PROGRAM, INFORMATION PROCESSING APPARATUS, AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING INFORMATION PROCESSING APPARATUS

Abstract

To display a cutting area when necessary, to improve the convenience for a user who lays out image data.SOLUTION: An embodiment of the present invention is a program for causing a computer to function as display control means that can display a screen having a first area in which an object is arranged and a second area surrounding the first area, and according to settings as to whether to display or not to display the second area, switches between display and non-display of the second area on the screen, and even when the settings indicate non-display, the display control means displays the second area based on the position of the object in the first area.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to techniques for editing albums. [Background technology]

[0002] Layout software that arranges and designs objects such as images and text has a function that displays the cutting area and presents it to the user. The cutting area is, for example, an area that is cut to align edges when printing, or an area that is folded over when binding the cover. Such cutting areas are used as an indicator when performing borderless printing, and by arranging the object edges so that they overlap the cutting area, the object edges are cut in a post-printing process to produce a borderless output.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a function for aligning objects that can be applied to such layout software. This function is called object snapping. For example, when performing borderless printing, this function can be used to assist borderless printing by positioning an object so that the object's edge fits the outer edge of the cutting area.

[0004] On the other hand, for users of layout software, it may be difficult to understand the meaning of the displayed cutting area, and it may be troublesome during editing work. Therefore, it is known to use a display switching function of the layout software to hide the cutting area. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2010-176275 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, when the cutting area is hidden, the indicator for borderless printing disappears, and there is a risk that the user will not be able to understand the layout criteria when the output is printed. It is possible to use the object snapping described above to align the object edges with the outer edges of the cutting area, but when the cutting area is hidden, there is a risk that the user will not be able to understand the layout criteria.

[0007] In view of the above problems, the present disclosure has an object to improve the convenience of a user who lays out image data. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] One embodiment of the present invention is a program that causes a computer to function as a display control means that is capable of displaying a screen having a first area for placing an object and a second area surrounding the first area, and that switches between displaying and hiding the second area on the screen depending on a setting of whether to display or hide the second area, and that even when the setting indicates non-display, the display control means displays the second area based on the position of the object in the first area. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to improve the convenience for a user who lays out image data. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] Block diagram showing the configuration of a printing system [Diagram 2] Diagram showing the created album [Diagram 3] Flowchart showing the process of the album editing application [Figure 4] Diagram showing the editing screen [Diagram 5] A diagram showing the preferences screen [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a non-display state and a display state of a cutting area. [Figure 7] 1 is a flowchart showing a process in the first embodiment; [Figure 8] FIG. 1 shows an editing screen in the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining overlap determination in the first embodiment. [Figure 10] 11 is a flowchart showing a process in the second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an editing screen in the second embodiment. [Figure 12] Flowchart showing processing in the third embodiment [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an editing screen in the third embodiment. [Figure 14] Flowchart showing processing in the fourth embodiment [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an editing screen in the fourth embodiment. [Figure 16] Flowchart showing processing in the fifth embodiment [Figure 17] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an editing screen in the fifth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] [First embodiment] <Information processing device> FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a printing system 1000 according to this embodiment. First, the configuration of an information processing device 1004 will be described. A program for an album editing application 90 is stored in a ROM 1009 of the information processing device 1004. The album editing application 90 can create album data for creating an album 10 (also called a photo album, photo book, etc.) as shown in FIG. 2 based on input image data. Note that, in this embodiment, the printed matter will be described as the album 10, but the printed matter is not limited to an album. This embodiment can be applied to general layout software that outputs printed matter, not limited to the album 10.

[0012] The information processing device 1004 can output the album data to the printer 1005 as print data, and can upload the album data to the external server 1002. The information processing device 1004 has a ROM 1009, a RAM 1010, and a CPU 1011. The information processing device 1004 is also connected to the printer 1005, a monitor 1006, an input device 1007, and a storage device 1008. The information processing device 1004 also has an input / output interface (not shown) for connecting to the network 1003. The album data includes data of a plurality of facing pages. Furthermore, one or a plurality of image data are arranged in the data of each of the facing pages of the plurality of facing pages.

[0013] The CPU 1011 is a central processing unit, and controls the entire information processing device 1004 (such as display control) by executing an operating system program (hereinafter abbreviated as OS) stored in the storage device 1008, ROM 1009, or RAM 1010. The CPU 1011 also executes each function of the information processing device 1004 by executing a program stored in the ROM 1009 or RAM 1010. Each program is stored in the ROM 1009. The RAM 1010 is a random access memory, and is used as a work memory for the CPU 1011. Furthermore, if the RAM 1010 is a non-volatile RAM, each program is stored in the RAM 1010.

[0014] The information processing device 1004 is capable of communicating with an external server 1002 via a network 1003. The external server 1002 has an input / output interface (not shown) for connecting to the printer 1001, and is capable of communicating with the printer 1001 via the input / output interface.

[0015] The album data created in the information processing device 1004 is uploaded to the external server 1002 via the network 1003. The external server 1002 transmits print data based on the uploaded album data to the printer 1001. For example, the external server 1002 accepts orders for album creation, manages orders for album creation, creates print data based on the album data, and instructs the printer 1001 to print. The user uploads the album data created in the information processing device 1004 to the external server 1002 and performs the necessary album purchase procedure. When these user operations are properly performed, the external server 1002 transmits print data based on the album data to the printer 1001. Thereafter, the printed matter printed by the printer 1001 is bound by the post-processing device 1400. In the binding process, the printed matter is divided into a cover page and pages other than the cover, and the cover page is created by folding back the edge of the cover page against the cardboard by the cover manufacturing device 1500. In addition, the pages other than the cover are cut by the cutting device 1600 in order to align the edges. Thereafter, the cover page and pages other than the cover page are bound by a bookbinding device 1700, and the resulting album 10 as shown in FIG. 2 is delivered to the user.

[0016] The printer 1005 executes printing based on print data including album data created by the information processing device 1004. The printed matter printed by the printer 1005 may be bound by a user. The monitor 1006 is a display device for displaying image information output by the information processing device 1004. The input device 1007 is an input device such as a keyboard or a pointing device for inputting information to the information processing device 1004. Some input devices are integrated with a monitor and are touch panels that allow input by directly touching the monitor. The storage device 1008 is a storage device such as an HDD or SSD for storing image data, templates, and the like. Note that the configuration shown in FIG. 1 is an example, and other configurations may be used. For example, the information processing device 1004 may be configured to include the monitor 1006, the input device 1007, and the storage device 1008.

[0017] <Album editing application> Next, the process of the album editing application of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0018] When the user starts the album editing application 90, the process of Fig. 3 is started. Note that each step of Fig. 3 is executed by the CPU 1011 reading out from memory a program related to the process of the flowchart and executing it.

[0019] First, in step S1, the CPU 1011 accepts an instruction to select a product by a user, and sets the album size, cover type, bookbinding format, total number of pages in the album, paper type, etc., according to the user's operation. Hereinafter, "step S~" will be abbreviated to "S~".

[0020] In S2, the CPU 1011 accepts an image selection instruction from the user. When the user selects a desired folder, a list screen of image data stored in the selected folder is displayed. When the user selects image data via this screen, the CPU 1011 executes the process of S2.

[0021] In S3, the CPU 1011 determines whether the automatic layout mode has been selected as the layout mode in response to a user operation. If the determination result in this step is true, the process proceeds to S4. On the other hand, if the determination result in this step is false, the process proceeds to S5.

[0022] If the determination result in S3 is true (i.e., if the automatic layout mode is selected), in S4, the CPU 1011 executes automatic layout processing. Specifically, first, the CPU 1011 disables object snapping, which is an object alignment function. After that, the CPU 1011 evaluates the image data selected in the image selection (S2) and assigns a score to each image data. Then, based on the score assigned to each image data, image data to be arranged in the album data is selected. The CPU 1011 lays out the selected image data in the facing page area 50 (see FIG. 4). Note that the automatic layout processing automatically determines the facing page on which the image data is to be arranged and the size of the image data to be arranged. Furthermore, if the automatic layout mode is selected in S3, all of the image data selected in the image selection (S2) is always laid out on one of the facing pages.

[0023] If the determination result of S3 is false (i.e., if the manual layout mode is selected), the CPU 1011 enables object snapping, which is an object alignment function. When the manual layout mode is selected, the selection of image data to be arranged in the album data, the determination of the facing page on which the image data is arranged, and the determination of the size of the image data are performed by the user. Also, when the manual layout mode is selected, only the image selected by the user from the image data selected in image selection (S2) is laid out on the facing page.

[0024] When the process of determining whether the automatic layout mode is selected (S3) or the automatic layout process (S4) is completed, in S5 the CPU 1011 executes an editing process in response to a user operation. When executing an editing process via the automatic layout process (S4), the CPU 1011 displays an editing screen 30 including a two-page spread on which image data has already been laid out. On the other hand, when executing an editing process that does not go through the automatic layout process (S4), the editing screen of FIG. 4 is displayed. Note that when an editing process that does not go through the automatic layout process (S4) is executed and the editing screen 30 is initially displayed, no image data is arranged in the two-page spread area 50. The editing screen 30 is provided by the album editing application 90.

[0025] The editing screen 30 has a layout mode switching check box 31, an order button 70, and an environment setting button 80. The editing screen 30 also has an image selection area 40. The check box 31 accepts the selection of whether to perform automatic layout or manual layout.

[0026] In the graphical user interface shown in Fig. 4, image data 41 to 46 are displayed in an image selection area 40 as the image data group selected in S2 described above. Also, the editing screen 30 has an album facing page area 50. Note that Fig. 4 shows the result of the user arranging image data 51 in the facing page area 50 of the editing screen 30 in the initial state.

[0027] The album editing application 90 also has an environment setting function that switches the display when the user performs editing work according to preference. The environment setting button 80 is used to switch the display when the user performs editing work according to preference. When the environment setting button 80 is pressed, the CPU 1011 displays the environment setting screen 81 shown in Fig. 5 in place of the editing screen 30 (or together with the editing screen 30). Each check box on the environment setting screen 81 accepts selection by the user.

[0028] In S6, the CPU 1011 determines whether to switch the display of the cutting area. If the determination result of this step is true, the process proceeds to S7. On the other hand, if the determination result of this step is false, the process proceeds to S8. In this embodiment, the determination result of this step becomes true when the check mark in the "display cutting area" checkbox 82 in FIG. 5 is changed.

[0029] Here, the display switching of the cutting area during printing will be explained. When the check box 82 is not selected, the CPU 1011 displays only the rectangular double-page spread area 50 and hides the cutting area, as shown in Fig. 6(a). On the other hand, when a user selection is accepted via the check box 82, the CPU 1011 performs a process of switching the display of the cutting area in S7. This switching process results in the cutting area 60 being displayed, as shown in Fig. 6(b).

[0030] Incidentally, the "cut area" is a general term for an area that is printed but cut in order to align the edges during bookbinding, or an area that is folded back for use during cover binding. In the album editing application 90, the cut area 60 is used as an indicator when performing borderless printing. Also, when the user presses the close button 83 after setting via the environment setting screen 81, the CPU 1011 accepts the user's input and transitions to the editing screen 30. Incidentally, the items that can be switched on the environment setting screen 81 are not limited to the five items shown in FIG. 5, and the items can be changed depending on the type of application.

[0031] After finishing editing the album, the user presses the order button 70. In S8, the CPU 1011 accepts an order instruction from the user, and a series of processes is completed. The above is an overview of the process of the album creation application.

[0032] <Switching between real-time display of cutting area> Next, the display switching of the cutting area, which is a feature of this embodiment, will be described with reference to Figs. 7 to 9. In this embodiment, when the above-mentioned check box 82 is not selected and the cutting area 60 is in a hidden state, the display switching of the cutting area 60 is performed based on the position of the image data 51 in the double-page spread area 50. Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing the processing of this embodiment, and Fig. 8 shows the editing screen of this embodiment.

[0033] When the check box 82 is not selected in the environment setting screen 81 in Fig. 5, the cutting area 60 is hidden in the facing page area 50 as shown in Fig. 8(a). Therefore, the cutting area 60 is not displayed unnecessarily, and the cutting area 60 does not hinder the user's editing work. Below, an example will be described in which the user selects image data 51 and moves and rearranges the selected image data 51 when changing the position of the image data 51 in such a state in which the cutting area 60 is hidden.

[0034] In S101, the CPU 1011 determines whether an object in the spread page area 50 is being edited, for example, whether the object is being moved, rotated, or resized. If the determination result in this step is true, the process proceeds to S102. On the other hand, if the determination result in this step is false, the process proceeds to S105.

[0035] For example, when the user selects image data 51 on the editing screen 30, the CPU 1011 accepts an instruction that the user has selected the image data 51 as an object to be edited. Then, the CPU 1011 determines that an object in the double-page spread area 50 is being edited (YES in S101).

[0036] In S102, the CPU 1101 determines whether a part of the object being edited overlaps the cutting area 60. If the determination result in this step is true, the process proceeds to S103. On the other hand, if the determination result in this step is false, the process proceeds to S104.

[0037] For example, when the user is moving image data 51 on the editing screen 30, the CPU 1011 determines in S102 whether the image data 51 overlaps with the cutting area 60. The overlap determination in S102 will be described later with reference to Fig. 9. Here, as shown in Fig. 8(b), a case will be considered in which the user selects image data 51 with the mouse cursor 61 and moves it in the A direction, causing part of the image data 51 to overlap the cutting area 60. In this case, the CPU 1011 determines that part of the object being edited overlaps with the cutting area 60 (YES in S102).

[0038] In S103, the CPU 1011 displays the cutting area 60 while the image data 51 is moving.

[0039] In S104, the CPU 1011 makes the cutting area 60 invisible.

[0040] In S105, the CPU 1011 makes the cutting area 60 invisible.

[0041] When the user moves the image data 51 within the cutting area 60, the CPU 1011 repeats the processes of S101, S102, and S103, and always displays the cutting area 60 while the image data 51 is moving. Thereafter, when the user places the image data 51 in a new position and cancels the selection of the image data 51, the CPU 1011 accepts the user's instruction to cancel the selection of the image data 51 and hides the cutting area 60 as shown in FIG. 8(c) (NO in S101→S105). Note that when an order process is performed in the state shown in FIG. 8(c) and the post-processing device 1400 performs the cutting process or the folding process, the image is output as shown in FIG. 8(d). Also, when the user moves the image data 51, if a part of the image data 51 does not overlap the cutting area 60, the CPU 1011 detects this and hides the cutting area 60 (NO in S102→S104). That is, when the user cancels the selection of the image data 51, or when the image data 51 is selected but a part of it does not overlap the cutting area 60, the CPU 1011 detects this and hides the cutting area 60. The above is the flow of a series of processes in this embodiment.

[0042] Here, the overlap determination (S102) between the image data 51 and the cutting area 60 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 9. The overlap detection between the image data 51 and the cutting area 60 is performed based on the position information (coordinates) of the image data 51 within the page and the position information (coordinates) of the inner end of the cutting area 60. As shown in FIG. 9, the coordinates of the upper left corner (outer end of the cutting area 60) of the page are set to (0, 0), the horizontal direction is the X direction, and the vertical direction is the Y direction. The position information (coordinates) of the inner end of the cutting area 60 are set to the upper left (X1, Y1), lower left (X1, Y2), upper right (X2, Y1), and lower right (X2, Y2). Note that these position information (coordinates) may be different values depending on the page. For example, on the cover page, (X1, Y1) = (15, 15), and on pages other than the cover page, (X1, Y1) = (5, 5), so that while ensuring the folding area required for binding the cover page, the cutting area of pages other than the cover page can be minimized. Also, the position information (coordinates) of the end of the moving image data 51 are the upper left (U1, V1), lower left (U1, V2), upper right (U2, V1), and lower right (U2, V2), and are updated as the image data 51 moves.

[0043] The overlap determination (S102) is performed by determining whether the end of the image data 51 is located outside the inner end of the cutting area 60 based on these position information (coordinates). In the example of FIG. 9, for the left side of the page, when U1 < X1, the CPU 1011 determines that the left end of the image data 51 is located on the left side, outside the inner end of the cutting area 60. As a result, the determination result of S102 becomes true, and the process proceeds to S103. Note that the above is an example for the left end of the image data 51, but the same processing is performed for the other ends.

[0044] <Effects of the present embodiment> As described above, in the present embodiment, based on the position of the image data in the double-page area and the editing state, the display of the cutting area is switched. Thereby, it is possible to display the cutting area only when necessary and improve the convenience for the user during the editing work.

[0045] [Second embodiment] Next, a second embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, the displayed cutting area is different from that in the first embodiment. Specifically, in the first embodiment, the cutting area corresponding to all four sides of a spread page is displayed, but in this embodiment, the cutting area corresponding to at least one side that overlaps with the image data is displayed. In the following description, the same reference numerals and names are used for the same configurations as in the above-mentioned embodiment, and the description will be omitted as appropriate.

[0046] <Switching between real-time display of cutting area> The display switching of the cutting area in this embodiment will be described below with reference to Fig. 10 and Fig. 11. Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing the processing of this embodiment, and Fig. 11 shows the editing screen of this embodiment. Each step in Fig. 10 is executed by the CPU 1011 reading out from memory a program related to the processing of the flowchart and executing it. Also, since the series of processing of the album editing application 90 is the same as the processing of Fig. 3, a detailed description will be omitted.

[0047] When the check box 82 is not selected in the environment setting screen 81 in Fig. 5, the cutting area 60 is hidden in the facing page area 50 as shown in Fig. 11(a). Therefore, the cutting area 60 is not displayed unnecessarily, and the cutting area 60 does not hinder the user's editing work. Below, an example will be described in which the user selects image data 51 and moves and rearranges the selected image data 51 when changing the position of the image data 51 in such a state in which the cutting area 60 is hidden.

[0048] In S201, the CPU 1011 determines whether an object in the spread page area 50 is being edited, for example, whether the object is being moved, rotated, or resized. If the determination result in this step is true, the process proceeds to S202. On the other hand, if the determination result in this step is false, the process proceeds to S205.

[0049] For example, when the user selects image data 51 on the editing screen 30, the CPU 1011 accepts an instruction that the user has selected the image data 51 as an object to be edited. Then, the CPU 1011 determines that an object in the double-page spread area 50 is being edited (YES in S201).

[0050] In S202, the CPU 1101 determines whether a part of the object being edited overlaps with the cutting area 60. If the determination result in this step is true, the process proceeds to S203. On the other hand, if the determination result in this step is false, the process proceeds to S204.

[0051] For example, when the user is moving image data 51 on the editing screen 30, the CPU 1011 determines in S202 whether the image data 51 overlaps with the cutting area 60. Note that the overlap determination in S202 is the same as in the first embodiment, so detailed description will be omitted (see FIG. 9). Here, as shown in FIG. 11(b), a case will be considered in which the user selects image data 51 with the mouse cursor 61 and moves it in the A direction, causing a part of the image data 51 to overlap the cutting area 60. In this case, the CPU 1011 determines that a part of the object being edited overlaps with the cutting area 60 (YES in S202).

[0052] In S203, the CPU 1011 displays the cutting area 60 corresponding to one or more sides that overlap the image data 51 among the four sides of the spread page 50 while the image data 51 is being moved.

[0053] In S204, the CPU 1011 makes the cutting area 60 invisible.

[0054] In S205, the CPU 1011 makes the cutting area 60 invisible.

[0055] When the user moves the image data 51 within the cutting area 60, the CPU 1011 repeats the processes of S201, S202, and S203, and while the image data 51 is moving, the CPU 1011 displays the cutting area 60 corresponding to at least one of the four sides of the spread page 50 that overlaps with the image data 51. Thereafter, when the user arranges the image data 51 in a new position and cancels the selection of the image data 51, the CPU 1011 accepts the user's instruction to cancel the selection of the image data 51 and hides the cutting area 60 as shown in FIG. 11(c) (NO in S201→S205). Note that when the order process is performed in the state shown in FIG. 11(c) and the post-processing device 1400 performs the cutting process or folding process, the image is output as shown in FIG. 11(d). Also, when the user moves the image data 51, if a part of the image data 51 does not overlap the cutting area 60, the CPU 1011 detects this and hides the cutting area 60 (NO in S202→S204). That is, when the user cancels the selection of the image data 51, or when the image data 51 is selected but a part of it does not overlap the cutting area 60, the CPU 1011 detects this and hides the cutting area 60. The above is the flow of a series of processes in this embodiment.

[0056] <Effects of this embodiment> As described above, in this embodiment, the display of the cutting area is switched based on the position of the image data in the spread page area and the editing state, so that part of the cutting area is displayed or not displayed. This makes it possible to display only the necessary cutting area only when necessary, improving the convenience of the user during editing work.

[0057] [Third embodiment] Next, a third embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, an object snapping function is added to the first embodiment. Specifically, in the first embodiment, only the cutting area is displayed, but in the third embodiment, the cutting area overlapping with the image data is displayed, and the image data is arranged so that the edge of the image data is aligned with the outer edge of the displayed cutting area.

[0058] <Switching between real-time display of cutting area> The display switching of the cutting area in this embodiment will be described below with reference to Figs. 12 and 13. Fig. 12 is a flowchart showing the processing of this embodiment, and Fig. 13 shows the editing screen of this embodiment. Each step in Fig. 12 is executed by the CPU 1011 reading from memory a program related to the processing of the flowchart and executing it. Also, since the series of processing of the album editing application 90 is the same as the processing of Fig. 3, a detailed description will be omitted.

[0059] When the check box 82 is not selected in the environment setting screen 81 in Fig. 5, the cutting area 60 is hidden in the facing page area 50 as shown in Fig. 13(a). Therefore, the cutting area 60 is not displayed unnecessarily, and the cutting area 60 does not hinder the user's editing work. Below, an example will be described in which the user selects image data 51 and moves and rearranges the selected image data 51 when changing the position of the image data 51 in such a state in which the cutting area 60 is hidden.

[0060] In S301, the CPU 1011 determines whether an object in the spread page area 50 is being edited, for example, whether the object is being moved, rotated, or resized. If the determination result in this step is true, the process proceeds to S302. On the other hand, if the determination result in this step is false, the process proceeds to S306.

[0061] For example, when the user selects image data 51 on the editing screen 30, the CPU 1011 accepts an instruction that the user has selected the image data 51 as an object to be edited. Then, the CPU 1011 determines that an object in the double-page spread area 50 is being edited (YES in S301).

[0062] In S302, the CPU 1101 determines whether a part of the object being edited overlaps the cutting area 60. If the result of the determination in this step is true, the process proceeds to S303. On the other hand, if the result of the determination in this step is false, the process proceeds to S305.

[0063] For example, when the user is moving image data 51 on the editing screen 30, the CPU 1011 determines in S302 whether the image data 51 overlaps with the cutting area 60. Note that the overlap determination in S302 is the same as in the first embodiment, so detailed description will be omitted (see FIG. 9). Here, as shown in FIG. 13(b), a case will be considered in which the user selects image data 51 with the mouse cursor 61 and moves it in the A direction, causing a part of the image data 51 to overlap the cutting area 60. In this case, the CPU 1011 determines that a part of the object being edited overlaps with the cutting area 60 (YES in S302).

[0064] In S303, the CPU 1011 displays the cutting area 60 while the image data 51 is being moved.

[0065] In S304, the CPU 1011 moves the image data 51 by object snapping so that the end 51a of the image data 51 is aligned with the end 60a of the cutting area 60. Details of object snapping will be described later. As a result of this step, the editing screen becomes as shown in FIG. 13(c).

[0066] In S305, the CPU 1011 makes the cutting area 60 invisible.

[0067] In S306, the CPU 1011 makes the cutting area 60 invisible.

[0068] When the user moves the image data 51 within the cutting area 60, the CPU 1011 repeats the processes of S301, S302, S303, and S304, and always displays the cutting area 60 while the image data 51 is moving. In addition, the CPU 1011 also moves the image data 51 so that the end 51a of the image data 51 is aligned with the end 60a of the cutting area 60. Thereafter, when the user cancels the selection of the image data 51, the CPU 1011 accepts the user's instruction to cancel the selection of the image data 51, and makes the cutting area 60 invisible as shown in FIG. 13(d) (NO in S301→S306). Note that when the order process is performed in the state shown in FIG. 13(d) and the post-processing device 1400 performs the cutting process or the folding process, the image is output as shown in FIG. 13(e). Furthermore, when the user moves the image data 51, if a part of the image data 51 does not overlap the cutting area 60, the CPU 1011 detects this and hides the cutting area 60 (NO in S302 -> S305). That is, when the user deselects the image data 51, or when a part of the image data 51 does not overlap the cutting area 60 even while it is selected, the CPU 1011 detects this and hides the cutting area 60. The above is the flow of a series of processes in this embodiment.

[0069] <Object snapping> The layout process using object snapping will be described below. Object snapping refers to a function or process for automatically determining the placement position of a new object (for example, an object selected by the user as an object to be edited) based on the positions of previously placed objects. Object snapping makes it easy to align the ends of previously placed objects and new objects when the user places a new object.

[0070] Specifically, when a new object is positioned within a predetermined range relative to an already placed object, the CPU 1011 displays a reference line for object snapping on an extension of the already placed object, and the new object is automatically placed along the reference line.

[0071] In this embodiment, layout processing is performed by object snapping, with the cutting area 60 being treated as an already-placed object and the image data 51 being treated as a new object. Note that the predetermined range in this embodiment may be the entire cutting area 60, or may be a predetermined distance (for example, within 1 mm) from the outer edge of the cutting area 60. The album editing application 90 of this embodiment is software capable of executing such object snapping.

[0072] <Effects of this embodiment> As described above, in this embodiment, the display of the cutting area is switched and the layout of the image data is performed based on the position of the image data in the double-page spread area and the editing state. This makes it possible to move the image data so that the edges of the image data are aligned with the outer edges of the cutting area while displaying the cutting area only when necessary. This improves the user's convenience during editing and supports borderless printing.

[0073] [Fourth embodiment] Next, a fourth embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, a notification display is added to the third embodiment. Specifically, in the third embodiment, the cutting area is displayed and the displayed cutting area is aligned with the image data, but in the fourth embodiment, a notification display is also performed.

[0074] <Switching between real-time display of cutting area> The display switching of the cutting area in this embodiment will be described below with reference to Figs. 14 and 15. Fig. 14 is a flowchart showing the processing of this embodiment, and Fig. 15 shows the editing screen of this embodiment. Each step in Fig. 14 is executed by the CPU 1011 reading out from memory a program related to the processing of the flowchart and executing it. Also, since the series of processing of the album editing application 90 is the same as the processing of Fig. 3, a detailed description will be omitted.

[0075] When the check box 82 is not selected in the environment setting screen 81 in Fig. 5, the cutting area 60 is hidden in the facing page area 50 as shown in Fig. 15(a). Therefore, the cutting area 60 is not displayed unnecessarily, and the cutting area 60 does not hinder the user's editing work. Below, an example will be described in which the user selects image data 51 and moves and rearranges the selected image data 51 when changing the position of the image data 51 in such a state in which the cutting area 60 is hidden.

[0076] In S401, the CPU 1011 determines whether an object in the spread page area 50 is being edited, for example, whether the object is being moved, rotated, or resized. If the determination result in this step is true, the process proceeds to S402. On the other hand, if the determination result in this step is false, the process proceeds to S407.

[0077] For example, when the user selects image data 51 on the editing screen 30, the CPU 1011 accepts an instruction that the user has selected the image data 51 as an object to be edited. Then, the CPU 1011 determines that an object in the double-page spread area 50 is being edited (YES in S401).

[0078] In S402, the CPU 1101 determines whether a part of the object being edited overlaps with the cutting area 60. If the determination result in this step is true, the process proceeds to S403. On the other hand, if the determination result in this step is false, the process proceeds to S406.

[0079] For example, when the user is moving image data 51 on the editing screen 30, the CPU 1011 determines in S402 whether the image data 51 overlaps with the cutting area 60. Note that the overlap determination in S402 is the same as in the first embodiment, so detailed description will be omitted (see FIG. 9). Here, as shown in FIG. 15(b), a case will be considered in which the user selects image data 51 with the mouse cursor 61 and moves it in the A direction, causing part of the image data 51 to overlap the cutting area 60. In this case, the CPU 1011 determines that part of the object being edited overlaps with the cutting area 60 (YES in S402).

[0080] In S403, the CPU 1011 displays the cutting area 60 while the image data 51 is being moved.

[0081] In S404, the CPU 1011 displays a notification message 80. The notification message 80 indicates that the cutting area 60 is the reference for borderless printing, and by checking the notification message 80, the user can understand the purpose of displaying the cutting area 60.

[0082] In S405, the CPU 1011 moves the image data 51 by object snapping so that the end 51a of the image data 51 is aligned with the end 60a of the cutting area 60. Note that the object snapping is the same as in the third embodiment, so a detailed description will be omitted. As a result of this step, the editing screen becomes as shown in FIG. 15(c).

[0083] In S406, the CPU 1011 makes the cutting area 60 invisible.

[0084] In S407, the CPU 1011 makes the cutting area 60 invisible.

[0085] When the user moves the image data 51 within the cutting area 60, the CPU 1011 repeats the processes of S401, S402, S403, S404, and S405, and always displays the cutting area 60 and the notification message 80 while the image data 51 is moving. In addition, the CPU 1011 also moves the image data 51 so that the end 51a of the image data 51 is aligned with the end 60a of the cutting area 60. After that, the user places the image data 51 in a new position and cancels the selection of the image data 51. Then, the CPU 1011 accepts a user instruction to cancel the selection of the image data 51, and hides the cutting area 60 and the notification message 80 as shown in FIG. 15(d) (NO in S401→S407). Note that when the order process is performed in the state shown in FIG. 15(d) and the post-processing device 1400 performs the cutting process or the folding process, the image is output as shown in FIG. 15(e). Furthermore, when the user moves the image data 51 and a part of the image data 51 does not overlap the cutting area 60, the CPU 1011 detects this and hides the cutting area 60 and the notification message 80 (NO in S402 -> S406). That is, when the user deselects the image data 51, or when a part of the image data 51 does not overlap the cutting area 60 even while it is selected, the CPU 1011 detects this and hides the cutting area 60 and the notification message 80. The above is the flow of a series of processes in this embodiment.

[0086] <Effects of this embodiment> As described above, in this embodiment, the display of the cutting area and the notification are switched, and the layout of the image data is performed based on the position of the image data in the double-page spread area and the editing state. This makes it possible to move the image data so that the edge of the image data is aligned with the outer edge of the cutting area, while displaying the cutting area and notification only when necessary. This improves the user's convenience during editing and assists in borderless printing.

[0087] [Fifth embodiment] Next, a fifth embodiment will be described. This embodiment is similar to the third embodiment, but the cutting area displayed is different from that of the third embodiment. Specifically, in the third embodiment, cutting areas corresponding to all four sides of a spread page are displayed, but in this embodiment, only the cutting area corresponding to the side that overlaps with the image data is displayed.

[0088] <Switching between real-time display of cutting area> The display switching of the cutting area in this embodiment will be described below with reference to Figs. 16 and 17. Fig. 16 is a flowchart showing the processing of this embodiment, and Fig. 17 shows the editing screen of this embodiment. Each step in Fig. 16 is executed by the CPU 1011 reading out from memory a program related to the processing of the flowchart and executing it. Also, since the series of processing of the album editing application 90 is the same as the processing of Fig. 3, detailed description will be omitted.

[0089] When the check box 82 is not selected on the environment setting screen 81 in Fig. 5, the cutting area 60 is hidden in the spread page area 50, as shown in Fig. 17(a). Therefore, the cutting area 60 is not displayed unnecessarily, and the cutting area 60 does not hinder the user's editing work. Below, an example will be described in which the user selects image data 51 and moves and rearranges the selected image data 51 when changing the position of the image data 51 in such a state in which the cutting area 60 is hidden.

[0090] In S501, the CPU 1011 determines whether an object in the spread page area 50 is being edited, for example, whether the object is being moved, rotated, or resized. If the determination result in this step is true, the process proceeds to S502. On the other hand, if the determination result in this step is false, the process proceeds to S506.

[0091] For example, when the user selects image data 51 on the editing screen 30, the CPU 1011 accepts an instruction that the user has selected the image data 51 as an object to be edited. Then, the CPU 1011 determines that an object in the double-page spread area 50 is being edited (YES in S501).

[0092] In S502, the CPU 1101 determines whether a part of the object being edited overlaps with the cutting area 60. If the determination result in this step is true, the process proceeds to S503. On the other hand, if the determination result in this step is false, the process proceeds to S505.

[0093] For example, when the user is moving image data 51 on the editing screen 30, the CPU 1011 determines in S502 whether the image data 51 overlaps with the cutting area 60. Note that the overlap determination in S502 is the same as in the first embodiment, so detailed description will be omitted (see FIG. 9). Here, as shown in FIG. 17(b), a case will be considered in which the user selects image data 51 with the mouse cursor 61 and moves it in the A direction, causing a part of the image data 51 to overlap the cutting area 60. In this case, the CPU 1011 determines that a part of the object being edited overlaps with the cutting area 60 (YES in S502).

[0094] In S503, the CPU 1011 displays the cutting area 60 corresponding to one or more sides that overlap with the image data 51 among the four sides of the spread page 50 while the image data 51 is being moved.

[0095] In S504, the CPU 1011 moves the image data 51 by object snapping so that the end 51a of the image data 51 is aligned with the end 60a of the cutting area 60. Note that the object snapping is the same as in the third embodiment, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted. As a result of this step, the editing screen becomes as shown in FIG. 17(c).

[0096] In S505, the CPU 1011 makes the cutting area 60 invisible.

[0097] In S506, the CPU 1011 makes the cutting area 60 invisible.

[0098] When the user moves the image data 51 within the cutting area 60, the CPU 1011 repeats the processes of S501, S502, S503, and S504, and displays the cutting area 60 corresponding to one or more sides that overlap with the image data 51 while the image data 51 is being moved. In addition, the CPU 1011 also moves the image data 51 so that the end 51a of the image data 51 is aligned with the end 60a of the cutting area 60. After that, the user places the image data 51 in a new position and cancels the selection of the image data 51. Then, the CPU 1011 accepts a user instruction to cancel the selection of the image data 51, and makes the cutting area 60 invisible as shown in FIG. 17(d) (NO in S501→S506). Note that when the order process is performed in the state shown in FIG. 17(d) and the post-processing device 1400 performs the cutting process or the folding process, the image is output as shown in FIG. 17(e). Furthermore, when the user moves the image data 51, if a part of the image data 51 does not overlap the cutting area 60, the CPU 1011 detects this and hides the cutting area 60 (NO in S502 -> S505). That is, when the user deselects the image data 51, or when a part of the image data 51 does not overlap the cutting area 60 even while it is selected, the CPU 1011 detects this and hides the cutting area 60. The above is the flow of a series of processes in this embodiment.

[0099] <Effects of this embodiment> As described above, in this embodiment, the display of a partial cutting area is switched and the layout of the image data is performed based on the position of the image data in the double-page spread area and the editing state. This makes it possible to move the image data so that the edges of the image data are aligned with the outer edges of the cutting area while displaying the cutting area in the necessary places only when necessary. This improves the user's convenience during editing and supports borderless printing.

[0100] [Other embodiments] The album editing application 90 may have some or all of the functions of the five embodiments described above.

[0101] In the five embodiments described above, the cutting area is displayed by determining whether a part of the object overlaps with the cutting area, but this overlap determination process may be omitted. In other words, the cutting area may be displayed by detecting only the movement or size change of the object.

[0102] In addition, although the above-described embodiment has been described as being executed using the album editing application 90, applications to which the concept of the present disclosure can be applied are not limited to album editing applications. For example, the concept of the present disclosure can also be applied to a layout editing application that newly arranges object data.

[0103] The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-mentioned embodiments to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and having one or more processors in the computer of the system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that realizes one or more functions. The contents of the above-mentioned embodiments may be combined as appropriate. [Explanation of symbols]

[0104] 30: Editing screen 50: Album spread page 60: Cutting area 90: Album creation application 1011: CPU

Claims

1. Computer, a display control means capable of displaying a screen having a first area in which an object is placed and a second area surrounding the first area, and switching between displaying and hiding the second area on the screen in accordance with a setting as to whether the second area is to be displayed or hidden; Function as a Even when the setting indicates non-display, the display control means displays the second area based on the position of the object in the first area. A program characterized by:

2. If the setting indicates display, the second region is displayed regardless of the position of the object; When the setting indicates non-display, the second area is displayed according to a position of the object.

2. The program according to claim 1 .

3. the object is an object being edited by a user via the screen; 3. The program according to claim 2 .

4. When the setting indicates non-display, the display control means displays the second area when a part of the object being edited overlaps with the second area.

4. The program according to claim 3.

5. The first region is rectangular, the second area displayed by the display control means when the setting indicates non-display is an area corresponding to one of four sides of the rectangle that overlaps with the object being edited; 5. The program according to claim 4.

6. The editing is moving, rotating, or resizing the object.

6. The program according to claim 4 or 5.

7. The computer is further object snapping means for moving the object being edited so that an edge of the object being edited is aligned with an outer edge of the second region; To function as 7. The program according to claim 4, wherein the program is a program for executing a program for executing the program.

8. Even if the setting indicates non-display, when the display control means causes the second area to be displayed, the display control means also causes a predetermined message to be displayed.

8. The program according to claim 1, wherein the program is a program for executing a program for executing a program.

9. the first area is a double-page spread area, The second area is an area to be cut during printing or an area to be folded back for use during bookbinding of the cover.

9. The program according to claim 1, wherein the program is a program for executing a program for executing a program.

10. The object is image data.

10. The program according to claim 1, wherein the program is

11. a display control means capable of displaying a screen having a first area in which an object is placed and a second area surrounding the first area, and switching between displaying and hiding the second area on the screen in accordance with a setting as to whether the second area is to be displayed or hidden; An information processing device having Even when the setting indicates non-display, the display control means displays the second area based on the position of the object in the first area.

23. An information processing apparatus comprising:

12. a display control means capable of displaying a screen having a first area in which an object is placed and a second area surrounding the first area, and switching between displaying and hiding the second area on the screen in accordance with a setting as to whether the second area is to be displayed or hidden; A method for controlling an information processing device having a step of the display control means displaying the second area based on a position of the object in the first area even when the setting indicates non-display; A control method comprising:

Images