Program, device control method, information processing device, and image forming device

Abstract

To provide a program, a device control method, an information processing device, and an image forming device that allow a user to know which part of a print result is being displayed when the print result is displayed in actual size on a display device. [Solution] On a display device 109 of an information processing device 100, an image of a minimap area 1142, which is an image for checking the entire print result before printing, is displayed superimposed on an image of a real-size preview area 1141, which is an actual-size image for checking the actual-size print result before printing. The image of the minimap area 1142 includes an actual-size display area 1143 (frame information) that indicates the area displayed in the image of the real-size preview area 1141.

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] When an image to be printed is displayed on a display device such as a PC display or a liquid crystal display on a smartphone, the pixel density of the display device (e.g., 300 ppi (pixels per inch)) and the print resolution (e.g., 600 ppi) usually differ. As a result, the display size of the image displayed on the display device differs from the actual size of the printed matter to be printed on the printing device. This makes it difficult for users to check the size of the printed image before printing it, and when making fine size adjustments, it is necessary to print the image several times and adjust the size. In contrast, for example, the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 calculates the display resolution taking into account the difference between the pixel density and print resolution of the display device, so that the image to be printed is displayed on the display device at the actual size of the printed result. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-166763 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In recent years, as part of a movement known as "oshikatsu," which involves supporting one's favorite idols or characters, people have increasingly started to create their own goods by cutting and pasting images printed on a printer. For example, they may create metal badges using images printed to fit a pre-made frame, or print lines or other decorations on paper to decorate figurines.

[0005] In such use cases, it is necessary to adjust the size of the image to be printed so that it fits into the specified frame size. In addition to the use case of "oshikatsu," there are also cases where you want to print ID photos and the like in a specified frame size.

[0006] One method for adjusting the size of an image to be printed is to use the technology of Patent Document 1 mentioned above when creating print data, displaying the image to be printed on a display device at the actual size of the printed result, allowing the user to adjust the print size while checking the size on the screen.

[0007] However, smartphones are now commonly used as display devices, and their screen sizes are often smaller than the size of the paper they are printed on. Therefore, with the above-mentioned method, if an image to be printed on A4 size paper is displayed on a smartphone at the actual size of the printed result, only a portion of the image will be displayed on the smartphone screen. In this case, while the user can check the actual size of the printed result through the smartphone screen, it is difficult for them to grasp which part of the image is displayed on the screen.

[0008] The present invention aims to provide a mechanism that allows a user to understand which part of a print result is being displayed when the print result is displayed in actual size on a display device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In order to achieve the above object, the program of the present invention is a program for instructing a printing device to execute printing, and causes the device on which the program is installed to execute a control process to display an actual-size image for checking the actual-size print result before printing, and a control process to superimpose an entire image on the actual-size image for checking the entire print result before printing, and is characterized in that the entire image includes frame information indicating the area displayed in the actual-size image. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, when a printout is displayed on a display device in actual size, the user can know which part of the printout is being displayed. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a hardware configuration of an information processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 2 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a software configuration of the information processing device of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 3] 1 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a printing apparatus serving as an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a software configuration of the printing device of FIG. 3. [Figure 5] FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram showing the procedure of a print control process performed by the information processing device and the printing device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 6] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating examples of real-size preview screen information and a screen display area according to the present embodiment. [Figure 7] 6 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the screen generation process in S507 of FIG. 5. [Figure 8] 8 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the rendering process in the real-size preview area in S701 of FIG. 7. [Figure 9] 8 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the minimap drawing process in S702 of FIG. 7. [Figure 10] 6 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the screen update process in S510 of FIG. 5. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the display device of FIG. 1. [Figure 12] 10A to 10C are diagrams for explaining changes in the screen when a first operation is performed in the present embodiment. [Figure 13] 10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining changes in the screen when a second operation is performed in the present embodiment. [Figure 14] 10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining changes in the screen when a third operation is performed in the present embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram of a printing system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing the procedure of a print control process performed by an information processing apparatus and a printing apparatus according to a second embodiment. [Figure 17] 4 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the display unit of FIG. 3. FIG. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a full-size preview screen displayed on a display device in the second embodiment. [Figure 19] 11 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a rendering process of a full-size preview area executed by an information processing apparatus according to a third embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of a display image generated in S1902 of FIG. 19. [Figure 21] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a display device in the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0013] First, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the first embodiment, a configuration in which the display of a preview screen of print data is controlled by an information processing apparatus 100 will be described.

[0014] Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic hardware configuration of an information processing device 100 according to this embodiment. In Fig. 1, the information processing device 100 includes a network I / F 101, a CPU 102, a ROM 103, a RAM 104, a storage 105, an input device I / F 106, and a display device I / F 108. These can transmit and receive data to and from each other via a system bus 120. Note that I / F is an abbreviation for Interface. CPU is an abbreviation for Central Processing Unit. ROM is an abbreviation for Read Only Memory. RAM is an abbreviation for Random Access Memory.

[0015] The network I / F 101 transmits and receives various data to and from a printing device 300 shown in FIG. 3, which will be described later, via a network 130 such as a wide area network (WAN) or a local area network (LAN).

[0016] The CPU 102 is a controller for controlling the entire information processing device 100. The CPU 102 starts up an OS (Operating System) using a startup program stored in a ROM 103, which is a non-volatile memory. The CPU 102 executes a controller program recorded in a storage 105 on the OS to control the information processing device 100. The RAM 104 functions as a temporary storage area such as the main memory or work area of ​​the CPU 102. The storage 105 is a writable and readable non-volatile memory such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or SSD (Solid State Drive), and stores the controller program and the like.

[0017] The input device I / F 106 is an interface for connecting an input device 107 . The input device 107 is a device such as a mouse or keyboard that allows the user to input instructions and the like to the information processing device 100. The display device I / F 108 is an interface for connecting the display device 109. The display device 109 is a liquid crystal display or the like, and is a device that allows the information processing device 100 to notify the user of information on a screen. Note that the information processing device 100 may be configured to include the display device 109 within it, as in a smartphone or the like. Alternatively, the display device 109 may be configured to function as the input device 107 by touch operation, as in a smartphone or the like.

[0018] Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic software configuration of the information processing device 100 shown in Fig. 1. In Fig. 2, the information processing device 100 includes, as software functions, a network control unit 201, a storage control unit 202, a print application 203, an input control unit 204, a display control unit 205, and a web browser 206. Each software function is realized by the CPU 102 executing a program loaded into the RAM 104.

[0019] The network control unit 201 has a control function for communicating with the network 130 via the network I / F 101 and transmitting and receiving various data to and from external devices. For example, the information processing device 100 can communicate information such as print data with the printing device 300 via the network 130. The storage control unit 202 has a function for controlling the storage 105 and reading and writing data.

[0020] The print application 203 is an application for issuing a print command to the printing device 300, etc. The print application 203 has a function for transmitting print data selected by the user to the printing device 300 via the network I / F 101. Furthermore, the user can use the print application 203 to perform operations such as print settings, editing of images to be printed, and displaying a full-size preview.

[0021] The input control unit 204 has a function of controlling the input device 107 via the input device I / F 106, receiving data input by the user, and operating each control unit based on the received data. The display control unit 205 has a function of controlling the display of various screens on the display device 109 connected via the display device I / F 108. The web browser 206 is software that enables the information processing device 100 to connect to a web server, and has a function of mainly transmitting and receiving data via HTTP (HyperText Transfer Protocol) communication, displaying web pages, etc.

[0022] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a schematic hardware configuration of a printing device 300 as an image forming device according to this embodiment.

[0023] The printing device 300 includes a network I / F 301, a CPU 302, an eMMC 303, a ROM 304, a RAM 305, a storage 306, a paper feed tray I / F 307, an operation unit 309, a display unit 310, an image processing HW 311, and a printer 312. These can send and receive data to and from each other via a system bus 320. Note that eMMC is an abbreviation for embedded Multi Media Card.

[0024] The network I / F 301 transmits and receives print data to and from an external device such as the information processing device 100 via a network 130 such as a WAN or LAN.

[0025] The CPU 302 is a controller for controlling the entire printing device 300. The CPU 302 starts the OS using a startup program stored in the ROM 304, which is non-volatile memory. The CPU 302 executes a controller program recorded in the storage 306 on the OS to control the printing device 300. The eMMC 303 is made up of flash memory, and stores the control program and the like for the CPU 302. The RAM 305 functions as a temporary storage area such as the main memory and work area for the CPU 302. The storage 306 is a writable and readable non-volatile memory, and stores the controller program and the like.

[0026] The paper feed tray I / F 307 is an interface for connecting to the paper feed tray 308. The paper feed tray 308 is a device that is connected to the printing device 300 and feeds the required paper sheets one by one to the printing device 300 when printing. The operation unit 309 includes keys that allow the user to perform various operations and a screen that displays information within the device. The display unit 310 is a display screen such as an LCD display that displays information to the user. The operation unit 309 and display unit 310 may be integrated into one unit, like a touch panel.

[0027] The image processing HW 311 is a hardware module that performs image processing such as decoding print data, adding margins, and enlarging / reducing the print data within the printing device 300. The printer 312 is a device that prints an image based on print data by placing a recording material such as toner or ink on paper (recording paper) fed from the paper feed tray 308 and fixing the recording material to the paper.

[0028] Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing a schematic software configuration of the printing device 300 of Fig. 3. In Fig. 4, the printing device 300 includes, as software functions, a network control unit 401, a storage control unit 402, an operation control unit 403, a display control unit 404, an image processing control unit 405, and a paper feed stage control unit 406. The printing device 300 also includes, as software functions, a printer control unit 407, a remote UI screen control unit 408, a screen information generation unit 409, and a resizing application 410. Each software function is realized by the CPU 302 executing a program loaded into the RAM 305.

[0029] The network control unit 401 has a control function for communicating with the network 130 via the network I / F 301 and sending and receiving various data to and from external devices. The storage control unit 402 has a function for controlling the storage 306 and reading and writing data. The operation control unit 403 has a function for controlling the operation unit 309 and acquiring input information from the user. The display control unit 404 has a function for displaying a screen. The display control unit 404 controls the display unit 310 and generates screen data to be displayed on the display unit 310.

[0030] The image processing control unit 405 controls the image processing HW 311 and has the function of performing image processing such as enlargement and reduction on print data received by the printing device 300. The paper feed stage control unit 406 controls the paper feed stage 308 via the paper feed stage I / F 307 and has the function of feeding paper required for printing. The printer control unit 407 controls the printer 312 and has the function of fixing recording material such as toner or ink placed on paper to the paper and printing.

[0031] The remote UI screen control unit 408 has a function of controlling the screen of the web browser 206 by providing the web browser 206 with screen information generated by a screen information generation unit 409 via communication in accordance with HTTP. The screen information generation unit 409 has a function of generating screen information to be displayed on the web browser 206, for example, in HTML (HyperText Markup LANGUAGE) format. The resizing application 410 is an application that enables an external device to instruct the printing device 300 to execute printing via the remote UI. The resizing application 410 has a screen information generation function for displaying a full-size preview screen 1800 (described later) in FIG. 18 via the remote UI on the display device 109 of the information processing device 100 to which print data has been input. On the full-size preview screen 1800 (described later), the user can adjust the print size, issue print instructions, and the like. Details of the resizing application 410 will be described in Example 2.

[0032] 5 is a sequence diagram showing the procedure of print control processing by the information processing device 100 and the printing device 300 in this embodiment. Note that the processing by the information processing device 100 is realized by the CPU 102 executing a program loaded from the ROM 103 or the like into the RAM 104. The processing by the printing device 300 is realized by the CPU 302 executing a program loaded from the ROM 304 or the like into the RAM 305.

[0033] In FIG. 5, first, the user issues an instruction to start the print application 203 installed in the information processing device 100 (S500).

[0034] Next, in accordance with this start-up instruction, the information processing device 100 starts up the print application 203. As a result, the following processing of the information processing device 100 is performed by the print application 203. Furthermore, the information processing device 100 displays the print application home screen 1100 of FIG. 11(a) on the display device 109 (S501).

[0035] The print app home screen 1100 is composed of a print device selection area 1101, an icon area 1102, a start button 1103, etc. The user can set the print device to execute the print process by pressing the print device selection area 1101. The user can also start the print operation in the print app 203 by selecting an icon corresponding to the print purpose from the icon area 1102 and pressing the start button 1103. For example, when the user presses the start button 1103 with "Photo" selected in the icon area 1102, the screen of the display device 109 switches to the image selection screen 1110 shown in FIG. 11(b).

[0036] The image selection screen 1110 is a screen for selecting image data to be printed (hereinafter referred to as "print image"), and is composed of an image selection area 1111, a decision button 1112, etc. The user can select a print image from the image selection area 1111. The image selection area 1111 displays a list of image data stored in the storage 105 of the information processing device 100, a pre-registered cloud storage, etc.

[0037] Returning to FIG. 5, the user selects an image to be printed from the image data displayed in the image selection area 1111 of the image selection screen 1110 (S502).

[0038] When the user presses the OK button 1112 with the print image selected, the information processing device 100 acquires the selected print image (S503). The information processing device 100 also switches the screen of the display device 109 to a paper size selection screen 1120 shown in Fig. 11(c). The paper size selection screen 1120 is made up of a paper selection area 1121, a OK button 1122, etc.

[0039] Next, the user sets the paper size to be used in the printing process (S504). In this embodiment, the user can set the paper size to be used in the printing process by selecting one paper size from the list of paper sizes displayed in the paper selection area 1121 and then pressing the OK button 1122.

[0040] When the user sets the paper size in S504, the information processing device 100 performs a paper size setting process (S505). In the paper size setting process, the paper size set in S504 is set as print setting information for printing. In addition, the information processing device 100 switches the screen of the display device 109 to a print preview screen 1130 shown in FIG. 11(d).

[0041] The print preview screen 1130 is composed of a print preview area 1131, a real-size preview display button 1132, a settings button 1133, a print button 1134, etc. The print preview area 1131 displays the entire print image laid out for printing. The real-size preview display button 1132 is a button for issuing a display instruction for the real-size preview screen 1140 of FIG. 11(e). The settings button 1133 is a button for changing print settings such as monochrome / color and image correction. The print button 1134 is a button for sending a print instruction from the information processing device 100 to the printing device 300.

[0042] 5, when the user presses the real-size preview display button 1132 (S506), the information processing device 100 performs a screen generation process for displaying a real-size preview screen 1140 (S507). Details of the screen generation process will be described later with reference to FIG. 7. Next, the information processing device 100 causes the display device 109 to display the real-size preview screen 1140 (S508).

[0043] The real-size preview screen 1140 is composed of a real-size preview area 1141, a minimap area 1142, a back button 1145, a print button 1146, and the like.

[0044] The actual size preview area 1141 displays an image of the print result converted to actual size when printed on the specified paper. This image is used to check the actual size print result before printing, and hereinafter this image will be referred to as the "actual size image." By checking the actual size image displayed in the actual size preview area 1141, the user can intuitively check the size of the print result before printing.

[0045] The minimap area 1142 is composed of an actual size display area 1143 and a print preview display area 1144. The print preview display area 1144 displays the entire area to be printed in the display image 620 of FIG. 6(b) generated in S507, specifically, an image obtained by reducing the print preview display area 630 of FIG. 6(b) at a certain ratio. This image is an image (full image) for checking the entire print result before printing, and is a preview image showing the print image printed on the specified paper. Note that the display image 620 is an image obtained by converting the image size of the print image to match the pixel density of the screen of the display device 109. The actual size display area 1143 displays the area displayed as an actual size image in the display image 620, specifically, frame information indicating the actual size display area 640 described below, reduced at the same ratio as the print preview display area 630, and is displayed superimposed on the print preview display area 1144. The user can adjust the size of the print image by performing a predetermined operation on the actual size preview area 1141.

[0046] Returning to FIG. 5, when the user performs a predetermined operation on the real-size preview area 1141 (S509), the information processing device 100 performs a screen update process in response to this operation (S510). Details of the screen update process will be described later with reference to FIG. 10. For example, the screen update process involves enlarging or reducing the print image and updating the real-size preview screen information 600 of FIG. 6(a) to generate the real-size preview screen 1140. Next, the information processing device 100 updates the display content of the real-size preview screen 1140 (S511).

[0047] Next, when the user presses the print button 1146 on the full-size preview screen 1140 (S512), the information processing device 100 performs a print data generation process (S513). In the print data generation process, the information processing device 100 generates print data for printing the image within the range shown in the print preview display area 630. For example, if the resize magnification 607 of the full-size preview screen information 600 is changed in S510, the print data generation process generates print data based on a print image that has been enlarged or reduced in accordance with the changed resize magnification 607. Thereafter, the information processing device 100 transmits a print instruction for the generated print data to the printing device 300 (S514).

[0048] The printing device 300 performs printing processing in accordance with the print instruction received from the information processing device 100 (S515). After that, the printing control processing by the information processing device 100 and the printing device 300 ends.

[0049] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of full-size preview screen information 600 and a screen display area according to this embodiment.

[0050] 6A shows real-size preview screen information 600 for generating the real-size preview screen 1140. The real-size preview screen information 600 includes a display pixel density 601, a display screen size 602, a print resolution 603, a paper size 604, a print image size 605, and a display image size 606. The real-size preview screen information 600 also includes a resize magnification 607, reference coordinates 608, a print preview display area size 609, a print preview display area offset 610, a real-size display area size 611, and a real-size display area offset 612. The real-size preview screen information 600 is stored in the ROM 103, the storage 105, etc.

[0051] A display pixel density 601 and a display screen size 602 are the pixel density (unit: ppi) and screen size (unit: pixel) of the screen of the display device 109, respectively.

[0052] A print resolution 603, a paper size 604, and a print image size 605 are setting values ​​managed as print settings by the print application 203. The print image size 605 can be calculated as the product of the print resolution 603 (unit: dpi) and the paper size 604 (unit: inch).

[0053] The display image size 606 is the size of the display image 620, and is the size converted from the print image size 605 according to the ratio of the print resolution 603 and the display pixel density 601 in order to display the print result in actual size on the display device 109.

[0054] The resize magnification 607 is the magnification or reduction ratio of the print data. When the actual size print result is displayed on the actual size preview screen 1140, the print result is displayed enlarged or reduced by the resize magnification 607.

[0055] The reference coordinates 608 are coordinates that serve as the reference for enlargement or reduction in the display image 620 when an enlargement or reduction operation of the print result is performed on the actual size preview screen 1140. The information processing device 100 performs enlargement and reduction processing with the reference coordinates 608 fixed. In this embodiment, as an example, the coordinates in the upper left corner of the display image 620 will be described as the reference coordinates 608. Note that the reference coordinates 608 may be any coordinates, such as the center or bottom right of the display image 620 or the center point of screen operation.

[0056] The print preview display area size 609 is the size (unit: pixel) of the area displayed in the print preview display area 1144 of the minimap area 1142 in the display image 620. The print preview display area size 609 changes in accordance with the resize magnification 607, and is obtained by dividing the print image size 605 by the value of the resize magnification 607.

[0057] The print preview display area offset 610 is a value for specifying the relative position of the print preview display area 630 in FIG. 6B from the reference coordinates 608 of the display image 620.

[0058] The actual size display area size 611 is the size (unit: pixel) of the area displayed in the actual size preview area 1141 in the display image 620. The actual size display area size 611 changes in accordance with the resize magnification 607, and is obtained by dividing the display screen size 602 by the resize magnification 607.

[0059] The actual size display area offset 612 is a value for specifying the relative position of the actual size display area 640 from the reference coordinates 608 of the print preview display area 630 in Fig. 6(b). Note that the reference for specifying the relative position may be the reference coordinates 608 of the print image.

[0060] FIG. 6B is a diagram showing an example of the display area of ​​the print image displayed in the real-size preview area 1141 and minimap area 1142 of the real-size preview screen 1140.

[0061] The print image is image information of the print data, and is the print data selected in S502. For example, if printing is executed when the resize magnification 607 is 100%, the entire print image is printed as is on the printing paper.

[0062] The display image 620 is generated in the screen generation process of S507 based on the print image selected in S502. The display image 620 is an image whose image size has been converted to match the display pixel density 601 in order to display the print image generated based on the print resolution 603 on the display device 109.

[0063] The print preview display area 630 is an area displayed in the print preview display area 1144 of the minimap area 1142 in the display image 620. The print preview display area 630 is uniquely determined by the print preview display area size 609 and the print preview display area offset 610.

[0064] The actual size display area 640 is an area displayed in the actual size preview area 1141 in the display image 620. The actual size display area 640 is determined by the actual size display area size 611 and the actual size display area offset 612. The actual size display area 640 is displayed as an actual size display area 1143 in the minimap area 1142 so that the user can intuitively understand which part of the print image is displayed in the actual size preview area 1141.

[0065] Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the screen generation process of S507 in Fig. 5. The screen generation process is realized by the CPU 102 of the information processing device 100 executing a program loaded into the RAM 104.

[0066] 7, first, the CPU 102 initializes the actual size preview screen information 600 (S700). Specifically, the CPU 102 acquires the pixel density and screen size of the display device 109, and sets the acquired values ​​to the display pixel density 601 and the display screen size 602. Note that an existing method may be used as a method for acquiring the pixel density and screen size of the display device 109. The CPU 102 also sets the values ​​of the print resolution 603, paper size 604, and print image size 605 by referencing the print settings of the print application 203. The CPU 102 also sets default values ​​such as "0" as initial values ​​to the values ​​of the resize magnification 607, reference coordinates 608, print preview display area size 609, print preview display area offset 610, actual size display area size 611, and actual size display area offset 612.

[0067] Next, the CPU 102 performs a drawing process for a full-size preview area 1141 in FIG. 8 (to be described later) (S701).

[0068] Next, the CPU 102 performs a drawing process of a minimap area 1142 in Fig. 9 (described later) (S702). After that, this process ends. By executing the above-described screen generation process, a full-size preview screen 1140 is generated.

[0069] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the rendering process of the real-size preview area 1141 in S701 of FIG.

[0070] In FIG. 8, the CPU 102 acquires the value of the display pixel density 601 and the value of the print resolution 603 of the display device 109 from the full-size preview screen information 600 (S800, S801).

[0071] Next, CPU 102 generates display image 620 for displaying the actual size print result in actual size preview area 1141 (S802). As described above, display image 620 is an image whose image size has been converted to match display pixel density 601 in order to display the print image generated based on print resolution 603 on display device 109.

[0072] Next, CPU 102 calculates actual size display area size 611 when displaying the actual size print result on display device 109 (S803). Specifically, the size of actual size preview area 1141 displayed on display device 109 becomes actual size display area size 611, and when actual size preview area 1141 is displayed over the entire screen of display device 109, it becomes the same value as display screen size 602.

[0073] Next, CPU 102 displays, in real-size preview area 1141, real-size display area 640 determined by real-size display area size 611 and real-size display area offset 612 of display image 620 generated in S802 (S804). Then, this processing ends.

[0074] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the procedure for the drawing process of the minimap area 1142 in S702 of FIG.

[0075] 9, CPU 102 generates print preview display area 630 to be displayed as print preview display area 1144 (S900). Print preview display area 630 is the area that is actually printed on printing paper when printing is executed, and is generated by extracting an area determined by print preview display area size 609 and print preview display area offset 610 from display image 620.

[0076] Next, CPU 102 generates actual size display area 640 (S901). Actual size display area 640 is the area of ​​display image 620 that is displayed in actual size preview area 1141, and is determined by actual size display area size 611 and actual size display area offset 612.

[0077] Next, the CPU 102 generates a minimap area 1142 by superimposing the frame of the actual size display area 1143 generated in S901 on the image of the print preview display area 630 generated in S900 (S902).

[0078] Next, the CPU 102 displays the minimap area 1142 generated in S902, superimposed on the real-size preview area 1141 (S903). Thereafter, this processing ends. Note that there are no restrictions on the position or size of the minimap area 1142, and the position or size may be appropriately changed during display in S903 so that the image in the real-size preview area 1141 is easily visible.

[0079] Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the screen update process of S510 in Fig. 5. The screen update process is realized by the CPU 102 of the information processing device 100 executing a program loaded into the RAM 104. The screen update process starts when the user performs a predetermined operation on the actual size preview area 1141 (S509).

[0080] 10, first, CPU 102 acquires the current value of real-size preview screen information 600 (S1000). Next, CPU 102 determines whether or not a predetermined operation received from the user is a first operation (S1001). The first operation is an operation for reducing or enlarging the image displayed in real-size preview area 1141, such as pinching in or pinching out. If it is determined that the predetermined operation is not the first operation, this processing proceeds to S1003, which will be described later. If it is determined that the predetermined operation is the first operation, this processing proceeds to S1002.

[0081] In S1002, the CPU 102 updates the actual size preview screen information 600 in accordance with the amount of the first operation. Specifically, the CPU 102 updates the value of the resize magnification 607 of the actual size preview screen information 600 in accordance with the amount of the first operation. The CPU 102 also updates the values ​​of the print preview display area size 609 and the actual size display area size 611, which correspond to the resize magnification 607.

[0082] Next, CPU 102 determines whether the predetermined operation received from the user is a second operation (S1003). The second operation is, for example, an operation for changing the display range of the image displayed in full-size preview area 1141, such as swiping with one finger. If it is determined that the predetermined operation is not the second operation, the process proceeds to S1005, which will be described later. If it is determined that the predetermined operation is the second operation, the process proceeds to S1004.

[0083] In S1004, the CPU 102 updates the real-size preview screen information 600 in accordance with the amount of the second operation. Specifically, the CPU 102 updates the value of the real-size display area offset 612 of the real-size preview screen information 600 in accordance with the amount of the second operation.

[0084] Next, CPU 102 determines whether the predetermined operation received from the user is a third operation (S1005). The third operation is an operation for changing the display range of the print preview displayed in minimap area 1142, i.e., the print range, such as swiping with two fingers. If it is determined that the predetermined operation is not the third operation, the process proceeds to S1007, which will be described later. If it is determined that the predetermined operation is the third operation, the process proceeds to S1006.

[0085] In S1006, the CPU 102 updates the full-size preview screen information 600 in accordance with the amount of the third operation. Specifically, the CPU 102 updates the value of the print preview display area offset 610 of the full-size preview screen information 600 in accordance with the amount of the third operation.

[0086] Next, the CPU 102 determines whether the real-size preview screen information 600 has been updated by a user operation (S1007). If it is determined that the real-size preview screen information 600 has not been updated by a user operation, this process ends. If it is determined that the real-size preview screen information 600 has been updated by a user operation, this process proceeds to S1008.

[0087] In S1008, the CPU 102 performs the above-described drawing process for the real-size preview area. Next, the CPU 102 performs the above-described drawing process for the minimap area 1142 (S1009). In this way, the real-size preview screen 1140 is updated based on the real-size preview screen information 600 updated in S1002, S1004, or S1006. Thereafter, this process ends.

[0088] FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining changes in the screen when the first operation is performed in this embodiment.

[0089] Fig. 12(a) shows the change in the actual size preview screen before and after the first operation, and Fig. 12(b) shows the change in the print preview display area and actual size display area before and after the first operation.

[0090] The first operation updates the resize magnification 607 of the real-size preview screen information 600. This update changes the size of the image displayed in the real-size preview area 1201 of the real-size preview screen 1200 in FIG. 12(a) and the size of the image displayed in the print preview display area 1204 of the minimap area 1202 in FIG. 12(b). For example, after the first operation, an image enlarged based on the resize magnification 607 updated by the first operation is displayed in the real-size preview area 1211 of the real-size preview screen 1210. Furthermore, after the first operation, an image enlarged based on the resize magnification 607 updated by the first operation is also displayed in the print preview display area 1214 of the minimap area 1212. Note that the sizes of the print preview display area 1221 and the real-size display area 1222 both change in inverse proportion to the resize magnification 607. Therefore, the relative size of the real-size display area 1222 with respect to the print preview display area 1221 does not change even if the resize magnification 607 is updated by the first operation. In other words, the size of the actual size display area 1203 in the minimap area 1202 before the first operation is performed is the same as the size of the actual size display area 1213 in the minimap area 1212 after the first operation is performed.

[0091] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a change in the screen when the second operation is performed in this embodiment.

[0092] Fig. 13(a) shows the change in the actual size preview screen before and after the second operation, and Fig. 13(b) shows the change in the print preview display area and actual size display area before and after the second operation.

[0093] When the real-size display area offset 612 of the real-size preview screen information 600 is updated by the second operation, the position of the real-size display area 1322 in FIG. 13A from the reference coordinates 608 changes to the position of the real-size display area 1332. As a result, the display range of the image displayed in the real-size preview area 1301 of the real-size preview screen 1300 changes. For example, after the second operation, the real-size preview area 1311 of the real-size preview screen 1310 displays the image of the real-size display area 1332, the position of which has changed based on the real-size display area offset 612 updated by the second operation. As a result, the star-shaped object is displayed approximately in the center. Furthermore, because the relative position of the real-size display area 1322 in the print preview display area 1321 changes by the second operation, the position of the real-size display area 1303 in the minimap area 1302 changes to that of the real-size display area 1313. Note that the position and size of the print preview display area 1321 do not change even when the second operation is performed. Therefore, the image displayed in the print preview display area 1314 of the minimap area 1312 after the second operation is performed is the same as the image displayed in the print preview display area 1304 of the minimap area 1302 before the second operation is performed. Also, the size of the actual size display area 1313 of the minimap area 1312 after the second operation is performed is the same as the size of the actual size display area 1303 of the minimap area 1302 before the second operation is performed.

[0094] FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining a change in the screen when the third operation is performed in this embodiment.

[0095] Fig. 14(a) shows the change in the actual size preview screen before and after the third operation, and Fig. 14(b) shows the change in the print preview display area and actual size display area before and after the third operation.

[0096] The third operation updates the print preview display area offset 610 of the real-size preview screen information 600. This update changes the position of the print preview display area 1421 from the reference coordinates to the position of the print preview display area 1431, changing the display area of ​​the image displayed in the print preview display area 1404 of the real-size preview screen 1400. Furthermore, because the real-size display area offset 612 is specified as the relative position of the real-size display area 640 from the reference coordinates of the print preview display area 630, when the value of the print preview display area offset 610 is updated, the value of the real-size display area offset 612 also changes. As a result, the display position of the image displayed in the real-size preview area 1141 of the real-size preview screen 1140 changes. For example, the third operation changes the real-size preview screen 1400 to look like the real-size preview screen 1410. Furthermore, the third operation changes the relationship between print preview display area 1421 and actual size display area 1422 in display image 1420 to print preview display area 1431 and actual size display area 1432 in display image 1430. Note that even when the third operation is performed, the relative position of actual size display area 1422 with respect to print preview display area 1421 does not change. Therefore, the position of actual size display area 1403 in minimap area 1402 and the position of actual size display area 1413 in minimap area 1412 are the same.

[0097] According to the embodiment described above, the image in minimap area 1142 (an image for checking the entire print result before printing) is displayed superimposed on the image (actual size image) in full size preview area 1141. The image in minimap area 1142 includes full size display area 1143 (frame information) that indicates the area displayed in the image in full size preview area 1141. This allows the user to know which part of the print result is being displayed when the print result is displayed in full size on display device 109.

[0098] In the above-described embodiment, the image in the minimap area 1142 is a preview image showing the image printed on the specified paper. The image in the actual size preview area 1141 is an image of the print result included in the image in the minimap area 1142 converted to actual size. This allows the user to simultaneously grasp which part of the print result is being displayed and the print result of the image printed on the specified paper.

[0099] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the image in real-size preview area 1141 and the image in minimap area 1142 are updated in response to a predetermined operation on the image in real-size preview area 1141. This allows the user's intention to be reflected in the display of the image in real-size preview area 1141 and the image in minimap area 1142.

[0100] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the predetermined operation is a first operation for reducing or enlarging the image in real-size preview area 1141. This allows the image in real-size preview area 1141 and the image in minimap area 1142 to be updated in appropriate modes, respectively, in accordance with the operation for reducing or enlarging the image in real-size preview area 1141.

[0101] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the predetermined operation is a second operation for changing the display range of the image in real-size preview area 1141. This allows the image in real-size preview area 1141 and the image in minimap area 1142 to be updated in appropriate modes, respectively, in accordance with the operation for changing the display range of the image in real-size preview area 1141.

[0102] In the above-described embodiment, the predetermined operation is a third operation for changing the print range. This allows the image in the full-size preview area 1141 and the image in the minimap area 1142 to be updated in appropriate modes according to the operation for changing the print range.

[0103] Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the second embodiment, a configuration will be described in which a preview screen of print data is displayed by a remote UI. Here, the remote UI is a function that displays the UI of the printing device 300 on the display device 109 via the web browser 206 of the information processing device 100.

[0104] In the second embodiment, explanations of components having the same functions and actions as those of the first embodiment will be omitted, and only components having different functions and actions from those of the first embodiment will be described in detail below.

[0105] FIG. 15 is a configuration diagram of a printing system 1500 according to the second embodiment.

[0106] 15, a printing system 1500 is made up of an information processing device 100, a printing device 300, and a network 130. In the printing system 1500, the information processing device 100 and the printing device 300 are connected via the network 130.

[0107] The information processing device 100 is a device such as a general PC (Personal Computer), a smartphone, or a cloud server. The information processing device 100 can send a print instruction for print data to the printing device 300 via the network 130. The information processing device 100 can also display a remote UI of the printing device 300 on the display device 109 via a web browser 206.

[0108] 16 is a sequence diagram showing the procedure of print control processing by the information processing device 100 and the printing device 300 in the second embodiment. Note that processing by the information processing device 100 is realized by the CPU 102 executing a program loaded into the RAM 104. Processing by the printing device 300 is realized by the CPU 302 executing a program loaded into the RAM 305. Note that it is assumed that a home screen 1700 shown in FIG. 17(a) is displayed on the display unit 310 of the printing device 300. The home screen 1700 displays icons for executing basic functions such as copying and scanning, and a resize application button 1701 for activating the resize application 410 for displaying a print image at actual size on the remote UI.

[0109] 16, first, the user issues an instruction to launch the resizing application 410 to the printing device 300 (S1600). In this embodiment, the user can issue an instruction to launch the resizing application 410 by pressing a resizing application button 1701 on a home screen 1700.

[0110] Upon receiving this activation instruction, the printing device 300 activates the resizing application 410. As a result, at least the processes of S1601, S1606, and S1609, which will be described later, are executed by the resizing application 410. The display unit 310 displays a resizing application home screen 1710 shown in FIG. 17(b) (S1601). The resizing application home screen 1710 includes a list 1711 of job IDs of print data stored in the printing device 300, an enter button 1712, and the like.

[0111] Next, the user transmits print data from a PC, smartphone, or the like to the printing device 300 (S1602). Note that the method for inputting print data may be any method that the printing device 300 supports.

[0112] Upon receiving this print data, the printing device 300 temporarily stores the print data in the storage 306 or the like (S1603). The stored print data is not printed immediately, but is printed when a print instruction specifying a job ID is received from the remote UI.

[0113] Next, the user selects the print data that the user wants to display in actual size on the remote UI (shown as "RUI" in FIG. 16) from the list 1711 on the resize application home screen 1710 (S1604). Note that in this embodiment, when the user selects one print data from the list 1711 on the resize application home screen 1710 and presses the enter button 1712, the screen on the display unit 310 switches to the display device selection screen 1720 in FIG. 17(c).

[0114] The display device selection screen 1720 is a screen for selecting a display device on which to display the Remote UI. The display device selection screen 1720 is composed of a display device information list 1721, a register button 1722, a details button 1723, a delete button 1724, an enter button 1725, and the like. The display device information list 1721 displays a list of display device information registered in the printing device 300. When the user presses the register button 1722, the printing device 300 acquires information such as the display pixel density 601 from the information processing device 100 and registers the acquired information in the storage 306. When the user presses the details button 1723, the printing device 300 displays a list of detailed display device information, such as the display device ID, device name, and display pixel density 601. When the user presses the delete button 1724, the printing device 300 deletes the display device information selected from the display device information list 1721.

[0115] 16, the user selects a device to display the Remote UI from the display device information list 1721 on the display device selection screen 1720 (S1605). In the following, it is assumed that the information processing device 100 is selected as the device to display the Remote UI. When the user presses the OK button 1725 with the device to display the Remote UI selected from the display device information list 1721, the process proceeds to S1606.

[0116] In S1606, the printing device 300 performs screen information generation processing. In the screen information generation processing, screen information to be displayed on the remote UI is generated. The screen information is, for example, information in HTML format. The screen information includes, for example, information for displaying a screen on the web browser 206 and processing details when the screen is operated (e.g., actual size preview screen information 600, processing details of the screen generation processing in S1610 described later, and processing details of the screen update processing in S1613 described later). The printing device 300 also displays a remote UI guidance screen 1730 shown in FIG. 17(d) on the display unit 310. The remote UI guidance screen 1730 displays a QR code (registered trademark) 1731 embedded with a URL for accessing a actual size preview screen 1800 shown in FIG. 18 described later on the remote UI. Note that what is displayed on the remote UI guidance screen 1730 is not limited to a QR code; it may be other two-dimensional information with the URL embedded therein, or the URL may be displayed in text format.

[0117] Next, the user accesses the real-size preview screen 1800 of the remote UI (S1607). In this embodiment, the user can access the real-size preview screen 1800 by, for example, entering a URL for accessing the real-size preview screen 1800 in the web browser 206. The user can also access the real-size preview screen 1800 by reading the QR code 1731 displayed on the remote UI guidance screen 1730 using the information processing device 100, such as a smartphone.

[0118] When the user accesses the real-size preview screen 1800 using the Web browser 206, the Web browser 206 of the information processing device 100 requests screen information from the printing device 300 (S1608).

[0119] When the printing device 300 receives the request for the screen information, it transmits the screen information generated in S1606 to the Web browser 206 of the information processing device 100 (S1609).

[0120] The Web browser 206 of the information processing device 100 decodes the screen information received from the printing device 300 and performs the screen generation process shown in FIG. 7 (S1610). Next, the Web browser 206 of the information processing device 100 displays the remote UI screen as a Web page on the display device 109 (S1611). By executing S1607 to S1610, the actual size preview screen 1800 shown in FIG. 18 is displayed on the display device 109 of the information processing device 100 via the remote UI.

[0121] The real size preview screen 1800 is composed of a resize magnification change area 1801, a real size display range change object 1802, a print range change object 1803, a real size preview area 1804, a minimap area 1805, a setting button 1808, a print button 1809, and the like.

[0122] The resize magnification change area 1801 includes a slider, buttons, and the like for changing the resize magnification 607. By operating the resize magnification change area 1801, the user can reduce or enlarge the image displayed in the actual size preview area 1804. In other words, operating the resize magnification change area 1801 corresponds to the first operation.

[0123] The actual size display range change object 1802 includes a button or the like for changing the actual size display area offset 612. By operating the actual size display range change object 1802, the user can change the display range of the image displayed in the actual size preview area 1804. In other words, operating the actual size display range change object 1802 corresponds to the second operation.

[0124] The print range change object 1803 includes a button or the like for changing the print preview display area offset 610. By operating the print range change object 1803, the user can change the display range of the image displayed in the print preview display area 1807 of the minimap area 1805, that is, the print range. In other words, operating the print range change object 1803 corresponds to the third operation.

[0125] The actual size preview area 1804 displays an image of the actual size of the print result when the print image is printed on paper by the printing device 300. By checking the image in the actual size preview area 1804, the user can intuitively check the size of the print result when changing the size at the time of printing.

[0126] The minimap area 1805 is composed of a real-size display area 1806 and a print preview display area 1807, and is drawn on the real-size preview screen 1800 by the processing of S1610. When the user presses a setting button 1808, the user can change print settings such as monochrome / color and image correction. When the user presses a print button 1809, a print instruction and resize information are sent from the information processing device 100 to the printing device 300, and after the printing device 300 executes the resizing process, the printing process is performed.

[0127] 16, when the user operates the real-size preview screen 1800 (S1612), the information processing device 100 performs the screen update process of Fig. 10 described above (S1613). In the screen update process, the real-size preview screen information 600 is updated in response to the operation on the real-size preview screen 1800.

[0128] Next, the information processing apparatus 100 updates the display contents of the full-size preview screen 1800 based on the updated full-size preview screen information 600 (S1614).

[0129] Next, when the user presses the print button 1809 (S1615), the information processing device 100 sends a print instruction and resize information to the printing device 300 (S1616, S1617). The resize information is information that includes some of the information in the actual size preview screen information 600 necessary for the resize processing in S1618 (described later), such as the resize magnification 607 and the print preview display area offset 610. Note that the execution order of S1616 and S1617 may be reversed, and these processes may also be executed in parallel.

[0130] Next, when the information processing apparatus 100 receives the print instruction and the resize information, it executes the resize process of the print image of the corresponding job based on the resize ratio 607 included in the resize information (S1618).

[0131] Next, the printing device 300 prints the resized print image (S1619). By printing the print image that has been resized based on the resize magnification 607, a print image of the same size as the size displayed in the actual size preview area 1804 of the display device 109 is printed. Then, this process ends.

[0132] In this way, even in a configuration in which the preview screen of the print data is displayed by the remote UI, the same effects as those of the above-described embodiment can be achieved.

[0133] In the configuration of the second embodiment described above, the screen generation process of S1610 and the screen update process of S1613 are performed by the information processing device 100, but this is not limiting. For example, the printing device 300 may perform the screen generation process of S1610 and the screen update process of S1613 and transmit the results to the information processing device 100.

[0134] Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0135] In the above-mentioned first and second embodiments, a method for displaying the print result in actual size on the actual size preview screen 1140 and the actual size preview screen 1800, and a method for displaying an image in the minimap area 1142 and an image in the minimap area 1805 have been described.

[0136] Consider the case where the print result is displayed in actual size on a display device 109 (e.g., a smartphone) whose display screen size 602 is smaller than the display image size 606. In this case, the range of the actual size display area 640 is very small compared to the display image 620, so only a portion of the display image 620 is displayed in the actual size preview area 1141. For example, in the case of FIG. 21(d), when the actual size preview screen 1140 is displayed in the initial state, the actual size display area 2132 includes only the upper left margin area of ​​the display image 2130. The second operation described in the first embodiment allows the user to move the actual size display area 2132 and check the image in the area other than the blank area, but it is inconvenient for the user to perform this operation every time the actual size preview screen is initially displayed.

[0137] Therefore, in the third embodiment, a method for correcting the initial display position of the real-size display area 640 in the drawing process of the real-size preview area will be described so that the object area (area other than the margin area) of the display image 620 is displayed in the real-size preview area when the real-size preview screen is displayed in the initial state. Note that in the third embodiment, the drawing process of the real-size preview area described above differs from the content of Fig. 8 described above. Therefore, the procedure for the drawing process of the real-size preview area in the third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 19.

[0138] Fig. 19 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the rendering process of the real-size preview area executed by the information processing device 100 of the third embodiment. Note that the rendering process of the real-size preview area in Fig. 19 is similar to the rendering process of the real-size preview area in Fig. 8 described above, and the following will particularly describe the content that differs from the rendering process of the real-size preview area in Fig. 8 described above. The rendering process of the real-size preview area in Fig. 19, like the rendering process of the real-size preview area in Fig. 8 described above, is also realized by the CPU 102 executing a program loaded into the RAM 104.

[0139] In FIG. 19, first, the CPU 102 acquires the value of the display pixel density 601 and the value of the print resolution 603 of the display device 109 from the full-size preview screen information 600 (S1900, S1901).

[0140] Next, CPU 102 generates display image 2000 of FIG. 20 for displaying the print image at actual size in actual size preview area 1141 (S1902). Display image 2000 is an image whose image size has been converted to match display pixel density 601 in order to display the print image generated based on print resolution 603 on display device 109.

[0141] Next, CPU 102 calculates actual size display area size 611 when display image 2000 is displayed in actual size on display device 109 (S1903).

[0142] Next, the CPU 102 determines whether initial position correction is required (S1904). In this embodiment, the user can set whether initial position correction is required using, for example, an initial position correction check box 2105 on the print preview screen 2100 of FIG. 21(a). If it is determined that initial position correction is not required, the process proceeds to S1909, which will be described later. If it is determined that initial position correction is required, the process proceeds to S1905.

[0143] In S1905, CPU 102 detects an object region in display image 2000. The object region can be detected, for example, by comparing whether pixel values ​​of display image 2000 are equal to or greater than a threshold. In this way, object regions other than margin regions are detected from display image 2000. Alternatively, object regions other than margin regions may be detected using an image recognition method using artificial intelligence or the like. In S1905, for example, object region 2001, object region 2002, object region 2003, and object region 2004 are detected from display image 2000 as regions other than margin regions.

[0144] Next, CPU 102 selects an object area to be displayed (S1906). The object area to be displayed is an object area to be displayed in the real-size preview area when the real-size preview screen is displayed in its initial state, and can be selected by any selection process, such as selecting the object area closest to the reference coordinates. For example, when selecting the object area closest to the reference coordinates, CPU 102 selects object area 2001 closest to reference coordinates 608 as the object area to be displayed.

[0145] Next, CPU 102 calculates the value of actual size display area offset 2005 in FIG. 20 for displaying the object area selected in S1906 in the actual size preview area (S1907). Any calculation method may be used to calculate the offset value as long as the value results in the object area being included in actual size display area 2010. For example, if object area 2001 is selected in S1906, the value of actual size display area offset 2005 is calculated so that object area 2001 is included in actual size display area 2010. Note that the value of actual size display area offset 2005 is not limited to this value. For example, the value of actual size display area offset 2005 may be set to a value that positions the center coordinates of object area 2001 at the center of actual size display area 2010. Alternatively, the value of actual size display area offset 2005 may be calculated so that a reference vertex (e.g., the upper left vertex) of a rectangular area including object area 2001 overlaps with a reference vertex (e.g., the upper left vertex) of actual size display area 2010.

[0146] Next, the CPU 102 updates the value of the actual size display area offset 2005 to the value calculated in S1907 (S1908).

[0147] Next, CPU 102 displays, in the real-size preview area, an image of real-size display area 2010 determined by real-size display area size 611 and real-size display area offset 2005, out of display image 2000 generated in S1902 (S1909). Then, this process ends.

[0148] FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the display device 109 of the information processing device 100 according to the third embodiment.

[0149] 21A shows a print preview screen 2100 of the print application 203. The print preview screen 2100 includes a print preview area 2101, a real size preview display button 2102, a settings button 2103, a print button 2104, an initial position correction check box 2105, and the like.

[0150] The print preview area 2101 displays the entire print image laid out for printing. When the user presses the settings button 2103, the user can change print settings such as monochrome / color and image correction. When the user presses the print button 2104, the CPU 102 sends a print instruction to the printing device 300, and the printing process is executed by the printing device 300. By setting the initial position correction checkbox 2105, it is possible to switch whether or not to execute initial position correction in the drawing process of the real-size preview area. Furthermore, when the user presses the real-size preview display button 2102, the screen transitions to a real-size preview screen.

[0151] Fig. 21(b) is a diagram showing a real-size preview screen 2110 of the print application 203 when the initial position correction checkbox 2105 is disabled. Fig. 21(d) is a diagram showing a display image 2130 used to display this real-size preview screen 2110. Note that because this is an example where the resize magnification is 100%, in Fig. 21(d) the display image 2130 and the print preview display area 2131 are the same size.

[0152] The real-size preview screen 2110 is composed of a real-size preview area 2111, a minimap area 2112, a real-size display area 2113, a print preview display area 2114, a back button 2115, a print button 2116, and the like.

[0153] The actual size preview area 2111 displays an image of the actual size of the print result when the print image is printed on paper by the printing device 300. If the initial position correction check box 2105 is disabled, only the margin area may be displayed in the actual size preview area 2111 depending on conditions such as the display screen size 602 being small compared to the size of the display image 2000. In the examples of FIGS. 21(b) and 21(d), only the image of the actual size display area 2132 of the display image 2130, i.e., only the image of the margin area, is displayed in the actual size preview area 2111.

[0154] The minimap area 2112 is composed of a real size display area 2113 and a print preview display area 2114 and is drawn on the real size preview screen 2110 .

[0155] When the user presses the back button 2115, the screen transitions to the print preview screen 2100. When the user presses the print button 2116, the CPU 102 sends a print instruction to the printing device 300, and the printing process is executed by the printing device 300.

[0156] Fig. 21(c) is a diagram showing a real-size preview screen 2120 of the print application 203 when the initial position correction checkbox 2105 is enabled. Fig. 21(e) is a diagram showing a display image 2140 used to display this real-size preview screen 2120. Note that because this is an example where the resize magnification is 100%, the size of the display image 2140 and the size of the print preview display area 2141 in Fig. 21(e) are the same.

[0157] The real-size preview screen 2120 is composed of a real-size preview area 2121, a minimap area 2122, a real-size display area 2123, a print preview display area 2124, a back button 2125, a print button 2126, and the like.

[0158] The actual size preview area 2121 displays an image of the actual size of the print result when the print image is printed on paper by the printing device 300. When the initial position correction checkbox 2105 is set to enabled, the CPU 102 performs initial position correction. As a result, the value of the actual size display area offset 612 is updated so that the object area selected in S1906 is displayed, and, for example, an image of the actual size display area 2142 in the display image 2140 is displayed in the actual size preview area 2121. In the examples of FIGS. 21(c) and (e), the actual size display area 2142 in the display image 2140 is set by the initial position correction so that it includes the star-shaped object area.

[0159] The minimap area 2122 is composed of a real size display area 2123 and a print preview display area 2124 and is drawn on the real size preview screen 2120 .

[0160] When the user presses the back button 2125, the screen transitions to the print preview screen 2100. When the user presses the print button 2126, the CPU 102 sends a print instruction to the printing device 300, and the printing device 300 executes the print process.

[0161] In the above-described embodiment, when the real-size preview screen is initially displayed, an initial position correction is performed to display the object area (area other than the margin area) of the displayed image in the real-size preview area, thereby improving the usability of the real-size preview screen without forcing the user to perform unnecessary secondary operations.

[0162] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, whether or not to perform initial position correction is controlled based on the setting value set by the user in the initial position correction check box 2105. This allows the user's intention to be reflected in the execution of initial position correction.

[0163] In the above-described embodiment, the display position of the minimap area on the full-size preview screen may be changed in accordance with a user's operation. This allows the user to move the minimap area to the position intended by the user, and prevents the image in the full-size preview area from being obscured by the image in the minimap area.

[0164] 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 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.

[0165] The disclosure of this embodiment includes the following configurations and methods. (Configuration 1) A program for instructing a printing device to perform printing, the program causing the device on which the program is installed to execute a control process to display an actual-size image for checking the actual-size print result before printing, and a control process to superimpose an entire image on the actual-size image for checking the entire print result before printing, the program being characterized in that the entire image includes frame information indicating the area displayed in the actual-size image. (Configuration 2) The program described in configuration 1, characterized in that the overall image is a preview image showing the image printed on a specified paper, and the actual size image is an image of the print result included in the overall image converted to actual size. (Configuration 3) The program described in configuration 1 or 2, characterized in that the program further causes the device in which the program is installed to execute a process of updating the actual-size image and the overall image in response to a predetermined operation on the actual-size image. (Configuration 4) The program according to configuration 3, wherein the predetermined operation is an operation for reducing or enlarging the actual size image. (Configuration 5) The program according to configuration 3 or 4, wherein the predetermined operation is an operation for changing the display range of the actual size image. (Configuration 6) The program according to any one of configurations 3 to 5, wherein the predetermined operation is an operation for changing the print range. (Configuration 7) A program described in any one of configurations 1 to 6, characterized in that when displaying the actual-size image in accordance with user instructions on a device on which the program is installed, the program further executes a step of performing a correction process to display an actual-size image that includes at least an object area in the entire image. (Configuration 8) The program according to configuration 7, wherein the correction process is controlled based on a setting value set by a user. (Configuration 9) A program described in any one of configurations 1 to 8, characterized in that the program further causes a device in which the program is installed to execute a step of changing the display position of the entire image in accordance with an operation received from a user. (Control method) A control method for a device having a program installed for instructing a printing device to execute printing, comprising a step of controlling to display an actual-size image for checking the actual-size print result before printing, and a step of controlling to superimpose an entire image on the actual-size image for checking the entire print result before printing, wherein the entire image includes frame information indicating the area displayed in the actual-size image. (Information processing device) An information processing device in which the program according to any one of configurations 1 to 9 is installed. (Image forming apparatus) An image forming apparatus in which the program according to any one of configurations 1 to 9 is installed. [Explanation of symbols]

[0166] 100 Information processing device 109 Display device 203 Printing App 300 Printing equipment 410 Resize App 1140, 1800 Actual size preview screen 1141, 1804 Actual size preview area 1142, 1805 minimap area 1143, 1806 Actual size display area

Claims

1. A program for instructing a printing device to execute printing, In a device on which the program is installed, a step of controlling the display of an actual size image to check the actual size print result before printing; and a step of controlling the display of an entire image superimposed on the actual size image so that the entire print result can be checked before printing. The program is characterized in that the entire image includes frame information indicating an area displayed in the actual size image.

2. the full image is a preview image showing the image printed on a specified sheet of paper; 2. The program according to claim 1, wherein the actual size image is an image obtained by converting a print result included in the entire image into an actual size.

3. In a device on which the program is installed, 2. The program according to claim 1, further comprising the step of updating the actual size image and the entire image in response to a predetermined operation on the actual size image.

4. 4. The program according to claim 3, wherein the predetermined operation is an operation for reducing or enlarging the actual size image.

5. 4. The program according to claim 3, wherein the predetermined operation is an operation for changing the display range of the actual size image.

6. 4. The program according to claim 3, wherein the predetermined operation is an operation for changing a print range.

7. In a device on which the program is installed, The program according to claim 1, further comprising a step of performing a correction process to display a real-size image including at least an object area in the entire image when the real-size image is displayed in accordance with a user's instruction.

8. 8. The program according to claim 7, wherein execution of the correction process is controlled based on a setting value set by a user.

9. In a device on which the program is installed, 2. The program according to claim 1, further comprising the step of changing the display position of the entire image in accordance with an operation received from a user.

10. A method for controlling a device in which a program for instructing a printing device to execute printing is installed, comprising: a step of controlling the display of an actual size image to check the actual size print result before printing; a step of controlling the display of an entire image superimposed on the actual size image for checking the entire print result before printing; A method for controlling an apparatus, wherein the entire image includes frame information indicating an area displayed in the actual size image.

11. An information processing device in which the program according to any one of claims 1 to 9 is installed.

12. An image forming apparatus having the program according to any one of claims 1 to 9 installed therein.

Images