JP7087434B2 - Image processing equipment, printing system, printing equipment, image processing method and program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus, a printing system, a printing apparatus, an image processing method and a program.

A printing device that prints an image to be printed on a printing medium according to the movement of the device on the printing medium is known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a manual printing apparatus that prints on a recording medium by being manually scanned on the recording medium. Specifically, in the printing apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1, when the apparatus is manually scanned on the recording medium by the user, ink is ejected from the print head to the recording medium according to the amount of movement of the apparatus. Print by.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 10-35034

In the manual printing apparatus as described above, there is an upper limit to the length of an image that can be printed by one printing. Therefore, when the length of the printed image exceeds the upper limit and the user desires to print the printed image at one time, the printed image is appropriately corrected to keep the length of the printed image within the upper limit. Need to fit.

The present invention is for solving the above problems, and is an image processing device, a printing system, and a printing device capable of appropriately correcting a printed image when the length of the printed image exceeds the upper limit value. , It is an object of the present invention to provide an image processing method and a program.

In order to achieve the above object, the printing apparatus according to the present invention has a first printing accompanying a movement from one side to the other side in a predetermined direction, and a movement from the other side toward the one side. A printing device capable of the second printing associated with the above, wherein the length of the candidate image selected as the printing target in the first printing or the second printing in the predetermined direction is predetermined. When the threshold is exceeded, the print priority is set low among the plurality of sub-image areas in which the candidate images are divided so that the plurality of sub-image areas are arranged along the predetermined direction. When the length obtained by subtracting the length in the predetermined direction in the sub image region from the length in the predetermined direction in the candidate image is less than the threshold value, a part of the specific sub image region is from the candidate image. The correction means includes a correction means for generating a deleted correction image and a setting means for setting the correction image generated by the correction means as a print target in the first printing or the second printing. When deleting a part of the specific sub-image area, the area to be deleted is different between the first printing and the second printing so that the end side at the time of printing is preferentially deleted. It is characterized by that.
Further, the image processing apparatus according to the present invention is associated with the first printing associated with the movement from one side to the other side in a predetermined direction and the movement from the other side toward the one side. The second printing is an image processing device that sets an image to be printed by a printing device capable of printing, and the length in the predetermined direction of a candidate image selected as a printing target by the printing device is predetermined. The print priority is set to be lower among the plurality of sub-image areas in which the candidate images are divided so that the plurality of sub-image areas are arranged along the predetermined direction even when the threshold value is exceeded. When the length obtained by subtracting the length in the predetermined direction in the specific sub image region from the length in the predetermined direction in the candidate image is less than the threshold value, a part of the specific sub image region is the candidate image. The correction means includes a correction means for generating a correction image deleted from the printing device and a setting means for setting the correction image generated by the correction means as a print target in the printing apparatus, and the correction means has the specific sub-image area. When deleting a part of the above, the area to be deleted is different between the first printing and the second printing so that the end side at the time of printing is preferentially deleted. ..
Further, in the printing system according to the present invention, the first printing associated with the movement from one side to the other side in a predetermined direction and the first printing associated with the movement from the other side to the one side are accompanied. 2 A printing system including a printing device capable of printing and an image processing device for setting an image to be printed by the printing device, wherein the image processing device is a printing target of the printing device. When the length of the selected candidate image in the predetermined direction exceeds a predetermined threshold, the candidate image is divided so that a plurality of sub-image areas are arranged along the predetermined direction. Of the plurality of sub-image areas, the length obtained by subtracting the length in the predetermined direction in the specific sub-image area set to have a low print priority from the length in the predetermined direction in the candidate image is less than the threshold value. In this case, a correction means for generating a correction image in which a part of the specific sub-image area is deleted from the candidate image and a correction means generated by the correction means are set as printing targets in the printing apparatus. The first printing and the second printing are provided so that when the correction means deletes a part of the specific sub-image area, the rear end side at the time of printing is preferentially deleted. It is characterized in that the area to be deleted is different from that of printing.
Further, the image processing method according to the present invention is associated with the first printing associated with the movement from one side to the other side in a predetermined direction and the movement from the other side toward the one side. The second printing is an image processing method executed by an image processing device that sets an image to be printed by a printing device capable of printing, and is an image processing method in the predetermined direction in a candidate image selected as a printing target by the printing device. When the length exceeds a predetermined threshold, print priority is given to the plurality of sub-image areas in which the candidate images are divided so that the plurality of sub-image areas are arranged along the predetermined direction. When the length obtained by subtracting the length in the predetermined direction in the specific sub image region set to a low degree from the length in the predetermined direction in the candidate image is less than the threshold value, the specific sub image region The correction process includes a correction process for generating a correction image partially deleted from the candidate image and a setting process for setting the correction image generated by the correction process as a print target in the printing apparatus. When deleting a part of the specific sub-image area, the area to be deleted is different between the first printing and the second printing so that the end side at the time of printing is preferentially deleted. , Characterized by that.
Further, in the program according to the present invention, the first printing is accompanied by the movement from one side to the other side in a predetermined direction, and the second is accompanied by the movement from the other side to the one side. The computer of the image processing device that sets the image to be printed by the printing device capable of printing and printing, the length of the candidate image selected as the printing target by the printing device in the predetermined direction is a predetermined threshold value. Of the plurality of sub-image areas in which the candidate image is divided so that the plurality of sub-image areas are arranged along the predetermined direction, the specific sub in which the print priority is set to be low is set. When the length obtained by subtracting the length in the predetermined direction in the image area from the length in the predetermined direction in the candidate image is less than the threshold value, a part of the specific sub image area is deleted from the candidate image. It functions as a correction means for generating the corrected corrected image and a setting means for setting the corrected image generated by the correction means as a print target in the printing apparatus, and the correction means is a part of the specific sub-image area. When deleting, the area to be deleted is different between the first printing and the second printing so that the trailing side at the time of printing is preferentially deleted.

According to the present invention, when the length of the printed image exceeds the upper limit value, the printed image can be appropriately corrected.

It is a figure which shows the whole structure of the printing system which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the hardware composition of the image processing apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a figure which shows the example which the printing apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1 performs printing on a printing medium. It is a block diagram which shows the hardware composition of the printing apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the functional structure of the printing system which concerns on Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of the printed image in Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a figure which shows the 1st example in which a printed image is corrected in Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a figure which shows the 2nd example in which a printed image is corrected in Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a figure which shows the 3rd example in which a printed image is corrected in Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a figure which shows the 4th example in which a printed image is corrected in Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of the preview screen in Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a sequence diagram which shows the flow of the process executed in the printing system which concerns on Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the correction process executed by the image processing apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the functional structure of the printing apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the 1st example in which a printed image is corrected in the modification of this invention. It is a figure which shows the 2nd example in which a printed image is corrected in the modification of this invention.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The same or corresponding parts in the figure are designated by the same reference numerals.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 shows the overall configuration of the printing system 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the printing system 1 includes an image processing device 2 and a printing device 3. The image processing device 2 and the printing device 3 are communicably connected via wireless or wired communication.

The image processing device 2 is a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a personal computer, or the like, and is a terminal device operated by a user. As shown in FIG. 2, the image processing device 2 includes a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, an input unit 23, a display unit 24, and a communication unit 25.

The control unit 21 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), and a RAM (Random Access Memory). The CPU is, for example, a microprocessor or the like, and is a central processing unit that executes various processes and operations. In the control unit 21, the CPU is connected to each unit of the printing device 3 via the system bus, reads the control program stored in the ROM, and uses the RAM as the work memory of the entire image processing device 2. Control the operation.

The storage unit 22 is a non-volatile memory such as a flash memory or a hard disk. The storage unit 22 stores programs and data used by the control unit 21 to perform various processes, including an OS (Operating System) and an application program. Further, the storage unit 22 stores data generated or acquired by the control unit 21 performing various processes.

The input unit 23 includes input devices such as input keys, buttons, switches, touch pads, and touch panels. The input unit 23 functions as an input means for receiving an operation instruction input from the user. When the input unit 23 receives an operation instruction from the user, the input unit 23 transmits the received operation instruction to the control unit 21.

The display unit 24 includes display devices such as a liquid crystal display and an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display. The display unit 24 is driven by a display drive circuit (not shown) and functions as a display means for displaying various images according to the situation. The display unit 24 may be arranged so as to overlap the input unit 23, and the display unit 24 and the input unit 23 may form a so-called touch panel (touch screen).

The communication unit 25 includes an interface for communicating with an external device via an antenna (not shown) under the control of the control unit 21. The communication unit 25 communicates with the printing device 3 via, for example, a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) such as USB (Universal Serial Bus) or Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity), Bluetooth (registered trademark), or the like. Further, the communication unit 25 can be connected to a wide area network such as the Internet via wired or wireless communication.

Returning to FIG. 1, the printing device 3 is, for example, a printer capable of printing an image to be printed on a printing medium by being held by a user and slid on the printing medium. Such a manual scanning printer is called a handy printer, a direct printer, or the like.

FIG. 3 shows an example of printing a character string of “ABC 1234” as an image to be printed on a print medium 10 using a printing device 3. In FIG. 3, the X direction corresponds to the width direction of the printing device 3, the Y direction corresponds to the moving direction (scanning direction) of the printing device 3, and the Z direction is perpendicular to the printing surface of the printing medium 10. Corresponds to the vertical direction. The X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction are orthogonal to each other. The same applies to the following figures.

As shown in FIG. 3, at the time of printing, the user grips the housing of the printing device 3 and scans the printing device 3 in the Y direction while bringing the bottom surface of the printing device 3 into contact with the printing medium 10. The printing device 3 detects the movement of its own device on the printing medium 10, and applies ink to the surface of the printing medium 10 in accordance with the detected movement. As a result, the image to be printed is printed on the print medium 10.

Here, the print medium 10 is, for example, printing paper, a label, corrugated cardboard, or the like. The material of the print medium 10 is not limited to paper, but may be, for example, a film, a chemical fiber, a resin, a metal, or the like, and may be any material to which ink can be attached. Is also good. The image to be printed is an image drawn on the print medium 10 at the time of printing, and is, for example, characters, figures, symbols, patterns, patterns, and the like. The image to be printed is also referred to as a printed image, a print pattern, or the like.

As shown in FIG. 4, the printing device 3 includes a control unit 31, a storage unit 32, a user interface 33, a power supply unit 34, a communication unit 35, a movement detection unit 36, a print control unit 37, and printing. A head (printing unit) 38 is provided.

The control unit 31 includes a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM. The CPU is, for example, a microprocessor or the like, and is a central processing unit that executes various processes and operations. In the control unit 31, the CPU is connected to each unit of the printing device 3 via the system bus, reads the control program stored in the ROM, and operates the entire printing device 3 while using the RAM as the work memory. To control.

The storage unit 32 is a non-volatile memory such as a flash memory or a hard disk. The storage unit 32 stores programs and data used by the control unit 31 to perform various processes. For example, the storage unit 32 stores display and print data such as characters, symbols, pictograms, and the like, and a table in which various settings in printing are defined. Further, the storage unit 32 stores data generated or acquired by the control unit 31 performing various processes.

The user interface 33 includes, for example, an input receiving unit such as an input key, a button, a switch, a touch pad, and a touch panel, and a display unit such as a liquid crystal panel and an LED (Light Emitting Diode). The user interface 33 receives various operation instructions from the user via the input unit, and transmits the received operation instructions to the control unit 31. Further, the user interface 33 acquires various information from the control unit 31 and displays an image showing the acquired information on the display unit.

The power supply unit 34 includes a battery and a voltage detector, and creates and supplies the power supply necessary for the operation of the printing device 3 to each unit.

The communication unit 35 includes an interface for the printing device 3 to communicate with an external device. The communication unit 35 communicates with the image processing device 2 via, for example, a wireless LAN such as USB or Wi-Fi, Bluetooth (registered trademark), or the like. Under the control of the control unit 31, the communication unit 35 acquires various data including print data from the image processing device 2 via such wired or wireless communication.

The movement detection unit 36 is provided at the lower part of the printing device 3 and detects the movement of the printing device 3 when the printing device 3 moves on the printing medium 10. Specifically, the movement detection unit 36 includes a light emitting unit such as an LED that emits light toward the surface of the print medium 10, and an optical sensor that reads light emitted from the light emitting unit and reflected on the surface of the print medium 10. , Equipped with. The movement detection unit 36 reads the light emitted from the light emitting unit by an optical sensor, and detects the movement amount and the movement direction of the printing device 3 based on the change in the read light. The movement detection unit 36 functions as a movement detection means.

The print control unit 37 controls the ejection of ink from the print head 38 during printing. Specifically, when the movement detection unit 36 detects the movement of the printing device 3, the print control unit 37 prints the contents of the print data stored in the RAM in accordance with the detected movement of the print head 38. Output to. Then, the print control unit 37 controls the energizing dots of the print head 38 and ejects ink from the print head 38.

The printing unit (printing head) 38 is a printing mechanism that executes printing by applying ink to the surface of the printing medium 10. The printing unit 38 atomizes the ink filled in the ink tank and prints on the surface of the printing medium 10 by an inkjet method in which the ink is directly sprayed onto the printing medium 10. The printing unit 38 functions as a printing means.

As an example, the printing unit 38 ejects ink by a thermal method. Specifically, in the printing unit 38, a plurality of nozzles are arranged along the main scanning direction (X direction) and the sub scanning direction (Y direction). The ink in the plurality of nozzles is heated by a heater to generate bubbles, and the generated bubbles eject ink from each of the plurality of nozzles toward the print medium 10 (vertically downward). By such a principle, the printing unit 38 prints on the surface of the printing medium 10.

Next, the functional configuration of the printing system 1 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 5, the image processing device 2 functionally includes a print image generation unit 210, a print direction setting unit 220, a determination unit 230, a priority setting unit 240, a correction unit 250, and a preview unit. A 260 and a transmission unit 270 are provided. In the control unit 21, the CPU reads the program stored in the ROM into the RAM and executes it, thereby functioning as each of these units.

The print image generation unit 210 generates a print image. The printed image is an image for the user to print on the surface of the printing medium 10 by the printing device 3. The user can generate a desired print image via an image generation application program pre-installed in the image processing device 2.

FIG. 6 shows an example of the print image 100 generated by the print image generation unit 210. As shown in FIG. 6, the printed image 100 is an image in which two types of images, a left image 110 located in the left area and a right image 120 located in the right area, are combined. Specifically, the left image 110 is an image (text image) representing the text of "ABC 1234", and the right image 120 is an image (picture image) representing a pattern periodically repeated in the longitudinal direction. ..

The print image generation unit 210 receives a text input from the user via the input unit 23 to generate an image representing the text such as the left image 110. Further, the print image generation unit 210 receives the designation of the pattern from the user via the input unit 23, and thereby generates an image representing the pattern such as the right image 120. Then, the print image generation unit 210 generates the print image 100 by combining the generated left image 110 and the right image 120 according to the instruction input from the user.

The print image generation unit 210 is not limited to the text or pattern as shown in FIG. 6, and can generate the print image 100 by freely combining arbitrary texts, patterns, photographs, figures, patterns, and the like. The printed image 100 is preview-displayed on the display unit 24 as needed. The user can generate and edit a desired printed image 100 while looking at the display unit 24. The print image generation unit 210 is realized by the control unit 21 cooperating with the input unit 23 and the display unit 24. The print image generation unit 210 functions as a print image generation means.

Returning to FIG. 5, the print direction setting unit 220 sets the print direction of the print image 100. The printing direction is the direction in which the printed image 100 is printed by the printing apparatus 3. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the printed image 100 is printed from the left side to the right side in the longitudinal direction or from the right side to the left side when printed by the printing device 3. Therefore, the print direction setting unit 220 sets the print direction of the print image 100 from the left side to the right side depending on whether the print image 100 is printed from the left side to the right side or from the right side to the left side. Set to either the direction to or the direction from the right side to the left side.

The printing direction changes according to the moving direction (scanning direction) of the printing device 3 when the printing device 3 prints the printed image 100. Specifically, when the user prints the printed image 100 while scanning the printing device 3 on the printing medium 10 from left to right, the printing direction is from the left side to the right side in the longitudinal direction of the printed image 100. Corresponds to the direction. On the other hand, when the user prints the printed image 100 while scanning the printing device 3 on the printing medium 10 from right to left, the printing direction is the direction from the right side to the left side in the longitudinal direction of the printed image 100. Corresponds to.

The print direction can be set individually for each print image 100 or collectively for a plurality of print images 100 by the user operating the input unit 23. Alternatively, the printing direction may be set according to the moving direction set in the printing device 3. Specifically, in the printing device 3, for example, by pressing a button provided as a user interface 33, it is possible to switch whether to scan the printing device 3 from left to right or from right to left at the time of printing. can. Then, the print direction setting unit 220 acquires the movement direction set in the printing device 3 via the communication unit 25, and sets the print direction according to the acquired movement direction. The print direction setting unit 220 is realized by the control unit 21 cooperating with the input unit 23 or the communication unit 25. The print direction setting unit 220 functions as a print direction setting means.

The determination unit 230 determines whether or not the length of the printed image 100 in the printing direction exceeds the printable upper limit value. Specifically, the upper limit value corresponds to the maximum value (maximum print length) of the length of the image that can be printed by the printing device 3. The capacity of the RAM in which the print data is held in the printing device 3 is limited, and the length of the image that can be printed in one scan is limited due to the processing time for generating the print data.

Therefore, if the length of the printed image 100 is within the upper limit, the entire printed image 100 can be printed in one scan, but if the length of the printed image 100 exceeds the upper limit, printing can be performed. It is not possible to print all of the image 100 in one scan. Further, since the width of the display frame of the display unit 24 also has an upper limit value, if the length of the print image 100 is too long, it is difficult to fit the print image 100 in the display frame of the display unit 24 when preview-displaying the print image 100. Become. As described above, when printing the printed image 100 having a length exceeding the upper limit value, it is necessary to correct the printed image 100 so that the length is within the upper limit value.

The determination unit 230 is an image in which the print image 100 generated by the print image generation unit 210 needs to correct the length by comparing the length of the print image 100 with a preset upper limit value. Judge whether or not. The determination unit 230 is realized by the control unit 21. The determination unit 230 functions as a determination means.

The priority setting unit 240 sets the priority for each of the images in the plurality of areas in the print image 100. The priority is the priority of which region of the images in the plurality of regions in the print image 100 is to be printed without correction when the length of the print image 100 exceeds the upper limit value. It is an index to show. When the image in the first region in the print image 100 has a higher print priority than the image in the second region, the image in the first region is printed with priority over the image in the second region. To. Therefore, in this case, the correction unit 250, which will be described later, corrects the image in the second region with priority over the image in the first region. That is, a high print priority corresponds to a low correction priority.

For example, in the printed image 100 shown in FIG. 6, different priorities can be set for the left image 110 and the right image 120. Specifically, if it is desired to preferentially print the left image 110 representing the text, the user sets the priority of the left image 110 higher than the priority of the right image 120 via the input unit 23. Set. On the other hand, when it is desired to preferentially print the right image 120 representing the pattern, the user sets the priority of the right image 120 higher than the priority of the left image 110 via the input unit 23. do.

The priority setting unit 240 sets the priority for the image in each area in the print image 100 according to the instruction input from the user in this way. The priority setting unit 240 is realized by the control unit 21 cooperating with the input unit 23. The priority setting unit 240 functions as a priority setting means.

When the determination unit 230 determines that the length of the print image 100 exceeds the upper limit value, the correction unit 250 is arranged in the print direction in the print image 100, and the print priority is set. By correcting the image having a low print priority among the images in the above, the print image 100 is corrected so that the length is within the upper limit value. As described above, when the length of the printed image 100 exceeds the upper limit value, an area that cannot be printed by one scan is generated. Therefore, the correction unit 250 determines which portion of the printed image 100 to be left for printing with reference to the print priority set by the priority setting unit 240. The correction unit 250 is realized by the control unit 21. The correction unit 250 functions as a correction means.

Specifically, the correction unit 250 has a first image arranged on the first side in the print direction in the print image 100 and a second image opposite to the first side in the print direction in the print image 100. The second image arranged on the side of 2 and the image having the lower print priority set by the priority setting unit 240 are corrected. The first side and the second side in the printing direction correspond to the left side or the right side of the printed image 100 in the example of the printed image 100 shown in FIG. That is, the first image and the second image are one and the other of the left image 110 and the right image 120, respectively. The correction unit 250 is the image of the left side image 110 and the right side image 120 in the print image 100, whichever has the lower print priority set by the priority setting unit 240, that is, the one with the higher correction priority. Correct the image.

When the printing direction is from the first side to the second side, the correction unit 250 has a second image if the first image has a higher printing priority than the second image. If the second image has a higher printing priority than the first image, the first image is corrected. Then, when the printing direction is from the first side to the second side, the correction unit 250 prints by deleting a part of the second side of the image having the lower printing priority. Correct the image 100. The same applies to the case where the first side and the second side are reversed. Hereinafter, the process of correcting the printed image 100 by the correction unit 250 will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 10.

First, in FIG. 7, correction of the printed image 100 when the printing direction is from the left side to the right side and the left side image 110 has a higher printing priority than the right side image 120. An example is shown. In this case, the correction unit 250 corrects the printed image 100 by deleting a part of the right image 120 having a relatively low print priority.

Specifically, in order to correct the printed image 100 to an image whose length is within the upper limit value, the correction unit 250 first selects the left image 110 having a relatively high printing priority. Next, when the left image 110 alone has a margin up to the upper limit, that is, when the length of the left image 110 is shorter than the upper limit, the correction unit 250 performs the left image in order from the left portion of the right image 120. Select until the total length with 110 reaches the upper limit.

When a part of the right image 120 is selected in this way, the correction unit 250 lengthens the image of the unselected part of the right image 120, specifically the shaded portion in FIG. Delete as a non-printable part because the value exceeds the upper limit. Then, the correction unit 250 connects the undeleted portion of the printed image 100, that is, the entire left image 110 and the left portion of the right image 120. As a result, the corrected image 130 shown on the lower side of FIG. 7 is generated.

Secondly, FIG. 8 shows the correction of the printed image 100 when the printing direction is from the left side to the right side and the right side image 120 has a higher printing priority than the left side image 110. An example is shown. In this case, the correction unit 250 corrects the printed image 100 by deleting a part of the left image 110 having a relatively low print priority.

Specifically, the correction unit 250 first selects the right image 120, which has a relatively high print priority, in order to correct the printed image 100 to an image whose length is within the upper limit value. Next, when the right image 120 alone has a margin up to the upper limit, that is, when the length of the right image 120 is shorter than the upper limit, the correction unit 250 performs the right image in order from the left portion of the left image 110. Select until the total length with 120 reaches the upper limit.

When a part of the left image 110 is selected in this way, the correction unit 250 lengthens the image of the unselected part of the left image 110, specifically the shaded portion in FIG. Delete as a non-printable part because the value exceeds the upper limit. Then, the correction unit 250 connects the undeleted portion of the printed image 100, that is, the entire right image 120 and the left portion of the left image 110. As a result, the corrected image 140 shown on the lower side of FIG. 8 is generated.

Third, FIG. 9 shows the correction of the printed image 100 when the printing direction is from the right side to the left side and the right side image 120 has a higher printing priority than the left side image 110. An example is shown. In this case, the correction unit 250 corrects the printed image 100 by deleting a part of the left image 110 having a relatively low print priority.

Specifically, the correction unit 250 first selects the right image 120, which has a relatively high print priority, in order to correct the printed image 100 to an image whose length is within the upper limit value. Next, when the right image 120 alone has a margin up to the upper limit, that is, when the length of the right image 120 is shorter than the upper limit, the correction unit 250 performs the right image in order from the right portion of the left image 110. Select until the total length with 120 reaches the upper limit.

When a part of the left image 110 is selected in this way, the correction unit 250 lengthens the image of the unselected part of the left image 110, specifically the shaded portion in FIG. Delete as a non-printable part because the value exceeds the upper limit. Then, the correction unit 250 connects the undeleted portion of the printed image 100, that is, the entire right image 120 and the right part of the left image 110. As a result, the corrected image 150 shown on the lower side of FIG. 9 is generated.

Fourth, in FIG. 10, correction of the printed image 100 when the printing direction is from the right side to the left side and the left side image 110 has a higher printing priority than the right side image 120. An example is shown. In this case, the correction unit 250 corrects the printed image 100 by deleting a part of the right image 120 having a relatively low print priority.

Specifically, in order to correct the printed image 100 to an image whose length is within the upper limit value, the correction unit 250 first selects the left image 110 having a relatively high printing priority. Next, when the left side image 110 alone has a margin up to the upper limit value, that is, when the length of the left side image 110 is shorter than the upper limit value, the correction unit 250 performs the left side image in order from the right side portion of the right side image 120. Select until the total length with 110 reaches the upper limit.

When a part of the right image 120 is selected in this way, the correction unit 250 lengthens the image of the unselected part of the right image 120, specifically the shaded portion in FIG. Delete as a non-printable part because the value exceeds the upper limit. Then, the correction unit 250 connects the undeleted portion of the printed image 100, that is, the entire left image 110 and the right part of the right image 120. As a result, the corrected image 160 shown on the lower side of FIG. 10 is generated.

As described above, the correction unit 250 deletes a part of the image having the lower print priority, and combines the remaining part without being deleted with the image having the higher print priority to print the image. Correct 100. At that time, the correction unit 250 corrects the image of the left side image 110 and the right side image 120 in the printed image 100, whichever has the lower printing priority, regardless of which is the printing direction. On the other hand, when correcting the image having the lower print priority, the correction unit 250 deletes the portion to be printed later and leaves the portion to be printed first with priority. That is, the correction unit 250 changes the portion to be deleted according to the printing direction. In this way, the correction unit 250 corrects the printed image 100 so that the length thereof is within the upper limit value in consideration of both the priority set for the image and the printing direction.

Further, when the printing direction is from the first side to the second side, the correction unit 250 has a second image if the first image and the second image have the same printing priority. Correct the image of. The case where the print priorities are the same is specifically a case where the same priority is set for each image in the print image 100, that is, a case where the user does not make a difference in the print priority. .. Further, the present invention is not limited to this, and when the print priority is the same, the case where the print priority is not set for each image in the print image 100 is included in the first place. When there is no difference in the priority of each image in the printed image 100 in this way, the correction unit 250 corrects the printed image 100 based only on the printing direction.

Specifically, when the printed image 100 is printed from the left side to the right side, if the priority is the same between the left side image 110 and the right side image 120, the correction unit 250 is on the right side as in FIG. The corrected image 130 is generated from the printed image 100 by deleting a part on the right side of the image 120. On the other hand, when the printed image 100 is printed from the right side to the left side, if the priority is the same between the left side image 110 and the right side image 120, the correction unit 250 will perform the left side image as in FIG. The corrected image 150 is generated from the printed image 100 by deleting a part on the left side of the 110. By correcting the print image 100 based on the print direction in this way, it becomes possible to print the print image 100 in order without missing the middle of the print image 100 from the print start position to the upper limit value.

Returning to FIG. 5, the preview unit 260 displays the printed image 100 corrected by the correction unit 250 on the display unit 24 prior to the print image 100 being printed by the printing device 3. More specifically, when the correction unit 250 corrects the printed image 100 to generate, for example, any of the correction images 130 to 160 shown in FIGS. 7 to 10, the preview unit 260 generates the correction. The images 130 to 160 are preview-displayed on the display unit 24.

FIG. 11 shows an example of the preview screen displayed on the display unit 24 when the correction unit 250 corrects the printed image 100 to generate the corrected image 130 shown in FIG. 7. By looking at the corrected image 130 displayed on the preview screen as shown in FIG. 11, the user can confirm how the printed image 100 is corrected and printed before printing. The preview unit 260 is realized by the control unit 21 cooperating with the display unit 24. The preview unit 260 functions as a preview means.

When the corrected image 130 is displayed on the display unit 24, the preview unit 260 displays a message such as "The printed image is corrected as described above. Is it okay to print?" As shown in FIG. 11, for example. indicate. As a result, the preview unit 260 prompts the user to instruct whether or not to print the displayed corrected image 130 by the printing device 3. When the user desires to print the displayed corrected image by the printing device 3 as a result of confirming the corrected image 130 on such a preview screen, the user can input a print instruction via the input unit 23. Alternatively, if the user does not want to print the displayed corrected image 130, he / she can return to the screen for editing the printed image 100 and modify the printed image 100. The preview unit 260 receives an instruction as to whether or not to print the corrected image 130 input from the user in this way.

Returning to FIG. 5, the transmission unit 270 transmits the print image 100 corrected by the correction unit 250 to the printing device 3. Specifically, when an input of a print instruction is received from a user who has confirmed the corrected image previewed on the display unit 24, the transmission unit 270 communicates with the printing device 3 via the communication unit 25 and issues a print instruction. Image data indicating the received corrected image is transmitted to the printing device 3. At this time, the transmission unit 270 transmits a print command to the printing device 3 together with the image data, and causes the printing device 3 to print the corrected image. The transmission unit 270 is realized by the control unit 21 cooperating with the communication unit 25. The transmission unit 270 functions as a transmission means.

As shown in FIG. 5, the printing device 3 functionally includes a receiving unit 310 and a printing executing unit 320. In the control unit 31, the CPU reads the program stored in the ROM into the RAM and executes it, thereby functioning as each of these units.

The receiving unit 310 receives the image data transmitted from the image processing device 2. Specifically, the receiving unit 310 communicates with the image processing device 2 via the communication unit 35. Then, when the image data and the print command are transmitted from the image processing device 2, the receiving unit 310 receives the transmitted image data and the print command. The receiving unit 310 is realized by the control unit 31 cooperating with the communication unit 35. The receiving unit 310 functions as a receiving means.

The print execution unit 320 executes printing according to the image data received by the reception unit 310. Specifically, when the movement detection unit 36 detects the movement by the user moving the printing device 3 on the print medium 10, the print execution unit 320 has a print head in accordance with the movement of the detected printing device 3. Ink is ejected from 38, and the corrected image indicated by the received image data is printed on the print medium 10.

In this way, the user can print the printed image 100 corrected by the image processing apparatus 2 so that the length in the printing direction is within the upper limit value on the print medium 10. The print execution unit 320 is realized by the control unit 31 cooperating with the movement detection unit 36, the print control unit 37, and the print head (print unit) 38. The print execution unit 320 functions as a print execution means.

The flow of processing executed in the printing system 1 configured as described above will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13.

FIG. 12 shows the flow of printing processing executed between the image processing device 2 and the printing device 3. The printing process shown in FIG. 12 starts when the user operates the input unit 23 of the image processing device 2 and inputs an instruction to print a desired image as a printing target.

When the print process shown in FIG. 12 is started, the control unit 21 functions as the print image generation unit 210 in the image processing device 2 to generate the print image 100 (step S1). Specifically, the control unit 21 combines the left side image 110 representing the text and the right side image 120 representing the pattern, as shown in FIG. 6, for example, according to the instruction input from the user via the input unit 23. The printed image 100 is generated.

When the print image 100 is generated, the control unit 21 functions as the priority setting unit 240 and the print direction setting unit 220, and sets the print priority and the print direction for the generated print image 100 (step S2). .. Specifically, the control unit 21 gives priority to indicate which of the plurality of images in the print image 100 is preferentially printed when the length of the print image 100 exceeds the upper limit value. The degree is set according to the instruction input from the user via the input unit 23. Further, the control unit 21 determines from the user whether the printed image 100 is printed from left to right or from right to left by the printing device 3 as the printing direction from the user via the input unit 23. Set according to the instructions entered in.

If the print image 100 is generated in advance before the print process shown in FIG. 12 is started, and the priority and the print direction are set for the print image 100, steps S1 and S2 are performed. Processing can be omitted.

When the priority and the print direction are set, the control unit 21 functions as the determination unit 230 and determines whether or not the length of the print image 100 exceeds the upper limit value (step S3). Specifically, the control unit 21 compares the length of the printed image 100 generated in step S1 in the printing direction with the upper limit of the length of the image that can be printed by the printing device 3. Then, the control unit 21 determines whether or not the length of the printed image 100 exceeds the upper limit value, in other words, whether or not the entire printed image 100 can be printed in one scan.

When it is determined that the length of the printed image 100 exceeds the upper limit value (step S3; YES), the control unit 21 functions as the correction unit 250 and corrects the printed image 100 (step S4). The details of the correction process of the printed image 100 in step S4 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

When the correction process shown in FIG. 13 is started, the control unit 21 first determines the printing direction (step S41). Specifically, the control unit 21 determines whether the print direction of the print image 100 set in step S2 is the direction from left to right or the direction from right to left.

As a result of the determination, when the printing direction is from left to right (step S41; left to right), the control unit 21 determines whether or not to give priority to the left image 110 of the printed images 100 (step). S42). Specifically, the control unit 21 refers to the priority set in step S2 and determines whether or not the print priority is set higher for the left image 110 than for the right image 120.

When giving priority to the left image 110 (step S42; YES), the control unit 21 deletes a part of the printed image 100 on the right side of the right image 120 (step S43). Specifically, the control unit 21 selects the entire left image 110 and the left part of the right image 120 as the portion of the printed image 100 whose length falls within the upper limit. Then, the correction unit 250 generates, for example, the correction image 130 shown in FIG. 7 by deleting a part of the right side image 120 that has not been selected from the print image 100.

On the other hand, when the left image 110 is not prioritized (step S42; NO), the control unit 21 determines whether or not to prioritize the right image 120 of the printed images 100 (step S44). Specifically, the control unit 21 refers to the priority set in step S2 and determines whether or not the print priority is set higher for the right image 120 than for the left image 110.

When giving priority to the right image 120 (step S44; YES), the control unit 21 deletes a part of the printed image 100 on the right side of the left image 110 (step S45). Specifically, the control unit 21 selects the entire right image 120 and the left part of the left image 110 as the portion of the printed image 100 whose length falls within the upper limit. Then, the correction unit 250 generates, for example, the correction image 140 shown in FIG. 8 by deleting the unselected portion of the left image 110 from the print image 100.

On the other hand, when the right image 120 is not prioritized (step S44; NO), the control unit 21 shifts the process to step S43. That is, in the case where the printing direction is from left to right, if different priorities are not set for the left image 110 and the right image 120, the control unit 21 gives priority to the left image 110, as in the case of giving priority to the left image 110. , The printed image 100 is corrected by deleting a part of the right side of the right image 120.

As a result of the determination in step S41, when the printing direction is from right to left (step S41; right to left), the control unit 21 determines whether or not to give priority to the right image 120 of the printed images 100. Determination (step S46). Specifically, the control unit 21 refers to the priority set in step S2 and determines whether or not the print priority is set higher for the right image 120 than for the left image 110.

When giving priority to the right side image 120 (step S46; YES), the control unit 21 deletes a part of the left side of the left side image 110 in the printed image 100 (step S47). Specifically, the control unit 21 selects the entire right image 120 and the right part of the left image 110 as the portion of the printed image 100 whose length falls within the upper limit. Then, the correction unit 250 generates, for example, the correction image 150 shown in FIG. 9 by deleting the unselected portion of the left image 110 from the print image 100.

On the other hand, when the right image 120 is not prioritized (step S46; NO), the control unit 21 determines whether or not to prioritize the left image 110 of the printed images 100 (step S48). Specifically, the control unit 21 refers to the priority set in step S2 and determines whether or not the print priority is set higher for the left image 110 than for the right image 120.

When giving priority to the left image 110 (step S48; YES), the control unit 21 deletes a part of the printed image 100 on the left side of the right image 120 (step S49). Specifically, the control unit 21 selects the entire left image 110 and the right part of the right image 120 as the portion of the printed image 100 whose length falls within the upper limit. Then, the correction unit 250 generates, for example, the correction image 160 shown in FIG. 10 by deleting the unselected portion of the right image 120 from the print image 100.

On the other hand, when the left image 110 is not prioritized (step S48; NO), the control unit 21 shifts the process to step S47. That is, in the case where the printing direction is from right to left, if different priorities are not set for the left image 110 and the right image 120, the control unit 21 gives priority to the right image 120, as in the case of giving priority to the right image 120. , The printed image 100 is corrected by deleting a part of the left side of the left image 110. When the print image 100 is corrected in this way, the control unit 21 ends the correction process of the print image 100 shown in FIG.

Returning to FIG. 12, when the printed image 100 is corrected in step S4, the control unit 21 functions as the preview unit 260 and displays the corrected printed image 100 in preview (step S5). Specifically, when the corrected image 130 shown in FIG. 7, for example, is obtained by correcting the printed image 100, the control unit 21 causes the display unit 24 to display the preview screen shown in FIG. As a result, the user is made to confirm the corrected image 130 before printing the corrected image 130 obtained by the correction process in step S4 by the printing apparatus 3.

If it is determined in step S3 that the length of the printed image 100 does not exceed the upper limit value (step S3; NO), it is not necessary to correct the printed image 100. Therefore, the control unit 21 skips the correction process of the printed image 100 in step S4. In this case, the control unit 21 previews and displays the uncorrected print image 100 in step S5.

When the print image 100 is preview-displayed, the control unit 21 determines whether or not a print instruction has been received from the user (step S6). Specifically, the control unit 21 instructs the user who has confirmed the preview screen whether or not to actually print the print image 100 or the corrected images 130 to 160 preview-displayed on the display unit 24 on the printing device 3. Wait for.

When the print instruction is received (step S6; YES), the control unit 21 functions as the transmission unit 270 and transmits the image data indicating the preview-displayed print image 100 or the corrected images 130 to 160 to the printing device 3 (step S6; YES). Step S7). When the image data is transmitted from the image processing device 2, in the printing device 3, the control unit 31 functions as a receiving unit 310 and receives the transmitted image data.

On the other hand, when the print instruction is not accepted (step S6; NO), the control unit 21 skips the image data transmission process in step S6. In this case, the printing process shown in FIG. 12 ends without executing printing on the printing device 3.

Upon receiving the image data in the printing device 3, the control unit 31 functions as the print execution unit 320 and executes printing (step S8). Specifically, the control unit 31 ejects ink from the print head 38 in accordance with the movement of the printing device 3 detected by the movement detection unit 36, whereby the printed image 100 or the correction indicated by the received image data is corrected. Images 130 to 160 are printed on the print medium 10. When the printed image 100 or the corrected images 130 to 160 are printed, the processing of the printing system 1 shown in FIG. 12 ends.

As described above, the image processing apparatus 2 according to the first embodiment determines whether or not the length of the printed image 100 in the printing direction exceeds the upper limit value, and when the length exceeds the upper limit value. , The printed image 100 is corrected so that the length is within the upper limit value. At that time, the image processing device 2 corrects the printed image 100 based on the preset priority and the printing direction, thereby correcting the portion of the printed image 100 that is relatively less important. Parts of relatively high importance can be left uncorrected. As a result, the printed image 100 having a length exceeding the upper limit value can be appropriately corrected according to the user's request, a situation, and the like, and an image having a printable length can be obtained by one scanning.

(Embodiment 2)
Next, the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the first embodiment, the image processing device 2 and the printing device 3 are separate devices, and the printing device 3 receives the printed image 100 corrected by the image processing device 2 and executes printing. On the other hand, in the second embodiment, the printing device 3a has the functions provided in the image processing device 2 according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 14 shows a functional configuration of the printing apparatus 3a according to the second embodiment. Similar to the first embodiment, the printing device 3a according to the second embodiment can print an image to be printed on the printing medium 10 by being held by the user and slid on the printing medium 10. It is a manual scanning type printer. The printing apparatus 3a has the same hardware configuration as the printing apparatus 3 shown in FIG. Hereinafter, description of the same configuration and function as in the first embodiment will be omitted as appropriate.

As shown in FIG. 14, the printing device 3a includes an image processing device 2a and a printing execution unit 320. Here, the image processing device 2a functionally includes a print image generation unit 210, a print direction setting unit 220, a determination unit 230, a priority setting unit 240, a correction unit 250, and a preview unit 260. Be prepared. The functions of these parts in the image processing device 2a are the same as the functions of the parts provided in the image processing device 2 according to the first embodiment. Further, the function of the print execution unit 320 is the same as the function provided in the printing device 3 according to the first embodiment.

Specifically, the printing device 3a according to the second embodiment has the function of the image processing device 2 in the first embodiment, and when the length of the printed image 100 in the printing direction exceeds the upper limit value, The printed image 100 is corrected based on the priority and the printing direction. Then, the printing apparatus 3a preview-displays the corrected print image 100 by the preview unit 260, and then prints it on the print medium 10 by the print execution unit 320.

As described above, the printing device 3a according to the second embodiment has the functions separately provided in the image processing device 2 and the printing device 3 in the first embodiment in one device. Therefore, the configuration of the entire system can be simplified.

In the second embodiment, the print direction setting unit 220 may set the print direction to the direction of the movement in response to the detection of the movement of the printing device 3a on the print medium 10. In other words, the print direction setting unit 220 does not set the print direction according to the input received from the user, and prints according to the actually scanned direction when the printing device 3a is scanned on the print medium 10. The direction may be set to either the left-to-right direction or the right-to-left direction.

In this case, the print direction setting unit 220 sets the print direction after the printing device 3a starts scanning on the print medium 10. Then, when the determination unit 230 determines that the length exceeds the upper limit value, the correction unit 250 corrects the print image 100 according to the print direction set by the print direction setting unit 220. Specifically, in step S41 shown in FIG. 13, the correction unit 250 changes the printing direction from left to right or from right to left based on the printing direction set by the printing direction setting unit 220. Determine if it is the direction. Then, the correction unit 250 executes the processing of steps S42 to S45 or steps S46 to S49 according to the determination result of the printing direction. In this way, by detecting and using the actually scanned direction by the printing apparatus 3a, the printed image 100 can be corrected more according to the situation.

(Modification example)
Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the above embodiment is an example, and the scope of application of the present invention is not limited to this. That is, various embodiments of the present invention are possible, and all embodiments are included in the scope of the present invention.

For example, in the above embodiment, the correction unit 250 corrects the print image 100 by deleting a part of the image having the lower print priority in the print image 100. However, in the present invention, the correction unit 250 may completely delete the image having the lower print priority in order to prevent the image from being printed and displayed in half. Specifically, when correcting the print image 100 shown in FIG. 6, the correction unit 250 completely deletes the image of the left side image 110 and the right side image 120, whichever has the lower print priority. Only the left image 110 or the right image 120 may be left.

Alternatively, the correction unit 250 may correct the print image 100 so that the length is within the upper limit value by reducing the image having the lower print priority in the print image 100. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 15, when the left side image 110 has a higher print priority than the right side image 120, the correction unit 250 reduces the right side image 120 to reduce the right side image 120 from the printed image 100 to the corrected image 170. May be generated. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 16, when the right image 120 has a higher print priority than the left image 110, the correction unit 250 generates the correction image 180 from the print image 100 by reducing the left image 110. You may. At that time, the correction unit 250 may reduce the left image 110 or the right image 120 while maintaining the aspect ratio as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16. Alternatively, the correction unit 250 may reduce the left image 110 or the right image 120 without maintaining the aspect ratio, for example, reducing only in the printing direction. By reducing the image without deleting a part of the image in the correction mode in this way, the printed image 100 can be corrected without damaging the information represented by the printed image 100.

In the above embodiment, the case where the printed image 100 includes two images, the left image 110 and the right image 120, has been described as an example. However, in the present invention, the printed image 100 includes three or more images, and the correction unit 250 compares the priorities set for each of the three or more images and has three or more images. One or more images having the lowest print priority among the images may be corrected.

In the above embodiment, the priority setting unit 240 sets the priority for each image in the print image 100 according to the instruction input from the user. However, in the present invention, the priority setting unit 240 may automatically set the priority according to the type of the image without depending on the instruction input from the user. For example, when the plurality of images in the print image 100 include at least one text image, the priority setting unit 240 sets the print priority of the at least one text image among the plurality of images. It may be set higher than other images. Alternatively, conversely, the priority setting unit 240 may set the printing priority of an image other than the text image, such as a picture image, higher than that of the text image.

Alternatively, the priority setting unit 240 may set a low priority for an image that is periodically repeated in the printing direction. For example, an image in which the same pattern is periodically repeated in the print direction, such as the image 120 on the right side, an image in which the same text is periodically repeated in the print direction, and an image showing a uniform pattern are partially deleted. However, it does not give the user a sense of discomfort. Therefore, the priority setting unit 240 periodically sets the print priority for the image that is periodically repeated in the print direction to be lower than that of the image that is not periodically repeated in the print direction, so that the image is periodically repeated in the print direction. The image that is repeated in may be preferentially corrected.

In the above embodiment, the image processing devices 2 and 2a include a print image generation unit 210. However, in the present invention, for example, when the print image 100 is generated by an external device of the image processing devices 2 and 2a, the image processing devices 2 and 2a do not have to have the function of the print image generation unit 210. In this case, the image processing devices 2 and 2a acquire the print image 100 generated by the external device via the communication unit 25 and the like, and the determination unit 230 and the correction unit 250 described above with respect to the acquired print image 100. Etc. are executed.

In the above embodiment, the printing unit 38 ejects ink from the printing unit 38 by a thermal method. However, in the present invention, the printing unit 38 is not limited to the thermal method, and may eject ink by another method. For example, the printing unit 38 may eject ink by a piezo method using a piezo element to print an image to be printed on the printing medium 10. Further, the printing unit 38 is not limited to the inkjet method, and may apply ink to the printing medium 10 by another method such as a thermal transfer method. Further, the shape of the printing devices 3 and 3a is not limited to the square columnar shape as shown in FIG. 1, and may have any shape.

In the above embodiment, in the control units 21 and 31, the CPU functions as each unit shown in FIG. 5 by executing the program stored in the ROM. However, in the present invention, the control units 21 and 31 are provided with dedicated hardware such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), and various control circuits instead of the CPU, and are dedicated. The hardware may function as each part shown in FIG. In this case, the functions of each part may be realized by individual hardware, or the functions of each part may be collectively realized by a single hardware. Further, some of the functions of each part may be realized by dedicated hardware, and other parts may be realized by software or firmware.

It should be noted that not only can it be provided as an image processing device provided with a configuration for realizing the function according to the present invention, but also an existing information processing device or the like can be made to function as an image processing device according to the present invention by applying a program. You can also. That is, the present invention is made by applying a program for realizing each functional configuration by the image processing devices 2 and 2a exemplified in the above embodiment so that a CPU or the like that controls an existing information processing device or the like can execute the program. It can function as such an image processing device. Further, the image processing method according to the present invention can be carried out by using an image processing apparatus.

Moreover, the method of applying such a program is arbitrary. The program can be stored and applied in a computer-readable storage medium such as a flexible disc, a CD (Compact Disc) -ROM, a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) -ROM, or a memory card. Further, the program can be superimposed on a carrier wave and applied via a communication medium such as the Internet. For example, the program may be posted and distributed on a bulletin board system (BBS: Bulletin Board System) on a communication network. Then, by starting this program and executing it in the same manner as other application programs under the control of the OS (Operating System), the above processing may be executed.

Although the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiment, and the present invention includes the invention described in the claims and the equivalent range thereof. included. The inventions described in the original claims of the present application are described below.

(Appendix 1)
As a determination means for determining whether or not the length of the print image for printing on the print medium by the printing device exceeds the printable upper limit in response to the movement of the printing device on the print medium. ,
When the determination means determines that the length exceeds the upper limit value, the priority is among a plurality of images arranged in the print direction in the print image and the print priority is set. A correction means for correcting the printed image so that the length is within the upper limit value by correcting the image having a low degree.
An image processing device characterized by comprising.
(Appendix 2)
The correction means corrects the printed image by deleting at least a part of the low-priority image or reducing the low-priority image.
The image processing apparatus according to Appendix 1, wherein the image processing apparatus is characterized in that.
(Appendix 3)
When the printing direction is from the first side to the second side, the correction means deletes a part of the second side of the image having a lower priority to produce the printed image. to correct,
The image processing apparatus according to Appendix 1 or 2, characterized in that.
(Appendix 4)
The image processing apparatus according to Appendix 1 or 2, wherein the plurality of images include at least one text image, and the text image has the higher priority than the other images.
(Appendix 5)
The correction means is an image arranged on the second side if the printing direction is from the first side to the second side and the priorities of the plurality of images are the same. To correct,
The image processing apparatus according to Appendix 1 or 2, characterized in that.
(Appendix 6)
A preview means for displaying the printed image corrected by the correction means on the display means before the printed image is printed by the printing device is further provided.
The image processing apparatus according to any one of Supplementary note 1 to 5, wherein the image processing apparatus is characterized by the above.
(Appendix 7)
Further, a priority setting means for setting the priority by the user for each of the plurality of images is provided.
When the determination means determines that the length exceeds the upper limit value, the correction means corrects the image having the lower priority set by the priority setting means among the plurality of images. ,
The image processing apparatus according to any one of Supplementary note 1 to 6, wherein the image processing apparatus is characterized by the above.
(Appendix 8)
The plurality of images include a first image and a second image.
The priority setting means is the first image when the first image is periodically repeated in the printing direction and the second image is not periodically repeated in the printing direction. The priority is set lower than that of the second image with respect to the image.
The image processing apparatus according to Appendix 7, wherein the image processing apparatus is characterized in that.
(Appendix 9)
A printing system comprising the image processing apparatus according to any one of Supplementary note 1 to 8 and the printing apparatus.
The image processing device is
A transmission means for transmitting the printed image corrected by the correction means to the printing apparatus,
Further prepare
The printing device is
A receiving means for receiving the printed image transmitted from the image processing device, and
A printing means for printing the printed image received by the receiving means on the printing medium according to the movement of the printing device on the printing medium.
A printing system characterized by being equipped with.
(Appendix 10)
The image processing apparatus according to any one of the appendices 1 to 8 and the image processing apparatus.
A printing means for printing the printed image corrected by the correction means on the printing medium according to the movement of the printing device on the printing medium.
A printing apparatus characterized by being provided with.
(Appendix 11)
A printing direction setting means for setting the printing direction in the direction of the movement in response to the detection of the movement of the printing device on the print medium is further provided.
When the determination means determines that the length exceeds the upper limit value, the correction means corrects an image having a low priority according to the print direction set by the print direction setting means. do,
10. The printing apparatus according to Appendix 10.
(Appendix 12)
In response to the movement of the printing device on the printing medium, it is determined whether or not the length of the printed image for printing on the printing medium in the printing direction exceeds the printable upper limit value.
When it is determined that the length exceeds the upper limit value, the image having the lower priority among the plurality of images arranged in the print direction in the print image and the print priority is set. Is corrected so that the length of the printed image is within the upper limit.
An image processing method characterized by that.
(Appendix 13)
Computer,
A determination means for determining whether or not the length of a print image for printing on the print medium by the printing device exceeds a printable upper limit in response to the movement of the printing device on the print medium.
When the determination means determines that the length exceeds the upper limit value, the priority is among a plurality of images arranged in the print direction in the print image and the print priority is set. A correction means for correcting a printed image so that the length falls within the upper limit value by correcting an image having a low degree.
A program to function as.

1 ... Printing system, 2,2a ... Image processing device, 3,3a ... Printing device, 10 ... Printing medium, 21,31 ... Control unit, 22, 32 ... Storage unit, 23 ... Input unit, 24 ... Display unit, 25 , 35 ... communication unit, 33 ... user interface, 34 ... power supply unit, 36 ... movement detection unit, 37 ... print control unit, 38 ... print head (printing unit), 100 ... print image, 110 ... left image, 120 ... right side Image, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180 ... Corrected image, 210 ... Print image generation unit, 220 ... Print direction setting unit, 230 ... Judgment unit, 240 ... Priority setting unit, 250 ... Correction unit, 260 ... Preview section, 270 ... Transmit section, 310 ... Receiver section, 320 ... Print execution section

Claims (6)

A printing device capable of first printing with a movement from one side to the other in a predetermined direction and second printing with a movement from the other side to the other side. There,
When the length in the predetermined direction in the candidate image selected as the print target in the first printing or the second printing exceeds a predetermined threshold, the plurality of sub-image areas are the predetermined images. The length of the specific sub-image area in which the print priority is set to be low among the plurality of sub-image areas in which the candidate images are divided so as to be lined up along the direction of When the length subtracted from the length in the direction of is less than the threshold value, a correction means for generating a correction image in which a part of the specific sub image area is deleted from the candidate image , and
A setting means for setting a corrected image generated by the correction means as a print target in the first printing or the second printing, and a setting means.
Equipped with
When deleting a part of the specific sub-image area, the correction means deletes between the first printing and the second printing so that the end side at the time of printing is preferentially deleted. Different areas,
A printing device characterized by that. When the correction means deletes a part of the specific sub image area, the correction means removes a part of the specific sub image area from the candidate image so that the length of the corrected image in the predetermined direction becomes the threshold value. delete,
The printing apparatus according to claim 1. A printing device capable of first printing with a movement from one side to the other in a predetermined direction and second printing with a movement from the other side to the other side. An image processing device that sets the image to be printed.
When the length of the candidate image selected as the printing target in the printing device exceeds a predetermined threshold value, a plurality of sub-image areas are arranged along the predetermined direction. The length of the specific sub-image area in which the print priority is set to be low among the plurality of sub-image areas in which the candidate image is divided is calculated from the length of the candidate image in the predetermined direction. A correction means for generating a correction image in which a part of the specific sub-image area is deleted from the candidate image when the subtracted length is less than the threshold value.
A setting means for setting a corrected image generated by the correction means as a print target in the printing apparatus, and a setting means.
Equipped with
When deleting a part of the specific sub-image area, the correction means deletes between the first printing and the second printing so that the end side at the time of printing is preferentially deleted. Different areas,
An image processing device characterized by this. A printing device capable of first printing associated with a movement from one side to the other side in a predetermined direction and second printing accompanying a movement from the other side toward the other side. ,
An image processing device that sets an image to be printed by the printing device, and an image processing device.
It is a printing system equipped with
The image processing device is
When the length of the candidate image selected as the printing target in the printing device exceeds a predetermined threshold value, a plurality of sub-image areas are arranged along the predetermined direction. The length of the specific sub-image area in which the print priority is set to be low among the plurality of sub-image areas in which the candidate image is divided is calculated from the length of the candidate image in the predetermined direction. A correction means for generating a correction image in which a part of the specific sub-image area is deleted from the candidate image when the subtracted length is less than the threshold value.
A setting means for setting a corrected image generated by the correction means as a print target in the printing apparatus, and a setting means.
Equipped with
When deleting a part of the specific sub-image area, the correction means deletes between the first printing and the second printing so that the end side at the time of printing is preferentially deleted. Different areas,
A printing system characterized by that. A printing device capable of first printing with a movement from one side to the other in a predetermined direction and second printing with a movement from the other side to the other side. An image processing method executed by an image processing device that sets the image to be printed.
When the length of the candidate image selected as the printing target in the printing device exceeds a predetermined threshold value, a plurality of sub-image areas are arranged along the predetermined direction. The length of the specific sub-image area in which the print priority is set to be low among the plurality of sub-image areas in which the candidate image is divided is calculated from the length of the candidate image in the predetermined direction. A correction process for generating a corrected image in which a part of the specific sub image area is deleted from the candidate image when the subtracted length is less than the threshold value.
A setting process for setting a corrected image generated by the correction process as a print target in the printing device, and a setting process.
Including
When deleting a part of the specific sub-image area, the correction process deletes between the first printing and the second printing so that the end side at the time of printing is preferentially deleted. Different areas,
An image processing method characterized by that. A printing device capable of first printing with a movement from one side to the other in a predetermined direction and second printing with a movement from the other side to the other side. The computer of the image processing device that sets the image to be printed,
When the length of the candidate image selected as the printing target in the printing device exceeds a predetermined threshold value, a plurality of sub-image areas are arranged along the predetermined direction. The length of the specific sub-image area in which the print priority is set to be low among the plurality of sub-image areas in which the candidate image is divided is calculated from the length of the candidate image in the predetermined direction. A correction means for generating a correction image in which a part of the specific sub-image area is deleted from the candidate image when the subtracted length is less than the threshold value.
A setting means for setting a corrected image generated by the correction means as a printing target in the printing device,
To function as
When deleting a part of the specific sub-image area, the correction means deletes between the first printing and the second printing so that the end side at the time of printing is preferentially deleted. Different areas,
A program characterized by that.

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