Image processing apparatus, method for controlling the same, and program

Abstract

To solve the problem in which when an image with thin lines drawn at four corners is displayed as a preview, if the image is converted to have a resolution for preview display and is displayed, an image to be actually printed may not correspond to the previewed image.SOLUTION: An image processing apparatus acquires the number of print pixels in a vertical or transverse direction based on a print resolution of an image to be printed, acquires the number of preview pixels in the vertical or transverse direction based on a resolution of the image displayed as a preview, creates a preview of the image on the basis of the number of preview pixels, and controls to display the preview of the image by expanding or reducing a drawing area of the preview on the basis of whether the number of print pixels is an integer and whether the number of preview pixels is an integer.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus, a control method thereof, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] There is a technology for print applications that displays a preview that simulates the print result before printing. This allows the user to check the preview before printing, thereby preventing printing failures. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent Publication No. 6,993,209 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Since such previews are images that simulate the print result, it is important that they match the print result. However, if the preview is displayed at the same resolution as the print resolution, it takes a long time from when the data to be printed is entered into the print application until the preview is displayed, which can be frustrating for the user. For this reason, it is common to display the preview at a lower resolution than the resolution that will actually be printed, to reduce the waiting time. Since the preview is displayed at a resolution different from the print resolution in this way, the image displayed in the preview may not match the print result in some cases. The challenge in displaying a preview is to achieve both display speed and accuracy, that is, how quickly and faithfully reproduce the print result.

[0005] For example, in the case of print data for printing an image with thin lines drawn at the four corners, if the print data is converted to the preview resolution and displayed on a display device, the thin lines at the right and bottom edges may not be displayed. This occurs because when converting to the preview resolution, the thin lines at the right and bottom edges of the image are drawn outside the preview drawing area.

[0006] In Patent Document 1, the difference in the width of a character string when rendered for a relatively low-resolution device such as a computer monitor is compared with the difference in the width of a character string when rendered for a relatively high-resolution device such as a laser printer or a commercial offset printing machine. The technology described therein adjusts the space between characters based on the difference to make the character string width in the preview the same as when printed, thereby matching the preview to the print result. However, the invention of Patent Document 1 cannot display data drawn outside the preview drawing area when converting to the resolution for preview. In other words, there is a problem in that the preview of thin lines at the edge of the image to be printed cannot be matched to the print result.

[0007] An object of the present invention is to solve at least one of the problems of the above-mentioned conventional techniques.

[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide a technique that can match an image displayed in a preview to the print result even when the preview is displayed at a resolution different from the print resolution. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In order to achieve the above object, an image processing device according to one aspect of the present invention has the following configuration. A first acquisition means for acquiring the number of print pixels in the vertical or horizontal direction based on the print resolution of the image to be printed; A second acquisition means for acquiring a number of preview pixels in a vertical or horizontal direction based on a resolution of the preview display of the image; generating means for generating a preview of the image based on the preview pixel count; The present invention is characterized in that it has a control means that controls to display a preview of the image by expanding or reducing the drawing area of ​​the preview based on whether the number of print pixels acquired by the first acquisition means is an integer and whether the number of preview pixels acquired by the second acquisition means is an integer. Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to obtain an effect that the image displayed in the preview can be matched to the printed result.

[0011] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numerals are used to designate the same or similar components throughout the drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a system configuration according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the image output apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of a printing PC according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of the image output device and the printing PC according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 11 is a view showing an example of a screen displayed by a print setting information display unit during printing targeted at an image output device displayed on a display of a printing PC according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] 6 is a flowchart for explaining a process in which the printing PC according to the first embodiment generates and displays image data for preview display. [Figure 7] 7 is a flowchart for explaining the process of S601 in FIG. 6. [Figure 8]8 is a diagram specifically explaining the problem described in the flowcharts of FIGS. 6 and 7 using an example in which thin lines at the right and bottom edges of print data are not displayed. FIG. [Figure 9] 8 is solved by executing the processes described in the flowcharts of FIGS. 6 and 7. FIG. [Figure 10] 11A and 11B are diagrams for explaining specific examples of when pixel data at the edge of an image in a print file is printed and when it is not printed depending on the type of image output device. [Figure 11] 11A to 11C are diagrams for explaining an example for solving the problem described in FIG. 10; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] Hereinafter, the embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims. Although the embodiments describe a number of features, not all of these features are essential to the invention, and the features may be combined in any manner. Furthermore, in the attached drawings, the same reference numbers are used for the same or similar configurations, and duplicated descriptions are omitted.

[0014] [Embodiment 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a system configuration according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] The image output device 100 is, for example, a printing device such as a multifunction device or a printer, and is capable of communicating with the printing PC 101 via a network 103. The printing PC 101 is, for example, an image processing device such as a PC (personal computer), and is capable of executing an installed printing application 102 to cause the image output device 100 to execute printing. In the first embodiment, the number of image output devices 100 is one, but this is not limited thereto, and there may be two or more. Furthermore, the number of printing PCs 101 is also one, but there may be two or more. Furthermore, as long as the functions of the printing PC 101 are incorporated in the image output device 100, the image output device 100 may be configured only with the image output device 100.

[0016] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the image output device 100 according to the first embodiment.

[0017] The image output device 100 is controlled by a CPU 200. The CPU 200 loads a control program stored in a program ROM of a ROM 201 or a control program stored in an external memory 208 in a RAM 202, and controls the operation of the image output device 100 by executing the loaded program. The CPU 200 outputs an image signal as output information to a print unit (printer engine) 207 connected to a print unit I / F 205 via a system bus 203. The CPU 200 is also capable of communication processing with the print PC 101 via an input unit 204, and can notify the print PC 101 of information on the image output device 100. The CPU 200 can also receive print data to be output to the print unit 207 via the input unit 204. The RAM 202 functions as a main memory or a work area for the CPU 200, and is configured so that the memory capacity can be expanded by an optional RAM connected to an expansion port (not shown). The RAM 202 is used as a program load area, an output information load area, an environment data storage area, a non-volatile memory, and the like. Access to an external memory 208 such as a hard disk (HDD) or an IC card is controlled by a memory controller 206. The external memory 208 can be connected as an option, and stores font data, emulation programs, form data, information related to paper registered in the image output device 100, paper attribute information, etc. An operation unit 209 has a touch panel function and is capable of displaying various information.

[0018] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of the printing PC 101 according to the first embodiment.

[0019] A control unit 307 in the computer includes a CPU 300, a ROM 301, a RAM 302, a network I / F (interface) 303, a keyboard controller 304, a display controller 305, and a disk controller 306. The CPU 300 reads various programs, such as a control program, a system program, and an application program, from an external memory 310 via the disk controller 306 and expands them in the RAM 302. The CPU 300 executes the various programs expanded in the RAM 302 to perform various data processing and to control the display of the display 309. The CPU 300 may also read the control program and the like from the ROM 301. The CPU 300 may also be a dedicated circuit such as an ASIC. The CPU 300 and the dedicated circuit are examples of a hardware circuit or a hardware processor. The disk controller 306 controls access to the external memory 310, such as a HD, a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, a UDB, or an MO. The RAM 302 is configured so that its capacity can be expanded by an optional RAM (not shown) or the like, and is mainly used as a work area for the CPU 300. A keyboard controller 304 controls key input from a keyboard 308 or a pointing device (not shown). A display controller 305 controls the display of a display 309. The CPU 300 is capable of communication processing with the image output device 100 via a network I / F 303. In the first embodiment, unless otherwise specified, the CPU 300 controls each unit connected to the main bus 311 via the main bus 311. The display 309 may also have a touch panel function.

[0020] FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of the image output device 100 and the printing PC 101 according to the first embodiment.

[0021] First, there will be described the functional blocks of the image output device 100. The functions of the functional units of the image output device 100 shown in Fig. 4 are realized by the CPU 200 executing the above-mentioned programs.

[0022] A print job receiving unit 408 receives a print job transmitted from the printing PC 101. A print execution unit 409 executes print processing of the print job received by the print job receiving unit 408.

[0023] Next, a description will be given of the functional blocks of the printing PC 101. Note that the functions of the functional units of the printing PC 101 shown in Fig. 4 are realized by the CPU 300 of the printing PC 101 executing the above-mentioned programs.

[0024] The job DB 400 is a database that stores print files input by the user to the print application 102, and print setting information set by the user through the print setting information display unit 402 of the print application 102. The job information acquisition unit 401 stores the print setting information set by the user through the print setting information display unit 402 of the print application 102 in the job DB 400. The job information acquisition unit 401 also acquires print data information such as the document size of the print file stored in the job DB 400 and print setting information such as print quality from the job DB 400, and transmits the information to the resolution calculation unit 403. The print setting information display unit 402 is an interface of the print application 102 for the user to set print settings.

[0025] When the resolution calculation unit 403 receives print data information and print setting information from the job information acquisition unit 401, it calculates the print resolution and the resolution for preview display. The print resolution here is determined by the print quality included in the print setting information acquired by the job information acquisition unit 401. For example, if the user sets the print quality to high, the print resolution will be 600 dpi, and conversely, if the user sets the print quality to low, the print resolution will be 300 dpi.

[0026] Meanwhile, the preview resolution is determined by dividing the length of the long side of the print file into a number of pixels (number of picture elements) that is predetermined by the print application 102. For example, assume that the document size of the image is 400 mm wide x 282.8 mm high, and the number of pixels that is predetermined by the print application 102 is 2000 pixels. In this case, since the long side of the print file is 400 mm wide, the resolution is 2000 pixels÷400 mm×25.4 mm / inch=127 dpi.

[0027] A pixel calculation unit 404 calculates the number of print pixels (number of print pixels) and the number of preview pixels (number of preview pixels) using the print resolution and preview resolution calculated by the resolution calculation unit 403. Here, a method of calculating the number of pixels performed by the pixel calculation unit 404 will be described using a specific example.

[0028] Assume that the document size of the print file is 400 mm wide x 282.8 mm high, the print resolution is 600 dpi, and the preview resolution is 127 dpi. When the number of print pixels is calculated from the print resolution, the width is 400 mm x 600 dpi ÷ 25.4 mm / inch = 9448.8 pixels. The height is 282.8 mm x 600 dpi ÷ 25.4 mm / inch = 6680.3 pixels. On the other hand, when the number of preview pixels is calculated from the preview resolution, the width is 400 mm x 127 dpi ÷ 25.4 mm / inch = 2000 pixels, and the height is 282.8 mm x 127 dpi ÷ 25.4 mm / inch = 1414 pixels. Then, the pixel calculation unit 404 sets the print integer flag and the preview integer flag in the width direction (horizontal direction) (or height direction (vertical direction)) from the calculated number of print pixels and number of preview pixels. A detailed method for setting the width direction (or height direction) print integer flag and preview integer flag will be described later with reference to FIG.

[0029] An image generation unit 405 uses the number of preview pixels determined by the pixel calculation unit 404 to draw the print data stored in the job DB 400 and generate an image. The image thus generated is previewed and displayed on the display 309 of the PC 101 by a preview display unit 406. A print job transmission unit 407 acquires the print data and print setting information from the job information acquisition unit 401, generates a print job based on them, and transmits it to the image output device 100.

[0030] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a screen 500 displayed by the print setting information display unit 402 during printing for the image output device 100 displayed on the display 309 of the printing PC 101 according to the first embodiment.

[0031] This screen 500 has a file list display section 501 which displays a list of document information to be printed by document or page, and a preview display section 502 which displays a preview of the layout of a page selected in the file list display section 501. Furthermore, this screen 500 has a print setting display section 503 which edits the setting values ​​of various print setting items. The print setting display section 503 includes a priority image quality selection section 505 and a print quality selection section 506. In FIG. 5, "Photo / Illustration" is selected in the priority image quality selection section 505, and "Standard" is selected in the print quality selection section 506. Note that display sections and instruction sections other than those described above may also be present in this screen 500. When the print button 504 is pressed here, a print job is created and transmitted.

[0032] 6 is a flowchart for explaining the process in which the printing PC 101 according to the first embodiment generates and displays image data for preview display. That is, here, after a print file is input to the printing application 102, image data for preview display is generated so as to match the print result, and is displayed on the display 309. Note that the process shown in this flowchart is started when the user inputs a print file to the printing application 102. Each process shown in this flowchart is achieved by the CPU 300 executing the printing application 102.

[0033] First, in S600, the CPU 300 receives a print file and print settings from the print setting information display unit 402, and stores them in the job DB 400 as job information including print data and print setting information. Next, the process proceeds to S601, where the CPU 300 functions as the resolution calculation unit 403, and determines the print resolution and the preview resolution using the print data and print setting information stored in the job DB 400 in S600. Then, the CPU 300 requests the pixel calculation unit 404 to calculate the number of print and preview pixels. As a result, the CPU 300 functions as the pixel calculation unit 404, and calculates the number of print pixels from the print resolution, and if the calculated number of print pixels in the width direction (or height direction) is an integer, sets an integer flag for printing in the width direction (or height direction). Also, the CPU 300 calculates the number of preview pixels from the preview resolution, and if the calculated number of preview pixels in the width direction (or height direction) is an integer, sets an integer flag for preview in the width direction (or height direction). A detailed process flow of S601 will be described later with reference to FIG. 7. From this point on, the number of pixels and the integer flags for printing and previewing are processed the same in the width and height directions, so descriptions of the width and height directions are omitted.

[0034] Next, the process proceeds to S602, where the CPU 300 functions as the pixel calculation unit 404 and determines whether the print integer flag and the preview integer flag set in S601 match. If the print integer flag is set here, printing is attempted up to an area one pixel outside the print pixel count calculated in S601. Therefore, if there is data at the edge of the image of the print file, the data at the edge is not printed. On the other hand, if the preview integer flag is set, drawing is attempted up to an area one pixel outside the preview pixel count calculated in S601. Therefore, if there is data at the edge of the image of the print file, the data at the edge is not displayed in the preview. In this way, if there is data at the edge of the image of the print file, the print result and the preview display will not match unless the print integer flag and the preview integer flag match. Therefore, if the print integer flag and the preview integer flag match in S602, the print result and the preview display will match, so nothing is done and the process proceeds to S603. On the other hand, if only one of the print integer flag and the preview integer flag is set, the print integer flag and the preview integer flag do not match, so the process proceeds to S605.

[0035] In S605, CPU 300 determines whether the preview integer flag is set. If the preview integer flag is set, data at the edge of the image in the print file will be printed but not displayed in the preview, and the print result and the preview display will not match. Therefore, the process proceeds to S606, and CPU 300 increases the number of preview pixels calculated in S601 by one pixel to expand the preview drawing area, thereby fitting the data at the edge of the image in the print file within the preview drawing area, matching the print result and the preview display, and then proceeds to S603.

[0036] On the other hand, if the preview integer flag is not set in S605, if there is data at the edge of the print file image, it will not be printed but a preview will be displayed, and the print result and the preview display will not match. Therefore, the process proceeds to S607, where the CPU 300 reduces the number of preview pixels calculated in S601 by one pixel to reduce the preview drawing area. This moves the data at the edge of the print file image out of the preview drawing area, making the print result and the preview display match, and the process proceeds to S603. Note that in S606 and S607, the number of preview pixels to be increased or decreased does not have to be one pixel, and may be a predetermined number of pixels.

[0037] Then, in S603, the CPU 300 functions as pixel calculation unit 404 and transmits the number of preview pixels calculated in S601, S606, or S607 described above to the image generation unit 405. As a result, the CPU 300 functions as image generation unit 405 and renders the print data stored in the job DB 400 using the number of preview pixels received from the pixel calculation unit 404, and generates image data for preview display. The image generation unit 405 then requests the preview display unit 406 to display the image data for preview display generated in S603 on the display 309 of the printing PC 101. Thus, in S604, the CPU 300 functions as preview display unit 406 and displays a preview on the display 309 of the printing PC 101 based on the image data for preview display.

[0038] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating the process of S601 in FIG.

[0039] In summary, this process is performed by the resolution calculation unit 403 using the print data and print setting information stored in the job DB 400 to determine the print resolution and preview resolution. Using each determined resolution, the pixel calculation unit 404 calculates the number of pixels in the width direction (or height direction) and sets an integer flag for the width direction (or height direction). Since the number of pixels and integer flags for printing and previewing are processed identically in the width direction and height direction hereafter, the description of the width direction and height direction will be omitted. This process is started when print data such as the document size of the print file and print setting information are newly saved in the job DB 400 or when the information is updated.

[0040] First, in S700, CPU 300 functions as resolution calculation unit 403 and determines the print resolution using the print quality from the print setting information. For example, if the user sets the print quality to high, the print resolution is set to 600 dpi, and conversely, if the user sets the print quality to low, the print resolution is set to 300 dpi. In this way, resolution calculation unit 403 notifies pixel calculation unit 404 of the print resolution and requests it to calculate the number of print pixels. Pixel calculation unit 404 calculates the number of print pixels from the print resolution set by resolution calculation unit 403.

[0041] Here, a specific example will be used to explain how the pixel calculation unit 404 calculates the number of print pixels. Let us assume that the document size of the print file is 400 mm wide x 282.8 mm high, and the print resolution is 600 dpi. When the number of print pixels is calculated using the print resolution, the width is 400 mm x 600 dpi ÷ 25.4 mm / inch = 9448.8 pixels, and the height is 282.8 mm x 600 dpi ÷ 25.4 mm / inch = 6680.3 pixels.

[0042] Next, the process proceeds to S701, where CPU 300 determines whether the number of print pixels calculated in S700 is an integer value. If it is an integer value, the process proceeds to S702, sets the printing integer flag on, and proceeds to S703. On the other hand, if it is not an integer value, the process proceeds to S703. In the above example, the width is 9448.8 pixels and the height is 6680.3 pixels, so the number of print pixels is not an integer value, and the actual range of the print area is 9449 pixels wide and 6681 pixels high, which is the calculated number of pixels rounded up. As a result, the print data fits within the range of the print area, and the data is printed without any loss. In this case, the printing integer flag is not set.

[0043] In S703, the CPU 300 functions as the resolution calculation unit 403 and acquires the width and height of each page of the print file from the job DB 400. Next, the process proceeds to S704, where the CPU 300 calculates a preview resolution from the width and height acquired in S703. This preview resolution is determined by dividing the length of the long side of the print file into a number of pixels predetermined by the print application 102. For example, if the document size of the print file is 400 mm wide x 282.8 mm high, and the number of pixels predetermined by the print application 102 is 2000 pixels, then since the long side of the print file is 400 mm wide, the resolution is 2000 pixels÷400 mm×25.4 mm / inch=127 dpi.

[0044] Next, the process proceeds to S705, where CPU 300 functions as pixel calculation unit 404 and calculates the number of preview pixels from the preview resolution calculated in S704. Here, a specific example will be used to explain how pixel calculation unit 404 calculates the number of preview pixels. Assume that the document size of the print file is 400 mm wide x 282.8 mm high, and the print resolution is 127 dpi. When the number of preview pixels is calculated using the preview resolution, the width is 400 mm x 127 dpi ÷ 25.4 mm / inch = 2000 pixels. The height is 282.8 mm x 127 dpi ÷ 25.4 mm / inch = 1414 pixels.

[0045] Next, the process proceeds to S706, where CPU 300 determines whether the number of preview pixels calculated in S705 is an integer value. If the number of preview pixels is an integer value, it attempts to render up to an area one pixel outside the calculated number of preview pixels. Therefore, if there is data at the edge of the image in the print file, it is determined that the data will not be displayed in the preview, and the process proceeds to S707, where the preview integer flag is set to on, and the process ends. On the other hand, if the number of review pixels is not an integer value, the process ends as it is. In the above example, the width is 2000 pixels and the height is 1414 pixels, which are integer values, so the preview integer flag is set to on.

[0046] FIG. 8 is a diagram specifically explaining the problem described in the flowcharts of FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 using an example in which thin lines at the right edge and bottom edge of print data are not displayed.

[0047] Reference number 800 indicates an image of a print file with thin lines drawn at the four corners. Here, the document size of image 800 is 400 mm wide x 282.8 mm high, as in FIG. 7. Reference number 801 indicates a diagram in which the number of pixels of the print file is calculated at the print resolution and the range of the print area is determined. The black frame of the print area 801 indicates the thin lines at the four corners of the print file 800. Here, the print resolution is also 600 dpi, as in FIG. 7. In this case, the number of print pixels is calculated as 400 mm x 600 dpi ÷ 25.4 mm / inch = 9448.8 pixels for the width and 282.8 mm x 600 dpi ÷ 25.4 mm / inch = 6680.3 pixels for the height.

[0048] Here, the actual print area is an integer value, so this print area has a width of 9449 pixels and a height of 6681 pixels, which is the calculated pixel count rounded up. Reference number 802 is an enlarged view of the boundary of the black border of print area 801 (thin lines at the four corners of image 800). Reference number 803 is a view showing pixels when the black border of print area 801 (thin lines at the four corners of image 800) is printed. As is clear from a comparison of reference numbers 802 and 803, the printed pixels include pixels to the right of the black border of print area 801.

[0049] On the other hand, reference numeral 804 is a diagram in which the number of pixels of the image 800 is calculated at the preview resolution and the range of the preview display area is determined. The black frame of this display area 804 indicates the thin lines at the four corners of the image 800. The preview resolution is also 127 dpi as in FIG. 7. In this case, the number of preview pixels is calculated as 400 mm×127 dpi÷25.4 mm / inch=2000 pixels in width and 282.8 mm×127 dpi÷25.4 mm / inch=1414 pixels in height. Since the calculated number of preview pixels is an integer value here, the actual preview display area also has the same width of 2000 pixels and height of 1414 pixels as the calculated number of pixels. Reference numeral 805 is a diagram in which the boundary of the black frame (thin lines at the four corners of the image 800) of the preview display area 804 is enlarged. Reference numeral 806 indicates the pixels where the black frame (thin lines at the four corners of the image 600) of the preview display area 804 is displayed. As shown by the black frame 805 of the display area, the right edge of the black frame 805 coincides with the right edge of the display area 804 .

[0050] As explained with reference number 803, the pixels to be printed include the pixels to the right of the black border of the print area 801. Therefore, the pixels to be previewed must include the pixels to the right of the black border 805, and these pixels are pixels outside the display area 804 (shaded pixels with reference number 806). When the number of preview pixels is an integer in this way, the thin line on the right edge of the black border of the print area 801 will not be displayed. Similarly, the thin line at the bottom edge will not be displayed either.

[0051] In image 800, which has thin lines drawn at all four corners, if the number of print pixels is not an integer but the number of preview pixels is an integer, the thin lines at the right and bottom edges will not be displayed in the preview, but will be printed in the printed image.

[0052] FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining an example in which a specific example of the problem explained in FIG. 8 is solved by executing the processes explained in the flowcharts of FIG. 6 and FIG.

[0053] Reference numeral 900 indicates an image in which the right and bottom thin lines are not displayed in the preview of the image with the four corners described in FIG. 8. Reference numeral 901 indicates the pixel representation of the four corner thin lines of the image 900. Here, the number of print pixels is a non-integer number, and the number of pixels calculated from the preview resolution is an integer number, so that the right and bottom thin lines of the image 900 to be printed become pixels (shaded pixels) outside the preview display area. Here, when the processing described in the flowcharts of FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 is performed on the pixels outside the image 900, the print integer flag is not set in S601, and the preview integer flag is set. Then, based on the state of each integer flag, the process proceeds to S606 through S602 and S605, where the number of preview pixels is increased by one pixel. In this way, by increasing the number of preview pixels by one pixel and expanding the display area of ​​the preview, the right and bottom thin lines of the image 900 can be accommodated within the preview display area, as shown by reference numeral 903. As a result, thin lines at the right and bottom edges of image 900 can be displayed in the preview, as indicated by reference numeral 902.

[0054] In the above example, an example was explained where the number of print pixels is not an integer and the number of preview pixels is an integer, but the same explanation can be applied to the case where the number of print pixels is an integer and the number of preview pixels is not an integer. If the number of preview pixels is not an integer, the preview display area will be the calculated number of preview pixels rounded up. In this case, since the preview display area will be one pixel wider than the print area, the process proceeds to S607 in Figure 6, where the number of preview pixels is reduced by one pixel to reduce the preview drawing area. This moves data at the edge of the print file image outside the preview drawing area, making it possible to match the print result with the preview display.

[0055] [Embodiment 2] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment 1. For example, in Fig. 6 of embodiment 1, a configuration may be considered in which the determination of whether the print integer flag and the preview integer flag match in S602 and the determination of whether the preview integer flag is set in S605 are omitted.

[0056] That is, after the print integer flag and the preview integer flag are set in S601, if the print integer flag is set, the number of preview pixels is always decreased by one pixel to reduce the preview drawing area. Also, if the preview integer flag is set, the number of preview pixels is always increased by one pixel to expand the preview drawing area. In this way, by omitting the determination processes of S602 and S605, the time required for preview display can be shortened in the case of a print file with a large number of pages. Note that the number of preview pixels increased or decreased in S606 and S607 does not have to be one pixel, and may be any predetermined number of pixels.

[0057] In addition, when each integer flag is set, the number of preview pixels is always decreased or increased to expand or reduce the preview drawing area. However, if pages of the same size are consecutive, the area may be expanded or reduced within the range of the pages. For example, consider a case where pages 1 to 50 of a print file are A4 size and pages 51 to 100 are A3 size. First, it is determined whether each integer flag is set for pages 1 to 50. If an integer flag is set for even one page, the number of preview pixels for the pages following that page through page 50 is increased or decreased. Next, the same process as above is performed for pages 51 to 100.

[0058] [Embodiment 3] The present invention is an effective means for solving the problem of a mismatch between the print result and the preview display when pixel data exists at the edge of the image in the print file, as described in Fig. 6 of embodiment 1. For this reason, a configuration can be considered in which it is determined in advance whether pixel data exists at the edge of the image in the print file, and the means for solving this problem are implemented only if pixel data exists.

[0059] For example, in Fig. 6 of the first embodiment, before determining in S602 whether the print integer flag and the preview integer flag match, it is determined whether the pixel data at the edge of the pixel number calculated in S601 is color information other than white (R=G=B=255). If it is a color other than white, there is a possibility that the pixel data at the edge of the image in the print file will not be printed or will not be displayed in preview, so S602 is performed.

[0060] On the other hand, if the color is all white, there is no pixel data to be printed at the edge of the image of the print file, so S602 is not performed and the process proceeds to S603 to generate a preview image. Furthermore, if the print file data and print setting information have already been saved in the job DB 400 and a preview image has been generated, S603 and S604 do not need to be performed. If the output paper size in the print settings is changed, a preview image needs to be regenerated in S603. However, according to the third embodiment, the processes from S602 to S604 can be omitted, and the time required for preview display can be shortened in the case of a print file with a large number of pages. Note that, although white is cited as the color information to be determined, other color information may be used, and the presence or absence of a specific drawing object may be determined. The edge of the image may be the outermost periphery of the image.

[0061] [Embodiment 4] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment. In FIG. 6 of the first embodiment, the number of preview pixels is increased by one pixel in the width direction (or height direction) in S606 to expand the drawing area of ​​the review. However, expanding the drawing area of ​​the preview in this way makes it impossible to maintain the aspect ratio of the print data. Therefore, if the print integer flag and the preview integer flag do not match in only one of the width direction (or height direction) in S602, the number of preview pixels in both the width direction and height direction is increased by one pixel in S606 to maintain the aspect ratio of the print data.

[0062] Similarly, in S607, when the number of preview pixels is decreased by one pixel only in the width direction (or height direction), the number of preview pixels in both the width direction and height direction is decreased by one pixel. Note that in S606 and S607, the number of preview pixels increased or decreased does not have to be one pixel, and may be any predetermined number of pixels.

[0063] [Embodiment 5] The technology according to the first embodiment is an effective means for solving the problem that the print result and the preview display do not match when pixel data exists at the edge of the image of the print file, as explained in FIG. 6. Since the image output device 100 has a physical margin, the actual print area is limited to the inside of the margin. This margin differs depending on the type of image output device 100. For this reason, even if the technology described in the first embodiment is used, depending on the type of image output device 100, pixel data at the edge of the image of the print file may not be printed if it overlaps with the margin of the image output device 100.

[0064] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating specific examples of when pixel data at the edges of an image in a print file is printed (reference numbers 1000 to 1003) and when it is not printed (reference numbers 1004 to 1007) depending on the type of image output device 100.

[0065] Both reference numbers 1000 and 1004 indicate the paper size set in the image output device 100 and the printing area that can actually be printed by the image forming device 100. The area outside the part indicated by the black frame here is the margin of the image output device 100. Therefore, the area outside this black frame is an area that cannot be printed by the image forming device 100, and therefore becomes a margin on the printed sheet. In other words, the image of the print file will be printed inside the black frame of reference number 1000. In FIG. 6 of the first embodiment, pixel data at the edge of the image of the print file is drawn exactly on this black frame.

[0066] As in the first embodiment, the print resolution is set to 600 dpi, and the margins of the image output device 100 are set to 3 mm on all sides. In this case, the number of pixels of the margin is calculated as 3 mm×600 dpi÷25.4 mm / inch=70.9 pixels.

[0067] The actual margin is an integer value, but depending on the type of image output device 100, the calculated number of pixels may be rounded down to 70 pixels, or rounded up to 71 pixels. Possible methods for rounding up or down include a method of rounding down to the nearest integer, or a method of rounding up or down by rounding off, and any method is acceptable. Reference numerals 1001 and 1005 are enlarged views of a portion of the vertical line on the left side of the black frame (margin boundary line). In this case, pixel data at the edge of the image in the print file will be drawn between 70 and 71 pixels.

[0068] When the margin position of the image output device 100 is 70 pixels, the margin falls inside the print area, as shown by reference number 1001. Reference number 1002 shows the pixels when pixel data within the black frame (margin boundary) is printed. As is clear from a comparison of reference numbers 1001 and 1002, the printed pixels include pixels outside the black frame.

[0069] On the other hand, when the margin of the image output device 100 is 71 pixels, the margin extends outside the print area (pixels 70), as shown by reference number 1005. Reference number 1006 shows the state when pixel data within the black frame (margin boundary line) shown by reference number 1004 is not printed.

[0070] As explained here with reference number 1002, when the margin position of the image output device 100 is 70 pixels, the pixels printed include those pixels outside the black frame of reference number 1000. On the other hand, when the margin position of the image output device 100 is 71 pixels, only pixels one pixel inside the black frame 1005 are printed.

[0071] When the margins of the image output device 100 and the pixel data at the edge of the image in the print file overlap in this way, a phenomenon occurs in which the pixel data at the edge of the image in the print file is not printed, depending on the margin specifications of the image output device 100.

[0072] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining an example for solving the problem explained in FIG.

[0073] Reference number 1100 indicates an image in which pixel data at the edge of an image is not printed when the margins of the image output device 100 described in Fig. 10 overlap with pixel data at the edge of the image in the print file. Reference number 1101 is a diagram showing pixel data at the edge of the image 1100 in pixels. In this case, the print area is inside the margins of the image output device 100, so pixel data at the edge of the image 1100 to be printed becomes pixels outside the print area (shaded pixels) and is not printed.

[0074] When the margins of the image output device 100 are converted into pixels, whether the calculated number of pixels is rounded up or down is checked and stored in advance. Then, when printing is executed, the stored margin information is obtained, and if rounding up is possible, the number of print pixels is increased by one pixel. In this way, by increasing the number of print pixels by one pixel and expanding the print area, it is possible to print pixel data at the edge of the image 1100, as shown by reference number 1103. As a result, it is possible to print pixel data at the edge of the image 1100, as shown by reference number 1102.

[0075] Depending on the type of image output device 100, whether the calculated number of pixels is rounded down or up when the margins are converted into pixels may differ depending on the top, bottom, left, and right margins. Therefore, the top, bottom, left, and right margins may be stored separately. Also, if rounding down and rounding up are common for two or more margins, they may be stored in combination, such as the top and bottom margins and the left and right margins.

[0076] [Embodiment 6] The technology according to the first embodiment is an effective means for solving the problem that the print result and the preview display do not match when pixel data exists at the edge of the image of the print file as described in FIG. 6. As described in the fifth embodiment, the image output device 100 has a physical margin, so the actual print area is limited to the inside of the margin. When printing the image of the print file to fit the print area, the image is reduced by the margin from the edge of the paper set in the image output device 100 so that the image is not missing. If there is pixel data at the edge of the image of the print file, an error occurs when the margin of the image output device 100 is converted into pixels, and the data on the right and bottom edges may not be printed.

[0077] For example, consider the case where a print file with an A4 manuscript size is printed at an A4 print size. Here, the print resolution is 600 dpi as in the first embodiment, and the margins of the image output device 100 are 3 mm on all four sides. The manuscript size is 210 mm wide and 297 mm high, but when the margins are taken into account, the print size is slightly reduced to 210 mm-3 mm x 2 = 204 mm wide and 297 mm-3 mm x 2 = 291 mm high. In addition, the positions of the right and bottom edges of the page are 207 mm for the right edge and 294 mm for the bottom edge, taking the top left corner as the origin and adding the print size to the left margin and top margin.

[0078] When converted to pixels based on the printing resolution, the position of the right end is calculated to be 207mm x 600dpi ÷ 25.4mm / inch = 4889.76 pixels, and the position of the bottom end is calculated to be 294mm x 600dpi ÷ 25.4mm / inch = 6844.88 pixels.

[0079] Here, the actual print pixels are integer values, so when the calculated pixel number is rounded down, the right end position becomes 4889 pixels and the bottom end position becomes 6844 pixels. If there is pixel data at the right end 0.76 pixels (0.032 mm from the right end, 206.96 mm to 207 mm from the top end) or the bottom end 0.88 pixels (0.037 mm from the bottom end) after the decimal point is discarded, it will be determined to be outside the print area and will not be printed.

[0080] Therefore, a pseudo resolution conversion is performed to reduce the print file printing area so that it is included in the number of print pixels. Here, this is achieved by slightly reducing the resolution and performing rendering processing. As an example, by rendering 4889 pixels at the right end as 599 dpi, the drawing area with the same number of pixels can be expanded. Converting this to mm gives 4889 pixels ÷ 599 dpi × 25.4 mm / inch = 207.31 mm, and the position that was not drawn due to truncation (206.96 mm to 207 mm) is also included in the printing area. This allows the pixel data at the right and bottom edges of the print file image to be printed. Note that the resolution reduction does not have to be in 1 dpi units, and can be a smaller value to get closer to the theoretical value.

[0081] In the above example, the document size is reduced to match the print size, but the same explanation can be given for the case where the document size is enlarged to match the print size.

[0082] (Other embodiments) The present invention can also be realized by a process in which a program for implementing one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in a computer of the system or device read and execute the program. The present invention can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that implements one or more of the functions.

[0083] This specification and drawings disclose the following image processing device, its control method, and program.

[0084] [Item 1] A first acquisition means for acquiring the number of print pixels in the vertical or horizontal direction based on the print resolution of the image to be printed; A second acquisition means for acquiring a number of preview pixels in a vertical or horizontal direction based on a resolution of the preview display of the image; generating means for generating a preview of the image based on the preview pixel count; a control means for controlling to display a preview of the image by expanding or contracting a drawing area of ​​the preview based on whether the print pixel count acquired by the first acquisition means is an integer and whether the preview pixel count acquired by the second acquisition means is an integer; 13. An image processing device comprising:

[0085] [Item 2] 2. The image processing device according to item 1, wherein the control means expands or reduces a drawing area of ​​the preview by increasing or decreasing the number of preview pixels by a predetermined number of pixels.

[0086] [Item 3] 3. The image processing device according to item 2, wherein the predetermined number of pixels is one.

[0087] [Item 4] 4. The image processing device according to claim 1, wherein the print resolution is determined based on a print quality of the image.

[0088] [Item 5] 5. The image processing device according to any one of items 1 to 4, wherein a resolution of the preview display is determined based on the number of pixels of the preview display and a size of an image to be printed of the image.

[0089] [Item 6] 6. The image processing device according to item 5, wherein the size of the image is the length of the long side of the image.

[0090] [Item 7] The image processing device according to any one of items 1 to 6, characterized in that, when the number of print pixels is an integer and the number of preview pixels is not an integer, the control means controls the preview drawing area to be reduced and the preview of the image to be displayed.

[0091] [Item 8] The image processing device according to any one of items 1 to 7, characterized in that, when the number of print pixels is not an integer and the number of preview pixels is an integer, the control means controls to expand the drawing area of ​​the preview to display a preview of the image.

[0092] [Item 9] 9. The image processing device according to any one of items 1 to 8, wherein the control means displays a preview of the image generated by the generation means when the number of print pixels and the number of preview pixels are both integers.

[0093] [Item 10] 10. The image processing device according to any one of items 1 to 9, wherein the control means controls to reduce a drawing area of ​​the preview and display a preview of the image if the number of print pixels is an integer.

[0094] [Item 11] 11. The image processing device according to any one of items 1 to 10, wherein the control means controls to expand a drawing area of ​​the preview and display a preview of the image if the number of preview pixels is an integer.

[0095] [Item 12] The method further includes a determination unit for determining whether a pixel at an edge or an outermost periphery of an image having a resolution of the preview display or a resolution of the print resolution has specific color information or a specific drawing object, when the determination means determines that the image is not the specific color information or the specific drawing object, the control means displays a preview of the image by expanding or contracting a drawing area of ​​the preview based on whether the number of print pixels acquired by the first acquisition means is an integer and whether the number of preview pixels acquired by the second acquisition means is an integer; 12. The image processing device according to any one of items 1 to 11, characterized in that, when the determination means determines that the specific color information or the specific drawing object is the specific color information or the specific drawing object, a preview of the image generated by the generation means is displayed.

[0096] [Item 13] The image processing device described in any one of items 1 to 12, characterized in that the control means controls to display a preview of the image by expanding or reducing the drawing area of ​​the preview while maintaining the aspect ratio of the image by reducing or increasing the number of preview pixels in both the vertical and horizontal directions of the image.

[0097] [Item 14] The image processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that when the control means expands or reduces the drawing area of ​​the preview for any page of consecutive pages of the same size in a print file containing the image to be printed, the control means similarly expands or reduces the drawing area of ​​the preview for all subsequent pages of the same size.

[0098] [Item 15] A control method for controlling an image processing device, comprising: A first acquisition step of acquiring a number of print pixels in a vertical or horizontal direction based on a print resolution of an image to be printed; A second acquisition step of acquiring a number of preview pixels in a vertical or horizontal direction based on a resolution of the preview display of the image; generating a preview of the image based on the preview pixel count; a control step of controlling to display a preview of the image by expanding or contracting a drawing area of ​​the preview based on whether the number of print pixels acquired in the first acquisition step is an integer and whether the number of preview pixels acquired in the second acquisition step is an integer; A control method comprising the steps of:

[0099] [Item 16] A program for causing a computer to execute each step of the control method according to claim 15.

[0100] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the following claims are appended to apprise the public of the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0101] 100: image output device, 101: printing PC, 102: printing application, 103: network connection unit, 203: system bus, 307: control unit, 311: main bus

Claims

1. a first acquisition means for acquiring a number of print pixels in a vertical or horizontal direction based on a print resolution of an image to be printed; A second acquisition means for acquiring a number of preview pixels in a vertical or horizontal direction based on a resolution of the preview display of the image; generating means for generating a preview of the image based on the preview pixel count; a control means for controlling to display a preview of the image by expanding or contracting a drawing area of ​​the preview based on whether the print pixel count acquired by the first acquisition means is an integer and whether the preview pixel count acquired by the second acquisition means is an integer; 13. An image processing device comprising:

2. 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said control means expands or reduces a drawing area of ​​said preview by increasing or decreasing the number of preview pixels by a predetermined number of pixels.

3. 3. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the predetermined number of pixels is one.

4. 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the print resolution is determined based on a print quality of the image.

5. 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a resolution of the preview display is determined based on the number of pixels of the preview display and a size of an image to be printed.

6. 6. The image processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the size of the image is the length of a long side of the image.

7. 2 . The image processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the control means controls so that, when the number of print pixels is an integer and the number of preview pixels is not an integer, a drawing area of ​​the preview is reduced to display the preview of the image.

8. 2 . The image processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the control means performs control so that, when the print pixel count is not an integer but the preview pixel count is an integer, a drawing area for the preview is expanded to display the preview of the image.

9. 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said control means displays a preview of said image generated by said generating means when said print pixel count and said preview pixel count are both integers.

10. 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control means controls so that, if the number of print pixels is an integer, a rendering area of ​​the preview is reduced and the preview of the image is displayed.

11. 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said control means controls so that, if the number of preview pixels is an integer, a drawing area of ​​said preview is expanded to display the preview of said image.

12. The method further includes a determination unit for determining whether a pixel at an edge or an outermost periphery of an image having a resolution of the preview display or a resolution of the print resolution has specific color information or a specific drawing object, when the determination means determines that the image is not the specific color information or the specific drawing object, the control means displays a preview of the image by expanding or contracting a drawing area of ​​the preview based on whether the number of print pixels acquired by the first acquisition means is an integer and whether the number of preview pixels acquired by the second acquisition means is an integer; 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the determining means determines that the image is the specific color information or the specific drawing object, a preview of the image generated by the generating means is displayed.

13. The image processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that the control means controls to display a preview of the image by expanding or reducing the drawing area of ​​the preview while maintaining the aspect ratio of the image by reducing or increasing the number of preview pixels in both the vertical and horizontal directions of the image.

14. The image processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that when the control means expands or reduces the drawing area of ​​the preview for any page of consecutive pages of the same size in a print file containing the image to be printed, the control means similarly expands or reduces the drawing area of ​​the preview for all subsequent pages of the same size.

15. A control method for controlling an image processing device, comprising: A first acquisition step of acquiring a number of print pixels in a vertical or horizontal direction based on a print resolution of an image to be printed; a second acquisition step of acquiring a number of preview pixels in a vertical or horizontal direction based on a resolution of the preview display of the image; generating a preview of the image based on the preview pixel count; a control step of controlling to display a preview of the image by expanding or contracting a drawing area of ​​the preview based on whether the number of print pixels acquired in the first acquisition step is an integer and whether the number of preview pixels acquired in the second acquisition step is an integer; A control method comprising the steps of:

16. A program causing a computer to execute each step of the control method according to claim 15.

Images