JP2009141412A - Print outputting device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a print outputting device capable of exactly adapted to a print output having nonstandard dimensions. <P>SOLUTION: The print outputting device has: a means for displaying an original image 30 based on inputted image data on a monitor screen 3; means 22, 22a for allowing the input of optional dimensions to be applied to a completed target print; a means for generating a trimming frame 32 having the inputted dimensions as an attribute value indicating dimensions of the image of the completed target print to simultaneously display the trimming frame on a monitor screen 3 simultaneously with the original image 30; a layout means for allowing operation for rearranging each part of the trimming frame 32 to the original image on the monitor screen 3 and defining the region of the original image 30 to be clipped out by the trimming frame 32 based on the rearrangement operation; and a print output means for outputting a completed print having an image of dimensions succeeded from the trimming frame 32 based on the image data corresponding to the region of the original image 30 defined by the layout means. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a print output apparatus capable of cutting out a desired image portion from given image data by trimming and outputting a print having the cut out image portion as a block image.

  As prior art document information related to this type of print output apparatus, there is Patent Document 1 shown below. The print output apparatus according to the prior art includes an original image display unit that displays an original image corresponding to input image data on a monitor screen, and a target outline display unit that displays a trimming frame corresponding to a completed target print on the monitor screen. Allocating means for moving and enlarging / reducing one of the original image and the trimming frame on the monitor screen with respect to the other, and the original image cut out by the trimming frame based on the operation having the outer dimensions of the completed target image Print output means for outputting as follows. Therefore, if this print output apparatus is used, an operation for cutting out a part requested by the customer from the provided original image with a trimming frame is performed on the monitor screen, and thus the selected image part can be output with the selected print size. . Also, by dragging the cursor formed at the corner of the trimming frame on the monitor screen with the mouse, the trimming frame can be enlarged or reduced while maintaining its aspect ratio, but the size displayed on the print preview screen The print size to be output is not affected by the enlargement / reduction, and is output with a copy size selected and set in advance. Further, in this conventional print output apparatus, the aspect ratio of an image cut out by trimming can be reversed (from a vertically long image to a horizontally long image) depending on the direction of movement (drag) by the allocating means.

Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2005-339218 (paragraph numbers 0030 and 0031, FIGS. 6 and 7)

  However, in the print output device described in Patent Document 1, when the trimming frame is displayed on the monitor screen by the target outline display means, the selectable trimming frame conforms to an existing standard (A4, L version, etc.) or The size and aspect ratio defined in advance on the apparatus were limited. Therefore, a customer who brought a deformed sample print that has been appropriately cut out with a cutter or the like along with the image data (thus having a size and aspect ratio outside the standard) is slightly different from the sample print. There is a problem that it is difficult to accurately deal with a request for trimming the image to have the same image content and printing out with the same external dimensions as the sample print.

  In addition, as a device for outputting a photographic print using a silver salt type photosensitive material, a print output device called a digital minilab has become the mainstream, and this printer requires a long photosensitive material held in a roll shape. An exposure method is performed in which the latent image is exposed by a light emitting element array extending in the main scanning direction or a three-color laser beam swept in the main scanning direction while cutting out the length and transporting this in the dark box in the sub scanning direction. Therefore, the printer itself has a structure capable of outputting even a print having a substantially arbitrary length (for example, a length of 3 m). The aspect ratio of the artwork image necessary to output this extremely long print is as long as 23: 300 (about 1:13) when the width of the finished print is 23 cm, for example. However, in the trimming operation when generating the original image to be used for exposure from the original image, currently, only the trimming based on the aspect ratio conforming to the existing standard can be performed, so that the original image having such an aspect ratio is cut out. As a result, the high capacity of the printer as described above could not be fully exploited.

  Therefore, in view of the problems of the conventional print output apparatus exemplified above, the object of the present invention is to trim the image content to be exactly the same as an arbitrary sample print and print it with the same external dimensions as the sample print. Providing a print output device that can accurately respond to requests for output, and having dimensions and aspect ratios that deviate from general standards due to deformations made after output from any printer, etc. An object of the present invention is to provide a print output device capable of outputting even a print. Another object of the present invention is to provide a print output device capable of making full use of the flexible and excellent output capability that realizes long and long aspect ratio printing of a digital print output device. is there.

The first characteristic configuration of the print output apparatus according to the present invention is as follows.
Original image display means for displaying an original image based on input image data on a monitor screen;
A print dimension input means for allowing input of an arbitrary external dimension to be applied to the completion target print;
A trimming frame display means for generating a trimming frame having the input outer dimension as an attribute value representing an outer dimension of an image of a completion target print, and displaying the trimming frame on the monitor screen simultaneously with the original image;
An allocation unit that allows an operation of rearranging each part of the trimming frame on the monitor screen with respect to the original image, and defines an area of the original image to be cut by the trimming frame based on the rearrangement operation. When,
Print output means for outputting a completed print having an image of the outer dimensions inherited from the trimming frame based on the image data corresponding to the region of the original image defined by the allocating means. There is in point.

  That is, in the print output apparatus according to the first feature configuration of the present invention, when the operator inputs the external dimensions required as the completion target print using the print dimension input means, the trimming frame is displayed on the monitor screen together with the original image. The trimming frame holds the external dimensions input by the operator as attribute values representing the actual dimensions of the completed print. Next, when the operator rearranges each part of the trimming frame with respect to the original image on the monitor screen (by dragging each point using the mouse, etc.), the trimming frame defined by the rearrangement operation is cut off. Based on the data of the area of the original image, a complete print including an image of the external dimensions (= values input by the operator and inherited from the trimming frame) held by the trimming frame as attribute values is output.

  Therefore, according to the first characteristic configuration of the present invention, it has been modified to have an arbitrary size and aspect ratio without being restricted by an input standard set by an existing standard or a print output device manufacturer. It is possible to accurately cope with a customer's request to output a duplicate print having the same size and aspect ratio as a sample print.

  In addition, according to the first characteristic configuration of the present invention, as long as the size of the medium to be used (photosensitive material such as photographic paper or print paper) permits, it is possible to freely output a finished print having an arbitrary size. By making full use of the flexible print output capability of the digital print output device, it is possible to output a very long and long aspect ratio such as 23 cm × 3 m.

  Another characteristic configuration of the present invention is that the actual size of the trimming frame displayed by the trimming frame display means on the monitor screen is configured to match the outer dimension of the completed target print.

  With this configuration, a trimming frame having an actual size that matches the external dimensions of the completed target print is displayed on the monitor screen. For example, the operator can superimpose a sample print that has been received from a customer on the monitor screen. Thus, it is possible to verify accurately and easily whether or not the trimming frame being displayed matches the outer shape. Even when printing a very long and long aspect ratio such as 23cm x 3m, if the width of the finished target print and the sample print is below the height of the monitor screen, at least the width dimension is trimmed. This feature configuration can be used to see if it matches the frame.

  Another feature of the present invention is that the print size input means comprises a dialog box displayed on the monitor screen so that the external dimensions of the completed target print can be numerically input.

  With this configuration, even if the outline of the finished target print does not fit the standard dimensions, it is prepared in the dialog box when it is defined by numerical values such as rectangle, equilateral triangle, perfect circle, etc., and easy to input A numerical value can be easily input into the numerical value input field using a pull-down menu that can be operated with a keyboard or a pointing device such as a mouse. As a result, it is possible to generate a trimming frame having a required correct shape, display it faithfully on the monitor screen, and finally output a completed print having a desired outer shape.

  Another characteristic configuration of the present invention is that the rearrangement operation is configured such that an operation of deforming at least one of the trimming frame and the original image on the monitor screen is possible.

  With this configuration, it is possible to output a completed print in which the original image is freely enlarged / reduced and a special-purpose completed print in which the image is intentionally warped.

  Another feature of the present invention is that warning means is provided to warn when the rearrangement operation is predicted to cause distortion exceeding the level set for the original image.

  With this configuration, it is possible to guide the operator's operation so that a completed print with less image distortion from the original image can be output by repeating the rearrangement operation until no warning is issued by the warning means. It becomes. Note that by ignoring the warning by the warning means, it is also possible to output a special-purpose completed print in which the image is intentionally warped.

  Another feature of the present invention is that the print size input means comprises a flat bed scanner that reads the external dimensions of an existing sample print.

  With this configuration, the outer shape of the completed target print has a special shape that is difficult to define by numerical input from a keyboard, such as a star shape or a special curved shape in which two egg shapes are partially fused. Even in this case, it is possible to generate a trimming frame having a special shape based on the data, display it faithfully on the monitor screen, and output a print having such a special shape.

The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 shows an example of a business-use photo print system (an example of a print output device) that can be installed in a DPE store or the like. Image data stored in a storage medium M brought by a customer or sent from a customer via a telecommunication line An information processing unit A for creating print data based on the image data and the like, and a print unit B for outputting a photographic print P based on the print data prepared by the information processing unit A. The information processing unit A and the print unit B are connected via a CSMA / CD Ethernet (trademark) type LAN having a cable 50.

(Information processing unit A)
As shown in FIG. 1, an information processing unit A includes a film scanner 2 that converts a frame image of a photographic film F into a digital signal by photoelectric conversion and takes it as image data, a monitor screen 3 that displays various information, image processing and printing. Information processing apparatus 4 composed of a general-purpose computer that performs various processes necessary for processing, disk processing apparatus 5 for performing a service for writing image data to a storage medium such as a CD-R, and information for information processing apparatus 4 Is provided on the top surface of the console 1 with a keyboard 6 and a mouse 7 as a pointing device.

  The information processing apparatus 4 further includes a medium drive 8 for acquiring image data from a disk-type or semiconductor-type storage medium M such as a CD, MO, or FD. The information processing apparatus 4 realizes various processes by operating the keyboard 6 and the mouse 7 and displays the image data transmitted from the film scanner 2 and the medium drive 8 on the monitor screen 3 and performs a correction process. And print processing is realized by sending image data to the print unit B. In addition, by sending the image data to the disk processing device 5, an operation of writing the image data to a storage medium such as a CD-R is also realized.

(Print unit B)
As shown in FIG. 2, the print unit B includes a dark box-shaped casing 41, and a dark box-like photographic paper magazine 42 is detachably supported inside the casing 41. In addition, an exposure processing unit 43 for performing exposure processing on the photographic paper P, an advance mechanism 44 for pulling out the photographic paper P from the photographic paper magazine 42, and a cutter 45 for cutting the drawn long photographic paper P into a necessary print size. A development processing unit 46 for developing the photographic paper P subjected to the exposure processing in the exposure processing unit 43 and a drying processing unit 47 for drying the photographic paper P after development and washing with water are provided. As shown in FIG. 1, a sorter 48 is provided on the upper surface of the housing 41 for accumulating completed prints P discharged from the drying processing unit 47 in units of orders.

  In the exposure processing unit 43, in order to expose and form a two-dimensional latent image based on the print data from the information processing unit A on the photographic paper P cut into the print size by the cutter 45, the photographic paper P is fed at a constant speed. R (red), G (green), and B (blue) along the main scanning direction with respect to the high-precision photographic paper conveying mechanism 43a that conveys in the sub-scanning direction and the photographic paper P that is conveyed in the sub-scanning direction. The line exposure head 43b for irradiating the three primary color laser beams is provided. For this reason, the print unit B has a control unit 49 capable of synchronously driving the photographic paper transport mechanism 43a and the line exposure head 43b in accordance with the contents of each print data based on a command from the information processing apparatus 4. Is provided.

(Information processing apparatus 4)
As shown in FIG. 3, the information processing device 4 of the information processing unit A is configured to transmit signals between the film scanner 2, the monitor screen 3, the disk processing device 5, the keyboard 6, the mouse 7, the medium drive 8, and the CPU 9. An input / output interface 11 that enables access is provided.
A hard disk 12 and a communication unit 13 are connected to the input / output interface 11. Further, a semiconductor memory 14 (RAM / ROM), an operating system 15, an image data acquisition unit 16, and an order management unit 17 are connected to the data bus of the CPU 9. The extraction processing unit 19, the original image display unit 20, the image correction unit 21, the trimming frame setting unit 22, the trimming frame display unit 23, the allocation unit 24, the print execution unit 26, and the like are connected.

  The operating system 15 displays necessary information on the monitor screen 3 and implements GUI-type processing so that the operator operates the keyboard 6 and the mouse 7 based on the displayed information to realize necessary processing. . The image data acquisition unit 16 acquires necessary image data from the film scanner 3 and the medium drive 8.

  The order management unit 17 manages the acquired image data in units of orders. The extraction processing unit 19 performs processing to extract a target to be processed from the acquired image data so that it can be managed in one order. The original image display means 20 performs appropriate thinning as illustrated in FIG. 4B by thinning out the image data (generally JPEG file, TIFF file, etc.) acquired by the image data acquisition means 16 as necessary. A display original image 30 (an example of the original image) having the number of pixels is generated and displayed on the monitor screen 3.

  The image correcting unit 21 generates correction attribute data based on the correction operation when the operator performs a correction operation on the display original image 30 displayed on the monitor screen 3 via the keyboard 6 or the mouse 7. This correction operation includes correction of color tone and contrast for the display original image 30 and trimming operation. Therefore, the information processing apparatus 4 includes a trimming frame display unit 23 that displays the trimming frame set by the operator on the monitor screen 3 together with the display original image 30.

(Trimming frame setting means 22)
One of the features of the present invention is that the trimming frame setting means 22 provided in the information processing apparatus 4 can set a trimming frame 32 of any arbitrary size that is not restricted by existing standards. Here, the trimming frame setting means 22 includes a print dimension input box 22a (an example of a print dimension input means and a dialog box) displayed on the monitor screen 3 as shown in FIG. In the input box 22a, the user is prompted to input an arbitrary external dimension to be applied to the image of the completed target print.

  When the operator inputs an arbitrary external dimension requested by the customer into the print dimension input box 22a via the keyboard 6 or the like and clicks the “OK” icon 40 displayed on the monitor screen 3, the trimming frame display unit 23 A trimming frame 32 having the numerical value as an attribute indicating the outer dimension of the completed print is generated and displayed on the monitor screen 3 together with the display original image 30. The print size input box 22a may be constituted by a pull-down menu or the like that allows a numerical value to be input by operating the mouse 7.

  The allocating means 24 allows an operation of rearranging each part of the trimming frame 32 on the monitor screen 3 with respect to the display original image 30, and based on the rearrangement operation, the display original to be cut by the trimming frame 32. A region of the image 30 is defined. This definition is confirmed by clicking the “OK” icon 40.

  The print execution unit 26 includes a print data generation unit 27 that generates print data that is cut by the trimming frame 32 and reflects the correction attribute data generated by the image correction unit 21. The print execution unit 26 transmits the print data generated by the print data generation unit 27 and reflecting the correction attribute data relating to the color tone and trimming to the print unit B, and executes the print process.

(Details of rearrangement operation by allocation means 24)
As the rearrangement operation performed using the allocation means 24, several types of operations are possible as follows.

(Translation operation)
As illustrated in FIG. 5A, the main operation unit M provided at the center of the trimming frame 32 is selected by clicking with the mouse 7 and dragged as it is, so that the trimming frame 32 is deformed. The trimming frame 32 can be simply moved relative to the display original image 30 without any enlargement / reduction or rotation. When the “OK” icon 40 is operated after the movement, as shown in FIG. 5B, a preview image showing a print image with the area of the display original image 30 surrounded by the trimming frame 32 after the movement as a print area. 31a is displayed. Here, when the “OK” icon 40 is operated again, the print area is fixed, and print data corresponding to the area is generated by the print data generation unit 27.
This print data is transmitted to the print unit B by the print execution means 26. From the print unit B, as shown in FIG. 5C, the external dimensions (130 mm × 165 mm) of the image input to the print dimension input box 22a are displayed. It is output as a completed print 140a provided.

(Simple scaling operation)
As illustrated in FIG. 6A, when the enlargement / reduction operation unit T provided at four locations slightly outside the four corners of the trimming frame 32 is selected by clicking with the mouse 7 and dragged in an oblique direction, as illustrated in FIG. The enlargement or reduction operation without changing the aspect ratio can be applied to the trimming frame 32 (maintaining the aspect ratio). When the “OK” icon 40 is operated after the movement, a preview image 31b corresponding to the area of the display original image 30 surrounded by the trimming frame 32 after the movement is displayed as illustrated in FIG. 6B. When the “OK” icon 40 is operated again, the print area is determined, and print data corresponding to the area is generated by the print data generation unit 27. Since the trimming frame 32 holds the attribute data of the above-described external dimensions, even if the apparent size of the trimming frame 32 is changed by this simple enlargement / reduction operation, the operator in the previous process has nothing to do with the simple enlargement / reduction operation. Is output from the print unit B as a completed print 140b with the external dimensions (130 mm × 165 mm) input to the print dimension input box 22a. When reduction exceeding a predetermined value is performed by a simple enlargement / reduction operation, the print data generation unit 27 is appropriately selected from thinning and pixel interpolation (nearest neighbor method, bilinear method, etc.) as necessary when generating print data. ).

Note that the actual size display mode displayed so that the actual size of the trimming frame 32 displayed on the monitor screen 3 matches the outer size of the completed target print can be selected. When this actual size display mode is selected, whether or not the trimming position to be performed on the monitor screen 3 matches the sample print by physically applying the sample print brought by the customer to the monitor screen 3. It is possible to accurately confirm with the eye.
Using this actual size display mode, sample prints brought in by customers, especially silver prints of duplicate prints that are output by inkjet printers, etc., and that fit non-standard size (and aspect ratio) sample prints with one side cut by a cutter Even when output is requested, it can be dealt with accurately.
In order to realize such an actual size display mode, the information processing apparatus 4 has a program (not shown) for calculating an image enlargement ratio necessary for displaying the trimming frame 32 having the input size at the actual size. In order to correctly apply this program, it is necessary to input the size and resolution of the monitor screen 3 in use.

(XY expansion / contraction operation)
As illustrated in the state after the operation in FIG. 7A, when the Y operation portion S _Y provided at two places slightly outside the upper and lower sides of the trimming frame 32 is selected with the mouse 7 and dragged in the vertical direction. Since only the selected upper side or lower side moves, the aspect ratio of the trimming frame 32 is changed. Similarly, when the X operation unit S _X provided at two positions slightly outside the left and right sides of the trimming frame 32 is selected with the mouse 7 and dragged in the left and right direction, only the selected right side or left side moves, so the trimming is performed. The aspect ratio of the frame 32 is changed. For example, as shown in FIG. 7A, an XY expansion / contraction operation for deforming the trimming frame 32 from the up and down direction into a compressed state by dragging the Y operation unit S _Y provided near the upper and lower sides up and down is performed. When the “OK” icon 40 is operated, as illustrated in FIG. 7B, a preview image 31 c is displayed in which the area of the original image 30 for display surrounded by the trimming frame 32 after the deformation is a print area. When the “OK” icon 40 is operated again, the print area is fixed, and print data corresponding to the area is generated by the print data generation unit 27. The print data is transmitted to the print unit B by the print execution means 26, and the print unit B outputs a completed print 140c having the external dimensions (130 mm × 165 mm) of the image input to the print dimension input box 22a. In this example, as shown in FIG. 7C, the completed print 140c is a print different from the actual scene in which a part of the display original image 30 is uniformly stretched in the vertical direction.

(Individual corner movement operation)
As illustrated in FIG. 8, when one of the four free operation units F provided at the four corners of the trimming frame 32 is selected by clicking with the mouse 7 and dragged in an arbitrary direction, the free operation unit F extends from the free operation unit F. The trimming frame 32 is deformed in a form with the two sides.
As illustrated in FIG. 8A, it is also possible to operate the “OK” icon 40 in a state where only the free operation unit F at the upper right corner operated first is moved. In this case, FIG. As illustrated in (), a preview image 31d that is distorted (warped) so as to stretch toward the upper right corner, which is different from the actual scene, is displayed. When the “OK” icon 40 is operated again, print data is generated, and as shown in FIG. 8C, a completed print 140d of the warped image is output.
In any of the above rearrangement operations, if the “OK” icon 40 and the “return” icon 39 arranged adjacent to each other after the preview image 31 is displayed once, the state before the rearrangement operation is performed. The “Undo” operation for returning to the trimming frame 32 is performed, and the rearrangement operation of the trimming frame 32 can be performed again.

(Application example)
FIG. 9 shows an example of print output that is possible only by combining the print size input means according to the present invention and the flexible print output capability of a digital printer.
Here, an appropriate image is cut out from a 35 mm film by the print size input means according to the present invention, and the aspect ratio of the image is maintained. As an example, the aspect ratio is 23 cm wide and 115 cm long from a digital printer. A form in the case of outputting a large and long print is shown.

  First, an image of one frame on a 35 mm film is displayed on the monitor screen 3 as a display original image 30, and when 23 cm × 115 cm is input as a size of an image of a completed target print in the print size input box 22a, FIG. As shown, a trimming frame 32 having an aspect ratio of about 1: 5 is displayed. Next, as shown in FIG. 9B, when the trimming frame 32 is rearranged using one of the above-described several kinds of rearrangement operations and the “OK” icon 40 is operated, the result shown in FIG. In this way, the print data 130e is generated, and the print unit B outputs a completed print 140e having the outer dimensions (23 cm × 115 cm) input to the print dimension input box 22a as illustrated in FIG. 9D. In FIG. 9B, the aspect ratio of the trimming frame 32 is changed on the monitor screen 3 at the time of rearrangement, but rearrangement may be performed while maintaining the aspect ratio.

  In particular, when a large-aspect print with a large aspect ratio is output, if a sublimation printer capable of outputting a print protected with a transparent resin film such as PET is used as a digital printer, a subway vehicle body, a regular route bus, etc. Can be affixed to the side of a car body of public transportation, and can be effectively used as an advertising medium with high weather resistance and impact.

  By the way, when a plurality of types of photosensitive materials having different widths can be installed in the print unit B, the photographic paper having the width most suitable for the outer dimensions of the finished target print is automatically selected and printed. It can be configured to be used for output. However, when an unnecessary margin is formed adjacent to the image formed on the print, the cutting operation of the margin is left to the operator or the customer as necessary.

  Although not shown, the monitor screen 3 that displays the display original image 30 and the trimming frame 32 is configured so that vertical and horizontal rulers and grid lines are fixedly displayed together in order to assist the rearrangement operation by the operator. Has been. In particular, when the actual size display mode in which the actual size of the trimming frame 32 displayed on the monitor screen 3 is displayed so as to coincide with the outer dimension of the completion target print is selected, the actual size of the trimming frame 32 displayed on the monitor screen 3 is The scale corresponding to the actual size is displayed on the monitor screen so that it can be translated and moved so that it can be easily determined.

[Another embodiment]
<1> The print size input means can be constituted by a flat bed scanner for reading the external dimensions of an existing sample print. This configuration is particularly effective when the finished target print has a special shape that is difficult to identify by numerical input from a keyboard, such as a star shape or a curved shape in which two egg shapes are partially fused. Demonstrate. That is, it is possible to generate a trimming frame according to the special shape based on the data read by the flatbed scanner, display it faithfully on the monitor screen, and output a print of such a special shape. It becomes possible. In this case, it is possible to use a commercially available program that automatically extracts the contour of an image from image data input from a flatbed scanner. Similarly, the print dimension input means can be constituted by a pen tablet type input touch panel (digitizer).

<2> The print size input means can be constituted by means for automatically determining the external dimensions of the sample print halfway. As an example of this determination means, the four corners of the sample print are pressed against the monitor at the same time, so that the external dimensions can be determined from the positional relationship of the four corners of the print, and the countless number provided over the entire area of the monitor screen 3 A pressure sensor is good.

<3> The rearrangement operation performed using the allocating unit 24 may be configured such that the display original image 30 instead of the trimming frame 32 can be deformed by dragging with a mouse or the like. Also in this case, the region of the display original image 30 cut out by the trimming frame 32 as a result of the relative rearrangement operation performed between the display original image 30 and the trimming frame 32 is the print dimension input box 22a. Is output from the print unit B as a completed print having the outer dimensions of the image input to the.

<4> In the above XY expansion / contraction operation and corner individual movement operation, the operator determines that distortion exceeding the level set for the original image is generated by the rearrangement operation of the trimming frame or the display original image. Warning means for warning may be provided. As a warning means, “Image distortion due to trimming occurred. A message such as “Return” should be displayed if the trimming is to be performed again, or “OK” should be displayed if the trimming is to continue. Here, by deliberately selecting “OK”, a creative image in which the original image is intentionally distorted can be output as a composition image. On the other hand, if “return” is selected and a rearrangement operation is performed so that no message appears, an image with less distortion can be output. It is preferable that the level of distortion serving as a reference for determining whether or not to issue a warning can be changed by an operator.

<5> In the above embodiment, a photographic image saved mainly as a JPEG file or a TIFF file has been described as an example of an original image. However, an illustration image saved in a format such as a GIF file or a PNG file is used as an original image. Of course, it is also possible to target.

Perspective view showing the appearance of the photo print system Configuration diagram of print unit Block diagram showing the control system of the information processing unit Schematic diagram showing a monitor screen display example (trimming frame setting means, etc.) Schematic diagram showing examples of monitor screen display (preview image, output example, etc.) Schematic diagram showing examples of monitor screen display (preview image, output example, etc.) Schematic diagram showing examples of monitor screen display (preview image, output example, etc.) Schematic diagram showing examples of monitor screen display (preview image, output example, etc.) Schematic diagram showing examples of monitor screen display (preview image, output example, etc.)

Explanation of symbols

A Information processing unit B Print unit P Photo print M Storage medium T Enlargement / reduction operation unit S _Y Y operation unit S _X X operation unit F Free operation unit 3 Monitor screen 4 Information processing device 6 Keyboard 7 Mouse 9 CPU
11 I / O interface 12 Hard disk 13 Communication unit 14 Semiconductor memory 15 Operating system 16 Image data acquisition means 20 Original image display means 21 Image correction means 22 Trimming frame setting means 22a Print dimension input box (print dimension input means)
23 Trimming frame display unit 24 Allocation unit 26 Print execution unit 27 Print data generation unit 30 Original image for display (original image)
31 Preview image 32 Trimming frame 40 “OK” icon 43 Exposure processing unit 43 b Line exposure head 48 Sorter 49 Control unit 50 Cable 130 e Print data 140 a Complete print 140 b Complete print

Claims (6)

Original image display means for displaying an original image based on input image data on a monitor screen;
A print dimension input means for allowing input of an arbitrary external dimension to be applied to the completion target print;
A trimming frame display means for generating a trimming frame having the input outer dimension as an attribute value representing an outer dimension of an image of a completion target print, and displaying the trimming frame on the monitor screen simultaneously with the original image;
An allocation unit that allows an operation of rearranging each part of the trimming frame on the monitor screen with respect to the original image, and defines an area of the original image to be cut by the trimming frame based on the rearrangement operation. When,
Print output means for outputting a completed print having an image of the outer dimensions inherited from the trimming frame based on the image data corresponding to the region of the original image defined by the allocating means. Print output device.   The print output apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an actual size of the trimming frame displayed by the trimming frame display unit on the monitor screen is configured to match an outer dimension of the completed target print.   The print output apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the print dimension input unit includes a dialog box displayed on the monitor screen so that a numerical value of an outer dimension of the completed target print can be input.   4. The print output according to claim 1, wherein the rearrangement operation is configured to allow an operation to deform at least one of the trimming frame and the original image on the monitor screen. 5. apparatus.   The print output apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising a warning unit that warns when the rearrangement operation is predicted to cause distortion exceeding a level set for the original image.   The print output apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the print dimension input unit includes a flatbed scanner that reads an outer dimension of an existing sample print.

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