BACKGROUND

[0001] Portable devices are capable of recording videos or capturing still images through its camera component. The captured images, for example, may be printed on the go with a mobile photo-printer, or through other types of photo-printer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0002] Fig. 1 is an example scenario that illustrates facilitation of the printing of an image aligned within a pre-cut shape of a photo-medium in accordance with the technology described herein in accordance with the technology described herein.

[0003] Fig. 2 illustrates an example implementation of selecting different object-of-interests for printing on a photo-medium that includes multiple sticker shapes in accordance with the technology described herein.

[0004] Fig. 3 illustrates an example photo-medium with printed object-of- interest on the corresponding sticker shapes as described in present implementations herein.

[0005] Fig. 4 illustrates an example block diagram of an apparatus suitable for implementing the technology described herein. [0006] Fig. 5 illustrates a flowchart of an example process in accordance with the technology described herein.

[0007] The Detailed Description references the accompanyingfigures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference like features and components.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0008] Described herein is a technology that facilitates the printing of an image aligned within a pre-cut shape of a photo-medium in accordance with the technology described herein. The technology described herein provides a reticule overlaid on a selected image. The reticule has a shape matching a pre- cut shape of a photo-medium loaded in an associated printer. The technology described herein facilitates alignment of an object-of-interest in the image within the reticule and then directs the associated printer to print the image on the loaded photo-medium with the object-of-interest printed within the pre-cut shape in accordance with the alignment.

[0009] For example, a device may capture the image for printing on the photo-medium that is loaded to an associated printer. In this example, the device may direct the associated printer to print the selected image onto the pre-cut shape of the loaded photo-medium. The photo-medium may, for example, include a printable paper with different pre-cut shapes for user- friendly and multi-shaped fun stickers.

[0010] To stimulate a user's interest in printing on user-friendly and multi- shaped stickers, the technology described herein offers a fast and fun way to print images aligned into the pre-cut shapes of a photo-medium loaded in a printer. In some instances, the pre-cut shapes with their aligned images printed thereon are stickers that the user can peel and stick anywhere.

[0011] Fig. 1 is an example scenario 100 that illustrates facilitation of printing of an image aligned within a pre-cut shape of a photo-medium in accordance with implementations described herein. As shown, the example scenario 100 includes a device 102 in communication with a printer 104. The example scenario 100 further illustrates the loading of the printer 104 with a photo-medium 106 that includes a sticker shape 108, and a barcode 110. Further still, the example scenario 100 illustrates the device 102 displaying an image 112, a reticule 114, a sub-image 116, and an object-of-interest 118.

[0012] The device 102 may include (but is not limited to) a mobile phone, a cellular phone, a smartphone, a personal digital assistant, a tablet computer, a netbook, a notebook computer, a laptop computer, a multimedia playback device, a digital music player, a digital video player, a navigational device, a digital camera, and the like. [0013] The device 102 is an apparatus that communicates with the printer 104. For example, the device 102 transmits an association request to the printer 104 using a printer cable, or a wireless signal. The wireless signal includes a Bluetooth signal, Wi-Fi signal, near field communications (NFC) signal, and the like. In this example, the printer 104 may accept the association request in order to establish wired or wireless connection with the device 102. With the established wired or wireless connection, for example, the printer 104 is considered to be associated with the device 102.

[0014] The associated printer 104 includes a printer status that may allow the printer to transmit data or receive data from the device. For example, with the established wired or wireless connection, the printer 104 may transmit barcode data to the device 102. In this example, the printer 104 may receive from the device 102 text and graphics data to print.

[0015] In other instances, the associated printer 104 includes the wired or wireless connected printer with printer features that are compatible with the device 102. The printer features, for example, includes an ability of the printer 104 to read barcodes, ability of the printer to adjust accordingly based on printing parameters received from the device 102, ability of the printer to print text and graphics data based on the size of the loaded photo-medium, and the like. In this example, the association of the printer 104 may be based further upon its printer features compatibility. [0016] For example, the printer 104 may be able to initially establish wired or wireless connection with the device 102. In this example, the device 102 may perform printer tests to determine printer features compatibility of the printer 104. The printer tests, for example, may include sending printer control signals for the connected printer 104 to respond on, etc. In this example, the device 102 may reject association of the printer 104 in response to lack of printer features compatibility.

[0017] The printer 104 is any suitable printer for producing an indelible pattern on the photo-medium 106, such as paper, thermal printer paper, photo paper, ink-jet paper, xerographic paper, and the like. Examples of the suitable printer include (but are not limited to) dot-matrix printer, ink-jet printer, thermographic printer, electrophotographic printer, thermal printer, dye- sublimation printer, photo printer, all-in-one printer, plotter, and the like.

[0018] As described herein, the associated printer 104 may further include a barcode reader to read the barcode 110 of the loaded photo-medium 106. For example, the barcode reader is an optical barcode reader that scans and reads a Universal Product Code (UPC) barcode on a surface of the loaded photo- medium 106. In another example, the barcode reader is a NFC reader that receive identification (ID) data from the loaded photo-medium 106. In another example still, the barcode reader is a Quick Response Code (QR code) reader that reads a printed QR code on the surface of the photo-medium. In these examples, the printer 104 transmits the barcode 110 to the device 102 using the established wired or wireless connection.

[0019] In other instances, the device 102 may use an Optical Character Recognition (OCR) of detecting text on packaging or medium itself. For example, the printer 104 scans and transmits text based images of text on the package to the device 102. In this example, the device 102 may use the OCR to identify the text based images.

[0020] The photo-medium 106 may include a printable paper with a pressure sensitive adhesive on one side. The printable paper, for example, includes a bright white paper, a color paper, thermographic photo paper, thermographic color paper, photobase paper, coated paper, wet paper, and the like. Furthermore, the paper with pressure sensitive adhesive on one side includes paper with perforations forming the pre-cut shape, paper with a continuous cut forming the pre-cut shape, paper with adhesive backing, or paper with a sticker cut-out. In this regard, the medium 106 may include printable materials such as paper, photo paper, thermographic photo paper, thermographic color paper, paper with perforated cut-out, paper with adhesive backing, and paper with sticker cut-out.

[0021] In other instances, the photo-medium 106 may include the printable paper with partially adhesive on one side. For example, formed pre-cut shape includes glue materials on its outer layer. I n another example, the partially adhesive side may have a light adhesive or a strong adhesive materials. [0022] The photo-medium 106 is loaded when it is positioned in such a manner that the printer 104 may perform printing operations on the photo- medium. For example, the photo-medium 106 is placed on input tray with its printable area facing print ink cartridges. I n another example, the photo- medium 106 is queued in a single feed printer with the barcode aligned to barcode reader of the printer 104.

[0023] In other instances, the photo-medium 106 is loaded when the printer 104 has identified the photo-medium 106. For example, the printer 104 reads first the barcode 110 of the photo-medium 106. Based from the read barcode 110, the printer 104 configures or adjusts its printing parameter features. In this example, the photo-medium is loaded when the printer 104 has finished adjustments of its printer parameter features. The printer parameter features, for example, includes adjustment of printer head relative to dimensions of the photo-medium 106.

[0024] As depicted in Fig. 1, the photo-medium 106 is positioned onto the single feed printer 104 such that the printer device is ready to perform printing operations on the photo-medium 106. As shown, the sticker shape 108 is positioned in between the photo-medium adhesive side and the printer ink cartridges. In other words, the printable area of the sticker shape 108 is facing towards the printer ink cartridges. In this example, the photo-medium 106 is loaded onto the printer 104. In other instances, the associated printer 104 may adjust or configure its printer parameter features after reading the barcode 110. In this case, the photo-medium 106 is loaded when the printer 104 has performed necessary printer parameter feature adjustments relative to the read barcode 110.

[0025] The sticker shape 108 is an example of the pre-cut shape of the photo-medium 106. A pre-cut shape may include, for example, a continuous and self-connecting line that is scored, carved, perforated, grooved, etched, punched, or otherwise cut into some portion of the photo-medium before printing thereon.

[0026] The sticker shape 108 may be peeled off to be used as a poster or sticker as described herein. Furthermore, the sticker shape 108 may include the printable area where the associated printer 104 may print text and graphics data. Depending on the implementation, the printable area where the text and graphics data are produced may be of various shapes, sizes, or designs.

[0027] For example, the sticker shape 108 may include a small size polygon shape with a glossy paper that is suitable for printing photographs. In this example, the size, shape, and design of the sticker shape 108 may include the small size, polygon shape, and glossy paper, respectively.

[0028] The barcode 110 may include an optical, machine-readable, representation of data. As depicted, the barcode 110 may be engraved or printed on the photo-medium 106. In another example, the barcode 110 may be a chip installed on the photo-medium 106. In these examples, the engraved barcode or the installed chip may facilitate an identification of the photo- medium 106 to the printer 104 and/or the device 102.

[0029] The image 112 may include pictures, photographs, snapshots, and the like, that may be retrieved from a storage or taken in real time. That is, the image 112 may include already-captured images or to-be-captured images.

[0030] For example, the image 112 may be retrieved from an internal memory of the device 102. In another example, the image 112 may be retrieved from a central location such as the so-called "cloud." In another example still, the image 112 may be taken in real time through camera functions of the device 102. Still, in another example, the image 112 may be a combination of the retrieved images and/or the images taken in real time. The retrieved images include the already-captured images while the images in real time include the to-be-captured images.

[0031] As described herein, the "cloud" includes, for example, a storage that may be accessible via a widely interconnected network, such as the Internet. This storage may include one or more servers that facilitate data-accessing mechanisms for stored images 112, for example.

[0032] The reticule 114 has a shape or outline that matches the pre-cut shape of the sticker- shape 108. In an implementation, the device 102 may use a data structure or a look-up-table (LUT) that includes pre-cut shape parameters of the sticker shape 108 and equivalent reticule shape scaled parameters that match the pre-cut shape of the sticker shape 108. In this implementation, the device 102 may retrieve and use the corresponding reticule 114 that is associated with the sticker shape 108.

[0033] For example, the pre-cut shape parameters of the particular sticker shape 108 include two-dimensional (2D) geometric parameters, area, position, and location coordinates of the 2D geometric parameters relative to the photo- medium 106. In this example, the device 102 may use the 2D geometric parameters and the area to approximate a 2D form and to generate a scaled replica of the approximated 2D form for the reticule 114. The device 102 may further use the position, and location coordinates, to facilitate and direct the printing of the selected image within the pre-cut shape of the sticker shape 108.

[0034] The scaled replica may be based on a ratio between a device screen

- aspect ratio and actual dimensions of the sticker shape 108. The device screen

- aspect ratio, for example, includes a ratio between width and height of a device screen. On the other hand, the actual dimensions of the sticker shape 108 includes the 2D geometric parameters.

[0035] Referencing the square-shaped sticker shape 108 of Fig. 1, the 2D geometric parameters may include measurements of length, width, angles between length and width, the comparison between diagonal measurements of length and width, and the like. With additional information about its area, the device 102 may approximate the 2D form of the sticker shape 108 to be a square shape. In this example, the device 102 may generate the scaled replica of the approximated square shape for the corresponding reticule 114.

[0036] For example, the device screen - aspect ratio of the device 102 is the same as the actual dimensions of the loaded photo-medium 106. That is, the screen display of the device 102 has the same dimension as the loaded photo- medium 106. In this example, the scaled replica is one is to one (1:1) and the device 102 may adapt the actual measurements of the depicted sticker shape 108.

[0037] In other instances, the data structure may include pre-computed reticule scaled shape that matches the pre-cut shape of the sticker shape 108. In the example above where the device screen - aspect ratio of the device 102 is the same as the actual dimensions of the loaded photo-medium 106, the data structure may provide the scaled replica. That is, the device 102 need not approximate or compute the scaled replica based upon the approximated 2D form of the sticker shape 108. I n other instances, the data structure may further provide different reticule scaled shapes for different sizes of photo-media.

[0038] As described herein, the reticule 114 overlays on the image 112. For example, the reticule 114 includes a movable shape or outline that the user can hover over the image 112. In this example, the reticule 114 is transparent such the image 112 is still visible to the user. I n this regard, the reticule 114 facilitates a user guide to select a portion of the image 112 for printing on the sticker shape 108. [0039] Using the reticule 114, the user may aim on some portion of the image 112 therein. More particularly, the user may select the object-of-interest 118 using the reticule 114 for printing on the sticker shape 108. In this regard, the device 102 facilitates alignment of the selected object-of-interest 118 within the reticule 114 in order for the selected object-of-interest 118 to be printed on the sticker shape 108. Later, the device 102 may direct the printing of the image 112 so that the selected object-of-interest 118 of the image is aligned in accordance with the user directed movement of the reticule relative to the image.

[0040] The user directed alignment includes overlapping of reticule shape over the object-of-interest. For example, the user hovers the reticule 114 on the object-of-interest 118 of the image. In this example, the device 102 facilitates the scaled shape of the reticule 114 to center on, and surround the object-of- interest 118. In other words, the transparent reticule 114 is positioned onto the image 112 such that the object-of-interest 118 is visible within the outline of the overlapped transparent reticule 114.

[0041] Upon selection of the object-of-interest 118, the device 102 may direct the printing of the image 112 so that the selected object-of-interest 118 of the image is printed in accordance with the user directed alignment.

[0042] To direct printing, the device 102 transmits a print command and/or data to the printer 104. The data may include a portion of or the entire image for printing. Furthermore, the data may include scaled replica - conversion relative to the scaled replica used in the image to be printed. The scaled replica - conversion includes reverting back the scaled replica based on the actual dimensions of the loaded photo-medium 106. Without this scaled replica - conversion, the selected object-of-interest 118 may be over printed or under printed on the sticker shape 108.

[0043] For example, the device 102 may transmit the text and graphics data of the entire image 112 for printing by the associated printer 104. In this example, the data may include the scaled replica - conversions relative to the scaling used by the device 102 when selecting the object-of-interest 118.

[0044] For example, the device 102 uses a scaled replica of one is to one (1:1) for the reticule shape that is used to select the object-of-interest 118 of the entire image 112. In this example, the scaled replica - conversion is based on the one is to one (1:1) scaled replica. That is, the text and graphics data of the entire data need not be adjusted forthe printer 104 to print the entire image 112 with the selected object-of-interest 118 aligned on the pre-cut shape of the sticker shape 108.

[0045] In another example, the device 102 uses the scaled replica of one is to two (1:2) for the reticule shape that is used to select the object-of-interest 118. In this other example, the scaled replica - conversion may include one hundred percent enlargement of the selected object-of-interest 118 to be printed. The one hundred percent enlargement, in this example, is based on the one is to two (1:2) scaled replica of the reticule used to select the object-of- interest 118.

[0046] In other instances, the device 102 may transmit the text and graphics data of the portions of the image 112 such as the selected object-of-interest 118. For example, the device 102 may transmit the data of the selected object- of-interest 118. In this example, the data may include the corresponding scaled replica - conversion as described above.

[0047] In other instances, the device 102 and the printer 104 may utilize the data structure with regard to the scaled replica - conversion data. For example, for a particular barcode 110, the data structure may include the scaled replica of the reticule shape on the device 102, and the corresponding scaled replica - conversion data for different types of printer 104. In this example, the device 102 need not calculate the equivalent scaled replica - conversions for different scaled replica values.

[0048] The object-of-interest 118 may include any object, features, or portion of the image 112 that the user may want to print on the sticker shape 108. As depicted in Fig. 1, the object-of-interest 118 is a car. In other instances, the user may select a street sign, a building, or a pedestrian as the object-of- interest 118. In these instances, the user may hover the overlaid reticule 114 on the image 112 to select the object-of-interest 118. The device 102, in this case, may direct the printer 104 to print the selected object-of-interest 118 within the pre-cut shape of the sticker shape 108. [0049] The sub-image 115 may represent the selected object-of-interest 118 and an additional portion of the image inside the reticle 114. As depicted in Fig. 1, the sub-image 116 includes the car, which is the object-of-interest 118, and a portion of the street as well. In this regard, the sub-image 116 includes the image to be printed on the sticker shape 108. Furthermore, the sub-image 116 may be stored first in the memory of the device 102, or directly sent to the printer 104 for printing.

[0050] As described herein, the reticule 114 that corresponds to a particular sticker shape 108 may be pre-stored on the device 102. For example, the data structure listing the barcodes 110, the photo-mediums 106, the sticker shapes 108, and the corresponding reticules 114, may be stored on the device 102. I n this example, the device 102 may search the data structure based on the received barcode 110 from the printer 104. The search, in this example, may generate the corresponding reticule 114 that matches the shape of the sticker shape 108.

[0051] In another implementation, the corresponding reticule 114 may be supplied by the printer 104. For example, the printer 104 detects the barcode 110. Based on the detected barcode 110, the printer 104 may supply the corresponding reticule 114 that matches the pre-cut shape of the sticker shape 108.

[0052] In another implementation still, the data structure may be stored in external memories such as the "cloud." For example, based on the detected barcode 110, the device 102 or the printer 104 may retrieve the corresponding reticule 114 from the "cloud." In this example, the retrieved reticule 114 may similarly include a shape that matches the sticker shape 108 corresponding to the barcode 110.

[0053] Fig. 2 illustrates an example implementation of selecting different object-of-interests for printing on a photo-medium that includes multiple sticker shapes in accordance with implementations described herein.

[0054] As shown, Fig. 2 includes the photo-medium 106 with a first sticker shape 200, a second sticker shape 202, and the barcode 110. Furthermore, Fig. 2 shows a first reticule 204 and a second reticule 206 corresponding to the first sticker shape 200 and the second sticker shape 202, respectively. While not depicted here, the first reticule 204 and the second reticule 206 would be depicted as part of a user-interface and overlaid over images.

[0055] Furthermore still, Fig. 2 illustrates a representation of the user selection of a first object-of-interest 208 and a second object-of-interest 210 using the first reticule 204 and the second reticule 206, respectively. The first object-of-interest 208 and the second object-of-interest 210 include portions of a first image 112-2 and a second image 112-4, respectively.

[0056] As shown in Fig. 2, a photo-medium may have multiple pre-cut shapes. In other instances, a photo-medium may have just a single pre-cut shape per photo-medium. Regardless of the number of pre-cut shapes of the photo-medium, each of the pre-cut shapes has a corresponding and matching reticule that may be displayed by the device 102 with its Ul.

[0057] As depicted in Fig. 2, the photo-medium 106 includes multiple pre- cut shapes. That is, the photo-medium 106 includes multiple sticker shapes such as the first sticker shape 200 and the second sticker shape 202. Each of these sticker shapes may be pre-configured to have a particular shape.

[0058] For example, the first sticker shape 200 includes an elliptical pre-cut shape. In this example, the 2D geometric parameters, area, position, actual coordinates, etc. of the elliptical pre-cut shape of the first sticker shape 200 may be included in the data structure. The 2D geometric parameters, for example, includes a center, vertices, semi-major axis, semi-minor axis, and other parameters that identify the 2D form of the elliptical pre-cut shape.

[0059] The device 102 may use these 2D geometric parameters to approximate, for example, the elliptical pre-cut shape of the first sticker shape 200. In this example, the device 102 may use the approximated elliptical pre- cut shape to generate the scaled replica for the first reticule 204. In other instances, the data structure may include pre-computed scaled replica for the first reticule 204.

[0060] As described herein, the device 102 may retrieve from the data structure the parameters for the corresponding and matching reticule for the first sticker shape 200. For example, the device 102 retrieves the parameters the first reticule 204. In this example, the data structure may provide the reticule shape that matches the shape of the first sticker shape 200. With the retrieved first reticule 204, the user may hover the overlaid first reticule 204 on the first image 112-2 to select the first object-of-interest 208.

[0061] For example, the first reticule 204 includes an elliptical shape that matches the elliptical-shaped first sticker shape 200. In this example, the user may move the first reticule 204 to select the first object-of-interest 208. Furthermore, the user, for example, may superimpose text, graphics or other images on the selected first object-of-interest 208. The superimposed text, for example, includes writing user's name within the selected first object-of- interest 208.

[0062] The image 112-2 includes graphics, which are computer-generated images. The image 112-4 includes an image of a landscape that may be either an already-captured image or to-be-captured image. If the image 112-4 is a live or real-time image from a camera, then the image 112-4 is a to-be-captured image. However, if the image 112-4 is one that is stored in a memory, then it is an already-captured image.

[0063] Regardless of the type of image, the image 112-2 may be displayed on the device screen with the overlaid reticule 204 hovering over it. After the user aligns the reticule 204 over the first object-of-interest 208, the selected first object-of-interest 208 may be saved as sub-image for later printing or directly sent to the printer 104 for printing. [0064] Similarly, the image 112-4 may be displayed on the device screen with the overlaid reticule 206 hovering over it. After the user aligns the reticule 204 over the second object-of-interest 210, the selected second object-of- interest 210 may be saved as sub-image for later printing or directly sent to the printer 104 for printing.

[0065] Fig. 3 illustrates an example photo-medium with printed objects-of- interest on the corresponding sticker shapes as described in present implementations herein. Particularly, Fig. 3 depicts the photo-medium 106 with the sticker shapes that are ready for use as multi-shaped fun stickers.

[0066] As shown, the first sticker shape 200 of the photo-medium 106 includes printed first object-of-interest 208. Fig. 3 further depicts the second sticker shape 202 with the second object-of-interest 210 printed within the pre- cut shape of the second sticker shape 202. Later, the user can peel the first sticker shape 200 and the second sticker shape 202 from the photo-medium 106 to use as multi-shaped fun-stickers.

[0067] Fig. 4 illustrates an example block diagram of an apparatus suitable for implementing the technology described herein. Particularly, the apparatus may include the device 102. As depicted, the device 102 includes at least one processor 400, a storage 402 with a database 404, a user interface (Ul) 406 with a camera 408, an image alignment control 410, and a transceiver 412. [0068] The processor 400 may include one or more processors that may be coupled to the storage 402.

[0069] The storage 402 may include a non-volatile storage such as, but not limited to, a magnetic disk drive, optical disk drive, tape drive, an internal storage device, an attached storage device, flash memory, battery backed-up SDRAM (synchronous DRAM), and/or a network accessible storage device. The storage 402, for example, may store selected sub-images 116 for printing by the printer 104 as described herein. In another example, the sub-images 116 need not be stored when the device 102 directly transmits the sub-images 116 for printing by the printer 104.

[0070] The database 404 may include the barcode for each photo-medium and the data associated with the barcode. For example, for the barcode 110, the data associated may include the first photo-medium 106, the sticker shape 108, and the reticule 114. The associated data may further include, for example, the 2D geometric parameters of the first sticker shape 108, and the corresponding scaled replica for the reticule 114.

[0071] The Ul 406 may facilitate interaction between a user and the device 102. For example, the Ul 406 may display the image 112 with the reticule 114 overlaid on the image 112. In this example, the user may align the reticule 114 over the object-of-interest that the user may want to select. The selected object-of-interest, for example, may be represented by the sub-image 116. [0072] The camera 408 includes an input device that facilitates capturing of images. For example, the Ul 406 displays the image 112 that may be retrieved from already-captured images. In this example, the camera 408 facilitates the capturing of the image 112 before it is stored in the storage 402. In this example still, the stored images are already-captured images.

[0073] In other instances, the camera 408 includes the input device that facilitates displaying of real time images. For example, the Ul 406 displays the image 112 that is taken in real time by the camera 408. In this example, the camera 408 facilitates the real time capture of images to be displayed by the Ul 406.

[0074] The image alignment control 410 may be coupled to the processor 400 and the storage 402. The image alignment control may be implemented as an instruction set stored in a memory. The image alignment control 410, in cooperation with the processor 400 and the storage 402, may process the data received through the transceiver 412. Based on the received data, the image alignment control 410 may facilitate the acquiring of the sub-image 116, and the directing of the printer 104 to print the acquired sub-image 116.

[0075] The transceiver 412 may facilitate transmitting and receiving of data by the device 102. For example, the device 102 may receive the barcode 110 from the printer 104 through the transceiver 412. Similarly, the device 102 may transmit to the printer 104 the sub-image 116 to be printed on the photo- medium 106. [0076] In an implementation, the image alignment control 410 may detect the pre-cut shape of the photo-medium 106 that is loaded on the printer 104. For example, image alignment control 410 may receive the barcode 110 through the transceiver 412. In this example, the image alignment control 410 searches the database 404 in order to retrieve the data associated with the barcode 110.

[0077] Thereafter, the image alignment control 410 may facilitate the displaying of an image and the overlaying of reticule on displayed image on the Ul 406. Furthermore, the image alignment control 410 may facilitate the alignment of the object-of-interest within the reticule on the Ul 406 for printing of the selected object-of-interest within the sticker shape 108. As described above, the reticule shape matches the shape of the sticker shape 108.

[0078] For example, referencing FIG. 2, the user may desire to print the first object-of-interest 208 on the first sticker shape 200. In this example, the image alignment control 410 may position the scaled shape of the corresponding first reticule 204 to center on, and surround the first object-of-interest 208. The centering or positioning of the scaled outline of the first reticule 204 over the first object-of-interest 208, for example, may provide alignment for printing of the selected object-of-interest 208 on the first sticker shape 200.

[0079] In another example, the user may move the overlaid second reticule 206 over the second object-of-interest 210. Based on the user input, the image alignment control 410, for example, may facilitate the saving of the selected second object-of-interest 210 as sub-image 116. In this example, the image alignment control 410 facilitates the positioning of the overlaid 2D form of the second reticule 206 to center on the second object-of-interest 210. Later, the image alignment control 410 may transmit the saved sub-image 116 to the associated printer 104 for printing. The printing of the saved sub-image 116, in this case, is in accordance with the user directed alignment.

[0080] The image alignment control 410 may further facilitate superimposition of text, graphics or other images over portions of the sub- image 116. For example, the user may add a title, user's picture, or other images to the sub-image 116 before printing. In this example, the added title, user's picture, or other images are superimposed on the sub-image 116.

[0081] Fig. 5 shows a flowchart of an example process 500 in accordance with the technology described herein. The example process 500 may be performed by, for example, the device 102 of example scenario 100. For the purposes of discussion, an example device like the device 102 is described as performing the operations of the example process 500.

[0082] At block 502, the example device detects a pre-cut shape of a photo- medium. The example device may detect the pre-cut shape in cooperation with other devices, such as a printer.

[0083] For example, the associated printer 104 may read the barcode 110 of the loaded the photo-medium 106. In this example, the device 102, may receive the barcode 110 from the associated printer 104. Based on the received barcode 110, the device 102 may perform a search of the database 404, for example, to identify the photo-medium 106 that corresponds to the barcode 110.

[0084] The device 102 may further find an association in the data structure between the identified loaded photo-medium 106 and the pre-cut shape. For example, the loaded photo-medium 106 is associated with the first sticker 200 and the second sticker 202. In this example, the device 102 may utilize the data structure to identify the data associated to the loaded photo-medium 106.

[0085] At block 504, the example device displays an image on a screen. For example, the example device may generate a user-interface (Ul) on a screen of the example device to display the image. In this example, the displayed image may include a to-be-captured image or already-captured images.

[0086] For example, the device 102 displays the image 112 that may be retrieved from the memory of the device 102. In this example, the displayed image 112 may be referred to as an already-captured image. In another example, the device 102 displays the image 112 that may be presently taken from a live event or in real-time via the camera 408 of the device 102. In this other example, the image 112 may be referred to as a to-be-captured image. I n this other example, the device 102 may include instructions to capture the to- be-captured image in real time via the camera 408. That is, the device may "take a picture" using its camera 408. [0087] As described herein, the Ul may include the reticule that may be overlaid on the image 112. This reticule may have a shape that matches the detected pre-cut shape of the loaded photo-medium.

[0088] At block 506, the example device facilitates the alignment of an object-of-interest in the image within a reticule. The device 102, for example, may generate a matching reticule 114 that may be overlaid on the to-be- captured image 112 or already captured image 112. In this example, the device 102 may include instructions to facilitate the alignment of the object-of-interest within the matching reticule 114. The object-of-interest, for example, may include the image of the car as depicted in Fig. 1.

[0089] At block 508, the example device directs an associated printer to print the object-of-interest on the loaded photo-medium. As described herein, the object-of-interest may be printed within the pre-cut shape of the photo- medium based on the alignment made between the object-of-interest and the reticule.

[0090] in response to the directing of the printer of block 508, the printer prints the image on the photo-medium in response to the directing of the printer. The object-of-interest is printed within the pre-cut shape in accordance with the alignment of block 506.

[0091] For example, the device 102 may transmit the selected object-of- interest 118 to the associated printer 104 for printing and the printer prints the selected object-of-interest on the photo-medium. In this example, the sub- image 116 may be acquired through the alignment of the object-of-interest 118 within the reticule 114 as described herein.

[0092] In some instances, the device 102 may transmit the entire image 112 to the associated printer 104 for printing. However, the device 102 directs or adjusts the image 112 so that the object-of-interest 118 prints within the sticker shape 108 of the photo-medium 106. Consequently, the printer 104 prints the entire image 112 on the photo-medium in such a way that the object-of-interest 118 is aligned within the sticker shape 108.

[0093] The blocks 502-508 described above may represent instructions stored on computer-readable storage media that, when executed by at least one processor, may perform the recited operations.