CN107800906A - Information processor and its method, print system - Google Patents

Abstract

Embodiments of the present invention provide an information processing device and method, and a printing system. The information processing apparatus includes: a print data generation unit configured to, when one piece of image data is divided into a plurality of pages and printed, generate an image that does not include a blank page on the plurality of pages. print data; and a transmitting unit for transmitting the print data generated by the print data generating unit to the image forming apparatus. With the information processing device according to the embodiment of the present invention, when one image data is allocated to multiple pages for printing, it is possible to generate print data that does not include blank pages, thereby avoiding waste of printing media.

Description

Information processing device, method thereof, and printing system

technical field

The present invention relates to the field of information processing, in particular to an information processing device and its method, and a printing system.

Background technique

Currently, there is a technique of dividing one piece of graphic data into a plurality of pages and printing them individually.

Contents of the invention

In the prior art, when one piece of image data is allocated to a plurality of pages for printing, blank pages may be included in the plurality of pages, thereby wasting printing media.

Embodiments of the invention provide an information processing device, its method, and a printing system capable of generating printing data that does not include blank pages when one image data is allocated to multiple pages for printing, thereby avoiding waste of printing media.

According to a first aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, an information processing device is provided, wherein the information processing device includes:

a print data generation unit configured to generate print data not including blank pages on the plurality of pages when one piece of image data is divided into a plurality of pages for printing; and

and a sending unit for sending the print data generated by the print data generating unit to the image forming apparatus.

According to a second aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, a printing system is provided, wherein the printing system includes:

The information processing device according to the first aspect of the embodiments of the present invention; and

An image forming device is configured to receive the printing data sent by the information processing device and print the printing data.

According to a third aspect of the embodiments of the present invention, an information processing method is provided, wherein the information processing method includes:

In the case of dividing one piece of image data into a plurality of pages for printing, print data not including a blank page is generated on the plurality of pages; and

Send the print data.

The beneficial effect of the embodiments of the present invention is that when one image data is allocated to multiple pages for printing, printing data that does not include blank pages can be generated, thereby avoiding waste of printing media.

With reference to the following description and accompanying drawings, there are disclosed in detail specific embodiments of the invention, indicating the manner in which the principles of the invention may be employed. It should be understood that embodiments of the invention are not limited thereby in scope. Embodiments of the invention encompass many changes, modifications and equivalents within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Features described and/or illustrated with respect to one embodiment can be used in the same or similar manner in one or more other embodiments, in combination with, or instead of features in other embodiments .

It should be emphasized that the term "comprising/comprising" when used herein refers to the presence of a feature, integer, step or component, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps or components.

Description of drawings

Many aspects of the invention can be better understood with reference to the following figures. The components in the figures are not drawn to scale, merely illustrating the principles of the invention. In order to facilitate illustration and description of some parts of the present invention, corresponding parts in the drawings may be exaggerated or reduced. Elements and features described in one drawing or one embodiment of the present invention may be combined with elements and features shown in one or more other drawings or embodiments. Furthermore, in the drawings, like numerals indicate corresponding parts in the several figures and may be used to indicate corresponding parts used in more than one embodiment. In the attached picture:

Fig. 1 is the flowchart of the information processing method of embodiment 1 of the present invention;

Fig. 2 is the schematic diagram that the image data of embodiment 1 of the present invention is distributed in a plurality of pages;

3 is a schematic diagram of distributing image data to multiple pages including margins according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

4A to 4C are schematic diagrams for determining the data range of the image data containing at least one object according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of generating a layout scheme for multiple pages containing image data of at least one object according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram of a preview of a layout scheme according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

Fig. 7 is a flow chart of the method for generating printing data according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

Fig. 8 is a flow chart of the method for determining the first layout scheme in step 706 in Fig. 7;

FIG. 9 is a flow chart of the method for determining the first layout scheme in step 706 of FIG. 7;

10 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an information processing device according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

11 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an information processing device according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention;

12 is a schematic diagram of the composition of the printing system of Embodiment 4 of the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of functional modules of an image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of an image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention;

Fig. 15 is a working flow chart of the printing system according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention.

Detailed ways

The foregoing and other features of the invention will become apparent from the following description, taken with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the specification and drawings, specific embodiments of the invention are disclosed, which illustrate some embodiments in which the principles of the invention may be employed. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the described embodiments, but rather, the invention The invention includes all modifications, variations and equivalents that come within the scope of the appended claims.

Various embodiments of the present invention will be described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. These embodiments are illustrative only, and do not limit the present invention.

In the prior art, when one image data is allocated to multiple pages for printing, such as when printing posters, first, the magnification is calculated based on the size and orientation of the printing medium (for example, paper, etc.) preset by the user ; secondly, use the calculated magnification ratio to enlarge the image data to obtain the printing range of the image data; and then print the one image data to multiple pages. In this way, the image data printed by the above method may contain blank pages.

It should be noted that, in the prior art and the following embodiments, using the magnification ratio to enlarge the image data refers to: enlargement or reduction according to the magnitude of the magnification ratio, or keeping the original image data unchanged processing. For example, when the magnification is greater than 100%, it means that the image data is enlarged; when the magnification is less than 100%, it means that the image data is reduced; Change.

In order to solve the above problems, an embodiment of the present invention provides an information processing device and its method, and a printing system capable of generating print data that does not include blank pages when one image data is allocated to multiple pages for printing , thus avoiding the waste of printing media.

The information processing device, its method, and printing system according to the embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Example 1

FIG. 1 is a flowchart of an information processing method according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. As shown in Figure 1, the method includes:

In step 101, when one image data is divided into a plurality of pages for printing, print data not including blank pages is generated on the plurality of pages.

Step 102, sending the generated printing data to the image forming device.

It can be seen from the above embodiments that when one image data is allocated to multiple pages for printing, it is possible to generate print data that does not include blank pages, thereby avoiding waste of printing media.

In this embodiment, in step 101, the printing magnification that does not include blank pages can be used as the first magnification of the image data, and the image data is enlarged using the first magnification to obtain the image data print range to generate the print data that does not include blank pages. In this way, one piece of image data can be printed without presetting the size and orientation of the printing medium of the image data, which is convenient for the user.

In this embodiment, in step 101, when printing data is generated using the second magnification, if a blank page is included in multiple pages, the blank page can be deleted from the multiple pages to generate the printed data. data. However, this embodiment is not limited thereto, and other methods may also be used to generate printing data that does not include blank pages. For example, instead of deleting blank pages, it is also possible to directly generate printing data that does not contain blank pages.

In this embodiment, the printing data can be generated by deleting all or part of the blank pages; when deleting some blank pages, one or several of them can be deleted arbitrarily, or can be deleted according to a predetermined method, for example, in Among multiple pages, when the pages at the edge and the middle position both contain blank pages, the blank pages at the edge positions can be deleted and the blank pages at the middle position can be reserved, so that the printed image data can be easily pasted together, thus making it easier to aesthetically pleasing; and vice versa.

In the following, it will be described by taking deleting blank pages to generate printing data that does not include blank pages as an example with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of image data distributed on multiple pages according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. As shown in Figure 2, a plurality of solid-line frames 201 correspond to multiple pages, such as portrait orientation and A4 paper, including 9 pages in this embodiment; dashed-line frames 202a and 202b indicate that the image data is enlarged according to the second magnification ratio The printing extent of the image data obtained after processing.

In an implementation of this embodiment, as shown in Figure 2, the 9 pages include 4 blank pages, that is, pages 1-4, of which pages 1-3 are at the edge position, and page 4 is at the middle position , so that the printing data can be generated by deleting all blank pages (such as 1-4). However, it is not limited thereto, and the printing data may be generated by deleting some blank pages. For example, any 1 or 2 or 3 blank pages in the blank pages 1-4 can be deleted; for example, the blank pages at the edge positions can also be deleted, such as deleting blank page 1, blank page 2 and blank page 3; for example, It is also possible to delete the blank page in the middle position, such as deleting blank page 4, which will not be listed one by one here.

In this embodiment, the method may further include: under the condition that the image data is divided into multiple pages by using at least one magnification factor, and the multiple pages contain blank pages, selecting the one corresponding to the few blank pages The magnification is used as a third magnification for generating the print data; and if the third magnification is selected, the method further includes: displaying a prompt message for generating the print data under the third magnification. In this way, by selecting an appropriate magnification ratio, the image data is evenly arranged on the multiple pages, and the visual effect is better.

For example, after a layout plan for arranging a plurality of pages of the image data is generated using a first magnification, if there is a blank page in the plurality of pages, the second magnification within a predetermined range of the first magnification is used. When the magnification generates a page layout of a plurality of pages and the number of blank pages decreases, a prompt message to generate print data at the second magnification is displayed.

In this embodiment, the second magnification is within the predetermined range of the first magnification, such as ±5% of the first magnification; for example, when the first magnification is 100%, the second The magnification can be between 95% and 105%. In addition, it can also be set according to the needs of users. For example, when the first magnification ratio is 10%, the second magnification ratio can be any magnification ratio between 130% and 150%, and it is not limited thereto.

In this embodiment, optionally, before step 101, the method further includes a step (not shown in the figure): accepting user's operation input, and the operation input is used to set the Margins. In this way, in step 101, the image data is divided into a plurality of pages according to the set margins to generate the print data excluding blank pages. Therefore, by setting the margin, it is convenient for the user to attach printed image data such as posters.

In this embodiment, the width of the margin can be set arbitrarily as required.

In this embodiment, optionally, the method may further include a step (not shown in the figure): judging whether the user has set margins. In this way, when the judgment result is yes, in step 101, the image data is divided into multiple pages according to the margin to generate printing data; when the judgment result is no, in step 101, the image data is directly divided into Print data is generated in multiple pages.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of distributing image data to multiple pages including margins according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. When the user sets the margins, as shown in Figure 3, the shaded part 301 in the figure represents the margins set, and the image data can be distributed to multiple (such as 9) pages according to the margins 301 , thereby generating print data.

In this embodiment, before enlarging the image data with the magnification, the first data range of the image data can be obtained first; then the first data range of the image data can be amplified with the magnification, so The second data range (ie, printing range) of the image data can be obtained. When the image data includes an object (drawing data), the first data range can be determined according to a predetermined ratio or by using a predetermined figure around the object; when the image data includes more than one object, the above-mentioned The method separately determines the first data range of each object, and then combines the first data ranges of each object to obtain the first data range including the image data of the multiple objects.

In this embodiment, optionally, the method may also include steps (not shown in the figure):

Determine the first data range of the image data, the specific determination method is as above, and will not be repeated here; determine the second data range (printing range) of the image data according to the first data range and magnification. In this way, in step 101, printing data can be generated according to the determined printing range. When the printing magnification (magnification) is 100%, the first data range and the second data range are the same.

In this embodiment, optionally, the method may also include steps (not shown in the figure):

When one piece of image data includes at least one object (ie, drawing data), the center of the predetermined figure when the at least one object is surrounded by the predetermined figure is used as the center of the plurality of pages on which the image data is arranged. Thus, in step 101, the image data is arranged at the center of the plurality of pages to generate the print data. Wherein, the shape of the predetermined figure can be arbitrary, for example, it can be a rectangle, a circle, an ellipse, etc., which will not be listed here. Thus, by setting the centers of multiple pages on which the image data is arranged, the layout of the image data on multiple pages can be moderated, thereby enhancing user experience. The following takes a rectangle as an example for illustration.

4A to 4C are schematic diagrams of determining a data range of image data including at least one object according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. As shown in Figures 4A to 4C, the image data includes 1 object (A), 2 objects (A and O), and 3 objects (A, O, B) respectively, as shown in 401 to 403; determine each The first data range A' corresponding to each object in the image data; A' and O'; A', O' and B' (see 404-406);

As shown in Figure 4A, when one object is included, as shown in 404 and 407 in Figure 4A, the data range A' is the first data range that includes the image data of the object A; when more than one object is included, such as As shown in 405 of FIG. 4B, the first data range A' and O' are merged to obtain a first data range L1 containing image data of objects A and O; as shown in 406 of FIG. 4C, the first data range is merged A', O', and B' to obtain the first data range L1 and B' including the image data of the objects A, O, and B.

In this embodiment, after the first data range of the image data is determined, the first data range can be enlarged by using the printing magnification (i.e. magnification) to obtain the second data range of the image data (i.e. printing range), not shown in the figure. The meaning of the amplification processing is as above, and will not be repeated here. Furthermore, this upscaling process can also be performed before the merging steps at 407 , 408 , 409 .

As shown in Figures 4A to 4C, if the printing magnification (magnification) is 100%, after the second data range of the image data is obtained, the data range A' (ie around an object), L1 (ie Centers C1 , C2 , C3 of rectangles P1 , P2 , P3 surrounding two objects), L1 , and B' (ie, surrounding three objects) serve as the centers of pages on which the image data is arranged. Wherein, the rectangles P1, P2, and P3 can be the smallest rectangles surrounding the image data, as shown in Figures 4A to 4C, so that the data range can be covered with the least amount of printing media, and the centered printing has a good visual effect and enhances user experience. But this embodiment is not limited thereto, and the rectangle P may also be other rectangles surrounding the image data. In addition, the situation of other printing magnifications is similar, and will not be listed here.

In this embodiment, when there are more than one state of the printing medium (that is, the printing condition) mounted on the image forming apparatus, more than one arrangement can be obtained based on the more than one printing condition, and an arrangement with a small number of printing media can be selected from among them. Program.

In this case, the method may also include the steps (not shown):

A first layout plan (referred to as a preferred plan) for distributing the image data on the plurality of pages is determined based on the second data range (print range) of the image data and printing conditions of the printing medium mounted on the image forming apparatus. In this way, in step 101, the printing data is generated according to the first layout scheme.

In this embodiment, the printing condition refers to the size and/or orientation of the printing medium, for example, the printing medium is paper, the size is A3 and A4; the direction is horizontal and vertical, and the printing condition can include any of the above sizes and orientations. Combine, for example, A4, A3, Landscape, Portrait, A4 Landscape, A4 Portrait, A3 Landscape, A3 Portrait, etc.

The method for generating a layout scheme under one printing condition will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram of generating a layout scheme of multiple pages including image data of at least one object according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. As shown in Figure 5, the layout generation process includes:

Step 501, determining a second data range (printing range) containing image data of at least one object;

In this embodiment, when the image data includes one or more objects, the description for FIGS. 4A to 4C can be used to determine the second data range, which will not be repeated here.

Step 502, determining a rectangle P surrounding the second data range;

In this embodiment, the rectangle P may be the smallest rectangle surrounding the range of the data, but this embodiment is not limited thereto, and may also be other rectangles, which are not listed here; when the smallest rectangle is used, the maximum possible Save printing media.

Step 503, according to the range of the rectangle P and the printing conditions, determine the arrangement scheme for arranging the multiple pages of the image data;

In this embodiment, the image data is arranged in such a way that the data range is covered by a small number of printing media; as shown in Figure 5, when the printing condition is A4 and placed vertically, at least 6 sheets of A4 paper are used to cover The second data range can thus obtain the layout scheme under the printing condition.

In this embodiment, in order to center the printed image data, the layout generation process may further include:

Step 504, move the plurality of pages so that the center C of the rectangle P is used as the center of the plurality of pages.

Step 505, determining a blank page;

In this embodiment, as shown at 505 in FIG. 5 , two blank pages are included in the plurality of pages.

Step 506, delete blank pages among the multiple pages, and obtain a layout scheme for multiple pages of the image data.

In this embodiment, when there are multiple printing conditions, the method shown in FIG. 5 can be used to generate layout schemes for arranging multiple pages of the image data under each printing condition, and the printing media with a small number of printing media will be used. The scheme corresponding to the printing conditions is used as the first arrangement scheme. In this embodiment, each printing condition can be processed in a predetermined order, for example, the printing medium is processed in descending order, and vice versa; each printing condition can also be processed in an arbitrary order.

4A to 4C and FIG. 5 are illustrated by taking the predetermined figure as an example of a rectangle, but this embodiment is not limited to a rectangle, and the processing methods for other shapes of figures and rectangles are similar, and will not be repeated here.

In this embodiment, optionally, before generating the printing data, the method further includes a step (not shown in the figure): acquiring the printing condition from the image forming device. For example, a request for obtaining the printing condition may be sent to the image forming device through a network (such as a wired or wireless network), so as to obtain the printing condition returned by the image forming device according to the request.

In this embodiment, in order to facilitate the user to confirm and/or adjust the generated first layout scheme, the first layout scheme may also be previewed, so that the user can adjust the layout scheme based on the preview.

In this case, the information processing method may also include steps (not shown in the figure):

Judging whether to preview the first layout scheme; if the preview of the first layout scheme is preset, display the first layout scheme and corresponding preview information, the preview information includes printing conditions, and/or Magnification, and/or set margins. In this way, the user can determine whether to adjust the layout scheme according to the previewed first layout scheme. If the user adjusts the scheme, the preview information can be adjusted, wherein any one or several of the preview information can be adjusted. And in step 101, according to the preview information set by the user, determine a second layout scheme for distributing the image data on the plurality of pages; and when the user inputs a confirmation instruction for using the second layout scheme, according to the The second layout scheme generates the print data.

Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram of previewing a layout scheme according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. As shown in the display interface shown in Figure 6, the first layout scheme is displayed on the display interface, such as the scheme shown in 506 in Figure 5; in addition to displaying the first layout scheme, the above-mentioned preview information can also be displayed, as shown in Figure 6 As shown, the preview information includes magnification, paper size and orientation, and the user can adjust the preview information through the operation unit, but the preview information is not limited to the above information, and may also include page margins, etc. In addition, it also includes a confirm key and a cancel key, and the user can input an instruction to confirm the arrangement scheme by pressing the confirm key.

As shown in Figure 6, when the user is satisfied with the displayed first layout scheme, the user can press the "Confirm" key, and in step 101, the printing data is generated based on the first layout scheme according to the confirmation instruction input by the user; When the user is not satisfied with the displayed layout scheme, he can change one or more of the preview information, so that the layout scheme is regenerated according to the adjusted information and the layout scheme is previewed and displayed. If the user is satisfied with the regenerated layout scheme, the user clicks the "Confirm" button, so that in step 101, printing data is generated based on the regenerated layout scheme (second layout scheme) according to the confirmation instruction input by the user.

In addition, the information processing method may also include steps (not shown in the figure):

Store the generated printing data, and/or store the printing conditions for generating the printing data, and/or store the preset magnification or the setting of the preview layout scheme, etc.

The method for generating print data according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Fig. 7 is a flow chart of the print data generation method according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. As shown in Figure 7, when one image data is distributed to multiple pages for printing, the method includes:

Step 701, acquire the state of the printing medium (printing condition) from the image forming device;

In this embodiment, the method for obtaining the printing condition and the printing condition are as described above, and will not be repeated here.

Step 702, determine the first data range of the image data;

In this embodiment, the manner of determining the first data range is as described above, and will not be repeated here.

Step 703, judge whether the user has set a magnification; if the judgment result is yes, execute step 704; otherwise, execute step 705.

Step 704, when the judgment result of step 703 is yes, perform enlarging processing on the image data according to the set magnification ratio, so as to obtain the second data range (printing range) of the image data;

Step 705, when the judgment result of step 703 is No, perform enlargement processing on the image data according to the default enlargement ratio, so as to obtain the second data range (printing range) of the image data;

In this embodiment, the default magnification rate may be 100%, or other values; in addition, the method for enlarging the image data is as described above, and will not be repeated here.

Step 706: Determine a first arrangement scheme for arranging multiple pages of the image data according to the second data range and the printing conditions;

In this embodiment, when there are multiple printing conditions, the solution with a small number of printing media can be selected, that is, the preferred solution. For details on how to choose, refer to FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 below.

Step 707, judge whether the user has set the preview display of the first layout scheme; if the judgment result is yes, execute step 708; otherwise, execute step 713.

Step 708, when the judgment result of step 707 is yes, display the determined first layout scheme;

In this embodiment, for example, the preview result shown in FIG. 5 , so that the user can adjust the preview information according to the preview result. The specific adjustment method is as described above and will not be repeated here.

Step 709, judge whether the user has adjusted the preview information; if the judgment result is yes, go to step 710, otherwise go to step 713.

Step 710, directly generate a second layout scheme according to the adjusted preview information.

Step 711, judging whether the user confirms the second layout plan; if the judging result is yes, go to step 712; otherwise, go to step 709;

In this embodiment, if the user inputs a confirmation instruction, it can be determined that the user has confirmed the second arrangement; if the user does not input a confirmation instruction or does not input any instructions within a predetermined time, it can be determined that the user has not confirmed the second arrangement. Second arrangement, in this case, go back to step 709 to continue judging whether the user adjusts the preview information.

Step 712, when the judgment result of step 711 is yes, generate printing data that does not include blank pages according to the second layout scheme.

In step 713, when the judgment results in steps 707 and 709 are no, generate printing data that does not include blank pages according to the first layout scheme.

Step 714, send the generated printing data to the image forming device.

In the above embodiment, the execution order of each step is not limited to the above embodiment, for example, step 701 can be executed in any step before step 706; in addition, some steps are optional steps, for example, steps 707-712 can be omitted .

FIG. 8 is a flow chart of the method for determining the first arrangement scheme in step 706 in FIG. 7 . In this embodiment, the preferred solutions may be determined in order of the printing media from large to small, and for printing media of the same size, in the order of first horizontal and then vertical. For example, there are n printing conditions, and each printing condition includes the size and orientation of the printing medium.

As shown in Figure 8, the method includes:

For the i-th printing condition:

Step 801, determine a rectangle surrounding the second data range.

Step 802, according to the scope of the rectangle and the printing conditions, determine the arrangement scheme for arranging the multiple pages of the image data;

In this embodiment, the image data is arranged in such a manner that the data range is covered with a smaller number of printing media.

Step 803, move the plurality of pages so that the center of the rectangle is used as the center of the plurality of pages.

Step 804, determining the blank pages in the arrangement scheme.

Step 805 , deleting blank pages among the multiple pages, so as to obtain an arrangement scheme for arranging the multiple pages of the image data.

Step 806, determine the current preferred solution;

In this embodiment, the layout scheme obtained in step 805 is compared with the pre-stored preferred scheme, and the scheme that uses a small number of printing media is taken as the current preferred scheme;

The pre-stored preferred scheme may be a preferred scheme among the arrangement schemes corresponding to (i-1) printing conditions preceding the i-th printing condition.

Step 807, storing the current preferred solution.

Step 808, judging whether all printing conditions have been traversed; if the judging result is yes, the process ends, and the layout scheme generated in step 805 is the first layout scheme; if the judging result is no, then i=i+1;

In this embodiment, it is judged whether i is equal to n, and whether the orientation of the printing medium is vertical; if it is not equal to n, then i=i+1, and returns to step 801 to continue processing; if it is equal to n and the orientation is vertical, then execute Step 809.

Step 809, use the current preferred solution as the first arrangement solution.

In this embodiment, when i=1, step 806 can be omitted, and step 807 can be directly executed, and the layout solution obtained in step 805 can be used as a pre-stored preferred solution.

In the above embodiment, steps 801 to 805 are similar to steps 501 to 506 shown in FIG. 5 , and the contents thereof are incorporated here, and will not be repeated here. In addition, step 803 is an optional step.

The following examples are used to illustrate. For example, the printing conditions are in order: A3 landscape, A3 portrait, A4 landscape, A4 portrait. In this way, the arrangement scheme can be determined horizontally for A3 first, and store the arrangement scheme (i.e. the prestored preferred scheme); then the first preferred scheme is determined vertically for A3, and the first preferred scheme is compared with the prestored preferred scheme to find The optimal solution with a small number of printing media is used as the current preferred solution, and the preferred solution is stored; by analogy, similar processing is performed for A4 landscape and A4 portrait to determine the final preferred solution. FIG. 9 is a flow chart of the method for determining the first arrangement scheme in step 706 of FIG. 7 . In this embodiment, the printing conditions are the same as the example shown in FIG. 8 . As shown in Figure 9, including steps:

Step 901, respectively determine the layout scheme for arranging the image data under each printing condition;

In this embodiment, n arrangement schemes can be determined.

Step 902 , selecting an arrangement scheme that uses a small number of printing media from the determined arrangement schemes as the first arrangement scheme (preferred scheme).

For example, the printing conditions are: A3 landscape, A3 portrait, A4 landscape, A4 portrait, 4 layout schemes can be determined for these 4 printing conditions, and then the layout scheme using a small number of printing media can be selected as the optimal scheme.

It can be seen from the above embodiments that when one image data is allocated to multiple pages for printing, printing data that does not include blank pages can be generated, thereby avoiding waste of printing media; even if the size and orientation of the printing media are not preset , can also be printed; and by previewing the image, it is easy and accurate to adjust the layout scheme, which provides convenience for users.

Example 2

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of an information processing device according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 10 , the information processing device 1000 may include: a print data generating unit 1001 and a sending unit 1002; wherein,

The print data generation unit 1001 is used to generate print data that does not include blank pages on the plurality of pages when one image data is divided into multiple pages for printing; The generated print data is sent to the image forming apparatus.

It can be seen from the above embodiments that when one image data is allocated to multiple pages for printing, it is possible to generate print data that does not include blank pages, thereby avoiding waste of printing media.

In this embodiment, the print data generation unit 1001 may set the printing magnification not including blank pages as the first magnification of the image data, and use the first magnification to perform magnification processing on the image data to obtain the image data print range to generate the print data that does not include blank pages. In this way, one piece of image data can be printed without presetting the size and orientation of the printing medium of the image data, which is convenient for the user.

In the present embodiment, the print data generation unit 1001 can be used to generate the print data by deleting the blank page from the plurality of pages when the print data is generated using the second magnification. print data.

In this embodiment, the printing data can be generated by deleting all or part of the blank pages, as described in Embodiment 1, and its content is incorporated here, and will not be repeated here.

In this embodiment, optionally, the information processing device 1000 further includes a first processing unit 1003. The first processing unit 1003 is configured to divide the image data into multiple pages by using at least one When the page includes a blank page, a magnification corresponding to the few blank pages is selected as the third magnification for generating the print data. In this way, the generated print data can be evenly distributed on the multiple pages, and the visual effect is better. The specific selection method is as described in Embodiment 1, and will not be repeated here.

Optionally, the information processing device 1000 further includes a first display unit 1004. The first display unit 1004 is configured to display the print generated at the third magnification when the first processing unit 1003 selects the third magnification. The prompt information of the data.

In this embodiment, optionally, as shown in FIG. 10 , the information processing apparatus 1000 further includes a first operation unit 1005, and the first operation unit 1005 is used for accepting user’s operation input; the print data generation unit 1001 is also used for When the user sets margins for pasting the plurality of pages through the first operation unit 1005, the image data is divided into a plurality of pages based on the margins to generate the print data excluding blank pages. . By setting the margins, it is convenient for users to attach printed image data, such as posters.

In this embodiment, the width of the margin can be set arbitrarily as required.

In this embodiment, optionally, as shown in FIG. 10 , the information processing apparatus 1000 may also have a judging unit 1006, which is used to judge whether margins are preset through the first operating unit 1005; When the result is yes, the print data generation unit 1001 divides the image data into multiple pages to generate print data according to the margin; when the judgment result is no, the print data generation unit 1001 directly divides the image data into multiple pages to generate print data.

In this embodiment, optionally, the information processing apparatus 1000 may further include a first determination unit and a second determination unit (not shown), wherein the first determination unit is used to determine the first data range of the image data; The second specifying unit specifies a second data range (printing range) of the image data. The specific determination method is as described in Embodiment 1, and will not be repeated here. When the printing magnification (magnification) is 100%, the first data range and the second data range are the same.

In this embodiment, optionally, as shown in FIG. 10 , the information processing device 1000 may further include a second processing unit 1011, and the second processing unit 1011 is used to include at least one object (that is, drawing data) in one piece of image data. In the case of , the center of the predetermined figure when the at least one object is surrounded by the predetermined figure is used as the center of the plurality of pages on which the image data is arranged. Wherein, the shape of the predetermined figure can be arbitrary, for example, it can be a rectangle, a circle, an ellipse, etc., which will not be listed here. Thus, by setting the centers of multiple pages on which the image data is arranged, the layout of the image data on multiple pages can be moderated, thereby enhancing user experience. The specific processing method is shown in Embodiment 1 and FIG. 4 , and will not be repeated here.

In this embodiment, optionally, as shown in FIG. 10 , the information processing device 1000 may further include a third processing unit 1007. The third processing unit 1007 is configured to use the image data according to the second data range (printing range), The printing conditions of the printing medium mounted on the image forming apparatus generate a first layout plan for distributing the image data on the plurality of pages; and the print data generation unit 1001 is further configured to generate the print data according to the first layout plan.

In this embodiment, the printing conditions and the method for determining the first layout scheme by the third processing unit 1007 are as described in Embodiment 1, FIG. 5 , and FIG. 7 to FIG. 9 , and will not be repeated here.

In this embodiment, optionally, as shown in FIG. 10 , the information processing device 1000 further includes a fourth processing unit 1008, and the fourth processing unit 1008 is configured to obtain the printing condition from the image forming device. For example, the fourth processing unit 1008 may send a request for obtaining the printing condition to the image forming apparatus, so as to obtain the printing condition returned by the image forming apparatus according to the request.

In this embodiment, in order to facilitate the user to confirm and/or adjust the first layout scheme generated by the third processing unit 1007, the first layout scheme may also be previewed, so that the user can adjust the layout scheme based on the preview.

In this case, optionally, as shown in FIG. 10 , the information processing device 1000 further includes a fifth processing unit 1009 and a second display unit 1010; wherein the fifth processing unit 1009 is used to determine whether to preview the first Layout scheme: the second display unit 1010 is used to display the first layout scheme and corresponding preview information when the first layout scheme is previewed in advance, the preview information includes printing conditions and/or magnification rate, and/or set margins. In this way, the user can determine whether to adjust the layout scheme according to the previewed first layout scheme. If the user adjusts the scheme, the preview information can be adjusted through the second operation part (not shown in the figure), and when the user adjusts the preview information, the third processing part 1007 is also used to generate the preview information according to the preview information set by the user. A second layout scheme for distributing the image data on the plurality of pages; the print data generation unit 1001 is further configured to generate the print data according to the second layout scheme when the user inputs a confirmation instruction to use the second layout scheme . The specific adjustment method is as described in Embodiment 1 and FIG. 6 , and will not be repeated here.

In addition, the information processing device 1000 may further include a storage unit (not shown in the figure) for storing the generated printing data, and/or storing the printing conditions for generating the printing data, and/or storing the preset magnification or preview arrangement The setting of the scheme, and/or the preferred scheme, etc.

It can be seen from the above embodiments that when one image data is allocated to multiple pages for printing, printing data that does not include blank pages can be generated, thereby avoiding waste of printing media; even if the size and orientation of the printing media are not preset , can also be printed; and by previewing the image, it is easy and accurate to adjust the layout scheme, which provides convenience for users.

Example 3

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an information processing device according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 11 , the information processing device may include: a control unit 1100 and a communication unit 1102; wherein,

The control unit 1100 is a part that controls the overall operation of the information processing device, and includes a print data generation unit 1101 whose function is the same as that of the print data generation unit 1001 in Embodiment 2, and will not be repeated here.

The communication unit 1102 (that is, the transmission unit) transmits the generated print data to the image forming apparatus.

It can be seen from the above embodiments that when one image data is assigned to multiple pages for printing, it is possible to generate print data that does not include blank pages, thereby avoiding waste of printing media.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11 , the control unit 1100 further includes: a first processing unit 1103, and optionally, the information processing device further includes a display unit 1104; wherein, the function of the first processing unit 1103 is the same as that in Embodiment 2 The first processing unit 1003 is the same as the first processing unit 1003, and the function of the display unit 1104 is the same as that of the first display 1004 in Embodiment 2, so details are not repeated here.

In this embodiment, optionally, as shown in FIG. 11 , the information processing device further includes an operation unit 1112 (ie, a first operation unit), and the operation unit 1112 is used to accept user’s operation input; the print data generation unit 1101 also uses When the user sets the margin for pasting the plurality of pages through the operation unit 1112, the image data is divided into a plurality of pages based on the margin to generate the print data excluding the blank page. . By setting the margins, it is convenient for users to attach printed image data, such as posters.

In this embodiment, the width of the margin can be set arbitrarily as required.

In this embodiment, optionally, as shown in FIG. 11 , the control unit 1100 further includes: a judging unit 1106 whose function is the same as that of the judging unit 1006 in Embodiment 2, and will not be repeated here.

In this embodiment, optionally, the control unit 1100 further includes: a determination unit 1110 whose function is the same as that of the first determination unit and the second determination unit in Embodiment 2, and details are not repeated here.

In this embodiment, optionally, as shown in FIG. 11 , the control unit 1100 further includes: a third processing unit 1107 whose function is the same as that of the third processing unit 1007 in Embodiment 2, and will not be repeated here. Moreover, the print data generation unit 1101 is further configured to generate the print data according to the first layout scheme generated by the third processing unit 1107 .

In this embodiment, the printing conditions and the method for determining the first layout scheme by the third processing unit 1107 are as described in Embodiment 1, FIG. 5 , and FIG. 7 to FIG. 9 , and will not be repeated here.

In this embodiment, optionally, as shown in FIG. 11 , the control unit 1100 further includes: a fourth processing unit 1108 whose function is the same as that of the fourth processing unit 1008 in Embodiment 2, and will not be repeated here.

In this embodiment, in order to facilitate the user to confirm and/or adjust the first layout scheme generated by the third processing unit 1107, the first layout scheme may also be previewed, so that the user can adjust the layout scheme based on the preview.

In this case, optionally, as shown in FIG. 11 , the control unit 1100 further includes: a fifth processing unit 1109 whose function is the same as that of the fifth processing unit 1009 in Embodiment 2, and will not be repeated here. When the fifth processing unit 1109 determines that the preview of the first layout scheme is preset, the function of the display unit 1104 included in the information processing device is the same as that of the second display unit 1010 in the second embodiment. If the user adjusts the scheme, the preview information can be adjusted through the operation unit 1112 included in the information processing device. The function of the operation unit 1112 is the same as that of the second operation unit in Embodiment 2; and when the user adjusts the preview information, the third processing unit 1107 is further used to generate a second layout scheme for distributing the image data on the plurality of pages according to the preview information set by the user; the print data generation unit 1101 is also used to generate the second layout scheme after the user inputs confirmation to use the second layout scheme When indicated, the print data is generated according to the second layout scheme. The specific adjustment method is as described in Embodiment 1 and FIG. 6 , and will not be repeated here.

In this embodiment, optionally, as shown in FIG. 11 , the control unit 1100 further includes: a second processing unit 1105, wherein, during the process of the third processing unit 1107 generating the above-mentioned first layout scheme, the second processing unit The function of 1105 is the same as that of the second processing unit 1011 in the second embodiment.

In addition, the information processing device may also include a storage unit 1111 for storing the generated printing data, and/or storing the printing conditions for generating the printing data, and/or storing the preset magnification or the setting of the preview layout scheme, and/or or preferred options etc.

In addition, in this embodiment, each component 1101, 1103, 1105-1110 and the control unit 1100 can be integrated into one CPU, but it is not limited thereto, each component 1101, 1103, 1105-1110 can also be integrated The independent CPU executes functions such as generation of print data under the control of the control unit 1100 . The control unit is connected to components such as a display unit, an operation unit, a communication unit, and a storage unit through a system bus.

In addition, in this embodiment, the various components 1101, 1103, 1105-1110 can also be integrated into the printer driver (not shown in the figure) of the information processing device, and functions such as printing data generation can be performed under the control of the printer driver .

In this embodiment, the display unit 1104 and the operation unit 1112 can be realized by the same operation panel.

It can be seen from the above embodiments that when one image data is allocated to multiple pages for printing, printing data that does not include blank pages can be generated, thereby avoiding waste of printing media; even if the size and orientation of the printing media are not preset , can also be printed; and by previewing the image, it is easy and accurate to adjust the layout scheme, which provides convenience for users.

Example 4

Fig. 12 is a schematic configuration diagram of a printing system according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 12 , the printing system 1200 includes the information processing device 1201 described in the above-mentioned embodiments (that is, the information processing device 1000); For printing, for example, the image forming apparatus 1202 may be a printer, a copier, or an all-in-one machine with functions such as scanning, identification, document generation, or printing.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12 , the information processing device 1201 can communicate with the image forming device 1202 through connection methods such as USB/LPT/LAN/WIFI.

FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of functional modules of an image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 13 , the image forming apparatus 1300 may include: a receiving unit 1301 and an image generating unit 1302; wherein,

The receiving unit 1301 is used to receive the printing data sent by the information processing device 1201; the image generating unit 1302 is used to print the printing data.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 13 , the image forming apparatus 1300 may further include a sixth processing unit 1303, and the sixth processing unit 1303 is configured to provide the information processing apparatus 1201 with the printing conditions of the printing medium loaded on the image forming apparatus 1300;

In this embodiment, after the image forming apparatus 1300 receives the request for acquiring printing conditions sent by the information processing apparatus via the receiving unit 1301, the sixth processing unit 1303 searches the image forming apparatus for the current printing conditions, and then the printing conditions sent to the information processing device.

Fig. 14 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 14, the image forming apparatus 1400 may include: a control unit 1401, a communication unit 1402, and an image generation unit 1403; wherein,

The control unit 1401 controls the overall operation of the image forming apparatus; the communication unit 1402 (receiving unit) receives print data sent by the information processing device; and the image generating unit 1403 forms a developer image on a printing medium.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 14, the control unit 1401 may include: a printing condition return processing unit 1404, and a printing processing unit 1405; wherein,

The printing condition return processing unit 1404 (that is, the sixth processing unit) is configured to send the current printing conditions to the information processing device 1201 via the communication unit 1402 when receiving a request for acquiring printing conditions from the information processing device 1201 via the communication unit 1402 the print processing unit 1405 is used to control the image generation unit 1403 to print the print data when receiving the print data sent by the information processing device 1201 via the communication unit 1402 .

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 14 , the image forming apparatus 1400 may further include a storage unit 1406 and/or an operation unit 1407; where the storage unit 1406 may be used to store the printing data received via the communication unit 1402, for The operation unit 1407 can be used to receive the user's input instruction, such as setting information for setting related parameters.

The workflow of the printing system will be described below in conjunction with FIG. 15 .

Fig. 15 is a working flow chart of the printing system according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. As shown in Figure 15,

Step 1503, the information processing device 1201 generates printing data that does not include blank pages on multiple pages;

In this embodiment, the specific method for generating printing data is as described in Embodiment 1 and FIGS. 7-9 , and will not be repeated here.

Step 1504, the information processing device sends the generated printing data to the image forming device via the communication unit;

In this embodiment, the image forming apparatus can store the received print data in the storage unit 1406 .

In step 1505, the print processing unit 1405 of the image forming apparatus controls the image generating unit 1403 to print the print data.

In this embodiment, before step 1503, the workflow further includes:

Step 1501, the information processing device sends a request for obtaining printing conditions to the image forming device;

In this embodiment, the information processing device may send the request to the image forming device by the fourth processing part 1108 (see FIG. 11 ) through the communication part 1102 .

Step 1502, the printing condition return processing unit 1404 of the image forming device sends the current printing condition of the image forming device to the information processing device via the communication unit 1402;

In this embodiment, the information processing device may store the received current printing conditions of the image forming device in the storage unit 1111 .

As can be seen from the above-mentioned embodiments, with the printing system of Embodiment 4, when one image data is allocated to multiple pages for printing, it is possible to generate print data that does not include blank pages, thereby avoiding waste of printing media; It is also possible to print by setting the size and orientation of the printing medium in advance; and by previewing the image, it is easy and accurate to adjust the layout scheme, which provides convenience for users.

The present invention has been described above in conjunction with specific embodiments, but those skilled in the art should be clear that these descriptions are all exemplary and not limiting the protection scope of the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make various variations and modifications to the present invention according to the spirit and principle of the present invention, and these variations and modifications are also within the scope of the present invention.

Claims (15)

1. An information processing apparatus, characterized in that the information processing apparatus has:

a print data generation unit configured to generate print data not including a blank page on a plurality of pages when 1 image data is divided into the plurality of pages and printed; and

a transmission unit configured to transmit the print data generated by the print data generation unit to an image forming apparatus.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1,

the print data generation unit sets a print magnification of a blank page not included as a 1 st magnification of the image data, and generates the print data of the blank page not included using the 1 st magnification.

3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1,

the print data generating section is further configured to generate the print data by deleting a blank page from the plurality of pages when the print data is generated at a magnification of 2 nd and when the plurality of pages include the blank page.

4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by further comprising:

an operation unit configured to accept an operation input from a user;

the print data generating unit is further configured to, when a margin for attaching the plurality of pages is set by the user via the operation unit, divide and arrange the image data into a plurality of pages according to the margin, and generate the print data not including the margin page.

5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising a determination section configured to determine whether a margin is designated in advance.

6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a second processing section for, in a case where the image data is composed of at least one object, regarding a center of a predetermined figure when the at least one object is surrounded with the predetermined figure as a center of the plurality of pages on which the image data is arranged.

7. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by further comprising:

a third processing section for determining a first layout scheme for distributing the image data on the plurality of pages according to a printing range of the image data and a printing condition of a printing medium mounted on the image forming apparatus; the printing conditions refer to the size and/or orientation of the print medium;

and the print data generating section is further configured to generate the print data according to the first layout.

8. The information processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the third processing portion is further configured to select, as the first placement plan, a plan corresponding to a printing condition in which the number of printing media used is small, when the printing condition is one or more.

9. The information processing apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising a fourth processing unit configured to acquire the printing condition from the image forming apparatus.

10. The information processing apparatus according to claim 7, characterized by further comprising:

a fifth processing portion for judging whether or not the first arrangement scheme is preset to preview;

the display part is used for displaying the first arrangement scheme and corresponding preview information under the condition that the first arrangement scheme is previewed, and the preview information comprises printing conditions, and/or magnification and/or margins for adhering a plurality of pages;

and the third processing section is further configured to determine a second arrangement scheme for distributing the image data on the plurality of pages in accordance with the preview information set by the user;

and the print data generating section is further configured to generate the print data according to the second layout plan when a confirmation instruction to use the second layout plan is input by a user.

11. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a first processing section configured to select, as a3 rd magnification for generating the print data, a magnification corresponding to a small number of blank pages in a case where the image data is divided into a plurality of pages with at least one magnification and a blank page is included in the plurality of pages.

12. The information processing apparatus according to claim 11, further comprising a display unit configured to display presentation information for generating print data at the 3 rd magnification when the 3 rd magnification is selected by the first processing unit.

13. A printing system, characterized in that the printing system comprises:

the information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12; and

and an image forming device for receiving the print data transmitted by the information processing device and printing the print data.

14. The printing system according to claim 13, wherein the image forming apparatus is further configured to provide the information processing apparatus with a printing condition of a printing medium mounted on the image forming apparatus.

15. An information processing method characterized by comprising:

generating print data not including a blank page on a plurality of pages when 1 image data is divided into the plurality of pages and printed; and

and transmitting the printing data.