Print control device, print control method, and print system

Abstract

This invention provides a printing control device, a printing control method, and a printing system. The problem with the printing control device is that printed materials, after being reduced in size, are difficult for users to visually confirm. The printing control device includes: an image acquisition unit that acquires image data of a printing object from a terminal device; an image segmentation unit that, when the size of the image represented by the image data is larger than the size of a printing area on a page of the printing medium, segments the image into multiple segmented images based on the size of the printing area; and a printing instruction transmission unit that generates printing data for distributing the multiple segmented images into multiple printing areas for printing, and transmits printing instructions for the printing data to a printing device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a printing control device, a printing control method, and a printing system. Background Technology

[0002] Previously, chat services provided in social networking sites (SNS) and the like were known. For example, Patent Document 1 describes an example of enabling a multifunction printer to print image data through a conversation with a chatbot.

[0003] The aspect ratios of images submitted to chat rooms can be suitable for or unsuitable for print media. For example, images showing chat history in chat applications are sometimes extremely long vertically. Furthermore, there are also images that are extremely long horizontally. Conventionally, such images are printed by reducing their size to fit within the printing area of ​​a single page of print media. However, printed materials produced in this reduced-size manner can be difficult for users to visually recognize.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-50552 Summary of the Invention

[0005] A printing control apparatus for solving the above-mentioned problems includes: an image acquisition unit that acquires image data of a printing object from a terminal device; an image segmentation unit that, when the size of the image represented by the image data is larger than the size of a printing area on a page of the printing medium, segments the image into multiple segmented images based on the size of the printing area; and a printing instruction transmission unit that generates printing data for distributing the multiple segmented images into multiple printing areas for printing, and transmits printing instructions of the printing data to a printing apparatus.

[0006] The printing control method for solving the above-mentioned problems includes the following process: In a printing control device, an image acquisition unit acquires image data of a printing object from a terminal device; an image segmentation unit, when the size of the image represented by the image data is larger than the size of a printing area on a page of the printing medium, segments the image into multiple segmented images based on the size of the printing area; and a printing instruction transmission unit generates printing data for distributing the multiple segmented images into multiple printing areas for printing, and transmits the printing instructions of the printing data to the printing device.

[0007] A printing system for solving the above-mentioned problems includes a printing control device and a printing apparatus. The printing control device comprises: an image acquisition unit that acquires image data of a printing object from a terminal device; an image segmentation unit that, when the size of the image represented by the image data is larger than the size of a printing area on a page of the printing medium, segments the image into multiple segmented images based on the size of the printing area; and a printing instruction transmission unit that generates printing data for distributing the multiple segmented images into multiple printing areas for printing, and transmits printing instructions of the printing data to the printing apparatus, which performs printing based on the printing data. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 A block diagram illustrating the structure of a printing system.

[0009] Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a chat room display.

[0010] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a chat room display.

[0011] Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a chat room display.

[0012] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a chat room display.

[0013] Figure 6 A sequence diagram illustrating the printing process.

[0014] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating the segmentation judgment process.

[0015] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a segmentation example.

[0016] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a segmentation example.

[0017] Figure 10 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a chat room display.

[0018] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a segmentation example.

[0019] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a segmentation example. Detailed Implementation

[0020] Here, embodiments of the present invention will be described in the following order.

[0021] (1) Structure of the printing system: (1-1) Structure of the printing apparatus: (1-2) Structure of the printing control device: (2) Printing process: (3) Other implementation methods: (1) Structure of the printing system: Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating the structure of a printing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The printing system includes a printing control device 100 and a printing device 200. The printing control device 100 and the printing device 200 are capable of communicating with each other via a network N. Furthermore, the printing control device 100 is capable of communicating with a chat server 300 via the network N. The chat server 300 is a server that provides a chat service that allows users to interact with each other in a conversational manner. Users of the chat service install an application (chat application) for utilizing the chat service on their own terminal device 400 and create a user account in the chat service. By executing the chat application, the terminal device 400 communicates with the chat server 300 via the network N.

[0022] Terminal device 400 is a device capable of running chat applications, such as a smartphone, tablet, or PC. Terminal device 400 includes a camera (not shown), a communication unit, a touch panel display, and a storage medium.

[0023] When a user of terminal device 400 adds and confirms the account of a chatbot that performs pre-set processing by the developer of printing control device 100 as a chat object in a chat application, they can utilize the chat printing service provided by printing control device 100 through message interaction with the chatbot. In the chat printing service, the user pre-registers the printing device 200 for printing. Through the chat printing service, the user can have the registered printing device 200 print images of the printing object by interacting with the chatbot in the chat application.

[0024] The terminal device 400 has a screenshot function that saves the entire screen displayed on the touch panel display as an image file by performing a predetermined screenshot operation on the touch panel display.

[0025] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the chat application has the function of saving chat history as an image file. Additionally, this chat history may sometimes be a long history that cannot be displayed all at once on the touch panel display of the terminal device 400, meaning it cannot be visually viewed without scrolling to change the display area. Using the aforementioned function of the chat application, the user can save this long chat history, which cannot be displayed all at once, as an image file on the terminal device 400. Furthermore, in this specification, the image representing a long chat history that cannot be displayed all at once is also referred to as a screenshot.

[0026] Users of terminal device 400 sometimes take screenshots of things like internet search results or chat history from chat applications as memos and save them, then use a chat printing service to print these screenshots. Users sometimes also print extremely long screenshots, such as chat history. Conventionally, such images are printed by shrinking them to fit within the printing area of ​​a single page of printing media. However, printed materials printed in this way, for example, have small text, making them difficult for users to visually recognize. When image data representing extremely long images is configured as an image file, it is desirable to obtain a printed material that is easier for users to visually recognize compared to printed materials printed by shrinking the image to fit within the printing area, as is the case with conventional methods. The structure and processing of a printing system for achieving the function of obtaining printed materials with a form that is easy to visually recognize even for extremely long images will be described below.

[0027] (1-1) Structure of the printing apparatus: The printing apparatus 200 includes a processor 210, a storage medium 220, a communication unit 230, a user interface (UI) unit 240, and a printing unit 250. The processor 210 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random-Access Memory), etc. (not shown), and controls various parts of the printing apparatus 200 by executing a control program stored in the storage medium 220. Furthermore, the processor 210 can be a single chip or multiple chips, or it can be configured as a System-on-a-Chip (SoC) along with various functional blocks that enable the printing apparatus 200 to operate. Alternatively, an Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) can be used instead of a CPU, or a structure can be created where the CPU and ASIC work together. In the case of the apparatus in this embodiment having a processor, the processor can be implemented in various ways, similar to the processor 210.

[0028] Storage medium 220 stores various programs and control data executed by processor 210. Furthermore, during the operation of the printing system, it stores printing data D2 transmitted from terminal device 400. Communication unit 230 includes circuitry for communication with other devices according to various wired or wireless communication protocols. In this embodiment, printing device 200 can communicate with printing control device 100 via communication unit 230 and network N. UI unit 240 includes a touch panel display, buttons, etc., for displaying various information to the user and inputting user operations.

[0029] The printing unit 250 includes actuators, drive components, mechanical components, and various sensors for performing printing by ejecting ink onto a printing medium. Among the sensors used to detect the state of the printing apparatus 200 are sensors for detecting the type of printing medium, such as its size, placed in the paper feed section; sensors for detecting the remaining amount of printing medium; sensors for detecting blockages in the transport path of the printing medium; and sensors for detecting the remaining amount of ink. The processor 210 controls the printing unit 250 based on printing data and performs printing. Furthermore, although this embodiment envisions a printing unit 250 performing printing using an inkjet method, the printing method is not limited to this.

[0030] When the processor 210 receives printing data D2 from the printing control device 100, it controls the printing unit 250 based on the printing data D2 and performs printing. Furthermore, in response to queries from the printing control device 100, the processor 210 sends information indicating the progress or success of the printing task to the printing control device 100. Additionally, the processor 210 obtains the status of the printing apparatus 200 based on the output of the sensors in the printing unit 250 and sends information indicating the status of the printing apparatus 200 in response to queries from the printing control device 100.

[0031] (1-2) Structure of the printing control device: In this embodiment, the printing control device 100 is a server for implementing chat printing functions via the chat server 300. The printing control device 100 may also be composed of multiple servers. The printing control device 100 includes a processor 110, a storage medium 120, and a communication unit 130. The processor 110 includes a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc., and can execute various programs stored in the ROM and storage medium 220 via the CPU. The communication unit 130 is a communication interface for communicating with other devices. The printing control device 100 can communicate with other devices connected to the network N via the communication unit 130.

[0032] Image data D1 is stored in storage medium 120 during the operation of the printing system. Image data D1 is image data selected by a user using a chat application as the printing object for chat printing and sent from terminal device 400. One image data D1 is constituted as an image file. An image file is a file whose file extension is image.

[0033] The processor 110 functions as an image acquisition unit 111, an image segmentation unit 112, and a printing instruction sending unit 114 by executing a printing control program (not shown) for implementing the chat printing function.

[0034] The image acquisition unit 111 is a function that acquires image data of a printing object from the terminal device 400. In this embodiment, when a user launches a chat application on the terminal device 400 and selects an image of a printing object from an image list stored in the terminal device 400 and sends a sending instruction, the image acquisition unit 111, thereby the processor 110 acquires image data representing the image selected by the user from the list as a printing object.

[0035] The image segmentation unit 112 has the function of segmenting the image into multiple segmented images based on the size of the printing area when the size of the image represented by the image data is larger than the size of the printing area on a page of the printing medium. The printing area is a pre-determined area that is an area in the printing medium where the image object can be placed. The processor 110 obtains the size of the printed image based on the number of pixels in the image's dimensions and the printing resolution. When the size of the image is larger than the size of a printing area, the processor 110 segments the portion larger than the printing area into portions that converge within the printing area. For portions that are larger than the printing area, if they are also larger than the size of a printing area, they are also segmented in the same manner as described above. This segmentation is performed more than once so that all the segmented images become the size that converges within a single printing area.

[0036] The printing instruction sending unit 114 has the function of generating printing data for printing multiple segmented images respectively arranged in multiple printing areas and sending printing instructions of the printing data to the printing apparatus 200. By configuring the printing control device 100 in this way, compared with the conventional method of shrinking and printing by converging the image within the printing area, it is possible to obtain a printed product with a form that is easy for the user to visually confirm.

[0037] Alternatively, the processor 110 can also function as a preview display unit 113, which generates a preview image that arranges multiple segmented images in multiple printing areas and displays the preview image on the screen of a chat application in the terminal device. Through the printing instruction sending unit 114, the processor 110 can also be configured such that, after displaying the preview image on the chat application screen and obtaining a printing instruction from the terminal device 400, it sends a printing instruction containing printing data to the printing device 200. With this configuration, the user can confirm the preview image on the chat application screen and input a printing instruction from that screen.

[0038] (2) Printing process: Figure 2 This diagram illustrates a chat room display example on the terminal device 400 used by the user, representing the chatbot account "XX Printer" of the printing control device 100 and the user's account for the user who wants to use the printing system to enable the printing device 200 to perform printing.

[0039] When a user operates the terminal device 400 to launch the chat application and open a chat room with the chatbot account of the print control device 100, such as Figure 2The chat room shown is displayed on terminal device 400. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the chat room includes a menu section a2 and a chat section a1. In chat section a1, messages in the form of conversations with the account of the printing control device 100 are displayed in chronological order. Newer messages are displayed at the bottom of chat section a1. When a new message is entered, the previous chat history moves upwards in chat section a1 and is displayed. Although older messages that cannot be displayed within the range of chat section a1 are no longer shown, if the user slides chat section a1 from top to bottom, older messages outside the display range can be displayed.

[0040] Menu section a2 is configured to include multiple menu buttons for various functions provided by the printing control device 100 for chat printing. Menu section a2 includes a printing button b1 for performing printing according to the instructions of each of the aforementioned printing menus. To click the printing button b1 to perform printing according to the instructions, the user must first register the printing device 200 to which they wish to perform the printing. Additionally, button b2 is used to turn the display of menu section a2 on / off.

[0041] When the user selects the print button b1, the terminal device 400 sends a notification to the print control device 100 via the chat server 300 that the print button b1 has been selected. Upon receiving this notification, the processor 110 of the print control device 100 sends a display instruction for the print menu to the terminal device 400 via the chat server 300. Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a printed menu displayed on the display of the terminal device 400 to indicate acceptance of a printed menu display instruction.

[0042] like Figure 3 As shown, the terminal device 400 displays a message c1 indicating that the user has selected the print button b1 in the chat section a1, and then displays cm1 and cm2, representing the print menu, in the chat section a1. The area displayed in the chat section a1 changes by sliding the screen left or right. Figure 3 The image shows an example of a portion displaying a first menu section cm1 and a second menu section cm2.

[0043] In this embodiment, the first menu is a printed menu used when the elongated image is divided into multiple images and printed on A4 plain paper. The second menu is a printed menu used when the image is printed on photographic paper. Although various other menus may be included in addition to the printed menu, illustrations and explanations are omitted.

[0044] The first menu section cm1 includes explanatory text about the functions that can be performed by selecting the first menu, and a button b4 for instructing the printing to proceed according to the instructions provided by the first menu. When the user selects button b4, the terminal device 400 sends information indicating that the selected printing menu is the first menu to the printing control device 100 via the chat server 300. The processor 110 of the printing control device 100 receives the information indicating that the first menu has been selected.

[0045] The processor 110 performs image segmentation as implemented by the image segmentation unit 112 when it determines that an image is an object to be segmented for printing. By configuring it in this way, the processor 110 can segment and print an image that is an object to be segmented for printing. Specifically, in this embodiment, it is determined that an image is an object to be segmented for printing when both of the following two conditions are met. The first condition is that an instruction to segment and print image data has been received from the user of the terminal device. In this embodiment, as described above, the processor 110 has received information indicating that the user has selected a first menu. The second condition is that the size of the image is greater than the size of the printing area. In this embodiment, the length of the short side of the image is less than or equal to the length of the short side of the printing area, and the length of the long side of the image is longer than the length of the long side of the printing area. By configuring it in this way, in this embodiment, when the user selects a first menu and the above-mentioned conditions related to the image size are met, the processor 110 can segment the image.

[0046] Return to Figure 3 The following describes the process following the selection of button b4 in the first menu section cm1. When the processor 110 of the printing control device 100 receives information indicating that the first menu has been selected, it sends an image overview display instruction to the terminal device 400 via the chat server 300 through the function of the image acquisition unit 111. The image overview display instruction is an instruction to display an overview of images stored in the terminal device 400. The image overview display is implemented to allow the user to select an image of the printing object. Upon receiving the image overview display instruction, the terminal device 400, for example, […]. Figure 4 As shown, the image overview display unit a3 is displayed in the chat room.

[0047] Figure 4 The image overview display unit a3 shown illustrates an example of an overview of thumbnails of images stored in the storage medium of the terminal device 400. Furthermore, the images displayed on the image overview display unit a3 are images of files with the file extension "image," and may include various types of images such as screenshots and images captured using the camera provided with the terminal device 400.

[0048] exist Figure 4 The example shown illustrates the case where one of the thumbnails displayed in the image overview section a3 is selected. Thus, when the send button b5 is clicked while one thumbnail is selected, as... Figure 5 As shown, the terminal device 400 displays the selected image i1 in the chat section a1. Furthermore, the terminal device 400 sends image data D1 corresponding to the selected thumbnail to the printing control device 100.

[0049] Figure 6 This diagram illustrates the flow after the terminal device 400 sends image data D1 to the printing control device 100. Steps S105 to S120 show the flow when the image data is sent to the printing control device 100 via the chat server 300. That is, the terminal device 400 sends the image data selected by the user to the chat server 300 (step S105). When the chat server 300 receives the image data, it sends a submission notification to the printing control device 100 indicating that the image has been submitted to the chat room (step S110). The processor 110 of the printing control device 100, through the function of the image acquisition unit 111, sends an image data acquisition request to the chat server 300 in response to the submission notification in step S110 (step S115), and in response to the acquisition request, the chat server 300 sends the image data to the printing control device 100 (step S120). As a result, the processor 110 of the printing control device 100 acquires the image data through the function of the image acquisition unit 111.

[0050] Alternatively, image data can also be sent to the print control device 100 without going through the chat server 300, as shown in step S100. It can also be configured such that... Figure 4 The image overview display unit a3 shown is displayed, for example, in the internal browser of a chat application. In this case, when an image is selected in the browser and the send button is selected, the terminal device 400 can send the image data representing the selected image to the print control device 100 without going through the chat server 300.

[0051] Alternatively, it can be configured such that, upon receiving image data, the processor 110 of the printing control device 100 sends a message indicating the intention to print the received image to the chat server 300, resulting in... Figure 5 Messages like c2 will be displayed in the chat room.

[0052] When in Figure 6When image data is acquired in step S120, the processor 110 of the printing control device 100 performs segmentation judgment processing (step S125) through the function of the image segmentation unit 112. The segmentation judgment processing is a process of determining whether the image represented by the image data acquired in step S120 is an object to be segmented for printing. Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating the segmentation judgment process.

[0053] In the segmentation determination process, the processor 110 obtains the length of the short side and the length of the long side of the image (step S200). That is, the processor 110 analyzes the image data and obtains the number of pixels in the vertical (height) direction and the horizontal (width) direction of the image. Although the image can be either a vertically elongated image or a horizontally elongated image, in this embodiment, when the first menu is selected, the image is arranged in the printing area so that the long side of the image is parallel to the long side of the printing area to generate printing data.

[0054] The processor 110 processes the image by designating the shorter side (vertical and horizontal) as the short side and the longer side as the long side. Furthermore, the processor 110 obtains the printing resolution (dpi) for the image to be printed in the first menu. The printing resolution for the first menu can be a predetermined value or a value set by the user. The processor 110 calculates the lengths of the long and short sides of the image for the image to be printed based on the number of pixels on the long and short sides and the printing resolution.

[0055] Next, the processor 110 determines whether the length of the short side of the image is longer than the length of the short side of the printing area (step S205). The processor 110 obtains the size of the printing medium used in the first menu and the lengths of the short and long sides of the printing area on the printing medium of that size. In this embodiment, the size of the printing medium used for printing in the first menu is A4. The printing area is the area in the printing medium excluding the blanks respectively provided at both ends in the vertical direction and both ends in the horizontal direction. When the blanks are not 0, the size of the printing area is smaller than the size of the printing medium. Alternatively, the blanks can be 0, in which case the size of the printing area is equal to the size of the printing medium. In step S205, the processor 110 compares the length of the short side of the image with the length of the short side of the printing area to determine whether the former is shorter than the latter.

[0056] If, in step S205, it is determined that the length of the short side of the image is longer than the length of the short side of the printing area, the processor 110 reduces the image in a manner that makes the short side of the image less than or equal to the length of the short side of the printing area (step S210), and proceeds to step S215. Figure 8An example is shown where the length SI of the shorter side of image I is longer than the length S of the shorter side of the printed area P. In such a case, processor 110 reduces image I by, for example, a reduction rate where SI is less than or equal to S and becomes the maximum value, thereby obtaining image I2. For example, image I is reduced by a reduction rate of SI = S.

[0057] In Figure 7 If step S205 does not determine that the length of the shorter side of the image is longer than the length of the shorter side of the printed area, then step S210 is skipped and the process proceeds to step S215. Additionally, Figure 9 An example is shown where the length SI of the shorter side of image I is shorter than the length S of the shorter side of the printed area P.

[0058] After execution Figure 7 After step S210, or if in step S205 it is not determined that the length of the short side of the image is longer than the length of the short side of the printing area, the processor 110 determines whether the length of the long side of the image is longer than the length of the long side of the printing area (step S215). Furthermore, the image in step S215 is a scaled-down image if step S210 has been performed. Therefore, in step S215, the short side of the image designated as the processing target is shorter than the short side of the printing area. If in step S215 it is determined that the length of the long side of the image is longer than the length of the long side of the printing area, the processor 110 determines that the image is an object to be segmented for printing (step S220). If in step S215 it is not determined that the length of the long side of the image is longer than the length of the long side of the printing area, the processor 110 determines that the image is not an object to be segmented for printing (step S225).

[0059] For example in Figure 8 In the example shown, due to the length L of the longer side of the scaled-down image I2 I2 The image I2 is longer than the length L of the long side of the printing area P, therefore the processor 110 determines that the image I2 is a segmented printing object. Furthermore, for example in... Figure 9 In the example shown, due to the length L of the longer side of image I... I The image I is longer than the length L of the long side of the printing area P, so the processor 110 determines that the image I is a segmented printing object.

[0060] Figure 7 The segmentation judgment process shown is in Figure 6Step S125 is performed. Next, if the image is a segmented printing object, the processor 110 performs image segmentation processing (step S130). That is, the processor 110 segments the image along its long side to generate segmented images. Furthermore, the long side direction is the direction parallel to the long side of the image. When the quotient of the length of the long side of the image divided by the length L of the long side of the printing area is set to Q (Q is an integer greater than or equal to 1), and the remainder is set to R (R is a value greater than or equal to 0), the number X of segmented images obtained by segmenting the image is Q when R is 0, and Q+1 when R is greater than 0. Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the remainder R is 0, the length of the long side of the segmented image is L. When the remainder R is greater than 0, the length of the long side of the Q segmented images starting from the beginning of the image is also L, and for the remaining image, the length along the long side of the image is R (< L). When the image is transmitted via... Figure 7 In step S210, if the image is reduced in size, the image is segmented using the method described above for the reduced image. Additionally, in Figure 8 In the example shown, the quotient Q = 1, and the remainder R > 0. Figure 9 In the example shown, the quotient Q = 2 and the remainder R > 0. Additionally, skip the case where the image is not a segmented printed object. Figure 6 Step S130.

[0061] Next, the processor 110 sends a printing instruction to the printing apparatus 200 (step S135). Upon receiving the printing instruction in step S135, the processor 210 of the printing apparatus 200 performs printing based on the received printing data (step S140). Steps S135 and S140 are executed once if, in step S125, the image is not determined to be an object to be segmented for printing. If, in step S125, the image is determined to be an object to be segmented, steps S135 and S140 are repeatedly executed X times as the number of images to be segmented.

[0062] In step S135, processor 110 generates printing data for configuring the image in the printing area of ​​A4 plain paper and printing it using printing apparatus 200, and sends a printing instruction to printing apparatus 200 to print the printing data on A4 plain paper. In step S140, processor 210 of printing apparatus 200 performs printing one page on A4 plain paper based on the received printing data. Additionally, in Figure 8 The diagram illustrates the generation of printing data that places two segmented images into printing areas P on two separate pages. Figure 9The diagram illustrates the generation of printing data that places three segmented images into printing areas P on three pages. This printing data is generated page by page and sent to the printing apparatus 200 for printing.

[0063] In addition, Figure 6 After step S130 and before step S135, the processor 110 may also generate a preview image by means of the preview display unit 113, in which multiple segmented images are respectively arranged in multiple printing areas, and display it on the screen of the chat application in the terminal device 400. For example, as Figure 5 As shown, after image i1 is displayed in chat section a1, as Figure 10 As shown, the printing control device 100 can also display screen g3 on the browser of the chat application of the terminal device 400. Screen g3 includes a preview image and a printing instruction button b31. It can also be configured such that when the printing control device 100 receives information that the printing instruction button b31 on screen g3 has been selected, it ends screen g3 and... Figure 5 The message c2 shown is displayed on chat section a1, and then execution is performed. Figure 6 The processing after step S135.

[0064] (3) Other implementation methods: The above-described embodiment is an example for implementing the present invention. Various other embodiments are also possible. For example, the printing control device may be composed of multiple devices. Furthermore, a user may use multiple printing devices in a chat printing service.

[0065] The image selected in the first menu is not limited to screenshots and can be any type of image. Furthermore, the image splitting and printing described above is not limited to use in chat printing within chat applications; it can be used in various other applications as well.

[0066] When the image size is relatively large compared to the size of the printing area on a page of the printing medium, the image segmentation unit can segment the image into multiple segmented images based on the size of the printing area. The image can be segmented either along its long side or along its short side. In the latter case, it can be configured, for example, to segment the portion of the image along its short side that is larger than the short side of the printing medium.

[0067] Furthermore, although the above embodiment has the following structure, namely, when segmenting the image along the long side, if the remainder R is greater than 0, the length of the long side of the Q segmented images from the beginning of the image is L, and for the remaining image, segmentation is performed such that the length of the long side of the image is R (< L), it is not limited to this. For example, it is also possible to make the length of the long side of each segmented image all (L < L). I The image is divided in a manner of / (Q+1). In this case, for single-sided printing, the segmented image obtained by dividing the image into (Q+1) equal parts along the long side can be printed on (Q+1) sheets of printing medium.

[0068] In the above implementation, the structure is as follows: if both conditions 1 and 2 are satisfied, the image is determined to be a segmented printing object. Condition 1 is that the image of the printing object is selected when the first menu is selected by the user; condition 2 is that the image is as follows. Figure 7 As shown, the shorter side of the image is less than or equal to the shorter side of the printing area, and the longer side of the image is greater than the longer side of the printing area. However, it can also be configured, for example, such that as long as condition 2 is met, the image will be automatically segmented and printed regardless of whether condition 1 is met, i.e., regardless of whether the first menu is selected. Alternatively, it can be configured, for example, such that even if the image meets condition 2, both a preview image of the case where it is printed in a reduced size as in the conventional case without segmentation and a preview image of the case where it is printed in a segmented manner as described above are displayed, and printing is performed on the one selected by the user. Furthermore, the condition for distinguishing whether an object is to be segmented for printing based on the size of the image and the size of the printing area can also be other than condition 2 described above.

[0069] The image acquisition unit can also acquire multiple image data of the printed object. For example, it can acquire data from... Figure 4 Multiple images are selected from the image overview shown, and the multiple image data are sent to the printing control device 100. In this case, it can also be configured such that the image segmentation unit connects the multiple images represented by the multiple image data together using their short sides, and segments the connected image as the connected multiple images in the same way as in the above embodiment.

[0070] Figure 11 This shows the two images I A I BAn example of segmentation after linking. As shown in this example, it can also be configured such that, when the length LI of the long side of the linked image formed by linking two images IA and IB is greater than the length L of the long side of the printing area P, the linked image is segmented into X segmented images along the long side. When the quotient of the length LI of the linked image divided by the length L of the printing area is set to Q (Q is an integer greater than or equal to 1) and the remainder is set to R (R is a value greater than or equal to 0), the aforementioned X is Q when R is 0 and Q+1 when R is greater than 0. In this configuration, compared to the case where each segment is independently segmented and placed in the printing area without linking, the number of sheets of printing media used can be reduced. For example, in Figure 11 In the example case, when the two images are segmented independently without being linked, the number of print media used is four in the case of single-sided printing, but when they are linked and then segmented, the number of print media used is three.

[0071] Alternatively, it can be configured such that, when the segmented images are arranged in each printing area, text indicating which part of the preceding image the segmented image contains is also arranged in the printing area and printed. For example, the filename of the preceding image and the value indicating which part it contains can also be configured and printed. By configuring it in this way, the content of the printed material can be easily understood by the user.

[0072] Furthermore, when the image acquisition unit acquires multiple image data of the printing object, each of these multiple images can be segmented independently. Moreover, it can be configured such that, after each image segmentation generates residual images with a length less than L along the long side, if the total length of these residual images along that long side is less than or equal to the length L of the long side of a printing area, these residual images are placed in one printing area. This will be explained in detail. When the image acquisition unit acquires multiple image data, focusing on two of these image data, segmentation processing and placement into the printing area can be performed as follows.

[0073] The two image data of the printing object are referred to as the first image data and the second image data. The image segmentation unit is configured such that, for the first image represented by the first image data, when the quotient of dividing the length of the long side of the first image by the length L of the long side of the printing area is set as Q1 (Q1 is an integer greater than or equal to 1) and the remainder is set as R1 (R1 is a value greater than or equal to 0), if R1 is greater than 0, the first image is segmented in the long side direction of the first image into Q1 first segmented images with a length of L in the long side direction and a first residual image with a length of R1 in the long side direction. Figure 12 The first image I is shown. A The first segmented image I is divided into 1 (=Q1) segments of length L. A1 and a first residual image I of length R1 A2 Example. Additionally, the direction of the long side of the first image is parallel to the long side of the first image.

[0074] Furthermore, the second image represented by the second image data can also be constructed in the following manner: when the quotient of dividing the length of the long side of the second image by the length L of the long side of the printing area is set to Q2 (Q2 is an integer greater than or equal to 1) and the remainder is set to R2 (R2 is a value greater than or equal to 0), if R2 is greater than 0, the second image is divided along the long side direction into Q2 second segmented images of length L along the long side direction and one second residual image of length R2 along the long side direction. Figure 12 The second image I is shown in the image. B The second segmented image I is divided into 1 (=Q2) segments of length L. B1 and a second residual image I of length R2. B2 Example. Additionally, the direction of the long side of the second image is parallel to the long side of the second image.

[0075] The printing instruction sending unit generates printing data for arranging Q1 first segmented images in Q1 printing areas and Q2 second segmented images in Q2 printing areas for printing. Furthermore, when the sum of the lengths of the first remaining image along the long side of the first image and the second remaining image along the long side of the second image is L or less, the printing instruction sending unit generates printing data for arranging the first and second remaining images in one printing area for printing. Then, the printing instruction sending unit transmits printing instructions based on this generated printing data to the printing apparatus.

[0076] exist Figure 12 In the example, one (=Q1) first segmented image IA1 is shown to be configured in one (=Q1) printed region P, and one (=Q2) second segmented image IB1 The case where it is configured in 1 (=Q2) printing areas P. Furthermore, due to the first remaining image I... A2 The length R1 along the long side and the second residual image I B2 The sum of the lengths R2 along the longer side is less than L, therefore the first residual image I is shown. A2 Second Residual Image I B2 The case where it is configured in a printing area P.

[0077] By constructing it in this way, regardless of the first image I A Or the second image I B One end of the image along its long side (represented by a thick black line) can be aligned with one end of the printing area P along its long side and printed. Although in such cases... Figure 11 In the case of connecting and segmenting multiple images, one end of the length direction of subsequent images may not coincide with the end of the length direction of the printing area P, but in Figure 12 In the example shown, regardless of the first image I A Or the second image I B One end of the image along its long side can be aligned with one end of the printing area P along its long side and printed. Furthermore, since the first remaining image I can be... A2 Second Residual Image I B2 By configuring and printing within a single printing area (one printing medium), the number of sheets of printing medium used can be reduced compared to printing them in different printing areas. Furthermore, when configuring the first segmented image, second segmented image, first remaining image, and second remaining image in each printing area, it can be configured such that text indicating which image it is before segmentation, the filename of the image before segmentation, and attribute information are placed near each configured image before printing. By configuring it in this way, the content of the printed material can be easily understood by the user.

[0078] Furthermore, although the above embodiment shows an example where one printing area is provided within one page of the printing medium, two or more printing areas may also be provided within one page of the printing medium. Even when there are two or more printing areas within one page of the printing medium, it can be configured such that the division judgment or segmentation is performed on each of the two or more printing areas in the same manner as in the above embodiment. By configuring it in this way, compared with the case where the image is reduced and arranged by converging one image in each printing area, a printed matter with a form that is easy to visually confirm can be obtained.

[0079] Furthermore, the present invention can also be applied as a computer-executed program or printing control method. Moreover, the printing system, program, and printing control method described above can be implemented as a single device or using components of multiple devices, encompassing various methods. Furthermore, appropriate modifications can be made, such as making some parts software and others hardware. Moreover, the invention is also established as a recording medium for a program that controls a system. Of course, the recording medium for this program can be a magnetic recording medium or a semiconductor memory, and this can be considered entirely in the same way for all recording media developed in the future.

[0080] Symbol Explanation 100…Printing control device; 110…Processor; 111…Image acquisition unit; 112…Image segmentation unit; 113…Preview display unit; 114…Printing instruction transmission unit; 120…Storage medium; 130…Communication unit; 200…Printing apparatus; 210…Processor; 220…Storage medium; 230…Communication unit; 240…UI unit; 250…Printing unit; 300…Chat server; 400…Terminal device; D1…Image data; D2…Printing data; I…Image; I2…Image (reduced); I A I B …Image; N…Network; P…Print area; a1…Chat section; a2…Menu section; a3…Image overview section; b1…Print button; b2…Button; b31…Print indicator button; b4…Button; b5…Send button; c1…Message; c2…Message; g3…Screen; i1…Image.

Claims

1. A printing control device, comprising: The image acquisition unit acquires image data of the printed object from the terminal device; The image segmentation unit, when the size of the image represented by the image data is larger than the size of the printing area on a page of the printing medium, segments the image into multiple segmented images based on the size of the printing area; A printing instruction sending unit generates printing data for configuring the multiple segmented images in multiple printing areas for printing, and sends the printing instructions of the printing data to the printing apparatus.

2. The printing control device as described in claim 1, wherein, The image segmentation unit segments the image when it determines that the image is a printable object.

3. The printing control device as described in claim 2, wherein, The image segmentation unit determines that the image is an object to be segmented for printing if the length of the short side of the image is less than the length of the short side of the printing area and the length of the long side of the image is greater than the length of the long side of the printing area.

4. The printing control device as described in claim 2 or 3, wherein, When the image segmentation unit receives an instruction from the user of the terminal device to segment and print the image data, it determines that the image is the object to be segmented and printed.

5. The printing control device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The image segmentation unit is set to... If the length of the shorter side of the image is longer than the length of the shorter side of the printing area, the image is reduced in a manner that makes the length of the shorter side of the image less than or equal to the length of the shorter side of the printing area. If the length of the longer side of the reduced image is longer than the length of the longer side of the printed area, the reduced image is divided into X segments along the longer side. When the quotient obtained by dividing the length of the long side of the reduced image by the length of the long side of the printed area is set as Q and the remainder is set as R, X is Q when R is 0 and X is Q+1 when R is greater than 0, where Q is an integer greater than 1 and R is a value greater than 0.

6. The printing control device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The image acquisition unit acquires multiple image data of the printing object. The image segmentation unit is set to... The multiple images represented by the multiple image data are connected to each other using their short sides. Furthermore, if the length of the long side of the connected image is greater than the length of the long side of the printing area, the connected image is divided into X segmented images along its long side. When the quotient obtained by dividing the length of the long side of the connected image by the length of the long side of the printed area is set as Q and the remainder is set as R, X is Q when R is 0 and X is Q+1 when R is greater than 0, where Q is an integer greater than 1 and R is a value greater than 0.

7. The printing control device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The image acquisition unit acquires the first image data and the second image data, which are the two image data that are the printing objects. The image segmentation unit is set to... For the first image represented by the first image data, when the quotient obtained by dividing the length of the long side of the first image by the length L of the long side of the printing area is set as Q1 and the remainder is set as R1, if R1 is greater than 0, the first image is divided into Q1 first segmented images of length L and a first residual image of length R1 along the long side direction of the first image, wherein Q1 is an integer greater than or equal to 1 and R1 is a value greater than or equal to 0. For the second image represented by the second image data, when the quotient obtained by dividing the length of the long side of the second image by the length L of the long side of the printing area is set as Q2, and the remainder is set as R2, if R2 is greater than 0, the second image is divided into Q2 second segmented images of length L and one second residual image of length R2 along the long side direction of the second image, wherein Q2 is an integer greater than or equal to 1, and R2 is a value greater than or equal to 0. The printing instruction sending unit is configured to... Q1 of the first segmented images are configured in Q1 of the printed regions. The Q2 second segmented images are arranged in the Q2 printing areas, and If the sum of the length of the first remaining image in the long side direction of the first image and the length of the second remaining image in the long side direction of the second image is less than L, printing data is generated for configuring the first remaining image and the second remaining image in one printing area for printing, and printing instructions for the printing data are sent to the printing apparatus.

8. The printing control device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The device includes a preview display unit that generates a preview image by arranging the multiple segmented images in multiple printing areas, and displays the preview image on the screen of a chat application in the terminal device. When the printing instruction sending unit obtains a printing instruction from the terminal device after the preview image is displayed, it sends the printing instruction of the printing data to the printing device.

9. A printing control method, wherein, This includes the following processing: In printing control devices The image acquisition unit acquires image data of the printed object from the terminal device; When the size of the image represented by the image data is larger than the size of the printing area on a page of the printing medium, the image segmentation unit segments the image into multiple segmented images based on the size of the printing area. The printing instruction sending unit generates printing data for configuring the multiple segmented images in the multiple printing areas for printing, and sends the printing instructions of the printing data to the printing apparatus.

10. A printing system comprising a printing control device and a printing apparatus, wherein, The printing control device includes: The image acquisition unit acquires image data of the printed object from the terminal device; The image segmentation unit, when the size of the image represented by the image data is larger than the size of the printing area on a page of the printing medium, segments the image into multiple segmented images based on the size of the printing area; A printing instruction transmitting unit generates printing data for configuring the multiple segmented images into multiple printing areas for printing, and transmits the printing instructions of the printing data to the printing apparatus. The printing apparatus performs printing based on the printing data.

Images