Image processing method, image processing device, and image processing program

Abstract

Determine the division and placement of long original images to fit within a manageable number of pages. [Solution] A method for presenting or outputting to a user multiple original image fragments obtained by dividing a long original image into fewer pages P than the number of original image fragments, comprising the steps of: determining the size of the short side and long side of a rearranged sheet by arranging N × P sheets of paper in the direction of the other side, where the length of one side of the output size is equal to the length of the number of divisions N, and determining whether the rearranged sheet will fit when zoomed to the same size or to match either the short side or long side of the rearranged sheet, and if it does fit, determining that the divided arrangement consisting of original image fragments divided at the locations corresponding to each sheet of paper is an outputtable image; and making the P-page image arranged in the order of the original long original image an outputtable image.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image processing method, an image processing apparatus, and an image processing program, and more particularly to an image processing method, an image processing apparatus, and an image processing program for dividing a long manuscript image having a different output size and aspect ratio and fitting it into the output size.

Background Art

[0002] Regarding the processing when the aspect ratio of a manuscript, or the paper size on a driver program or application software program (hereinafter referred to as an app) operating on a computer (hereinafter also including the paper size on the app, the manuscript is called), and the output paper size (output size) is different, for example, the following are known.

[0003] On the setting screen of a printer driver of a printer that can use roll paper as printing paper, as one of the settings for enlargement / reduction printing of a manuscript, a selection option of "adjust to the width of the roll paper" is provided. When the selection of "adjust to the width of the roll paper" is accepted, the manuscript is enlarged / reduced according to the width of the roll paper (for example, see Patent Document 1).

[0004] Furthermore, the following method for calculating paper size in spreadsheet software is known. First, a standard paper size is set. Then, the size required for all cells containing spreadsheet data in the spreadsheet document to fit within one page is determined, and the number of pages (e.g., X pages horizontally, Y pages vertically) obtained by dividing that size horizontally and vertically according to the standard paper size is obtained. Next, the size of a dummy paper having a width of standard paper size (width) × X and a height of standard paper size (height) × Y is calculated. Next, the dummy paper size obtained as described above is reduced by a predetermined percentage (e.g., 10%) at intervals until it is determined that the width and height fit within one page. In this way, the maximum reduction ratio that allows the entire range of cells containing spreadsheet data to fit within one page is obtained. Finally, the obtained reduction ratio is applied to the dummy paper size and set as the paper size. The scaling setting of the printer driver is then configured so that the original document of that paper size is printed to fill the full width of the roll paper loaded in the printer (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

[0005] Furthermore, the following technology is known: In a spreadsheet output device, it is checked whether or not printing will overflow before printing. If overflow occurs, printing progresses to the point where overflow occurs, and if there is room on the paper to fold, it is automatically folded and printed within the paper. If there is no room, the paper is refreshed and the remainder is printed (see, for example, Patent Document 3). [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2009 / 154227 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2010-067034 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 9-069089 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] When attempting to print a document image longer than the standard size (hereinafter referred to as a "long document image") on standard-sized paper with a different aspect ratio, the user had to decide whether to split or reduce the long document image. Ideally, this should be done without splitting or reducing the image in a way that makes the information contained within it difficult to read. Alternatively, it is desirable to minimize margins to avoid wasting paper.

[0008] According to the method described in Patent Document 1, an image can be reduced in size to fit within the paper and printed. However, this method is limited to cases where the printing paper is roll paper. Furthermore, since the image of the original document is reduced by focusing only on matching the width of the original document to the width of the roll paper, it is possible that the text and other information in the original document may become too small and difficult to read.

[0009] The method described in Patent Document 2 allows for the determination of the minimum reduction ratio required to fit the entire range of cells containing spreadsheet data onto one page, and then printing it on paper. However, because the image of the original document is reduced solely by focusing on fitting it onto one page, it is possible that the text and other information in the original document may become too small and difficult to read. It is also possible that unnecessary margins may be created.

[0010] The method described in Patent Document 3 allows for the folding of images that extend beyond the page boundaries, provided there is enough margin to fold them back and fit them onto the paper. However, it simply folds overflowing images if there is margin, without considering the relationship between the scaling factor and the number of folds. If there is no margin to fold, multiple sheets of paper are required for printing, which can result in wasted margins.

[0011] This invention was made in consideration of the above circumstances, and provides a method for determining the division and arrangement of a long original document image so that, when a long original document is divided in the length direction and output to pages with different aspect ratios, the result fits into fewer pages than the number of original image fragments created by dividing the long original document. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] This invention relates to a method for dividing a long original image into multiple original image fragments and arranging them into a number of pages P that is less than the number of original image fragments, wherein the processor determines the size of the rearranged paper by arranging N × P paper pieces in the direction of the other side of the output size, where one side of the output size is divided equally into N divisions and the length of one side is the length of the other side of the output size; and determines whether the original long original image at actual size fits within the size of the rearranged paper, and if it fits within that size, outputs a divided arrangement consisting of multiple original image fragments at actual size, where the long original image is divided at locations corresponding to each paper piece. The present invention provides an image processing method comprising the steps of: determining that it is possible; determining whether the long original image will fit within the size of the rearrangement paper when zoomed to match the vertical or horizontal size of the rearrangement paper, and if it fits within that size, determining that a divided arrangement consisting of multiple zoomed original image fragments, where the zoomed long original image is divided at locations corresponding to each piece of paper, is an outputtable image; and determining that an image of P pages, in which up to N original image fragments per page are arranged in the order of the original long original image, is an outputtable image, wherein N and P are both natural numbers.

[0013] Furthermore, from a different perspective, this invention is an image processing apparatus that divides and arranges a plurality of original image fragments, which are obtained by dividing a long original image, into a number of pages P that is less than the number of original image fragments, comprising: an original image acquisition unit that acquires the long original image; an image processing unit that generates an image by dividing and arranging the acquired long original image; and an image output unit that outputs the image, wherein the image processing unit calculates the size of a rearranged paper by arranging N × P pieces of paper in the direction of the other side, where one side of the output size is divided equally into a number of divisions N, and the length of the other side of the output size is the length of the other side, for one or more output sizes; and determines whether the long original image at actual size fits within the size of the rearranged paper, and if it fits within that size, each piece of paper corresponds The present invention provides an image processing apparatus that includes: a 1:1 original division unit which determines that a divided arrangement consisting of multiple 1:1 original image fragments obtained by dividing the long original image at locations is outputtable; a zoom original division unit which determines whether the long original image will fit on the re-arrangement paper when zoomed to match the vertical or horizontal size of the re-arrangement paper, and if it fits, determines that a divided arrangement consisting of multiple zoomed original image fragments obtained by dividing the zoomed long original image at locations corresponding to each paper fragment is outputtable; and a division arrangement determination unit which determines that an image of P pages obtained by arranging up to N original image fragments per page in the order of the original long original image is outputtable, wherein the image output unit outputs one of the outputtable images, and both N and P are natural numbers.

[0014] Furthermore, from a different perspective, this invention is a processing program for dividing a long original image into multiple original image fragments and arranging them on a number of pages smaller than the original image fragments, wherein the processing to be executed by the processor is to determine the size of the rearranged paper by arranging N × P paper fragments in the direction of the other side of the output size, where the length of one side of the output size is divided equally into N divisions, and the length of the other side of the output size is the length of the other side, and then determining whether the long original image at actual size fits within the size of the rearranged paper, and if it fits within that size, the long original image is divided at the location corresponding to each paper fragment, and multiple The present invention provides an image processing program comprising: a process for determining that a divided arrangement consisting of a number of original image fragments at 1:1 scale is outputtable; a process for determining whether the long original image will fit within the size of the re-arrangement paper when zoomed to match either the vertical or horizontal size of the re-arrangement paper, and if it fits within that size, a process for determining that a divided arrangement consisting of multiple zoomed original image fragments, where the long original image is divided at locations corresponding to each zoomed fragment, is outputtable; and a process for determining that the P-page image, in which up to N original image fragments per page are arranged in the order of the original long original image, is outputtable, wherein N and P are both natural numbers. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] The image processing method according to this invention determines a divided arrangement consisting of multiple original image fragments, either at actual size or zoomed, obtained by dividing the long original image at locations corresponding to each sheet of paper, and outputs an image of P pages in which up to N fragments are arranged per page in the same order as the original long original image. Therefore, when dividing a long original in the length direction and outputting it to pages with different aspect ratios, the divided arrangement of the long original image can be determined so that it fits into fewer pages than the number of original image fragments. The image processing apparatus and image processing program according to this invention will also produce similar effects. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0016] [Figure 1]It is a block diagram showing the configuration of an image processing apparatus shown as an example of an image processing apparatus in the present disclosure. [Figure 2] It is an external perspective view of a part corresponding to a document reading unit in the image processing apparatus shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 3] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, it is an explanatory diagram showing an example of accepting a change in page settings on a preview screen 31 displayed on an operation unit of an image processing apparatus. [Figure 4A] It is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a long image document according to the present disclosure. [Figure 4B] It is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a sheet (output size) according to the present disclosure. [Figure 5A] It is an explanatory diagram schematically showing an example of a procedure for divided arrangement according to the present disclosure. (Example of dividing the output size by the short side) [Figure 5B] It is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a different example of a procedure for divided arrangement according to the present disclosure. (Example when the output size is divided by the long side and the short side of the sheet becomes the short side of the rearrangement sheet) [Figure 5C] It is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a further different example of a procedure for divided arrangement according to the present disclosure. (Example when the output size is divided by the long side, the short side of the sheet becomes the long side of the rearrangement sheet, and rotation is involved when arranging the document image) [Figure 6] It is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a rearrangement sheet according to the present disclosure. [Figure 7] It is an explanatory diagram showing an example of determining document image pieces by overlapping the long document image in FIG. 4A on the rearrangement sheet in FIG. 6. (Document at 100% magnification) [Figure 8] It is an explanatory diagram showing an example of determining document image pieces by overlapping the long document image in FIG. 4A on the rearrangement sheet in FIG. 6. (Document zoom so that the long sides are aligned) [Figure 9] It is an explanatory diagram showing an example of determining document image pieces by overlapping the long document image in FIG. 4A on the rearrangement sheet in FIG. 6. (Document zoom so that the short sides are aligned) [Figure 10] It is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a vertically long image document according to the present disclosure. [Figure 11A]This is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a rearranged form related to this disclosure, in which the long side of the form is divided and the short side of the form becomes the long side of the rearranged form. [Figure 11B] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating a different example of the rearranged paper relating to this disclosure, in which the long side of the paper is divided and the short side of the paper becomes the short side of the rearranged paper. [Figure 12] This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of determining the original image piece by overlaying the long original image of Figure 10 onto the rearrangement sheet of Figure 11A. (Original size: 1:1) [Figure 13] This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of determining the original image piece by overlaying the long original image in Figure 10 onto the rearrangement sheet in Figure 11A. (Zoom in on the original so that the shorter side is aligned.) [Figure 14] This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of determining the original image piece by overlaying the long original image of Figure 10 onto the rearrangement sheet of Figure 11A. (Zoom in on the original so that the long side is aligned.) [Figure 15] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of determining the original image piece by rotating the long original image in Figure 10 so that its short sides and long sides are aligned, and then overlaying it onto the rearrangement sheet in Figure 11B. (Original size: 1:1) [Figure 16] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of determining the original image piece by rotating the long original image in Figure 10 so that its short sides and long sides are aligned, and then overlaying it onto the rearrangement sheet in Figure 11B. (Zoom in to align the long sides) [Figure 17] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of determining the original image piece by rotating the long original image in Figure 10 so that its short sides and long sides are aligned, and then overlaying it onto the rearrangement sheet in Figure 11B. (Zoom in to align the short sides) [Figure 18] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of how the system presents the user with feasible and recommended partition layout options based on the settings shown in Figure 3. [Figure 19] This is the first flowchart showing the process flow in which the image processing unit determines and presents candidate division and placement options based on the settings shown in Figure 3. [Figure 20] This is the second flowchart showing the processing flow following Figure 19. [Figure 21] This is the third flowchart, showing the processing flow following Figure 20. [Figure 22] This is the fourth flowchart, showing the processing flow following Figure 21. [Figure 23] This is an explanatory diagram showing different page setting conditions from those in Figure 3. [Figure 24] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of presenting the user with possible partition layout options based on the settings shown in Figure 23. [Figure 25] This is the first flowchart showing the process flow in which the image processing unit determines and presents candidate division and placement options based on the settings shown in Figure 23. [Figure 26] This is the second flowchart showing the processing flow following Figure 25. [Figure 27] This is the second flowchart showing the processing flow following Figure 26. [Figure 28] This is the second flowchart showing the processing flow following Figure 27. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0017] The invention will be described in further detail below with reference to the drawings. The following description is illustrative in all respects and should not be interpreted as limiting the invention. ≪Example of a device that performs the process of dividing and arranging images for output≫ First, let's describe the image processing apparatus related to this disclosure. The image processing apparatus is an example of a device on which the image processing method according to this disclosure is performed. However, this is only an example, and the image processing method according to this disclosure may be performed on other types of devices, not just image processing apparatuses. For example, the scope of this disclosure also includes the implementation of the method by the processor executing an installed driver program or application in an information processing device such as a PC (Personal Computer) or a smartphone. Any type of application that handles an input image as a document and an output image, and includes processing related to their layout, is acceptable. Returning to the description of the image processing apparatus, Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the image processing apparatus related to this disclosure. Figure 2 is an external perspective view of the part of the image processing apparatus shown in Figure 1 that corresponds to the document reading unit.

[0018] As shown in Figure 1, the image processing device 10 comprises a document reading unit 14, a communication unit 15, a printing unit 16, an operation unit 17, and a control unit 19. The control unit 19 controls the entire image processing device 10. The control unit 19 reads and executes a control program stored in memory (not shown in Figure 1) to realize jobs related to document reading, printing, etc., i.e., various functions related to a series of image processing. It also controls the recognition and display of operations on the operation unit 17. Furthermore, it controls communication with external devices connected via the communication unit 15. The control unit 19 may be implemented by one or more processors (CPU (Central Processing Unit), SoC (System on a Chip), etc.). The control unit 19 may also be composed of one or more circuits. The function of the control unit 19 as a control unit for the image processing device 10 is realized through the cooperation of software resources and hardware resources.

[0019] The control unit 19 according to this disclosure comprises a document image acquisition unit 11, an image processing unit 12, an image output unit 13, and an operation control unit 18. The operation control unit 18 of the control unit 19 is connected to the operation unit 17 and recognizes user operations received by the operation unit 17, and also causes the operation unit 17 to display an operation screen or messages. As shown in Figure 2, the operation unit 17 is provided on the front side of the image processing device 10. The operation unit 17 has a display unit and an operation detection device. For example, a liquid crystal display device or an OLED (Organic Light Emitting Display) can be used as the display device, and a touch panel can be used as the operation detection device. The display device displays an operation screen generated by the operation control unit 18. The operation detection device detects user operations on the operation screen.

[0020] The document image acquisition unit 11 acquires image data of the document read by the document reading unit 14. Alternatively, the document image acquisition unit 11 can also acquire image data by receiving data from an external device connected via the communication unit 15.

[0021] The image processing unit 12 performs processing on the acquired image data. The image processing unit 12 includes a 1:1 original document division unit 12D, a zoom original document division unit 12Z, a rearrangement output size calculation unit 12S, and a division and arrangement determination unit 12L. The rearrangement output size calculation unit 12S assumes the following paper fragments: One side of the paper corresponding to the output size (either vertical or horizontal, for example, a side extending vertically) is divided into N equal parts, and each side has a length of 1 / N as a side in the same direction (vertical). In addition, there is a side in the same direction (horizontal) that is equal in length to the other side of the output size that is not divided (a side extending horizontally). Based on this assumption, the unit performs processing to calculate the vertical and horizontal sizes of the rearranged paper when N × P fragments are arranged in the direction of the undivided side (horizontal). Both N and P are natural numbers. Specific examples of processing will be described later. The 1:1 original document division unit 12D determines the original image fragments to be created by dividing the long original image at positions corresponding to each sheet of paper when the long original image is superimposed on the re-arrangement paper of the size calculated by the re-arrangement output size calculation unit 12S, provided that the long original image fits on the re-arrangement paper. The zoom original document division unit 12Z determines the original image fragments to be created by dividing the long original image at positions corresponding to each sheet of paper on the re-arrangement paper of the size calculated by the re-arrangement output size calculation unit 12S. In this case, the condition is that the long original image fits on the re-arrangement paper when it is superimposed on a zoomed long original image that matches either the vertical or horizontal size of the re-arrangement paper. The division and arrangement determination unit 12L presents the user with an image of P pages in which each original or zoomed original image fragment is arranged in the order of its arrangement in the long original image, based on the division determined in this way, as an outputtable division and arrangement. Alternatively, it performs a process to determine the division and arrangement based on predetermined conditions. A maximum of N original image fragments are placed on each page.

[0022] The image output unit 13 outputs an output size image based on the division arrangement determined by the image processing unit 12, either based on the user's selection or on predetermined conditions.

[0023] For example, in the case of a print job, the original image acquisition unit 11 acquires image data from an external device via the communication unit 15, the image processing unit 12 performs image processing for printing, and the image output unit 13 outputs the image to the printing unit 16. For example, in the case of a copy job, the original image acquisition unit 11 acquires image data of the original read by the original reading unit 14, the image processing unit 12 performs image processing for printing, and the image output unit 13 outputs the image to the printing unit 16. For example, in the case of a scan job, the original image acquisition unit 11 acquires image data of the original read by the original reading unit 14, and the image processing unit 12 performs processing to generate an image in a predetermined data format. The image output unit 13 transmits the image data to an external device via the communication unit 15, or stores it in the memory of the image processing device 10.

[0024] The document reading unit 14 reads the image of the document under the control of the control unit 19, converts it into an RGB (red, green, and blue) color image signal (RGB analog signal), and outputs it to the document image acquisition unit 11. In other words, it performs the image reading process in copy jobs and scan jobs. The documents to be read are those set by the user on the document feeder 14F or the document glass 14P. The document feeder 14F transports the set documents one by one to a predetermined reading position. The document glass 14P is made of a flat, transparent glass material. The document reading unit 14 is equipped with an image sensor (not shown in Figures 1 and 2). It is also equipped with a scanning mechanism (not shown in Figures 1 and 2) for scanning documents placed on the document glass 14P.

[0025] The printing unit 16 feeds one printing sheet at a time from one of the paper feed trays 16A, 16B, and 16C that hold the printing sheets, prints the image output from the image output unit 13 onto the printing sheet, and outputs it to the output tray. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the image processing device 10 outputs the printed sheets to one of the three output trays 16D, 16E, and 16F.

[0026] (Embodiment 1) ≪Example of a scene that performs the process of dividing and arranging an image and outputting it≫ Next, we will describe an example of a scene in which the processing described herein, which involves dividing and arranging an image for output, is performed. Here, we will show an example in which the image processing device 10 allows the user to select a setting to divide and arrange a long document in a copy job. Figure 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the state in which the page setting screen 32, which accepts user operations to change to the desired page setting, is displayed as a pop-up on the copy job preview screen 31 displayed on the operation unit 17 of the image processing device 10. The preview screen 31 shows a state in which a landscape-oriented long document does not fit on one page, and the image shows the state in which the user has operated an operation button (not shown in Figure 3) to display the page setting screen 32. The page setting screen 32 has radio buttons 33 that accept the selection of whether to use a fixed magnification or to match the paper, i.e., the output size. Furthermore, it accepts settings for the items of whether the method of matching to the paper has been selected 34, in-page division arrangement 35, whether the long side of the paper is divided 36, and the paper size 37.

[0027] The "Page Division Layout 35" item is intended for long-format documents related to this disclosure and sets whether or not to divide and arrange document image fragments according to the paper fragments obtained by dividing one page of paper into multiple equal paper fragments. The "Long Side Division of Paper 36" item sets whether or not to consider dividing and arranging paper fragments obtained by dividing the long side of the paper equally, in addition to the basic paper fragments obtained by dividing the short side of the paper equally, when "Page Division Layout 35" is set to "Yes". In the example shown in Figure 3, radio button 33 is intended to select zooming the document to fit the paper. Paper size 37 is set to A4 from the standard sizes, page division layout 35 is set to "Yes", and long side division of paper 36 is set to "Yes". Also, "Not Selected" is displayed for "Method to Fit to Paper Selected" 34, but pressing "Not Selected" will display the screen for selecting the method to fit to the paper. Selecting one from there will return the display to this screen, and "Selected" will be displayed for "Method to Fit to Paper Selected" 34. Furthermore, the "OK" key 39 at the bottom of the page setup screen 32 is un-grayed out and becomes normally displayed and operable. In addition, the preview screen 31 changes to a preview according to the set conditions. Once the settings are confirmed by pressing the "OK" key 39, the user who has checked the finished product on the preview screen can then operate an operation button (not shown) to output the image corresponding to the preview.

[0028] ≪Example of a process that divides and arranges an image for output≫ Next, we will describe the process of determining and presenting candidate split layouts to the user according to the settings on the page settings screen 32. Figures 4A to 18 are explanatory diagrams illustrating the concept of split layouts related to this disclosure. Figures 19 to 22 are flowcharts showing an example of the process by which the image processing unit 12 determines candidate split layouts related to this disclosure.

[0029] First, the concept of segmented arrangement relating to this disclosure will be explained with reference to Figures 4A to 18. Figure 4A is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a long-format image original relating to this disclosure. The long-format original image 41 shown in Figure 1 is a landscape-oriented long-format original, where the length of the short side (the side extending vertically) is A, and the length of the long side (the side extending horizontally) is A × a. a is the ratio of the length of the long side to the short side, and a > 1. However, this is not the only example; a portrait-oriented long-format original image 101 is also possible, as shown in Figure 1. Sometimes both are referred to as long-format original image 41 without distinction. In the portrait-oriented case as well, the length of the short side (the side extending horizontally) is A, and the length of the long side (the side extending vertically) is A × a. In the portrait-oriented case as well, a > 1. That is, the image is assumed to be a ≥ 1. Figure 4B is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a paper, i.e., a rectangular output size relating to this disclosure. The output size 51 shown in Figure 4B is landscape orientation, with the length of the side extending vertically (short side) being B and the length of the side extending horizontally (long side) being B × b. b is the ratio of the length of the long side (side extending horizontally) to the short side (side extending vertically), and in the example of Figure 4B, b > 1. A portrait orientation output size is also possible, but since a portrait orientation can be rotated 90° to become landscape orientation, and the division of the long side of a landscape orientation paper is also considered as shown in Figure 11 and later, the results would overlap, so only examples based on the landscape orientation of the paper will be explained. The explanation for portrait orientation paper will be omitted, but similarly, the length of the short side is B and the length of the long side is B × b. That is, the paper size is b ≥ 1.

[0030] Figures 5A to 5C are explanatory diagrams illustrating the basic procedure for dividing and arranging an image for output in this embodiment. Figure 5A schematically shows the procedure for determining whether a long original image fits on a rearranged sheet obtained by dividing and rearranging the short side of the output-size paper. Figure 5B schematically shows the procedure for determining whether a long original image fits on a rearranged sheet obtained by dividing and rearranging the long side of the output-size paper. Figure 5C schematically shows the procedure for determining whether a long original image rotated by 90° fits on a rearranged sheet obtained by dividing and rearranging the long side of the output-size paper.

[0031] As shown in Figure 5A, when determining whether a long original image fits on a rearranged sheet of paper obtained by dividing and rearranging the short side of an output-size sheet, the rearranged sheet 61 is created by dividing the short side of the output-size 51 into n sections and arranging the divided sections in a line along the long side. When considering a multi-page output-size sheet, the rearranged sheet 61 is created by arranging each page in a line along the long side. In the case of a landscape-oriented long original image 41 shown in Figure 4A, the determination is made as to whether it fits on the rearranged sheet 61 shown in Figure 5A.

[0032] As shown in Figure 5B, when determining whether a long original image fits on a rearranged sheet obtained by dividing and rearranging the long side of the output size paper, the rearranged sheet 61 is created by dividing the long side of the output size 51 into n sections and arranging the divided paper pieces in a line along the short side. When considering a multi-page output size paper, the rearranged sheet 61 is created by arranging each page in a line along the short side. In the case of the vertically oriented long original image 101 shown in Figure 4A, the determination is made as to whether it fits on the rearranged sheet 61 shown in Figure 5B.

[0033] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5C, it is sometimes necessary to determine whether a long original image rotated by 90° will fit on the rearrangement sheet. Figure 5C is an example of determining whether a long original image rotated by 90° will fit on a rearrangement sheet obtained by dividing and rearranging the long side of the output size paper. In this case as in Figure 5B, the rearrangement sheet 61 is obtained by dividing the long side of the output size 51 into n sections and arranging the divided paper pieces in a line in the direction of the short side. When considering output size paper with multiple pages, the rearrangement sheet 61 is obtained by arranging each page in a line in the direction of the short side. In the case of the landscape long original image 41 shown in Figure 4A, it is determined whether the long original image 41 rotated by 90° will fit on the rearrangement sheet 61 shown in Figure 5C.

[0034] Further details are provided below. Figure 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a rearranged sheet according to this disclosure (as in Figure 5A, where the output size sheet is divided along the short side). Above the hollow arrow in Figure 6, the output sizes 51-1 to 51-P of the P page are arranged horizontally, and each page is shown with its short side divided into N equal parts. N is a natural number. One of the output sizes obtained by dividing each page into N equal parts is a sheet of paper, and the length of the vertical side of the sheet of paper is B / N, and the length of the horizontal side is B×b. Below the hollow arrow, a rearranged sheet 61 is shown, in which the N×P sheet of paper from above are arranged in a single row horizontally. In this case, the order in which each sheet of paper is rearranged is indicated by a circled number. That is, the sheet of paper that is arranged from top to bottom on the original page is arranged from left to right on the rearranged sheet 61. The sheet of paper that is arranged from top to bottom on the adjacent page to the original page is also rearranged so that it is in ascending order from left to right. The length of the vertical side of the rearranged paper 61 is B / N, and the length of the horizontal side is B×b×N×P. The process of determining the size of the rearranged paper 61 corresponds to the function of the rearranged output size calculation unit 12S in this disclosure. In the example in Figure 6, since it illustrates the case of binding a short-edge left-bound original document in a short-edge left-bound format, the rearrangement is performed in the "И" (i) type, assuming that the top left corner of the original image and the rearranged paper coincide, while improving readability on one page of paper (simultaneous readability of multiple consecutive paper fragments). The arrangement and rearrangement method takes into consideration the starting position of the original image and the reading direction of the printed material, but the rearrangement order can also be directly specified separately, such as the "И" (i) type where the top left is arranged downwards and the next row is shifted to the right, the "N" (en) type where the top right is arranged downwards and the next row is shifted to the left, or the "Z" (zee) type where the top left is arranged to the right and the next row is shifted downwards. Alternatively, the arrangement can be performed according to other policies, such as placing it in the center of the rearranged paper.

[0035] Figures 7 to 9 show the long original image 41 shown in Figure 4A, overlaid on the rearrangement sheet 61 shown in Figure 6, with the division of the original image fragments determined and rearranged. Each original image fragment can be determined by dividing the long original image 41, when overlaid on the rearrangement sheet 61, at a position corresponding to each sheet in the long direction (horizontal direction). The process of dividing the long original image 41 at a position corresponding to each sheet corresponds to the function of the 1:1 original fragment division unit 12D in this disclosure. These original image fragments are then rearranged to the output sizes 51-1 to 51-P for P pages, corresponding to the original page arrangement shown at the top of Figure 6. The function of determining the rearranged image fragments as candidates for outputtable division arrangement corresponds to the function of the division arrangement determination unit 12L in this disclosure. As a method of overlaying the long original image 41 on the rearrangement sheet 61, in the example shown in Figure 7, a 1:1 long original image 41 is overlaid on the rearrangement sheet 61. However, the example shown in Figure 7 is applicable only when the full-size long original image 41 fits within the rearrangement paper 61. In other words, it is applicable when the long original image 41 is smaller than or equal in size to the rearrangement paper 61 in both length and width.

[0036] In the example shown in Figure 8, the length of the horizontally extending side of the long document image 41 is zoomed (enlarged or reduced) by a magnification of Z1 to match the length of the horizontally extending side of the rearrangement paper 61. The length of the horizontally extending side of the zoomed long document image is A × a × Z1, and the length of the vertically extending side is A × Z1. The process of dividing the zoomed long document image 41 at positions corresponding to each sheet of paper corresponds to the function of the zoom document division unit 12Z in this disclosure. Furthermore, the function of determining the rearranged image of the document image pieces as candidate division arrangements for output corresponds to the function of the division arrangement determination unit 12L in this disclosure. However, the example shown in Figure 8 is applicable only when the vertical size of the zoomed long document image 41 fits within the rearrangement paper 61. In other words, it is applicable when the aspect ratio of the long document image 41 is longer and narrower than that of the rearrangement paper 61.

[0037] In the example shown in Figure 9, the length of the vertically extending side of the long document image 41 is zoomed by a magnification of Z2 to match the length of the vertically extending side of the rearrangement paper 61. The length of the vertically extending side of the zoomed long document image is A × Z2, and the length of the horizontally extending side is A × a × Z2. The process of dividing the zoomed long document image 41 at positions corresponding to each sheet of paper corresponds to the function of the zoom document division unit 12Z in this disclosure. Furthermore, the function of determining the rearranged image of the document image pieces as candidates for a division arrangement that can be output corresponds to the function of the division arrangement determination unit 12L in this disclosure. However, the example shown in Figure 8 is applicable only when the horizontal size of the zoomed long document image 41 fits within the rearrangement paper 61. In other words, it is applicable when the aspect ratio of the long document image 41 is wider than that of the rearrangement paper 61.

[0038] Next, Figures 10 to 18 will be explained. Figure 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a long-format image manuscript related to this disclosure when it is in portrait orientation. In the long-format image manuscript 101 shown in Figure 10, the length of the side extending in the vertical direction (long side) is A × a, and the length of the side extending in the horizontal direction (short side) is A. That is, a > 1 is always the case.

[0039] Figure 11A is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a rearranged sheet according to this disclosure (as in Figure 5C, where the output size sheet is divided along its long side, and the short side of the sheet becomes the long side of the rearranged sheet). To the left of the hollow arrow in Figure 11A, the output sizes 51-1 to 51-P of the P page are arranged vertically, and each page is shown with its long side divided into N equal parts. N is a natural number. One of the output sizes obtained by dividing each page into N equal parts is a sheet of paper, and the length of the vertical side of the sheet of paper is B, and the length of the horizontal side is B × b / N. To the right of the hollow arrow, the rearranged sheet 111 is shown, in which the N × P sheets of paper from above are arranged in a vertical line. In this case, the order in which each sheet of paper is rearranged is indicated by a circled number. That is, the sheet of paper that is arranged from left to right on the original page is arranged from top to bottom on the rearranged sheet 111. The paper fragments arranged from right to left on the page adjacent to the original page are also rearranged so that they are in ascending order from top to bottom. The length of the vertical side of the rearranged paper 111 is B × N × P, and the length of the horizontal side is B × b / N. The process of determining the size of the rearranged paper 111 corresponds to the function of the rearranged output size calculation unit 12S in this disclosure. Note that in the examples of Figures 10 and 11, the case of binding a long, vertically oriented, short-edge top-bound original document with short-edge left-bound binding is illustrated, and the rearrangement is performed in a "Z" pattern, assuming that the top left corner of the original image and the rearranged paper coincide, while improving readability on a single page (simultaneous readability of multiple consecutive paper fragments). The arrangement and rearrangement method are designed to align the starting position of the original image with the reading direction of the printed material, but the rearrangement order and arrangement method may be specified separately. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5C, if the original image is landscape long and the original is bound on the left edge of the short side, the order in which the individual sheets of paper are rearranged will differ from that in Figure 11A. That is, the sheets of paper that are arranged from left to right on the original page will be arranged from bottom to top on the rearranged sheets. The rearrangement will be in a "Z" pattern, assuming that the bottom left of the original image (top left of the original image) after rotating 90 degrees counterclockwise will coincide with the bottom left of the rearranged sheets. This arrangement and rearrangement method takes into consideration the starting position of the original image and the reading direction of the printed material, but the rearrangement order and arrangement method may be specified separately.

[0040] Figures 12 to 14 show the long original image 101 shown in Figure 10 superimposed on the rearrangement sheet 111 shown in Figure 11, with the division of the original image fragments determined and rearranged. Each original image fragment can be determined by dividing the long original image 101, superimposed on the rearrangement sheet 111, at a position corresponding to each sheet in the long direction (vertical direction). The process of dividing the long original image 41 at a position corresponding to each sheet corresponds to the function of the 1:1 original fragment division unit 12D in this disclosure. These original image fragments are then rearranged to the output sizes 51-1 to 51-P for P pages, corresponding to the original page arrangement shown on the left side of Figure 11. The function of determining the rearranged original image fragments as candidates for outputtable division arrangement corresponds to the function of the division arrangement determination unit 12L in this disclosure. As a method of superimposing the long original image 101 onto the rearrangement sheet 111, the example shown in Figure 12 shows a 1:1 long original image 101 superimposed onto the rearrangement sheet 111. However, the example shown in Figure 12 is applicable only when the full-size long original image 101 fits within the rearrangement paper 111. In other words, it is applicable when the long original image 101 is smaller than or equal in size to the rearrangement paper 111 in both length and width.

[0041] In the example shown in Figure 13, the long document image 101 is zoomed by a magnification of Z3 so that the length of the horizontally extending side of the long document image 101 matches the length of the horizontally extending side of the rearrangement paper 111. The length of the vertically extending side of the zoomed long document image is A × a × Z3, and the length of the horizontally extending side is A × Z3. The process of dividing the zoomed long document image 41 at positions corresponding to each sheet of paper corresponds to the function of the zoomed document division unit 12Z in this disclosure. Furthermore, the function of determining the rearranged image of the document image pieces as candidates for a division arrangement that can be output corresponds to the function of the division arrangement determination unit 12L in this disclosure. However, the example shown in Figure 13 is applicable only when the vertical size of the zoomed long document image 101 fits within the rearrangement paper 111. In other words, it is applicable when the aspect ratio of the long document image 101 is wider than that of the rearrangement paper 111.

[0042] In the example shown in Figure 14, the long document image 101 is zoomed by a magnification of Z4 so that the length of the vertically extending side of the long document image 101 matches the length of the vertically extending side of the rearrangement paper 111. The length of the horizontally extending side of the zoomed long document image is A × Z4, and the length of the vertically extending side is A × a × Z4. The process of dividing the zoomed long document image 41 at positions corresponding to each sheet of paper corresponds to the function of the zoom document division unit 12Z in this disclosure. Furthermore, the function of determining the rearranged image of the document image pieces as candidate division arrangements for output corresponds to the function of the division arrangement determination unit 12L in this disclosure. However, the example shown in Figure 14 is applicable only when the horizontal size of the zoomed long document image 101 fits within the rearrangement paper 111. In other words, it is applicable when the long document image 101 has an aspect ratio that is narrower than the rearrangement paper 111.

[0043] Incidentally, as shown in Figure 11B (and Figure 5B), in a paper piece obtained by dividing the long side of the output size into N equal parts, the length of one of the N divided sides, B × b / N, may be longer than the length of the other side, B. Furthermore, the length of the horizontally extending side, B × b / N, of the rearranged paper 111', which is formed by arranging these paper pieces vertically, may still be longer than the length of the vertically extending side, B × N × P. In other words, the rearranged paper 111' may be landscape orientation. In that case, in order to overlay a portrait-oriented long-format original image 101 onto a landscape-oriented rearranged paper 111', the long-format original image 101 should be rotated 90° to match the vertical and horizontal dimensions of the rearranged paper 111'. Figures 15 to 17 show the long-format original image 101 shown in Figure 10 rotated 90° and overlaid onto the rearranged paper 111' shown in Figure 11 to determine the division of the original image pieces and rearrange them. Although the specific details differ from the example shown in Figure 5B due to the different orientation of the original documents, they share the common point of determining whether the long original document image will fit on the rearrangement paper while allowing rotation. Each original image piece can be determined by dividing the long original document image 101, which is superimposed on the rearrangement paper 111', at the position corresponding to each paper piece. The process of dividing the long original document image 41 at the position corresponding to each paper piece corresponds to the function of the 1:1 original document division unit 12D in this disclosure. The left side of Figure 11B shows these original image pieces rearranged to the output sizes 51-1' to 51-P' for P pages, corresponding to the original page arrangement. The function of determining the rearranged image of the original image pieces as a candidate for a division arrangement that can be output corresponds to the function of the division arrangement determination unit 12L in this disclosure. As a method of superimposing the long original document image 101 onto the rearrangement paper 111', the example shown in Figure 15 superimposes a 1:1 long original document image 101 that has been rotated 90° onto the rearrangement paper 111'. However, the example shown in Figure 15 is applicable only when the original long-format image 101 at actual size fits within the rearrangement sheet 111. In other words, it is applicable when the long-format image 101 rotated by 90° is smaller than or equal in size to the rearrangement sheet 111' in both length and width.

[0044] In the example shown in Figure 16, the length of the short side of the long original image 101, which has been rotated by 90°, is zoomed by a magnification of Z5 to match the length of the short side of the rearranged paper 111'. The length of the short side of the zoomed long original image is A × a × Z5, and the length of the long side is A × Z5. The process of dividing the zoomed long original image 41 at positions corresponding to each paper piece corresponds to the function of the zoomed original image division unit 12Z in this disclosure. Furthermore, the function of determining the rearranged image of the original image pieces as a candidate for a division arrangement that can be output corresponds to the function of the division arrangement determination unit 12L in this disclosure. However, the example shown in Figure 16 is applicable only when the horizontal size of the long original image 101, which has been rotated by 90° and zoomed, fits within the rearranged paper 111'. In other words, it is applicable when the aspect ratio of the long original image 101, which has been rotated by 90°, is longer and narrower than that of the rearranged paper 111'.

[0045] In the example shown in Figure 17, the long document image 101, rotated by 90°, is zoomed by a magnification of Z6 so that the length of its long side matches the length of the long side of the rearranged paper 111'. The length of the zoomed long document image in the long side direction is A × Z6, and the length in the short side direction is A × a × Z6. The process of dividing the zoomed long document image 41 at positions corresponding to each paper piece corresponds to the function of the zoomed document division unit 12Z in this disclosure. The function of determining the rearranged image of the document image pieces as candidates for a division arrangement that can be output corresponds to the function of the division arrangement determination unit 12L in this disclosure. However, the example shown in Figure 17 is applicable only when the vertical size of the long document image 101, rotated by 90° and zoomed, fits within the rearranged paper 111'. In other words, it is applicable when the aspect ratio of the long document image 101, rotated by 90°, is wider than that of the rearranged paper 111'.

[0046] Figure 18 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example in which the image processing unit 12 determines feasible division arrangements from those shown in Figures 7-9 and 12-17 within the range of conditions set in the page setting screen 32 shown in Figure 3, and presents suitable candidates to the user for the given conditions. In the example shown in Figure 18, a candidate selection screen 181 is displayed as a pop-up on a screen similar to that in Figure 3. The candidate selection screen 181 displays thumbnails 185 and conditions / indicators 186 of suitable output candidates for each of the three priority conditions 182-184 and presents them to the user. The first priority condition 182 is "no division". The second priority condition 183 is the condition to minimize the number of divisions. The third priority condition 184 is the condition to minimize the number of divisions while maintaining a 1:1 magnification.

[0047] These priority conditions may be pre-selectable by the user on an unillustrated selection screen. For example, a priority condition may be set to minimize the unprinted area ratio. Alternatively, a condition may be set to minimize the number of pages. Furthermore, if the long original image 41 contains characters and the image processing unit 12 can recognize the size of those characters using techniques such as character recognition, a priority condition may be set to ensure that the size of the characters falls within a predetermined range. In this case, the priority conditions will relate to the number of divisions, the upper limit of N, the number of pages, and the lower limit of P, and will contribute to the selection of a suitable number of divisions, N, number of pages, and P regarding the size of the characters in the divided original. In this way, by setting the conditions desired by the user as priority conditions, the user can easily select a divided arrangement that yields the desired output.

[0048] Condition / Indicator 186 displays the following for the candidate split layout: (1) the number of divisions, (2) whether the short side or long side is equally divided, (3) the magnification of the long original image, and (4) the percentage of the rearranged paper occupied by the unprinted area (the part that is not the long original image), which is displayed as the unprinted area rate of the paper. In this way, the user can refer to the Condition / Indicator 186 displayed along with the thumbnail 185 for each candidate and select a split layout candidate that, for example, reduces the margins of the output. Note that the Condition / Indicator 186 shown in Figure 18 is just an example and is not limited to it. Of the above Condition / Indicator 186, (1) to (3) can be said to indicate the conditions for split layout. Also, (4) can be said to indicate the indicator for split layout. Although omitted in the example in Figure 18, the number of pages, P, may also be displayed as Condition / Indicator 186. When the "OK" key 187 is pressed, the display returns to Figure 3, and "Selected" is displayed in 34 to indicate whether the method of fitting to the paper has been selected. Furthermore, the "OK" key 39 at the bottom of the page setup screen 32 is un-grayed out and becomes normally displayed and operable. In addition, the preview screen 31 changes to a preview according to the set conditions. Once the settings are confirmed by pressing the "OK" key 39, the user who has checked the finished product on the preview screen can then operate an operation button (not shown) to output the image corresponding to the preview.

[0049] Flowchart Figures 19-22 are flowcharts illustrating an example of the processing flow in which the image processing unit 12 determines and presents candidate layouts based on the settings shown in Figure 3. The processing flow executed by the image processing unit 12 will be explained while referring to these flowcharts. As shown in Figure 3, when the user settings are accepted on the page setup screen 32 and it is determined that the settings are for dividing and arranging a long document (step S11 shown in Figure 19), the image processing unit 12 performs the following processing. First, the vertical size of the document is set to A (mm) and the horizontal size to A × a, and the corresponding values ​​of A and a are obtained (step S12). These are A and a shown in Figure 3. In the example in Figure 3, it is assumed that the vertical and horizontal sizes of 760 mm × 65 mm were obtained from the number of pixels in the print area and the dpi (pixels per inch) settings in the spreadsheet software used for printing. Then, the initial value of the number of pages to be output, P, is set to 1 (step S13). In the flowcharts shown in Figures 19 to 22, the number of pages and the upper limit of P are predetermined, and candidate layouts that satisfy the condition of having fewer or fewer pages than or equal to the upper limit are presented. Step S13 sets the initial value of P and the number of pages that is less than or equal to the upper limit.

[0050] Next, the image processing unit 12 obtains the corresponding values ​​of B and b for the paper size 34, i.e., the output size, set in the page setup screen 37, with the shorter side size being B (mm) and the longer side size being B × b (step S14). These are the B and b shown in Figure 4B. In the example in Figure 3, A4 size is selected for the paper size 37. The image processing unit 12 refers to an unshown data table in which the vertical and horizontal lengths of standard sizes are pre-stored and obtains the data for the A4R size set in the tray, which is a vertical size of 210 mm and a horizontal size of 297 mm.

[0051] Then, the image processing unit 12 determines whether an equal - sized long - size original image 41 as shown in the example of FIG. 7 can fit on the rearrangement paper 61 under the set conditions (step S15). However, for the number of divisions N1, the determination is made for all values within the range not exceeding a predetermined upper limit value δ. That is, for all numbers of divisions that satisfy 0 < N1 ≦ δ, those that meet the conditions are considered candidates. The upper limit value δ of the number of divisions may be a predetermined fixed value. Alternatively, it may be determined according to the value a indicating the aspect ratio of the long - size original image 41, or the size of the long - size original image 41, that is, the values of A and a. One of the conditions for the long - size original image 41 to fit on the rearrangement paper 61 is that the long side of the long - size original image 41 is smaller than or equal to the long side of the rearrangement paper 61. This condition corresponds to the condition (A×a) / (B×b×P)≦N1 in step S15. Another condition is that the short side of the long - size original image 41 is smaller than or equal to the short side of the rearrangement paper 61. This condition corresponds to the condition N1≦B / A in step S15. When the conditions are met (Yes in step S15), a divided arrangement as shown in the example of FIG. 7 is considered a candidate (step S16). The conditions related to the divided arrangement condition / indicator 186 are that the short side of the paper is divided into N1 equal parts, the magnification is equal magnification (100%), and the number of pages is P. Also, the unprinted area ratio of the paper as an indicator is 1 - A×A×a / (B×B×b×P). Then, the process proceeds to the determination in step S17. On the other hand, when the conditions are not met (No in step S15), the process proceeds to the determination in step S17 without adding the divided arrangement related to the equal - sized long - size original image 41 to the candidates.

[0052] Next, the image processing unit 12 determines whether or not a long document image 41 zoomed so that the long side size is adjusted as in the example shown in FIG. 8 fits on the rearrangement paper 61 under the set conditions (step S17). However, as in the determination in step S15, the determination is made for all cases where the number of divisions N2 is less than or equal to a predetermined upper limit value δ. That is, for all numbers of divisions that satisfy 0 < N2 ≤ δ, those that satisfy the conditions are considered candidates. From the condition of adjusting the long side size of the long document image 41 to fit the rearrangement paper 61, the zoom magnification Z1 of the long document image 41 is obtained as Z1 = (N2 × B × b × P / (A × a)) × 100%. From the condition that the value of this magnification Z1 and the short side size of the zoomed long document image 41 are smaller than the short side size of the rearrangement paper 61, the determination condition for step S17, N2 ≤ √(a / (b × P)), is derived. When the condition is satisfied (Yes in step S17), a divided arrangement as in the example shown in FIG. 8 is considered a candidate (step S18). The conditions related to the divided arrangement condition / indicator 186 are that the short side of the paper is divided into N2 equal parts, the magnification is Z1 described above, and the number of pages is P. Also, the unprinted area ratio of the paper as an indicator is 1 - N2 × N2 × b × P / a. Then, the process proceeds to the determination in step S21 shown in FIG. 20. On the other hand, when the condition is not satisfied (No in step S17), the process proceeds to the determination in step S21 shown in FIG. 20 without adding a divided arrangement in which the long document image 41 is zoomed so that the long side size is adjusted to the candidates.

[0053] Subsequently, the image processing unit 12 determines whether the long document image 41 zoomed to match the short side size as in the example shown in FIG. 9 fits within the rearrangement paper 61 under the set conditions (step S21). However, similar to the determinations in steps S15 and S17, the determination is made for all cases where the number of divisions, N3, is less than or equal to the predetermined upper limit value δ. That is, for all division numbers that satisfy 0 < N3 ≦ δ, those that meet the conditions are considered candidates. From the condition of matching the short side size of the long document image 41 to the rearrangement paper 61, the zoom magnification of the long document image 41, Z2 = (B / (A × N3)) × 100% is obtained. From the condition that the value of this magnification, Z2, and the long side size of the zoomed long document image 41 are smaller than the long side size of the rearrangement paper 61, the determination condition for step S21, √(a / b / P) < N3 is derived. When the condition is satisfied (Yes in step S21), a divided arrangement as in the example shown in FIG. 9 is considered a candidate (step S22). The conditions related to this divided arrangement condition / indicator 186 are that the short side of the paper is divided into N3 equal parts, the magnification is Z2 as described above, and the number of pages is P. Also, the unprinted area ratio of the paper as an indicator is 1 - a / (N3 × N3 × b × P). Then, the process proceeds to the determination in step S23. On the other hand, when the condition is not satisfied (No in step S21), the process proceeds to the determination in step S23 without adding to the candidates a divided arrangement in which the long document image 41 is zoomed to match the short side size.

[0054] In step S23, the image processing unit 12 determines whether to consider a divided arrangement, such as the one shown in Figure 11, where the paper is divided along the long side and the resulting pieces are arranged along the short side of the paper. That is, it determines whether the item for "long side division 36" in the page setup screen 32 shown in Figure 3 is set to "yes". If the item for "long side division 36" is set to "no" (No. in step S23), the image processing unit 12 then determines whether the number of pages and the value of P have reached their upper limits (step S24). If the number of pages and P have not reached their upper limits (No. in step S24), the image processing unit 12 increases the number of pages and the value of P by one (step S26). Then, it returns to step S14 in Figure 19 and performs the subsequent processing on the updated number of pages and the value of P. On the other hand, if the number of pages, P, has reached the upper limit (Yes in step S24), the image processing unit 12 extracts the first (final candidate) for each of the pre-set criteria, such as "no division," "minimum unprinted area among the minimum number of divisions," and "minimum unprinted area among the minimum number of divisions at 1x magnification," and presents the division arrangement of each final candidate to the user on the candidate selection screen 181 shown in Figure 18, and accepts the user's selection (step S25). Then, the process ends.

[0055] On the other hand, if the item for long-side division 36 is set to "yes" in the determination in step S23 (No. in step S23), the image processing unit 12 proceeds to the determination in step S27. In the determination in step S27, the image processing unit 12 determines whether the rearranged paper 111, which is obtained by dividing the long side of the paper into N equal parts and arranging them in the direction of the short side, is portrait or landscape, as shown in Figure 11. The condition N > √(b / P) shown in step S27 indicates that the shorter side of the paper is the longer side of the repositioned paper 111. If the shorter side of the paper is the longer side of the repositioned paper 111, the image processing unit 12 proceeds to step S28. On the other hand, if the shorter side of the paper is the shorter side of the repositioned paper 111, the image processing unit 12 proceeds to step S36 shown in Figure 21.

[0056] In the aforementioned step S27, when it is determined that the short side of the sheet becomes the long side of the rearrangement sheet 111 (Yes in step S27), the image processing unit 12 determines whether an enlarged long manuscript image 101 that is rotated as necessary to align the short sides and long sides of the rearrangement sheet 111 as in the example shown in FIG. 12 fits within the rearrangement sheet 111 under the set conditions (step S28). However, regarding the number of divisions, N4, the determination is made for all within the range of a predetermined upper limit value δ or less. That is, for all division numbers that satisfy 0 < N4 ≤ δ, those that meet the conditions are considered candidates. One condition for the long manuscript image 101 to fit within the vertically long rearrangement sheet 111 is that the long side of the long manuscript image 101 is smaller than or equal to the long side of the rearrangement sheet 111. This condition corresponds to the condition of (A × a) / (B × P) ≤ N4 in step S28. Another condition is that the short side of the long manuscript image 101 is smaller than or equal to the short side of the rearrangement sheet 111. This condition corresponds to the condition of N4 ≤ (B × b) / A in step S28. When the conditions are met (Yes in step S28), a divided arrangement as in the example shown in FIG. 12 is considered a candidate (step S29). The conditions related to this divided arrangement condition / index 186 are that the long side of the sheet is divided into N4 equal parts, the magnification is 100% (equal magnification), and the number of pages is P. Also, the unprinted area ratio of the sheet as an index is 1 - A × A × a / (B × B × b × P). Then, the process proceeds to the determination in step S31 of FIG. 21. On the other hand, when the conditions are not met (No in step S28), the process proceeds to the determination in step S31 of FIG. 21 without adding the divided arrangement related to the enlarged long manuscript image 101 to the candidates.

[0057] Next, the image processing unit 12 determines whether or not the long manuscript image 101 zoomed so as to match the short side size as in the example shown in FIG. 13 fits within the rearrangement paper 111 under the set conditions (step S31). However, similar to the determination in step S28, the determination is made for all cases where the number of divisions, N5, is less than or equal to the predetermined upper limit value δ. That is, for all division numbers that satisfy 0 < N5 ≤ δ, those that satisfy the conditions are considered candidates. From the condition of matching the short side size of the long manuscript image 101 to the short side of the rearrangement paper 111, the zoom magnification of the long manuscript image 101, Z3 = (B × b / (A × N5)) × 100% is obtained. From the condition that the value of this magnification, Z3, and the long side size of the zoomed long manuscript image 101 are smaller than the long side size of the rearrangement paper 111, the determination condition for step S31, √(a × b / P) ≤ N5 is derived. When the condition is satisfied (Yes in step S31), a divided arrangement as in the example shown in FIG. 13 is considered a candidate (step S32). The conditions related to this divided arrangement condition / index 186 are that the long side of the paper is divided into N5 equal parts, the magnification is Z3 as described above, and the number of pages is P. Also, the unprinted area ratio of the paper as an index is 1 - a × b / (N5 × N5 × P). Then, the process proceeds to the determination in step S33. On the other hand, when the condition is not satisfied (No in step S31), the process proceeds to the determination in step S33 without adding to the candidates a divided arrangement in which the long manuscript image 101 is zoomed so as to match the short side size.

[0058] Subsequently, the image processing unit 12 determines whether or not the long manuscript image 101 zoomed so that the long side size is adjusted as in the example shown in FIG. 14 fits on the rearrangement paper 111 under the set conditions (step S33). However, similar to the determinations in steps S28 and S31, the determination is made for all cases where the number of divisions, N6, is less than or equal to the predetermined upper limit value δ. That is, for all numbers of divisions satisfying 0 < N6 ≦ δ, those satisfying the conditions are considered candidates. From the condition of matching the long side size of the long manuscript image 101 to the long side of the rearrangement paper 111, the zoom magnification of the long manuscript image 101, Z4 = (B × N6 × P / (a × A)) × 100% is obtained. From the condition that the value of this magnification, Z4, and the short side size of the zoomed long manuscript image 101 are smaller than the short side size of the rearrangement paper 111, the determination condition for step S33, N6 < √(a × b / P) is derived. When the condition is satisfied (Yes in step S33), a divided arrangement as in the example shown in FIG. 14 is considered a candidate (step S34). The conditions related to the condition / index 186 of this divided arrangement are that the long side of the paper is divided into N6 equal parts, the magnification is Z4 as described above, and the number of pages is P. Also, the unprinted area ratio of the paper as an index is 1 - N6 × N6 × P / (a × b). Then, the process returns to the determination in step S24 of FIG. 20. On the other hand, when the condition is not satisfied (No in step S33), the process returns to the determination in step S24 of FIG. 20 without adding to the candidates a divided arrangement in which the long manuscript image 101 is zoomed so that the vertical size is adjusted.

[0059] In the aforementioned step S27, when it is determined that the short side of the sheet becomes the short side of the rearrangement sheet 111 (No in step S27), the image processing unit 12 determines whether an enlarged long document image 101 rotated as necessary to align the short sides and long sides of the rearrangement sheet 111 as shown in the example of FIG. 15 fits within the rearrangement sheet 111 under the set conditions (step S36). However, regarding the number of divisions, N7, the determination is made for all within the range of not exceeding a predetermined upper limit value δ. That is, for all division numbers that satisfy 0 < N7 ≤ δ, those that meet the conditions are considered candidates. One condition for the long document image 101 to fit within the rearrangement sheet 111 is that the short side of the long document image 101 is smaller than or equal to the short side of the rearrangement sheet 111. This condition corresponds to the condition of A / (B × P) ≤ N7 in step S36. Another condition is that the long side of the long document image 101 is smaller than or equal to the long side of the rearrangement sheet 111. This condition corresponds to the condition of N7 ≤ (B × b) / (A × a) in step S36. When the conditions are met (Yes in step S36), a divided arrangement as shown in the example of FIG. 15 is considered a candidate (step S36). The conditions related to the condition / index 186 of this divided arrangement are that the long side of the sheet is divided into N7 equal parts, the magnification is 100% (equal magnification), and the number of pages is P. Also, the unprinted area ratio of the sheet as an index is 1 - A × A × a / (B × B × b × P). Then, the process proceeds to the determination in step S41 of FIG. 22. On the other hand, when the conditions are not met (No in step S36), the process proceeds to the determination in step S41 of FIG. 22 without adding the divided arrangement related to the enlarged long document image 101 to the candidates.

[0060] Next, the image processing unit 12 determines whether or not a long original image 101, which is zoomed so that the short-side sizes match after rotation as necessary to align the orientations of the short sides and long sides of the rearrangement paper 111 as in the example shown in FIG. 16, fits on the rearrangement paper 111 under the set conditions (step S41). However, similar to the determination in step S36, the determination is made for all cases where the number of divisions, N8, is less than or equal to a predetermined upper limit value δ. That is, for all division numbers that satisfy 0 < N8 ≤ δ, those that satisfy the conditions are considered candidates. From the condition of matching the short-side size of the long original image 101 to the short side of the rearrangement paper 111, the zoom magnification of the long original image 101, Z5 = (B × N8 × P / A) × 100% is obtained. From the condition that the value of this magnification, Z5, and the size of the zoomed long original image 101 are smaller than the long-side size of the rearrangement paper 111, the determination condition for step S41, N8 ≤ √(b / (a × P)) is derived. When the condition is satisfied (Yes in step S41), a divided layout as in the example shown in FIG. 16 is considered a candidate (step S42). The conditions related to this divided layout condition / indicator 186 are N8 equal divisions of the paper long side, the magnification is Z5 as described above, and the number of pages is P. Also, the unprinted area ratio of the paper as an indicator is 1 - a × N8 × N8 × P / b. Then, the process proceeds to the determination in step S43. On the other hand, when the condition is not satisfied (No in step S41), the process proceeds to the determination in step S43 without adding to the candidates a divided layout in which the short-side size of the long original image 101 is zoomed to match the short side of the rearrangement paper 111.

[0061] Subsequently, the image processing unit 12 determines whether or not a long manuscript image 101 that has been rotated as necessary to align the short sides and long sides of the rearrangement paper 111 as in the example shown in FIG. 17 and then zoomed to match the long side size fits on the rearrangement paper 111 under the set conditions (step S43). However, similar to the determinations in steps S36 and S41, the determination is made for all cases where the number of divisions, N9, is less than or equal to a predetermined upper limit value δ. That is, for all division numbers that satisfy 0 < N9 ≦ δ, those that meet the conditions are considered candidates. From the condition of matching the short side size of the long manuscript image 101 rotated as necessary to the rearrangement paper 111, the zoom magnification of the long manuscript image 101, Z6 = (B × b / (A × a × N9)) × 100% is obtained. From the condition that the value of this magnification, Z6, and the short side size of the long manuscript image 101 rotated and zoomed as necessary are smaller than the short side size of the rearrangement paper 111, the determination condition for step S43, N9 > √(b / (a × P)) is derived. If the condition is satisfied (Yes in step S43), a division arrangement as in the example shown in FIG. 17 is considered a candidate (step S44). The conditions related to this division arrangement's condition / index 186 are N9 equal divisions of the paper long side, the magnification is the above Z6, and the number of pages is P. Also, the unprinted area ratio of the paper as an index is 1 - b / (a × N9 × N9 × P). Then, the process returns to the determination in step S24 of FIG. 20. On the other hand, if the condition is not satisfied (No in step S43), the process returns to the determination in step S24 of FIG. 20 without adding to the candidates a division arrangement where the long side size of the long manuscript image 101 rotated as necessary is zoomed to match the long side of the rearrangement paper 111.

[0062] The above is an example of the process flow for the image processing unit 12 to determine and present candidates for division arrangements. As shown in the flowchart, if the values of A and a related to the manuscript size, and the values of B and b related to the output size are determined, and the upper limit value of the number of pages, P, and the upper limit value of the number of divisions, N, are determined and all possible values are finite in number, then the determination conditions and the content of the condition / index 186 can be determined as combinations of these. In other words, if these values are determined and finite, it is possible to determine candidates for division arrangements.

[0063] (Embodiment 2) In Embodiment 1, the number of pages and the upper limit of P are predetermined, and the image processing unit 12 presents candidate partition arrangements that satisfy the condition of having a number of pages less than or equal to that upper limit. In this embodiment, when the user specifies the number of pages and P, the system presents candidate partition arrangements that satisfy the specified number of pages and other predetermined conditions. Although not shown in the page setting screen 32 of Figure 3, in this embodiment, the page setting screen 32 is provided for the user to set the number of pages and P, and accepts the user's specification of the number of pages and P. The processing flow executed by the image processing unit 12 in this embodiment is generally the same as the processing in Embodiment 1 shown in Figures 19 to 23. However, in Embodiment 1, the initial value is set to 1 in step S13 of Figure 19, whereas in this embodiment, the value of the number of pages and P received on the page setting screen 32 is set. Furthermore, the processing in steps S24 and S26 of Figure 20 is omitted, and the process proceeds to the Yes path in step S24.

[0064] (Embodiment 3) In Embodiment 1, the page setup screen 32 accepts the setting 34 to match the paper size, and determines candidate layouts for the set paper size 37 (A4 size in the example of Figure 3). In contrast, this embodiment describes a process in which candidate layouts are determined and presented to the user not only for the single set paper size, but for a finite number of paper sizes. Figure 23 is an explanatory diagram showing an example where the paper size 37 is set to "Automatic" in the page setup screen 32 corresponding to Figure 3. When the paper size 37 is "Automatic", the image processing unit 12 determines candidate layouts for all output sizes that the image processing unit 10 can process. For example, in the case of a copy job, candidate layouts are determined for each paper size set in the paper trays 16A to 16C. Also, for example, in the case of a scanner job, candidate layouts are determined for each output size that the image processing unit 12 can handle. If there are a finite number of types of output sizes, it is possible to determine candidate layouts.

[0065] Figure 24 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example in this embodiment in which the image processing unit 12 determines candidate division arrangements for possible paper sizes and presents a list of them to the user. As shown in Figure 24, the candidate list screen 241 displays the division arrangement candidates in a multi-row table format. For each candidate, conditions / indicators 242 are displayed. The items of the conditions / indicators 242 are the same as the conditions / indicators 186 shown in Figure 18. That is, the following items are displayed as conditions / indicators 242 on the same row as the radio buttons that accept candidate selection: paper size, paper division side (whether the short side or long side is equally divided), number of divisions, side to align (whether the short side or long side of the long original image is aligned with the vertical side of the paper piece), and magnification of the long original image. Furthermore, the unprinted area ratio is displayed as an indicator. Although the table happens to show all paper sizes as A4, if A3 paper is also loaded in the paper tray, the results for A3 paper will be displayed after the results for A4 paper; the paper size is not limited to just one type. When the "OK" key 243 is pressed, the selected candidates are output.

[0066] Flowchart Figures 25 to 28 are flowcharts illustrating an example of the processing flow in which the image processing unit 12 determines and presents candidate division arrangements in this embodiment. The processing flow executed by the image processing unit 12 will be explained with reference to these flowcharts. Figures 25 to 28 show examples of copy jobs. As shown in Figure 23, when the page setup screen 32 accepts user settings and determines that the settings determine and display a list of division arrangements for a long document (step S111 shown in Figure 25), the image processing unit 12 performs the following processing. First, the size of the document in the short side direction is A (mm), and the size in the long side direction is A × a, and the corresponding values ​​of A and a are obtained (step S112). These are A and a shown in Figures 3 and 10.

[0067] Next, the image processing unit 12 selects the first paper size from among the printable paper sizes (step S113). Since the paper size setting 37 is "automatic", it selects the paper sizes from among those set in the paper trays 16A to 16C, starting with the paper size set in paper tray 16A. In steps S175 and S176 of Figure 28, which will be described later, the target paper sizes are switched sequentially to determine the candidate for the split arrangement for that paper size. For example, if the paper size setting 37 is "A4", it selects the A4 or A4R paper size set in the printable paper tray. Then, it sets the initial value of the number of pages to be output, P, to 1 (step S114). For the number of pages, P, in steps S133 and S134 of Figure 26, which will be described later, the value is increased by 1 each time to determine the candidate for all number of pages up to the upper limit.

[0068] Next, the image processing unit 12 obtains the corresponding values ​​of B and b for the paper size, i.e., output size, selected in step S113, with B (mm) representing the size in the short side direction and B × b representing the size in the long side direction (step S115). Furthermore, it sets a predetermined upper limit δ as the initial value of the number of divisions, N (step S116). For the number of divisions, N, in steps S131 and S132 of Figure 26, which will be described later, the value is decreased by 1 each time to determine candidates for all division numbers less than or equal to the upper limit δ.

[0069] Then, in case the paper size, number of pages, P, and number of divisions, N at that point become candidates for a divided layout, the conditions / indicators 242 are presented on the candidate list screen 241, and the sides to be matched are prepared as data (step S117). It is preferable to also prepare the number of pages, P as conditions / indicators 242. Here, the paper division side is the short side of the paper, and the side to be matched is the short side of the long original image 101. This is because a divided layout as shown in Figures 7 to 9 is assumed. Next, the image processing unit 12 determines whether the long original image 41 will fit on the re-layout paper 61 if it is zoomed to match the size of the long original image 41 in the short side direction to the size of the re-layout paper 61 in the short side direction (step S118). That is, it determines whether a divided layout as shown in Figure 8 is a possible candidate. This is a determination of whether the same condition as in step S17 in Figure 19, N2 ≤ √(a / (b×P)), is met. If the condition is met (Yes in step S118), the image processing unit 12 further prepares the magnification (N×B×b×P / (A×a))×100% and the unprinted area ratio of the paper, 1-N×N×b×P / a, as condition / indicator 242 (step S121). The magnification and unprinted area ratio are the same as those shown in step S18 in Figure 19. Then, the process proceeds to the determination in step S123.

[0070] On the other hand, if the conditions in step S118 are not met (No. in step S118), the image processing unit 12 also prepares a magnification ((B / (A×N))×100% and the unprinted area ratio of the paper, 1-a / (N×N×b×P) as conditions / indicators 242 (step S122). The magnification and unprinted area ratio are the same as those shown in step S22 of Figure 20. Then, the process proceeds to the determination in step S123.

[0071] In step S123, the image processing unit 12 determines whether the magnification obtained in step S121 or S122 is greater than 100%. If the long original image 41 can be enlarged to fit the vertical or horizontal size of the rearrangement paper 61 and still fit on the rearrangement paper 61, then the long original image 41 at 1:1 magnification will also fit on the rearrangement paper 61, and is therefore added to the list of candidates for split arrangement. That is, if the magnification is greater than 100% (Yes in step S123), the image processing unit 12 also prepares a magnification of 100%, an unprinted area ratio, and 1-A×A×a / (B×B×b×P) as conditions / indicators 242 (step S124). The magnification and unprinted area ratio are the same as those shown in step S16 of Figure 19. Then, the process proceeds to step S131 shown in Figure 26. On the other hand, if the conditions of step S123 described above are not met (No. of step S123), the process proceeds to step S131 shown in Figure 26 without adding the division arrangement related to the full-size long original image to the candidates.

[0072] In Figure 26, the image processing unit 12 decreases the value of the number of divisions, N, by one (step S131), and then determines whether the value of the number of divisions, N, is zero or not (step S132). If the value of the number of divisions, N, is not zero (No in step S132), the process returns to step S117 in Figure 25, and the subsequent processing is performed for that value of the number of divisions, N. If the value of the number of divisions, N, is zero (Yes in step S132), it is determined that candidate determinations have been made for all possible values ​​of the number of divisions, N, and then it determines whether the value of the number of pages, P, has reached the upper limit (step S133). If the value of the number of pages, P, has not reached the upper limit (No in step S133), the number of pages, P, is increased by one (step S134), the process returns to step S115 in Figure 25, and the subsequent processing is performed for that value of the number of pages, P. On the other hand, if the value of the number of pages, P, has reached the upper limit (Yes in step S133), it is determined that candidate determinations have been made for all possible values ​​of the number of pages, P. Then, the image processing unit 12 determines whether or not to consider a divided arrangement, in which the long original document image 101, as shown in Figure 10, is placed on a rearranged sheet 111, which is formed by dividing the long side of the paper and arranging the pieces of paper in the direction of the short side, as shown in Figure 11 (step S134).

[0073] If the settings are configured so that a long original image 101, as shown in Figure 10, is not considered for splitting and arranging onto a rearrangement sheet 111, as shown in Figure 11 (No. in step S134), the image processing unit 12 proceeds to step S175, as shown in Figure 28, to determine whether there are any unselected possible output sizes remaining. If there are any unselected possible output sizes remaining (Yes in step S175), one of the unselected possible output sizes is selected (step S176). Then, the process returns to step S114 in Figure 25, and subsequent processing is performed for the selected output size. On the other hand, if there are no unselected possible output sizes remaining, it is determined that candidates have been decided for all possible output sizes (No. in step S175). Then, the process proceeds to step S177, and the data prepared for the splitting and arranging candidates is displayed in a list on the candidate list screen 241. Finally, the user's selection for the displayed splitting and arranging candidates is accepted.

[0074] If the determination in step S134 of Figure 26 above indicates that a divided arrangement that fits the long original image 101 shown in Figure 10 onto the rearrangement sheet 111 shown in Figure 11 is selected as a candidate (Yes in step S134), the image processing unit 12 continues the following process. First, the initial value of the number of pages, P, is set to 1 (step S141). For the number of pages, P, in steps S173 and S174 of Figure 28, which will be described later, the value is increased by 1 each time to determine candidates for all number of pages up to or below the upper limit. Furthermore, the initial value of the number of divisions, N, is set to a predetermined upper limit δ (step S142). For the number of divisions, N, in steps S171 and S172 of Figure 28, which will be described later, the value is decreased by 1 each time to determine candidates for all number of divisions up to or below the upper limit δ.

[0075] Then, in preparation for the case where the paper size, number of pages, P, and number of divisions, N at that time become candidates for the divided layout, the paper size, paper division side, number of divisions, N are prepared as data so that the condition / indicator 242 can be presented on the candidate list screen 241 (step S143). It is preferable to also prepare the number of pages, P as the condition / indicator 242. Here, the paper division side is the long side of the paper. This is because a divided layout as shown in FIGS. 12 to 17 is assumed. Subsequently, the image processing unit 12 determines whether the short side of the paper is the long side of the rearrangement paper 111 (step S144). This is the same as the determination in step S27 of FIG. 20. When the short side of the paper is the long side of the rearrangement paper (Yes in step S144), the process proceeds to the determination in step S151 shown in FIG. 27.

[0076] In the determination of step S151 in FIG. 27, the image processing unit 12 determines whether it can fit on the rearrangement paper if it zooms in the short side of the long manuscript image 101 to match the short side of the rearrangement paper 111. That is, it determines whether a divided layout as shown in FIG. 13 can be a candidate. Step S151 is a determination of whether the condition √(a×b / P)<N, which is the same as the condition in step S31 of FIG. 21, is satisfied. When the condition is satisfied (Yes in step S151), the image processing unit 12 further prepares the magnification, (B×b / (A×N))×100%, and the unprinted area rate of the paper, 1 - a×b / (N×N×P) as the condition / indicator 242 (step S152). The magnification and the unprinted area rate are the same as those shown in step S32 of FIG. 21. Then, the process proceeds to the determination in step S154.

[0077] On the other hand, when the condition of step S151 described above is not satisfied (No in step S151), the image processing unit 12 further prepares the magnification, (B×N×P / (a×A))×100%, and the unprinted area rate of the paper, 1 - N×N×P / (a×b) as the condition / indicator 242 (step S153). The magnification and the unprinted area rate are the same as those shown in step S34 of FIG. 21. Then, the process proceeds to the determination in step S154.

[0078] In step S154, the image processing unit 12 determines whether the magnification obtained in step S152 or S153 is greater than 100%. If the long document image 101 can be enlarged and still fit within the short side or long side size of the rearrangement paper 111, then the same-sized long document image 101 can also fit within the rearrangement paper 111, so it is also added as a candidate for divided placement. That is, when the magnification is greater than 100% (Yes in step S154), the image processing unit 12 further prepares, as condition / index 242, a magnification of 100%, an unprinted area ratio, and 1 - A×A×a / (B×B×b×P) (step S155). The magnification and the unprinted area ratio are the same as those shown in step S29 of FIG. 20. Then, the process proceeds to step S171 shown in FIG. 28. On the other hand, when the condition of step S154 described above is not satisfied (No in step S154), the process proceeds to step S171 shown in FIG. 28 without adding the divided placement related to the same-sized long document image as a candidate.

[0079] Return to the determination of step S144 in FIG. 26 described above. When the short side of the paper is the short side of the rearrangement paper 111 (No in step S144), the process proceeds to the determination of step S161 shown in FIG. 27.

[0080] In the determination of step S161 in FIG. 27, the image processing unit 12 determines whether the long document image 101 rotated as necessary can fit within the rearrangement paper by zooming the short side to match the short side of the rearrangement paper 111. That is, it determines whether a divided placement as shown in FIG. 16 can be a candidate. Step S161 is a determination of whether the same condition as step S41 in FIG. 22, √(b / (a×P)) < N, is satisfied. When the condition is not satisfied (No in step S161), the image processing unit 12 further prepares, as condition / index 242, a magnification of (B×N×P / A)×100% and an unprinted area ratio of the paper, 1 - a×N×N×P / b (step S162). The magnification and the unprinted area ratio are the same as those shown in step S42 of FIG. 22. Then, the process proceeds to the determination of step S164.

[0081] On the other hand, if the conditions of step S161 are met (Yes in step S161), the image processing unit 12 also prepares a magnification, (B×b / (A×a×N))×100% and the unprinted area ratio of the paper, 1-b / (a×N×N×P) as conditions / indicators 242 (step S163). The magnification and unprinted area ratio are the same as those shown in step S44 of Figure 22. Then, the process proceeds to the determination in step S164.

[0082] In step S164, the image processing unit 12 determines whether the magnification obtained in step S162 or S163 is greater than 100%. If the long original image 101 can be enlarged to fit the size of the short or long side of the rearrangement paper 111 even after being rotated as needed, and the long original image 101 still fits on the rearrangement paper 111, then the long original image 101 at 1:1 magnification will also fit on the rearrangement paper 111, and it will be added to the list of candidates for division and placement. That is, if the magnification is greater than 100% (Yes in step S164), the image processing unit 12 also prepares the magnification of 100%, the unprinted area ratio, and 1-A×A×a / (B×B×b×P) as conditions / indicators 242 (step S165). The magnification and unprinted area ratio are the same as those shown in step S37 of Figure 21. Then the process proceeds to step S171 shown in Figure 28. On the other hand, if the conditions of step S154 described above are not met (No. of step S154), the process proceeds to step S171 shown in Figure 28 without adding the division arrangement related to the full-size long original image to the candidates.

[0083] In Figure 28, the image processing unit 12 decreases the value of the number of divisions, N, by one (step S171), and then determines whether the value of the number of divisions, N, is zero or not (step S172). If the value of the number of divisions, N, is not zero (No in step S172), the process returns to step S143 in Figure 26, and the subsequent processing is performed for that value of the number of divisions, N. If the value of the number of divisions, N, is zero (Yes in step S172), it is determined that candidates have been determined for all possible values ​​of the number of divisions, N, and then it determines whether the value of the number of pages, P, has reached the upper limit (step S173). If the value of the number of pages, P, has not reached the upper limit (No in step S173), the number of pages, P, is increased by one (step S174), the process returns to step S142 in Figure 26, and the subsequent processing is performed for that value of the number of pages, P. On the other hand, if the number of pages and the value of P have reached the upper limit (Yes in step S173), then it is determined that candidates have been determined for all possible values ​​of the number of pages and P.

[0084] The image processing unit 12 then determines whether there are any unselected possible output sizes remaining (step S175). If there are any unselected possible output sizes remaining (Yes in step S175), it selects one of the unselected possible output sizes (step S176). The process then returns to step S114 in Figure 25, and the subsequent processing is performed for the selected output size. On the other hand, if there are no unselected possible output sizes remaining, it is determined that candidates have been decided for all possible output sizes (No in step S175). The process then proceeds to step S177, where the prepared data for the split arrangement candidates is displayed in a list on the candidate list screen 241. The user's selection for the displayed split arrangement candidates is then accepted. The above describes the process by which the image processing unit 12 determines the candidate for the divided arrangement in this embodiment.

[0085] (Other variations) Embodiments 1 to 3 show examples in which a preferred division arrangement candidate is presented to the user according to predetermined priority conditions, the user's selection is accepted, and the candidate selected by the user is output. As a modification, it is also conceivable that the user sets the priority conditions in advance, and the image processing unit 12 determines and outputs the optimal division arrangement candidate according to the set priority conditions. This invention should be understood to include combinations of any of the above-described embodiments. In addition to the embodiments described above, various modifications of this invention are possible. These modifications should not be considered outside the scope of this invention. This invention should include the meaning of the claims and equivalents and all variations that fall within the scope of this invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0086] 10: Image processing unit, 11: Original image acquisition unit, 12: Image processing unit, 12D: 1:1 original division unit, 12L: Division and placement determination unit, 12S: Re-arrangement output size calculation unit, 12Z: Zoom original division unit, 13: Image output unit, 14: Original reading unit, 14F: Original feeder, 14P: Document glass, 15: Communication unit, 16: Printing unit, 16A~16C: Paper feed tray, 16D~16F: Output tray, 17: Operation unit, 18: Operation control unit, 19: Control unit, 31: Preview screen, 32: Page setting screen, 33: Radio buttons, 34: Paper size, 35: In-page division and placement, 36: Long edge division, 37: Original size, 38: Direct input field, 39,187,243: "OK" key, 41,101: Long original image; 51, 51-1~51-P: Output size; 61, 111: Re-arrangement paper size; 181: Candidate selection screen; 182,183,184: Priority conditions; 185: Thumbnail; 186,242: Conditions / Indicators; 241: Candidate list screen

Claims

1. A method for dividing a long original image into multiple original image fragments and arranging them on a number of pages P that is less than the number of original image fragments, The processor, For one or more output sizes, the size of the rearranged paper is determined by arranging N × P pieces of paper in the direction of the other side, where one side of the output size is divided equally into N divisions, and the length of one side is the length of the other side of the output size. The steps include: determining whether the long original image at actual size fits within the size of the rearrangement paper, and if it fits within that size, determining that a divided arrangement consisting of multiple original image fragments at actual size, in which the long original image is divided at locations corresponding to each piece of paper, can be output; The steps include: determining whether the long original image fits within the dimensions of the rearrangement paper when zoomed to match either the vertical or horizontal size of the rearrangement paper, and if it fits within those dimensions, determining that the zoomed long original image is divided at the locations corresponding to each sheet of paper, and that a divided arrangement consisting of multiple zoomed original image fragments can be output; The process includes the step of creating an image of P pages, in which up to N original long-format original image fragments related to the divided arrangement determined to be outputtable are arranged in the same order as the original long-format original image, and this image is then made outputtable. An image processing method in which both N and P are natural numbers.

2. For a single long-format image, for the user-selected or one or more outputtable sizes, (1) The number of divisions N, (2) Which of the vertical or horizontal sides of the output size is divided equally into N sections? (3) Magnification related to the zoom, (4) Page number P, A step of determining whether there is a partitioned arrangement that can be output for any condition that is different in at least one of (1) to (4), If there is one or more divided arrangements that are determined to be outputtable, the step of presenting them to the user along with at least one of the applied items (1)-(4), The image processing method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of accepting a user's selection of a presented divided arrangement.

3. The image processing method according to claim 2, wherein the aforementioned step provides the user with information relating to the area of ​​the long original image at 1:1 or zoomed in on the divided arrangement and the area of ​​the rearranged paper, in addition to any of the applied items (1) to (4).

4. The image processing method according to claim 3, wherein the step described above presents to the user the outputtable divided arrangements in order of the proportion of the area of ​​the original document image at 1:1 or zoomed to the rearranged paper.

5. The image processing method according to claim 2, wherein the number of divisions N is a number within a predetermined range according to the size and aspect ratio of the long original image and the size and aspect ratio of the output image.

6. The aforementioned long original image contains text, The image processing method according to claim 2, wherein the number of divisions N is the number of ranges determined such that the size of the characters in the long original image fits within a predetermined range.

7. The image processing method according to claim 1, further comprising the steps of determining a division arrangement for a single long original image that maximizes the ratio of the area of ​​the long original image (either at actual size or zoomed) to the rearrangement paper, and outputting the image according to that division arrangement.

8. An image processing apparatus for dividing a long original image into multiple original image fragments and arranging them in a number of pages P that is less than the number of original image fragments, A document image acquisition unit that acquires the aforementioned long document image, An image processing unit that generates an image by dividing and arranging the acquired long original document image, The system includes an image output unit that outputs the aforementioned image, The aforementioned image processing unit, A rearrangement output size calculation unit calculates the size of a rearranged sheet by arranging N × P pieces of paper in the direction of the other side of the output size, where one side of the output size is divided equally into N divisions, and the length of one side is the length of the other side of the output size. A 1:1 scale original image division unit determines whether the long original image at 1:1 scale fits within the size of the rearrangement paper, and if it fits within that size, determines that it can output a divided arrangement consisting of multiple 1:1 scale original image pieces, each of which the long original image is divided at a location corresponding to each piece of paper. A zoom document splitting unit determines whether the long document image will fit on the re-arrangement paper when zoomed to match either the vertical or horizontal size of the re-arrangement paper, and if it does fit, determines that the zoomed long document image will be divided at the locations corresponding to each sheet of paper, and that a divided arrangement consisting of multiple zoomed document image pieces can be output. The system includes a division and arrangement determination unit that determines that the divided and arranged original document image fragments, which have been determined to be outputtable, are arranged in the same order as the original long document image, with a maximum of N fragments per page, to form an image of P pages that can be outputtable, and this unit determines that the divided and arranged original document image fragments are outputtable, The image output unit outputs one of the outputtable images. An image processing device in which both N and P are natural numbers.

9. A processing program for dividing a long original image into multiple original image fragments and arranging them on a number of pages that is fewer than the original image fragments, The process to be executed by the processor is: For one or more output sizes, the process involves determining the size of a rearranged sheet by arranging N × P sheets of paper in the direction of the other side, where one side of the output size is divided equally into N divisions, and the length of one side is the length of the other side of the output size. The process involves determining whether the long original image at actual size fits within the size of the rearrangement paper, and if it does, determining that the long original image is divided at locations corresponding to each sheet of paper, and that a divided arrangement consisting of multiple original image fragments at actual size can be output. The process involves zooming the long original image to match either the vertical or horizontal size of the rearrangement paper, determining whether it fits within the size of the rearrangement paper, and if it fits within that size, determining that the long original image can be divided into multiple zoomed original image fragments at the locations corresponding to each zoomed-in section of the paper, thereby enabling output of a divided arrangement. The process includes arranging up to N fragments of the original document image per page in the same order as the original long document image to create an image that can be output, and generating an image for P pages. An image processing program where both N and P are natural numbers.

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