Method of processing picture data for printing process and device implementing the same

A processing method for graphic arts picture data comprising the steps of:

• (a) applying pixel dropping processing to said picture data input from a manuscript in a manner that only preselected pixel data are left among pixels constituting said picture data to indicate the entire picture image on said display,
• (b) designating trimming range and a specified point with respect to said picture data using a layout data input device,
• (c) indicating said designated trimming range and said specified point on said display so that they are interposed on the picture image subject to pixel dropping processing, and
• (d) visually confirming the relationship between said trimming range and said specified point by utilizing said picture image thus displayed to make a necessary correction based on the result of said confirmation.

A processing device for graphical arts picture data comprising:

• (a) picture input means for imputting manuscript picture data,
• (b) position data input means for inputting layout position data required for inputting said picture data by said picture input means,
• (c) control means for controlling input of said manuscript picture data from said picture input means on the basis of said layout position data input by said position data input means,
• (d) memory means for storing said manuscript picture data,
• (e) output means for producing picture data from said picture input means in regard of a specified trimming range and a specified point determined by said data input means,
• (f) display means, to which an output from said output means is delivered, for displaying a picture image corresponding to said picture data produced by said output means, and
• (g) correcting means for correcting said trimming range depending upon displacement of said specified point from a central position of said picture image displayed on said display means.

A method of inputting picture data from a manuscript into a memory on the basis of position data within a manuscript picture trimming range of a layout sheet, position data of a specified point of said manuscript image and variable magnification data which are input in advance, and reading said picture data stored in said memory on a display to apply processing thereto, the method comprising the steps of:

• (a) determining a transfer start pixel position with respect to a center point of said picture data in a predetermined memory area, said center point being a specified point designated as one of said layout position data in correspondence with a point on a layout sheet,
• (b) transferring said picture data from said transfer start pixel position to a display without applying pixel dropping processing to said picture data to indicate said picture data on said display,
• (c) indicating said picture data stored in said memory without applying pixel dropping processing thereto on a display to produce a picture image, said picture image being symmetrical with respect to horizontal and vertical directions with a point determined by said position data of said specified point, and
• (d) correcting a trimming range of said picture data stored in said memory depending upon displacement of said specified point from a central position of said picture image.