JPH1134424A - Image processor, image processing method, and recording medium storing computer readable program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To generate a required peeling guide piece automatically at the time of transferring to another recording medium by generating a print data added with a guide margin area data based on the format of output image information being printed onto a specified recording medium and outputting the output image information in the generated print data while editing as a mirror image. SOLUTION: The image data of a document to be printed is read out and a transfer data is generated (1) and then a decision is made whether a guide margin area is printed for the transfer data or not (2). If the answer is YES, a decision is made whether the guide margin area is generated automatically or not (3) and it the answer is YES, the size of the transfer data is detected (4) before an image data for printing the guide margin area is generated based on designation results. A converted mirror image data is then added to the image data for printing the area (9) and a developed data is subjected to mirror image conversion (10) before being printed on a printer 7. According to the method, an image added with a guide margin area at an appropriate position can be formed automatically.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus and an image processing method for printing and outputting mirror-edited image information on a recording medium, and a storage medium storing a computer-readable program.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an image processed by a computer
When printing on a cloth such as a shirt, first, only image data to be transferred (hereinafter, referred to as transfer data) is converted into mirror image data, and the converted data is transmitted to a printer.
The printer prints on special paper (composed of a transfer sheet and a backing sheet).

[0003] Then, the user cuts out the printed special paper along the shape of the image, puts it on a desired position of a fabric such as a T-shirt, and transfers the image while applying heat and pressure with an iron. When it was transferred to the shirt, it was done by peeling the backing while hot.

[0004]

Since the conventional image processing apparatus or image processing method is configured as described above,
Since the image printed on the special paper is only the image based on the transfer data, when cutting along the periphery of the printed image, the user can grasp the part that the user needs when peeling off the mount of the special paper (Hereinafter referred to as "address") is not taken into account, and there is a problem that it is difficult to peel off the paper. Therefore, there is also a problem that, during the operation, a situation may occur in which the dedicated paper is directly touched by mistake and burns.

Further, there is a problem that it is difficult to distinguish the front and back of the special paper, and the cut special paper is hard to peel off from the cloth.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to print a print by adding an area area data based on the form of created output image information to the output image information. When data is created, the output image information in the created print data is edited into a mirror image and output to a printing unit, so that an image formed on a predetermined recording medium is transferred to another recording medium. An image processing apparatus, an image processing method, and a computer-readable program capable of automatically generating a necessary peeling guide piece and forming an image capable of easily peeling a recording medium from another recording medium after image transfer are stored. The purpose is to provide a storage medium.

[0007]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a first producing means for producing output image information to be printed on a predetermined recording medium; A second creating unit for creating print data by adding an associative area data based on a form of the output image information;
Control means for editing the output image information in the print data created by the second creating means into a mirror image and outputting the mirror image to a printing unit.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the control unit edits the character data added to the area data in the print data created by the second creation unit into a normal image, and prints the character data. Is output to

According to a third aspect of the present invention, print data is created by extracting morphological features of the output image information created by the first creating means and adding extra area data. is there.

[0010] In a fourth aspect of the present invention, the second creating means includes a margin area for extending a short side by a predetermined length in a long side direction of the output image information created by the first creating means. The print data is created by adding data.

A fifth invention according to the present invention comprises an allocating means for allocating an optimum position in the predetermined recording medium based on a form of the output image information sequentially generated by the first generating means. It is.

In a sixth aspect according to the present invention, the first creating means creates output image information to be printed on a predetermined recording medium based on image information input from the image input means.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for generating output image information to be printed on a predetermined recording medium, the method comprising the steps of: A second creation step of creating print data by adding an associative area data based on the output area information, and editing the output image information in the print data created in the second creation step into a mirror image and outputting it to a printing unit Output step.

An eighth invention according to the present invention is directed to a first forming step of forming output image information to be printed on a predetermined recording medium, and a form of the output image information formed by the first forming step. A second creation step of creating print data by adding an associative area data based on the output area information, and editing the output image information in the print data created in the second creation step into a mirror image and outputting it to a printing unit And a computer-readable program that includes an output step of storing the program in a storage medium.

[0015]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[First Embodiment] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a printing system to which an image processing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention can be applied.

Referring to FIG. 1, reference numeral 1001 denotes an image processing apparatus;
A CPU 1 for executing image processing in which graphics, images, characters, and the like are mixed based on an image processing program or the like stored in a program ROM of a ROM 2, and the CPU 1 comprehensively controls each device connected to the common bus 11 I do.

The program area of the ROM 2 stores control programs, fonts, and the like, which are executed by the CPU 1 and are shown in the flowcharts of FIGS.

Reference numeral 4 denotes a storage device, which includes a boot program, various application font data, a user file,
Floppy disk drive (FDD) and hard disk drive (HD) for storing image data, etc.
D) and the like. Reference numeral 5 denotes a RAM, which functions as a main memory, a work area, and the like of the CPU 1.

Reference numeral 6 denotes a printer controller which executes a communication control process between the printer 7 and the scanner 8 via a predetermined interface (for example, a bidirectional interface). 9
Is a keyboard, which allows a user to input data via a keyboard interface (not shown). Reference numeral 10 denotes a pointing device (PD) for receiving an input from a user.

The CPU 1 executes, for example, a process of rasterizing an outline font into a display information area set on the RAM 5 and a process of rasterizing a bitmap image, thereby enabling WYSIWYG on the display device 3. .

Further, the CPU 1 opens various registered windows based on commands specified by a mouse cursor or the like (not shown) on the display device 3 and executes various data processing (including a dedicated paper printing processing described later). I do.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of first print data printed on dedicated paper by the printer 7 shown in FIG.
(A) corresponds to the case where the target area is printed with a dotted line, and (b) corresponds to the case where the target area is printed with a dotted line and a mark is added to the outermost corner of the target area. .

In the figure, POUT1 is print data,
Image data (including character image data) to be transferred IM
And an area AWE1 that extends in a direction orthogonal to the long side direction with respect to the area of the image data IM and is to be printed as, for example, a dotted line.

POUT2 is print data, which is image data (including character image data) IM to be transferred, and which extends in a direction perpendicular to the long side direction with respect to the area of the image data IM. And white area data AWE2. In addition, the registration area mark data T1 and T2 indicating the boundary of the area to be attached are added to the outermost corner of the area. The print data POUT1, POU
It is assumed that the image data IM in T2 is edited as data that becomes a mirror image when printing on dedicated paper.

As shown in FIG. 2A, the CPU 1 detects the size of the transfer data and, based on the result of the detection, makes the associating area AWE1 orthogonal to the area of the image data IM in the long side direction. The area is extended in the direction, and the image data for printing the margin area for specifying the secured area is created.
Since the border line of the extra area AWE1 for specifying 1 is printed with a dotted line, the transfer data can be printed so that the user can easily peel off the backing sheet of the special paper when transferring the image to a cloth or the like.

As shown in FIG. 2B, the CPU 1 detects the size of the transfer data and, based on the result of the detection, makes the fitting area AWE2 orthogonal to the area of the image data IM in the long side direction. The printer 7 prints the registration marks T1 and T2 at the dotted line at the border of the assembling area AWE2 for specifying the assembling area AWE2 by the printer 7 and at the outermost corners of the assembling area. The transfer data can be printed so that the backing paper of the special paper can be easily peeled off when the image is transferred to a cloth or the like.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the second print data printed on the special paper by the printer 7 shown in FIG.

In the figure, POUT3 is print data,
Image data (including character image data) to be transferred IM
And the area data AWE3 extending in the direction perpendicular to the long side direction with respect to the area of the image data IM. Note that the area data AWE3
Is attached with character data CH that clearly indicates the front and back of the special paper.
It is assumed that the image data IM in 3 is edited as data that becomes a mirror image when printing on dedicated paper.

As shown in FIG. 3, the CPU 1 adds the character data CH of "address", which is a mark for identifying the front and back, to the address area AWE3 in addition to the address area print data so that the character data CH can be correctly printed. Since printing is performed by the user 7, a print result that allows the user to easily distinguish the front and back of the special paper can be obtained.

It should be noted that the character data CH of "address" in the address area AWE3 is output in a normal print mode.
That is, in this print area, a mixture of the normal print and the mirror image print is printed. As described above, when the transfer data is printed, a margin area is automatically secured, a dotted line or a dragonfly is printed, and the transfer data is subjected to mirror image printing, and the margin area is subjected to the normal printing of "margin".

In this way, a margin area is secured,
It is possible to perform printing in which the margin area can be clearly specified so that the user can understand. In addition, figures or characters that can distinguish the front and back sides of the paper can be printed in the margin area. Further, only the data to be transferred is transferred when the paper is transferred onto the margin area of the completed sheet. Hereinafter, the characteristic configuration of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
A description will be given with reference to FIG.

In the image processing apparatus having the above-described configuration, first image forming means for generating output image information to be printed on a predetermined recording medium (the CPU 1 receives an input based on a program stored in the ROM 2) Image data as output image information) and second creation means (ROM 2) for adding print area data based on the form of the output image information created by the first creation means to create print data. And a control unit (a ROM 2) that edits the output image information in the print data created by the second creating unit into a mirror image and outputs it to a printing unit. Edited on the basis of the program to be output to the printer 7 via the printer controller 6). An image Ateshiro area is added to the appropriate position where the release guide piece can be automatically formed.

Further, the control means edits the character data added to the area data in the print data created by the second creating means into a normal image (the character data of "address" shown in FIG. 3). Is edited into a normal image) and output to the printing unit, so that an image can be automatically formed with an additional area including character data for clearly identifying the front and back of the recording medium.

Further, the morphological features of the output image information created by the first creating means are extracted (CPU 1
Detects the size of the transfer data) Since the print data is created by adding the extra area data, the extra area that becomes a stripping guide piece when transferring to another recording medium is a morphological feature of the output image information. The image added to the appropriate position according to the image can be automatically formed.

Further, the first creating means creates output image information to be printed on a predetermined recording medium based on image information input from the image input means (scanner 8).
A variety of images using images taken from the image input means can be transferred to another recording medium.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a first data processing procedure in a printing system to which the image processing apparatus according to the present invention can be applied. Note that (1) to (1)
1) shows each step. The processing procedure of each step shown in FIG. 4 is stored in the ROM 2 shown in FIG.
1 is executed.

First, the image data of the original to be printed on the special paper is read from the scanner 8 or the storage device 4 or the like, and is processed according to a user's instruction to obtain the special paper (the transfer sheet and the mount of the transfer sheet. When the transfer data to be transferred to the transfer sheet by applying the heat of the temperature is created (1), it is determined whether or not the margin area is to be printed for the transfer data (2). If it is determined, the process proceeds to step (10).

On the other hand, if it is determined that printing is to be performed, it is determined whether or not the destination area is automatically created (3). If it is determined that printing is to be performed automatically, the size of the transfer data is detected. The size and location of the margin area are designated based on the designated area (4), and image data for margin area printing is created based on the result of the designation (step (not shown)), and the process proceeds to step (5).

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (3) that the manual operation is performed, the size of the extra area is designated by the user's instruction (6), and the location of the extra area (left, right, up and down) is designated (7). ). The order of step (6) and step (7) may be reversed.

Then, it is determined whether or not the designation of the transfer area for the transfer data has been completed (8). If it has not been completed, the process returns to step (6). Based on the determined size and location, image data for margin area printing is created (step not shown), and the process proceeds to step (5).

Next, it is determined whether or not to print the character "address", which is a mark for identifying the front and back of the sheet, in the address area (5). If it is determined that printing is to be performed, the transfer data is printed as mirror image data at the time of printing. Therefore, the image data of the character of “address” is subjected to mirror image conversion processing, and the converted mirror image data is assigned. It is added to the area print image data (9).

Next, the image data for margin area printing is added to the transfer data, that is, OR expansion is performed, the expanded data is subjected to mirror image conversion processing (10), and the processed data is transmitted to the printer controller 6 via the printer controller 6. The data is transferred to the printer 7 and printed by the printer 7 (11), and the process ends.

Hereinafter, the characteristic configuration of this embodiment will be described.
This will be further described with reference to FIG.

A first method for producing output image information to be printed on a predetermined recording medium, which is an image processing method configured as described above, or a storage medium storing a computer-readable program. A step (step (1) in FIG. 4) and a second creation step of adding print area data based on the form of the output image information created in the first creation step to create print data (FIG. 4). Step 4 (4)) and an output step of editing the output image information in the print data created in the second creation step into a mirror image and outputting it to a printing unit (Step (10) in FIG. 4). Therefore, it is possible to automatically form an image in which a contact area serving as a peeling guide piece is added to an appropriate position when transferring to another recording medium.

In the present embodiment, a case has been described in which a rectangular assignment area is secured when the shape of the transfer data is rectangular. However, in the case of a free figure or the like, the assignment area is set in accordance with the boundary shape. You may comprise so that it may secure.

Further, in the present embodiment, an example is described in which a dotted line or a register mark is printed as a figure to be printed to clearly show the margin area, but a straight line or a curve such as a solid line, a one-dot chain line, or a circle, It goes without saying that the present invention can be implemented with a mark indicating a point such as a triangle mark.

[Second Embodiment] In the first embodiment,
Although the case where the location of the margin area is designated based on the size of the transfer data has been described, the margin area may be designated so as to be secured in the long side direction of the print area of the transfer data. Hereinafter, the embodiment will be described.

The hardware configuration of this embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a third example of print data to be printed on special paper by the printer 7 shown in FIG.
(A) corresponds to the case where the transfer data is long horizontally, and (b) corresponds to the case where the transfer data is long vertically.

As shown in FIG. 5A, POUT11
Is print data, which is image data (including character image data) IM11 to be transferred, and a target area data AWE11 that extends in parallel with the long side direction with respect to the area of the image data IM11, for example, is to be printed as a dotted line. It is composed of

The margin area data AWE11 is generated on the basis of the shape of the image data IM11.
In the case of 11, the area data AWE11 is generated so that the image data IM11 is extended in the horizontal direction.

As shown in FIG. 5B, POUT12
Is print data, which is image data (including character image data) IM12 to be transferred; It is composed of

The area data AWE12 is generated on the basis of the shape of the image data IM12.
In the case of 12, the area data AWE12 is generated so that the image data IM12 is extended in the vertical direction.

As described above, the CPU 1 determines, based on the size of the transfer data, the contact areas AWE11, AWE extending in parallel with the long sides of the transfer data IM11, IM12.
Twelve areas are secured, and the secured margin area AW is secured.
By creating associative area print data for specifying E11 and AWE12, and printing by the printer 7,
Printing can be performed so that the user can easily peel off the backing paper of the special paper when transferring an image to a cloth or the like.

Hereinafter, the characteristic configuration of this embodiment will be described.
This will be described with reference to FIGS.

In the image processing apparatus configured as described above, the second creating means extends the short side by a predetermined length in a long side direction of the output image information created by the first creating means. Since the print data is created by adding the margin area data (POUT11 and POUT12 shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B), the margin area serving as a peeling guide piece when transferring to another recording medium is reduced. The added image can be automatically formed in a form extended in the long side direction which is the most appropriate position.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a second data processing procedure in a printing system to which the image processing apparatus according to the present invention can be applied. Note that (1) to (1)
1) shows each step. The processing procedure of each step shown in FIG. 6 is stored in the ROM 2 shown in FIG.
1 is executed.

First, the image data of the original to be printed on the special paper is read from the scanner 8 or the storage device 4 or the like, and processed in accordance with a user's instruction. When the transfer data to be transferred to the transfer sheet by applying the heat of the temperature is created (1), it is determined whether or not the margin area is to be printed for the transfer data (2). If it is determined, the process proceeds to step (10).

On the other hand, if it is determined that printing is to be performed, it is determined whether or not the destination area is automatically created (3). If it is determined that automatic printing is to be performed, the lengths of two sides of the print area of the transfer data are detected. Compare whether the vertical side or the horizontal side is longer, and determine the location and size of the margin area so as to share the long side direction, that is, the side with some or all of the short side of the print area of the transfer data. Is specified (4). At this time, a location is specified that does not interfere with other transfer data. Then, the image data for margin area printing is created based on the specified result (step (not shown)), and the process proceeds to step (5).

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (3) that the area is automatic, the size of the extra area is designated by the user's instruction (6), and the location (left, right, up and down) of the extra area is designated (7). ). The order of step (6) and step (7) may be reversed.

Then, it is determined whether or not the designation of the destination area for the transfer data has been completed (8). If it has not been completed, the process returns to step (6). Based on the determined size and location, image data for margin area printing is created (step not shown), and the process proceeds to step (5).

Next, it is determined whether or not to print the character "address", which is a mark for identifying the front and back of the sheet, in the address area (5). If it is determined that printing is to be performed, the transfer data is printed as mirror image data at the time of printing. Therefore, the image data of the character of “address” is subjected to mirror image conversion processing, and the converted mirror image data is assigned. It is added to the area print image data (9).

Next, image data for margin area printing is added to the transfer data, that is, OR development is performed, the developed data is subjected to mirror image conversion processing (10), and the processed data is transmitted to the printer controller 6 via the printer controller 6. The data is transferred to the printer 7 and printed by the printer 7 (11), and the process ends.

[Third Embodiment] In the above embodiment, the case where the margin area is designated based on only the size of the transfer data has been described. However, the transfer data is specified based on the size and number of the transfer data and the size of the special paper. May be configured so that an associating area can be specified so that the transfer area can be efficiently arranged on the transfer sheet. Hereinafter, the embodiment will be described. Note that the hardware configuration of the present embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a first print result printed on special paper by the printer 7 shown in FIG.

In the figure, PPP is special paper, on which print data POUT21 to POUT28 are printed. PO
UT21 to POUT28 are print data, IM21
To IM28 are image data (including character image data) to be transferred, and AWE21 to AWE28 are image data I
For each area of M21 to IM28, dedicated paper P
This is a designated area that can be efficiently placed on the PP. The print data POUT21 to POU21
Each of the T28s is composed of image data IM having the same number as the number of each of them and a margin area AWE.

As described above, the CPU 1 transmits the image data IM2
The arrangement of the image data IM21 to IM28 on the special paper PPP is designated based on the size of each of the image data IM1 to IM28, the number of transfer data (eight in the present embodiment), and the size of the print area of the special paper. Address area AWE21-
AWE28 is secured, and the secured margin area AW is secured.
E21 to AWE28 are created, and the printer 7 creates image data for margin area printing, and the printer 7 draws the border line of the margin area AWE21 to AWE28 with a dotted line on the dedicated paper PPP.
, The exclusive paper can be used efficiently.

Each of the image data IM21 to IM21
A margin area is specified so that printing can be performed at a place where it does not interfere with M28, and image data IM21 to IM28 are efficiently arranged so that transfer sheets are not wasted.

Hereinafter, a characteristic configuration of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

In the image processing apparatus configured as described above, based on the form of the output image information sequentially created by the first creating means, the output image information is allocated to an optimum position in the predetermined recording medium (FIG. 7). (POUT 21 to 28 assigned on PPP) shown in (1) (assigned by CPU 1 based on a program stored in ROM 7)
Therefore, a large number of outputs according to the form of the output image can be output without waste in an area secured by the size of the selected recording medium.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of a third data processing procedure in a printing system to which the image processing apparatus according to the present invention can be applied. Note that (1) to (1)
2) shows each step. The processing procedure of each step shown in FIG. 8 is stored in the ROM 2 shown in FIG.
1 is executed.

First, the image data of the original to be printed on the special paper is read from the scanner 8 or the storage device 4 or the like, and is processed according to the user's instruction to obtain the special paper (the transfer sheet and the mount of the transfer sheet. When the transfer data is created (1), it is determined whether or not to print a margin area for the transfer data (2), and when it is determined that printing is not performed, the transfer data is created (1). Goes to step (10).

On the other hand, if it is determined that printing is to be performed, it is determined whether or not the destination area is automatically created (3). If it is determined that automatic printing is to be performed, the size and number of all the transfer data and the dedicated print data are determined. Detects the printable area of the paper,
Based on the detection result, the layout of the transfer data and the size and location of the margin area are designated (4), and the margin area print image data is created based on the designation result (step not shown). Proceed to step (5).

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (3) that the manual operation is manual, the size of the extra area is designated by the user's instruction (6), and the location (left, right, up and down) of the extra area is designated (7). ). The order of step (6) and step (7) may be reversed.

Then, it is determined whether or not the designation of the destination area for the transfer data has been completed (8). If it has not been completed, the process returns to step (6). Based on the determined size and location, image data for margin area printing is created (step not shown), and the process proceeds to step (5).

Next, it is determined whether or not to print the character "address", which is a mark for identifying the front and back of the sheet, in the address area (5). ) And if you decide that you want to print,
Since the transfer data is printed as mirror image data at the time of printing, the image data of the character of "address" is subjected to mirror image conversion processing, and the converted mirror image data is added to the image data for the address area printing (9).

Next, the image data for margin area printing is added to the transfer data, that is, OR development is performed, and the developed data is subjected to mirror image conversion processing (10). In order to repeat the data, it is determined whether or not the creation of the image data for margin area printing of all the transfer data has been completed (11). If it is not completed, the process returns to step (2). If it is determined that the processing has been completed, the processed data is transferred to the printer 7 via the printer controller 6 and printed by the printer 7 (12), and the processing is terminated.

Hereinafter, the configuration of a data processing program readable by the image processing apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to a memory map shown in FIG.

FIG. 9 is a view for explaining a memory map of a storage medium for storing various data processing programs which can be read by the image processing apparatus according to the present invention.

Although not shown, information for managing a group of programs stored in the storage medium, for example, version information, a creator, etc. is also stored, and information dependent on the OS or the like on the program reading side, for example, the program is An icon or the like for identification display may also be stored.

Further, data dependent on various programs is also managed in the directory. In addition, a program for installing various programs on a computer or a program for decompressing a program to be installed when the program to be installed is compressed may be stored.

The functions shown in FIG. 4, FIG. 6, and FIG. 8 in this embodiment may be executed by a host computer by a program installed from the outside.
In this case, the present invention is applied even when a group of information including a program is supplied to the output device from a storage medium such as a CD-ROM, a flash memory, or an FD, or from an external storage medium via a network. Things.

As described above, the storage medium storing the program code of the software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to the system or the apparatus, and the computer (or CPU or MP) of the system or the apparatus is supplied.
It goes without saying that the object of the present invention is also achieved when U) reads and executes the program code stored in the storage medium.

In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the novel function of the present invention, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

Examples of a storage medium for supplying the program code include a floppy disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, and C
DR, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, RO
M, EEPROM and the like can be used.

When the computer executes the readout program code, not only the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized, but also the OS (Operating System) running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. ) And the like perform part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.

Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, based on the instructions of the program code, The CPU provided in the function expansion board or function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing,
It goes without saying that a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by the processing is also included.

[0088]

As described above, the first embodiment according to the present invention is described.
According to the invention, the first creating means for creating the output image information to be printed on the predetermined recording medium, and the additional area data based on the form of the output image information created by the first creating means are added. And a control unit that edits the output image information in the print data created by the second creation unit into a mirror image and outputs it to a printing unit. In addition, it is possible to automatically form an image in which an abutment area serving as a peeling guide piece when transferred to another recording medium is added to an appropriate position.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the control means edits the character data added to the area data in the print data created by the second creation means into a normal image. Since the image is output to the printing unit, it is possible to automatically form an image to which an additional area including character data for clearly identifying the front and back of the recording medium is added.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, print data is created by extracting the morphological features of the output image information created by the first creating means and adding extra area data. Therefore, it is possible to automatically form an image in which a contact area serving as a peeling guide piece when transferring to another recording medium is added to an appropriate position according to the morphological characteristics of output image information.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the second creating means extends the long side of the output image information created by the first creating means in the short side direction by a predetermined amount. Since the print data is created by adding the margin area data, the image is extended in the long side direction where the margin area that becomes the peeling guide piece when transferring to another recording medium is the most appropriate position Can be automatically formed.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the allocating means for allocating to the optimum position in the predetermined recording medium based on the form of the output image information sequentially generated by the first generating means is provided. Accordingly, a large number of outputs according to the form of the output image can be output without waste in an area secured by the size of the selected recording medium.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the first creating means creates output image information to be printed on a predetermined recording medium based on image information input from the image input means. A variety of images using images taken from the image input means can be transferred to another recording medium.

According to the seventh and eighth aspects of the present invention, there is provided an image processing method or a storage medium storing a computer readable program, wherein output image information to be printed on a predetermined recording medium is provided. A first creation step of creating print data; a second creation step of adding print area data based on a form of the output image information created by the first creation step to create print data; And a step of editing the output image information in the print data created in the creation step 2 into a mirror image and outputting it to a printing unit, so that when the image is transferred to another recording medium, it becomes a peeling guide piece. An image in which a margin area is added at an appropriate position can be automatically formed.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printing system to which an image processing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of first print data printed on special paper by the printer shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of second print data printed on dedicated paper by the printer illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a first data processing procedure in a printing system to which the image processing apparatus according to the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a third example of print data printed on dedicated paper by the printer illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a second data processing procedure in a printing system to which the image processing apparatus according to the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a first print result printed on special paper by the printer illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a third data processing procedure in a printing system to which the image processing apparatus according to the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a memory map of a storage medium that stores various data processing programs that can be read by the image processing apparatus according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 CPU 2 ROM 4 Storage device 5 RAM 6 Printer controller 7 Printer 1001 Image processing device

Claims (8)

[Claims] A first creation unit that creates output image information to be printed on a predetermined recording medium; and a destination area data based on a form of the output image information created by the first creation unit. And a control unit that edits the output image information in the print data created by the second creation unit into a mirror image and outputs the mirror image to a printing unit. An image processing apparatus characterized by the above-mentioned. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the control unit edits the character data added to the area data in the print data created by the second creation unit into a normal image and outputs the edited image to a printing unit. The image processing device according to claim 1. 3. The print data according to claim 1, wherein a morphological feature of the output image information created by the first creating means is extracted, and additional area data is added to create print data. Image processing device. 4. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second creating means adds print area data to extend the short side by a predetermined length in a long side direction of the output image information created by the first creating means. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image processing apparatus creates the image. 5. An apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an assigning unit for assigning an optimum position in said predetermined recording medium based on a form of said output image information sequentially created by said first creating unit. Image processing device. 6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first creating unit creates output image information to be printed on a predetermined recording medium based on image information input from the image input unit.
The image processing apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims. 7. A first creation step of creating output image information to be printed on a predetermined recording medium, and adding a target area data based on a form of the output image information created by the first creation step. A print data creating step, and an output step of editing the output image information in the print data created in the second creation step into a mirror image and outputting the mirror image to a printing unit. An image processing method characterized by the following. 8. A first creating step for creating output image information to be printed on a predetermined recording medium, and adding an area area based on a form of the output image information created in the first creating step. A print data creating step, and an output step of editing the output image information in the print data created in the second creation step into a mirror image and outputting the mirror image to a printing unit. A storage medium storing a computer-readable program characterized by the above-mentioned.