JP6030472B2 - Postcard printing apparatus and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing apparatus or the like that prints the address face of a postcard.

  As a conventional document creation device, storage means for storing addressed document data for each item such as sender address and recipient address, name, zip code, etc., area setting means for setting an area at an arbitrary position on the area setting screen, Corresponding item setting means for setting any of the above items in the area set by the area setting means, and the item set by the corresponding item setting means for the area set by the area setting means Area data creating means for creating the attached area data, and the name of the item set by the corresponding item setting means in the area set by the area setting means based on the area data created by the area data creating means Has been known (see, for example, Patent Literature 1).

JP-A-5-89125 (first page, FIG. 1 etc.)

  However, in the prior art, since only the address information can be printed on the address face of the postcard, there is a problem that the address face of the postcard cannot be effectively used.

  The postcard printing apparatus of the present invention is a postcard printing apparatus that prints on the address side of a postcard, and includes an address information storage unit that stores one or more address information that is address information, and one or more that is image information. An image information storage unit for storing the image information, and a layout information storage unit for storing one or more pieces of layout information, which is information indicating the arrangement of the one or more pieces of address information and the one or more pieces of image information on the address side of the postcard And at least one address information and one or more pieces of image information are arranged at the positions indicated by the layout information, respectively, and a postcard printing apparatus provided with a printing unit that prints on the address side of the postcard.

  With this configuration, it is possible to print an image on the address face of the postcard, and to effectively use the address face of the postcard.

  The postcard printing apparatus according to the present invention is a postcard printing apparatus in which the printing unit prints image information on the back of address information in the postcard printing apparatus.

  With this configuration, it is possible to prevent an image from being printed on the address, and to make the address easier to read.

  In the postcard printing apparatus according to the present invention, in the postcard printing apparatus, the image information storage unit includes an arrangement permission that is information specifying whether or not the image information is image information that can be arranged on the address face of the postcard. A reception unit that receives a selection screen display operation, which is an operation for displaying a selection screen for selecting image information to be arranged on the address face of the postcard, and an operation for displaying the selection screen. A screen for detecting image information associated with placement permission information indicating that placement is possible on the address face of a postcard when received, and selecting one or more of the detected image information. A display unit that displays a selection screen that is a screen having information indicating image information, and the reception unit receives one or more pieces of image information to be arranged on the address face of the postcard via the selection screen displayed by the display unit Further accepts an instruction for designating designation instruction, the printing unit, the image information including the image information designated by the designation instruction, a postcard printing apparatus for printing and one or more address information on address side of the postcard.

  With this configuration, for example, by associating address arrangement permission information that permits placement on the address face only with image information that is suitable for placement on the address face of the postcard, the user can add the address face of the postcard. Only image information suitable for the image can be selectively placed on the address surface. In particular, when the image information storage unit stores image information other than the address face of the postcard, an image unsuitable for the address face can be prevented from being printed on the address face, thereby improving convenience. be able to.

  In the postcard printing apparatus according to the present invention, the postcard printing apparatus determines whether or not the image information includes a low-luminance area that is adjacent to the address information and is an area equal to or less than a predetermined luminance value. And a printing unit that prints the address information so that the address information is not adjacent to the low luminance area when the determination unit determines that the image information has a low luminance area adjacent to the address information. This is a postcard printing apparatus.

  With such a configuration, it is possible to print an image on the address face of a postcard without impairing the legibility of the address letters.

  The postcard printing apparatus according to the present invention is the postcard printing apparatus, wherein the printing unit is adjacent to at least the address information when the determination unit determines that the image information has a low luminance area adjacent to the address information. This is a postcard printing apparatus that does not print the low luminance area.

  With this configuration, it is possible to perform printing so that the boundary between the addressed character and the low-brightness portion of the image can be distinguished so that the readability of the addressed character is not impaired.

  Further, in the postcard printing apparatus according to the present invention, in the postcard printing apparatus, the printing unit has image information corresponding to the layout information received by the layout information receiving unit having a low luminance area adjacent to the address information. This is a postcard printing apparatus that performs printing by changing the arrangement of the image information so that at least the address information is not adjacent to the low-luminance area of the image information when the determination unit determines.

  With this configuration, it is possible to perform printing so that the addressed character and the low-brightness portion of the image are not adjacent to each other so that the readability of the addressed character is not impaired.

  According to the postcard printing apparatus and the like according to the present invention, the address face of the postcard can be effectively used.

Block diagram of a postcard printing apparatus in an embodiment of the present invention Flowchart explaining operation of the postcard printing apparatus Conceptual diagram of the postcard printing device The figure which shows the address management information of the postcard printing apparatus The figure which shows the address arrangement | positioning area | region management information of the postcard printing apparatus The layout area of each postcard printing device The figure which shows the image management information of the postcard printing apparatus The figure which shows the stacking order management information of the postcard printing apparatus The figure which shows the selection screen of the postcard printing device The figure which shows the image arrangement | positioning area management information of the postcard printing apparatus The figure which shows the stacking order management information of the postcard printing apparatus The figure which shows the layout area of the postcard address side of the postcard printing apparatus The figure which shows the state which has arrange | positioned the image information and address information of the postcard printing apparatus Schematic diagram for explaining the low brightness area of the postcard printing apparatus The figure which shows the example of printing of the postcard address side of the postcard printing device For explaining the postcard printing apparatus, a diagram showing a low luminance region (FIG. 16A), a diagram showing a minimum rectangle (FIG. 16B), and a diagram showing a layout region of the address plane (FIG. 16). c)) The figure which shows an example of the external appearance of the computer system in embodiment of this invention The figure which shows an example of a structure of the computer system

  Hereinafter, embodiments of a postcard printing apparatus and the like will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, since the component which attached | subjected the same code | symbol in embodiment performs the same operation | movement, description may be abbreviate | omitted again.

(Embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a postcard printing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment.

  The postcard printing apparatus 1 includes an address information storage unit 11, an image information storage unit 12, a layout information storage unit 13, a reception unit 14, a display unit 15, a layout information reception unit 16, a determination unit 17, a layout information processing unit 18, and a printing unit. 19 is provided.

  The postcard printing apparatus 1 is a printing apparatus that performs printing on the address side of a postcard. A postcard is usually a postcard. The postcard here may be a public postcard on which a fee stamp is printed, or a private postcard with a stamp attached. Both school seals are patterns indicating postage equivalent to stamps, and may be considered as certificates indicating postage. The postcards here are, for example, New Year's postcards, summer greeting cards, and cold greeting cards. The postcard address face is the face of the postcard face on which the address is written. On the address surface, for example, a postal code entry field, a fee stamp surface, and the like are printed in advance.

  The address information storage unit 11 stores one or more address information. The address information is address information of the postcard. The address information is usually text information, that is, character string information. The address is a name to which the postcard is sent or a combination of an address and a name. Instead of the name, a corporate name or a title may be used. The address may be considered to include a zip code. The information indicating the address may be considered as information indicating the destination. The destination may be a recipient. The address information may be considered as information that can specify the address of the postcard.

  One address information may be composed of a plurality of pieces of information. Normally, address information corresponding to one address is stored in the address information storage unit 11 in association with each other. In this case, the plurality of pieces of information constituting the address information are stored in the address information storage unit 11 in association with the respective attributes, for example. Specifically, a plurality of pieces of information constituting the address information are stored in the address information storage unit 11 in association with the identification information of the attribute. The attributes of the information constituting the address information include, for example, name, address, surname, first name, organization name, corporation name, postal code, prefecture name, city name, town name, street name, building name, room It may be a number or the like. The attribute identification information is attribute names such as “name”, “address”, “postal code”, “prefecture name”, “city name”, and the like. For example, when the address information is composed of information indicating a name and information indicating an address, the information is associated with attribute names such as “name” and “address”, and the address information is stored. It may be stored in the unit 11. Further, for example, the information indicating the address of the address information is further composed of information such as a prefecture name and a city name, and each information is associated with an attribute name such as “address 1” and “address 2”. May be stored. Similarly, the name may also be composed of information indicating a last name and information indicating a name, and each may be stored in association with an attribute name such as “last name” or “first name”.

  One address information is usually associated with one destination. Each address information is stored in the address information storage unit 11 in association with address identification information that is identification information of the address information, for example. The address identification information may be considered as a pointer of address information. The address identification information may be combined with one piece of information in the address information.

  The address information storage unit 11 is preferably a non-volatile recording medium, but can also be realized by a volatile recording medium. The storage here may be considered as a concept including temporary storage. The same applies to other storage units.

  The image information storage unit 12 stores one or more pieces of image information. The image information is image information. The data format and file format of image information are not limited. The image information is usually raster data, but may be vector data. The raster data may be considered as bitmap data. The image information of the raster data is appropriately referred to as a raster image here. Further, the image information of the vector data is appropriately referred to as a vector image. The color depth, resolution, number of pixels, etc. of image information are not limited. The image information may include mask information or the like. The image information is stored in association with, for example, image identification information that is image identification information. The image identification information may be a file name of image information. Further, the image identification information may be a pointer of image information.

  All of the image information stored in the image information storage unit 12 may not be image information that can be used for printing the address face of the postcard. One or more pieces of image information may be stored in the image information storage unit 12 in association with the arrangement permission information. The placement permission information is information for designating whether or not the image information can be placed on the address face of the postcard. The placement permission information is, for example, flag information indicating whether the image information can be placed on the address surface. In the case of a folder name, a folder name in which image information that can be arranged on the address side is stored, a table that manages image identification information of image information that can be arranged, and the like may be considered as arrangement permission information. For example, when the placement permission information is a folder name, only the image information stored in the folder is image information that can be placed in the address. The image information that can be arranged on the address face of the postcard is image information that can be arranged and printed on the address face of the postcard. Note that the image information stored in the image information storage unit 12, particularly the image information arranged on the address surface such as the image information associated with the arrangement permission information, is image information that does not include an image representing a character. It is preferable.

  The image information storage unit 12 normally stores image information in advance, but image information acquired via a recording medium (not shown), a network, or the like may be accumulated. Further, image information captured by a camera or the like (not shown) or image information indicating an image drawn by a user using an input device or the like may be accumulated.

  The layout information storage unit 13 stores one or more pieces of layout information. The layout information is information relating to the arrangement of one or more address information and one or more image information on the address face of the postcard. The address face of the postcard here may be considered as a layout area for mounting the address information corresponding to the address face of the postcard and the image information, a mount, etc. for printing the address face.

  The layout information includes information indicating the arrangement of address information and image information, for example. The information indicating the arrangement is, for example, information including coordinates indicating the positions where the address information and the image information are respectively arranged, and information on the size at which the address information is printed. The information indicating the arrangement may be coordinates indicating a plurality of corners of the area where the address information and the image information are arranged. The coordinates here are usually the coordinates of the coordinate system set for the address face of the postcard. However, it may be indicated by coordinates in other coordinate systems. The same applies to the following.

  When one address information is composed of a plurality of pieces of information by attribute or the like, it is preferable that each piece of information is associated with information indicating at least one arrangement. However, the correspondence between the information constituting the address information and the information indicating the arrangement may be one-to-one, one-to-many, or many-to-one. When there are a plurality of pieces of image information, it is preferable that each piece of image information is associated with information indicating at least one arrangement. However, the correspondence between each image information and the information indicating the arrangement may be one-to-one or many-to-one. When one address information is composed of a plurality of pieces of information, the information indicating the arrangement of the address information may be considered as information indicating the arrangement of each of the plurality of pieces of information constituting the address information.

  Further, the information indicating the arrangement of the address information and the image information may be considered as information for setting an area where the address information and the image information are arranged (hereinafter referred to as an arrangement area). The information for setting the arrangement area is stored in the layout information storage unit 13 in association with address information or image information, for example. For example, the layout information designates information for setting one or more placement areas where at least one of the address information and the image information can be placed on the address face of the postcard, and the address information or image information placed in each placement area It may be information having the information to be processed. The information specifying the address information here is, for example, address identification information. Further, the information indicating the image information is, for example, image identification information. The arrangement area is called, for example, a frame, a box, or a field. Each placement area may be limited in the data type, file format, attributes, and the like of information that can be placed. For example, an arrangement area where only address information can be arranged or an arrangement area where only image information can be arranged may be set on the address surface. The shape of each arrangement region here is usually a rectangle, but may be a shape other than a rectangle, for example, a circle or a sector. The information for setting the arrangement area is, for example, a combination of coordinates indicating the position of the arrangement area and information for specifying the size of the arrangement area. Further, the information for setting the arrangement area may be information indicating the coordinates and contours of a plurality of corners of the arrangement area. Hereinafter, information for setting the arrangement area is referred to as arrangement area information.

  When the arrangement of address information and image information is set using an arrangement area, the address information and image information are associated with at least one arrangement area. The arrangement area associated with the address information or the image information indicates, for example, an arrangement area in which the address information or the image information is arranged at the time of printing. When one address information is composed of a plurality of pieces of information (specifically, when one address information is composed of a plurality of pieces of information according to attributes), each piece of information has at least one arrangement area and Make it correspond. The address information or each information constituting the address information and the arrangement area are usually associated one-to-one, but may be one-to-many or many-to-one correspondence. When there are a plurality of pieces of image information whose arrangement is set using the arrangement area, the correspondence between the image information and the arrangement area is usually associated one-to-one, but may be associated one-to-one. .

  Information indicating a group of address information composed of one or more address information and information in which one or two or more arrangement area information is associated may be considered as layout information indicating the arrangement of the address information. For example, when a plurality of pieces of address information are associated with one arrangement area, this one arrangement area is information indicating the arrangement of each address information. Further, when the address information is composed of information having one or more attributes, information in which the attribute identification information of the information constituting the address information is associated with information indicating one or more arrangement areas May be considered as layout information indicating the arrangement of address information. For example, the arrangement area associated with the identification information of one attribute (for example, the attribute name) is the attribute indicated by the identification information of this one attribute among the information included in each of the one or more address information. It becomes the arrangement | positioning area | region of information which has.

  The layout information may include information indicating the overlapping order of the address information and the image information. The information indicating the overlapping order of the address information and the image information may be considered as information indicating the overlapping order of a plurality of pieces of information constituting the address information and one or more image information. Information indicating the overlapping order of the address information and the image information may be considered as information indicating the overlapping order of the arrangement areas associated with each information. The information indicating the overlapping order here may be information indicating the absolute overlapping order of the address information and the image information (for example, a value indicating the order) with respect to the address surface of the postcard or the like. It may be information indicating the relative overlapping order of information and image information. For example, the order in which the arrangement areas are arranged in a table or the like that manages the arrangement areas associated with each piece of information may be considered as information indicating the overlapping order. Since the information overlapping order is a known technique in the image processing technique and the like, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

  Further, the information indicating the overlapping order may be considered as information indicating the overlapping order of the layers in which the address information and the image information are respectively arranged. The layer is a known technique in the image processing technique and the like, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted.

  The layout information storage unit 13 includes, for example, a layout having information in an overlapping order such that all image information arranged on the address plane is behind the address information (or each piece of information constituting the address information). Information is preferably stored. For example, it is preferable that the overlapping order of the arrangement areas in which the image information is arranged be behind the overlapping order of all the arrangement areas in which the address information is arranged. Alternatively, it is preferable that the layer on which the image information is arranged is positioned on the back side of the layer on which the address information is arranged.

  The layout information may include mask information for designating at least a part of the image information arranged on the address surface as a mask area that is not printed.

  The layout information may further include information for designating a display mode of the address information when the address information is printed. The information specifying the display mode is information specifying the display mode of characters such as the font of the character included in the address information, font size, kerning and tracking, character color, and character paint pattern. In addition, the information that specifies the display mode of characters includes the thickness and color of outlines of characters included in address information, the width and color of borders, the so-called drop shadow size, color, blur amount, and transparency Information for setting the degree or the like may be included.

  The layout information may further include information for designating a display mode of the image information when the image information is printed. The information for specifying the display mode of the image information includes information for specifying the transparency of the image information, information for setting a synthesis mode for the address information of the image information, and the like.

  The layout information may further include information related to the postcard address sheet to be printed. The information regarding the paper is, for example, information such as the paper size, the size of the printable area of the paper, and the paper margin. Further, the layout information may include information on the resolution at the time of printing, the output size at the time of printing, and the like.

  The accepting unit 14 accepts a selection screen display operation. The selection screen display operation is an operation for displaying a selection screen. The selection screen is a screen for selecting image information to be arranged on the address face of the postcard. The selection screen is, for example, an interface screen or menu screen used for selecting one or more pieces of image information stored in the image information storage unit 12. The selection screen is displayed by the display unit 15, for example. The selection screen is, for example, a screen in which information indicating one or more pieces of image information stored in the image information storage unit 12 is arranged in a pre-designated arrangement format such as a list format or a tile format. The information indicating the image information is, for example, image identification information such as a file name of the image information, a thumbnail image of the image information, a preview image of the image information, or a combination thereof. Further, on the selection screen, the thumbnail image and the preview image may be associated with the image information and stored in advance in the image information storage unit 12, or when the display unit 15 displays the selection screen. You may make it suitably.

  For example, in a state where a screen for editing the layout of the address face of the postcard is displayed (or in an editing mode such as the layout of the address face), an image that can be arranged to select an image to be arranged on the address face When receiving an operation for displaying information indicating information, the receiving unit 14 may determine that a selection screen display operation has been received. In addition, an input of a command for displaying a selection screen of an image to be arranged on the address surface and an operation of selecting a menu item may be considered as a selection screen display operation.

  The receiving unit 14 further receives a designation instruction via a selection screen displayed by the display unit 15. The designation instruction is an instruction for designating one or more pieces of image information to be arranged on the address face of the postcard. The designation instruction is, for example, an operation of designating one or more pieces of information indicating image information displayed on the selection screen by an operation such as a mouse click, a touch panel tap, or a combination of a cursor and an enter key. The designation operation is an operation similar to an operation of selecting one or more images from a list of images displayed on a monitor or the like in a normal operating system or the like.

  The receiving unit 14 receives image information acquired via a removable storage medium (not shown) such as a CD-ROM, a network such as the Internet, a communication line, and the like, and stores the image information in the image information storage unit 12. Also good.

  Accepting operations here means receiving information input from an input device such as a keyboard, mouse, or touch panel, reading information from a storage medium, or receiving information transmitted via a wired or wireless communication line. It is a concept that includes The operation input means may be anything such as a numeric keypad, keyboard, mouse or menu screen. The accepting unit 14 can be realized by a device driver for input means such as a numeric keypad or a keyboard, control software for a menu screen, and the like.

  The display unit 15 displays a selection screen when the reception unit 14 receives a selection screen display operation. For example, the display unit 15 acquires information indicating one or more pieces of image information stored in the image information storage unit 12 and displays a selection screen.

  When the image information is stored in the image information storage unit 12 in association with the arrangement permission information, the display unit 15 displays an image associated with the arrangement permission information indicating that the image can be arranged on the address face of the postcard. It is preferable to display a selection screen that selectively detects information and selects one or more of the detected image information, and includes information indicating the detected image information. Specifically, it is preferable to display a selection screen having information indicating image information for only detected image information. Thereby, the user can accept a designation instruction only for information indicating the displayed image information. That is, the user can selectively arrange only the image information that can be arranged on the address face of the postcard using the designation instruction.

  The display unit 15 is, for example, a preview screen for a postcard address surface layout, a screen for editing the address surface layout, or a screen for editing address information stored in the address information storage unit 11. Etc. may be further displayed.

  The display unit 15 may or may not include a display device. The display unit 15 can be realized by display device driver software, or display device driver software and a display device.

  The layout information receiving unit 16 receives the layout information of the image information arranged on the address face of the postcard. Further, the layout information receiving unit 16 may receive the layout information of the address information arranged on the address surface of the postcard. “Receiving layout information” here may be reception of new layout information, or a concept including reception of information on a portion where layout information is changed with respect to existing layout information for changing layout information. . In addition, associating the arrangement area prepared in advance with image information and address information may be considered as reception of layout information. For example, when the above-described receiving unit 14 receives a designation instruction, the layout information receiving unit 16 receives layout information about one or more pieces of image information indicated by the designation instruction from the user. The layout information received here may be information specifying an existing arrangement area. Further, the layout information receiving unit 16 receives at least a part of the layout information input by the user via an input device or the like in order to change the arrangement of address information and image information, for example. For example, at least a part of the layout information for changing the layout includes information indicating the position (for example, coordinates) of the address information and image information after the change, and overlapping of the address information and image information after the change. This is order information, post-change address information, image information size information, and orientation information. Further, this at least part of information may be at least part of information for setting the arrangement area.

  The layout information receiving unit 16 may receive only information indicating the overlapping order on the back of all the address information as information indicating the overlapping order of the layout information with respect to the image information. Further, for example, the layout information accepting unit 16 may not accept information indicating the overlapping order of the image information other than information indicating the overlapping order on the back of all the address information. For example, the layout information receiving unit 16 indicates the overlapping order in the layout information such that the overlapping order of the image information is the back of all the address information arranged on the address surface as the information indicating the overlapping order in the layout information. Information may be automatically received. The layout information receiving unit 16 also includes all the arrangement areas that can be associated with the address area for the arrangement areas that can be associated with the image information among one or more arrangement areas that are prepared in advance. However, the overlapping order information may be set in advance so as to be arranged on the back side. Further, the layer in which the image information is arranged may be limited to the layer behind the layer in which the address information is arranged.

  The acceptance here is a concept including, for example, reading of layout information designated by default stored in advance in a storage medium (not shown) and acquiring layout information determined by a rule designated in advance. is there. For example, when the above-described reception unit 14 receives a designation instruction, the layout information reception unit 16 defaults to layout information designated by default, one or more image information indicated by the designation instruction, and the like. The layout information specified in (1) may be automatically acquired. The predesignated rule is, for example, when no image information is arranged, the image information is arranged at the center of the address face of the postcard, and when it is already arranged, the arranged image According to this rule, the information is arranged in a direction below, above, on the left side, or on the right side of the front of the information so that the distance from the existing image information is a predetermined distance.

  The layout information receiving unit 16 may receive an instruction to change the layout information stored in the layout information storage unit 13. The instruction to change is, for example, information having a changed value or the like for one or more values constituting the layout information.

  Layout information is received: information input from an input device such as a keyboard, mouse, or touch panel; reception of information transmitted via a wired or wireless communication line; recording medium such as an optical disk, magnetic disk, or semiconductor memory This is a concept including reception of information read out from. The reception here may be considered as a concept including acquisition of layout information.

  The layout information input means may be anything such as a numeric keypad, keyboard, mouse or menu screen. The layout information receiving unit 16 can be realized by a device driver for input means such as a numeric keypad or a keyboard, control software for a menu screen, and the like.

  The determination unit 17 determines whether the image information has a low luminance area adjacent to the address information. The image information here is specifically image information to be printed. The image information to be printed is, for example, image information arranged on the address face of a postcard. The image information arranged on the address face of the postcard is, for example, image information associated with the layout information. The address face of the postcard here may be considered as, for example, a print layout area or a mount corresponding to the address face of the postcard. The low luminance area is an area where, for example, one or more pixels having a luminance value equal to or lower than a predetermined luminance value, a vector image object, and the like are arranged.

  For example, when the image information is a raster image, each pixel having a luminance value equal to or lower than a predetermined luminance value of each pixel constituting the image information may be considered as a low luminance area or continuously connected. A set of one or more pixels having a luminance value equal to or lower than a predetermined luminance value may be considered as a low luminance region. In addition, a set of one or more pixels that are discontinuous and have a luminance value equal to or less than a predetermined luminance value may be considered as a low luminance region.

  Further, for example, when the image information is a vector image, a paint or line area having a luminance value equal to or lower than a predetermined luminance value may be considered as a low luminance area. Alternatively, a region corresponding to the low luminance region in the case of the above raster image when the vector image is rasterized at the time of printing or the like may be considered as the low luminance region.

  The pre-designated luminance value is, for example, the maximum luminance value that makes it difficult to distinguish between black and visual at the time of printing. For example, the luminance value designated in advance is “0”, for example. In this case, the low luminance area is a black area. Moreover, the luminance value specified in advance may be set to the same luminance value as the font color of the address information, for example. Note that the luminance value here may be considered as a luminance value when color information of color image information is converted into or converted into a gray scale, Lab mode, or the like. Further, the luminance value described here may be considered as a luminance value when the color of a pixel or an object is converted or converted into a luminance value. Note that the luminance value designated in advance may be considered as a threshold for detecting a low luminance region.

  The low brightness area adjacent to the address information is usually a low brightness area adjacent to each character indicated by the address information placed on the address face of the postcard. However, the low brightness area adjacent to the placement area where the address information is placed is low. It may be considered a luminance region. In addition, the address information and the adjacent low-luminance area here usually means that the address information and the area are arranged side by side with no other pixel or area in between. It may be considered that the address information and the low luminance area are arranged adjacent to each other with a predetermined number of pixels or a predetermined distance.

  For example, when the image information is a raster image, the low-luminance area adjacent to the address information is an area where one or two or more pixels having a luminance value equal to or lower than a predetermined brightness value adjacent to the address information are arranged. This area is composed of one or more pixels having a luminance value equal to or lower than a predetermined luminance value continuously connected to the other pixels. For example, when the image information is a raster image, the determination unit 17 scans pixels adjacent to the address information of the image information, and detects pixels having a luminance value equal to or lower than a predetermined luminance value. Further, in the vicinity of the address information, pixels having a luminance value equal to or lower than a predesignated luminance value may be detected. The neighborhood here may be considered as a range in which the distance from the address information is a distance designated in advance, for example. In the detected pixels, an area where pixels continuous to the pixels adjacent to the address information are arranged is detected as a low brightness area adjacent to the address information, and one or more low brightness areas are detected. In addition, the determination unit 17 determines that there is a low luminance area adjacent to the address information. Note that a pixel having a luminance value equal to or lower than a predetermined brightness value in the vicinity of the address information or an area where similar pixels are continuous may be detected as a low brightness area adjacent to the address information.

  Further, the low luminance area adjacent to the address information is, for example, an area where a paint or line having a luminance value equal to or lower than a predetermined luminance value adjacent to the address information is arranged when the image information is a vector image. Only the vicinity of the portion adjacent to the address information among the paint or line below the luminance value specified in advance may be considered as the adjacent low luminance region. For example, the determination unit 17 determines whether or not the color of the object adjacent to the address information and the line color of the object adjacent to the address information is equal to or less than a predetermined luminance value. If the color of the fill or line is equal to or less than the luminance value designated in advance, it is determined that this portion is a low luminance area, and it is determined that there is a low luminance area adjacent to the address information.

  The determination unit 17 detects one or more low-luminance areas in the image information, and then determines whether each low-luminance area is adjacent to the address information. It may be determined that a luminance region exists. The determination unit 17 may detect all the low pixel areas included in the image information as one or more low pixel areas.

  The determination unit 17 performs a determination process as to whether or not there is a low luminance area in an area adjacent to the address information, for example, when printing on the address face of a postcard. However, the timing at which the determination unit 17 makes the determination is not limited. For example, when the address information is added, when the image information is added, when the layout information of the image information or the address information is received, or when the layout information is changed, the above determination process is performed. Anyway. Further, the result of the above determination process may be accumulated in the layout information storage unit 13 or the like in association with the address information, for example. The association with the address information may be associated with the address identification information.

  In addition, the determination unit 17 is in contact with a low-brightness area having a size that is larger than a predetermined size (for example, a low-brightness region including a plurality of consecutive pixels that are larger than a predetermined number of pixels) or address information. If a low-brightness area whose part distance is greater than or equal to the length specified in advance is not adjacent to the address information, or if a low-brightness area greater than or equal to the number specified in advance is not detected, the adjacent low-brightness It may be determined that there is no area.

  The layout information processing unit 18 accumulates the layout information received by the layout information receiving unit 16 in the layout information storage unit 13. The layout information processing unit 18 stores the layout information corresponding to the image information or the address information in the layout information storage unit 13 by using the layout information received by the layout information receiving unit 16 for one piece of image information or address information. . Further, when layout information is received for image information or address information already arranged on the address surface, the received layout information is associated with image information or address information already arranged on the address surface. Update some or all of the layout information. For example, overwrite or replace.

  In addition, the layout information processing unit 18 may change the layout information in response to an instruction to change the layout information stored in the layout information storage unit 13 received by the layout information receiving unit 16. For example, the layout information processing unit 18 reads the layout information indicated by the change instruction, changes the read layout information according to the change instruction, overwrites the layout information before the change with the changed layout information, or changes the layout information. May be added.

  The layout information acquisition unit 18 generates new layout information or changes the existing layout information according to the layout information received by the layout information reception unit 16 or the like, and stores it in the layout information storage unit 13. May be. For example, when the layout information received by the layout information receiving unit 16 is one coordinate designating the position where the image information is arranged, the layout information processing unit 18 uses the size information of the image information, etc. The arrangement area information of the arrangement area where the image information is arranged may be acquired, and the image information may be arranged in the arrangement area.

  Further, the layout information processing unit 18 indicates the overlapping order in the layout information such that the overlapping order of the image information is the back of all the address information arranged on the address surface as the information indicating the overlapping order in the layout information. Information may be automatically acquired and stored. The accumulation here is a concept including overwriting and replacement. For example, the layout information processing unit 18 may acquire and store information that is on the back side as the information indicating the overlapping order of the image information, rather than the overlapping order of all the address information arranged on the address surface. good. Further, information that is in front of the overlapping order of the image information may be acquired and stored as the overlapping order information of the address information that is arranged.

  The printing unit 19 arranges one or more pieces of address information and one or more pieces of image information at positions indicated by the layout information, and prints them on the address side of the postcard. For example, the printing unit 19 prints one or more pieces of image information and one or more pieces of address information associated with the information indicating the arrangement in the layout information on the address side of the postcard. The printing unit 19 performs printing in response to a print instruction received from the user or the like by the receiving unit 14 or the like. Here, printing is not limited to actual printing by a printer or the like, but is a concept including outputting printing data. The data for printing is data that can be used for printing in a printer or the like, for example. Further, for example, it may be considered as information corresponding to data transmitted to a printer or the like, or data temporarily stored in a memory or the like at the time of printing. Here, printing and output of electronic printed matter may be considered as printing.

  For example, the printing unit 19 prints image information including the image information designated by the designation instruction described above and one or more address information on the address side of the postcard. For the image information specified by the specifying instruction received by the receiving unit 14, the layout information processing unit 18 specifies the layout information specified by default or the layout information specified by the user by the specifying instruction. The image information is acquired and stored in the layout information storage unit 13, and the image information including the image information designated by the designation instruction and the address information are printed on the address face of the postcard using the layout information. In this case, it may be considered that the image information including the image information designated by the designation instruction and one or more address information are printed on the address side of the postcard.

  For example, the printing unit 19 prints the image information on the back of the address information. For example, the printing unit 19 may perform printing by arranging the overlapping order of the image information on the back of the address information regardless of whether the image information and the address information have overlapping order information.

  Note that, for example, the printing unit 19 prints the image information on the back of the address information according to the overlapping order information of the image information and the address information included in the layout information, or prints the image information on the back of the address information. You may think that.

  When the determination unit 17 determines that the image information has a low luminance area adjacent to the address information, the printing unit 19 performs printing so that the address information is not adjacent to the low luminance area of the image information. . For example, the printing unit 19 performs printing so that the address information and the low-luminance area of the image information are not adjacent to each other by not printing at least the low-luminance area adjacent to the address information in the image information. Not printing at least the low-luminance area adjacent to the address information means that in addition to the low-luminance area adjacent to the address information, other areas of the image information (for example, pre-designation around the adjacent low-luminance area) This is a concept including not printing the area within the specified distance. For example, the printing unit 19 does not print the surroundings of the address information of the image information, for example, a range within a predetermined distance from the outline of each character indicated by the address information, so that the address information has a low brightness of the image information. You may print so that it may not adjoin an area | region. Note that printing so that the address information and the low-luminance area of the image information are not adjacent includes changing the low-luminance area adjacent to the address information to a non-low-luminance area and printing. You may think of it as a concept. For example, the determination unit 17 at least reduces this image information so that the luminance of the low luminance region adjacent to the address information of the image information is larger than the luminance specified in advance by the determination unit 17. You may make it print by changing the brightness | luminance of a brightness | luminance area | region, the change of a transparency, a color replacement, etc. In addition, when image information is arrange | positioned in front of address information, it is preferable that the printing part 19 does not print image information also about the part which overlaps with address information.

  For example, the printing unit 19 sets a mask area having a predetermined width around characters constituting the address information in advance, and the determination unit 17 determines a low luminance area where the image information is adjacent to the address information. If it is determined that it does not have the mask area, the image information around the address information is not printed, and if it is not determined that it does not, this mask area is not used. You may make it print on. The information for setting the mask area may be stored in advance in the layout information storage unit 13, for example. Further, instead of the mask area, a color area where the boundary with a low-luminance area such as white can be easily identified may be used.

  In addition, when the determination unit 17 determines that the image information has a low luminance area adjacent to the address information, the printing unit 19 arranges the image information so that the address information is not adjacent to the low luminance value area. Printing may be performed such that the address information is not adjacent to the low-luminance area of the image information by changing the information arrangement and printing. The change in the arrangement of the image information here is usually a change in the arrangement of the image information with respect to the coordinate system such as the address plane of the postcard, but may be considered as a change in the relative arrangement of the image information with respect to the address information. .

  For example, the printing unit 19 may change the image information arrangement so that at least the low luminance area adjacent to the address information is not adjacent to the address information, or all the low luminance areas included in the image information are the address information. The arrangement may be changed so as not to be adjacent. The change in arrangement here is a change in the position of image information or a change in size. The printing unit 19 may change the layout information so that the low-brightness area is not adjacent to the address information. For example, the printing unit 19 changes the position of the image information indicated by the layout information corresponding to the image information according to a rule specified in advance, so that the determination unit 17 can select the address information and the low-luminance area in the image information. However, the address information is not adjacent to the address information. Further, for example, the printing unit 19 or the determination unit 17 detects all the low luminance areas in the image information, and moves the image information to a position where all the detected low luminance areas are not adjacent to the address information. Also good. In this case, when the entire image information does not fit in the address plane of the postcard, or when a position where the low luminance area is not adjacent to the address information cannot be detected, the size of the image information (for example, height or width) May be reduced. Alternatively, only the size change may be performed from the beginning without moving the image information. In addition, every time the printing unit 19 moves the image information in a predetermined direction such as up, down, left, and right by a predetermined distance and moves the image information, all parts of the image information that are equal to or less than the predetermined luminance value are displayed. It is possible to sequentially determine whether the arrangement does not overlap with the address information, and to perform printing when it is determined that all parts do not overlap. The printing unit 19 may change the arrangement of the image information to an arrangement that does not overlap with the arrangement area of the address information and perform printing.

  It should be noted that the process of not printing at least a part of the image information at the time of printing by the printing unit 19 as described above, the process of changing the luminance and transparency of at least a part of the image information, the change of the arrangement area of the image information Is normally a process that is temporarily performed only when printing one address information, and when the printing of one address information is completed, the above-described processing performed by the printing unit 19 is discarded. Anyway. Further, it may be associated with only the address information on which the above processing has been performed, and stored in the layout information storage unit 13 or the like.

  Printing on the address side of the postcard may be printing by designating the print target as the address side of the postcard, or printing on the paper size of the address side. Or, if the print side is specified in the printer driver, etc., the print side is designated as the address side or the equivalent side (for example, the side that becomes the destination side when postcards are inserted as specified by the printer) Then, printing may be performed.

  The printing unit 19 may or may not include a printer for printing the address face of the postcard. The printing unit 19 can usually be realized by an MPU, GPU, memory, printer driver, or the like.

  Next, an example of the operation of the postcard printing apparatus 1 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Here, layout information having arrangement area information of one or more arrangement areas in which address information is arranged is already stored in the layout information storage unit 13, and one or more pieces of address information are stored in one or more common arrangement areas. A case where printing is performed in order will be described.

  (Step S101) The receiving unit 14 determines whether a selection screen display operation has been received. If accepted, the process proceeds to step S102. If not accepted, the process proceeds to step S106.

  (Step S102) The display unit 15 acquires information indicating the image information stored in the image information storage unit 12, and displays a selection screen.

  (Step S103) The accepting unit 14 determines whether a designation instruction has been accepted. If accepted, the process proceeds to step S104. If not accepted, the process returns to step S103.

  (Step S104) The layout information receiving unit 16 determines whether layout information has been received for the image information indicated by the designation instruction received in Step S103. If accepted, the process proceeds to step S105. If not accepted, the process returns to step S104. Here, as an example, it is assumed that the layout information regarding the image information received by the layout information receiving unit 16 is automatically layout information having information indicating the overlapping order behind the address information.

  (Step S105) The layout information processing unit 18 stores the layout information received in Step S104 in the layout information storage unit 13 (not shown) in association with the image information designated by the designation instruction in Step S103. Then, the process returns to step S101.

  (Step S106) The receiving unit 14 determines whether an instruction to perform printing has been received. The print instruction may include, for example, a set of layout information of address information used for printing and layout information of image information, or information specifying one or more address information used for printing. good. If accepted, the process proceeds to step S108. If not accepted, the process returns to step S101.

  (Step S107) The printing unit 19 receives the layout information of the address information, the layout information of the image information, and the image information associated with the layout information of the image information from the image information storage unit 12 and the layout information storage unit 13. read out.

  (Step S108) The printing unit 19 substitutes 1 for the value of the counter m.

  (Step S <b> 109) The printing unit 19 determines whether or not the m-th address information is stored in the address information storage unit 11. If stored, the process proceeds to step S110. If not stored, the process returns to step S101.

  (Step S110) The printing unit 19 reads the m-th address information from the address information storage unit 11.

  (Step S111) The printing unit 19 arranges the one or more pieces of image information read in step S107 and the m-th address information read in step S110 in a print area or the like according to the layout information read in step S107. To do. Here, the image information is arranged on the back side of the address information according to the overlapping order information included in the layout information.

  (Step S112) The determination unit 17 detects a low-luminance region adjacent to the outline of the character included in the m-th address information for each of the one or more pieces of image information arranged in Step S111. When the image information arranged in step S111 is a plurality of image information, the low luminance area may be detected for one image obtained by arranging and combining the plurality of image information according to the layout information. .

  (Step S113) The printing unit 19 determines whether or not there is a low luminance area adjacent to the outline of the character in the process of step S112 by the determination unit 17. If so, the process proceeds to step S114. If not, the process proceeds to step S116.

  (Step S114) The printing unit 19 prints the mth address information and image information arranged in step S111 of the image information on the address side of the postcard. At this time, the printing unit 19 performs printing so that the low-luminance region of the image information and the address information (specifically, each character constituting the address information) are not adjacent to each other. For example, the printing unit 19 prints the portion of the image information excluding the low luminance area adjacent to the address information detected by the determination unit 17 and the address information on the address surface. Note that the printing unit 19 may print a low luminance area adjacent to the address information and a portion excluding image information within a predetermined distance around the low luminance area.

  (Step S115) The printing unit 19 increments the value of the counter m by 1. Then, the process returns to step S109.

  (Step S116) The printing unit 19 prints the mth address information and the image information arranged in step S111 of the image information on the address side of the postcard. Then, the process returns to step S109.

  In the flowchart of FIG. 2, the process is terminated by powering off or a process termination interrupt.

(Specific example 1)
Hereinafter, a specific operation of the postcard printing apparatus 1 in the present embodiment will be described with an example. A conceptual diagram of the postcard printing apparatus 1 is shown in FIG. Here, a case where the postcard printing apparatus 1 includes a monitor 15a and a printer 19a will be described as an example.

  FIG. 4 shows address management information for managing the address information stored in the address information storage unit 11. The address management information has a plurality of attributes having attribute names of “address ID”, “last name”, “first name”, “zip code”, “address 1”, and “address 2”. “Address ID” is identification information of address information. “Last Name” is the last name of the address, “First Name” is the name of the address, “Zip Code” is the zip code, “Address 1” is a part of the address, and indicates the prefecture and city of the address, “Address 2” Is a part of the address and indicates the remaining address of “address 1”. Here, one line indicates one record of address information.

  FIG. 5 shows address arrangement area management information for managing the arrangement area of the address information stored in the layout information storage unit 13. This arrangement area is a part of layout information. The arrangement area management information has a plurality of attributes having attribute names “arrangement area ID”, “coordinates”, “width”, “height”, “font size”, and “arrangement data attribute”. “Arrangement area ID” is the identification information of the arrangement area, and “Coordinate” is the coordinate where the arrangement area is arranged. In this case, it is represented by the coordinates of the coordinate system with the point corresponding to the upper left corner of the postcard as the origin. It shall be. The same applies to other coordinates described below. “Width” indicates the width of the arrangement area, and “Height” indicates the height of the arrangement area. “Font size” indicates the font size of the character string arranged in the arrangement area. The “placement data attribute” is an attribute name of address information placed in the placement area, and an attribute value corresponding to this attribute name of each piece of address information stored in the address information storage unit 11 is assigned to each placement information. Placed in the area. For example, in the arrangement area whose “arrangement area ID” is “A01”, the attribute value of “last name” in each row of the address management information shown in FIG. 4 is appropriately arranged. Here, values such as x1, x2, and x3, values such as y1, y2, and y3, values such as w1, w2, and w3, and values such as h1, h2, and h3 are all arbitrary values. And The same applies to the following.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing each layout area indicated by the layout area management information shown in FIG. 5 in a layout area corresponding to the address face of the postcard. The layout area may be considered as an area indicating a printable range or a mount. Here, the frame of the arrangement area indicated by each arrangement area is represented by a dotted line in association with the “arrangement area ID”. Also, for convenience of explanation, the attribute value of the corresponding “arrangement data attribute” is arranged in each area. That is, the address information of the attribute indicated by the attribute value arranged in the arrangement area is arranged in each arrangement area. Here, the image of the address face of the postcard is displayed on the background of the screen. However, it is assumed that this image here is not data used for printing, but merely an image used as a guideline for checking the layout at the time of printing. Here, it is assumed that the character “sama” is arranged in advance as data for printing. It is assumed here that the character information related to the address and the layout information thereof are stored in advance in the layout information storage unit 13 as layout information, for example. Here, it is assumed that the image information arrangement area is not set, and the image information excludes an area in the layout area corresponding to the address face of the postcard where the arrangement of the pre-designated image information is not permitted. It can be arranged in the area. Here, the area where the arrangement of the image information is not permitted is, for example, a fee stamp face or a postal code entry field, and this area is, for example, information indicating an area similar to the arrangement area management information. (Not shown). Note that information on this area is stored in advance in, for example, the layout information storage unit 13 or the like.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing image management information stored in the image information storage unit 12. The image management information has attributes of “image” and “placement permission information”. “Image” is image information, and here, the file name of the image information is indicated. Here, it is assumed that the image information is a raster image. The “placement permission information” is placement permission information, the attribute value “1” is a value indicating that it can be placed on the address surface, and the attribute value “0” is a value indicating that it cannot be placed on the address surface. Suppose that Since “image” is a file name, the file name “image” is also used here as image identification information.

  FIG. 8 shows the overlapping order management information for managing the overlapping order of the attribute information and image information constituting the address information, which is arranged in the printing area corresponding to the address face of the postcard. This overlapping order information is part of the layout information. The overlapping order management information has the attributes “placement target” and “overlapping order”. “Arrangement target” is information for specifying the address information and image information that are arranged, and here, the value of the arrangement area ID of the address information managed by the arrangement area management information shown in FIG. Identification information of an arrangement area in which image information to be described later is arranged is stored as appropriate. The “overlapping order” is a value indicating the overlapping order of the arrangement area corresponding to each attribute of the address information and the arrangement area of the image information. Here, the corresponding “addition order” value is a small arrangement area. It is assumed that it is arranged in front of other arrangement areas. Here, since image information is not arranged, it is assumed that the value of “overlapping order” has already been set only for the address information.

  First, in order to place the image information on the address face of the postcard, the user displays the layout area screen of the address face of the postcard as shown in FIG. 6 and performs an operation for displaying the selection screen. The unit 14 receives a selection screen display operation. The operation for displaying the selection screen is, for example, scanning for selecting a menu item for displaying the selection screen.

  In response to the selection screen display operation received by the receiving unit 14, the display unit 15 uses the image management information shown in FIG. Is retrieved, and the file name of the image information that is the value of “image” of the detected record and the thumbnail image of the image indicated by each file name are acquired. Here, as an example, it is assumed that the thumbnail image is created by the display unit 15 by reducing the image information. Then, the display unit 15 creates a list having a set of the file name and thumbnail image of the acquired image information and displays the list on the monitor 15a. For example, the list is acquired by arranging a set of the file name and thumbnail image of each acquired image information in template information stored in advance in a storage unit (not shown) or the like.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a selection screen 90 displayed on the display unit 15.

  Next, it is assumed that the user searches for a thumbnail image of image information to be arranged on the address surface from the selection screen 90 and clicks the thumbnail image of image information to be arranged with a mouse or the like.

  The accepting unit 14 accepts a designation instruction for image information corresponding to the clicked thumbnail image. Here, for example, it is assumed that an instruction to specify image information whose file name is “p0005.jpg” is received.

  In response to accepting the designation instruction, the display unit 15 displays a dialog or the like that prompts the user to designate the position where the image information indicated by the designation instruction is arranged. For example, a dialog such as “Move the pointer to the upper left of the position where the image is to be placed and click with the mouse” is displayed.

  Then, it is assumed that the user performs a mouse click at one point on the layout area corresponding to the address face of the postcard according to this dialog. The layout information receiving unit 16 receives the coordinates of the clicked point as the coordinates of the upper left corner of the arrangement area where the image information is arranged. Further, the layout information receiving unit 16 receives the width and height values of the image information whose file name is “p0005.jpg” as the width and height values of the arrangement area where the image information is arranged. . The layout information processing unit 18 stores the arrangement area information received by the layout information receiving unit 16 in the layout information storage unit 13 in association with the file name “p0005.jpg” of the image information to be arranged. In addition, the layout information receiving unit 16 receives information on the overlapping order of the arrangement area. Here, since the arrangement area is an arrangement area for image information, “6”, which is a value obtained by adding the value 1 to the maximum value of the “overlap order” value of the overlap order management information shown in FIG. The layout information receiving unit 16 receives the values in the overlapping order. The acceptance here may be considered acquisition. Then, the layout information processing unit 18 stores the received value “6” in the layout information storage unit 13 in association with the arrangement area in which the file name “p0005.jpg” of the image information to be arranged is arranged. Here, in the overlapping order management information shown in FIG. 8, the record having the identification information of the arrangement area where the image information with the file name “p0005.jpg” is arranged and the value “6” of the “overlapping order” Is added.

  The display unit 15 displays the image information with the file name “p0005.jpg” in the area indicated by the arrangement area stored in association with the image information on the layout area corresponding to the address face of the postcard.

  Further, the user uses the selection screen 90 to place the image information with the file name “p0006.jpg” on the layout area corresponding to the address face of the postcard, and associate the image information with the image information. It is assumed that the arranged arrangement area information and the overlapping order information are accumulated in the layout information storage unit 13.

  In this specific example, as an example, the layout information receiving unit 16 has arranged at least a part of the arrangement area received by the layout information receiving unit 16 before the arrangement area information is accumulated. It is determined whether or not it overlaps at least a part of the area that is not permitted. If it is determined that the area overlaps, information on the arrangement area and the overlapping order is not accumulated. The arrangement area received for the image information with the file name “p0005.jpg” and the image information with “p0006.jpg” did not overlap with the area where the arrangement of the image information is not permitted. It is assumed that both the area information and the overlapping order information are accumulated.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram showing image arrangement area management information for managing arrangement areas corresponding to the two pieces of image information accumulated by the layout information processing unit 18. The image placement area management information has attributes of “placement area ID”, “coordinates”, “width”, “height”, and “placement image”. “Arrangement area ID” is identification information of the arrangement area, “Coordinate” is the coordinates of the upper left corner where the arrangement area is arranged, “Width” is the width of the arrangement area, “Height” is the height of the arrangement area, “ The “placement image” is a file name of image information placed in the placement area. For example, the arrangement area identification information is automatically assigned a consecutive number. These arrangement areas may be considered as a part of layout information for each piece of image information.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the overlapping order management information in which records are added to the two pieces of image information by the layout information processing unit 18. As a record for “p0005.jpg”, a record whose “overlapping order” value is “6”, and as a record for “p0006.jpg”, a record whose “overlapping order” value is “7” Is added.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the layout area of the address face of the postcard in a state where the two pieces of image information are arranged. In the figure, the arrangement area 121a is an arrangement area whose “arrangement area ID” is “G01”, and the arrangement area 122a is an arrangement area whose “arrangement area ID” is “G02”. The image information 121 arranged in the arrangement area 121a is image information whose file name is “p0005.jpg”, and the image information 122 arranged in the arrangement area 122a is an image whose file name is “p0006.jpg”. Information.

  Next, it is assumed that the user gives the postcard printing apparatus 1 an instruction to print a plurality of postcard address faces by arranging a plurality of address information managed in the address management information shown in FIG. 4 in order. The accepting unit 14 accepts this print instruction.

  The display unit 15 reads layout information used for printing. Specifically, the display unit 15 receives, from the layout information storage unit 13, arrangement area information related to address information managed by the address arrangement area management information shown in FIG. 5 and image arrangement area management information shown in FIG. The arrangement area information relating to the image information managed in step S1 and the overlapping order management information shown in FIG. 11 are read out. Further, the display unit 15 reads image information associated with the read arrangement area information. Then, in the layout area for printing, in each arrangement area indicated by the arrangement area information related to the image information read from the image arrangement area management information, the read overlap order information indicates the image information associated with each arrangement area. Arrange in the overlapping order. Specifically, the image information with the file name “p0005.jpg” is arranged in the area with the arrangement area ID “G01”, and the file name is “p0006” in the area with the arrangement area ID “G02”. .Jpg ”is placed. Also, the value of “overlapping order” with the arrangement area ID “G02” is “6”, which is larger than the value “5” of the “overlapping order” with the arrangement area ID “G01”. “p0006.jpg” is arranged behind the image information “p0005.jpg”.

  Next, the display unit 15 reads the first record of the address management information shown in FIG. 4 (here, the address information of the record on the first line. Specifically, the “last name” of the record on the first line) , “Name”, “zip code”, “address 1”, and “address 2” and attribute values are read out, and the attribute value is assumed to be a character string here.

  The display unit 15 arranges the read attribute value in the arrangement area associated with each attribute name. Specifically, in the above, the attribute name that is the same as the value of the “arrangement data attribute” of the arrangement area information is displayed in the arrangement area indicated by the arrangement area information related to the address information read from the address arrangement area management information shown in FIG. The attribute values associated with are arranged in the font size indicated by the “font size” value of the arrangement area information. For example, since the value of “placement data attribute” of the record whose “placement area ID” value is “A01” in FIG. 5 is “last name” and the value of “font size” is “24 (pt)”. The display unit 15 displays the attribute value of the attribute whose attribute name is “last name” in the first record of the address information storage unit 11 shown in FIG. 11 in the arrangement region whose “arrangement region ID” is “A01”. Are arranged with text information having a size of 24 points. Note that the values of “overlapping order” indicating the overlapping order of the arrangement areas corresponding to the address information are all “5” or less as indicated by the overlapping order management information shown in FIG. Since all the values are smaller than “6” and “7”, which are the values of “overlapping order” of the image information, all the address information is arranged in front of the image information.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a layout area for printing in a state where image information and address information of the first record are arranged.

  Next, the determination unit 17 determines whether the luminance value of the pixel in contact with the outline of the character string indicated by the arranged address information is equal to or less than the predetermined luminance value for the image information arranged so as to overlap the address information. Sequentially determine whether or not. Here, as an example, it is determined whether or not the luminance value of the pixel in contact is “0”. Specifically, the determination unit 17 sequentially scans each pixel in contact with the contour of the address information, and determines whether or not the luminance value is “0”. When one or more pixels having a luminance value of 0 are detected, the determination unit 17 determines that there is a low luminance area in an area adjacent to the address information. In addition, the determination unit 17 temporarily stores the coordinates of each pixel whose luminance value is 0 in a storage medium such as a memory as information indicating the low luminance area.

  FIG. 14 is an enlarged view of a portion indicated by a region 130 in FIG. 13 for explaining a low luminance region. The determination unit 17 sequentially determines whether or not the luminance value of each pixel in contact with the outline of the character 140 of the image information is “0”, and sets the pixel that is “0” as a low luminance region adjacent to the address information. To detect. Here, for example, in FIG. 14, each pixel in the region 141 surrounded by the dotted line is detected as a low luminance region. That is, here, one low-luminance pixel is one low-luminance region. Note that the area 141 may be detected as a low luminance area adjacent to the address information. Further, the pixels are continuously connected to the pixels included in the image information area 141, the luminance value is “0”, and the distance from the outline of the character 140 of the image information is within a predetermined pixel ( For example, each pixel within 4 pixels or a region where the pixel group is arranged may be detected as a low luminance region adjacent to the address information.

  Then, the printing unit 19 creates information for printing the address plane in which the image information shown in FIG. 13 and the address information of the first record are arranged, and the address of the postcard is created by the printer 19a using the created information. Print on the side. Here, when the determination unit 17 determines that there is one or more low-luminance regions in the region adjacent to the address information in the above, the printing unit 19 determines the low-luminance region adjacent to the character string of the address information in the image information. Does not print. For example, printing is not performed for the pixels in the area 141 shown in FIG. Thereby, printing can be performed so that the boundary between the character string indicated by the address information and the image indicated by the image information is clear, and the readability of the address information can be maintained. In addition, by not printing only the portion of the low-luminance area adjacent to the character, it is possible to minimize the number of places where image information is not printed and to fully bring out the expressive power of image information. In addition to the low-luminance area adjacent to the address information character, the low-luminance area is separated from the outline of the address information character by a predetermined distance (for example, about several pixels or about several mm). It is also possible not to print the expanded area.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a print example of the address face of the postcard by the printing unit 19.

  If the determination unit 17 determines that there is no low luminance area adjacent to the address information, the printing unit 19 arranges the image information shown in FIG. 13 and the address information of the first record according to the layout information. Information for printing the address side is created and printed from the printer 19a.

  Further, the printing unit 19 sequentially reads the address information of the second and subsequent records from the address management information shown in FIG. 4, and prints the address surface of the postcard as with the address information of the first record. Do. Accordingly, one or more address information managed by the address management information can be printed on the address surface of one or more postcards, respectively.

(Specific example 2)
In the above specific example, when the determination unit 17 determines that there is a low-luminance area adjacent to the character indicated by the address information, the low-luminance area that contacts the character of the address information is not printed. If the image information has a low-luminance area adjacent to the address information characters, the arrangement of the image information may be changed so as not to have a low-luminance area in contact with the address information characters.

  FIGS. 16A to 16C are diagrams for explaining a modification of the specific example of the present embodiment.

  For example, in the above specific example, when the determination unit 17 determines that one image information has a low luminance area adjacent to the character string of the address information, the printing unit 19 may, for example, The pixels are scanned to detect all low brightness areas in the image information. For example, in FIG. 13, it is assumed that the determination unit 17 determines that the image information with the file name “p0005.jpg” has a low-luminance area adjacent to the address information characters of one record. The printing unit 19 detects all pixels having a luminance value of “0” in the image information whose file name is “p0005.jpg” as a low luminance area.

  FIG. 16A is a diagram illustrating a low-luminance region detected in image information whose file name is “p0005.jpg”. In FIG. 16, it is assumed that each pixel in the area surrounded by the dotted line 159 is a low-luminance area.

  Next, the printing unit 19 sets a minimum rectangle including all of the low luminance area.

  FIG. 16B is a diagram illustrating a minimum rectangle 160 including all the low luminance areas detected in the image information whose file name is “p0005.jpg”.

  For example, the printing unit 19 sets the side parallel to the x axis passing through the y coordinate of the uppermost pixel among the pixels constituting the detected low luminance area as the upper side of the minimum rectangle. Further, a side parallel to the x axis passing through the y coordinate of the lowermost pixel is set as the lower side of the minimum rectangle. Also, the side parallel to the y-axis passing through the x coordinate of the leftmost pixel is set as the left side of the smallest rectangle. Also, the side parallel to the y-axis passing through the x coordinate of the rightmost pixel is set as the right side of the smallest rectangle. Thereby, a minimum rectangle including all of the low luminance area can be set in the image information. Note that the coordinates here are preferably coordinates set in the image information.

  Next, the printing unit 19 obtains the height and width of the minimum rectangle, sequentially moves the rectangle having the width and height on the address surface of the postcard, and the rectangle becomes one of the character strings of the address information. The position which does not touch also is detected. Then, the arrangement of the one image information is changed so that the rectangle arranged at the detected position matches the low luminance area set for the one image information.

  FIG. 16C is a diagram showing the layout area of the address plane after the change. Here, for the sake of explanation, the minimum rectangle 160 is shown, but actually, the minimum rectangle 160 may not be arranged. Thereby, the low-intensity area | region of image information can be prevented from adjoining the character of address information.

  If a position where the minimum rectangle does not contact any of the character strings of the address information cannot be detected, the minimum rectangle is reduced to a predetermined magnification or the like while maintaining the aspect ratio, for example. A position that does not touch any of the character string of the address information is detected. Then, the image information reduced at the same magnification may be arranged so that the minimum rectangle after reduction matches the detected position.

  The change here may be, for example, a temporary change of layout information only when printing is performed for one address information, and the layout information stored in the layout information storage unit 13 is not changed. May be. When printing for one address information is completed, the printing unit 19 deletes the layout information for changing the arrangement of the image information, and when the next address information is printed, The layout information associated with the layout information storage unit 13 and stored in the layout information storage unit 13 (for example, the arrangement area information of the image information) may be used.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the address information and the image information can be printed on the address face of the postcard, and the address face of the postcard can be effectively used.

  Further, the image information can be printed on the back side of the address information, so that the image information does not interfere with the interpretation of the address information.

  In addition, the low-luminance area of the image information and the address information can be printed so as not to be adjacent to each other, so that the image information does not hinder the interpretation of the address information.

  In the above embodiment, the address information may further include sender information. The sender information is information having one or more of information indicating the address, name, corporation name, postal code, etc. of the sender of the postcard. The sender information may further include information such as a mail address or a telephone number of the sender. The sender information is usually text information. The sender may be the sender. Like the address information, the information such as the address and name included in the sender information is composed of a plurality of information, and is stored and managed in the address information storage unit 11 in association with the identification information indicating each attribute. May be.

  In the above embodiment, when the determination unit 17 determines that the image information includes a low luminance area adjacent to the address information, the printing unit 19 determines that the low luminance area of the image information, the address information, The printing was done so that they were not adjacent. However, in the present application, when the determination unit 17 determines that there is a low luminance area adjacent to the address information, the layout information processing unit 18 changes the layout information stored in the layout information storage unit 13. Thus, the printing unit 19 may not print at least the low luminance area adjacent to the address information of the image information. Even in such a case, it may be considered that the printing unit 19 does not print at least the low-luminance area adjacent to the address information of the image information. Hereinafter, a modified example in the case of performing such processing will be described.

(Modification example)
The layout information processing unit 18 is at least adjacent to the address information when the determination unit 17 determines that the image information has one or more low luminance areas adjacent to the address information. The layout information is changed so that the low luminance area is not adjacent to the address information. In this case, the layout information changed by the layout information processing unit 18 may be layout information associated with one or more pieces of image information, or layout information associated with one or more pieces of address information. It may be. For example, the layout information processing unit 18 may change the layout information for one piece of image information received by the layout information receiving unit 16, or may be adjacent to the low-luminance region by changing the layout information of this image information. The layout information may be changed for the address information. For example, the layout information processing unit 18 accumulates the changed layout information in the layout information storage unit 13. The accumulation here is a concept including updating such as overwriting, rewriting and deletion of existing layout information. However, the accumulation here may be considered as temporary storage.

  For example, when the determination unit 17 determines that the image information to be printed has a low luminance area adjacent to the address information, the layout information processing unit 18 determines that at least the low luminance value area is the address information. Layout information is acquired and stored in the layout information storage unit 13 so as not to be printed adjacently. For example, the layout information processing unit 18 acquires layout information having mask information in which the low luminance area adjacent to the address information is at least a mask area, and stores the layout information in association with at least one of the image information and the address information. To do. By performing printing using this mask information, the printing unit 19 can prevent printing of the low-brightness area adjacent to the address information. This mask information is usually mask information that specifies the mask area of the image information. However, if the address information used for printing is different, the adjacent low-intensity area changes and the mask area also changes. The information is preferably stored in association with the image information. When the overlapping order of the image information is in front of the address information, the layout information processing unit 18 may acquire layout information having mask information for setting a mask area on all characters of the address information. . Further, when the image information is arranged on the back side of the address information, at least a portion of characters constituting the address information adjacent to the low-luminance region is whiter than the luminance value used by the determination unit 17 for determination. You may make it acquire the layout information which sets the border of the predetermined width which has a color with a high luminance value.

  In addition, when the determination unit 17 determines that the image information has a low luminance area adjacent to the address information, the layout information processing unit 18 has at least the address information including the low luminance value area of the image information. The layout information associated with the image information may be changed so that the layout is not adjacent to the address information. The change in the arrangement of the image information in this case is the change in the arrangement of the image information performed by the printing unit 19 when the determination unit 17 determines that the low luminance area adjacent to the address information as described above is included. Therefore, detailed description thereof is omitted here. The layout information processing unit 18 acquires the layout information of the image information that has undergone such a change, and stores it in the layout information storage unit 13 in association with at least one of the image information and the address information. Such changed layout information is information for designating the arrangement of image information, etc., but if the address information used for printing is different, the adjacent low-luminance area changes and the arrangement of the image information is also changed. Since it is necessary, it is preferable to store the changed layout information in association with the address information and the image information. By performing printing using the layout information after the change, the printing unit 19 can prevent printing of the low luminance area adjacent to the address information.

  In this modification, there is no limitation on the timing, trigger, or the like for the determination unit 17 to determine whether or not the image information has a low luminance area adjacent to the address information. For example, when the printing unit 19 performs printing, the determination unit 17 may perform the above determination process, and the layout information processing unit 18 may appropriately change the layout information according to the determination result. Further, for example, when address information is added, when image information is added, when the layout information receiving unit 16 receives layout information of image information or address information, or when layout information is changed. In such a case, the above determination processing may be performed.

  In each of the above embodiments, each process (each function) may be realized by centralized processing by a single device (system), or by distributed processing by a plurality of devices. May be.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, the case where the postcard printing apparatus is a stand-alone has been described. However, the postcard printing apparatus may be a stand-alone apparatus or a server apparatus in a server / client system. In the latter case, the output unit or the reception unit receives an input or outputs a screen via a communication line.

  In each of the above embodiments, each component may be configured by dedicated hardware, or a component that can be realized by software may be realized by executing a program. For example, each component can be realized by a program execution unit such as a CPU reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or a semiconductor memory. At the time of execution, the program execution unit may execute the program while accessing a storage unit (for example, a recording medium such as a hard disk or a memory).

  Note that the software that implements the postcard printing apparatus in each of the above embodiments is the following program. That is, the program includes an address information storage unit that stores one or more address information that is address information, an image information storage unit that stores one or more image information that is image information, and a postcard address surface. A computer accessible to a layout information storage unit storing one or more layout information, which is information indicating the arrangement of one or more address information and one or more image information, is printed on a postcard address surface. A program for functioning as a postcard printing apparatus, which functions as a printing unit that arranges one or more pieces of address information and one or more pieces of image information at positions indicated by layout information and prints on the address side of a postcard It is a program to make.

  In the program, the printing unit prints the image information on the back of the address information.

  In the program, the image information storage unit stores image information in association with placement permission information, which is information for designating whether the image information can be placed on the address face of the postcard. When the computer further receives a selection screen display operation that is an operation for displaying a selection screen for selecting image information to be arranged on the address face of the postcard, and an operation for displaying the selection screen, A screen for detecting image information associated with placement permission information indicating that the postcard can be placed on the address side of the postcard and selecting one or more of the detected image information. One or more pieces of image information to be arranged on the address face of the postcard via the selection screen displayed on the display unit, the reception unit functioning as a display unit that displays a selection screen that is a screen having information to be displayed Further accepts an instruction for designating designation instruction, the printing unit, the image information including the image information designated by the designation instruction, is a program that prints the one or more address information on address side of the postcard.

  In the program, the computer further functions as a determination unit that determines whether or not the image information has a low luminance area that is adjacent to the address information and has a luminance value equal to or less than a predetermined luminance value. The printing unit is a program that performs printing so that the address information is not adjacent to the low luminance area when the determination unit determines that the image information has a low luminance area adjacent to the address information.

  In the program, the functions realized by the program do not include functions that can be realized only by hardware. For example, a function that can be realized only by hardware such as a modem or an interface card in an acquisition unit that acquires information or an output unit that outputs information is not included in the function realized by the program.

  It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the external appearance of the computer which executes the said program and implement | achieves the postcard printing apparatus by the said embodiment, etc. The above-described embodiment can be realized by computer hardware and a computer program executed on the computer hardware.

  17, a computer system 900 includes an optical disk drive 905 such as a CD-RW (Compact Disk Rewritable) drive, a computer 901 including an FD (Floppy (registered trademark) Disk) drive 906, a keyboard 902, a mouse 903, and a monitor. 904.

  FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an internal configuration of the computer system 900. In FIG. 18, in addition to the optical disk drive 905 and the FD drive 906, a computer 901 is connected to an MPU (Micro Processing Unit) 911, a ROM 912 for storing a program such as a bootup program, and an MPU 911. A bus 915 that interconnects a RAM (Random Access Memory) 913 that temporarily stores instructions and a temporary storage space, a hard disk 914 that stores application programs, system programs, and data, an MPU 911, a ROM 912, and the like. With. The computer 901 may include a network card (not shown) that provides connection to the LAN.

  A program that causes the computer system 900 to execute the functions of the postcard printing apparatus and the like according to the above embodiment is stored in a CD-ROM, an optical disk 921 such as a CD-RW, a DVD-ROM, a DVD-RW, or the FD 922, The optical disc drive 905 or the FD drive 906 may be inserted and transferred to the hard disk 914. Instead, the program may be transmitted to the computer 901 via a network (not shown) and stored in the hard disk 914. The program is loaded into the RAM 913 when executed. The program may be loaded directly from the optical disc 921, the FD 922, or the network.

  The program does not necessarily include an operating system (OS) or a third-party program that causes the computer 901 to execute functions such as the postcard printing apparatus according to the above-described embodiment. The program may include only a part of an instruction that calls an appropriate function (module) in a controlled manner and obtains a desired result. How the computer system 900 operates is well known and will not be described in detail.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible, and it goes without saying that these are also included in the scope of the present invention.

  As described above, the postcard printing apparatus or the like according to the present invention is suitable as an apparatus for printing a postcard, and is particularly useful as an apparatus for printing the address side of a postcard.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Printing apparatus 11 Address information storage part 12 Image information storage part 13 Layout information storage part 14 Reception part 15 Display part 15a Monitor 16 Layout information reception part 17 Judgment part 18 Layout information processing part 19 Printing part 19a Printer

Claims (6)

A postcard printer that prints on the address side of a postcard,
An address information storage unit for storing one or more address information that is address information;
An image information storage unit that stores one or more pieces of image information that is image information;
A layout information storage unit that stores one or more layout information that is information indicating an arrangement of one or more of the address information and one or more of the image information on a postcard address surface;
A printing unit that places one or more pieces of address information and one or more pieces of image information at positions indicated by the layout information, and prints on the address side of a postcard ;
A determination unit that determines whether or not the image information has a low luminance area that is adjacent to the address information and has a luminance value equal to or less than a predetermined luminance value;
The printing unit has an arrangement in which at least the address information is not adjacent to the low luminance area of the image information when the determination unit determines that the image information has a low luminance area adjacent to the address information. A postcard printing apparatus that performs printing by changing the arrangement of the image information . The postcard printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the printing unit prints the image information on a back surface of the address information. In the image information storage unit, the image information is stored in association with placement permission information that is information for designating whether the image information is image information that can be placed on the address face of a postcard,
A reception unit that accepts a selection screen display operation that is an operation for displaying a selection screen for selecting image information to be arranged on the address face of the postcard;
When an operation for displaying the selection screen is received, image information associated with placement permission information indicating that placement is possible on the address face of the postcard is detected, and one or more of the detected image information is selected. And a display unit for displaying the selection screen, which is a screen having information indicating the detected image information.
The accepting unit further accepts a designation instruction that is an instruction to designate one or more pieces of image information to be arranged on the address face of the postcard via the selection screen displayed by the display unit,
3. The postcard printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the printing unit prints image information including image information designated by the designation instruction and one or more address information on a postcard address surface. 4. An address information storage unit storing one or more address information as address information, an image information storage unit storing one or more image information as image information, and one or more of the address on the address surface of a postcard A postcard printing apparatus that prints on the address face of a postcard using a computer accessible to a layout information storage unit that stores one or more layout information that is information indicating the arrangement of information and one or more image information A program for functioning,
A printing unit that places one or more pieces of address information and one or more pieces of image information at positions indicated by the layout information, and prints on the address side of a postcard;
Causing the image information to function as a determination unit that determines whether or not the image information has a low luminance region that is adjacent to the address information and is a region below a predetermined luminance value;
The printing unit has an arrangement in which at least the address information is not adjacent to the low luminance area of the image information when the determination unit determines that the image information has a low luminance area adjacent to the address information. A program for performing printing by changing the arrangement of the image information . The program according to claim 4 , wherein the printing unit prints the image information on a back surface of the address information. In the image information storage unit, the image information is stored in association with placement permission information that is information for designating whether the image information is image information that can be placed on the address face of a postcard,
Computer,
A reception unit that accepts a selection screen display operation that is an operation for displaying a selection screen for selecting image information to be arranged on the address face of the postcard;
When an operation for displaying the selection screen is received, image information associated with placement permission information indicating that placement is possible on the address face of the postcard is detected, and one or more of the detected image information is selected. A display unit for displaying the selection screen, which is a screen having information indicating the detected image information,
The accepting unit further accepts a designation instruction that is an instruction to designate one or more pieces of image information to be arranged on the address face of the postcard via the selection screen displayed by the display unit,
The program according to claim 4 or 5 , wherein the printing unit prints image information including image information designated by the designation instruction and one or more address information on an address face of a postcard.

Images