document to the original document. A step of creating a new document by adding a description, a step of receiving an image formation command for the original document, and an image from the new document in response to receiving the image formation command for the original document. Forming a step.

  An image processing program according to the present invention is an image processing program that processes an original document described by a control code and causes an image forming apparatus to form an image. The image processing program includes a computer, the original document, and the original document A step of creating a new document by adding a description for enlarging the size of the object to be received, a step of receiving a command for image formation of the original document, and a step of receiving a command for image formation of the original document, Transmitting the new document to the image forming apparatus.

  A computer-readable recording medium according to the present invention stores the above-described image processing program.

  According to the present invention, when an image is output from the original document described by the control code in the image forming apparatus, the image is generated from the new document to which the description for enlarging the size of the object included in the original document is added. It is formed.

  As a result, compared to the case where the image is output from the original document, an image in which the size of the object is enlarged is added to the formed image. That is, when the user tries to output an image from the original document, the user can obtain an image from the original document and an image in which the included object is enlarged.

  Therefore, the user can grasp the whole image of the original document by looking at the image from the original document, and ensure the overall visibility of the output document by looking at the enlarged object image. become able to.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the same or corresponding parts in the drawings are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will not be repeated.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts and components are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same.

[First Embodiment]
(overall structure)
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an image forming system including a personal computer that executes an image processing program according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, an MFP is cited as an example of an apparatus (image forming apparatus) that forms an image processed by an image processing program. However, such an image forming apparatus is not limited to an MFP. The present invention can also be applied to a copying machine, a facsimile machine, a printer, and the like.

  Referring to FIG. 1, the image forming system includes at least MFP 1 that functions as a printer. The MFP 1 is configured to be connectable to personal computers PC1, PC2, and PC3 (hereinafter also collectively referred to as “personal computer PC”) via a network NW such as a LAN (Local Area Network). When the document data to be transmitted is received, an image is formed from the document data and the image is output on paper.

  This document data is described by a control code as will be described later, and the MFP 1 forms an image in accordance with instructions and data included in the control code. As will be described later, in the process of forming this image, if there is a character that may impair the visibility and readability in the document, the font corresponding to the character is converted to a font with higher visibility and readability. The

(MFP configuration)
FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an outline of the hardware configuration of the MFP 1. In the present embodiment, a color tandem MFP will be described as a representative example. However, the printing method is not limited, and other color methods or monochrome methods may be used.

  In the color tandem MFP 1, four color toner images of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) are sequentially superimposed to form a color image. More specifically, four image forming units corresponding to the respective colors are arranged in series along an intermediate transfer belt that is an intermediate transfer member, and the toner images of the corresponding colors formed by the respective image forming units are intermediate transferred. Transfer (primary transfer) to the belt. By this primary transfer, a multicolor image in which the toner images of the respective colors are superimposed is formed on the intermediate transfer belt, and then the formed multicolor image is transferred to a sheet as a printing medium (secondary transfer). Is done. The multicolor image transferred to the paper is output as a document image through a fixing process.

  Referring to FIG. 2, MFP 1 includes an image reading unit 10, a paper transport unit 20, an image forming unit 30, and a paper storage unit 40.

  The image reading unit 10 is a part for causing the MFP 1 to function as a copying machine. A loading table 3 for setting a document, a document table glass 11, and a document set on the loading table 3 are placed on the document table glass 11. A conveyance unit 2 that automatically conveys one sheet at a time and a discharge table 4 for discharging a read document are included. Further, the document reading unit 10 includes a scanner (not shown), and the scanner moves in parallel with the document table glass 11 by a scan motor (not shown). The scanner also has an exposure lamp that illuminates the document, a reflection mirror that changes the direction of the reflected light from the document, a mirror that changes the optical path from the reflection mirror, a lens that collects the reflected light, and the color that is determined by the wavelength of the reflected light. A half mirror that reflects or transmits reflected light to guide the reflected light to two photoelectric conversion elements, and a photoelectric conversion element such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) that generates an electric signal according to the received reflected light (both are (Not shown).

  The document transported by the transport unit 2 is set on the document table glass 11, and the scanner is exposed and scanned by moving in parallel with the document table glass 11. The reflected light from the document is converted into an electrical signal by the photoelectric conversion element and input to the image forming unit 30.

  The image forming unit 30 includes an intermediate transfer belt 31 that is an intermediate transfer member, and yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) that are arranged along the intermediate transfer belt 31 at predetermined intervals. The image forming units 21Y, 21M, 21C, and 21K (hereinafter also collectively referred to as “image forming unit 21”) corresponding to the toners of the respective colors are opposed to the photoconductors that form the image forming units 21 via the intermediate transfer belt 31. Transfer rollers 25Y, 25M, 25C, and 25K (hereinafter also collectively referred to as "transfer rollers 25"). The intermediate transfer belt 31 is suspended by a plurality of rollers 32, 33, and 34 so as to maintain a predetermined tension, and the rollers 32, 33, and 34 rotate counterclockwise (in the direction of arrow A), respectively. Thus, it rotates in the same direction at a predetermined speed.

  Each image forming unit 21 has yellow, magenta, and yellow obtained by performing predetermined image processing on an image signal based on a document transmitted from the personal computer PC or an image signal input from the image reading unit 10. Digital signals corresponding to cyan and black colors are provided. Then, in each image forming unit 21, the exposure device outputs a laser beam to the photoconductor based on the corresponding digital signal, so that the surface of the photoconductor that has been uniformly charged in advance is exposed to correspond to each color image. An electrostatic latent image is formed. Thereafter, a developing bias voltage is applied to the developing roller, and a potential difference is generated between the developing roller and the electrostatic latent image formed on the photoreceptor. In this state, a charged toner is supplied to form a toner image on the surface of the photoreceptor. The toner image formed on the surface of the photosensitive member is transferred by the transfer roller 25 to the intermediate transfer belt 31 that is an intermediate transfer member. Such a process is called primary transfer.

  Further, the image forming unit 30 fixes a roller 35 that faces the roller 34 via a paper conveyance path, a fixing device 36 that fixes a toner image transferred to the paper, and a paper that has been subjected to fixing processing by the fixing device 36. A roller 37 for conveying to the paper discharge tray 38 and a sensor 39 for reading the toner adhesion amount from the test pattern transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 31 at the time of image stabilization control are included. The toner image transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 31 by the above-described primary transfer is transferred to the sheet S conveyed by pressing between the rollers 34 and 35. Such a process is called secondary transfer. The toner image secondarily transferred to the paper is fixed on the paper by the fixing device 36 and is discharged to the paper discharge tray 38.

  The paper storage unit 40 includes a paper feed cassette 41 that stores the paper S that is a printing medium. The paper transport unit 20 includes a roller 42 for transporting the paper S from the paper feed cassette 41 and the paper S as an image forming unit. 30 and a roller 43 for transporting to 30.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a schematic functional configuration in the MFP 1.
Referring to FIG. 3, the functional configuration of MFP 1 includes a memory unit 101, a communication interface unit 103, a printer controller 105, and a printer engine 107. The communication interface unit 103 is typically a part for transmitting and receiving data to and from the personal computer PC (FIG. 1) via the network NW, and controls, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network) card and the same. Including driver software. The printer engine 107 is a part for performing print processing using the hardware configuration described above, and includes a control configuration for controlling the operation of each unit in addition to the hardware configuration described above. The printer controller 105 executes predetermined image processing on a control code given via the communication interface unit 103 or the like, or image data read by the image reading unit 10, and is used for print processing by the printer engine 107. Generated image data. The memory unit 101 stores data necessary for executing image processing in the printer controller 105.

  In particular, in the present embodiment, image processing according to the present invention is realized by the printer controller 105 and the memory unit 101.

(Configuration of personal computer)
FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic hardware configuration of the personal computer PC.

  Referring to FIG. 4, personal computer PC includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 201 that executes various programs including an OS (Operating System), and a memory that temporarily stores data necessary for execution of the program by CPU 201. And a hard disk unit (HDD: Hard Disk Drive) 211 that stores a program executed by the CPU 201 in a nonvolatile manner. A program stored in the HDD 211 is read from a flexible disk 217a or a CD-ROM (Compact Disk-Read Only Memory) by an FDD drive 217 or a CD-ROM drive, respectively.

  The CPU 201 receives an instruction from the user via the input unit 209 including a keyboard and a mouse, and outputs a screen output generated by executing the program to the display unit 205. In addition, the CPU 201 transmits and receives data to and from each device connected to the network NW (FIG. 1) including the MFP 1 via the communication interface unit 207 including a LAN card. Further, the above-described units exchange data with each other via the internal bus 203.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a schematic functional configuration in the personal computer PC.

  Referring to FIG. 5, application 251 and printer driver 255 that causes MFP 1 to execute functions such as printing are installed in hard disk unit 211 (FIG. 4) of personal computer PC. There is a GDI (Graphic Device Interface) 253 as an interface for enabling drawing processing by the printer driver 255. The printer driver 255 may be downloaded and installed on the personal computer PC via the network NW. Alternatively, the printer driver 255 may be recorded on a recording medium such as a CD-ROM from the personal computer PC via the CD-ROM drive 215. May be installed.

  The application 251 in the present embodiment is an application that can create or edit a document to be printed, and typically includes a document creation application and a spreadsheet application. Note that the document in the present embodiment includes characters, graphics, images, and / or graphs.

  The printer driver 255 is a program for creating a control code for causing the MFP 1 to print a document created or edited by the application 251 and for requesting the MFP 1 to perform print processing. When the application 251 receives a print instruction from the user by operating the input unit 209 (FIG. 4) of the personal computer PC, the application 251 sends a control command corresponding to the print instruction to the GDI 253 together with the created or edited document to be printed. Send.

  The GDI 253 interprets a control command transmitted from the application 251, and in accordance with the control command, sends data indicating a document to be printed together with a control command for causing the display unit 205 (FIG. 4) to perform predetermined drawing. Transmit to the printer driver 255.

  The printer driver 255 generates a control code describing the document to be printed so that the MFP 1 forms an image corresponding to the document transmitted from the application 251. The control code is a language that describes the layout of characters and graphics in the document, and is typically a page description language (PDL). Examples of such a page description language include PS (PostScript) and PCL (Printer Control Language). In the present invention, the method of creating the control code in the printer driver 255 is not limited to a specific method, and a general method performed by a normal printer driver can be adopted.

  A data communication application 257 for controlling data communication via the network NW is further installed in the hard disk unit 211 (FIG. 4) of the personal computer PC. The control code (document data) created by the printer driver 255 is transmitted to the MFP 1 by the data communication application 257.

(Control code configuration)
FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of the structure of the control code generated by the printer driver 255. Note that a control code for describing a document is a kind of programming language, and its structure has a relatively high degree of freedom. For this reason, the control code to which the present invention is applied is not limited to the structure shown in FIG. 6, and any other structure can be adopted.

  Referring to FIG. 6, the control code according to the present embodiment describes the control data portion 501 in which setting data such as document layout is described, and the substance of each object laid out on an image such as characters and graphics. Object data portion 503.

  The control data part 501 includes, for example, a common setting data part 501a describing setting data common to one printing process (print job), and a page setting data part 501b for setting a layout on each page.

  The common setting data section 501a includes a “paper feed tray” for designating a paper feed cassette, a “print paper size” for designating a paper size for printing an image, and the number of pages to be collected on one sheet. Data such as “Nin1 designation” for designating the image, “resolution” for designating the resolution of the image to be printed on the paper, and “print direction” for designating the correspondence between the image direction and the paper direction. included.

  The page setting data portion 501b includes “page area designation” for designating the area of each page and “magnification / magnification designation” for designating the correspondence between the size of the page area and the size of the image to be formed. In addition, “coordinates” for designating the arrangement position of each object in the page area are designated in association with information for identifying each object. Further, when a plurality of pages are described in the document, “page break” is also designated.

  On the other hand, the object data unit 503 includes, for example, a text object unit 503a that defines characters in the document, a graphic object unit 503b that defines graphics in the document, and an image object unit 503c that defines images in the document. Including.

  The text object portion 503a includes a “font” that specifies the character type, a “character size” that specifies the character size, a “starting point coordinate” that specifies the character placement position, and a “character code” that indicates the output character itself. And the like. The graphic object portion 503b includes “start point coordinates” and “end point coordinates” for specifying lines constituting the graphics, “thickness” for specifying the thickness of the lines, and the like. Furthermore, the graphic object portion 503b may include designation of a straight line or a curve, designation of color, filling, and the like. In the image object portion 503c, “bitmap data” indicating image data is incorporated. Note that the text object portion 503a, the graphic object portion 503b, and the image object portion 503c each include information for specifying the type of object.

  Here, “point (pt) number” is generally used to designate “character size” of the text object portion 503a. The number of points means a unit of the size of the point type. In the American style, one point corresponds to 0.351 millimeters, and in the Dido style, it corresponds to 0.376 millimeters. The number of points specified by the “character size” means the size in the page area defined by the control code, and the size of the corresponding character image in the formed image is “character size”. The number of points specified by does not necessarily match. This is because a document enlarged or reduced in accordance with the above-described “magnification designation” is formed as an image. Therefore, the size of the character image in the formed image is determined by the product of “character size” and “magnification / magnification designation” designated for the character.

(Functional configuration related to enlarged print processing)
In the present embodiment, the page description language of the file edited by the application 251 is corrected by performing a predetermined process (enlarged print process).

  FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration realized by the CPU 201 of the personal computer PC functioning as the printer driver 255.

  With reference to FIG. 7, the functions realized by the printer driver 255 include a PDL data generation unit 261, a separation unit 263, an object enlargement processing unit 265, a PDL data composition unit 267, and an enlargement rate calculation unit 273. Consists of including.

  The PDL data generation unit 261 generates a page description language document (PDL data as an example in this embodiment) corresponding to the state of the file edited by the application 251 as it is. It should be noted that a well-known technique can be adopted for generating PDL data corresponding to a file edited by the application 251, and therefore detailed description thereof will not be repeated here.

  The separation unit 263 analyzes the control code of the document generated by the PDL data generation unit 261, and controls data corresponding to the control data unit 501 (FIG. 6) and object data corresponding to the object data unit 503 (FIG. 6). And the control data is provided to the object enlargement processing unit 265 and the PDL data composition unit 267, and the object data is provided to the object enlargement processing unit 265.

  The object enlargement processing unit 265 has the object specified by the information stored in the enlargement information storage unit 271 in the control code of the document generated by the PDL data generation unit 261 rather than being described by the control code. Control data to be enlarged and output is newly generated. The enlargement ratio at this time is calculated by the enlargement ratio calculation unit 273. The enlarged information storage unit 271 is configured by a storage device such as the HDD 211. The generation of new control data here will be described later.

  The PDL data combining unit 267 combines the document generated by the PDL data generating unit 261 and the control data generated by the object enlargement processing unit 265 in a manner corresponding to the information stored in the finishing information storage unit 275. A new document is generated, and the new document is sent to the data communication application 257. The finishing information storage unit 275 is configured by a storage device such as the HDD 211. The new generation here will be described later. The data communication application 257 transmits the document sent from the PDL data composition unit 267 to the MFP 1, and in response, the MFP 1 forms an image from the document. For the formation of an image from the received page description language document in MFP 1 and the output of the image onto a sheet, a well-known technique can be employed, and therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated here.

  In the present embodiment, the document generated by the PDL data generation unit 261 corresponds to the original document and is synthesized by the PDL data synthesis unit 267.

  FIG. 8A illustrates an example of a document generated by the PDL data generation unit 261, and FIG. 8B illustrates an example of an image formed from the document.

  The control code shown in FIG. 8A includes a control data portion 511 and an object data portion 513. The object data portion 513 includes a text object portion 513a for the first text object, a second A text object portion 513b for the text object.

  The image shown in FIG. 8B includes text objects described in two different character sizes. Here, it is assumed that a text object having a smaller character size corresponds to the text object portion 513a, and a text object having a larger character size corresponds to the text object portion 513b for the second text object.

  FIG. 9A illustrates an example of a document newly generated by the PDL data composition unit 267 when the document of FIG. 8 is subjected to enlargement print processing. FIG. 9B illustrates the document of FIG. 9A. An example of the image formed is shown.

  The control code shown in FIG. 9A includes a control data part 521 and an object data part 523.

  The image shown in FIG. 9B is an enlarged view of the text object having the smaller character size in the image shown in FIG. 8B and the image shown in FIG. 8B. The image to be reduced is the original image size reduced and output on one sheet of paper, that is, so-called 2 in 1 on one sheet.

  In the enlargement print process, whether or not the enlargement process is necessary, the type of object to be enlarged, the number of objects to be enlarged on each page in the original document, and information for drawing reference numbers on images before and after enlargement in a new document. Information for setting whether or not, specifically, the information shown in Table 1 can be received.

  In Table 1, three types of menus of “enlarged print”, “number of enlarged parts”, and “assign reference number” are defined as menus of information to be accepted.

  Enlarged print is a menu that specifies the necessity of enlargement processing and the type of object to be enlarged. This information is set. “None” is information for sending the document generated by the PDL data generation unit 261 as it is to the data communication application without creating a new document. “Manual” is information for creating a new document by enlarging the object designated by the user regardless of the type of the object. "Minimum text", "text", "photo", and "graph" are objects that are enlarged when creating a new document, text objects with the smallest text size on each page, text objects regardless of text size Or information designating a graphic object.

  The number of enlargement points is information for specifying the number of objects to be enlarged on each page in the original document. The object enlargement processing unit 265 generates, for each page, a control code that enlarges the size of the object by the number specified by the number of enlargement points from the smallest object number in the control code. Generate a document. If “no setting” is set, the object enlargement processing unit 265 generates a control code for enlarging the size of each object for all types of objects specified by the “enlarged print”. Then, a new document is generated.

  The reference number assignment is information for setting whether or not to attach information for drawing a reference number to images before and after enlargement in a new document. The settings for these three types of menus are stored in the enlarged information storage unit 271.

  In the enlarged print process, an output format for a new document is set. The set information includes, for example, “both sides”, “Nin1”, “book binding”, and “separate paper”. “Double-sided” outputs an image corresponding to each page of the original document in a new document on the surface of each sheet, and an image corresponding to an enlarged object in the image output on each sheet Is information for specifying an output format for outputting to the back side of the same sheet. “Nin1” is information for specifying an output format in which an image corresponding to each page of the original document and an image corresponding to an enlarged object in the image are output on the same side of the same sheet. “Book binding” is information for specifying an output format in which an image corresponding to each page of the original document and an image corresponding to an enlarged object in the image are output to a spread page in booklet printing. The “separate sheet” is information for specifying an output format for outputting an image corresponding to the enlarged object in the image as the next page of the image corresponding to each page of the original document. Such output format settings are stored in the finishing information storage unit 275.

  Returning to FIGS. 8 and 9, the original document is a document that outputs the image of FIG. 8B. In the enlarged print process, “minimum character” is assigned as a reference number as an enlarged print. FIG. 9B shows an example of an image output from a new document when “No” is set and “2 in 1” is specified as the output format (what is the number of enlarged parts)? (This is also the case when such a setting is made.) In other words, in the image output from the new document, a page is displayed in which the text object (object 1) having a smaller character size in the image to be output from the original document is enlarged and displayed from the original document. The image to be output and the image of the added page are arranged on the same side of one sheet by 2in1. That is, in the common setting data part 521a in FIG. 9A, the Nin1 designation information is rewritten from “no designation” to “2in1” with respect to the common setting data part 511a in FIG. 8A. In the page setting data part 521b of A), information for adding the object 3 whose character size is enlarged in the object 1 as a new page is added to the page setting data part 511b of FIG. . Further, in the object data part 523 in FIG. 9A, a text object part 523C corresponding to the object 3 is added to the object data part 513 in FIG.

  Next, the processing contents of the personal computer PC in such an enlarged printing process will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 to 13 which are flowcharts of the processing.

  Referring to FIG. 10, first, in step S <b> 10, the CPU 201 refers to the enlarged information storage unit 271 to determine whether or not the enlarged print shown in Table 1 is set to “none”. If CPU 201 determines that this is the case, it proceeds to step S110 (FIG. 11), and if not, it proceeds to step S20.

  Note that the CPU 201 accepts the input of the setting contents shown in Table 1 and the setting contents relating to the output format for the new document by causing the display unit 205 to display a screen as shown in FIG. .

  Referring to FIG. 14, a screen 1400 displays a paper setting unit 1410 that accepts input of information related to paper when outputting a new document, and an enlarged print setting that accepts input of information about each menu shown in Table 1. Unit 1420, finishing setting unit 1430 that accepts input of information regarding the output format of the new document, preview of the output result of the image according to information input to the enlarged print setting unit 1420 and finishing setting unit 1430 A preview display unit 1440 for displaying a screen and a print start button 1450 for inputting information for instructing start of image output are included.

  Returning to FIG. 10, in step S20, the CPU 201 determines whether or not the enlarged print is set to “manual”. If it is determined that it is, the process proceeds to step S30. If not, step S21 is performed. The process proceeds to (FIG. 12).

  In step S30, the CPU 201 causes the display unit 205 to display an image output from the original document separately from the screen 1400, and inputs information specifying an object to be enlarged, which is input by the user operating the mouse or the like. Accept and proceed to step S40. In step S30, the CPU 201 causes the enlarged information storage unit 271 to store information for specifying the designated object in the original document.

  In step S40, the CPU 201 determines whether or not the number of objects accepted in step S30 is equal to or smaller than the number set as the number of enlarged portions (Table 1). If so, the process advances to step S50. The process proceeds, and if it is not determined, the process returns to step S30.

  Referring to FIG. 12, in step S21, CPU 201 determines whether or not the setting content of the enlarged print (Table 1) is the minimum character. If it is determined that it is, the process proceeds to step S22. Then, the process proceeds to step S23.

  In step S22, the CPU 201 checks the character size of the text object on each page of the original document to extract an object having the minimum character size on each page, and proceeds to step S50. If the number of enlarged parts (Table 1) is set, the search results for the number of enlarged parts in ascending order of object number from the smallest text object character size for each page of the original document. Get as. Note that the object extraction may be performed based on information specifying the type of object included in each object data portion. When such a document is described using tag information, an object may be extracted based on the type of tag.

  In step S23, the CPU 201 determines whether or not the setting contents of the enlarged print (Table 1) are characters. If so, the process proceeds to step S24. If not, the process proceeds to step S25 (FIG. 13). , Proceed with each process.

  In step S24, the CPU 201 searches for a text object on each page of the original document, and proceeds to step S50. If the number of enlarged parts (Table 1) is set, search results are obtained for the number of enlarged parts in ascending order of the object number of the text object for each page of the original document.

  Referring to FIG. 13, in step S <b> 25, CPU 201 determines whether or not the setting content of the enlarged print (Table 1) is a photograph. If it is determined that it is, the process proceeds to step S <b> 26. The process proceeds to step S27.

  In step S26, the CPU 201 searches for an image object of each page of the original document, and advances the process to step S50. When the number of enlarged parts (Table 1) is set, search results are obtained for the number of enlarged parts in ascending order of the object number of the image object for each page of the original document.

  In step S27, the CPU 201 searches for a graphic object on each page of the original document, and proceeds to step S50. When the number of enlarged parts (Table 1) is set, search results are obtained for the number of enlarged parts in ascending order of the object number of the graphic object for each page of the original document.

  Returning to FIG. 10, in step S50, the CPU 201 displays the objects received in step S30 or the objects extracted in steps S22, 24, 26, and 27 in an enlarged manner than the original document. Generate control code for a new page. Specifically, an object data portion is newly generated so that an image corresponding to each object to be processed is formed to be enlarged as compared with the original document. In this object data section, for each object, the text size is increased for the text object than for the original document, the image is enlarged for the bitmap data for the image data, and the starting point for the graphic object. The display area is enlarged by increasing the distance between the coordinates and the end point coordinates. Note that the enlargement ratio in this case may be set as appropriate, for example, so that all objects displayed on the new page can be displayed to the maximum.

  Next, in step S60, the CPU 201 refers to the enlarged information storage unit 271 to determine whether or not the setting relating to reference number addition (Table 1) is “Yes”, and if so, The process proceeds to step S70, and if not, the process proceeds to step S80.

  In step S <b> 70, the CPU 201 indicates a correspondence relationship between the control code generated in step S <b> 50 and the original image document and the objects included in the generated control code and the images of these objects in the original document. Information for displaying the reference code is added, and the process proceeds to step S80 (FIG. 11).

  Referring to FIG. 11, in step S <b> 80, CPU 201 creates a new document in which the original document and the control code newly generated in step S <b> 50 are input to finish setting unit 1430 in preview display unit 1440. The image output mode when edited based on the output format is schematically displayed, and the process proceeds to step S90. The preview display unit 1440 shown in FIG. 14 outputs a character string image “ABCDEF” on the first page, and a job that outputs a character string image “GHIJKL” on the second page. Each of them shows a state in which it is output in 2 in 1 together with a page for enlarging the displayed character string.

  In step S90, the CPU 201 determines whether or not an operation has been performed on the print start button 1450. If it is determined that the operation has been performed, the process proceeds to step S100.

  In step S100, the original document generated by the PDL data generation unit 261 and the control code of the new page generated in step S50 are edited based on the output format input to the finishing setting unit 1430, thereby creating a new one. A document is generated and the process proceeds to step S110.

  In step S110, the CPU 201 sends the new document generated in step S110 (PDL data generated by the PDL data generation unit 261 if step S110 has been directly transferred from step S10) to the data communication application 257 for processing. End.

  In the present embodiment described above, as described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, etc., a document (original document) corresponding to a file edited by an application and described in a page description language is used. By executing the enlargement print process, a control code is newly generated so that a part of the object is enlarged and output, and the newly generated control code and the original document are edited. A new document is generated and sent to the MFP 1. As a result, a document described in the page description language is newly recreated so that the image output as shown in FIG. 8B is output as shown in FIG. 9B.

Note that the original image is not limited to one composed only of text objects.
For example, an original document for outputting an image including an image object and a text object as shown in FIG. 15A is an image of the original document as shown in FIG. An image in which an object is enlarged and displayed may be recreated into a document that is output on the same side of one sheet by 2 in 1.

  Further, an original document for outputting an image including an image object and a text object as shown in FIG. 16A is an image of the original document as shown in FIG. The image displayed by enlarging the image object may be recreated into a document that is output on the same side of one sheet by 2in1.

  Further, an original document for outputting an image including a graphic object and a text object as shown in FIG. 17A is an image of the original document as shown in FIG. The graphic object may be recreated into a document that is output on the same side of one sheet by 2in1.

  When an object to be enlarged is manually selected, a preview screen as shown in FIG. 18, for example, is displayed. In this screen, the text objects shown in the frames 71 to 76 are selected, and in this screen, the six selected text objects are displayed so as to be surrounded by the frames 71 to 76. .

  When the six text objects are designated to be enlarged and the enlarged print processing is executed in this way, for example, as shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, it is shown on a certain sheet in FIG. A new document is created so that the image is output without being reduced (FIG. 19) and only the enlarged text object specified in FIG. 18 is output on another sheet (FIG. 20). Can do. This corresponds to the case where “another sheet” is set as the output format for a new document. In the image shown in FIG. 19, the character strings “enlarged 1” to “enlarged 6” are added on the text object specified on the screen of FIG. 18. In the image shown in FIG. 20, In FIG. 19, the same character strings “enlarged 1” to “enlarged 6” are attached to the text objects corresponding to “enlarged 1” to “enlarged 6”, respectively. The character strings “enlarged 1” to “enlarged 6” are reference numbers related to “giving reference numbers”.

  FIG. 21 shows a state in which the images shown in FIGS. 19 and 20 are output on the same surface of one sheet of paper in 2 in 1.

  Further, when “both sides” is set as the output format for a new document, the image shown in FIG. 19 is on the front side of a certain paper, and the image shown in FIG. 20 is the back side of the paper. A new document is created to be output.

The object to be enlarged may be selected for each page.
For example, in the case where four pages of FIGS. 22A to 22D are included in the original document, two pages of FIGS. 22B and 22D (second page and fourth page). When the text data is specified to be enlarged only when the output format in the new document is 2 in 1, as shown in FIG. 23, and in the case of book binding, as shown in FIG. A new document is generated.

  Specifically, in FIG. 23, as shown in FIGS. 23A and 23C, the first and third pages of the image output from the new document are the original document and a blank page. Are output on the same side of one sheet by 2in1, and the second and fourth pages of the image output from the new document are displayed as shown in FIGS. The original document and the page containing the enlarged text object are output on the same side of one sheet by 2in1.

  In FIG. 24, the first page of the image output from the new document (FIG. 24A) includes a blank page and the first page of the original document. The second page and blank page of the blank original document are on the back of the first page (FIG. 24B), and the second page of the image output from the new document is blank on the front (FIG. 24C). The page on which the text object of the second page of the original document and the original page of the original document are enlarged is blank on the back side of the second page (FIG. 24D) of the image output from the new document. The page is a blank page and a blank page on the surface of the third page of the image output from the new document (FIG. 24E), and the third page of the image output from the new document. On the reverse side (FIG. 24F), the fourth page of the original document and the four pages Page of text objects in the di-eye has been expanded, it is formed. As a result, as shown in FIG. 25 (particularly, FIG. 25B and FIG. 25D), the booklet-printed one is printed with book binding, and the original document page and the page of the page are printed. A spread page is constituted by a page displaying a text object enlarged from the inside.

[Second Embodiment]
In the first embodiment described above, it has been explained that PDL data is transmitted from the personal computer PC to the MFP 1, but as shown in FIG. 26, raster data generation is performed on the personal computer PC side. After the PDL data is converted into raster data by the unit 269, the raster data may be transmitted to the image forming apparatus (MFP 1 or the like) via the data communication application 257.

[Third Embodiment]
Further, the enlargement print processing described in the first embodiment may be performed on the MFP 1 side.

  That is, the MFP 1 corrects the PDL data sent from the personal computer PC or the PDL data generated in the MFP 1 on the MFP side when the printer controller 105 has a functional configuration as shown in FIG. Thus, a new document may be generated.

  Note that the document data receiving unit 161 in FIG. 27 receives PDL data from a personal computer PC or the like. Further, the separation unit 163, the object enlargement processing unit 165, the PDL data composition unit 167, and the enlargement rate calculation unit 173 are the separation unit 263, the object enlargement processing unit 265, the PDL data composition unit 267, and the enlargement rate calculation unit, respectively. It has the same function as H.273.

  The enlarged information storage unit 171, the enlargement rate calculation unit 173, and the finishing information storage unit 175 store the same information as the enlarged information storage unit 271, the enlargement rate calculation unit 273, and the finishing information storage unit 275.

  The raster data generation unit 169 converts the new document generated by the PDL data synthesis unit 167 into raster data, and sends the raster data to the printer engine 107. Thereby, an image is formed from a new document in the MFP 1.

  The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an image forming system including a personal computer that executes an image processing program according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an outline of a hardware configuration of the MFP in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic functional configuration in the MFP of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a schematic hardware configuration of the personal computer in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic functional configuration in the personal computer of FIG. 1. FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of a structure of a control code generated by the printer driver in FIG. 5. 6 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration realized by the CPU of the personal computer of FIG. 4 functioning as the printer driver of FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a change in a control code and an output image by an enlargement print process executed in the personal computer of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a change in a control code and an output image by an enlargement print process executed in the personal computer of FIG. 1. 2 is a flowchart of an enlarged print process executed in the personal computer of FIG. 2 is a flowchart of an enlarged print process executed in the personal computer of FIG. 2 is a flowchart of an enlarged print process executed in the personal computer of FIG. 2 is a flowchart of an enlarged print process executed in the personal computer of FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen displayed on the display part of the personal computer of FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the characteristic of the document produced | generated by the expansion print process in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the characteristic of the document produced | generated by the expansion print process in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the characteristic of the document produced | generated by the expansion print process in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the preview screen displayed on the display part of the personal computer of FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the characteristic of the document produced | generated by the expansion print process in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the characteristic of the document produced | generated by the expansion print process in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the characteristic of the document produced | generated by the expansion print process in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the characteristic of the document produced | generated by the expansion print process in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the characteristic of the document produced | generated by the expansion print process in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the characteristic of the document produced | generated by the expansion print process in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the characteristic of the document produced | generated by the expansion print process in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the function structure of the printer driver in the personal computer in the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a printer controller of an MFP according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 MFP, 101 Memory part, 103 Communication interface part, 105 Printer controller, 107 Printer engine, 161 Document data receiving part, 163,263 Separation part, 165,265 Object expansion processing part, 167,267 PDL data composition part, 171 271 Enlarged information storage unit, 173, 273 Enlargement rate calculation unit, 175, 275 Finishing information storage unit, 201 CPU, 205 display unit, 207 communication interface unit, 209 input unit, 211 HDD, 213 memory unit, 215 CD-ROM drive 215a CD-ROM, 217 FDD drive, 217a flexible disk, 251 application, 253 GDI, 255 printer driver, 257 data communication application, 261 DL data generation unit, 501, 511, 521 Control data unit, 503, 513, 523 Object data unit, 1400 screen, 1410 Paper setting unit, 1420 Enlarged print setting unit, 1430 Finish setting unit, 1440 Preview display unit, 1450 Start printing Button, NW network, PC1 to PC3 Personal computer.

Claims (11)

An image forming apparatus that forms an image from an original document described by a control code,
A document creation means for creating a new document by adding a description for enlarging the size of an object included in the original document to the original document;
Receiving means for receiving an instruction to form an image of the original document;
An image forming apparatus comprising: an image forming unit configured to form an image from a new document created by the document creating unit in response to the receiving unit accepting an image forming command for the original document. The image forming unit forms an image on an output material having a first surface and a second surface different from the first surface;
The document creating means outputs an image formed from the original document to the first surface in the new document, and an image formed from a description that enlarges the size of an object included in the original document. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is described so as to output to two sides. The image forming unit forms an image on an output material having a first surface and a second surface different from the first surface;
The document creation means reduces the image formed from the original document in the new document, and outputs it to the first surface together with the image formed from the description that enlarges the size of the object included in the original document. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is described as follows. The control code includes data specifying a page area of the document,
In the new document, the document creation means opens the pagelet in booklet printing, together with an image page formed from a description that enlarges the size of an object included in the page. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is described so as to be output to a page constituting the page. A type storing means for storing the type of the object to be enlarged;
5. The document creation unit adds a description for enlarging the size of an object of a type stored in the type storage unit in the original document to the original document. 6. Image forming apparatus. The control code includes data specifying a character size,
5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the document creating unit adds, to the original document, a description for enlarging character data designated by a first character size in the original document. . The document creation means includes:
A description corresponding to a certain object in the original document whose size is to be expanded is added together with a description of a code corresponding to the certain object,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a description of the code corresponding to the certain object is added to the original document. A number storage means for storing the number of objects to be enlarged;
8. The document creation unit according to claim 1, wherein the document creation unit adds, to the original document, a description for enlarging the size of objects equal to or less than the number stored in the number storage unit in the original document. The image forming apparatus described in 1. An image processing method for processing an image from an original document described by a control code,
Adding a description for enlarging the size of an object included in the original document to the original document to create a new document;
Receiving an instruction to form an image of the original document;
Forming an image from the new document in response to receiving an image formation command for the original document. An image processing program for processing an original document described by a control code and causing an image forming apparatus to form an image.
Adding a description for enlarging the size of an object included in the original document to the original document to create a new document;
Receiving an instruction to form an image of the original document;
An image processing program for executing a step of transmitting the new document to the image forming apparatus in response to receiving an image forming instruction for the original document.   A computer-readable recording medium storing the image processing program according to claim 10.

Images