JP2007200250A - Layout processing device and method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide information about a range of a print target object to be printed on a print medium during actual printing. <P>SOLUTION: This layout processing device is provided with a layout edition means for editing arrangement of the print target object on the print medium and a layout preview display means for displaying arrangement, which is edited by the layout editing means, of the printing target object on the printing medium. When the printing target object protrudes from a printable area of the printing medium, the layout preview display means displays size information, showing the dimensions of a protruded part and size information showing the dimension of a part accommodated within the printable area. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a layout processing apparatus and a layout processing method.

  In recent years, the performance of digital cameras and printers has improved, and it has become possible to take and print high-quality photographs that are not inferior to silver halide photographs. Along with this, digital cameras and printers are being used by both amateurs and professionals. In general, both amateurs and professionals use a simple system in which a printer is connected to a personal computer via a dedicated interface cable or a LAN. Using an application installed in a personal computer, it is possible to freely perform processing such as color correction and size change on a photographic image taken with a digital camera, and print an image of a quality desired by the user.

  Particularly in a commercial or professional field, various functions are required in addition to the performance of high-quality printing. One of them is a layout print function that can freely edit the arrangement of images and characters (hereinafter referred to as objects) to be printed on a print medium through a GUI of a computer program. In general, a program having a print function is provided with a function for displaying a preview of the state after printing so that the user can check the state of the printed paper before printing. Many programs having a layout print function perform a preview in real time and allow the user to estimate the state of the printed paper in real time while operating. At that time, various measures are taken so that the position and size of the object can be displayed numerically in an easy-to-understand manner.

  For example, some commercially available computer programs display the position and size of an object in a floating window so that the user can move to a position that is easy to see.

  Also, for example, in a CAD system, the size is displayed beside the object on the preview screen so that it can be easily understood intuitively.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 05-174084

  However, with conventional methods represented by commercially available computer programs and CAD systems, the size of an object can be known, but there is a problem that the range of objects printed on paper is not accurately known when actually printing. there were. Therefore, in order to know the range of the object to be printed, it is necessary for the user himself to calculate from the position and size of the object, and there is a problem that work efficiency is lowered.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it provides information related to a range of objects to be printed that are printed on a print medium when actually printing.

  In order to solve the above problem, the layout processing apparatus of the present invention includes a layout editing unit that edits the arrangement of objects to be printed on a print medium, and a print on the print medium that is edited by the layout editing unit. Layout preview display means for displaying the arrangement of the target object, and the layout preview display means, when the print target object is arranged outside the printable area of the print medium, Size information indicating the size and size information indicating the size of the portion within the printable area are displayed.

  With this configuration, when the object to be printed is arranged so as to protrude from the printable area of the print medium, size information indicating the size of the protruding part and the size of the part falling within the printable area And size information indicating the size can be displayed. Therefore, it is possible to provide information related to the range of objects to be printed that are printed on the print medium when actually printing.

  The layout processing apparatus corresponds to, for example, a system described later or a system (apparatus) that does not include the printing device 106. The print medium corresponds to, for example, a sheet described later. The print target object corresponds to, for example, a print image and / or a character described later.

  In order to solve the above problem, the present invention may be a layout processing method, a program, and a storage medium.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide information relating to the range of objects to be printed that are printed on a print medium when actually printing.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of the system. The CPU 101 controls the operation of the entire system and executes a program stored in the primary storage 102.

  The primary storage 102 is mainly a memory, and reads and stores programs and the like stored in the secondary storage 103. The secondary storage 103 is mainly a hard disk. The capacity of the primary storage is smaller than the capacity of the secondary storage, and programs and data that cannot be stored in the primary storage are stored in the secondary storage. Data that must be stored for a long time is also stored in the secondary storage. In the present embodiment, a program (layout printing program) that realizes the processing procedure of the present embodiment is stored in the secondary storage 103, and is read into the primary storage 102 when the program is executed, and the CPU 101 performs an execution process.

  The input device 104 is, for example, a mouse or a keyboard. The input device 104 is used to send an interrupt signal to the program. The output device 105 is, for example, a monitor.

  The printing device 106 is, for example, an ink jet printer or a laser beam printer. The printing device 106 is used to print an object to be printed (image file, character, etc.). Hereinafter, unless otherwise stated, the printing device 106 is simply referred to as a printer.

  First, an outline of processing of the CPU 101 based on the layout printing program in the present embodiment will be described. The CPU 101 displays a GUI, specifies a printer to be printed, paper, and an image file to be printed based on a user operation instruction via the GUI, and edits a layout of an image to be printed on the paper. At this time, the CPU 101 simultaneously displays a paper image and an image to be printed, and displays a preview of the paper surface state after printing. Further, the CPU 101 executes print processing based on the edited layout.

  Next, an example of basic processing in the CPU 101 based on the layout printing program is shown in FIG. In the following description, a part of the function provided by the CPU 101 based on the layout printing program is called a layout printing tool, and the layout printing tool performs processing.

  In steps S201 to S205, the layout printing tool performs initial settings. In step S201, the layout printing tool designates an image file to be printed (hereinafter referred to as a print image) based on a user operation instruction.

  In step S202, the layout printing tool checks whether there is a printing device 106 (hereinafter referred to as a printer) that can be used in the system. This process is realized by the CPU 101 making an inquiry to the printer. If there is a printer that can be used in the system, the layout printing tool proceeds to step S203; otherwise, the layout printing tool ends the processing shown in FIG.

  In step S203, the layout printing tool sets a printer to be used for printing (hereinafter referred to as a print printer) from printers that can be used in the system, based on a user operation instruction.

  In step S204, the layout printing tool sets a sheet to be used for printing (hereinafter referred to as “printing sheet”) from among sheets usable by the printing printer selected in step S203.

  In step S <b> 205, the layout printing tool displays a preview of the printed paper state on the output device 105.

  In steps S206 to S214, the print layout is edited. In step S206, the layout printing tool accepts an operation (operation instruction) performed on the GUI.

  In step S207, the layout printing tool checks the type of operation performed in step S206. If printing execution is instructed by the user, the layout printing tool proceeds to step S215. If printing execution is not instructed, the layout printing tool proceeds to step S208.

  In step S208, the layout printing tool checks the type of operation performed in step S206. When cancellation is instructed by the user, the layout printing tool ends the process shown in FIG. If cancellation is not instructed, the layout printing tool proceeds to step S209.

  In step S209, the layout printing tool checks the type of operation performed in step S206. When the character setting is changed by the user, the layout printing tool proceeds to step S210. If the character setting has not been changed, the layout printing tool proceeds to step S211.

  In step S210, the layout printing tool determines a character drawing area. A method of determining a character drawing area will be described later with reference to FIG. Thereafter, the layout printing tool performs a preview display.

  In step S211, the layout printing tool checks the type of operation performed in step S206. When the layout of the image is changed by the user, the layout printing tool proceeds to step S212. If the layout of the image has not been changed, the layout printing tool proceeds to step S213.

  In step S212, the layout printing tool determines a drawing area for the print image. When the size of the drawing area is changed, the layout printing tool maintains the aspect ratio of the printed image. Thereafter, the layout printing tool proceeds to step S210.

  In step S213, the layout printing tool checks the type of operation performed in step S206. If the printer or paper setting has been changed by the user, the layout printing tool proceeds to step S214. If the printer or paper setting has not been changed, the layout printing tool proceeds to step S205 and displays a preview.

  In step S214, the layout printing tool sets the printer and paper set in step S213 as a printing printer and printing paper, respectively. Thereafter, the layout printing tool proceeds to step S212.

  In step S215, the layout printing tool executes a printing process based on the layout edited in steps S206 to S214 using a print printer.

Hereinafter, an implementation example of the operation in each step will be described with reference to the drawings.
3 to 9 are diagrams showing an outline of the GUI of the layout printing tool. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of an overall outline of the GUI of the layout printing tool. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the preview screen 306. 5 to 9 are diagrams showing details of the setting dialog 301. The user performs operations of editing the print layout, executing printing, canceling, and saving the settings on the GUI shown in FIG.

  Hereinafter, the print image designation method according to step S201 described above will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 10 is a diagram (No. 1) for describing a print image designation method. FIG. 11 is a diagram (No. 2) for explaining the print image designation method. FIG. 12 is a diagram (No. 3) for explaining the print image designation method. The designation of the print image is realized by any one or a combination of FIGS.

  FIG. 10 shows a GUI in which a folder tree window 1001, a file list display window 1002, a print image list window 1003, a file addition button 1004, and a file deletion button 1005 are added to the GUI shown in FIG.

  The folder tree window 1001 displays a tree indicating directories constructed in the storage medium (primary storage 102 or secondary storage 103). By tracing this tree, the user can select a directory in which necessary data is stored. A list of image files included in the selected directory is displayed in the file list display window 1002.

  When a file addition button 1004 is pressed while a file is selected on the file list display window 1002, the layout printing tool selects the selected file as a print image and adds the file name to the print image list window 1003. To do. At the same time, the layout printing tool displays an image of the print image on the preview screen 306.

  When the file deletion button 1005 is pressed while a file name is selected on the print image list window 1003, the layout print tool deletes the selected print image from the print image list window 1003. At the same time, the layout printing tool also deletes the corresponding image on the preview screen 306.

  A file list display window 1006 shown in FIG. 11 is a part of the file management system of the operating system, and selects a directory storing necessary data and displays a list of names of files included in the directory. Can do. When an arbitrary image file on the file list display window 1006 is selected and dragged and dropped onto the GUI shown in FIG. 3, the layout printing tool selects the selected file as a print image. At the same time, the layout printing tool displays an image of the print image on the preview screen 306.

  FIG. 12 shows an example in which the layout printing tool operates in cooperation with another application. The cooperative application 1007 has the same functions as the folder tree window 1001 and the file list display window 1002 shown in FIG. The layout printing tool in FIG. 12 is activated by pressing a tool activation button 1008 on the cooperative application 1007. The layout printing tool selects the file selected in the file list display window 1002 as a print image, and at the same time displays the image of the print image on the preview screen 306.

  The user operation (operation instruction) according to step S206 described above is performed through the GUI shown in FIGS.

  The layout printing tool in the present embodiment can edit the position and size of a print image and characters on a print sheet while checking a printable area. Hereinafter, the position and size of the print image, the characters, and the printable area are represented by a coordinate system in which the upper left point of the printing paper is the origin, + x is in the right direction, and + y is in the down direction. In addition, when using “position” without particular notice, the x and y coordinates of the upper left end point of the drawing area of the print image, the character, and the printable area are indicated. Both the position and size are expressed in units of millimeters or inches.

  As described above, FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the overall outline of the GUI of the layout printing tool. The setting dialog 301 displays the GUIs shown in FIGS. 5 to 7 and 9, and the user can edit the print layout through the respective GUIs.

  Tabs 302 to 305 can be exclusively selected, and the user can switch the GUI displayed in the setting dialog 301.

  When the printer tab 302 is selected, a GUI shown in FIG. When the image tab 303 is selected, the GUI shown in FIG. When the character tab 304 is selected, the GUI shown in FIG. When the setting tab 305 is selected, the GUI shown in FIG. 9 is displayed in the setting dialog 301.

  On the preview screen 306, the preview display according to step S205 described above is performed. Details of the preview display will be described later with reference to FIGS. 4 and 16 to 21.

  When the print execution button 307 is pressed, the layout print tool executes print processing with the layout edited in step S206 described above. At the same time, the layout printing tool stores in the secondary storage 103 the information selected by the user for each item of the printing printer and printing paper, and the GUI. In the second and subsequent activations, the layout printing tool may perform the processes of step S203 and step S204 described above using the stored information.

  When the cancel button 308 is pressed, the layout printing tool is terminated without performing the printing process. When the apply button 309 is pressed, the state selected by the user for each item of the printer and printing paper information and GUI is stored in the secondary storage 103. In the second and subsequent activations, the processing of S203 to S204 in the present embodiment may be performed using stored information.

  Through the GUI shown in FIG. 5, the user can set the print printer and the print paper according to step S213 described above. When any of the menus and buttons 501 to 504 is operated, the layout printing tool performs the preview display shown in step S205 described above using the changed information.

  The printer selection menu 501 is a drop-down list, and printer names of printers that can be used in the system are registered in the list. A list of printers that can be used in the system is acquired by the CPU 101 by making an inquiry to a printer, an operating system, or the like. When an arbitrary printer is selected from the pull-down menu, the layout printing tool sets the selected printer as a print printer. At the same time, the layout printing tool updates the list of the paper selection menu 503.

  When the printer property display button 502 is pressed, the layout printing tool displays the printer properties of the print printer. This process is realized by the layout printing tool inquiring a printer driver installed in the system. When the printer property is closed, the layout printing tool changes the contents and selection state of the paper selection menu 503 and the paper direction selection menu 504 based on the information set in the printer property.

  A paper selection menu 503 is a drop-down list, and paper names of papers that can be used by the print printer are registered in the list. The list of sheets usable in the print printer is acquired by the layout printing tool inquiring the print printer. When an arbitrary sheet is selected from the pull-down menu, the layout printing tool sets the selected sheet as a print sheet.

  In the paper direction selection menu 504, the paper direction can be selected. When portrait is selected, the layout printing tool sets the paper direction of the printing paper to the vertical direction. When landscape is selected, the layout printing tool sets the paper direction of the print paper in the horizontal direction.

  Through the GUI shown in FIG. 6, the user can change the layout of the print image according to step S211 described above. When any of the menus 601 to 606, buttons, check boxes, and edit boxes is operated, the layout printing tool performs the preview display shown in step S205 described above using the changed information.

  The image size setting unit 601 includes four edit boxes corresponding to the x coordinate, y coordinate, width, and height of the drawing area of the print image. The user can change the position and size of the print image on the print paper by directly inputting a numerical value in each edit box. When the width of the print image is changed, the layout printing tool calculates the height so that the aspect ratio of the print image is maintained, and updates the value of the edit box corresponding to the height. Similarly, when the height of the print image is changed, the layout printing tool calculates the width so that the aspect ratio of the print image is maintained, and updates the value of the edit box corresponding to the width.

  When the center placement button 602 is pressed, the layout printing tool sets the position of the print image so that the center of the print image matches the center of the print paper. Details of the processing when the center placement button 602 is pressed will be described later with reference to FIG.

  When the left / right center placement button 603 is pressed, the layout printing tool sets the position of the print image so that the center of the print image in the horizontal direction coincides with the center of the print paper in the horizontal direction. Details of processing when the left-right center placement button 603 is pressed will be described later with reference to FIG.

  When the vertical center placement button 604 is pressed, the layout printing tool sets the position of the print image so that the vertical center of the print image matches the vertical center of the print paper. Details of processing when the vertical center arrangement button 604 is pressed will be described later with reference to FIG.

  When the circumscribing fit button 605 is pressed, the layout printing tool adjusts the position and size of the print image so that the print image circumscribes the printable area of the print paper and the aspect ratio of the print image is maintained. adjust. Details of processing when the circumscribing fit button 605 is pressed will be described later with reference to FIG.

  When the inscribed fit button 606 is pressed, the layout printing tool adjusts the position and size of the print image so that the print image is inscribed in the printable area of the printing paper and the aspect ratio of the print image is maintained. adjust. Details of processing when the inscribed fit button 606 is pressed will be described later with reference to FIG.

  With the layout printing tool in the present embodiment, characters can be printed in the same manner as an image. In the layout printing tool according to the present embodiment, characters can be drawn at four types of locations, and are called a header, a footer, a title, and a caption, depending on the location of the character drawing area. The header is located at the upper end of the printable area, the footer is located at the lower end of the printable area, the title is located above the print image, and the caption is located below the print image. Details of each drawing area and the determination method will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Through the GUI shown in FIG. 7, the user can set the characters to be displayed in the header, footer, title, and caption according to step S209 described above. When any of the buttons 701 to 706 or the text box is operated, the layout printing tool performs the preview display shown in S205 in the present embodiment using the changed information.

  The character alignment switching button 701 includes three buttons that can be selected exclusively, and the user can select the character alignment of characters to be displayed from left alignment, center alignment, and right alignment. The character alignment switching button 701 is prepared for each of the header, footer, title, and caption.

  When the font selection button 702 is pressed, the layout printing tool displays a font selection dialog prepared in the system. On the font selection dialog, the user can set the font type, style, and size. Font selection buttons 702 are prepared for each of the header, footer, title, and caption.

  In the header input text box 703, the user can set a character string to be drawn in the header part. The user sets by directly inputting the character string into the text box.

  In the footer input text box 704, the user can set a character string to be drawn in the footer. The user sets by directly inputting the character string into the text box.

  In the title input text box 705, the user can set a character string to be drawn in the title. The user sets by directly inputting the character string into the text box.

  In the caption input text box 706, the user can set a character string to be drawn in the caption. The user sets by directly inputting the character string into the text box.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a font selection dialog prepared by the system that is displayed when the font selection button 702 is pressed. In a system in which the layout printing tool operates, the font type, style, and size can be set by a font selection dialog.

  In the font selection menu 801, the user can set the type of font to be used. In response to the operation instruction, the user selects a font to be used from a list portion where a list of fonts usable in the system is displayed. When a font is selected, the layout printing tool simultaneously displays a list of styles and sizes applicable to the selected font in a font style selection menu 802 and a font size selection menu 803, respectively.

  In the font style selection menu 802, the user can set the font style to be used. The user selects a style to be used from a list portion in which styles applicable to the font selected from the font selection menu 801 are displayed. In general, font styles include standard, italic, and bold.

  In the font size selection menu 803, the user can set the font size to be used. The user selects a size to be used from a list portion in which sizes applicable to the font selected in the font selection menu 801 are displayed in a list.

  When the OK button 804 is pressed, the layout printing tool sets the type, style, and size of the font selected in 801 to 803, and ends the font selection dialog.

  When the cancel button 805 is pressed, the layout printing tool ends the font selection dialog without setting the font type, style, and size selected in 801 to 803.

  Through the GUI shown in FIG. 9, the user can set the position / size designation unit and the paper background color.

  In the unit selection menu 901, the user can set a unit for designating the position and size of the print image. The unit selection menu 901 is a drop-down list, and the user selects one from “mm” and “inch”. If “mm” is selected, the unit is set to millimeters. Simultaneously with the setting, the layout printing tool updates the value displayed in the image size setting unit 601 to a value in millimeters. If “inch” is selected, the unit is set to inches. Simultaneously with the setting, the layout printing tool updates the value displayed in the image size setting unit 601 to a value in inches.

  In the background color switching check box 902, the user can set the background color of the print area. If the check box is checked, the background is set to black, and the printable area other than the print image and the character drawing area is printed in black. If the check box is not checked, the background is set to paper white, and no printable area other than the print image and character drawing area is performed. When the background color switching check box 902 is operated, the layout printing tool performs the preview display according to step S205 described above using the changed information.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing when one of the center placement button 602, the left and right center placement button 603, and the top and bottom center placement button 604 is pressed.

In step S1101, the layout printing tool acquires the width W _{P, mm} and height H _{P, mm} of the printing paper. This process is realized by the layout printing tool inquiring of the printer driver. In the system according to this embodiment, a value in millimeters is obtained.

  In step S1102, the layout printing tool checks the currently set unit. If the unit is set to inches in the unit selection menu 901, the layout printing tool proceeds to step S1103. If the unit is set to millimeters, the layout printing tool proceeds to step S1104.

In step S1103, the layout printing tool converts the units of W _{P, mm} , H _{P, mm} from millimeters to inches and substitutes them into variables W _P , H _P. Conversion from millimeters to inches by the layout printing tool is accomplished by multiplying the value in millimeters by 0.04.

In step S1104, the layout printing tool substitutes the values of W _{P, mm} , H _{P, mm for} variables W _P , H _P.

In step S1105, the layout printing tool acquires the width W _I and height H _I of the print image. The layout printing tool uses the value set in the corresponding text box of the image size setting unit 601 as the size of the print image.

  In step S1106, the layout printing tool checks whether center placement is instructed. If the center placement button 602 has been pressed, the layout printing tool proceeds to step S1108. If not pressed, the layout printing tool proceeds to step S1107.

  In step S1107, the layout printing tool checks whether left-right center placement is instructed. If the left-right center placement button 603 is pressed, the layout printing tool proceeds to step S1110. If not pressed, the layout printing tool determines that the vertical center placement button 604 has been pressed, and proceeds to step S1111.

In step S1108, the layout printing tool calculates and sets the position of the print image so that the x-direction center of the print image matches the x-direction center of the print paper. The x-coordinate X _I of the position of the print image is calculated based on the formula X _I = W _P / 2−W _I / 2. At the same time, the layout printing tool updates the value of the text box corresponding to the x coordinate of the position of the print image to X _I in the image size setting unit 601.

In step S1109, the layout printing tool calculates and sets the position of the print image so that the center of the print image in the y direction matches the center of the print sheet in the y direction. The y coordinate Y _I of the position of the print image is calculated based on the formula Y _I = H _P / 2−H _I / 2. At the same time, the layout printing tool updates the value of the text box corresponding to the y coordinate of the position of the print image to Y _I in the image size setting unit 601.

  In step S1110, the layout printing tool performs the same process as in step S1108. In step S1111, the layout printing tool performs the same process as in step S1109.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing when one of the circumscribed fit button 605 and the inscribed fit button 606 is pressed.

In step S1201, the layout printing tool acquires the position X _{R, mm} , Y _{R, mm} and the size W _{R, mm} , H _{R, mm} of the printable area. This process is realized by the layout printing tool inquiring of the printer driver. In the system according to this embodiment, a value in millimeters is obtained.

  In step S1202, the layout printing tool checks the currently set unit. If the unit is set to inches in the unit selection menu 901, the layout printing tool advances to step S1203. If the unit is set to millimeters, the layout printing tool proceeds to step S1204.

In step S1203, the layout printing tool changes the units of X _{R, mm} , Y _{R, mm} , W _{R, mm} , H _{R, mm} from millimeters to inches to the variables X _R , Y _R , W _R , H _R. Convert to and substitute. Conversion from millimeters to inches by the layout printing tool is accomplished by multiplying the value in millimeters by 0.04.

In step S1204, the layout printing tool substitutes the values of X _{R, mm} , Y _{R, mm} , W _{R, mm} , H _{R, mm for} variables X _R , Y _R , W _R , H _R.

In step S1205, the layout printing tool acquires print image positions X _I and Y _I. The layout printing tool uses the value set in the corresponding text box of the image size setting unit 601 as the position of the print image.

In step S1206, the layout printing tool acquires the width W _I and height H _I of the print image. The layout printing tool uses the value set in the corresponding text box of the image size setting unit 601 as the size of the print image.

  In step S1207, the layout printing tool checks whether circumscription is instructed. If the circumscribing fit button 605 is pressed, the layout printing tool proceeds to step S1208. If not pressed, the layout printing tool assumes that the inscribed fit button 606 has been pressed, and proceeds to step S1209.

In step S1208, the layout printing tool compares the value of W _R / H _{R with} the value of W _I / H _I. If (W _R / H _R )> (W _I / H _I ), the layout printing tool proceeds to step S1210. If (W _R / H _R ) <(W _I / H _I ), the layout printing tool advances to step S1211.

In step S1209, the layout printing tool compares the value of W _R / H _{R with} the value of W _I / H _I. If (W _R / H _R )> (W _I / H _I ), the layout printing tool proceeds to step S1211. If (W _R / H _R ) <(W _I / H _I ), the layout printing tool proceeds to step S1210.

In step S1210, the layout printing tool calculates the width and height of the print image after the fit. The height H _I of the printed image after the fitting is calculated based on the formula H _I = (H _I / W _I ) × W _R. The layout printing tool makes W _I of the printed image after fitting the same as W _R. At the same time, the layout printing tool updates the text box values corresponding to the width and height of the print image to W _I and H _I in the image size setting unit 601, respectively.

In step S1211, the layout printing tool calculates the width and height of the print image after the fit. The height H _I of the printed image after fitting is calculated based on the formula of W _I = (W _I / H _I ) × H _R. The layout printing tool makes H _I of the printed image after fitting the same as H _R. At the same time, the layout printing tool updates the text box values corresponding to the width and height of the print image to W _I and H _I in the image size setting unit 601, respectively.

In step S1212, the layout printing tool calculates the width and height of the print image after the fit. The x-coordinate X _I of the position of the print image after fitting is calculated based on the formula X _I = W _R / 2−W _I / 2. Further, the y coordinate Y _I of the position of the print image after the fitting is calculated based on the formula of Y _I = H _R / 2−H _I / 2. At the same time, the layout printing tool updates the text box values corresponding to the x-coordinate and y-coordinate of the position of the print image to X _I and Y _I in the image size setting unit 601 respectively.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a procedure for calculating the drawing area of characters on the printing paper in millimeters according to step S210 described above. The layout printing tool calculates the drawing area of any one of the header, footer, title, and caption.

  In step S1301, the layout printing tool checks whether a character to be calculated for the drawing area is input through the GUI shown in FIG. 7 in the header, footer, title, and caption. If entered, the layout printing tool proceeds to step S1302. If it has not been input, the layout printing tool ends the processing shown in FIG.

In step S1302, the layout printing tool acquires the printable area positions X _{R, mm} , Y _{R, mm} and sizes W _{R, mm} , H _{R, mm} . This process is realized by the layout printing tool inquiring a printer driver installed in the system. In the system according to this embodiment, a value in millimeters is obtained.

In step S1303, the layout printing tool acquires the positions X _I and Y _I and the sizes W _I and H _I of the print image. The layout printing tool uses values set in the corresponding text box of the image size setting unit 601 as these values.

  In step S1304, the layout printing tool checks the currently set unit. If the unit is set to inches in the unit selection menu 901, the layout printing tool proceeds to step S1304. If the unit is set to millimeters, the layout printing tool proceeds to step S1305.

In step S1305, the layout printing tool changes the units of X _I , Y _I , W _I , and H _I from inches to millimeters to the variables X _{I, mm} , Y _{I, mm} , W _{I, mm} , H _{I, mm} . Convert to and substitute. The conversion from inch to millimeter by the layout printing tool is realized by multiplying the value in inches by 25.4.

In step S1306, the layout printing tool substitutes the values of X _I , Y _I , W _I , and H _{I for} variables X _{I, mm} , Y _{I, mm} , W _{I, mm} , H _{I, mm} .

  In step S1307, the layout printing tool checks whether the drawing area calculation target is a header character string. If it is the character string of the header, the layout printing tool proceeds to step S1310. Otherwise, the layout printing tool proceeds to step S1308.

  In step S1308, the layout printing tool checks whether the drawing area calculation target is a footer character string. If it is a footer character string, the layout printing tool proceeds to step S1313. Otherwise, the layout printing tool proceeds to step S1309.

  In step S1309, the layout printing tool checks whether the drawing area calculation target is a title character string. If it is a title character string, the layout printing tool advances to step S1316. Otherwise, the layout printing tool determines that the drawing area calculation target is a caption character string, and proceeds to step S1319.

In step S1310, the layout printing tool substitutes W _{R, mm} for the width W _{S, mm} of the character drawing area.

In step S1311, the layout printing tool acquires the height H _{S, mm} of the rectangle that is necessary when the character string is drawn in the rectangle having the width W _{S, mm} . This process is realized by the layout printing tool calculating from the resolution of the display device and the font size of the character, or inquiring the operating system.

In step S1312, the layout printing tool calculates the position of the character drawing area. The positions X _{S, mm} and Y _{S, mm} of the character drawing area are respectively
X _{S, mm} = X _{R, mm}
Y _{S, mm} = Y _{R, mm}
It is calculated based on the following formula.

In step S1313, the layout printing tool substitutes W _{R, mm} for the width W _{S, mm} of the character drawing area.

In step S1314, the layout printing tool obtains the rectangular height H _{S, mm} required when the character string is drawn in a rectangle having the width W _{S, mm} . This process is realized by the layout printing tool calculating from the resolution of the display device and the font size of the character, or inquiring the operating system.

In step S1315, the layout printing tool calculates the position of the character drawing area. The positions X _{S, mm} and Y _{S, mm} of the character drawing area are respectively
X _{S, mm} = X _{R, mm}
Y _{S, mm} = Y _{R, mm} + H _{R, mm} −H _{S, mm}
It is calculated based on the following formula.

In step S1316, the layout printing tool substitutes W _{I, mm} for the width W _{S, mm} of the character drawing area.

In step S1317, the layout printing tool acquires the height H _{S, mm} of the rectangle that is necessary when the character string is drawn in the rectangle having the width W _{S, mm} . This process is realized by the layout printing tool calculating from the resolution of the display device and the font size of the character, or inquiring the operating system.

In step S1318, the layout printing tool calculates the position of the character drawing area. The positions X _{S, mm} and Y _{S, mm} of the character drawing area are respectively
X _{S, mm} = X _{I, mm}
Y _{S, mm} = Y _{I, mm} -H _{S, mm}
It is calculated based on the following formula.

In step S1319, the layout printing tool substitutes W _{I, mm} for the width W _{S, mm} of the character drawing area.

In step S1320, the layout printing tool obtains a rectangular height H _{S, mm} that is necessary when the character string is drawn in a rectangle having a width W _{S, mm} . This process is realized by the layout printing tool calculating from the resolution of the display device and the font size of the character, or inquiring the operating system.

In step S1321, the layout printing tool calculates the position of the character drawing area. The positions X _{S, mm} and Y _{S, mm} of the character drawing area are respectively
X _{S, mm} = X _{I, mm}
Y _{S, mm} = Y _{I, mm} + H _{I, mm} + H _{S, mm}
It is calculated based on the following formula.

  Next, details of the preview display according to step S205 described above will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 16 to 25.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing details of the preview screen 306. The preview screen 306 is a screen representing the arrangement of the print image on the print paper, and displays the print image and the print paper image simultaneously.

  The background image 401 is the base of the preview screen 306.

  The paper preview image 402 displays an image so that the type and orientation of the set printing paper can be understood. When the settings of the printing printer and printing paper are changed through the GUI shown in FIG. 5, the layout printing tool updates the paper preview image 402.

  The printable area line 403 is a line representing a printable area on the set print paper displayed on the paper preview image 402.

  The image preview image 404 is an image of the print image on the print paper displayed in the preview screen 306. The layout printing tool displays the image preview image 404 so as to be above the paper preview image 402 and below the printable area line 403. When the layout of the print image is changed through the GUI shown in FIG. 6, the layout print tool updates the display of the image preview image 404.

  The character preview image 405 is an image of characters on the printing paper displayed in the preview screen 306. When the character setting is changed through the GUI shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the layout printing tool updates the display of the character preview image 405.

  The print image size display 406 represents the size of the print image printed on the printing paper with lines and numerical values. When the layout of the print image is changed through the GUI shown in FIG. 6, the layout print tool updates the display of the print image size display 406. The print image size display 406 may be always displayed, or may be switched between display and non-display by a button or key operation.

  The objects 401 to 406 are images to be displayed on the preview screen 306. Hereinafter, when the positions and sizes of the objects 401 to 406 are described, they are represented by a coordinate system in which the upper left point of the preview screen 306 is the origin, + x is rightward, and + y is downward. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, the “position” of the objects 401 to 406 indicates the x and y coordinates of the upper left end point of the drawing area of each object. The unit of both the position and the size is a pixel.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a basic flow of processing when performing preview display according to step S205 described above in the first embodiment.
In step S1401, the layout printing tool draws the background image 401. In step S1402, the layout printing tool draws the paper preview image 402.

  In step S1403, the layout printing tool draws the image preview image 404. In step S1404, the layout printing tool draws the character preview image 405.

  In step S1405, the layout printing tool draws the printable area line 403. In step S1406, the layout printing tool draws the print image size display 406.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing for acquiring the position X _{P, px} , Y _{P, px} and the size W _{P, px} , H _{P, px} of the drawing area of the paper preview image 402.

In step S1501, the layout printing tool acquires the width W _{Bk, px} and the height H _{Bk, px} of the pixel size of the preview screen 306. This process is realized by the layout printing tool calculating from the resolution of the display device and the font size of the character, or inquiring the operating system.

In step S1502, the layout printing tool acquires the width W _{P, mm} and the height H _{P, mm} of the printing paper. This process is realized by the layout printing tool inquiring a printer driver installed in the system. In the system according to this embodiment, a value in millimeters is obtained.

  In step S1503, the layout printing tool sets the distance d from each end of the preview screen 306 to the paper preview image 402 in units of pixels. In this embodiment, d = 30, but any other value may be set.

In step S1504, the layout printing tool compares the value of W _{P, mm} / H _{P, mm with} the value of W _{Bk, px} / H _{Bk, px} . If (W _{P, mm} / H _{P, mm} )> (W _{Bk, px} / H _{Bk, px} ), the layout printing tool proceeds to step S1505. If (W _{P, mm} / H _{P, mm} ) <(W _{Bk, px} / H _{Bk, px} ), the layout printing tool proceeds to step S1506.

In step S1505, the layout printing tool calculates the width and height of the paper preview image 402. The width W _{P, px} and height H _{P, px} of the paper preview image 402 are respectively
W _{P, px} = W _{Bk, px} -2d
H _{P, px} = (H _{P, mm} / W _{P, mm} ) × (W _{Bk, px} -2d)
It is calculated based on the following formula.

In step S1506, the layout printing tool calculates the width and height of the paper preview image 402. The width W _{P, px} and height H _{P, px} of the paper preview image 402 are respectively
W _{P, px} = (W _{P, mm} / H _{P, mm} ) × (H _{Bk, px} -2d)
H _{P, px} = H _{Bk, px} -2d
It is calculated based on the following formula.

In step S1507, the layout printing tool calculates the position of the paper preview image 402. Position X _{P, px,} Y _P paper preview image _{402, px,} respectively,
X _{P, px} = (W _{Bk, px} -W _{P, px} ) / 2
YP _{, px} = ( _{HBk, px-} Hp _{, px} ) / 2
It is calculated based on the following formula.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing an example of processing when acquiring the position X _{R, px} , Y _{R, px} and the size W _{R, px} , H _{R, px} of the drawing area of the printable area line 403. It is assumed that the printable area exists inside the printing paper.

  Steps S1601 to S1607 are the same as steps S1501 to S1507 in FIG.

In step S1608, the layout printing tool acquires the position and size X _{R, mm} , Y _{R, mm} , W _{R, mm} , H _{R, mm} of the printable area. This process is realized by the layout printing tool inquiring a printer driver installed in the system. In the system according to this embodiment, a value in millimeters is obtained.

In step S1609, the layout printing tool calculates the position and size of the drawing area of the printable area line 403. The position X _{R, px} , Y _{R, px} , size W _{R, px} , H _{R, px} of the drawing area of the printable area line 403 is respectively
X _{R, px} = X _{R, mm} × (W _{P, px} / W _{P, mm} ) + X _{P, px}
Y _{R, px} = Y _{R, mm} × (H _{P, px} / H _{P, mm} ) + Y _{P, px}
W _{R, px} = W _{R, mm} × (W _{P, px} / W _{P, mm} )
H _{R, px} = H _{R, mm} × (H _{P, px} / H _{P, mm} )
It is calculated based on the following formula.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing an example of processing for acquiring the position X _{I, px} , Y _{I, px} and the size W _{I, px} , H _{I, px} of the drawing area of the image preview image 404.

  Steps S1701 to S1707 are the same as steps S1501 to S1507 in FIG.

In step S1708, the layout printing tool acquires the positions X _I and Y _I and the sizes W _I and H _I of the print image. The layout printing tool uses values set in the corresponding text box of the image size setting unit 601 as these values.

  In step S1709, the layout printing tool checks the currently set unit. If the unit is set to inch in the unit selection menu 901, the layout printing tool proceeds to step S1710. If the unit is set to millimeters, the layout printing tool proceeds to step S1711.

In step S1710, the layout printing tool changes the units of X _I , Y _I , W _I , and H _I from inches to millimeters to the variables X _{I, mm} , Y _{I, mm} , W _{I, mm} , H _{I, mm} . Convert to and substitute. The conversion from inch to millimeter by the layout printing tool is realized by multiplying the value in inches by 25.4.

In step S1711, the layout printing tool substitutes the values of X _I , Y _I , W _I , and H _{I for} variables X _{I, mm} , Y _{I, mm} , W _{I, mm} , H _{I, mm} .

In step S1712, the layout printing tool calculates the position and size of the drawing area of the image preview image 404. The position X _{I, px} , Y _{I, px} , size W _{I, px} , H _{I, px} of the drawing area of the image preview image 404 is
X _{I, px} = X _{I, mm} × (W _{P, px} / W _{P, mm} ) + X _{P, px}
Y _{I, px} = Y _{I, mm} × (H _{P, px} / H _{P, mm} ) + Y _{P, px}
W _{I, px} = W _{I, mm} × (W _{P, px} / W _{P, mm} )
H _{I, px} = H _{I, mm} × (H _{P, px} / H _{P, mm} )
It is calculated based on the following formula.

  FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing when the background image 401 according to step S1401 described above is drawn. In the following, the variables i and j represent the positions x and y in the coordinate system with the upper left end point of the preview screen 306 as the origin.

In step S1801, the layout printing tool acquires the pixel size width W _{Bk, px} and height H _{Bk, px} of the preview screen 306. This process is realized by the layout printing tool calculating from the resolution of the display device and the font size of the character, or inquiring the operating system.

  In step S1802, the layout printing tool substitutes 0 for variable j. In step S1803, the layout printing tool substitutes 0 for a variable i.

  In step S1804, the layout printing tool determines the R, G, B value, R (i, j), G (i, j), B (i, j) of the pixel at the position (x, y) = (i, j). Set the background color to j). In the present embodiment, the background colors are (R (i, j), G (i, j), B (i, j)) = (255 × 0.2, 255 × 0.2, 255 × 0.2). Suppose that Note that any other R, G, B value may be set as the background color.

  In step S1805, the layout printing tool adds 1 to the variable i.

In step S1806, the layout printing tool compares the variable i with W _{Bk, px} . If i = W _{Bk, px} , the layout printing tool proceeds to step S1807. If i ≠ W _{Bk, px} , the layout printing tool advances to step S1804.

  In step S1807, the layout printing tool adds 1 to the variable j.

In step S1808, the layout printing tool compares the variable j with H _{Bk, px} . When j = H _{Bk, px} , the layout printing tool ends the process. If j ≠ H _{Bk, px} , the layout printing tool advances to step S1803.

  FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing an example of processing when the paper preview image 402 according to step S1402 described above is drawn. It is assumed that the printable area exists inside the printing paper. In the following, variables i and j represent positions x and y in the coordinate system with the upper left end point of preview screen 306 as the origin.

In step S1901, the layout printing tool, to acquire the position X _P of the paper preview image _{402, px,} Y _{P, px,} size W _{P, px,} H _P, the _px. This is realized by the method described above with reference to FIG.

In step S1902, the layout printing tool acquires the position X _{R, px} , Y _{R, px} and size W _{R, px} , H _{R, px} of the printable area line 403 on the preview screen 306. This is realized by the method described above with reference to FIG.

In step S1903, the layout printing tool substitutes _{YP, px} for the variable j. In step S1904, the layout printing tool substitutes _{XP, px} for the variable i.

  In step S1905, the layout printing tool checks the current background color setting. If the background color switching check box 902 sets the background color to black, the layout printing tool advances to step S1906. If the background color is not set to black, the layout printing tool advances to step S1909.

In step S1906, the layout printing tool checks the range of values of the variables i and j. If X _{R, px} + W _{R, px} ≧ i ≧ X _{R, px} and Y _{R, px} + H _{R, px} ≧ j ≧ Y _{R, px} , the layout printing tool proceeds to step S1908. Otherwise, the layout printing tool proceeds to step S1909.

In step S1908, the layout printing tool determines the R, G, and B values of the pixel at the position (x, y) = (i, j).
(R (i, j), G (i, j), B (i, j)) = (0,0,0)
And

In step S1909, the layout printing tool determines the R, G, and B values of the pixel at the position (x, y) = (i, j).
(R (i, j), G (i, j), B (i, j)) = (255, 255, 255)
And

  In step S1910, the layout printing tool adds 1 to the variable i.

In step S1911, the layout printing tool compares the variable i with (X _{P, px} + W _{P, px} ). If i = (X _{P, px} + W _{P, px} ), the layout printing tool proceeds to step S1912. If i ≠ (X _{P, px} + W _{P, px} ), the layout printing tool proceeds to step 1905.

  In step S1912, the layout printing tool adds 1 to the variable j.

In step S1913, the layout printing tool compares the variable j with (Y _{P, px} + H _{P, px} ). If j = (Y _{P, px} + H _{P, px} ), the layout printing tool ends the process shown in FIG. If j ≠ (Y _{P, px} + H _{P, px} ), the layout printing tool advances to step S1904.

  FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing when the image preview image 404 according to step S1403 described above is rendered. The layout printing tool creates an image preview image 404 from the print image and draws it on the preview screen 306. It is assumed that the printable area exists inside the printing paper.

In the following, the variables i and j represent positions in the coordinate system with the upper left end point of the preview screen 306 as the origin. Further, the R, G, and B values of the pixel at an arbitrary position on the preview screen 306 are expressed as R _{prv (i, j)} , G _{prv (i, j)} , and B _{prv (i, j)} , respectively.

Variables m and n represent positions in the coordinate system with the upper left point of the image preview image 404 as the origin. Further, the R, G, and B values of the pixel at an arbitrary position on the image preview image 404 are expressed as R _{img (i, j)} , G _{img (i, j)} , and B _{img (i, j)} , respectively.

In step S2001, the layout printing tool acquires the position X _{R, px} , Y _{R, px} , size W _{R, px} , H _{R, px} of the printable area line 403 on the preview screen 306. This is realized by the method described above with reference to FIG.

In step S2002, the layout printing tool acquires the drawing areas X _{I, px} , Y _{I, px} , W _{I, px} , H _{I, px} of the image preview image 404. This is realized by the method described above with reference to FIG.

In step S2003, the layout printing tool secures an area for storing an image preview image of W _{I, px} × H _{I, px in} the temporary storage 102.

In step S2004, the layout printing tool scales the print image to W _{I, px} × H _{I, px} to create an image preview image. The scaling of the printed image is performed using a known method such as a bilinear method or a bicubic method. Note that the layout printing tool reads a print image saved in the secondary storage 103.

In step S2005, the layout printing tool substitutes Y _{I, px} for the variable j. In step S2006, the layout printing tool substitutes X _{I, px} for the variable i.

In step S2007, the layout printing tool substitutes (i−X _{I, px} ) for the variable m. Furthermore, the layout printing tool substitutes (j−Y _{I, px} ) for the variable n.
In step S2008, the layout printing tool copies the R, G, and B values of the pixel at the position (m, n) on the image preview image 404 to the pixel at the position (i, j) on the preview screen 306.

  In step S2009, the layout printing tool adds 1 to the variable i.

In step S2010, the layout printing tool compares the variable i with (X _{I, px} + W _{I, px} ). If i = (X _{I, px} + W _{I, px} ), the layout printing tool proceeds to step S2011. If i ≠ (X _{I, px} + W _{I, px} ), the layout printing tool proceeds to step S2007.

  In step S2011, the layout printing tool adds 1 to the variable j.

In step S2012, the layout printing tool compares the variable j with (Y _{I, px} + H _{I, px} ). If j = (Y _{I, px} + H _{I, px} ), the layout printing tool ends the process. If j ≠ (Y _{I, px} + H _{I, px} ), the layout printing tool proceeds to step S2006.

  FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing an example of processing when the character preview image 405 according to step S1404 described above is drawn. The layout printing tool performs the processing described below for each of the header, footer, title, and caption.

In step S2101, the layout printing tool acquires character drawing positions X _{S, mm} , Y _{S, mm} and sizes W _{S, mm} , H _{S, mm} on the printing paper. This is realized by the method described above with reference to FIG.

In step S2102, the layout printing tool acquires the width W _{P, mm} and height H _{P, mm} of the printing paper. This process is realized by the layout printing tool inquiring a printer driver installed in the system. In the system according to this embodiment, a value in millimeters is obtained.

In step S2103, the layout printing tool, to acquire the position X _P of the paper preview image _{402, px,} Y _{P, px,} size W _{P, px,} H _P, the _px. This is realized by the method described above with reference to FIG.

In step S2104, the layout printing tool calculates the position and size of the drawing area of the character preview image 405. The position X _{S, px} , Y _{S, px} and the size W _{S, px} , H _{S, px} of the drawing area of the character preview image 405 are respectively
X _{S, px} = X _{S, mm} × (W _{P, px} / W _{P, mm} ) + X _{P, px}
Y _{S, px} = Y _{S, mm} × (H _{P, px} / H _{P, mm} ) + Y _{P, px}
W _{S, px} = W _{S, mm} × (W _{P, px} / W _{P, mm} )
H _{S, px} = H _{S, mm} × (H _{P, px} / H _{P, mm} )
It is calculated based on the following formula.

  In step S2105, the layout printing tool checks the current background color setting. If the background color switching check box 902 sets the background color to black, the layout printing tool advances to step S2106. If the background color is not set to black, the layout printing tool advances to step S2107.

  In steps S2106 and S2107, the layout printing tool sets the color of the character to be drawn and the color of the background.

  In step S2106, the layout printing tool sets the character color to (R, G, B) = (255, 255, 255) and the character background color to (R, G, B) = (0, 0, 0). .

  In step S2107, the layout printing tool sets the character color to (R, G, B) = (0, 0, 0) and the character background color to (R, G, B) = (255, 255, 255). .

In step S2108, the layout printing _{tool, X S, px, Y S} , px, W S, px, H S, in the region of _px, drawing the string set.

  FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing an example of processing when the printable area line 403 according to step S1405 described above is drawn. In the following, the variables i and j represent the positions x and y in the coordinate system with the upper left end point of the preview screen 306 as the origin.

In step S2201, the layout printing tool acquires the position X _{R, px} , Y _{R, px} , size W _{R, px} , H _{R, px} of the printable area line 403 on the preview screen 306. This is realized by the method described above with reference to FIG.

In step S2202, the layout printing tool substitutes Y _{R, px} for the variable j. In step S2203, the layout printing tool substitutes X _{R, px} for the variable i.

In step S2204, the layout printing tool checks the value of the variable j. If j = Y _{R, px} or j = Y _{R, px} + H _{R, px} , the layout printing tool advances to step S2206. Otherwise, the layout printing tool proceeds to step S2205.

In step S2205, the layout printing tool checks the value of the variable i. If i = X _{R, px} or i = X _{R, px} + W _{R, px} , the layout printing tool advances to step S2206. Otherwise, the layout printing tool proceeds to step S2207.

  In step S2206, the layout printing tool determines that the pixel R, G, B value R (i, j), G (i, j), B (i, j) at the position (x, y) = (i, j). ) To set the color of the printable area line. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the color of the printable area line is (R (i, j), G (i, j), B (i, j)) = (255, 255, 0). Other arbitrary R, G, and B values may be set for the color of the printable area line.

In step S2207, the layout printing tool adds 1 to the variable i. In step S2208, the layout printing tool compares the variable i with (X _{R, px} + W _{R, px} ). If i = (X _{R, px} + W _{R, px} ), the layout printing tool proceeds to step S2209. If i ≠ (X _{R, px} + W _{R, px} ), the layout printing tool advances to step S2204.

In step S2209, the layout printing tool adds 1 to the variable j. In step S2210, the layout printing tool compares the variable j with (Y _{R, px} + H _{R, px} ). If j = (Y _{R, px} + H _{R, px} ), the layout printing tool ends the process. If j ≠ (Y _{R, px} + H _{R, px} ), the layout printing tool advances to step S2203.

  Next, drawing of the print image size display 406 according to step S1416 described above will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 25 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process for acquiring a range included in a printable area and a size of a range not included in the printable area for a print image.

Here, as shown in FIG. 26A, when the print image is arranged so as to protrude from the printable area in the vertical direction, the height of the range of the print image that protrudes from the printable area is represented by H _I1 . To do. Further, the height of the range that overlaps the printable area is defined as H _I2 . Further, the height of the range extending downward from the printable area is set to H _I3 .

Further, as shown in FIG. 26B, when the print image is arranged so as to protrude from the printable area in the left-right direction, the width of the range extending to the left from the printable area in the print image is defined as W _I1 . Further, the width of the range that overlaps the printable area is defined as W _I2 . Also, let W _I3 be the width of the range that protrudes to the right from the printable area.

  In the description of FIG. 25, the position and size of the print image and printable area are represented by a coordinate system in which the point at the upper left corner of the print sheet is the origin, + x in the right direction and + y in the down direction. And Both the position and size are expressed in units of millimeters or inches.

In step S2301, the layout printing tool acquires the positions X _I and Y _I and the sizes W _I and H _I of the print image. The layout printing tool uses values set in the corresponding text box of the image size setting unit 601 as these values.

  In step S2302, the layout printing tool checks the currently set unit. If the unit is set to inch in the unit selection menu 901, the layout printing tool proceeds to step S2303. If the unit is set to millimeters, the layout printing tool proceeds to step S2304.

In step S2303, the layout printing tool changes the units of X _I , Y _I , W _I , and H _I from inches to millimeters to the variables X _{I, mm} , Y _{I, mm} , W _{I, mm} , H _{I, mm} . Convert to and substitute. The conversion from inch to millimeter by the layout printing tool is realized by multiplying the value in inches by 25.4.

In step S2304, the layout printing tool substitutes the values of X _I , Y _I , W _I , and H _{I for} variables X _{I, mm} , Y _{I, mm} , W _{I, mm} , H _{I, mm} .

In step S2305, the layout printing tool acquires the position X _{R, mm} , Y _{R, mm} and the size W _{R, mm} , H _{R, mm} of the printable area. This is realized by making an inquiry to the printer driver. In the system according to this embodiment, a value in millimeters is obtained.

In step S2306, the layout printing tool substitutes values for W _I1 , W _I2 , and W _I3 . Each layout printing tool
W _I1 = 0
W _I2 = W _{I, mm}
W _I3 = 0
And

In step S2307, the layout printing tool compares the values of X _{I, mm} and X _{R, mm} . If X _{I, mm} <X _{R, mm} , the layout printing tool advances to step S2308. If X _{I, mm} ≧ X _{R, mm} , the layout printing tool advances to step S2309.

In step S2308, the layout printing tool substitutes values for W _I1 and W _I2 . Each layout printing tool
W _I1 = X _{R, mm} -X _{I, mm}
W _I2 = W _I2 − (X _{R, mm} −X _{I, mm} )
And

In step S2309, the layout printing tool compares the values of (X _{I, mm} + W _{I, mm} ) and (X _{R, mm} + W _{R, mm} ). If (X _{I, mm} + W _{I, mm} )> (X _{R, mm} + W _{R, mm} ), the layout printing tool proceeds to step S2310. If (X _{I, mm} + W _{I, mm} ) ≦ (X _{R, mm} + W _{R, mm} ), the layout printing tool proceeds to step S2311.

In step S2310, the layout printing tool substitutes values for W _I2 and W _I3 . Each layout printing tool
W _I2 = W _I2 − {(X _{I, mm} + W _{I, mm} ) − (X _{R, mm} + W _{R, mm} )}
W _I3 = (X _{I, mm} + W _{I, mm} )-(X _{R, mm} + W _{R, mm} )
And

In step S2311, the layout printing tool substitutes values for H _I1 , H _I2 , and H _I3 . Each layout printing tool
H _I1 = 0
H _I2 = H _{I, mm}
H _I3 = 0
And

In step S2312, the layout printing tool compares the values of Y _{I, mm} and Y _{R, mm} . If Y _{I, mm} <Y _{R, mm} , the layout printing tool advances to step S2313. If Y _{I, mm} ≧ Y _{R, mm} , the layout printing tool advances to step S2314.

In step S2313, the layout printing tool substitutes values for H _I1 and H _I2 . Each layout printing tool
H _I1 = Y _{R, mm} -Y _{I, mm}
H _I2 = H _I2- (Y _{R, mm} -Y _{I, mm} )
And

In step S2314, the layout printing tool compares (Y _{I, mm} + H _{I, mm} ) with (Y _{R, mm} + H _{R, mm} ). If (Y _{I, mm} + H _{I, mm} )> (Y _{R, mm} + H _{R, mm} ), the layout printing tool proceeds to step S2315. If (Y _{I, mm} + H _{I, mm} ) ≦ (Y _{R, mm} + H _{R, mm} ), the layout printing tool proceeds to step S2316.

In step S2315, the layout printing tool substitutes values for H _I2 and H _I3 . Each layout printing tool
H _I2 = H _I2 − {(Y _{I, mm} + H _{I, mm} ) − (Y _{R, mm} + H _{R, mm} )}
H _I3 = (Y _{I, mm} + H _{I, mm} )-(Y _{R, mm} + H _{R, mm} )
And

  In step S2316, the layout printing tool checks the currently set unit. If the unit is set to inches in the unit selection menu 901, the layout printing tool proceeds to step S2317. If the unit is set to millimeters, the layout printing tool ends the process shown in FIG.

In step S2317, the layout printing tool converts units of values of W _I1 , W _I2 , and W _I3 from millimeters to inches. Conversion from millimeters to inches by the layout printing tool is accomplished by multiplying the value in millimeters by 0.04.

In step S2318, the layout printing tool converts units of values of H _I1 , H _I2 , and H _I3 from millimeters to inches. Conversion from millimeters to inches by the layout printing tool is accomplished by multiplying the value in millimeters by 0.04.

  FIG. 27 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing when the print image size display 406 according to step S1416 described above is drawn. In the description of FIG. 27, the positions and sizes of the printable area line 403 and the image preview image 404 are expressed in a coordinate system in which the upper left point of the preview screen 306 is the origin, + x is rightward, and + y is downward. Shall be. The unit of both the position and the size is a pixel.

  In step S2501, the layout printing tool checks the current background color setting. If the background color switching check box 902 sets the background color to black, the layout printing tool advances to step S2502. If the background color is not set to black, the layout printing tool advances to step S2503.

  In steps S2502 and S2503, the layout printing tool sets the color of the character to be drawn and the color of the background.

  In step S2502, the layout printing tool sets the character color to (R, G, B) = (255, 255, 255) and the character background color to (R, G, B) = (0, 0, 0). .

  In step S2503, the layout printing tool sets the character color to (R, G, B) = (0, 0, 0) and the character background color to (R, G, B) = (255, 255, 255). .

In step S2504, the layout printing tool acquires the position X _{R, px} , Y _{R, px} , size W _{R, px} , H _{R, px} of the printable area line 403 on the preview screen 306. This is realized by the method described above with reference to FIG.

In step S2505, the layout printing tool acquires the drawing area position X _{I, px} , Y _{I, px} and size W _{I, px} , H _{I, px} of the image preview image 404. This is realized by the method described above with reference to FIG.

In step S2506, the layout printing tool obtains the width W _{I1 of} the range that protrudes to the left from the printable area, the width W _I2 of the area that overlaps the printable area, and the width W _I3 of the range that protrudes to the right from the print area. To do. This is realized by the method described above with reference to FIGS.

In step S2507, the layout printing tool determines, in the print image, the height H _{I1 of the} area that protrudes upward from the printable area, the height H _I2 of the area that overlaps the printable area, and the height of the area that protrudes downward from the printable area. Get _HI3 . This is realized by the method described above with reference to FIGS.

In steps S2508 to S2517, the layout printing tool displays the values W _I1 , W _I2 and W _I3 acquired in step S2506 on the preview screen 306.

In step S2508, the layout printing tool draws a straight line from the start point P1 ( _{XI, px} , YI _{, px} + HI _{, px} ) to the end point P2 ( _XI , _px , YI _{, px} + HI _{, px} + 10). .

In step S2509, the layout printing tool, the starting point _{P1 (X I, px + W} I, px, Y I, px + H I, px) from the end point _{P2 (X I, px + W} I, px, Y I, px + H I _{, px} +10).

In step S2510, the layout printing tool starts from the start point P1 ( _{XI, px} , YI _{, px} + HI _{, px} + 5) to the end point P2 ( _{XI, px} + WI _{, px} , YI _{, px} + HI _{, px} + 5). Draw a straight line to

In step S2511, the layout printing tool checks the value of W _I1 . If W _I1 > 0, the layout printing tool advances to step S2512. If W _I1 ≦ 0, the layout printing tool advances to step S2514.

In step S2512, the layout printing tool draws a straight line from the start point P1 (X _{R, px} , Y _{I, px} + HI _{, px} ) to the end point P2 (X _{R, px} , Y _{I, px} + HI _{, px} +10). .

In step S2513, the layout printing tool draws the value of WI1 as a character string at a point ((X _{R, px−} X _{I, px} ) / 2, Y _{I, px} + H _{I, px} + 5). At this time, the layout printing tool may draw a character string representing the unit selected in the unit selection menu 901 together.

In step S2514, the layout printing tool checks the value of W _I3 . If W _I3 > 0, the layout printing tool advances to step S2515. If W _I3 ≦ 0, the layout printing tool advances to step S2517.

In step S2515, the layout printing tool starts from the start point P1 (X _{R, px} + W _{R, px} , Y _{I, px} + H _{I, px} ) to the end point P2 (X _{R, px} + W _{R, px} , Y _{I, px} + H _{I). , px} +10).

In step S2516, the layout printing tool determines that (x, y) = (((X _{I, px} + W _{I, px} ) − (X _{R, px} + W _{R, px} )) / 2, Y _{I, px} + H _{I, px} At the point of +5), the value of W _I3 is drawn as a character string. At this time, the layout printing tool may draw a character string representing the unit selected in the unit selection menu 901 together.

In step S2517, the layout printing tool draws the value of W _I2 as a character string at the point (X _{I, px} + W _I1 + (W _I2 / 2), Y _{I, px} + H _{I, px} +5). At this time, the layout printing tool may draw a character string representing the unit selected in the unit selection menu 901 together.

In steps S2518 to S2527, the layout printing tool displays the values H _I1 , H _I2 and H _I3 acquired in step S2507 on the preview screen 306.

In step S2518, the layout printing tool draws a straight line from the start point P1 (X _{I, px} + W _{I, px} , Y _{I, px} ) to the end point P2 (X _{I, px} + W _{I, px} + 10, Y _{I, px} ). .

In step S2519, the layout printing tool starts from the start point P1 (XI, _px + WI _{, px} , YI _{, px} + HI _{, px} ) to the end point P2 (XI, _px + WI _{, px} + 10, YI _{, px} + H). Draw a straight line to _{I, px} ).

In step S2520, the layout printing tool starts from the start point P1 (X _{I, px} + W _{I, px} + 5, Y _{I, px} ) to the end point P2 (X _{I, px} + W _{I, px} + 5, Y _{I, px} + H _{I, px} Draw a straight line to

In step S2521, the layout printing tool checks the value of H _I1 . If H _I1 > 0, the layout printing tool advances to step S2522. If H _I1 ≦ 0, the layout printing tool advances to step S2524.

In step S2522, the layout printing tool draws a straight line from the start point P1 (X _{I, px} + W _{I, px} , Y _{R, px} ) to the end point P2 (X _{I, px} + W _{I, px} + 10, Y _{R, px} ). .

In step S2523, the layout printing tool draws the value of H _I1 as a character string at the point (X _{I, px} + W _{I, px} +5, (Y _{R, px} −Y _{I, px} ) / 2). At this time, the layout printing tool may draw a character string representing the unit selected in the unit selection menu 901 together.

In step S2524, the layout printing tool checks the value of H _I3 . If H _I3 > 0, the layout printing tool advances to step S2525. If H _I3 ≦ 0, the layout printing tool advances to step S2527.

In step S2525, the layout printing tool starts from the start point P1 (X _{I, px} + W _{I, px} , Y _{R, px} + H _{R, px} ) to the end point P2 (X _{I, px} + W _{I, px} + 10, Y _{R, px} + H). Draw a straight line to _{R, px} ).

In step S2526, the layout printing tool determines that the point (X _{I, px} + W _{I, px} +5, ((Y _{I, px} + H _{I, px} ) − (Y _{R, px} + H _{R, px} )) / 2) H _Renders the value of _I3 as a string. At this time, the layout printing tool may draw a character string representing the unit selected in the unit selection menu 901 together.

In step S2527, the layout printing tool, point to _{(X I, px + W I} , px + 5, Y I, px + H I1 + (H I2 / 2)), draw values for HI2 as a string. At this time, the layout printing tool may draw a character string representing the unit selected in the unit selection menu 901 together.

  The layout printing tool performs the processing as shown in FIGS. 25 and 27, and as shown in FIG. 28, as shown in FIG. The numerical value can be displayed on the preview screen 306.

(Second embodiment)
In the first embodiment, the layout printing tool has been described so that the actual print range of the print image can be accurately known on the preview screen. However, the layout printing tool in the first embodiment cannot accurately know the range of the character drawing area that is actually printed on the preview screen. In the second embodiment, in addition to the first embodiment, an example of a layout printing tool that can accurately know a range to be actually printed on a preview screen for a character drawing area will be described.

  In step S205 described above, the layout printing tool of the second embodiment performs the process described below with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 29 is a diagram showing details of the preview screen 306 in the second embodiment. The preview screen 306 represents the arrangement of the print image on the print paper, and displays the print image and the print paper image simultaneously.
Here, 401 to 406 shown in FIG. 29 are the same as 401 to 406 in FIG.

  The print character area size display 2701 represents the size of the character area on the printing paper with lines and numerical values. When the user changes the character setting through the GUI shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the layout printing tool updates the display of the print character area size display 2701. The print character area size display 2701 may be always displayed, or the layout print tool may switch between display and non-display in accordance with a button or key operation by the user.

  FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing a basic flow of processing relating to the preview display in step S205 described above in the second embodiment. Steps S2801 to S2806 are the same as S1401 to S1406 in FIG. In step S2807, the layout printing tool draws the print character area size display 2701.

  FIG. 31 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing for obtaining the size included in the printable area and the size of the range not included in the printable area for the character drawing area on the print paper.

Here, as shown in FIG. 32A, when the character drawing area is arranged so as to protrude from the printable area in the vertical direction, the height of the range protruding from the printable area in the print image is set to H _S1. And In addition, the height of the range that overlaps the printable area is H _S2 . Further, the height of the range that protrudes downward from the printable area is assumed to be H _S3 .

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 32B, when the character drawing area is arranged so as to protrude from the printable area in the left-right direction, the width of the range extending to the left from the printable area in the print image is W _S1 . . Also, the width of the range that overlaps the printable area is W _S2 . In addition, the width of the range that protrudes to the right from the printable area is W _S3 .

  In the description of FIG. 31, the positions and sizes of the character drawing area and the printable area are represented by a coordinate system in which the point at the upper left corner of the printing paper is the origin, + x in the right direction and + y in the downward direction. Shall. Both the position and size are expressed in units of millimeters or inches.

In step S2801, the layout printing tool acquires the position X _{S, mm} , Y _{S, mm} and the size W _{S, mm} , H _{S, mm} of the character drawing area. The layout printing tool acquires these values using the method shown in FIG.

In step 2902, the layout printing tool obtains the printable area positions X _{R, mm} , Y _{R, mm} and the sizes W _{R, mm} , H _{R, mm} . This is realized by making an inquiry to the printer driver. In the system according to this embodiment, a value in millimeters is obtained.

In step S2903, the layout printing tool assigns values to W _S1 , W _S2 , and W _S3 . Each layout printing tool
W _S1 = 0
W _S2 = W _{S, mm}
W _S3 = 0
And

In step S2904, the layout printing tool compares the values of X _{S, mm} and X _{R, mm} . If X _{S, mm} <X _{R, mm} , the layout printing tool advances to step S2905. If X _{S, mm} ≧ X _{R, mm} , the layout printing tool advances to step S2906.

In step S2905, the layout printing tool substitutes values for W _S1 and W _S2 . Each layout printing tool
W _S1 = X _{R, mm} −X _{S, mm}
W _S2 = W _S2 − (X _{R, mm} −X _{S, mm} )
And

In step S2906, the layout printing tool compares (X _{S, mm} + W _{S, mm} ) with (X _{R, mm} + W _{R, mm} ). If (X _{S, mm} + W _{S, mm} )> (X _{R, mm} + W _{R, mm} ), the layout printing tool proceeds to step S2907. If (X _{S, mm} + W _{S, mm} ) ≦ (X _{R, mm} + W _{R, mm} ), the layout printing tool proceeds to step S2908.

In step S2907, the layout printing tool substitutes values for W _S2 and W _S3 . Each layout printing tool
W _S2 = W _S2 − {(X _{S, mm} + W _{S, mm} ) − (X _{R, mm} + W _{R, mm} )}
W _S3 = (X _{S, mm} + W _{S, mm} ) − (X _{R, mm} + W _{R, mm} )
And

In step S2908, the layout printing tool substitutes values for H _S1 , H _S2 , and H _S3 . Each layout printing tool
H _S1 = 0
H _S2 = H _{S, mm}
H _S3 = 0
And

In step S2909, the layout printing tool compares the values of Y _{S, mm} and Y _{R, mm} . If Y _{S, mm} <Y _{R, mm} , the layout printing tool advances to step S2910. If Y _{S, mm} ≧ Y _{R, mm} , the layout printing tool advances to step S2911.

In step S2910, the layout printing tool substitutes values for H _S1 and H _S2 . Each layout printing tool
H _S1 = Y _{R, mm} −Y _{S, mm}
H _S2 = H _S2 − (Y _{R, mm} −Y _{S, mm} )
And

In step S2911, the values of (Y _{S, mm} + H _{S, mm} ) and (Y _{R, mm} + H _{R, mm} ) are compared. If (Y _{S, mm} + H _{S, mm} )> (Y _{R, mm} + H _{R, mm} ), the layout printing tool proceeds to step S2912. If (Y _{S, mm} + H _{S, mm} ) ≦ (Y _{R, mm} + H _{R, mm} ), the layout printing tool proceeds to step S2913.

In step S2912, the layout printing tool assigns values to H _S2 and H _S3 . Each layout printing tool
H _S2 = H _S2 − {(Y _{S, mm} + H _{S, mm} ) − (Y _{R, mm} + H _{R, mm} )}
H _S3 = (Y _{S, mm} + H _{S, mm} ) − (Y _{R, mm} + H _{R, mm} )
And

  In step S2913, the layout printing tool checks the currently set unit. If the unit is set to inches in the unit selection menu 901, the layout printing tool proceeds to step S2914. If the unit is set to millimeters, the layout printing tool ends the process shown in FIG.

In step S2914, the layout printing tool converts units of values of W _S1 , W _S2 , and W _S3 from millimeters to inches. Conversion from millimeters to inches by the layout printing tool is accomplished by multiplying the value in millimeters by 0.04.

In step S2915, the layout printing tool converts units of values of H _S1 , H _S2 , and H _S3 from millimeters to inches. Conversion from millimeters to inches by the layout printing tool is accomplished by multiplying the value in millimeters by 0.04.

  FIG. 33 is a flowchart showing an example of processing for drawing the print character area size display 2701 according to step S2807 described above. In the description of FIG. 33, the positions and sizes of the printable area line 403 and the image preview image 404 are expressed in a coordinate system in which the upper left point of the preview screen 306 is the origin, + x is in the right direction, and + y is in the down direction. Shall be. The unit of both the position and the size is a pixel.

  In step S3101, the layout printing tool checks the current background color setting. If the background color switching check box 902 sets the background color to black, the layout printing tool advances to step S3102. If the background color is not set to black, the layout printing tool advances to step S3103.

  In steps S3102, S3103, the layout printing tool sets the color of the character to be drawn and the color of the background.

  In step S3102, the layout printing tool sets the character color to (R, G, B) = (255, 255, 255) and the character background color to (R, G, B) = (0, 0, 0). .

  In step S3103, the layout printing tool sets the character color to (R, G, B) = (0, 0, 0) and the character background color to (R, G, B) = (255, 255, 255). .

In step S3104, the layout printing tool acquires the position X _{R, px} , Y _{R, px} , size W _{R, px} , H _{R, px} of the printable area line 403 on the preview screen 306. This is realized by the method described above with reference to FIG.

In steps S3105 to S3108, the layout printing tool performs the same processing as that of S2101 to S2104 in FIG. 23, and the position X _{S, px} , Y _{S, px} of the drawing area of the character preview image 405, the size W _{S, px} , H _{S, px} is calculated.

In step S3109, the layout printing tool obtains the width W _{S1 of} the range that extends to the left from the printable area, the width W _{S2 of} the range that overlaps the printable area, and the width W _S3 of the range that protrudes to the right from the print area. To do. This is realized by the method described above with reference to FIGS.

In step S3110, the layout printing tool determines, in the print image, the height H _{S1 of the} area that protrudes upward from the printable area, the height H _S2 of the area that overlaps the printable area, and the height of the area that protrudes downward from the printable area. Get H _S3 . This is realized by the method described above with reference to FIGS.

In steps S3111 to S3120, the layout printing tool displays the values W _S1 , W _S2 , and W _S3 acquired in step S3109 on the preview screen 306.

In step S 3111, the layout printing tool draws a straight line from the start point P 1 (X _{S, px} , Y _{S, px} + H _{S, px} ) to the end point P 2 (X _{S, px} , Y _{S, px} + H _{S, px} +10). .

In step S3112, the layout printing tool starts from the start point P1 (X _{S, px} + W _{S, px} , Y _{S, px} + H _{S, px} ) to the end point P2 (X _{S, px} + W _{S, px} , Y _{S, px} + H _{S). , px} +10).

In step S3113, the layout printing tool starts from the start point P1 (X _{S, px} , Y _{S, px} + H _{S, px} +5) to the end point P2 (X _{S, px} + W _{S, px} , Y _{S, px} + H _{S, px} +5). Draw a straight line to

In step S3114, the layout printing tool checks the value of WS1. If W _S1 > 0, the layout printing tool proceeds to step 3115. If W _S1 ≦ 0, the layout printing tool proceeds to step S3117.

In step S3115, the layout printing tool draws a straight line from the start point P1 (X _{R, px} , Y _{S, px} + H _{S, px} ) to the end point P2 (X _{R, px} , Y _{S, px} + H _{S, px} +10). .

In step S3116, the layout printing tool draws the value of W _S1 as a character string at the point ((X _{R, px−} X _{S, px} ) / 2, Y _{S, px} + H _{S, px} +5). At this time, the layout printing tool may draw a character string representing the unit selected in the unit selection menu 901 together.

In step S3117, the layout printing tool checks the value of W _S3 . If W _S3 > 0, the layout printing tool advances to step S3118. If W _S3 ≦ 0, the layout printing tool proceeds to step S3120.

In step S3118, the layout printing tool starts from the start point P1 (X _{R, px} + W _{R, px} , Y _{S, px} + H _{S, px} ) to the end point P2 (X _{R, px} + W _{R, px} , Y _{S, px} + H _{S). , px} +10).

In step S3119, the layout printing tool determines that the point (((X _{S, px} + W _{S, px} ) − (X _{R, px} + W _{R, px} )) / 2, Y _{S, px} + H _{S, px} + 5) _Renders the value of _S3 as a string. At this time, the layout printing tool may draw a character string representing the unit selected in the unit selection menu 901 together.

In step S3120, the layout printing tool draws the value of W _S2 as a character string at the point (X _{S, px} + W _S1 + (W _S2 / 2), Y _{S, px} + H _{S, px} +5). At this time, the layout printing tool may draw a character string representing the unit selected in the unit selection menu 901 together.

In steps S3121 to S3130, the layout printing tool displays the values H _S1 , H _S2 , and H _S3 acquired in step S3110 on the preview screen 306.

In step S3121, the layout printing tool draws a straight line from the start point P1 (X _{S, px} + W _{S, px} , Y _{S, px} ) to the end point (X _{S, px} + W _{S, px} + 10, Y _{S, px} ).

In step S 3122, the layout printing tool starts from the start point P 1 (X _{S, px} + W _{S, px} , Y _{S, px} + H _{S, px} ) to the end point P2 (X _{S, px} + W _{S, px} +10, Y _{S, px} + H). Draw a straight line to _{S, px} ).

In step S3123, the layout printing tool starts from the start point P1 (X _{S, px} + W _{S, px} + 5, Y _{S, px} ) to the end point P2 (X _{S, px} + W _{S, px} + 5, Y _{S, px} + H _{S, px).} Draw a straight line to

In step S3124, the layout printing tool checks the value of H _S1 . If H _S1 > 0, the layout printing tool advances to step S3125. If H _S1 ≦ 0, the layout printing tool proceeds to step S3127.

In step S3125, the layout printing tool draws a straight line from the start point P1 (X _{S, px} + W _{S, px} , Y _{R, px} ) to the end point P2 (X _{S, px} + W _{S, px} + 10, Y _{R, px} ). .

In step S3126, the layout printing tool draws the value of H _S1 as a character string at the point (X _{S, px} + W _{S, px} +5, (Y _{R, px−} Y _{S, px} ) / 2). At this time, the layout printing tool may draw a character string representing the unit selected in the unit selection menu 901 together.

In step S3127, the layout printing tool checks the value of H _S3 . If H _S3 > 0, the layout printing tool advances to step S3128. If H _S3 ≦ 0, the layout printing tool advances to step S3130.

In step S3128, the layout printing tool starts from the start point P1 (X _{S, px} + W _{S, px} , Y _{R, px} + H _{R, px} ) to the end point P2 (X _{S, px} + W _{S, px} +10, Y _{R, px} + H). Draw a straight line to _{R, px} ).

In step S3129, the layout printing tool sets the point (X _{S, px} + W _{S, px} +5, ((Y _{S, px} + H _{S, px} ) − (Y _{R, px} + H _{R, px} )) / 2) to H. _Renders the value of _S3 as a string. At this time, the layout printing tool may draw a character string representing the unit selected in the unit selection menu 901 together.

In step S3130, the layout printing tool draws the value of H _S2 as a character string at the point (X _{S, px} + W _{S, px} +5, Y _{S, px} + H _S1 + (H _S2 / 2)). At this time, the layout printing tool may draw a character string representing the unit selected in the unit selection menu 901 together.

  When the layout printing tool performs the processes shown in FIGS. 30, 31, and 33, as shown in FIG. 34, the actual print range and the non-print range of the image and characters to be printed. Can be displayed numerically on the preview screen 306.

(Third embodiment)
In the layout printing tools in the first and second embodiments, images and characters are arranged so as to be always horizontal with respect to the paper direction. However, images and characters may be rotated and arranged at an arbitrary angle. In the third embodiment, based on the layout printing tool in the first embodiment, a method for displaying the range in which the image is actually printed in an easily understandable manner when the image is rotated and arranged at an arbitrary angle will be described. .

  In step S1416 described above, the layout printing tool according to the third embodiment performs the process described below with reference to FIGS.

  In the description of FIGS. 35 to 41, the position and size of the print image and the printable area are represented by a coordinate system in which the point at the upper left end of the printing paper is the origin, + x is in the right direction, and + y is in the down direction. Shall. Both the position and size are expressed in units of millimeters or inches.

  FIGS. 35 to 37 are examples in which the print image is inclined at an angle θ with respect to the print paper around the upper left end point of the print paper and further protrudes from the printable area. . It is assumed that the rotation angle is positive in the clockwise direction.

Here, the coordinates of the upper left point of the print image are P _{I, LT} (X _{I, LT} , Y _{I, LT} ). The coordinates of the upper right point are P _{I, RT} (X _{I, RT} , Y _{I, RT} ). The coordinates of the lower right point are P _{I, RB} (X _{I, RB} , Y _{I, RB} ). The coordinates of the lower left point are P _{I, LB} (X _{I, LB} , Y _{I, LB} ).

Further, the points where the upper side of the print image and each side of the printable area cross each other from the points close to P _{I and LT} are P _{IP, Top1} (X _{IP, Top1} , Y _{IP, Top1} ), P _{IP, Top2} ( X _{IP, Top2} , Y _{IP, Top2} ).

Similarly, the point at which the respective sides of the right side and the printable area of the print image intersect, from a point near the P _{I, RT,} respectively _{P IP, Rgt1 (X IP,} Rgt1, Y IP, Rgt1), P IP, Rgt2 (X _{IP, Rgt2} , Y _{IP, Rgt2} ).

Further, the point where the respective sides of the lower side and the printable area of the print image intersect, from a point near the P _{I, RB,} respectively _{P IP, Btm1 (X IP,} Btm1, Y IP, Btm1), P IP, Btm2 ( X _{IP, Btm2} , Y _{IP, Btm2} ).

The points where the left side of the printed image and each side of the printable area intersect are P _{IP, Lft1} (X _{IP, Lft1} , Y _{IP, Lft1} ), P _{IP, Lft2} (X _IP ) from the points close to P _{I, LB. , Lft2} , Y _{IP, Lft2} ).

Further, for each side of the print image, the length of each line segment divided by the printable area is set clockwise from the upper left end point of the print image, respectively.
_{L I, Top1, L I,} Top2, L I, Top3, L I, Rgt1, L I, Rgt2, L I, Rgt3, L I, Btm1, L I, Btm2, L I, Btm3, L I, Lft1, L _{I, Lft2} , L _{I, Lft3}
And

FIG. 38 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing for acquiring the coordinate value of the vertex of the drawing area of the print image and the coordinate value of the intersection of the print image and the printable area on the print sheet.
In the following, the coordinate values as shown in FIG. 36 can be obtained by the processing shown in FIG. In other _{words, P I, LT, P I} , RT, P I, RB, P I, LB, P IP, Top1, P IP, Top2, P IP, Rgt1, P IP, Rgt2, P IP, Btm1, P IP, _Btm2 , _PIP , _Lft1 , _{and PIP , Lft2} .

In step S3601, the layout printing tool acquires the positions X _I and Y _I and the sizes W _I and H _I of the print image. The layout printing tool uses values set in the corresponding text box of the image size setting unit 601 as these values.

  In step S3602, the layout printing tool acquires the rotation angle θ of the print image.

In step S3603, the layout printing tool calculates the coordinate value of the upper left end point PI _{, LT} of the print image. The x value X _{I, LT} and the y value Y _{I, LT} are respectively
X _{I, LT} = X _I × cos θ−Y _I × sin θ
Y _{I, LT} = X _I × sin θ + Y _I × cos θ
It is calculated based on the following formula.

In step S3604, the layout printing tool calculates the coordinate value of the upper right end point PI _{, RT} of the print image. The x value X _{I, RT} and the y value Y _{I, RT} are respectively
X _{I, RT} = (X _I + W _I ) × cos θ−Y _I × sin θ
Y _{I, RT} = (X _I + W _I ) × sin θ + Y _I × cos θ
It is calculated based on the following formula.

In step S3605, the layout printing tool calculates the coordinate value of the lower right end point PI _{, RB} of the print image. The x value X _{I, RB} and the y value Y _{I, RB} are respectively
X _{I, RB} = (X _I + W _I ) × cos θ− (Y _I + H _I ) × sin θ
Y _{I, RB} = (X _I + W _I ) × sin θ + (Y _I + H _I ) × cos θ
It is calculated based on the following formula.

In step S3606, the layout printing tool calculates the coordinate value of the lower left corner point PI _{, LB} of the print image. The x value X _{I, LB} and the y value Y _{I, LB} are respectively
X _{I, LB} = X _I × cos θ− (Y _I + H _I ) × sin θ
Y _{I, LB} = X _I × sin θ + (Y _I + H _I ) × cos θ
It is calculated based on the following formula.

In step S3607, the layout printing tool calculates the coordinate value of the intersection of the upper side of the print image and the printable area. A method for obtaining the coordinate values of the intersection points P _{IP, Top 1} , P _{IP, Top 2} will be described later with reference to FIGS. 39 and 40.

In step S3608, the layout printing tool calculates the coordinate value of the intersection of the right side of the print image and the printable area. The layout printing tool _obtains the coordinate values of the intersection points P _{IP, Rgt1} , P _{IP, Rgt2} using the same method as in step S3607.

In step S3609, the layout printing tool calculates the coordinate value of the intersection of the lower side of the print image and the printable area. The layout printing tool _obtains the coordinate values of the intersection points P _{IP, Btm1} , P _{IP, Btm2} using the same method as in step S3607.

In step S3610, the layout printing tool calculates the coordinate value of the intersection of the left side of the print image and the printable area. The layout printing tool _obtains the coordinate values of the intersection points P _{IP, Lft1} , P _{IP, Lft2} using the same method as in step S3607.

39 and 40, when calculating the coordinate values of the intersection point _{P IP, Top1, P IP,} Top2 of the upper side and the printable area of the print image according to S3607 described above is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing.

In step S3701, the layout printing tool acquires the coordinate values of the upper left end point PI _{, LT} and the upper right end point PI _{, RT} of the print image.

  In step S3702, the layout printing tool checks the currently set unit. If the unit is set to inches in the unit selection menu 901, the layout printing tool proceeds to step S3703. If the unit is set to millimeters, the layout printing tool proceeds to step S3704.

In step S3703, the layout printing tool changes the variables XI, _{LT, mm} , YI _{, LT, mm} , _{XI , RT, mm} , YI _{, RT, mm} to _XI , _LT , YI _{, LT} , X. The units of _{I, RT} , Y _{I, RT} are converted from inches to millimeters and substituted. The conversion from inch to millimeter by the layout printing tool is realized by multiplying the value in inches by 25.4.

In step S 3704, the layout printing tool, variables _{X I, LT, mm, Y} I, LT, mm, X I, RT, mm, Y I, RT, to _{mm, X I, LT, Y} I, LT, X Substitute the values of _{I, RT} , Y _{I, RT} .

In step S3705, the layout printing tool acquires the position X _{R, mm} , Y _{R, mm} and the size W _{R, mm} , H _{R, mm} of the printable area. This is realized by making an inquiry to the printer driver. In the system according to this embodiment, a value in millimeters is obtained.

In step S3706, the layout printing tool defines a line segment l ₀ representing the upper side of the print image. In the coordinate system in which the upper left point of the printing paper is the origin, + x in the right direction and + y in the downward direction, the straight line l ₀ is
l ₀ : y = A (x−X _{I, LT, mm} ) + Y _{I, LT, mm}
However, A = (Y _{I, RT, mm} −Y _{ILT, mm} ) / (X _{I, RT, mm} −X _{I, LT, mm} )
For x, when X _{I, LT, mm} <X _{I, RT, mm} : X _{I, LT, mm} ≦ x ≦ X _{I, RT, mm} , X _{I, LT, mm} ≧ X _{I, RT, mm} When: X _{I, RT, mm} ≦ x ≦ X _{I, LT, mm}
For y, when Y _{I, LT, mm} <Y _{I, RT, mm} : Y _{I, LT, mm} ≦ y ≦ Y _{I, RT, mm} , Y _{I, LT, mm} ≧ Y _{I, RT, mm} : Y _{I, RT, mm} ≦ y ≦ Y _{I, LT, mm}
It shall be expressed as

In step S3707, the layout printing tool displays a line segment l ₁ representing the upper side of the printable area, a line segment l ₂ representing the right side of the printable area, a line segment l ₃ representing the lower side of the printable area, and the left side of the printable area. A line segment l ₄ representing is defined. In the coordinate system in which the upper left point of the printing paper is the origin, + x in the right direction and + y in the downward direction, the straight lines l _{1 to} l ₄ are respectively
l ₁ : y = Y _{R, mm} (X _{R, mm} ≦ x ≦ X _{R, mm} + W _{R, mm} )
l ₂ : x = X _{R, mm} + W _{R, mm} (Y _{R, mm} ≦ y ≦ Y _{R, mm} + H _{R, mm} )
l ₃ : y = Y _{R, mm} + H _{R, mm} (X _{R, mm} ≦ x ≦ X _{R, mm} + W _{R, mm} )
l ₄ : x = X _{R, mm} (Y _{R, mm} ≦ y ≦ Y _{R, mm} + H _{R, mm} )
It shall be expressed as

In step S3708, the layout printing tool checks whether or not the line segment l ₀ and the line segment l ₁ intersect, and if so, calculates the coordinate values X _IP1 and Y _IP1 of the intersection point P _IP1 .

In step S3709, the layout printing tool checks whether or not the line segment l ₀ and the line segment l ₂ intersect, and if so, calculates the coordinate values X _IP2 and Y _IP2 of the intersection point P _IP2 .

In step S3710, the layout printing tool checks whether or not the line segment l ₀ and the line segment l ₃ intersect, and if so, calculates the coordinate values X _IP3 and Y _IP3 of the intersection point P _IP3 .

In step S3711, the layout printing tool checks whether or not the line segment l ₀ and the line segment l ₄ intersect, and if so, calculates the coordinate values X _IP4 and Y _IP4 of the intersection point P _IP4 .

In step S 3712, the layout printing tool, the coordinate value X _IP of the point _{P IP, Top1, Top1, Y} IP, Top1, substituting the point P _I, the coordinate values X _I of the _{TL, TL,} Y _{I, TL} respectively. The layout printing tool, the coordinate values X _IP of the point _{P IP, Top2, Top2, Y} IP, Top2, substituting the point P _I, the coordinate values X _I of the _{TL, TL,} Y _{I, TL} respectively.

In step S3713, the layout printing tool determines whether or not the line segment l ₀ has one or more intersections with respect to the line segments l ₁ , l ₂ , l ₃ , and l ₄ based on the results of steps S3708 to S3711. To check. If there are one or more intersections, the layout printing tool proceeds to step S3714. If there is no intersection, the layout printing tool proceeds to step S3737.

In step S3714, the layout printing tool checks whether or not the line segment l ₀ has two intersections with respect to the line segments l ₁ , l ₂ , l ₃ , and l ₄ based on the results of steps S3708 to S3711. . If there are two intersections, the layout printing tool proceeds to step S3722. If there is one intersection, the layout printing tool proceeds to step S3715.

In step S3715, the layout printing tool checks whether the line segment l ₀ and the line segment l ₁ intersect. If the line segment l ₀ and the line segment l ₁ intersect, the layout printing tool proceeds to step S3718. If not, the layout printing tool proceeds to step S3716.

In step S3716, the layout printing tool checks whether the line segment l ₀ and the line segment l ₂ intersect. When the line segment l ₀ and the line segment l ₂ intersect, the layout printing tool proceeds to step S3718. If not, the process proceeds to step S3717.

In step S3717, the layout printing tool checks whether the line segment l ₀ and the line segment l ₃ intersect. If the line segment l ₀ and the line segment l ₃ intersect, the layout printing tool proceeds to step S3718. If they do not intersect, the layout printing tool determines that the line segment l ₀ and the line segment l ₄ intersect, and proceeds to step S3721.

In step S3718, the layout printing tool substitutes the coordinate values X _IP1 and Y _IP1 of the point P _IP1 for the coordinate values X _{IP, Top2} , Y _{IP and} Top2 of the point P _IP, Top2, respectively.

In step S3719, the layout printing tool substitutes the coordinate values X _IP2 and Y _IP2 of the point P _IP2 for the coordinate values X _{IP, Top2} , Y _{IP and} Top2 of the point P _IP, Top2.

In step S3720, the layout printing tool substitutes the coordinate values X _IP3 and Y _IP3 of the point P _IP3 for the coordinate values X _{IP, Top2} , Y _{IP and} Top2 of the point P _IP, Top2.

In step S3721, the layout printing tool substitutes the coordinate values X _IP4 and Y _IP4 of the point P _IP4 for the coordinate values X _{IP, Top2} , Y _{IP and} Top2 of the point P _IP, Top2, respectively.

In step S3722, the layout printing tool checks whether the line segment l ₀ intersects with the line segments l ₁ and l ₂ . When the line segment l ₀ intersects with the line segments l ₁ and l ₂ , the layout printing tool proceeds to step S3725. If not, the layout printing tool proceeds to step S3723.

In step S3723, the layout printing tool checks whether the line segment l ₀ intersects with the line segments l ₂ and l ₃ . When the line segment l ₀ intersects with the line segments l ₂ and l ₃ , the layout printing tool proceeds to step S3728. If not, the layout printing tool proceeds to step S3724.

In step S3724, the layout printing tool checks whether the line segment l ₀ intersects with the line segments l ₃ and l ₄ . When the line segment l ₀ intersects with the line segments l ₃ and l ₄ , the layout printing tool proceeds to step S3731. If not, the layout printing tool determines that the line segment l ₀ intersects with the line segments l ₄ and l _1, and proceeds to step S3734.

In step S3725, the layout printing tool compares the distance between the points P _{I, TL} and P _IP1 with the distance between the points P _{I, TL} and P _IP2 . ((X _IP1 -X _{I, TL} ) ² + (Y _IP1 -Y _{I, TL} ) ² ) ^1/2 <((X _IP2 -X _{I, TL} ) ² + (Y _IP2 -Y _{I, TL} ) ² ) If it is ^1/2 , the layout printing tool proceeds to step S3726. ((X _IP1 -X _{I, TL} ) ² + (Y _IP1 -Y _{I, TL} ) ² ) ^1/2 ≧ ((X _IP2 -X _{I, TL} ) ² + (Y _IP2 -Y _{I, TL} ) ² ) If it is ^1/2 , the layout printing tool proceeds to step S3727.

In step S3726, the layout printing tool, the coordinate values X _IP of the point P _{IP, Top1, Top1,} the Y _{IP, Top1,} assigns the coordinate value X _IP1 of the point P _IP1, Y _IP1 respectively. The layout printing tool coordinate values X _IP of the point P _{IP, Top2, Top2,} the Y _{IP, Top2,} substituting the coordinate values X _IP2, Y _IP2 of the point P _IP2 respectively.

In step S3727, the layout printing tool, the coordinate values X _IP of the point P _{IP, Top1, Top1,} the Y _{IP, Top1,} substituting the coordinate values X _IP2, Y _IP2 of the point P _IP2 respectively. The layout printing tool coordinate values X _IP of the point P _{IP, Top2, Top2,} the Y _{IP, Top2,} assigns the coordinate value X _IP1 of the point P _IP1, Y _IP1 respectively.

In step S3728, the layout printing tool compares the distance between the points P _{I, TL} and P _IP2 with the distance between the points P _{I, TL} and P _IP3 . ((X _IP2 -X _{I, TL} ) ² + (Y _IP2 -Y _{I, TL} ) ² ) ^1/2 <((X _IP3 -X _{I, TL} ) ² + (Y _IP3 -Y _{I, TL} ) ² ) If it is ^1/2 , the layout printing tool proceeds to step S3729. ((X _IP2 -X _{I, TL} ) ² + (Y _IP2 -Y _{I, TL} ) ² ) ^1/2 ≧ ((X _IP3 -X _{I, TL} ) ² + (Y _IP3 -Y _{I, TL} ) ² ) If it is ^1/2 , the layout printing tool proceeds to step S3730.

In step S3729, the layout printing tool, the coordinate values X _IP of the point P _{IP, Top1, Top1,} the Y _{IP, Top1,} substituting the coordinate values X _IP2, Y _IP2 of the point P _IP2 respectively. The layout printing tool, the coordinate values X _IP of the point _{P IP, Top2, Top2, Y} IP, Top2, substituting the coordinate values X _IP3, Y _IP3 of the point P _IP3 respectively.

In step S3730, the layout printing tool, the coordinate values X _IP of the point P _{IP, Top1, Top1,} the Y _{IP, Top1,} substituting the coordinate values X _IP3, Y _IP3 of the point P _IP3 respectively. The layout printing tool coordinate values X _IP of the point P _{IP, Top2, Top2,} the Y _{IP, Top2,} substituting the coordinate values X _IP2, Y _IP2 of the point P _IP2 respectively.

In step S3731, the layout printing tool compares the distance between the points P _{I, TL} and P _IP3 with the distance between the points P _{I, TL} and P _IP4 . ((X _IP3 -X _{I, TL} ) ² + (Y _IP3 -Y _{I, TL} ) ² ) ^1/2 <((X _IP4 -X _{I, TL} ) ² + (Y _IP4 -Y _{I, TL} ) ² ) If it is ^1/2 , the layout printing tool advances to step S3732. ((X _IP3 -X _{I, TL} ) ² + (Y _IP3 -Y _{I, TL} ) ² ) ^1/2 ≧ ((X _IP4 -X _{I, TL} ) ² + (Y _IP4 -Y _{I, TL} ) ² ) If it is ^1/2 , the layout printing tool advances to step S3733.

In step S3732, the layout printing tool, the coordinate values X _IP of the point P _{IP, Top1, Top1,} the Y _{IP, Top1,} substituting the coordinate values X _IP3, Y _IP3 of the point P _IP3 respectively. The layout printing tool coordinate values X _IP of the point P _{IP, Top2, Top2,} the Y _{IP, Top2,} substituting the coordinate values X _IP4, Y _IP4 of the point P _IP4 respectively.

In step S3733, the layout printing tool, the coordinate values X _IP of the point P _{IP, Top1, Top1,} the Y _{IP, Top1,} substituting the coordinate values X _IP4, Y _IP4 of the point P _IP4 respectively. The layout printing tool, the coordinate values X _IP of the point _{P IP, Top2, Top2, Y} IP, Top2, substituting the coordinate values X _IP3, Y _IP3 of the point P _IP3 respectively.

In step S3734, the layout printing tool compares the distance between the points P _{I, TL} and P _IP4 with the distance between the points P _{I, TL} and P _IP1 . ((X _IP4 -X _{I, TL} ) ² + (Y _IP4 -Y _{I, TL} ) ² ) ^1/2 <((X _IP1 -X _{I, TL} ) ² + (Y _IP1 -Y _{I, TL} ) ² ) If it is ^1/2 , the layout printing tool proceeds to step S3735. ((X _IP4 −X _{I, TL} ) ² + (Y _IP4 −Y _{I, TL} ) ² ) ^1/2 ≧ ((X _IP1 −X _{I, TL} ) ² + (Y _IP1 −Y _{I, TL} ) ² ) If it is ^1/2 , the layout printing tool proceeds to step S3736.

In step S3735, the layout printing tool, the coordinate values X _IP of the point P _{IP, Top1, Top1,} the Y _{IP, Top1,} substituting the coordinate values X _IP4, Y _IP4 of the point P _IP4 respectively. The layout printing tool coordinate values X _IP of the point P _{IP, Top2, Top2,} the Y _{IP, Top2,} assigns the coordinate value X _IP1 of the point P _IP1, Y _IP1 respectively.

In step S3736, the layout printing tool, the coordinate values X _IP of the point P _{IP, Top1, Top1,} the Y _{IP, Top1,} assigns the coordinate value X _IP1 of the point P _IP1, Y _IP1 respectively. The layout printing tool coordinate values X _IP of the point P _{IP, Top2, Top2,} the Y _{IP, Top2,} substituting the coordinate values X _IP4, Y _IP4 of the point P _IP4 respectively.

  In step S3737, the layout printing tool checks the currently set unit. If the unit is set to inch in the unit selection menu 901, the layout printing tool proceeds to step S3738. If the unit is set to millimeters, the layout printing tool ends the processes shown in FIGS.

In step S3738, the layout printing _{tool, X IP, Top1, Y IP} , Top1, X IP, Top2, Y IP, Top2 units of each value, converted from millimeters to inches. Conversion from millimeters to inches by the layout printing tool is accomplished by multiplying the value in millimeters by 0.04.

FIG. 41 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing when acquiring the size of the range included in the printable area and the size of the range not included in the printable area for the print image.
Hereinafter, the processing shown in FIG. 41, L _{I, Top1} in FIG _{37, L I, Top2, L} I, Top3, L I, Rgt1, L I, Rgt2, L I, Rgt3, L I, Btm1, L I _{, Btm2} , L _{I, Btm3} , L _{I, Lft1} , L _{I, Lft2} , L _{I, Lft3} can be acquired.

In step S3801, the layout printing tool acquires the positions X _I and Y _I and the sizes W _I and H _I of the print image. The layout printing tool uses values set in the corresponding text box of the image size setting unit 601 as these values.

In step S3802, the layout printing tool acquires the coordinate value of the upper left end point, the coordinate value of the upper right end point, the coordinate value of the lower right end point, and the coordinate value of the lower left end point of the print image. This is realized by the method described above with reference to FIG.
Here, the coordinate value of the upper left end point is P _{I, LT} (X _{I, LT} , Y _{I, LT} ). The coordinate value of the upper right end point is P _{I, RT} (X _{I, RT} , Y _{I, RT} ). The coordinate value of the lower right end point is P _{I, RB} (X _{I, RB} , Y _{I, RB} ). The coordinate value of the lower left end point is P _{I, LB} (X _{I, LB} , Y _{I, LB} ).

In step S3803, the layout printing tool acquires the coordinate value of the intersection between the print image and the printable area, which is realized by the method described above with reference to FIG.
Here, the coordinate value of the intersection of the print image and the printable area is
P _{IP, Top1} (X _{IP, Top1} , Y _{IP, Top1} ),
P _{IP, Top2} (X _{IP, Top2} , Y _{IP, Top2} ),
P _{IP, Rgt1} (X _{IP, Rgt1} , Y _{IP, Rgt1} ),
P _{IP, Rgt2} (X _{IP, Rgt2} , Y _{IP, Rgt2} ),
P _{IP, Btm1} (X _{IP, Btm1} , Y _{IP, Btm1} ),
P _{IP, Btm2} (X _{IP, Btm2} , Y _{IP, Btm2} ),
P _{IP, Lft1} (X _{IP, Lft1} , Y _{IP, Lft1} ),
P _{IP, Lft2} (X _{IP, Lft2} , Y _{IP, Lft2} ),
It is.

In step S3804～S3808, layout printing tool, obtaining the _{L I, Top1, L I,} Top2, the value of L _{I, Top 3.}

In step S3804, the layout printing _{tool, L I, Top1, L I} , Top2, L I, to assign a value to _{Top 3.} Each layout printing tool
L _{I, Top1} = 0
L _{I, Top2} = W _I
L _{I, Top3} = 0
And

In step S3805, the layout printing tool _compares the coordinate values X _{IP, Top1} , Y _{IP, Top1} of the points P _{IP, Top1} and the coordinate values X _{I, LT} , Y _{I, LT of} the points P _{I, LT} respectively. . If X _{IP, Top1} ≠ X _{I, LT} or Y _{IP, Top1} ≠ Y _{I, LT} , the layout printing tool advances to step S3806. If X _{IP, Top1} = X _{I, LT} and Y _{IP, Top1} = Y _{I, LT} , the layout printing tool advances to step S3807.

In step S3806, the layout printing tool substitutes values into LI, Top1, LI, and Top2. Each layout printing tool
L _{I, Top1} = ((X _{IP, Top1-} X _{I, LT} ) ² + (Y _{IP, Top1-} Y _{I, LT} ) ² ) ^1/2
L _{I, Top2} = L _{I, Top2} − ((X _{IP, Top1} −X _{I, LT} ) ² + (Y _{IP, Top1} −Y _{I, LT} ) ² ) ^1/2
And

In step S3807, the layout printing tool, the coordinate values X _IP of the point P _{IP, Top2, Top2,} and Y _{IP, Top2,} compares the point P _I, the coordinate values X _I of _{LT, LT,} Y _I, and _LT, respectively . If X _{IP, Top2} ≠ X _{I, LT} or Y _{IP, Top2} ≠ Y _{I, LT} , the layout printing tool advances to step S3808. If X _{IP, Top2} = X _{I, LT} and Y _{IP, Top2} = Y _{I, LT} , the layout printing tool advances to step S3809.

In step S3808, the layout printing tool assigns values to L _I, Top2, L _I, Top3. The layout printing tool sets the values of L _{I, Top2} , L _{I, Top3} respectively
L _{I, Top2} = L _{I, Top2} − ((X _{I, RT} −X _{IP, Top2} ) ² + (Y _{I, RT} −Y _{IP, Top2} ) ² ) ^1/2
L _{I, Top3} = ((X _{I, RT} −X _{IP, Top 2} ) ² + (Y _{I, RT} −Y _{IP, Top 2} ) ² ) ^1/2
And

In steps S3809 to S3813, the layout printing tool obtains values of L _{I, Rgt1} , L _{I, Rgt2} , and L _{I, Rgt3} .

In step S3809, the layout printing tool assigns values to L _{I, Rgt1} , L _{I, Rgt2} , and L _{I, Rgt3} . Each layout printing tool
L _{I, Rgt1} = 0
L _{I, Rgt2} = H _I
L _{I, Rgt3} = 0
And

In step S3810, the layout printing tool _compares the coordinate values X _{IP, Rgt1} , Y _{IP, Rgt1} of the points P _{IP, Rgt1} and the coordinate values X _{I, RT} , Y _{I, RT of} the points P _{I, RT} respectively. . If X _{IP, Rgt1} ≠ X _{I, RT} or Y _{IP, Rgt1} ≠ Y _{I, RT} , the layout printing tool proceeds to step S3811. If X _{IP, Rgt1} = X _{I, RT} and Y _{IP, Rgt1} = Y _{I, RT} , the layout printing tool proceeds to step S3812.

In step S3811, the layout printing tool substitutes values for L _{I, Rgt1} , L _{I, Rgt2} . Each layout printing tool
L _{I, Rgt1} = ((X _{IP, Rgt1} -X _{I, RT} ) ² + (Y _{IP, Rgt 1} -Y _{I, RT} ) ² ) ^1/2
L _{I, Rgt2} = L _{I, Rgt2} − ((X _{IP, Rgt1} −X _{I, RT} ) ² + (Y _{IP, Rgt1} −Y _{I, RT} ) ² ) ^1/2
And

In step S3812, the layout printing tool _compares the coordinate values X _{IP, Rgt2} , Y _{IP, Rgt2} of the points P _{IP, Rgt2} and the coordinate values X _{I, RT} , Y _{I, RT of} the points P _{I, RT} respectively. . If X _{IP, Rgt2} ≠ X _{I, RT} or Y _{IP, Rgt2} ≠ Y _{I, RT} , the layout printing tool advances to step S3813. If X _{IP, Rgt2} = X _{I, RT} and Y _{IP, Rgt2} = Y _{I, RT} , the layout printing tool advances to step S3814.

In step S3813, the layout printing tool substitutes values for L _{I, Rgt2} and L _{I, Rgt3} . Each layout printing tool
L _{I, Rgt2} = L _{I, Rgt2} − ((X _{I, RB} −X _{IP, Rgt} ² ) ² + (Y _{I, RB} −Y _{IP, Rgt} ² ) ² ) ^1/2
L _{I, Rgt3} = ((X _{I, RB} −X _{IP, Rgt} ² ) ² + (Y _{I, RB} −Y _{IP, Rgt} ² ) ² ) ^1/2
And

In steps S3814 to S3818, the layout printing tool obtains values of L _{I, Btm1} , L _{I, Btm2} , and L _{I, Btm3} .

In step S3814, the layout printing tool assigns values to L _{I, Btm1} , L _{I, Btm2} , and L _{I, Btm3} . Each layout printing tool
L _{I, Btm1} = 0
L _{I, Btm2} = W _I
L _{I, Btm3} = 0
And

In step S3815, the layout printing tool _compares the coordinate values X _{IP, Btm1} , Y _{IP, Btm1} of the points P _{IP, Btm1} and the coordinate values X _{I, RB} , Y _{I, RB of} the points P _{I, RB} respectively. . If X _{IP, Btm1} ≠ X _{I, RB} or Y _{IP, Btm1} ≠ Y _{I, RB} , the layout printing tool advances to step S3816. If X _{IP, Btm1} = X _{I, RB} and Y _{IP, Btm1} = Y _{I, RB} , the layout printing tool advances to step S3817.

In step S3816, the layout printing tool substitutes values for L _{I, Btm1} and L _{I, Btm2} . Each layout printing tool
L _{I, Btm1} = ((X _{IP, Btm1} -X _{I, RB} ) ² + (Y _{IP, Btm1} -Y _{I, RB} ) ² ) ^1/2
L _{I, Btm2} = L _{I, Btm2} − ((X _{IP, Btm1} −X _{I, RB} ) ² + (Y _{IP, Btm1} −Y _{I, RB} ) ² ) ^1/2
And

In step S3817, the layout printing tool _compares the coordinate values X _{IP, Btm2} , Y _{IP, Btm2} of the points P _{IP, Btm2} and the coordinate values X _{I, RB} , Y _{I, RB of} the points P _{I, RB} respectively. . If X _{IP, Btm2} ≠ X _{I, RB} or Y _{IP, Btm2} ≠ Y _{I, RB} , the layout printing tool advances to step S3818. If X _{IP, Btm2} = X _{I, RB} and Y _{IP, Btm2} = Y _{I, RB} , the layout printing tool advances to step S3819.

In step S3818, the layout printing tool assigns values to L _{I, Btm2} and L _{I, Btm3} . Each layout printing tool
L _{I, Btm2} = L _{I, Btm2} − ((X _{I, LB} −X _{IP, Btm2} ) ² + (Y _{I, LB} −Y _{IP, Btm2} ) ² ) ^1/2
L _{I, Btm3} = ((X _{I, LB} -X _{IP, Btm2} ) ² + (Y _{I, LB} -Y _{IP, Btm} ² ) ² ) ^1/2
And

In steps S3819 to S3823, the layout printing tool obtains values of L _{I, Lft1} , L _{I, Lft2} , and L _{I, Lft3} .

In step S3819, the layout printing tool _substitutes L _{I, Lft1} , L _{I, Lft2} , L _{I, Lft3 two} values. Each layout printing tool
L _{I, Lft1} = 0
L _{I, Lft2} = H _I
L _{I, Lft3} = 0
And

In step S3820, the layout printing tool _compares the coordinate values X _{IP, Lft1} , Y _{IP, Lft1} of the points P _{IP, Lft1} and the coordinate values X _{I, LB} , Y _{I, LB of} the points P _{I, LB} respectively. . If X _{IP, Lft1} ≠ X _{I, LB} or Y _{IP, Lft1} ≠ Y _{I, LB} , the layout printing tool proceeds to step S3821. If X _{IP, Lft1} = X _{I, LB} and Y _{IP, Lft1} = Y _{I, LB} , the layout printing tool advances to step S3822.

In step S3821, the layout printing tool assigns values to L _{I, Lft1} , L _{I, Lft2} . The layout printing tool _sets the values of L _{I, Lft1} , L _{I, Lft2} respectively
L _{I, Lft1} = ((X _{IP, Lft1} -X _{I, LB} ) ² + (Y _{IP, Lft 1} -Y _{I, LB} ) ² ) ^1/2
L _{I, Lft2} = L _{I, Lft2} − ((X _{IP, Lft1} −X _{I, LB} ) ² + (Y _{IP, Lft1} −Y _{I, LB} ) ² ) ^1/2
And

In step S3822, the layout printing tool _compares the coordinate values X _{IP, Lft2} , Y _{IP, Lft2} of the points P _{IP, Lft2} and the coordinate values X _{I, LB} , Y _{I, LB of} the points P _{I, LB} respectively. . If X _{IP, Lft2} ≠ X _{I, LB} or Y _{IP, Lft2} ≠ Y _{I, LB} , the layout printing tool advances to step S3823. If X _{IP, Lft2} = X _{I, LB} and Y _{IP, Lft2} = Y _{I, LB} , the layout printing tool ends the process.

In step S3823, the layout printing tool assigns values to L _{I, Lft2} , L _{I, Lft3} . Each layout printing tool
L _{I, Lft2} = L _{I, Lft2} − ((X _{I, LT} −X _{IP, Lft2} ) ² + (Y _{I, LT} −Y _{IP, Lft2} ) ² ) ^1/2
L _{I, Lft3} = ((X _{I, LT} −X _{IP, Lft} ² ) ² + (Y _{I, LT} −Y _{IP, Lft} ² ) ² ) ^1/2
And

  42 to 43, the position and size of the item arranged on the preview screen 306 is a coordinate system in which the upper left point of the preview screen 306 is the origin, + x is in the right direction, and + y is in the downward direction. It shall be represented by The unit of both the position and the size is a pixel.

  FIG. 42 is a flowchart showing an example of processing when acquiring the coordinate value of the vertex of the image preview image 404 and the coordinate value of the intersection of the image preview image 404 and the printable area line 403 on the preview screen 306. is there.

Here, the coordinate value of the upper left end point of the image preview image 404 is P _{I, LT} (X _{I, LT, px} , Y _{I, LT, px} ). The coordinate value of the upper right end point is P _{I, RT} (X _{I, RT, px} , Y _{I, RT, px} ). Further, the coordinate value of the lower right end point is P _{I, RB} (X _{I, RB, px} , Y _{I, RB, px} ). Further, the coordinate value of the lower left end point is P _{I, LB} (X _{I, LB, px} , Y _{I, LB, px} ).

The coordinate value of the intersection between the image preview image 404 and the printable area line 403 is
P _{IP, Top1} (X _{IP, Top1, px} , Y _{IP, Top1, px} ),
P _{IP, Top2} (X _{IP, Top2, px} , Y _{IP, Top2, px} ),
P _{IP, Rgt1} (X _{IP, Rgt1, px} , Y _{IP, Rgt1, px} ),
P _{IP, Rgt2} (X _{IP, Rgt2, px} , Y _{IP, Rgt2, px} ),
P _{IP, Btm1} (X _{IP, Btm1, px} , Y _{IP, Btm1, px} ),
P _{IP, Btm2} (X _{IP, Btm2, px} , _{YIP, Btm2, px} ),
P _{IP, Lft1} (X _{IP, Lft1, px} , Y _{IP, Lft1, px} ),
P _{IP, Lft2} (X _{IP, Lft2, px} , Y _{IP, Lft2, px} ),
And

In step S3901, the layout printing tool acquires the width W _{P, mm} and height H _{P, mm} of the printing paper. This process is realized by the layout printing tool inquiring a printer driver installed in the system. In the system according to this embodiment, a value in millimeters is obtained.

In step S3902, the layout printing tool, to acquire the position X _P of the paper preview image _{402, px,} Y _{P, px,} size W _{P, px,} H _P, the _px. This is realized by the method described above with reference to FIG.

In step S3903, the layout printing tool
Coordinate value P _{I, LT} (X _{I, LT} , Y _{I, LT} ) of the upper left end point of the print image,
The coordinate value P _{I, RT} (X _{I, RT} , Y _{I, RT} ) of the upper right end point,
Coordinate value P _{I, RB} (X _{I, RB} , Y _{I, RB} ) of the lower right end point,
Coordinate value P _{I, LB} (X _{I, LB} , Y _{I, LB} ) of the lower left end point,
To get. This is realized by the method described above with reference to FIG.

In step S3904, the layout printing tool determines the intersection of the print image and the printable area,
_{P IP, Top1, P IP,} Top2, P IP, Rgt1, P IP, Rgt2, P IP, Btm1, P IP, Btm2, P IP, Lft1, P IP, Lft2
Get the coordinate values of. This is realized by the method described above with reference to FIG.

  In step S3905, the layout printing tool checks the currently set unit. If the unit is set to inches in the unit selection menu 901, the layout printing tool proceeds to step S3906. If the unit is set to millimeters, the layout printing tool proceeds to step S3908.

In step S3906, the layout printing tool, variables _{X I, LT, mm, Y} I, LT, mm, X I, RT, mm, Y I, RT, mm, X I, RB, mm, Y I, RB, _{To mm} , X _{I, LB, mm} , Y _{I, LB, mm}
X _{I, LT} , Y _{I, LT} , X _{I, RT} , Y _{I, RT} , X _{I, RB} , Y _{I, RB} , X _{I, LB} , Y _{I, LB} ,
Replace each unit by converting from inches to millimeters. The conversion from inch to millimeter by the layout printing tool is realized by multiplying the value in inches by 25.4.

In step S3907, the layout printing tool, variable _{X IP, Top1, mm, Y} IP, Top1, mm, X IP, Top2, mm, Y IP, Top2, mm, X IP, Rgt1, mm, Y IP, Rgt1, _mm , X _{IP, Rgt2, mm} , Y _{IP, Rgt2, mm} , X _{IP, Btm1, mm} , Y _{IP, Btm1, mm} , X _{IP, Btm2, mm} , Y _{IP, Btm2, mm} , X _{IP, Lft1, mm} , Y _{IP, Lft1, mm} , X _{IP, Lft2, mm} , Y _{IP, Lft2, mm
X IP, Top1, Y IP,} Top1, X IP, Top2, Y IP, Top2, X IP, Rgt1, Y IP, Rgt1, X IP, Rgt2, Y IP, Rgt2, X IP, Btm1, Y IP, Btm1, X _{IP, Btm2} , Y _{IP, Btm2} , X _{IP, Lft1} , Y _{IP, Lft1} , X _{IP, Lft2} , Y _{IP, Lft2}
Replace each unit by converting from inches to millimeters. The conversion from inch to millimeter by the layout printing tool is realized by multiplying the value in inches by 25.4.

In step S3908, the layout printing tool, variables _{X I, LT, mm, Y} I, LT, mm, X I, RT, mm, Y I, RT, mm, X I, RB, mm, Y I, RB, _{To mm} , X _{I, LB, mm} , Y _{I, LB, mm}
X _{I, LT} , Y _{I, LT} , X _{I, RT} , Y _{I, RT} , X _{I, RB} , Y _{I, RB} , X _{I, LB} , Y _{I, LB}
Substitute each value.

In step S3909, the layout printing tool, variable _{X IP, Top1, mm, Y} IP, Top1, mm, X IP, Top2, mm, Y IP, Top2, mm, X IP, Rgt1, mm, Y IP, Rgt1, _mm , X _{IP, Rgt2, mm} , Y _{IP, Rgt2, mm} , X _{IP, Btm1, mm} , Y _{IP, Btm1, mm} , X _{IP, Btm2, mm} , Y _{IP, Btm2, mm} , X _{IP, Lft1, mm} , Y _{IP, Lft1, mm} , X _{IP, Lft2, mm} , Y _{IP, Lft2, mm
X IP, Top1, Y IP,} Top1, X IP, Top2, Y IP, Top2, X IP, Rgt1, Y IP, Rgt1, X IP, Rgt2, Y IP, Rgt2, X IP, Btm1, Y IP, Btm1, X _{IP, Btm2} , Y _{IP, Btm2} , X _{IP, Lft1} , Y _{IP, Lft1} , X _{IP, Lft2} , Y _{IP, Lft2}
Substitute each value.

In step S3910, the layout printing tool calculates the coordinate value of the vertex of the image preview image 404. Each vertex coordinate value is
X _{I, LT, px} = X _{I, LT, mm} × (W _{P, px} / W _{P, mm} ) + X _{P, px}
Y _{I, LT, px} = Y _{I, LT, mm} × (H _{P, px} / H _{P, mm} ) + Y _{P, px}
X _{I, RT, px} = X _{I, RT, mm} × (W _{P, px} / W _{P, mm} ) + X _{P, px}
Y _{I, RT, px} = Y _{I, RT, mm} × (H _{P, px} / H _{P, mm} ) + Y _{P, px}
X _{I, RB, px} = X _{I, RB, mm} × (W _{P, px} / W _{P, mm} ) + X _{P, px}
Y _{I, RB, px} = Y _{I, RB, mm} × (H _{P, px} / H _{P, mm} ) + Y _{P, px}
X _{I, LB, px} = X _{I, LB, mm} × (W _{P, px} / W _{P, mm} ) + X _{P, px}
Y _{I, LB, px} = Y _{I, LB, mm} × (H _{P, px} / H _{P, mm} ) + Y _{P, px}
It becomes.

In step S3911, the layout printing tool calculates the coordinate value of the intersection of the image preview image 404 and the printable area line 403. The coordinate value of the intersection is
X _{IP, Top1, px} = X _{IP, Top1, mm} x (W _{P, px} / W _{P, mm} ) + X _{P, px}
Y _{IP, Top1, px} = _{YIP, Top1, mm} × (H _{P, px} / H _{P, mm} ) + Y _{P, px}
X _{IP, Top2, px} = X _{IP, Top2, mm} x (W _{P, px} / W _{P, mm} ) + X _{P, px}
Y _{IP, Top2, px} = _{YIP, Top2, mm} × ( _{Hp , px} / _{Hp , mm} ) + Yp _{, px}
X _{IP, Rgt1, px} = X _{IP, Rgt1, mm} x (W _{P, px} / W _{P, mm} ) + X _{P, px}
Y _{IP, Rgt1, px} = Y _{IP, Rgt1, mm} x ( _{Hp , px} / _{Hp , mm} ) + Yp _{, px}
X _{IP, Rgt2, px} = X _{IP, Rgt2, mm} x (W _{P, px} / W _{P, mm} ) + X _{P, px}
Y _{IP, Rgt2, px} = Y _{IP, Rgt2, mm} x ( _{Hp , px} / _{Hp , mm} ) + Yp _{, px}
X _{IP, Btm1, px} = X _{IP, Btm1, mm} x (W _{P, px} / W _{P, mm} ) + X _{P, px}
Y _{IP, Btm1, px} = Y _{IP, Btm1, mm} x ( _{Hp , px} / _{Hp , mm} ) + Yp _{, px}
X _{IP, Btm2, px} = X _{IP, Btm2, mm} x ( _{Wp , px} / _{Wp , mm} ) + _{Xp , px}
Y _{IP, Btm2, px} = Y _{IP, Btm2, mm} x ( _{Hp , px} / _{Hp , mm} ) + Yp _{, px}
X _{IP, Lft1, px} = X _{IP, Lft1, mm} x ( _{Wp , px} / _{Wp , mm} ) + _{Xp , px}
Y _{IP, Lft1, px} = _{YIP, Lft1, mm} × ( _{Hp , px} / _{Hp , mm} ) + Yp _{, px}
X _{IP, Lft2, px} = X _{IP, Lft2, mm} x (W _{P, px} / W _{P, mm} ) + X _{P, px}
Y _{IP, Lft2, px} = _{YIP, Lft2, mm} × ( _{Hp , px} / _{Hp , mm} ) + Yp _{, px}
It becomes.

FIG. 43 is a diagram showing an example of drawing by the print image size display 406 according to step S1416 described above. The process shown in FIGS. 38 to 41, for each side of the print image, the length L I of the line segments is divided by the printable _{area, Top1, L I, Top2,} L I, Top3, L I, Rgt1, L _{I, Rgt2} , L _{I, Rgt3} , L _{I, Btm1} , L _{I, Btm2} , L _{I, Btm3} , L _{I, Lft1} , L _{I, Lft2} , L _{I, Lft3}
Can be obtained.

  The layout printing tool uses the acquired value based on the coordinate value of the vertex of the image preview image 404 and the coordinate value of the intersection of the image preview image 404 and the printable area line 403 acquired by the process shown in FIG. Displayed on the preview screen 306. That is, as shown in FIG. 43, it is possible to easily understand the area indicated by the displayed value by drawing a line.

  As described above, according to each of the above-described embodiments, the range of objects that are actually printed and the range of objects that are not printed can be displayed numerically on the preview screen. Also, by performing these displays in real time, the user can easily and accurately grasp the range of images and characters printed on the paper when actually printing.

  The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, but the present invention is not limited to such specific embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the gist of the present invention described in the claims.・ Change is possible.

It is the figure which showed the outline of the system. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a basic process. It is a figure which shows an example of the whole outline | summary of GUI of a layout printing tool. It is a figure which shows the detail of the preview screen 306 in 1st embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a GUI displayed on a setting dialog 301 when a printer tab 302 is pressed. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a GUI displayed in a setting dialog 301 when an image tab 303 is pressed. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a GUI displayed in a setting dialog 301 when a character tab 304 is pressed. FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the font selection dialog prepared by the system displayed when the font selection button 702 is pressed. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a GUI displayed on a setting dialog 301 when a setting tab 305 is pressed. FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram (part 1) for describing a method for specifying a print image; FIG. 10 is a second diagram illustrating a method for specifying a print image. FIG. 10 is a third diagram illustrating a method for specifying a print image. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing when any of a center placement button 602, a left / right center placement button 603, and a vertical center placement button 604 is pressed. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a process when either the circumscribed fit button 605 or the inscribed fit button 606 is pressed. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure at the time of calculating the drawing area of the character on the printing paper which concerns on step S210 mentioned above in a millimeter unit. It is a flowchart showing the basic flow of the process at the time of performing the preview display which concerns on step S205 mentioned above in 1st embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing when acquiring a position X _{P, px} , Y _{P, px} and a size W _{P, px} , H _{P, px} of a drawing area of a paper preview image 402; 10 is a flowchart showing an example of processing when acquiring positions X _{R, px} , Y _{R, px} and sizes W _{R, px} , H _{R, px} of a drawing area of a printable area line 403; 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing when acquiring positions X _{I, px} , Y _{I, px} and sizes W _{I, px} , H _{I, px} of a drawing area of an image preview image 404; It is a flowchart which shows an example of the process at the time of drawing the background image 401 which concerns on step S1401 mentioned above. It is a flowchart showing an example of processing when drawing the paper preview image 402 according to step S1402 described above. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the process at the time of drawing the image preview image 404 concerning step S1403 mentioned above. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the process at the time of drawing the character preview image 405 which concerns on step S1404 mentioned above. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the process at the time of drawing the printable area | region line | wire 403 which concerns on step S1405 mentioned above. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the process at the time of each acquiring the magnitude | size of the range contained in the printable area | region, and the range not contained in a printable area | region about the print image in 1st embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example in which the print image in 1st embodiment has been arrange | positioned so that it may protrude from the printable area | region. 25 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing when the print image size display 406 according to step S1416 described above is drawn. It is a figure which shows an example of the preview display in 1st embodiment. It is a figure which shows the detail of the preview screen 306 in 2nd embodiment. It is a flowchart showing the basic flow of the process which concerns on the preview display of step S205 mentioned above in 2nd embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the process at the time of each acquiring the magnitude | size of the range included in the printable area | region, and the range not included in a printable area | region about the character drawing area | region on printing paper. It is a figure which shows an example in which the print image in 2nd embodiment has been arrange | positioned and protruded from the printable area | region. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the process at the time of drawing the printing character area size display 2701 which concerns on step S2807 mentioned above. It is a figure which shows an example of the preview display in 2nd embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram (part 1) illustrating an example in which a print image according to a third embodiment is arranged to protrude from a printable area. FIG. 10B is a diagram (part 2) illustrating an example in which a print image according to the third embodiment is disposed so as to protrude from a printable area. FIG. 10 is a third diagram illustrating an example in which a print image according to the third embodiment is arranged so as to protrude from a printable area. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing when acquiring coordinate values of vertices of a drawing area of a print image and coordinate values of an intersection of a print image and a printable area on a print sheet. In calculating the coordinate values of the intersection point _{P IP, Top1, P IP,} Top2 of the upper side and the printable area of the print image according to S3607 described above, is a flow chart illustrating an example of a process (part 1). FIG. 10 is a flowchart (part 2) illustrating an example of processing when calculating coordinate values of intersection points P _{IP, Top1} , P _{IP, Top2} of the upper side of the print image and the printable area according to S3607 described above. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the process at the time of each acquiring the magnitude | size of the range included in the printable area | region, and the range not included in a printable area | region about the print image in 3rd embodiment. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing when acquiring coordinate values of vertices of an image preview image 404 and intersections of the image preview image 404 and the printable area line 403 on the preview screen 306. It is a figure which shows the example of the drawing by the print image size display 406 which concerns on step S1416 mentioned above.

Explanation of symbols

101 CPU
102 Primary storage 103 Secondary storage 104 Input device 105 Output device 106 Printing device

Claims (12)

Layout editing means for editing the arrangement of objects to be printed on the print medium;
Layout preview display means for displaying an arrangement of objects to be printed on a print medium edited by the layout editing means;
Have
The layout preview display means includes
When the object to be printed is arranged so as to protrude beyond the printable area of the print medium, size information indicating the size of the protruding part and size information indicating the size of the part within the printable area And a layout processing apparatus.   The layout processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the layout editing unit displays the printable area in a fixed manner and edits the arrangement of the print target object in accordance with an operation instruction from a user.   The layout processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the layout editing unit can arrange the print target object so as to protrude from the printable area in accordance with an operation instruction from a user.   4. The layout processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the layout preview display unit displays a paper image in a fixed manner. It further comprises a character string input means for inputting characters,
5. The layout processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the layout preview display unit displays the character string input by the character string input unit as a print target object. A layout processing method in a layout processing apparatus,
A layout editing step for editing the arrangement of objects to be printed on the print medium;
A layout preview display step for displaying an arrangement of objects to be printed on the print medium edited in the layout editing step;
Have
In the layout preview display step,
When the object to be printed is arranged so as to protrude beyond the printable area of the print medium, size information indicating the size of the protruding part and size information indicating the size of the part within the printable area And a layout processing method.   The layout processing method according to claim 6, wherein, in the layout editing step, the printable area is fixedly displayed, and the arrangement of the print target object is edited in accordance with an operation instruction from a user.   The layout processing method according to claim 7, wherein, in the layout editing step, the print target object can be placed outside the printable area in accordance with an operation instruction from a user.   9. The layout processing method according to claim 6, wherein in the layout preview display step, a paper image is fixedly displayed. A character string input step;
10. The layout processing method according to claim 6, wherein in the layout preview display step, the character string input in the character string input step is displayed as a print target object.   A program for causing a computer to execute the layout processing method according to any one of claims 6 to 10.   A computer-readable storage medium storing the program according to claim 11.

Images