JP2003143537A - Method and device for processing image and printer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To acquire a prescribed number of consecutive still pictures regardless of the width of a desired range by making it possible to acquire the prescribed number of consecutive still pictures from a desired range in a moving image. SOLUTION: In a printing application for printing a plurality of consecutive still pictures that can be observed as moving images by making the pictures appear consecutively on the basis of moving image data, a user interface is provided for designating a desired range of the moving image data. Whether to be able to extract the prescribed number of frames from the designated range is decided (step S204), and in the case of being extractable, the prescribed number of frames are extracted from the desired range to generate consecutive still pictures (S207). Meanwhile, if it is decided that the frames are unextractable, the extractable number of frames are extracted from the desired range to generate consecutive still pictures, and the desired number of consecutive still pictures are obtained by making up for insufficient frames with the repeated utilization of the same frame (S205 and S206).

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image processing method and apparatus for printing out a plurality of images obtained from moving image data, and a printing apparatus.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art An apparatus has been proposed which prints a continuous motion of a subject as a plurality of images. An example of this type of device is, for example, the one described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-327376.

According to Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 10-327376, a predetermined number of captured images are obtained and stored from the output of the video camera from the instruction to start the shooting until the preset shooting time elapses. It is described that a printout is made as shown in 25. In this printout, a margin portion is provided on the side of each captured image, and the margin portion can be used as a binding margin and bundled as shown in FIG. The user can print the bundled prints as shown in FIG.
By continuously turning as in (b), the captured image can be observed in a moving image. Hereinafter, in the present specification, such a moving image is referred to as a “turning moving image”. In addition, a continuous still image that provides a turning animation is referred to as a continuous still image.

Further, the position of the blank portion of the print output in FIG. 25 can be specified on either the left side or the right side of the picked-up image so that the user can handle the case of right-handed and left-handed. There is. In other words, if you specify that the blank area is provided on the left side of the captured image, you can obtain a printout for right-handed use (for left binding), and if you specify that the blank area is provided on the right side of the captured image, you can use it for left-handed use. You can get a printout (for right binding).

[0005]

Generally, in this type of apparatus, the picked-up images are taken out at a predetermined time interval for the entire range from the start to the end of photographing, and are stored in order to output continuous still images. JP-A-10-327376 mentioned above.
According to the publication, when a desired shooting time of 8 seconds, 10 seconds, and 12 seconds is designated, shooting is performed at the designated shooting time, and captured images are stored at predetermined intervals during the shooting. . For example, if 8 seconds is specified, the captured image is stored every 1/6 second to store 48 captured images, and if 10 seconds is specified, 1/48 is stored to store 48 captured images.
The captured image is stored every 5 seconds.

However, for example, when a photographing time of 10 seconds is designated, but a portion of interest to the user is a portion of 2 seconds to 9 seconds, the photographing included in the first and last 1 seconds. The image becomes useless print output. Further, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-223876 only describes that "a movie may be photographed and individual frames may be cut out from the movie at regular time intervals".

As described above, in the prior art, the image is only cut out for the entire series of photographed moving images, so that there is a problem in that it is impossible to obtain a print output that precisely corresponds to the interest of the user. .

Further, in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 10-327376 and Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2001-223876, there is no concept of setting a designated desired range in a moving image as a cut-out range of a still image. No consideration is given to the case where the desired range is very short and a predetermined number of continuous still images cannot be generated.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and by obtaining a predetermined number of continuous still images from a desired range in a moving image, it is possible to finely respond to a user's request and to specify a desired request. The purpose is to be able to acquire a predetermined number of continuous still images regardless of whether the range is wide or narrow.

[0010]

An image processing apparatus according to the present invention for achieving the above object has the following configuration.
That is, an image processing device for printing a plurality of continuous still images that can be viewed as a turning moving image based on the moving image data, including a designating unit for designating a desired range of the moving image data, and A determination unit that determines whether a predetermined number of frames can be extracted from the desired range, and a predetermined number of frames that are extracted from the desired range when the determination unit determines that the predetermined number of frames can be extracted. When it is determined by the first generation unit that generates a still image and the determination unit that extraction is not possible, a continuous still image is generated by extracting as many frames as possible from the desired range, and the shortage is eliminated. Second generation means for generating the desired number of continuous still images by supplementing the same frame repeatedly.

Further, an image processing method according to the present invention for achieving the above object is an image processing method for printing a plurality of continuous still images that can be observed as a turning moving image based on moving image data. A designating step of designating a desired range of the moving image data, a determining step of determining whether a predetermined number of frames can be extracted from the desired range of the moving image data, and a case of being determined to be extractable in the determining step. ,
A first generation step of extracting a predetermined number of frames from the desired range to generate a predetermined number of continuous still images, and possible from the desired range when it is determined that extraction is not possible in the determination step A second generation step of extracting a desired number of continuous still images by extracting a sufficient number of frames to generate a continuous still image, and supplementing the shortage by repeatedly using the same frame.

Further, the printing apparatus of the present invention which achieves the above object is a printing apparatus which prints a plurality of continuous still images which can be observed as a turning moving image on the basis of the moving image data. Specifying means for specifying the range, determination means for determining whether a predetermined number of frames can be extracted from the desired range of the moving image data, and if the determination means determines that the frames can be extracted from the desired range A first generation unit that extracts a predetermined number of frames to generate a predetermined number of continuous still images, and if the determination unit determines that extraction is not possible, selects a number of frames that is possible from the desired range. Second generation means for extracting and generating continuous still images, supplementing the deficiency by repeatedly using the same frame, and generating the desired number of continuous still images;
A printing unit that prints the predetermined number of continuous still images generated by the generation unit.

[0013]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[System Configuration] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the image forming system according to the present embodiment. The image forming system according to the present exemplary 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.
Composed of and.

The information processing apparatus 100 includes a memory 110, C
PU130, hard disk controller (HDC)
120 and a hard disk (HD) 12 connected to it
1. Floppy (registered trademark) disk controller (FDC) 125 and floppy disk drive (FD) 126 connected thereto, printer controller (PRTC) 140, keyboard / pointing device controller (KB / PDC) 150 and this (KB) and pointing device (PD) 151, CRT controller (CRTC) 1 connected to the
60 and a CRT 161 connected thereto.

Although a mouse is used as the pointing device (PD) in this embodiment, various devices such as a trackball and a touch panel can be used. Further, although the CRT 161 is used as a display in the above-mentioned configuration, it goes without saying that it may be another type of display such as a liquid crystal display or a plasma display.

The memory 110 is, for example, a printer driver 112, which is software for generating print data corresponding to the application 111 and the printer 170, which controls the image editing process in the present invention, and the printer 170.
Area 1 for spooling print data to be supplied to
13. Others include an OS (operating system), a work area, and the like (not shown).

The CPU 130 operates based on the application 111 in the memory 110, the printer driver 112, the OS and the like. When power is turned on, ROM (not shown)
Boot with the boot program stored in
The OS program is loaded into the memory 110 from 21 and the OS is started. Thereafter, the application program is similarly loaded and executed under the control of the OS to function as the image forming system. Further, as a matter of course, the CPU 130 can access the HD 121 via the HDC 120.

The PRTC 140 performs a process of sequentially transmitting the print data stored in the spooler area 113 to the printer 170. KB / PDC150 is KB / PD15
1 is controlled and instruction data from the user, which is input using a keyboard or a mouse, is taken into the device. CRTC1
A controller 60 controls the CRT 161 which is a display device. These blocks 150, 151, 16
A user interface is configured by 0 and 161.

On the other hand, the printer 170 has an information processing device 1
Interface 171 for receiving print data from 00 and notifying the information processing apparatus 100 of various statuses, a printer control unit 172 that mainly interprets received printer data and generates bitmap image data, and a printer control unit 172. The printer engine 173 receives the bitmap image data output from the printer and actually forms an image. Although not shown, an operation panel and the like are also provided. The printer engine 173 may be of any type such as an inkjet type, an electrophotographic type, a heat sensitive type, or the like.

In the above structure, 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 the first stage. Needless to say, this installation is usually sufficient once, unless there is a compelling reason.

FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the information processing apparatus 100 of the image forming system shown in FIG. 1 from the viewpoint of software configuration.

A keyboard or a mouse (KB / PD) 151 is connected to the information processing apparatus 100 as an input device. Further, a printer 170 as an output device and a CRT 161 as a monitor are connected.

Inputs made using a keyboard or mouse are processed by the keyboard / mouse driver 182 and passed to the OS 180. In addition, the information processing device 100
Has application software 111, such as a word processor, spreadsheet, internet browser, etc. Various drawing processing command groups (image drawing commands, text drawing commands, and graphics drawing commands) indicating output images issued by the application software 111 are input to the monitor driver 181 via the OS 180. When printing is performed, the drawing command group is input to the printer driver 112 via the OS 180. The printer driver 112 is software that processes a drawing command group to create print data and causes the printer 170 to print, and the monitor driver 181 is a CRT 16
1 is software for displaying an image.

The information processing apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 1 and FIG.
A personal computer of a generally popular IBM AT compatible machine is used as 0, and Micr is used as the OS 180.
It is possible to use Windows98 ^(R) of osoft.
In addition, such a personal computer has a monitor 1
61. printer 170 and keyboard / mouse 151
The printing system according to the present embodiment is realized by connecting the above and executing the print processing application described below.

In the information processing apparatus 100, the application software 111 uses 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. Output image data is created. When printing an image based on this output image data, the application software 111
Sends a print output request to the OS 180, and the OS 18 provides a drawing command group including a text drawing command for the text data part, a graphics drawing command for the graphics data part, and an image drawing command for the image image data part.
Issue to 0.

When the OS 180 receives the print output request from the application software 111, the printer 1
The drawing command group is passed to the printer driver 112 corresponding to 70. The printer driver 112 processes the print output request and the 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.

When the printer 170 is a raster printer, the printer driver 112 sends the drawing command group
Sequential rasterization, for example, into a band memory having 8-bit depth for each of RGB. Then, after rasterizing all drawing commands, the contents of the page memory are printed by the printer 1.
The data is converted into a printable data format, for example, CMYK data, and sent to the printer 170. The band memory is assigned to the RAM (memory 110), for example.

[Print Processing Application] Next, a print processing application according to the present embodiment, which can operate as the application 111, will be described. The print processing application of the present embodiment extracts a predetermined number of continuous still images from a desired range of moving image data, and prints these on a sheet provided with perforations that can be cut into strip-shaped sheets as shown in FIG. Print continuous still images. A binding margin is formed on each strip-shaped sheet by printing so that a continuous still image and a blank portion are aligned in the longitudinal direction of the strip-shaped sheet. By bundling the strip-shaped sheets thus obtained as shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, it is possible to observe a turning-up moving image. Hereinafter, the operation / function of the print processing application according to the present embodiment will be described in detail.

When the print processing application of this embodiment is activated, a dedicated application window is displayed. Application windows include a paper selection screen (see FIG. 7), a moving image selection screen (see FIG. 8), a range setting screen (see FIG. 9A), and a print / save screen (FIG. 10A).
(See) is prepared. When the print application is started, the paper selection window is displayed as the initial screen, but the present invention is not limited to this. In addition, each screen has a tab (30
1a to 301d) are provided, and by clicking a desired tab, it is possible to shift to a desired screen among the screens of FIGS. 7 to 10A.

The general printing procedure by this print processing application is as follows.・ Set the printer and paper to be used on the paper selection screen ・ Select the desired video file on the video selection screen ・ Set the desired range in the video file selected on the video selection screen on the range setting screen While setting, check whether the set range is appropriate by previewing the turning-up video, and-On the print / save screen, generate a continuous still image consisting of a predetermined number from the desired range set on the range setting screen. Then, this is output by the printer set above.

The details of the operation for each screen will be described below.

First, the paper selection processing executed by displaying the paper selection screen will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 7. FIG. 3 is a flow chart for explaining the processing executed when the paper selection screen shown in FIG. 7 is selected.

In step S101, the name of the printer to be selected is entered in the box 310, and the user is prompted to select the printer. Here, when the ∇ portion on the left side of the box 310 is clicked, a list of available printers is displayed, and the user can select a desired printer from the list. If only one printer is available, that printer is displayed in box 310. An available printer is a printer supported by the printing application, and a printer driver is installed in the information processing apparatus. Further, at the time of starting this application, the printer selected at the end of the previous time is set as the selected printer.

In step S102, the box 311 is used to select the cartridge, and in step S103, the box 312 is used to select the sheet. In addition,
In this embodiment, the paper size is fixed to A4,
A desired paper size may be selectable.

In step S104, it is determined whether or not a tab (one of 301b to 301d) for moving to another screen is selected, and if not selected, the process returns to step S101. If a tab for moving to another screen is selected, the process proceeds to step S105,
The contents set in the boxes 310 to 312 at that time are confirmed as the set contents. It is needless to say that the setting contents can be changed later by selecting the tab 301a from another screen to display the paper selection screen.

Next, the moving picture selection processing executed when the tab 301b is selected and the screen moves to the moving picture selection screen will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 4 is a flow chart for explaining the processing executed when the moving picture selection screen shown in FIG. 8 is selected.

First, in step S121, a process of opening the selected file is performed by the file opening operation of the user. Here, a pop-up window (not shown) for file selection is displayed in response to the clicking of the “Open” button 321, and the user selects a desired moving image file using this.

Next, in step S122, it is determined whether or not the file specified in step S121 is created and saved by the print processing application. In this application, the information for printing the continuous still images can be saved in step S169 in the "print and save" process described later with reference to FIG. If it is determined in step S122 that such an information file has been selected, the moving image reproducing process described below is not performed, and the process proceeds to step S126. The determination in step S122 can be made by referring to, for example, the file extension.

As will be described later, the information file stores the image file name, still image cutout range, and the like. Therefore, in the present embodiment, a configuration is adopted in which the printing / saving screen is automatically switched so that printing can be executed immediately when the information file is opened. That is, when the information file is opened on the moving image selection screen, the step of reproducing the moving image is skipped and the process jumps to the print / save screen (this jump process is not shown in the flowchart). Note that, without adopting such a configuration, even when an information file is selected, moving image reproduction may be enabled as in the case where a normal moving image file is selected.

If the file selected in step S121 is a moving image file that can be processed by this print application, the process proceeds to step S123, and the moving image reproducing area 323 in the moving image reproducing window 322 is displayed at the beginning of the moving image file. Display the image of the frame.

The moving picture playback window 322 is a playback button 3 for instructing the start of playback processing of the selected moving picture file.
24, a pause button 325 for instructing to pause and cancel the reproduction process, and a stop button 32 for stopping the reproduction process
6, move button 327 to move to the beginning of the video file,
It has a user interface including a move button 328 for moving to the end of the moving image file, and a seek bar 329. By dragging the seek bar 329, the display position can be moved to an arbitrary position in the moving image file. Also, during playback of a moving image, the seek bar moves according to the playback position. The time display 330 indicates the position currently being reproduced by the time from the start of reproduction.

When the reproduction button 324 is instructed to reproduce the moving image, 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 although illustration and detailed description of the processing by operation of the other operation buttons are omitted by a flowchart, the content thereof will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

When any one of the tabs 301a, 301c, and 301d for moving to another screen is selected with the moving image file selected, the moving image file designated by the moving image file or the information file is selected. The image file is confirmed, the process is terminated, and the screen is moved to the designated screen (steps S126 and S127). While these tabs are not selected, the above steps S121 to S125 are repeated. It is needless to say that this confirmation content can be changed later by selecting the tab 301b from another screen to display the moving image selection screen.

Next, the range setting process executed when the tab 301c is selected and the range setting screen is displayed will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 9A. FIG. 5 shows FIG. 9A.
8 is a flowchart illustrating a process executed in a state where the range setting screen shown in is selected. On the range setting screen, a desired range (referred to as a still image cut-out range) to be cut out of continuous still images is set from the moving image file.

As shown in FIG. 9A, also in the range setting screen, a moving image reproduction area 323 for reproducing the selected moving image file and various operation buttons 324 to 328,
A video playback window 340 including a seek bar 329 is displayed. However, in the moving image reproduction window 340 of the range setting screen, a start point button 341 and an end point button 34 for setting a desired still image cutout range from the moving image.
2 and a preview button 343 for previewing a continuous still image obtained from the set still image cutout range as a turning movie.

First, the moving image reproduction processing in steps S141 to S143 is performed in the above steps S123 to S125.
Is the same as. That is, selected on the video selection screen,
By displaying the image of the first frame of the selected moving image file in the moving image reproduction area 323 (step S141), clicking the reproduction button 324 (step S1).
42) Start playing the video file (step S).
143).

When the start point button 341 is clicked during the reproduction of this moving image file, the reproduction time at that time is registered as the start point of the still image cutout range (steps S144 and S145). When the end point button 342 is clicked, the reproduction time at that point 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, in order to show the selected still image cutout range, the display color of the portion corresponding to the selected range of the seek bar 329 is changed as shown in FIG. Is displayed so that it can be identified.

In the above, the desired range in the moving image is determined by designating the start point and the end point at desired points during the reproduction of the moving image file, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, move the seek bar 329 to a desired playback position and click the start point button 341 to specify the start point of the still image cutout range, and similarly click the end point button 342 to specify the end point of the still image cutout range. You may do it. In this case, the moving image file does not need to be reproduced by the reproduction button 324, but the image of the frame corresponding to the position designated by the seek bar 329 is displayed in the moving image reproduction area 323.

Further, the above-described method of designating the still image cutout range while reproducing the moving image and the method of designating the still image cutout range using the seek bar may be combined. For example, the seek bar 329 is operated to move to a desired position in the moving image data, and the start point button 341 is clicked to specify the start point of the still image cutout range. Then, the play button 324 is clicked to play the video from that position, and the end point button 342 is played at the desired position.
It is also possible to configure by setting the cutout range by clicking.

Further, in the present embodiment, the start point and the end point of the still image cutout range are registered according to the reproduction time, but the present invention is not limited to this, and a frame number or the like may be used.

The print processing application according to the present embodiment cuts out a predetermined number (45 in this embodiment) of continuous still images at equal intervals from the still image cutout range set as described above. Is to be printed out. The print output of the continuous still images thus obtained is intended to be separated into strips as described above and to be continuously turned so as to be observed as a turning moving image. Therefore, for this purpose, it is desirable to be able to preview a continuous still image so that a pseudo-turning moving image can be observed. Such a preview function is provided in steps S148 to S150 below.

After the still image cutout range is set by the start point and the end point as described above, the preview button 3
When 43 is clicked, the process proceeds from step S148 to step S149 (note that step S149 is not branched unless the still image cutout range is set). In step S149, a predetermined number of continuous still images are generated and acquired from the set still image cutout range. At this time, continuous still images are generated such that the intervals between adjacent continuous still images are all equal intervals (the same number of frames) on the time axis. That is, frames are extracted at equal intervals from the set still image cutout range, and continuous still images are generated from the extracted frames.

The extraction of frames in step S149 can be performed at substantially equal intervals by using the following formula. That is, m = 1 + INT ((n-1) × (M-1) / (N-1) +0.5) However, INT (x) is a function that obtains the value after the decimal point of x is truncated, and M: selection Number of frames in range N: Number of extracted frames (N> 1, fixed to 45 in this embodiment) n: Frame sequence number (1 to N) m: Extracted frame number (1 to M) (M, N, n above) , M are all integers). In the above equation, when M = (N−1) × y + 1 (y is an integer of 1 or more), the intervals between the frames are all equal. Then, in step S150, step S149
The continuous still images generated in step 1 are sequentially displayed in the imaging order so that, for example, 45 sheets are displayed in 2 seconds. At this time, the interval of switching from one still image to the next still image is set to be constant (for example, if 45 continuous still images are displayed in 2 seconds, 2/45 seconds).

If the preview button 343 is clicked again without changing the selection range in the moving image, the generation of the continuous still image has already been completed, so the process of step S149 is omitted.

In this state, if the tabs 301a, 301b, 301d corresponding to other operation screens are clicked, the process proceeds from step S151 to step S152, and the still image cutout range set above is determined. In addition,
Needless to say, the contents of this confirmation 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 is returned to step S141 to repeat the above process. Therefore,
According to this embodiment, since the preview display and the range setting operation can be performed on the same screen (range setting screen), it is possible to immediately re-specify the range after confirming the situation of the turning video in the preview. It has good operability.

In the preview display of continuous still images in step S150, a preview setting panel 344 as shown in FIG. 9B may be provided so that the time required for the display can be set arbitrarily. For example, in FIG.
As shown in 345 of B, if the entire display time can be arbitrarily set and the display is set to 1 second, 1 is displayed.
The continuous still images are switched and displayed every 45 seconds. Further, as indicated by 346 in FIG. 9B, the switching interval of continuous still images may be designated (for example, designated as 0.04 seconds).

Further, manual operation may be possible as shown at 347 in FIG. 9B. In this example, when the slide bar 348 is displayed and the knob 349 is slid by the mouse, the continuous still image is switched and displayed while following this. In this way, in the above-mentioned 345 and 346, the switching interval, which was constant and fixed during continuous display, can be made variable, and a preview that accurately corresponds to the user's turning operation can be displayed.

Next, the processing when the tab 301d is selected and the screen moves to the print / save screen will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the processing executed when the print / save screen shown in FIG. 10A is selected. On this print / save screen, continuous still images obtained from the still image cutout range set on the range setting screen can be printed and cutout information can be saved.

First, in step S161, with respect to the currently set cut-out target range, the above-mentioned step S149 is performed.
It is determined whether or not the still image conversion processing by is performed. If the processing in step S149 is completed, a continuous still image is obtained in the still image cutout range, and thus step S162 is skipped. When the continuous still image is not acquired from the set cutout target range, the process proceeds to step S162, and a predetermined number of continuous still images are cut out from the still image cutout range set on the previous range setting screen. This process is the same as step S149 in FIG.

Subsequently, in step S163, the print layout 351 based on the generated continuous still images is displayed. In the present embodiment, 15 continuous still images are printed on each A4 size sheet, so that a total of 3 pages are printed. Therefore, next page button 3
By providing a 56 or previous page button 355 and operating these buttons, the print layouts of all pages can be confirmed. It should be noted that, in the figure, the numbers described in the continuous still image portion are added for the sake of convenience in order to indicate that these are continuous still images (not the same image is continuous).

When the print setting button 353 is clicked, it is determined that the print setting is changed, and the process proceeds to step S165. In step S165,
A print setting input screen (not shown) is displayed, and the following print setting items are set, for example.

<Layout> Right binding: Printing is performed in a left-handed layout. -Left binding: Print with a right-handed layout. (Default is "Left binding") <Background> -None: Nothing is printed around the continuous still images. -Black gradation: A black gradation that changes from the continuous still image to 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. (Default is "Black gradation") <Title> -None: The title name is not printed. -Print title: The entered character string is printed as a title (printing can be set only on the first page or all pages). (Default is "None") <Shooting date> -None: The shooting date and time is not printed. -Print date: Print the shooting date (It can be set to print only the first page or all pages) (default is "None").

After the print settings, the process returns to step S163 to display the print layout with the updated print settings. In this way, changes in print settings are immediately reflected in the print layout display.

When the print button 352 is clicked,
The process proceeds from step S166 to step S167,
A continuous still image is printed by the designated printer as shown in FIG. 10B. The print image at this time is 42 mm x 34 mm, with the aspect ratio of the continuous still image cut out from the moving image fixed.
A continuous still image is printed with a size reduced to fit in the area of mm. The printing quality at that time is the default quality of the designated medium. Also,
If the background is specified, the specified background is printed, and if the shooting date and title are specified to be printed, they are printed according to each specification. Further, in order to clearly indicate the order of the continuous still images, a margin portion on the side of the continuous still images (in the present embodiment, the position at the upper right corner in the case of right binding, the position at the upper left corner in the case of left binding) ) Is printed (Fig. 1
0B is an example of right binding, and the page number is given in the upper right corner).

If the 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, the moving image selection screen, the range setting screen, and the print / save screen (print setting) is saved as one file. For example, the saved items are the printer used,
Information on the cartridge, paper, moving image file name, still image cutout start position, still image cutout end position, and print setting contents (layout, background, etc.). However, the cut-out continuous still image data is not saved.

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. 10A. If separated into sheets, they can be bundled as shown in FIG. Then, by continuously turning this as shown in FIG. 19, a turning moving image can be observed.

As described above, according to the print processing application of this 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 the turning-over video desired by the user.

In particular, in the preview function by the preview button 343 of the range setting screen (FIG. 9A) described with reference to FIGS. 9A and B, continuous still images cut out from the specified range are continuously switched and displayed. However, as shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, by bundling continuous still images and continuously turning them, it is convenient to check the state when the turning moving image is observed. If the user does not like the preview, the still image cutout range can be immediately specified again without switching the windows, so that the operability is improved.

If the switching interval of still images can be set in the preview, the preview can be performed according to the desired turning speed. Furthermore, in the preview, if a configuration is provided in which the switching of continuous still images is controlled in synchronization with the movement of the knob 348 of the scroll bar 348, the display switching interval can be changed during continuous display. Therefore, it is possible to realize a preview corresponding to the user's habit when observing the turning image (for example, the speed of the turning start and the turning end is slower than other portions), and a more accurate preview of the turning video can be realized. I can do it.

[Supplemental Processing of Continuous Still Images When Number of Frames is Insufficient] As described above, in the present embodiment, the moving image cutout start point and the moving image cutout end point are designated on the range setting screen to You can specify the desired range. Therefore, depending on how to specify the range, there is a possibility that the cutout range of less than 45 frames will be specified. In such a case, step S149,
In S162, 45 continuous still images cannot be generated. Even in such a case, the print processing application of the present embodiment can appropriately obtain 45 continuous still images.

FIG. 11 is a flow chart for explaining still image conversion processing in steps S149 and S162 in more detail.

First, in step S201, the still image cut-out range (start point and end point) set in steps S144 to S147 is read as conversion range information. Then, in step S202, the number of frames included in the still image cutout range is obtained. In step S203, the still image conversion number is read. As described above, the number of still image conversions is 45 because the number is fixed at 45 in this embodiment.

In step S204, step S202
The number of frames included in the still image cutout range obtained in step S4 and the number of still image conversions read in step S203 (45
Compare with. If the number of frames in the cutout range is greater than or equal to the number of still image conversions, 45 continuous still images can be cut out, so the process proceeds to step S207, and a predetermined number of frames are equally spaced by the same method as in step S149 described above. Extract and convert still image.

On the other hand, when the number of frames in the cutout range is smaller than the number of converted still images, it is necessary to compensate for the insufficient number and generate 45 continuous still images. Therefore, step S2
From 04, the process proceeds to step S205. Step S
In 205, all the frames included in the specified still image cutout range are converted into still images. Then, in step S206, the shortage is supplemented by repeatedly using the frames within the still image cutout range. In the present embodiment, the first and / or last frame in time series is repeatedly used (that is, the continuous still image corresponding to the first and / or last frame in time series is repeatedly used). Create a specified number of continuous still images. This is because, when observing a turning-up moving image, it feels strange when the same image is repeated in the middle, but even if the same continuous still image is repeated several times at the beginning or at the end, it does not feel so strange.

Further, the method of replenishing continuous still images may be changed according to the number of repetitions (insufficient number). That is, the frame position used repeatedly may be changed according to the number of insufficient sheets. For example, when the number of shortages is less than or equal to a predetermined threshold, continuous still images in the first and / or last frames are repeatedly used, and when the number of shortages is greater than a predetermined threshold, repeated use of continuous still images is scattered in all frames. Let

As an example, if the ratio of the insufficient number of sheets to the predetermined number is 10% (up to 5 if the number is 45), the last frame is repeated. 10% to 20% (6 sheets) ~ 9 sheets), the first 10
Repeat the last frame up to% (5), and repeat the first frame to fill the remaining shortfall. ・ If 20% is exceeded (10 or more), repeat frames are scattered all over. It is possible to do so. Alternatively, when a shortage amount exceeding 20% occurs, a range designation error may be generated.

Alternatively, the user may specify which frame (frame at which position) to repeat. For example, the user may be allowed to set which of the “last frame” and the “first frame” is repeated.

In the above-mentioned method, the reason why the repetition of the last frame is preferentially used is that it becomes difficult to turn the last page one by one when observing a turning video. This is because a plurality of sheets may be rolled at once. Therefore, the process of replenishing continuous still images by repeating the last frame is a very effective means because it can suppress the influence in print output for observing a turning moving image to a low level and simplify the process itself. .

Further, when repeating continuous still images of the same frame, the image may be subjected to predetermined processing. For example,
When the same image is repeated several times toward the end, the supplementary continuous still image may be generated by gradually reducing the brightness of the image to provide a fade-out effect. Similarly, when several frames are repeated on the leading side, the brightness of the print data may be adjusted so as to have an effect like fade-in, and a continuous still image for supplement may be generated.

[Details of Printing Process] The continuous still image of this embodiment is printed on a sheet of paper perforated for cutting into strips, cut into strips along the perforations, and a still image is obtained. The margins provided on the sides of the sheet are bundled together as a binding margin to enable observation of the turning-up moving image. Therefore, unless a still image is printed with good reproducibility at a predetermined position within the strip formed by the perforations, the entire image moves when observing a turning motion image, which is unnatural. In general, 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 arises a problem that the entire print position shifts between different sheets.

Generally, the printing position accuracy is low in the carrying direction due to the effect of the carrying error in the carrying direction of the paper. On the other hand, at 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 printing is performed in a layout in which the continuous still images and the margins are arranged orthogonally to the transport direction, strip sheets obtained from one sheet and strip sheets obtained from the next sheet. With the sheet-like sheet, the printing positions of continuous still images are more likely to shift in the vertical direction than in the horizontal direction. Therefore, in the turning-over moving image of this embodiment in which 15 strip-shaped sheets are obtained from one sheet,
The continuous still image moves vertically between the fifth and 16th strip sheets and between the 30th and 31st strip sheets.

According to the experiments conducted by the present inventors, when observing a turning motion image, a sense of discomfort is greater when the continuous still images are vertically displaced than when they are horizontally displaced. 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 the vertical shift. Hereinafter, this point will be described.

FIG. 13 is a view for explaining the layout in the print output of continuous still images according to this 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 blank portion that can be used for binding, but the continuous still image and the blank portion are always aligned in the transport direction. Make sure they are in the same direction. As mentioned above,
When recording on a plurality of sheets, the printing position accuracy in the direction orthogonal to the carrying direction is more accurate than the printing position accuracy in the carrying direction. Therefore, when the print output obtained in the layout as shown in FIG. 13 is separated along the perforations and the obtained strip-shaped sheets are bundled to observe a page-turning moving image, the still image is slightly moved in the left-right direction. Although it may be large, the vertical positions of the still images match with each other with relatively high accuracy. As described above, when continuously observing still images, vertical movement is more likely to cause discomfort than horizontal movement. It becomes possible to provide a strip-shaped sheet on which a moving image can be observed.

When the paper is conveyed in a landscape orientation,
It is easy to understand to use the layout as shown in FIG. Therefore, in a situation where the conveyance direction of the paper can be designated, it is preferable that an appropriate print layout is automatically selected according to the conveyance direction. That is, it is configured such that the designated conveyance direction and the paper size are detected, the print layout is determined so that the continuous still image and the margin portion are arranged in the conveyance direction, and the printing process is performed.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to lay out and print continuous still images so that the printing position accuracy in the vertical direction is higher than that in the horizontal direction when observing the curled moving image.

Further, in the print output of this embodiment,
Further improvements have been made to improve the print quality of continuous still images. When printing is performed by repeating recording scan in a direction orthogonal to the transport direction while transporting the paper like an inkjet recording device, in the transport direction, a transport error is likely to occur particularly at the trailing end of the paper, and the image quality is deteriorated. Tend to do. This is because the pressing of the paper becomes loose at the trailing edge of the paper, the conveyance error becomes remarkable, the paper easily floats, and the distance between the recording head and the paper changes.

As described above, when the continuous still image and the blank portion are arranged side by side along the sheet conveying direction, one of the continuous still image and the blank portion is located at the rear end portion of the sheet. . FIG. 14 shows a layout for right binding and a sheet conveyance direction during printing. In the case of the layout as shown in FIG. 14, the margin portion is located on the trailing edge side of the sheet with respect to the sheet conveying direction, so that there is no adverse effect on the continuous still image due to the above reason. However, when the layout for left binding is specified, as shown in FIG. 15, if the recording position of the continuous still image is moved and laid out so that the margin part is on the left side of the continuous still image, the rear end of the sheet is Continuous still images will be placed on the side of the department. Therefore, 1
There is a possibility that the print quality of the continuous still images of Nos. 1 to 15 will deteriorate.

In order to solve this, in the present embodiment,
Whether it's a right binding layout or a left binding layout,
Make sure that the margin is located on the trailing edge of the paper.
In the present embodiment, this is realized by further rotating the entire left-side binding print layout as shown in FIG. 15 by 180 degrees to obtain a print layout as shown in FIG.

FIG. 17 is a flow chart for explaining this print processing. When the printing process in step S168 is started, this process is started.

First, in step S301, print setting layout information, that is, information indicating whether the set layout is for left binding or for right binding, is acquired. When the acquired layout information represents the right binding layout, the process proceeds from step S302 to step S304, and the continuous still images are laid out so that the printout shown in FIG. 14 is performed. And
In step S305, print output of continuous still images is executed.

On the other hand, when the layout information acquired in step S301 represents the layout for left binding, the process proceeds from step S302 to step S303. Step S3
In 03, the print position of the continuous still image is moved to the right side of the strip to be in the state as shown in FIG. 15, and this is rotated 180 degrees to obtain the print layout shown in FIG. And step S
Proceeding to 305, print output of continuous still images is executed.
As a result, as shown in FIGS. 14 and 16, the margin portion is always located at the trailing edge of the sheet, and the deterioration of the image quality of continuous still images can be prevented.

In the above embodiment, the layout rotated 180 degrees is used in the case of the left binding layout, but the layout is not limited to such processing. What is necessary is to arrange the continuous still image and the blank area along the carrying direction, and to arrange the printing layout so that the blank area is on the trailing edge side of the paper in the carrying direction.

In the print layout display in step S163, the continuous still image is always displayed so as to be in the normal position. Therefore, even when the left binding is set in the present embodiment, the layout display is performed so that the continuous still image is in the normal position, that is, as shown in FIG. 10A.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the print layout is devised in accordance with the characteristics of the printing apparatus, so that the continuous still image and the blank space are arranged side by side in the transport direction. In addition, by adopting the print layout in which the margin portion is located on the trailing edge side of the paper in the transport direction, it is possible to provide a high-quality curling moving image.

The print application of this embodiment has been described above. In the above embodiment, the print processing application is described as operating on an information processing device such as a personal computer, but the present invention is not limited to this, and all or some of the functions of the application may be performed by the printer. It may be implemented in a driver, a digital camera, a digital video camera or a printer.

In the above embodiment, the ink jet printer is assumed as the printer, but an electrophotographic printer such as a laser printer or a heat sensitive printer may be used.

In the above embodiment, the number of continuous still images is fixed at 45, but it may be set by the user. In addition, for example, when the layout changes depending on the orientation of the sheet and the number of strip-shaped sheets that can be obtained from one sheet changes (for example, the sheet is conveyed in the horizontal direction,
If a layout like 2 is used, then 1 to 1 sheets of paper
Only four strip sheets can be taken), and the total number of continuous still images to be acquired may be changed accordingly. For example, when the print form as shown in FIG. 12 is designated, 1
4 × 3 = 42 sheets may be used.

[Regarding Strip Storage Case] Next, a case will be described in which a plurality of strip-shaped sheets including the continuous still images printed out as described above are bundled and stored so that a turning motion image can be observed.

FIG. 18 is a view showing a state in which strip-shaped sheets on which continuous still images are printed are bundled and housed in the case of this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 18, a U-shaped case member 400 and a strip-shaped sheet group 4 housed in the case member 400 are provided.
10 and a rubber band 420 as a holding member for bundling the case member 400 and the strip-shaped sheet group 410 and maintaining the state. In addition, FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a manner of observing a turning-up moving image by continuously turning the strips accommodated as shown in FIG. In FIG. 19, a left binding (for right-handed) state is shown.

FIG. 20 is a diagram for explaining how the case is assembled according to this embodiment. The case member 400 is
A flexible, transparent or translucent material, and a substantially rectangular first panel 401, and a substantially rectangular second panel 402 and a first panel 401 which face the first panel 401 when formed into a U-shape. It is configured to include a third panel 403 that connects the second panel 402. As shown in FIG. 21, preferably, the first to third panels are formed of an integral sheet, and the fold lines 410 shown by dotted lines form the first to third panels. The sheet shown in FIG. 21 is configured to be bendable at a fold line 410, as shown in FIG. 20 (a), whereby the first to third panels 401 to
403 is formed in a U shape.

Next, as shown in FIG. 20 (b), a group of strip-shaped sheets 410 (45 strip-shaped sheets in this example) stacked between the first panel 401 and the second panel 402. Is inserted. Therefore, the length of the third panel (the length in the height direction when it is formed in a U-shape) is set to be equal to the thickness obtained by stacking 45 strip-shaped sheets.

Notches 404 are provided on the long side portions of the first panel 401 and the second panel 402 on the side of the connecting portion with the third panel 403. These notches 404 are
It is provided equidistant from the connection portion with the third panel 403. The first and third panels and the second and third panels each have an angle of substantially right angle, and the case 40 has a U-shape.
0, form strips 410 in it, and make notches 40
4 is covered with a rubber band 420 to keep the strips bundled (FIGS. 20 (c) and 20 (d)).

The first panel 401 is a top panel that is in contact with a continuous still image, and the second panel 402 is a panel that serves as a spine cover. The first panel 401 and the second panel 402 have a size slightly larger than the strip-shaped sheets to be accommodated. This provides a protection function for the strip-shaped sheet group 410.

By the way, if it is made larger than the strip-shaped sheet for accommodating the first panel 401 as the upper panel, there arises a problem that when the strips are continuously rolled, several strips of the first strip are rolled at the same time. . Therefore, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 22 and the like, a notch 405 is provided so that the contained strips are exposed so that the leading strip-shaped sheet comes into contact with the finger when continuously winding. I am doing it. As a result, the strip-shaped sheets at the beginning can be surely turned one by one. The width of the notch 405 is set so that a human finger (thumb) can touch the strip and roll it naturally. The cutout shape is not limited to the arc shape.

In the case where the strip-shaped sheet has an edge around the continuous still image, the cutting depth may be such that only this edge portion is exposed (FIG. 2).
2 (b)). In this way, the continuous still image itself is not exposed, so that the image can be reliably protected.

The second panel 402 is a back cover sheet, but like the first panel 401, it preferably has a size slightly larger than the strip-shaped sheet. By providing the second panel 402 as described above, it is possible to reliably protect the strip-shaped sheet and to easily surely turn the last page one by one when the continuous turning operation is performed. is there. That is, the second panel 402
If there is no sheet, or if it is smaller than the strip-shaped sheet, multiple pages will be turned simultaneously at the end,
There is a problem that you can not observe the turning video correctly,
According to the present embodiment, by providing the second panel, it is possible to easily and surely turn the final page one by one.

Further, the notch 404 described above is also shown in FIG.
As shown in (c), it is desirable to have a depth such that the accommodated strips are slightly exposed. By forming the notch in this manner, the position of the rubber band 420 is prevented from being displaced by the notch 404, and the strip-shaped sheet and the rubber band 420 are brought into contact with each other, so that the strip-shaped sheet group 410 can be satisfactorily and effectively. The housed state can be maintained. Further, according to the holding mechanism of the rubber band of the present embodiment, it is possible to provide the holding means that holds the strip group 410 effectively with a very simple structure. Furthermore, when the strip-shaped sheet group is directly sandwiched by a clip, the clip may damage the strip-shaped sheet. However, according to the present embodiment, since the rubber band 420 is applied while being protected by the case, there is no fear of damaging the strip-shaped sheet.

The case member 40 of each strip-shaped sheet
A notch may be provided at a position corresponding to the notch 404 when it is accommodated in 0. This can be realized by providing a sheet as shown in FIG. This paper is provided with holes 601 which form notches on perforations 602. In the case of such a configuration, the rubber band 420 fits into the notch 404 of the case member and the notches 601 of each strip-shaped sheet, so that the stored strip-shaped sheets can be held more reliably.

It is obvious that a plurality of sets of notches may be provided so that a plurality of rubber bands can be used for bundling.

In the above embodiment, the U-shaped case is provided by using the first panel to the third panel. However, the strip-shaped sheet is provided so as to protect the strip-shaped sheet and to observe the rolled-up moving image. The third panel 403 may be omitted from the viewpoint of maintaining the bundled state. However, as described in the above embodiment, the case member 400 can be formed from a single sheet by using the first to third panels, and the third panel serves as a spine cover and is a bundle of strip-shaped sheets. There are merits such as the provision of a function to align.

[Other Embodiments] Even when the present invention is applied to a system including a plurality of devices (for example, a host computer, an interface device, a reader, a printer, etc.), an apparatus including one device (for example, , Copiers, facsimile machines, etc.).

Further, an object of the present invention is to supply a storage medium having a program code of software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or apparatus, and to supply a computer (or CPU) of the system or apparatus.
It is needless to say that it can 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 realizes the function 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 disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a CD
-R, magnetic tape, non-volatile memory card, ROM, etc. can be used.

Further, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by executing the program code read by the computer, but also the OS (operating system) running on the computer based on the instructions of the program code. It is needless to say that this also includes a case where the above) performs a part or all of the actual processing and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.

Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written in the memory provided in the function expansion board inserted into the computer or the function expansion unit connected to the computer, based on the instruction of the program code, It goes without saying that a case where the CPU or the like included in the function expansion board or the function expansion unit performs some or all of the actual processing and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments is also included.

[0118]

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to finely meet the user's request by obtaining a predetermined number of continuous still images from a desired range in a moving image.
A predetermined number of continuous still images can be acquired regardless of the size of the designated desired range. Therefore, the user can specify a desired range without worrying about whether or not a predetermined number of continuous still images can be acquired.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image forming system according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the information processing apparatus 100 of the image forming system shown in FIG. 1 from the viewpoint of software configuration.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a process executed when a paper 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 showing 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 illustrating an example of print output.

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 influence of a paper transport error on printing of continuous still images.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an influence of a paper conveyance error on printing of continuous still images.

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 performed 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 showing a state where a strip-shaped sheet on which a continuous still image is printed is accommodated in the case of the present embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a manner of observing a page-turning moving image by the strip-shaped sheet housed in the case of the present embodiment.

FIG. 20 is a view for explaining the procedure for assembling the case according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 21 is a view showing a member structure of the case of the present embodiment.

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing the configuration of a notch in the case of the present embodiment.

FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a sheet for printing continuous still images in the present embodiment.

FIG. 24 is a diagram showing another form of paper for printing continuous still images in the present embodiment.

FIG. 25 is a diagram showing print output of continuous still images according to a conventional technique.

FIG. 26 is a diagram showing a state in which strip-shaped sheets obtained from the print output shown in FIG. 25 are bundled and a rolled-up moving image is observed.

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    (72) Inventor Tatsuya Kutomi             3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo             Non non corporation (72) Inventor Satoshi Kaneko             3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo             Non non corporation F-term (reference) 2C087 AB05 AC05 AC07 AC08 BA03                       CA02 CA05                 5C052 AA01 AA12 FA01 FA03 FA05                       FB01 FB06 FD06                 5C053 FA04 FA06 FA23 LA01 LA03                       LA06

Claims (22)

[Claims] 1. An image processing apparatus for printing a plurality of continuous still images that can be observed as a turning moving image based on moving image data, comprising: specifying means for specifying a desired range of the moving image data. A determination unit that determines whether a predetermined number of frames can be extracted from the desired range of the moving image data; A first generation unit that generates a number of continuous still images, and when it is determined that the determination unit cannot extract
A second method of extracting a possible number of frames from the desired range to generate a continuous still image and supplementing the shortage by repeatedly using the same frame to generate the desired number of continuous still images.
An image processing apparatus comprising: a generation unit. 2. The image processing apparatus, further comprising print control means for printing the predetermined number of continuous still images generated by the first or second generation means. 3. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second generation unit repetitively uses the extracted continuous still image of the final frame to compensate for the deficiency. 4. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second generation unit repetitively uses the extracted continuous still image of the leading frame to compensate for the deficiency. 5. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second generation unit changes a frame position used for the repetition according to the number of shortfalls. 6. The second generation means repeatedly uses a continuous still image of the first frame and / or the last frame when the number of deficiencies is less than or equal to a predetermined threshold, and the number of deficiencies is less than the predetermined threshold. The image processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein if there are many, the predetermined number of continuous still images is obtained by arranging repeated portions of the same frame evenly over the entire continuous still image. 7. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second generation unit performs a predetermined process on the repeated continuous still images. 8. The image processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the predetermined processing is to provide a fade-in effect when reproduced as a page-turning moving image. 9. The image processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the predetermined processing is to provide a fade-out effect when reproduced as a page-turning moving image. 10. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a recording unit that records the continuous still image under the control of the print control unit. 11. An image processing method for printing a plurality of continuous still images that can be viewed as a turning moving image based on the moving image data, the specifying step of specifying a desired range of the moving image data, A determination step of determining whether a predetermined number of frames can be extracted from the desired range of the moving image data, and a predetermined number of frames from the desired range when the determination step determines that extraction is possible. A first generation step of generating a number of continuous still images, and when it is determined that extraction is not possible in the determination step,
A second method of extracting a possible number of frames from the desired range to generate a continuous still image and supplementing the shortage by repeatedly using the same frame to generate the desired number of continuous still images.
An image processing method comprising: a generation step. 12. The image processing method according to claim 11, further comprising a print control step of printing the predetermined number of continuous still images generated in the first or second generation step. 13. The image processing method according to claim 11, wherein in the second generating step, the shortage is supplemented by repeatedly using the extracted continuous still images of the final frame. 14. The image processing method according to claim 11, wherein in the second generating step, the shortage is supplemented by repeatedly using the extracted continuous still images of the first frame. 15. The image processing method according to claim 11, wherein the second generation step changes a frame position used for the repetition in accordance with the number of shortages. 16. The second generation step repeatedly uses a continuous still image of the first frame and / or the last frame when the number of deficiencies is less than or equal to a predetermined threshold, and the number of deficiencies is less than the predetermined threshold. 16. The image processing method according to claim 15, wherein when there are many, the predetermined number of continuous still images are obtained by arranging repeated portions of the same frame evenly over the entire continuous still image. 17. The second generation step applies a predetermined process to the repeated continuous still images.
1. The image processing method described in 1. 18. The image processing method according to claim 17, wherein the predetermined processing is to provide a fade-in effect when reproduced as a turning motion picture. 19. The image processing method according to claim 17, wherein the predetermined processing is to provide a fade-out effect when reproduced as a page-turning moving image. 20. A printing apparatus for printing a plurality of continuous still images that can be observed as a turning moving image based on the moving image data, and a specifying unit for specifying a desired range of the moving image data, Determining means for determining whether or not a predetermined number of frames can be extracted from the desired range; and extracting a predetermined number of frames from the desired range to determine the predetermined number of consecutive frames when the determination means determines that the predetermined number of frames can be extracted. A first generation unit that generates a still image; and when the determination unit determines that the image cannot be extracted,
A second method of extracting a possible number of frames from the desired range to generate a continuous still image and supplementing the shortage by repeatedly using the same frame to generate the desired number of continuous still images.
A printing apparatus comprising: a generation unit and a printing unit that prints the predetermined number of continuous still images generated by the first or second generation unit. 21. A storage medium storing a control program for implementing the image processing method according to claim 11 by a computer. 22. A control program for implementing the image processing method according to claim 11 by a computer.