Patent Publication Number: US-2021173600-A1

Title: Image processing apparatus, method of controlling image processing apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing program

Description:
The present application is based on, and claims priority from JP Application Serial Number 2019-222735, filed Dec. 10, 2019, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
     BACKGROUND 
     1. Technical Field 
     The present disclosure relates to an image processing apparatus, a method of controlling the image processing apparatus, and a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing a program. 
     2. Related Art 
     A technology of dividing an image into a plurality of image sections and printing each image section is known. For example, JP-A-2007-11679 discloses a printing system of printing each image section in which the right edge of an N-1th image section and the left edge of an Nth image section are printed at the same density. 
     When an image is divided into a plurality of image sections as described in JP-A-2007-11679, there is a need to ensure that particular objects such as eyes and a mouth are not allocated across a plurality of image sections. This is because, when the prints of image sections including objects such as eyes and a mouth are arranged and bonded together to obtain a single print, misalignment of the seam is likely to be conspicuous. In known technologies, however, it is necessary to manually adjust the division positions to prevent those particular objects from being divided into different image sections, which requires user&#39;s laborious work. 
     SUMMARY 
     According to an aspect for solving the problem described above, an image processing apparatus for dividing an image region represented by image data into a plurality of subregions and sending sectional image data corresponding to the subregions to a printing apparatus includes an image processor configured to detect a first object in an image represented by the image data, determine the position of the detected first object in the image region, and in accordance with the determined position of the first object in the image region, divide the image region such that any of the subregions contains at least one second object region corresponding to at least one second object constituting the first object. 
     According to another aspect for solving the problem described above, a method of controlling an image processing apparatus for dividing an image region represented by image data into a plurality of subregions and sending sectional image data corresponding to the subregions to a printing apparatus includes detecting a first object in an image represented by the image data, determining the position of the detected first object in the image region, and in accordance with the determined position of the first object in the image region, dividing the image region such that any of the subregions contains at least one second object region corresponding to at least one second object constituting the first object. 
     According to a further aspect for solving the problem described above, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing a program stores a program that causes a controller of an image processing apparatus to execute a process, the image processing apparatus being configured to divide an image region represented by image data into a plurality of subregions and send sectional image data corresponding to the subregions to a printing apparatus. The process includes detecting a first object in an image represented by the image data, determining the position of the detected first object in the image region, and in accordance with the determined position of the first object in the image region, dividing the image region such that any of the subregions contains at least one second object region corresponding to at least one second object constituting the first object. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a configuration of a printing system. 
         FIG. 2  is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the printing system. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates an example of an image region divided in the image region division processing. 
         FIG. 4  is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a control apparatus in the image region division processing. 
         FIG. 5  is an illustration for explaining locating a face and measuring the size of a face region. 
         FIG. 6  is an illustration for explaining setting division lines. 
         FIG. 7  is an illustration for explaining setting division lines. 
         FIG. 8  is an illustration for explaining combining a subregion with a contiguous subregion. 
         FIG. 9  is an illustration for explaining detection regarding face constituent objects. 
         FIG. 10  is an illustration for explaining constructing a face constituent object group region. 
         FIG. 11  is an illustration for explaining setting division lines. 
         FIG. 12  is an illustration for explaining combining a subregion with a contiguous subregion. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a configuration of a printing system  1000 . As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the printing system  1000  includes a printer  1  and a control apparatus  2 . The printer  1  corresponds to an example of a printing apparatus. The control apparatus  2  corresponds to an example of an image processing apparatus. 
     Firstly, the printer  1  will be described. The printer  1  prints text, pictures, and the like on print media by ejecting ink with the ink jet technique. As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the printer  1  includes a printer controller  10 , a printer communicator  11 , and a printing unit  12 . 
     The printer controller  10  includes a printer processor  110  that is a processor for running programs, such as a central processing unit (CPU) or microprocessor unit (MPU), and a printer memory  120 . The printer controller  10  controls each unit of the printer  1 . The printer controller  10  performs various kinds of processing with the use of hardware and software cooperating with each other such that the printer processor  110  performs processing by reading a control program  120 A stored in the printer memory  120 . 
     The printer memory  120  has a storage area for storing programs configured to be executed by the printer processor  110  and data to be processed by the printer processor  110 . The printer memory  120  stores the control program  120 A configured to be executed by the printer processor  110  and setting data  120 B including various set values regarding the operation of the printer  1 . The printer memory  120  has a non-volatile storage area for storing programs and data in a non-volatile manner. The printer memory  120  may have a volatile storage area that is configured to temporarily store programs to be executed by the printer processor  110  and data targeted for processing. 
     The printer communicator  11  is equipped with a hardware device conforming to a particular communication standard and communicates with the control apparatus  2  in accordance with the particular communication standard under the control of the printer controller  10 . The communication standard used for communication between the printer communicator  11  and the control apparatus  2  can be a wireless or wired communication standard. 
     The printing unit  12  includes an ink jet head, a drive circuit for driving the ink jet head, a carriage, a scanning motor for moving the carriage in a main scanning direction crossing a transport direction, a motor driver for driving the scanning motor, a transport motor for transporting a print medium in the transport direction crossing the main scanning direction of the carriage, and other configurations relating to printing on print media. The printing unit  12  prints text, pictures, and the like on print media under the control of the printer controller  10 . 
     Next, the control apparatus  2  will be described. The control apparatus  2  controls the printer  1  and is configured as, for example, a computer. The control apparatus  2  according to the present embodiment generates image data containing text, pictures, and the like to be printed on a print medium, generates print data in accordance with the generated image data, and sends the generated print data to the printer  1 . 
     The control apparatus  2  includes a control apparatus controller  20 , a control apparatus communicator  21 , a control apparatus inputter  22 , and a control apparatus display  23 . 
     The control apparatus controller  20  includes a control apparatus processor  210  that is a processor for running programs, such as a CPU or MPU, and a control apparatus memory  220 . The control apparatus controller  20  controls each unit of the control apparatus  2 . The control apparatus controller  20  performs various kinds of processing with the use of hardware and software cooperating with each other such that the control apparatus processor  210  performs processing by reading a control program  220 A stored in the control apparatus memory  220 . 
     The control apparatus processor  210  reads and runs a first program  220 C, so that the control apparatus controller  20  functions as an image data generator  2110 . The first program  220 C is a program for generating image data and is preinstalled in the control apparatus  2 . The control apparatus processor  210  reads and runs a second program  220 D, so that the control apparatus controller  20  functions as an image processor  2120  and a communication controller  2130 . Details of the image processor  2120  and the communication controller  2130  will be described later. The second program  220 D is a program for generating print data and sending the generated print data. The second program  220 D is preinstalled in the control apparatus  2 . The second program  220 D corresponds to an example of a program. 
     The control apparatus memory  220  has a storage area for storing programs configured to be executed by the control apparatus processor  210  and data to be processed by the control apparatus processor  210 . The control apparatus memory  220  stores the control program  220 A configured to be executed by the control apparatus processor  210 , setting data  220 B including various set values regarding the operation of the control apparatus  2 , the first program  220 C, and the second program  220 D. The control apparatus memory  220  has a non-volatile storage area for storing programs and data in a non-volatile manner. The control apparatus memory  220  may have a volatile storage area that is configured to temporarily store programs to be executed by the control apparatus processor  210  and data targeted for processing. While in the present embodiment the control program  220 A, the first program  220 C, and the second program  220 D are discrete programs, these three programs may constitute one program or the first program  220 C and the second program  220 D may constitute one program. 
     The control apparatus communicator  21  is equipped with a hardware device conforming to a particular communication standard and communicates with the control apparatus  2  in accordance with the particular communication standard under the control of the printer controller  10 . 
     The control apparatus inputter  22  includes input devices such as a keyboard, a mouse, and a touch panel. The control apparatus inputter  22  detects operations performed by users with the input devices and outputs information about the detected operations to the control apparatus controller  20 . In accordance with the input from the control apparatus inputter  22 , the control apparatus controller  20  performs a processing operation corresponding to the operation performed by using the input devices. 
     The control apparatus display  23  includes, for example, a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and a display panel. For example, under the control of the control apparatus controller  20 , the control apparatus display  23  causes the LEDs to emit or not to emit light in a predetermined mode and display information on the display panel. 
     As described above, the control apparatus controller  20  functions as the image data generator  2110 , the image processor  2120 , and the communication controller  2130 . 
     The image data generator  2110  generates image data GD including text, pictures, and the like to be printed on a print medium and outputs the generated image data GD to the image processor  2120 . 
     The image processor  2120  divides into a plurality of subregions BA an image region GA represented by the image data GD generated by the image data generator  2110  and generates print data for printing image sections corresponding to the respective subregions BA. The image processor  2120  outputs the generated print data to the communication controller  2130 . 
     The communication controller  2130  sends the print data generated by the image processor  2120  to the printer  1  by using the control apparatus communicator  21 . 
     Next, the operation of the printing system  1000  will be described.  FIG. 2  is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the printing system  1000 . In  FIG. 2 , a flowchart FA illustrates an operation of the control apparatus  2 . A flowchart FB illustrates an operation of the printer  1 . 
     The image processor  2120  of the control apparatus  2  determines whether a trigger for generating print data has occurred (Step SA 1 ). For example, the image processor  2120  determines that a trigger for generating print data has occurred in Step SA 1  when the image data GD has been inputted from the image data generator  2110 . 
     In the case in which the image processor  2120  determines that no trigger for generating print data has occurred (NO in Step SA 1 ), the image processor  2120  performs the processing in Step SA 1  again. 
     By contrast, in the case in which the image processor  2120  determines that a trigger for generating print data has occurred (YES in Step SA 1 ), the image processor  2120  performs image region division processing (Step SA 2 ). 
     The image region division processing is a processing operation of dividing into a plurality of regions the image region GA represented by the image data GD generated by the image data generator  2110 . Details of the image region division processing will be described later with reference to  FIG. 4 . 
     The image processor  2120  selects one subregion BA from the plurality of subregions BA obtained by division in the image region division processing (Step SA 3 ). 
     Next, the image processor  2120  generates print data for printing a particular image section corresponding to the selected one subregion BA in the image represented by the image data GD (Step SA 4 ). 
     When generating print data for printing an image section, the image processor  2120  subjects the image section to various kinds of processing such as resolution conversion, color conversion, halftone processing, rasterizing, and command assignment. The print data for printing an image section includes sectional image data that is image data of the image section. 
     Subsequently, the communication controller  2130  sends the print data generated by the image processor  2120  to the printer  1  by using the control apparatus communicator  21  (Step SA 5 ). Since the print data includes sectional image data as described above, sending print data corresponds to sending sectional image data. 
     Next, the image processor  2120  determines whether all the subregions BA obtained by division in the image region division processing have been selected in Step SA 3  (Step SA 6 ). 
     In the case in which the image processor  2120  determines that not all the subregions BA have been selected in Step SA 3  (NO in Step SA 6 ), the image processor  2120  returns to Step SA 3  and selects one unselected subregion BA in Step SA 3 , followed by Step SA 4  and the subsequent processing operations performed again. 
     In the case in which the image processor  2120  determines that all the subregions BA obtained by division in the image region division processing have been selected in Step SA 3  (YES in Step SA 6 ), the process is ended. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates an example of the image region GA divided in the image region division processing. The image region GA illustrated in  FIG. 3  is divided into twelve subregions BA by five division lines BL. The division line BL is arranged in a straight line in either the vertical or horizontal direction in the image region GA. 
     In the case of  FIG. 3 , the image processor  2120  generates print data for printing an image section with respect to each subregion BA of the twelve subregions BA. Accordingly, the communication controller  2130  sends twelve pieces of print data to the printer  1 . 
     Referring to the flowchart FB, the printer controller  10  of the printer  1  determines whether the printer communicator  11  has received print data (Step SB 1 ). 
     In the case in which the printer controller  10  determines that the printer communicator  11  has received print data (YES in Step SB 1 ), the printing unit  12  prints an image section represented by the received print data on a print medium (Step SB 2 ). 
     In the case of  FIG. 3 , the printer  1  produces twelve prints on which different image sections are individually printed. The user can arrange and bond together the twelve prints produced by the printer  1 , so that the user can obtain a single print of a desired size on which the image represented by the image data GD is printed. This printing method is called tiled printing or split printing and used for creating, for example, posters, signboards, or banners. In particular, this printing method is used to produce a single print of a size larger than the maximum width of print medium printable by the printer  1 . 
       FIG. 4  is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the control apparatus  2  in the image region division processing. In the following description regarding the flowchart in  FIG. 4 , it is assumed that the image represented by the image data GD outputted by the image data generator  2110  includes a face. A face corresponds to an example of a first object. 
     The image processor  2120  performs the image region division processing in the state in which the image data GD outputted by the image data generator  2110  is converted into a representation based on a coordinate system in which Y and X axes are determined. Between the Y and X axes in the coordinate system, the axial direction of one axis corresponds to a transport direction of print media in the printer  1 , and the axial direction of the other axis corresponds to a direction perpendicular to the transport direction. The image data GD is presented in the coordinate system such that the vertical direction of the image region GA is parallel to the Y axis and the horizontal direction of the image region GA is parallel to the X axis. 
     The image processor  2120  detects a face in the image represented by the image data GD outputted by the image data generator  2110  (Step SA 201 ). 
     The image processor  2120  detects a face in an image in Step SA 201  by employing, for example, a detection method described below. In Step SA 201 , the image processor  2120  moves a rectangular detection frame of a given size in the image region GA and calculates, by using a predetermined algorithm, the feature of an image division defined by the detection frame at each of the positions where the detection frame is successively moved. The image processor  2120  calculates with respect to each position a match rate between the feature calculated for the position and a predetermined feature of face and accordingly determines whether the calculated match rate is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold. The image processor  2120  detects as a face a particular image division defined by the detection frame when the match rate of the particular image division is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold. Changing the detection frame size enables detection of faces of different sizes in the image. The face detection method described above is a mere example and the face detection method is not limited by the above description; for example, it is possible to employ a method of detecting a face in accordance with color differences in the image. 
     Next, after detecting a face in the image represented by the image data GD in Step SA 201 , the image processor  2120  locates the detected face in the image region GA and measures the size of a face region FCA corresponding to the detected face (Step SA 202 ). The face region FCA corresponds to an example of a first object region. The face region FCA is a rectangular region in the image region GA. 
       FIG. 5  is an illustration for explaining locating a face in the image region GA and measuring the size of the face region FCA.  FIG. 5  indicates the case in which the image processor  2120  detects one face in the image represented by the image data GD. 
     Firstly, the image processor  2120  determines one particular face region FCA that includes the detected face and that is the smallest in area. The image processor  2120  may determine as the face region FCA the detection frame used when the face is detected. 
     The image processor  2120  calculates coordinates of the four corners of the determined face region FCA. The image processor  2120  determines the set of the calculated coordinates as the position of the face in the image region GA. In the case of  FIG. 5 , the image processor  2120  determines the coordinate set of (X 1 , Y 1 ), (X 1 , Y 2 ), (X 2 , Y 1 ), and (X 2 , Y 2 ) as the position of the face in the image region GA. 
     The image processor  2120  measures the size of the face region FCA in accordance with the coordinates of the four corners of the face region FCA. In the present embodiment, the size of the face region FCA denotes a combination of lengths of two sides perpendicular to each other, or a combination of the length of a side in the X axis and the length of a side in the Y axis. In the case of  FIG. 5 , the image processor  2120  determines as the size of the face region FCA the combination of the length of the side given by X 2 −X 1  and the length of the side given by Y 2 −Y 1 . 
     Returning to the description of the flowchart in  FIG. 4 , after locating the face in the image region GA and measuring the size of the face region FCA, the image processor  2120  determines whether the measured size of the face region FCA exceeds a maximum division size (Step SA 203 ). 
     The maximum division size is a maximum size of the subregion BA into which the image processor  2120  can divide the image region GA. The subregion BA is a rectangle, and thus, the maximum division size is represented by a combination of the length of a side parallel to the X axis and the length of a side parallel to the Y axis. The maximum division size is a size set by the user or a size corresponding to a maximum width of print medium that the printer  1  can print. In the case in which the maximum division size is set by the user, the combination of lengths of two sides indicated as the maximum division size is a combination of lengths set by the user. In the case in which the maximum division size corresponds to the maximum width of print medium, the lengths of two sides indicated as the maximum division size correspond to the maximum width of print medium. 
     In Step SA 203 , the image processor  2120  determines, with respect to each of the two perpendicular sides of the face region FCA, whether the length of the side exceeds the length of a corresponding side indicated by the maximum division size. Specifically, the image processor  2120  determines whether the length of a side of the face region FCA parallel to the X axis exceeds the length of one side that is indicated by the maximum division size and that is parallel to the X axis and whether the length of a side of the face region FCA parallel to the Y axis exceeds the length of the other side that is indicated by the maximum division size and that is parallel to the Y axis. In the case in which the image processor  2120  determines that neither of the two sides exceeds the maximum division size, Step SA 203  is determined in the negative; in the case in which the image processor  2120  determines that either side exceeds the maximum division size, Step SA 203  is determined in the affirmative. In the following description, the determination and comparison with regard to the maximum division size are performed as described above. 
     In the case in which the image processor  2120  determines that the size of the face region FCA is equal to or smaller than the maximum division size (NO in Step SA 203 ), the image processor  2120  sets the division lines BL in the image region GA (Step SA 204 ). In the processing in Step SA 204  after Step SA 203  is determined as NO, the image processor  2120  sets the division lines BL in the image region GA in accordance with the face region FCA. 
       FIG. 6  is an illustration for explaining setting the division lines BL.  FIG. 6  indicates the case in which the image processor  2120  detects one face in the image represented by the image data GD and the size of the face region FCA is equal to or smaller than the maximum division size. 
     The image processor  2120  sets the division lines BL parallel to and overlapping the sides of the face region FCA. 
     In the case of  FIG. 6 , for a side H 1  indicated by a X coordinate X 1  and parallel to the Y axis, the image processor  2120  sets a division line BL 1  parallel to and overlapping the side H 1  in the image region GA. The division line BL 1  overlapping the side H 1  denotes that the X coordinate of the division line BL 1  is X 1 . 
     Additionally, in the case of  FIG. 6 , for a side H 2  indicated by a X coordinate X 2  and parallel to the Y axis, the image processor  2120  sets a division line BL 2  parallel to and overlapping the side H 2  in the image region GA. The division line BL 2  overlapping the side H 2  denotes that the X coordinate of the division line BL 2  is X 2 . 
     Additionally, in the case of  FIG. 6 , for a side H 3  indicated by a Y coordinate Y 1  and parallel to the X axis, the image processor  2120  sets a division line BL 3  parallel to and overlapping the side H 3  in the image region GA. The division line BL 3  overlapping the side H 3  denotes that the Y coordinate of the division line BL 3  is Y 1 . 
     Additionally, in the case of  FIG. 6 , for a side H 4  indicated by a Y coordinate Y 2  and parallel to the X axis, the image processor  2120  sets a division line BL 4  parallel to and overlapping the side H 4  in the image region GA. The division line BL 4  overlapping the side H 4  denotes that the Y coordinate of the division line BL 4  is Y 2 . 
     Returning to the description of the flowchart in  FIG. 4 , after setting the division lines BL in Step SA 204 , the image processor  2120  selects one subregion BA from a plurality of subregions BA obtained by dividing the image region GA in accordance with the setting in Step SA 204  (Step SA 205 ). 
     Next, the image processor  2120  determines whether the size of the one subregion BA selected in Step SA 205  exceeds the maximum division size (Step SA 206 ). 
     In the case in which the size of the one subregion BA is determined not to exceed the maximum division size (NO in Step SA 206 ), the image processor  2120  determines whether all the subregions BA obtained by dividing the image region GA in accordance with the setting in Step SA 204  have been selected in Step SA 205  (Step SA 208 ). 
     In the case in which the image processor  2120  determines that not all the subregions BA have been selected (NO in Step SA 208 ), the image processor  2120  returns to Step SA 205  and selects one unselected subregion BA, followed by Step SA 206  and the subsequent processing operations performed again. 
     By contrast, in the case in which all the subregions BA are determined to have been selected (YES in Step SA 208 ), the image processor  2120  performs processing in Step SA 209 . 
     Returning to the description of Step SA 206 , in the case in which the size of the one subregion BA is determined to exceed the maximum division size (YES in Step SA 206 ), the image processor  2120  sets a division line BL in the subregion BA selected in Step SA 205  and further divides the subregion BA (Step SA 207 ). 
       FIG. 7  is an illustration for explaining setting the division lines BL for the subregions BA. 
       FIG. 7  indicates the case in which the image processor  2120  detects one face in the image represented by the image data GD and the size of the face region FCA is equal to or smaller than the maximum division size. In the case indicated in  FIG. 7 , the image region GA is divided into nine subregions BA by setting the division lines BL 1 , BL 2 , BL 3 , and BL 4  in Step SA 204 . In  FIG. 7 , among the nine subregions BA, subregions BA- 3 , BA- 6 , and BA- 9  each have sides parallel to the X axis and exceeding the maximum division size. In  FIG. 7 , among the nine subregions BA, subregions BA- 7 , BA- 8 , and BA- 9  each have sides parallel to the Y axis and exceeding the maximum division size. 
     As for subregions BA- 1 , BA- 2 , BA- 4 , and BA- 5 , the image processor  2120  determines that every side is equal to or smaller than the maximum division size and refrains from setting any division line BL. 
     The image processor  2120  determines that the subregions BA- 3 , BA- 6 , and BA- 9  exceed the maximum division size and sets a division line BL for the subregions BA- 3 , BA- 6 , and BA- 9 . In  FIG. 7 , it is assumed that the subregions BA- 3 , BA- 6 , and BA- 9  can be reduced to have sizes equal to or smaller than the maximum division size by dividing sides parallel to the X axis into two. Accordingly, in  FIG. 7 , the image processor  2120  sets a division line BL 5  common to the subregions BA- 3 , BA- 6 , and BA- 9 . The X coordinate of the division line BL 5  is X 3  and the division line BL 5  is parallel to the Y axis. The division line BL 5  divides the subregion BA- 3  into subregions BA- 31  and BA- 32  and also divides the subregion BA- 6  into subregions BA- 61  and BA- 62 . The subregion BA- 9  will be described later. 
     The image processor  2120  determines that the subregions BA- 7 , BA- 8 , and BA- 9  exceed the maximum division size and sets a division line BL for the subregions BA- 7 , BA- 8 , and BA- 9 . In  FIG. 7 , it is assumed that the subregions BA- 7 , BA- 8 , and BA- 9  can be reduced to have sizes equal to or smaller than the maximum division size by dividing sides parallel to the Y axis into two. Accordingly, in  FIG. 7 , the image processor  2120  sets a division line BL 6  common to the subregions BA- 7 , BA- 8 , and BA- 9 . The Y coordinate of the division line BL 6  is Y 3  and the division line BL 6  is parallel to the X axis. The division line BL 6  divides the subregion BA- 7  into two subregions BA- 71  and BA- 72  and also divides the subregion BA- 8  into two subregions BA- 81  and BA- 82 . As for the subregion BA- 9 , the sides parallel to the X axis and the sides parallel to the Y axis are all divided into two, and as a result, the subregion BA- 9  is sectioned into four subregions BA- 91 , BA- 92 , BA- 93 , and BA- 94 . 
     Returning to the description of the flowchart illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the image processor  2120  selects one subregion BA from a plurality of subregions BA obtained by dividing the image region GA in accordance with the setting in Steps SA 204  and SA 207  (Step SA 209 ). 
     Next, the image processor  2120  determines particular subregions BA contiguous with any side of the subregion BA selected in Step SA 209  (Step SA 210 ). In the following description, the particular subregion BA contiguous with a side of the subregion BA selected in Step SA 209  is referred to as a “contiguous subregion”. 
     Next, the image processor  2120  determines whether any contiguous subregion determined in Step SA 210  can be combined with the subregion BA selected in Step SA 209  so as to form a subregion BA equal to or smaller than the maximum division size (Step SA 211 ). 
     In the case in which Step SA 211  is determined in the negative, the image processor  2120  proceeds to Step SA 213 . By contrast, in the case in which Step SA 111  is determined in the affirmative, the image processor  2120  combines a particular contiguous subregion determined to form a subregion BA equal to or smaller than the maximum division size with the subregion BA selected in Step SA 209  (Step SA 212 ). 
     Next, the image processor  2120  determines whether all the subregions BA obtained by dividing the image region GA in accordance with the setting in Steps SA 204  and SA 207  have been selected in Step SA 209  (Step SA 213 ). 
     In the case in which the image processor  2120  determines that not all the subregions BA have been selected (NO in Step SA 213 ), the image processor  2120  returns to Step SA 209  and selects one unselected subregion BA, followed by Step SA 210  and the subsequent processing operations performed again. 
       FIG. 8  is an illustration for explaining combining the subregion BA with the contiguous subregion.  FIG. 8  illustrates the case in which the image processor  2120  detects one face in the image represented by the image data GD and the size of the face region FCA is equal to or smaller than the maximum division size. In the upper illustration in  FIG. 8 , the division lines BL 1 , BL 2 , BL 3 , BL 4 , BL 5 , and BL 6 , which are set in Steps SA 204  and SA 207 , divide the image region GA into sixteen subregions BA. 
     In  FIG. 8 , it is assumed that a subregion formed by combining the subregions BA- 1  and BA- 2  is still equal to or smaller than the maximum division size. In  FIG. 8 , it is also assumed that a subregion formed by combining the subregions BA- 4  and BA- 5  is still equal to or smaller than the maximum division size. It is also assumed that a subregion formed by combining the subregions BA- 71  and BA- 81  is still equal to or smaller than the maximum division size. It is also assumed that a subregion formed by combining the subregions BA- 72  and BA- 82  is still equal to or smaller than the maximum division size. 
     When the subregion BA- 1  is selected in Step SA 209 , the image processor  2120  determines the subregions BA- 2  and BA- 4  as contiguous subregions for the subregion BA- 1  in Step SA 210 . Since a subregion formed by combining the subregions BA- 1  and BA- 2  is still equal to or smaller than the maximum division size in  FIG. 8  as described above, the image processor  2120  combines the subregions BA- 1  and BA- 2  together to form a single subregion BA- 1 ′. 
     When the subregion BA- 4  is selected in Step SA 209 , the image processor  2120  determines the subregions BA- 1 , BA- 5 , and BA- 71  as contiguous subregions for the subregion BA- 4  in Step SA 210 . In the case in which the subregion BA- 1  has been selected and combined with the subregion BA- 2  before the subregion BA- 4  is selected, the subregion BA- 1 ′ instead of the subregion BA- 1  is determined as a contiguous subregion for the subregion BA- 4 . Since a subregion formed by combining the subregions BA- 4  and BA- 5  is still equal to or smaller than the maximum division size in  FIG. 8 , the image processor  2120  combines the subregions BA- 4  and BA- 5  together to form a single subregion BA- 4 ′. 
     When the subregion BA- 71  is selected in Step SA 209 , the image processor  2120  determines the subregions BA- 4 , BA- 72 , and BA- 81  as contiguous subregions for the subregion BA- 71  in Step SA 210 . In the case in which the subregion BA- 4  has been selected and combined with the subregion BA- 5  before the subregion BA- 71  is selected, the subregion BA- 4 ′ instead of the subregion BA- 4  is determined as a contiguous subregion for the subregion BA- 71 . Since a subregion formed by combining the subregions BA- 71  and BA- 81  is still equal to or smaller than the maximum division size in  FIG. 8 , the image processor  2120  combines the subregions BA- 71  and BA- 81  together to form a single subregion BA- 71 ′. 
     When the subregion BA- 72  is selected in Step SA 209 , the image processor  2120  determines the subregions BA- 71  and BA- 82  as contiguous subregions for the subregion BA- 72  in Step SA 210 . In the case in which the subregion BA- 71  has been selected and combined with the subregion BA- 81  before the subregion BA- 72  is selected, the subregion BA- 71 ′ instead of the subregion BA- 71  is determined as a contiguous subregion for the subregion BA- 72 . Since a subregion formed by combining the subregions BA- 72  and BA- 82  is still equal to or smaller than the maximum division size in  FIG. 8 , the image processor  2120  combines the subregions BA- 72  and BA- 82  together to form a single subregion BA- 72 ′. 
     Returning to the description of the flowchart illustrated in  FIG. 4 , in the case in which all the subregions BA are determined to have been selected (YES in Step SA 213 ), the image processor  2120  performs the processing operation in Step SA 3  and the subsequent processing operations. 
     Specifically, when the image processor  2120  finally divides the image region GA as illustrated in  FIG. 8 , pieces of sectional image data of the respective subregions BA- 1 ′, BA- 31 , BA- 32 , BA- 4 ′, BA- 61 , BA- 62 , BA- 71 ′, BA- 91 , BA- 92 , BA- 72 ′, BA- 93 , and BA- 94  are generated and sent to the printer  1 . 
     Returning to the description of Step SA 203 , in the case in which the image processor  2120  determines that the size of the face region FCA exceeds the maximum division size (YES in Step SA 203 ), the image processor  2120  detects a face constituent object that constitutes the face detected in Step SA 201  (Step SA 214 ). The face constituent object is at least any of an eye, a mouth, and a nose. The face constituent object corresponds to an example of a second object. 
     The image processor  2120  detects a face constituent object in the face in Step SA 214  by employing, for example, a detection method described below. The image processor  2120  moves a rectangular detection frame of a given size in the face region FCA and calculates, by using a predetermined algorithm, the feature of an image division defined by the detection frame at each of the positions where the detection frame is successively moved. The image processor  2120  calculates with respect to each position a match rate between the feature calculated for the position and a predetermined feature of face constituent object and accordingly determines whether the calculated match rate is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold. The image processor  2120  detects as a face constituent object a particular image division defined by the detection frame when the match rate of the particular image division is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold. Changing the detection frame size enables detection of face constituent objects of different sizes in the image. The face constituent object detection method described above is a mere example and the face detection method is not limited by the above description; for example, it is possible to employ a method of detecting a face constituent object in accordance with color differences in the image. 
     Next, after detecting a face constituent object in Step SA 214 , the image processor  2120  locates the detected face constituent object in the image region GA and measures the size of a face constituent object region KOA corresponding to the face constituent object (Step SA 215 ). The face constituent object region KOA corresponds to an example of a second object region. The face constituent object region KOA is a rectangle. 
       FIG. 9  is an illustration for explaining locating a face constituent object in the image region GA and measuring the size of the face constituent object region KOA. 
       FIG. 9  illustrates the case in which the image processor  2120  detects one face in the image represented by the image data GD. 
     Firstly, the image processor  2120  determines one particular face constituent object region KOA that includes a detected face constituent object and that is the smallest in area. The image processor  2120  may determine as the face constituent object region FCA the detection frame used when the face constituent object is detected. 
     The image processor  2120  calculates coordinates of the four corners of the determined face constituent object region KOA. The image processor  2120  determines the set of the calculated coordinates as the position of the face constituent object in the image region GA. 
     In the case of  FIG. 9 , the image processor  2120  determines the coordinate set of (X 5 , Y 6 ), (X 5 , Y 7 ), (X 6 , Y 6 ), and (X 6 , Y 7 ) as the position of a face constituent object representing a left eye in the image region GA. 
     In the case of  FIG. 9 , the image processor  2120  determines the coordinate set of (X 7 , Y 6 ), (X 7 , Y 7 ), (X 8 , Y 6 ), and (X 8 , Y 7 ) as the position of a face constituent object representing a right eye in the image region GA. 
     In the case of  FIG. 9 , the image processor  2120  determines the coordinate set of (X 4 , Y 4 ), (X 4 , Y 5 ), (X 9 , Y 4 ), and (X 9 , Y 5 ) as the position of a face constituent object representing a mouth in the image region GA. 
     Furthermore, the image processor  2120  measures the size of the face constituent object region KOA in accordance with the coordinates of the four corners of the face constituent object region KOA. In the present embodiment, the size of the face constituent object region KOA denotes a combination of lengths of two sides perpendicular to each other, or a combination of the length of a side parallel to the X axis and the length of a side parallel to the Y axis. 
     In the case of  FIG. 9 , the image processor  2120  determines as the size of the face constituent object region KOA of the left eye the combination of the length of the side given by X 6 −X 5  and the length of the side given by Y 7 −Y 6 . 
     In the case of  FIG. 9 , the image processor  2120  determines as the size of the face constituent object region KOA of the right eye the combination of the length of the side given by X 8 −X 7  and the length of the side given by Y 7 −Y 6 . 
     In the case of  FIG. 9 , the image processor  2120  determines as the size of the face constituent object region KOA of the mouth the combination of the length of the side given by X 9 −X 4  and the length of the side given by Y 5 −Y 4 . 
     Returning to the description of the flowchart illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the image processor  2120  determines whether a plurality of face constituent objects are detected in Step SA 214  (Step SA 216 ). 
     In the case in which the image processor  2120  determines that a plurality of face constituent objects are not detected in Step SA 214 , that is, in the case in which it is determined that only one face constituent object is detected (NO in Step SA 216 ), the image processor  2120  proceeds to Step SA 204  and performs Step SA 204  and the subsequent processing operations. When the image processor  2120  performs the processing in Step SA 204  after performing Steps SA 214  and SA 215  and determining Step SA 216  as NO, the image processor  2120  sets the division lines BL in accordance with the face constituent object region KOA in a manner similar to that of the face region FCA. Subsequently, the image processor  2120  performs Step SA 205  and the subsequent processing operations by using the division lines BL set in accordance with the face constituent object region KOA. 
     By contrast, in the case in which the image processor  2120  determines that a plurality of face constituent objects are detected in Step SA 214  (YES in Step SA 216 ), the image processor  2120  determines whether it is possible to construct a rectangular region equal in size to or smaller than the maximum division size and including two or more face constituent object regions (Step SA 217 ). In the following description, the rectangular region including two or more face constituent object regions is referred to as a “face constituent object group region” and assigned reference characters “KGA”. 
     In the case in which the image processor  2120  determines that it is impossible to construct any face constituent object group region KGA (NO in Step SA 217 ), the image processor  2120  moves to Step SA 204  and performs Step SA 204  and the subsequent processing operations. When the image processor  2120  performs the processing in Step SA 204  after performing Steps SA 214  and SA 215  and determining Step SA 216  as YES and Step SA 217  as NO, the image processor  2120  sets the division lines BL in accordance with each face constituent object region KOA in a manner similar to that of the face region FCA. Subsequently, the image processor  2120  performs Step SA 205  and the subsequent processing operations by using the division lines BL set in accordance with each face constituent object region KOA. 
     By contrast, in the case in which the image processor  2120  determines that it is possible to construct a face constituent object group region KGA (YES in Step SA 217 ), the image processor  2120  constructs the face constituent object group region KGA as a single face constituent object region KOA (Step SA 218 ). 
       FIG. 10  is an illustration for explaining constructing the face constituent object group region KGA.  FIG. 10  indicates the case in which the image processor  2120  detects one face in the image represented by the image data GD and the size of the face region FCA is larger than the maximum division size. Additionally,  FIG. 10  indicates the case in which three face constituent objects of a left eye, a right eye, and a mouth are detected in the face. 
     Further, in  FIG. 10 , it is assumed that the size of a region including the face constituent object region KOA representing the left eye and the face constituent object region KOA representing the right eye is equal to or smaller than the maximum division size. 
     In this case, the image processor  2120  constructs, as a single face constituent object region KOA, the face constituent object group region KGA including the face constituent object region KOA corresponding to the left eye and the face constituent object region KOA corresponding to the right eye. In  FIG. 10 , if the size of a region including the face constituent object region KOA corresponding to the left eye, the face constituent object region KOA corresponding to the right eye, and the face constituent object region KOA corresponding to the mouth is equal to or smaller than the maximum division size, it is possible to construct the region as the face constituent object group region KGA. 
     Returning to the description of the flowchart in  FIG. 4 , after constructing the face constituent object group region KGA as a single face constituent object region KOA, the image processor  2120  proceeds to Step SA 204  and performs Step SA 204  and the subsequent processing operations. When the image processor  2120  performs the processing in Step SA 204  after performing Steps SA 214  and SA 215 , determining Step SA 216  as YES and Step SA 217  as YES, and performing Step SA 218 , the image processor  2120  sets the division lines BL in accordance with one or more face constituent object regions KOA in a manner similar to that of the face region FCA. Subsequently, the image processor  2120  performs Step SA 205  and the subsequent processing operations by using the division lines BL set in accordance with the one or more face constituent object regions KOA. 
     Hereinafter, in accordance with the case in which the face constituent object group region KGA including the face constituent object region KOA representing a left eye and the face constituent object region KOA representing a right eye is constructed as a single face constituent object region KOA as in  FIG. 10 , the processing operation in Step SA 204  and the subsequent processing operations will be specifically discussed. 
       FIG. 11  is an illustration for explaining setting the division lines BL.  FIG. 11  indicates the case in which the image processor  2120  detects one face in the image represented by the image data GD and the size of the face region FCA is larger than the maximum division size. Additionally,  FIG. 11  illustrates the case in which three face constituent objects of a left eye, a right eye, and a mouth are detected in the face. Furthermore,  FIG. 11  indicates the face constituent object region KOA including the left and right eyes, which is constructed as the face constituent object group region KGA, and the face constituent object region KOA including the mouth. 
     The image processor  2120  sets the division lines BL parallel to and overlapping the sides of the face constituent object region KOA. 
     With respect to the face constituent object region KOA including the left and right eyes, the image processor  2120  sets the division lines BL as described below. 
     In the case of  FIG. 11 , for a side H 5  indicated by a X coordinate X 11  and parallel to the Y axis, the image processor  2120  sets a division line BL 7  parallel to and overlapping the side H 5  in the image region GA. The division line BL 7  overlapping the side H 5  denotes that the X coordinate of the division line BL 7  is X 11 . It should be noted that the image processor  2120  refrains from setting the division line BL 7  within the face constituent object region KOA including the mouth. This is because the mouth may otherwise be divided into a plurality of discrete subregions BA in Step SA 210  and the subsequent processing operations. 
     In the case of  FIG. 11 , for a side H 6  indicated by a X coordinate X 12  and parallel to the Y axis, the image processor  2120  sets a division line BL 8  parallel to and overlapping the side H 6  in the image region GA. The division line BL 8  overlapping the side H 6  denotes that the X coordinate of the division line BL 8  is X 12 . It should be noted that the image processor  2120  refrains from setting the division line BL 8  within the face constituent object region KOA including the mouth. This is because, the mouth may otherwise be divided into a plurality of discrete subregions BA in Step SA 210  and the subsequent processing operations. 
     In the case of  FIG. 11 , for a side H 7  indicated by a Y coordinate Y 11  and parallel to the X axis, the image processor  2120  sets a division line BL 9  parallel to and overlapping the side H 7  in the image region GA. The division line BL 9  overlapping the side H 7  denotes that the Y coordinate of the division line BL 9  is Y 11 . 
     In the case of  FIG. 11 , for a side H 8  indicated by a Y coordinate Y 10  and parallel to the X axis, the image processor  2120  sets a division line BL 10  parallel to and overlapping the side H 8  in the image region GA. The division line BL 10  overlapping the side H 8  denotes that the Y coordinate of the division line BL 10  is Y 10 . 
     With respect to the face constituent object region KOA including the mouth, the image processor  2120  sets the division lines BL as described below. 
     In the case of  FIG. 11 , for a side H 9  indicated by a X coordinate X 10  and parallel to the Y axis, the image processor  2120  sets a division line BL 11  parallel to and overlapping the side H 9  in the image region GA. The division line BL 11  overlapping the side H 9  denotes that the X coordinate of the division line BL 11  is X 10 . 
     In the case of  FIG. 11 , for a side H 10  indicated by a X coordinate X 13  and parallel to the Y axis, the image processor  2120  sets a division line BL 12  parallel to and overlapping the side H 10  in the image region GA. The division line BL 12  overlapping the side H 10  denotes that the X coordinate of the division line BL 12  is X 13 . 
     In the case of  FIG. 11 , for a side H 11  indicated by a Y coordinate Y 9  and parallel to the X axis, the image processor  2120  sets a division line BL 13  parallel to and overlapping the side H 11  in the image region GA. The division line BL 13  overlapping the side H 11  denotes that the Y coordinate of the division line BL 13  is Y 9 . 
     In the case of  FIG. 11 , for a side H 12  indicated by a Y coordinate Y 8  and parallel to the X axis, the image processor  2120  sets a division line BL 14  parallel to and overlapping the side H 12  in the image region GA. The division line BL 14  overlapping the side H 12  denotes that the Y coordinate of the division line BL 14  is Y 8 . 
     After setting the division lines BL in  FIG. 11 , the image processor  2120  performs Steps SA 205  to SA 208 , and afterward, Steps SA 209  to SA 213 . 
       FIG. 12  is an illustration for explaining combining the subregion BA with the contiguous subregion. 
       FIG. 12  firstly illustrates the division lines BL after Steps SA 205  to SA 208  are performed in accordance with the division lines BL illustrated in  FIG. 11 . More specifically,  FIG. 12  illustrates the image region GA without any additional division line BL after Steps SA 205  to SA 208  are performed in accordance with the division lines BL illustrated in  FIG. 11 . 
     In the case indicated in  FIG. 12 , the image region GA is divided into twenty-three subregions BA by setting the division lines BL 7 , BL 8 , BL 9 , BL 10 , BL 11 , BL 12 , BL 13 , and BL 14 . 
     In  FIG. 12 , it is assumed that a subregion formed by combining the subregions BA- 101  and BA- 106  is still equal to or smaller than the maximum division size. In  FIG. 12 , it is also assumed that a subregion formed by combining the subregions BA- 102 , BA- 103 , BA- 104 , BA- 107 , BA- 108 , and BA- 109  is still equal to or smaller than the maximum division size. In  FIG. 12 , it is also assumed that a subregion formed by combining the subregions BA- 105  and BA- 110  is still equal to or smaller than the maximum division size. In  FIG. 12 , it is also assumed that a subregion formed by combining the subregions BA- 112 , BA- 113 , and BA- 114  is still equal to or smaller than the maximum division size. In  FIG. 12 , it is also assumed that a subregion formed by combining the subregions BA- 116  and BA- 119  is still equal to or smaller than the maximum division size. In  FIG. 12 , it is also assumed that a subregion formed by combining the subregions BA- 117 , BA- 120 , BA- 121 , and BA- 122  is still equal to or smaller than the maximum division size. In  FIG. 12 , it is also assumed that a subregion formed by combining the subregions BA- 118  and BA- 123  is still equal to or smaller than the maximum division size. 
     In the case of  FIG. 12 , the image processor  2120  performs Steps SA 209  to SA 213  and constructs a single subregion BA- 124  by combining the subregions BA- 101  and BA- 106 . In the case of  FIG. 12 , the image processor  2120  performs Steps SA 209  to SA 213  and constructs a single subregion BA- 125  by combining the subregions BA- 102 , BA- 103 , BA- 104 , BA- 107 , BA- 108 , and BA- 109 . In the case of  FIG. 12 , the image processor  2120  performs Steps SA 209  to SA 213  and constructs a single subregion BA- 128  by combining the subregions BA- 112 , BA- 113 , and BA- 114 . In the case of FIG.  12 , the image processor  2120  performs Steps SA 209  to SA 213  and constructs a single subregion BA- 130  by combining the subregions BA- 116  and BA- 119 . In the case of  FIG. 12 , the image processor  2120  performs Steps SA 209  to SA 213  and constructs a single subregion BA- 131  by combining the subregions BA- 117 , BA- 120 , BA- 121 , and BA- 122 . In the case of  FIG. 12 , the image processor  2120  performs Steps SA 209  to SA 213  and constructs a single subregion BA- 132  by combining the subregions BA- 118  and BA- 123 . 
     Consequently, when the image processor  2120  finally divides the image region GA as illustrated in  FIG. 12 , the image processor  2120  generates pieces of print data of the respective nine subregions BA- 124 , BA- 125 , BA- 126 , BA- 111 , BA- 128 , BA- 115 , BA- 130 , BA- 131 , and BA- 132 . 
     In the above description, it is assumed that the face constituent object region KOA is equal to or smaller than the maximum division size. When the face constituent object region KOA exceeds the maximum division size, the image processor  2120  may divide the face constituent object region KOA into a plurality of subregions BA. In this case, the image processor  2120  may provide, by using the control apparatus display  23 , notification that the printer  1  prints a face constituent object in a divided manner. 
     Furthermore, in the above description it is assumed that one face is detected in the image represented by the image data GD; but when a plurality of faces are detected, the image processor  2120  performs the operation described below. 
     In the case in which all face regions FCA are equal to or smaller than the maximum division size, the image processor  2120  performs Step SA 215  and the subsequent processing operations with respect to the faces and the face regions FCA instead of the face constituent objects and the face constituent object regions KOA. 
     In the case in which all the face regions FCA exceed the maximum division size, the image processor  2120  performs Steps SA 214  and SA 215  with respect to all the faces and subsequently performs Step SA 216  and the subsequent processing operations. 
     In the case in which, for example, one face region FCA is equal to or smaller than the maximum division size and the other face region FCA exceeds the maximum division size, the image processor  2120  firstly detects a face constituent object in the latter face region FCA, locates the face constituent object, and measures the size of the face constituent object region KOA of the face constituent object; the image processor  2120  secondly performs Step SA 217  and the subsequent processing operations in accordance with the former face region FCA and the face constituent object region KOA detected in the latter face region FCA. 
     As described above, the control apparatus  2  divides the image region GA represented by the image data GD into a plurality of regions and sends pieces of sectional image data corresponding to the subregions BA to the printer  1 . The control apparatus  2  includes the image processor  2120  configured to detect a face in the image represented by the image data GD, locate the detected face in the image region GA, and divide the image region GA in accordance with the position of the face in the image region GA such that the subregion BA includes the face constituent object region KOA corresponding to the face constituent object. 
     The method of controlling the control apparatus  2  includes detecting a face in the image represented by the image data GD, locating the detected face in the image region GA, and dividing the image region GA in accordance with the position of the face in the image region GA such that the subregion BA includes the face constituent object region KOA corresponding to the face constituent object. 
     The second program  220 D executed by the control apparatus controller  20  of the control apparatus  2  causes the control apparatus controller  20  to perform control to detect a face in the image represented by the image data GD, locate the detected face in the image region GA, and divide the image region GA in accordance with the position of the face in the image region GA such that the subregion BA includes the face constituent object region KOA corresponding to the face constituent object. 
     By employing the control apparatus  2 , the method of controlling the control apparatus  2 , and the second program  220 D, the image region GA is divided such that the subregion BA includes the face constituent object region KOA, and thus, the image represented by the image data GD can be automatically divided such that no face constituent object is divided into a plurality of image sections. Furthermore, since the image represented by the image data can be automatically divided such that no face constituent object is divided into a plurality of image sections, the user does not need to do laborious work for preventing any face constituent object from being divided into a plurality of image sections, and thus, printing can be promptly started. Moreover, this can avoid a low quality print problem in which a face constituent object is misshaped due to misalignment or the like when a plurality of prints are arranged and bonded together to obtain a single print. 
     The image processor  2120  divides the image region GA in accordance with the maximum division size that is a size set by the user or a size corresponding to a maximum print medium width printable by the printer  1 . 
     With this configuration, the size of the subregion BA does not exceed the size set by the user or the size corresponding to the maximum print medium width printable by the printer  1 , and as a result, the printer  1  can produce a print in which an image section corresponding to the subregion BA is completely printed. Accordingly, when a plurality of prints are arranged and bonded together to obtain a single print, it is possible to avoid the occurrence of a missing portion in the image represented by the image data GD. 
     When the size of a particular subregion BA not including the face constituent object region KOA exceeds the maximum division size, the image processor  2120  further divides the particular subregion BA not including the face constituent object region KOA so as not to exceed the maximum division size. 
     With this configuration, the size of the subregion BA not including any face constituent object falls below the maximum division size, and as a result, the printer  1  can produce a print in which an image section corresponding to the subregion BA not including any face constituent object is completely printed. Accordingly, when a plurality of prints are arranged and bonded together to obtain a single print, it is possible to avoid the occurrence of a missing portion in the image represented by the image data GD. 
     In the case in which the size of the face region FCA corresponding to the detected face is equal to or smaller than the maximum division size, the image processor  2120  divides the image region GA such that the subregion BA includes the face region FCA and the face constituent object region KOA. 
     With this configuration, it is possible to automatically divide the image represented by the image data GD so as to avoid unnecessary division of the face into a plurality of image sections. As a result, this can avoid a low quality print problem in which a face is misshaped due to misalignment or the like when a plurality of prints are arranged and bonded together to obtain a single print. 
     When the size of the face region FCA corresponding to the detected face exceeds the maximum division size, the image processor  2120  detects a face constituent object in the face, locates the detected face constituent object in the image region GA, and divides the image region GA in accordance with the position of the face in the image region GA such that the subregion BA includes the face constituent object region KOA. 
     With this configuration, the processing regarding face constituent objects is performed only when the size of the face region FCA exceeds the maximum division size, and thus, it is possible to prevent the processing regarding face constituent objects from being unnecessarily performed, resulting in prompt and efficient division of the image region GA. 
     When two or more face constituent objects are detected in the face and it is possible to construct in the image region GA the face constituent object group region KGA not exceeding the maximum division size and including the two or more face constituent object regions, the image processor  2120  divides the image region GA to determine the face constituent object group region KGA as a single face constituent object region KOA. 
     With this configuration, the image region GA can be divided such that a single subregion BA includes as many face constituent objects as possible, and as a result, it is possible to reduce the number of prints produced by the printer  1  and the printer  1  can print in a manner in which a single print includes as many face constituent objects as possible. Accordingly, it is possible to properly avoid misalignment caused when a single print is composed of a plurality of prints and also reliably hinder deterioration of print quality with respect to the single print. 
     The face constituent object is at least any of an eye, a nose, and a mouth. 
     With this configuration, it is possible to automatically divide the image represented by the image data GD so as to avoid division of at least any of an eye, a nose, and a mouth into a plurality of image sections. 
     The embodiment described above illustrates merely one aspect of the present disclosure and can be changed or applied in any manner within the scope of the present disclosure. 
     For example, while the embodiment described above uses as an example the case in which the face constituent object is at least any of an eye, a mouth, and a nose, the face constituent object is not limited to these instances and instances of the face constituent object may include, for example, an eyebrow and an ear. Furthermore, while in the embodiment a face exemplifies the first object detected in an image, the first object is not limited to a face and may be an object such as a building or a plant. When the first object is a building, a window and a roof exemplify the second object. When the first object is a plant, a leaf and a flower exemplify the second object. 
     Moreover, for example, while the embodiment uses as an example of the image processing apparatus the control apparatus  2  configured to communicate with the printer  1 , the image processing apparatus may be a server apparatus capable of establishing connection with a global network. In the case of this configuration, the printer  1  establishes connection with the global network and receives print data from the image processing apparatus serving as a cloud server. In the case of this configuration, the control apparatus  2  establishes connection with the global network and receives sectional image data from the image processing apparatus serving as a cloud server. In accordance with the received sectional image data, the control apparatus  2  generates print data and sends the generated print data to the printer  1 . 
     Further, for example, while in the embodiment the control apparatus  2  generates print data, the printer  1  may generate print data. In the case of this configuration, the control apparatus  2  sends sectional image data to the printer  1  and the printer  1  generates print data in accordance with the received sectional image data. 
     For example, while the embodiment uses as an example the case of the printer  1  with a serial ink jet head, the printer  1  may include a line ink jet head. Furthermore, while the printer  1  exemplifies the printing apparatus of the present disclosure, the printing apparatus of the present disclosure is not limited to the printer  1  and may be a multifunction device having a scanning function, a facsimile function, and the like. 
     For example, the function of the printer controller  10  and the function of the control apparatus controller  20  may be implemented by using a plurality of processors or a semiconductor chip. 
     For example, the units illustrated in  FIG. 1  are mere an example and the specific application form is not limited to the example. This means that hardware devices are not necessarily provided to correspond to the respective units and a single processor can implement the functions of the units by running a program. In addition, one or more functions implemented by using software in the embodiment described above may be implemented by using hardware; or one or more functions implemented by using hardware may be implemented by using software. Specific configurations of the units of the printer  1  and the control apparatus  2  can be changed without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. 
     For example, the step units of operations illustrated in  FIGS. 2 and 4  are determined by division based on the main processing contents for ease of understanding of operations of the units of the printing system  1000  and the present disclosure is not limited by the method of division of processing units or the names of the processing units. Depending on the processing contents, the operations may be divided into step units more than the step units in the embodiment. In addition, the division may be performed in a manner in which one step unit includes more processing operations. The order of the steps may be changed as appropriate without obstructing the scope of the present disclosure.