JP2004235889A - Image processor - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To finely fulfill users' requests by easy operation by automatically changing the sampling density in accordance with quickness of variation of moving images when extracting the prescribed number of still images from a desired range in moving images. <P>SOLUTION: In an image processor which outputs a plurality of consecutive still images on the basis of animation data, sampling points are determined on the basis of degrees of conversion of animations represented by animation data in a designated desired range when the desired range is designated for the animation data (steps S403 to S406). The sampling points are used for selecting the prescribed number of frames from the designated range of the animation data, and the prescribed number of consecutive still images are generated from the designated range of the animation data in accordance with the determined sampling points (step S407). The generated consecutive still images are outputted to a printer. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

【００９０】
ここで、各変数の内容は以下の通りである。
ｉ ：処理中のブロック
Ｋ ：分割ブロック数
Ｐ１_ｉＲ ：第１画像のｉ番目のブロックのＲチャンネルの平均値
Ｐ１_ｉＧ ：第１画像のｉ番目のブロックのＧチャンネルの平均値
Ｐ１_ｉＢ ：第１画像のｉ番目のブロックのＢチャンネルの平均値
Ｐ２_ｉＲ ：第２画像のｉ番目のブロックのＲチャンネルの平均値
Ｐ２_ｉＧ ：第２画像のｉ番目のブロックのＧチャンネルの平均値
Ｐ２_ｉＢ ：第２画像のｉ番目のブロックのＢチャンネルの平均値
これを全分割点について行なう。
【００９１】
次にステップＳ４０５に進み、時間に対する前記２乗和の変化の移動平均を求める。本実施形態では注目点の前２点、後２点とその注目点の計５点の平均を求め、注目点における動画の変化の激しさとしている。
【００９２】
この平均を求めるポイント数を多くする事で変化の激しい箇所を局所的にサンプリング密度を上げるのではなく、変化の激しい箇所の周辺におけるサンプリング密度を高くする事が出来るという効果がある。また、ユーザーインターフェースを設けて移動平均のポイント数を設定できるようにしてもよい。
【００９３】
このようにして各時における動画の激しさを算出したら、ステップＳ４０６に進み、動画の激しさに応じて各分割区間にポイントを付与する。ポイントはたとえば数２に示すように算出する。
【００９４】
【数２】

【００９５】
ここで、各変数の内容は以下の通りである。
Ｄｔ：分割区間ｔにおける動画の激しさ
Ｄｍｉｎ：全区間における動画の激しさの最小値
Ｄｍａｘ：全区間における動画の激しさの最大値
Ａ：効果係数
Ｂ：オフセット定数。
【００９６】
効果係数Ａはスライダー３６３で指定した効果の程度に応じて、効果が強いほど大きな数になるように決定する。効果をかけない場合には０となる。また、オフセットＢは動きが最も少ない区間に配分するポイント数である。なお、Ｄｍｉｎ とＤｍａｘが等しい時は、動画に変化が無い事を意味するので、時間的に均等にサンプリングポイントを決定すればよい。
【００９７】
このように各時におけるポイント数が決まったら、ステップＳ４０７に進み、サンプリングポイントを決定する。これは、１つの区間内では時間的に均等にポイントを割りふって近似し、サンプリング間のポイント数が均一になるようにサンプリングポイントを決定し、静止画取得を行なう。サンプリングポイントの間隔が動画のフレーム周期より短くなった場合は、複数の同じ静止画が続くことになる。
【００９８】
上記のサンプリングポイントの決定について、図２７を参照して更に具体的に説明する。ここで示される例は、設定された動画の切り出し範囲に５４０個のフレームが存在した場合である。この場合、ステップＳ４０３の処理では、上述したように分割数は１８０となり、図２７に示される割合で分割点としてのフレームが抽出されることになる（図２７では斜線の入ったフレームで示されている）。そして、ステップＳ４０４において、各分割点の画像相関を算出するが、これは、例えば、Ｍ番目のフレームとＭ＋１番目のフレームの間で、数１で示したフレーム間類似性距離の計算を行なう。この結果、図２７の分割点の各フレームについてフレーム間類似性距離（Ｄ_Ｍ−１、Ｄ_Ｍ、Ｄ_Ｍ＋１等）が求まる。
【００９９】
次に、ステップＳ４０５で、移動平均を求める。例えば、Ｍ＋１番のブロックの移動平均は、Ｄ_Ｍ−１、Ｄ_Ｍ、Ｄ_Ｍ＋１、Ｄ_Ｍ＋２、Ｄ_Ｍ＋３の平均を求めることによって得られる。更に、ステップＳ４０６では、以上のようにして得られた移動平均と、数２を用いて各ブロックのポイントを算出する。図２７ではブロックＭのポイントをＰ_Ｍとして表している。
【０１００】
最後にステップＳ４０７でサンプリングポイントを決定する。これは、まず、サンプリング間隔となるべき平均ポイント値を決定する。すなわち、全ブロックのポイントの合計を切り出し枚数（ｎとする（本例では４５枚））で割った値を平均ポイント値Ｐ_ａｖｅとし、サンプリングされたフレーム間のポイント値がこのＰ_ａｖｅとなるようにする。図２７で説明すると、各ブロック内のフレームに当該ブロックのポイントを割り当てる。例えば、Ｍ番目のブロックはＰ_Ｍを３等分して各フレームに割り当てる。そして、これらポイント値の合計が上記Ｐ_ａｖｅに最も近くなるようにサンプリングポイント（抽出するフレーム）を決定する。例えば、２７０１のフレームが抽出された後、各フレームのポイント値を足していき、２７０２のフレームでＰ_ａｖｅを超えたならば、フレーム２７０２をサンプリングポイントに決定する。以上のようにして、サンプリングポイントを決定し、静止画を取得する。
【０１０１】
また、隣り合う分割点ではなく、所定数離れた分割点の静止画を比較してもよく、その場合は以下の数３に示す計算式により分割点における動画の激しさを算出する。
【０１０２】
【数３】

【０１０３】
ここで、各変数の内容は以下の通りである。
ｔ ：処理中の分割点
Ｄｉｆｆ（ｘ，ｙ）：ｘ番目の分割点の画像とｙ番目の分割点の画像の類似性距離の差
ｎ ：平滑化定数。
【０１０４】
上記により得られた値を用いて、上記した移動平均の算出を行ない、数２によりポイントの算出を行なってサンプリングポイントを決定することができる。
【０１０５】
以上の算出方法によれば、平滑化定数ｎを大きくする事で、変化の激しい箇所を局所的にサンプリング密度を上げるのではなく、変化の激しい箇所の周辺におけるサンプリング密度を高くする事が出来るという効果がある。なお、
ｔ＜ｎ，ｔ＞ｌ−ｎ
ｌ：動画の分割数
における端部の処理は、それぞれｔ＝ｎ，ｔ＝ｌ−ｎにおける動画の激しさを延長すればよい。
【０１０６】
［印刷処理の詳細］
本実施形態の連続静止画像は、短冊状に切り取るためのミシン目が施された用紙上に印刷され、このミシン目に沿って短冊状に切り取られ、静止画像の側方に設けられた余白部を綴じしろとして用いて束ねられ、捲り動画の観察を可能とするものである。したがって、ミシン目が形成する短冊内の所定位置に再現性よく静止画像をプリントしないと、捲り動画を観察した場合に画像全体が移動してしまい、不自然になる。一般に、１枚の用紙上においては、印刷位置は比較的精度よく保たれる。しかしながら、本実施形態のように複数枚の用紙にまたがって連続静止画を印刷すると、異なる用紙間における全体の印刷位置のずれが問題となる。
【０１０７】
一般に、印刷位置精度は、用紙の搬送方向における搬送誤差の影響で、搬送方向の精度が低い。これに対して、搬送方向に直交する方向の印刷位置については、用紙ガイド等により比較的良好な精度が得られる。したがって、図１２のように、連続静止画と余白部の並びが搬送方向に対して直行するようなレイアウトで印刷すると、ある用紙から得られた短冊状シートと、次の用紙から得られた短冊状シートとで、連続静止画の印刷位置が、左右方向よりも上下方向により大きくずれやすいことになる。このため、１枚の用紙から１５枚の短冊状シートを得る本実施形態の捲り動画においては、１５枚目と１６枚目の短冊状シートの間、及び３０枚目と３１枚目の短冊状シートの間で連続静止画が上下方向に移動することになる。
【０１０８】
本発明者らの実験によれば、捲り動画を観察する場合、連続静止画が左右方向にずれたときよりも上下方向にずれたときのほうが違和感が大きい。そこで、本実施形態では、上記ステップＳ１６７における印刷処理において、上下方向のずれを極力少なくするように静止画をレイアウトし、プリント出力する。以下、この点について説明する。
【０１０９】
図１３は本実施形態による連続静止画のプリント出力におけるレイアウトを説明する図である。図１３に示されるように、本実施形態のプリント出力では、各短冊に連続静止画と綴じしろに利用可能な余白部とが設けられるが、連続静止画と余白部の並びが必ず搬送方向と同一方向となるようにする。上述したように、複数枚の用紙に記録を行う場合、搬送方向の印刷位置精度よりも搬送方向に直行する方向の印刷位置制度のほうが高精度である。したがって、図１３に示すようなレイアウトで得られたプリント出力を、ミシン目に沿って分離し、得られた短冊状シートを束ねて捲り動画を観察した場合、静止画像の左右方向の移動は若干大きくなる可能性があるものの、静止画像の上下方向の位置は比較的高い精度で一致することになる。上述のように、連続的に静止画を捲って観察した場合には、横方向の移動よりも上下方向の移動のほうが違和感を覚えやすいので、上下方向の移動を極力抑えることにより、良好な捲り動画を観察できる短冊状シートをを提供することが可能となる。
【０１１０】
なお、横長で用紙が搬送される場合には、図１２に示すようなレイアウトを用いることは、容易に理解されることである。従って、用紙の搬送方向が指定できる状況では、その搬送方向に応じて、適切な印刷レイアウトが自動的に選択されるように構成することが好ましい。すなわち、指定された搬送方向と用紙サイズを検出し、連続静止画と余白部が搬送方向に並ぶように印刷レイアウトを決定し、印刷処理をさせるように構成する。
【０１１１】
以上のように本実施形態では、捲り動画を観察する際に左右方向よりも上下方向の印刷位置精度が高くなるように、連続静止画をレイアウトして印刷することが可能となる。
【０１１２】
さらに、本実施形態のプリント出力では、連続静止画の印刷画質を向上するために、更なる工夫がなされている。インクジェット記録装置のように、用紙を搬送しながら、搬送方向と直行する方向に記録走査を繰り返して印刷を行う場合、搬送方向に関して、特に用紙の後端部において搬送誤差が生じやすく、画質が劣化する傾向にある。これは、用紙の後端部では用紙の押さえが甘くなり、搬送誤差が顕著になること、用紙が浮き易くなり、記録ヘッドと用紙との距離が変化するためである。
【０１１３】
上述したように、用紙の搬送方向に沿って連続静止画と余白部が並ぶように配置すると、連続静止画と余白部のいずれか一方が用紙の後端部に位置するようになる。図１４には、右綴じ用のレイアウトと印刷時における用紙の搬送方向が示されている。図１４に示すようにレイアウトされた場合には、用紙搬送方向に対して用紙の後端部側に余白部がくるので、上記理由による連続静止画への悪影響はない。しかしながら、左綴じ用のレイアウトが指定された場合に、図１５に示すように、余白部が連続静止画の左にくるように、連続静止画の記録位置を移動してレイアウトすると、用紙後端部側に連続静止画が配置されることになる。
【０１１４】
これを解決するために、本実施形態では、右綴じ用のレイアウトでも左綴じ用のレイアウトでも、必ず余白部が用紙の後端部側に配置されるようにする。本実施形態では、図１５のごとき左綴じ用の印刷レイアウトの全体を更に１８０度回転して、図１６に示すような印刷レイアウトとすることで、これを実現する。
【０１１５】
図１７はこのプリント処理を説明するフローチャートである。ステップＳ１６８による印刷処理が開始されると、本処理が起動される。
【０１１６】
まず、ステップＳ３０１において印刷設定のレイアウト情報、すなわち設定されているレイアウトが左綴じ用であるか、右綴じ用であるかを示す情報が取得される。取得されたレイアウト情報が右綴じ用のレイアウトを表す場合、処理はステップＳ３０２からステップＳ３０４へ進み、図１４に示すようなプリント出力がなされるように連続静止画をレイアウトする。そして、ステップＳ３０５へ進み、連続静止画のプリント出力を実行する。
【０１１７】
一方、ステップＳ３０１で取得したレイアウト情報が左綴じ用のレイアウトを表す場合は、ステップＳ３０２からステップＳ３０３へ進む。ステップＳ３０３では、連続静止画の印刷位置を短冊の右側に移動させて図１５のような状態とし、これを１８０度回転して図１６に示す印刷レイアウトとする。そしてステップＳ３０５へ進み、連続静止画のプリント出力を実行する。この結果、図１４と図１６に示すように、用紙の後端部には必ず余白部が位置するようになり、連続静止画の画質の劣化を防止できる。
【０１１８】
なお、上記実施形態において、左綴じ用のレイアウトの場合に１８０度回転したレイアウトを用いるが、このような処理に限定されるものではない。必要なことは、搬送方向に沿って連続静止画と余白部が並ぶようにし、かつ搬送方向に関して用紙の後端側に余白部がくるように印刷レイアウトをすることである。
【０１１９】
なお、ステップＳ１６３による印刷レイアウト表示では、常に連続静止画像が正位置となる用に表示する。従って、本実施形態において左綴じが設定されている場合であっても、連続静止画像が正位置となるように、すなわち図１０Ａに示すようにレイアウト表示をすることになる。
【０１２０】
以上説明したように、本実施形態によれば、印刷装置の特性に応じて印刷レイアウトを工夫したことにより、具体的には、搬送方向に沿って連続静止画と余白部が並ぶようにし、かつ搬送方向に関して用紙の後端側に余白部がくるような印刷レイアウトを採用したことにより、高品位な捲り動画を提供することが可能となった。
【０１２１】
以上、本実施形態の印刷アプリケーションについて説明した。なお、上記実施形態においては、印刷処理アプリケーションがパーソナルコンピュータ等の情報処理装置上で動作するものとして説明したが、これに限られるものではなく、上記アプリケーションの持つ機能の全て或は一部がプリンタドライバ、デジタルビデオカメラ或はプリンタにおいて実現されてもよい。
【０１２２】
また、上記実施形態では、プリンタとしてインクジェットプリンタを想定したが、レーザプリンタ等の電子写真方式のプリンタであっても、感熱方式のプリンタでもかまわない。
【０１２３】
また、上記実施形態では、連続静止画の枚数は４５枚で固定としたが、ユーザが任意に設定できるようにしてもよい。また、例えば用紙の向きでレイアウトが変わり、用紙１枚から取得できる短冊状シートの数が変化する場合は（例えば用紙を横向きで搬送し、図１２のようなレイアウトを用いた場合は、用紙１枚から１２枚しか短冊状シートをとることができない）、それに応じて連続静止画の全取得数を変更してもよい。例えば、図１２のような印刷形態が指定された場合には、１２×４＝４８枚としてもよい。
【０１２４】
［短冊収容ケースについて］
次に、以上のようにしてプリント出力された連続静止画を含む、複数の短冊状シートを束ねて収容し、捲り動画を観察可能とするケースについて説明する。
【０１２５】
図１８は連続静止画がプリントされた短冊状シートを本実施形態のケースに束ねて収容した状態を示す図である。図１８に示されるように、コの字状のケース部材４００と、これに収容される短冊状シート群４１０と、ケース部材４００と短冊状シート群４１０を束ねて、その状態を維持するための保持部材としての輪ゴム４２０を具備する。また、図１９は、図１８に示すように収容された短冊を連続的に捲ることにより、捲り動画を観察する様子を示した図である。図１９では、左綴じ（右利き用）の状態が示されている。
【０１２６】
図２０は、本実施形態によるケースの組み立ての様子を説明する図である。ケース部材４００は、柔軟で、透明もしくは半透明の材料からなり、略長方形の第１パネル４０１と、コの字状とした際に第１パネル４０１に対向する略長方形の第２パネル４０２、及び第１パネル４０１と第２パネル４０２を接続する第３パネル４０３を含んで構成される。図２１に示すように、好ましくは第１〜第３パネルは一体のシートから形成され、点線で示した折り目線４１０により、第１〜第３パネルが形成される。図２１に示すシートは、図２０の（ａ）に示すように、折り目線４１０において折り曲げ可能に構成され、これにより第１〜第３パネル４０１〜４０３はコの字状に形成される。
【０１２７】
次に、図２０（ｂ）に示されるように、第１パネル４０１と第２パネル４０２との間に、積み重ねられた短冊状シート群４１０（本例では４５枚の短冊状シート）が挿入される。したがって、第３パネルの長さ（コの字状に形成した場合の高さ方向の長さ）は、短冊状シート４５枚を重ねた厚みと同等とする。
【０１２８】
第１パネル４０１と第２パネル４０２の各長辺部上の、第３パネル４０３との接続部位側にはノッチ４０４が設けられている。これらのノッチ４０４は、第３パネル４０３との接続部位より等距離に設けられている。第１と第３パネル、及び第２と第３パネルのそれぞれがなす角度をほぼ直角としてコの字状にケース４００を形成し、その中に短冊群４１０を入れ、ノッチ４０４に輪ゴム４２０をかけることにより、短冊を束ねた状態を維持する（図２０（ｃ）、（ｄ））。
【０１２９】
第１パネル４０１は連続静止画と接する上面パネルであり、第２パネル４０２は背表紙となるパネルである。第１パネル４０１と第２パネル４０２は、収容する短冊状シートよりも一回り大きいサイズを有する。これにより、短冊状シート群４１０に対する保護機能が提供される。
【０１３０】
ところで、上面パネルとしての第１パネル４０１を収容する短冊状シートより大きくすると、連続的に捲ろうとした場合に、最初の方の短冊状シートが数枚同時に捲れてしまうという問題が生じる。そこで、本実施形態では、図２２等に示されるように、収容している短冊が露出するように切り欠き４０５を設け、連続的に捲る際に、先頭の短冊状シートが指に接触するようにしてある。これにより、先頭の短冊状シートから確実に一枚ずつ捲れるようになる。切り欠き４０５の幅は、人間の指（親指）が短冊に触れて、自然に捲ることのできるような大きさとする。なお、切り欠き形状は、円弧形状に限定されるものではない。
【０１３１】
また、短冊状シートにおいて、連続静止画の周りに縁が設けてある場合は、この縁部分のみが露出する程度の切り込み深さとするようにしてもよい（図２２（ｂ））。このようにすれば、連続静止画そのものは露出しないので、画像を確実に保護できる。
【０１３２】
また、第２パネル４０２は背表紙となるパネルであるが、第１パネル４０１と同様に、短冊状シートよりも一回り大きいサイズを有するのが好ましい。このような第２パネル４０２を設けたことにより、短冊状シートを確実に保護するとともに、連続的な捲り操作をした場合に、最後のページまで確実に１枚ずつ捲ることを容易にする効果がある。すなわち、第２パネル４０２が存在しない場合、或は短冊状シートよりも小さい場合、最後の方で複数枚のページが同時に捲れてしまい、正しく捲り動画を観察できないという問題が生じが、本実施形態によれば、第２パネルを設けたことで、最終ページまで容易かつ確実に１枚ずつ捲ることができるようになるのである。
【０１３３】
さらに、上述したノッチ４０４も、図２２（ｃ）に示すように、収容された短冊がわずかに露出する程度の深さを有することが望ましい。このようにノッチを形成することにより、ノッチ４０４によって輪ゴム４２０の位置がずれないようにするとともに、短冊状シートと輪ゴム４２０を接触させることにより、より良好かつ効果的に、短冊状シート群４１０の収容状態を維持できる。また、本実施形態の、輪ゴムによる保持機構によれば、極めて簡易な構成で、効果的に短冊群４１０を保持する保持手段を提供できる。更に、クリップのようなもので直接的に短冊状シート群を挟む場合には、クリップによって短冊状シートを傷める可能性がある。しかし、本実施形態によれば、ケースによって保護された状態で輪ゴム４２０をかけるので、短冊状シートを傷める心配はない。
【０１３４】
なお、各短冊状シートの、ケース部材４００に収容した際のノッチ４０４に相当する位置に、ノッチを設けるようにしてもよい。これは例えば図２４のような用紙を提供することで実現できる。この用紙は、ミシン目６０２上に、ノッチを形成する穴６０１が設けられる。このような構成の場合、輪ゴム４２０が、ケース部材のノッチ４０４と各短冊状シートのノッチにフィットし、収容した短冊状シートをより確実に保持することができる。
【０１３５】
なお、複数の輪ゴムを用いて束ねられるように、複数組のノッチを設けてもよいことは明らかである。
【０１３６】
［他の実施形態］
なお、本発明は、複数の機器（例えばホストコンピュータ，インタフェイス機器，リーダ，プリンタなど）から構成されるシステムに適用しても、一つの機器からなる装置（例えば、複写機，ファクシミリ装置など）に適用してもよい。
【０１３７】
また、本発明の目的は、前述した実施形態の機能を実現するソフトウェアのプログラムコードを記録した記憶媒体を、システムあるいは装置に供給し、そのシステムあるいは装置のコンピュータ（またはＣＰＵやＭＰＵ）が記憶媒体に格納されたプログラムコードを読出し実行することによっても、達成されることは言うまでもない。
【０１３８】
この場合、記憶媒体から読出されたプログラムコード自体が前述した実施形態の機能を実現することになり、そのプログラムコードを記憶した記憶媒体は本発明を構成することになる。
【０１３９】
プログラムコードを供給するための記憶媒体としては、例えば、フレキシブルディスク，ハードディスク，光ディスク，光磁気ディスク，ＣＤ−ＲＯＭ，ＣＤ−Ｒ，磁気テープ，不揮発性のメモリカード，ＲＯＭなどを用いることができる。
【０１４０】
また、コンピュータが読出したプログラムコードを実行することにより、前述した実施形態の機能が実現されるだけでなく、そのプログラムコードの指示に基づき、コンピュータ上で稼働しているＯＳ（オペレーティングシステム）などが実際の処理の一部または全部を行い、その処理によって前述した実施形態の機能が実現される場合も含まれることは言うまでもない。
【０１４１】
さらに、記憶媒体から読出されたプログラムコードが、コンピュータに挿入された機能拡張ボードやコンピュータに接続された機能拡張ユニットに備わるメモリに書込まれた後、そのプログラムコードの指示に基づき、その機能拡張ボードや機能拡張ユニットに備わるＣＰＵなどが実際の処理の一部または全部を行い、その処理によって前述した実施形態の機能が実現される場合も含まれることは言うまでもない。
【０１４２】
【発明の効果】
以上説明したように、本発明によれば、動画中の所望の範囲から所定枚数の静止画像を抽出するにあたり、動画の変化の激しさに応じて自動的にサンプリング密度を変化させることが可能となり、簡易な操作でユーザの要求にきめ細かく対応することが可能となる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本実施形態による画像形成システムの構成を示すブロック図である。
【図２】図１に示した画像形成システムの情報処理装置１００を、ソフトウエア構成の観点から説明する図である。
【図３】用紙選択画面が選択された状態において実行される処理を説明するフローチャートである。
【図４】動画選択画面が選択された状態において実行される処理を説明するフローチャートである。
【図５】範囲設定画面が選択された状態において実行される処理を説明するフローチャートである。
【図６】印刷・保存画面が選択された状態において実行される処理を説明するフローチャートである。
【図７】用紙選択画面の表示例を示す図である。
【図８】動画選択画面の表示例を示す図である。
【図９Ａ】範囲設定画面の表示例を示す図である。
【図９Ｂ】範囲設定画面におけるプレビュー操作用インターフェースを示す図である。
【図１０Ａ】印刷・保存画面の表示例を示す図である。
【図１０Ｂ】印刷出力例を示す図である。
【図１１】ステップＳ１４９、Ｓ１６２における静止画変換処理を更に詳細に説明するフローチャートである。
【図１２】用紙搬送誤差による連続静止画像の印刷への影響を説明する図である。
【図１３】用紙搬送誤差による連続静止画像の印刷への影響を説明する図である。
【図１４】本実施形態による右綴じ用の印刷レイアウトを説明する図である。
【図１５】左綴じ用に印刷レイアウトした場合の問題を説明する図である。
【図１６】本実施形態による左綴じ用の印刷レイアウトを説明する図である。
【図１７】本実施形態による印刷レイアウトの処理を説明する図である。
【図１８】連続静止画がプリントされた短冊状シートを本実施形態のケースに収容した状態を示す図である。
【図１９】本実施形態のケースに収容された短冊状シートにより、捲り動画を観察する様子を示す図である。
【図２０】本実施形態によるケースの組み立て手順を説明する図である。
【図２１】本実施形態のケースの部材構成を示す図である。
【図２２】本実施形態のケースにおける切り欠きの構成を示す図である。
【図２３】本実施形態において連続静止画を印刷するための用紙を示す図である。
【図２４】本実施形態において連続静止画を印刷するための用紙の別の形態を示す図である。
【図２５】従来技術における連続静止画のプリント出力を示す図である。
【図２６】図２５に示すプリント出力より得られた短冊状シートを束ねて、捲り動画を観察する様子を示す図である。
【図２７】本実施形態によるサンプリングポイントの決定方法を説明する図である。[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image processing device, a method, a program, and a recording medium for outputting a plurality of images obtained from moving image data.
[0002]
[Prior art]
An apparatus that prints a continuous movement of a subject as a plurality of images has been proposed. As an example of this type of device, there is one described in Patent Document 1, for example.
[0003]
According to Patent Literature 1, a predetermined number of captured images are obtained and stored from a video camera output from a shooting start instruction until a predetermined shooting time elapses, and printed out as shown in FIG. It is described. In this print output, a margin is provided on the side of each captured image, and the margin can be bound as shown in FIG. 26A by using the margin as a binding margin. The user can observe the captured image as a moving image by successively turning over the bundled prints as shown in FIG. Hereinafter, such a moving image is referred to as a “turning moving image” in the present specification. In addition, a continuous still image that provides a flipped moving image is referred to as a continuous still image.
[0004]
Further, the position of the margin portion of the print output in FIG. 25 can be specified on either the left side or the right side of the captured image, so that the user can cope with right-handed cases and left-handed cases. If the user specifies the margin on the left side of the captured image, a right-handed printout can be obtained.If the user specifies the margin on the right side of the captured image, a left-handed printout can be obtained. it can.
[0005]
In this type of apparatus, captured images are taken at predetermined time intervals and stored in the entire range from the start to the end of shooting. Also in Patent Document 1, when a desired photographing time among 8 seconds, 10 seconds, and 12 seconds is designated, photographed images are stored at predetermined intervals from the entire designated photographing time. For example, if 8 seconds are specified, the captured images are stored every 1/6 second to store 48 captured images, and if 10 seconds are specified, 1/48 are stored to store 48 captured images. The captured image is stored every 5 seconds.
As a problem of this device, if the sampling interval is long, there is a problem that a moving image with a sharp movement loses the video content. To solve this problem, an invention such as Patent Document 2 has been made.
[0006]
According to Patent Literature 2, sampling is performed at equal intervals from the start and end points and the required number of images, or the middle sampling image is selected by increasing the central sampling density, and the timing of golf impact is determined by using a large number of still images. This reduces the loss of video content in the print range.
[0007]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-10-327376 [Patent Document 2]
JP-A-10-277194
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the case of printing a moving image that includes a rapidly moving portion in a part of the moving image to be printed, the moving image does not always change most rapidly in the center of the printing range, and a static image suitable for each moving image is not necessarily generated. You can't choose a picture.
[0009]
In addition, when the operator specifies a portion where the sampling density is to be increased, a designation regarding the sampling density is added in addition to the start and end points. In the specification of the sampling density, it is necessary to select an appropriate frame while repeating frame advance and frame return in the vicinity of the position to be instructed, and the operation becomes complicated.
[0010]
In addition, a moving image having a plurality of sections with rapid movement is not taken into consideration, and a very complicated operation of designating each sampling point for the number of prints is required. Further, it was not possible to reflect on the sampling density according to the degree of the intensity.
[0011]
The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and in extracting a predetermined number of still images from a desired range in a moving image, automatically changing a sampling density in accordance with a sharp change in the moving image. It is an object of the present invention to make it possible to respond to a user request with a simple operation in a detailed manner.
[0012]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
An image processing apparatus according to the present invention for achieving the above object has the following configuration. That is,
An image processing device that outputs a plurality of continuous still images based on moving image data,
Specifying means for specifying a desired range for the moving image data;
Determining means for determining a sampling point based on the degree of conversion of the moving image represented by the moving image data within the desired range,
Generating means for generating a predetermined number of continuous still images from the desired range of the moving image data according to the sampling points determined by the determining means;
Output means for outputting the continuous still image generated by the generation means.
[0013]
Further, in the above configuration, the output unit may be configured to cause the printing device to print a plurality of continuous still images that can be observed as a turning movie.
[0014]
In the above configuration, preferably, the apparatus further comprises a display control unit for switching and displaying the predetermined number of continuous still images generated by the generation unit in the order of appearance in the moving image data.
[0015]
Preferably, in the above configuration, the determination unit divides the desired range into a plurality of sections, calculates a degree of change of the moving image for each section, and samples a portion where the calculated degree of change is large. The sampling points are determined so that the density is relatively high.
[0016]
Preferably, in the above configuration, the determination unit calculates the degree of change of the moving image for each of the sections by comparing the frame images at the start and end points of each of the sections to obtain a correlation.
[0017]
Preferably, in the above configuration, the determining means compares the frame images of a plurality of sections separated from each other before and after the section including the section for which the degree of change is to be calculated to obtain a correlation, and determines a moving image in the section to be calculated. Is calculated.
[0018]
Further, preferably, in the above configuration, the determining means calculates an average value of a plurality of blocks for the calculated degree of change of each section, and the sampling density is relatively higher at a portion where the average value is larger. Determine the sampling point.
[0019]
Further, preferably, in the above configuration, further comprising an instruction means for instructing the degree of the effect,
The determining means changes the height difference of the sampling density according to the instruction of the instruction means.
[0020]
Preferably, in the above configuration, the sampling points are determined at equal time intervals from the desired range by minimizing the degree of the effect of the indicating means.
[0021]
Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide an image processing method for outputting a plurality of continuous still images based on moving image data.
A specifying step of specifying a desired range for the moving image data;
Determining a sampling point based on the degree of conversion of the moving image represented by the moving image data within the desired range,
A generating step of generating a predetermined number of continuous still images from the desired range of the moving image data according to the sampling points determined by the determining unit;
An output step of outputting the continuous still image generated in the generation step.
[0022]
Further, according to the present invention, there is provided a control program for implementing the image processing method by a computer.
[0023]
Further, according to the present invention, there is provided a storage medium storing a control program for realizing the image processing method by a computer.
[0024]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0025]
[System configuration]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the image forming system according to the present embodiment. The image forming system according to the present embodiment includes an information processing apparatus 100 that generates print data (including a control command), and a printer 170 that forms an image based on the print data.
[0026]
The information processing apparatus 100 includes a memory 110, a CPU 130, a hard disk controller (HDC) 120, a hard disk (HD) 121 connected thereto, a flexible disk controller (FDC) 125, and a flexible disk drive (FD) connected thereto. 126, a printer controller (PRTC) 140, a keyboard / pointing device controller (KB / PDC) 150, a keyboard (KB) and a pointing device (PD) 151 connected thereto, and a CRT controller (CRTC) 160 connected thereto. The CRT 161 is provided.
[0027]
In this embodiment, a mouse is used as the pointing device PD, but various devices such as a trackball and a touch panel can be used. Further, in the above configuration, the CRT 161 is used as the display, but it goes without saying that other types of display such as a liquid crystal display or a plasma display may be used.
[0028]
The memory 110 includes, for example, an application 111 that performs image editing processing according to the present invention, a printer driver 112 that is software for generating print data corresponding to the printer 170, and a spooler area that spools print data to be supplied to the printer 170. 113, and an OS (Operating System) and a work area (not shown).
[0029]
The CPU 130 operates based on the application 111, the printer driver 112, the OS, and the like in the memory 110. When the power is turned on, booting is performed by a boot program stored in a ROM (not shown), the OS program is loaded from the HD 121 into the memory 110, and the OS is started. Thereafter, the application program is similarly loaded and executed under the management of the OS, thereby functioning as an image forming system. Also, it goes without saying that the CPU 130 can access the HD 121 via the HDC 120.
[0030]
The PRTC 140 performs a process of sequentially transmitting the print data stored in the spooler area 113 to the printer 170. The KB / PDC 150 controls the KB / PD 151 and fetches instruction data from a user input using a keyboard or a mouse into the apparatus. The CRTC 160 is a controller that controls the CRT 161 that is a display device. These blocks 150, 151, 160, 161 constitute a user interface.
[0031]
On the other hand, an interface 171 for receiving print data from the information processing apparatus 100 and notifying the information processing apparatus 100 of various statuses to the printer 170, mainly interprets the received printer data and generates bitmap image data. The printer control unit 172 includes a printer engine 173 that receives the bitmap image data output from the printer control unit 172 and actually forms an image. Although not shown, an operation panel and the like are also provided. Further, the printer engine 173 may use any system such as an inkjet system, an electrophotographic system, and a thermal system.
[0032]
In the above configuration, when the printer 170 is connected to the information processing apparatus 100, it is necessary to install a printer driver for generating printer data corresponding to the printer 170 at an initial stage. Needless to say, this installation usually only needs to be done once, unless there is a special reason.
[0033]
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the information processing apparatus 100 of the image forming system illustrated in FIG. 1 from the viewpoint of a software configuration.
[0034]
A keyboard and a mouse (KB / PD) 151 are connected to the information processing device 100 as input devices. Further, a printer 170 and a CRT 161 as a monitor are connected as output devices.
[0035]
Inputs made using a keyboard or mouse are processed by a keyboard / mouse driver 182 and passed to the OS 180. The information processing apparatus 100 has application software 111 such as a word processor, a spreadsheet, and an Internet browser. A group of various rendering processing instructions (an image rendering instruction, a text rendering instruction, and a graphics rendering instruction) indicating an output image issued by the application software 111 are input to the monitor driver 181 via the OS 180. When printing is performed, the rendering command group is input to the printer driver 112 via the OS 180. The printer driver 112 is software for processing a drawing command group to create print data and causing the printer 170 to print the data. The monitor driver 181 is software for displaying an image on the CRT 161.
[0036]
In addition, it is conceivable that an IBM AT compatible personal computer, which is widely used, is used as the information processing apparatus 100 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, and Windows 98 (registered trademark) of Microsoft Corporation is used as the OS 180. Further, by connecting the monitor 106, the printer 105, and the keyboard / mouse 112 to such a personal computer and executing a print processing application described below, the print system of the present embodiment is realized.
[0037]
In the information processing apparatus 100, output image data is output using application software 111 using text data classified into text such as characters, graphics data classified into graphics such as graphics, image image data classified into photographic images, and the like. Is created. Then, when printing an image based on the output image data, the application software 111 issues a print output request to the OS 180, the text data part is a text drawing instruction, the graphics data part is a graphics drawing instruction, and the image image data part is an image. A drawing command group composed of drawing commands is issued to the OS 180.
[0038]
When receiving the print output request from the application software 111, the OS 180 passes a group of drawing commands to the printer driver 112 corresponding to the printer 170. The printer driver 112 processes a print output request and a drawing command group passed from the OS 180, creates print data that can be printed by the printer 170, and sends the print data to the printer 170.
[0039]
When the printer 170 is a raster printer, the printer driver 112 sequentially rasterizes the drawing command group into, for example, a band memory having a depth of 8 bits for each of RGB. Then, after rasterizing all the drawing commands, the contents of the page memory are converted into a data format printable by the printer 170, for example, CMYK data, and sent to the printer 170. This band memory is allocated to, for example, a RAM (memory 110).
[0040]
[About the print processing application]
Next, a print processing application according to the present embodiment that can operate as the application 111 will be described. The print processing application according to the present embodiment extracts a predetermined number of continuous still images from the desired range of the moving image data, and prints them on a sheet provided with perforations that can be separated into strip-shaped sheets as shown in FIG. Print continuous still images. Printing is performed so that a continuous still image and a blank portion are arranged side by side in the longitudinal direction of the strip-shaped sheet, so that a binding margin is formed in each strip-shaped sheet. The thus obtained strip-shaped sheets are bundled as shown in FIG. 18 and handled as shown in FIG. 19, thereby making it possible to observe a turning movie. Hereinafter, the operation and function of the print processing application according to the present embodiment will be described in detail.
[0041]
When the print processing application according to the present embodiment is activated, a dedicated application window is displayed. As application windows, a paper selection screen (see FIG. 7), a moving image selection screen (see FIG. 8), a range setting screen (see FIG. 9A (B)), and a print / save screen (see FIG. 10A) are prepared. When the printing application is started, a paper selection window is displayed as an initial screen, but the present invention is not limited to this. Also, each screen is provided with tabs (301a to 301d) for screen selection, and by clicking a desired tab, it is possible to shift to a desired screen among the screens of FIGS. 7 to 10A. it can.
[0042]
The general printing procedure by the print processing application is as follows.
・ Set the printer and paper to be used on the paper selection screen,
・ Select a desired movie file on the movie selection screen,
On the range setting screen, set a desired range in the moving image file selected on the moving image selection screen, and check whether the range set by the preview of the turning moving image was appropriate,
On the print / save screen, a predetermined number of continuous still images are generated from the desired range set on the range setting screen, and output by the printer set above.
[0043]
Hereinafter, the operation will be described in detail for each screen.
[0044]
First, with reference to FIGS. 3 and 7, a description will be given of a paper selection process executed by displaying a paper selection screen. FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a process executed when the sheet selection screen illustrated in FIG. 7 is selected.
[0045]
In step S101, the user inputs the name of the printer to be selected in the box 310, and prompts the user to select a printer. Here, when the user clicks on the right part of the box 310, a list of available printers is displayed, and the user can select a desired printer from the list. If there is only one printer available, that printer is displayed in box 310. The available printer is a printer supported by the print application, and a printer driver is installed in the information processing apparatus. When the application is activated, the printer selected at the end of the previous application is set as the selected printer.
[0046]
In step S102, selection of a cartridge using the box 311 is performed, and in step S103, selection of paper using the box 312 is performed. In this embodiment, the paper size is fixed at A4, but a desired paper size may be selected.
[0047]
In step S104, it is determined whether a tab (any of 301b to 301d) for shifting to another screen is selected, and if not, the process returns to step S101. If the tab for shifting to another screen is selected, the process proceeds to step S105, and the contents set at that time in boxes 310 to 312 are determined as the set contents. It is needless to say that the settings can be changed later by selecting the tab 301a from another screen to display the paper selection screen.
[0048]
Next, a moving image selection process executed when the tab 301b is selected and the screen shifts to the moving image selection screen will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a process executed when the moving image selection screen illustrated in FIG. 8 is selected.
[0049]
First, in step S121, a process of opening the selected file by a file open operation of the user is performed. Here, a pop-up window (not shown) for selecting a file is displayed in response to the click of the “open” button 321 in the moving image selection screen 322, and the user selects a desired moving image file using the pop-up window.
[0050]
Next, in step S122, it is determined whether the file specified in step S121 is a file (information file) created and stored by the print processing application. In this application, information for printing a continuous still image can be saved in step S169 in the “printing and saving” process described later with reference to FIG. If it is determined in step S122 that such an information file has been selected, the process proceeds to step S126 without performing the moving image reproduction process described below. The determination in step S122 can be made with reference to, for example, the file extension.
[0051]
If the file selected in step S121 is a moving image file that can be processed by the printing application, the process proceeds to step S123, and the image of the first frame of the moving image file is displayed in the moving image reproduction area 323 in the moving image selection screen 322. Is displayed.
[0052]
The moving image selection screen 322 displays a moving image reproduction area 323, a reproduction button 324 for instructing start of reproduction processing of the selected moving image file, a stop button 325 for instructing stop and release of the reproduction processing, and moving to the beginning of the moving image file. It has a user interface including a move button 327, a move button 328 for moving to the end of the moving image file, a seek bar 329, and a time display 330. Note that by dragging the seek bar 329, the display location can be moved to an arbitrary position in the moving image file. Also, during moving image reproduction, the seek bar moves according to the reproduction position. The time display 330 indicates the position currently being reproduced by the time from the start of reproduction.
[0053]
When the reproduction of the moving image is instructed by operating the reproduction button 324, the process proceeds from step S124 to step S125, and the moving image file selected in step S121 is reproduced. It should be noted that the processing by operating the other operation buttons is not shown in the flowchart and detailed description thereof, but the contents will be apparent to those skilled in the art.
[0054]
When any of the tabs 301a, 301c, and 301d for switching to another screen is selected in a state where the moving image file is selected, the moving image file or the moving image file specified by the information file is selected as the selected moving image file. The processing is completed after the determination, and the screen moves to the designated screen (steps S126 and S127). Steps S121 to S125 are repeated while these tabs are not selected. It is needless to say that the determined content can be changed later by selecting the tab 301b from another screen to display the moving image selection screen.
[0055]
Next, a range setting process executed when the tab 301c is selected and the screen shifts to the range setting screen will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 9A. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a process executed when the range setting screen shown in FIG. 9A is selected. On the range setting screen, a desired range (referred to as a still image cutout range) from which a continuous still image is cut out is set from the moving image file.
[0056]
As shown in FIG. 9A, also on the range setting screen 340, a moving image reproduction window 340 including a moving image reproduction region 323 for reproducing the selected moving image file, various operation buttons 324 to 328, and a seek bar 329 is displayed. . However, on the range setting screen 340, a start position button 341 and an end position button 342 for setting a desired still image cutout range from a moving image, and a continuous still image obtained from the set still image cutout range are displayed. A preview button 343 for previewing as a moving image is included.
[0057]
First, the moving image reproduction processing in steps S141 to S143 is the same as the above-described steps S123 to S125. That is, the image of the first frame of the moving image file selected and confirmed on the moving image selection screen is displayed in the moving image reproduction area 323 (step S141), and the reproduction button 324 is clicked (step S142). The reproduction is started (step S143).
[0058]
If the start position button 341 is clicked during the reproduction of the moving image file, the reproduction time at that point is registered as the start point of the still image cutout range (steps S144 and S145). When the end position button 342 is clicked, the reproduction time at that time is registered as the end point of the still image cutout range (steps S146 and S147). When the start point and the end point are registered, a knob 364 indicating the start point of the cutout range on the seek bar 329 and a knob 365 indicating the end point are displayed on the seek bar 329 as shown in FIG. 9A to indicate the selected still image cutout range. Is displayed on the seek bar 329.
[0059]
In the above description, a desired range in a moving image is determined by designating a start point and an end point at desired points during reproduction of a moving image file. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, by moving the seek bar 329 to a desired reproduction position and clicking the start position button 341, the start point of the still image cutout range is specified by clicking the end position button 342, and the end point of the still image cutout range is similarly specified by clicking the end position button 342. You may make it. In this case, the moving image file does not need to be reproduced by the play button 324, but an image of a frame corresponding to the position specified by the seek bar 329 is displayed in the moving image reproduction area 323.
[0060]
Further, the above-described method of specifying a still image clipping range while playing a moving image may be combined with the method of specifying a still image clipping range using a seek bar. For example, the seek bar 329 is operated to move to a desired position in the moving image data, and the start position button 341 is clicked to specify the start point of the still image cutout range. After that, it is also possible to configure so that the clipping range is set by clicking the play button 324 to play the moving image from that position and clicking the end position button 342 at a desired position.
Alternatively, the range may be specified by dragging the knob 364 to the start point or the knob 365 to the end point.
[0061]
Further, in the present embodiment, the start point and the end point of the still image cutout range are registered based on the reproduction time, but the present invention is not limited to this, and a frame number or the like may be used.
[0062]
The print processing application according to the present embodiment cuts out a predetermined number (45 in the present embodiment) of continuous still images at regular intervals from the still image cutout range set as described above, and prints out these. Is what you do. The print output of the continuous still image thus obtained is separated into strips as described above, and is intended to be viewed as a flipping moving image by continuously turning. Therefore, for this purpose, it is desirable to be able to preview a continuous still image so that a pseudo-moving image can be observed. In the following steps S148 to S150, such a preview function is provided.
[0063]
When the preview button 343 is clicked after the still image clipping range is set by the start point and the end point as described above, the process proceeds from step S148 to step S149 (the still image clipping is performed in step S149). So that it will not branch unless a range is set). In step S149, a predetermined number of continuous still images are generated and acquired from the set still image cutout range. Details of the processing in this step will be described later.
[0064]
Then, in step S150, the continuous still images generated in step S149 are sequentially displayed in the imaging order such that, for example, 45 frames are displayed in two seconds. At this time, the switching interval from a certain still image to the next still image is set to be constant (for example, 2/45 seconds if 45 continuous still images are to be displayed in 2 seconds).
[0065]
If the preview button 343 is clicked again without changing the selection range in the moving image, the process of step S149 is omitted because the generation of the continuous still image has already been completed.
[0066]
In this state, when the tab 301a, 301b, 301d corresponding to another operation screen is clicked, the process proceeds from step S151 to step S152, and the still image clipping range set as described above is determined. It is needless to say that the determined contents can be changed later by selecting the tab 301c from another screen to display the range setting screen. On the other hand, unless the tab corresponding to another operation screen is clicked, the process returns to step S141 to repeat the above process. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the preview display and the range setting operation can be performed on the same screen (range setting screen). Operability is good.
[0067]
In the preview display of a continuous still image in step S150, a preview setting panel 344 as shown in FIG. 9B may be provided so that the time required for display can be arbitrarily set. For example, as shown at 345 in FIG. 9B, the entire display time can be set arbitrarily, and if the display is set to be displayed in one second, the continuous still images are switched and displayed at 1/45 second intervals become. Further, as shown at 346 in FIG. 9B, the switching interval of the continuous still images may be designated (for example, designated as 0.04 seconds).
[0068]
Further, manual operation may be enabled as shown at 347 in FIG. 9B. In this example, when the slide bar 348 is displayed and the knob 349 is slid with a mouse, the continuous still images are displayed while being switched following the mouse. In this way, in the above-described 345 and 346, the switching interval, which is constant and fixed during the continuous display, can be made variable, and a preview more accurately corresponding to the user's turning operation can be displayed.
[0069]
Next, a process when the tab 301d is selected and the screen is shifted to the print / save screen will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a process executed when the print / save screen illustrated in FIG. 10A is selected. On the print / save screen, printing of a continuous still image obtained from the still image cutout range set on the range setting screen and storage of cutout information can be performed.
[0070]
First, in step S161, it is determined whether or not the still image conversion processing in step S149 is performed for the currently set extraction target range. If the process in step S149 has been completed, step S162 is skipped because a continuous still image has been obtained in the still image clipping range. If a continuous still image has not been acquired from the set extraction target range, the process proceeds to step S162, and a predetermined number of continuous still images are extracted from the still image extraction range set on the previous range setting screen. This process is the same as step S149 in FIG.
[0071]
Subsequently, in step S163, the display of the print layout 351 using the generated continuous still images is performed. In the present embodiment, since 15 continuous still images are printed on A4 size paper, a total of three pages are printed. Therefore, the next page button 356 or the previous page button 355 is provided, and by operating these buttons, the print layout of all pages can be confirmed. In the drawings, the numbers described in the continuous still image portion are added for convenience to indicate that they are continuous still images (not continuous of the same image).
[0072]
When the print setting button 353 is clicked, it is determined that the print setting is to be changed, and the process proceeds to step S165. In step S165, a print setting input screen (not shown) is displayed, and for example, the following print setting items are set.
[0073]
<Layout>
-Right binding: Printing is performed in a left-handed layout.
-Left binding: Printing is performed in a right-handed layout.
(Default is "Left binding")
<Background>
-None: Nothing is printed around continuous still images.
-Black gradation: A black gradation that changes from the continuous still image toward the margin is printed around the continuous still image.
-Gradation of specified color: A gradation of a specified color that changes from the continuous still image toward the margin is printed around the continuous still image.
(The default is "black gradation")
<Title>
-None: The title name is not printed.
-Print title: Prints the entered character string as the title (can be set to print on the first page only or on all pages).
(Default is "None")
<Shooting date>
-None: Do not print the shooting date and time.
-Print date: Prints the date of shooting (can be set to print only on the first page or all pages)
(Default is "None").
[0074]
After the print settings, the process returns to step S163, and the print layout is displayed with the updated print settings. Thus, the change of the print setting is immediately reflected on the print layout display.
[0075]
If the print button 352 is clicked, the process proceeds from step S166 to step S167, where a continuous still image is printed from the designated printer as shown in FIG. 10B. At this time, the print image is printed as a continuous still image in a reduced size so as to fit in an area of 42 mm × 34 mm with the aspect ratio of the continuous still image cut out from the moving image fixed. The printing quality at that time is to perform printing with the default quality of the designated medium. If the background is designated, the designated background is printed, and if the shooting date and title are designated, they are printed in accordance with the respective designations. Further, in order to clearly indicate the order of the continuous still images, a margin on the side of the continuous still images (a position at the upper right corner in the case of right binding and a position at the upper left corner in the case of left binding in the present embodiment). ) Are printed (FIG. 10A shows an example of left binding, and FIG. 10B shows an example of right binding, where page numbers are given in the upper right corner and the upper left corner, respectively).
[0076]
If save button 354 is clicked, the process proceeds from step S168 to step S169. In step S169, each item set on the paper selection screen, moving image selection screen, range setting screen, and print / save screen (print setting) is saved as one file. For example, the storage items include information on a printer used, information on a cartridge, paper, a moving image file name, a start position for cutting out a still image, an end position for cutting out a still image, and print setting contents (layout, background, etc.). However, the extracted continuous still image data is not stored.
[0077]
The 45 continuous still images obtained as described above are printed on a sheet having perforations as shown in FIG. 23 as shown in FIG. 10B, and these are cut into strip-shaped sheets along the perforations. For example, they can be bundled as shown in FIG. Then, by turning this continuously as shown in FIG. 19, the turning moving image can be observed. Note that FIG. 10B shows a print state of right binding, and FIGS. 18 and 19 show a state of left binding.
[0078]
As described above, according to the print processing application of the present embodiment, it is possible to print out a continuous still image that can be observed as a turning moving image in a desired range of moving image data. It is possible to easily provide a turning video desired by the user.
[0079]
In particular, in the preview function using the preview button 343 of the range setting screen (FIG. 9A) described with reference to FIGS. 9A and 9B, the continuous still images cut out from the specified range are continuously switched and displayed. As shown in FIG. 19, by bundling continuous still images and turning them continuously, it is possible to check the state when the turning moving image is observed, which is convenient. If the user does not like the preview, he / she can immediately specify the still image clipping range again without switching windows, thereby improving operability.
[0080]
Also, if the switching interval of the still images can be set in the preview, a preview according to a desired turning speed can be performed. Further, in the preview, if a configuration is provided in which the switching of the continuous still image is controlled in synchronization with the movement of the knob 349 of the scroll bar 348 as shown in FIG. 9B, the display switching interval can be changed during the continuous display. it can. For this reason, it is possible to realize a preview corresponding to a user's habit (for example, the speed at which the turning start and the turning end are slower than other parts) when observing the turning image, and a more accurate preview of the turning movie can be realized. I can do it.
[0081]
[Details of still image conversion processing]
Next, the details of the still image conversion process in step S149 of FIG. 5 will be described. Reference numerals 360 to 363 in FIG. 9A denote user interfaces for instructing the present processing method.
[0082]
Reference numeral 360 denotes a panel for instructing a method for cutting out a still image. The processing method can be changed by selecting either the equal button 361 or the automatic button 362. When the user selects the 361 equalization button, a continuous still image is generated such that all sections from the section from the print start point to the end point are equally spaced on the time axis. When the automatic button 362 is selected, a continuous still image is generated in such a manner that the sampling interval becomes denser in an intense section in accordance with the intensity of the moving image. The slider 363 specifies the degree of opening of the sampling interval (difference between the sampling interval at the time of sparseness and the sampling interval at the time of denseness). In the case of the leftmost position, the degree of opening of the density is 0, which is the same result as selecting the equal button. When set to the far right, the maximum effect is applied.
[0083]
FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating the method of the present process. The processing flow will be described using this.
[0084]
When the process is started, it is determined in step S401 whether the equalization button 361 or the automatic button 362 has been selected. A still image is acquired so as to be at the sampling interval, and the process ends.
[0085]
If the automatic button 362 has been selected in step S401, the flow advances to step S403 to divide the moving image. The larger the number of divisions, the higher the time resolution of the moving image, but the processing cost increases, and it is meaningless to use more than the number of frames. In this embodiment, the smaller of 180 and the number of frames is set as the number of divisions, and the cutout range is equally divided by the number of divisions.
[0086]
Next, the process proceeds to step S404, where the intensity of the moving image at each division point is calculated. In this method, still images at adjacent division points are obtained, and a similarity distance between two still images is calculated. The algorithm for calculating the similarity distance is not particularly limited.
[0087]
As a simple example, each still image to be compared is divided into a plurality of blocks in a grid pattern in the vertical and horizontal directions, an average value of RGB is calculated for each block, and RGB values of corresponding blocks of the image to be compared are calculated. There is a method in which the sum of squares of the channel difference is obtained, and the similarity distance between the still images is determined.
[0088]
The formula for calculating the inter-frame similarity distance is as shown in the following Expression 1.
[0089]
(Equation 1)

[0090]
Here, the contents of each variable are as follows.
i: Block being processed K: Number of divided blocks P1 _iR : Average value of R channel of i-th block of first image P1 _iG : Average value of G channel of i-th block of first image P1 _iB : First Average value P2 _iR of the B channel of the i-th block of the image: average value P2 _iG of the R channel of the i-th block of the second image: average value P2 _iB of the G channel of the i-th block of the second image. Average value of B channel of i-th block of two images This is performed for all division points.
[0091]
Next, the process proceeds to step S405, and a moving average of the change in the sum of squares with respect to time is obtained. In this embodiment, the average of two points before and after the point of interest and two points after the point of interest and a total of five points is determined, and the change of the moving image at the point of interest is determined to be intense.
[0092]
Increasing the number of points for which the average is obtained has the effect of increasing the sampling density in the vicinity of a rapidly changing portion, instead of locally increasing the sampling density in a rapidly changing portion. Further, a user interface may be provided so that the number of moving average points can be set.
[0093]
After calculating the intensity of the moving image at each time in this way, the process proceeds to step S406, and points are given to each divided section according to the intensity of the moving image. The points are calculated, for example, as shown in Equation 2.
[0094]
(Equation 2)

[0095]
Here, the contents of each variable are as follows.
Dt: Intensity of moving image in divided section t Dmin: Minimum value of intensity of moving image in all sections Dmax: Maximum value of intensity of moving image in all sections A: Effect coefficient B: Offset constant.
[0096]
The effect coefficient A is determined according to the degree of the effect specified by the slider 363 so that the larger the effect, the larger the number. The value is 0 when no effect is applied. The offset B is the number of points to be allocated to the section with the least movement. Note that when Dmin and Dmax are equal, it means that there is no change in the moving image, so that the sampling points may be determined evenly over time.
[0097]
When the number of points at each time is determined as described above, the process proceeds to step S407, and a sampling point is determined. That is, in one section, points are evenly divided in time and approximated, sampling points are determined so that the number of points between samplings becomes uniform, and a still image is obtained. If the interval between the sampling points is shorter than the frame period of the moving image, a plurality of the same still images continue.
[0098]
The above determination of the sampling point will be described more specifically with reference to FIG. The example shown here is a case in which 540 frames exist in the set clipping range of the moving image. In this case, in the process of step S403, the number of divisions is 180 as described above, and frames as division points are extracted at the rate shown in FIG. 27 (in FIG. 27, the frames are indicated by hatched frames). ing). In step S404, the image correlation of each division point is calculated. For example, the image correlation between the M-th frame and the (M + 1) -th frame is calculated by the inter-frame similarity distance shown in Expression 1. As a result, the inter-frame similarity distance for each frame of the division point in FIG. _{27 (D M-1, D} M, D M + 1 , etc.) is obtained.
[0099]
Next, in step S405, a moving average is obtained. For example, the moving average of the (M + 1) th block can be obtained by calculating the average of D _M−1 , D _M , D _{M + 1} , D _{M + 2} , D _{M + 3} . Further, in step S406, the points of each block are calculated using the moving average obtained as described above and Equation 2. In Figure 27 represents the point of the block M as _{P M.}
[0100]
Finally, a sampling point is determined in step S407. First, an average point value to be a sampling interval is determined. That is, a value obtained by dividing the sum of the points of all the blocks by the number of cutouts (n (45 in this example)) is set as the average point value P _ave, and the point value between the sampled frames is set to this P _ave. To Referring to FIG. 27, a point in the block is assigned to a frame in each block. For example, M-th block allocated to each frame divided into three equal parts P _M. Then, a sampling point (a frame to be extracted) is determined so that the sum of these point values is closest to the _Pave . For example, after the 2701 frame is extracted, the point value of each frame is added, and if the value exceeds P _ave in the 2702 frame, the frame 2702 is determined as the sampling point. As described above, the sampling point is determined and a still image is obtained.
[0101]
Still images at division points separated by a predetermined number instead of adjacent division points may be compared. In that case, the intensity of the moving image at the division points is calculated by the following equation (3).
[0102]
[Equation 3]

[0103]
Here, the contents of each variable are as follows.
t: Division point Diff (x, y) being processed: Difference in similarity distance between the image of the x-th division point and the image of the y-th division point n: Smoothing constant
[0104]
Using the values obtained as described above, the above-described calculation of the moving average is performed, and the points are calculated according to Expression 2 to determine the sampling points.
[0105]
According to the above calculation method, by increasing the smoothing constant n, it is possible to increase the sampling density in the vicinity of the rapidly changing portion, instead of locally increasing the sampling density in the rapidly changing portion. effective. In addition,
t <n, t> ln
l: In the processing of the end portion in the number of divisions of the moving image, the intensity of the moving image at t = n and t = ln may be extended.
[0106]
[Details of print processing]
The continuous still image according to the present embodiment is printed on a sheet provided with perforations for cutting into strips, cut into strips along the perforations, and a blank portion provided on the side of the still image. Is used as a binding margin to enable turning video observation. Therefore, unless a still image is printed with high reproducibility at a predetermined position in a strip formed by perforations, the entire image moves when the turning moving image is observed, which becomes unnatural. Generally, the printing position is kept relatively accurately on one sheet of paper. However, when a continuous still image is printed over a plurality of sheets as in the present embodiment, there is a problem of a shift in the entire printing position between different sheets.
[0107]
Generally, the printing position accuracy is low in the transport direction due to the effect of a transport error in the transport direction of the sheet. On the other hand, with respect to the printing position in the direction orthogonal to the transport direction, relatively good accuracy can be obtained by a paper guide or the like. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 12, when the printing is performed in a layout in which the arrangement of the continuous still images and the margins are orthogonal to the transport direction, a strip sheet obtained from one sheet and a strip sheet obtained from the next sheet are printed. The printing position of the continuous still image is more likely to shift vertically in the vertical direction than in the horizontal direction. For this reason, in the turning-over moving image of the present embodiment in which fifteen strip-shaped sheets are obtained from one sheet, between the fifteenth and sixteenth strip-shaped sheets and between the thirty-first and thirty-one strip-shaped sheets. The continuous still image moves vertically between the sheets.
[0108]
According to experiments performed by the present inventors, when observing a flipped moving image, a sense of discomfort is greater when the continuous still images are shifted in the vertical direction than in the horizontal direction. Therefore, in the present embodiment, in the printing process in step S167, a still image is laid out and printed out so as to minimize vertical displacement. Hereinafter, this point will be described.
[0109]
FIG. 13 is a view for explaining a layout in print output of a continuous still image according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 13, in the print output of the present embodiment, each strip is provided with a continuous still image and a margin portion that can be used for binding, but the arrangement of the continuous still image and the margin portion always corresponds to the transport direction. Be in the same direction. As described above, when recording is performed on a plurality of sheets, the printing position accuracy in the direction perpendicular to the transport direction is higher than the printing position accuracy in the transport direction. Therefore, when the print output obtained by the layout as shown in FIG. 13 is separated along the perforations, and the obtained strip-shaped sheets are bundled to observe a turning movie, the horizontal movement of the still image is slightly changed. Although the size of the still image may increase, the position of the still image in the vertical direction coincides with relatively high accuracy. As described above, when continuously turning a still image and observing it, it is easier to feel a sense of incongruity in the vertical direction than in the horizontal direction. It is possible to provide a strip-shaped sheet on which a moving image can be observed.
[0110]
When the paper is conveyed horizontally, it is easy to understand that the layout as shown in FIG. 12 is used. Therefore, in a situation where the paper transport direction can be specified, it is preferable that an appropriate print layout is automatically selected in accordance with the transport direction. In other words, the designated transport direction and paper size are detected, the print layout is determined so that the continuous still images and the margins are arranged in the transport direction, and the printing process is performed.
[0111]
As described above, in the present embodiment, it is possible to lay out and print a continuous still image so that the printing position accuracy in the vertical direction is higher than that in the horizontal direction when observing a flipped moving image.
[0112]
Further, in the print output of the present embodiment, further improvements are made to improve the print image quality of a continuous still image. When printing is performed by repeating recording scanning in the direction perpendicular to the transport direction while transporting the paper, as in an ink jet recording apparatus, transport errors tend to occur in the transport direction, especially at the trailing edge of the paper, and image quality deteriorates. Tend to. This is because, at the rear end of the sheet, the pressing of the sheet becomes loose, the transport error becomes remarkable, the sheet easily floats, and the distance between the recording head and the sheet changes.
[0113]
As described above, when the continuous still images and the margins are arranged so as to be aligned in the paper transport direction, one of the continuous still images and the margins is located at the rear end of the paper. FIG. 14 shows the layout for right binding and the paper transport direction during printing. In the case of the layout as shown in FIG. 14, a margin is provided at the rear end side of the sheet in the sheet transport direction, so that there is no adverse effect on the continuous still image due to the above reason. However, when the layout for the left binding is specified, as shown in FIG. 15, if the recording position of the continuous still image is moved and the layout is shifted so that the margin is to the left of the continuous still image, A continuous still image is arranged on the unit side.
[0114]
In order to solve this, in the present embodiment, the margin is always arranged on the rear end side of the sheet in the layout for right binding and the layout for left binding. In the present embodiment, this is realized by rotating the entire left binding print layout as shown in FIG. 15 further by 180 degrees to obtain a print layout as shown in FIG.
[0115]
FIG. 17 is a flowchart for explaining this print processing. When the printing process in step S168 is started, this process is started.
[0116]
First, in step S301, print setting layout information, that is, information indicating whether the set layout is for left binding or right binding is acquired. When the acquired layout information indicates a layout for right binding, the process proceeds from step S302 to step S304, and a continuous still image is laid out such that a printout as shown in FIG. 14 is made. Then, the process proceeds to step S305, and printout of a continuous still image is executed.
[0117]
On the other hand, if the layout information acquired in step S301 indicates a layout for left binding, the process proceeds from step S302 to step S303. In step S303, the printing position of the continuous still image is moved to the right side of the strip to obtain a state as shown in FIG. 15, and this is rotated 180 degrees to obtain the print layout shown in FIG. Then, the process proceeds to step S305, and printout of a continuous still image is executed. As a result, as shown in FIG. 14 and FIG. 16, a margin is always located at the rear end of the sheet, and it is possible to prevent the image quality of continuous still images from deteriorating.
[0118]
In the above embodiment, the layout rotated by 180 degrees is used in the case of the layout for the left binding, but is not limited to such processing. What is necessary is to make a print layout so that the continuous still image and the margin are arranged along the transport direction and the margin is located at the rear end side of the sheet in the transport direction.
[0119]
In the print layout display in step S163, the continuous still image is always displayed so as to be at the correct position. Therefore, even in the case where the left binding is set in the present embodiment, the layout display is performed so that the continuous still image is at the correct position, that is, as shown in FIG. 10A.
[0120]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, by devising the print layout according to the characteristics of the printing apparatus, specifically, the continuous still image and the margin are arranged along the transport direction, and By adopting a print layout in which a margin is provided on the rear end side of the sheet in the transport direction, it has become possible to provide a high-quality turning movie.
[0121]
The print application according to the present embodiment has been described above. In the above embodiment, the print processing application has been described as operating on an information processing apparatus such as a personal computer. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and all or a part of the functions of the application may be a printer. It may be implemented in a driver, a digital video camera or a printer.
[0122]
Further, in the above-described embodiment, an ink jet printer is assumed as the printer. However, an electrophotographic printer such as a laser printer or a thermal printer may be used.
[0123]
In the above embodiment, the number of continuous still images is fixed at 45, but may be arbitrarily set by the user. Further, for example, when the layout changes depending on the direction of the paper and the number of strip-shaped sheets that can be obtained from one paper changes (for example, when the paper is transported in the horizontal direction and the layout shown in FIG. Only 12 to 12 strip-shaped sheets can be taken), and the total number of continuous still images may be changed accordingly. For example, when a print form as shown in FIG. 12 is designated, 12 × 4 = 48 sheets may be set.
[0124]
[About the strip storage case]
Next, a case will be described in which a plurality of strip-shaped sheets including a continuous still image printed and output as described above are bundled and accommodated, and a turning moving image can be observed.
[0125]
FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a state in which strip-shaped sheets on which continuous still images are printed are bundled and accommodated in the case of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 18, a U-shaped case member 400, a strip-shaped sheet group 410 accommodated in the U-shaped case member 400, a case member 400 and a strip-shaped sheet group 410 are bundled, and the state is maintained. A rubber band 420 is provided as a holding member. FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a state in which the stored moving images are observed by continuously turning the accommodated strips as shown in FIG. FIG. 19 shows a state of left binding (for right-handed use).
[0126]
FIG. 20 is a diagram for explaining the manner of assembling the case according to the present embodiment. The case member 400 is made of a flexible, transparent or translucent material, and has a substantially rectangular first panel 401, a substantially rectangular second panel 402 that faces the first panel 401 when formed in a U-shape, and It includes a third panel 403 connecting the first panel 401 and the second panel 402. As shown in FIG. 21, preferably, the first to third panels are formed from an integral sheet, and the first to third panels are formed by fold lines 410 indicated by dotted lines. The sheet shown in FIG. 21 is configured to be bendable at a fold line 410 as shown in FIG. 20A, whereby the first to third panels 401 to 403 are formed in a U-shape.
[0127]
Next, as shown in FIG. 20B, the stacked strip-shaped sheet group 410 (45 strip-shaped sheets in this example) is inserted between the first panel 401 and the second panel 402. You. Therefore, the length of the third panel (the length in the height direction when formed in a U-shape) is equal to the thickness of 45 strip-shaped sheets stacked.
[0128]
A notch 404 is provided on each long side portion of the first panel 401 and the second panel 402 on the side of the connection portion with the third panel 403. These notches 404 are provided at an equal distance from a connection portion with the third panel 403. The case 400 is formed in a U-shape with the angles formed by the first and third panels and the second and third panels being substantially right angles. Thus, the state where the strips are bundled is maintained (FIGS. 20C and 20D).
[0129]
The first panel 401 is an upper panel that contacts a continuous still image, and the second panel 402 is a panel that serves as a spine. The first panel 401 and the second panel 402 have a size one size larger than the strip-shaped sheet to be accommodated. Thereby, a protection function for the strip-shaped sheet group 410 is provided.
[0130]
By the way, if it is made larger than the strip-shaped sheet accommodating the first panel 401 as the upper panel, there is a problem that, when trying to roll continuously, several strip-shaped sheets at the beginning are rolled simultaneously. Therefore, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 22 and the like, the notch 405 is provided so that the accommodated strips are exposed, so that the leading strip-shaped sheet comes into contact with a finger when continuously turned. It is. Thus, the leading strip-shaped sheet can be reliably turned one by one. The width of the notch 405 is set so that a human finger (thumb) can touch the strip and turn naturally. Note that the cutout shape is not limited to an arc shape.
[0131]
In the case where the strip-shaped sheet has an edge around the continuous still image, the cut depth may be set so that only the edge is exposed (FIG. 22B). In this way, since the continuous still image itself is not exposed, the image can be reliably protected.
[0132]
Further, the second panel 402 is a panel serving as a spine. Like the first panel 401, it is preferable that the second panel 402 has a size slightly larger than the rectangular sheet. By providing such a second panel 402, it is possible to reliably protect the strip-shaped sheets and to easily turn one sheet at a time to the last page when a continuous turning operation is performed. is there. That is, when the second panel 402 does not exist or is smaller than the strip-shaped sheet, a plurality of pages are turned simultaneously at the end, and a problem that the turning-moving image cannot be observed correctly occurs. According to this, by providing the second panel, it is possible to easily and surely turn one sheet at a time to the last page.
[0133]
Further, it is desirable that the notch 404 described above has a depth such that the accommodated strip is slightly exposed, as shown in FIG. By forming the notch in this manner, the position of the rubber band 420 is prevented from being shifted by the notch 404, and by bringing the strip-shaped sheet and the rubber band 420 into contact, more preferably and effectively, the strip-shaped sheet group 410 is formed. The housed state can be maintained. Further, according to the holding mechanism using rubber bands of the present embodiment, it is possible to provide a holding means for holding the strip group 410 effectively with an extremely simple configuration. Further, when the strip-shaped sheet group is directly sandwiched by a clip or the like, the strip-shaped sheet may be damaged by the clip. However, according to the present embodiment, since the rubber band 420 is applied while being protected by the case, there is no risk of damaging the strip-shaped sheet.
[0134]
In addition, a notch may be provided at a position corresponding to the notch 404 when each strip-shaped sheet is stored in the case member 400. This can be realized by providing a sheet as shown in FIG. 24, for example. This sheet is provided with a hole 601 that forms a notch on a perforation 602. In the case of such a configuration, the rubber band 420 fits the notch 404 of the case member and the notch of each strip-shaped sheet, and can more reliably hold the accommodated strip-shaped sheet.
[0135]
It should be noted that a plurality of sets of notches may be provided so that a plurality of notches can be bundled using a plurality of rubber bands.
[0136]
[Other embodiments]
The present invention can be applied to a system including a plurality of devices (for example, a host computer, an interface device, a reader, a printer, etc.), but it can be applied to a device including one device (for example, a copier, a facsimile device, etc.) May be applied.
[0137]
Further, an object of the present invention is to provide a storage medium storing a program code of software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or an apparatus, and a computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus to store the storage medium. It is needless to say that the present invention can also be achieved by reading and executing the program code stored in the program.
[0138]
In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the function of the above-described embodiment, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.
[0139]
As a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, a flexible disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a CD-R, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card, a ROM, and the like can be used.
[0140]
When the computer executes the readout program code, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also an OS (Operating System) running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that a part or all of the actual processing is performed and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.
[0141]
Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into a memory provided on a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function expansion is performed based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that a CPU or the like provided in the board or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.
[0142]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, in extracting a predetermined number of still images from a desired range in a moving image, it is possible to automatically change the sampling density in accordance with the degree of change in the moving image. In addition, it is possible to respond to the user's request with a simple operation.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming system according to an embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the information processing apparatus 100 of the image forming system illustrated in FIG. 1 from the viewpoint of a software configuration.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a process executed when a sheet selection screen is selected.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a process executed when a moving image selection screen is selected.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a process executed when a range setting screen is selected.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a process executed when a print / save screen is selected.
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a display example of a paper selection screen.
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a display example of a moving image selection screen.
FIG. 9A is a diagram showing a display example of a range setting screen.
FIG. 9B is a diagram showing a preview operation interface on a range setting screen.
FIG. 10A is a diagram showing a display example of a print / save screen.
FIG. 10B is a diagram showing a print output example.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating still image conversion processing in steps S149 and S162 in more detail.
FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating the effect of a paper transport error on printing a continuous still image.
FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating the effect of a paper transport error on the printing of a continuous still image.
FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a print layout for right binding according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a problem when a print layout is set for left binding.
FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a print layout for left binding according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a print layout process according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a strip-shaped sheet on which a continuous still image is printed is housed in the case of the present embodiment.
FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a turning movie is observed using a strip-shaped sheet accommodated in the case according to the embodiment.
FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating a procedure for assembling the case according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating a member configuration of a case according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a configuration of a notch in the case of the present embodiment.
FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating a sheet for printing a continuous still image in the present embodiment.
FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating another form of a sheet for printing a continuous still image in the present embodiment.
FIG. 25 is a diagram showing a print output of a continuous still image in the related art.
26 is a diagram illustrating a state in which strip-shaped sheets obtained from the print output illustrated in FIG. 25 are bundled and a turning moving image is observed.
FIG. 27 is a diagram illustrating a method for determining a sampling point according to the present embodiment.

Claims (1)

An image processing device that outputs a plurality of continuous still images based on moving image data,
Specifying means for specifying a desired range for the moving image data;
Determining means for determining a sampling point based on the degree of conversion of the moving image represented by the moving image data within the desired range,
Generating means for generating a predetermined number of continuous still images from the desired range of the moving image data according to the sampling points determined by the determining means;
An output unit that outputs the continuous still image generated by the generation unit.

Images