JP6341368B2 - Printing device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing apparatus that prints a page on which an animation function is set.

  In an application for creating a presentation material, an animation function can be set for an object such as a character or an image arranged in a page. By using the animation function, for example, an object can appear by fading in or sliding in, or erased by fading out or sliding out.

  Normally, when printing a page with such an animation function set, the printed content of the page corresponds to the display state when all the animations set for the objects in the page are completed. It has become. Therefore, when a page on which the object A appears in the middle of the animation and then appears so that the object B overlaps the object A is printed, the object A is hidden in the object B and is not visualized in the printed matter.

  Therefore, there is a printing apparatus that prints both the state before and after overlapping on separate pages when an object displayed by animation overlaps another object (see Patent Document 1 below).

  In addition, in consideration of the fact that the number of prints increases when both the states before and after overlapping are printed on separate pages, printing that enables display of the image before the overlapping object is drawn on other objects on the operation panel or the like There is a processing method (see Patent Document 2 below). By displaying on the operation panel or the like an image before an object that is superimposed on another object is displayed, the user can confirm what the object that has become invisible in the printed material is.

JP 2009-65284 A JP 2011-178141 A

  In the printing apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1, the number of printed sheets increases. In the method disclosed in Patent Document 2, an image before an object overlapping with another object is simply displayed and cannot be obtained as a printed matter.

  Further, both Patent Documents 1 and 2 deal with the problem of being invisible due to overlapping, and for example, display contents in an arbitrary intermediate state desired by the user cannot be obtained as a printed matter. In addition, it is impossible to confirm with a printed matter in what order the objects appear and disappear in the object and reach the final display state.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it provides a printing apparatus capable of printing a printed material in which the progress of an animation can be confirmed while keeping the number of printed sheets small.

  The gist of the present invention for achieving the object lies in the inventions of the following items.

[1] A capture unit that captures page data describing a page with an animation function set;
Analyzing the page data captured by the capture unit, an intermediate image generation unit that generates a plurality of intermediate images representing the display content of the page at each of a plurality of time points including the progress of animation,
A layout unit that lays out the plurality of intermediate images generated by the intermediate image generation unit on a smaller number of pages than the plurality of sheets;
Possess a printing unit that prints the page to the intermediate image has been laid by the layout section,
The intermediate image generation unit extracts an image of a frame including an object where an invisible part is generated as the intermediate image,
In determining whether or not the overlapping part is not visible,
When an object due to the effect function of the main object overlaps the main object, the overlap is an overlap in which the invisible part is generated,
When the main object corresponding to the object by the effect function overlaps, the overlap is not an overlap in which the invisible part is generated,
When the main objects overlap, the overlap is defined as an overlap where the invisible part occurs,
The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the objects due to the effect function are overlapped, the overlap is not an overlap where the invisible portion is generated .

In the above invention, a plurality of intermediate images representing the display contents of the page at each of a plurality of time points including the middle of the animation are generated from the page data describing the page with the animation function set, Collect and print on fewer pages than the number of intermediate images.
[2] When the object due to the effect function is superimposed on the main object, the intermediate image generation unit determines that the overlap is an overlap in which the invisible part is generated, , Based on whether the main object is a character or a difference in color and density between the main object and the object by the effect function, it is determined whether the overlap is an overlap where the invisible part is generated.
[1] The printing apparatus according to [1].

[ 3 ] It further includes a first setting unit that receives a setting for determining the plurality of time points from the user,
The printing apparatus according to [1] or [2] , wherein the intermediate image generation unit determines the plurality of time points based on settings received by the first setting unit.

  In the above invention, the user can set through the first setting unit which timing display state in the animation is generated as the intermediate image. For example, if the timing at which an object appears or disappears is set to a plurality of time points, images of all frames are generated as intermediate images.

[ 4 ] It further includes a second setting unit for receiving settings relating to the layout from the user,
The printing apparatus according to any one of [1] to [3] , wherein the layout unit performs the layout of the plurality of intermediate images based on the setting received by the second setting unit.

  In the above invention, the user can set the layout of a plurality of intermediate images through the second setting unit.

[ 5 ] The printing according to any one of [1] to [ 4 ], wherein the layout unit lays out a plurality of intermediate images generated from page data of one page on one page. apparatus.

  In the above invention, a plurality of intermediate images generated from one page with the animation function set are collectively printed on one page.

[6] The layout section includes:
The portion of the intermediate image in the previous SL plurality of intermediate images are larger than the other, characterized in that the layout [1] to [5] The printing apparatus according to any one of.

  According to the printing apparatus according to the present invention, it is possible to print a printed matter in which the progress of the animation can be confirmed while keeping the number of printed sheets small.

1 is a block diagram showing an electrical schematic configuration of a printing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the page in which the animation function was set. It is a figure which shows the transition of the display content (each frame image) when reproducing | regenerating the page shown in FIG. 2 as a moving image. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a printed matter printed by the printing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention based on the page data of the pages illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3. 6 is a flowchart showing an outline of processing in which the printing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention receives and prints application data. It is a figure which shows an example of the setting screen for receiving the printing setting regarding the page in which the animation function was set from a user. 6 is a flowchart showing processing (details of step S102 in FIG. 5) for receiving a print setting from a user, generating a corresponding internal command, and adding it to a job. It is a flowchart which shows the continuation of FIG. It is a figure which shows the example which the shadow part of the object with a shadow effect overlaps with the object without an effect function. It is a figure which shows the example with which the reflection part of the object with a reflection effect and the object without an effect function overlap. It is a figure which shows the example with which the object with the effect of 3D format and rotation and the object without an effect function overlap. It is a figure which shows the component (path) of 3D object. 6 is a flowchart showing details of command analysis (step S103) in FIG. 5; 6 is a flowchart showing details of processing (steps S104 to S106 in FIG. 5) for generating intermediate data and rasterizing it according to a layout.

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

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an electrical schematic configuration of a printing apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The printing apparatus 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11 as a control unit that comprehensively controls the operation of the printing apparatus 10. The CPU 11 has a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 13, a transfer unit 14, an engine unit 15, a hard disk device 16, an operation display unit 17, a communication unit 18, an image processing unit 19, and a storage medium connection through a bus. The unit 20 and the like are connected.

  The printing apparatus 10 has a function of reading a file stored in a storage medium 3 such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory connected to the storage medium connection unit 20 and printing the contents. In particular, data (files) created by application programs that create presentation documents that include pages with animation functions, such as Microsoft PowerPoint (registered trademark), are read, analyzed, and printed. It has a function to do. Hereinafter, data of a presentation document including a page with an animation function set will be referred to as application data. Further, the data of each page constituting the application data is set as page data.

  The CPU 11 is based on an OS (Operating System) program, and executes middleware, application programs, and the like. Various programs are stored in the ROM 12, and each function of the printing apparatus 10 is realized by the CPU 11 executing various processes according to these programs.

  Specifically, the CPU 11 executes a program stored in the ROM 12 to analyze the application data, a command analysis unit 21 that analyzes the application data, and a plurality of points in time including the progress of the animation from the page data of the page set with the animation function. An intermediate image generation unit 22 that generates a plurality of intermediate images representing the display content of the page in each, a layout unit 23 that lays out the plurality of intermediate images on a smaller number of pages than the number of intermediate images, a layout It functions as a rasterizing unit 24 that generates bitmap format image data corresponding to a later page.

  The RAM 13 is a work memory that temporarily stores various data when the CPU 11 executes processing based on a program, and a reception buffer that holds application data acquired from the outside through the communication unit 18 and the storage medium connection unit 20. In addition, the PDL data memory 26, the intermediate data memory 27, the BAND data memory 28, and the like are used.

  The PDL data memory 26 stores PDL data that is page data describing the contents of each page included in the data of the presentation document. The intermediate data memory 27 stores intermediate image data (intermediate data before rasterization) generated by the intermediate image generation unit 22. The BAND data memory 28 stores bitmap format image data obtained by rasterizing intermediate data by the rasterizing unit 24.

  The transfer unit 14 functions to transfer the image data stored in the BAND data memory 28 to the engine unit 15.

  The engine unit 15 has a function of forming an image corresponding to the image data transferred from the transfer unit 14 on a recording sheet. Here, it has a recording paper transport device, a photosensitive drum, a charging device, a laser unit, a developing device, a transfer separation device, a cleaning device, and a fixing device, and forms an image by an electrophotographic process. It is configured as a so-called laser printer. Other methods may be used for image formation.

  The hard disk device 16 is a large-capacity nonvolatile storage device and stores various programs and data.

  The operation display unit 17 has a function of displaying various screens for a user I / F (Interface) and a function of receiving various operations from the user. The operation display unit 17 includes a liquid crystal display (LCD), a touch panel provided on the display surface of the liquid crystal display, various hard keys such as a start button and a numeric keypad.

  The operation display unit 17 is a first setting unit that receives a setting regarding which timing display state is extracted as a stationary intermediate image when a page with an animation function set is reproduced as a moving image. It functions as a second setting unit that receives settings.

  The communication unit 18 functions to communicate with an external terminal, a server, or the like connected to a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network).

  The image processing unit 19 performs rasterization processing in addition to processing such as image enlargement / reduction and rotation.

  The storage medium connection unit 20 functions to removably connect a storage medium such as a USB memory. The storage medium connection unit 20 includes a connector for connection and an I / F circuit.

  FIG. 2 is an example of a page 30 with an animation function set that is to be printed by the printing apparatus 10 and shows a state in which objects included in the page are displayed in an overlapping order. FIG. 3 shows transition of display contents when the page 30 shown in FIG. 2 is reproduced as a moving image. The page 30 includes nine frame images 31 to 39. Each frame image corresponds to the display state of the page when an arbitrary object that appears by the animation function appears, or the display state of the page when an arbitrary object that disappears by the animation function disappears It is a still image.

  The first frame image 31 is an initial still image. The second frame image 32 is an image in which the first text object 41 appears on the first frame image 31 by fading in or the like. The third frame image 33 is an image in which a first image object 42 and a first balloon object 43 appear on the second frame image 32 in a fade-in manner.

  The fourth frame image 34 is an image in a state where the first balloon object 43 fades out from the third frame image 33 and disappears. The fifth frame image 35 is an image in which the second balloon object 44 appears on the fourth frame image 34. The sixth frame image 36 is an image in which the second text object 45 appears on the fifth frame image 35. The seventh frame image 37 is an image in which the second image object 46 and the third balloon object 47 appear on the sixth frame image 36. The eighth frame image 38 is an image in which the third balloon object 47 disappears from the seventh frame image 37. The ninth frame image 39 is an image in a state where the fourth balloon object 48 appears on the eighth frame image 38.

  In the state of FIG. 2, since the second speech balloon object 44 exists on the first speech balloon object 43, a part of the first speech balloon object 43 becomes invisible, and the fourth speech balloon object 48 appears on the third speech balloon object 47. Due to the presence, a part of the third balloon object 47 is not visible.

  Even when the state shown in FIG. 2 is printed, a part of the printed matter, such as the first balloon object 43 and the third balloon object 47, is not visible due to the overlap of other objects. Also, even if this printed matter is viewed, it is impossible to know the animation trajectory (how the display content has changed) of this page. Some users desire to print out a specific frame image in the middle of an animation.

  Therefore, when printing a page with an animation function set, the printing apparatus 10 allows a portion that cannot be seen to be overlapped, makes it possible to grasp the locus of the animation, or selectively selects a frame image desired by the user. It has a function to print. Also, printing is performed with a reduced number of pages by means of collective printing.

  FIG. 4 exemplifies a printed matter printed by the printing apparatus 10 based on the page data of the page 30 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. FIG. 4A shows an example in which the frame images from the first frame image 31 to the ninth frame image 39 are printed in one page. FIG. 4B shows an example in which the frame images from the first frame image 31 to the ninth frame image 39 are collected on one page and only the frame images 33, 35, and 37 designated by the user are enlarged and printed. is there. FIG. 6C shows an example in which frame images 33, 35, 37, and 39 having overlapping objects are automatically extracted, and these are consolidated and printed on one page.

  Hereinafter, the operation of the printing apparatus 10 when performing the collective printing as illustrated in FIG. 4 will be described.

  FIG. 5 shows an outline of processing in which the printing apparatus 10 receives application data (presentation document data) and prints it. The printing apparatus 10 acquires application data from the USB memory 3 or the like connected to the storage medium connection unit 20 (step S101). Next, various settings related to printing based on the application data (for example, animation trajectory print settings) and a print execution instruction are received from the user (step S102).

  The command analysis unit 21 of the printing apparatus 10 that has received the print execution instruction analyzes application data (hereinafter, referred to as a job) to which print settings and the like have been added (step S103), and the intermediate image generation unit 22 executes the command. Based on the analysis result of the analysis unit 21, intermediate data corresponding to the intermediate image is generated from the application data (step S104).

  The layout unit 23 determines a layout for collecting and printing the images indicated by the intermediate data based on the analysis result of the command analysis unit 21 (step S105).

  The rasterizing unit 24 generates image data (bitmap format data) of a page in which images corresponding to the intermediate data generated in step S104 are aggregated according to the layout determined in step S105 by rasterizing processing (step S106). ).

  The generated image data is temporarily stored in the BAND data memory 28 of the RAM 13, and then transferred to the engine unit 15 by the transfer unit 14, and printing is executed by the engine unit 15 (step S107).

  FIG. 6 shows an example of a setting screen 60 for receiving print settings regarding a page for which the animation function is set from the user. On the setting screen 60, an all frame print button 62, a partial print button 63, a designated frame print button 64, a preview button 65, a preview display area 66, and the like are arranged. The operation display unit 17 displaying the setting screen 60 functions as a first setting unit.

  The printing apparatus 10 can display a preview of each frame image or an image of a page in which a plurality of intermediate images are combined into one page in the preview display area 66.

  The all-frame printing button 62 receives an instruction to collect and print all the frame images constituting the page for which the animation function is set on one page. The partial print button 63 receives an instruction to extract only a part of the frame images constituting the page for which the animation function is set and to perform the collective printing on one page. When the partial print button 63 is pressed, a dialog is displayed that shows options such as whether to print a frame image with objects that cannot be overlapped or to print only the first and last frame images. The selection operation of the choice is received.

  The designated frame printing button 64 receives a designation for selecting a frame image to be used for aggregate printing from among frame images constituting a page for which the animation function is set. When the designated frame printing button 64 is pressed, a dialog for receiving a selection operation of frame images to be used for aggregate printing is displayed, and the selection operation is received from the user.

  In addition, settings relating to frame image enlargement, layout designation, and the like are also received on a predetermined setting screen. The operation display unit 17 that displays a setting screen for receiving the layout designation functions as a second setting unit.

  7 and 8 show processing (details of step S102 in FIG. 5) in which a print setting is received from the user, an internal command (PJL command: Printer Job Language) corresponding to the print setting is generated and added to the job. PJL is a language for describing a command indicating the contents of print settings, and the PJL command is a command described in PJL.

  First, it is determined whether or not the animation function is set in the application data (step S201). If the animation function is not set (step S201; No), this process is terminated (end).

  If the animation function is set (step S201; Yes), various print settings relating to printing of the page set with the animation function are received from the user through the setting screen 60 shown in FIG. Here, when the setting of “do not print the animation trajectory” is received (step S202; No), this processing ends (end).

  When the setting of “print animation trajectory” is received (step S202; Yes), the print setting relating to selection of which frame image is to be an intermediate image to be subjected to aggregate printing is received (step S203). Here, all frame images are printed, only frame images with objects that cannot be seen overlapped, only frame images selected by the user, only the first and last frame images of the animation are printed, etc. Receive settings from the options. This setting corresponds to designating at what point of time the display state is set as the intermediate image from the animation.

  When the setting of “print all frame images” is received (step S203; all frames), a PJL indicating that all the frame images are collectively printed as an intermediate image is created and added to the job (step S204). The process proceeds to step S209.

  When the setting of “print only frame images with objects that do not appear to overlap” is received (step S203; duplication), only frame images with objects that do not overlap and appear as intermediate images, these are enlarged and aggregated A PJL indicating printing is created and added to the job (step S205), and the process proceeds to step S209.

  When the setting of “print only the frame image selected by the user” is received (step S203; user selection), the selection operation of the frame image to be used for the aggregate printing is received from the user (step S206), and the selected frame is selected. A PJL indicating that only images are to be aggregated and printed as an intermediate image is created and added to the job (step S207), and the process proceeds to step S209.

  When receiving the setting of “print only the first and last frame images of the animation” (step S203; both ends), create a PJL indicating that only the first and last frame images of the animation are to be consolidated and printed as an intermediate image Is added to the job (step S208), and the process proceeds to step S209.

  In step S209, settings relating to the size of each frame image when the frame images selected in steps S203 to S208 are collectively printed as an intermediate image are received. When the setting “print all selected frame images with the same size” is received (step S209; same), a PJL indicating that all the selected frame images are collectively printed with the same size is created and the job (Step S210), the process proceeds to step S214 in FIG.

  When receiving a setting of “enlarge and print only frame images with objects that do not appear to overlap” (step S209; duplication), enlarge only the frame images with objects that do not appear to overlap and print them together. A PJL indicating this is created and added to the job (step S211), and the process proceeds to step S214 in FIG.

  When receiving the setting “the user selects a frame image to be enlarged” (step S209; user selection), a selection operation of the frame image to be enlarged is accepted from the user (step S212), and only the selected frame image is received. Is created and added to the job (step S213), and the process proceeds to step S214 in FIG. Note that the enlargement ratio is automatically calculated so as to fit on one page from the imposition layout and margin information with respect to the size of the printing paper.

  In step S214, a layout setting is received. More specifically, when the setting for automatically imposing and printing is received (step S214; automatic), the number of selected frame images and the number of frame images to be enlarged are taken into consideration, and these fit on one page. Thus, the imposition layout is automatically performed, a PJL indicating the layout is created and added to the job (step S215), and this process ends (end).

  When setting to print with various imposition layouts (16in1, 9in1, 6in1, 4in1, 2in1, etc.) is received (step S214; definition), it indicates that the selected frame image is to be laid out with the specified specified layout. A PJL is created and added to the job (step S216), and this process ends (end).

  When the setting of “user specifies layout” is received (step S214; user specification), the specification of the layout is accepted from the user (step S217), and a PJL indicating the specified layout is created and added to the job. (Step S218), the process is terminated (end).

  Here, since the maximum value of the number of frame images that can be consolidated on one page by the printing apparatus 10 is 16, the number of frame images to be aggregated is 16 when automatic imposition is performed to fit on one page. Be regulated within.

  By gathering and printing intermediate images corresponding to the frame images specified in accordance with the print settings set in this way, the overlapping portion can be visualized and printed with a small number of pages, and the animation trajectory can be understood. It is possible to print or selectively print a frame image desired by the user.

  Here, overlapping objects refers to a state in which characters, images, and the like overlap in a still screen (non-slide show mode). The method for determining that the objects overlap is determined by the drawing position of the main objects and the drawing position of the object by the main object and the effect function of the object. The object by the effect function is an object drawn by a shadow, reflection, glow, 3D format / rotation (3D rotation) or the like that can be set by an application program.

  An object drawn by the effect function is additional, and even if it overlaps with another object, there is a case where the object is not basically complicated or complicated. For this reason, if the overlap is simply determined at the drawing position of the object, the number of frame images determined to be a frame image with an object that cannot be seen overlapping increases unnecessarily. Therefore, the object overlap is determined by classifying the main object and the effect function object.

  For example, the overlap between main objects is determined as “with overlap”. The overlap between objects due to the effect function is determined as “no overlap”. The overlap between the main object and the object due to the effect function is determined as “with overlap” or “without overlap” according to the criteria for each type of effect function.

  A specific example is shown. FIG. 9A shows a result of drawing a text object 71 having a shadow effect and a text object 72 having no effect function by animation. In this example, the main object 71a of the text object 71 having a shadow effect is drawn, then the shadow portion of the text object 71 (the object 71b by the effect function) is drawn, and finally the text object 72 having no effect function is drawn. Is done.

  Since the text object 72 having no effect function drawn at the end overlaps the shadow portion 71b of the text object 71 having the shadow effect, it is the object 71b by the effect function that cannot be seen overlapping. Therefore, in such a case, it is determined that “no overlap”.

  If the main object 71a of the text object 71 having a shadow effect and the object 71b by the effect function are drawn in this order after the text object 72 having no effect function is drawn, the shadow is placed on the text object 72 having no effect function. Since the portion (the object 71b by the effect function) is drawn, the text object 72 having no effect function is hidden under the shadow portion 71b. Therefore, in this case, it is determined that there is “overlap”.

  The same applies to FIG. 9B, where the graphic object 73 (the main object 73a and the effect function object 73b) is set with the shadow effect function, and the text object 74 is not set with the effect function. Also in this case, since the text object 74 is drawn on the shadow portion of the graphic object 73 (the object 73b by the effect function), the object 73b by the effect function disappears due to the overlap. Therefore, in such a case, it is determined that “no overlap”.

  FIG. 10A shows the result of rendering the text object 75 (the main object 75a and the object 75b by the effect function) set with the effect function of reflection and the text object 72 without the effect function by animation. In this example, the main object 75a of the text object 75 to which the reflection effect function is set is drawn, then the reflection part (the object 75b by the effect function) of the text object 75 is drawn, and finally the text object having no effect function. 72 is drawn.

  The reflection portion 75b exists in the same size as the main object 75a only by inverting the main object 75a. However, gradation is set, and gradation is applied so that it becomes transparent as it goes down.

  The text object 72 having no effect function drawn at the end overlaps the reflection portion 75b of the text object 75 having the reflection effect. However, as described above, the reflection portion 75b is an inverted version of the main object 75a, so that the size is large and the characters overlap each other, so that the visibility of the text object 72 having no effect function is likely to be hindered. . Therefore, the text object 72 having no effect function drawn at the end is determined to be “overlapped” even when the text object 72 overlaps the reflective portion 75b of the text object 75 having the reflective effect.

  However, as described above, when a gradation that is transparent is applied, there is no problem with the overlap with the transparent part. Therefore, if it overlaps with a transparent part or a part where the density is thinner than the specified value, or the difference in color or density between the object by the effect function and the main object that overlaps it is more than a certain level In some cases, “no overlap” may be determined.

  FIG. 10B shows a case where the graphic object 77 with the reflection effect function set and the text object 74 without the effect function are drawn in the same order as in FIG. Also in this case, whether or not there is an overlap is determined as in FIG.

  FIG. 11 shows an example of 3D format / rotation (3D rotation). Here, the 3D object is configured as shown in FIG. For example, when a square in a plane is displayed in 3D format, a cube 81 is obtained. The cube 81 is composed of four paths (objects). Path 1 is the front of the cube 81, path 2 is the right side of the cube 81, path 3 is the top surface of the cube 81, and path 4 is the frame line of the cube 81. Of these, those representing depth (pass 2, pass 3, and pass 4) are regarded as objects by effect functions, and only pass 1 is a main object.

  Then, based on whether the overlap is between the main objects, the objects based on the effect function, the objects based on the main object and the effect function, etc., “overlap” and “no overlap” are determined.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing details of the command analysis of FIG. The job including the PJL added in the processing of FIGS. 7 and 8 is analyzed. First, PJL is analyzed and the setting for each job is grasped (step S301). If there is a print setting for the animation trajectory (step S302; Yes), a job unit flag indicating that the job requires creation of an intermediate image (intermediate data) is set (step S303), and the process proceeds to step S304. To do. If there is no animation trajectory print setting (step S302; No), the process proceeds to step S304.

  Next, the page data is analyzed for each page (step S304), it is determined whether or not the animation function is set for each page (step S305), and the page data of the page with the animation function setting is set (step S305). S305; Yes), a page unit flag is set (step S306). The page unit flag is not set for the page data of the page without the animation function setting (step S305; No). When step S304 to step S306 are performed up to the final page (step S307; Yes), this process is terminated (end).

  FIG. 14 shows the details of the process of generating intermediate data and rasterizing according to the set layout (steps S104 to S106 in FIG. 5). First, the setting of the job unit flag is confirmed (step S401). If the job unit flag is set (step S401; Yes), the page unit flag setting is checked for the current processing target page (step S402).

  If the page unit flag is set (step S402; Yes), the animation function is set for the page. Therefore, an intermediate image related to the page is generated (rasterized) in accordance with PJL (set in steps S204 to S208 in FIG. 7) relating to frame selection added to the job.

  That is, when PJL indicating “print all frame images” is added to the job (step S403; all frames), intermediate images corresponding to all the frame images on the page are generated by rasterization. (Step S404), the process proceeds to Step S408.

  When PJL indicating that only a frame image with an object that does not appear to overlap is enlarged is added to the job (step S403; overlap), it corresponds to a frame image with an object that cannot be overlapped. An intermediate image to be generated is generated by rasterization (step S405), and the process proceeds to step S408.

  When PJL indicating that “only the frame image selected by the user is printed” is added to the job (step S403; user selection), the intermediate image corresponding to the frame image selected by the user is rasterized. (Step S406), and the process proceeds to Step S408.

  When PJL indicating that “only the first and last frame images of the animation are printed” is added to the job (step S403; both ends), the intermediate image corresponding to the first and last frame images of the animation is rasterized. (Step S407), and the process proceeds to Step S408.

  In step S408, a frame image (intermediate image) to be enlarged is specified from the PJL added in steps S210 to S213 in FIG. 7, and the information is notified to the engine unit 15. Also, the designated layout is recognized from the PJL set in steps S215 to S218 in FIG. 8, and information on the layout is notified to the engine unit 15. Then, bitmap image data in which all intermediate images are enlarged / reduced and arranged on one page according to the layout is created (step S409). This image data is transmitted to the engine unit 15 and printed at step S107 in FIG.

  If the page processed this time is not the last page (step S410; No), the process returns to step S401 to process the next page. If the page processed this time is the last page (step S410; Yes), this process ends (end).

  If the job unit flag is not set (step S401; No), or if the page unit flag is not set (step S402; No), all objects included in the page are rasterized and arranged on one page. Image data of the image for one frame (image as shown in FIG. 2) is created (step S409), and the process proceeds to step S410.

  As described above, in the printing apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment, when printing a page for which the animation function is set, all the frame images, the frame images with objects that cannot be overlapped, or the frame selected by the user. Since the images or the first and last frame images can be printed together on one page, it is possible to visualize the part that cannot be seen in duplicate, grasp the trajectory of the animation, Images can be printed selectively. Further, by collecting a plurality of frame images on one page, the number of printed sheets can be reduced.

  The embodiment of the present invention has been described with reference to the drawings. However, the specific configuration is not limited to that shown in the embodiment, and there are changes and additions within the scope of the present invention. Are also included in the present invention.

  In the embodiment, an example in which a plurality of intermediate images are consolidated and printed on one page has been described. However, the intermediate images may not necessarily be consolidated on one page, and may be printed on a smaller number of pages than the number of intermediate images. For example, if the number of frame images exceeds the maximum number that can be consolidated on one page in the setting for aggregate printing of all frame images of animation, the images are consolidated into a plurality of pages.

  Note that if the pages are integrated into one page, the number of pages (the number of slides) included in the presentation document can be matched with the number of printed pages.

  In the embodiment, the application data is acquired from the storage medium 3 connected to the storage medium connection unit 20. However, the application data may be received through the communication unit 18.

3 ... Storage medium 10 ... Printing device 11 ... CPU
12 ... ROM
13 ... RAM
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 14 ... Transfer part 15 ... Engine part 16 ... Hard disk apparatus 17 ... Operation display part 18 ... Communication part 19 ... Image processing part 20 ... Storage medium connection part 21 ... Command analysis part 22 ... Intermediate image generation part 23 ... Layout part 24 ... Rasterize Unit 26 ... PDL data memory 27 ... Intermediate data memory 28 ... BAND data memory 30 ... Page 31 ... First frame image 32 ... Second frame image 33 ... Third frame image 34 ... Fourth frame image 35 ... Fifth frame image 36 ... 6th frame image 37 ... 7th frame image 38 ... 8th frame image 39 ... 9th frame image 41 ... 1st text object 42 ... 1st image object 43 ... 1st balloon object 44 ... 2nd balloon object 45 ... 1st 2 text object 46 ... 2nd image object 47 ... 3rd balloon object 48 ... Fourth balloon object 60 ... Setting screen 62 ... All frame printing button 63 ... Partial printing button 64 ... Designated frame printing button 65 ... Preview button 66 ... Preview display area 71 ... Shadow effect function is set Text object 71a ... Main object 71b ... Object with effect function 72 ... Text object without effect function 73 ... Graphic object with shadow effect function set 73a ... Main object 73b ... Object with effect function 74 ... Text object without effect function 75 ... Text object with reflection effect function set 75a ... Main object 75b ... Object by effect function 77 ... Graphic object with reflection effect function 77a ... Main object 77 Object 81 ... the cube ... due to the effect function

Claims (6)

A capture unit that captures page data describing a page with an animation function set;
Analyzing the page data captured by the capture unit, an intermediate image generation unit that generates a plurality of intermediate images representing the display content of the page at each of a plurality of time points including the progress of animation,
A layout unit that lays out the plurality of intermediate images generated by the intermediate image generation unit on a smaller number of pages than the plurality of sheets;
Possess a printing unit that prints the page to the intermediate image has been laid by the layout section,
The intermediate image generation unit extracts an image of a frame including an object where an invisible part is generated as the intermediate image,
In determining whether or not the overlapping part is not visible,
When an object due to the effect function of the main object overlaps the main object, the overlap is an overlap in which the invisible part is generated,
When the main object corresponding to the object by the effect function overlaps, the overlap is not an overlap in which the invisible part is generated,
When the main objects overlap, the overlap is defined as an overlap where the invisible part occurs,
The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the objects due to the effect function are overlapped, the overlap is not an overlap where the invisible portion is generated .   In the case where the object due to the effect function overlaps the main object, the intermediate image generation unit, instead of determining that the overlap is an overlap where the invisible part is generated, the type of the effect function or the main object It is determined whether or not the overlap is the occurrence of the invisible part based on whether the character is a character or the difference in color and density between the main object and the object by the effect function
  The printing apparatus according to claim 1. A first setting unit that receives a setting for determining the plurality of time points from a user;
The intermediate image generation unit, the printing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that determining said plurality of time based on the setting received by the first setting unit. A second setting unit for receiving a setting related to the layout from a user;
The layout unit, the printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the layout of the plurality of intermediate images based on the setting received by the second setting unit. The layout unit, the printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that laying the plurality of intermediate images generated from the page data of one page on one page. The layout part is
The printing apparatus according to a portion of the intermediate image to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that laying be larger than the other in the previous SL plurality of intermediate images.