JP2000132151A - Information processing system and its display method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an information processing system capable of realizing an image display of a quality desirable for user, and its display method. SOLUTION: The number of picture elements present within the display area of an image to be displayed (S102) is calculated, then the size of the display area is calculated (S103), and the display resolution of the image to be displayed is calculated from the calculated number of picture elements and display area size (S104). When the calculated display resolution is lower than the resolution of a display device (Yes is S105), this is alarmed (S106).

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an information processing system having an image display function and a display method therefor.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In order to display (display and print) an image, it is necessary to scale the pixels of the image in accordance with the area of the display area. This scale factor, that is, “the number of pixels per unit area” is called “image resolution”. The larger the numerical value, the higher the definition of the image, and the lower the numerical value, the coarser the image.

On the other hand, a display device (display / printer) also has a mechanical performance of “display resolution: number of display pixels per unit area”. Recent high-definition printers have realized a photographic image quality by providing a display resolution of 1000 dpi (dpi = pixel / inch) or more, and have enabled output in a large format. Even with such a high-definition printer, when the image resolution of the input image is low, or when the image data having a high image resolution but having a small size (small number of pixels) is enlarged and printed, the texture of the output image is poor. It becomes rough and unbearable.

[0004]

The problem in the above conventional example will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 11. FIG.

[0005] Consider a case where a service-version photo original is read by a scanner and output by a high-definition printer. The scanner 11 shown in FIG. 2 scans the photo document as the display target image shown in FIG. The system 12 sends this data to the printer 13 and prints it in A3 size. The resolution of the output image shown as output result 1 in FIG. 11 is a very rough image of about 100 dpi, but this result is the same even in a high-definition printer having an output function of about 1000 dpi, and the function of the printer cannot be fully utilized. In other words, the image quality of the photo original is wasted. In the case of a service provided for business use, not only the cost of printing paper and ink is wasted, but also the betrayal of the user's trust in image quality.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and has as its object to provide an information processing system capable of realizing image display with a desired image quality for a user and a display method thereof.

Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to save the trouble of the user setting by automatically setting the minimum allowable resolution that is optimal for the display size, and to easily realize the image display with the desired image quality for the user. It is an object of the present invention to provide an information processing system providing a simple interface and a display method thereof.

[0008]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention calculates the number of pixels and the display area size in a display area of an image to be displayed in an information processing system having an image display function. A first calculating unit, a second calculating unit that calculates a display resolution of the display target image based on the calculated number of pixels and a display area size, wherein the calculated display resolution is lower than the resolution of the display device. And a warning means for warning that effect.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a display method for an information processing system having an image display function, comprising calculating a number of pixels in a display area of a display target image and a display area size. 1 calculation step, a second calculation step of calculating the display resolution of the display target image based on the calculated number of pixels and the display area size, and when the calculated display resolution is lower than the resolution of the display device, And a warning step for giving a warning to that effect.

[0010]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the information processing system according to the embodiment. This information processing system includes a central processing unit 1, a storage device 2, a keyboard 3
, The mouse 4 and the display device 5 constitute a main part thereof.

The central processing unit 1 includes a CPU for controlling the entire system according to a program described later,
And a RAM for storing a work area and various tables used by the CPU when executing processing.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the print service mechanism in the embodiment. The main part of this system includes a scanner 11, an information processing system 12, and a printer 13.

[First Embodiment] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an image display method according to the first embodiment.
With the recent advances in image processing technology and improvements in the performance of input / output devices, the “print service” has become popular, in which image data is subjected to various types of image processing to add value to images before printing. I have. This "Print Service"
What is done in is as follows.

The user A has a service size (8.5 cm ×
A photograph P of 12.5 cm) is brought in, and the entire photograph P is stretched to A3 size and printed. Further, assuming that the scanning resolution of the scanner 11 is 300 dpi and the maximum resolution of the printer 13 is 720 dpi, and the purpose is to enlarge and print "the entire photo", the display area of the display target image is the entire photo.

From the “list of input devices” displayed on the display device 5 of the information processing system 12, “scanner” is selected and clicked using the mouse 4 to select it. The central processing unit 1 detects that “scanner” is selected as the input device, and transmits a processing start command to the scanner 11. Thereby, the scanner 11 completes the operation check of the device,
A notification of completion of processing preparation is transmitted to the central processing unit 1. Upon receiving this notification, the central processing unit 1 displays an instruction screen for prompting the user to “read image data” on the display device 5.

Next, the user A places the photograph P on the scanner 11 and clicks “read image data: start” displayed on the display device 5 with the mouse 4. The scanning instruction is started by this click, and the scanner 11 scans the photograph p and transmits image data to the information processing system 12. The central processing unit 1 displays the read image data I on the display device 5.

Next, after confirming the displayed contents, the user A designates a print size (to what size should be enlarged?). It is assumed that the storage device 2 holds a default print size in advance. If the user A wants to change the output size, he or she clicks and selects “Change output size” displayed on the display device 5 with the mouse 4 to open a setting screen, and Can also be reset. The value reset here is stored in the storage device 2.

As described above, when the print size desired by the user A is determined, the user A clicks the “print execution” displayed on the display device 5 with the mouse 4. The processing after this click will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

First, in step S 101, the central processing unit 1 reads “resolution of currently connected printer: dpi = Pixel / inch” stored in the storage device 2. In this embodiment, the resolution of the printer is 7
20 dpi. Then, in step S102, the central processing unit 1 calculates the number of pixels in the display area of the display target image from the image data I. In this embodiment,
Since the image data I is read at a scanner resolution of 300 dpi and a photograph size of 8.5 × 12.5 cm, the number of pixels is 1004 × 1476 (pixels) wide.

Next, in step S103, the central processing unit 1 reads the print size stored in the storage device 2. In the embodiment, since the A3 size is specified as the print size, the print size is a width of 11.69.
3 × 16.535 (inch) height. Then, in step S104, the central processing unit 1 executes the above-described step S104.
The number of pixels of the image data I obtained in step 102 (1004 × 14
76 pixels) and the image resolution when the image data I is displayed at the print size from the print size (11.693 × 16.535 inch) obtained in step S103.
(pixel / inch) is calculated. In this embodiment, the resolution of the print image is 86 × 89 (pixel / inch).

Next, in step S105, the central processing unit 1 compares the resolution of the printer obtained in step S101 with the expected display resolution of the image obtained in step S104. As a result, when the display resolution of the image is smaller than the resolution of the printer, the performance of the printer cannot be utilized. That is, since the print quality may be insufficient, the process proceeds to step S106 to display a warning screen as shown in FIG. If the display resolution of the image is equal to or larger than the resolution of the printer, the process proceeds to step S107. In the case of the above example, a warning screen is displayed because the resolution of the print image clearly does not satisfy the printer resolution.

After going through the above procedure, step S107
, The image data I is sent from the information processing system 12 to the printer 13 and printed at the lower one of the printer resolution determined at step S101 and the display resolution determined at step S104.

Also, by introducing the concept of "minimum allowable resolution", "even if the resolution is slightly lower than the printer, no warning screen is displayed if the resolution is within the minimum allowable resolution".
Control can be performed in this way, and the user's labor can be saved.
The "minimum allowable resolution" can be set by the user from a screen as shown in FIG. In this example, the user is "directly specifying the resolution (fixed even if the printer changes)"
And "Method to specify in% of" up to X% of printer performance "(printer resolution changes when printer changes, so printing resolution changes as a result)" You can set the value.

[Second Embodiment] Next, a second embodiment according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an image display method according to the second embodiment. However, steps S201 to S205 in the figure are exactly the same as steps S101 to S105 described in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted. The same applies to “minimum allowable resolution”, and a description thereof will be omitted.

In step S205, if the display resolution of the image is smaller than the resolution of the printer, the performance of the printer cannot be utilized. That is, since the print quality may be insufficient, the process proceeds to step S206 to notify the fact, and a warning screen as shown in FIG. 6 is displayed. Next, in step S207,
Using the GUI prepared on this screen, the user A selects one of “print interruption”, “print execution with risk of low resolution”, and “change of print size”. Here, when "change of print size" is selected, step S2 is performed.
In step 08, a screen for changing the print size as shown in FIG. 7 is displayed, and the print size is changed. In this embodiment, A3 is specified as the print size. However, if the print size is changed to A5 on this screen, the resolution of the print image becomes 172 × 178 (pixel / inch). As shown in FIG. 8, printing is more valuable in printing with a small print size and high image quality (output result 2) than in printing with a large print size and a coarse image (output result 1).

Through these procedures, step S209
, The image data I is transmitted from the information processing system 12 to the printer 13, and “the resolution of the printer obtained in step S 201” and “the resolution obtained in step S 204 if the print size is not changed in step S 207” Step S if print size is changed
Print at the lower resolution of “new resolution determined in step 208”.

As described above, according to the second embodiment, by reducing the print size, the quality of the printed image can be expected to be improved at least about twice.

Third Embodiment Next, a third embodiment according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

In the third embodiment, in order to save the user from having to specify the “minimum allowable resolution” described in the first and second embodiments, the “minimum allowable resolution suitable for the print size” is set in the system. This is to automatically determine.

The “print size and minimum allowable resolution” of all the prints performed in the past as shown in FIG.
Is prepared, and the content of this data table is updated each time printing is performed. When printing is newly performed, the lowest allowable resolution that is used most frequently for the currently specified print size is read from the data table and used as a default value. As a result, the user can use the previous value as it is, unless it is necessary to change the value, thereby saving the trouble of viewing the screen every time. It is also possible to set and use a default value of the data table shown in FIG. 14 as an initial value when the screen shown in FIG. 13 is opened.

Further, instead of the data table shown in FIG. 14, a data table of "print size and print resolution" shown in FIG. 15 may be used.

[Fourth Embodiment] Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

In the fourth embodiment, the "minimum allowable resolution" is not set to be suitable for a mere display size as in the third embodiment, but is automatically set to "minimum allowable resolution suitable for the quality of an image to be displayed". It is to determine.

More specifically, when the user sets the "minimum allowable resolution" using a screen as shown in FIG. 17, the quality of the image to be printed now can be set. Then, a data table of “image quality and minimum allowable resolution” of all prints performed in the past as shown in FIG. 16 is prepared in the storage device 2, and new data is set on the screen shown in FIG. The table contents are updated each time. By performing such processing, even an inexperienced user can easily obtain a desired minimum allowable resolution based on past results.

[Fifth Embodiment] Next, a fifth embodiment according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

In the fifth embodiment, when the user specifies a portion of the image data I to be displayed / printed on the display device 5 and only the specified range is trimmed, the print allowable resolution determined in advance is used. The specified range can be narrowed only in a range exceeding the range. Here, an example is shown in which the user A brings in a photograph P of a service size (8.5 cm × 12.5 cm), reads this photograph P from the scanner 11 at a resolution of 300 dpi, and displays the photograph P on the display device 5 of the information processing system 12. Will be described. It is also assumed that the resolution of the printer 13 is 72 dpi.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing an image display method according to the fifth embodiment. First, step S
In 301, the central processing unit 1 stores the “resolution of the currently connected printer: dpi = p” stored in the storage device 2.
pixel / inch ”. In this example, 72 dpi is read as the resolution of the printer. Next, in step S302, the central processing unit 1 calculates the number of pixels (pixels) of the display target image from the image data I. In this example, the image data I is the resolution of the scanner (300
(dpi) and read at the photo size (8.5 × 12.5 cm), the number of pixels is width 1004 × height 14
76 (pixels).

Next, in step S303, the central processing unit 1 calculates the printer resolution (72 dpi) obtained in step S301 and the number of pixels (1004 × 1476) pixels of the image data I obtained in step S302.
The display allowable area size (inch) required to display the image data I at the resolution of the printer is calculated. In this example, the display allowable area size is 13.9 × 20.5 (inch).

Next, in step S304, the central processing unit 1 compares the area size just instructed from the trimming setting screen as shown in FIG. 19 with the display allowable area size obtained in step S303. Here, when the designated display area is smaller than the display allowable area, the performance of the printer cannot be utilized. That is, since there is a possibility that the print quality is insufficient, the process proceeds to step S305 to notify the fact, and a warning screen as shown in FIG. 20 is displayed. Then, in the following step S306, the area size just instructed from the trimming setting screen is regarded as invalid data and eliminated, and if necessary, a trimming operation other than reduction is continued to set a desired display size.

Through such a procedure, a trimming area of the image data I is set, and in step S304,
If the specified display area is equal to or larger than the display allowable area, the process proceeds to step S307, the display area of the display target image is determined, and only that range is displayed.

[Sixth Embodiment] In the second embodiment,
"Change print size" when print quality cannot be obtained
Although the method has been described, the method may be changed by “setting of print range” on the screen shown in FIG. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, when the printing range is a range surrounded by a rectangle in the image, increasing this range increases the number of pixels in the display area. It goes without saying that the quality of the output image is high. Instead of changing the print range, a change in “print allowable resolution” as shown in FIG. 12 may be performed.

[Seventh Embodiment] In the third embodiment,
The "minimum allowable resolution suitable for the print size" was automatically determined using the data table shown in FIG. 14, but this data table was developed to "print size and print resolution".
By learning the relationship, it is also possible to automatically determine the most suitable printer for the print size and to extend the print destination.

Eighth Embodiment In the first and second embodiments, the warning screen is displayed when the resolution is lower than the “resolution of the printer”. However, the “resolution of the display device 5 (display) and the resolution of the image data I” are displayed. May be warned when the value falls below "." Further, a GUI may be provided to allow the user to set which of these is set to the “reference resolution”.

[Ninth Embodiment] In the third and fourth embodiments, the setting of the “minimum allowable resolution” is described based on the “resolution of the printer”. And the resolution of the image data I). Also, a GUI may be provided so that the user can set which of these is to be used as a reference.

[Tenth Embodiment] In the fifth embodiment, the case of trimming the “range not lower than the printable resolution” has been described as an example. However, “the resolution of the display device 5 (display) and the image data I Within a range not lower than the resolution of the image.

[Eleventh Embodiment] FIGS. 4, 6, 7, and
On each of the screens shown in FIGS. 9, 12, and 13, a preview function may be further provided to monitor the output state when printing (displaying) at the currently designated resolution. In such a case, the purpose of confirming the image quality is divisible mainly, and by displaying only a part of the image, the memory space and drawing speed required for display can be effectively utilized.

Further, all the screen designs used in the above-described embodiments are not limited to these.
It goes without saying that various modifications are possible.

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 can be applied to a single device (for example, a copier, a facsimile). Device).

Further, an object of the present invention is to supply 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 (CPU or MP) of the system or apparatus.
It goes without saying that U) can also be achieved by reading and executing the program code stored in the storage medium.

In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium implements the functions of the above-described embodiment, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

As a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, a floppy (registered trademark) disk,
Hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-
A ROM, a CD-R, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card, a ROM, and the like can be used.

When the computer executes the readout program code, not only the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized, but also the OS (Operating System) running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. ) May perform some or all of the actual processing, and the processing may realize the functions of the above-described embodiments.

Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, based on the instructions of the program code, It goes without saying that the CPU included in the function expansion board or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.

[0056]

As described above, according to the present invention,
Image display can be realized with a desired image quality for the user.

Further, by automatically setting the minimum allowable resolution that is optimal for the display size, the trouble of setting by the user can be saved.

Further, it is possible to provide an easy interface for realizing image display with a desired image quality for the user.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a print service mechanism according to the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an image display method according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a display example of a screen used in the image display method according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an image display method according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a display example of a screen used in the image display method according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a display example of a screen for changing a print size according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an output result by the image display method according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a display example of a screen according to a modification of the second embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation according to a modification of the second embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of an output effect by a conventional image display method.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a display example of a screen according to a modification of the second embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a display example of a screen used in the image display method according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data table used in the third embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of another data table used in the third embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data table used in the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a display example of a screen used in the image display method according to the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating an image display method according to the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating a display example of a screen used in the image display method according to the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating a display example of a screen used in the image display method according to the fifth embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Central processing unit 2 Storage device 3 Keyboard 4 Mouse 5 Display device 11 Scanner 12 Information processing system 13 Printer

Claims (13)

[Claims] 1. An information processing system having an image display function, wherein: first calculating means for calculating the number of pixels in a display area of a display target image and a display area size; and the calculated number of pixels and display area size. A second calculating means for calculating a display resolution of the display target image based on the information, and a warning means for warning when the calculated display resolution is lower than the resolution of the display device. Processing system. 2. A means for allowing a user to select whether to display on a display device while the display resolution is low or to change the display size or display area size in accordance with the resolution of the display device before displaying. The information processing system according to claim 1, comprising: 3. Further, irrespective of the resolution of the display device,
Means for setting a minimum permissible resolution for display, or permitting up to what percentage of the resolution of the display device, and allowing the user to select a display within a range of resolutions. The information processing system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein 4. A data table indicating a relationship between a display size of an image to be displayed and a minimum allowable resolution, wherein the content of the data table is updated from the minimum allowable resolution set by the user and the display size of the image at that time. 4. The information processing system according to claim 3, wherein a minimum allowable resolution most suitable for a currently specified display size is automatically calculated from the contents of the data table. 5. The information processing system according to claim 3, further comprising a data table indicating a relationship between a print type and a print resolution, and enabling a user to easily set a minimum allowable resolution. 6. The information processing system according to claim 1, further comprising a trimming function for enlarging and displaying a part of the image, and controlling a trimming area of the image within a range of the display area size. 7. A display method for an information processing system having an image display function, comprising: a first calculation step of calculating the number of pixels in a display area of a display target image and a display area size; A second calculating step of calculating a display resolution of the display target image based on a display area size; and a warning step of warning when the calculated display resolution is lower than the resolution of the display device. Display method of the information processing system. 8. A step of allowing a user to select whether to display on the display device while the display resolution is low or to change the display size or display area size according to the resolution of the display device before displaying. The display method of the information processing system according to claim 7, comprising: 9. Further, irrespective of the resolution of the display device,
Setting a minimum allowable resolution for display, or allowing the user to select a resolution up to what percentage of the resolution of the display device, and allowing the user to select a display if the resolution is within the range. The display method of the information processing system according to claim 7 or 8, wherein 10. A content of the data table is updated from a minimum allowable resolution set by a user and a display size of an image at that time by using a data table indicating a relationship between a display size of a display target image and a minimum allowable resolution. 10. The display method for an information processing system according to claim 9, wherein a minimum allowable resolution most suitable for a currently specified display size is automatically calculated from the contents of the data table. 11. The display of the information processing system according to claim 9, further comprising the step of allowing the user to easily set the minimum allowable resolution by using a data table indicating a relationship between a print type and a print resolution. Method. 12. The display method according to claim 7, further comprising controlling a trimming area of the image within a range of the display area size by a trimming function for enlarging and displaying a part of the image. 13. A storage medium for storing a computer-readable program code, comprising: a first calculation function for calculating the number of pixels in a display area of a display target image and a display area size; A second calculating function for calculating the display resolution of the display target image based on the number of pixels and the display area size; A storage medium for storing a program code, wherein a computer implements a warning function to be executed.