JP2005339218A - Image processing apparatus, and method and program thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To changeover the horizontal to vertical aspect ratio of a trimming frame with operability. <P>SOLUTION: When the corner part 205a of the trimming frame 205 is specified with a mouse 27, a corner part specifying arrow cursor 250 is displayed in an image display field 204 and the field 204 is divided into virtual areas A1, A2 by a boundary line 252. The virtual area A1 is the area where the aspect ratio of the trimming frame 205 is P:Q and the virtual area A2 is the area where the horizontal to vertical aspect ratio of the virtual area A1 is changed-over so as to define the aspect ratio as Q:P. When the corner part specifying arrow cursor 250 for specifying the corner part 205a exists in the virtual area A2 after being dragged over the boundary line 252 from the state of existence in the virtual area A1, for example, the aspect ratio of the trimming frame 205 is changed from P:Q into Q:P. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing technique for trimming an image.

Conventionally, as an image processing apparatus for trimming an image, an apparatus that designates a trimming area for trimming an original image on a display by a trimming frame has been proposed. For example, in the apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1, trimming of an original image 504 is performed using a trimming frame 506 in a right half 502 of a trimming window 500 displayed on a display, as shown in FIG. A print preview corresponding to the trimming is displayed on the left half 508. Also, by turning on the rotation instruction button 509 for inputting an image rotation instruction, the original image 504, the trimming frame 506, and the like are all rotated 90 ° to the right as shown in FIGS. 12 (a) to 12 (b). Can be made.
JP 2004-72145 A (FIGS. 10 and 11)

  By the way, in Patent Document 1, when the rotation instruction button 509 is turned on, not only the trimming frame 506 but also the original image 504 is rotated 90 degrees to the right, but only the trimming frame 506 may be rotated without rotating the original image 504. Conceivable. In this way, the aspect ratio (horizontal to vertical dimension ratio) of the trimming frame 506 after rotation is a ratio obtained by switching the aspect ratio of the trimming frame 506 before rotation.

  However, in general, when a trimming area is designated using the trimming frame 506 in the original image 504, the trimming frame 506 is clicked on the original image 504 by clicking and dragging the trimming frame 506 with a pointing device such as a mouse. Therefore, if it is necessary to operate the button when the aspect ratio of the trimming frame 506 is changed, the operability is not good.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it provides an image processing apparatus and method that can switch the aspect ratio of a trimming frame with high and low operability. Another object is to provide a program for causing a computer to execute this method.

  The present invention employs the following means in order to achieve at least a part of the above-described object.

An image processing apparatus for processing an image according to the present invention includes:
Image output means for outputting an image to a display based on the image data;
Trimming area designating means for designating a trimming area for trimming the image on the display by a trimming frame having a predetermined aspect ratio;
Screen dividing means for dividing the screen of the display into a plurality of virtual areas in a state where the trimming area is specified by the trimming frame by the trimming area specifying means;
Changing the trimming frame to change the aspect ratio of the trimming frame when the cursor on the display moves from one region of the plurality of virtual regions to another region with the trimming region designated by the trimming frame Means,
It is equipped with.

  In this image processing apparatus, when the cursor on the display moves from one region having a plurality of virtual regions to another region with the trimming region designated by the trimming frame, the aspect ratio of the trimming frame is switched. As described above, when the user wants to change the aspect ratio of the aspect ratio, the user can change the aspect ratio simply by moving the cursor.

  Here, the “plurality of virtual areas” may or may not be displayed on the screen so that the user can see them.

  In the image processing apparatus of the present invention, the screen dividing means is based on a cursor that specifies one corner of the trimming frame or a corner specified by the cursor in a state where the trimming area is specified by the trimming frame. The display screen may be divided into a plurality of virtual areas. In this way, the screen is substantially divided into a plurality of virtual regions based on one corner specified by the cursor in the trimming frame, and therefore the screen can be appropriately divided for each corner of the trimming frame. . For example, when one corner of the trimming frame is specified by the cursor, the screen is divided into a plurality of virtual areas along a straight line including a corner (diagonal corner) that is diagonally opposite the corner. May be.

  In the image processing apparatus of the present invention, the screen dividing means divides the display screen into two virtual areas, and uses one virtual area as an area that uses a trimming frame having the predetermined aspect ratio. The trimming frame having an aspect ratio in which the aspect ratio of the predetermined aspect ratio is switched may be used. In this way, since there is one boundary line that divides the virtual area, the aspect ratio of the aspect ratio is switched when the cursor crosses the boundary line, and the aspect ratio is not switched otherwise. Easy to use the function of changing the ratio of the ratio.

  In this aspect, the screen dividing means is a straight line having an angle set within a range of 40 to 50 degrees with respect to a horizontal line from a corner portion diagonally to the specified corner portion of the trimming frame. The screen of the display may be divided into two virtual areas. Considering the case where the aspect ratio is 1: 1, that is, the trimming frame is square, the diagonal is 45 °. However, it is considered from experience that there is little discomfort in switching the aspect ratio of the aspect ratio using this as a boundary line. It is preferable to divide into two virtual regions by a boundary line having an angle set within a range of 40 to 50 ° with a neighboring line, that is, a horizontal line.

  The image processing apparatus according to the present invention further comprises a cursor moving means capable of dragging the cursor, and the trimming frame changing means drags the cursor from one region of the plurality of virtual regions to another region by the cursor moving unit. When this is done, the aspect ratio of the trimming frame may be interchanged. In general, since the trimming frame is often operated by dragging a cursor, it is preferable that the aspect ratio is changed by dragging the cursor.

  In the image processing apparatus of the present invention, the trimming frame changing means may enlarge or reduce the trimming frame according to the movement direction of the cursor when the cursor moves in the same virtual area. In this way, the user can perform the enlargement / reduction operation of the trimming frame and the vertical / horizontal switching of the aspect ratio by moving the cursor, so that the operability is good.

  The image processing apparatus of the present invention includes a print preview display control unit that displays a print preview of the image in the trimming area on the display, and the print preview display control unit is set in the printer in a predetermined orientation. When the image of the trimming area is pasted as it is on the set printing paper, the image of the trimming area is changed so that it fits on the printing paper (for example, rotated 90 ° right or left). After printing, you may paste and display the print preview. In this way, the image in the trimming area is appropriately changed in orientation and pasted on the print paper in a predetermined orientation and appropriately displayed as a print preview, so that the user can obtain the print result obtained when actually printing with the printer. There is no sense of incongruity.

  In this aspect, the trimming frame has the same aspect ratio as the image size preset as a print area of the printer, and the print preview display control means displays the trimming area when the trimming frame is enlarged or reduced. The print preview may be displayed by reducing or enlarging the image size. In this way, even if the trimming frame is reduced and the trimming area is set, the trimming area is enlarged to the image size preset as the print area of the printer in the print preview, and the trimming frame is enlarged and trimmed. Even if the area is set, the trimming area in the print preview is reduced to the image size in the print preview, so the user feels uncomfortable with the print result obtained when actually printing with the printer. Absent.

The present invention is an image processing method for processing an image by computer software,
(A) outputting an image to a display based on the image data;
(B) designating a trimming area for trimming the image on the display by a trimming frame having a predetermined aspect ratio;
(C) dividing the display screen into a plurality of virtual areas with the trimming area designated;
(D) changing the aspect ratio of the trimming frame when the cursor on the display moves from one region of the plurality of virtual regions to another region with the trimming region specified;
May be included.

  In this image processing method, when the cursor on the display moves from one region having a plurality of virtual regions to another region with the trimming region designated by the trimming frame, the aspect ratio of the trimming frame is switched. As described above, when the user wants to change the aspect ratio of the aspect ratio, the user can change the aspect ratio simply by moving the cursor.

  The present invention may be a computer program for causing a computer to execute each step of the above-described image processing method. This program may be executed by a single computer, or may be shared and executed by a plurality of computers. This program may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium (for example, hard disk, ROM, FD, CD, DVD, etc.), or from a computer via a transmission medium (communication network such as the Internet or LAN). It may be distributed to another computer, or may be exchanged in any other form. When this program is executed by a computer, the same effects as those of the image processing method described above can be obtained.

  FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing an outline of the configuration of a system including a computer 20 as an example of an image processing apparatus of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the computer 20 of this embodiment is a well-known personal computer mainly composed of a CPU 21, ROM 22, and RAM 23, and includes a hard disk drive (HDD) 24 that stores data, a display 25 that displays various data, A printer 50 having an external interface 26 for controlling connection to an external device and the like, reading a document as image data using a scanner 40 connected via the external interface 26, and connecting the image data via the external interface 26. Copy printing is performed using In addition, a mouse 27 as a pointing device is connected to the computer 20 via an external interface 26. For this reason, the user can input a selection result to the computer 20 by clicking a button or option on the screen displayed on the display 25 with the mouse 27. Examples of the external interface 26 include a USB interface, an RS-232C interface, and a Centronics interface.

  In the HDD 24 of the computer 20, in addition to the scanner driver 30 and the printer driver 32 as device drivers for the scanner 40 and the printer 50, a copy for printing the data obtained by reading the document with the scanner 40 on the paper with the printer 50. A printing program 34 is installed. Processing related to the copy printing program 34 will be described later.

  The scanner 40 is configured as a general flatbed scanner, and optically scans a document set on a glass table and reads reflected light with a CCD or the like to convert it into digital data. The printer 50 is configured as a general ink jet printer, and prints by ejecting ink of each color onto a sheet based on print data transferred from the computer 20. The scanner 40 and the printer 50 exchange data with the computer 20 via the scanner driver 30 and the printer driver 32 described above. The scanner 40 may be a scanner other than the flat bed method (for example, an automatic paper feeding method or a handy method), and the printer 50 is a printer other than the ink jet method (for example, an electrophotographic method). It does not matter.

  Next, the operation of the computer 20 configured as described above will be described. FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a copy print process executed by the CPU 21 of the computer 20. This process is executed when the above-described copy printing program 34 is activated.

  When the copy print processing routine is started, the CPU 21 of the computer 20 first displays the main screen 100 on which various buttons and the like are displayed (step S100). FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the main screen 100. On the main screen 100, as shown in the figure, from the upper left to the lower left of the screen, the scanner column 102 for setting and displaying the scanner, the printer column 104 for selecting and displaying the printer, and the type of document read by the scanner 40 are displayed. A document selection setting button 106 for performing selection setting and display, a paper selection setting button 108 for performing paper selection and display for the printer 50, and a copy size selection setting for a document to be printed by the printer 50 from a document read by the scanner 40 And a copy size selection setting button 110 for displaying, and a help information display area 112 for easily displaying operation explanations. The main screen 100 also includes additional processing check boxes 114 to 118 for specifying image processing additionally performed by the scanner 40 from the upper right to the lower right of the screen, and a brightness adjustment slider 120 for adjusting the brightness of the image. Contrast adjustment slider 122 for adjusting the contrast of the image, copy number setting field 124 for setting the number of copies, copy execution for starting the copy printing in which the original is read by the scanner 40 and the read data is printed on the paper by the printer 50 A button 126 and a custom copy execution button 128 for performing copy printing with fine image quality adjustment and image editing are arranged. As shown in the figure, the additional processing check box is a scan that includes a fading restoration check box 114 that scans with a process of restoring a faded photo or the like to the original color, or a process that excludes dust attached to a glass table or the like. And a dust removal check box 116 to be scanned, a character clear check box 118 to be scanned with a process of cleaning a blurred line drawing, a crushed character, and the like.

  After step S100, the CPU 21 of the computer 20 determines whether any of the selection setting buttons 102, 104, 106, 108, 110 is turned on via the mouse 27 (step S110). When is turned on, a routine corresponding to the turned-on selection setting button is read from the HDD 24 and the routine is executed (step S120). Here, in accordance with the selection setting button, settings of the scanner 40 and the printer 50, a document type read by the scanner 40, a paper type to be printed by the printer 50, and a copy size are set. In addition, “color document”, “monochrome document”, “photo” and the like can be selected as the document type, and “A4 plain paper” and “A4 photo paper” can be selected as the paper type. As the size, in addition to the enlargement / reduction ratio, “L size”, “E size”, “panorama”, “with printing paper size border”, “without printing paper size border”, etc. can be selected. Then, after step S120 or when no selection setting button is turned on in step S110, the CPU 21 of the computer 20 determines whether or not the custom copy execution button 128 is turned on via the mouse 27 ( Step S130) When the custom copy execution button 128 is turned on, the display on the display 25 is switched from the main screen 100 to the custom copy screen 200 (see FIG. 4), and the custom copy processing routine is executed (Step S140). This copy printing process is terminated. The configuration of the custom copy screen 200 and the custom copy processing routine will be described in detail later.

  On the other hand, when the custom copy execution button 128 is not turned on in step S130, the CPU 21 of the computer 20 determines whether or not the copy execution button 126 is turned on via the mouse 27 (step S150). When is not turned on, the process returns to step S110 again. When the copy execution button 126 is turned on, a scan command is output to the scanner 40 displayed in the scanner field 102 (step S160). After the reading of the original by the scanner 40 is completed and image data is input from the scanner 40, a print command for the image data is output to the printer 50 displayed in the printer column 104 (step S170). The printing process ends.

  Next, the custom copy screen 200 will be described. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the custom copy screen 200. In the custom copy screen 200, as shown in the figure, the scan execution button 202 for outputting a scan command to the scanner 40 from the upper left to the lower left of the screen, and the scanner 40 to the computer 20 after the reading of the original by the scanner 40 is completed. An image display field 204 to be displayed for trimming the image data input to, and a help information display area 206 to easily display an operation description and the like are arranged. Also, on the custom copy screen 200, from the upper right to the lower right of the screen, a paper type for checking the type of paper to be printed by the original type confirmation unit 208 and the printer 50 for confirming the type of original to be read by the scanner 40. In addition to a confirmation unit 210 and a copy size confirmation unit 212 for confirming a copy size from a document read by the scanner 40 to a sheet to be printed by the printer 50, a brightness adjustment slider 220, a contrast adjustment slider 222 similar to those of the main screen 100, A copy number setting field 224, a copy execution button 226, and a return button 228 for returning to the main screen 100 are arranged. Here, the document type displayed on the document type confirmation unit 208 is the document type set by the document selection setting button 106 on the main screen 100, and the paper type displayed on the sheet type confirmation unit 210 is the main screen. The copy size confirmation unit 212 is the copy size set by the copy size selection setting button 110 on the main screen 100.

  Next, the custom copy processing routine will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a custom copy processing routine executed by the CPU 21 of the computer 20. This process is executed when the above-described custom copy screen 200 is displayed on the display 25.

  When the custom copy processing routine is started, the CPU 21 of the computer 20 first determines whether or not the scan execution button 202 displayed on the custom copy screen 200 is turned on (step S200), and the scan execution button 202 is turned on. If not, the process returns to step S200 again. On the other hand, when the scan execution button 202 is turned on in step S200, image data obtained by outputting a scan command to the scanner 40 and then reading the document by the scanner 40 is input from the scanner 40 and stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 23 ( Step S210). Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 6, the image 203 and the trimming frame 205 based on the image data are displayed in the image display field 204 of the custom copy screen 200, and the print displayed on the display 25 along with the custom copy screen 200 is displayed. A preview showing the state when printing is performed by the printer 50 is displayed on the preview screen 300 (step S220).

  The trimming frame 205 is displayed with a rectangular dotted line, and is displayed with an aspect ratio determined by the copy size set on the main screen 100. The four corners 205a to 205d of the trimming frame 205 are displayed as small black squares. For example, in FIG. 6, the copy size is “no print paper size border” as displayed in the copy size confirmation unit 212, and the paper type is “A4 photo paper” as displayed in the paper type confirmation unit 210. Therefore, the trimming frame 205 has an A4 borderless aspect ratio. In the present embodiment, the trimming frame 205 is displayed in a vertically long initial setting. In the print preview screen 300, the image 203 a in the trimming area designated by the trimming frame 205 in the image 203 is displayed on the copy size confirmation unit 212 on the paper displayed on the paper type confirmation unit 210. Displayed to be the copy size. For example, in FIG. 6, an image in which two fathers and daughters are arranged vertically as an image 203a in the trimming area is displayed on “A4 photo paper” without “print paper size border”, that is, without A4 border.

  Subsequently, the CPU 21 of the computer 20 designates one of the four corners 205a to 205d of the trimming frame 205 with the mouse 27 and displays the corner specifying arrow cursor 250 in the image display field 204 (FIG. 7A). In step S230, it is determined whether or not the corner specific arrow cursor 250 is dragged in this state. Here, when any of the four corners 205a to 205d of the trimming frame 205 is specified by the mouse 27, the CPU 21 of the computer 20 displays the corner specifying arrow cursor 250 as an image as shown in FIG. In addition to being displayed in the display field 204, the image display field 204 is divided into a virtual area A1 and a virtual area A2 by a boundary line 252. The virtual area A1 is an area in which the horizontal side of the trimming frame 205 is a short side P and the vertical side is a long side Q, that is, an area in which the aspect ratio is P: Q, and the virtual area A2 has an aspect ratio of the virtual area A1. This is a region where the horizontal side is the long side Q and the vertical side is the short side P, that is, the region where the aspect ratio is Q: P. In addition, the boundary line 252 is a base line that is a horizontal line from a corner portion (diagonal corner portion) at a diagonal position as viewed from the corner portion (specific corner portion) specified by the corner portion specifying arrow cursor 250 in the trimming frame 205. It is a straight line that forms an angle of 45 ° with respect to the angle. The boundary line 252 is not displayed in the image display field 204, but may be displayed.

  Now, when the corner specific arrow cursor 250 is dragged in step S230, whether or not the corner specific arrow cursor 250 has crossed the boundary line 252, in other words, has it moved from one virtual area to the other virtual area? If the corner specific arrow cursor 250 crosses the boundary line 252, the aspect ratio of the trimming frame 205 is switched (step S 250). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7B, the corner specifying arrow cursor 250 for specifying the corner 205a is dragged from the state in which the corner specifying arrow cursor 250 exists in the virtual area A1 so as to cross the boundary line 252. When the virtual area A2 comes to exist as shown in (e), the CPU 21 of the computer 20 changes the aspect ratio of the trimming frame 205 from P: Q to Q: P. On the other hand, when the corner specific arrow cursor 250 exists in the virtual area A2 as shown in FIG. 7E, the virtual area A2 is dragged so as to cross the boundary line 252 as shown in FIG. 7A. When it comes to exist at A1, the CPU 21 of the computer 20 changes the aspect ratio of the trimming frame 205 from Q: P to P: Q.

  On the other hand, when the corner specifying arrow cursor 250 does not cross the boundary line 252 in step S240, the trimming frame 205 is enlarged or reduced according to the dragged direction of the corner specifying arrow cursor 250 (step S260). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7C, the corner specifying arrow cursor 250 that specifies the corner 205a is a corner that is a diagonal portion in the virtual area A1 as compared to FIG. 7B. When dragged away from the portion 205d, the CPU 21 of the computer 20 enlarges the trimming frame 205 with the corner portion 205d as the coordinate center and with the current aspect ratio. Further, as shown in FIG. 7D, the corner specifying arrow cursor 250 for specifying the corner 205a is placed in the corner 205d that is a diagonal portion in the virtual area A1 as compared to FIG. 7B. When dragged so as to approach, the CPU 21 of the computer 20 reduces the trimming frame 205 while maintaining the current aspect ratio with the corner 205d fixed at the coordinate center.

  Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the drag of the corner specific arrow cursor 250 has ended (step S270). If the drag has not ended, the process returns to step S240. When the drag ends, that is, the mouse 27 is released. If so, a print preview display adjustment routine is executed (step S280).

  This print preview display adjustment routine will be described with reference to FIG. First, the CPU 21 of the computer 20 adjusts the image 203a in the trimming area designated by the trimming frame 205 at the time of drag release as display data so as to fit the copy size displayed on the copy size confirmation unit 212. The enlarged / reduced display data is created (step S300). Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the image 203a protrudes from the side of the sheet when the display data is pasted on the sheet displayed on the sheet type confirmation unit 210 as it is (step S310). When it does not protrude, it is displayed on the print preview screen 300 as it is (step S320), and this routine is finished. On the other hand, when the image 203a protrudes from the side of the sheet in step S310, display data obtained by rotating the image 203a in the trimming area by 90 ° rightward is created, and the display data is displayed on the sheet type confirmation unit 210. And display on the print preview screen (step S330), and this routine ends.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 6, when the trimming frame 205 is vertically long and the paper setting of the printer 50 is set vertically, the horizontally long image 203a in the trimming area is set to “printing paper size borderless” which is the current copy size. When the display data enlarged and reduced so as to become “A4 photo-dedicated paper” (portrait) is pasted, the image 203a fits on the paper in the print preview screen 300. Therefore, the vertically long image 203a is pasted as it is on “A4 photo paper” (vertically placed) so that the image 203a fits on the paper in the print preview screen 300. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 9, when the trimming frame 205 is horizontally long and the paper setting of the printer 50 is set vertically, the horizontally long image 203 a in the trimming area is displayed as “printing paper size borderless” which is the current copy size. When the display data enlarged and reduced so as to become “A4 photo-dedicated paper” (portrait) is pasted, the image 203a appears to protrude from the side of the paper on the print preview screen 300. End up. Therefore, the horizontally long image 203a is rotated 90 ° rightward and then pasted on “A4 photo paper” (vertically placed) so that the image 203a fits on the paper in the print preview screen 300.

  Now, after step S280 of the custom copy processing routine of FIG. 5 or when none of the corners 205a to 205d is specified by the mouse 27 in step S230, it is determined whether or not the copy execution button 226 is turned on. (Step S290) When the copy execution button 226 is not turned on, the process returns to step S230. On the other hand, when the copy execution button 226 is turned on, the printer field 104 is set so that the image 203a in the trimming area is printed out. A print command is output to the printer 50 displayed in (Step S300), and this routine ends. As a result, the printer 50 prints on the printing paper as displayed on the print preview screen 300.

  In the trimming frame 205, a cross cursor (not shown) is displayed when the mouse 27 is clicked in the trimming frame 205, and the trimming frame 205 can be moved to a desired position on the image 203 by dragging the cross cursor. it can. When the return button 228 is turned on in any step of the custom copy processing routine, the display is switched from the custom copy screen 200 to the main screen 100.

  Here, the correspondence between the components of the present embodiment and the components of the present invention will be clarified. The computer 20 of this embodiment corresponds to the image processing apparatus of the present invention, the mouse 27 corresponds to the trimming area specifying means and the cursor moving means, and the CPU 21 is the image output means, the screen dividing means, the trimming frame changing means, and the print preview display. It corresponds to the control means. The above-described embodiment describes an example of the image processing apparatus of the present invention, and also describes an image processing method of the present invention and a program for causing a computer to execute the method.

  According to this embodiment described in detail above, the corner specifying arrow cursor 250 on the display 25 moves from one of the two virtual areas A1 and A2 to the other while the trimming area of the image 203 is designated by the trimming frame 205. In this case, the aspect ratio of the trimming frame 205 is switched. In this way, when the user wants to change the aspect ratio of the aspect ratio, the user can change the aspect ratio simply by moving the corner specific arrow cursor 250. Therefore, the user-friendliness is better than when the user changes the aspect ratio.

  Further, since the screen is divided into two virtual areas A1 and A2 based on one corner specified by the corner specifying arrow cursor 250 in the trimming frame 205, each corner 205a to 205d of the trimming frame 205 is divided. The screen can be divided appropriately. For example, as shown in FIG. 10A, when the corner 205a is specified by the corner specifying arrow cursor 250, the boundary line 252 passing through the corner 205d, which is the opposite corner, forms 45 ° with respect to the horizontal line. When the corner 205b is specified by the corner specifying arrow cursor 250 as shown in FIG. 10B, the screen is divided into two virtual areas A1 and A2 with the opposite corners. When the screen is divided into two virtual areas A1 and A2 by a boundary line 252 passing through a certain corner 205c, and the corner 205c is specified by the corner specifying arrow cursor 250 as shown in FIG. The screen is divided into two virtual areas A1 and A2 along a boundary line 252 that passes through the corner 205b, which is the opposite corner, and a corner-specific arrow cursor as shown in FIG. When the corner portion 205d are identified by 50 divides the screen with a boundary line 252 passing through the corner portion 205a is the opposite corner to the two virtual regions A1, A2.

  Furthermore, since the screen is divided into two virtual areas A1 and A2, the boundary line 252 is one. Therefore, the aspect ratio of the aspect ratio is switched when the boundary line 252 is crossed, and the aspect ratio remains unchanged when the boundary line 252 is not crossed. Therefore, the user can easily use the function of changing the aspect ratio of the aspect ratio. At this time, the boundary line 252 has an angle of 45 ° with respect to the horizontal line, but switching the aspect ratio of the aspect ratio with the boundary line 252 having this angle is preferable from the viewpoint of experience.

  Furthermore, the operation of moving the trimming frame 205 on the image display field 204, the operation of changing the aspect ratio of the trimming frame 205, and the operation of enlarging or reducing the trimming frame 205 are all performed by moving the cursor with the mouse 27. Therefore, the operability is good for the user.

  The image of the trimming area is pasted on the printing paper set to be set in the printer 50 with the timely orientation changed, and is appropriately displayed as a print preview. There is no sense of incongruity with the print results that are sometimes obtained. At this time, even if the trimming frame 205 is reduced and the trimming area is set, the trimming area is enlarged to the copy size set in advance as the print area of the printer 50 in the print preview, and the trimming frame 205 is enlarged. Even if the trimming area is set, the trimming area is reduced to the copy size preset as the printing area of the printer 50 in the print preview. There is no sense of incongruity with the printed results.

  It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and it goes without saying that the present invention can be implemented in various modes as long as it belongs to the technical scope of the present invention.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, a case has been described in which image data obtained by causing the scanner 40 to read a document is printed on the printer 50. However, the image data is trimmed in the computer 20 to which the scanner 40 and the printer 50 are not connected. The present invention can also be applied to such cases.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where the trimming process is performed on the image data obtained by causing the scanner 40 to read the document has been described. However, the image data to be subjected to the trimming process may be input from anywhere. For example, it may be downloaded from a website via the Internet and input, or may be input from a recording medium such as a CD or DVD via a drive device.

  Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the image display field 204 is divided into two virtual areas A1 and A2, but is divided into three or more virtual areas and crosses the boundary line between adjacent virtual areas so that the aspect ratio is vertical and horizontal. May be replaced.

  Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the boundary line 252 is a straight line including a corner portion (diagonal corner portion) at a diagonal position as viewed from the corner portion (specific corner portion) specified by the corner specifying arrow cursor 250. Although a straight line that forms 45 ° with respect to the horizontal line is employed, a straight line that connects the specific corner portion and the diagonal portion (that is, one of the diagonal lines of the trimming frame 205) may be employed. For example, as shown in FIG. 11A, when the corner 205a is specified by the corner specifying arrow cursor 250, the diagonal line connecting the corner 205a and the corner 205d which is the opposite corner is a boundary line 252. 11B, when the corner 205b is specified by the corner specifying arrow cursor 250, a diagonal line connecting the corner 205b and the corner 205c which is the opposite corner is defined as a boundary line 252. 11C, when the corner 205c is specified by the corner specifying arrow cursor 250, a diagonal line connecting the corner 205c and the opposite corner 205b is defined as a boundary line 252. When the corner 205d is specified by the corner specifying arrow cursor 250 as shown in FIG. 11 (d), the corner 205d and the corner that is the opposite corner of the corner 205d are specified. 205a and may be used as the boundary line 252 a diagonal line connecting the. A curve may be adopted as the boundary line 252.

The block diagram which shows the outline of a structure of the system containing a computer. 6 is a flowchart showing copy printing processing. Explanatory drawing of a main screen. Explanatory drawing of a custom copy screen. The flowchart of a custom copy process routine. Explanatory drawing of a custom copy screen and a print preview screen. Explanatory drawing of the trimming frame changed according to a motion of a corner | angular part specific arrow cursor. 10 is a flowchart of a print preview display adjustment routine. Explanatory drawing of a custom copy screen and a print preview screen. Explanatory drawing showing the relationship between a corner | angular part specific arrow cursor and a boundary line. Explanatory drawing showing the relationship between a corner | angular part specific arrow cursor and a boundary line. Explanatory drawing of a prior art example.

Explanation of symbols

  20 Computer, 21 CPU, 22 ROM, 23 RAM, 24 HDD, 25 Display, 26 External interface, 27 Mouse, 30 Scanner driver, 32 Printer driver, 34 Copy printing program, 40 Scanner, 50 Printer, 100 Main screen, 102 Scanner field, 104 Printer field, 106 Original selection setting button, 108 Paper selection setting button, 110 Copy size selection setting button, 112 Help information display area, 114 Fading restoration check box, 116 Dust removal check box, 118 Character clear check box , 120 Brightness adjustment slider, 122 Contrast adjustment slider, 124 Copy number setting field, 126 Copy execution button, 128 Custom copy execution button, 00 custom copy screen, 202 scan execution button, 203 image, 203a image, 204 image display field, 205 trimming frame, 205a-205d corner, 206 help information display area, 208 original type confirmation unit, 210 paper type confirmation unit, 212 Copy size confirmation section, 220 Brightness adjustment slider, 222 Contrast adjustment slider, 224 Copy number setting field, 226 Copy execution button, 228 Return button, 250 Corner specific arrow cursor, 252 Border, 300 Print preview screen, A1, A2 Virtual area.

Claims (12)

An image processing apparatus for processing an image,
Image output means for outputting an image to a display based on the image data;
Trimming area designating means for designating a trimming area for trimming the image on the display by a trimming frame having a predetermined aspect ratio;
Screen dividing means for dividing the screen of the display into a plurality of virtual areas in a state where the trimming area is specified by the trimming frame by the trimming area specifying means;
Trimming frame changing means for switching the aspect ratio of the trimming frame when the cursor on the display moves from one area of the plurality of virtual areas to another area with the trimming area designated by the trimming frame. When,
An image processing apparatus. The screen dividing unit displays a screen of the display based on a cursor specifying one corner of the trimming frame or the corner specified by the cursor in a state where the trimming region is specified by the trimming region specifying unit. Divide into multiple virtual areas,
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1. The screen dividing means divides the screen of the display into a plurality of virtual areas by a straight line including a corner portion diagonally positioned with respect to one corner portion of the trimming frame specified by the cursor.
The image processing apparatus according to claim 2. The screen dividing means divides the screen of the display into two virtual areas, one virtual area is an area using a trimming frame having the predetermined aspect ratio, and the other virtual area is vertically and horizontally with the predetermined aspect ratio. Use the trimming frame with the swapped aspect ratio as the area to be used.
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1. The screen dividing means displays the screen of the display with a straight line having an angle set within a range of 40 to 50 degrees with respect to a horizontal line from a corner portion diagonally to the specified corner portion of the trimming frame. Divided into two virtual regions,
The image processing apparatus according to claim 4. An image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
A cursor moving means capable of dragging the cursor;
With
The trimming frame changing means switches the aspect ratio of the aspect ratio of the trimming frame when the cursor is dragged from one area of the plurality of virtual areas to another area by the cursor moving means.
Image processing device. The trimming frame changing means enlarges or reduces the trimming frame according to the moving direction of the cursor when the cursor moves in the same virtual area.
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1,
Print preview display control means for displaying a print preview of the image in the trimming area on the display;
With
The print preview display control means pastes the image of the trimming area on the printing paper set to be set in the printer in a predetermined orientation as it is when the image of the trimming area sticks out of the printing paper. Change the orientation to fit on the print paper and paste it to display the print preview.
Image processing device. The print preview display control means pastes the image of the trimming area on the printing paper as it is and rotates the image of the trimming area by 90 ° when it sticks out of the printing paper.
The image processing apparatus according to claim 8. The trimming frame has the same aspect ratio as the image size preset as a print area of the printer,
The print preview display control means displays a print preview by reducing or enlarging the trimming area to be the image size when the trimming frame is enlarged or reduced.
The image processing apparatus according to claim 8 or 9. An image processing method for performing image processing by computer software,
(A) outputting an image to a display based on the image data;
(B) designating a trimming area for trimming the image on the display by a trimming frame having a predetermined aspect ratio;
(C) dividing the display screen into a plurality of virtual areas with the trimming area designated;
(D) changing the aspect ratio of the trimming frame when the cursor on the display moves from one region of the plurality of virtual regions to another region with the trimming region specified;
An image processing method including:   The program for making a computer perform each step of the image processing method of Claim 11.

Images