Data processing program and data processor

A non-transitory computer readable storage medium storing a set of program instructions installed on and executed by a computer. The set of program instructions includes (a) acquiring a layout image size where the layout image is generated based on an original image data, the size of the layout image is specified by base data, and the base data represents graphical image in which the layout image is arranged and includes location data that specifies a location at which the original image data is stored, (b) acquiring an original image size, (c) determining whether the original image size is greater than the layout image size, (d) setting the original image as a print target when the original image size is greater than the layout image size, and (e) generating a print instruction instructing to print the original image set as the print target in a size larger than the layout size.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2010-260696 filed Nov. 23, 2010. The entire content of the priority application is incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to a data processor and a data processing program.

BACKGROUND

Personal computers have conventionally used various types of display data for displaying documents and Web pages, on a monitor, for example, in a form that the user can browse. Often images are laid out in the display data. Conventional technologies for printing Web pages allow the user to print just the image portions of the Web page without the background colors and text portions.

SUMMARY

In many cases, the images laid out in the display data are reduced in size to fit within defined layout areas. When documents including images are printed using the above conventional technology, the subject matter in the printed images can be difficult to discern because the images are printed at reduced sizes. However, the user most likely desires clearer printing results, particularly when printing only the image portions of the display data. Consequently, printed images that are barely legible do not meet the user's expectations.

In view of the foregoing, it is an object of the invention to provide a data processor and a data processing program capable of printing images contained in display data in a more legible form.

In order to attain the above and other objects, the invention provides a non-transitory computer readable storage medium storing a set of program instructions installed on and executed by a computer. The set of program instructions includes (a) acquiring a layout image size that is a size of a layout image where the layout image is generated based on an original image data, the size of the layout image is specified by base data, and the base data represents graphical image in which the layout image is arranged and includes location data that specifies a location at which the original image data is stored, (b) acquiring an original image size that is a size of an original image represented by the original image data, (c) determining whether the original image size is greater than the layout image size, (d) setting the original image as a print target when the original image size is greater than the layout image size, (e) generating a print instruction instructing to print the original image set as the print target in a size larger than the layout size, and (f) outputting the print instruction.

According to another aspect, the invention provides a data processor. A data processor includes a processing unit, and a non-transitory medium having instructions stored thereon that, when executed by the processing unit, cause the processing unit to function as a layout image size acquiring part, an original image size acquiring part, a determining part, a setting part, and a generating part. The layout image size acquiring part acquires a layout image size that is a size of a layout image. The layout image is generated based on an original image data. The size of the layout image is specified by base data. The base data represents graphical image in which the layout image is arranged and includes location data that specifies a location at which the original image data is stored. The original image size acquiring part acquires an original image size that is a size of an original image represented by the original image data. The determining part determines whether the original image size is greater than the layout image size. The setting part sets the original image as a print target when the original image size is greater than the layout image size. The generating part generates a print instruction instructing to print the original image set as the print target in a size larger than the layout size. The outputting part outputs the print instruction.

According to another aspect, the invention provides a method. The method includes (a) acquiring a layout image size that is a size of a layout image, where the layout image is generated based on an original image data, where the size of the layout image is specified by base data, where the base data represents graphical image in which the layout image is arranged and includes location data that specifies a location at which the original image data is stored, (b) acquiring an original image size that is a size of an original image represented by the original image data, (c) determining whether the original image size is greater than the layout image size, (d) setting the original image as a print target when the original image size is greater than the layout image size, (e) generating a print instruction instructing to print the original image set as the print target in a size larger than the layout size, and (f) outputting the print instruction.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1is a block diagram showing the general electrical structure of a personal computer10(hereinafter “PC10”), and a printer20connected to the PC10. An Enhanced MetaFile (EMF) creating program14binstalled on the PC10is an embodiment of the data processing program according to the invention. As shown inFIG. 1, the PC10and the printer20are interconnected via a local area network (LAN)4. The LAN4is further connected to Internet8via a router (not shown). The PC10is configured to control the printer20to print images arranged on a Web page in a more legible form. This process will be described later in greater detail.

The PC10primarily includes a CPU11, a ROM12, a RAM13, a hard disk drive14(hereinafter HDD14), a LAN interface16, an input device17, and a liquid crystal display (LCD)18. The above components are interconnected via a bus line19.

The CPU11controls each component connected to the bus line19according to fixed values and programs stored in the ROM12and the HDD14. The ROM12is memory that serves to store programs and the like for controlling operations of the PC10. The RAM13is writable memory that functions to temporarily store data and the like required for processing by the CPU11. The RAM13is provided with an image list13a, and a print target list13b. The image list13ais a list of file paths for image data representing images laid out on a Web page, size data specifying the sizes of images laid out on the Web page, and the like. The print target list13bis a list of images arranged on the Web page that meet a prescribed condition and are thus recorded as print targets.

The HDD14is provided with a Web browser14a, a EMF creating program14b, a printer driver14c, and image data memory14d. When the Web browser14ais executed, the PC10accesses a server (not shown) on the Internet8, acquires Web page data in the HTML format, i.e., the source code for the Web page, and stores the acquired data in the RAM13, for example. The PC10subsequently interprets this Web page data, creates a Web page, and displays the Web page on the LCD18.

The EMF creating program14bis a plug-in installed in the Web browser14a. When the EMF creating program14bis executed, the PC10creates Enhanced MetaFile (EMF) format data as an intermediate file for creating print data. The PC10subsequently outputs the EMF data to the printer driver14c.

The printer driver14cis a program used to control the printer20. When the printer driver14cis executed, the PC10creates print data from the EMF data and outputs the print data to the printer20. The LAN interface16functions to connect the PC10to the LAN4. The input device17enables the user of the PC10to input instructions and data into the PC10. The LCD18displays various information, including Web pages.

The image data memory14dis memory for storing original image data that the PC10acquires from the Internet8. Original image data will be described later with reference toFIG. 2.

The printer20primarily includes a CPU21, a ROM22, a RAM23, a LAN interface24, operating keys25, an LCD26, and a printing unit27. The above components are interconnected via a bus line28.

The CPU21executes various processes according to programs stored in the ROM22. The ROM22is memory functioning to store programs and the like used to control operations of the printer20. The RAM23is memory for temporarily storing data and the like required in processing by the CPU21.

The operating keys25enable a user to input instructions and data into the printer20. The LCD26displays various information. The printer20drives the printing unit27based on print data inputted from the PC10via the LAN interface24to print images on paper.

FIG. 2is an explanatory diagram illustrating samples of printing results acquired when the PC10executes a Web page printing process described later with reference toFIG. 3. InFIG. 2, a Web page30denotes a Web page displayed on the LCD18, while a Web page P30denotes a Web page printed on a sheet of paper P. When the PC10receives a print command from a user to print the Web page30, the PC10controls the printer20to print the Web page P30, and also controls the printer20to print images in the Web page30that meet a prescribed condition on separate sheets of paper P from the Web page P30. This process will be described later in greater detail.

The HTML data for a Web page that the PC10acquires from the Internet8includes file paths and size data. File paths are data indicating the storage locations on the Internet8for image files in the JPEG or the bitmap format. An image file that can be acquired from the storage location indicated in a file path will hereinafter be referred to as original image data. The size data indicates the sizes of layout images32arranged in the Web page30. The Web browser14aanalyzes Web page data, creates layout images32of a size specified by the size data based on the original image data specified by the file paths, and lays out the layout images32in the Web page30.

In the embodiment, the “image size” is expressed by the number of pixels in the width direction by the number of pixels in the height direction. In some cases, the size of an original image represented by the original image data differs from the size of the corresponding layout image32laid out on the Web page30. For example, if the size of an original image represented by the original image data is 400×300 and the size of the corresponding layout image32specified by the size data is 200×150, the PC10executes a reduction process well known in the art on the original image data in order to create the layout image32at the size of 200×150 by reducing the original image by 50%, and lays out the layout image32in the Web page30. In this way, layout images32can be laid out on the Web page30at sizes specified by the creator of the Web page, regardless the sizes of the original images.

In order to control the printer20to print the Web page P30, the EMF creating program14bcreates EMF data constituting write commands based on the Web page30and transfers this data to the printer driver14c. The printer driver14ccreates print data from the EMF data and outputs the print data to the printer20. When the layout images32laid out in the Web page30were generated by reducing the original images, it is unlikely that the corresponding images in the printed results will be clearly recognizable because the EMF data was created based on layout images32that lost a portion of the image data during the reduction process, i.e., layout images32having a smaller number of pixels than the original images.

In addition to the creation of the EMF data to print the Web page P30, the PC10according to the embodiment creates EMF data using the original image data for an original image that is larger than the corresponding layout image32. Therefore, the PC10can control the printer20to print the original image at a larger size than the corresponding layout image32in a form that is more legible. For example, if the original image is 400×300 in size and the layout image32is 200×150 in size, it is possible to obtain a 400×300 printed image simply by enlarging the Web page30that includes the layout image32by a printing magnification of 200%. However, this method simply stretches the 200×150 layout image32to a size of 400×300 and cannot compensate for the data lost when the original image was reduced. In contrast, the PC10according to the embodiment creates EMF data using the original image data that has not undergone the reduction process, thereby enabling the printer20to print an image at a size greater than the layout image32that is clearer and more legible.

In order to differentiate the original image printed on a sheet of paper P from the original image represented by original image data, a reference number will be assigned to the original image printed on the paper P in the following description. Specifically, the printed original image will be referred to as an original image34. No reference number will be assigned to the original image represented by the original image data. The size of the original image34printed on a sheet of paper P is adjusted based on various print settings, such as the printing magnification. Therefore, the size of the original image34printed on paper P may in some cases be different from the size of the original image represented by the original image data.

For example, if the original image has the size 400×300 and the printing magnification is set to 200%, then the PC10can create EMF data using the original image data after enlarging the original image data by the printing magnification of 200%, thereby controlling the printer20to print an 800×600 original image34. Further, one of the print settings that may be possessed by the Web browser14ais the option “Scale to paper size.” When this option is selected, the EMF creating program14bautomatically enlarges or reduces the image data to be printed based on the selected paper size and printing resolution when creating the EMF data. For example, if the selected paper size is 3R (L in Japan; 89×127 mm) and the printing resolution is set to 300 dpi, there are approximately 1051×1500 printable pixels on the 3R sheet of paper P. Therefore, if the original image represented by the original image data has a size of 200×300 and the option “Scale to paper size” has been selected, the EMF creating program14bcreates EMF data using the original image data after enlarging the data by the printing magnification of 500%, for example, thereby controlling the printer20to print a 1000×1500 original image34that matches the 3R paper.

Various print settings, such as printing magnification, paper size, and printing resolution, are similarly reflected in the results of printing the Web page P30. Accordingly, the Web page P30printed by the printer20is not necessarily the same size as the Web page30displayed on the LCD18. However, for the sake of simplification, the following description of this process will assume that the Web page P30printed by the printer20is the same size as the Web page30displayed on the LCD18and that the original images34printed by the printer20are the same size as the corresponding original images represented by the original image data.

FIG. 3is a flowchart illustrating steps in a Web page printing process executed by the CPU11of the PC10. The Web page printing process is executed to control the printer20to print the Web page P30and the original images34and is executed when the user inputs a print command on the input device17to print the Web page30while the Web page30is displayed in the Web browser14a. The CPU11of the PC10executes this process according to the EMF creating program14b. The following description also assumes that the user has already configured print settings before the process is initiated.

In Step S302at the beginning of the process inFIG. 3(hereinafter “Step” will be omitted), the CPU11acquires Web page data for the Web page30displayed on the LCD18. The Web page data is the source code of the Web page30being processed. The Web page data includes the file paths for original image data and size data for the layout images32, as described above, as well as various information regarding the images, such as the format of the original image data.

In S304the CPU11extracts the information on the image from the Web page data and in S306determines whether the Web page30includes images. The CPU11can determine whether the Web page data includes image data based on the format of the image files (JPEG or bmp, for example). If the CPU11determines that the Web page data does not contain any image data and thus that the Web page30does not include any images (S306: NO), in S326the CPU11creates EMF data based on the Web page30, and subsequently advances to S328described later.

However, if the CPU11determines that the Web page data includes image data and hence that the Web page30includes at least one image (S306: YES), then in S307the CPU11acquires a file path for each set of original image data and size data for each layout image32in the Web page30and records this data in the image list13a. Here, file paths for original image data are recorded in the Web page data in association with size data for the layout images32laid out based on the original image data. Accordingly, in S307the CPU11records the associated file paths and size data acquired from the Web page data in the image list13a, while maintaining the associations.

In S308the CPU11downloads original image data on which the layout images32are based from the Internet8. The CPU11downloads original image data for all layout images32in the Web page30. More specifically, the CPU11acquires the original image data from storage locations on the Internet8indicated by the file paths recorded in the image list13aand stores this original image data in the image data memory14d. Depending on the specifications of the Web browser14a, the CPU11may instead display the layout images32on the Web page30rather than downloading the original image data. However, since the Web page printing process of the embodiment is provided with Step S308, the CPU11of the PC10can first reliably acquire original image data on which the layout images32are based before advancing to the subsequent processes.

In S310the CPU11selects original image data for any single original image from among the data downloaded in S308. In S312the CPU11executes an image verification process to verify whether the original image represented by the selected original image data is a print target and to record the original image in the print target list13bwhen determining that the image is a print target. The image verification process will be described later in greater detail with reference toFIG. 4. Although not illustrated in the drawings, the CPU11sets a flag for the original image data that has been subjected to the image verification process in order to distinguish verified original image data from unverified original image data.

In S314the CPU11determines whether the image verification process has been performed for all original image data. In other words, the CPU11determines whether flags indicating that original image data has been verified have been set for all sets of original image data. When the CPU11determines that there remains unverified original image data (S314: NO), in S316the CPU11selects original image data for another original image from among the unverified original image data and repeats the image verification process in S312.

After repeatedly performing the image verification process until all original image data has been verified (S314: YES), in S318the CPU11determines whether the print target list13bis empty. If the print target list13bis found to be empty (S318: YES), in S326the CPU11creates EMF data based on the Web page30, and subsequently advances to S328described later.

However, if any original images have been recorded in the print target list13b(S318: NO), in S320the CPU11creates a selection list (not shown) of thumbnails or other data for specifying each of the original images recorded in the print target list13band displays this list, as distinction information, on the LCD18together with the Web page30. Here, reduced image data needed to display the thumbnails may be obtained by reading such data stored in the header of the original image data or may be created from the original image data. The selection list displayed on the LCD18enables the user to distinguish between those original images that have been selected as print targets and those that have not been selected as print targets from among the original images on which all layout images32in the Web page30are based. Accordingly, the user can see which of the images can be printed in a more recognizable form. For example, the user can learn whether images can be printed at a larger size based on the original image data when the layout images32based on these original images were reduced in size to be displayed in the Web page30. Next, the user can select desired original images from the original images that the CPU11of the PC10has set as print targets.

In S322the CPU11waits for user input and receives the selections for original images to be printed. The PC10may clear the selection list from the LCD18after the user has finished selecting original images. Further, although the PC10is configured to display the selection list after verifying all original image data in the embodiment, the PC10may be configured to display the selection list together with the Web page30upon receiving a print command from the user to print the Web page30and to add a thumbnail or other data to the displayed selection list each time an original image is set as a print target in the image verification process of S312in order to specify the original image newly set as a print target.

In S323the CPU11determines whether one or more original images were selected in S322. If no original images were selected (S323: NO), in S326the CPU11creates EMF data based on the Web page30and subsequently advances to S328described later.

However, if at least one original image was selected (S323: YES), in S324the CPU11creates EMF data based on the Web page30displayed by the Web browser14aand in S325creates EMF data for printing the selected original images at a size larger than the corresponding layout images32using the original image data stored in the image data memory14d. If a plurality of original images was selected in S322, the CPU11creates EMF data for each original image. Here, EMF data is created so that the Web page P30and each of the original images34are printed on different sheets of paper P.

After creating EMF data for printing the Web page P30and the original images34in S324and S325or after creating EMF data for printing the Web page P30in S326, in S328the CPU11outputs the EMF data, as print instruction, to the printer driver14c, and subsequently ends the Web page printing process. Thereafter, the printer driver14ccreates print data from the EMF data and outputs this print data to the printer20to be printed.

Through the Web page printing process described above, the PC10can control the printer20to print original images34at a larger size than the corresponding layout images32in addition to printing the Web page P30. Further, since the PC10controls the printer20to print the Web page P30and each of the original images34on different sheets of paper P, as illustrated inFIG. 2, the user has the added convenience of being able to use the Web page P30and the original images34separately.

Further, since the Web page printing process allows the user to select original images from those that have been specified for printing, the PC10can output EMF data to print those images that the user desires.

FIG. 4is a flowchart illustrating steps in the image verification process of S312executed by the CPU11of the PC10. The image verification process serves to identify original images that are print targets.

In S402at the beginning of the image verification process inFIG. 4, the CPU11acquires the size of the original image represented by the original image data stored in the image data memory14d. Specifically, the CPU11reads the size (i.e., number of pixels in the width direction and number of pixels in the height direction) for the original image from properties recorded in the header of the selected original image data. In this way, accurate sizes of the original images can be acquired since the data is read from the properties of the original image data.

In S404the CPU11acquires the size of the layout image32laid out in the Web page30based on the selected original image. That is, the CPU11acquires size data recorded in the image list13ain association with the file path for the selected original image data and extracts (i.e., reads) the size of the layout images32specified in the size data. When the Web page data is in the HTML format and a “%” is attached to the size data, the size data specifies the ratio of the size of the layout image32to the size of the Web page30. In other words, the size data denotes the relative size of the layout image32. However, if a “%” is not attached to the size data, then the size data denotes the number of pixels in the layout image32(number of pixels in the width direction and number of pixels in the height direction), i.e., the absolute size of the layout image32.

In S406the CPU11determines whether the selected original image is larger than the layout image32arranged in the Web page30based on the selected original image. Specifically, the CPU11determines whether the number of pixels for the selected original image in the width direction and the height direction is greater than the number of pixels for the corresponding layout image32in the width direction and height direction. When the size of the layout image32is expressed as a relative size, the CPU11makes a negative determination in S406and proceeds to S408. When the size data specifies the absolute size of the layout image32, the CPU11reaches a negative determination in S406if the layout image32has a size greater than or equal to the size of the original image.

If the selected original image is not larger than the corresponding layout image32(S406: NO), in S408the CPU11determines whether the size of the layout image32is expressed as a relative size. If the size of the layout image32is not expressed as a relative size (S408: NO), the CPU11ends the image verification process. In this case, the CPU11does not set the original image expressed by the selected original image data as a print target.

However, when the original image is larger than the layout image32(S406: YES), the CPU11advances to S410to check other conditions.

First, in S410the CPU11determines whether the aspect ratio of the original image represented by the selected original image data is equivalent to the aspect ratio of the layout image32that is located in the web page30based on this original image data. If the aspect ratios are not equivalent (S410: NO), the CPU11ends the image verification process. In this case, the CPU11does not set the original image represented by the original image data as a print target. The CPU11does not select the original image when its aspect ratio differs from that of the layout image32because printing an image of higher clarity using the original image data for this original image is not likely to yield the desired printing results since the aspect ratio of the printed image will differ from the image that the user is viewing.

However, when the aspect ratio is equivalent to the aspect ratio of the layout image32(S410: YES), in S412the CPU11determines whether the ratio of the size of the selected original image to the size of the layout image32that is located in the Web page30based on the selected original image is at least a prescribed ratio (1.5, for example). If the ratio of sizes is greater than or equal to the prescribed ratio (S412: YES), in S416the CPU11records the original image in the print target list13band subsequently ends the image verification process.

However, if the ratio of the size of the selected original image to the size of the layout image32is less than the prescribed ratio (S412: NO) or if the CPU11determines in S408that the size of the layout image32is represented as a relative size (S408: YES), in S414the CPU11determines whether the size of the original image represented by the selected original image data is at least a prescribed value (200×150, for example). If the size of the original image is greater than or equal to the prescribed value (S414: YES), in S416the CPU11records the original image in the print target list13band subsequently ends the image verification process. However, if the CPU11determines in S414that the size of the original image is less than the prescribed value (S414: NO), the CPU11ends the image verification process. In the latter case, the CPU11does not select the original image represented by the selected original image data as a print target.

Through the image verification process of S312, the PC10can set original images as print targets when the creation of EMF data based on the original image data for the original image is likely to benefit the user. That is, EMF data created based on original image data for an original image will have a great effect on improving the legibility of the printed result when the size of the original image relative to the size of the layout image32exceeds a prescribed ratio. Consequently, the PC10sets these types of original images as print targets in the image verification process of the embodiment.

The PC10also determines that an original image should be printed when the image is larger than the corresponding layout image32and when the size of the original image exceeds a prescribed value. Since the user will not likely need images, such as buttons and banners in the Web page30, to be printed on separate sheets of paper P, this process can limit the number of such images that are set as print targets.

Further, when the size data denotes the relative size of the layout image32, the PC10sets an original image as a print target only when the size of the original image exceeds a prescribed value, regardless of whether the original image is larger than the layout image32. Therefore, the PC10can determine whether an original image should be printed, even when the size of the layout image32is expressed as a relative size.

While the invention has been described in detail with reference to the embodiments thereof, it would be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention.

The data processor of the invention may be implemented by other devices, such as the printer20or a mobile phone.

While the Web page P30and the original images34are printed on separate sheets of paper P in the embodiment, the data processor may be configured to print the Web page P30and the original images34on a single sheet of paper P when it is possible to arrange all images on the sheet. In this case, the data processor creates EMF data for printing the targeted original images and the Web page P30on different pages and controls the printer20to print a plurality of pages worth of images (i.e., the original images and the Web page P30) together on a single sheet of paper P.

Further, while Web page data is used in the embodiment as an example of target data processed by the data processor of the invention, various other data may serve as the target data, including document files and spreadsheet files. Document files and spreadsheet files may be targeted for processing by the data processor because images are laid out in display data displayed based on such files when either images are embedded in the files or the files contain links specifying images to be laid out therein.

In the embodiment described above, the EMF creating program14bexecutes the Web page printing process and outputs EMF data created in this process to the printer driver14c. However, when the printer20is capable of processing EMF data, the EMF creating program14bmay be configured to output the EMF data directly to the printer20.

Further, while EMF data is used as print instruction, in the embodiment, the invention may be applied, to cases in which PostScript data or data in other formats is created as a print command. The invention is also applicable to a configuration in which the CPU21of the printer20acquires Web page data and original image data from the Internet8and/or the PC10, generates EMF data, as an example of the print instruction, based on this data, and outputs the print command to the printing unit27.

In the embodiment described above, a selection list is displayed together with the Web page30as “differentiation information” for showing a distinction between original images set as print targets and original images that are not set as print targets. As an alternative, the differentiation information may be configured of marks displayed next to those layout images32in the Web page30based on original images that have been set as print targets, for example. There is no particular restriction on the format of this differentiation information. Further, while thumbnails are displayed in the selection list in the embodiment described above, the filenames of the original image data or other data that can convey to the user which original images have been set as print targets may be displayed in the selection list.

In the embodiment described above, the data processor determines that the original image is larger than the layout image when the numbers of pixels in the original image in the width and height directions are greater than the numbers of pixels in the layout image in the width and height directions. However, the data processor may instead determine that the original image is larger than the layout image when the number of pixels in the original image is greater than the number of pixels in the layout image in at least one of the width direction and the height direction.

An additional step may be provided in the Web page printing process of the embodiment (FIG. 3) prior to S325for comparing the size of an original image with the size of the paper loaded in the printer20. If the PC10determines that the original image does not fit within the size of the paper, the PC10may be configured to perform a reduction process on the original image data so that the original image will fit within the paper, and subsequently may create EMF data, as an example of print instruction, using the reduced original image data. The PC10may also be configured to change the orientation of the original image relative to the paper so that the image can fit within the specified paper size.

In the Web page printing process of the embodiment, the PC10controls the printer20to print the Web page P30and the original images34upon receiving a print command for printing the Web page30. Alternatively, or in addition, the PC10may be configured to execute a Web page printing process for creating a print instruction using the original image data on which a layout image32of the Web page30is based upon receiving EMF data, as an example of print instruction, for this layout image32, and may control the printer20to print an original image34that is larger than the layout image32.

In S412of the image verification process according to the embodiment (FIG. 4), the PC10determines whether the size of the original image relative to the size of the layout image32exceeds a prescribed ratio. When this “prescribed ratio” is set to a value greater than “1”, the process in S412may be used to determine whether the size of the original image is greater than the size of the layout image. In this case, the process of S406for determining whether the size of the original image is greater than the size of the layout image32may be eliminated, and the process may advance to S410upon reaching a negative determination in S408(S408: NO).

The image verification process described inFIG. 4according to the embodiment may be modified to set an original image as a print target under the condition that the ratio of the size of the original image to the size of the layout image based on this original image is greater than or equal to a prescribed ratio (0.9, for example), or that the size of the original image is greater than or equal to a prescribed value, regardless of whether the original image is larger than the layout image, by eliminating the determinations in S406, S408, and S410and advancing directly to the determination in S412after completing S404. This variation is also convenient for the user since images in the display data that meet the prescribed condition can be printed on separate sheets.

While the condition for selecting original images to be printed in the image verification process of the embodiment is that the aspect ratio of the original image is identical to that of the layout image, the invention may be implemented without this condition.