Information processing system, information processing program, and information processing method

Abstract

To extract a content designated to be printed and present a print candidate image in which the content is placed in a layout different from printed matter data.SOLUTION: An information processing system 80 comprises at least one processor. The processor extracts a content designated to be printed from printed matter data and presents a print candidate image in which the content designated to be printed is placed in a layout different from the printed matter data.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing system, an information processing program, and an information processing method. [Background technology]

[0002] The following Patent Document 1 describes a layout editing device that can layout a plurality of contents by automatically generating and arranging containers for laying out the contents so that they fit within a paper size. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-117950 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present disclosure aims to extract content for which printing is instructed, and present a print candidate image in which the content is arranged in a layout different from that of the print data. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The information processing system of the first aspect includes at least one processor, which extracts content instructed to be printed from print data and presents a print candidate image in which the content instructed to be printed is arranged in a layout different from that of the print data.

[0006] In the information processing system of the second aspect, in addition to the information processing system of the first aspect, the processor presents a print candidate image in which the content instructed to be printed is arranged in the same layout as the print data.

[0007] In a third aspect of the information processing system, in the information processing system of the first aspect, the processor presents the print candidate image in which the content is arranged in a layout read from among a plurality of layouts stored in a memory unit, and if the presented print candidate image is not selected, presents the print candidate image in which the content is arranged in a different layout.

[0008] In a fourth aspect of the information processing system, in addition to the information processing system of the third aspect, the processor reads the different layout from a database stored in a storage unit and arranges the content.

[0009] In a fifth aspect of the information processing system, in the information processing system of the first aspect, if the presented print candidate image is not selected, the processor presents the print candidate image in which the content is arranged in a new layout generated based on user input operations.

[0010] In a sixth aspect of the information processing system, in the information processing system of the first aspect, the processor extracts attributes of the content instructed to be printed, and presents the print candidate image in which the content, processed according to the extracted attributes, is arranged in the layout.

[0011] In a seventh aspect of the information processing system, in the sixth aspect of the information processing system, the processor extracts the size of the image as the attribute when the content is an image, and enlarges or reduces the image according to its size and arranges it in the layout in which the number of images per printed sheet is specified.

[0012] An eighth aspect of the information processing system is the information processing system of the sixth aspect, wherein when the content is text, the processor extracts the size of the text as the attribute, and enlarges or reduces the text according to the size of the text and places it in the layout in which the number of lines of text per printed page is specified.

[0013] In a ninth aspect of the information processing system, in the information processing system of the first aspect, when a print instruction is given for a plurality of the contents, the processor associates each of the contents and arranges them in the layout to present the print candidate image.

[0014] The information processing program of the tenth aspect causes a computer to extract content instructed to be printed from print data and present a print candidate image in which the content instructed to be printed is arranged in a layout different from that of the print data.

[0015] An information processing method of an eleventh aspect extracts content instructed to be printed from print data, and presents a print candidate image in which the content instructed to be printed is arranged in a layout different from that of the print data. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] According to the information processing system of the first aspect, the information processing program of the tenth aspect, and the information processing method of the eleventh aspect, it is possible to extract content that has been instructed to be printed, and to present a print candidate image in which the content is arranged in a layout different from the print data.

[0017] According to the information processing system of the second aspect, it is possible to present a print candidate image in which the content instructed to be printed is arranged in the same layout as the print data.

[0018] According to the information processing system of the third aspect, the user can select the layout.

[0019] According to the information processing system of the fourth aspect, it is possible to generate a layout stored in a database.

[0020] According to the information processing system of the fifth aspect, the user can generate a layout.

[0021] According to the information processing system of the sixth aspect, it is possible to present a print candidate image in which content processed according to attributes is arranged in a layout.

[0022] According to the information processing system of the seventh aspect, the size of the image can be adjusted and the image can be arranged in the layout.

[0023] According to the information processing system of the eighth aspect, the size of characters can be adjusted and the characters can be arranged in the layout.

[0024] According to the information processing system of the ninth aspect, a plurality of contents can be associated with each other and arranged in a layout. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0025] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of an electrical configuration of the information processing system according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] 10A and 10B are conceptual diagrams showing an example of a mode of extracting content from print data in the information processing system according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram showing another example of how content is extracted from print data in the information processing system according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] 10 is a table showing an example of content designated for printing and attributes of each content in the information processing system according to the embodiment. [Figure 6A] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a layout in which images as content are arranged in the information processing system according to the embodiment. [Figure 6B] FIG. 6B is a diagram showing a state in which images are arranged in the layout of FIG. 6A. [Figure 7A] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of a layout in which images as content are arranged in the information processing system according to the embodiment. [Figure 7B] FIG. 7B is a diagram showing a state in which images are arranged in the layout of FIG. 7A. [Figure 8A] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a layout in which characters are arranged as content in the information processing system according to the embodiment. [Figure 8B] FIG. 8B is a diagram showing a state in which an email address is arranged as text in the layout of FIG. 8A. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a print candidate image presentation process in the information processing system according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026] Hereinafter, an information processing system, an information processing program, and an information processing method according to embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Components indicated by the same reference numerals in the drawings are the same components. However, unless otherwise specified in the specification, each component is not limited to one, and multiple components may exist.

[0027] Furthermore, descriptions of overlapping configurations and symbols in each drawing may be omitted. Note that the present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments, and may be implemented by making appropriate modifications, such as omitting configurations, replacing them with different configurations, or combining one embodiment with various modified examples, within the scope of the purpose of the present disclosure.

[0028] <Information Processing System> 1 is a system constructed on a print server 30 that is capable of communicating with an image forming apparatus 20 and a device 40 via a network. In this disclosure, the term "system" includes a system constructed from a single device, a system constructed from multiple devices, and a system constructed within a higher-level device or system.

[0029] That is, the information processing system 80 of the present disclosure may be constructed across multiple devices other than the print server 30. For example, the information processing system 80 of the present embodiment may be constructed including the image forming device 20, the device 40, and other devices connected to the print server 30 via a network. Alternatively, the information processing system 80 of the present disclosure may be constructed in the image forming device 20 or the device 40 rather than in the print server 30.

[0030] In addition, the various processes executed by the information processing system 80 can also be executed on the cloud, an on-premise server, an edge server, an end point, or the like.

[0031] As will be described in detail later, the information processing system 80 extracts content that the user has instructed to be printed from the print data. The information processing system 80 also presents the user with a "print candidate image" in which the content is arranged in a layout different from that of the original print data. The information processing system 80 then causes the image forming device to print the "converted data" generated based on the print candidate image selected by the user.

[0032] As a result, the information processing system 80 improves the visibility of the content in the printed matter that is output and saves paper compared to when the information processing system 80 is not used.

[0033] (Image forming device) The image forming apparatus 20 accepts a job input by a user and executes the specified job. One example of a job executed by the image forming apparatus 20 is a print job that forms an original image generated from a scanned original or the like on a recording medium such as paper.

[0034] The reading of an original by the image forming apparatus 20 includes reading of the original from the platen of the image forming apparatus 20 and reading of "printed image data" acquired from the device 40 connected via the network. In the present disclosure, the image forming apparatus 20 acquires the printed image data from the device 40 via the print server 30.

[0035] Furthermore, the reading of the document by the image forming apparatus 20 includes the reading of “converted data” obtained from the print server 30 connected via the network. In the present disclosure, the image forming apparatus 20 obtains the converted data from the print server 30.

[0036] (device) Device 40 is a terminal capable of generating print data that a user will print on image forming apparatus 20, and is, for example, a personal computer, tablet, smartphone, or the like used by the user. Device 40 can also read print data from a website on the Internet, from data stored in a memory unit of device 40, or from a scanner or the like.

[0037] The device 40 includes an input unit 42 and a display unit 44. The input unit 42 is an interface for inputting various processes to be executed by the device 40, and includes a keyboard, a mouse, and the like.

[0038] The user specifies the "print data" to be printed by the image forming apparatus 20 via the input unit 42. Furthermore, as will be described in detail later, the user specifies the "content" to be printed by the image forming apparatus 20 from the print data via the input unit 42.

[0039] It should be noted that "printed data" refers to data that includes content that has been instructed to be printed and content that has not been instructed to be printed.

[0040] Furthermore, the user issues an instruction ("selection information") via the input unit 42 to the image forming device 20 to "print" a "print candidate image" in which the content instructed to be printed is arranged in a layout different from or the same as the print data. Alternatively, the user issues an instruction ("non-selection information") via the input unit 42 to the image forming device 20 to "not print" the print candidate image.

[0041] Furthermore, the user can generate, via the input unit 42, a layout ("generated layout information") in which to arrange the content for which the user has instructed to print.

[0042] The print data specification via the input unit 42, the specification of the content to be printed, the printing specification of the candidate print images, and information regarding the generation of the layout are acquired by the print server 30 via the printer driver 40A installed on the device 40.

[0043] The display unit 44 is an interface that displays information for inputting various processes to be executed by the device 40, and is configured to include a display screen. The display unit 44 displays images and the like in response to input operations by the user and various processes of the device 40.

[0044] Furthermore, information for starting and ending the information processing program 13A, which will be described later, is displayed on the display unit 44. The user can perform operations for starting and ending the information processing program 13A via the input unit 42.

[0045] The display unit 44 may be a display screen configured by combining, for example, a touch panel with a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display, etc. In this case, the user can input various information to be input to the input unit 42 via the display unit 44.

[0046] <Print Server> The print server 30 includes a control device 10 .

[0047] (Electrical configuration of the control device) The control device 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit: processor) 11, a memory 12 as a temporary storage area, a non-volatile storage unit 13, a medium read / write device (R / W) 16, a communication interface (I / F) unit 18, and an external I / F unit 19. The CPU 11, memory 12, storage unit 13, medium read / write device 16, communication I / F unit 18, and external I / F unit 19 are connected to one another via a bus B1.

[0048] The CPU 11 controls the overall operation of the control device 10. The medium reading / writing device 16 reads information written in the recording medium 17 and writes information to the recording medium 17. The communication I / F unit 18 is an interface for communicatively connecting the control device to, for example, a server provided outside the control device 10 or various terminals used by users. The communication I / F unit 18 uses communication standards such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), and LAN (Local Area Network).

[0049] (Storage part) The storage unit 13 is realized by an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), a flash memory, or the like. An information processing program 13A is stored in the storage unit 13 as a storage medium. The information processing program 13A is stored in the storage unit 13 by setting a recording medium 17, on which the information processing program 13A has been written, in the medium reading and writing device 16 and having the medium reading and writing device 16 read the information processing program 13A from the recording medium 17. The CPU 11 reads the information processing program 13A from the storage unit 13, expands it in the memory 12, and sequentially executes the processes of the information processing program 13A. A layout database 13B, which will be described later, is stored in this storage unit 13.

[0050] (Functional configuration of the control device) Next, the functional configuration of the control device 10 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 2. As shown in Fig. 2, the control device 10 includes an acquisition unit 11A, an extraction unit 11B, a presentation unit 11C, and an instruction unit 11D. The CPU 11 of the control device 10 executes an information processing program 13A to function as the acquisition unit 11A, the extraction unit 11B, the presentation unit 11C, and the instruction unit 11D.

[0051] (Acquisition Department) The acquisition unit 11A acquires an instruction to execute a print job from the user via the input unit 42 of the device 40. At this time, the acquisition unit 11A acquires "printed matter data" which is manuscript data that the user has instructed to print.

[0052] The acquiring unit 11A also acquires “content instruction information.” The content instruction information is information indicating what content has been designated when the user designates “content” to be printed by the image forming device 20 from among the print data.

[0053] The acquiring unit 11A also acquires “selection information.” The selection information is information indicating that, when the presentation unit 11C, which will be described later, presents a “print candidate image” to the user, the user has input an instruction to the image forming device 20 to “print” the print candidate image via the input unit 42 of the device 40.

[0054] The acquiring unit 11A also acquires “non-selection information.” The non-selection information is information indicating that, when the presentation unit 11C, which will be described later, presents a “print candidate image” to the user, the user has input, via the input unit 42 of the device 40, an instruction to “not print” the print candidate image to the image forming apparatus 20.

[0055] The acquisition unit 11A also acquires "generated layout information." The generated layout information is a layout in which content designated by the user is arranged, which the user generates via the input unit 42 of the device 40. In the present disclosure, a "new layout" refers to a layout that is new compared to the layout stored in the layout database 13B.

[0056] When the user inputs non-selection information, which is an instruction to "not print" the presented print candidate image to the image forming apparatus 20, the user can generate the generated layout information.

[0057] The user can generate the generated layout information by specifying the position, shape, and size of the area in the printed material where the content will be placed. The "area in which the content will be placed" is specified as the position, shape, and size of the content to be placed per sheet of printed material, such as frame L21 in layout L2 (see FIGS. 7A and 7B) described below. An interface for the user to generate the generated layout information is displayed on the display unit 44.

[0058] (Extraction part) Content extraction The extraction unit 11B extracts the content instructed to be printed from the print data acquired by the acquisition unit 11A.

[0059] For example, as shown in Fig. 3, a case will be described in which an "image" is specified as the content to be printed from print data D11 including "text" and "image." In this case, the extraction unit 11B extracts the "image" from the print data D11 as shown in extracted data D12.

[0060] In addition, for example, a case where "photographs," a subcategory of "images," are specified as the content to be printed will be described. In this case, the extraction unit 11B first extracts "images" from the print data D11, and then extracts "photographs" from the extracted data D12, as shown in extracted data D13.

[0061] When "photograph" is specified as the content to be printed, the extraction unit 11B may extract "photograph" directly from the print data D11, as shown in extracted data D13.

[0062] 4, a case will be described in which "text" is specified as the content to be printed from print data D11 that includes "text" and "image." In this case, the extraction unit 11B extracts "text" from the print data D11, as shown in extracted data D22.

[0063] Next, for example, a case will be described in which "email address," a subcategory of "characters," is specified as the content to be printed. In this case, the extraction unit 11B first extracts "characters" from the print data D11, and then extracts "email address" from the extracted data D12, as shown in extracted data D23.

[0064] When "email address" is specified as the content to be printed, the extraction unit 11B may extract "email address" directly from the print data D11, as shown in extracted data D23.

[0065] The contents that the user can instruct to print and the attributes that the extraction unit 11B extracts according to each content are stored in the storage unit 13 as shown in FIG.

[0066] Classification hierarchy 1 shown in this figure is a hierarchy that broadly classifies content into images and text. Classification hierarchy 2, 3, and 4 are hierarchies that allow users to further classify content. The hierarchy for classifying content may include even more detailed hierarchies. Users can instruct printing of any content stored in the classification hierarchy.

[0067] 5 is an example, and the storage unit may store other content that the user can instruct to print. When the user instructs to print content other than the content stored in the storage unit, the user selects similar content from the content stored in the storage unit.

[0068] The user can instruct printing of various contents belonging to classification hierarchies 1, 2, 3, 4, etc. For example, the user can instruct printing of "images" and "text" belonging to classification hierarchy 1, which is the largest.

[0069] Attribute extraction The extraction unit 11B extracts attributes of the content instructed to be printed. For example, if the content instructed to be printed is an image, the extraction unit 11B extracts the size (width and height) of the image as an attribute. Also, for example, if the content instructed to be printed is text, the extraction unit 11B extracts the size (points) of the text as an attribute.

[0070] The attributes extracted by the extraction unit 11B are stored for each content in the storage unit 13, as shown in Fig. 5. The attributes shown in this figure are an example, and the extraction unit 11B can extract other attributes for each content.

[0071] (Presentation part) The presentation unit 11C can present a print candidate image in which the content instructed to be printed is arranged in a layout that is different from that of the print data. "Presentation" refers to presentation to the user via the display unit 44 of the device 40.

[0072] Furthermore, the presentation unit 11C can also present a print candidate image in which the content instructed to be printed is arranged in a layout "same as" the print data.

[0073] When the user specifies the content to be printed and also specifies that the content should be arranged in the same layout as the print data, the presentation unit 11C presents a print candidate image arranged in the same layout as the print data.

[0074] - Display of print candidate images A print candidate image arranged in a layout that is "same" or "different" from the print data will be described below, assuming that the content instructed to be printed from the print data D11 shown in FIG. 3 is a "photo."

[0075] The layout "equivalent" to the print data D11 is the layout shown in the extracted data D13, that is, a layout in which the photographs included in the print data D11 are arranged without changing their positions or sizes.

[0076] On the other hand, an example of a layout that is "different" from the print data D11 is layout L1 shown in FIG. 6A. In this layout L1, one photograph is placed per page of the print. Furthermore, the width W1 of the photograph is kept as constant as possible. "As constant as possible" means that, as will be described later, the entire photograph is printed on one page of the print.

[0077] Note that the intersecting hatched frame L11 shown in layout L1 indicates the placement area of ​​one image and is not printed. Similarly, the frame L21 shown in layout L2 shown in Fig. 7A also indicates the placement area of ​​one image and is not printed.

[0078] In this manner, a "layout" in this disclosure refers to a template in which areas in which content is to be placed are specified. By placing content in each area specified in the template, a print candidate image is generated. In addition, conversion data, which is the data to actually be printed, is generated.

[0079] When the photographs contained in the print data D11 are placed in this layout L1, each content is enlarged, the width is unified to W1, and the photographs are placed in the layout L1, for example, as shown in Figure 6B for photographs PA1 and PA2 of the print data D11.

[0080] However, if, like photo PA3, the photo extends beyond the paper's surface when enlarged to a width of W1, as shown by the dashed line, it will be enlarged to a size that will display the entire photo on one printed page. In this case, the width of photo PA3 placed in layout L1 will not be W1.

[0081] The presentation unit 11C can present a print candidate image in which a photograph is arranged in such a layout L1. Note that, in the following description, such layout L1 may be referred to as a "1UP width alignment layout L1."

[0082] Note that various layouts in which content is arranged, such as layout L1, are stored in layout database 13B of storage unit 13.

[0083] For example, layouts for arranging images include a layout in which one image is arranged per page of a printed material, such as layout L1, and a layout in which multiple images (for example, four images) are arranged per page of a printed material, such as layout L2 shown in Fig. 7A. In this case, any of the content (photos PA1 to PA7, PA8, ...) may be reduced in size and arranged depending on the attribute.

[0084] In this way, the layout database 13B stores various layouts each having a specified number of images per print. The presentation unit 11C presents print candidate images in which content processed (e.g., enlarged or reduced) according to the extracted attributes (e.g., image width and height) is arranged in each layout.

[0085] - Display of candidate character print images A print candidate image arranged in a layout that is "same" or "different" from the print data will be described below, assuming that the content instructed to be printed from the print data D11 shown in FIG. 4 is an "email address."

[0086] The layout "same as" the print data D11 is the layout shown in the extracted data D23, that is, a layout in which the email addresses included in the print data D11 are arranged without changing their positions or sizes.

[0087] On the other hand, an example of a layout that is "different" from the print data D11 is layout L3 shown in Figure 8A. In this layout L3, the number of lines of text on one page of the print and the maximum number of characters per line are specified. Note that the circles arranged horizontally and vertically in this layout L3 indicate where the text will be placed and are not actually printed.

[0088] The presentation unit 11C can enlarge or reduce characters according to the size of the characters and arrange them in the layout L3 in which the number of lines of characters per printed sheet is specified in this way.

[0089] For example, when email addresses contained in the print data D11 are placed in layout L3, the size (points) of each content is enlarged or reduced as necessary, for example, email addresses PB1, PB2, ... in the print data D11 shown in Figure 8B, and placed in layout L3.

[0090] The presentation unit 11C can present a print candidate image in which the email address is arranged in such a layout L3.

[0091] The layout database 13B stores various layouts that specify the number of characters per printed page and the character arrangement, such as the number of columns (one column or two columns).

[0092] The presentation unit 11C presents a print candidate image in which the content processed (for example, enlarged or reduced) according to the extracted attribute (for example, character point size) is arranged in each layout.

[0093] - Displaying print candidate images for multiple content A user can instruct the printing of multiple types of content. For example, a user can instruct the printing of a portrait, which is an "image," and an email address, which is "text." In such a case, the presentation unit 11C can associate the content instructed to be printed and arrange it in a layout. For example, the presentation unit 11C can present a print candidate image in which a portrait and an email address are arranged in close proximity to each other.

[0094] -How to present print candidate images As described above, the layout database 13B stores various layouts. A plurality of types of these layouts are stored for each content. The presentation unit 11C presents a print candidate image in which the content is arranged in a layout read from among the plurality of layouts stored in the layout database 13B.

[0095] For example, if the content is an "image," as described above, in addition to the "width-justified 1UP layout" L1, the layout database 13B stores "width-justified 2UP layout," "width-justified 4UP layout," "height-justified 1UP layout," "height-justified 2UP layout," "height-justified 4UP layout," etc. Furthermore, these layouts are stored according to the orientation of the printed matter.

[0096] Furthermore, the various layouts stored in the layout database 13B are assigned priorities according to their respective contents. The priorities are the priorities at the time of presentation to the user. Note that the priorities are not limited to the examples described below, and can be freely set by, for example, the administrator of the information processing system 80.

[0097] The presentation unit 11C first presents a print candidate image in which the content designated by the user is arranged in a layout with the highest priority as a layout in which the content is to be arranged.

[0098] For example, a case will be described in which the user specifies an image as the content to be printed. The presentation unit 11C presents to the user a print candidate image in which the image is arranged in the "1UP width justification layout" L1, which has the highest priority as a layout for arranging the image.

[0099] At this time, the acquisition unit 11A acquires "selection information," "non-selection information," or "non-selection method and generation layout information" through an input operation performed by the user via the input unit 42 of the device 40.

[0100] When the acquisition unit 11A acquires non-selection information but does not acquire layout information to be generated, the presentation unit 11C presents to the user a print candidate image in which the content is arranged in another layout (the layout with the next highest priority). At this time, the presented print candidate image may be one or more.

[0101] Furthermore, when the acquisition unit 11A acquires both the non-selection information and the generated layout information, the presentation unit 11C presents a print candidate image in which the content is arranged in a new layout generated based on the user's input operation.

[0102] (instruction section) When the acquisition unit 11A acquires the selection information, the instruction unit 11D instructs the image forming device 20 to execute a print job of the “converted data” generated based on the selected print candidate image. The converted data is data of a printed matter in which the content instructed by the user to be printed is arranged in a layout stored in the layout database 13B or a layout generated by the user.

[0103] <Print candidate image presentation process> The CPU 11 of the control device 10 executes a "print candidate image presentation process" shown in FIG. 9 in response to an instruction to execute a print job given by a user via the input unit 42 of the device 40.

[0104] When the print candidate image presentation process is executed, in step S104, CPU 11 determines whether there is content instructed to be printed when the print job execution instruction is issued. If the determination in step S104 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S106. On the other hand, if the determination in step S104 is negative, that is, if all of the content included in the print data is to be printed, the process proceeds to step S114.

[0105] In step S106, the CPU 11 extracts the content instructed to be printed from the print data, and further extracts the attributes of the content instructed to be printed. After step S106, the process proceeds to step S108.

[0106] In step S108, the CPU 11 presents a print candidate image in which the content instructed to be printed is arranged. After step S108, the process proceeds to step S1110.

[0107] In step S110, CPU 11 waits for acquisition of selection information or non-selection information. When CPU 11 acquires selection information or non-selection information, the process proceeds to step S112. Note that if CPU 11 acquires generation layout information in addition to non-selection information in step S110, the process also proceeds to step S112.

[0108] In step S112, the CPU 11 determines whether the acquired information is selection information. If the determination in step S112 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S114. On the other hand, if the determination in step S112 is negative, that is, if the information acquired by the CPU 11 is non-selection information, the process returns to step S108.

[0109] In addition, if in step S110, CPU 11 acquires generation layout information in addition to non-selection information, in step S108 after step S112, CPU 11 presents a print candidate image in which the content instructed to be printed is arranged in a generation layout generated by the user.

[0110] In step S114, the CPU 11 instructs the image forming apparatus 20 to execute a print job of the converted data generated based on the selected print candidate image, thereby completing the print candidate image presentation process.

[0111] <Action and effect> The information processing system 80 of the present disclosure can extract content that a user has instructed to be printed from print data for which the user has instructed execution of a print job. Then, the system can present the content to the user as a "print candidate image" arranged in a different layout from the original print data. The system can then cause the image forming device 20 to print the "converted data" generated based on the print candidate image selected by the user.

[0112] As a result, the information processing system 80 can improve the visibility of the content on the printed matter that is output, compared to when the information processing system 80 is not used.

[0113] In other words, only the content instructed to be printed can be printed while the content not instructed to be printed by the user remains unprinted. Therefore, the visibility of the content instructed to be printed is higher than when the content not instructed to be printed is printed.

[0114] Furthermore, in layouts where the number of images per printed page is specified (e.g., layouts L1 and L2), images can be enlarged or reduced depending on the image size. Similarly, in layouts where the number of lines of text per printed page is specified (e.g., layout L3), characters can be enlarged or reduced depending on the character size.

[0115] This allows the print-instructed content to be arranged in a uniform size and aligned, which improves the visibility of the print-instructed content compared to when images and text are not enlarged or reduced.

[0116] Furthermore, by not printing content that has not been instructed to be printed and by arranging the content in an aligned manner, it is possible to save paper for printing.

[0117] Furthermore, the information processing system 80 of the present disclosure can also present a print candidate image in which the content instructed to be printed is arranged in the same layout as the print data, allowing the user to check, via the display unit 44, where the content instructed to be printed will be printed on the print.

[0118] In addition, in the information processing system 80 of the present disclosure, if the print candidate image presented by the presentation unit 11C is not selected by the user, a print candidate image can be presented in which the content that the user has instructed to print is arranged in a different layout.

[0119] In this way, by presenting print candidate images arranged in multiple layouts, it is easier for the user to obtain a printed matter in which the content is arranged in the layout desired, compared to when only print candidate images arranged in one layout are presented.

[0120] In addition, in the information processing system 80 of the present disclosure, if the print candidate image presented by the presentation unit 11C is not selected by the user, a print candidate image in which the content is arranged in a new layout generated based on the user's input operation can be presented.

[0121] In this way, by presenting print candidate images arranged in a layout created by the user, it is easier for the user to obtain a printed material with content arranged in the layout desired by the user, compared to when the user is unable to create a layout.

[0122] In addition, in the information processing system 80 of the present disclosure, the extraction unit 11B extracts attributes of the content instructed to be printed, and the presentation unit 11C can present a print candidate image in which the content processed according to the extracted attributes is arranged in a layout.

[0123] This allows the presentation unit 11C to present a print candidate image in which content processed according to the attributes is arranged in a layout. For example, the presentation unit 11C can present a print candidate image in which an image that has been enlarged or reduced as processing is arranged in a layout in accordance with the attributes of width and height.

[0124] <Other embodiments> In the above embodiment, it is possible to present print candidate images in which the content instructed to be printed is arranged in a layout that is "same" as the print data, but the embodiment of the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, it is also possible to present only print candidate images in which the content instructed to be printed is arranged in a layout that is "different" from the print data.

[0125] In the above embodiment, if the presented print candidate image is not selected, a print candidate image in which the content is arranged in a different layout is presented, i.e., multiple print candidate images are presented based on multiple layouts, but the embodiment of the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, it is sufficient to present only one type of print candidate image.

[0126] In the above embodiment, if the presented print candidate image is not selected, a print candidate image in which content is arranged in a new layout generated based on a user's input operation is presented, but the embodiment of the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the generation of a layout based on a user's input operation does not have to be executed.

[0127] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the "processing" of content according to "attributes" was described as "enlarging" or "reducing" according to "width," "height," or points, but the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to this.

[0128] For example, "processing" according to "attributes" includes "color change" according to "color" (a mode of printing in a single color), "translation" according to "language" (a mode of printing in a single language), and "font change" according to "font (not shown in Figure 5)" (a mode of printing in a single font).

[0129] In addition, in the above embodiment, the presentation unit 11C processes the content according to the attributes, but the embodiment of the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the presentation unit 11C may not process the content. As an example, the presentation unit 11C may present a print candidate image in which the image is arranged in a layout without being enlarged or reduced.

[0130] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, for example, the following various processors can be used as the hardware structure of the processing unit that executes the processes of the acquisition unit 11A, extraction unit 11B, presentation unit 11C, and instruction unit 11D. As described above, the various processors include a CPU, which is a general-purpose processor that executes software (programs) and functions as a processing unit, as well as dedicated electrical circuits that are processors having a circuit configuration specifically designed to execute specific processes, such as a programmable logic device (PLD) that is a processor whose circuit configuration can be changed after manufacture, such as an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), and an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit).

[0131] The processing unit may be configured with one of these various processors, or may be configured with a combination of two or more processors of the same or different types (for example, a combination of multiple FPGAs, or a combination of a CPU and an FPGA). The processing unit may also be configured with a single processor. Some or all of these processors may be configured on the cloud. At least each of the processes described in the above embodiments may be executed by a processor on the cloud.

[0132] Examples of configuring a processing unit with a single processor include, first, a form in which one processor is configured with a combination of one or more CPUs and software, and this processor functions as the processing unit, as typified by computers such as client and server. Second, a form in which a processor is used to realize the functions of the entire system, including the processing unit, on a single IC (Integrated Circuit) chip, as typified by systems on chips (SoCs). In this way, the processing unit is configured using one or more of the above-mentioned various processors as a hardware structure.

[0133] Furthermore, the hardware structure of these various processors may be, more specifically, an electric circuit that combines circuit elements such as semiconductor elements. As such, the present disclosure may be implemented in various ways.

[0134] <Additional Notes> (((1))) at least one processor; The processor: Extracting the content instructed to be printed from the print data, presenting a print candidate image in which the content instructed to be printed is arranged in a layout different from that of the print data; Information processing system.

[0135] (((1))) The processor: presenting a print candidate image in which the content instructed to be printed is arranged in the same layout as the print data; (((2))) information processing system.

[0136] (((3))) The processor: presenting the print candidate image in which the content is arranged in a layout read from among a plurality of layouts stored in a storage unit; If the presented print candidate image is not selected, the print candidate image in which the content is arranged in a different layout is presented. The information processing system according to (((1))) or (((2))).

[0137] (((4))) The processor: reading the different layout from a database stored in a storage unit and arranging the content; The information processing system according to (((3))).

[0138] (((5))) The processor: If the proposed print candidate image is not selected, presenting the print candidate image in which the content is arranged in a new layout generated based on a user's input operation; The information processing system according to any one of (((1))) to (((4))).

[0139] (((6))) The processor: extracting attributes of the content instructed to be printed, and presenting the print candidate image in which the content has been processed in accordance with the extracted attributes and arranged in the layout; The information processing system according to any one of (((1))) to (((5))).

[0140] (((7))) The processor: If the content is an image, extracting the size of the image as the attribute; enlarging or reducing the images according to the size of the images and arranging them in the layout in which the number of images per sheet of the printed material is specified; The information processing system according to (((6))).

[0141] (((8))) The processor: If the content is a character, extracting the size of the character as the attribute; enlarging or reducing the characters according to the size of the characters and arranging them in the layout in which the number of lines of the characters per sheet of the printed material is specified; The information processing system according to (((6))).

[0142] (((9))) The processor: When a print instruction is given for a plurality of the contents, Associating each of the contents with each other and arranging them in the layout to present the print candidate image; The information processing system according to any one of (((1))) to (((8))).

[0143] (((10))) Extracting the content instructed to be printed from the print data, The content instructed to be printed is displayed as a print candidate image arranged in a layout different from that of the print data. An information processing program executed by a computer.

[0144] (((11))) Extracting the content instructed to be printed from the print data, presenting a print candidate image in which the content instructed to be printed is arranged in a layout different from that of the print data; Information processing methods.

[0145] According to the information processing system (((1))), the information processing program (((10)) and the information processing method (((11))), it is possible to extract content that has been instructed to be printed, and to present a print candidate image in which the content is arranged in a layout different from the print data.

[0146] According to the information processing system (((2))), it is possible to present print candidate images in which the content instructed to be printed is arranged in the same layout as the print data.

[0147] According to the information processing system (((3))), the user can select the layout.

[0148] The information processing system (((4))) can generate layouts stored in a database.

[0149] The information processing system (((5))) allows the user to generate a layout.

[0150] According to the information processing system of (((6))), it is possible to present a print candidate image in which content processed according to attributes is arranged in a layout.

[0151] According to the information processing system (((7))), the size of an image can be adjusted and then arranged in a layout.

[0152] According to the information processing system (((8))), the size of characters can be adjusted and arranged in the layout.

[0153] According to the information processing system (((9))), a plurality of contents can be associated with each other and arranged in a layout. [Explanation of symbols]

[0154] 11 CPU (processor) 13 Storage section 13A Information Processing Program 13B Layout database (storage section) 80 Information Processing Systems

Claims

1. at least one processor; The processor: Extracting the content instructed to be printed from the print data, presenting a print candidate image in which the content instructed to be printed is arranged in a layout different from that of the print data; Information processing system.

2. The processor: presenting a print candidate image in which the content instructed to be printed is arranged in the same layout as the print data; The information processing system of claim 1.

3. The processor: presenting the print candidate image in which the content is arranged in a layout read from among a plurality of layouts stored in a storage unit; If the presented print candidate image is not selected, the print candidate image in which the content is arranged in a different layout is presented. The information processing system according to claim 1 .

4. The processor: reading the different layout from a database stored in a storage unit and arranging the content; The information processing system according to claim 3 .

5. The processor: If the proposed print candidate image is not selected, presenting the print candidate image in which the content is arranged in a new layout generated based on a user's input operation; The information processing system according to claim 1 .

6. The processor: extracting attributes of the content instructed to be printed, and presenting the print candidate image in which the content has been processed in accordance with the extracted attributes and arranged in the layout; The information processing system according to claim 1 .

7. The processor: If the content is an image, extracting the size of the image as the attribute; enlarging or reducing the images according to the size of the images and arranging them in the layout in which the number of images per sheet of the printed material is specified; The information processing system according to claim 6.

8. The processor: If the content is a character, extracting the size of the character as the attribute; enlarging or reducing the characters according to the size of the characters and arranging them in the layout in which the number of lines of the characters per sheet of the printed matter is specified; The information processing system according to claim 6.

9. The processor: When a print instruction is given for a plurality of the contents, Associating each of the contents with each other and arranging them in the layout to present the print candidate image; The information processing system according to claim 1 .

10. Extracting the content instructed to be printed from the print data, The content instructed to be printed is displayed as a print candidate image arranged in a layout different from that of the print data. An information processing program executed by a computer.

11. Extracting the content instructed to be printed from the print data, presenting a print candidate image in which the content instructed to be printed is arranged in a layout different from that of the print data; Information processing methods.

Images