Image processing device, computer program for image processing device, and method for controlling the image processing device

Abstract

This invention provides a technique for printing multiple images in a situation where images with specified relative relationships and images without specified relative relationships are mixed together. [Solution] The image processing device includes an information receiving unit that receives first designation information from an external device that specifies the relative relationship between a first image and a second image, which are to be placed in two of three or more printing areas that divide the printing surface of a printing medium; a decision unit that, based on the first designation information, decides to place the first image and the second image in two of the three or more printing areas, and decides to place a third image in an area other than the two printing areas determined based on the first designation information; a generation unit that generates print data for printing the first image, the second image and the third image onto a printing medium; and a print control unit that transmits the print data to a printing device to print the first image, the second image and the third image onto the printing medium.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This specification relates to an image processing apparatus that generates print data.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a system for printing an image corresponding to image data in which image data and character data are superimposed. In this system, the relative position of the character data with respect to the image data is specified by the user.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The user may wish to specify the relative position of two images, or may wish not to specify the position where the images are placed in particular. Patent Document 1 does not consider at all the case where the user does not specify the position where the images are placed. This specification provides a technique for printing a plurality of images in a situation where images with a specified relative relationship and images without a specified relative relationship are mixed.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The image processing apparatus disclosed herein includes an information receiving unit that receives first designation information from an external device different from the image processing apparatus, which designates the relative relationship between a first image and a second image, which are arranged in two of three or more printing areas obtained by dividing the printing surface of a printing medium, wherein the first designation information is information that designates at least one of the following: the relative position of the second image with respect to the first image in the three or more printing areas, and the relative orientation of the second image with respect to the first image in the three or more printing areas, and based on the first designation information, the three or more The system includes: a determination unit that determines to place the first image and the second image in two of the printing areas, and to place the third image in an area other than the two printing areas determined based on the first designation information among the three or more printing areas; a generation unit that generates print data for printing the first image, the second image, and the third image, whose positions in the three or more printing areas have been determined, onto the printing medium; and a print control unit that transmits the print data to a printing device to print a plurality of images, including the first image, the second image, and the third image, onto the printing medium.

[0006] According to the above configuration, the printing surface is divided into three or more printing areas. The first image and the second image are then placed in two of the three or more printing areas based on the relative relationship specified by the first designation information, while the third image is placed in the area other than the two areas mentioned above. Multiple images can be printed in a situation where images with specified relative relationships and images without specified relative relationships are mixed together.

[0007] The computer program for the image processing apparatus described above, and the computer-readable storage medium for storing the computer program, are both novel and useful. Furthermore, the control method for the image processing apparatus described above is also novel and useful. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a conceptual diagram of the communication system. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a block diagram of the communication system. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a sequence diagram of the processing realized by the communication system. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an example of a frame that was successfully bid on through the bidding process. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows an example of the data structure of an auction request. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows another example of the data structure of an auction request. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows an example of the data structure for bid responses. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows another example of the data structure for bid responses. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows an example of an image printed on a print medium. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] (First embodiment) (Configuration of communication system 100; Figures 1 and 2) The communication system 100 provides an advertising printing service that prints advertising images onto a print medium 300 at a predetermined delivery time (for example, 9:00 AM every day). The advertising images are, for example, images of advertisements for products or services, store advertisements, corporate advertisements, government announcements, and coupons usable at stores (for example, discount coupons, free coupons). If a user installs a printer 200 at home, they can obtain the advertising images printed on the print medium 300 at the predetermined delivery time. The communication system 100 can also provide advertisers with advertising media different from the web, television, magazines, newspapers, etc. Here, the print medium 300 is, for example, printing paper. The printer 200 is a device that has a printing function. Note that the printer 200 may be a multi-functional machine that has other functions in addition to the printing function, such as a scanning function.

[0010] The communication system 100 comprises a print server 2, a distribution server 4, an SSP server 6, a DSP server 8, a DMP server 10, and a printer 200. Here, "SSP" stands for Supply Side Platform, "DSP" stands for Demand Side Platform, and "DMP" stands for Data Management Platform. Each server 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and the printer 200 are connected to the Internet 12 and can communicate with each other via the Internet 12.

[0011] Print Server 2 is a server that sends print data corresponding to advertising images to Printer 200. Distribution Server 4 is a server that manages the distribution of advertising images. SSP Server 6 is a server that provides print media 300 as advertising space to advertisers. DSP Server 8 is a server that manages advertising placement requests from advertisers. Advertising placement requests include image data provided by the advertiser, information indicating the target audience the advertiser wants to reach (e.g., men in their 40s), and information specifying the advertising space the advertiser wants. DMP Server 10 is a server that manages customer information about customers who receive advertisements. Customer information includes DMP user ID, personal information such as the customer's age, gender, and address, and customer consumption behavior. For example, consumption behavior is information about actions taken while logged in with the DMP user ID, and can include information about product browsing on e-commerce sites and the frequency and number of purchases. Another example is information about the user's hobbies and preferences estimated from the search history and site browsing history on devices linked to the DMP user ID. Generally speaking, customer information can be any information known as user attributes. The ad space auction is automatically executed when the DSP server 8 places bids on the ad space provided by the SSP server 6. The SSP server 6 and DSP server 8 implement what is known as RTB (Real Time Bidding).

[0012] In this embodiment, the printing surface of the printing medium 300 is divided into multiple printing areas. These multiple printing areas are provided to the advertiser as advertising spaces. These multiple printing areas may include not only the surface area located on the front of the printing medium 300, but also the back surface area located on the back of the printing medium 300. Furthermore, each of the multiple printing areas may be provided to the advertiser as a single advertising space, or a set obtained by combining at least two of the multiple printing areas may be provided to the advertiser as a single advertising space.

[0013] The print server 2, distribution server 4, and SSP server 6 are installed on the internet 12 by, for example, the vendor of the printer 200. The DSP server 8 and DMP server 10 are installed on the internet 12 by, for example, an advertising agency or other business operator. In other words, the providers of each device and the operators of each server may be different from each other. For example, the print server 2, distribution server 4, and SSP server 6 use a device user ID to identify users, while the DSP server 8 and DMP server 10 use a DMP user ID to identify users. In this example, by storing the correspondence between the device user ID and the DMP user ID, the distribution server 4 and other operating companies can identify a single user across the different operating companies, even if they use different identification information. Furthermore, there are other methods besides each operating company issuing different user IDs and managing a single user with multiple user IDs. For example, this method involves using a single common user ID across print server 2, distribution server 4, SSP server 6, DSP server 8, and DMP server 10. The common user ID is an account ID that enables features such as social accounts and account linking.

[0014] (Configuration of distribution server 4; Figure 2) The distribution server 4 includes a communication interface 20 and a control unit 22. Hereinafter, "interface" will be described as "I / F". The communication I / F 20 is an I / F for executing communication via the Internet 12 and is connected to the Internet 12.

[0015] The control unit 22 includes a CPU 30 and a memory 32. The memory 32 includes a main storage device and an auxiliary storage device. As an example, the main storage device includes a RAM and a cache memory. As an example, the auxiliary storage device may be a ROM, a flash memory, a Solid State Drive (SSD), a Hard Disk Drive (HDD), or a combination thereof. The CPU 30 realizes various processes according to a program 34 loaded from the auxiliary storage device to the main storage device.

[0016] The memory 32 further stores a distribution setting table 36. The distribution setting table 36 manages a plurality of printers 200 as distribution destinations for advertisement images. The distribution setting table 36 stores by associating a serial number, a device user ID, a DMP user ID, and a distribution time. The serial number is a number for identifying the destination printer 200. The device user ID is an ID for managing users in the distribution server 4. The DMP user ID is an ID for managing users in the DSP server 8 and the DMP server 10. The device user ID is, for example, identification information for a vendor that provides device services (e.g., remote printing, printer 200 warranty service, service for shipping consumables) for the printer 200 to identify a user who uses the device services. On the other hand, the DMP user ID is, for example, identification information for a business operator (e.g., advertising agency) different from the vendor that provides device services for the printer 200 to identify a user who uses services (e.g., web advertisement, search engine, EC site) provided by the business operator.

[0017] For example, a user performs user registration to subscribe to a device service for the printer 200. As a result, a device user ID "DV1" is stored in a server (not shown) that provides the device service, associated with the serial number "SN1" of the printer 200. Subsequently, the user registers the device user ID "DV1" and the DMP user ID "DM1" with the distribution server 4 in order to subscribe to the advertising print service. Thereby, the distribution server 4 stores in the distribution setting table 36, associating the device user ID "DV1", the DMP user ID "DM1", the serial number "SN1", and the distribution time. Here, the distribution time may be a fixed value determined in advance by an operator or an operating company that manages the distribution server 4, or a value that can be changed by the user.

[0018] (Configuration of SSP server 6; FIG. 2) The SSP server 6 includes a communication I / F 40 and a control unit 42. The communication I / F 40 is connected to the Internet 12. The control unit 42 includes a CPU 50 and a memory 52. The CPU 30 realizes various processes according to a program 54 loaded from the auxiliary storage device of the memory 52 to the main storage device of the memory 52.

[0019] (Processes realized by the communication system 100; FIGS. 3 to 9) Referring to FIGS. 3 to 9, the processes realized by the communication system 100 will be described. Hereinafter, the distribution server 4 communicates with other devices (for example, the SSP server 6) via the communication I / F 20 and the Internet 12. Also, the SSP server 6 communicates with other devices (for example, the DSP server 8) via the communication I / F 40 and the Internet 12. Hereinafter, when describing the processes in which the distribution server 4 and the SSP server 6 communicate with other devices, the descriptions "via the communication I / F 20", "via the communication I / F 40", and "via the Internet 12" are omitted.

[0020] When the distribution server 4 determines in T10 that the distribution time stored in the distribution setting table 36 has arrived, in T12 it obtains device information about the destination printer 200, which is identified by the serial number stored in the distribution setting table 36 in association with the arrived distribution time. The device information includes, for example, capability information indicating the capabilities of the printer 200, the model name of the printer 200, status information, etc. The status information indicates the current settings of the printer 200, the type of print medium 300 currently set in the printer 200, etc.

[0021] For example, a server providing device services (not shown) stores device information associated with a device user ID. Distribution server 4 sends the device user ID from the distribution settings table 36 to the server providing device services, and the server providing device services sends the device information stored in association with the device user ID to distribution server 4. As a result, distribution server 4 obtains the device information of the destination printer 200.

[0022] In T20, the distribution server 4 uses the device information obtained in T12 to determine whether or not the printer 200 is capable of double-sided printing. For example, the distribution server 4 determines that the printer 200 is capable of double-sided printing if the capability information in the device information indicates that the printer 200 has the capability to print double-sided. In another modified example, the distribution server 4 may store a list of combinations of model names and capability information. The distribution server 4 may then obtain the capability information corresponding to the model name in the device information from this list and use this capability information to perform the determination in T20.

[0023] In another variation, the printer 200 may store a print setting value indicating whether or not to allow double-sided printing, and the device information may include this print setting value as status information. The distribution server 4 may then use the print setting value in the device information to make the decision for T20.

[0024] In other variations, the device information may include the type of printing medium 300 currently set in the printer 200 as status information. The distribution server 4 may determine that double-sided printing is possible with the printer 200 if the type included in the device information indicates a type of printing medium 300 that is capable of double-sided printing. On the other hand, the distribution server 4 may determine that double-sided printing is not possible with the printer 200 if the type included in the device information indicates a type of printing medium 300 that is not capable of double-sided printing. A printing medium 300 that is capable of double-sided printing is, for example, plain paper. On the other hand, a printing medium 300 that is not capable of double-sided printing is, for example, glossy paper.

[0025] If the distribution server 4 determines that double-sided printing is possible with printer 200 (YES in T20), it proceeds to T22. In T22, the distribution server 4 sets the setting information indicating whether the advertisement image should be printed on both sides or one side to "double-sided". On the other hand, if it determines that double-sided printing is not possible with printer 200 (NO in T20), it proceeds to T24. In T24, the distribution server 4 sets the setting information to "one side". Once either T22 or T24 is completed, the distribution server 4 proceeds to T26.

[0026] At T26, the distribution server 4 retrieves the DMP user ID stored in association with the distribution time that arrived at T10 from the distribution setting table 36. At T30, the distribution server 4 sends an auction notification to the SSP server 6 informing it that an auction should be held for the advertising images to be printed at the destination printer 200. The auction notification includes the DMP user ID obtained at T26 and the setting information determined at either T22 or T24.

[0027] When the SSP server 6 receives an auction notification from the distribution server 4 at T30, at T32 it generates frame information indicating multiple advertising slots to be auctioned. If the setting information included in the auction notification indicates "double-sided," the frame information includes the entire front side of the printing surface of the printing medium 300, the entire back side of the printing surface of the printing medium 300, and multiple printing areas obtained by dividing both the front and back sides of the printing surface of the printing medium 300 as advertising slots. Specifically, when the setting information included in the auction notification indicates "double-sided," the SSP server 6 generates frame information by combining printing area Af, printing area Ab, and multiple printing areas Bf1 to Db8 obtained by dividing both the front and back sides.

[0028] Figure 4 shows an example of multiple divided printable areas. In this embodiment, the multiple printable areas include printable areas Bf1 to Bb2 obtained by dividing the printable surface into two, printable areas Cf1 to Cb4 obtained by dividing the printable surface into four, and printable areas Df1 to Db8 obtained by dividing the printable surface into eight. Note that the number of divisions of the printable surface is not limited to the above numbers, and may be 3, 5, 7, 9 or more. Also, the combination of the number of divisions is not limited to the above combinations, and may be, for example, 2 divisions and 8 divisions, or 3 divisions and 4 divisions. Note that the shape of each frame does not have to be a rectangle, but may be any shape such as a circle or a polygon other than a rectangle. In other words, a shape other than a rectangle may be specified as an advertising frame.

[0029] Printing areas Bf1 and Bf2 are areas obtained by dividing the front printing surface into two parts, and printing areas Bb1 and Bb2 are areas obtained by dividing the back printing surface into two parts. Here, the "f" in the symbol "Bf1" indicates the front side, and the "b" in the symbol "Bb1" indicates the back side. Hereafter in this specification, printing areas on the front side are denoted by symbols containing "f", and printing areas on the back side are denoted by symbols containing "b". Printing area Bb1 corresponds to the back side of printing area Bf1. The number "1" included in both symbols "Bb1" and "Bf1" indicates that printing areas Bf1 and Bb1 are front and back sides. Hereafter in this specification, the same number as the symbol indicating the front side is used for the symbol indicating the back side that corresponds to the front side.

[0030] Printing areas Cf1 to Cf4 are four divisions of the front printing surface, and printing areas Cb1 to Cb4 are four divisions of the back printing surface. Printing areas Df1 to Df8 are eight divisions of the front printing surface, and printing areas Db1 to Db8 are eight divisions of the back printing surface.

[0031] In this embodiment, not only are each of the above-mentioned printing areas Af to Db8 provided to the advertiser as a single advertising space, but combinations (i.e., sets) obtained by combining each of the above-mentioned printing areas Af to Db8 are also provided to the advertiser as a single advertising space. For example, combinations that have a front-back relationship, such as the combination of printing areas Af and Ab, or the combination of printing areas Bf1 and Bb1. Also, combinations that have a relationship of being adjacent to each other, such as the combination of printing areas Cf1 and Cf2, the combination of printing areas Cb1 and Cb3, or the combination of printing areas Df1, Df3, Df5, and Df7. Furthermore, combinations that have a relationship of being separated by a predetermined distance, such as the combination of printing area Cf1 and printing area Cf4. Generally speaking, a combination is a relationship in which, in two or more printing areas, the relative position of the remaining printing areas is fixed with respect to one printing area.

[0032] In this specification, advertising space provided for each of the print areas Af to Db8 individually is referred to as a "single slot." For example, print areas Af, Ab, Bf1, etc., are each provided as single slots. In addition, in this specification, advertising space provided as a set obtained by combining each of the print areas Af to Db8 is referred to as a "set slot." For example, the set of print area Af and Ab, the set of print area Cf1 and Cf2, etc., are each provided as set slots.

[0033] The SSP server 6 generates ad slot information that includes information about individual ad slots for multiple individual slots and information about set ad slots for multiple set ad slots. In other words, in this embodiment, individual ad slots and set ad slots are mixed together as ad slots to be put up for auction.

[0034] Individual frame information includes individual frame identification information that identifies each individual frame and individual frame attribute information that indicates the attributes of each individual frame. Here, the attributes of an individual frame include the type of print area, the size of the print area, the color of the printable image (color or monochrome), the resolution of the image to be printed, and position information indicating whether or not the position of the print area is specified. The type of print area is, for example, "A4-1 / 8" which indicates one print area obtained by dividing an A4 size sheet of paper into eight sections. The position information indicates either an unspecified value that indicates that the position of the print area is not specified (for example, the string "notSpecify") or a specified value that specifies the position of a single print area (for example, the number "Bf1" that identifies print area Bf1). For example, an individual frame corresponding to one of two divided print areas with an unspecified value as position information and an individual frame corresponding to one of two divided print areas with a specified value as position information will each be assigned different individual frame identification information. That is, individual frames with no specified position and individual frames with specified positions will coexist.

[0035] Set frame information includes set frame identification information that identifies each set frame and set frame attribute information that indicates the attributes of each set frame. Here, the set frame attribute information is the same as that of individual frame attribute information, except that the content of the position information is different. The position information in the set frame attribute information includes quantity information that indicates the number of combined print areas and combination information. The combination information indicates either the above-mentioned undefined value or a set specification value that specifies the position of each of the combined print areas (for example, a matrix of numbers "Bf1, Bb1" that identifies two print areas Bf1 and Bb1). Just like with individual frames, set frames include both set frames with no specified position and set frames with specified position.

[0036] Furthermore, when the setting information included in the auction notification indicates "single-sided," the frame information includes the printing area Af, which is the entire front surface of the printing surface of the printing medium 300, and the front printing area of ​​one of the multiple printing areas Bf1 to Db8 (i.e., the printing area with a code including "f") as the advertising frame. Specifically, the SSP server 6 generates the frame information by combining the printing area Af and the front printing area of ​​one of the multiple printing areas Bf1 to Db8.

[0037] In the "Double-sided" setting, the frame information includes not only set frame information indicating a combination of two or more printable areas on the front side (e.g., "Cf1, Cf2"), but also set frame information indicating a combination of two or more printable areas on the front and back sides (e.g., "Cf1, Cb1"). In contrast, the "Single-sided" setting includes set frame information indicating a combination of two or more printable areas on the front side, but does not include set frame information indicating a combination of two or more printable areas on the front and back sides.

[0038] Returning to Figure 3, we continue the explanation. In T34, the SSP server 6 sends an auction request to the DSP server 8 requesting that an auction be held. The auction request includes the frame information generated in T32, request identification information that identifies the auction request, and the DMP user ID included in the auction notification in T30. The auction request presents the DSP server 8 with multiple individual frames and multiple set frames to be auctioned.

[0039] Figures 5 and 6 show examples of specific formats for auction requests. The formats in Figures 5 and 6 are merely examples; auction requests only need to conform to a format that the DSP server 8 can interpret. Furthermore, auction requests may be combined into a single data set or divided into multiple data sets. At a minimum, multiple ad slots, including single and bundled slots, should be bid on simultaneously.

[0040] Figure 5 is a diagram showing an excerpt of the description regarding a single slot from the auction request. Figure 6 is a diagram showing an excerpt of the description regarding a set slot from the auction request. As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the auction request includes a description S1 indicating request identification information and a description S2 indicating the DMP user ID.

[0041] Descriptions S10 to S13 shown in Figure 5 are descriptions of each individual bid slot. Description S10 shows the individual bid slot identification information that identifies each individual bid slot. Description S11 shows the minimum bid price, which is the lowest price at which to bid for each individual bid slot. Description S12 shows the individual bid slot attribute information for each individual bid slot. Description S13 shows the location information among the individual bid slot attribute information. The location information for the individual bid slot identified by the individual bid slot identification information "aaaa1" shows an unspecified value (e.g., "notSpesifeid"). On the other hand, the location information for the individual bid slot identified by the individual bid slot identification information "aaaa2" shows a specified value (e.g., "Df1").

[0042] As shown in Figure 5, the minimum bid price for a single frame with a specified location is set higher than the minimum bid price for a single frame with no specified location.

[0043] Furthermore, descriptions S20 to S24 shown in Figure 6 are descriptions of each set frame. Description S20 shows the set frame identification information that identifies each set frame. Description S21 shows the minimum bid price, which is the lowest price at which to bid for each set frame. Description S22 shows the set frame attribute information for each set frame. Description S23 shows the position information among the set frame attribute information. Description S24 shows the quantity information among the set frame attribute information.

[0044] The location information indicated by description S23 represents either an unspecified value or a set-specified value (e.g., "Df1, Db1"). Furthermore, the minimum bid price in a set frame with a specified location is set higher than the minimum bid price in a set frame with no specified location.

[0045] Furthermore, consider a scenario where the same print areas Df1 and Db1 are specified for both a single frame and a set frame. The minimum bid price in a set frame where print areas Df1 and Db1 are specified is higher than both the minimum bid price in a single frame where print area Df1 is specified and the minimum bid price in a single frame where print area Db1 is specified. In other words, the minimum bid price in a set frame is set higher than the minimum bid price in a single frame. Note that in the modified example, the minimum bid price in a set frame may be the same as the minimum bid price in a single frame.

[0046] Returning to Figure 3, the explanation continues. When the DSP server 8 receives an auction request from the SSP server 6 at T34, at T40, it obtains customer information corresponding to the DMP user ID included in the auction request from the DMP server 10. Then, based on the customer information obtained at T40, the DSP server 8 selects candidates to bid on in this auction from among multiple advertising requests. By using customer information for selection, advertisements that match the attributes of the user corresponding to the DMP user ID (for example, a woman in her 20s who frequently purchases clothing of a certain brand) are printed on the print medium 300.

[0047] In T42, the DSP server 8 performs a bidding process to determine bidders for ad slots indicated by the slot information included in the auction request, from among multiple candidates selected based on customer information. For example, the DSP server 8 determines the candidate offering the highest bid price for a single slot as the bidder for that slot. Alternatively, the DSP server 8 may determine the candidate offering the highest bid price for a set of ad slots as the bidder for that set of ad slots. For some ad slots for which no advertising requests have been received from any advertisers, it may be determined that there are no bidders. The bidding algorithm is determined by the operator of the DSP server 8. The bidding algorithm may be an existing technology, and a detailed explanation is omitted in this specification.

[0048] In T44, the DSP server 8 generates a bid response indicating the result of the bidding process in T42 and sends the bid response to the SSP server 6. The bid response includes bid information corresponding to each of the multiple ad slots bid on by the bidding process, and request identification information that identifies the auction request sent in T34. The bid information includes identification information that identifies the ad slot, the bid price for the ad slot identified by the identification information, and an image URL indicating a folder in the DSP server 8 where the image data to be placed in the ad slot identified by the identification information is stored.

[0049] Figures 7 and 8 show examples of specific formats for bid responses. The formats in Figures 7 and 8 are merely examples; bid responses only need to conform to a format that the SSP server 6 can interpret. Bid responses may be combined into a single data file or divided into multiple data files. The SSP server 6 only needs to be able to identify the auction request corresponding to each of the multiple bid information files received from the DSP server 8.

[0050] Figure 7 is an excerpt of the description regarding the single-entry slot from the bid response. Figure 8 is an excerpt of the description regarding the set-entry slot from the bid response. As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the bid response includes a description S30 that indicates request identification information identifying the auction request received in T34.

[0051] Description S40 in Figure 7 shows the bidding information for each individual slot. Description S41 shows the individual slot identification information that identifies each individual slot. Description S42 shows the bid price for each individual slot. Description S43 shows the image URL corresponding to each individual slot. Here, the bid price in description S42 is higher than the lowest bid price offered for the individual slot identified by the individual slot identification information (see S11 in Figure 5).

[0052] Description S50 in Figure 8 shows the bidding information for each set frame. Description S51 shows the set frame identification information that identifies each set frame. Description S52 shows the bid price for each set frame. Description S53A shows the image URL corresponding to one of the two print areas presented in each set frame, and description S53B shows the image URL corresponding to the other of the two print areas. Here, the bid price in description S52 is higher than the lowest bid price presented for the set frame identified by the set frame identification information (see S21 in Figure 6).

[0053] When SSP server 6 receives a bid response from DSP server 8 at T44, it performs a successful bid process at T50 based on the bid response received at T44. In the successful bid process, all bid prices included in the bid response are compared to determine the combination of ad slots that maximizes the total amount.

[0054] For example, consider a scenario where the frame information presents set frames corresponding to set specified values ​​(Df1, Df2) and set frames corresponding to set specified values ​​(Df1, Db1). The print area Df1 overlaps between the set specified values ​​(Df1, Df2) and the set specified values ​​(Df1, Db1). Therefore, in the bidding process, the SSP server 6 compares the bid price in the bidding information for the set frame corresponding to set specified values ​​(Df1, Df2) with the bid price in the bidding information for the set frame corresponding to set specified values ​​(Df1, Db1), and selects the bidding information that offers the higher bid price. The SSP server 6 then determines the selected bidding information as a candidate for winning the bid. In other words, the SSP server 6 determines the candidate print area on which the image should be placed according to the bidding information for the set frame that offers the higher bid price.

[0055] Here, the patterns in which the print areas overlap are not limited to those described above, but include, for example, set values ​​(Df1, Df2) and set values ​​(Df1, Df3), set values ​​(Df1, Df2) and set values ​​(Df2, Df4, Df6, Df8), set values ​​(Df1, Df2) and set values ​​(Df1, Df8), etc. The bid prices for these patterns will also be compared during the bidding process.

[0056] Furthermore, for example, it is conceivable that the frame information presents both a set frame corresponding to the specified set values ​​(Df1, Df2) and a set frame with unspecified values ​​as positional information for the 8 divided print areas. Since no print areas are specified with the unspecified values, if the set frame with unspecified values ​​is won first, there is a possibility of overlap with the set frame corresponding to the specified set values ​​(Df1, Df2). For this reason, in the bidding process, the SSP server 6 compares the bid price corresponding to the unspecified values ​​with the bid price corresponding to the specified set values ​​(Df1, Df2) and decides which of the bids is the candidate for winning the bid.

[0057] Furthermore, for example, it is conceivable that the frame information presents a set frame corresponding to the set specified values ​​(Df1, Df2), a single frame corresponding to the single specified value "Df1", and a single frame corresponding to the single specified value "Df2". The print area presented by the above set frame and the print area presented by the above two single frames overlap. Therefore, in the bidding process, the SSP server 6 compares the bid price in the bidding information for the set frame corresponding to the set specified values ​​(Df1, Df2) with the sum of the bid prices in the bidding information for the single frame corresponding to the single specified value "Df1" and the bid price in the bidding information for the single frame corresponding to the single specified value "Df2". If the bid price for the set frame is higher than the sum of the bid prices of the two single frames, the SSP server 6 decides the bidding information for the set frame to be a candidate for winning the bid. The SSP server 6 determines, for each of the two individual slots, as a candidate for winning the bid if the bid price for the set slot is lower than the sum of the bid prices for the two individual slots.

[0058] Furthermore, for example, print area Bf1 overlaps with print areas Cf1, Cf2, Df1, Df2, Df3, and Df4. Therefore, the SSP server 6 compares the bid price for the single specified value "Bf1" with the total bid price calculated by combining ad slots that specify print areas Cf1, Cf2, Df1, Df2, Df3, and Df4 as single specified values ​​or set specified values. For example, it assumes a situation where the total bid price of the combination of a single slot corresponding to the single specified value "Cf1" and a set slot corresponding to the set specified values ​​(Df2, Df4) (hereinafter referred to as the "specific total value") is the highest among all combinations. If the bid price for the single slot corresponding to the single specified value "Bf1" is higher than the specific total value, the SSP server 6 decides that the bid information for the single slot corresponding to the single specified value "Bf1" is a candidate for winning the bid. On the other hand, if the bid price for a single ad slot corresponding to the specified value "Bf1" is lower than a specific total value, the SSP server 6 determines all bid information corresponding to ad slots that make up the combination corresponding to the specific total value as candidates for winning the bid.

[0059] As described above, by comparing bid prices in various patterns, multiple bids are selected as potential winners. However, it is possible that the specified printing area may still overlap among the potential winners. In this case, the bid prices are compared among the potential winners, and one candidate is ultimately selected as the winning bidder.

[0060] Furthermore, as described above, even if multiple successful bidders are determined, it is conceivable that successful bidders may not be determined for some of the advertising slots. In this case, the SSP server 6 determines the successful bidders for the single or set slots that do not specify a location, based on the bid information corresponding to those slots for which successful bidders have not yet been determined.

[0061] As described above, in the bidding process, bid prices are compared between advertising slots with overlapping specified print areas, for example, between a single slot and a set slot, between two single slots, and between two set slots. Note that the above examples are only a few. Naturally, bid prices can also be compared between a single slot with no specified position and a single slot with a specified position, between a single slot with no specified position and a set slot with no specified position, and between two set slots with no specified position. By repeatedly selecting the highest bid price, the combination of advertising slots that maximizes the total amount is determined.

[0062] Figure 4 shows an example of an advertising slot combination that maximizes the total value. In the example shown in Figure 4, the user is provided with advertising images in which images from various advertisers are printed on each of the following: printing area Bf1, which is part of a two-part printing area; printing areas (Cf4, Cb4), which are part of a four-part printing area; and printing areas (Df5, Df7, Db1-Db4, Db5, Db7), which are part of an eight-part printing area. For example, printing areas Df5 and Db5 were won as a set slot, and printing area Db2 was won as a single slot. By presenting both the front and back sides as advertising slots, the user is provided with advertising images printed on both sides of the printing medium 300.

[0063] Returning to Figure 3, the explanation continues. In T52, the SSP server 6 sends the successful bid information to the distribution server 4. The successful bid information includes the DMP user ID included in the auction notification in T30 and result information indicating the result of the successful bid processing in T50. For each of the multiple successful bidders determined in the successful bid processing, the result information includes successful bid location information indicating the location of the advertising space won by that bidder (for example, the print area "Df1" in the 8-part print area) and the image URL included in the bid information corresponding to that bidder.

[0064] When distribution server 4 receives the successful bid information from SSP server 6 at T52, it sends a download request containing multiple image URLs from the successful bid information to DSP server 8 at T54. As a result, distribution server 4 downloads multiple image data corresponding to the multiple image URLs from DSP server 8 at T56.

[0065] In T56, the distribution server 4 places each of the multiple images corresponding to the multiple image data received in T56 into the advertising space indicated by the winning bid location information included in the winning bid information received in T56, and generates print data for printing the advertising image. In T62, the distribution server 4 sends the print data generated in T60 to the print server 2.

[0066] When the print server 2 receives print data from the distribution server 4 at T62, it sends the print data to the printer 200 at T64. As a result, the printer 200 prints the advertisement image corresponding to the print data onto the printing medium 300 at T68. The user can then obtain the advertisement image at the predetermined distribution time.

[0067] (Effects of this embodiment) In this embodiment, the printing surface of the printing medium 300 is divided into multiple printing areas (for example, 4 divisions, 8 divisions). In this embodiment, the SSP server 6 sends an auction request to the DSP server 8 that includes frame information that mixes set frames and individual frames (T34 in Figure 3). As a result, the DSP server 8 sends a bid response to the SSP server 6 that includes bid information corresponding to set frames and bid information corresponding to individual frames (T44). In the bidding process, the SSP server 6 decides to place images in each of the two or more printing areas specified by set frames (for example, a combination of two printing areas Df1 and Db1 from the 8 divisions). The SSP server 6 also decides to place images in the printing areas specified by individual frames in the bidding process. Here, based on the comparison of bid prices in the bidding process, images in individual frames that overlap with set frames are not placed, and the individual frames in which images are placed are printing areas that do not overlap with set frames. In a situation where images whose relative positions are specified by set frames and images corresponding to individual frames whose relative positions are not specified are mixed, multiple images can be printed as advertising images.

[0068] Furthermore, in this embodiment, if it is determined that double-sided printing is possible with the printer 200 (YES in T20), multiple printable areas Bf1 to Db8, which divide both the front and back sides, are presented to the advertiser as advertising space. On the other hand, if it is determined that double-sided printing is not possible with the printer 200 (NO in T20), the printable area on the front side (i.e., the printable area with a symbol including "f") is presented to the advertiser as advertising space. In other words, it is possible to decide whether to print the advertising image using double-sided printing or single-sided printing based on whether double-sided printing is possible with the printer 200.

[0069] (Specific advertisement image; Figure 9) Figure 9 shows an example of a successful bid in the bidding process where a set frame, consisting of a front print area Df5 and a back print area Db5, is awarded. The advertiser of this set frame places store information, such as a store introduction, in print area Df5 and a coupon for the store in print area Db5. When print area Df5 is cut from the print medium 300, the user obtains a single sheet of paper with the store information on the front and the coupon on the back. The user can take this single sheet of paper, look at the store information on the front, go to the store, and use the coupon on the back to receive the store's services.

[0070] Furthermore, in T60 of Figure 3, when a set frame consisting of a combination of print area Df5 and print area Db5 is successfully bid on, the distribution server 4 may generate print data including data for printing a predetermined image 302 on print area Df5. The predetermined image 302 indicates that a set frame consisting of a combination of print area Df5 and the print area Cb5 on the reverse side has been successfully bid on. The predetermined image 302 is, for example, an image that borders the outer perimeter of print area Df5. In the modified example, the predetermined image 302 may be a mark, string of characters, etc., placed in the corner of print area Df5. By looking at the predetermined image 302 on print area Df5, the user can know that an image related to the image to be printed on print area Df5 is placed on the print area Db5 on the reverse side of print area Df5. In the modified example, the predetermined image 302 may be placed on print area Db5.

[0071] Furthermore, the advertising image combining store information and coupons is not limited to the combination of the front print area Df5 and the back print area Db5, but may also be printed in a combination, for example, the print area Db2 and the print area Db1 adjacent to print area Db2.

[0072] Furthermore, when an advertiser requests the placement of an advertisement in a set slot, they may also request that a blank image be placed in one of the two or more printable areas specified in the set slot. In this case, the advertiser provides a blank image to the DSP server 8 as an advertisement placement request. In a modified version, the advertisement placement request may include information indicating that a blank image should be placed, and the bid information may include blank information instructing the placement of a blank image instead of an image URL. The blank information may be, for example, a Null value, a blank field, or a predetermined flag value. The distribution server 4 may generate print data with a blank image placed in the corresponding printable area based on the blank information in the bid information (see T60 in Figure 3).

[0073] For example, Figure 9 shows an example where a set frame, consisting of a front print area Df7 and a back print area Db7, is successfully bid on, with a coupon printed on print area Df7 and a blank image on print area Db7. When print area Df7 is cut from the print medium 300, the user obtains a single sheet of paper with the coupon printed on the front and a blank back. By making the back blank, it is possible to prevent images unintended by the advertiser from appearing on the sheet of paper obtained by the user. In a modified example, the placement of a blank image may be prohibited in the set frame.

[0074] Furthermore, if the image data downloaded by the image URL included in the bidding information corresponding to the single ad slot indicates a blank image, the SSP server 6 may exclude the bidding information corresponding to the single ad slot from the bidding information compared in the winning bid process of T50 in Figure 3. In other words, even if a bid is made to place a blank image in a single ad slot, the SSP server 6 may decide not to place the blank image in the single ad slot. This prevents the single ad slot from being won with a blank image even if the DSP server 8 receives an advertisement placement request from the advertiser to place a blank image in a single ad slot due to an advertiser error or other reason. In the modified example, a single ad slot with a blank image specified may be won.

[0075] (Correspondence) Distribution server 4 and SSP server 6 are examples of "image processing devices". DSP server 8 is an example of an "external device". Print medium 300 is an example of a "print medium". Printer 200 is an example of a "printing device". The print areas Bf1 to Db8 shown in Figure 4 are an example of "three or more print areas". Bidding information that bids for set frames corresponding to set designation values ​​(Df1, Df2) is an example of "first designation information", in which case the images placed on print areas Df1 and Df2 are examples of "first image" and "second image". The image placed on a single frame is an example of "third image". Bidding information that bids for set frames corresponding to set designation values ​​(Df1, Db1) is an example of "second designation information". Multiple set frame information included in frame information is an example of "multiple combinations". The set frame information in the auction request T34 in Figure 3 is an example of "first presentation information". Single frame information in the auction request is an example of "second presentation information". The minimum bid price corresponding to the set frame and the minimum bid price corresponding to the single frame are examples of the "first minimum value" and the "second minimum value," respectively. Each bid price is an example of the "first value," the "second value," the "third value," and the "fourth value." The device information of T12 in Figure 3 is an example of "specific information." The predetermined image 302 is an example of "an image indicating that the relative relationship is specified."

[0076] T44, T50, T60, and T62 in Figure 3 are examples of processes implemented by the "information receiving unit," "determination unit," "generation unit," and "printing control unit," respectively.

[0077] (Second example) In the bidding process of the first embodiment, the combination of advertising slots that maximizes the total amount is determined. In contrast, in this embodiment, when the print area overlaps between set slots and individual slots, the winning bid for set slots is prioritized according to certain conditions. For example, it is assumed that the slot information presents set slots corresponding to set designation values ​​(Df1, Df2), individual slots corresponding to individual designation value "Df1", and individual slots corresponding to individual designation value "Df2". In the bidding process, the SSP server 6 compares the bid price in the bidding information for the set slots corresponding to set designation values ​​(Df1, Df2) with the sum of the bid prices in the bidding information for the individual slots corresponding to individual designation value "Df1" and the bid prices in the bidding information for the individual slots corresponding to individual designation value "Df2". If the bid price for the set slots is higher than the sum of the bid prices for the individual slots, the set slots are determined as candidates for winning the bid, similar to the first embodiment. On the other hand, if the bid price for a set slot is lower than the total value for individual slots, the SSP server 6 calculates the difference between the total value for individual slots and the bid price for the set slot. If the difference is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, the SSP server 6 determines the bid information for each of the two individual slots as a candidate for winning the bid. On the other hand, if the difference is less than the predetermined value, the SSP server 6 determines the set slot as a candidate for winning the bid. This allows the SSP server 6 to prioritize winning the bid for a set slot under certain conditions, even if the total bid prices for individual slots are higher than the bid prices for a set slot. It also encourages the use of images from the set to be displayed in the set slot as advertising images.

[0078] Although specific examples of the present invention have been described in detail above, these are merely illustrative and do not limit the scope of the claims. The technology described in the claims includes various modifications and changes to the specific examples illustrated above. Modifications of the above embodiments are listed below.

[0079] (Modification 1) The communication system 100 does not need to include an SSP server 6, a DSP server 8, and a DMP server 10. That is, an auction for advertising space does not need to be held. In this case, the distribution server 4 may directly receive advertising placement requests from the terminal device used by the advertiser. For example, the distribution server 4 may receive from the terminal device a first advertising placement request requesting the placement of an advertisement in a set space with a specified set value, and a second advertising placement request requesting the placement of an advertisement in a single space with an unspecified value. The distribution server 4 may then place the image requested in the first advertising placement request in two or more printable areas indicated by the set value, and place the image requested in the second advertising placement request in printable areas other than the two or more printable areas indicated by the set value. In this modification, the terminal device used by the advertiser and the first advertising placement request are examples of "external device" and "first specified information," respectively.

[0080] (Modification 2) SSP server 6 may present to DSP server 8 as an auction request not only a set frame with a specified relative position, but also a set frame with a specified relative orientation. Here, relative orientation means the orientation of an image in one print area relative to an image in the other print area in two print areas. For example, specifying a relative orientation means specifying that the image in the other print area is placed upside down relative to the image in the first print area. When a set frame with a specified relative orientation is presented to DSP server 8, SSP server 6 receives bid information from DSP server 8 for bidding on the set frame with a specified relative orientation. In this modification, the bid information for bidding on the set frame with a specified relative orientation is an example of "first specification information". In other modifications, a set frame with both a specified relative position and a specified relative orientation may be presented to DSP server 8.

[0081] (Modification 3) Set frames with overlapping print areas do not need to be presented to the DSP server 8. In this modification, the comparison of bid information for set frames does not need to be performed during the bidding process. In this modification, the "second designation information" can be omitted.

[0082] (Modification 4) The SSP server 6 may present only a set of ad slots to the DSP server 8 as an auction request. In this modification, the bidding process may only involve comparing bid information for set ad slots. In this modification, no auction for individual ad slots is held, and the distribution server 4 may directly receive an ad placement request from an advertiser requesting the placement of an ad in an individual ad slot. The distribution server 4 may then place the image requested in the ad placement request in a print area other than the set ad slots. In this modification, the "second presentation information" and the "third designation information" can be omitted.

[0083] (Modification 5) The frame information does not have to include the minimum bid price. In this modification, the DSP server 8 may determine the bid price without a lower limit. In this modification, the "first minimum value" and the "second minimum value" can be omitted.

[0084] (Modification 6) The advertisement image may be placed only on the front surface of the print medium 300. The SSP server 6 receives bidding information from the DSP server 8 for set frames which are combinations of print areas on the front surface, but does not receive bidding information for set frames which are combinations of print areas on both the front and back surfaces. In this modification, the terms "front surface area" and "back surface area" can be omitted.

[0085] (Modification 7) The processes T12 and T20 in Figure 3 do not need to be executed. In this modification, the "status receiving unit" can be omitted.

[0086] (Modification 8) The specified image 302 does not need to be printed. In this modification, the "image indicating that the relative relationship is specified" can be omitted.

[0087] (Modification 9) The functions of the distribution server 4 and the SSP server 6 may be implemented in a single server. In this modification, the single server described above is an example of an "image processing device". Furthermore, the "image processing device" is not limited to a server on the Internet 12, but may also be, for example, a server on a LAN, a terminal device such as a PC, or the printer 200 itself.

[0088] (Modification 10) In the above embodiment, the processes in Figure 3 are realized by the CPUs 30 and 50 executing programs 34 and 54. Alternatively, any of the processes may be realized by hardware such as logic circuits.

[0089] Furthermore, the technical elements described herein or in the drawings demonstrate technical usefulness individually or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims at the time of filing. In addition, the technologies illustrated herein or in the drawings achieve multiple objectives simultaneously, and achieving even one of these objectives constitutes technical usefulness in itself.

[0090] Even if, in the claims of this patent application, each claim depends on only some of the claims, it is not limited to the claim being dependent only on those specific claims. To the extent that it is not technically contradictory, each claim may be dependent on other claims that were not dependent at the time of application. That is, the technologies of each claim can be combined in various ways as follows: The following are the features of the technology disclosed herein. (Item 1) An image processing device, An information receiving unit that receives first designation information from an external device different from the image processing device, which designates the relative relationship between a first image and a second image, which are arranged in two of three or more printing areas obtained by dividing the printing surface of a printing medium, wherein the first designation information is information that designates at least one of the following: the relative position of the second image with respect to the first image in the three or more printing areas, and the relative orientation of the second image with respect to the first image in the three or more printing areas, A determination unit that determines, based on the first specified information, to place the first image and the second image in two of the three or more printable areas, and to place the third image in the area of ​​the three or more printable areas other than the two printable areas determined based on the first specified information, A generation unit that generates print data for printing the first image, the second image, and the third image, whose positions in the three or more print areas have been determined, onto the print medium, A print control unit transmits the print data to a printing device and prints a plurality of images, including the first image, the second image, and the third image, onto the printing medium. An image processing device equipped with the following features. (Item 2) The aforementioned image processing device further, The device includes a first presentation unit that transmits to the external device first presentation information which presents to the external device a plurality of combinations obtained by combining each of the three or more print areas, The information receiving unit receives from the external device the first designation information which specifies a particular combination from the plurality of combinations presented by the first presentation information as the relative relationship between the first image and the second image arranged in the two print areas, The image processing apparatus according to item 1, wherein the determination unit determines to place the first image and the second image in the two print areas which are a specific combination specified by the first designation information. (Item 3) The information receiving unit receives from the external device, in addition to the first designation information, a second designation information that designates other combinations from the plurality of combinations as a relative relationship between a fourth image and a fifth image placed in two other print areas that partially overlap with the two print areas. The first designation information includes a first value, The second specified information includes the second value, The determination unit determines, when the first value is greater than the second value, to place the first image and the second image in the two printing areas. The image processing apparatus according to item 2, wherein the determination unit determines to place the fourth image and the fifth image in the other two printing areas when the second value is greater than the first value. (Item 4) The aforementioned image processing device further, The device includes a second presentation unit that transmits second presentation information to the external device, which presents each of the three or more printable areas to the external device, The information receiving unit receives third designation information from the external device, which specifies that the seventh image be placed in the first print area of ​​the at least two print areas presented by the second presentation information, and that the eighth image be placed in the second print area of ​​the at least two print areas. The first designation information includes a first value, The third designation information includes a third value corresponding to the first print area and a fourth value corresponding to the second print area, The determination unit determines to place the first image and the second image in the two print areas if the first print area and the second print area are included in the specific combination and the first value is greater than the sum of the third value and the fourth value. The image processing apparatus according to item 2 or 3, wherein the determination unit determines that the seventh image and the eighth image are placed in the two printing areas when the first printing area and the second printing area are included in the specific combination and the sum is greater than the first value. (Item 5) The first presented information includes a first minimum value corresponding to each of the plurality of combinations, The second presented information includes a second minimum value corresponding to the first print area and the second print area, respectively. The first value is greater than the first minimum value corresponding to the specific combination. The third value is greater than the second minimum value corresponding to the first printing area. The image processing apparatus according to item 4, wherein the fourth value is greater than the second minimum value corresponding to the second printing area. (Item 6) The image processing apparatus according to item 5, wherein the first minimum value corresponding to the specific combination is greater than either the second minimum value corresponding to the first printing area or the second minimum value corresponding to the second printing area. (Item 7) The determination unit determines to place the seventh image and the eighth image in the two print areas if the first print area and the second print area are included in the specific combination, the total value is greater than the first value, and the difference between the total value and the first value is greater than or equal to a predetermined value. The determination unit determines to place the first image and the second image in the two print areas when the first print area and the second print area are included in the specific combination, the sum is greater than the first value, and the difference between the sum and the first value is less than the predetermined value, and the image processing apparatus according to any one of items 4 to 6. (Item 8) The image processing apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 7, wherein the determination unit determines that, although the first designation information specifies the first image and the second image to be placed in the two print areas, if it has already been determined that another image will be placed in at least one of the two print areas, neither the first image nor the second image will be placed in the two print areas. (Item 9) The three or more printing areas include a surface area defined on the surface of the printing medium and a back surface area defined on the back surface of the printing medium. The image processing apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 8, wherein the first designation information specifies, as the relative relationship, that the first image is placed in the surface area and the second image is placed in the back area. (Item 10) The aforementioned image processing device further, The printing device is equipped with a status receiving unit that receives specific information from the printing device indicating whether or not the printing device is capable of double-sided printing. The information receiving unit receives the first designated information from the external device when the specific information indicates that the printing device is capable of double-sided printing. When the generation unit receives the first specified information from the external device, it generates the print data for printing the first image on the front surface area and the second image on the back surface area. The information receiving unit receives, when the specific information indicates that the printing device is unable to perform double-sided printing, a fourth designation information from the external device that specifies that another image should be placed on the surface area instead of the first designation information. The image processing apparatus according to item 9, wherein the generation unit generates the print data for printing the other image onto the surface area when the fourth designated information is received from the external device. (Item 11) The image processing apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 10, wherein, when it is determined that the first image and the second image are to be placed in the two print areas, the print data includes data for printing an image in either of the two print areas that indicates that the relative relationship between the first image and the second image is specified. (Item 12) The information receiving unit receives the first designated information which includes information for acquiring a blank image as the second image. The image processing apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 11, wherein the determination unit determines to place the blank image obtained using the first designation information in one of the two printing areas. (Item 13) The information receiving unit further receives a fifth designation information specifying that a blank image, in which neither the relative position relative to the other images in the three or more print areas nor the relative orientation relative to the other images in the three or more print areas is specified, be placed in one of the three or more print areas. The image processing apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 12, wherein the determination unit determines, when the fifth designation information is received, that the blank image is not placed in the one print area. (Item 14) A computer program for an image processing device, The aforementioned computer program controls the computer of the image processing device in the following parts, namely: An information receiving unit that receives first designation information from an external device different from the image processing device, which designates the relative relationship between a first image and a second image, which are arranged in two of three or more printing areas obtained by dividing the printing surface of a printing medium, wherein the first designation information is information that designates at least one of the following: the relative position of the second image with respect to the first image in the three or more printing areas, and the relative orientation of the second image with respect to the first image in the three or more printing areas, A determination unit that determines, based on the first specified information, to place the first image and the second image in two of the three or more printable areas, and to place the third image in the area of ​​the three or more printable areas other than the two printable areas determined based on the first specified information, A generation unit that generates print data for printing the first image, the second image, and the third image, whose positions in the three or more print areas have been determined, onto the print medium, A print control unit transmits the print data to a printing device and prints a plurality of images, including the first image, the second image, and the third image, onto the printing medium. A computer program that functions as such. (Item 15) A method for controlling an image processing device, An information receiving step of receiving first designation information from an external device different from the image processing device, which specifies the relative relationship between a first image and a second image, which are arranged in two of three or more printing areas obtained by dividing the printing surface of a printing medium, wherein the first designation information is information that specifies at least one of the following: the relative position of the second image with respect to the first image in the three or more printing areas, and the relative orientation of the second image with respect to the first image in the three or more printing areas, A decision step of determining, based on the first designation information, to place the first image and the second image in two of the three or more printable areas, and to place the third image in the areas other than the two printable areas determined based on the first designation information, A generation step of generating print data for printing the first image, the second image, and the third image, whose positions in the three or more print areas have been determined, onto the print medium, A print control step of transmitting the print data to a printing device to print a plurality of images, including the first image, the second image, and the third image, onto the printing medium. A control method comprising: [Explanation of symbols]

[0091] 2: Print server, 4: Distribution server, 6: SSP server, 8: DSP server, 10: DMP server, 12: Internet, 20: Communication I / F, 22: Control unit, 30: CPU, 32: Memory, 34: Program, 36: Distribution setting table, 40: Communication I / F, 42: Control unit, 50: CPU, 52: Memory, 54: Program, 100: Communication system, 200: Printer, 300: Printing medium, 302: Image, Af, Ab, Bf1~Db8: Print area, S1, S2, S10~S13, S20~S24, S30, S41~S43, S50~S53B: Description

Claims

1. An image processing device, An information receiving unit that receives first designation information from an external device different from the image processing device, which designates the relative relationship between a first image and a second image, which are arranged in two of three or more printing areas obtained by dividing the printing surface of a printing medium, wherein the first designation information is information that designates at least one of the following: the relative position of the second image with respect to the first image in the three or more printing areas, and the relative orientation of the second image with respect to the first image in the three or more printing areas, A determination unit that determines, based on the first specified information, to place the first image and the second image in two of the three or more printable areas, and to place the third image in the area of ​​the three or more printable areas other than the two printable areas determined based on the first specified information, A generation unit that generates print data for printing the first image, the second image, and the third image, whose positions in the three or more print areas have been determined, onto the print medium, A print control unit transmits the print data to a printing device and prints a plurality of images, including the first image, the second image, and the third image, onto the printing medium. An image processing device equipped with the following features.

2. The aforementioned image processing device further, The device includes a first presentation unit that transmits to the external device first presentation information, which presents to the external device a plurality of combinations obtained by combining each of the three or more print areas, The information receiving unit receives from the external device the first designation information which specifies a particular combination from the plurality of combinations presented by the first presentation information as the relative relationship between the first image and the second image arranged in the two printing areas, The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit determines to place the first image and the second image in the two printing areas which are a specific combination specified by the first designation information.

3. The information receiving unit receives from the external device, in addition to the first designation information, a second designation information that specifies other combinations among the plurality of combinations as a relative relationship between a fourth image and a fifth image placed in two other print areas that partially overlap with the two print areas. The first designated information includes a first value, The second designation information includes the second value, The determination unit determines, when the first value is greater than the second value, to place the first image and the second image in the two printing areas. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the determination unit determines to place the fourth image and the fifth image in the other two printing areas when the second value is greater than the first value.

4. The aforementioned image processing device further, The device includes a second presentation unit that transmits second presentation information to the external device, which presents each of the three or more printable areas to the external device, The information receiving unit receives third designation information from the external device, which specifies that a seventh image be placed in the first printing area of ​​the at least two printing areas presented by the second presentation information, and that an eighth image be placed in the second printing area of ​​the at least two printing areas. The first designated information includes a first value, The third designation information includes a third value corresponding to the first print area and a fourth value corresponding to the second print area, The determination unit determines to place the first image and the second image in the two print areas if the first print area and the second print area are included in the specific combination and the first value is greater than the sum of the third value and the fourth value. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the determination unit determines to place the seventh image and the eighth image in the two printing areas when the first printing area and the second printing area are included in the specific combination and the sum is greater than the first value.

5. The first presented information includes a first minimum value corresponding to each of the plurality of combinations, The second presentation information includes a second minimum value corresponding to the first print area and the second print area, respectively. The first value is greater than the first minimum value corresponding to the specific combination. The third value is greater than the second minimum value corresponding to the first printing area. The image processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the fourth value is greater than the second minimum value corresponding to the second printing area.

6. The image processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the first minimum value corresponding to the specific combination is greater than either the second minimum value corresponding to the first printing area or the second minimum value corresponding to the second printing area.

7. The determination unit determines to place the seventh image and the eighth image in the two print areas if the first print area and the second print area are included in the specific combination, the total value is greater than the first value, and the difference between the total value and the first value is greater than or equal to a predetermined value. The determination unit determines to place the first image and the second image in the two printing areas when the first printing area and the second printing area are included in the specific combination, the sum is greater than the first value, and the difference between the sum and the first value is less than the predetermined value, and the image processing apparatus according to claim 4.

8. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit determines that, although the first designation information specifies the first image and the second image to be placed in the two printing areas, if it has already been determined that another image will be placed in at least one of the two printing areas, neither the first image nor the second image will be placed in the two printing areas.

9. The three or more printing areas include a surface area defined on the surface of the printing medium and a back surface area defined on the back surface of the printing medium. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the first designation information specifies, as a relative relationship, that the first image is placed in the surface region and the second image is placed in the back region.

10. The aforementioned image processing device further, The printing device is equipped with a status receiving unit that receives specific information from the printing device indicating whether or not the printing device is capable of double-sided printing. The information receiving unit receives the first designated information from the external device when the specific information indicates that the printing device is capable of double-sided printing. When the generation unit receives the first designated information from the external device, it generates the print data for printing the first image on the front surface area and the second image on the back surface area. The information receiving unit receives, when the specific information indicates that the printing device is not capable of double-sided printing, a fourth designation information from the external device that specifies that another image should be placed in the surface area instead of the first designation information. The image processing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the generation unit generates the print data for printing the other image onto the surface area when the fourth designated information is received from the external device.

11. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, when it is determined that the first image and the second image are to be placed in the two print areas, the print data includes data for printing an image in either of the two print areas that indicates that the relative relationship between the first image and the second image is specified.

12. The information receiving unit receives the first designated information which includes information for acquiring a blank image as the second image. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the determination unit determines to place the blank image obtained using the first designation information in one of the two printing areas.

13. The information receiving unit further receives a fifth designation information specifying that a blank image, in which neither the relative position relative to other images in the three or more print areas nor the relative orientation relative to other images in the three or more print areas is specified, be placed in one of the three or more print areas. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the determination unit determines, when the fifth designation information is received, that the blank image is not placed in the one print area.

14. A computer program for an image processing device, The aforementioned computer program controls the computer of the image processing device in the following parts, namely: An information receiving unit that receives first designation information from an external device different from the image processing device, which designates the relative relationship between a first image and a second image, which are arranged in two of three or more printing areas obtained by dividing the printing surface of a printing medium, wherein the first designation information is information that designates at least one of the following: the relative position of the second image with respect to the first image in the three or more printing areas, and the relative orientation of the second image with respect to the first image in the three or more printing areas, A determination unit that determines, based on the first specified information, to place the first image and the second image in two of the three or more printable areas, and to place the third image in the area of ​​the three or more printable areas other than the two printable areas determined based on the first specified information, A generation unit that generates print data for printing the first image, the second image, and the third image, whose positions in the three or more print areas have been determined, onto the print medium, A print control unit transmits the print data to a printing device and prints a plurality of images, including the first image, the second image, and the third image, onto the printing medium. A computer program that functions as such.

15. A method for controlling an image processing device, An information receiving step of receiving first designation information from an external device different from the image processing device, which specifies the relative relationship between a first image and a second image, which are arranged in two of three or more printing areas obtained by dividing the printing surface of a printing medium, wherein the first designation information is information that specifies at least one of the following: the relative position of the second image with respect to the first image in the three or more printing areas, and the relative orientation of the second image with respect to the first image in the three or more printing areas, A decision step of determining to place the first image and the second image in two of the three or more printable areas based on the first designation information, and to place the third image in the area other than the two printable areas determined based on the first designation information, A generation step for generating print data for printing the first image, the second image, and the third image, whose positions in the three or more print areas have been determined, onto the print medium, A print control step of transmitting the print data to a printing device to print a plurality of images, including the first image, the second image, and the third image, onto the printing medium. A control method comprising:

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