Image printing system and image printing program

Abstract

To provide a system and program capable of printing an image of an object, part by part, when acquiring a file from a client device not through a printer driver.SOLUTION: An image printing system acquires a file to be printed which includes three-dimensional data on an object from a client device not through a printer driver, and when a plurality of partial images which are each a part of the object in the file to be printed are registered, prints at least one partial image of the plurality of partial images.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an image printing system and an image printing program. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent document 1 proposes a method for printing a file containing object data of an object capable of providing multiple appearances, the method comprising the steps of (a) receiving the file to be printed, (b) setting multiple appearances for printing the object, and (c) automatically printing multiple images of the object data corresponding to the multiple appearances.

[0003] Patent document 2 proposes an image forming device with a direct printing function that prints a file supplied from a client device using a printer unit, the image forming device comprising: a print control unit that controls the printer unit; a specific function judgment unit that judges whether the file includes a page having a specific function different from normal pages; a display unit that displays a predetermined frame on a display screen that displays an image corresponding to the specific function when the specific function judgment unit judges that the file includes a page having the specific function; and an operation unit that accepts operations to edit the image corresponding to the specific function displayed within the predetermined frame.

[0004] Patent document 3 proposes a print control device that includes an acquisition means for acquiring location information indicating where three-dimensional image data is stored, a conversion means for converting the location information into embedded image data in a format whose contents can be read, a composite image generation means for generating two-dimensional image data by projecting the three-dimensional image data and synthesizing composite image data associated with the embedded image data, and a means for printing in accordance with the composite image data. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2008-247023 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2020-144407 A [Patent Document 3] JP 2006-041624 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] Conventionally, a technique is known for obtaining appropriate print results by making it possible to edit angles, etc., when acquiring a file from a client device and printing an image of an object without going through a printer driver. Also known is a technique for printing a specified portion of an image via a printer driver. However, in the conventional technique, when acquiring a file from a client device without going through a printer driver, it is not possible to print the image of an object in parts.

[0007] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a system and program capable of printing an image of an object in portions when a file is acquired from a client device without going through a printer driver. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, an image printing system according to a first embodiment includes a processor that obtains a print target file containing three-dimensional data of an object from a client device without going through a printer driver, and when multiple partial images, which are images of parts of the object, are registered in the print target file, prints at least one of the multiple partial images.

[0009] In an image printing system according to a second aspect, in the image printing system according to the first aspect, the plurality of partial images includes an image corresponding to a portion defined by a user.

[0010] In a third aspect of the image printing system, in the second aspect of the image printing system, the processor prints each of all images corresponding to the portion defined by the user.

[0011] An image printing system according to a fourth aspect is the image printing system according to the first aspect, wherein the plurality of partial images include a plurality of element images which are images of respective components that configure the object.

[0012] In an image printing system according to a fifth aspect, in the image printing system according to the fourth aspect, the plurality of partial images further include a plurality of part images which are images of respective components included in the constituent element.

[0013] In an image printing system according to a sixth aspect, in the image printing system according to the fifth aspect, the processor prints at least one of the plurality of element images or the plurality of part images based on a hierarchical relationship between the object, the component, and the constituent part.

[0014] In an image printing system according to a seventh aspect, in an image printing system according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, the processor outputs printing candidates indicating the plurality of partial images, and prints at least one partial image selected from the printing candidates.

[0015] An image printing system according to an eighth aspect is the image printing system according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, wherein the file to be printed is a file saved in a predetermined document file format.

[0016] In an image printing system according to a ninth aspect, in the image printing system according to the eighth aspect, the processor recognizes the plurality of partial images registered in the file to be printed from a file syntax in the document file format.

[0017] An image printing system according to a tenth aspect is the image printing system according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, wherein the processor prints two or more partial images of the plurality of partial images on a plurality of pages, respectively.

[0018] An eleventh aspect of the image printing system is the same as the tenth aspect of the image printing system, in which the processor prints the multiple pages together on one sheet of paper.

[0019] An image printing program according to a twelfth aspect causes a computer to obtain a print target file containing three-dimensional data of an object from a client device without going through a printer driver, and when multiple partial images, which are images of parts of the object, are registered in the print target file, causes the computer to print at least one of the multiple partial images. Effect of the Invention

[0020] According to the image printing system of the first aspect, it is possible to provide a system that can print an image of an object in portions when a file is acquired from a client device without going through a printer driver.

[0021] According to the image printing system of the second aspect, when a file is acquired from a client device without going through a printer driver, at least one of the images corresponding to the portion defined by the user can be printed.

[0022] According to the image printing system of the third aspect, when a file is acquired from a client device without going through a printer driver, it is possible to print the entire image that corresponds to the portion defined by the user.

[0023] According to the image printing system of the fourth aspect, when a file is obtained from a client device without going through a printer driver, at least one of multiple element images, which are images of each component that makes up an object, can be printed.

[0024] According to the image printing system of the fifth aspect, when a file is obtained from a client device without going through a printer driver, at least one of a plurality of part images, which are images of each component part included in a component, can be printed.

[0025] According to the image printing system of the sixth aspect, it is possible to obtain a print result based on the hierarchical relationship between objects, components, and component parts.

[0026] According to the image printing system of the seventh aspect, it is possible to print only the images that the user desires to print, compared to the case where all of the partial images are printed.

[0027] According to the image printing system of the eighth aspect, files having a unified file format between computers can be printed.

[0028] According to the image printing system of the ninth aspect, it is possible to reduce the amount of information required for recognition, compared to when a plurality of partial images are recognized from other information.

[0029] According to the image printing system of the tenth aspect, it is possible to improve the problem of the part that is desired to be viewed being hidden, compared to the case where two or more partial images are printed on one page.

[0030] According to the image printing system of the eleventh aspect, it is possible to reduce the number of sheets of paper used, compared to the case where each page is printed on one sheet of paper.

[0031] According to the image printing program of the twelfth aspect, it is possible to provide a program that can print an image of an object in parts when a file is acquired from a client device without going through a printer driver. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0032] [Figure 1]1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of an information processing system 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an image printing system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of an image printing system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of an object 40 that is the basis of three-dimensional data included in a print target file 30 in this embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a custom view 50 in the first embodiment. [Figure 6] 2 is a diagram showing an example of a file syntax 60 of a file 30 to be printed in the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the flow of an image printing process executed by the image printing system 100 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a modified example of the flow of image printing processing executed by the image printing system 100 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a list screen output as print candidates by the image printing system 100 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a part object 70 according to the second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a file syntax 60 of a file 30 to be printed in the second embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the flow of an image printing process executed by an image printing system 100 according to a second embodiment. [Figure 13] 13 shows an example of a print result that is collectively printed based on a hierarchical relationship by the image printing system 100 according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0033] Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same or equivalent components and parts are given the same reference numerals. In addition, the dimensional ratios of the drawings are exaggerated for the convenience of explanation and may differ from the actual ratios.

[0034] 1 is a diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of an information processing system 10 according to the present embodiment. The information processing system 10 includes a client device 20 and an image printing system 100.

[0035] Here, so-called direct printing is known as a technology that does not depend on the printing environment. In direct printing, a file to be printed is transferred without the intervention of a printer driver, and the file itself is recognized and printed. This figure shows an overview of direct printing in which a client device 20 transfers a file to be printed 30 to an image printing system 100 without the intervention of a printer driver, and the image printing system 100 acquires the file to be printed 30 and prints the image.

[0036] The client device 20 may be a smartphone, for example. However, the client device 20 may be any device capable of transferring the print target file 30 to the image printing system 100, such as a mobile phone, a digital camera, a tablet terminal, a desktop computer, a notebook computer, an all-in-one computer, or a tablet computer. When the file is saved in a default folder, the client device 20 transfers the saved file to the image printing system 100 as the print target file 30 and instructs direct printing.

[0037] The print target file 30 is a file to be printed. The print target file 30 may be a file saved in a predetermined document file format. An example of such a file is a PDF (Portable Document Format) file. One of the standards for such PDF files is PDF / E. PDF / E was published in ISO 24517 in 2008 as a standard for the creation and exchange of engineering and technical documents. Adobe's new engine, AEPE (Adobe Embedded Print Engine), officially supports PDF / E. PDF / E supports interactive media such as animation and 3D engineering model data. Therefore, a PDF file conforming to PDF / E may contain complex three-dimensional data such as CAD data. In this figure, a case is shown as an example in which the print target file 30 is a PDF file conforming to PDF / E and contains three-dimensional data of an object 40.

[0038] The image printing system 100 may be, for example, a multifunction peripheral. However, the image printing system 100 may be any device capable of printing an image, such as a printer that does not have at least one of the functions of copying, scanning, or faxing. When the image printing system 100 acquires a print target file 30 including three-dimensional data of an object 40 from a client device 20, the image printing system 100 prints at least one partial image out of a plurality of partial images registered in the print target file 30. This will be described in detail.

[0039] 2 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the image printing system 100 according to this embodiment. The image printing system 100 has a CPU 121, a ROM 122, a RAM 123, a storage 124, a communication interface 125, a user interface 126, and a printer 127. These components are connected to each other via a bus 129 so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0040] The CPU 121 is a central processing unit that executes various programs and controls each component. The ROM 122 stores various programs and various data. The RAM 123 temporarily stores programs or data as a working area. The storage 124 is composed of an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or SSD (Solid State Drive) and stores various programs including an operating system and various data.

[0041] The CPU 121 reads out a target program from the ROM 122 or the storage 124, and executes it using the RAM 123 as a working area. Then, the CPU 121 controls each component and executes various types of arithmetic processing in accordance with the program.

[0042] The communication interface 125 is an interface for communicating with other devices by the image printing system 100. The communication interface 125 may be a wired LAN, a wireless LAN, or Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0043] The user interface 126 is an input / output interface for the image printing system 100 to exchange information with a user. When the image printing system 100 is a multifunction peripheral, the user interface 126 may be, for example, an LUI, which is a user interface of a main body operation unit, and may display a screen on a monitor of the main body operation unit and accept user input via a touch panel.

[0044] Printer 127 prints data such as computer-generated documents, tables, figures, or images onto a medium such as paper. Printer 127 may be a non-impact printer such as an inkjet printer, laser printer, or thermal transfer printer, or may be an impact printer such as a dot matrix printer.

[0045] 3 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the image printing system 100 according to this embodiment. The image printing system 100 has an acquisition unit 131, an analysis unit 132, a candidate output unit 133, a selection reception unit 134, a generation unit 135, and a printing unit 136. These functional configurations are realized by the CPU 121 reading out an image printing program from the ROM 122 or storage 124, expanding it in the RAM 123, and executing it.

[0046] The acquisition unit 131 acquires the print target file 30 including the three-dimensional data of the object 40 from the client device 20 without going through a printer driver.

[0047] The analysis unit 132 analyzes the print target file 30 acquired by the acquisition unit 131 , and recognizes a plurality of partial images, which are images of parts of the object 40 registered in the print target file 30 .

[0048] The candidate output unit 133 outputs print candidates indicating the multiple partial images recognized by the analysis unit 132 .

[0049] The selection receiving unit 134 receives a user selection for selecting a partial image to be printed from among the printing candidates output by the candidate output unit 133 .

[0050] The generating unit 135 generates a print image including at least one of the partial images recognized by the analyzing unit 132 .

[0051] The printing unit 136 prints the print image generated by the generation unit 135. As a result, when a plurality of partial images, which are images of parts of the object 40, are registered in the print target file 30, the printing unit 136 prints at least one of the plurality of partial images.

[0052] 4 is a diagram showing an example of an object 40 that is the basis of the three-dimensional data included in the print target file 30 in this embodiment. In this figure, the object 40 is shown as an example of a personal computer main unit of a desktop personal computer, but the object 40 may be any object that has an expanse in three-dimensional space, such as a mechanical product, a home appliance, an electronic communication device, a precision instrument, or a manufacturing device. However, the more complex the structure of the object 40, the higher the affinity with the image printing process according to this embodiment, and therefore it is preferable.

[0053] When verifying the structure of such an object 40, there is a need to use not only an overall image of the object 40, but also a partial image of the object 40. To meet this need, PDF / E has been added with a function for registering multiple partial images in one piece of 3D data.

[0054] <First embodiment> In the first embodiment, a case will be described in which the multiple partial images include images corresponding to parts arbitrarily defined by the user. Such an image that can be arbitrarily defined by the user will be called a custom view. In the first embodiment, an image printing process will be described in which multiple custom views are registered in the three-dimensional data of the object 40.

[0055] 5 is a diagram showing an example of a custom view 50 in the first embodiment. In this diagram, a case is shown as an example in which a first custom view 50_1, a second custom view 50_2, a third custom view 50_3, and a fourth custom view 50_4 (collectively referred to as "custom views 50" when there is no need to distinguish between them) are registered in the three-dimensional data of the object 40.

[0056] The first custom view 50_1 is a custom view corresponding to a first part defined by the user. Here, it is assumed that the power supply unit and the case top of the personal computer main body are defined as the first part by the user, and the first custom view 50_1 is registered with the registration name "Custom:1".

[0057] The second custom view 50_2 is a custom view corresponding to the second part defined by the user. Here, it is assumed that the motherboard and the case top of the PC main body are defined as the second part by the user, and the second custom view 50_2 is registered with the registration name "Custom:2".

[0058] The third custom view 50_3 is a custom view corresponding to the third part defined by the user. Here, it is assumed that the PC chassis in the personal computer body is defined as the third part by the user, and the third custom view 50_3 is registered with the registration name "PC Chassis."

[0059] The fourth custom view 50_4 is a custom view corresponding to a fourth part defined by the user. Here, it is assumed that the motherboard in the personal computer is defined as the fourth part by the user and registered with the registration name "Motherboard".

[0060] 6 is a diagram showing an example of a file syntax 60 of the file 30 to be printed in the first embodiment. As described above, the file 30 to be printed may be a file saved in a predetermined document file format. In this figure, the file syntax 60 is shown as an example when the file 30 to be printed is a PDF file.

[0061] PDF file syntax 60 is roughly composed of four sections: a header 61, a body 62, a cross-reference table 63, and a trailer 64. The header 61 specifies the version of PDF. The body 62 indicates the main body of the file, and is composed of a sequence of basic units called objects. The cross-reference table 63 is a table that indicates the position for accessing the objects in the body 62. The trailer 64 is for reading the cross-reference table 63 and special objects.

[0062] In the three-dimensional data of the object 40, when a first custom view 50_1, a second custom view 50_2, a third custom view 50_3, and a fourth custom view 50_4 are registered, an object is described in the body 62 for each custom view 50. Here, "Type / 3DView" indicates that the object is a custom view 50. Also, " / XN" indicates the registered name of the custom view 50.

[0063] The image printing system 100 according to the first embodiment, for example, acquires the print target file 30 described in such a file syntax 60 from the client device 20 without the intervention of a printer driver, and prints at least one of the multiple custom views 50 registered in the print target file 30. Such image printing processing will be described in detail using a flow chart.

[0064] 7 is a diagram showing an example of the flow of image printing processing executed by the image printing system 100 according to the first embodiment. This flow is executed by the CPU 121 reading out the image printing program from the ROM 122 or the storage 124, expanding it in the RAM 123, and executing it.

[0065] In step S171, the CPU 121 cooperates with the communication interface 125 to function as the acquisition unit 131 to acquire the print target file 30 including the three-dimensional data of the object 40 from the client device 20 without going through a printer driver.

[0066] In step S172, the CPU 121, functioning as the analysis unit 132, analyzes the print target file 30 acquired in step S171, and determines whether or not a custom view 50 is registered in the print target file 30.

[0067] At this time, if the file 30 to be printed is a file saved in a predetermined document file format, the CPU 121 may recognize multiple custom views 50 registered in the file 30 to be printed from the file syntax in the document file format.

[0068] As an example, if the file 30 to be printed is a PDF file, the CPU 121 analyzes the body 62 in the file syntax 60. The CPU 121 may then determine whether or not a custom view 50 exists based on whether or not a description "Type / 3DView" exists. If a custom view 50 exists, the CPU 121 may recognize the registered name of the custom view 50 from the description following " / XN". If it is determined in step S172 that a custom view 50 exists, the CPU 121 advances the process to step S173. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S172 that a custom view 50 does not exist, the CPU 121 advances the process to step S174.

[0069] In step S173, the CPU 121, functioning as the generation unit 135, adds data of all of the custom views 50 recognized in step S172 to the print data. For example, in step S172, if the first custom view 50_1, the second custom view 50_2, the third custom view 50_3, and the fourth custom view 50_4 are recognized as "Custom:1", "Custom:2", "PC Chassis", and "Motherboard", respectively, the data of all of these four custom views 50 is added to the print data.

[0070] In step S174, CPU 121, functioning as generation unit 135, generates a print image based on the print data. Then, in step S175, CPU 121 ejects the page.

[0071] In step S176, CPU 121 determines whether or not it is the final page. If it is determined in step S176 that it is not the final page, CPU 121 returns the process to step S172. CPU 121 repeatedly executes the processes of steps S172 to S176 for each page. If it is determined in step S176 that it is the final page, CPU 121 advances the process to step S177.

[0072] In step S177, the CPU 121 cooperates with the printer 127 to print the page discharged in step S175 as the printing unit 136. As a result, the CPU 121 prints all images corresponding to the first custom view 50_1, the second custom view 50_2, the third custom view 50_3, and the fourth custom view 50_4. At this time, the CPU 121 may print the images corresponding to the first custom view 50_1, the second custom view 50_2, the third custom view 50_3, and the fourth custom view 50_4 on different pages. The CPU 121 may also print multiple pages together on one sheet of paper (so-called N-up). In this way, the image printing system 100 according to the first embodiment may print all images corresponding to the portion defined by the user.

[0073] Conventionally, in printing via a printer driver, only one custom view 50 can be printed per print instruction, and even if multiple custom views 50 are registered, it is not possible to print all of them. In addition, in direct printing that does not involve a printer driver, only the default view can be printed, and it is not possible to print the custom views 50. In contrast, the image printing system 100 according to the first embodiment prints all images corresponding to the custom views 50 registered in the file 30 to be printed, even if a print instruction is given by direct printing. As a result, according to the image printing system 100 according to the first embodiment, it is possible to print all the required custom views 50 at once by simply transferring the file 30 to be printed, without going through procedures such as scanning.

[0074] In the above description, a case where the first image printing system 100 prints all images corresponding to the registered custom views 50 has been described as an example, but the following modifications are also possible.

[0075] 8 is a diagram showing a modified example of the flow of image printing processing executed by the image printing system 100 according to the first embodiment. This flow is also executed by the CPU 121 reading out the image printing program from the ROM 122 or the storage 124, expanding it in the RAM 123, and executing it.

[0076] In this figure, the same processes as in Figure 7 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and explanations will be omitted except for the differences. The flow in this figure includes steps S181 and S182 instead of steps S173 and S174. The flow in this figure also includes steps S183 to S186.

[0077] In step S181, the CPU 121, functioning as the generation unit 135, stores the data of all the custom views 50 recognized in step S172.

[0078] In step S182, the CPU 121, functioning as the generation unit 135, generates an image for each custom view 50 by using the data of the custom view 50 stored in step S181.

[0079] In step S183, the CPU 121, functioning as the generation unit 135, creates a list of images for each custom view 50 generated in step S182.

[0080] In step S184, CPU 121, in cooperation with user interface 126, displays the list created in step S183 as candidate output unit 133. At this time, CPU 121 may display a list screen of images for each custom view 50 on the monitor of the main body operation unit. CPU 121 outputs print candidates showing images for each of a plurality of custom views 50, for example, in this manner.

[0081] In step S185, CPU 121 cooperates with user interface 126 to accept, as selection accepting unit 134, a user selection of an image to be printed from the print candidates output in step S184. At this time, CPU 121 may wait for user intervention via the touch panel of the main body operation unit. When a user selection is accepted in step S185, CPU 121 advances the process to step S186.

[0082] In step S186, CPU 121 adds the image selected in step S185 to the print data. Then, in step S175, CPU 121 ejects the page, and in step S177, prints the ejected page.

[0083] 9 is a diagram showing an example of a list screen output as print candidates by the image printing system 100 according to the first embodiment. The list screen includes a preview image 191, a selection button 192, a check mark 193, a scroll bar 194, and a print execution button 195.

[0084] The CPU 121 may display such a screen on the monitor of the main body operation unit. The user may view the preview image 191 and select an image that the user wishes to print using the selection button 192. In this figure, as an example, a case is shown in which check marks are added to the check indicators 193 of the second custom view 50_2 and the fourth custom view 50_4 as a result of the selection of the images of the second custom view 50_2 and the fourth custom view 50_4.

[0085] If the monitor of the main body operation unit is small and cannot be displayed in a single window, CPU 121 may display such a screen partially. Scroll bar 194 is a widget for moving the display area when the screen is partially displayed. After selecting an image to be printed, the user may instruct printing by pressing print execution button 195.

[0086] In this way, the first image printing system 100 can print only the images corresponding to the custom view 50 selected by the user, rather than printing all images corresponding to the registered custom view 50.

[0087] <Second embodiment> In the first embodiment, a case where the multiple partial images include images corresponding to parts arbitrarily defined by the user is shown as an example. In the second embodiment, a case where the multiple partial images include multiple element images, which are images of each component that configures the object 40, or multiple part images, which are images of each component part included in the component, is described. Such images of each component part or images of each component part are called part objects. In the second embodiment, an image printing process is described for a case where the three-dimensional data of the object 40 is configured not of one object but of multiple part objects.

[0088] 10 is a diagram showing an example of a part object 70 in the second embodiment. In this diagram, a case is shown as an example in which the three-dimensional data of the object 40 is composed of at least a first part object 70_1, a second part object 70_2, a third part object 70_3, a fourth part object 70_4, and a fifth part object 70_5 (collectively referred to as "part object 70" when there is no need to distinguish between them).

[0089] Here, let us assume that the main body of the computer, which is the object 40, includes at least a power supply unit and a motherboard as its components, and that the power supply unit includes at least a power supply case, a fan, and a power socket as its components. In such a case, the object 40, the components, and the components can be said to be in a hierarchical relationship.

[0090] The first part object 70_1 is a part object corresponding to a first component constituting the object 40. In this example, it is assumed that a power supply unit constituting the personal computer main body is the first component, and the first part object 70_1 is registered with the registration name "Power Supply."

[0091] The second part object 70_2 is a part object corresponding to a second component constituting the object 40. In this example, it is assumed that the second component is a motherboard constituting the main body of the personal computer, and the second part object 70_2 is registered with the registration name "Motherboard."

[0092] The third part object 70_3 is a part object corresponding to the first component part included in the first component. In this example, it is assumed that the power supply case included in the power supply unit is the first component part, and the third part object 70_3 is registered with the registration name "Power Case."

[0093] The fourth part object 70_4 is a part object corresponding to a second component part included in the first component. In this example, it is assumed that a fan included in the power supply unit is the second component part, and the fourth part object 70_4 is registered with the registration name "Fan."

[0094] The fifth part object 70_5 is a part object corresponding to the third component part included in the first component. In this example, it is assumed that the third component part is a power socket included in the power supply unit, and the fifth part object 70_5 is registered with the registration name "Power Socket."

[0095] Such a plurality of part objects 70 can be hierarchically divided according to the above-mentioned hierarchical relationship. For example, if the three-dimensional data of the object 40 is hierarchical level 1, the first part object 70_1 and the second part object 70_2 can be classified into hierarchical level 2, which is lower than the three-dimensional data. Furthermore, the third part object 70_3, the fourth part object 70_4, and the fifth part object 70_5 can be classified into hierarchical level 3, which is lower than the first part object 70_1.

[0096] 11 is a diagram showing an example of a file syntax 60 of a print target file 30 in the second embodiment. In this figure, the same parts as in FIG. 6 are given the same reference numerals, and explanations are omitted below except for the differences.

[0097] When the three-dimensional data of the object 40 is made up of at least a first part object 70_1, a second part object 70_2, a third part object 70_3, a fourth part object 70_4, and a fifth part object 70_5, an object is described for each part object 70 in the body 62. Here, "Type / 3DNode" indicates that the object is a part object 70. Also, " / N" indicates the registered name of the part object 70.

[0098] The image printing system 100 of the second embodiment, for example, obtains a print target file 30 described by such a file syntax 60 from a client device 20 without going through a printer driver, and prints at least one part object 70 out of multiple part objects 70 registered in the print target file 30.

[0099] The image printing system 100 according to the second embodiment may print all images corresponding to the registered part objects 70 by executing the image printing process by replacing "custom view" in the flow of Fig. 7 with "part objects". At this time, the CPU 121 may analyze the body 62 in the file syntax 60 and determine whether or not the part objects 70 exist based on whether or not there is a description of "Type / 3DNode". Furthermore, if the part objects 70 exist, the CPU 121 may recognize the registered names of the part objects 70 from the description following " / N".

[0100] Similarly, the image printing system 100 of the second embodiment may print only the image corresponding to the part object 70 selected by the user by replacing "custom view" in the flow of Figure 8 with "part object" and executing the image printing process.

[0101] In addition, the image printing system 100 according to the second embodiment can also use information on hierarchical relationships to print the part objects 70. This will be described in detail using a flow chart.

[0102] 12 is a diagram showing an example of the flow of image printing processing executed by the image printing system 100 according to the second embodiment. This flow is also executed by the CPU 121 reading out the image printing program from the ROM 122 or the storage 124, expanding it in the RAM 123, and executing it.

[0103] In step S201, the CPU 121 cooperates with the communication interface 125 to function as the acquisition unit 131 to acquire the print target file 30 including the three-dimensional data of the object 40 from the client device 20 without going through a printer driver.

[0104] In step S202, the CPU 121, functioning as the analysis unit 132, analyzes the print target file 30 acquired in step S201, and determines whether or not a plurality of part objects 70 are registered in the print target file 30.

[0105] At this time, as one example, CPU 121 can determine whether or not part object 70 exists based on whether or not there is a description "Type / 3DNode." Therefore, CPU 121 can determine whether or not there are multiple part objects 70 registered in print target file 30 by making such a determination for each object in body 62. If part objects 70 exist, CPU 121 may recognize the registered names of each part object 70 from the description following " / N."

[0106] If it is determined in step S202 that there are not a plurality of part objects 70, the CPU 121 advances the process to step S203. In step S203, the CPU 121 generates a print image.

[0107] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S202 that multiple part objects 70 exist, the CPU 121 advances the process to step S204. In step S204, the CPU 121, functioning as the analysis unit 132, analyzes the hierarchical relationships of the object 40, the components, and the constituent parts. At this time, the CPU 121 can recognize the hierarchical relationships from the table and tree structure included in the file syntax 60.

[0108] As an example, the CPU 121 may recognize that the first part object 70_1 and the second part object 70_2 are classified into a hierarchical level 2 that is lower than the three-dimensional data. The CPU 121 may recognize that the third part object 70_3, the fourth part object 70_4, and the fifth part object 70_5 are classified into a hierarchical level 3 that is lower than the first part object 70_1.

[0109] In step S205, the CPU 121 functioning as the generation unit 135 generates an image for each part object 70 using the data of the part object 70.

[0110] In step S206, the CPU 121 determines whether or not automatic selection of images based on the hierarchical relationship is set. Such a setting may be set in advance by the user. If automatic selection is set, the CPU 121 automatically selects images to be printed according to the hierarchical relationship. Here, it is assumed that the settings are set in advance to print images on the second and third hierarchies. In this case, the CPU 121 automatically selects the first part object 70_1, the second part object 70_2, the third part object 70_3, the fourth part object 70_4, and the fifth part object 70_5, which are classified on the second and third hierarchies. Alternatively, for example, if the settings are set in advance to print only images on the second hierarchical level, the CPU 121 may automatically select the first part object 70_1 and the second part object 70_2, which are classified on the second hierarchical level.

[0111] If automatic selection is not set in step S206, CPU 121 advances the process to step S207. In step S207, CPU 121 accepts a user selection and selects an image to be printed in accordance with the user selection.

[0112] In step S208, CPU 121 determines whether or not collective printing is set. Such a setting may be set in advance by the user. If collective printing is not set, CPU 121 advances the process to step S203. On the other hand, if collective printing is set, CPU 121 advances the process to step S209.

[0113] In step S209, CPU 121 determines whether or not the use of a hierarchical relationship is set in the collective printing. Such a setting may be set in advance by the user. If the use of a hierarchical relationship is not set, CPU 121 advances the process to step S210.

[0114] In step S210, CPU 121 adds the images selected in step S206 or step S207 to the page in the order of processing. CPU 121 repeats such processing until it is determined in step S211 that the maximum number of images to be printed on one page has been added. Note that since images are added in the order of processing in step S210, for example, images corresponding to the first part object 70_1 and the second part object 70_2 are added to the same page.

[0115] On the other hand, if the use of the hierarchical relationship is set in step S209, CPU 121 advances the process to step S212. In step S212, CPU 121 adds the images selected in step S206 or step S207 to the page based on the hierarchical relationship. CPU 121 repeats such a process until it is determined in step S213 that all images to be printed on one page have been added. Since images are added based on the hierarchical relationship rather than the processing order in step S212, for example, images corresponding to the first part object 70_1 and the second part object 70_2 are not added to the same page.

[0116] In step S214, the CPU 121 cooperates with the printer 127 to function as the printing unit 136 and executes the printing process.

[0117] FIG. 13 shows an example of a print result printed by the image printing system 100 according to the second embodiment based on the hierarchical relationship. As shown in this figure, images corresponding to a first part object 70_1, a third part object 70_3, a fourth part object 70_4, and a fifth part object 70_5 may be added to the same page. Here, the first part object 70_1 corresponds to a power supply unit, and the third part object 70_3, the fourth part object 70_4, and the fifth part object 70_5 correspond to a power supply case, a fan, and a power socket, which are components included in the power supply unit. In this way, the image printing system 100 according to the second embodiment can also obtain a print result based on the hierarchical relationship of the object 40, the components, and the components.

[0118] Conventionally, direct printing has not been able to print images of individual parts. Also, when multiple parts are selected and printed via a printer driver, they are printed as one, so there are cases where the parts interfere with each other and some of the parts are hidden. In contrast, the image printing system 100 according to the second embodiment prints images for each part object 70 registered in the print target file 30, even when a print command is issued by direct printing. As a result, the image printing system 100 according to the second embodiment allows a print result that focuses on the part you want to see to be obtained simply by transferring the print target file 30 without going through a procedure such as scanning.

[0119] In the above embodiment, the term "processor" refers to a processor in a broad sense, including general-purpose processors (e.g., CPUs, etc.) and dedicated processors (e.g., GPU: Graphics Processing Unit, ASIC: Application Specific Integrated Circuit, FPGA: Field Programmable Gate Array, programmable logic device, etc.).

[0120] In addition, the operations of the processor in the above embodiments may be performed not only by one processor, but also by multiple processors located at physically separate locations working together. The order of the operations of the processor is not limited to the order described in the above embodiments, and may be changed as appropriate.

[0121] Further, the image printing system 100 in the above embodiment has been described as being configured by a single device as an example, but may be configured by a plurality of devices.

[0122] The processes performed in the image printing system 100 according to the above embodiment may be processes performed by software, may be processes performed by hardware, or may be a combination of both. The processes performed in each part of the image printing system 100 may be stored as a program in a storage medium and distributed.

[0123] Furthermore, the present disclosure is not limited to the above, and it goes without saying that various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0124] The following supplementary notes are further disclosed regarding the above embodiment. (((1))) An image printing system comprising a processor, which obtains a print target file containing three-dimensional data of an object from a client device without going through a printer driver, and when a plurality of partial images, which are images of parts of the object, are registered in the print target file, prints at least one of the plurality of partial images.

[0125] (((2))) The image printing system of (((1))), wherein the plurality of partial images includes an image corresponding to a user-defined portion.

[0126] (((3))) The image printing system of (((2))), wherein the processor prints each of all images corresponding to the user-defined portion.

[0127] (((4))) The image printing system according to any one of ((1)) to ((3)), wherein the plurality of partial images include a plurality of element images which are images of respective components constituting the object.

[0128] (((5))) The image printing system according to (((4))), wherein the plurality of partial images further includes a plurality of part images which are images of respective components included in the component.

[0129] (((6))) The image printing system described in (((5))), wherein the processor prints at least one of the plurality of element images or the plurality of part images based on a hierarchical relationship between the object, the component, and the constituent part.

[0130] (((7))) The image printing system of any one of (((1))) to (((6))), wherein the processor outputs printing candidates indicating the plurality of partial images and prints at least one partial image selected from the printing candidates.

[0131] (((8))) The image printing system according to any one of ((1))) to (((7))), wherein the file to be printed is a file saved in a predetermined document file format.

[0132] (((9))) The image printing system according to (((8))), wherein the processor recognizes the plurality of partial images registered in the file to be printed from a file syntax in the document file format.

[0133] (((10))) The image printing system of any one of ((1))) to (((9))), wherein the processor prints two or more of the plurality of partial images on multiple pages, respectively.

[0134] (((11))) The image printing system according to (((10))), wherein the processor prints the multiple pages together on a single sheet of paper.

[0135] (((12))) An image printing program that causes a computer to obtain a print target file containing three-dimensional data of an object from a client device without going through a printer driver, and when multiple partial images, which are images of parts of the object, are registered in the print target file, causes the computer to print at least one partial image out of the multiple partial images.

[0136] According to (((1))), it is possible to provide a system that can print an image of an object in portions when a file is acquired from a client device without going through a printer driver.

[0137] According to (((2))), when a file is acquired from a client device without going through a printer driver, at least one of the images corresponding to the portion defined by the user can be printed.

[0138] According to (((3))), when a file is acquired from a client device without going through a printer driver, it is possible to print the entire image corresponding to the portion defined by the user.

[0139] According to (((4))), when a file is obtained from a client device without going through a printer driver, at least one of a plurality of element images, which are images of each component that makes up an object, can be printed.

[0140] According to (((5))), when a file is obtained from a client device without going through a printer driver, at least one of a plurality of part images, which are images of each component part included in a component, can be printed.

[0141] (((6))) makes it possible to obtain print results based on the hierarchical relationships between objects, components, and component parts.

[0142] According to (((7))), it is possible to print only the images that the user desires to print, compared to printing all of the multiple partial images.

[0143] According to (((8))), files that have a unified file format between computers can be printed.

[0144] According to ((9))), the amount of information required for recognition can be reduced compared to when multiple partial images are recognized from other information.

[0145] According to (((10))), it is possible to improve the problem of the part that is desired to be viewed being hidden, compared to the case where two or more partial images are printed on one page.

[0146] According to (((11))), the number of sheets of paper used can be reduced compared to printing each page on one sheet of paper.

[0147] According to (((12))), it is possible to provide a program that can print an image of an object in parts when a file is acquired from a client device without going through a printer driver. [Explanation of symbols]

[0148] 10. Information Processing Systems 20 Client Device 30 Print target files 40 Object 100 Image printing system 121 CPU

Claims

1. a processor, the processor comprising: A print target file including three-dimensional data of an object is acquired from a client device without going through a printer driver; When a plurality of partial images, which are images of parts of the object, are registered in the print target file, at least one of the plurality of partial images is printed. Image printing system.

2. the plurality of partial images includes an image corresponding to a user-defined portion; The image printing system of claim 1 .

3. The processor, printing each of all images corresponding to said user-defined portions; The image printing system according to claim 2 .

4. the plurality of partial images include a plurality of element images which are images of respective components constituting the object, The image printing system of claim 1 .

5. The plurality of partial images further includes a plurality of part images which are images of respective components included in the component. The image printing system according to claim 4 .

6. The processor, printing at least one of the plurality of element images or the plurality of part images based on a hierarchical relationship of the object, the components, and the component parts; The image printing system according to claim 5 .

7. The processor, outputting a print candidate representing the plurality of partial images; printing the at least one partial image selected from the candidates for printing; 7. An image printing system according to claim 1.

8. The file to be printed is a file saved in a predetermined document file format.

7. An image printing system according to claim 1.

9. The processor, Recognizing the plurality of partial images registered in the file to be printed from a file syntax in the document file format; The image printing system according to claim 8.

10. The processor, Printing two or more of the partial images on a plurality of pages, respectively.

7. An image printing system according to claim 1.

11. The processor, Printing the plurality of pages together on one sheet of paper; The image printing system of claim 10.

12. On the computer, A print target file including three-dimensional data of an object is acquired from a client device without going through a printer driver; When a plurality of partial images, which are images of parts of the object, are registered in the print target file, at least one of the plurality of partial images is printed. Image printing program.

Images