JP4123168B2 - Image processing system, image processing method, template generation system, and template data structure - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing system for printing an object such as a digital photographic image based on template data. The present invention also relates to a data structure of template data that defines a reproduction format of an object such as a digital photographic image.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a method for automatically editing template data that defines an object layout in accordance with an object change or a reproduction medium size change is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP-A-11-219440

  However, according to the method described in Patent Document 1, the margin setting is completely different as the playback area is changed, so that the layout of the entire playback area is not similar to the original layout by editing the template. There is a problem of being converted. Specifically, for example, in a layout in which a photo is arranged in the entire reproduction area without a margin, when the aspect ratio (vertical / horizontal) of the reproduction area is changed, the photo is arranged in a part of the reproduction area while leaving a margin. Converted to layout. Also, for example, in a layout in which a photo is placed with a margin of a certain width at the periphery of the playback area, the photo is placed with a margin of a non-constant width at the periphery of the playback area when the aspect ratio of the playback area is changed. Converted to layout.

This problem can be solved by preparing template data for each size of the reproduction medium. However, when template data is prepared for each size of the reproduction medium, there is a problem that the amount of data increases according to the number of template data.
An object of the present invention is to reduce the data amount of template data required for reproducing an object with a similar layout on reproduction media of many sizes.

  In order to achieve the above object, an image processing system according to the present invention includes an operation unit that accepts an operation for setting a size of a reproduction medium, size information associated with a template that defines an object layout, and the size of the reproduction medium. Size information acquisition means for acquiring size information to be expressed, and a size represented by the size information based on the template associated with the size information representing a reproduction medium having a size whose aspect ratio matches or approximates the set size Print control means for outputting an instruction to print a predetermined object on the reproduction medium having the set size different from the above. According to the image processing system of the present invention, it is possible to reduce the data amount of template data necessary for reproducing an object with a similar layout on reproduction media of many sizes.

  The image processing system according to the present invention further includes restriction information obtaining means for obtaining restriction information for restricting the size of the reproduction medium associated with the template, and the print control means is adapted to the obtained restriction information. Based on the template associated with the size information representing a size reproduction medium, an instruction for printing a predetermined object on the reproduction medium having a set size different from the size represented by the size information is output. By limiting the size of the playback medium based on the limit information associated with the template, it is possible to prevent the playback image quality from deteriorating significantly. Further, by using the restriction information associated with the template, the size of the reproduction medium can be restricted in accordance with copyright restrictions.

Further, in the image processing system according to the present invention, the restriction information is a maximum size of a reproduction medium that can print an object based on the template associated with the restriction information.
Further, in the image processing system according to the present invention, the restriction information is within a range of an aspect ratio of a reproduction medium that allows printing of an object based on the template associated with the restriction information.

  Furthermore, in the image processing system according to the present invention, there is further provided selection means for selecting, from a plurality of the templates, the template associated with the size information representing a reproduction medium having a size whose aspect ratio matches or approximates the set size. And the print control means outputs an instruction for printing a predetermined object on the reproduction medium having the set size different from the size represented by the size information, based on the selected template.

  In order to achieve the above object, an image processing method according to the present invention includes a setting step for accepting a setting operation for the size of a reproduction medium, and size information associated with a template that defines the layout of the object, and represents the size of the reproduction medium. The obtaining step for obtaining size information, and the size different from the size represented by the size information based on the template associated with the size information representing a reproduction medium whose size and aspect ratio match or approximate to the set size And an output step of outputting an instruction for printing a predetermined object on a reproduction medium having a set size. According to the image processing method of the present invention, it is possible to reduce the amount of template data necessary for reproducing an object with a similar layout on reproduction media of many sizes.

  To achieve the above object, a template generation system according to the present invention includes generation means for generating a template defining an object layout in association with size information indicating the size of a reproduction medium, and restriction information for limiting the size of the reproduction medium. Limit information setting means for setting in association with the template, and output means for outputting the generated template and the set limit information. According to the template generation system of the present invention, it is possible to reduce the amount of template data necessary for reproducing an object with a similar layout on many sizes of reproduction media.

  In order to achieve the above object, the template data structure according to the present invention is a plurality of template data that defines similar reproduction formats of objects, each defining a reproduction format based on a reproduction medium of a predetermined size. A plurality of template data; and index data that defines, for each template data, a size of a reproduction medium that can reproduce an object using each of the template data. The template data and the index data are associated with each other. It is characterized by that. By defining the playback format based on a playback medium of a predetermined size in each template data, it is possible to define the playback format with different coordinates for playback media whose aspect ratios do not match or approximate. By defining the size of a reproduction medium that can reproduce an object using each template data for each template, the reproduction format can be defined by one template data for a reproduction medium having the same or similar aspect ratio. . Also, the number of template data can be optimized by defining the reproducible size for each template data according to the design of the reproduction format.

  Specifically, for example, in the case of a playback format having a design with margins around, if an object is played back on a playback medium having a different aspect ratio from the size used as the reference for the playback format by enlarging one template data, The relationship between the width of the margin and the width of the upper and lower margins changes from the original design of the playback format. In this case, if the playback format has a sufficiently large margin, even if the size relationship between the width of the left and right margins and the width of the top and bottom margins changes from the original design of the playback format, the periphery of the object will not be cut off. Therefore, even if an object is reproduced on a reproduction medium having a plurality of sizes with one template data, the design variation is small. On the other hand, if the playback format is designed without margins, the periphery of the object may be cut off, or margins may be created in the part that originally has no margins, so the object can be played back on multiple sizes of playback media with a single template data. Then, the design variation is large. Therefore, by defining the reproducible size for each template data in accordance with the design of the playback format, the number of template data can be optimized according to these circumstances depending on the design of the playback format.

  Furthermore, in the template data structure according to the present invention, the plurality of template data and the index data are stored in one file. By storing a plurality of template data and index data in one file, the portability of template data and index data is improved.

  Furthermore, in the template data structure according to the present invention, the template data includes a parameter indicating whether or not an object can be reproduced using the template data on a reproduction medium other than a size defined as a standard of a reproduction format defined by the template data. It is characterized by including. By including in the template data a parameter indicating whether or not the object can be reproduced using the template data on a reproduction medium other than the size defined as the standard of the reproduction format defined by the template data, the template data is not referred to. Even when the object is played back, the application range of the template data can be limited.

  Furthermore, in the template data structure according to the present invention, the template data includes a parameter that defines a maximum size of a reproduction medium that can be reproduced using the template data. By including in the template data a parameter that defines the maximum size of a playback medium that can be played back using the template data, even if the object is played back using only the template data without referring to the index data, the scope of application of the template data can be reduced. Can be limited.

  In order to achieve the above object, the template data structure according to the present invention is a plurality of template data that defines similar reproduction formats of objects, each defining a reproduction format based on a reproduction medium of a predetermined size. It includes a plurality of template data and index data that defines, for each template data, an aspect ratio of a reproduction medium that can reproduce an object using each of the template data. By defining the playback format based on a playback medium of a predetermined size in each template data, it is possible to define the playback format with different coordinates for playback media whose aspect ratios do not match or approximate. By defining the aspect ratio of a reproduction medium that can reproduce an object using each template data for each template, the reproduction format can be defined by one template data for a reproduction medium having the same or similar aspect ratio. it can. Also, the number of template data can be optimized by defining the reproducible aspect ratio for each template data in accordance with the design of the reproduction format.

  Furthermore, in the template data structure according to the present invention, the plurality of template data and the index data are stored in one file. By storing a plurality of template data and index data in one file, the portability of template data and index data is improved.

  Furthermore, the template data structure according to the present invention includes a parameter indicating whether or not an object can be reproduced using the template data on a reproduction medium other than the size used as the standard of the reproduction format defined by the template data for each template. It is characterized by that. In addition to the aspect ratio of the playable playback medium, the index data includes a parameter indicating whether or not the object can be played back on the playback medium having a size other than the size defined as the standard of the playback format defined by the template data. As a result, the application range of the template data can be limited, and template data suitable for a predetermined reproduction medium can be specified only by referring to the index data without referring to the template data.

  Further, in the template data structure according to the present invention, the index data includes a parameter that defines a maximum size of a reproduction medium that can be reproduced using the template data for each template. By including a parameter that defines the maximum size of a playback medium that can be played back using the template data for each template in the index data in addition to the aspect ratio of the playback medium that can be played back using each template data, the aspect data For playback media that differ greatly in size even if the ratio is the same or approximate, template data can be prepared separately, and for example, the resolution of the image representing the background can be changed for each template according to the size of the playback media It becomes like this.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below based on examples.
(First Example)
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the printer 1 as an embodiment of the image processing system according to the present invention. The printer 1 is a so-called stand-alone printer. The display 11 is composed of an LCD or the like. The display control unit 12 includes a VRAM, a drive circuit, and the like. The operation unit 13 is provided with a plurality of switches such as a jog key and a print start key. The operation unit 13 accepts operations such as the selection of the size of the printing paper as the reproduction medium described in the claims, the basic design of the template, and the start / stop of printing. The operation unit 13 functions as an operation unit described in the claims.

  The input unit 14 is controlled by the control unit 15, reads various data such as an image file, a reference template, and index data stored in the removable memory 4 and stores them in the work memory 16. The removable memory 4 is a recording medium that can be attached to and detached from the input unit 14, and specifically, for example, a card type IC memory that can be attached to and detached from a digital camera. The input unit 14 functions as a size information acquisition unit and a restriction information acquisition unit described in the claims.

  The control unit 15 includes a CPU and a ROM (not shown). The control unit 15 functions as an operation unit, a size information acquisition unit, a restriction information acquisition unit, and a print control unit. The CPU executes a program stored in the ROM to control the entire printer 1. This program includes a template resizing process. The template resizing process is a process of generating a print template corresponding to the print paper size set by the user from a reference template stored in advance in the ROM and storing the print template in the work memory 16, and will be described in detail later. Further, the control unit 15 generates image data to be printed based on the image file and the print template stored in the work memory 16 and stores them in the work memory 16. Various types of data such as these programs and reference templates may be downloaded and input from a predetermined server via a network, or may be read and input from a computer-readable storage medium such as a removable memory.

  The image processing unit 17 is an ASIC that executes processing for converting print target image data stored in the work memory 16 into print data in cooperation with the control unit 15. Whether the control unit 15 or the image processing unit 17 performs the process for converting to print data is a design matter. Specifically, for example, the image processing unit 17 generates print data by executing color space change processing, resolution conversion processing, halftone processing, interlace processing, and the like on the print target image data stored in the work memory 16. To do.

  The printer engine 18 is controlled by the control unit 15 and prints an image on printing paper based on the print data generated by the image processing unit 17. The printer engine 18 forms an image on printing paper by, for example, an inkjet method, a laser method, a sublimation thermal transfer method, a dot impact method, or the like.

  3A is a perspective view showing the appearance of the printer 1, and FIG. 6B is an enlarged view showing the display 11 and the operation unit 13 of the printer 1. As shown in FIG. The operation unit 13 is provided with a plurality of switches such as an upper switch 2, a lower switch 4, a determination switch 5, a return switch 3, a print switch 6, and a cancel switch 7. A menu for making various settings is displayed on the display 11. The upper switch 2, the lower switch 4, the determination switch 5 and the return switch 3 are switches for selecting menu items. The print switch 6 is a switch for instructing the start of printing. A cancel switch 7 is a switch for instructing to cancel printing.

  FIG. 4 is a transition diagram of screens displayed on the display 11 in a mode for selecting a playback format. In the screen 141, when “layout printing” is selected by operating the upper switch 2, the lower switch 4, and the decision switch 5, “design” for shifting to a menu for selecting a reference template package and a paper size are selected. A screen 142 including “paper size” for shifting to the menu as a selection target item is displayed. Details of the reference template package will be described later. When “Design” is selected on the screen 142, the screen transitions to screens 143 and 144 in which one of the reference template packages stored in advance in the ROM 8 can be selected. When the upper switch 2, the lower switch 4, or the determination switch 5 is pressed while the screens 143 and 144 are displayed, the screen returns to the screen 142 when any of the reference template packages is selected. When “paper size” is selected on the screen 142, a screen 146 including a list of paper sizes as a selection target item is displayed. On the screen 146, the paper size can be set by pressing the upper switch 2, the lower switch 4, and the determination switch 5.

  FIG. 5 is a transition diagram of screens displayed on the display 11 in a mode for selecting image data to be inserted into the print template. When “select image” is selected by operating the upper switch 2, the lower switch 4, and the decision switch 5 on the screen 141, the printer 1 displays one image data read from the removable memory 19 or its name. On the screens 147 and 148 displaying the image data read from the removable memory 19 or the names thereof, another image data stored in the removable memory 19 can be selected by pressing the upper switch 2 or the lower switch 4. it can. When the determination switch 5 is pressed while the screens 147 and 148 are displayed, the image data displayed at that time is determined as image data to be inserted into the print template.

  FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a print template. The print template 20 records drawing scripts 21 and 22 that define the layout of objects such as print paper size, images, and characters. The drawing script 21 includes a path of an image file to be printed (for example, “fujisan”), image frame coordinates (for example, upper left coordinates “(X11, Y11)” indicating the arrangement of the image on the printing paper, lower right Coordinates “(X12, Y12)”), a fitting rule (for example, “FitOutside”) that defines the positional relationship between the image and the image frame, an alignment rule (for example, “CenterCenter”), and the like. When a plurality of images are arranged on a single sheet of paper, drawing scripts are listed for each image, and the vertical relationship between layers is defined by the appearance order of the drawing scripts. The image file inserted into the print template is an image file (for example, “fujisan”) determined in advance by the reference template or an image file designated by the user. In the latter case, an image file (for example, “001”) to be read in association with an identifier (for example, “Photo 1”) described in a reference template described later is stored in the removable memory 4 by a menu displayed on the display 11. The user is made to select from the photographed image.

  FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram for explaining the fitting rule of “FitOutside”. “FitOutside”, when inserting an image into an image frame with a different aspect ratio, clips the image so that at least one of the two opposite sides of the image overlaps the image frame without changing the aspect ratio of the image This parameter indicates that When the aspect ratio of the image frame 41 is larger than the aspect ratio of the image 40 as shown in FIG. 7A, the image 40 is enlarged or reduced so that two opposite sides of the image frame 41 and the image 40 are overlapped. Then, the image 40 obtained by clipping the portion protruding from the image frame 41 is inserted into the image frame 41. Also, as shown in FIG. 7B, when the aspect ratio of the image frame 43 is smaller than or equal to the aspect ratio of the image 40, the image 40 is arranged so that two opposite vertical sides of the image frame 43 and the image 40 overlap. The image 40 that has been enlarged or reduced and clipped from the portion protruding from the image frame 43 is inserted into the image frame 43. Thus, when an image is applied to an image frame according to the fitting rule “FitOutside”, the image is clipped vertically or horizontally and inserted into the entire frame so that there is no margin in the image frame.

  FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram for explaining the alignment rule. The alignment rule is a parameter that determines the arrangement of the image and the image frame, and defines the alignment reference in the horizontal direction and the vertical direction. When the alignment rule is “LeftTop”, the image 52 is inserted so that the upper left point of the image frame 51 and the image 52 overlap as shown in FIG. When the alignment rule is “CenterCenter”, the image 54 is inserted so that the center points of the image frame 53 and the image 54 overlap as shown in FIG. When the alignment rule is “RightBottom”, the image 56 is inserted so that the image frame 55 and the lower right point of the image 56 overlap each other as shown in FIG.

  FIG. 9A is a schematic diagram for explaining generation of print target image data. The print target image data is generated based on the print template 20, the image data defined in advance by the reference template, and the image data selected by the user. That is, the image data to be printed is generated by inserting the images 63 and 65 into the image frames 62 and 64 defined by the print template according to the fitting rule and the alignment rule. FIG. 9B is a schematic diagram illustrating a result of printing target image data on the paper 61.

  FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a reference template. In the reference template 70, as in the print template 20, the paper size as the size information described in the claims, the drawing scripts 71 and 72, and the like are written. When an image file to be inserted into the print template is determined in advance, the file name (for example, “fujisan”) of the image file is described in the drawing script. When the user designates an image file, an identifier (for example, “Photo 1”) for associating the image frame with the image file by the printer 1 is described in the drawing script. In the reference template 70, whether or not resizing is possible and the maximum print size are written as the restriction information described in the claims. Whether or not resizing is possible indicates whether a print template of another print paper size can be generated based on the reference template. The maximum print size is a paper size of the maximum print template that can be generated by the reference template. These limitations on the size of the printing paper not only can prevent the image quality of the printed image from deteriorating significantly, but may also be necessary due to copyright issues.

As the size information described in the claims, the vertical and horizontal lengths of the paper may be written in the reference template instead of identifiers such as “A4” and “A3” indicating the standard paper size. . Further, the paper size as the size information may be described outside the reference template in association with the reference template. Specifically, for example, a table in which the identifier of each reference template and the paper size are associated may be recorded in the reference template package file. Further, a paper size may be associated with the reference template using a file that defines such a table separately from the reference template package file.
Further, as the restriction information described in the claims, a minimum resolution when an image file (for example, “fujisan”) to be inserted is inserted into an image frame of a print template and printed may be determined in advance. Specifically, for example, an image after converting the reference template into a print template by defining such minimum resolution for each image frame, for each reference template, or in the specification. It is possible to compare the resolution when the image to be inserted is inserted into the frame and the defined minimum resolution, and determine whether resizing is possible according to the comparison result. The minimum resolution may be defined indirectly by defining the maximum size of the frame or image after resizing, or may be defined directly by defining the resolution.

Further, whether or not resizing as restriction information and the maximum print size may be described outside the reference template. Specifically, for example, a field indicating whether or not resizing is possible and the maximum print size may be added to the table that associates the identifier of the reference template with the paper size.
Further, the maximum print size as the restriction information may be stored in the ROM of the control unit 15 in association with each paper size that is formulated to be described in the reference template as a specification. That is, instead of defining the restriction information for each reference template, the restriction information may be uniformly defined in advance for each paper size described in the reference template.

  FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing processing for printing in all sizes based on one reference template as a comparative example of the present invention. Hereinafter, the process of printing based on the A4 size reference template 90 will be described in detail. In the process of converting the reference template into the print template, the fitting rule and alignment rule of the drawing script of the reference template are used as they are as the fitting rule and alignment rule of the drawing script of the print template. The image frame coordinates of the print template are calculated by multiplying the image frame coordinates of the reference template by the enlargement / reduction ratio determined by the ratio between the paper size of the reference template and the size of the paper size to be actually printed. By such resize processing of the reference template, for example, an A5 size print template 92, an A3 size print template 93, and a postcard size print template 94 can be generated from the A4 size reference template. When printing with the paper size of the reference template, a print template 91 using the image frame coordinates of the reference template as they are is generated. Next, the printing results 95, 96, 97, and 98 are obtained by inserting the images 99 and 100 to be printed into the image frame of the generated print template and executing printing. If an attempt is made to generate a print template of any paper size based on a single reference template, the A3 and A5 print templates 92 and 93 whose aspect ratios are similar to the paper size A4 of the reference template are reproduced depending on the image layout, margins, etc. The format is similar to the playback format of the reference template 90 of A4. However, the reproduction format of the “postcard” print template 94 whose aspect ratio is not approximate to the paper size A4 of the reference template is not similar to the reproduction format of the reference template 90 of A4 with a different balance of left, right, top and bottom margins. Become.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a data structure of a reference template package file as an embodiment of a template data structure according to the present invention. The reference template package 80 is stored in the ROM of the control unit 15 for each reproduction format similar to each other. Similar playback format means that the playback result design, which is determined by the content of the image to be played back, the layout of the image, the presence or absence of margins, the balance of the left, right, top and bottom margins, is similar except for the difference in size. And the meaning is different from the similarity in mathematics. The reference template package 80 stores a plurality of reference templates 82, 83, and 84 that define image frame coordinates based on different paper sizes. Each reference template has an identifier (corresponding to USD1, USD2, USD3 in the figure) for specifying the reference template. The reference template package 80 stores index data 81 that defines which printing paper size group each reference template can be resized to. In the illustrated example, the reference template “USD1” can be resized into a print template of a print paper size belonging to the print paper size group A and a print template of a print paper size belonging to the print paper size group D. The reference template package 80 may store one reference template in which the coordinates of the image frame are defined based on one paper size.

  The reference template package 80 may be input to the printer 1 via the removable memory 4 or an electric communication line. When the reference template package 80 is input to the printer 1 from an external system, each reference template package 80 is preferably recorded as one file. This is because the portability when inputting from the external system to the printer 1 is improved while maintaining the association between the index data 81 and the plurality of reference template data 82, 83, 84. The reference template data 82, 83, 84 and the index data 81 may be recorded in separate files.

  The printing paper size group is a group to which printing paper sizes having an aspect ratio close to that of the printing paper belong. Specifically, for example, AX, BX, and Novisize belong to group A, L, 2L belong to group B, postcards, and 100 × 150, 4 × 6 belong to group C. The association between the printing paper size and the printing paper size group is stored in the ROM of the control unit 15 as a printing paper size group index. Instead of defining the correspondence between the reference template and the printing paper size group in the index data 81 and defining the correspondence between the paper size group and the printing paper size in the printing paper size group index, for example, the index data shown in FIG. The correspondence between the reference template and the printing paper size may be directly defined.

FIG. 12 is a data flow diagram illustrating a printing process using a reference template package.
In the process 101, the reference template package file 102 selected by a switch operation such as a jog key on the operation unit 13 is read from the ROM. The reference template package file 102 stored in the removable memory 4 may be selected by the user using the operation unit 13, and the selected reference template package file 102 may be read from the removable memory 4.

  In the processing 103, the print paper size group index 104 that associates the print paper size group with the print paper size is referred to, so that the print paper size to which the print paper size set by the switch operation such as the jog key of the operation unit 13 belongs. Identify the group. Further, the reference template corresponding to the specified printing paper size group is selected by referring to the index data of the reference template. More specifically, when the printing paper size A5 is set by the user, the group A to which the A5 size belongs is specified by referring to the printing paper size group index. Next, with reference to the index data 81 (see FIG. 1), the reference template file “USD1” corresponding to the group A is selected. Next, based on the selected reference template file, a message instructing generation of a print template having a print paper size set by a switch operation such as a jog key of the operation unit 13 is output to the process 105.

  In the process 103, when the set print paper size and the paper size of the selected reference template are different, when the resize printing is defined as “impossible” in the selected reference template, the designated paper size is When the maximum print size defined by the reference template is exceeded and there is no reference template associated with the set print paper size, a message such as “Cannot print with this paper size” is displayed on the display 11.

  Note that these processes 103 may be performed as shown in FIG. In the process 103 shown in FIG. 14, the reference template corresponding to the paper size selected by the switch operation such as the jog key of the operation unit 13 is selected by referring to the index data shown in FIG. The index data shown in FIG. 15 is information for associating the paper size with the identifier attached to the reference template. That is, each paper size and each reference template are associated with each other by the paper size described in the index data, the identifier, and the identifier assigned to each reference template.

  Further, the processing 101 and the processing 103 may be executed by an image processing system such as a personal computer (PC) connected to a printer or a digital camera. Specifically, for example, a PC or digital camera in which a reference template package file is stored in a non-volatile memory such as a hard disk or a flash memory receives a print paper size setting operation and a reference template package file selection operation. A message may be output from the digital camera to the process 105 executed by the printer. In this case, a printer control device such as a PC or a digital camera corresponds to the image processing system described in the claims.

In process 105, based on the reference template selected in process 103, a print template having a print paper size set by the user is generated.
In process 106, print target image data is generated based on the print template and the image data to be inserted.
In process 107, print data is generated from the print target image data, output to the printer engine, and printing is executed. In addition to processing 101 and processing 103, processing 105 and processing 106 and generation of print data are also executed by a PC, digital camera or the like connected to the printer, and print data is received from an image processing system such as PC or digital camera. You may output to a printer.

  In the first embodiment of the present invention described above, print data corresponding to a plurality of print paper sizes is generated based on one reference template, so that the data amount of template data defining a reproduction format can be reduced. . In addition, by defining a print paper size group in which an object can be printed using each reference template data for each reference template by using index data, one reference template data is obtained for print sheets having the same or similar aspect ratio. The playback format can be defined as follows. Further, for print sheets whose aspect ratios do not match or approximate, different reproduction formats can be defined at different coordinates by different reference templates. That is, it is possible to reduce the amount of template data necessary to reproduce an object such as an image on a large number of printing papers with a similar layout. Referring to the example of FIG. 13, for the five print sizes belonging to the print paper size groups A and C, two A4 size reference templates 111 and 4 × 6 size reference templates 115 are stored in advance. Thus, similar print results 121, 122, 123, 124, and 125 can be obtained. In addition, the paper size that can be printed by each reference template data is defined by the index data 81 for each reference template package according to the reproduction format design, so that the number of reference template data can be optimized for each reference template package. it can.

(Second embodiment)
FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram showing the data structure of a reference template package file as an embodiment of the template data structure according to the present invention. Hereinafter, items corresponding to the first embodiment will be described using the same terms and symbols.
The reference template package 80 is a single file including index data 81, data representing the reference templates 82, 83, and 84, and data representing an image designated in advance by the reference template (for example, an image file whose file name is “Yama”). is there. The index data 81 is stored as header information of the reference template package 80. The data representing the reference templates 82, 83, and 84 and the data representing the image designated in advance by the reference template are data that originally existed as individual files are stored in one reference template package file by a predetermined application. Data.

The index data 81 of the reference template package 80 defines at least the following (1) to (4) for each reference template.
(1) Whether each reference template can be resized to a size different from the printing paper size described in the script of the reference template (resize printing is possible)
(2) Maximum printing paper size that can resize each reference template (3) Aspect ratio range of printing paper that can resize each reference template (4) Offset to each reference template

Whether or not (1) resize printing is possible as the restriction information described in the claims is defined by 1-bit data (flag). In the example shown in the figure, “1” corresponds to a resize printing “permitted” flag and “0” corresponds to a resized printing “unpermitted” flag.
The range of the aspect ratio of the printing paper in which each reference template (3) as the restriction information described in the claims can be resized is defined by the minimum aspect ratio and the maximum aspect ratio. Each reference template is interpreted as being resizeable to an aspect ratio between the minimum aspect ratio and the maximum aspect ratio defined for that reference template.
The offset (not shown) to each reference template in (4) above defines an offset from the top of the reference template package file to data representing the reference template.

Table 1 below shows the aspect ratio of each paper size. For example, in the reference template package file shown in FIG. 16, the reference template “USD1” 82 in which the script is described based on the “postcard” size is changed to a print template corresponding to the printing paper sizes “A6” and “L”. Can be converted. Further, the reference template “USD2” 83 in which the script is described based on the “A4” size can be converted into a print template corresponding to the print paper sizes of [A4] and “A3”. In addition, the standard template “USD3” 84 in which the script is described based on the “4 × 6” size is converted into a print template corresponding to the print paper size other than “4 × 6” because resize printing is “impossible”. Is prohibited.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing for printing image data by the printer 1 using the reference template package file of the second embodiment.
First, the user selects the basic design of the template (step S100). Specifically, for example, image data representing the basic design of the reference template included in the file is included in the reference template package file, and the basic of the reference template package file stored in the ROM of the removable memory 4 or the control unit 15 is included. A list of images representing the design is displayed on the display 11 together with the identifier of each file, and the user is allowed to select a reference template package file by causing the user to select one of the identifiers using the operation unit 13. Note that the basic design here refers to the design elements common to the design of each template that are recognized as similar designs (except for the background image object and each image), except for slight differences in design due to differences in aspect. The position with respect to the printing paper, the vertical relationship of layers of each image, and the like.

  Next, the user selects an image (user image) to be inserted into the template (step S110). Specifically, for example, for each identifier (for example, “Photo 1”) described in the drawing script of the reference template included in the selected reference template package file, an identifier (for example, a file) of the user image stored in the removable memory 4 The user selects a user image to be inserted into the template by causing the operation unit 13 to select a name or a serial number assigned to each user image within the system.

Next, the user is allowed to set the print paper size (step S120). Specifically, for example, a print paper size menu is displayed on the display 11 and a specific print paper size is selected by the operation unit 13.
Next, the aspect ratio of the set printing paper size is specified (step S130). Specifically, for example, a table in which the aspect ratio is associated with each printing paper size is stored in advance in the ROM of the control unit 15, and the aspect ratio stored in association with the set printing paper size is read from the ROM. .

  Next, template data suitable for the specified aspect ratio is read (step S140). Specifically, for example, whether or not the specified aspect ratio is a value between the minimum aspect ratio and the maximum aspect ratio described in the header of the currently selected reference template package file is sequentially determined for each reference template. By checking, a reference template conforming to the specified aspect ratio is specified, and the reference template data is read into the work memory 16 based on the offset described in the header of the reference template package file.

  Steps S100 to S140 may be processed by an image processing system such as a PC or a digital camera connected to the printer. Specifically, for example, the PC or digital camera in which the reference template package file is stored in a non-volatile memory such as a hard disk or a flash memory, the user image selected in step S110 based on the template data read in step S140. A message may be output to the printer so that printing is performed with the printing paper size set in step S120. In this case, a printer control device such as a PC or a digital camera corresponds to the image processing system described in the claims.

Next, the read template data is converted according to the set printing paper size (step S150). Specifically, for example, as described in the first embodiment, the image frame coordinates of each drawing script are converted according to the set print paper size, and a print template is created.
Next, printing is performed based on the converted template data (step S160). Specifically, for example, as described in the first embodiment, print target image data is created based on a print template and a user image, and an image is printed on print paper of a set size based on the print target image data. To do.

  According to the second embodiment described above, it is possible to reproduce a flag indicating whether or not a user image can be printed on a print sheet having a size other than the standard size of the reproduction format defined by the reference template data. By storing it in the header along with the range of the aspect ratio of the playback medium, the application range of each standard template data can be limited, and only the header of the standard template package file can be referenced without referring to the standard template data. Thus, it is possible to specify the reference template data suitable for the printing paper size set by the user.

  In addition, by including the maximum print size for each reference template in the index data, the reference template data is prepared separately for print sheets having greatly different sizes even if the aspect ratios match or approximate, for example, representing the background The resolution of the image can be changed for each template according to the size of the printing paper. More specifically, for example, in drawing scripts corresponding to the reference templates “USD1” and “USD2”, image files representing the same object and having different resolutions can be designated according to the maximum print size.

(Third embodiment)
FIG. 18 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the template generation system 254 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The template generation system 254 includes a CPU 240, a ROM 242, a RAM 244, an input device 248, a display device 250, and an external storage device 252, and is configured by a personal computer connected to each other via a bus 246. The CPU 240 controls the entire template generation system 254 by executing a program stored in the ROM 242 or the external storage device 252. Further, the CPU 240 executes the template generation program stored in the external storage device 252 to cause the personal computer to function as the generation unit, the control information setting unit, and the output unit described in the claims. The ROM 242 is a memory that stores various programs and data in advance. The RAM 244 is a memory that temporarily stores various programs and data. The input device 248 includes a mouse, a keyboard, and the like, and is used for setting a print paper size, setting restriction information, defining a layout, and the like. The display device 250 includes a CRT, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), or the like. The external storage device 252 stores an operating system, a template generation program, a reference template package file generated by the template generation program, and the like on a hard disk or the like. The template generation program may be downloaded and input from a predetermined server via a network, or may be read and input from a computer-readable storage medium such as a removable memory.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing for outputting a reference template package file using a template generation program.
First, the template generation system 254 generates a blank reference template with a default paper size and selects a mount corresponding to the default paper size on the screen of the display device 250 when template creation processing is selected in a predetermined upper menu. (S200).

Next, the template generation system 254 receives a reference template editing operation using the input device 248, and defines a layout according to the received editing operation (S210). Specifically, for example, the template generation system 254 displays the window shown in FIG. 20 on the display device 250 and accepts an editing operation for the reference template. A specific example of the reference template editing process will be described in detail below with reference to FIG.
In the title bar 208, the identifier of the reference template to be edited (for example, “USD1”) is displayed. The identifier of the reference template is automatically set every time a blank reference template is generated.

  The image frame creation button 200 receives an operation for setting an image frame. The image to be inserted is selected by a file selection dialog or the like that is displayed when the image frame creation button 200 is selected. When the image to be inserted is not selected, an identifier (for example, “Photo 1”) is automatically given to the newly defined image frame. When the image frame creation button 200 is selected by clicking or the like, the rectangular area 220 can be designated on the mount 218 by dragging. Image frame coordinates are set in the reference template according to the rectangular area 220 designated on the screen.

Text frame creation button 202 accepts an operation for defining a region into which characters are inserted and a character to be inserted. When the text frame creation button 202 is selected by clicking or the like, a rectangular area 224 in which text can be input can be designated on the mount 218 by dragging.
The drawing button 204 receives an operation for arranging graphics such as straight lines and curves. When the drawing button 204 is selected, a tool box (not shown) having buttons for drawing these figures on the mount 218 is displayed.

The object information display area 206 is an area in which parameters of each script defined in the reference template are displayed so as to be partially editable. The paper size setting area 214 is an area that displays the paper size of the reference template as size information, whether or not resizing is possible as restriction information, and the maximum print size, and accepts these setting operations. The button 210 receives an operation for setting the paper size of the reference template. When the button 210 is selected, a drop-down menu (not shown) showing selectable paper sizes is displayed, and a paper size changing operation by dragging or the like can be accepted. The plurality of radio buttons 216 accepts an operation for setting the paper orientation, whether or not resizing is possible, and the maximum print size. Depending on the on / off state of each radio button, the paper orientation, resize availability and maximum print size are set in the reference template.
It should be noted that the resizing permission and maximum print size as the restriction information may be automatically set by the template generation system 254 according to the specification in accordance with the paper size of the reference template set by the user.

  The “save” button 212 accepts a save operation for the reference template. When the “save” button 212 is selected by clicking or the like, the window for accepting the editing operation of the reference template is closed. The specific example of the reference template editing process has been described above.

  When the “save” button 212 is selected, the template generation system 254 inquires of the user whether to generate a reference template of another size (S220). Specifically, for example, a dialog window having an “OK” button and a “Cancel” button is displayed on the display device 250. When a process for generating a reference template of another size is selected, the processes of S200 and S210 are repeated.

  When the process for ending the generation of the reference template is selected, the template generation system 254 receives a restriction information setting operation using the input device 248, and additionally sets the restriction information according to the received setting operation (S230). Specifically, for example, a restriction information setting window shown in FIG. 21 is displayed on the display device 250 to generate the index data described in the first and second embodiments. A specific example of the restriction information additional setting process will be described below with reference to FIG.

  A table 260 corresponding to the index data is displayed in the restriction information setting window. The restriction information of the reference template is displayed so as to be editable for each row of the table 260. In each cell of the table 260, “reference”, “◯” is displayed, or nothing is displayed. A cell in which “reference” is displayed indicates that the layout of the reference template corresponding to the row of the cell is defined based on the paper size corresponding to the column of the cell. The cell displayed as “reference” cannot be edited. When a blank cell is clicked, “◯” is displayed in the cell. The reference template corresponding to the row of the cell in which “◯” is displayed is set so that it can be resized to the paper size corresponding to the column of the cell. An “OK” button 268 accepts an index data generation operation. When the “OK” button 268 is selected by clicking or the like, index data is generated according to the setting contents of the table 260. The specific example of the restriction information setting process has been described above.

  For example, the limit information may be set as follows without accepting an operation for setting the limit information by the user. In other words, a paper size that can be resized for each paper size is defined in advance in the specifications, and index data for setting the paper size that can be resized for each paper size is automatically generated by the template generation program according to the formulated specifications. May be.

  When the “OK” button 268 is selected, the template generation system 254 generates a reference template package file and stores the generated reference template package file (S240). Specifically, for example, the template generation system 254 displays a dialog window for accepting a storage location and file name setting operation on the display device 250, and the generated one or more reference templates and index data are set to the set storage location. Store in a single file.

  In the template generation system 254 according to the third embodiment, instead of generating template data for each paper size, data that can control the resize processing of the template data (maximum print size and whether or not resize is possible) is defined in association with the reference template. In addition, the index data and the template data are generated in association with each other. For this reason, the template generation system 254 can reduce the amount of template data necessary to reproduce images, texts, and the like on many sizes of printing paper with similar layouts.

The schematic diagram which concerns on the 1st Example of this invention. 1 is a block diagram according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The perspective view which concerns on the Example of this invention. The screen transition figure concerning the Example of this invention. The screen transition figure concerning the Example of this invention. The schematic diagram which concerns on the 1st Example of this invention. The schematic diagram which concerns on the 1st Example of this invention. The schematic diagram which concerns on the 1st Example of this invention. The schematic diagram which concerns on the 1st Example of this invention. The schematic diagram which concerns on the 1st Example of this invention. The schematic diagram which concerns on the comparative example of this invention. The data flow figure concerning the 1st example of the present invention. The schematic diagram which concerns on the 1st Example of this invention. The data flow figure which concerns on the Example of this invention. The schematic diagram which concerns on the Example of this invention. The schematic diagram which concerns on the 2nd Example of this invention. The flowchart which concerns on 2nd Example of this invention. The block diagram which concerns on the 3rd Example of this invention. The flowchart which concerns on 3rd Example of this invention. The figure which shows the screen which concerns on the 3rd Example of this invention. The figure which shows the screen which concerns on the 3rd Example of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

1 printer (image processing system), 20 printing template, 70 reference template, 80 reference template package, 81 index data, 254 template generation system

Claims (7)

An image processing system that outputs an instruction to print a predetermined object based on a template that defines an object layout,
Operation means for accepting an operation for setting the size of the reproduction medium;
The associated the template, and acquisition means for acquiring restriction information to limit the size of the size information and playback medium representing the size of the playback medium,
The reproducing medium before Symbol Size size information is the setting different from the sizes representing a print control means for outputting an instruction for printing by assigning predetermined object to resize template while preventing a significant deterioration of the image quality, equipped with a,
The template to be resized indicates that the aspect ratio of the associated size information matches or approximates the aspect ratio of the reproduction medium having the set size, and the associated restriction information matches the reproduction medium having the set size. A featured image processing system. The image processing system according to claim 1 , wherein the restriction information is a maximum size of a reproduction medium on which an object can be printed based on the template associated with the restriction information. The image processing system according to claim 1 , wherein the restriction information is an aspect ratio range of a reproduction medium capable of printing an object based on the template associated with the restriction information. A selection unit that selects the template associated with the size information representing a reproduction medium having a size that matches or approximates an aspect ratio with the set size, from a plurality of the templates;
The print control means outputs an instruction for printing a predetermined object on a reproduction medium having a set size different from the size represented by the size information, based on the selected template. The image processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3 . A printing method for printing a predetermined object based on a template defining an object layout,
A setting step for accepting a setting operation of the size of the reproduction medium;
Associated with the template, an acquisition step of acquiring restriction information to limit the size of the size information and playback medium representing the size of the playback medium,
The template with which the aspect ratio of the associated size information matches or approximates the aspect ratio of the reproduction medium of the set size and the associated restriction information matches the reproduction medium of the set size, and the image quality is significantly degraded. Resize while preventing,
The reproducing medium before Symbol Size size information is the setting different from the size which represents the printing method characterized by including a step of printing allocating a predetermined object in the resized template. A printing device that prints a predetermined object based on a template that defines an object layout,
Operation means for accepting an operation for setting the size of the reproduction medium;
Obtaining means for obtaining size information representing the size of the reproduction medium and restriction information for restricting the size of the reproduction medium, associated with the template;
Printing means for allocating and printing a predetermined object on a resized template while preventing a significant deterioration in image quality on the reproduction medium of the set size different from the size represented by the size information,
The template to be resized indicates that the aspect ratio of the associated size information matches or approximates the aspect ratio of the reproduction medium having the set size, and the associated restriction information matches the reproduction medium having the set size. Characteristic printing device. Generating means for generating a template defining the layout of the object in association with size information representing the size of the reproduction medium;
Restriction information setting means for setting restriction information for restricting the size of the reproduction medium in association with the template;
Output means for outputting the generated template and the set restriction information;
The image processing system according to claim 1 , further comprising:

Images