US20080219598A1 - Image processing method and apparatus for generating sequential still images by extracting still images from moving image data, and printing apparatus - Google Patents
Image processing method and apparatus for generating sequential still images by extracting still images from moving image data, and printing apparatus Download PDFInfo
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- US20080219598A1 US20080219598A1 US12/125,356 US12535608A US2008219598A1 US 20080219598 A1 US20080219598 A1 US 20080219598A1 US 12535608 A US12535608 A US 12535608A US 2008219598 A1 US2008219598 A1 US 2008219598A1
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N1/00—Scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, e.g. facsimile transmission; Details thereof
- H04N1/00127—Connection or combination of a still picture apparatus with another apparatus, e.g. for storage, processing or transmission of still picture signals or of information associated with a still picture
- H04N1/00278—Connection or combination of a still picture apparatus with another apparatus, e.g. for storage, processing or transmission of still picture signals or of information associated with a still picture with a printing apparatus, e.g. a laser beam printer
Definitions
- the present invention relates to an image processing method and apparatus, and a printing apparatus for printing out a plurality of images obtained from moving image data.
- An apparatus that prints a sequential motion of an object as a plurality of images has been proposed.
- an apparatus described in, e.g., Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-327376 is known.
- a predetermined number of captured images are obtained and stored from a video camera output from an image capture start instruction until an elapse of a pre-set image capture time, and are printed out, as shown in FIG. 25 .
- blank spaces are formed aside respective captured images, and can be used as binding margins, as shown in FIG. 26A .
- the user can observe the captured images like a moving image by successively flipping a bundle of printouts, as shown in FIG. 26B .
- Such moving image will be referred to as a “flip moving image” hereinafter.
- Successive still images that can provide a flip moving image will be referred to as sequential still images hereinafter.
- the position of the blank space portion on each printout in FIG. 25 can be selected from the left or right side of a captured image to cope with right- and left-handed users. More specifically, when the user designates to form a blank space portion on the left side of a captured image, a printout for a right-handed user (left binding) can be obtained; when the user designates to form a blank space portion on the right side of a captured image, a printout for a left-handed user (right binding) can be obtained.
- captured images are extracted from the whole range from the beginning to the end of image capture, and are stored to output sequential still images.
- Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-327376 when the user designates a desired one of image capture times of 8 sec, 10 sec, and 12 sec, an image is captured during the designated image capture time, and captured images are stored at given intervals during that image capture process. For example, if the user designates 8 sec, captured images are stored at every 1 ⁇ 6 sec to store 48 captured images; if the user designates 10 sec, captured images are stored at every 1 ⁇ 5 sec to store 48 captured images.
- Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-223876 contains only a description “an object image may be captured as a moving image, and frames may be extracted from the moving image at given time intervals”.
- Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-327376 describes sequential display of captured images which are extracted and stored from the whole range from the beginning to the end of image capture for the purpose of confirmation by the user, i.e., a preview function.
- sequential still images are extracted from the whole captured moving image sequence, if the user is dissatisfied with the extracted contents as a result of preview, he or she must redo the image capture process from the beginning.
- the present invention has been made in consideration of the above situation, and has as its object to obtain sequential still images by extracting a predetermined number of images from a desired range in a moving image at given intervals, and to allow the user to preview a flip moving image by sequentially displaying the obtained sequential still images prior to printout, thus flexibly meeting user's requirements.
- an image processing apparatus for controlling to print a plurality of sequential still images, which can be observed as a flip moving image, on the basis of moving image data, comprising:
- designation means for designating a desired range of the moving image data
- display control means for controlling to display the predetermined number of sequential still images generated by the generation means while sequentially switching the sequential still images in an order they appear in the moving image data.
- an image processing method for controlling to print a plurality of sequential still images, which can be observed as a flip moving image, on the basis of moving image data comprises:
- the display control step of controlling to display the predetermined number of sequential still images generated in the generation step while sequentially switching the sequential still images in an order they appear in the moving image data.
- an image processing apparatus for controlling to print a plurality of sequential still images, which can be observed as a flip moving image, on the basis of moving image data, wherein the image processing apparatus comprises:
- designation means for designating a desired range of the moving image data
- checking means for checking if a predetermined number of frames can be extracted from the desired range of the moving image data
- first generation means for, when the checking means determines that the predetermined number of frames can be extracted, generating a predetermined number of sequential still images by extracting the predetermined number of frames from the desired range;
- second generation means for, when the checking means determines that the predetermined number of frames cannot be extracted, generating sequential still images by extracting a largest possible number of frames from the desired range, and generating the predetermined number of sequential still images by complementing deficient frames by repetitively using identical frames.
- an image processing method for controlling to print a plurality of sequential still images, which can be observed as a flip moving image, on the basis of moving image data comprises:
- a printing apparatus including the above image processing apparatus is provided.
- a computer readable memory which stores computer program for performing the above image processing methods.
- FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the arrangement of an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an information processing apparatus 100 of the image forming system shown in FIG. 1 from the viewpoint of the software configuration;
- FIG. 3 is a flow chart for explaining the process executed when a paper select window is selected
- FIG. 4 is a flow chart for explaining the process executed when a moving image select window is selected
- FIG. 5 is a flow chart for explaining the process executed when a range setup window is selected
- FIG. 6 is a flow chart for explaining the process executed when a print/save window is selected
- FIG. 7 shows a display example of the paper select window
- FIG. 8 shows a display example of the moving image select window
- FIG. 9A shows a display example of the range setup window
- FIG. 9B shows a preview operation interface in the range setup window
- FIG. 10A shows a display example of the print/save window
- FIG. 10B shows an example of a printout
- FIG. 11 is a flow chart for explaining the still image conversion process in step S 149 or S 162 in more detail;
- FIG. 12 is a view for explaining the influence of a paper convey error on printed sequential still images
- FIG. 13 is a view for explaining the influence of a paper convey error on printed sequential still images
- FIG. 14 is a view for explaining a right-binding print layout according to the embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 15 is a view for explaining a problem posed upon adopting a left-binding print layout
- FIG. 16 is a view for explaining a left-binding print layout according to the embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 17 is a flow chart for explaining the process of a print layout according to the embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 18 shows a state wherein strip sheets on which sequential still images are printed are housed in a case according to the embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 19 shows a state wherein the user observes a flip moving image using the strip sheets housed in the case according to the embodiment of the present invention
- FIGS. 20A to 20D are views for explaining the build sequence of the case according to the embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 21 shows members which form the case according to the embodiment of the present invention.
- FIGS. 22A to 22C show the structure of notches in the case according to the embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 23 shows a paper sheet used to print sequential still images in the embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 24 shows another paper sheet used to print sequential still images in the embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 25 shows a printout of sequential still images in the prior art
- FIGS. 26A and 26B show a state wherein the user observes a flip moving image using the strip sheets obtained from the printout shown in FIG. 25 .
- FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the arrangement of an image forming system according to this embodiment.
- the image forming system of this embodiment comprises an information processing apparatus 100 for generating print data (containing control commands), and a printer 170 for forming an image on the basis of the print data.
- the information processing apparatus 100 comprises a memory 110 , a CPU 130 , a hard disk controller (HDC) 120 and hard disk (HD) 121 connected to it, a floppy disk controller (FDC) 125 and floppy disk drive (FD) 126 connected to it, a printer controller (PRTC) 140 , a keyboard/pointing device controller (KB/PDC) 150 and keyboard (KB)/pointing device (PD) 151 connected to it, and a CRT controller (CRTC) 160 and CRT 161 connected to it.
- HDC hard disk controller
- HD hard disk
- HD hard disk
- FDC floppy disk controller
- FD floppy disk drive
- PRTC printer controller
- KB/PDC keyboard/pointing device controller
- KB/PDC keyboard/pointing device controller
- PD keyboard
- CRTC CRT controller
- a mouse is used as the pointing device (PD) in this embodiment, but various other devices such as a track ball, touch panel, and the like may be used.
- the CRT 161 is used as a display, but other types of displays such as a liquid crystal display, plasma display, and the like may be used.
- the memory 110 has an application 111 that controls an image edit process in the present invention, a printer driver 112 as software for generating print data compatible to the printer 170 , a spooler area 113 for spooling print data to be supplied to the printer 170 , an OS (operating system; not shown), a work area (not shown), and the like.
- a printer driver 112 as software for generating print data compatible to the printer 170
- a spooler area 113 for spooling print data to be supplied to the printer 170
- an OS operating system
- work area not shown
- the CPU 130 operates on the basis of the application 111 , printer driver 112 , OS, and the like in the memory 110 .
- the apparatus Upon power ON, the apparatus is booted by a boot program stored in a ROM (not shown), and the OS program is loaded from the HD 121 onto the memory 110 to launch the OS.
- the application program is similarly loaded and executed under the management of the OS, thus making the apparatus function as the image forming system.
- the CPU 130 can access the HD 121 via the HDC 120 .
- the PRTC 140 executes a process for sequentially transmitting print data stored in the spooler area 113 to the printer 170 . More specifically, the PRTC 140 is implemented by a Centronics or USB interface and its communication controller.
- the KB/PDC 150 controls the KB/PD 151 , and fetches instruction data from the user input using the keyboard or mouse into the apparatus.
- the CRTC 160 is a controller for controlling the CRT 161 as a display device. These blocks 150 , 151 , 160 , and 161 form a user interface.
- the printer 170 comprises an interface 171 for receiving print data from the information processing apparatus 100 , and sending various status data to the information processing apparatus 100 , a printer controller 172 for mainly interpreting received printer data, and generating bitmap image data, and a printer engine 173 for receiving the bitmap image data output from the printer controller 172 and actually forming an image.
- the printer 170 comprises a control panel and the like although they are not shown.
- the printer engine 173 may use any of an ink-jet system, electrophotography system, thermal transfer system, and the like.
- the printer driver 112 for generating print data compatible to the printer 170 must be installed. Such installation process need only be done only once unless it is specially required.
- FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the information processing apparatus 100 of the image forming system shown in FIG. 1 from the viewpoint of the software configuration.
- the keyboard and mouse (KB/PD) 151 are connected as input devices to the information processing apparatus 100 . Also, the printer 170 and the CRT 161 as a monitor are connected as output devices.
- the information processing apparatus 100 has application software 111 including a wordprocessor, spreadsheet, Internet browser, and the like.
- Various rendering process commands image rendering command, text rendering command, and graphics rendering command
- Upon printing that image, these rendering commands are input to the printer driver 112 via the OS 180 .
- the printer driver 112 is software for processing the rendering commands to generate print data, and making the printer 170 to print the print data
- the monitor driver 181 is software for making the CRT 161 display an image.
- a prevalent IBM AT compatible personal computer may be used as the information processing apparatus 100 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2
- Microsoft Windows98® may be used as the OS 180 .
- the monitor 161 , printer 170 , and keyboard/mouse 151 are connected to such personal computer to execute a print process application (to be described later), the print system of this embodiment can be implemented.
- the application software 111 In the information processing apparatus 100 , the application software 111 generates output image data using text data such as characters and the like which are categorized into text, graphics data such as figures and the like which are categorized into graphics, image data which are categorized into photo images and the like, and so forth. Upon printing an image based on the output image data, the application software 111 sends a printout request to the OS 180 , and issues rendering commands that contain a text rendering command of text data, a graphics rendering command of graphics data, and an image rendering command of image data, to the OS 180 .
- text data such as characters and the like which are categorized into text
- graphics data such as figures and the like which are categorized into graphics
- image data which are categorized into photo images and the like
- the OS 180 Upon receiving the printout request from the application software 111 , the OS 180 passes the rendering commands to the printer driver 112 corresponding to the printer 170 .
- the printer driver 112 generates print data that can undergo a print process of the printer 170 by processing the printout request and rendering commands passed from the OS 180 , and sends the print data to the printer 170 .
- the printer driver 112 rasterizes the rendering commands on R, G, and B band memories each having an 8-bit depth. After all the rendering commands are rasterized, the contents of the band memories are converted into a data format that the printer 170 can print, e.g., CMYK data, and the converted data are sent to the printer 170 . Note that these band memories are assured on, e.g., a RAM (memory 110 ).
- the print process application according to this embodiment which can run as the application 111 , will be explained below.
- the print process application according to this embodiment extracts a predetermined number of sequential still images from a desired range of moving image data, and prints these sequential images on a perforated paper sheet that can be torn into strip sheets, as shown in FIG. 23 .
- By printing sequential still images to line up sequential still images and blank spaces in the longitudinal direction of the strip sheets binding margins are formed on the respective strip sheets.
- the strip sheets obtained in this manner are bundled, as shown in FIGS. 18 and 19 , the user can observe a flip moving image.
- the operations and functions of the print process application of this embodiment will be described below.
- a dedicated application window is displayed.
- a paper select window see FIG. 7
- moving image select window see FIG. 8
- range setup window see FIG. 9A
- print/save window see FIG. 10A
- the paper select window is displayed as a default window upon launching this print application, but the present invention is not limited to this.
- the respective windows have tabs ( 301 a to 301 d ) used to select a given window, and a desired one of the windows shown in FIGS. 7 to 10A can be selected by clicking a desired tab.
- FIG. 3 is a flow chart for explaining the process executed when the paper select window shown in FIG. 7 is selected.
- step S 101 the names of printers to be selected are input to a box 310 to prompt the user to select a printer.
- a list of available printers is displayed, and the user can select a desired printer from the list. If only one printer is available, that printer is displayed in the box 310 .
- the available printer is a printer which is compatible to the print application of this embodiment, and its printer driver is installed in the information processing apparatus. Upon launching this application, a printer which was selected upon previously quitting the application is selected.
- a cartridge is selected using a box 311 in step S 102 , and a paper sheet is selected using a box 312 in step S 103 .
- the paper size is fixed to A4, but other desired paper sizes may be selected.
- step S 104 It is checked in step S 104 if a tab (one of 301 b to 301 d ) used to display another window is selected. If NO in step S 104 , the flow returns to step S 101 . On the other hand, if YES in step S 104 , the flow advances to step S 105 to settle contents set in the boxes 310 to 312 at that time as setup contents. Note that the setup contents can be changed later on the paper select window displayed by selecting the tab 301 a from another window.
- FIG. 4 is a flow chart for explaining the process executed when the moving image select window shown in FIG. 8 is selected.
- step S 121 a file selected by user's file open operation is opened.
- a file select popup window (not shown) is displayed upon clicking an “open” button 321 , and the user selects a desired moving image file using this window.
- step S 122 It is checked in step S 122 if the file designated in step S 121 was created and saved by the print process application. With this application, information for printing sequential still images can be saved in step S 169 in a “print & save” process which will be described later with reference to FIG. 6 . If it is determined in step S 122 that such information file is selected, the flow jumps to step S 126 without executing a moving image playback process to be described below. Note that the checking process in step S 122 can be implemented with reference to, e.g., a file extension.
- the information file saves the image file name, still image extraction range, and the like.
- the print/save window is automatically displayed so as to immediately execute a print process. That is, when the information file is opened on the moving image select window, the step of playing back a moving image is skipped, and the control jumps to the print/save window (this jump process is not shown on the flow chart).
- a moving image may be played back as in a case wherein a normal moving image file is selected. In such case, a moving image file corresponding to the image file name held in the information file is selected.
- step S 121 If the file selected in step S 121 is a moving image file that this print application can process, the flow advances to step S 123 , and an image of the first frame of that moving image file is displayed on a moving image playback field 323 in a moving image playback window 322 .
- the moving image playback window 322 has a user interface including a play button 324 used to instruct to start the playback process of the selected moving image file, a pause button 325 used to instruct to pause the playback process and to cancel the paused state, a stop button 326 used to stop the playback process, a locate button 327 to locate the first frame of the moving image file, a locate button 328 to locate the last frame of the moving file, and a seek bar 329 .
- a play button 324 used to instruct to start the playback process of the selected moving image file
- a pause button 325 used to instruct to pause the playback process and to cancel the paused state
- a stop button 326 used to stop the playback process
- a locate button 327 to locate the first frame of the moving image file
- a locate button 328 to locate the last frame of the moving file
- a seek bar 329 By dragging the seek bar 329 , a display position can be located at an arbitrary position in the moving image file
- step S 124 If playback of a moving is designated upon pressing the play button 324 , the flow advances from step S 124 to step S 125 , and the moving image file selected in step S 121 is played back. Note that processes executed upon operation of other control buttons are not shown in the flow chart and a detailed description thereof will be omitted, but their contents are known to those who are skilled in the art.
- FIG. 5 is a flow chart for explaining the process executed when the range setup window shown in FIG. 9A is selected.
- a desired range from which sequential still images are to be extracted (to be referred to as a still image extraction range hereinafter) is set from the moving image file.
- a moving image playback window 340 which includes a moving image playback field 323 for playing back the selected moving image file, various control buttons 324 to 328 , and a seek bar 329 is also displayed on the range setup window.
- the moving image playback window 340 on the range setup window includes start and end point buttons 341 and 342 used to set a desired still image extraction range from the moving image, and a preview button 343 used to preview sequential still images obtained from the set still image extraction range as a flip moving image.
- a moving image playback process in steps S 141 to S 143 is the same as that in steps S 123 to S 125 described above. That is, an image of the first frame of the moving image file, which has been selected on the moving image select window and settled as a selected file, is displayed on the moving image playback field 323 (step S 141 ), and the user clicks the play button 324 (step S 142 ) to start playback of that moving image file (step S 143 ).
- a playback time at that timing is registered as the start point of the still image extraction range (steps S 144 and S 145 ).
- a playback time at that timing is registered as the end point of the still image extraction range (steps S 146 and S 147 ).
- the selected range is identifiably displayed by, e.g., changing the display color of a portion of the seek bar 329 corresponding to the selected range, as shown in FIG. 9A , so as to indicate the selected still image extraction range.
- the start and end points are designated at desired timing during playback of the moving image file, thereby determining the desired range in the moving image.
- the present invention is not limited to this.
- the start point of the still image extraction range may be designated by clicking the start point button 341 after the seek bar 329 is moved to a desired playback position
- the end point of the still image extraction range may be designated by similarly clicking the end point button 342 .
- the moving image file need not be played back by the play button 324 , and an image corresponding to a position designated by the seek bar 329 is displayed on the moving image playback field 323 .
- the method of designating the still image extraction range while playing back the moving image and the method of designating the still image extraction range using the seek bar may be combined.
- the user locates a desired position in the moving image data by operating the seek bar 329 , and clicks the start point button 341 to designate the start point of the still image extraction range.
- start and end points of the still image extraction range are registered using their playback times.
- the present invention is not limited to this, and frame numbers or the like may be used.
- the print process application of this embodiment extracts a predetermined number of sequential still images (45 images in this embodiment) from the still image extraction range set in this way at equal intervals, and prints them out.
- the printout of the sequential still images obtained in this manner is used for the purpose of observing the sequential still images as a flip moving image by tearing the printout into strip sheets and sequentially flipping these strip sheets.
- it is preferable to preview the sequential still image so as to allow the user to virtually observe a flip moving image. In the subsequent steps S 148 to S 150 , such preview function is provided.
- step S 149 a predetermined number of sequential still images are generated and acquired from the set still image extraction range.
- the sequential still images are generated so that neighboring images have equal intervals (the same number of frames) on the time axis. That is, frames are extracted from the set still image extraction range at equal intervals, and sequential still images are generated from the extracted frames.
- step S 149 frame extraction in step S 149 can be implemented at nearly equal intervals using:
- INT(x) is a function of obtaining a value by rounding x after the decimal part
- M the number of frames in the selected range
- n frame order number (1 to N);
- step S 150 the sequential still images generated in step S 149 are sequentially displayed on the order they are captured so that the image display ends in, e.g., 2 sec.
- the switching interval from a given still image to the next still image is set to be constant ( 2/45 sec if 45 sequential still images are to be displayed in 2 sec).
- step S 149 When the user clicks the preview button 343 without changing the selected range in the moving image, the process in step S 149 is skipped since the sequential still images have already been generated.
- step S 151 the flow advances from step S 151 to step S 152 to settle the still image extraction range set in the above steps. Note that the settled contents can be changed later on the range setup window displayed by selecting the tab 301 c from another window.
- step S 141 the flow returns to step S 141 to repeat the aforementioned process. Therefore, according to this embodiment, since preview display and range setup operations can be made on a single window (range setup window), the user can re-designate the range immediately after he or she confirms a flip moving image by the preview function, resulting in good operability.
- a preview setup panel 344 shown in FIG. 9B may be displayed in preview display of sequential still image in step S 150 , so as to allow the user to arbitrarily set a time required to display.
- the total display time may be arbitrarily set, as indicated by a field 345 in FIG. 9B . If it is set to display still images in 1 sec, sequential still images are displayed while being switched at 1/45-sec intervals. Also, the switching interval of sequential still images may be designated (e.g., 0.04 sec), as indicated by a field 346 in FIG. 9B .
- a manual operation may be allowed, as indicated by a field 347 in FIG. 9B .
- a knob 349 of a displayed slide bar 348 sequential still images are displayed while being switched to follow the slide operation.
- the switching interval which is set using the field 345 or 346 and is constant and fixed during sequential display can be varied, and preview images that can accurately correspond to user's flip operation can be displayed.
- FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing the process executed when the print/save window shown in FIG. 10A is selected.
- sequential still images obtained from the still image extraction range set on the range setup window can be printed, and an information file that contains the moving image file name and extraction information can be saved.
- step S 161 It is checked in step S 161 if the currently set extraction range has already undergone the still image conversion process in step S 149 . If the process in step S 149 is complete, since sequential still images of that still image extraction range have been obtained, step S 162 is skipped. If sequential still images have not been acquired yet from the set extraction range, the flow advances to step S 162 to extract a predetermined number of sequential still images from the still image extraction range set on the previous range setup window. This process is the same as step S 149 in FIG. 5 .
- step S 163 a print layout using the generated sequential still images is displayed.
- 15 sequential still images are printed on each A4-size paper sheet, a total of three pages are to be printed.
- the user can confirm the print layouts of all pages.
- numerical values are appended to sequential still images for the purpose of convenience to indicate that they are sequential images (not a series of identical images).
- a numerical value recorded on the corner of a blank space of each strip indicates a page number, i.e., the order in the moving image.
- step S 165 a print setup input window (not shown) is displayed and, for example, the following print setup items are set.
- step S 163 After the print setups, the flow returns to step S 163 to display the print layout based on the updated print setups. In this manner, changes in print setup can be immediately reflected in the displayed print layout.
- step S 166 the flow advances from step S 166 to step S 167 to print sequential still images by the designated printer, as shown in FIG. 10B .
- each sequential still image is printed in a size reduced to fall within a 42 mm ⁇ 34 mm region while fixing the aspect ratio of the sequential still image extracted from the moving image.
- the print quality at that time is default quality of designated media. If a given background pattern is designated, the designated background pattern is printed; if an image capture date and title are designated, they are printed according to their designations. Furthermore, a number is printed on a blank space (an upper right corner position in case of right-binding or an upper left corner position in case of left binding in this embodiment) aside each sequential still image ( FIG. 10 shows an example of right-binding, and page numbers are assigned at upper right corner positions).
- step S 169 respective items set on the paper select window, moving image select window, range setup window, and print/save window (print setup) are saved as a single file.
- items to be saved include the printer to be used, cartridge information, paper sheet, moving file name, still image extraction start and end positions, print setup contents (layout, background, and the like). However, extracted sequential still image data are not saved.
- sequential still images that can be observed as a flip moving image can be printed out in correspondence with the desired range of moving image data. Also, a flip moving image that the user wants can be easily provided.
- the preview function which is launched by the preview button 343 on the range setup window ( FIG. 9A ) that has been explained using FIGS. 9A and 9B , sequentially displays sequential still images extracted from the designated range while switching them, a state wherein the user observes a flip moving image by bundling the sequential still images and sequentially flipping them, as shown in FIGS. 18 and 19 , can be confirmed, resulting in convenience. If the user is dissatisfied with the previewed image, he or she can immediately redesignate the still image extraction range without switching windows, thus improving operability.
- the switching interval of still images can be set in the preview function, the user can preview images at a desired flip speed. Furthermore, if a mechanism for controlling switching of sequential still images in synchronism with the slide motion of the knob 348 of the scroll bar 348 is provided in the preview function, the display switching interval can be switched during sequential display. For this reason, a preview process corresponding to the user's habit upon observing a flip image (e.g., the speed at the beginning and end of flipping is lower than other portions) can be implemented, and the user can preview a flip moving image more accurately.
- a mechanism for controlling switching of sequential still images in synchronism with the slide motion of the knob 348 of the scroll bar 348 is provided in the preview function, the display switching interval can be switched during sequential display. For this reason, a preview process corresponding to the user's habit upon observing a flip image (e.g., the speed at the beginning and end of flipping is lower than other portions) can be implemented, and the user can preview a flip moving image more accurately.
- a desired range in a moving image can be designated by designating the moving image extraction start and end points on the range setup window.
- an extraction range of less than 45 frames may be designated depending on the designated range.
- 45 sequential still images cannot be generated in step S 149 or S 162 .
- the print process application of this embodiment can appropriately obtain 45 sequential still images even in such case.
- FIG. 11 is a flow chart for explaining the still image conversion process in step S 149 or S 162 in more detail.
- step S 201 the still image extraction range (start and end points) set in steps S 144 to S 147 above is loaded as conversion range information.
- step S 202 the number of frames included in the still image extraction range is obtained.
- step S 203 the number of still images to be converted is loaded. As described above, since the number of images is fixed at 45 in this embodiment, the number of still images to be converted is 45.
- step S 204 the number of frames included in the still image extraction range obtained in step S 202 is compared with the number of still images to be converted (45) loaded in step S 203 . If the number of frames of the extraction range is equal to or larger than the number of still images to be converted, since 45 sequential still images can be extracted, the flow advances to step S 207 to extract a predetermined number of frames at equal intervals by the same method as in step S 149 above, and to convert them into still images.
- step S 205 all frames included in the designated still image extraction range are converted into still images.
- step S 206 deficient images are complemented by repetitively using a given frame within the still image extraction range.
- a frame located at the start or end of a time series i.e., by repetitively using a sequential still image corresponding to a frame located at the start or end of a time series
- a designated number of sequential still images are generated.
- the way sequential still images are complemented may be changed in accordance with the number of images to be repeated (the number of deficient images). That is, a frame position used to repeat an image may be changed in accordance with the number of deficient images. For example, when the number of deficient images is equal to or smaller than a predetermined threshold value, a sequential still image of the first and/or last frame is repetitively used; if the number of deficient images is larger than the predetermined threshold value, sequential still images to be repetitively used are distributed among all the frames.
- the user may designate a frame (or its position) to be repeated. For example, the user may select a frame to be repeated from “last frame” and “first frame”.
- the reason why the last frame is preferably used as a frame to be repeated is that it becomes difficult to flip frames near the end of a flip moving image one by one, and some sheets may be flipped at the same time upon observing the flip moving image. Therefore, the process for complementing sequential still images by repeating the last frame is very effective means since the influence of repeated images can be suppressed on the printout used to observe a flip moving image, and the process itself can be simplified.
- an image may undergo a given process. For example, when some images are repeated near the end of a flip moving image, the luminance values of these images may be gradually lowered to provide a fade-out effect upon generating sequential still images to be complemented. Likewise, when some images are repeated at the beginning of a flip moving image, the luminance values of print data may be adjusted to provide a fade-in effect upon generating sequential still images to be complemented.
- Sequential still images of this embodiment are printed on a paper sheet formed with perforations, along which the paper sheet is torn into strip sheets.
- the strip sheets are bundled using blank spaces formed aside still images as binding margins, thus allowing the user to observe a flip moving image.
- the entire image moves unnaturally upon observing a flip moving image unless still images are printed at predetermined positions in strips formed by perforations with high reproducibility.
- the print positions can be maintained with relatively high precision on a single sheet.
- sequential still images are printed on a plurality of paper sheets as in this embodiment, a deviation between the overall print positions on different paper sheets poses a problem.
- print positions in the convey direction have low precision due to the influence of convey errors in the convey direction of paper sheets.
- print positions in a direction perpendicular to the convey direction can have relatively high precision due to the presence of paper guides and the like. Therefore, when sequential still images are printed in a layout in which arrays of sequential still images and blank spaces extend in a direction perpendicular to the convey direction, as shown in FIG. 12 , the print positions of sequential still images on strip sheets obtained from a given paper sheet readily deviate in the up-and-down direction rather than the right-and-left direction from those obtained from the next paper sheet. For this reason, in a flip moving image of this embodiment that obtains 15 strip sheets per paper sheet, sequential still images move in the up-and-down direction between the 15th and 16th strip sheets and between the 30th and 31st strip sheets.
- FIG. 13 is a view for explaining a layout upon printing out sequential still images in this embodiment.
- sequential still images and blank spaces that can be used as binding margins are formed on respective strips on a printout of this embodiment, so that arrays of sequential still images and blank spaces always agree with the convey direction.
- the print position precision in a direction perpendicular to the convey direction is higher than that in the convey direction. Therefore, when a flip moving image is observed while bundling strip sheets obtained by tearing printouts with the layout shown in FIG. 13 along perforations, still images may move slightly larger in the right-and-left direction, but the positions of still images in the up-and-down direction match with relatively high precision.
- sequential still images can be laid out and printed, so that the print position precision in the up-and-down direction becomes higher than that in the right-and-left direction upon observing a flip moving image.
- the printout of this embodiment is further designed to improve the print quality of sequential still images.
- an image is printed by repeating a print scan in a direction perpendicular to the convey direction while conveying a paper sheet like in an ink-jet printer
- convey errors readily occur especially at the trailing end of a paper sheet in the convey direction, and image quality deteriorates. This is because the distance between a print head and paper sheet changes due to conspicuous convey errors since the pressing force of the paper sheet becomes loose at the trailing end of the paper sheet and a paper sheet readily floats.
- FIG. 14 shows a layout for right-binding, and the convey direction in a print process.
- FIG. 14 shows a layout for right-binding, and the convey direction in a print process.
- blank spaces are laid out on the trailing end side of a paper sheet in both the layout for right-binding and that for left-binding.
- the entire print layout for left-binding shown in FIG. 15 is further rotated through 180° to obtain a print layout shown in FIG. 16 .
- FIG. 17 is a flow chart for explaining this print process.
- a print process in step S 168 starts, this process is launched.
- step S 301 layout information of the print setups, i.e., information indicating if the selected layout is one for left-binding or right-binding is acquired. If the acquired layout information indicates a layout for right-binding, the flow advances from step S 302 to step S 304 , and sequential still images are laid out to obtain printouts shown in FIG. 14 . The flow then advances to step S 305 to execute a print process of sequential still images.
- step S 303 the print positions of sequential still images are moved to the right side of respective strips to obtain a layout shown in FIG. 15 , and this layout is rotated through 180° to obtain a print layout shown in FIG. 16 .
- the flow then advances to step S 305 to execute a print process of sequential still images.
- blank spaces are always located on the trailing end side of a paper sheet, as shown in FIGS. 14 and 16 , thus preventing the image quality of sequential still images from deteriorating.
- a 180°-rotated layout is used in case of that for left-binding.
- the present invention is not limited to such specific process. That is, it is important for a print layout to arrange sequential still images and blank spaces along the convey direction, and to locate blank spaces on the trailing end side of a paper sheet in the convey direction.
- step S 163 Upon displaying a print layout in step S 163 , sequential still images are displayed at normal positions. Therefore, even when left-binding is set in this embodiment, a layout is displayed, so that sequential still images are displayed at normal positions, i.e., as shown in FIG. 10A .
- a print layout is designed in correspondence with the characteristics of a printer, i.e., since a print layout in which sequential still images and blank spaces are arranged along the convey direction, and blank spaces are located on the trailing end side of a paper sheet in the convey direction is adopted, a high-quality flip moving image can be provided.
- the print process application runs on the information processing apparatus such as a personal computer or the like.
- the present invention is not limited to this, and all or some of functions of the aforementioned application may be implemented by a printer driver, digital still camera, digital video camera, or printer.
- an ink-jet printer is assumed as the printer, but an electrophotographic printer such as a laser printer or the like, or a thermal transfer printer may be used.
- the number of sequential still images is fixed at 45, but may be arbitrarily set by the user.
- the number of strip sheets that can be acquired per paper sheet changes (when a paper sheet is conveyed at a landscape position and a layout shown in FIG. 12 is used, 14 strip sheets can only be obtained from one paper sheet)
- the total number of sequential still images to be acquired may be changed accordingly.
- FIG. 18 shows a state wherein a bundle of strip sheets on which sequential still images are printed is housed in a case of this embodiment.
- the case of this embodiment comprises a flexible U-shaped case member 400 , a strip sheet group 410 to be housed in this case member, and a rubber band 420 used to bundle the case member 400 and strip sheet group 410 and to maintain that state.
- FIG. 19 shows an observation state of a flip moving image by sequentially flipping strips, which are housed, as shown in FIG. 18 .
- FIG. 19 shows a left-binding state (for a right-handed user).
- FIGS. 20A to 20D are views for explaining the build sequence of the case according to this embodiment.
- the case member 400 is formed of a flexible material, and is preferably transparent or translucent.
- the case member 400 includes a nearly rectangular first panel 401 , a nearly rectangular second panel 402 which faces the first panel 401 when a U-shape is formed, and a third panel 403 that connects the first and second panels 401 and 402 .
- the first to third panels are formed of an integrated sheet, and are formed by fold lines 410 .
- the sheet shown in FIG. 21 is foldable at the fold lines 410 , as shown in FIG. 20A , thus forming a U-shaped case by the first to third panels 401 to 403 .
- the stacked stripe sheet group 410 (45 strip sheets in this example) is inserted between the first and second panels 401 and 402 . Therefore, the length of the third panel (a height upon forming a U-shaped case) is equivalent to the thickness of a stack of 45 strip sheets.
- Notches 404 are formed on the long sides of the first and second panels 401 and 402 on the connection portion side to the third panel 403 . These notches 404 are formed at equal distance positions from the connection portion to the third panel 403 .
- the U-shaped case 400 is formed so that the first and third panels and the second and third panels respectively form nearly right angles, the strip group 410 is inserted in that case, and the rubber 420 is hooked on the notches 404 , thus maintaining the bundled state of strips ( FIGS. 20C and 20D ).
- the first panel 401 is an upper surface panel that contacts a sequential still image, and the second panel 402 serves as a backbone.
- the first and second panels 401 and 402 have a size slightly larger than the strip sheets to be housed. In this manner, a protection function of the strip sheet group 410 is provided.
- first several strip sheets may be flipped at the same time.
- a notch 405 is formed to expose housed strips, as shown in FIG. 22 and the like, so that the finger contacts the first strip sheet upon sequentially flipping the sheets.
- the width of the notch 405 is determined so that the user's finger (thumb) can touch the strip and the user can naturally flip strips.
- the shape of the notch is not limited to an arcuated shape.
- the width of the notch may be determined so that only this frame portion exposes ( FIG. 22B ). In this manner, the sequential still image itself does not expose, and can be reliably protected.
- the second panel 402 serves as a backbone, and preferably has a size slightly larger than the strip sheets in the same manner as the first panel 401 . Since such second panel 402 is formed, it can reliably protect strip sheets, and allows the user to easily flip strip sheets one by one until the last page upon sequentially flipping them. More specifically, when no second panel 402 is formed or when the second panel 402 is smaller than strip sheets, last several pages are flipped at the same time, and the user cannot normally observe a flip moving image. However, according to this embodiment, since the second panel is provided, the user can easily and reliably flip strip sheets one by one until the last page.
- the aforementioned notches 404 preferably have a depth that allows housed strips to slightly expose, as shown in FIG. 22C .
- the notches 404 can prevent the rubber band 420 from being displaced, and the rubber band 420 can contact strip sheets, thus maintaining the housed state of the strip sheet group 410 more satisfactorily and effectively.
- the holding mechanism using the rubber band according to this embodiment can provide a holding means that effectively holds the strip group 410 by a very simple structure.
- the strip sheet group is directly clamped by a paper clip or the like, the strip sheets may be damaged by the paper clip.
- the rubber band 420 is hooked while the strip sheets are protected by the case, the strip sheets can be prevented from being damaged.
- notches may also be formed on each strip sheet at positions corresponding to the notches 404 when the sheets are housed in the case member 400 .
- Such notches can be formed by providing a paper sheet, as shown in, e.g., FIG. 24 .
- This paper sheet is formed with holes 601 used to form notches on perforations 602 .
- the rubber band 420 fits on the notches 404 of the case member and the notches 601 of respective strip sheets, thus holding the housed strip sheets more reliably.
- a plurality of sets of notches may be formed to bundle sheets using a plurality of rubber bands.
- the U-shaped case is formed using the first to third panels.
- the third panel 403 may be omitted.
- the case member 400 can be formed by a single sheet, the third panel can align a bundle of strip sheets as a backbone, and so forth.
- the present invention may be applied to either a system constituted by a plurality of devices (e.g., a host computer, interface device, reader, printer, and the like), or an apparatus consisting of a single equipment (e.g., a copying machine, facsimile apparatus, or the like).
- a system constituted by a plurality of devices (e.g., a host computer, interface device, reader, printer, and the like), or an apparatus consisting of a single equipment (e.g., a copying machine, facsimile apparatus, or the like).
- the objects of the present invention are also achieved by supplying a storage medium, which records a program code of a software program that can implement the functions of the above-mentioned embodiments to the system or apparatus, and reading out and executing the program code stored in the storage medium by a computer (or a CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus.
- the program code itself read out from the storage medium implements the functions of the above-mentioned embodiments, and the storage medium which stores the program code constitutes the present invention.
- the storage medium for supplying the program code for example, a floppy disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, CD-R, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, ROM, and the like may be used.
- the functions of the above-mentioned embodiments may be implemented not only by executing the readout program code by the computer but also by some or all of actual processing operations executed by an OS (operating system) running on the computer on the basis of an instruction of the program code.
- OS operating system
- the functions of the above-mentioned embodiments may be implemented by some or all of actual processing operations executed by a CPU or the like arranged in a function extension board or a function extension unit, which is inserted in or connected to the computer, after the program code read out from the storage medium is written in a memory of the extension board or unit.
- sequential still images are obtained by extracting a predetermined number of images from a desired range of a moving image, and are sequentially displayed to allow the user to preview a flip moving image prior to a printout process, a flip moving image that can flexibly meet user's requirements can be provided.
- the operability can be further improved.
- a predetermined number of sequential still images can be acquired from a desired range of a moving image irrespective of the duration of the designated desired range.
- the user can designate the desired range without minding if a predetermined number of sequential still images can be acquired.
Abstract
An image processing apparatus controls to print a plurality of sequential still images, which can be observed as a flip moving image, on the basis of moving image data. The image processing apparatus provides a window which has a start point button, end point button, seek bar, and the like. The user designates a desired still image extraction range from the moving image data by operating the start and end point buttons. This window also provides a preview button. When the user clicks the preview button, a predetermined number of sequential still images are generated from the designated still image extraction range in the moving image. These sequential still images are displayed while being sequentially switched in the order they appear in the moving image data.
Description
- This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 11/408,526, filed Apr. 21, 2006, which is a divisional of Ser. No. 11/408,526, filed Apr. 21, 2006, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
- The present invention relates to an image processing method and apparatus, and a printing apparatus for printing out a plurality of images obtained from moving image data.
- An apparatus that prints a sequential motion of an object as a plurality of images has been proposed. As an example of an apparatus of this type, an apparatus described in, e.g., Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-327376 is known.
- According to Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-327376, a predetermined number of captured images are obtained and stored from a video camera output from an image capture start instruction until an elapse of a pre-set image capture time, and are printed out, as shown in
FIG. 25 . On this printout, blank spaces are formed aside respective captured images, and can be used as binding margins, as shown inFIG. 26A . The user can observe the captured images like a moving image by successively flipping a bundle of printouts, as shown inFIG. 26B . Such moving image will be referred to as a “flip moving image” hereinafter. Successive still images that can provide a flip moving image will be referred to as sequential still images hereinafter. - On the other hand, the position of the blank space portion on each printout in
FIG. 25 can be selected from the left or right side of a captured image to cope with right- and left-handed users. More specifically, when the user designates to form a blank space portion on the left side of a captured image, a printout for a right-handed user (left binding) can be obtained; when the user designates to form a blank space portion on the right side of a captured image, a printout for a left-handed user (right binding) can be obtained. - In general, in an apparatus of this type, captured images are extracted from the whole range from the beginning to the end of image capture, and are stored to output sequential still images. According to the Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-327376 above, when the user designates a desired one of image capture times of 8 sec, 10 sec, and 12 sec, an image is captured during the designated image capture time, and captured images are stored at given intervals during that image capture process. For example, if the user designates 8 sec, captured images are stored at every ⅙ sec to store 48 captured images; if the user designates 10 sec, captured images are stored at every ⅕ sec to store 48 captured images.
- However, although the user designates, e.g., the image capture time of 10 sec, if a portion of his or her interest corresponds to a portion from 2 sec to 9 sec, captured images contained in the first and last 1-sec intervals become useless printouts. Also, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-223876 contains only a description “an object image may be captured as a moving image, and frames may be extracted from the moving image at given time intervals”.
- As described above, in the prior art, since images are merely extracted from the whole captured moving image sequence, printouts that can flexibly cope with user's interest cannot be obtained.
- Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-327376 describes sequential display of captured images which are extracted and stored from the whole range from the beginning to the end of image capture for the purpose of confirmation by the user, i.e., a preview function. However, since sequential still images are extracted from the whole captured moving image sequence, if the user is dissatisfied with the extracted contents as a result of preview, he or she must redo the image capture process from the beginning.
- Since Japanese Patent Laid-Open Nos. 10-327376 and 2001-223876 do no consider a case wherein a desired designated range is too short to generate a predetermined number of sequential still images, since setting of a desired designated range of a moving image set as an extraction range is not assumed.
- The present invention has been made in consideration of the above situation, and has as its object to obtain sequential still images by extracting a predetermined number of images from a desired range in a moving image at given intervals, and to allow the user to preview a flip moving image by sequentially displaying the obtained sequential still images prior to printout, thus flexibly meeting user's requirements.
- It is another object of the present invention to allow the user to immediately re-set a desired range in a moving image after the obtain sequential still images are sequentially displayed, so as to improve the operability.
- It is still another object of the present invention to allow to acquire a predetermined number of sequential still images irrespective of the length of a desired designated range upon obtaining the predetermined number of sequential still images from a desired range in a moving image.
- According to the present invention, the foregoing object is attained by providing an image processing apparatus for controlling to print a plurality of sequential still images, which can be observed as a flip moving image, on the basis of moving image data, comprising:
- designation means for designating a desired range of the moving image data;
- generation means for generating a predetermined number of sequential still images using frames within the desired range of the moving image data; and
- display control means for controlling to display the predetermined number of sequential still images generated by the generation means while sequentially switching the sequential still images in an order they appear in the moving image data.
- In another aspect of the present invention, an image processing method for controlling to print a plurality of sequential still images, which can be observed as a flip moving image, on the basis of moving image data is provided, wherein the image processing method comprises:
- the designation step of designating a desired range of the moving image data;
- the generation step of generating a predetermined number of sequential still images using frames within the desired range of the moving image data; and
- the display control step of controlling to display the predetermined number of sequential still images generated in the generation step while sequentially switching the sequential still images in an order they appear in the moving image data.
- In still another aspect of the present invention, an image processing apparatus for controlling to print a plurality of sequential still images, which can be observed as a flip moving image, on the basis of moving image data is provided, wherein the image processing apparatus comprises:
- designation means for designating a desired range of the moving image data;
- checking means for checking if a predetermined number of frames can be extracted from the desired range of the moving image data;
- first generation means for, when the checking means determines that the predetermined number of frames can be extracted, generating a predetermined number of sequential still images by extracting the predetermined number of frames from the desired range; and
- second generation means for, when the checking means determines that the predetermined number of frames cannot be extracted, generating sequential still images by extracting a largest possible number of frames from the desired range, and generating the predetermined number of sequential still images by complementing deficient frames by repetitively using identical frames.
- In another aspect of the present invention, an image processing method for controlling to print a plurality of sequential still images, which can be observed as a flip moving image, on the basis of moving image data is provided, wherein the image processing method comprises:
- the designation step of designating a desired range of the moving image data;
- the checking step of checking if a predetermined number of frames can be extracted from the desired range of the moving image data;
- the first generation step of generating, when it is determined in the checking step that the predetermined number of frames can be extracted, a predetermined number of sequential still images by extracting the predetermined number of frames from the desired range; and
- the second generation step of generating, when it is determined in the checking step that the predetermined number of frames cannot be extracted, sequential still images by extracting a largest possible number of frames from the desired range, and generating the predetermined number of sequential still images by complementing deficient frames by repetitively using identical frames.
- In still another aspect of the present invention, a printing apparatus including the above image processing apparatus is provided.
- In still another aspect of the present invention, a computer readable memory which stores computer program for performing the above image processing methods, is provided.
- In still another aspect of the present invention, a computer executable program for performing the above image processing methods, is provided.
- Other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the figures thereof.
- The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.
-
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the arrangement of an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining aninformation processing apparatus 100 of the image forming system shown inFIG. 1 from the viewpoint of the software configuration; -
FIG. 3 is a flow chart for explaining the process executed when a paper select window is selected; -
FIG. 4 is a flow chart for explaining the process executed when a moving image select window is selected; -
FIG. 5 is a flow chart for explaining the process executed when a range setup window is selected; -
FIG. 6 is a flow chart for explaining the process executed when a print/save window is selected; -
FIG. 7 shows a display example of the paper select window; -
FIG. 8 shows a display example of the moving image select window; -
FIG. 9A shows a display example of the range setup window; -
FIG. 9B shows a preview operation interface in the range setup window; -
FIG. 10A shows a display example of the print/save window; -
FIG. 10B shows an example of a printout; -
FIG. 11 is a flow chart for explaining the still image conversion process in step S149 or S162 in more detail; -
FIG. 12 is a view for explaining the influence of a paper convey error on printed sequential still images; -
FIG. 13 is a view for explaining the influence of a paper convey error on printed sequential still images; -
FIG. 14 is a view for explaining a right-binding print layout according to the embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 15 is a view for explaining a problem posed upon adopting a left-binding print layout; -
FIG. 16 is a view for explaining a left-binding print layout according to the embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 17 is a flow chart for explaining the process of a print layout according to the embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 18 shows a state wherein strip sheets on which sequential still images are printed are housed in a case according to the embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 19 shows a state wherein the user observes a flip moving image using the strip sheets housed in the case according to the embodiment of the present invention; -
FIGS. 20A to 20D are views for explaining the build sequence of the case according to the embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 21 shows members which form the case according to the embodiment of the present invention; -
FIGS. 22A to 22C show the structure of notches in the case according to the embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 23 shows a paper sheet used to print sequential still images in the embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 24 shows another paper sheet used to print sequential still images in the embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 25 shows a printout of sequential still images in the prior art; and -
FIGS. 26A and 26B show a state wherein the user observes a flip moving image using the strip sheets obtained from the printout shown inFIG. 25 . - Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail in accordance with the accompanying drawings.
- [System Arrangement]
-
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the arrangement of an image forming system according to this embodiment. The image forming system of this embodiment comprises aninformation processing apparatus 100 for generating print data (containing control commands), and aprinter 170 for forming an image on the basis of the print data. - The
information processing apparatus 100 comprises amemory 110, aCPU 130, a hard disk controller (HDC) 120 and hard disk (HD) 121 connected to it, a floppy disk controller (FDC) 125 and floppy disk drive (FD) 126 connected to it, a printer controller (PRTC) 140, a keyboard/pointing device controller (KB/PDC) 150 and keyboard (KB)/pointing device (PD) 151 connected to it, and a CRT controller (CRTC) 160 andCRT 161 connected to it. - Note that a mouse is used as the pointing device (PD) in this embodiment, but various other devices such as a track ball, touch panel, and the like may be used. In the above arrangement, the
CRT 161 is used as a display, but other types of displays such as a liquid crystal display, plasma display, and the like may be used. - The
memory 110 has anapplication 111 that controls an image edit process in the present invention, aprinter driver 112 as software for generating print data compatible to theprinter 170, aspooler area 113 for spooling print data to be supplied to theprinter 170, an OS (operating system; not shown), a work area (not shown), and the like. - The
CPU 130 operates on the basis of theapplication 111,printer driver 112, OS, and the like in thememory 110. Upon power ON, the apparatus is booted by a boot program stored in a ROM (not shown), and the OS program is loaded from theHD 121 onto thememory 110 to launch the OS. After that, the application program is similarly loaded and executed under the management of the OS, thus making the apparatus function as the image forming system. As a matter of course, theCPU 130 can access theHD 121 via theHDC 120. - The
PRTC 140 executes a process for sequentially transmitting print data stored in thespooler area 113 to theprinter 170. More specifically, thePRTC 140 is implemented by a Centronics or USB interface and its communication controller. The KB/PDC 150 controls the KB/PD 151, and fetches instruction data from the user input using the keyboard or mouse into the apparatus. TheCRTC 160 is a controller for controlling theCRT 161 as a display device. Theseblocks - On the other hand, the
printer 170 comprises aninterface 171 for receiving print data from theinformation processing apparatus 100, and sending various status data to theinformation processing apparatus 100, aprinter controller 172 for mainly interpreting received printer data, and generating bitmap image data, and aprinter engine 173 for receiving the bitmap image data output from theprinter controller 172 and actually forming an image. Note that theprinter 170 comprises a control panel and the like although they are not shown. Theprinter engine 173 may use any of an ink-jet system, electrophotography system, thermal transfer system, and the like. - In the above arrangement, when the
printer 170 is connected to theinformation processing apparatus 100 for the first time, theprinter driver 112 for generating print data compatible to theprinter 170 must be installed. Such installation process need only be done only once unless it is specially required. -
FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining theinformation processing apparatus 100 of the image forming system shown inFIG. 1 from the viewpoint of the software configuration. - The keyboard and mouse (KB/PD) 151 are connected as input devices to the
information processing apparatus 100. Also, theprinter 170 and theCRT 161 as a monitor are connected as output devices. - An input made using the keyboard or mouse is processed by a keyboard/
mouse driver 182, and is passed to anOS 180. Theinformation processing apparatus 100 hasapplication software 111 including a wordprocessor, spreadsheet, Internet browser, and the like. Various rendering process commands (image rendering command, text rendering command, and graphics rendering command) which are issued by theapplication software 111 and indicate an output image are input to amonitor driver 181 via theOS 180. Upon printing that image, these rendering commands are input to theprinter driver 112 via theOS 180. Theprinter driver 112 is software for processing the rendering commands to generate print data, and making theprinter 170 to print the print data, and themonitor driver 181 is software for making theCRT 161 display an image. - Note that a prevalent IBM AT compatible personal computer may be used as the
information processing apparatus 100 shown inFIGS. 1 and 2 , and Microsoft Windows98® may be used as theOS 180. When themonitor 161,printer 170, and keyboard/mouse 151 are connected to such personal computer to execute a print process application (to be described later), the print system of this embodiment can be implemented. - In the
information processing apparatus 100, theapplication software 111 generates output image data using text data such as characters and the like which are categorized into text, graphics data such as figures and the like which are categorized into graphics, image data which are categorized into photo images and the like, and so forth. Upon printing an image based on the output image data, theapplication software 111 sends a printout request to theOS 180, and issues rendering commands that contain a text rendering command of text data, a graphics rendering command of graphics data, and an image rendering command of image data, to theOS 180. - Upon receiving the printout request from the
application software 111, theOS 180 passes the rendering commands to theprinter driver 112 corresponding to theprinter 170. Theprinter driver 112 generates print data that can undergo a print process of theprinter 170 by processing the printout request and rendering commands passed from theOS 180, and sends the print data to theprinter 170. - When the
printer 170 is a raster printer, theprinter driver 112 rasterizes the rendering commands on R, G, and B band memories each having an 8-bit depth. After all the rendering commands are rasterized, the contents of the band memories are converted into a data format that theprinter 170 can print, e.g., CMYK data, and the converted data are sent to theprinter 170. Note that these band memories are assured on, e.g., a RAM (memory 110). - [Print Process Application]
- The print process application according to this embodiment, which can run as the
application 111, will be explained below. The print process application according to this embodiment extracts a predetermined number of sequential still images from a desired range of moving image data, and prints these sequential images on a perforated paper sheet that can be torn into strip sheets, as shown inFIG. 23 . By printing sequential still images to line up sequential still images and blank spaces in the longitudinal direction of the strip sheets, binding margins are formed on the respective strip sheets. When the strip sheets obtained in this manner are bundled, as shown inFIGS. 18 and 19 , the user can observe a flip moving image. The operations and functions of the print process application of this embodiment will be described below. - When the print process application of this embodiment is launched, a dedicated application window is displayed. As the application window, a paper select window (see
FIG. 7 ), moving image select window (seeFIG. 8 ), range setup window (seeFIG. 9A ), and print/save window (seeFIG. 10A ) are prepared. Note that the paper select window is displayed as a default window upon launching this print application, but the present invention is not limited to this. The respective windows have tabs (301 a to 301 d) used to select a given window, and a desired one of the windows shown inFIGS. 7 to 10A can be selected by clicking a desired tab. - An outline of the print sequence by this print process application is as follows:
-
- a printer, paper sheet, and the like to be used are set on the paper select window;
- a desired moving image file is selected on the moving image select window;
- a desired range in the moving image file selected on the moving image select window is set on the range setup window, and it is confirmed using a flip moving image preview function if the set range is appropriate; and
- a predetermined number of sequential still images are generated from the desired range set on the range setup window, and are output by the set printer on the print/save window.
- Details of the operations for the respective windows will be explained below.
- A paper select process executed by displaying the paper select window will be explained first with reference to
FIGS. 3 and 7 .FIG. 3 is a flow chart for explaining the process executed when the paper select window shown inFIG. 7 is selected. - In step S101, the names of printers to be selected are input to a
box 310 to prompt the user to select a printer. By clicking a ∇ button on the right side of thebox 310, a list of available printers is displayed, and the user can select a desired printer from the list. If only one printer is available, that printer is displayed in thebox 310. Note that the available printer is a printer which is compatible to the print application of this embodiment, and its printer driver is installed in the information processing apparatus. Upon launching this application, a printer which was selected upon previously quitting the application is selected. - A cartridge is selected using a
box 311 in step S102, and a paper sheet is selected using abox 312 in step S103. In this embodiment, the paper size is fixed to A4, but other desired paper sizes may be selected. - It is checked in step S104 if a tab (one of 301 b to 301 d) used to display another window is selected. If NO in step S104, the flow returns to step S101. On the other hand, if YES in step S104, the flow advances to step S105 to settle contents set in the
boxes 310 to 312 at that time as setup contents. Note that the setup contents can be changed later on the paper select window displayed by selecting thetab 301 a from another window. - A moving image select process executed when the moving image select window is displayed upon selecting the
tab 301 b will be explained below with reference toFIGS. 4 and 8 .FIG. 4 is a flow chart for explaining the process executed when the moving image select window shown inFIG. 8 is selected. - In step S121, a file selected by user's file open operation is opened. In this case, a file select popup window (not shown) is displayed upon clicking an “open”
button 321, and the user selects a desired moving image file using this window. - It is checked in step S122 if the file designated in step S121 was created and saved by the print process application. With this application, information for printing sequential still images can be saved in step S169 in a “print & save” process which will be described later with reference to
FIG. 6 . If it is determined in step S122 that such information file is selected, the flow jumps to step S126 without executing a moving image playback process to be described below. Note that the checking process in step S122 can be implemented with reference to, e.g., a file extension. - As will be described later, the information file saves the image file name, still image extraction range, and the like. Hence, in this embodiment, when the information file is opened, the print/save window is automatically displayed so as to immediately execute a print process. That is, when the information file is opened on the moving image select window, the step of playing back a moving image is skipped, and the control jumps to the print/save window (this jump process is not shown on the flow chart). In place of such process, even when the information file is selected, a moving image may be played back as in a case wherein a normal moving image file is selected. In such case, a moving image file corresponding to the image file name held in the information file is selected.
- If the file selected in step S121 is a moving image file that this print application can process, the flow advances to step S123, and an image of the first frame of that moving image file is displayed on a moving
image playback field 323 in a movingimage playback window 322. - The moving
image playback window 322 has a user interface including aplay button 324 used to instruct to start the playback process of the selected moving image file, apause button 325 used to instruct to pause the playback process and to cancel the paused state, astop button 326 used to stop the playback process, a locatebutton 327 to locate the first frame of the moving image file, a locatebutton 328 to locate the last frame of the moving file, and a seekbar 329. By dragging the seekbar 329, a display position can be located at an arbitrary position in the moving image file. During playback of a moving image, the seek bar moves in corresponding to the playback position. Atime indicator 330 indicates the current playback position by a time from the beginning of playback. - If playback of a moving is designated upon pressing the
play button 324, the flow advances from step S124 to step S125, and the moving image file selected in step S121 is played back. Note that processes executed upon operation of other control buttons are not shown in the flow chart and a detailed description thereof will be omitted, but their contents are known to those who are skilled in the art. - If one of the
tabs FIG. 8 displayed by selecting thetab 301 b from another window. - A range setup process executed when the range setup window is displayed upon selecting the
tab 301 c will be explained below with reference toFIGS. 5 and 9A .FIG. 5 is a flow chart for explaining the process executed when the range setup window shown inFIG. 9A is selected. On the range setup window, a desired range from which sequential still images are to be extracted (to be referred to as a still image extraction range hereinafter) is set from the moving image file. - As shown in
FIG. 9A , a movingimage playback window 340 which includes a movingimage playback field 323 for playing back the selected moving image file,various control buttons 324 to 328, and a seekbar 329 is also displayed on the range setup window. Note that the movingimage playback window 340 on the range setup window includes start andend point buttons preview button 343 used to preview sequential still images obtained from the set still image extraction range as a flip moving image. - A moving image playback process in steps S141 to S143 is the same as that in steps S123 to S125 described above. That is, an image of the first frame of the moving image file, which has been selected on the moving image select window and settled as a selected file, is displayed on the moving image playback field 323 (step S141), and the user clicks the play button 324 (step S142) to start playback of that moving image file (step S143).
- If the user clicks the
start point button 341 during playback of this moving image file, a playback time at that timing is registered as the start point of the still image extraction range (steps S144 and S145). On the other hand, if the user clicks theend point button 342, a playback time at that timing is registered as the end point of the still image extraction range (steps S146 and S147). After the start and end points are registered, the selected range is identifiably displayed by, e.g., changing the display color of a portion of the seekbar 329 corresponding to the selected range, as shown inFIG. 9A , so as to indicate the selected still image extraction range. - In the above description, the start and end points are designated at desired timing during playback of the moving image file, thereby determining the desired range in the moving image. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the start point of the still image extraction range may be designated by clicking the
start point button 341 after the seekbar 329 is moved to a desired playback position, and the end point of the still image extraction range may be designated by similarly clicking theend point button 342. In such case, the moving image file need not be played back by theplay button 324, and an image corresponding to a position designated by the seekbar 329 is displayed on the movingimage playback field 323. - Also, the method of designating the still image extraction range while playing back the moving image, and the method of designating the still image extraction range using the seek bar may be combined. For example, the user locates a desired position in the moving image data by operating the seek
bar 329, and clicks thestart point button 341 to designate the start point of the still image extraction range. After that, the user clicks theplay button 324 to play back the moving image from that position, and then clicks theend point button 342 at a desired position, thus setting the extraction range. - In this embodiment, the start and end points of the still image extraction range are registered using their playback times. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and frame numbers or the like may be used.
- The print process application of this embodiment extracts a predetermined number of sequential still images (45 images in this embodiment) from the still image extraction range set in this way at equal intervals, and prints them out. The printout of the sequential still images obtained in this manner is used for the purpose of observing the sequential still images as a flip moving image by tearing the printout into strip sheets and sequentially flipping these strip sheets. For this purpose, it is preferable to preview the sequential still image so as to allow the user to virtually observe a flip moving image. In the subsequent steps S148 to S150, such preview function is provided.
- If the user clicks the
preview button 343 after he or she sets the still image extraction range by designating the start and end points, the flow advances from step S148 to step S149 (note that the flow cannot advance to step S149 unless the still image extraction range is set). In step S149, a predetermined number of sequential still images are generated and acquired from the set still image extraction range. At this time, the sequential still images are generated so that neighboring images have equal intervals (the same number of frames) on the time axis. That is, frames are extracted from the set still image extraction range at equal intervals, and sequential still images are generated from the extracted frames. - Note that frame extraction in step S149 can be implemented at nearly equal intervals using:
-
m=1+INT((n−1)×(M−1)/(N−1)+0.5) - where INT(x) is a function of obtaining a value by rounding x after the decimal part;
- M: the number of frames in the selected range;
- N: the number of frames to be extracted (N>1, N=45 in this embodiment);
- n: frame order number (1 to N); and
- m: extracted frame number (1 to M).
- (M, N, n, and m are all integers)
- In the Above Equation, if M=(N−1)×y+1 (y is an integer equal to or larger than 1), all the intervals of frames become equal to each other.
- In step S150, the sequential still images generated in step S149 are sequentially displayed on the order they are captured so that the image display ends in, e.g., 2 sec. At this time, the switching interval from a given still image to the next still image is set to be constant ( 2/45 sec if 45 sequential still images are to be displayed in 2 sec).
- When the user clicks the
preview button 343 without changing the selected range in the moving image, the process in step S149 is skipped since the sequential still images have already been generated. - If the user clicks one of the
tabs tab 301 c from another window. On the other hand, if none of the tabs corresponding to other control windows are clicked, the flow returns to step S141 to repeat the aforementioned process. Therefore, according to this embodiment, since preview display and range setup operations can be made on a single window (range setup window), the user can re-designate the range immediately after he or she confirms a flip moving image by the preview function, resulting in good operability. - Note that a
preview setup panel 344 shown inFIG. 9B may be displayed in preview display of sequential still image in step S150, so as to allow the user to arbitrarily set a time required to display. For example, the total display time may be arbitrarily set, as indicated by afield 345 inFIG. 9B . If it is set to display still images in 1 sec, sequential still images are displayed while being switched at 1/45-sec intervals. Also, the switching interval of sequential still images may be designated (e.g., 0.04 sec), as indicated by afield 346 inFIG. 9B . - Furthermore, a manual operation may be allowed, as indicated by a
field 347 inFIG. 9B . In this example, when the user slides aknob 349 of a displayedslide bar 348, sequential still images are displayed while being switched to follow the slide operation. In this manner, the switching interval which is set using thefield - A process executed when the print/save window is displayed upon selection of the
tab 301 d will be explained below.FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing the process executed when the print/save window shown inFIG. 10A is selected. On this print/save window, sequential still images obtained from the still image extraction range set on the range setup window can be printed, and an information file that contains the moving image file name and extraction information can be saved. - It is checked in step S161 if the currently set extraction range has already undergone the still image conversion process in step S149. If the process in step S149 is complete, since sequential still images of that still image extraction range have been obtained, step S162 is skipped. If sequential still images have not been acquired yet from the set extraction range, the flow advances to step S162 to extract a predetermined number of sequential still images from the still image extraction range set on the previous range setup window. This process is the same as step S149 in
FIG. 5 . - In step S163, a print layout using the generated sequential still images is displayed. In this embodiment, since 15 sequential still images are printed on each A4-size paper sheet, a total of three pages are to be printed. Hence, by operating a next or
previous page button FIG. 10A , numerical values are appended to sequential still images for the purpose of convenience to indicate that they are sequential images (not a series of identical images). Also, a numerical value recorded on the corner of a blank space of each strip indicates a page number, i.e., the order in the moving image. - If the user clicks a
print setup button 353, it is determined that print setups are to be changed, and the flow advances to step S165. In step S165, a print setup input window (not shown) is displayed and, for example, the following print setup items are set. - <Layout>
-
- Right-binding: Images are printed in a layout for a left-handed user.
- Left-binding: Images are printed in a layout for a right-handed user.
- <Background>
-
- None: No background image is printed around each sequential still image.
- Black gradation: A black gradation pattern, which changes from each sequential still image toward a blank space, is printed around each sequential still image.
- Gradation of designated color: A gradation pattern of a designated color, which changes from each sequential still image toward a blank space, is printed around each sequential still image.
- (Default is “Black Gradation”)
- <Title>
-
- None: No title name is printed.
- Print title: An input character string is printed as a title (whether the title is printed only on the first page or on all pages is selectable).
- (Default is “none”)
- <Image Capture Date>
-
- None: No image capture date is printed.
- Print date: An image capture date is printed ((whether the title is printed only on the first page or on all pages is selectable).
- (Default is “None”)
- After the print setups, the flow returns to step S163 to display the print layout based on the updated print setups. In this manner, changes in print setup can be immediately reflected in the displayed print layout.
- If the user clicks a
print button 352, the flow advances from step S166 to step S167 to print sequential still images by the designated printer, as shown inFIG. 10B . At this time, each sequential still image is printed in a size reduced to fall within a 42 mm×34 mm region while fixing the aspect ratio of the sequential still image extracted from the moving image. Also, the print quality at that time is default quality of designated media. If a given background pattern is designated, the designated background pattern is printed; if an image capture date and title are designated, they are printed according to their designations. Furthermore, a number is printed on a blank space (an upper right corner position in case of right-binding or an upper left corner position in case of left binding in this embodiment) aside each sequential still image (FIG. 10 shows an example of right-binding, and page numbers are assigned at upper right corner positions). - If the user clicks a
save button 354, the flow advances from step S168 to step S169. In step S169, respective items set on the paper select window, moving image select window, range setup window, and print/save window (print setup) are saved as a single file. For example, items to be saved include the printer to be used, cartridge information, paper sheet, moving file name, still image extraction start and end positions, print setup contents (layout, background, and the like). However, extracted sequential still image data are not saved. - Since 45 sequential still images obtained in this way are printed on a perforated paper sheet shown in
FIG. 23 , as shown inFIG. 10B , if these images are torn along perforations into strip sheets, these sheets can be bundled, as shown inFIG. 18 . The user can observe a flip moving image by sequentially flipping these sheets, as shown inFIG. 19 . - As described above, according to the print process application of this embodiment, sequential still images that can be observed as a flip moving image can be printed out in correspondence with the desired range of moving image data. Also, a flip moving image that the user wants can be easily provided.
- Especially, since the preview function, which is launched by the
preview button 343 on the range setup window (FIG. 9A ) that has been explained usingFIGS. 9A and 9B , sequentially displays sequential still images extracted from the designated range while switching them, a state wherein the user observes a flip moving image by bundling the sequential still images and sequentially flipping them, as shown inFIGS. 18 and 19 , can be confirmed, resulting in convenience. If the user is dissatisfied with the previewed image, he or she can immediately redesignate the still image extraction range without switching windows, thus improving operability. - If the switching interval of still images can be set in the preview function, the user can preview images at a desired flip speed. Furthermore, if a mechanism for controlling switching of sequential still images in synchronism with the slide motion of the
knob 348 of thescroll bar 348 is provided in the preview function, the display switching interval can be switched during sequential display. For this reason, a preview process corresponding to the user's habit upon observing a flip image (e.g., the speed at the beginning and end of flipping is lower than other portions) can be implemented, and the user can preview a flip moving image more accurately. - [Sequential Still Image Complement Process when the Number of Frames is Deficient]
- As described above, in this embodiment, a desired range in a moving image can be designated by designating the moving image extraction start and end points on the range setup window. Hence, an extraction range of less than 45 frames may be designated depending on the designated range. In such case, 45 sequential still images cannot be generated in step S149 or S162. The print process application of this embodiment can appropriately obtain 45 sequential still images even in such case.
-
FIG. 11 is a flow chart for explaining the still image conversion process in step S149 or S162 in more detail. - In step S201, the still image extraction range (start and end points) set in steps S144 to S147 above is loaded as conversion range information. In step S202, the number of frames included in the still image extraction range is obtained. In step S203, the number of still images to be converted is loaded. As described above, since the number of images is fixed at 45 in this embodiment, the number of still images to be converted is 45.
- In step S204, the number of frames included in the still image extraction range obtained in step S202 is compared with the number of still images to be converted (45) loaded in step S203. If the number of frames of the extraction range is equal to or larger than the number of still images to be converted, since 45 sequential still images can be extracted, the flow advances to step S207 to extract a predetermined number of frames at equal intervals by the same method as in step S149 above, and to convert them into still images.
- On the other hand, if the number of frames of the extraction range is smaller than the number of still images to be converted, 45 sequential still images must be generated by complementing deficient images. Hence, the flow advances from step S204 to step S205. In step S205, all frames included in the designated still image extraction range are converted into still images. In step S206, deficient images are complemented by repetitively using a given frame within the still image extraction range. In this embodiment, by repetitively using a frame located at the start or end of a time series (i.e., by repetitively using a sequential still image corresponding to a frame located at the start or end of a time series), a designated number of sequential still images are generated. Upon observing a flip moving image, if an identical image is repeated in the middle of flipping, the user may be disrupted. However, even when an identical sequential still image is repeated several times at the start or end of flipping, the user is not so disrupted.
- The way sequential still images are complemented may be changed in accordance with the number of images to be repeated (the number of deficient images). That is, a frame position used to repeat an image may be changed in accordance with the number of deficient images. For example, when the number of deficient images is equal to or smaller than a predetermined threshold value, a sequential still image of the first and/or last frame is repetitively used; if the number of deficient images is larger than the predetermined threshold value, sequential still images to be repetitively used are distributed among all the frames.
- For example, if the ratio of the number of deficient images to the predetermined number of images is:
-
- lower than 10% (less than 5 images if the predetermined number of images is 45), the last frame is repetitively used;
- falls within the range from 10% to 20% (6 to 9 images), first 10% (5) images are completed by repeating the last frame, and remaining deficient images are completed by repeating the first frame; and
- exceeds 20% (10 images or more), frames to be repeated are distributed to all the frames. Or when the number of deficient images exceeds 20% of the predetermined number of images, a range designation error may be generated.
- Alternatively, the user may designate a frame (or its position) to be repeated. For example, the user may select a frame to be repeated from “last frame” and “first frame”.
- In the aforementioned method, the reason why the last frame is preferably used as a frame to be repeated is that it becomes difficult to flip frames near the end of a flip moving image one by one, and some sheets may be flipped at the same time upon observing the flip moving image. Therefore, the process for complementing sequential still images by repeating the last frame is very effective means since the influence of repeated images can be suppressed on the printout used to observe a flip moving image, and the process itself can be simplified.
- Upon repeating a sequential still image of an identical frame, an image may undergo a given process. For example, when some images are repeated near the end of a flip moving image, the luminance values of these images may be gradually lowered to provide a fade-out effect upon generating sequential still images to be complemented. Likewise, when some images are repeated at the beginning of a flip moving image, the luminance values of print data may be adjusted to provide a fade-in effect upon generating sequential still images to be complemented.
- [Details of Print Process]
- Sequential still images of this embodiment are printed on a paper sheet formed with perforations, along which the paper sheet is torn into strip sheets. The strip sheets are bundled using blank spaces formed aside still images as binding margins, thus allowing the user to observe a flip moving image. Hence, the entire image moves unnaturally upon observing a flip moving image unless still images are printed at predetermined positions in strips formed by perforations with high reproducibility. In general, the print positions can be maintained with relatively high precision on a single sheet. However, when sequential still images are printed on a plurality of paper sheets as in this embodiment, a deviation between the overall print positions on different paper sheets poses a problem.
- In general, print positions in the convey direction have low precision due to the influence of convey errors in the convey direction of paper sheets. By contrast, print positions in a direction perpendicular to the convey direction can have relatively high precision due to the presence of paper guides and the like. Therefore, when sequential still images are printed in a layout in which arrays of sequential still images and blank spaces extend in a direction perpendicular to the convey direction, as shown in
FIG. 12 , the print positions of sequential still images on strip sheets obtained from a given paper sheet readily deviate in the up-and-down direction rather than the right-and-left direction from those obtained from the next paper sheet. For this reason, in a flip moving image of this embodiment that obtains 15 strip sheets per paper sheet, sequential still images move in the up-and-down direction between the 15th and 16th strip sheets and between the 30th and 31st strip sheets. - According to the experiments of the present inventors, upon observing a flip moving image, the user feels more disrupted when sequential still images deviate in the up-and-down direction than in the right-and-left direction. Hence, in this embodiment, still images are laid out and printed out to minimize the deviations in the up-and-down direction in the print process in step S167. This process will be explained below.
-
FIG. 13 is a view for explaining a layout upon printing out sequential still images in this embodiment. As shown inFIG. 13 , sequential still images and blank spaces that can be used as binding margins are formed on respective strips on a printout of this embodiment, so that arrays of sequential still images and blank spaces always agree with the convey direction. As described above, upon printing images on a plurality of paper sheets, the print position precision in a direction perpendicular to the convey direction is higher than that in the convey direction. Therefore, when a flip moving image is observed while bundling strip sheets obtained by tearing printouts with the layout shown inFIG. 13 along perforations, still images may move slightly larger in the right-and-left direction, but the positions of still images in the up-and-down direction match with relatively high precision. As described above, upon observing a flip moving image by sequentially flipping still images, the user feels more disrupted when still images move in the up-and-down direction than in the right-and-left direction. Hence, by minimizing movement in the up-and-down direction, strip sheets that allow the user to observe a high-quality flip moving image can be provided. - As can be easily understood for those who are skilled in the art, when a paper sheet is conveyed at a landscape position, the layout shown in
FIG. 12 is used. Therefore, when the user can designate the convey direction of paper sheets, it is preferable to automatically select an appropriate print layout in correspondence with the designated convey direction. That is, the designated convey direction and paper size are detected, and a print layout is determined to arrange sequential still images and blank spaces in the convey direction, thus executing a print process. - As described above, according to this embodiment, sequential still images can be laid out and printed, so that the print position precision in the up-and-down direction becomes higher than that in the right-and-left direction upon observing a flip moving image.
- The printout of this embodiment is further designed to improve the print quality of sequential still images. When an image is printed by repeating a print scan in a direction perpendicular to the convey direction while conveying a paper sheet like in an ink-jet printer, convey errors readily occur especially at the trailing end of a paper sheet in the convey direction, and image quality deteriorates. This is because the distance between a print head and paper sheet changes due to conspicuous convey errors since the pressing force of the paper sheet becomes loose at the trailing end of the paper sheet and a paper sheet readily floats.
- As described above, when a layout in which sequential still images and blank spaces are arranged along the convey direction of a paper sheet is adopted, either sequential still images or blank spaces are located at the trailing end of the paper sheet,
FIG. 14 shows a layout for right-binding, and the convey direction in a print process. When the layout shown inFIG. 14 is adopted, since blank spaces are located on the trailing end side of a paper sheet with respect to the convey direction of the paper sheet, sequential still images do not suffer any adverse influences for the aforementioned reasons. However, when a layout for left-binding is designated, i.e., when sequential still images are laid out by moving their print positions so that blank spaces are located on the left side of the sequential still images, as shown inFIG. 15 , the sequential still images are located on the trailing end side of a paper sheet. Therefore, the print quality of the 11th to 15th sequential still images may deteriorate. - To solve this problem, in this embodiment, blank spaces are laid out on the trailing end side of a paper sheet in both the layout for right-binding and that for left-binding. In this embodiment, the entire print layout for left-binding shown in
FIG. 15 is further rotated through 180° to obtain a print layout shown inFIG. 16 . -
FIG. 17 is a flow chart for explaining this print process. When a print process in step S168 starts, this process is launched. - In step S301, layout information of the print setups, i.e., information indicating if the selected layout is one for left-binding or right-binding is acquired. If the acquired layout information indicates a layout for right-binding, the flow advances from step S302 to step S304, and sequential still images are laid out to obtain printouts shown in
FIG. 14 . The flow then advances to step S305 to execute a print process of sequential still images. - On the other hand, if the layout information acquired in step S301 indicates a layout for left-binding, the flow advances from step S302 to step S303. In step S303, the print positions of sequential still images are moved to the right side of respective strips to obtain a layout shown in
FIG. 15 , and this layout is rotated through 180° to obtain a print layout shown inFIG. 16 . The flow then advances to step S305 to execute a print process of sequential still images. As a result, blank spaces are always located on the trailing end side of a paper sheet, as shown inFIGS. 14 and 16 , thus preventing the image quality of sequential still images from deteriorating. - In this embodiment, a 180°-rotated layout is used in case of that for left-binding. However, the present invention is not limited to such specific process. That is, it is important for a print layout to arrange sequential still images and blank spaces along the convey direction, and to locate blank spaces on the trailing end side of a paper sheet in the convey direction.
- Upon displaying a print layout in step S163, sequential still images are displayed at normal positions. Therefore, even when left-binding is set in this embodiment, a layout is displayed, so that sequential still images are displayed at normal positions, i.e., as shown in
FIG. 10A . - As described above, according to this embodiment, since a print layout is designed in correspondence with the characteristics of a printer, i.e., since a print layout in which sequential still images and blank spaces are arranged along the convey direction, and blank spaces are located on the trailing end side of a paper sheet in the convey direction is adopted, a high-quality flip moving image can be provided.
- The print application of this embodiment has been explained. In this embodiment, the print process application runs on the information processing apparatus such as a personal computer or the like. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and all or some of functions of the aforementioned application may be implemented by a printer driver, digital still camera, digital video camera, or printer.
- In the above embodiment, an ink-jet printer is assumed as the printer, but an electrophotographic printer such as a laser printer or the like, or a thermal transfer printer may be used.
- In the above embodiment, the number of sequential still images is fixed at 45, but may be arbitrarily set by the user. For example, when a layout changes depending on the direction of a paper sheet, and the number of strip sheets that can be acquired per paper sheet changes (when a paper sheet is conveyed at a landscape position and a layout shown in
FIG. 12 is used, 14 strip sheets can only be obtained from one paper sheet), the total number of sequential still images to be acquired may be changed accordingly. For example, when a print layout shown inFIG. 12 is designated, 42 sheets (=14×3) may be set. - [Strip Case]
- A case which houses a bundle of a plurality of strip sheets that include sequential still images printed out, as described above, and allows the user to observe a flip moving image will be explained below.
-
FIG. 18 shows a state wherein a bundle of strip sheets on which sequential still images are printed is housed in a case of this embodiment. As shown inFIG. 18 , the case of this embodiment comprises a flexibleU-shaped case member 400, astrip sheet group 410 to be housed in this case member, and arubber band 420 used to bundle thecase member 400 andstrip sheet group 410 and to maintain that state.FIG. 19 shows an observation state of a flip moving image by sequentially flipping strips, which are housed, as shown inFIG. 18 .FIG. 19 shows a left-binding state (for a right-handed user). -
FIGS. 20A to 20D are views for explaining the build sequence of the case according to this embodiment. Thecase member 400 is formed of a flexible material, and is preferably transparent or translucent. Thecase member 400 includes a nearly rectangularfirst panel 401, a nearly rectangularsecond panel 402 which faces thefirst panel 401 when a U-shape is formed, and athird panel 403 that connects the first andsecond panels FIG. 21 , the first to third panels are formed of an integrated sheet, and are formed byfold lines 410. The sheet shown inFIG. 21 is foldable at thefold lines 410, as shown inFIG. 20A , thus forming a U-shaped case by the first tothird panels 401 to 403. - As shown in
FIG. 20B , the stacked stripe sheet group 410 (45 strip sheets in this example) is inserted between the first andsecond panels -
Notches 404 are formed on the long sides of the first andsecond panels third panel 403. Thesenotches 404 are formed at equal distance positions from the connection portion to thethird panel 403. TheU-shaped case 400 is formed so that the first and third panels and the second and third panels respectively form nearly right angles, thestrip group 410 is inserted in that case, and therubber 420 is hooked on thenotches 404, thus maintaining the bundled state of strips (FIGS. 20C and 20D ). - The
first panel 401 is an upper surface panel that contacts a sequential still image, and thesecond panel 402 serves as a backbone. The first andsecond panels strip sheet group 410 is provided. - When the
first panel 401 serving as the upper surface panel is larger than the strip sheets to be housed, first several strip sheets may be flipped at the same time. Hence, in this embodiment, anotch 405 is formed to expose housed strips, as shown inFIG. 22 and the like, so that the finger contacts the first strip sheet upon sequentially flipping the sheets. In this way, the strip sheets can be reliably flipped one by one in turn from the first one. The width of thenotch 405 is determined so that the user's finger (thumb) can touch the strip and the user can naturally flip strips. Note that the shape of the notch is not limited to an arcuated shape. - When a frame is formed around a sequential still image on each strip sheet, the width of the notch may be determined so that only this frame portion exposes (
FIG. 22B ). In this manner, the sequential still image itself does not expose, and can be reliably protected. - The
second panel 402 serves as a backbone, and preferably has a size slightly larger than the strip sheets in the same manner as thefirst panel 401. Since suchsecond panel 402 is formed, it can reliably protect strip sheets, and allows the user to easily flip strip sheets one by one until the last page upon sequentially flipping them. More specifically, when nosecond panel 402 is formed or when thesecond panel 402 is smaller than strip sheets, last several pages are flipped at the same time, and the user cannot normally observe a flip moving image. However, according to this embodiment, since the second panel is provided, the user can easily and reliably flip strip sheets one by one until the last page. - Also, the
aforementioned notches 404 preferably have a depth that allows housed strips to slightly expose, as shown inFIG. 22C . When thenotches 404 are formed in this way, they can prevent therubber band 420 from being displaced, and therubber band 420 can contact strip sheets, thus maintaining the housed state of thestrip sheet group 410 more satisfactorily and effectively. Also, the holding mechanism using the rubber band according to this embodiment can provide a holding means that effectively holds thestrip group 410 by a very simple structure. When the strip sheet group is directly clamped by a paper clip or the like, the strip sheets may be damaged by the paper clip. However, according to this embodiment, since therubber band 420 is hooked while the strip sheets are protected by the case, the strip sheets can be prevented from being damaged. - Note that notches may also be formed on each strip sheet at positions corresponding to the
notches 404 when the sheets are housed in thecase member 400. Such notches can be formed by providing a paper sheet, as shown in, e.g.,FIG. 24 . This paper sheet is formed withholes 601 used to form notches onperforations 602. With such structure, therubber band 420 fits on thenotches 404 of the case member and thenotches 601 of respective strip sheets, thus holding the housed strip sheets more reliably. - Also, a plurality of sets of notches may be formed to bundle sheets using a plurality of rubber bands.
- In the above embodiment, the U-shaped case is formed using the first to third panels. However, since strip sheets are to be maintained in a bundled state so as to protect the strip sheets and to allow to observe a flip moving image, the
third panel 403 may be omitted. However, as described in the above embodiment, when the case is formed using the first to third panels, there are some merits, i.e., thecase member 400 can be formed by a single sheet, the third panel can align a bundle of strip sheets as a backbone, and so forth. - Note that the present invention may be applied to either a system constituted by a plurality of devices (e.g., a host computer, interface device, reader, printer, and the like), or an apparatus consisting of a single equipment (e.g., a copying machine, facsimile apparatus, or the like).
- The objects of the present invention are also achieved by supplying a storage medium, which records a program code of a software program that can implement the functions of the above-mentioned embodiments to the system or apparatus, and reading out and executing the program code stored in the storage medium by a computer (or a CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus.
- In this case, the program code itself read out from the storage medium implements the functions of the above-mentioned embodiments, and the storage medium which stores the program code constitutes the present invention.
- As the storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, a floppy disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, CD-R, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, ROM, and the like may be used.
- The functions of the above-mentioned embodiments may be implemented not only by executing the readout program code by the computer but also by some or all of actual processing operations executed by an OS (operating system) running on the computer on the basis of an instruction of the program code.
- Furthermore, the functions of the above-mentioned embodiments may be implemented by some or all of actual processing operations executed by a CPU or the like arranged in a function extension board or a function extension unit, which is inserted in or connected to the computer, after the program code read out from the storage medium is written in a memory of the extension board or unit.
- As described above, according to the present invention, since sequential still images are obtained by extracting a predetermined number of images from a desired range of a moving image, and are sequentially displayed to allow the user to preview a flip moving image prior to a printout process, a flip moving image that can flexibly meet user's requirements can be provided.
- Also, according to the present invention, since the desired range of the moving image can be re-set immediately after a preview process for sequentially displaying the obtained sequential still images, the operability can be further improved.
- According to the present invention, a predetermined number of sequential still images can be acquired from a desired range of a moving image irrespective of the duration of the designated desired range. Hence, the user can designate the desired range without minding if a predetermined number of sequential still images can be acquired.
- As many apparently widely different embodiments of the present invention can be made without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments thereof except as defined in the claims.
Claims (17)
1. An image processing apparatus for generating sequential still images on the basis of moving image data, comprising:
a designation unit adapted to designate a desired range of the moving image data;
a generation unit adapted to generate a predetermined number of sequential still images using frames within the desired range of the moving image data;
a display control unit adapted to control to execute switching display where the predetermined number of sequential still images generated by said generation unit are displayed while sequentially switching the sequential still images; and
a change unit adapted to display a slide bar and a knob for changing a switching time interval of the sequential still images and to change the switching time interval in accordance with a movement operation of the knob on the slide bar during the switching display executed by said display control unit, the switching time interval representing a period for displaying each still image of the sequential still images during the switching display executed by said display control unit,
wherein said display control unit, during the switching display, reflects a switching time interval of the sequential still images changed by said change unit in the switching display of the sequential still images.
2. The apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising a print control unit adapted to control to print still images generated by said generation unit.
3. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein a range designation operation in said designation unit and display by said display control unit are implemented on a single window.
4. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein said designation unit can designate the desired range by designating desired start and end positions on a figure corresponding to a full range of the moving image data.
5. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein said generation unit extracts a predetermined number of frames from the desired range at equal intervals, and generates still images corresponding to the extracted frames as the sequential still images.
6. The apparatus according to claim 2 , further comprising a print unit adapted to print the sequential still images under the control of said print control unit.
7. An image processing method for generating sequential still images on the basis of moving image data, comprising:
a designation step of designating a desired range of the moving image data;
a generation step of generating a predetermined number of sequential still images using frames within the desired range of the moving image data;
a display control step of controlling to execute switching display where the predetermined number of sequential still images generated in the generation step are displayed while sequentially switching the sequential still images; and
a change step of displaying a slide bar and a knob for changing a switching time interval of the sequential still images and changing the switching time interval in accordance with a movement operation of the knob on the slide bar during the switching display executed by said display control step, the switching time interval representing a period for displaying each still image of the sequential still images during the switching display executed in said display control step,
wherein said display control step, during the switching display, reflects a switching time interval of the sequential still images changed in said change step in the switching display of the sequential still images.
8. The method according to claim 7 , further comprising the print control step of controlling to print still images generated in the generation step.
9. The method according to claim 7 , wherein a range designation operation in the designation step and display in the display control step are implemented on a single window.
10. The method according to claim 7 , wherein the designation step includes the step of designating the desired range by designating desired start and end positions on a figure corresponding to a full range of the moving image data.
11. The method according to claim 7 , wherein the generation step includes the step of extracting a predetermined number of frames from the desired range at equal intervals, and generating still images corresponding to the extracted frames as the sequential still images.
12. A computer readable memory that stores a control program for making a computer execute an image processing method for generating sequential still images on the basis of moving image data, said image processing method comprising:
a designation step of designating a desired range of the moving image data;
a generation step of generating a predetermined number of sequential still images using frames within the desired range of the moving image data;
a display control step of controlling to execute switching display where the predetermined number of sequential still images generated in the generation step are displayed while sequentially switching the sequential still images; and
a change step of displaying a slide bar and a knob for changing a switching time interval of the sequential still images and changing the switching time interval in accordance with a movement operation of the knob on the slide bar during the switching display executed by said display control step, the switching time interval representing a period for displaying each still image of the sequential still images during the switching display executed in said display control step,
wherein said display control step, during the switching display, reflects a switching time interval of the sequential still images changed in said change step in the switching display of the sequential still images.
13. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said generation unit generates a plurality of sequential still images which can be observed as a flip moving image.
14. An image processing apparatus for generating sequential still images on the basis of moving image data, comprising:
a designation unit adapted to designate a desired range of the moving image data;
a generation unit adapted to generate a predetermined number of sequential still images using frames within the desired range of the moving image data;
a display control unit adapted to control to execute switching display where the predetermined number of sequential still images generated by said generation unit are displayed while sequentially switching the sequential still images;
a setting unit adapted to set a total time required to display, by the switching display executed by said display control unit, all of the predetermined number of sequential still images based on an input from a user; and
an adjusting unit adapted to adjust switching time interval of the switching display of the predetermined number of sequential still images by said display control unit in accordance with the total time set by said setting unit, the switching time interval representing a period for displaying each still image of the sequential still images during the switching display executed by said display control unit.
15. The method according to claim 7 wherein said generation step generates a plurality of sequential still images which can be observed as a flip moving image.
16. An image processing method for generating sequential still images on the basis of moving image data, comprising:
a designation step of designating a desired range of the moving image data;
a generation step of generating a predetermined number of sequential still images using frames within the desired range of the moving image data;
a display control step of controlling to execute switching display where the predetermined number of sequential still images generated in said generation step are displayed while sequentially switching the sequential still images;
a setting step of inputting a total time required to display, by the switching display executed in said display control step, all of the predetermined number of sequential still images based on an input from a user and
an adjusting step of adjusting switching time interval of the switching display of the predetermined number of sequential still images in said display control step in accordance with the total time set in said setting step, the switching time interval representing a period for displaying each still image of the sequential still images during the switching display executed in said display control step.
17. A computer readable memory that stores a control program for making a computer execute an image processing method for generating sequential still images on the basis of moving image data, the image processing method comprising:
a designation step of designating a desired range of the moving image data;
a generation step of generating a predetermined number of sequential still images using frames within the desired range of the moving image data;
a display control step of controlling to execute switching display where the predetermined number of sequential still images generated in said generation step are displayed while sequentially switching the sequential still images;
a setting step of inputting a total time required to display, by the switching display executed in said display control step, all of the predetermined number of sequential still images based on an input from a user; and
an adjusting step of adjusting switching time interval of the switching display of the predetermined number of sequential still images in said display control step in accordance with the total time set in said setting step, the switching time interval representing a period for displaying each still image of the sequential still images during the switching display executed in said display control step.
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US11/408,526 US7426058B2 (en) | 2001-10-31 | 2006-04-21 | Image processing method and apparatus for generating sequential still images by extracting still images from moving image data, and printing apparatus |
US12/125,356 US20080219598A1 (en) | 2001-10-31 | 2008-05-22 | Image processing method and apparatus for generating sequential still images by extracting still images from moving image data, and printing apparatus |
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US12/125,356 Abandoned US20080219598A1 (en) | 2001-10-31 | 2008-05-22 | Image processing method and apparatus for generating sequential still images by extracting still images from moving image data, and printing apparatus |
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US11/408,526 Expired - Fee Related US7426058B2 (en) | 2001-10-31 | 2006-04-21 | Image processing method and apparatus for generating sequential still images by extracting still images from moving image data, and printing apparatus |
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Also Published As
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US7345783B2 (en) | 2008-03-18 |
US20060209368A1 (en) | 2006-09-21 |
US7426058B2 (en) | 2008-09-16 |
US20030081260A1 (en) | 2003-05-01 |
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