JP6468088B2 - Information processing apparatus, control method thereof, and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, a control method thereof, and a program.

  Printing that has a poster printing function that creates a single poster by dividing a single image into multiple sheets and printing them on multiple sheets of paper when one image cannot fit on a single page A control method is known.

  In such a printing function, when the number of divided sheets increases, it is difficult to know how to connect the sheets. There is known a method of notifying a user by printing an explanatory image indicating the position of a partial image with respect to the entire image on the back surface.

JP 2007-249699 A

  However, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, when an explanatory image indicating the position of a partial image is printed on the back side of a page or an explanatory image is printed on a marginal area, when the paper thickness is thin, it is viewed from the front surface. There is concern that it will show through.

Therefore, the present invention provides a technology that can create image data that suppresses the transmission of information for overlaying a plurality of sheets when the sheets are stacked even when the sheets are thin. The purpose is to do.

In order to achieve the above object, an information processing apparatus of the present invention is an information processing apparatus capable of dividing an image by a predetermined number, and is arranged in an area for overlapping a plurality of divided images. Image data using the determining means for determining the arrangement position of the explanatory information based on the color of the divided image overlapping the area, and the explanatory information and the divided image arranged at the arrangement position determined by the determining means. generating means for generating, characterized in that it comprises a.

As described above, even when the paper thickness is thin, it is possible to create image data in which information for overlaying a plurality of sheets is prevented from being seen through when the plurality of sheets are stacked .

It is a block diagram of a printing control system. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a printing system of the information processing apparatus 101. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a flow until a printing instruction is issued to the printing apparatus 102. It is a flowchart explaining the flow which determines a number printing area | region (description image printing area | region). It is a flowchart explaining the flow which determines a number printing color (description image printing color). 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen configuration of a print setting screen 601. FIG. It is a figure explaining an example of the division | segmentation of a number printing area | region, (a) is an example which divided the marginal area | region 701, without providing an overlapping area, (b) is an example which specified each area | region by shifting predetermined amount. (An example in which an overlap region is provided to divide the marginal region 701). (A) is an example of an image used for poster printing. (B) is an example of the partial image produced | generated from the image of (a).

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

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a print control system including an information processing apparatus 101 and a printing apparatus 102 according to this embodiment. Note that each terminal configuration in FIG. 1 is an example, and it goes without saying that there are various configuration examples depending on applications and purposes.

  The information processing apparatus 101 includes a CPU 201 that executes document processing including graphics, images, characters, tables (including spreadsheets), and the like based on a sentence processing program stored in the ROM 202 or the external memory 211. The CPU 201 generally controls each device connected to the system bus 204. The ROM 202 or the external memory 211 is used when performing the above document processing such as an operating system program (hereinafter referred to as OS) that is a control program of the CPU 201, a printer driver described later, font data used in the above document processing, and the like. Various data to be used are stored.

  The RAM 203 functions as a main memory, work area, and the like for the CPU 201.

  The input controller 205 controls key input from an input device 209 such as a keyboard or a pointing device. The data input here includes various setting items for poster printing described later. The video controller 206 controls display on the display 210.

  The memory controller 207 is an external memory 211 such as a hard disk (HD) or floppy disk (FD) that stores a boot program, various applications, font data, user files, editing files, a printer control command generation program (hereinafter referred to as a printer driver), and the like. And control access.

  A communication I / F controller (communication I / FC) 208 is connected to and communicates with an external device such as the printing apparatus 102 via a network or the like, and executes communication control processing on the network.

  The CPU 201 executes, for example, an outline font development (rasterization) process on a display information area set on the RAM 203 so that the same image as the image to be printed can be displayed on the display 210. The CPU 201 opens various windows registered based on commands instructed by a mouse cursor (not shown) on the display 210, and executes various data processing. When executing printing, the user opens a window relating to print settings, and can set the print processing method for the printer driver including printer settings and print mode selection.

  The printing apparatus 102 is controlled by the CPU 301. The CPU 301 outputs an image signal as output information to the printing unit 310 connected to the system bus 304 via the printing unit I / F 306 based on a control program stored in the ROM 302 or a control program stored in the external memory 311. Is output.

  The ROM 302 stores a control program for the CPU 301 and the like. Further, the ROM 302 stores font data used when generating the output information. Further, in the case of a printing apparatus that does not have an external memory 311 such as a hard disk, information used on the information processing apparatus is stored. It is remembered.

  The CPU 301 can communicate with the information processing apparatus 101 via the input controller 305 and can notify the information processing apparatus 101 of information in the printing apparatus. A RAM 303 is a RAM that functions as a main memory, a work area, and the like of the CPU 301, and is configured such that the memory capacity can be expanded by an optional RAM connected to an expansion port (not shown). The RAM 303 is used as an output information expansion area, environment data storage area, NVRAM, and the like. Access to the external memory 311 such as the hard disk (HD) and IC card described above is controlled by the memory controller 307. The external memory 311 is connected as an option and stores font data, an emulation program, form data, and the like.

  Further, the external memory 311 described above is not limited to one, and a plurality of external memories 311 are provided, and a plurality of external memories storing an option card and a program for interpreting a printer control language having a different language system in addition to the built-in font can be connected. May be. Further, printer mode setting information from the operation panel 312 may be stored.

  FIG. 2 is an example of a configuration diagram of a typical print process in the information processing apparatus 101 to which the printing apparatus 102 such as a printer is directly connected or connected via a network.

  The application 251, the graphic engine 252, the printer driver 253, and the system spooler 254 exist as files stored in the external memory 211, and are loaded into the RAM 203 and executed by the OS and modules using the module when executed. It is a program module. The application 251 and printer driver 253 can be added to the HD of the external disk 211 via the FD of the external memory 211, a CD-ROM (not shown), or a network (not shown).

  The application 251 stored in the external memory 211 is loaded into the RAM 203 and executed. When printing is performed from the application 251 to the printing apparatus 102, the application 251 is similarly loaded into the RAM 203 and can be executed. The graphic engine 252 is used for output (drawing).

  Similarly, the graphic engine 252 loads the printer driver 253 prepared for each printing apparatus from the external memory 211 to the RAM 203, and converts the output of the application 251 into a printer control command using the printer driver 253. The converted printer control command is output to the printing apparatus 102 via the communication I / F controller 208 via the system spooler 254 loaded into the RAM 203 by the OS.

  Next, if one image does not fit on a single page, or if you want to enlarge the image and print it over multiple pages, use FIG. A state in which a plurality of sheets on which the partial images are printed is connected to create one printed matter (poster) will be described.

  In such poster printing, it is preferable to have an explanation notation that makes it easy to grasp the layout of each sheet (position of each partial image) when connecting a plurality of sheets. A description will be given of a method in which an explanation notation (description image) indicating the position of a partial image can be arranged so as not to be seen through the surface of the printed matter.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating processing until the information processing apparatus 101 according to the embodiment of the present invention performs a print instruction to the printing apparatus 102. FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of determining the number print area (description image print area). FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of determining the number print color (description image print color). The processing shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 3 to 5 is realized by the CPU 201 reading and executing the stored control program.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen configuration of a print setting screen 601 on which the poster print setting accepted by the information processing apparatus 101 in S301 of FIG. 3 can be performed. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining an example of number printing area division. FIG. 8 is an example of an image used for poster printing and a partial image generated from the image.

  In S301, the CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 101 receives a print instruction set via the print setting screen 601 as shown in FIG. The print setting screen 601 can accept various print condition settings, and can accept a poster print designation 603 in addition to the current size, output size, number of copies, and print orientation. Further, the division conditions at the time of poster printing, specifically, the vertical division number and horizontal division number as shown by 603 in FIG. 6, whether to print a boundary line, whether to provide a marginal area 604, each A setting 605 for whether or not to print a number that makes it easy to grasp the layout of the paper. If a number is printed, whether or not to print at a print position corresponding to the image, that is, a position that is not transparent when viewed from the front Settings 606 can be accepted.

  When the user performs an input operation of print conditions on the print setting screen 601 in a state where an image desired to be printed is specified, and presses OK while specifying poster printing, the information processing apparatus 101 displays the specified image as a poster. The process proceeds assuming that an instruction to print is received.

  In S302, the image received in S301 is divided based on the division condition received via the print setting screen 601 to generate a plurality of partial images. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, when a 2 × 2 division condition is specified, the division is performed in two vertically and two horizontally. Note that the partial images may be divided with the original image overlapped with a small area. Furthermore, the partial images may not be divided equally.

  In step S303, the CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 101 determines whether to provide a marginal area for the partial image. Specifically, if a check is made to provide a marginal area in the setting 604 of the print setting screen 601, it is determined that a marginal area is to be provided, and the process proceeds to S <b> 304.

  The processing from S304 to S311 loops by the number of divided partial images.

  In step S304, the CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 101 assigns a marginal area to the partial image as necessary. For example, when an image 801 as shown in FIG. 8A is divided as a 2 × 2 partial image and a margin area is added, a margin area is added to the partial images 811 to 813. However, since the partial image 814 is a partial image that is printed on a sheet that is pasted as the uppermost surface, a marginal area may not be provided. In that case, no number is assigned. Note that how to make a marginal area is not limited to the example of FIG.

  In S304, if the marginal area is L-shaped like the partial image 811, the average color of the image is calculated for either the vertically long area or the horizontally long area by the following process, and the brightness is calculated. However, for ease of viewing, only a horizontally long region may be assigned a number.

  In step S305, the CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 101 determines whether to assign a number to the marginal area. Specifically, when a check is made to print a number in the setting 605 of the print setting screen 601, it is determined that a number indicating the position of the partial image is given.

  In step S <b> 306, the CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 101 determines whether to print the number indicating the position of the partial image at a position corresponding to the image, i.e., a position that cannot be seen through from the surface even when printed on a thin paper sheet. to decide. Specifically, when the setting 605 of the print setting screen 601 is checked to print at a print position corresponding to the image, it is determined that a number is assigned to the position corresponding to the image. In addition, since it is necessary to arrange in such a position when printing on thin paper, whether to print in a position according to the image depends on the paper type selected in the print settings Automatic determination may be made accordingly.

  In step S307, the CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 101 determines a number printing area (details will be described later with reference to FIG. 4).

  After the number printing area is determined in S307, in S308, the CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 101 determines the number printing color (details will be described later with reference to FIG. 5). Note that the process of S308 is not an essential process in the present embodiment, and a preset color may be used as the print color. However, by using the color determined in S308, it is transparent when the sheet is thin. It can be further prevented from being seen.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S306 that printing is not performed at a position corresponding to the image, the process advances to step S309, and the CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 101 determines a predetermined position as a printing area for numbers. Further, in S310, the color for printing the number is determined as a predetermined color set in advance.

  In S <b> 311, the CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 101 arranges the number image at the position of the marginal area determined in S <b> 307 or S <b> 309 of the partial image, and generates partial image data of the partial image.

  In step S312, the CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 101 generates print data (CMYK) from the image data (RGB) and issues a print instruction to the printing apparatus. Thereby, each partial image is printed on a sheet by the printing apparatus 102. The user can create a poster composed of one image by connecting (pasteting) a plurality of sheets printed in this way.

  Next, the detailed flow of the number printing area in S307 of FIG. 3 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In S401, the marginal area is divided into a plurality of areas. As the dividing method, as shown in FIG. 7A, a marginal region 701 may be divided into a plurality of regions 702 without overlapping each other, or shifted by a predetermined amount as shown in FIG. 7B. However, the region 712 that partially overlaps may be specified, that is, the marginal region 701 may be divided by providing an overlapping region. Note that the width of the area divided here may be a width that can contain a number (description image) printed in the marginal area, but preferably corresponds to the number printed in the marginal area.

  In S402, the CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 101 calculates the average color of the image data positioned above the area divided in S401. Here, the image located on the upper side indicates an image of each area where the marginal area is divided when the user joins the sheets to create a poster, and when three or more sheets overlap each other, The image printed on the paper located in the uppermost surface is shown. The average value calculated here is specifically the following formulas (1) to (3), but the sum of the RGB values of each pixel included in the corresponding region. Divided by the number of pixels in that region (n).

  In S403, the CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 101 calculates the average brightness for each region based on the average value of RGB for each region calculated in S402. Specifically, it is as the following mathematical formula (4).

  Average brightness of area = (average color of area (R component) × 299) + (average color of area (G component) + (average color of area (B component) × 114) ÷ 1000 (4)

  Such lightness becomes lighter when printed on paper as the value becomes larger, and becomes darker when printed on paper as the value becomes smaller.

  In S <b> 404, the CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 101 specifies a number printing area from a plurality of areas into which the marginal area 701 is divided based on the brightness of each area calculated in S <b> 404. Specifically, as described above, the lower the lightness value, the darker the color that is printed. Therefore, by specifying the area with the lowest lightness as the number print area, even if it is a thin paper, dark printing is performed above the number. Since the objects are overlapped, it is possible to reduce that the numbers are seen through from the surface. When there are a plurality of regions having the same brightness, any region may be provided with a number.

  FIG. 8B shows an example in which each number is arranged and printed in the number printing area determined in S404. The partial images 811 to 813 having marginal areas in the paper on which the partial images are printed are numbered and printed. In the case of the partial image 811, the number 831 (1-1) is printed near the center of the marginal area 821, and the number 832 (1-2) is printed near the left side of the marginal area 822 of the partial image 812. In the case of 813, the number 831 (2-1) is printed near the upper right.

  Next, the detailed flow of number printing color determination in S308 of FIG. 3 will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, in S501, the CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 101 determines whether the average brightness in the number printing area specified in S404 is equal to or greater than a threshold value. As the threshold value, for example, 236000 can be used. If the average color is less than this threshold value, the user can visually recognize the average color as the print color of the number (description image). The average color of the area identified in S402 is determined. As a result, the characters are printed in almost the same color as the printed matter printed on the upper side, so that it is possible to further prevent the numbers from being seen through the surface.

  On the other hand, when the brightness is 236000 or more, the process proceeds to S502. Since the printing color having such brightness is a very light color, if the average color of the area is set as the printing color, the user may not be able to visually recognize it. Therefore, in such a case, a predetermined color having a low possibility of being seen from the surface while being a color that can be visually recognized by the user is determined as a print color. As the predetermined color shown here, for example, RGB (208, 208, 208) can be used.

  That is, in the present embodiment, the arrangement position of the explanation image such as a number is determined based on the brightness obtained from the average color of RGB. Then, by controlling so that a description image indicating the position of the partial image in the entire image is printed at the position, when a single poster is created by joining a plurality of sheets, the sheet thickness to be printed Even if it is thin, it is possible to prevent the number from being seen through from the surface as much as possible.

  In the present embodiment, the number is used as an example of the explanation image indicating the position of the partial image. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the character, figure, or symbol that allows the user to know the layout of the paper is used. May be.

  The present invention can be implemented as a system, apparatus, method, program, storage medium, or the like, and can be applied to a system including a plurality of devices. You may apply to the apparatus which consists of one apparatus.

  Note that the present invention includes a software program that implements the functions of the above-described embodiments directly or remotely from a system or apparatus. The present invention also includes a case where the information processing apparatus of the system or apparatus is achieved by reading and executing the supplied program code.

  Therefore, the program code itself installed in the information processing apparatus in order to realize the functional processing of the present invention with the information processing apparatus also realizes the present invention. In other words, the present invention includes a computer program itself for realizing the functional processing of the present invention.

  In that case, as long as it has the function of a program, it may be in the form of object code, a program executed by an interpreter, script data supplied to the OS, and the like.

  Examples of the recording medium for supplying the program include a flexible disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, MO, CD-ROM, CD-R, and CD-RW. In addition, there are magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, ROM, DVD (DVD-ROM, DVD-R), and the like.

  As another program supply method, a browser on a client computer is used to connect to an Internet home page. The computer program itself of the present invention or a compressed file including an automatic installation function can be downloaded from the homepage by downloading it to a recording medium such as a hard disk.

  It can also be realized by dividing the program code constituting the program of the present invention into a plurality of files and downloading each file from a different homepage. That is, the present invention also includes a WWW server that allows a plurality of users to download a program file for realizing the functional processing of the present invention with an information processing apparatus.

  In addition, the program of the present invention is encrypted, stored in a storage medium such as a CD-ROM, distributed to users, and key information for decryption is downloaded from a homepage via the Internet to users who have cleared predetermined conditions. Let The downloaded key information can be used to execute the encrypted program and install it in the information processing apparatus.

  Further, the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized by the information processing apparatus executing the read program. In addition, based on the instructions of the program, the OS or the like operating on the information processing apparatus performs part or all of the actual processing, and the functions of the above-described embodiments can be realized by the processing.

  Further, the program read from the recording medium is written in a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the information processing apparatus or a function expansion unit connected to the information processing apparatus. Thereafter, the CPU of the function expansion board or function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing based on the instructions of the program, and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.

  The above-described embodiments are merely examples of implementation in carrying out the present invention, and the technical scope of the present invention should not be construed as being limited thereto. That is, the present invention can be implemented in various forms without departing from the technical idea or the main features thereof.

101 Information processing apparatus 102 Printing apparatus

Claims (10)

An information processing apparatus capable of dividing an image by a predetermined number,
Determining means for determining the arrangement position of the description information to be arranged in the region for superimposing the plurality of divided divided images based on the color of the divided image overlapping the region;
Generating means for generating image data using the description information and the divided image arranged at the arrangement position determined by the determining means;
An information processing apparatus comprising:   The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the generation unit generates the image data corresponding to the number of the plurality of divided images. A calculation unit that calculates a value based on the color using the color included in the divided image that is on the upper side when superimposed on the region;
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the determining unit determines an arrangement position of the explanation information based on the value calculated by the calculating unit.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the determination unit determines a position of the region corresponding to a position of the divided image having the lowest brightness obtained from the value as an arrangement position of the explanation information. .   5. The information processing according to claim 3, further comprising color determination means for determining a color of the description information arranged in the area based on the value corresponding to the position determined by the determination means. apparatus.   The color determination means sets the color of the explanation information as the color corresponding to the value calculated by the calculation means when the brightness obtained from the value corresponding to the position determined by the determination means is greater than or equal to a threshold value. 6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein when the brightness is less than a threshold value, the color of the explanation information is a predetermined color that can be set in advance. The value, the information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that an average value of the color included in the divided image. The description information, the to superimpose the split images, according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that includes the information for describing the order in which each position or overlaying of the divided image Information processing device. An information processing apparatus control method capable of dividing an image by a predetermined number,
A determination step of determining the arrangement position of the description information to be arranged in the region for superimposing the plurality of divided divided images based on the color of the divided image overlapping the region;
A generation step of generating image data using the description information and the divided image arranged at the arrangement position determined in the determination step;
A method for controlling an information processing apparatus, comprising: The program for functioning a computer as each means of the information processing apparatus of any one of Claims 1 thru | or 8.

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