Facsimile and static presentation processing – Static presentation processing – Detail of image placement or content
Reexamination Certificate
1998-10-15
2001-02-13
Au, Amelia (Department: 2623)
Facsimile and static presentation processing
Static presentation processing
Detail of image placement or content
C358S001200, C358S452000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06188490
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a print processing device for executing image data editing in which multiple pages of original images are arranged and printed on a single sheet, and is applicable to a stand-alone or network printing system or a facsimile system or the like.
2. Description of the Related Art
A modified printing function (termed an n-up function) which arranges and prints n pages (n≧2) of images on a single sheet has been proposed as a supplementary function in document data printing (Japanese Laid-Open Patent Applications HEI 6-183095, HEI 7-148990). Condensing information pertaining to multiple pages onto one page reduces the number of sheets used and facilitates the storage and management of printed documents. For example, designating a value of n allowing an entire multiple page document to be accommodated on one sheet eliminates the time and trouble of binding printed sheets together with a staple or clip. Such a modified printing function is ideal when one wishes to retain as a personal memo a document created with a data processing device or received through electronic mail.
In conventional modified printing, the number of original images to be printed on one sheet (layout quantity n) is made a user-designated item, the magnification of the original images is changed (usually reduced) based on the designated layout quantity n and the size of the sheets, and the image data to be arranged on a printed page is processed.
A conventional system entails a problem in that a user must designate an optimal layout quantity n corresponding to the number of pages (number of original images) of document data to be printed. For example, if 4 is designated as layout quantity n while there are 2 pages of original document data, original images are reduced to ¼, and half of a sheet is left blank.
Particularly if one wishes to use no more than a certain number of sheets, the number of pages must be ascertained and layout quantity n must be calculated. In other words, if one wishes to condense information onto one sheet and layout quantity n is designated as 2 while there are 3 pages, printing will take place on 2 sheets.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An object of the present invention is to offer an improved print processing device which solves the aforementioned several problems.
A further object of the invention is to offer a print processing device which brings about modified printing wherein all image data pertaining to pages to be printed is output on a number of sheets desired by a user.
The aforementioned several objects are achieved by offering a print processing device for executing image data editing in which multiple original images are arranged and printed on a single page, comprising:
means for acquiring a designated value specifying number of printing pages “P”;
means for calculating layout quantity “n” of original images per page based on the number of printing pages “P” corresponding to an acquired designated value and the total number of original images “N”; and
means for apportioning “N” pieces of original image into the calculated layout quantity “n” per page so as to generate print data for individual pages describing a print image arranging layout quantity “n” or a smaller number of the original images.
In the aforementioned print processing device, it is further preferable that the generating means apportions the “N” pieces of original image into the calculated layout quantity “n” per page in order of page number so as to generate print data for individual pages describing a print image in which layout quantity “n” or a smaller number of the original images are arranged according to previously determined rules.
The aforementioned print processing device may also be equipped with means for acquiring data indicating single-sided printing in which an image is to be printed on only one surface of one sheet or duplex printing in which images are to be printed on both the front and reverse of one sheet and means for designating the number of printing pages “P” as a value twice that of the acquired designated value in an instance of the duplex printing. In this case, the designated value is the number of sheets on which images are to be printed.
The aforementioned print processing device may also be made to generate a warning or to increase number of printing pages “P” and recalculate the layout quantity “n”, when the calculated layout quantity “n” has exceeded a previously determined upper limit value.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4928252 (1990-05-01), Gabbe et al.
patent: 5179650 (1993-01-01), Fulcui et al.
patent: 5475475 (1995-12-01), Kohtani et al.
patent: 5685002 (1997-11-01), Sano
patent: 5768488 (1998-06-01), Stone et al.
patent: 5777753 (1998-07-01), Mcshane et al.
patent: 5867279 (1999-02-01), Funamizu et al.
patent: 6-183095 (1994-07-01), None
patent: 7-148990 (1995-06-01), None
Au Amelia
Minolta Co. , Ltd.
Sidley & Austin
Wu Jingge
LandOfFree
Print processing device for image data editing does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Print processing device for image data editing, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Print processing device for image data editing will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2606757