Image formation device and control method for the same

Abstract

To reduce the effort required for print settings when a user prints an image of a desired size.SOLUTION: An image formation device has receiving means for receiving first image data, acquisition means for acquiring second image data by reading an object corresponding to the edges of the object, modification means for modifying the size of the image based on the first image data to a size that fits inside the edges of the object on the image based on the second image data, without requiring a user to specify the image size based on the first image data, and printing means for printing the image modified by the modification means onto a printing medium.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 13

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] There is a use case in which a user prints a desired image, cuts the printed image to fit the size of an object, and pastes it on the object to create an original product.

[0003] Patent document 1 describes a technology in which image data acquired by scanning a printing device is incorporated into image data contained in a print job received by the printing device to generate image data, and an image based on the generated image data is printed.

[0004] In the technology described in Patent Document 1, a user can specify an area of ​​any size at any location within a first image. The printing device can then composite a second image, resized to fit within the area of ​​the first image specified by the user, into this area. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 11-242578 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] Original goods created by users include, for example, fans, badges, key chains, etc., and the size of the object may differ from the size of the image to be printed. Therefore, with the technology described in Patent Document 1, the user must themselves change the print settings as needed to print an image that matches the object, which is time-consuming.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to reduce the time and effort required for print settings when a user prints an image of a desired size. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A receiving means for receiving first image data; an acquisition means for acquiring second image data corresponding to an edge of the object by reading the object; a change means for changing the size of the image based on the first image data to a size that fits within an edge of the object on the image based on the second image data without receiving a user's designation of the size of the image based on the first image data; a printing means for printing the image whose size has been changed by the change means onto a printing medium; An image forming apparatus comprising: [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the time and effort required for print settings when a user prints an image of a desired size. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a network configuration of an image processing system. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of an information processing device 101. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 shows an example of the hardware configuration of an image processing device 110. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the software configuration of an information processing device 101. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 shows an example of the software configuration of an image processing device 110. [Figure 6] An example of the print settings dialog [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of printing processing. [Figure 8]8A and 8B are diagrams showing examples of a home screen and a resized print application screen 810 of the image processing device 110. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 shows an example of image data 900, an object 910, and an edge image 920 of the object. [Figure 10] An example of the screen displayed during image adjustment processing [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displaying the automatic adjustment results. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of processing after the image processing device 110 receives a print job. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of image adjustment processing; [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of an additional reading confirmation screen 1400 and the reading range of an object. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The following describes in detail the embodiments of the present invention with reference to the drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the scope of the invention as claimed, and not all of the combinations of features described in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the solution of the invention.

[0012] First Embodiment A first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a network configuration of an image processing system 100 according to this embodiment.

[0014] The image processing system 100 is made up of an information processing device 101 and an image processing device 110. The information processing device 101 and the image processing device 110 are connected to the same network and are capable of communicating with each other. The image processing device 110 is also an image forming device.

[0015] The information processing device 101 creates image data, creates a print job including the image data, and transmits the print job to the image processing system 100. The information processing device 101 is, for example, a smartphone.

[0016] The image processing device 110 receives a print job from the information processing device 101 and executes printing. The image processing device 110 also displays various information to the user, accepts input from the user, and executes the processes described below. The image processing device 110 is, for example, an MFP (Multi Function Peripheral).

[0017] In this embodiment, the information processing device 101 and the image processing device 110 exchange data via a network, but the present invention is not limited to this. The data communication method may be, for example, a method using a storage device such as a USB memory, a method using a public switched telephone network such as a FAX, or a method using the Internet such as cloud printing, and any method may be used as long as it allows communication between the information processing device 101 and the image processing device 110.

[0018] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of the information processing device 101. As shown in FIG.

[0019] The information processing apparatus 101 includes a CPU 201 , a ROM 202 , a RAM 203 , a storage 204 , an operation unit I / F 205 , a display unit I / F 206 , a communication unit I / F 207 , an operation unit 210 , and a display unit 211 .

[0020] The CPU 201 controls the various hardware components 202 to 207 that make up the information processing device 101, thereby realizing the various functions of the information processing device 101. The CPU 201 sends signals to the various hardware components via a bus line, realizing mutual data communication with other hardware components. The CPU 201 of the information processing device 101 also controls the operation of the information processing device 101 in accordance with a control program stored in the ROM 202. More specifically, the CPU 201 executes an OS and the like that controls the information processing device 101. The application programs arranged on the OS then interact with each other, thereby operating and controlling the functions desired by the user. The OS and various programs are stored in the ROM 202, and are executed by being read out from the RAM 203.

[0021] The ROM 202 is a memory for storing programs and various data used by the CPU 201. The RAM 203 is a work memory for temporarily storing programs used by the CPU 201 and data used in calculations. The storage 204 is a storage device for storing various data, various programs, etc. In this embodiment, the storage 204 is assumed to be a hard disk, but it may also be another non-volatile storage device, such as an SSD.

[0022] The operation unit I / F 205 is an I / F (interface) for connecting the CPU 201 with an operation unit 210 such as a keyboard, mouse, touch panel, and buttons. The display unit I / F 206 is an I / F for connecting the CPU 201 with a display unit 211 such as an LCD monitor or touch panel. The communication unit I / F 207 is a network I / F for performing wired LAN communication such as Ethernet. The operation unit 210 is, for example, a button, keyboard, mouse cross key, trackpad, etc. that accepts input from the user.

[0023] The display unit 211 displays various types of information, and is, for example, a display, a touch panel, etc. If the display unit 211 is, for example, a touch panel, the user can input information, so the display unit 211 and the operation unit 210 may be configured to be the same unit.

[0024] The communication unit I / F 207 may be a network I / F for wireless LAN communication, or may be a USB I / F. Wireless LAN communication is, for example, Wi-Fi (registered trademark). The communication unit I / F 207 may also be configured to be able to communicate via, for example, Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0025] In FIG. 2, the information processing device 101 is shown as being connected to an external operation unit 210 and an external display unit 211, but the operation unit 210 and the display unit 211 may be built into or integrated with the information processing device 101.

[0026] 3 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the image processing device 110. The CPU 301 is a system control unit and controls the entire image processing device 110. The eMMC 302 is configured as a flash memory and is used to store the control program for the CPU. In this embodiment, the application program that runs on the image processing device is stored in the eMMC 302.

[0027] The DRAM 303 is used to store program control variables and the like, and is a volatile memory that can temporarily store image data, print jobs, and the like that are processed by the CPU 301. In this embodiment, applications that run on the image processing device are read from the eMMC 302 by the CPU 301, and are then loaded into the DRAM 303 and executed. Other temporary values ​​used in various processes are held in the DRAM 303. The storage unit 304 is a storage device such as an HDD, and is a non-volatile memory that stores data such as text and images. In this embodiment, various data such as print jobs are stored in the storage unit 304.

[0028] The operation unit 305 is an interface unit between the image processing device 110 and the user, which displays information and accepts input from the user. The operation unit 305 has, for example, a display, buttons, a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, a cross key, a track pad, etc. The display and touch panel also display various information. The operation unit 305 is an example of an instruction accepting unit that accepts instructions from the user.

[0029] The recording unit 306 prints an image based on image data onto recording paper. In this embodiment, the recording unit 306 prints by placing toner on the recording paper and then fixing the toner to the recording paper by applying pressure with a heated fixing device. Note that the printing method of the recording unit 306 is not limited to this method, and may be, for example, an inkjet method that prints by applying ink.

[0030] The image processing unit 307 performs image data editing, composition, drawing, and the like. In this embodiment, the image processing unit 307 performs processes related to image data manipulation, such as image scaling and edge (reference) detection. The reading unit 308 reads an image of a document (object) and converts the read image into scalable image data in JPEG format, binary format, or other format. Furthermore, the CPU 301 causes the image processing unit 307 to perform encryption and image processing on the image data acquired by the reading unit 308 in accordance with the settings at the time of reading. The reading unit 308 also stores status information related to the reading unit 308, including the reading operation status and error information, in the DRAM 303 and notifies the CPU 301.

[0031] The communication unit 309 is an interface unit between the image processing device 110 and an external communication network. For example, it may be a network I / F for wired LAN communication such as Ethernet, or a network I / F for wireless LAN communication, a USB I / F, or the like. Note that wireless LAN communication is, for example, Wi-Fi. Alternatively, the communication unit 309 may be configured to be able to communicate via Bluetooth. Note that the communication unit 309 is an example of a receiving unit that receives first image data.

[0032] The data bus 310 connects the various components within the image processing device 110 to one another, thereby enabling the various components of the image processing device 110 to communicate with one another.

[0033] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the software configuration of the information processing device 101.

[0034] The information processing apparatus 101 includes a print application 401, an image generation unit 402, and a print job generation unit 403. These operate in response to commands from the CPU 201.

[0035] The print application 401 is an application used by the user to print an image. It has functions such as creating and editing image data that the user wants to print, accepting print settings, accepting print execution instructions, and sending print jobs. In this embodiment, when the user creates an image using an image creation unit (not shown), such as an image creation application attached to the OS, the print application 401 is called by the CPU 201 when an instruction to print the created image is given.

[0036] 6 on the display unit 211, and provides the user with a setting item (hereinafter, image data adjustment flag) for determining whether or not to perform image data adjustment on the image processing device 110. The user sets the image data adjustment flag from the dialog displayed on the display unit 211, and the print application 401 accepts this. In this embodiment, the setting value of the image data adjustment flag is stored in the RAM 203.

[0037] The image generation unit 402 generates an image in response to an instruction from the print application 401. In this embodiment, when the image data adjustment flag is ON, the image generation unit 402 generates image data in a format (e.g., JPEG format) that is easy to perform image processing including scaling. When the image data adjustment flag is OFF, the image generation unit 402 generates image data in a format (e.g., binary format) that can be directly printed. Note that even when the image data adjustment flag is OFF, the image generation unit 402 may generate image data in a format that is easy to perform image processing including scaling. Furthermore, the image data adjustment flag is an example of information that indicates that a change is to be made to an image based on the first image data, and when the image data adjustment flag is set ON, the first image data and information that indicates that a change is to be made to an image based on the first image data are associated with each other.

[0038] The print job generation unit 403 generates a print job based on print settings and a print execution instruction from the print application 401. In this embodiment, the print job is stored in the storage 204. Note that the print job generated by the print job generation unit 403 may also be stored in the RAM 203.

[0039] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the software configuration of the image processing device 110. As shown in FIG.

[0040] The image processing device 110 has a resize / reduce print application 501, an image processing unit 502, a print control unit 503, and an image reading unit 504, and the CPU 301 executes the processing of each application and each unit.

[0041] The enlarged / reduced printing application 501 is an application that monitors print jobs received (accepted) by the image processing device 110 via the communication unit 309, and handles print jobs in which the image data adjustment flag is ON. In this embodiment, the CPU 301 of the image processing device 110 stores received jobs in which the image data adjustment flag is ON in the storage unit 304. In response to a user request, the CPU 301 displays a list of stored print jobs on the operation unit 305, accepts a user selection from the list, and performs image adjustment processing on an image based on the image data of the selected print job.

[0042] The image processing unit 502 uses the image processing unit 307 to perform various image processing required within the image processing device 110. In this embodiment, the image processing unit 502 performs operations such as enlarging / reducing an image and moving its position based on image data, and converting the image data into a binary format.

[0043] The print control unit 503 uses the image processing unit 307 and the recording unit 306 to control the execution of printing based on the setting information of the print job.

[0044] The image reading unit 504 uses the reading unit 308 to read an image of an object such as a document, and converts the read image into image data in JPEG format, binary format, or the like using the image processing unit 502 .

[0045] 6A and 6B are diagrams showing examples of dialogs provided by the print application 401. A print setting dialog 601 and a print detail setting dialog 611 shown in Fig. 6A and Fig. 6B are displayed on the display unit 211 by the CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 101.

[0046] 6A shows a print setting dialog 601, which is a UI for a user to instruct printing. In this embodiment, the print setting dialog 601 includes a detailed settings button 602 and a print button 603. When the user presses the detailed settings button 602, the CPU 201 displays the print detailed settings dialog 611 shown in FIG. 6B on the display unit 211. When the user presses the print button 603, the CPU 201 instructs the print job generation unit 403 to generate a print job, and starts processing to transmit the print job generated by the print job generation unit 403 to the image processing device 110.

[0047] FIG. 6(B) shows a detailed print settings dialog 611, which is a UI for the user to specify detailed print settings. Detailed print settings include settings related to printing, such as the print method, binding direction, paper ejection method, and number of copies. In this embodiment, in addition to the detailed print settings described above, the detailed print settings dialog 611 also has an image data adjustment setting item 612, which is a checkbox-style item for specifying whether or not image data adjustment should be performed by the image processing device 110. In this embodiment, the user can set the image data adjustment flag to ON or OFF in the image data adjustment setting item 612, and a check mark is displayed when it is set to ON.

[0048] Note that the ON / OFF of the image data adjustment setting item 612 displayed in the print details setting dialog 611 is not limited to being displayed in the form of a check box. The ON / OFF display may be, for example, a black circle for ON and a white circle for OFF. Alternatively, the text strings "ON" and "OFF" may be displayed simultaneously on the print details setting dialog 611, and an object may be displayed near only one of the text strings so that the user can confirm the setting.

[0049] Alternatively, the two character strings may be displayed in different colors. Furthermore, an object may be displayed near each of the two character strings, allowing the user to confirm the settings based on the type or shape of the object, such as a radio button. Also, the character string "ON" or "OFF" may be displayed near the character string "Adjust image data on device" shown as an example in the print advanced settings dialog 611.

[0050] In this embodiment, it is assumed that default values ​​are set for all the setting items in Fig. 6 and that the default value of the image data adjustment flag is OFF. Note that the default value of the image data adjustment flag may be ON, and furthermore, each setting item may not have a default value set, or may have only some default values ​​set.

[0051] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the print processing performed by the print application 401. As shown in FIG.

[0052] This process is started when a print application 401 for printing an image created by a user is called from an image creation unit such as an image creation application (not shown) attached to the OS. The CPU 201 of the information processing device 101 operates the print application 401, thereby executing each process.

[0053] In step 701 , the CPU 201 displays the print setting dialog 601 on the display unit 211 .

[0054] In step 702, the CPU 201 determines whether the advanced settings button 602 in the print settings dialog 601 has been pressed. If the CPU 201 determines that the advanced settings button 602 has been pressed, the process proceeds to step 703; if the CPU 201 determines that the advanced settings button 602 has not been pressed, the process proceeds to step 707.

[0055] In step 703, the CPU 201 displays the print details setting dialog 611 on the display unit 211.

[0056] In step 704, the CPU 201 determines whether or not the cancel button was pressed in the print detail setting dialog 611. If the CPU 201 determines that the cancel button was pressed, the process proceeds to step 701;

[0057] In step 705, the CPU 201 determines whether or not the OK button has been pressed in the print detail setting dialog 611. If the CPU 201 determines that the OK button has been pressed, the process proceeds to step 706;

[0058] In step 706, the CPU 201 stores the setting contents that were set in the print advanced setting dialog 611 when the OK button was pressed in step 705 in the RAM 203. The setting contents may also be stored in the storage 204.

[0059] In step 707, the CPU 201 determines whether or not the cancel button was pressed on the print setting dialog 601. If the CPU 201 determines that the cancel button was pressed, the process ends, but if the CPU 201 determines that the cancel button was not pressed, the process proceeds to step 708.

[0060] In step 708, CPU 201 determines whether the OK button has been pressed in print setting dialog 601. If CPU 201 determines that the OK button has been pressed, the process proceeds to step 709, and if CPU 201 determines that the OK button has not been pressed, the process proceeds to step 701. In other words, if CPU 201 determines that the OK button has not been pressed and proceeds to step 701, this means that the user has not performed any operation and CPU 201 has not performed any processing.

[0061] In step 709, the CPU 201 stores the setting contents that were set in the print setting dialog 601 when the OK button was pressed in step 705 in the RAM 203. The setting contents may also be stored in the storage 204.

[0062] In step 710, the CPU 201 determines whether the set image data adjustment flag is ON or OFF. If the CPU 201 determines that the image data adjustment flag is set to ON, the process proceeds to step 711. If the CPU 201 determines that the image data adjustment flag is set to OFF, the process proceeds to step 712.

[0063] In step 711, the CPU 201 causes the image generation unit 402 to generate image data in a scalable data format. In this embodiment, the JPEG format will be described as a scalable data format. Note that image data in a scalable data format is an example of first image data.

[0064] In step 712, the CPU 201 causes the image generation unit 402 to generate image data in a directly printable data format. In this embodiment, the binary format will be described as the directly printable data format.

[0065] In step 713, the CPU 201 generates a print job based on the setting values ​​set in the print setting dialog 601 and the print detail setting dialog 611 stored in the RAM 203 and the image data generated in step 711 or 712. The print job is generated by the print job generation unit 403 in response to an instruction from the CPU 201. When the generation of the print job is complete, the generated print job is sent to the storage 204 and stored therein.

[0066] In step 714, the CPU 201 transmits the print job stored in the storage 204 to the image processing device 110. When step 714 is completed, this process ends.

[0067] 12 is a diagram showing an example of processing after the image processing device 110 receives a print job. The resizing / reducing printing application 501, which monitors the reception of print jobs, detects that the image processing device 110 has received a print job. This processing is started when the image processing device 110 receives a print job. The fact that the image processing device 110 has received a print job is detected by the resizing / reducing printing application 501, which monitors the reception of print jobs. Furthermore, the CPU 301 of the image processing device 110 operates the resizing / reducing printing application 501, thereby executing each processing step.

[0068] In step 1201 , the CPU 301 checks the settings set in the print job received by the image processing device 110 .

[0069] In step 1202, CPU 301 determines whether the image data adjustment flag set in the received job is ON or OFF. If CPU 301 determines that the image data adjustment flag is set to ON, the process proceeds to step 1204, and if it determines that the image data adjustment flag is set to OFF, the process proceeds to step 1203. In the flowchart of Fig. 12, if the image data adjustment flag is ON, the process proceeds to Yes, and if it is OFF, the process proceeds to No.

[0070] In step 1203, the CPU 301 performs normal printing processing on the print job received by the image processing device 110. Note that normal printing processing is a conventional, general technique that does not involve resizing or the like, and therefore details thereof will be omitted. When the normal printing processing is completed, this processing ends.

[0071] In step 1204, the CPU 301 does not perform normal printing processing on the print job received by the image processing device 110, but stores the print job in the storage unit 304.

[0072] 8 is a diagram showing an example of a home screen and a resized print application screen 810 of the image processing device 110. The home screen of the image processing device 110 and the screen of the resized print application 501 are screens displayed on the operation unit 305 by the CPU 301 of the image processing device 110.

[0073] 8A is a basic screen on which icons having various functions are arranged, such as for calling various functions performed by the image processing device 110, such as copying, and for calling a menu list display. In this embodiment, the home screen 800 has an image adjustment print button 801 for calling the enlargement / reduction printing application 501, and a status check button for displaying a status check screen (not shown). When the user presses the image adjustment print button 801, the CPU 301 starts the enlargement / reduction printing application 501 and causes the operation unit 305 to display the screen of the enlargement / reduction printing application 501.

[0074] 8B is the initial screen of the resized print application 501, which is displayed on the operation unit 305 when the image adjustment print button 801 is pressed. In this embodiment, the resized print application screen 810 has a delete button 811, a detailed information button 812, an image adjustment button 813, a print start button 814, and a job list display area 815.

[0075] The four buttons, delete button 811, detailed information button 812, image adjustment button 813, and print start button 814, are buttons that can be pressed when one job is selected from the job list in job list display area 815. The job list displayed in job list display area 815 is a list of print jobs stored in storage unit 304 in step 1204 of Fig. 12, and the user can select from the displayed jobs. In this embodiment, the description will be given assuming that the number of jobs that the user can select is one.

[0076] The delete button 811 is a button for deleting a selected job from the storage unit 304. When the user presses the delete button 811, the CPU 301 deletes the job selected from the job list displayed in the job list display area 815 from the storage unit 304, and does not display the selected job in the job list display area 815.

[0077] The detailed information button 812 is a button for displaying various information related to the selected job. When the user presses the detailed information button 812, the CPU 301 causes the operation unit 305 to display a job detailed information screen (not shown) on which various information related to the selected job is displayed.

[0078] The image adjustment button 813 is a button for starting image adjustment of the selected job, which will be described in detail later with reference to FIG.

[0079] The print start button 814 is a button for starting printing of the selected job. When the user presses the print start button 814, printing is performed by the recording unit 306 in response to an instruction from the CPU 301.

[0080] The enlargement / reduction printing application screen 810 of this embodiment may be configured so that the user can select multiple jobs. In this case, the image processing device 110 performs the image adjustment processing described in this embodiment simultaneously or consecutively.

[0081] 9A and 9B are diagrams showing an example of image data 900, an object 910, and an edge image 920 of the object. Fig. 9A shows an image that the user wants to print, in which the character string "I love you" is written above a star-shaped figure.

[0082] The portion of the image data 900 (hereinafter referred to as the adjusted image) has end points, such as the top end point, bottom end point, left end point, and right end point, which refer to the points at the top, bottom, left, and right extremes. If there are multiple extreme points, all of them are considered to be ends. In this embodiment, it has an upper end point 901, a left end point 902, a right end point 903, and bottom end points 904 and 905. The bottom end points 904 and 905 are an example of multiple extreme points, and all of these are considered to be ends.

[0083] 9(B) shows an object 910, which is an example of an object shaped like a fan for which a user can create original goods. FIG. 9(C) shows an example of an edge image 920 acquired from the object 910.

[0084] Fig. 10 shows an example of a screen displayed on the operation unit 305 during image adjustment processing. (A), (B), and (C) in Fig. 10 respectively show an image adjustment initial screen 1000, an image adjustment in progress screen 1010, and an image adjustment failed screen 1020. These screens are displayed on the operation unit 305 by the CPU 301.

[0085] The image adjustment initial screen 1000 is a screen that is displayed when the image adjustment button 813 on the enlargement / reduction printing application screen 810 is pressed, and has a start button 1001 and a back button 1002. In this embodiment, a message is displayed that urges the user to read the object, saying, "Place the object whose image you want to capture on the platen and press 'Start'." Note that the wording of the message is arbitrary, and displaying the message is not essential.

[0086] The image adjustment in progress screen 1010 is a screen that is displayed when the image processing device 110 is executing image adjustment processing, and has a stop button 1011. In this embodiment, a message is displayed to the user that the image adjustment processing is being executed, saying "Reading and automatic adjustment is being executed. Please wait a moment." Note that the wording of the message is arbitrary, and displaying the message is not essential.

[0087] The image adjustment failure screen 1020 is a screen that is displayed when reading has failed, and has a back button 1021. In this embodiment, a message is displayed to the user informing them that the reading process has failed, saying "Reading failed. Please make sure the object is placed correctly on the platen and try again." Note that the wording of the message is arbitrary, and displaying the message is not essential.

[0088] The operation of the image processing device 110 when each button on each of the image adjustment initial screen 1000, image adjustment in progress screen 1010, and image adjustment failure screen 1020 is pressed will be described later using the flowchart in Fig. 13. Note that when the back button 1002 on the image adjustment initial screen 1000 or the cancel button 1011 on the image adjustment in progress screen 1010 is pressed, the CPU 301 ends the image adjustment process and causes the operation unit 305 to display the enlarged / reduced printing application screen 810.

[0089] 13 is a diagram showing an example of image adjustment processing performed by the image processing device 110. This processing is image adjustment processing that is started when the user presses the image adjustment button 813 on the enlargement / reduction printing application screen 810 and is performed by the CPU 301. Furthermore, the CPU 301 of the image processing device 110 operates the enlargement / reduction printing application 501, thereby executing each processing step.

[0090] In step 1301, the CPU 301 causes the operation unit 305 to display the image adjustment initial screen 1000.

[0091] In step 1302, CPU 301 determines whether or not start button 1001 has been pressed. If CPU 301 determines that start button 1001 has been pressed, the process proceeds to step 1303; if CPU 301 determines that start button 1001 has not been pressed, the process proceeds to step 1301.

[0092] In step 1303, the CPU 301 causes the operation unit 305 to display the image adjustment in progress screen 1010.

[0093] In step 1304, CPU 301 reads object 910 using reading unit 308. When CPU 301 performs reading, if the user has set the object on reading unit 308, read image data of the object is acquired, and if the object is not set, the read image is blank. In this embodiment, the description will be given assuming that the user has set object 910 in FIG. 9B on reading unit 308.

[0094] In step 1305, CPU 301 detects edges from the scanned image of the object scanned in step 1304, and acquires image data corresponding to the edge of object 910. Note that the edge detection method may be any method capable of detecting edges, such as a method that utilizes luminance discontinuity. Note that the image data corresponding to the edge of object 910 is an example of second image data.

[0095] In step 1306, CPU 301 determines whether or not edge detection of the object was successful in step 1305. If CPU 301 determines that edge detection was successful, it proceeds to step 1307, and if it determines that edge detection was not successful, it proceeds to step 1308. Edge detection not being successful means that edge detection was not successful for some reason, such as when the user places nothing on reading unit 308 and the read image is blank, or when object 910 is colorless and transparent and cannot be read by reading unit 308.

[0096] In step 1307, the CPU 301 acquires an edge image 920 by extracting the outermost line of the edges detected in step 1305 and setting it as the edge of the object 910. In this embodiment, the solid line in the edge image 920 in FIG. 9C is the line obtained by extracting the outermost line of the edges detected from the scanned image of the object 910, and is the edge of the object 910. Note that this method is not limiting and any method may be used as long as it can acquire the edge image 920 of the object 910. For example, the edge may be acquired by setting the second line from the outside as the edge, or by setting a line selected by the user as the edge. In this manner, the edge on the edge image 920 is acquired.

[0097] In step 1308, the CPU 301 displays the image adjustment failure screen 1020 on the operation unit 305. When the user presses the back button 1021, the CPU 301 ends this processing. The CPU 301 also displays the enlargement / reduction printing application screen 810 on the operation unit 305.

[0098] In step 1309, CPU 301 performs automatic image adjustment. Specifically, the adjusted image is moved and enlarged or reduced so that it fits within the edge of object 910. The enlargement or reduction of the adjusted image depends on the relative size of the adjusted image and the edge of object 910; CPU 301 reduces the adjusted image if it is larger than the edge, and enlarges the adjusted image if it is smaller than the edge. Note that this adjustment process is performed automatically without the user specifying the size. Once the adjustment process is complete, the process proceeds to step 1310. Note that the CPU 301 may be configured not to enlarge the adjusted image even if it is smaller than the edge.

[0099] Note that the step to transition to after the adjustment process is completed may be step 1316 instead of step 1310, and printing may be performed immediately after the adjustment process. In this embodiment, CPU 301 performs automatic adjustment so that the adjusted image fits within the border, using the border on border image 920 and all of the extreme points (edge ​​points) on the top, bottom, left, and right of the adjusted image. In other words, the size of the adjusted image is changed to a size that fits inside the border.

[0100] An example of automatic adjustment will be described. First, CPU 301 changes the position of the adjusted image relative to border image 920 to check whether there is a location where all of the edge points of the adjusted image fit inside the border. If there is a location where all of the edge points of the adjusted image fit inside the border, CPU 301 enlarges the size of the adjusted image and checks again whether there is a location where all of the edge points of the adjusted image fit inside the border. CPU 301 repeats this process, gradually enlarging the size of the adjusted image, until there is no location where all of the edge points of the adjusted image fit inside the border. When there is no location where all of the edge points of the adjusted image fit inside the border, CPU 301 restores the size of the adjusted image to the previous size and moves the adjusted image to a location where all of the edge points of the adjusted image fit inside the border, thereby ending the automatic adjustment. Note that in this case, enlarging the adjusted image is not required; CPU 301 may end the automatic adjustment if it has confirmed in the first check that there is a location where all of the edge points of the adjusted image fit inside the border.

[0101] If there is no place where all of the edge points of the adjusted image fit inside the border, CPU 301 reduces the size of the adjusted image and checks again whether there is a place where all of the edge points of the adjusted image fit inside the border. CPU 301 repeats this process while gradually reducing the size of the adjusted image until there is a place where all of the edge points of the adjusted image fit inside the border. When there is a place where all of the edge points of the adjusted image fit inside the border, automatic adjustment ends.

[0102] Note that the above description is one example of a method for adjusting the position and size of the adjusted image performed by CPU 301, and other methods may be used. For example, another method is to gradually change the position of border image 920 relative to the adjusted image and check whether there is a location where all of the edge points of the adjusted image fall within the border. In other words, CPU 301 may perform automatic adjustment by changing the position of either the adjusted image or border image 920.

[0103] Furthermore, the CPU 301 may be configured to change either the position or the size of the adjusted image so that the adjusted image fits inside the border and then end the adjustment.

[0104] Step 1309 is an example of processing for changing the size of the image based on the first image data to a size that fits inside the edge of the object 910 on the image based on the second image data.

[0105] In step 1310, the CPU 301 determines whether or not to display the image adjustment results. If the CPU 301 determines that the image adjustment results should be displayed, the process proceeds to step 1311. If the CPU 301 determines that the image adjustment results should not be displayed, the process proceeds to step 1316.

[0106] Note that step 1310 is not an essential step. If CPU 301 does not perform step 1310, CPU 301 executes the steps from the reading process in step 1304 to the printing process in step 1316 without receiving any instructions from the user. In other words, upon completion of automatic image adjustment (step 1309), CPU 301 transitions to printing process (step 1316) and executes the process.

[0107] The CPU 301 determines whether or not to display the image adjustment results, for example, as follows. For example, a display setting item, not shown, "Display adjustment results after image adjustment" may be provided on the enlargement / reduction printing application screen 810. In this case, if the user sets this display setting item to "Yes," the CPU 301 determines to display the image adjustment results, and if the user sets it to "No," the CPU 301 determines not to display the image adjustment results. Alternatively, the CPU 301 checks whether the image processing device 110 supports a function for displaying the image adjustment results, and if the function is supported, the CPU 301 determines to display the image adjustment results, and if the function is not supported, the CPU 301 determines not to display the image adjustment results. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the specifications are uniformly determined for each product.

[0108] In step 1311, the CPU 301 causes the operation unit 305 to display a screen showing the results of the automatic adjustment performed in step 1309. In this embodiment, an image adjustment result screen 1100 shown in Fig. 11A, which will be described later, is displayed.

[0109] In step 1312, CPU 301 determines whether or not an edit instruction has been received from the user on adjustment result screen 1100. If CPU 301 determines that an edit instruction has been received from the user, the process proceeds to step 1313, and if CPU 301 determines that an edit instruction has not been received, the process proceeds to step 1315. In this embodiment, CPU 301 determines whether or not an edit instruction has been received based on whether or not edit button 1102 in FIG. 11A, which will be described later, has been pressed. Specifically, CPU 301 determines that an edit instruction has been received if edit button 1102 has been pressed, and determines that an edit instruction has not been received if edit button 1102 has not been pressed.

[0110] In step 1313, the CPU 301 displays the edit mode screen 1110 on the operation unit 305. The CPU 301 also accepts manual editing by the user on the edit mode screen 1110, such as enlarging or reducing the image or moving the position.

[0111] In step 1314, CPU 301 determines whether or not the user has instructed to end editing. If the user has instructed CPU 301 to end editing, CPU 301 retains the edited content and proceeds to step 1311, but if the user has not instructed CPU 301 to end editing, CPU 301 proceeds to step 1313.

[0112] In this embodiment, CPU 301 determines whether an instruction to end editing has been given based on whether a back button 1114 shown in Fig. 11(B) described below has been pressed. Specifically, CPU 301 determines that an instruction to end editing has been given if back button 1114 has been pressed, and determines that an instruction to end editing has not been given if back button 1114 has not been pressed.

[0113] In step 1315, CPU 301 determines whether or not a user has issued an instruction to execute printing. If CPU 301 determines that a user has issued an instruction to execute printing, the process proceeds to step 1316; if CPU 301 determines that a user has not issued an instruction to execute printing, the process proceeds to step 1311. In this embodiment, CPU 301 determines whether or not a print button 1103 in FIG. 11A, which will be described later, has been pressed, thereby determining whether or not a print instruction has been issued. Specifically, if print button 1103 has been pressed, CPU 301 determines that a print instruction has been issued, and if print button 1103 has not been pressed, the process determines that a print instruction has not been issued.

[0114] In step 1316, CPU 301 controls recording unit 306 to print the image (displayed in image display area 1101) that has undergone image adjustment processing onto a print medium. At this time, print control unit 503 controlled by CPU 301 also changes the parameters of the print job and converts the format of image data as necessary. In this embodiment, CPU 301 performs printing when print button 1103 is pressed.

[0115] Fig. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displaying the results of automatic image adjustment performed by the enlargement / reduction printing application 501 controlled by the CPU 301. (A), (B), and (C) in Fig. 11 respectively show an image adjustment result screen 1100, an edit mode screen 1110, and a printed material 1120, and the image adjustment result screen 1100 and the edit mode screen 1110 are displayed on the operation unit 305 by the CPU 301.

[0116] The image adjustment result screen 1100 is a screen that is displayed when automatic image adjustment is complete (step 1311). The image adjustment result screen 1100 has an image display area 1101, an edit button 1102, a print button 1103, and a back button 1104.

[0117] The image display area 1101 is an area where the image that has been subjected to the image adjustment processing in step 1309 and the border image 920 are displayed in an overlapping manner, and functions as a print preview.

[0118] The edit button 1102 is a button that allows the CPU 301 to accept an edit instruction from the user. When the edit button 1102 is pressed, the CPU 301 displays an edit mode screen 1110 on the operation unit 305. Note that if the image processing device 110 does not support an image adjustment function by the user, the edit button 1102 may not be displayed.

[0119] The print button 1103 is a button that allows the CPU 301 to accept a print execution instruction from the user. When the print button 1103 is pressed, the CPU 301 controls the print control unit 503 to print an image based on the image displayed in the image display area 1101 using the recording unit 306, and output a printout 1120. When printing, if there are any print job parameters that need to be changed due to image adjustment, the print control unit 503 controlled by the CPU 301 changes the parameters to values ​​that match the values ​​after the image adjustment, and then performs printing.

[0120] In this embodiment, the image data is in JPEG format for image processing, but when the print button 1103 is pressed, the CPU 301 controls the image processing unit 502 to convert the image data from JPEG format to a format that can be printed directly, and then executes printing.

[0121] When the back button 1104 is pressed, the CPU 301 displays the enlargement / reduction print application screen 810 on the operation unit 305 .

[0122] The edit mode screen 1110 is a screen for the user to manually operate the position and scaling of image data. The edit mode screen 1110 has an image display area 1111, position movement keys 1112, scaling ratio operation buttons 1113, and a back button 1114.

[0123] The image display area 1111 is an area where the adjusted image and the border image 920 are displayed overlapping each other, and functions as a print preview. The user can edit the image using the position movement keys 1112 and the enlargement / reduction ratio operation buttons 1113 (step 1313). The print preview displayed in the image display area 1111 reflects the edits made by the user to the image.

[0124] The position movement key 1112 is a software key that allows the CPU 301 to accept a user operation to move the position of the adjusted image. The user moves the position of the adjusted image by operating the position movement key 1112. In this embodiment, the position of the border image 920 is fixed, and the user can move the position of the adjusted image relative to the border image 920.

[0125] The configuration may be such that the user can move only the position of the border image 920, or such that the user can move both the adjusted image and the border image 920. The position movement key 1112 in this embodiment is described as a cross-shaped software key, but is not limited to this. An input device such as a hardware key or a mouse may be connected to the image processing device 110, and the CPU 301 may move the position of the adjusted image in response to a position movement operation input from such an input device by the user. The input for position movement is not limited to input from a cross key, but may also be input from, for example, a joystick.

[0126] The scaling ratio operation button 1113 is an object that allows the CPU 301 to accept a user operation to change the scaling ratio (size) of the adjusted image. The user operates the scaling ratio operation button 1113 to operate the scaling ratio of the adjusted image. In this embodiment, when the user selects the upward-pointing triangular object of the scaling ratio operation button 1113, the scaling ratio increases, and the size of the adjusted image displayed in the image display area 1111 increases. Conversely, when the user selects the downward-pointing triangular object of the scaling ratio operation button 1113, the scaling ratio decreases, and the size of the adjusted image displayed in the image display area 1111 decreases. The displayed scaling ratio value also changes in accordance with the scaling ratio operation performed by the user.

[0127] In this embodiment, the user changes the scaling ratio of the adjusted image using the scaling ratio operation button 1113, but the method for changing the scaling ratio is not limited to this. For example, the user may select an area displaying the scaling ratio value to display candidate values, and the user may select an arbitrary value from the candidates, with the selected value being applied as the scaling ratio. Alternatively, the scaling ratio may be changed by the rotation direction of a wheel on a mouse or the like. If the image processing device 110 has a touch panel or trackpad, the scaling ratio may be changed by a flick operation or a pinch-in / pinch-out operation.

[0128] The back button 1114 is a button for exiting the edit mode screen 1110. When the user presses the back button 1114 after finishing editing, the CPU 301 displays the enlarged / reduced print application screen 810 on the operation unit 305. At this time, the edit content of the adjusted image performed by the user is retained, and the image display area 1101 of the switched image adjustment result screen 1100 displays the adjusted image reflecting the edit content.

[0129] Note that when the back button 1114 is pressed by the user, the CPU 301 may be configured to display a dialog box (not shown) that prompts the user to select whether or not to retain the edited content along with a message such as "Do you want to reflect the edited content?" In this case, for example, if the user selects the option "Yes," the CPU 301 may be configured to retain the edited content that the user has made to the adjusted image and display the adjusted image with the edited content reflected in the image display area 1101. Conversely, for example, if the user selects the option "No," the CPU 301 may be configured to display the adjusted image before the edited content is reflected in the image display area 1101 without retaining the edited content that the user has made to the adjusted image.

[0130] It should be noted that the edit mode screen 1110 may be provided with a complete button (not shown), and configured as follows: In this configuration, when the user presses the complete button, the edited content is saved, and the adjusted image reflecting the edited content is displayed in the image display area 1101 of the image adjustment result screen 1100 that the CPU 301 causes to be displayed on the operation unit 305. On the other hand, when the user presses the back button 1114, the changes are discarded, and the adjusted image before the edited content was reflected is displayed in the image display area 1101 of the image adjustment result screen 1100 that the CPU 301 causes to be displayed on the operation unit 305.

[0131] 11C shows a printout 1120 of an image resulting from image adjustment, and is an example of an image output as a result of printing by the recording unit 306 when the user presses the print button 1103. In this embodiment, the border image 920 is also printed so that the user can use it as, for example, a cutting line, but the border image 920 may not be printed. In that case, for example, the image adjustment result screen 1100 may have an option that allows the user to set whether or not to print the border image 920. Note that the border line may be printed as, for example, a dashed line, or may be printed in, for example, a light color.

[0132] Furthermore, if this setting item is not provided, when the user presses the print button 1103, the CPU 301 may be configured to display a dialog box (not shown) that prompts the user to select whether or not to print the border image 920 along with a message such as "Print border?" In this case, if the user selects, for example, "Yes," the CPU 301 may be configured to cause the recording unit 306 to print an image that includes the border image 920. Conversely, if the user selects, for example, "No," the CPU 301 may be configured to cause the recording unit 306 to print an image that does not include the border image 920.

[0133] According to this embodiment, it is possible to reduce the time and effort required for the user to make print settings when printing an image of a desired size.

[0134] In this embodiment, an example has been shown in which the adjusted image is printed following automatic adjustment of the adjusted image (step 1309), but the present invention is not limited to this. The adjusted image after automatic adjustment or editing by the user may also be saved. In this case, for example, a save button (not shown) may be provided on the image adjustment result screen 1100. When the user presses the save button, the CPU 301 saves the image file of the print preview displayed in the image display area 1101 in a storage medium such as the storage unit 304.

[0135] In this embodiment, the configuration is shown in which the user selects an adjustment image, and then the image processing device 110 reads the object and performs image adjustment, but the configuration may also be such that the user selects an adjustment image and then performs image adjustment after the image processing device 110 reads the object.

[0136] In this embodiment, the scanned image of the object 910 is acquired by scanning the object 910 after the user selects a print job, but the present invention can also be realized in a configuration in which a scanned image of the object 910 is prepared in advance. In that case, instead of scanning the image of the object 910 by the scanning unit 308 in step 1304, the user may select an image of the object stored in the storage unit 304. In this case, the user may select the image of the object from, for example, a USB, an external storage device, a cloud server, or the like, instead of the storage unit 304.

[0137] In this embodiment, the user sets the image data adjustment flag on the information processing device 101, but this is not limiting. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which a list of print jobs received by the image processing device 110 is displayed on the operation unit 305 of the image processing device 110, and the user can set the image data adjustment flag from the operation unit 305.

[0138] <Modification> The first embodiment may be realized by a configuration that includes a server in addition to the information processing device 101 and the image processing device 110. The server here refers to an external server that is not the information processing device 101 or the image processing device 110, such as a cloud server. As described above, in a configuration in which an adjusted image after automatic adjustment or editing by a user is saved, when the user presses the save button, the CPU 301 saves the image file of the print preview displayed in the image display area 1101 to, for example, a cloud server.

[0139] This allows users to print the saved image files whenever they want, increasing convenience. Also, storing image files on a cloud server makes data exchange easier, so even users who only have a printing device with an automatic adjustment function can easily create the same goods by receiving the image files.

[0140] <Other embodiments> In the first embodiment, when reading the object in step 1304, it is assumed that the object fits within the reading unit 308. However, in reality, it is possible that the reading unit 308 may read an object that is larger than the range that can be read in one go.

[0141] Even if the object does not fit into the reading unit 308, the present invention can be realized by performing the image reading in step 1304 multiple times and combining the multiple read images to obtain a read image of the object.

[0142] In this embodiment, a case where an object is read in multiple steps will be described. In this embodiment, a method of reading an object in two steps and combining two images will be described in particular, but the present invention can also be realized with a method of reading an object in three or more steps.

[0143] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of an additional reading confirmation screen 1400 displayed on the operation unit 305 when additionally reading an object, and an example of the reading range of the object.

[0144] 14A is a screen displayed on the operation unit 305 to allow the user to confirm additional reading of an object to be used for image adjustment by the enlargement / reduction printing application 501 controlled by the CPU 301. The additional reading confirmation screen 1400 has an additional reading start button 1401, an additional reading end button 1402, and a cancel button 1403.

[0145] The additional reading confirmation screen 1400 is a screen that the CPU 301 causes the operation unit 305 to display the image adjustment execution screen 1010 in step 1304, and then when reading of the object is completed.

[0146] The additional reading start button 1401 is a button that the CPU 301 uses to receive an instruction from the user to perform additional reading of an object, and when the additional reading start button 1401 is pressed, the reading unit 308 starts reading the object under the control of the CPU 301. At this time, the CPU 301 causes the operation unit 305 to again display the image adjustment in progress screen 1010 and executes reading of the object. When reading is complete, the image processing unit 502 under the control of the CPU 301 synthesizes the read images of the read objects. When the synthesis of the read images is complete, the image adjustment process transitions to step 1305.

[0147] In this embodiment, on the additional reading confirmation screen 1400, the image processing device 110 instructs the user to set the object 180 degrees upside down. This is because the first reading will focus on the part that did not fit into the reading unit. Note that the rotation angle, orientation, and number of readings of the object are arbitrary as long as it is possible to combine the read images from multiple reading processes.

[0148] 14B shows an example of the reading range of the object, and an example of the first and second reading ranges. A first reading range 1411 and a second reading range 1412 show the first and second reading ranges when the object 910 does not fit into the reading unit 308.

[0149] If the range indicated by the dashed line is the range that can be accommodated by the reading unit 308, it is not possible to read the entire object 910 in one reading. Therefore, the reading unit 308 reads the first reading range 1411 in the first reading, and the user rotates the object 910 180 degrees to bring the portion that did not fit in the first reading range 1411 into the range of the reading unit 308. Next, the reading unit 308 reads the second reading range 1412 in the second reading. Once the entire object 910 has been read, the image processing unit 502 combines the read images of the object. For example, the second read image may be flipped 180 degrees and combined with the first image, or a commonly used image combining method may be used.

[0150] The additional reading end button 1402 is a button that allows the CPU 301 to receive an instruction from the user to end additional reading of the object. When the additional reading end button 1402 is pressed, the CPU 301 ends the reading in step 1304 .

[0151] The cancel button 1403 is a button that allows the CPU 301 to accept a user instruction to cancel additional reading of the object. When the cancel button 1403 is pressed, the CPU 301 ends the image adjustment process and causes the operation unit 305 to display the enlargement / reduction printing application screen 810.

[0152] With the above configuration, even if the object 910 does not fit into the reading unit 308, the present invention can be realized by reading the object 910 in multiple steps.

[0153] The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and by having one or more processors in the computer of the system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that realizes one or more functions. [Explanation of symbols]

[0154] 101 Information processing equipment 110 Image processing device 800 Home Screen 810 Enlarged / reduced printing app screen 1000 Image adjustment initial screen 1010 Image adjustment in progress screen 1020 Image adjustment failure screen 1100 Image adjustment result screen 1110 Edit mode screen 1400 Additional reading confirmation screen

Claims

1. a receiving means for receiving first image data; an acquisition means for acquiring second image data corresponding to an edge of the object by reading the object; a change means for changing the size of the image based on the first image data to a size that fits within an edge of the object on the image based on the second image data without receiving a user's designation of the size of the image based on the first image data; a printing means for printing the image whose size has been changed by the change means onto a printing medium; An image forming apparatus comprising:

2. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the change unit does not change the size of the image based on the second image data.

3. The image forming device described in claim 1, characterized in that the modification means, when an image based on the first image data and an image based on the second image data are superimposed, modifies the position of at least one of the image based on the first image data or the image based on the second image data, thereby placing the image based on the first image data inside the edge of the object on the image based on the second image data.

4. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the accepting unit accepts the first image data according to a selection made by a user.

5. 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising a display means for displaying options for allowing the user to make the selection.

6. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a display unit for displaying an image based on the first image data whose size has been changed by the change unit.

7. 7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the printing means prints the image whose size has been changed by the change means onto a printing medium without the image whose size has been changed by the change means being displayed by the display means.

8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the printing means prints on the same printing medium an image based on the first image data, which has been modified by the modification means to a size that fits within the edge of the object on the image based on the second image data, and an image based on the second image data.

9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the modification unit performs the modification when the first image data and information indicating that the modification is to be performed on an image based on the first image data are associated with each other.

10. an instruction receiving means for receiving an instruction from a user via an operation unit as to whether or not to make the change; 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the change unit makes the change when an instruction to make the change from a user is received by the instruction receiving unit.

11. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a storage unit for storing image data corresponding to the image whose size has been changed by said change unit.

12. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the size of the image based on the first image data is changed to a size that fits within the edge of the object on the image based on the second image data without receiving an execution instruction from the user after the object has been read.

13. 13. The image forming apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the printing unit prints the image, the size of which has been changed by the changing unit, onto the printing medium without receiving an execution instruction from the user after the object has been read.

14. a receiving step of receiving first image data; an acquiring step of acquiring second image data corresponding to an edge of the object by reading the object; a changing step of changing the size of the image based on the first image data to a size that fits inside an edge of the object on the image based on the second image data without receiving a user's designation of the size of the image based on the first image data; a printing step of printing the image whose size has been changed by the changing step onto a printing medium; An image forming method comprising the steps of:

15. a receiving step of receiving first image data; an acquiring step of acquiring second image data corresponding to an edge of the object by reading the object; a changing step of changing the size of the image based on the first image data to a size that fits inside an edge of the object on the image based on the second image data without receiving a user's designation of the size of the image based on the first image data; a printing step of printing the image whose size has been changed by the changing step onto a printing medium; 2. A program for causing an image forming apparatus to execute an image forming method comprising:

Images