Information processing apparatus and control method to enable a user to specify the number of images to be combined in a frame

An information processing apparatus enables a user to easily grasp the number of images to be combined to a frame. In a case where a plurality of images are combinable to a frame selected by using a communication application, a request message to request transmission of a plurality of images is transmitted via a network.

BACKGROUND

Field of the Disclosure

The present disclosure relates to an information processing apparatus, a control method, and a storage medium.

Description of the Related Art

There is a communication application for performing a conversation with others by transmitting and receiving character data or image data through network communication. In addition, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-1024 discusses a technique for creating a combined image by assigning an image to a frame.

However, in a case where the number of frames (also referred to as slots) to which images are assigned is varied depending on a frame selected by a user, the user cannot easily understand the number of pictures to be selected, which may deteriorate operability.

SUMMARY

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, an information processing apparatus that communicates, via a network, with a user terminal in which a communication application is installed includes a reception unit configured to receive, via the network, frame identification information of a frame to be combined to an image and selected by a user using the communication application of the user terminal, a transmission unit configured to transmit, via the network, a request message to request transmission of a plurality of images in a case where a plurality of images is combinable to the frame corresponding to the received frame identification information, and a second reception unit configured to receive the plurality of images. A combined image in which the plurality of images received by the second reception unit has been assigned to the frame corresponding to the frame identification information is printed by a printing apparatus.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1is a block diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration according to a first exemplary embodiment. An information terminal A101includes a communication application108used by a user. An information terminal B102is placed in a public space, and a print application109to perform printing is installed in the information terminal B102. The information terminal B102is connected to a printing apparatus103. The information terminal A101is also referred to as a user terminal because the information terminal A101is used by the user. A server105controls data communication with the communication application108.

A bot server106performs data communication with the information terminal A101via the server105. When the user registers a bot to the communication application108and transmits a message or the like to the bot, the message is transmitted to the bot server106via the server105. The bot server106can transmit, to the information terminal A101, a message responding to the received message via the server105. The bot server106is also referred to simply as an information processing apparatus. The bot server106may be implemented by one apparatus or by a plurality of apparatuses in cooperation.

A storage server107stores a print job used for printing. The print job includes print setting information and image data to be printed.

These apparatuses are connected via a web104, and the communication application108operates while communicating with the server105. If receiving a print instruction from the user, the bot server106stores a print job including an image and a print setting in the print job storage server107. The print application109acquires the print job from the print job storage server107and performs printing by using the printing apparatus103. The web104is also referred to simply as a network or the Internet. As illustrated inFIG. 1, the apparatuses are communicably connected to one another via the web (network)104. The printing apparatus may be of an inkjet system, an electrophotographic system, or another system.

A hardware configuration of the bot server106is described with reference toFIG. 18. The bot server106includes an input interface1801, a central processing unit (CPU)1802, a read-only memory (ROM)1803, an output interface1804, a random access memory (RAM)1805, an external storage device1806, a communication unit1807, and a display unit1808.

The input interface1801is an interface to receive data and an operation instruction from the user, and includes a physical keyboard, buttons, a touch panel, etc. The output interface1804(described below) and the input interface1801can have the same configuration, and screen output and reception of operation from the user may be performed with the same configuration.

The CPU1802is a system control unit that controls the entire bot server106.

The ROM1803stores fixed data such as a control program executed by the CPU1802, a data table, and a built-in operating system (hereinafter, referred to as OS) program. In the present exemplary embodiment, the control program stored in the ROM1803performs software execution control such as scheduling, task switching, and interruption processing under the control of the built-in OS stored in the ROM1803.

The RAM1805includes a static random access memory (SRAM) that requires a backup power supply. In the RAM1805, data is held by using a primary battery (not illustrated) for data backup. Thus, the RAM1805can store important data such as program control variables in a non-volatile manner. A memory area that stores setting information, management data, etc. of the bot server106is also provided in the RAM1805. The RAM1805is also used as a main memory and a working memory for the CPU1802.

The external storage device1806stores various kinds of programs and various kinds of information used by the programs.

The output interface1804performs data display on the display unit1808.

The communication unit1807communicates with another apparatus via the web104.

FIG. 2illustrates a screen to register a bot server to the server105. For example, if a personal computer (PC) (not illustrated) accesses the server105, a registration screen200ofFIG. 2is provided to a screen of the PC by the server105. An administrator of the bot server enters a bot name201and a bot server uniform resource locator (URL)202on the registration screen, and presses a registration button203. Through the above-described processing, the bot server106is registered to the server105, and the user of the information terminal A101can register the bot server106as one of virtual users by using the communication application108.

FIG. 3illustrates a selection screen300provided by the communication application108. The user selects a conversation partner on the selection screen300.

In a case where a conversation partner button301is selected, a screen transitions to a screen for conversation with a partner corresponding to the selected button. In a case where a conversion partner button302is selected, the screen transitions to a screen for conversation with a bot. As described above, a message displayed on the screen for conversation with the bot is transmitted from the bot server106.

FIG. 4illustrates a screen400for conversation with the bot displayed by the communication application108. On the conversation screen400, a message401transmitted from the bot server106and a message404transmitted by the user are displayed. In the present exemplary embodiment, a message in a speech balloon from the right side is posted by the bot, and a message in a speech balloon from the left side is posted by the user inFIG. 4. The user enters a message in a character input field402and transmits the message, thereby posting the message as the conversation. Further, in a case where the user selects a picture post button403, the user can post any image and picture as a content of the conversation.

In a case where the bot posts a script as the conversation, a simple graphical user interface (GUI) such as a button is displayed. For example, a message405is transmitted from the bot server106to ask how the user is feeling, and includes a “GOOD” button406and a “NOT GOOD” button407. If the user selects either of the buttons, a message corresponding to the selected button is displayed thereon. For example, if the user presses the good button406, a message408indicating “GOOD” is transmitted to the bot. The bot can post a message409in response to the message408.

FIG. 5is a diagram illustrating a processing sequence of data communication between the communication application108, the server105, and the bot server106.

In step S503, the message transmitted by the user is transmitted to the server105together with a user ID of a poster (uploading user), and a user ID of a conversation partner. The server105identifies the conversation partner based on the user ID of the partner. In a case where the bot server106is identified as the conversation partner, in step S504, the server105transfers the received message and the user ID of the poster to the bot server106. In step S505, the bot server106returns, as a reply thereto, a character, an image, or another script together with a user ID of a reply partner who is to receive the reply to the server105. In step S506, the server105transmits posted contents received from the bot server106to the communication application108corresponding to the user ID of the reply partner. Then, the communication application108displays the received posted contents. In a case where a script is included in the posted contents, the communication application108executes processing based on the script and displays a button in steps S507and S508.

FIG. 6illustrates configurations of a bot server601and a storage server604. The bot server601includes the function same as the function of the bot server106, and the storage server604includes the function same as the function of the storage server107. The bot server601receives data and transmits data to a target server via a web600. The storage server604similarly includes transmission/reception functions. The bot server601includes a conversation state storage database (DB)603storing a conversation state, and a print job URL management DB602managing a storage destination of a print job. The storage server604includes a print job storage DB605storing a print job. When the storage server604is accessed using a specific URL, the storage server604reads the print job in the DB and transmits the print job to an access source.

FIG. 7illustrates an example of the conversation state storage DB603. In the DB603, an ID of a user who performs conversation on the communication application and the conversation state thereof are stored. In a case where a frame is selected, information about the selected frame is also stored. The frame includes a slot to which an image is assigned. Thus, the frame is to be combined with the image. In a case where the frame includes one slot, the number of images combinable to the frame is one. In a case where the frame includes a plurality of slots, a plurality of images is combinable to the frame.

FIG. 8illustrates an example of the print job URL management DB602. In the DB602, a job ID and a URL indicating the storage destination of the job are stored.

FIG. 9is a diagram illustrating an example of a conversation screen of the print bot and the user. The bot server106first posts a message903that includes a function button that prompts the user to select a frame in which a picture is to be fitted. In a case where a button904is selected, a message “frame A” is transmitted. In a case where a button905is selected, a message “frame B” is transmitted.

InFIG. 9, for example, by the user pressing the button905, a message906including frame identification information “FRAME A” is posted by the user, and the bot server106transmits a message907to request posting of a picture to be fitted in the frame.

While the message907is transmitted, the bot server106sets “FRAME A” as the selected frame information and “PICTURE POST WAITING” as the conversation state in the conversation state storage DB603.

When the user posts a message908including a picture, the bot server106creates an image902in which the picture has been fitted in the frame A, and posts a message909for prompting the user to perform confirmation. The message909includes an OK button910and an edit button911. The edit button is also referred to as an edit instruction item. In a case where the OK button910is selected, a message “OK” is posted.

On the other hand, in a case where the edit button911is selected, a web page based on an external URL is displayed. In a case where a message912indicating “OK” is posted, the bot server106stores, in the print job storage DB605, the image in which the picture has been fitted in the frame A, and stores, in the print job URL management DB602, the URL indicating the storage destination and the job ID. Further, the bot server106posts a message913including the job ID for the user. When the print job is stored in the storage server107, the storage server107notifies the bot server106of the URL indicating the storage destination of the print job. The bot server106can store, in the print job URL management DB602, the URL indicating the storage destination and the job ID by issuing the job ID to the received URL. In the case where the edit button911is selected, a URL associated with the edit button911is notified to a browser920, and an edit screen914that is a web page provided by the bot server106is displayed on the browser920.

A preview image915in which the picture has been fitted in the frame is displayed on the edit screen914. In a case where the user checks the preview image915and wants to correct the image, the user can adjust a position of the picture relative to the frame using an image position adjustment button916. Information about a sheet to be used for printing is displayed in a print sheet size field917. In a case where the user wants to change the sheet size, the user can change the sheet size by selecting a “CHANGE” button918. The change button is also referred to as a change instruction item. When the user presses an “EDIT END” button919, the bot server106stores the image reflecting editing performed on the edit screen in the print job storage DB605. At this time, the bot server106further stores the URL indicating the storage destination and the job ID in the print job URL management DB602.

Then, the bot server106posts the message913including the job ID for the user. In the present exemplary embodiment, the user can correct the position of the image and change the sheet size on the edit screen914; however, the user may also perform other changes. For example, an instruction to enlarge or reduce the image may be received on the edit screen914. In addition, the print setting information that can be changed on the edit screen914may include at least one of a sheet size, a sheet type, double-sided print setting, single-sided print setting, and color information. The color information includes density, brightness, and chroma.

FIGS. 10A and 10Bare flowcharts illustrating the processing executed by the bot server106when the conversation is posted. More specifically, the CPU1802reads and executes a program necessary for the processing in the flowcharts to execute steps in the flowcharts.

When the CPU1802receives the user ID of the poster and the message from the server105, the processing in the flowcharts ofFIGS. 10A and 10Bis started.

In step S1001, the CPU1802determines whether the received user ID of the poster is present in the conversation state storage DB603. In a case where it is determined in step S1001that the user ID of the poster is not present in the conversation state storage DB603(NO in step S1001), the processing proceeds to step S1003. On the other hand, in a case where it is determined in step S1001that the user ID of the poster is present in the conversation state storage DB603(YES in step S1001), the processing by the CPU1802proceeds to step S1002.

In step S1002, the CPU1802determines a conversation state of the user ID of the poser based on information stored in the conversation state storage DB603. In a case where it is determined in step S1002that the conversation state is “NONE” (NONE in step S1002), the processing by the CPU1802proceeds to step S1003. In a case where it is determined in step S1002that the conversation state is “IMAGE POST WAITING” state (IMAGE POST WAITING in step S1002), the processing proceeds to step S1008. Further, in a case where it is determined in step S1002that the conversation state is “IMAGE CONFIRMATION WAITING” state (IMAGE CONFIRMATION WAITING in step S1002), the processing proceeds to step S1012.

Subsequently, a case where the processing proceeds to step S1003is described.

In step S1003, the CPU1802determines whether the received message includes a frame ID. In a case where it is determined that the frame ID is not included (NO in step S1003), the CPU1802requests frame selection in step S1004.

In a case where it is determined in step S1003that the frame ID is included (YES in step S1003), in step S1005, the CPU1802stores the frame ID included in the message in the selected frame of the conversation state storage DB603, and in step S1006, changes the conversation state to the image post waiting state. Subsequently, in step S1007, the CPU1802transmits a message requesting posting of an image. In other words, the message907inFIG. 9is transmitted.

Subsequently, a case where the processing proceeds to step S1008is described.

In step S1008, the CPU1802determines whether an image is included in the received message. In a case where it is determined in step S1008that an image is not included (NO in step S1008), the CPU1802executes the processing in step S1007described above.

On the other hand, in a case where it is determined in step S1008that an image is included (YES in step S1008), in step S1009, the CPU1802changes the conversation state in the conversation state storage DB603to the confirmation completion waiting state, and creates a combined image in which the image included in the message has been fitted in the selected frame. In step S1010, the CPU1802further creates a thumbnail image of the combined image, and in step S1011, transmits a message including the created thumbnail image to request confirmation. In other words, the message909inFIG. 9is transmitted.

Subsequently, a case where the processing proceeds to step S1012is described.

In step S1012, the CPU1802determines whether the OK message912has been transmitted. In the case where the user presses the OK button910included in the message909, the OK message912is transmitted to the bot server106. A case where the edit screen914is used is described below with reference toFIG. 11.

In step S1012, in a case where it is determined that the OK message912has been transmitted (YES in step S1012), in step S1013, the CPU1802changes the conversation state of the conversation state storage DB603to NONE, and in step S1014, stores the created combined image and the print setting information as the print job in the storage server107. In a case where the user presses the OK button910without displaying the edit screen, an initial set value held by the bot server106in advance is stored in the storage server107as the print setting information. On the other hand, in a case where the user changes the print setting information using the edit screen, the changed print setting information is stored in the storage server107.

When the processing in step S1014is executed, the storage server107notifies the bot server106of a URL indicating the storage destination in which the print job has been stored.

When receiving the URL from the storage server107, in step S1015, the CPU1802issues the job ID as described above, and stores the job ID in the print job URL management DB602. Although the hot server106manages the job ID and the URL in association with each other inFIG. 8, the bot server106may also manage the user ID in association therewith.

In step S1016, the CPU1802transmits a message including the job ID (e.g., message913inFIG. 9) to the user. The job ID is also referred to as print identification information because the job ID is used to request printing as described below with reference toFIG. 14.

On the other hand, in a case where a cancel button921is pressed inFIG. 9, the CPU1802determines that step S1012is NO, changes the conversation state in the conversation state storage DB603to NONE in step S1017, and requests frame selection in step S1018. The processing in step S1018may be changed to request for image selection in place of the frame selection.

FIG. 11is a flowchart illustrating processing executed by the bot server106in a case where the user shifts the screen to the edit screen914and the edit end button919is pressed inFIG. 9.

In the case where the edit button911is pressed inFIG. 9, the bot server106provides the edit screen914. At this time, the browser920accesses the bot server106using the URL embedded in the edit button911. The URL embedded in the edit button911is dedicated for a target user. Accordingly, the bot server106manages the URL of the edit screen and the user ID in association with each other. In addition, the bot server106grasps and stores information changed by the user using the edit screen914because the operation is performed on the edit screen914provided by itself. In a case where the edit end button919is pressed, the CPU1802checks the conversation state storage DB603to determine whether the state is the confirmation completion waiting state in step S1102. In a case where it is determined in step S1102that the state is not the confirmation completion waiting state (NO in step S1102), the processing ends.

In a case where it is determined in step S1102that the state is the confirmation completion waiting state (YES in step S1102), in step S1103, the CPU1802changes the conversation state of the target user in the conversation state storage DB603to NONE. Since the URL of the edit screen and the user ID are managed in an associated manner in the bot server106as described above, the CPU1802can identify the target user and change the conversation state.

Then, the CPU1802corrects the combined image based on the information changed by the user using the edit screen. In addition, in step S1104, the CPU1802stores, in the storage server107, the corrected combined image and the print setting information changed on the edit screen as the print job.

The processing performed in steps S1105and S1106is the same as the processing performed in steps S1015and S1016described above, and detailed description of the processing is therefore omitted.

Subsequently, the processing executed when the user who has received the job ID in the processing inFIGS. 10A and 10BandFIG. 11performs printing is described.

FIG. 12is a diagram illustrating a software configuration of the information terminal B102. A print application1202is installed in the information terminal B102so that the information terminal B102communicates with another device via the web104. In addition, the printing apparatus103is connected to the information terminal B102. The print application1202instructs printing via a printing apparatus driver1204. Moreover, an input device1206is connected to the information terminal B102, and the user can perform character input to the print application1202via an input device driver1205. In other words, the information terminal B102is also referred to as a print instruction apparatus to instruct printing.

FIG. 13illustrates a confirmation screen displayed on a display apparatus of the information terminal B102. The screen ofFIG. 13is provided by the print application1202.

When the user who has acquired the job ID in step S1016ofFIG. 10Bor in step S1106ofFIG. 11operates the information terminal B102to perform printing, the print application1202displays an input screen1301. The user enters the job ID in a job ID input field1302, and presses an OK button1303. In response to the above-described operation, the print application1202acquires the print job via the web using the entered job ID, and displays a confirmation screen1304.

The confirmation screen1304includes a preview image of the combined image included in the acquired job. Further, the user enters the number of prints in the number of prints input field1306and presses an OK button1307, so that printing based on the print job is performed.

FIG. 14is a sequence diagram illustrating a sequence performed when the print application1202cooperates with the other servers via the web104.

When the job ID is input on the input screen1301, in step S1401, the print application1202requests the bot server106to check the job ID.

When receiving the job ID, the bot server106checks whether a URL associated with the received job ID is managed by the print job URL management DB602. In a case where the received job ID is associated with the URL in steps S1402and S1403, the bot server106acquires the URL and returns the acquired URL.

When the URL is returned, in step S1404, the print application1202requests acquisition of the print job using the URL.

In step S1405, the storage server107returns the print job stored in the specified URL.

In step S1406, the print application1202displays the confirmation screen1304. When the user performs confirmation and presses the OK button1307, in step S1407, the print application1202instructs the printing apparatus103to perform printing. More specifically, the print application1202passes the acquired print job to the printing apparatus driver1204. Then, the printing apparatus driver1204converts the print job into print data (page description language (PDL)), and transmits the PDL to the printing apparatus103.

When the printing is completed, in step S1408, the printing apparatus103transmits print completion notification to the print application1202via the printing apparatus driver1204.

When receiving the print completion notification, in step S1409, the print application1202transmits the print completion notification including the job ID to the bot server106.

In step S1410, the bot server106specifies the target print job in the print job URL management DB602based on the job ID included in the print completion notification, and deletes the target print job from the print job URL management DB602. Further, in step S1411, the bot server106requests the storage server107to delete the print job. In step S1412, the storage server107deletes the print job from the print job storage DB605, and in step S1413, notifies the bot server106of work completion.

In response thereto, in step S1414, the bot server106also transmits the work completion notification to the print application1202.

Through the above-described processing, the user can easily issue the print job by performing the conversation with the bot server on the communication application108, and can perform a detailed print setting on the web browser. In addition, in a case where the user does not own a printer or at a visiting place, the user can perform printing by looking for the information terminal B102in which the print application is installed and by entering the print job ID.

FIG. 15illustrates an example of a conversation screen according to a second exemplary embodiment.

In the second exemplary embodiment, as a message1501to prompt the user to select a frame, a message including a frame into which a plurality of pictures can be inserted is transmitted. In a case where the user transmits a message1502that includes a frame ID of a frame1511into which two pictures can be inserted, the bot server106posts a message1503to request transmission of a first picture. In response to the message1503, the user transmits a message1504including the first picture.

Then, the bot server106transmits a message1505to request transmission of a second picture, and the user transmits a message1506including the second picture. In a case where the frame1512is selected, the bot server106further transmits a message to request transmission of a third picture. As the message to request transmission of a picture, a message specifying the number of pictures necessary for the selected frame may be transmitted. For example, the bot server106may transmit a message indicating “POST TWO PICTURES” in the case where the frame1511is selected, and the bot server106may transmit a message indicating “POST THREE PICTURES” in the case where the frame1512is selected.

Then, the bot server106creates a thumbnail image of a combined image in which two pictures have been fitted in the selected frame, and transmits a confirmation message1507to the user. When the user presses an OK button1508, an OK message1509is transmitted to the bot server106, and the bot server106issues the job ID. The messages1503and1505are also referred to as request messages.

FIG. 16illustrates data in the conversation state storage DB according to the second exemplary embodiment. In the present exemplary embodiment, a user state is stored as structured data called JavaScript Object Notation (JSON).

For example, a state of a user 0001 is NONE, and accordingly, selected frame information is not present.

A user 0002 is in a state immediately after the user 0002 has selected the frame1511(frame A). Accordingly, the selected frame information is stored, and a slot list to store two images corresponding to the number of slots of the frame is prepared.

A user 0003 is in a state after the user 0003 has selected the frame1511(frame A) and has transmitted a first image. Accordingly, a file name of the image transmitted by the user is stored as a first item in the slot list, and a second item is null because a second image has not been received yet. A user 0004 is in a state immediately after the user 0004 has selected the frame1512(frame B). Since the frame1512includes three slots, a slot list for three items is prepared. The user 0004 has transmitted no picture. Accordingly, null is entered in all of the slots.

FIGS. 17A and 17Bare flowcharts illustrating processing executed by the bot server according to the second exemplary embodiment.

The processing in steps S1701to S708is the same as the processing in steps S1001to S1008inFIG. 10A, and detailed description of the processing is therefore omitted.

In a case where it is determined as YES in step S1708, in step S1709, the CPU1802stores image information (e.g., file name) of the transmitted image in a vacant slot list in the conversation state storage DB603.

In step S1710, the CPU1802determines whether there is a vacant slot list. In a case where it is determined that there is the vacant slot list (YES in step S1710), in step S1711, the CPU1802transmits a message to request posting of a next image.

In a case where it is determined in step S1710that there is no vacant slot list (NO in step S1710), the CPU1802acquires images based on the image information stored in the slot list. Then, in step S1712, the CPU1802fits the acquired images in the selected frame to create a combined image, and creates a thumbnail of the combined image. Then, in step S1713, the CPU1802requests confirmation. More specifically, the CPU1802transmits the message1507inFIG. 15.

The processing in a case where it is determined in step S1702that the state is the image confirmation waiting state is the same as the processing in steps S1012to S1018ofFIG. 10B, and a detailed description of the processing is therefore omitted.

Further, the processing when the user who has acquired the job ID requests the printing is the same as the processing inFIG. 14.

In the case where the number of images combinable to the frame selected by the user is one, the CPU1802transmits the request message to request an image once during the above-described processing. On the other hand, in the case where a plurality of images is combinable to the frame selected by the user, the CPU1802transmits the request message to request an image the number of times corresponding to the number of the plurality of images combinable to the frame. Accordingly, the user can easily grasp the number of pictures necessary for the frame selected in the communication application108, which improves user operability.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the thumbnail creation processing is not executed until there is no vacant slot list; however, the user may instruct the thumbnail creation processing to execute the processing in step S1712even in a state where there is a vacant slot list.

In the description of the first and second exemplary embodiments, the edit screen914is displayed on the browser application different from the communication application; however, the edit screen914may be displayed in another form. For example, as illustrated inFIG. 19, a message similar to the message909inFIG. 9is displayed on the conversation screen of the communication application108, and in a case where the edit button is pressed at this time, a message indicating editing is transmitted to the bot server106. In response to the message, the bot server106may transmit a message1901ofFIG. 19. When the user adjusts the position of the image and changes the print setting information using items included in the message1901ofFIG. 19, and presses an edit end button, the communication application transmits a message corresponding to the changed contents to the bot server106. Based on this message, the bot server106can grasp the contents changed by the user and generate a print job. On the edit screen914, both adjustment of the image position and change of the print setting information are received; however, the screen may receive at least one of the adjustment of the image position and the change of the print setting information.

Moreover, the above-described exemplary embodiments may be directed to the following. Since the change of the print setting information and printing can be instructed using the communication application108that is frequently used, the above-described exemplary embodiments are directed to improvement of usability of the user.

The above-described exemplary embodiments can also be achieved by supplying software (program) achieving the functions of the above-described exemplary embodiments to a system or an apparatus via a network or various kinds of storage media, and causing a computer (CPU, microprocessor unit (MPU), processor, etc.) of the system or the apparatus to read and execute the program. In addition, the program may be executed by one computer or by a plurality of computers in cooperation with one another. It is not necessary to achieve all of the above-described processing by the software, and a part or all of the processing may be achieved by hardware such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). As for the CPU, a single CPU may execute all of the processing or a plurality of CPUs may execute the processing while appropriately cooperating with one another.

According to the present disclosure, it is possible for the user to easily grasp the number of images necessary, which allows for improvement of operability.

Other Embodiments

While the present disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, the scope of the following claims are to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.

This application claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Application No. 2018-025492, filed Feb. 15, 2018, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.