CN1196855A

CN1196855A - Printing apparatus and printing system

Info

Publication number: CN1196855A
Application number: CN97190774A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 佐佐木功; 石川智久
Original assignee: Casio Computer Co Ltd
Current assignee: Casio Computer Co Ltd
Priority date: 1996-06-25
Filing date: 1997-06-23
Publication date: 1998-10-21
Also published as: EP0846389A1; AU695514B2; CA2230123A1; KR19990044165A; KR100282946B1; WO1997050243A1; AU3274397A

Abstract

When an 'ON' key (22) of a printer (20) is operated in the state wherein a digital camera (10) and the printer (20) can communicate with each other, menu data and a menu display command signal are transferred to the digital camera (10), and a print menu is displayed on a liquid crystal display section (13). When a 'SET' key (24) is operated, an image readout command signal is transferred to the digital camera (10), and stored image data representing a recorded image is displayed on the liquid crystal display section (13). When a '+' key (23a) or a '-' key (23b) is depressed under the condition wherein the image is being displayed on the liquid crystal display section (13), an image switching command signal is transferred to the digital camera (10), and the image which is being displayed is switched to another recorded image. When a 'PRINT' key (27) is operated under the condition wherein the desired image is being displayed on the liquid crystal display section (13), a print command signal is sent from the printer (20) to the digital camera (10), and image data corresponding to the image which is being displayed on the liquid crystal display section (13) is transferred to the digital camera (10) or the printer (20). The printer (20) prints the image corresponding to the transferred image data, in accordance with a print mode determined.

Description

Printing device and print system

Technical field

The present invention relates to a kind of the preparation and a printing device that is connected with the image recorder of the form record of DID and the rest image of regenerating, this printing device is used for receiving image and printing the image that is received from this image recorder, the invention still further relates to a kind of print system.

Background technology

Printer is often used as and is terminal equipment, and to print the data output of main process equipment, these main process equipments for example have: large-scale computer, office computer and personal computer etc.

In recent years, multimedia is risen together with personal computer and various electronic equipment.Especially, personal computer can not only utilize common database, word processor and for example carry out the application software that form calculates, but also can be by increasing memory span wherein and combining with JPEG (JPEG (joint photographic experts group)) or MPEG (Motion Picture Experts Group) or modulator-demodulator, the live image during rest image, television image and the picture as photo of easily regenerating played Karaoka and easily by realization communication functions such as Internets.

In recent years, the electronic still camera (digital camera) can be directly handled with personal computer of the photo of its shooting camera that has been substituted common use colour film extensively appears on the market.

This digital camera for example comprises: imaging lens system, a CCD (charge coupled device) and a LCD, the latter as view finder, is used as monitor when the rest image that regeneration is write down when the record rest image.

Can easily utilize the software of this image of special disposal that is installed in the personal computer to handle by the digital picture that such digital camera write down.For the situation that will print the image that writes down by digital camera, then to send these images to personal computer from digital camera.The personal computer executive software and the image of specifying a width of cloth to print then, the printer that then is connected on the personal computer prints coloured image according to this instruction.

As mentioned above, can print by means of common print system by the image that digital camera write down.Yet, in order to print image, at first need to send an image to personal computer from digital camera, can make printer carry out print processing just must export to printer to image by executive software then.So, in order to print the image that obtains by digital camera, computer, for example personal computer is important.

And, like this some softwares also must be installed: be used for the image that digital camera obtains is sent to the software of personal computer, be used for handling the image processing software of the image that is fed to personal computer and be used for image is exported to the process software of printer.

If, then need three equipment, i.e. digital camera, personal computer and printer for example in order to leave the resulting image of digital camera in the photo album in and print these images.This will form a bulky and very expensive print system, and its operation is too complicated, is not that each user can both be printed image with printer like a cork soon.

Also obtained a kind of like this print system, wherein the view data that digital camera write down directly is transferred to printer and is printed.But, for the used printer of this system, need the resolution of view data in the conversion printer, thereby need the such input equipment of above-mentioned main frame.This can cause the printer size to become big equally, and because its price and shared area, this printer generally can not be used as universal electronic equipment.

Content disclosed by the invention

The present invention considered above-mentioned situation and made, thereby an object of the present invention is to provide a kind of printing device, and Any user can be utilized the view data that it easily prints in the image recorder to be write down.

Another object of the present invention provides a kind of printing device and a kind of print system of using this printing device, wherein image recorder is connected does not need a guy's computer betwixt on this printing device, therefore, the size of this system is less, and it is fairly simple to print the operation of an image that is write down.

Another purpose of the present invention provides a kind of printing device, and it can receive the view data of desired resolution from image recorder, and can print the view data that is received under the situation of the resolution that does not change view data.

Another purpose of the present invention provides a kind of printing device, wherein can carry out information about the internal state of image recorder by the control image recorder and show and print the view data that is stored in the image recorder.

According to first aspect of the present invention with above-mentioned purpose, a kind of printing device is provided, it can be connected with an image recorder with removably, and can communicate by letter with this image recorder, this image recorder comprises: image acquiring device, be used for obtaining each image information units with digital signal form, wherein a rest image is all represented in each unit; A video memory is used for storing each image information units of being obtained by image acquiring device; Display unit is used for showing the image information units that is stored in the video memory; And control device, be used for going to control video memory and display unit according to a control signal that receives from the outside.Above-mentioned printing device comprises:

Input unit is used for input control signal;

First control device, be used for receiving one first control signal from the input unit input, and send this first control signal to the control device of image recorder, be stored in image information units in the video memory so that the control device of image recorder is read at least one, and make display unit demonstrate image by above-mentioned at least one image information units representative of reading from video memory;

Second control device, be used for receiving one second control signal from the input unit input, and send this second control signal to the control device of image recorder, so that the control device of image recorder is exported at least one image information units that above-mentioned representative is presented at the image on the display unit to printing device;

Image information receiving device is used for receiving above-mentioned at least one image information units from image recorder output; And

Printing equipment is used for printing the image of above-mentioned at least one the image information units representative that is received by image information receiving device on a recording medium.

In having the printing device of said structure, when first control signal during from the input of the input unit of printing device, this first control signal is transmitted to image recorder.When image recorder received first control signal, each image that is stored in the video memory was presented on the display unit of image recorder selectively.Be displayed under the situation of display unit at a desirable image, when second control signal during from the input of the input unit of printing device, this second control signal is transmitted to image recorder.When image recorder received second control signal, the image that just is being displayed on the display unit was just transferred to printing device from image recorder.Then shifting the image come is printed device and prints.Like this, the user just can be printed desirable image as long as import two control signals from the input unit of printing device.

Above-mentioned printing device can also comprise:

The 3rd control device, be used for receiving one the 3rd control signal from the input unit input, and the 3rd control signal sent to the control device of image recorder, so that the control device of image recorder is set the direction of preparing to be presented at the image on the display unit; And

Storage device, be used for storing the directional information corresponding to the direction that is set when input unit is imported in the 3rd control signal by the control device of image recorder, printing equipment will print the image of above-mentioned at least one the image information units representative that is received by image information receiving device according to being stored in directional information in this storage device.

In this case, the 3rd control signal can contain the data of having specified preparation to be presented at the direction of the image on the display unit.

In above-mentioned printing device, image information receiving device can receive from the image information of image recorder with the output of packed data form.

In this case, printing device preferably also comprises expansion (being commonly referred to decompression) device, be used for expanding by the received image information of image received device, thereby printing equipment will print by by the image of this expanding unit image expanding information representative on recording medium.

Above-mentioned printing device can also comprise:

The form storage device is used for storing the layout data of the various layouts of representative in advance and selecting the display menu data, and the latter is used to select the layout of a hope;

The 4th control device, be used for receiving one the 4th control signal from input unit, and send the selection display menu data that are stored in the form storage device together with the 4th control signal to the control device of image recorder, so that the control device of image recorder demonstrates one corresponding to the image of selecting the display menu data on display unit;

Choice device is used for according to going to select a kind of layout corresponding to the image of selecting the display menu data and be presented on the display unit; And

The print data generation device is used at least going to produce the print data of representing the image that a preparation will print according to the image information that receives from image recorder with by the selected layout data of choice device.

Above-mentioned printing device can also comprise that time measurement device is with Measuring Time information.In this case, preferably comprise a kind of like this layout in the various layouts, it contains a preparation and prints a zone corresponding to the image of the temporal information that is measured by time measurement device therein, and the layout data preferably selected according to the image information that receives from image recorder, by choice device of print data generation device and produce print data by the temporal information that time measurement device measures.

If above-mentioned printing device can also comprise power control, to be used for cutting off the electricity supply in a predetermined period when not having control signal to input to input unit.

Second aspect of the present invention according to having above-mentioned purpose provides a kind of printing device, and it is connected with an image recorder removably by communicator.This image recorder from by the digital signal that obtains the formed optical imagery of lens unit as image data storage in a video memory, by communicator the data that contain this view data are sent to printing device, and under the control of control device, receive control signal or contain the data of view data, and being stored in the view data in the video memory or being presented on the display unit by the received view data of communicator from printing device.This printing device comprises:

Storage device is used for storage print machine operation view data so that display unit demonstrates an image that is used for selecting from a plurality of forms a form, also is used for storing the view data corresponding to various forms;

First control device is used for the printer operation view data is sent to the communicator of image recorder, so that the control device of image recorder demonstrates an image corresponding to the printer operation view data on display unit;

Format selection device is used for according to corresponding to the printer operation view data and be presented at the form that image on the display unit goes to select a hope;

Second control device is used for one first control signal is sent to control device by communicator, is presented on the display unit so that the control device of image recorder is read the view data and the view data of reading that are stored in the video memory;

Image-selecting device is used for selecting in the view data on being shown in display unit the view data of hope;

The format-pattern read-out device is used for reading corresponding to the view data by the selected form of format selection device from storage device;

The 3rd control device, be used for one corresponding to sending to control device by second control signal of the selected view data of the image-selecting device communicator by image recorder, so that control device reads by the selected view data of image-selecting device from video memory, and a view data of reading sent by communicator;

Receiving system is used for being received in the view data of sending by communicator in response to when the 3rd control device is sent second control signal here;

The print image generation device is used for according to view data of being read by the format-pattern read-out device and the print image data that is removed to produce the image of representing ready-to-print by the received view data of receiving system; And

Printing equipment is used for printing the print image data that is produced by the print image generation device on a recording medium.

In above-mentioned printing device, the interior printer operation view data of storage device that is stored in printing device is transferred to image recorder from printing device, and as a printer operation image, just, be displayed on the display unit of image recorder as a form choice menus that is used in a plurality of forms, selecting a form.When the user watches this image that is presented on the display unit, can utilize choice device to select a kind of form, can also select view data in the view data from be recorded in image recorder.Image corresponding to the form of selecting is like this read by the storage device from printing device.The view data that is stored in the video memory of image recorder is transmitted to printing device.The print image generation device produces print image data according to selected form and the view data that receives, and printing equipment is printed on the image corresponding to print image data on the recording medium.

Under the situation of said structure, printing device can be connected on the image recorder, and the printer operation image can be presented on the display unit of image recorder according to the control information of sending here from printing device.The user can select an a kind of form and a set of image data when watching the printer operation image that is presented on the display unit.This makes and can easily be printed by the image that image recorder write down, and a computer need not arranged between printing device and image recorder, for example people's computer one by one.

Because the application drawing that can be enough be presented on the display unit of image recorder looks like to select a kind of layout of hope,, make the printing device can be compact so do not need to be equipped with such display unit to printing device.

In above-mentioned printing device, the view data of meter in storage device can be packed data.In this case, the print image generation device preferably contains expanding unit, makes the view data expansion.

In above-mentioned printing device, the view data that receiving system receives from image recorder can be a packed data.In this case, the print image generation device preferably contains expanding unit, makes the view data expansion.

The 3rd aspect of the present invention according to having above-mentioned purpose provides a kind of print system, wherein represents the view data by a rest image that image recorder write down and kept to be transferred to a printing device, and printed by this printing device.

This print system comprises:

Storage device is used for storing in advance and is used for selecting a kind of printer operation view data of wishing form and corresponding to the view data of these forms from multiple form;

Display unit is used for showing an image corresponding to the printer operation view data of reading from storage device, is used for also showing that at least one is by the image that remains on the view data representative in the image recorder;

Choice device is used for removing to select a kind of form of hope according to being presented at printer operation view data on the display unit, also is used for selecting each view data on being presented at display unit the view data of hope;

The print data generation device, be used for removing to produce the print image data of ready-to-print according to remaining in the image recorder and view data that device selected is selected and corresponding to by the selected form of choice device and be stored in view data in the storage device; And

Printing equipment is used for the view data that is produced by the print data generation device is printed on the recording medium.

In above-mentioned print system, printing device preferably is equipped with for example storage device, choice device, print data generation device and printing equipment.Simultaneously, image recorder preferably is equipped with display unit.

According to above-mentioned print system, the printer operation image that is stored in the storage device may be displayed on the display unit, and can select a kind of form according to shown printer operation image.The print data generation device produces the print image data that preparation will be printed according to the view data of shift from image recorder with corresponding to the view data of selected form.Printing equipment prints the image corresponding to the print image data that produces like this.In this way, each image that is recorded in the image recorder just can be printed to be easy to operation.

According to printing device wherein contain storage device, choice device and print data generation device and wherein image recorder contain the above-mentioned print system of display unit, no longer need between printing device and image recorder, dispose a computer as the personal computer.Because can under image recorder and printing device are connected to each other the situation of the such computer of neither one together and therebetween, print, so can realize a kind of smaller print system.By removing the necessity of a computer of equipment between printing device and image recorder, also just got rid of for the necessity of using the software that only is used for connecting computer and image recorder.

In above-mentioned print system, the printer operation view data can be a packed data.In this case, print system can also comprise and is used for the expanding unit of expanding printing machine operation view data, and display unit will show the image corresponding to the printer operation view data of being expanded by this expanding unit.

In above-mentioned print system, the view data that remains in the image recorder can be a packed data.In this case, print system can also comprise and be used for the expanding unit of expanded image data, and display unit will show corresponding to by the image of these expanding unit institute image expanding data.

The 4th aspect of the present invention according to having above-mentioned purpose provides a kind of printing device, and it is from the view data of an image recorder receiving record, and prints the image corresponding to the view data that receives.This image recorder is included in the function that has the rest image that demonstration just is being recorded under the logging mode and has the display unit of function of the rest image of displayed record under playback mode.This printing device comprises:

Storage device is used for storing execution printing necessary operations video data;

First control device is used for the operation video data that is stored in the storage device is transferred to image recorder, so that image recorder demonstrates an image corresponding to the operation video data on display unit;

The print command device is used for producing one about according to corresponding to operating video data and being presented at the order that image on the display unit goes to carry out printing;

Second control device is used for making image recorder to shift the view data of record in response to the order that produced by the print command device time; And

Printing equipment is used for printing the image corresponding to shift the view data of the record that comes from image recorder on printing paper.

When adopting above-mentioned printing device, can be printed by the image that image recorder write down, and need between printing device and image recorder, not dispose a personal computer.Corresponding to making printing device carry out the image of printing necessary operation video data, play when can be displayed on image recorder on the display unit of view finder effect and monitor effect.Therefore, even printing device does not have an abundant big viewing area, the user also can operate printing device by watching the image on the display unit that is presented at image recorder.

Because the operation video data can be presented on the display unit of image recorder,, printing device is used for showing the display unit that makes printing device carry out the necessary operation video data of printing so can not having.

The 5th aspect of the present invention according to having above-mentioned purpose provides a kind of printing device, and it is connected on the image recorder removably by communicator.This image recorder from by the digital signal that obtains the formed optical imagery of lens unit as image data storage in a video memory, by communicator the data that contain view data are sent to printing device, and under the control of control device, receive control signal or contain the data of view data, and being stored in the view data in the video memory or being presented on the display unit by the view data that communicator receives from printing device.This printing device comprises:

Printing equipment is used for printing on a recording medium corresponding to the image that shifts the view data of coming from image recorder with a predetermined resolution;

Print control unit, be used for sending an image transfer request signal to the control device of image recorder by communicator, so that this control device becomes to be suitable for to be printed the resolution that device is printed to the resolution changing that is stored in the view data in the video memory, and the reformed view data of its resolution is transferred to printing equipment, thereby this printing equipment can not change from image recorder and shifts the resolution of the view data of coming and print corresponding to shifting the resolution of the view data of coming from image recorder in recording medium and to print corresponding to the image that shifts the view data of coming from image recorder in recording medium.

When adopting above-mentioned printing device, can be printed and need between printing device and image recorder, not dispose a personal computer by the image that image recorder write down.Its resolution has been changed and has become to be suitable for to be printed image that equipment prints and be transferred to printing device and printed by the latter.For this reason, printing device can print image with appropriate resolution, and does not need to have the function that changes resolution, does not also promptly need a circuit that is used for changing resolution.Owing to do not need such resolution changing circuit,, make that printing device can be with lower cost manufacturing so the size of this printing device is also correspondingly smaller.After the resolution of view data was changed, printing device just received view data and prints the view data that receives from image recorder.In this case, can shift the view data of the data volume of resolution from image recorder with that image that will print corresponding to preparation.This has guaranteed that data at a high speed shift and print processing at a high speed.In above-mentioned printing device, at once to be printed and view data that its resolution has been changed can be temporarily stored.In other words, the image that will print of preparation can be used as 1 frame image data by temporary.This makes the capacity of memory to reduce, and makes the cost of making this printing device further reduce.

In above-mentioned printing device, print control unit can send an image transfer request signal to control device, and the view data of representing n image is shifted in request.In this case, control device will become the resolution changing of the view data of representing n image the 1/n of original value, if the back printing equipment will print n image corresponding to the view data of coming from the image recorder transfer, and need not change the resolution of view data.

According to the 6th aspect of the present invention with above-mentioned purpose, a kind of print system is provided, wherein represent view data to be transferred to a printing device, and printed by this printing device by some rest images that image recorder write down and kept.This image recorder comprises: the resolution changing device is used for the resolution changing that remains on the view data in the image recorder is become to be suitable for to be printed the resolution that equipment is printed; And transfer device, be used for shifting the view data that its resolution has been changed to printing device.Printing device prints each image corresponding to the view data of being come by the transfer device transfer on a printed medium, and need not change the resolution that is shifted the view data of coming by transfer device.

When adopting above-mentioned print system, can be printed by the image that image recorder write down, and need between printing device and image recorder, not dispose a personal computer.Its resolution has been changed the image that becomes to be suitable for to be printed the resolution that equipment prints and has been transferred to printing device, and is printed there.For this reason, printing device can print image with appropriate resolution, and does not need to have the function that changes resolution, does not also promptly need a circuit that is used to change resolution.Because do not need this resolution changing circuit,, make that this printing device can be with lower cost manufacturing so the size of printing device is also correspondingly smaller.In above-mentioned print system, because printing device receives from image recorder is the view data that its resolution is suitable for its and prints, so printing device can print image at high speed.According to above-mentioned print system, can shift the data of the resolution of the image that will print corresponding to preparation to printing device from image recorder.This has guaranteed that data at a high speed shift and print processing at a high speed.In above-mentioned print system, at once to be printed and view data that its resolution has been changed can temporarily be stored.In other words, the view data that will print of preparation can be as 1 frame image data by temporary.This can reduce memory span, and the cost of making this printing device is further reduced.

The 7th aspect of the present invention according to having above-mentioned purpose provides a kind of printing device, and it is connected on the image recorder with removably by communicator.This image recorder from by the data-signal that obtains the formed optical imagery of lens unit as image data storage in a video memory, by communicator the data that contain view data are sent to printing device, and under the control of control device, receive control signal or contain the data of view data from printing device, being stored in the view data in the video memory or being presented on the display unit by the received view data of communicator.This printing device comprises:

First command device is used for the control device of order image recorder to shift information about the inner case of image recorder;

Display control unit, be used for removing to produce video data, also be used for this video data is exported to control device to demonstrate an image corresponding to video data on display unit according to the information about the inner case of image recorder of shift from image recorder;

Second command device is used for the control device of order image recorder to shift the view data be stored in the video memory; And

Printing equipment is used for printing an image that shifts the view data of coming corresponding to image recorder in response to the order that produced by second command device time on the recording medium.

When adopting above-mentioned printing device, can be printed by the image that image recorder write down, and need between printing device and image recorder, not dispose a personal computer.Above-mentioned printing device is being transferred to image recorder according to shifting the video data that data produced that comes from image recorder.The video data of this transfer is displayed on the display unit.Therefore, even image recorder does not have the function of the number of the number of the image that shows that it has write down and the image that it can also write down, also can demonstrate the number of the image that has write down and/or the number of the image that can also write down.Like this, adopt above-mentioned printing device can easily obtain about being stored in the information of the image in the image recorder.

More specifically, according to above-mentioned printing device, the information of aforesaid inner case about image recorder can be the data that representative is stored in the number of the rest image in the video memory of image recorder.In this case, display control unit preferably shifts according to representative to image recorder and is stored in the video data that the data of the number of the rest image in the video memory produce, and display unit preferably shows this video data, indicates the number that is stored in the rest image in the video memory thus.

In above-mentioned printing device, the information of aforesaid inner case about image recorder can be the data of the number of the rest image that can also store in the representative image memory.In this case, the video data that the data of the number of the rest image that display control unit preferably can also be stored in image recorder shifts according to the representative image memory produce, and display unit preferably shows this video data, indicates the number of the rest image that can also store in the video memory thus.

The simple declaration of accompanying drawing

Fig. 1 illustrates according to the digital camera 10 of first embodiment of printing device of the present invention and is used for the figure of outward appearance of the printer 20 of this digital camera.

Fig. 2 is the block diagram that the electric circuit construction in magazine electric circuit construction of data that has LCD (LCD) shown in Figure 1 and the printer shown in Figure 1 is shown.

Fig. 3 A is the figure that the postcard layout figure among the ROM (read-only memory) who is stored in printer in advance is shown.

Fig. 3 B is the figure that the calendar layout figure among the ROM that is stored in printer in advance is shown.

Fig. 4 is the flow chart that a kind of view data print processing of being carried out by printer is shown.

Fig. 5 is illustrated in that the Print direction cue mark is the figure that shows with what state after the performed view data print processing of printer.

Fig. 6 is the figure that the calendar that the view data print processing carried out by printer generated and print is shown.

Fig. 7 illustrates the perspective view that digital camera and printer according to second embodiment of the invention are connected to each other state together.

Fig. 8 is the block diagram that illustrates according to the circuit of the digital camera of second embodiment of the invention and printer.

Fig. 9 is that illustrating according to the driver of second embodiment of the invention and transducer is interconnected figure how.

Figure 10 illustrates the figure that is connected to each other and is presented at during energized the state of the initial menu on the digital camera view finder when digital camera and printer.

Figure 11 A to 11F is the figure that is illustrated in some examples that the demonstration when pressing various button changes in " simple and easy printing model ".

Figure 12 A to 12C is the figure that is illustrated in other examples that the demonstration when pressing various button changes in " simple and easy printing model ".

Figure 13 A to 13E is the figure that is illustrated in other examples that the demonstration when pressing various button changes in " simple and easy printing model ".

Figure 14 A to 14E is the figure that is illustrated in other examples that the demonstration when pressing various button changes in " simple and easy printing model ".

Figure 15 A to 15C is first to the 3rd page figure of explanation layout/background print menu, and wherein each page all demonstrates the icon of 6 representative graph distribution forms.

Figure 16 is the figure that the background choice menus that has icon is shown, and it is used to the background of selecting a preparation to combine with selected image.

Figure 17 is the figure that the calendar print menu that has icon is shown, and it is used to the calendar layout of selecting a preparation to combine with selected image.

Figure 18 A to 18C is the figure that 3 examples of the calendar that has combined with image that prints are shown.

Figure 19 A is the figure that the example of the tick marks print menu that has icon is shown, the decorative pattern that it is used to select a preparation to combine with selected image as a facial photo.

Figure 19 B is the figure that the example of 16 tick marks that have same image is shown, and image wherein is the combination of a facial photo and a decorative pattern.

Figure 20 A is the figure that the postcard print menu that has icon is shown, and it is used to the figure of selecting a preparation to combine with a selected image that constitutes a postcard, and this figure is represented various red-letter days.

Figure 20 B is the figure that the example of a combination of patterns print menu that has an icon is shown, and it is used for selecting a preparation to combine to form the Decorative frame figure of a fine arts picture mosaic with a document image.

Figure 21 A to 21C is the figure that some examples of the demonstration when having selected " INDEX (index) " icon are shown.

Figure 22 is the general flow chart that image demonstration and print processing are shown.

Figure 23 is the flow chart that print processing is shown.

Figure 24 illustrates the flow chart that image is selected processing.

Figure 25 illustrates image direction to set the flow chart of handling.

Figure 26 is the flow chart that the print processing of image and background combination is shown.

Figure 27 is the flow chart that the print processing of image and calendar is shown.

Figure 28 is the flow chart that the print processing of tick marks is shown.

Figure 29 is the flow chart that the print processing of postcard is shown.

Figure 30 is the print processing flow chart that all inventories that are recorded as the image of photo (index) are shown.

Figure 31 A to 31C is that to illustrate that image setting menu, time set menu and month set menu be the figure how to show.

Figure 32 A to 32C illustrates the literal display menu that shows document image number on it and figure that whether the inquiry user will carry out the literal display menu of printing.

Realize optimal mode of the present invention

First embodiment

Referring now to the description of drawings first embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 1 is the figure that the outward appearance of 10 and printers 20 of an electronic still camera (below be called digital camera) is shown.

Digital camera 10 comprises two modules, i.e. camera main-body 11 and lens unit part 12.

The rear surface of camera main-body 11 (this surface looks it is a front surface in the drawings) is provided with a liquid-crystal display section 13.

When writing down the image of subject, this liquid-crystal display section 13 is as the view finder that shows object.When reproduced picture, liquid-crystal display section 13 is as showing the monitor of recording image data.On the limit of liquid-crystal display section 13, be provided with a changing function key 14, be used between image record mode (RE) and image playback mode (PL), switching.

Be arranged on having on camera main-body 11 upper surfaces: a mains switch 15 is used for connecting/cutting off the power supply of camera; A shutter release button 16 is used for taking the object that is presented on the liquid-crystal display section under image record mode; "+" key 17a and "-" key 17b, they all are used for selecting down to prepare to be presented at view data on the liquid-crystal display section 13 at image playback mode (PL); And a communication port 18, view data and various command signals are promptly by its input and output.

The front surface (not shown) of lens unit 12 is provided with a normal lens and a close-up lens, and its mounting means makes and can switch mutually between them.The left surface (not shown) of lens unit 12 is provided with screening-mode and changes switch, and it is used for switching two kinds of screening-modes, takes the photograph pattern and close-shot screening-mode after promptly normal.

Lens unit 12 is with half-twist forward, the mode of Rotate 180 ° is combined on the phase main body 11 backward.

The upper surface of printer 20 is provided with: a printing paper acknowledgement window 12, can confirm whether to have installed image printing paper X by it; A power key 22 is used for connecting and the cut-out printer power supply; "+" key 23a and "-" key 23b, both are used for the menu data on the choice menus and the view data of ready-to-print; " SET (setting) " key 24 is used for determining that selected view data prepares to print; Direction changes key (" DIRECTION ") 25, is used for switching and determines to be in the direction of the image of the captured object of the digital camera 10 of plumbness; " MENU (menu) " key 26 is used for demonstrating a print menu that is used for selecting from normal print mode, postcard printing model and calendar printing model a printing model; And " PRINT (printing) " key 27, the order that is used for sending the beginning print image data.Also be provided with a communication port 28 on the upper surface of printer 20, view data input order signal, view data output command signal and other command signals are all passed through this port input and output.

Be formed with a printing paper and disengage sealing 30 on the right flank of printer 20, the printing paper X that has printed image disengages by it.

Telecommunication cable 29 of the communication port 18 of digital camera 10 and the communication port of printer 20 28 usefulness is connected to each other removably is in the same place.

Fig. 2 is the block diagram that the structure of the electronic circuit in digital camera 10 and the printer 20 is shown.

The electronic circuit that digital camera 10 comprises has: CCD31, A/D (mould/number) transducer 32, time mark generator 33, drive circuit 34, compression/expansion circuit 35, DRAM (dynamic random access memory) 36, video memory 37, control circuit 38, ROM39, RAM (random access memory) 40, key input part 41, CPU (CPU) 42, signal generator 43, VRAM (video RAM) 44, D/A (D/A) transducer 45, liquid-crystal display section 13 and I/O (I/O) interface 46.

CCD31 is representing the light signal by the formed rest image of lens unit 12a to convert an analog electrical signal to.A/D converter 32 becomes digital signal to analog signal conversion.Time mark generator 33 produces and is used for the timing signal of drive circuit 34 of controlling and driving CCD31.35 pairs of data image signals of compression/expansion circuit compress and expand.DRAM36 temporarily stores the data image signal of presenting to it.Video memory 37 is a fast storage (flash memory), is used for the picture signal of store compressed.Memorizer control circuit 38 is controlled their address in view data being written to DRAM36 and video memory 37 time or when DRAM36 and video memory 37 are read.The ROM39 storage is used for the various system programs of all operations of digital camera 10, and these operations are included in and have set up respectively operating when communicating to connect between digital camera 10 and the printer 20.Key input part 41 contains mains switch 15, shutter release button 16, "+" key 17a and "-" key 17b, CPU42 is in response to from the input of key input part 41 time, utilize RAM40 as a service area, carry out the system program that is stored among the ROM39.Signal generator 43 produces digital video signal by add synchronizing signal in data image signal.The VRAM44 storage is corresponding to the digital video signal that is presented at the image on the liquid-crystal display section 13.D/A converter 45 converts the digital video signal from signal generator 43 outputs to analog signal.Liquid-crystal display section 13 is by driving liquid crystal according to the analog video signal that digital video signal converted to, thereby demonstrates an image.I/O interface 46 is exported the view data that is converted into serial data by CPU42 to printer 20, and receives various control informations (command signal) from printer 20.

In digital camera 10, time mark generator 33 is with predetermined cycle output timing signal.Drive circuit 34 is subjected to the control of this timing signal, and feasible photo signal corresponding to the formed image of subject is extracted among the CCD31.The photo signal that is extracted is become digital signal by A/D converter 32 from analog signal conversion, and is temporarily stored among the DRAM36 as data image signal.

Because corresponding to the light signal by the formed image of lens unit 12a is the various colour filters that passed through to be arranged on CCD31 the place ahead, so the data image signal that is stored among the DRAM36 contains some color components as yellow (Ye), blue or green (Cy), green (Gr) etc.

CPU42 produces a picture signal that is used for by means of liquid-crystal display section 31 monitor objects by the image processing under the fast mode, and produces a picture signal that is used for writing down subject image by the image processing under the high image quality pattern.

At first, CPU42 produces the required processing of luminance signal according to the information and executing of dilution (thinned).Luminance signal for example is only to utilize the Ye, the Cy that read from DRAM36 and the Ye component signal the Gr component signal to produce.In this case, the picture element signal or the digital signal that are stored among the DRAM36 are diluted, and allow the Ye component data of 3 pixels containing above-mentioned Ye component signal by a prefilter that contains a low pass filter (LPF), and then process γ proofreaies and correct (because the γ characteristic of CCD display is not linear, so view data will be proofreaied and correct in advance, make and when the image corresponding to this view data is displayed on the LCD, can obtain linear brightness), so just produced luminance signal.

Thereafter, CPU42 is implemented as the carrier chrominance signal needed processing of generation corresponding to the luminance signal that has produced by pixel dilution.

When producing carrier chrominance signal, Ye, Cy and the Gr component signal read from DRAM36 are diluted to 1/6, thereby produce the data of 6 pixels that contain consequential signal.The data that produced are passed through a prefilter.(this correction is that a kind of compensation is because of the heteropical correction of the carrier chrominance signal that aberration caused in the colour filter characteristic to have passed through Ye, the Cy of this prefilter and the correction that the Gr component signal is subjected to the white balance of doing again, carry out the white really in the time of white being shown after this correction), and then, R-Y (red-Huang) and B-Y (blue-yellow) carrier chrominance signal have so just been produced through a color algorithm operating.

Luminance signal of Chan Shenging and carrier chrominance signal are transferred to signal generator 43 like this.Signal generator 43 converts luminance signal and carrier chrominance signal to vision signal.The liquid-crystal display section 13 that plays the monitor effect demonstrates the image of preparing the object that is taken.

When by pressing shutter release button 16 during from operation signal of key input part 41 input, CPU42 will be implemented as the needed processing of luminance signal that produces high quality graphic.

When producing these luminance signals, produce data about 7 pixels that contain the signal of reading from DRAM36.The data that produce are passed through a preamplifier like this, proofread and correct to adjust More's balance through γ then.By adjusting More's balance, because of the inhomogeneities of the luminance signal that aberration caused in the colour filter characteristic will be compensated.

By allowing the signal that passes through More's balance, will reduce the noise of radio-frequency component through LPF.And then carry out enhancement process, so just produced luminance signal.

Then, CPU42 is implemented as generation corresponding to the needed processing of the carrier chrominance signal of high quality graphic luminance signal.

When producing these carrier chrominance signals, allow the data of 16 pixels containing the Ye, the Cy that read from DRAM36 and Gr component signal by a prefilter.Passed through the correction of Ye, the Cy of this prefilter and Gr data, and then, just produced R-Y and B-Y signal thus through algorithm operating through a so-called white balance.

Luminance signal of Chan Shenging and carrier chrominance signal are transferred to compression/expansion circuit 35 like this.This circuit is the luminance and chrominance information coding and be compressed into compressing image signal, and this picture signal (luminance signal and carrier chrominance signal) is transferred to video memory 37 to be stored in the there.

For the situation of this picture signal of regeneration, export a signal that is used for being transformed into the image regeneration pattern from key input part 41 to CPU42 by pressing changing function key 14.When this signal is input to CPU42, the compressing image signal (luminance signal of compression and carrier chrominance signal) that is stored in the video memory 37 will be transferred to compression/expansion circuit 35.

Compression/expansion circuit 35 these luminance signals of expansion and carrier chrominance signals.Signal generator 43 and is exported to liquid-crystal display section 13 to digital video signal by D/A converter 45 by add that synchronizing signal produces digital video signal in the luminance signal of expansion and carrier chrominance signal.Liquid-crystal display section 13 demonstrates the image corresponding to this vision signal.

In this case, prepare the compressing image signal read from video memory 37 and can change, just can select preparation thus and be presented at view data on the liquid-crystal display section 13 by pressing "+" key 17a and "-" key 17b.

The electronic circuit that printer 20 comprises has: CPU51, key input part 52, ROM53, RAM54, I/O interface 55, clock circuit 56, time mark generator 57, video memory 58, expanded circuit 59, print buffer 60 and color printer part 61.

In response to from one of key input part 52 input the time, CPU51 will utilize RAM54 to carry out a system program that is stored among the ROM53 as the service area.CPU51 have by cut off the electricity supply according to an internal timer unit (not going out) thus cut off the function of the power supply of printer 20.The resulting various command signals of CPU51 is exported to digital camera 10 by I/O interface 46 and 55, imports by I/O interface 46 from the view data of digital camera 10.Clock circuit 56 indication date and times.Time mark generator 57 outputs are used for making the view data with CPU51 to be communicated to synchronous timing signal mutually.Video memory 58 storages are by the compressing image data of I/O interface 55 from digital camera 10 inputs.Expanded circuit 59 is read compressing image data and is expanded the compressing image data that this is read from video memory 58.Print buffer 60 is stored as print data being expanded the view data that circuit 59 expanded.Color printer part 61 contains the China ink band of yellow, magenta and cyan, and adopts heat transfer technology to print corresponding to the image that is stored in the print data in the print buffer 60 on printing paper X.

There are power key 22, "+" key 23a, "-" key 23b, " SET (setting) " key 24, layout to change key 25, " MENU (menu) " key 26 and " PRINT (printing) " key 27 in the key input part 52.

RAM54 contains: a mode data register (M) 54a, and it is set to " 0 ", " 1 ", " 2 " and " 3 " respectively in menu display mode, normal print mode, postcard printing model and calendar printing model; A menu mask register (K) 54b, wherein, corresponding on print menu, going out and the flag data of the printing model of appointment is set to " 1 ", " 2 " and " 3 " respectively for normal print mode, postcard printing model and calendar printing model; An and Print direction set-up register (P) 54C, if being in the image of the captured object of the digital camera 10 of horizontal direction will print by original state, then its value is set to " 0 ", if print the right side of original image is become position image up, then be set to " 1 ", if print the left side of original image is become position image up, then be set to " 2 ".

ROM53 except store in advance CPU51 for all operations of control printer 20 (comprise printing, expansion packed data operation, generate the operation of calendar and carry out operation with the data communication of digital camera 10) needed each system program, also storage in advance: prepare to be presented at the menu data on the liquid-crystal display section 13 of digital camera 10 and be used for setting the format graphics data or the like of the form of the view data that preparation printed by color printer part 61.

The postcard layout figure that is shown in Fig. 3 A contains upper half and two districts of bottom half, and these two districts are: a horizontal layout district A1, and one of them image is by the horizontal direction layout; And line print zone A2.The calendar layout figure that is shown in Fig. 3 B contains: a vertical layout district A3, and one of them image is by the vertical direction layout; And calendar print zone A4.

Be temporarily stored in the video memory 58 by I/O interface 46 and 55 compressing image datas that send, that read from the video memory 37 of digital camera 10 in response to from the instruction of the CPU51 of printer 20 time.The compressing image data that is stored in the video memory 58 is expanded circuit 59 expansions.Be expanded the view data that circuit 59 expanded and be stored among the ROM53 and corresponding to together by the layout figure of mode data register (M) 54a among the RAM54 specified printing model, be fed to print buffer 60, and printed by color printer part 61.

In this case, the date data that is used for calendar layout figure was handled according to current date and what day, and by layout in calendar print zone A3.

The image printing of printer 20 will be described now.

Fig. 4 shows explanation is printed processing by 20 pairs of images that are stored in the digital camera 10 of printer flow chart.

The shown processing of this flow chart is carried out under the following conditions: desirable object is taken with digital camera 10; Represent the compressing image data of the image of captured object to be stored in the video memory 37; And the communication port 18 of digital camera 10 and the communication port 28 of printer 20 are interconnected with telecommunication cable 29.

When " ON (leading to) " on the printer 20 when key 22 is pressed (step R1), the mode flag M among the mode data register 54a of RAM54 is set at initial value " 0 " and goes up print menu flag K among (step R2) and the menu mask register 54b and be set at initial value " 1 " and go up (step R3).

The ROM53 neutralization that is stored in printer 20 in advance is used for selecting the menu data of a print menu to be read out and to flow to CPU51.The menu data of reading and a menu display commands signal are exported to telecommunication cable 29 by I/O interface 55 together, and are transferred to the CPU42 (step R4) of digital camera 10.

When menu data and menu display commands signal by when printer 20 is transferred to the CPU42 of digital camera 10, signal generator 43 will produce a vision signal corresponding to this menu.On the liquid-crystal display section 13 of digital camera 10, show the print menu (step R5) that contains literal " Normal Print (the normal printing) ", " PostcardPrint (postcard printing) " and " Calendar Print (calendar printing) " according to the vision signal that is produced by signal generator 43.

Be displayed under the situation on the liquid-crystal display section 13 of digital camera 10 if "+" key 23a or "-" key 23b in the key input part 52 of printer 20 are pressed in print menu, to judge then whether the mode flag M among the mode data register 54a of memory RAM 54 is " 0 ", also promptly, judge whether present mode is menu display mode (step R7).

If judge that in step R7 the mode flag M among the mode flag register 54a that is stored in RAM54 is " 0 " of representative menu display mode, then for the situation of having operated "+" key 23a, the menu that is set among the menu mask register 54b of RAM54 selects flag K will increase by 1; For the situation of having operated "-" key 23b then this flag K will reduce 1 (step R8).

When selecting the change of flag K in response to the menu among the menu mask register 54b of RAM54, will export a cursor movement directive signal from CPU51, this signal is transferred to digital camera 10 (step R9) by I/O interface 55.

In digital camera 10, when shifting the cursor movement directive signal that comes in response to CPU51 from printer 20, to on the liquid-crystal display section 13 of digital camera 10, demonstrate a cursor, and this cursor will be moved on the position that indicates a printing model on this menu.In other words, when in response to the operation of "+" key 23a and "-" key 23b, will on liquid-crystal display section 13, from these 3 printing models of normal print mode, postcard printing model and calendar printing model, select and specify a printing model (step R10).

Supposition has now been selected the calendar printing model by the cursor on the mobile print menu.The menu of the menu mask register 54b duty of the RAM54 of printer 20 select flag K to be set to " 3 " if situation under supress " SET (setting) " key 24 (step R13) in the key input part 52, whether be " 0 " (the step R14) that represents the menu display mode then with the mode flag M among the judgment model data register 54a.If the determinating mode flag is " 0 ", mode flag M " 3 " (step R15) that will select flag K " 3 " also to be set to represent the calendar printing model according to menu then.

After having set mode flag M, will be from one first image sense command signal of CPU51 output of printer 20, this signal is transferred to the CPU42 (step R16) of digital camera 10 by I/O interface 55.

In digital camera 10, when in response to this first image sense command signal, top that group compressing image data that comes that is stored in the video memory 37 is therefrom read, and is compressed/expanded circuit 35 expansions.The image expanding data are converted to vision signal by signal generator 43, are transfused to liquid crystal display part 13 by D/A converter 45 then.Liquid-crystal display section 13 demonstrates corresponding to the image of the vision signal of this input (step R17).

Be displayed under the situation of liquid-crystal display section 13 corresponding to image captured by digital camera 10 and that be stored in the view data in the video memory 37, when "+" key 23a in supressing key input section 52 or "-" key 23b (step R6), to judge any other flag value whether set in the mode data register M of RAM54 except the flag " 0 " of representing the menu display mode, also promptly judging whether to have set all is a value (step R7) in the flag " 1 " of representing printing model, " 2 ", " 3 ".If set such value, then will export an image modification command signal, and this signal is transferred to digital camera 10 (step R11) by I/O interface 55 from CPU51.

In digital camera 10, when in response to because of press "+" key 23a on the printer 20 or "-" key 23b shift come the image modification signal time, will from video memory 37, read the desirable memory image of user.The current image that is presented on the liquid-crystal display section 13 will be changed the image of reading from video memory 37 (step R12).Specifically, behind "+" key 23a that has operated on the printer 20, will be transferred to digital camera 10 corresponding to the control information of the operation of "+" key 23a.The CPU42 that has received the digital camera 10 of this control information will read to be right after from the view data of a plurality of rest images of representative being stored in video memory 37 and just be presented at that view data of the view data back of the image on the liquid crystal display area 13 at that time.Liquid-crystal display section 13 will show the image that is right after in the view data of back corresponding to above-mentioned then.

As can be seen from the above, the view data that is stored in the video memory 37 of digital camera 10 is selected and is presented on the liquid crystal display area 13 by operation "+" key 23a or "-" key 23b.When supressing direction under the situation about being displayed at selected image on the liquid-crystal display section 13 and change key 25 (step R18), will judge that the Print direction flag P that sets is " 0 ", " 1 ", or " 2 " (step R19) in Print direction set-up register 54c.

Fig. 5 A and 5B illustrate the view data of being carried out along with printer 20 and handle, and the Print direction cue mark with what state shows.

Fig. 6 illustrates the calendar that the view data print processing of being undertaken by printer 20 generates and prints.

For example, shown in Fig. 5 A, if just be displayed under the situation of liquid-crystal display section 13 with the digital camera 10 captured images that are in vertical direction, judge that the Print direction flag P among the Print direction set-up register 54c that is set in RAM54 is " 0 ", in other words, if judge that the selected view data showing need be as printing (step R19) with the captured image of the digital camera that is in level, then will be set at Print direction flag P when pressing direction change key 25 " 1 " (step R20).CPU51 prints image to such an extent that make its right lateral position video data up output command, and this video data is transferred to digital camera 10 (step R21) by I/O interface 55.

Then, this image will be displayed on the liquid-crystal display section 13 of printer 20 with a Print direction cue mark m who points to the right side of the image among Fig. 5 A, indicate this image ready-to-print thus and must make its right lateral position (step R22) up.

If the change key 25 in the key input part 52 of printer 20 is pressed again, will judge that then at this moment Print direction flag P is " 1 " (step R19), so Print direction flag P is set to " 2 " (step R20).CPU51 becomes output command into the video data (step 23) printed of mode of top by image with its left side, and this video data is transferred to digital camera 10 (step 24) by I/O interface 55.

Then, this image will be in pointing to Fig. 5 B the Print direction cue mark m in the left side of image, be displayed on the liquid-crystal display section 13 of digital camera 10, indicate this image thus and prepare to print (step R22) in the mode that its left side becomes the top.

Pressed again if the direction of the key input part 52 of printer 20 changes key 25, will be judged that then at this moment Print direction flag P is " 2 " (step R19), so Print direction flag P is set to " 0 " (step R25).

Then, the Print direction cue mark m that is presented on the liquid-crystal display section 13 of digital camera 10 with video data will be left out, so that the selected view data that was just showing at that time is by printing with the digital camera 10 captured images that are in horizontal direction.

For example, suppose and under the calendar printing model, select and demonstrated the view data that has Print direction mark m shown in Fig. 5 A, and indicated this image ready-to-print thus and must make its right lateral position up, and in this calendar printing model, in mode data register 54a, the menu mask register 54b of the RAM54 of printer and Print direction set-up register 5c, set mode flag M=" 3 " respectively, menu is selected flag K=" 3 " and Print direction flag P=" 1 ".When " PRINT (the printing) " key 27 (step R32) in the key input part of supressing printer 20 in these cases, CPU51 will export a print command signal, and this signal is transferred to digital camera 10 (step R33) by I/O interface 55.

CPU42 reads view data (step R34) corresponding to the image on the liquid-crystal display section that is presented at digital camera 10 from video memory 37.By I/O interface 46, CPU42 is transferred to printer 20 to the view data of reading.CPU51 is the image data storage (step R35) in video memory 58 that is transferred to printer 20.

The view data (step R36) of expanded circuit 59 extension storage in video memory 58.CPU51 reads the calendar layout figure (referring to Fig. 3 (B)) that is stored among the ROM53 according to the mode flag M=" 3 " among the mode data register 54a that is set in ROM54.CPU52 combines the format graphics of reading with by 59 image expanding data of expanded circuit, and the data of combination are stored in (step R37) in the print buffer 60 as print data.

In step R37, view data combines with format graphics with following method:

According to the Print direction flag P=" 1 " among the Print direction set-up register 54c, be expanded view data that circuit 59 expanded according to the mode flag M=" 3 " among the mode data register 54a by the vertical layout district A3 of layout on the calendar layout figure of reading from ROM53, the left lateral position that makes image is up.And according to the current date that is measured by clock circuit 56 and what day, date data is by among the calendar print zone A4 of layout on above-mentioned format graphics.

As the combination of selected view data and calendar layout figure and the print data that produces and be stored in the print buffer 60 is exported to color printer part 61, on printing paper X will print image, as shown in Figure 6 corresponding to this print data thereafter.The printing paper X that has printed image on it will disengage sealing 30 and be sent printer 20 by the printing of printer 20) step R38).

When " MENU (the menu) " key 26 (step R26) in the key input part 52 of pressing printer 20, will judge that whether having set one in the mode data register 54a of RAM54 is not the mode flag M of " 0 ".Judge just whether printer is in certain pattern (step R27) in these three printing models of normal print mode, postcard printing model and calendar printing model.If judge that printer 20 is patterns that are in the above-mentioned pattern, then mode flag M is restored and is " 0 " (step R28), and the print menu flag K among the menu mask register 54b also is " 1 " (step 29) by recovery.

Then, CPU51 reads the menu data that is used for the selective printing menu among the ROM53 that is stored in printer 20 in advance once more.Menu data of reading and menu display commands signal are exported to telecommunication cable 29 by I/O interface 55 together, and are transferred to digital camera 10 (step R30).

When menu data and menu display commands are transferred to the CPU42 of digital camera 10 from printer 20, signal generator 43 will produce the vision signal corresponding to this menu data.According to the vision signal that signal generator 43 is produced, will demonstrate the print menu (step R38) that is shown with literal " Normal Print ", " Postcard Print " or " Calendar Print " on the liquid-crystal display section 13 of digital camera 10 once more.

Suppose any button in the key input part 52 that does not have printer operation 20 now, then will input to CPU51, thereby CPU51 does not carry out any control operation without any the button operation signal.When these situations occur continuously, will stop (step R39) to the power supply of printer 20.

During " ON (leading to) " key 22 on pressing printer 20, menu data and menu display commands signal will be transferred to digital camera 10, and will demonstrate print menu on the liquid-crystal display section 13 of digital camera 10.When pressing "+" key 23a or "-" key 23b, cursor movement directive signal is transferred to digital camera 10, and cursor is moved on print menu, to select and to specify desirable printing model.When pressing " SET (setting) " key 24, the image sense command is transferred to digital camera 10, and then the view data of storage will be read out and be displayed on the liquid-crystal display section 13.When pressing "+" key 23a or "-" key 23b, the image modification command signal is transferred to digital camera 10, and view data is presented on the liquid-crystal display section 13 selectively.When pressing direction change key 25, the image direction setting data is transferred to digital camera 10, and is presented on the liquid-crystal display section 13 with the form of a mark.When pressing " PRINT (printing) " key 27, print command signal is fed to digital camera 10, is read from digital camera 10 corresponding to the view data that just is presented at the image on the liquid-crystal display section 13 then, and is transmitted to printer 20.According to printing model and the image direction printer 20 set, on printing paper X, print then has the printing paper X of image to disengage from printer to this image by colour print.Like this, as long as by to the simple and easy operation of printer 20 parts, just can utilize liquid-crystal display section 13 to show selectively and print the captured photograph image of digital camera 10.

In this first embodiment, under situation about carry out printing, shift the image that comes and be to be printed on the zone separately according to the resulting calendar image of date that clock circuit 56 records from digital camera 10 according to calendar layout figure.Yet, shift the image and the calendar image of coming from digital camera 10 and also can print with overlapping each other; For example, they can print to such an extent that calendar is overlapped from the next image of digital camera 10 transfers as a white image.

In this first embodiment, can come print image according to the format graphics that is stored among the ROM53.But, also can add some alphabet keys and allow the user can import desirable literal, then can be printed on image and literal on same the printing paper according to format graphics by the key input part 52 of for example giving printer 20.

Be used for the recording medium of print image by the printer 20 of first embodiment and be not limited to printing paper X, it also can be the adhesive label or the transparent film that have the separable scraps of paper.Except heat shifted print system, color printer 61 also can adopt the other system as the ink-jet print system to come print image.

Second embodiment

Referring now to the description of drawings second embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 7 illustrates the perspective view of state when being connected to each other together according to the electronic still camera (digital camera) of second embodiment and a printer.

As shown in Figure 7, digital camera 101 contains a camera main-body 102 and a lens unit part 103.

The upper surface of camera main-body 102 and rear surface (it seems it is front surface among Fig. 7) are provided with certain operations mechanism (switch etc.).Front surface (being the rear surface in Fig. 7) at camera main-body 102 upward is not provided with other things except trade mark being arranged and decorate.

Be provided with a large-scale view finder 104 that constitutes by color LCD (LCD) at the rear surface of camera main-body 102 middle body.Be used for that the pattern of switching operation modes changes switch 106 between image record mode (RE) and image playback mode (PL) being provided with a mains switch 105 and one near the view finder 104.The upper surface of camera main-body 102 is provided with: a shutter release button 109; "+" key 111 is used for making the image of record to be read successively and show; And "-" key 112, be used for showing position that image in the front of the current image of watching.Near "+" key 111 and "-" key 112 and than the position of their more close camera main-body 102 front surfaces, be provided with a communication port 113.A plug at one end place of cable 114 is inserted in the communication port 113.

Lens unit part 103 on its front surface, be provided with lens (since Fig. 7 shown in be the back side of digital camera, so these lens are not shown in this figure).Lens unit part 103 rotatably is arranged on the camera main-body 102, and it can rotate 90 ° along the direction of the arrow A in Figure 7, rotates 180 ° in the direction of arrow B.When lens unit part 113 had been rotated 180 ° in the direction of arrow B, lens will be in the face of the rear, and the position of lens becomes handstand state.But, this attitude of lens will be detected by an internal circuit, make the image that is write down automatically be corrected into upright image, and demonstrate this upright image.

As shown in Figure 7, on the front surface (front among Fig. 7) of the main body of printer 115, offer one and insert/disengage sealing 116.Printing paper P is by this sealing 116 printer of packing into, and the printing paper P that has printed image thereon is also by this sealing 116 printer of packing into, and the printer P that has printed image thereon also disengages from printer by this sealing 116.The place ahead part of printer 115 upper surfaces is downward-sloping slightly, and this place ahead part is provided with a guidance panel 17.On this guidance panel 119, be provided with."-" key 118a, "+" key 118b, " SET (setting) " key 118c, " POWER (power supply) " key 118d, " EASY (simple and easy) " key 118e, " MENU (menu) " key 118f, " BACK (returning) " key 118g and a communication port 119, wherein all key 118a-118g are the keys of button-type.A plug at the other end place of telecommunication cable 114 is inserted in the communication port 119.

Fig. 8 is the block diagram that each circuit of digital camera shown in Figure 7 101 and printer 115 is shown.

The electronic circuit that digital camera 101 comprises has: time mark generator 120, CCD121, driver 122, amplifier 123, A/D converter 124, DRAM125, compression/extension part 126, video memory 127, ROM128, RAM129, CPU130, key input part 131, vision signal generation part 132, VRAM133, D/A converter 134, color LCD 135, amplifier 136, CG (character generator) 137 and I/O port one 38.

Time mark generator 120 produces a timing signal, is used for the driver 122 that controlling and driving CCD121 uses.Driver 122 is according to the timing signal driven CCD 121 from time mark generator 120.CCD121 is representing the light signal opto-electronic conversion by the formed image of lens unit 103a to become analog electrical signal.Be exported to A/D converter 124 from the analog electrical signal that the light signal opto-electronic conversion becomes by amplifier 123 by CCD121.

A/D converter 124 is circuit that are used for the analog electrical signal from CCD121 output is converted to data image signal.The data image signal that the temporary transient storage of DRAM125 is become from analog signal conversion by A/D converter 124.Pass through encoding process compressed digital video signal in compression/extension part 126.Compression/extension part 126 is also by carrying out the expansion to data to data image signal execution decoding processing.Video memory 127 for example is a fast storage, and its storage is compressed/data image signal that expansion 126 is compressed.Video memory 127 can be stored the data image signal corresponding to the image below 100.

Vision signal generation part 132 is by adding that in data image signal synchronizing signal produces digital video signal.VRAM133 is a memory that is used for storing digital video signal.D/A converter 134 converts the digital video signal from 132 outputs of vision signal generation part to analog video signal.Color LCD 135 drives liquid crystal according to the analog video signal of importing by amplifier 136 from D/A converter 134, demonstrates the image of photo.

CG (character generator) 137 storage being used for as numeric data and cursor data makes the view data that is stored in the video memory 127 be presented at data on the color LCD 135.

ROM128 storage is used for driving the various programs with control figure camera 101 various pieces.CPU130 carries out the various programs that are stored in the ROM128, and the various piece of control figure camera 101.RAM129 is employed data such as temporary transient storage algorithm processing when CPU130 handles.In response to from the input of the button operation signal of key input part 131 time, CPU130 utilizes RAM129 to carry out the program that is stored in the ROM128 as the service area.As previously mentioned, key input part 131 is equipped with various buttons on digital camera 101.I/O port one 38 is interfaces that a control transformation becomes the I/O of the picture signal of serial signal and/or other similar signal.

The operation of digital camera 101 will be described now.

When the user presses shutter release button 109, time mark generator 120 will be exported a timing signal.In response to from the time signal of time mark generator output the time, driver 122 is driven CCD 121, it taken prepare the exterior object that will take, and extract by the formed image of lens unit 103A.The view data of extracting among the CCD121 is fed to DRAM125 and A/D converter 124 by amplifier 123, and is stored among the DRAM125 as data image signal.CPU130 carries out color algorithm to data image signal and handles, and produces luminance signal and carrier chrominance signal.CPU130 is transferred to compression/extension part 126 to luminance and chrominance information.The luminance and chrominance information of coming is shifted in 126 compressions of compression/extension part, and they are stored in the video memory 127.

Be stored in the situation of the view data in the video memory 127 for regeneration, the user at first changes 106 groups on switch to pattern downwards, and digital camera 101 is set on the playback mode (PL).When digital camera 101 is set on the playback mode, compressing image signal (luminance and chrominance information of compression) is transferred to compression/extension part 126 from video memory 127, be compressed/the data image signal that comprises luminance and chrominance information that expansion 126 is expanded is transferred to vision signal generation part 132.Vision signal generation part 132 produces the digital video signal that contains data image signal and add synchronizing signal therein, and this vision signal is written among the VRAM133.Vision signal generation part 132 is exported to color LCD 135 to the digital video signal that has write by D/A converter 134 and amplifier 136.Color LCD 135 demonstrates corresponding to the image that is stored in the view data in the video memory 127.

Each circuit module of printer shown in Figure 8 115 will be described now.

Printer 115 contains: CPU140, video memory 141, expansion 142, selection part 143, key input part 144, I/O port one 45, ROM146, color printer part 147 and RAM148, all these ones are connected to each other together by a bus 149.

I/O port one 45 contains a circuit with serial communication function, and carry out to/from the data transmission/reception of an external unit.Usually, I/O port one 45 is bonded to one as among the LSI (large scale integrated circuit) of single-chip processor CPU.Key input part 144 is connected on the universal port of CPU140, and receives the key operation signal that key 118a to 118g transports to CPU140 output from 7.CPU140 is stored in various programs among the ROM146 with execution in response to the key operation signal time.The effect of each operation signal will be explained below.

ROM146 contains: a program area, wherein store the program that some are used for the various operations of CPU140, these operational example in this way, the processing that signal post needs, the formation of print data, the generation of calendar etc.; And image data area, wherein store the packed data of the menu that is used for selecting various format graphics and layout, for example compress video data, compressed background data and corresponding to the bit diagram data of literal code, layout, tick marks and postcard or the like.

Select part 143 to be used for selecting: to prepare to be presented at view data on the view finder 104, be stored among the ROM146 and various programs (back explanation), view data (compress video data and background data) and CG (character generator) etc. performed in response to operation signal the time according to the operation of operation keys 118a to 118g.

Expansion 142 has the image spreading function as JPEG, and extension example as be stored among the ROM146 background data and corresponding to a kind of data of selected format-pattern.Expansion 142 is also expanded from digital camera 101 and is shifted the data of coming.Being stored in view data among the ROM146 and representative all is packed data from the view data of the photograph image of digital camera 101 output.Therefore be necessary these packed datas are expanded to a pre-sizing, this shows that expansion 142 needs.

RAM148 contains: a service area is used for storing the performed various programs of CPU140; A print data memory block, wherein store Y print data about yellow, about the M print data of magenta with about the C print data of cyan, all these data all are to produce according to a print data handling procedure among the ROM146 after the view data in being stored in video memory 141 is expanded part 142 expansions; An image land is used in conjunction with print data and the decoration data as the background data; And a memory block, be used for storing data that set by CPU140 or the like.

Colour print part 147 is printer device parts, is connected with on it: motor, printhead and the various transducer such as motor driver, stepping motor that are used for driving direct current machine.The various transducers that comprise an optical pickocff and a Mechanical Contact type transducer and/or other similar transducers, the position of the yellow of using when being used for surveying colour print (Y), magenta (M) and cyan (C) China ink band, and survey and whether insert/disengage sealing 116 by printing paper printing paper P has been installed in the printer 115.

Fig. 9 is that some representational devices that illustrate in above-mentioned each driver and the transducer are the figure how to be connected to each other.

Printhead motor 150 is connected with CPU140 by motor driver 150a.China ink translator 151 is connected with CPU140 by motor driver 151a.Paper pushing motor 152 is connected with CPU140 by motor driver 152a.Printhead motor 150 moves printhead 153 between print position and non-print position.When printhead 153 moves to print position, it will press to printing paper, and the centre is the China ink band.China ink translator 151 is little by little carried yellow (Y), magenta (M) and cyan (C) the China ink band of position between printhead and printing paper P.Printing paper P is moved along sub scanning direction line by line by paper pushing motor 152.

Be connected printhead 153 on the CPU140 and contain the drive IC (integrated circuit) that density with 300dpi (dots per inch) is produced on 960 heating elements on the ceramic wafer and is used for connecting independently of each other/cutting off each heating element.Whether transducer 154 detection printing paper P insert/disengage sealing 116 by printing paper has been installed in the printer 115.

Under the control of CPU140, color printer part 147 is connected in each heating element those locational heating elements at the point of preparing to print constantly in printing of each row by preset time length, making provides predetermined heat to each China ink band, thereby the prepared Chinese ink of each predetermined color will be transferred on the printing paper, print image on printing paper.

Now explanation is arranged on the effect of each button on the printer 115.

The power supply of " POWER (power supply) " key 118d connection/cut-out printer 115.In addition, " POWER " key 118d contains a plurality of LED (light-emitting diode), and by lighting the inner case that these LED indicate printer 115.For example, when printer 115 is in ON (leading to) state and be ready to carry out printing, then the LED of a green will light.But when drive motors fault, holding paper occurring or not matching etc. situation wrong as printing paper and China ink band, the LED of a redness will light.When printer 115 is being worked, an orange LED will light.When pressing " POWER " key 118d and connected printer 115, will on the view finder 104 of digital camera 101, demonstrate an initial menu that will be explained below " TOP-MENU (total menu, top menu) ".

When pressing " EASY (simple and easy) " key 118e under the situation that is demonstrating " TOP-MENU ", the operator scheme of printer 115 will be transformed into " simple and easy printing model ", no matter and how form is selected." simple and easy printing model " be according to the reproduced picture former state on the view finder 104 that is presented at digital camera 101 the pattern that prints.

" MENU (menu) " key 118f has the function that makes view finder 104 show " TOP-MENU ".Therefore, under just showing the situation of " TOP-MENU ", view finder 104 presses " MENU " key 118f with inoperative.The function of " BACK (returning) " key 118g is that the menu that just had been presented at that time on the view finder 104 is changed over its previous menu.

" SET (setting) " key 118c is an acknowledgement key.In selection course by press " SET " key 118c will for example from the menu that is shown in view finder 104 selected form confirm as the form that will show.

"-" key 118a and "+" key 118b are employed ammonium keys when selecting form and changing menu."+" key 118b is used for key that cursor is moved forward, and "-" key is to be used for key that cursor is oppositely moved.

Figure 10 be illustrated in as shown in Figure 7 digital camera 101 and printer 115 to be connected to each other initial menu under together the situation be the figure that how to be presented on the view finder 104 of digital camera 101 (following will abbreviate camera 101 as).

In this case, connect the power supply of camera 101 by the mains switch 105 of operation camera 101.For camera 101 is set in image playback mode, pattern is changed switch 106 push " PL ".When printer 115 because of supressing " POWER (power supply) " when key 118d is switched on, will on the view finder 104 of camera 101, demonstrate as shown in figure 10 " TOP-MENU ".Should " TOP-MENU " be used for selecting a desirable menu (back will illustrate).

To illustrate now, according to key operation to each key 118a to 118g on the printer 115, the situation that the show state of view finder 104 changes from " TOP-MENU ".

As shown in figure 10, show letter " MENU (menu) ", below letter " MENU ", divide two row to show 6 icons at the place, top of " TOP-MENU ".Below first icon 155 (being the left end icon of upper row), letter " LAYOUT (layout) " is arranged.Letter " CALENDAR (calendar) ", " MINI (tick marks) ", " POSTCARD (postcard) ", " COLLAGE (fine arts picture mosaic) " and " INDEX (index) " are arranged respectively below icon 156,157,158,159 and 160.Show a cursor 161 below the letter " LAYOUT " below first icon 155.This shows has selected first cursor on " TOP-MENU ", i.e. " LAYOUT " cursor 155.

Two types camera is arranged, and one type is that this camera has the function that the preparation of producing is presented at the lteral data on the menu, and the camera of another kind of type does not then have this function.When printer 115 usefulness telecommunication cables 114 are connected on the camera 101, printer 115 will identify the type of camera 101.If it is the sort of self can produce last type of lteral data such as literal and cursor the time that camera 101 belongs to, then to the character code and the data of stipulating their display position (address) of camera 101 transfers corresponding to above-mentioned letter and cursor, camera 101 produces the view data (bit diagram data) of above-mentioned letter of representative and cursor, combine the view data that is produced with from printer 115 transfer comes as view data " TOP-MENU " that wherein contain icon 155 to 160, and the data of this combination are presented on the view finder 104.When camera 101 belonged to back one type, printer 115 was transferred to camera 101 to the view data that representative contains " TOP-MENU " of icon 155 to 160.In addition, printer 115 also produces the representative letter that is stored in advance wherein and the view data of cursor, and these view data are transferred to camera 101 together with their address.

When pressing "+" key 118b under the situation that is demonstrating " TOP-MENU ", the icon of preparing to choose can change successively according to the order of icon 155,156,157,158,159,160.In this case, cursor 161 will move into place letter below selected icon below.When pressing "-" key 118a, preparing the icon choose can change successively according to order opposite when pressing "+" key 118b.In this case, cursor 161 also will move into place letter below selected icon below.Like this, by pressing "+" key 118b or "-" key 118a, will select some functions of printer 115, for example menu selection function and the back page or leaf that will illustrate changes function, perhaps, and function that will control camera 101.

When pressing " MENU (menu) " key 118f, the pattern of camera 101 is transferred to " TOP-MENU " display mode.Therefore, it is inoperative to press or import " MENU " key 118f half when having shown " TOP-MENU ".

To be taken as invalid and ignore pressing or import " BACK (returning) " key 118g in some cases.If selecting and determining to press or import " BACK " key 118g under the situation of each pattern and each operation, then it will be considered to effectively and accept, and will cancel the selection of front and definite this moment.

When pressing " EASY (simple and easy) " key 118e under the situation that is demonstrating " TOP-MENU ", no matter then to the selection what state of icon, operator scheme all will change over simple and easy printing model ".Simple and easy printing model " in, the reproduced picture that is presented on the view finder 104 of digital camera 101 can in statu quo be printed.Also might be divided into a plurality of districts to view finder 104, and in these districts, demonstrate a plurality of images.In " simple and easy printing model ", " EASY " key 118e has the reproduced picture number that is simultaneously displayed on the view finder 104 is changed into 4, changed into 9 from 4 from 1, and from 9 functions of changing into 1.

The demonstration of reproduced picture in " simple and easy printing model " and the change that reproduced picture shows number will be described now.

Figure 11 A to 11F shows when pressing " EASY " key 118e and press "-" key 118a or "+" key 118b in " simple and easy printing model ", the example that the image on the view finder 104 shows and changes.

Shown in Figure 11 A, when having set " simple and easy printing model ", first image that is recorded (following first image that is called simply) is displayed on the view finder 114.After pressing "+" key 118b, first image that was presented at originally on the view finder 104 will be changed into second image.Press "+" key 118b later on, display image will become the 3rd image, the 4th image or the like successively at every turn, to the last an image that is recorded.After having shown last image, will show first image again again.When pressing "-" key 118a, the image of current demonstration will be changed into its previous image.If supress "-" key 118a when first image that is showing shown in Figure 11 A, then first image will become last image.

If after press " EASY " key 118e when showing first image shown in Figure 11 A, view finder 104 will be divided into 4 districts, and demonstrate first to fourth image respectively in these 4 districts.If shown in Figure 11 B like that view finder 104 showing under the situation of first to fourth image and pressing "+" key 118b that then will demonstrate next 4 images on view finder 104, i.e. the 5th to the 8th image is shown in Figure 11 E.Whenever press "+" key 118b next time, just will in turn demonstrate 4 images of its back.If the last picture number that shows does not then have displayable one or several district of image to show with grey less than 4.

If press " EASY " key 118e once more under 4 images shown in Figure 11 B just are being presented at situation on the view finder 104, then view finder 104 will be divided into 9 districts, and show first to the 9th image respectively in these 9 districts.At this moment if press "+" key 118b, then will demonstrate 9 images of back on view finder 104, i.e. the tenth to the 18 image is shown in Figure 11 F.Whenever all will in turn demonstrate thereafter 9 images by "+" key 118b next time.If the number of the last image that shows is less than 9, then one or several does not have the displayable district of image to show with grey.If press " EASY " key 118e once more under the situation that demonstrates 9 images shown in Figure 11 C on the view finder 104, then show state will turn back to the state shown in Figure 11 A.

Like this, by pressing " EASY " key 118e, the image display area number on the view finder 104 is changed into 4 from 1, changes into 9 from 4, and changes into 1 from 9.When pressing "+" key 118b, current one or several image that is presented on the view finder 104 will change over one or several image of its back, and wherein the number of image area does not change.When pressing "-" key 118a, current one or several image that is presented on the view finder 104 will change over one or several image of its front, and wherein the number of image area does not change yet.When one or several desirable image just is being presented on the view finder 104,, then will print this one or several desirable image if insert/disengage sealing 116 (being shown in Fig. 7) by printing paper and install printing paper P.

Figure 12 is being illustrated in some examples that show and change image under the simple and easy printing model by pressing " EASY " key 118e on view finder 104 to 12C.Figure 12 A illustrate by demonstrate image shown in Figure 11 D during view finder 104 that the operation of "+" key 118b is obtained show the state of the 3rd image.If under the situation that is showing image shown in Figure 12 A, press " EASY " key 118e, then will on view finder 104, demonstrate the 3rd to the 6th image.If press " EASY " key 118e in this case again, then will on view finder 104, demonstrate the 3rd to the 11 image, shown in Figure 12 C, if pressing " EASY " key 118e shown in Figure 12 C under the situation once more, then show state will turn back to state shown in Figure 12 A.

Figure 13 A to 13E is illustrated in " simple and easy printing model " by operation "-" key 118a or "+" key 118b to change on view finder 104 and some examples of display image.Figure 13 C illustrates the show state identical with Figure 12 B.Suppose that in the example shown in Figure 13 A to 13E the number that is stored in the document image in the video memory 127 is 9.

If under the situation that is showing image shown in Figure 13 C, press "+" key 118b, then follow some images (the 7th and subsequent image) of last image in image shown in Figure 13 C (i.e. the 6th image) back will be displayed on the view finder 104, shown in Figure 13 D.Because the number of document image is 9.So there is not displayable last district of image (among Figure 13 D with " X " mark) to be shown as grey.If under the situation that is showing image shown in Figure 13 D, press "+" key 118b, then because of the image that does not exist the shooting sequence number greater than 9, so will on view finder 104, demonstrate first to fourth image, shown in Figure 13 E, for various key operations thereafter, the image that is presented on the view finder 114 will change on the basis of Figure 13 E, rather than change on the basis of Figure 13 C.Specifically, if under the situation that is showing image shown in Figure 13 E, press "+" key 118b, to on view finder 104, show with those 4 images (the 5th to the 8th image) of a display image (the 4th image) back in the end, though do not provide the figure of this state of expression here.

If under the situation that is showing image shown in Figure 13 C, press "-" key 118a, then because the front of first image (i.e. the 3rd image) in 4 images shown in Figure 13 C has only the first and second two images, so will on view finder 104, demonstrate first to fourth image, shown in Figure 13 B.For various key operations thereafter, the change that is presented at the image on the view finder 104 will change on the basis of Figure 13 B rather than Figure 13 C.Specifically, if press "-" key 118a under the situation that is showing image shown in Figure 13 B, then last image also is that the 9th image will be presented in first district in 4 districts, as shown in FIG. 13A, remaining 3 district then is shown as grey (with " X " mark).If under the situation that is showing image shown in Figure 13 A, press "-" key 118a once more, then on view finder 104, will demonstrate position those 4 images (the 5th to the 8th image) of an image (the 9th image) front in the end, though do not provide the figure of this state of expression here.

Figure 14 A to 14E is illustrated in some examples that change and show by operation "-" key 118a or "+" key 118b view finder 104 epigraphs in " simple and easy printing model ".Figure 14 C illustrates and identical show state shown in Figure 12 C.The number of supposing to be stored in the document image in the video memory 127 in the example shown in Figure 14 A to 14E is 15.

If under the situation that is showing image shown in Figure 14 C, press "-" key 118a, then because first image (the i.e. three image) front of position in 9 images shown in Figure 14 C have only the first and second two images, so on view finder 104, will demonstrate first to the 9th image, as shown in Figure 14B.For various key operations thereafter, the image that is presented on the view finder 104 will change on the basis of Figure 14 B rather than Figure 14 C.Specifically, if press "-" key 118a once more under the situation that is showing image shown in Figure 14 B, then will demonstrate the tenth to the 15 image in preceding 6 districts in 9 image areas of Figure 14 A, remaining 3 district then is shown as grey (with " X " mark).If under the situation that is showing image shown in Figure 14 A, press "-" key 118a again, then will demonstrate those 9 images (first to the 9th image) of first image (ten image) front of position in each image shown in Figure 14 A, though do not provide the figure of this state of expression here at view finder 104h.

If under the situation that is showing image shown in Figure 14 C, press "+" key 118b, then will be at some images (the 12 image and some images thereafter) that last image (i.e. the 11 image) back of position in each image shown in Figure 14 C is shown on the view finder 104, shown in Figure 14 D.Because the number of document image is 15, so there are not displayable last 5 districts of image (among Figure 14 D with " X " mark) to be shown as grey.If under the situation that is showing image shown in Figure 14 D, press "+" key 118b once more, then because of the image that does not exist the shooting sequence number greater than 15, thus on view finder 104, will demonstrate first to the 9th image, shown in Figure 14 E.For various key operations thereafter, the image that is presented on the view finder 104 will change on the basis of Figure 14 E rather than Figure 14 C.Specifically, if under the situation that is showing image shown in Figure 14 E, press "+" key 118b, then the position in the end 9 images of a display image (the 9th image) back (the tenth image to the 18 images) will be presented on the view finder 104 (but, in fact because the document image number of being stored is 15, so only show the tenth to the 15 image), though do not provide the figure of this situation of expression here.

In " simple and easy printing model ", the image that is presented on the view finder 104 changes by operation " EASY " key 118e, "-" key 118a or "+" key 118b.When pressing " SET (setting) " key 118c under showing the situation of a menu, this menu will be confirmed as desirable menu, and the operator scheme of printer 115 is changed and is printing model.When inserting/disengaging sealing 116 by printing paper and install printing paper P, view finder 104 those the above-mentioned images that just had been presented at camera 101 at that time will in statu quo be printed.

" EASY " key 118e not only can be used in statu quo print the image on the view finder 104 as last, and can be used for selecting and definite desirable 1 width of cloth image.For example, for the situation that in video memory 127, stores 100 document images, if each image one by one is presented on the view finder 104 in order to seek a certain width of cloth required image, then must operate "+" key 118b the most nearly 99 times, the result needs for a long time.Yet the situation for like that once demonstrating 9 images and operation "+" key 118b shown in the image pattern 11C can make all images in turn be presented on the view finder 104 by maximum 12 times key operations.When containing required image when 9 interior images are displayed on the view finder 104, just can be only wherein first image be presented on the view finder 104 individually by pressing " EASY " key 118e.So as long as operate "+" key 118b8 time, required image is presented on the view finder 104 at most.When being presented on the view finder 104 at required image by on " SET " key 118c, the image of this demonstration just is confirmed as the image that will print.

To illustrate now at shown in Figure 10 " TOP-MENU (initial menu or total menu) " and go up by 6 kinds of selected and definite print menus of " LAYOUT (layout) " icon 155, " CALENDAR (calendar) " icon 156, " MINI (tick marks) " icon 157, " POSTCARD (postcard) " icon 158, " COLLAGE (fine arts picture mosaic) " icon 159 and " INDEX (index) " icon 160.

With 155 selections of " LAYOUT " icon and definite layout/print menu is the menu that is used for carrying out about the function of printing background.Under the situation of having selected " LAYOUT " icon 155, can print as above determined image and the image that background combines.With 156 selections of " CALENDAR " icon and definite calendar print menu is a menu that is used for carrying out about the function of printing calendar.Under the situation of having selected " CALENDAR " icon 156, can print the desk calendar that has image.With 157 selections of " MINI " icon and definite tick marks print menu is the menu that is used for carrying out about the function of printing tick marks.Under the situation of having selected " MINI " icon 157, can print 16 images that identical figure is arranged together with a given decorative pattern, these images can be used as small-sized mark and stick on the angle of business card and so on.With 158 selections of " POSTCARD " icon and definite postcard print menu is the menu that is used for carrying out about the function of printing postcard.Selecting

Under the situation of " POSTCARD " icon 158, can print the postcard that has image, be to be used for carrying out about carrying out figure in conjunction with the menu of printing with 159 selections of " COLLAGE " icon and definite combination of patterns print menu.Under the situation of having selected " COLLAGE " icon 159, can print by determined image and the image that Decorative frame combines.With 160 selections of " INDEX " icon and definite menu is to be used for holding the menu of holding about the function of printed indicia.Under the situation of having selected " INDEX " icon 160, all are stored in the form that image in the camera 101 can index and print.

From above-mentioned various printing functions, specify a kind of desirable function to press " SET " key 118c then and to be achieved by pressing below the letter that "-" key 118a or "+" key 118b move to cursor to be shown in desired icon below.

When selecting on " TOP_MENU " and specified " LAYOUT " icon 115, first page of the shown layout/background print menu that goes out is shown in Figure 15.On this first page, show No. 1 to No. 6 icon of 6 kinds of image layout forms of expression.Below first page No. 1 icon, show a cursor (not shown).In these 6 icons, the distribution form of No. 1 single widthwise edge block diagram of icon representation picture, the form of the layout that No. 2 a plurality of widthwise edge block diagrams of icon representation look like to overlap each other, the distribution form that No. 3 a plurality of vertical edges block diagrams of icon representation look like to overlap each other, No. 4 small one and large one two distribution forms that widthwise edge block diagram picture overlaps each other along diagonal of icon representation, the distribution form that two vertical edges block diagrams of No. 5 icon representations picture is arranged side by side, and, the distribution form that two widthwise edge block diagrams of No. 6 icon representations picture is arranged above and below alignedly by their length direction.In this case, when camera 101 has the function of display text and cursor, the number " 1 " of title " LAYOUT1/3 (layout, in three pages first page) ", icon is to " 6 ", and cursor also all is that form with literal code is transferred to this camera from printer 115.When camera 101 did not have the function of display text and cursor, what be transferred to camera 101 from printer 115 was the bit diagram data of storing in advance.

For example, when pressing "+" key 118b, cursor will be shifted to No. 2 icons successively up to No. 6 icons, so just can select any icon at every turn.When pressing "+" key 118b under the situation of having selected No. 6 icons, will demonstrate that one page shown in Figure 15 B, and cursor be presented at first icon in each icon shown in Figure 15 B (i.e. No. 7 icons) below.3 distribution forms of No. 7 icon representations by the widthwise edge block diagram picture of " product " font arrangement.4 of No. 12 icon representations by the widthwise edge block diagram picture of arranged and each to adjacent transverse frame image adjacent distribution form mutually.When having selected last icon in each icon shown in Figure 15 B, when promptly pressing "+" key 118b under the situation of No. 12 icons, to demonstrate that one page shown in Figure 15 C, and cursor be presented at first icon in each icon shown in Figure 15 C (i.e. No. 13 icons) below.

No. 13 icon is also represented 4 distribution forms by the widthwise edge block diagram picture of arranged.But each in No. 13 icons is not adjacent mutually to adjacent widthwise edge block diagram shape, but a predetermined interval separated from each other.9 of No. 17 icon representations by the widthwise edge block diagram picture of arranged and each to adjacent image adjacent distribution form mutually.No. 18 icon representations 9 widthwise edge block diagram picture and each distribution form to an adjacent image predetermined space separated from each other by arranged.Under the situation of having selected No. 18 icons, press "+" key 118b, then will demonstrate that one page shown in Figure 15 A once more.Printer 115 has 18 kinds of image layout forms shown in Figure 15 A to 15C.The direction that cursor moves when pressing "-" key 118a opposite when pressing "+" key 118b.

For No. 1, No. 2, No. 3, No. 12 and No. 17 represented distribution forms of icon, can not determine the background of back with explanation.For the represented distribution form of other icons, can determine diversity of settings.

When by pressing "+" key 118b or "-" key 118a has selected a kind of form from above-mentioned each distribution form, and when selected icon being defined as wishing icon by pressing " SET " key 118c, except appointment be the situation by those represented distribution forms of No. 1, No. 2, No. 3, No. 12 and No. 17 icons, all will demonstrate first page of a background choice menus that is used for selecting preparing to be arranged in the image background in the above-mentioned distribution form.

Show 4 pages of alternative backgrounds in the mode that overlaps each other in Figure 16, selected background will combine with one or several image in by the distribution form of selected layout icon representative.As shown in figure 16, all show the image icon of 6 expression background graphics that dwindle in each above-mentioned 4 pages page, these 4 pages that contain 24 icons altogether in turn show.Can be from by selecting the represented background graphics of 24 icons and determining that a background graphics is used as preparing the background that combines with image.Select the method for icon of an expression background graphics by moving cursor, and the method that indicated icon of cursor is defined as representing preparing the icon of the background that combines with image, identical with employed method in Figure 15 A to 15C situation.After having determined background, this background will combine with one or several image.This operation is repeatedly carried out by other each images in the represented layout of selected layout icon external, thereafter, a printing paper is installed with the starting printing.

Figure 17 illustrates first page when the calendar print menu of selecting on " TOP-MENU " and determining to show behind " CALLENDAR " icon 156.By selecting and specified to print the calendar of 4 kinds of forms in the calendar printing model that " CALLENDAR " icon 156 sets.On behalf of a calendar, No. 1 icon on first page shown in Figure 17 be superimposed on the calendar layout of the right half part of a widthwise edge block diagram shape.Figure 18 A is illustrated in the example of a calendar of selecting and having determined to be printed under the situation of No. 1 icon.No. 2 icons on the page or leaf shown in Figure 17 represent a vertical edges block diagram picture by layout in the left side and a calendar by the calendar layout of layout on the right side.Figure 18 B is illustrated in the example of a calendar of selecting and having determined to be printed under the situation of No. 2 icons.No. 3 icons on the page or leaf shown in Figure 17 represent a calendar by the calendar layout of layout below a widthwise edge block diagram picture.Figure 18 C is illustrated in the example of a calendar of selecting and having determined to be printed under the situation of No. 3 icons.No. 4 icons on the page or leaf shown in Figure 17 represent a calendar by below the widthwise edge block diagram picture of layout on the left of being positioned at, and the calendar of next month is by the calendar layout of layout above the widthwise edge block diagram picture that is positioned at the right side simultaneously.One or several image is selected, determines and extracted to the method for selection and the method for determining an above-mentioned icon and extraction image thereafter again with aforementioned identical with the method for definite icon about selecting on another kind of menu on first page of calendar menu.

Figure 19 A illustrates first page and second page of when go up selecting at " TOP-MENU " and determining " MINI " icon 157 shown tick marks print menu that goes out with overlapping each other.Shown in Figure 19 A, on first page and second page, respectively demonstrated the icon of 6 presentation video decorative patterns.Can on this first page and second page, from 12 icons (image decorative pattern), select an icon.First page with second page on moving cursor method with select by the specified icon of cursor with the method that is defined as desirable icon with identical with reference to the illustrated method of figure 15A to 15C.After having determined the figure of a kind of image decorative pattern, select with aforesaid method again and determine the image of certain specific image as hope as hope.Then, shown in Figure 19 B, will demonstrate 16 same images that have selected decorative pattern (in this situation normally facial photo) on view finder 104, they can be used as little phenotypic marker and stick on the angle of business card.When by printing paper inserting/disengage sealing 116 be installed in printer 115, just will start printing to printing paper P thereafter.Also might print 16 facial photo images that do not have this decorative pattern.

In Figure 20 A, show first page and second page of when on " TOP-MENU ", having selected " POSTCARD " icon 158 shown postcard print menu that goes out with overlapping each other.On this first page and second page, respectively demonstrated the icon of the figure in 4 kinds of expression representative various red-letter days.Can from first page and second page shown go out with selecting a kind of figure 8 kinds of represented figures of icon.First page with second page on the method for moving cursor and selection and the method by that indicated icon of cursor determined with identical with reference to the illustrated method of figure 15A to 15C.Determined after the figure, selected and definite desirable image with the method that illustrates previously.Then, will demonstrate a combining image on view finder 104, wherein desirable image is set in the middle body of a blank of selected figure.When by printing paper inserting/disengage sealing 116 be installed in printer 115, will start printing to printing paper P thereafter.

Figure 20 B illustrates first page of when selecting and determined " COLLAGE " icon 159 shown combination of patterns print menu that goes out on " TOP-MENU ".Shown in Figure 20 B, on this first page, show the icon of 4 expression Decorative frame figures.When having selected No. 1 icon, the image of an appointment will be configured in the Decorative frame that has a flower pattern.When having selected No. 2 icons, the image of 3 appointments will be configured in 3 frames resemble the cinefilm.When having selected No. 3 icons, will print a image as the pictorial poster, it is a specify image, be arranged on the decoration letter " Cute (lovely) " and a combination that is arranged on the decorative pattern of this image top in this image left side.When having selected No. 4 icons and having specified a width of cloth to be suitable for the photo of police office file usefulness, then will print an image that is used for listing as wanted in Westerns the putting up a notice of convict, wherein this photo is set at its top and has in the Decorative frame of letter " WANTED (volume take) ".

The image that Figure 21 A to 21C illustrates record when selecting and having determined " INDEX " icon 160 is some examples that how to be presented on the view finder 104.Figure 21 A illustrates the demonstration example when the number of document image is not more than 4, and at this moment the image of all records all will automatically be presented on the view finder 104.Figure 21 B illustrates the demonstration example when the number from 5 to 9 of document image, and at this moment the image of all records all will automatically be presented on the view finder 104.It is 10 or demonstration example more for a long time that Figure 21 illustrates number when document image, and at this moment the image of all records will be presented on the view finder 104 by the form of one 10 * 10 matrix figure.In order to show 10 * 10 images by this way, adopted small-sized (thumbnait) view data (image is by 36 point * 52 formation).

Has the operating process of the printer 115 of said structure and function referring now to the example explanation that respectively shows shown in each flow chart shown in Figure 22 to 30 and Figure 24 A to 24C and Figure 25 A to 25C.

Various processing shown in Figure 22 to 30 all are all to carry out under the situation by the CPU140 control of printer 115 in each part of each part of printer 115 and digital camera 101.Under the situation that the communication port 119 of the communication port 113 of digital camera 101 and printer 115 is connected by telecommunication cable 114, when connecting the power supply of digital camera 101 and printer 115, the image in the general flow chart that shows of starting Figure 22 is shown and print processing.

When the processing in the general flow chart shown in Figure 22 is started, will judge whether that having imported one from digital camera 101 connects signal (step S1).If judge not from digital camera 101 inputs to connect signals (be the step S2 judged result be "No"), then this judgement will repeat up to having imported the connection signal from digital camera 101.

When judging when digital camera 101 has been imported the connection signal (judged result the step S1 is a "Yes"), then determine the type (step S2) of digital camera 101 according to connecting signal.In this step,, judge whether this digital camera belongs to the sort of type of the function (producing the function of character image) with display text on view finder according to the signal of an ID of representative (identifier) number of exporting from digital camera 101.

As shown in figure 10, on the view finder 104 of digital camera 101, demonstrate " TOP-MENU " (step S3).In this step, reading the data that are used for showing " TOP-MENU " on the presumptive address in the compressing image data district of ROM146, and it is transferred to digital camera 101.In addition, according to the camera type that is identified, shift those letters of represent title and preparation with the form of the character code that added explicit address or bit diagram data to digital camera 104 and be arranged on letter below each respective icon.When " TOP-MENU " has been presented on the view finder 104, judge whether to supress any key (step S4) in the key input part 144.Determining step S4 will repeat up to there being any key to be pressed.

When judging that " MENU " key 118f or " BACK " key 118g are pressed, determining step S4 still repeats.In other words, do not go to comprehend operation to " MENU " key 118f or " BACK " key 118g.

When judging that " EASY " key 118e is pressed in step S4, printer will be placed in " simple and easy printing model ", make " EASY " handle starting (step S5).In " EASY " handles, be used for allowing to digital camera 101 one of output being stored in the command signal (step S6) that first image in each image in the video memory 127 shows.In response to this signal the time, this first image that is stored in the video memory 127 is read out on the view finder 104, for example shown in Figure 11 A.

When demonstrating first image on the view finder 104, judge once more whether any key be pressed (step S7) is arranged in the key input part 144.Determining step S7 will repeat up to there being any key to be pressed.To turn back to step S3 when in step S7, judging when supressing " MENU " key 118f.When judging that in step S7 when supressing " BACK " key 118g, step S7 will repeat.In brief, do not go to comprehend operation to " BACK " key 118g.

When in step S7, judging when supressing " EASY " key 118e, will allow a plurality of images be presented at order (step S8) on the view finder 104 to camera 101 one of output.When ordering in response to this, because many image display functions of digital camera 101, first will be presented on the view finder 104 to the 4th image, shown in Figure 11 B.

After demonstrating these images, turn back to step S7, wait for any key in the importation 114 that pushes button.When " EASY " key 118e is supressed in judgement once more, will in step S8, export an order that shows a plurality of images once more to digital camera 101.When " EASY " key 118e by for the third time, when pressing the 4th time or the like, image shows will be according to for example order modification of Figure 11 C, 11A, 11B or Figure 12 A, 12B, 12C.

When "+" key 118b or "-" key 118a are supressed in judgement in step S7, will be to the order (step S9) of digital camera 101 outputs " proceeding to the next one/previous image ".After this order is exported to digital camera 101, will returns step S7, and wait for that any key of key input part 144 is pressed.In digital camera 101, when in response to mentioned order, (or several) image that is presented on the view finder 104 will become to have other image follow-up or front photo sequence number from the image modification of original photo sequence number.For example, for the situation that was just showing the image of No. 1 (No. 2) photo shown in Figure 11 A (11D) like that at that time on view finder 104, it will change over the image of No. 2 (No. 1) photos shown in Figure 11 D (11A).For the situation of the image that was just showing 1 to No. 4 (5 to No. 8) photo shown in Figure 11 B (11E) like that at that time on view finder 104, they will change over the image of 5 to No. 8 (1 to No. 4) photos shown in Figure 11 E (11B).

If in step S7, judge, when demonstrating any desired image, step S6 to S9 supresses " SET " key 118C, then will determine one or several image (step S10) of preparing to print.In this step, handle of the CPU140 of printer 115 output is transferred to the command signal of printer 115 corresponding to the DID that is presented at the image on the view finder 104.The CPU130 of digital camera 101 will read the view data corresponding to display image from video memory 127 in response to this command signal the time, and by I/O port one 38 and telecommunication cable 144 this view data is transferred to printer 115.

The number of pixels that is positioned at the CCD121 of the digital camera 101 that is connected with printer 115 for example may be 250000,300000 or 350000.Printer 115 has 480 points on main scanning direction when printing an image, 640 points are arranged on sub scanning direction.In other words, counting that printer 115 is printed is 480 * 640=307200 point (about 300000 points).Best situation is, prepares from the resolution that digital camera 101 is transferred to the view data of printer 115 printer 115 to be counted and print received image under the situation of (resolution) not changing image.When the pixel count of the CCD121 that is positioned at the digital camera 101 that is connected with printer 115 is 250000, digital camera 101 will change over about 300000 points that the printing that equals printer 115 is counted to the data of 250000 pixels.That is to say that digital camera 101 carries out picture element interpolation to view data earlier, and then view data is sent to printer 115.When the position with digital camera 101 that printer 115 is connected in the pixel count of CCD121 when being 350000, digital camera 101 will change over about 300000 points that the printing that equals printer 115 is counted to the data of 350000 pixels.That is to say that digital camera 101 is the pixel of dilution view data earlier, and then view data is sent to printer 115.If counting, the printing of printer 115 is not equal to 480 * 640=307200 point (about 300000 points), then 101 of digital cameras need to count according to the printing of printer 115 earlier to change the resolution of view data, and then view data is sent to printer 115.

Printer 115 is temporary in video memory 141 shifting the compressing image data that comes.The compressing image datas that are stored in then in the video memory 141 are expanded part 142 expansions, thereafter according to be stored in print data handling procedure in the ROM146 produce Y print data about yellow, about the M print data of magenta and about the C print data of cyan.The print data of Chan Shenging is stored in the print data memory block of RAM148 by the form with the bit diagram figure like this.Y print data, M print data and C print data can be stored in 3 memory blocks of RAM148.But also can in same memory block, in turn store Y print data, M print data and C print data, and in turn print these data.

In the time of in print data is stored in the print data memory block, printer 115 will be carried out print processing (step S11).Referring now to this print processing of flowchart text shown in Figure 23.

After print processing in flow chart shown in Figure 23 is started, will judge at first whether transducer 154 has detected the printing paper P installation (step S21) of inserting/disengaging sealing 116 by printing paper.If printing paper P (result of determination of HS21 is a "No") also is not installed, then judges whether to supress any key (step S22) in the key input part 144.If judge any key (result of determination of step S22 is a "No") in the importation 144 that do not push button, then will return step S21.Repeat determining step S21 and S22 then.

If determine sensor 154 has detected printing paper P (result of determination of step S21 is a "Yes") is installed, then carry out print processing (step 23).In print processing, according to the print data in the print data memory block (not shown) that is stored in RAM148, CPU140 to printhead 153 output to every kind of color and each main scanning line, be proportional to the heat that is printed image color and produce control data.CPU140 makes motor driver 150a and 150b drive printhead motor 150 and black translator 151 to be synchronized with the hot mode that produces the output of control data.Then, CPU140 makes motor driver 152a drive paper pushing motor 152.Then, under with reference to figures 11 to 14 illustrated " simple and easy printing model " situations, will be on printing paper P hot print go out image corresponding to determined view data among the step S10.When this image is printed end, printing paper P will insert/disengage sealing 116 and be disengaged by printing paper.

Judge then whether transducer 154 has detected the printing paper P that inserts/disengage sealing 116 by printing paper and disengaged (step S24).Finish (result of determination of step S24 is a "Yes") if the process decision chart picture is printed, then will return step S21, and repeat determining step S21 and S22.

If in step S22, judge a key (result of determination of step S22 is a "Yes") of having supressed in the key input part 144, then will start processing corresponding to this key operation.In other words, by certain key among the key 118a to 118g of the importation 144 that pushes button, not only can be after image print to finish, and can change over another kind of tupe to the print processing pattern rising before motion video prints.

When key of key input part 144 has been supressed in judgement in step S22, will judge whether this key of pressing is " BACK " key 118g (step S25).If judge that press is " BACK " key 118g, then will be presented at command signal (step S26) on the view finder 104 to the image of regenerating previously to one of digital camera 101 output by telecommunication cable 114.After having exported this command signal, with the step S7 that returns among Figure 22.As a result, the image that was presented at that time on the view finder 104 of digital camera 101 is changed into the shown image in front, and waits for next button operation.

If judge that in step S25 what press is not " BACK " key 118g (result of determination of step S25 is a "No"), judge then whether what press is " MENU " key 118f (step S27) in step S22.If what judgement was pressed is " MENU " key 118f (result of determination of step S27 is a "Yes"), then return the step S3 of Figure 22.Then, " TOP-MENU " shown in Figure 10 will show on the view finder 104 of digital camera 101 once more, make it possible to selected and image that be defined as printing are carried out the processing shown in the another kind " TOP-MENU ".

If what press among the determination step S22 in step S27 is not that (result of determination of step S27 is for " denying "), judge then whether what press is " EASY " key 118e (step S28) in step S22 for " MENU " key 118f.If what judgement was pressed is " EASY " key 118e (result of determination of step S28 is a "Yes"), then return step S8.Resetting " EASY " then handles.

If that judgement is pressed is not " BACK " key 118g, " MENU " key 118f or " EASY " key 118e, then will repeat determining step S21 and S22 in step S22.In brief, during the print processing in flow chart shown in Figure 23, do not remove to comprehend other key operations except " BACK " key 118g, " MENU " key 118f and " EASY " key 118e.

Refer again to Figure 22, when "+" key 118b or "-" key 118a have been supressed in judgement in step S4, will carry out cursor and move processing (step S12), return step S4 then.Cursor at step S12 moves in the processing, according to the shown at that time position of cursor with that press is "+" key 118b or "-" key 118a, address and cursor video data to the new display position of digital camera 101 transmission cursors also send data that make original cursor position become white to digital camera 101.

If judge in step S4 and supress " SET " key 118c, then the pattern of printer will change in the various print processing patterns pattern (step S13) of that icon representative of being selected by cursor.Then, the some print processing in execution layout/background print processing, calendar print processing, card (postcard) print processing, tick marks print processing, combination of patterns (fine arts picture mosaic) print processing and image inventory (index) print processing.

Digital camera 101 is implemented as and shows that the required image of image be stored in the video memory 127 shows and handle and handle for showing that the required image of each menu shows.Be that the required image of display menu shows that in the processing, the view data of preparing to show is transferred to digital camera 101 from printer 115 by telecommunication cable 114, demonstrates a menu then on view finder 104.

Figure 24 is the flow chart that layout/background print processing is shown, Figure 27 is the flow chart that the calendar print processing is shown, Figure 28 is the flow chart that the tick marks print processing is shown, Figure 29 is the flow chart that card (postcard) print processing is shown, and Figure 30 is the flow chart that image inventory (index) print processing is shown.Combination of patterns print processing (fine arts picture mosaic print processing) is identical with card (postcard) print processing basically, so no longer provide its flow chart and explanation.

Layout/background print processing in the flow chart shown in Figure 24 will be described now.

In flow chart shown in Figure 24, at first on view finder 104, demonstrate first page (step S31) of the layout choice menus shown in Figure 15 A.When the layout choice menus is presented on the view finder 104, judge whether to supress any key (step S32) in the key input part 144.(result of determination of step S32 is a "No" to any key if judgement does not push button in the importation 144, and any key of the importation 144 that pushes button is waited in the then judgement of repeating step S32.

If in step S32, judge and supress " EASY " key 118e, then carry out the step S8 among Figure 22.If in step S32, judge and supress " MENU " key 118f, then carry out the step S3 among Figure 22.If in step S32, judge and supress "+" key 118b or "-" key 118a, then will be with the mode moving cursor (step S35) identical with step S12., return step S32, wait for next key operation thereafter.If in step S32, repeatedly press "+" key 118b, then will on view finder 104, one after the other demonstrate second page and the 3rd page of the layout choice menus shown in Figure 15 B and 15C respectively.

If in step S32, judge and supress " BACK " key 118g, judge then whether be presented on the view finder 104 is first page (step S33) of the layout choice menus shown in Figure 15 A.If judge first page (result of determination of step S33 is a "Yes") of the layout choice menus shown in the A of Figure 15 just that is presented on the view finder 104, then return step S3.In other words, show the menu in front.If what judge demonstration is the 3rd page shown in second page shown in Figure 15 B or Figure 15 C, then on display 104, demonstrate one page (step S34) of the front of that one page that showed at that time.Return step S32 thereafter.By carrying out such processing, just can select an icon in 18 icons from these pages that are shown in the layout choice menus shown in Figure 15 A to 15C, and the image layout form of definite ready-to-print image.

Supress " SET " key 118C when the situation step S32 that has selected certain icon in 18 icons judges, then the icon representative distribution form that is indicated by cursor is defined as desirable distribution form, and it is stored in (step S36) among the RAM148.Judge whether this distribution form be the layout (step S37) that have background thereafter.

If judge that in step S37 this distribution form is a layout (result of determination of step S37 is a "Yes") that has background, then will on view finder 104, demonstrate background choice menus (step S38), and judge whether to supress any key (step S39) in the key input part 144.Before any key in the key input part 144 is supressed in judgement, wait for such key operation all the time.The menu that in step S38, demonstrates (background choice menus) contain shown in Figure 16 have each Background target some the page or leaf.

If in step S39, judge and supress " EASY " key 118e, then transfer to step S8.If in step S39, judge and supress " MENU " key 118f, then transfer to step S3.If in step S39, judge and supress "+" key 118b or "-" key 118a, moving cursor (step S42) and return step S39 then.Identical among cursor move operation among the step S42 and the step S35.

If in step S39, judge and supress " BACK " key 118g, judge then whether just be presented on the view finder 104 is first page (step S40) of background choice menus shown in Figure 16.If judge first page (result of determination of step S40 is a "Yes") of the choice menus of background just that is showing, then return step S31.In other words, first page of the menu in front will be shown.If judge that what showing is that (result of determination of step S40 is a "No", then demonstrates front one page (step S41) of current shown that one page on view finder 104, and returns step S39 for second page to the 4th page of background choice menus shown in Figure 16.Just can from 24 icons 4 pages or leaves of background choice menus shown in Figure 16, select the icon of a hope with said method.

If supress " SET " key 118c in step S39, judging under the situation of selecting such background, then the background of the background icon representative that is indicated by cursor be defined as desirable background, and this background data is deposited in RAM148 (step S43).

If judge that in step S37 selected distribution form is not a kind of layout that has background, the background of then not carrying out from step S38 to step S43 is selected to handle, directly execution in step S44.

Image be will describe below in detail and (step S44) and image direction setting processing (step S45) selected to handle.When selecting a kind of distribution form that a plurality of images are arranged, will begin one by one to carry out successively that background is selected to handle, image is selected to handle and image direction is set and handled from first to these images.

Select to handle referring now to the image that the flow chart among Figure 25 describes in detail among the step S44.

When the processing in this flow chart is started, at first on view finder 104, demonstrate an image (step S51).Specifically, shown in Figure 11 A, will be on view finder 104 (only) to demonstrate the photo that is stored in the digital camera 101 number be 1 image.

When demonstrating the image choice menus, judge whether to supress any key (step S52) in the key input part 144.Before any key in the key input part 144 is supressed in judgement, wait for such key operation all the time.If in step S52, judge and supress " MENU " key 118f, then transfer to step S3, on view finder 104, demonstrate " TOP_MENU ".If in step S52, judge and supress " BACK " key 118g, then return step S38, on view finder 104, demonstrate background choice menus shown in Figure 16.

If judge in step S52 and supress " EASY " key 118e, "+" key 118b or "-" key 118a, then carries out image selects to handle (step S53).In this is handled, illustrated as earlier in respect of figures 11 to 14, can on view finder, demonstrate desirable image individually; Its method is to demonstrate for example 9 images simultaneously by pressing " EASY " key 118e on view finder 104 earlier; On view finder 104, demonstrate simultaneously and comprise other 9 images of wishing image by pressing "+" key 118b again; Demonstrate that image of photo minimum in above-mentioned other 9 images by pressing " EASY " key 118e individually at view finder 104 again; Again by pressing the image that "+" key 118b becomes to have time minimum photo in above-mentioned other 9 images number to the image modification with minimum photo number.

If supress " SET " key 118c in step S52 under the situation that is just showing desired image on the display 104, then this image will be confirmed as the image (step S54) that will print.Then, the view data corresponding to the image that is just showing is transferred to printer 115 from digital camera 101.In digital camera 101, the ultimate resolution storage that the image of all records all uses digital camera 101 to be had.So the image data amount of 1 width of cloth image is bigger.In the present embodiment, check above-mentioned selected distribution form earlier, the resolution of view data is changed according to following size then, this size be when corresponding to the image of this view data by layout this size of images in selected distribution form the time, then, the view data after changing is transferred to printer 115.For example, if selected a kind of distribution form that 4 images are arranged, then the CPU140 of printer 115 will order camera 101 handles to become to have lower resolution (1/4 before in this case, this resolution is incited somebody to action for a change) corresponding to the resolution changings of the view data of 4 images.When ordering in response to this, digital camera 101 will change the resolution corresponding to the view data of 4 images, and the reformed view data of this resolution is transferred to printer 115.Printer 115 prints on same printing paper P by 4 images that shift the view data representative that comes.If selected that 9 images the are arranged distribution form of (referring to No. 17 among Figure 15 C to No. 18 icons), the low resolution of 1/9 before then the CPU140 of printer 115 will order digital camera 101 that the resolution changings corresponding to the view data of 9 images are become to equal to change.When ordering in response to this, the resolution of view data will be changed, and the view data behind the resolution changing is transferred to printer 115 then.

For camera 101 have image wherein with the fine pattern of high resolution records and wherein image with the situation of these two kinds of patterns of normal mode of low resolution record, printer 115 can should shift with the image of fine pattern record or the image that writes down with normal mode by designation number camera 101 to digital camera 101 output image transfer request the time.When printer 115 was specified the image that writes down with normal mode, this image did not generally adapt to the resolution (resolution of image is lower) of printer 115.Therefore, printer 115 for example will utilize between print point the processing of interpolation to change from digital camera 101 earlier and shift the resolution of the image that comes, and then print this image.

Set processing referring now to the image direction that flow chart shown in Figure 26 describes in detail among the step S45.

When image direction is set processing by starting, at first on view finder 104, demonstrate image direction setting data (step S61).In this step, shown in Figure 31 A, on view finder 104, demonstrate a literal display menu, how the image that its one of inquiry has been defined as print image will rotate and how to be laid in the fixed distribution form.Can be from two rotation directions: select a rotation direction among " → A " (the widthwise edge block diagram looks like to be rotated 90 °) and " A → " (the vertical edges block diagram looks like to be rotated 90 °).Set in the initial condition of menu at this image direction, show a cursor 162 below " → the A " in menu left side.

When demonstrating image direction setting menu, judge whether to supress any key (step S62) in the key input part 144.Before in step S62, judging a key of supressing in the key input part 144, wait for such key operation all the time.If in step S62, judge and supress " MENU " key 118f, then transfer to step S3, on view finder 104, demonstrate " TOP_MENU ".If in step S62, judge and supress " BACK " key 118g, then return the step S51 among Figure 25, demonstrate the position and set the image selection processing of handling the front at image direction.

If judge in step S62 and supress "+" key 118b or "-" key 118a, then cursor 162 will be according to this key operation and to the right or be moved to the left (step S63).

Turn back to step S62 then, wait for key operation.

If " SET " key 118c is supressed in step S62 judgement under the situation of selecting a direction in above-mentioned two rotation directions with cursor 162, then be confirmed as desirable direction (step S64) by cursor 162 selected rotation directions.In this step, judge whether to change the address that is stored in the view data in the video memory 141 according to cursor 162 selected directions.

After the various processing in the flow chart shown in Figure 25 and 26 finish, the print processing of step S46 among Figure 24 will be carried out.Print processing among the step S46 identical with shown in Figure 23.

Referring now to flowchart text calendar print processing shown in Figure 27.

When the calendar print processing is started, at first on view finder 104, demonstrate a form choice menus (step S71).When demonstrating the form choice menus on the view finder 104, judge whether to supress any key (step S72) in the key input part 144.Before any key in the key input part 144 is supressed in judgement, wait for such key operation all the time.The form choice menus that step S71 demonstrates is a calendar print menu shown in Figure 17.

If in step S72, judge and supress " EASY " key 118e, then turn back to the step S8 among Figure 22.If in step S72, judge and supress " MENU " key 118f, then turn back to the step S3 among Figure 22.If in step S72, judge and supress "+" key 118b or "-" key 118a, then moving cursor (not shown) (step S73).Then, turn back to step S72, wait for key operation.In step S73, the moving method of cursor is identical with situation among the step S12 of Figure 22.

If step S72 judges and to supress " SET " key 118c under the situation of having been selected an icon by cursor from each icon of form choice menus, the calendar layout of the icon representative of selecting by the cursor form (step S73) that is confirmed as wishing then.From the calendar generation district of ROM16, read determined calendar layout then, and it is deposited in the service area of RAM148., carry out treatment of picture (step S74) about select preparation will with a calendar in determined calendar layout combine, then carry out the direction setting of selected image is handled (step S75) thereafter.Image among the step S74 selects to handle identical with shown in Figure 25, and the image direction among the step S75 is set processing identical with shown in Figure 26.

After image is selected processing and image direction setting processing end, will determine the time and the month of calendar.In order to determine time and month, at first on view finder 104, demonstrate time setting data (the literal display menu shown in Figure 31 B, it is used to set the time) (step S76).In setting menu in the time shown in Figure 31 B, below literal " YEAR INPUT (time input) ", show the numeral " 2000 " of representing 2000, show a cursor 163 below last figure place of this numeral.

After demonstrating time setting menu, judge whether to supress any key (step S77) in the key input part 144.If in step S77, judge and supress " EASY " key 118e, then transfer to the step S8 among Figure 22.If in step S77, judge and supress " MENU " key 118f, then transfer to the step S3 among Figure 22.If in step S77, judge and supress " BACK " key 118g, then turn back to step S71, make first page of the form choice menus to be presented on the view finder 104.

If judge in step S77 and supress "+" key 118b or "-" key 118a, then shown representative numeral in 2000 " 2000 " will be changed (step S78).If press "+" key 118b in succession, numeral " 2000 " will increase to " 2001 ", " 2002 " or the like successively.If press "-" key 118a in succession, then numeral " 2000 " will be reduced to " 1999 ", " 1998 " or the like successively.Turn back to step S77, wait for the key operation on the key input part 144 thereafter.If " SET " key 118c is supressed in step S77 judgement under the situation that has demonstrated the desirable time with said method, that time that is then just showing is confirmed as the time (step S79) of calendar.

After having determined the time, will on view finder 104, demonstrate month setting data (the literal display menu shown in Figure 31 C, it is used to set month) (step S80).Set in the menu in the month shown in Figure 31 C, below literal " MONTH INPUT (month input) ", show the numeral " 12 " of representing December, below last figure place of this numeral, show cursor 164.

After demonstrating month setting menu, will in step S81, judge whether to supress any key (step S81) in the key input part 144.If in step S81, judge and supress " EASY " key 118e, with the step S8 that transfers among Figure 22.If in step S81, judge and supress " MENU " key 118f, then transfer to the step S3 among Figure 22.If in step S81, judge and supress " BACK " key 118g, then turn back to step S76, on view finder 104, demonstrate time setting menu.

If judge in step S81 and supress "+" key 118b, or "-" key 118a, the numeral " 12 " in the representative December that is then just showing will be changed (step S82).If press "+" key 118b in succession, then numeral " 12 " is got back to " 1 " earlier, increases successively then to be " 2 ", " 3 " or the like.If press "-" key 118a in succession, then numeral " 12 " will be reduced to " 11 ", " 10 ", " 9 " or the like successively.Turn back to step S81, wait for the key operation on the key input part 144 thereafter.If " SET " key 118c is supressed in step S81 judgement under the situation that has demonstrated desired month with said method, will be confirmed as the month (step S83) of calendar this month that is just showing.

Then, according to the calendar generator that is stored in the ROM146, the calendar numeral in produce representative in step S79 and S83 determined time and month.The calendar data that is produced is temporarily stored among the RAM148.Then, all be that the Y print data, M print data and the C print data that shift and be stored in the print data memory block of RAM148 from camera 101 are combined together in the image binding data district of RAM148 with the calendar data that is stored in the RAM148, so just produced print data (step S84) corresponding to the combining image that is recorded in image in the camera 101 and calendar image.In the image land of RAM148, Y print data, M print data and C print data are one after the other to be subjected to above-mentioned image in conjunction with handling.Numeral in the calendar and literal are to read from the CG of ROM146 as the figure numeral, and are stored among the RAM148 as calendar data.

After in step S84, having produced print data, the treatment of picture (step S85) that prints corresponding to this print data will be carried out on printing paper P.This print processing is with shown in Figure 23 identical.

Referring now to flow chart shown in Figure 28 the tick marks print processing is described.

When the tick marks print processing in the above-mentioned flow chart is started, will on view finder 104, demonstrate first page (step S91) of pattern choice menus shown in Figure 19 A (tick marks print menu).The pattern choice menus is the menu that is used for selecting a figure from some image decorative patterns.Data corresponding to this menu are to be transferred to digital camera 101 from printer 115, and are presented on the view finder 104.

After demonstrating the pattern choice menus, judge whether to supress any key (step S92) in the key input part 144.Before any key in the key input part 144 is supressed in judgement, wait for such key operation all the time.If in step S92, judge and supress " EASY " key 118e, then transfer to the step S8 among Figure 22.If in step S92, judge and supress " MENU " key 118f or " BACK " key 118g, then transfer to the step S3 among Figure 22.

If judge in step S92 and supress "+" key 118b, then whether that one page according to the current shown pattern choice menus of the position judgment of current cursor (not shown) will change over down one page (step S93).In other words, will judge that current cursor explicit address is whether corresponding to the display position of last icon in this page.

If judge that the cursor explicit address is really corresponding to the display position (result of determination of step S93 is a "Yes") of last icon, then that one page of current demonstration will change over down one page (Figure 19 A meta is at second page of first page of back), and simultaneously cursor is presented at (step S94) below first icon of this time one page.If judge the cursor display position and do not correspond to the display position (result of determination of step S93 is a "No") of last icon, then cursor will move to following (the step S95) of the next icon of current icon.Return step S92 then, wait for the key operation on the key input part 144.Use this method, can select icon along the direction that figure grade increases.

If judge in step S92 and supress "-" key 118a, then whether that one page according to the current shown pattern choice menus of the position judgment of current cursor (not shown) will change over as prevpage (step S96).In other words, will judge that whether current cursor explicit address is corresponding to the current display position that shows first icon on the page or leaf.

If judge that the cursor explicit address is really corresponding to the display position (step S96 result of determination is a "Yes") of first icon, then the page or leaf of current demonstration is changed into its prevpage (is last page for situation shown in Figure 19 A), and cursor is displayed on following (the step S97) of last icon of this prevpage.If judge the cursor explicit address and do not correspond to the current display position (result of determination of step S96 is a "No") that shows first icon on the page or leaf, then cursor is moved to following (the step S98) of the previous icon of current icon.Turn back to step S92 then, wait for the key operation on the key input part 144.Like this, can select icon along the direction that figure grade descends.

If step S92 judges and to supress " SET " key 118c under the situation of having been selected an icon with said method by cursor, then the image decorative pattern of the icon representative of being selected by cursor is confirmed as desirable figure (step S99).After having determined the image decorative pattern, be stored in photo in the digital camera 101 and number be that image (reproduced picture) of 1 and be displayed on the view finder 104, shown in Figure 11 A (step S100).

After having demonstrated reproduced picture on the view finder 104, judge whether to supress any key (step S101) in the key input part 144.Before pressing certain key, wait for the key operation on the key input part 144 all the time.If in step S101, judge and supress " EASY " key 118e, then transfer to the step S8 among Figure 22.If in step S101, judge and supress " MENU " key 118f, then transfer to the step S3 among Figure 22.If in step S101, judge and supress " BACK " key 118g, then turn back to step S91.

If in step S101, judge and supress "+" key 118b, then on view finder 104, demonstrate next image (step S102) with big photo number.When this image is presented on the view finder 104, turn back to step S101, wait for the key operation on the key input part 144.When pressing "+" key 118b each time, the current image that is presented on the view finder 104 all will change over the next image with big photo number.

If judge in step S101 and supress "-" key 118a, the then current image that is presented on the view finder 104 will change over the image (step S103) of its front.Turn back to step S101 then, wait for the key operation on the key input part 144.When pressing "-" key 118a each time, the current image that is presented on the view finder 104 all will change over the image that has than the front of small photo number.

If judge with said method step S101 under the situation that has demonstrated desired image on the view finder 104 and to supress " SET " key 118c, then this image is confirmed as the image (step S104) that will print.Then, be transferred to printer 115 corresponding to the view data of the image that is just showing from digital camera 101, and be temporarily stored in the video memory 141.This view data of coming from digital camera 101 transfers is that resolution is reduced for 1/4 or 1/9 view data.The expansion 142 of printer 115 is 1/20 of the resolution when view finder 104 shows this image separately to the resolution changing that is temporarily stored in the image in the video memory 141.Then, shown in Figure 19 B, generate print data, and carry out print processing (step S105) as the combining image of 20 images and image decorative pattern.This print processing is with shown in Figure 23 identical.

Referring now to flowchart text card (postcard) print processing shown in Figure 29.

When the card in the above-mentioned flow chart (postcard) print processing is started, at first on view finder 104, demonstrate first page (step S110) of the form choice menus shown in Figure 20 A.Represent the menu data of form choice menus also to be transferred to digital camera 101, the form choice menus can be presented on the view finder 104 from printer 115.

After demonstrating the form choice menus, judge whether to supress the key (step S111) in the key input part 144.Before pressing such key, wait for the key operation on the key input part 144 all the time.If in step S111, judge and supress " EASY " key 118e, then transfer to the step S8 among Figure 22.If in step S111, judge and supress " MENU " key 118f, or " BACK " key 118g, then transfer to the step S3 among Figure 22.

If in step S111, judge and supress "+" key 118b,, judge that first page of form choice menus should change over its one page (step S112) down then according to current cursor (not shown) position.In other words, will judge that the cursor explicit address is whether corresponding to the display position of last icon in first page.

If judge that the cursor explicit address is really corresponding to the display position (result of determination of step S112 is a "Yes") of last icon in first page, then first page will change over second page (Figure 20 A meta is at second page of first page of back), and cursor is presented at following (the step S113) of first icon in aforementioned one page down.If judge the cursor display position and do not correspond to the display position (result of determination of step S112 is a "No") of last icon in first page, then cursor moves to following (the step S114) of the icon in back, position at that time.Then, turn back to step S111, wait for the key operation on the key input part 114.In this way, " POSTCARD (postcard) " icon will select along the direction that the icon number increases.

If in step S111, judge and supress "-" key 118a, judge then whether that one page of the form choice menus of current demonstration will change over its prevpage (step S115).In other words, will judge that the cursor explicit address is whether corresponding to the display position of first icon in that one page that is just showing.

If judge that the cursor explicit address is really corresponding to the display position (result of determination of step S115 is a "Yes") of first icon, that one page that was then just showing at that time will change over its prevpage (rearmost that one page among Figure 20 A), and cursor is presented at following (the step S116) of last icon in this prevpage.If judge the cursor display position and do not correspond to the display position (result of determination of step S112 is a "No") of last icon in first page, then cursor will move to following (the step S117) of the icon in front of position at that time.Turn back to step S111 then, wait for the key operation on the key input part 114.With such method, " POSTCARD " icon will be selected along the direction that figure grade descends.

Judge and supress " SET " key 118c that then the figure of the icon representative selected of cursor is confirmed as desirable figure (step S118) if selected under the situation that is presented at certain icon in the form choice menus step S111 at cursor.In this case, the view data corresponding to determined figure is also deposited in RAM148.Then carries out image is selected to handle (step 119), carries out image direction thereafter and sets processing (step S120).This image is selected to handle and image direction is set processing identical with shown in Figure 25 and 26 respectively.By the processing of step S119 and S120, the image that to print and its direction have just been determined to prepare, so deposited in RAM148 (step S121) corresponding to the view data of determined image.After having determined image, will on view finder 104, demonstrate the time setting menu (step S122) shown in Figure 31 B.

After demonstrating time setting menu on the view finder 104, with any key (step S123) that judges whether to supress in the key input part 144.Before supressing some keys, wait for the key operation on the key input part 144 all the time.If in step S123, judge and supress " EASY " key 118e, then transfer to the step S8 among Figure 22.If in step S123, judge and supress " EASY " key 118e, then transfer to the step S8 among Figure 22.If in step 123, judge and supress " MENU " key 118f, then transfer to the step S3 among Figure 22.If in step S123, judge and supress " BACK " key 118g, then turn back to step S119.

If judge in step S123 and supress "+" key 118b, then the time increases " 1 " (step S124).If judge in step S123 and supress "-" key 118a, then the time reduces " 1 " (step S125).Processing among step S124 and the S125 is with identical to the illustrated processing of the step S78 in the calendar print processing shown in Figure 27.After in step S124 or S125, making the time increase " 1 " or reducing " 1 ", turn back to step S123.

Judge and supress " SET " key 118c that then to be determined be the time (step S126) that will print this time if demonstrated under the situation in desired time step S123.Represent the literal in this time to be used as the character style figure and from the CG of ROM146, read, and combine, thereby produce print data with image that camera 101 is write down.That image corresponding to the print data that is produced is printed (step S127).This print processing is identical with shown in Figure 23 also.

Referring now to flow chart shown in Figure 30 image inventory (index) print processing is described.

When image inventory (index) print processing in the above-mentioned flow chart is started, indicated the width of cloth number of 101 document images of digital camera and the picture number data that are stored in the video memory 127 are transferred to printer 115 (step S130) from digital camera 101.After the reception of confirming the picture number data finishes (step S131), will generate and to literal display menu of digital camera 101 transfers, and be presented at (step S132) on the view finder 104.For the number of picture elements of the CCD121 in the digital camera 101 is 350000 situation, will generate the literal display menu shown in Figure 32 A.Pixel count for CCD121 is less than 350000 situation, will generate the literal display menu shown in Figure 32 B.

The width of cloth number of view data is specified in " * * * " of " normal * * * page or leaf " part of literal display menu shown in Figure 32 A, and more specifically, the width of cloth number of the image of 320 point * 240 of being stored is displayed in " * * * ".It in " * * " is the width of cloth number of the meticulous memory image of 640 point * 480 that " * * " that the width of cloth number of view data also is presented at " meticulous * * page or leaf " part but, is presented at.Display menu shown in Figure 32 B does not have " normal * * * page or leaf " part or " meticulous * * page or leaf " part, and the width of cloth number of memory image " the * * " that be presented at simply in " * * page or leaf " is located there.In this case, being stored in the video memory of digital camera 101 is the view data of representing the image of low resolution 320 point * 240.

According to the picture number data that in step S130, receive, the data that are shown in the literal display menu of Figure 32 A or 32B the present age have been transferred to after the digital camera 101, to shift representative corresponding to by the data of the literal (numeral) of the specified numeral of picture number data with indicate the address of the position that these literal will show to digital camera 101, the width of cloth number of institute's document image will be presented at " * * * " part or " * * " part thus.

Behind the width of cloth number of document image, judge whether to supress any key (step S134) in the key input part 144 when demonstrating.Before this, wait for the key operation on the key input part 144 up to judging as follows a key all the time.If in step S134, judge and supress " EASY " key 118e, then transfer to the step S8 among Figure 22.If in step S134, judge and supress " MENU " key 118f or " BACK " key 118g, then transfer to the step S3 among Figure 22.

If " SET " key 118c is supressed in step S132 judgement under the situation of the width of cloth number of document image demonstrating, then will generate the literal shown in Figure 32 C and show the word menu and it is transferred to digital camera 101, be presented at (step S135) on the view finder 104.Whether the literal display menu inquiry user who is shown in Figure 32 C will carry out printing.For the situation of preparing to answer "Yes", then indicate the user to insert/disengage sealing 116 printing paper P is installed, and, then indicate the user to press " MENU " key 118f for the situation of preparing to answer "No" by printing paper.

Then, transducer 154 judges whether that inserting/disengage sealing 116 by printing paper has installed printing paper P (step S136).If transducer 154 detects printing paper P and is inserted into that (result of determination of step S136 is a "Yes", and then (step S137) printed in starting.Then, according to the width of cloth number of document image, print the inventory (index) of all images, wherein these images are by the format layout shown in Figure 21 A, Figure 21 B or Figure 21 C.

When the width of cloth number of document image was equal to or greater than 10, each document image will be correspondingly shows by 10 * 10 matrix format, and all these images all are printed as compact image (each image by 52 point * 36 form).

When having confirmed that the printing that begins finishes (the formulation result of step S138 is a "Yes") in step S137, will demonstrate " TOP_MENU ".If transducer 154 does not detect printing paper P and inserts in step S136, then judge whether to supress any key (step S139) in the key input part 144.Before such key is supressed in judgement in step S139, wait for the key operation on the key input part 144 all the time.

If in step 139, judge and supress " EASY " key 118e, then transfer to the step S8 among Figure 22.If in step 139, judge and supress " MENU " key 118f or " BACK " key 118g, then transfer to the step S3 among Figure 22.

Like this, the user can carry out key operation and cancels inventory (index) print processing by not inserting printing paper P, and can change over and carry out another kind and handle.

The situation of if digital camera 101 can be before becoming to equal the resolution changing corresponding to the view data of 4 (9) images to change 1/4 low resolution, view data corresponding to great amount of images is changed over the compact image data, and then these compact image data are transferred to printer 115, in the situation of printing great amount of images with above-mentioned inventory (index) print processing, can realize flying print too so.

In step S130, indicated by digital camera 101 records and the picture number data that are stored in the width of cloth number of the image in the video memory 127 and be transferred to printer 115 from digital camera 101.But, also can be transferred to the data that printer 115 has indicated the width of cloth number of the image that digital camera 101 can also write down.

By the printer 115 of second embodiment thereon the recording medium of print image be not limited to printing paper P, it also can be adhesive label or the transparent film that has the peelable scraps of paper.The system that color printer 147 also can adopt the heat as the ink-jet print system to shift outside the print system comes print image.

Claims

1, a kind of printing device that is connected with an image recorder (10) removably and can communicates with above-mentioned image recorder (10), above-mentioned image recorder (10) comprising: image acquiring device (31-34), be used for obtaining represent a width of cloth rest image separately some such as the such image information units of digital signal; A video memory (37) is used for storing each image information unit unit that is obtained by above-mentioned image acquiring device (31-34); Display unit (13) is used for showing each image information units that is stored in the above-mentioned video memory (37); And control device (42), be used for going control and above-mentioned video memory (37) and above-mentioned display unit (13) according to the control signal that receives from the outside,

Above-mentioned printing device is characterised in that it comprises:

Input unit (52) is used for importing various control signals;

First control device (51), be used for receiving from first control signal of above-mentioned input unit (52) input and above-mentioned first control signal sent to the above-mentioned control device (42) of above-mentioned image recorder (10), its objective is that the above-mentioned control device (42) that makes above-mentioned image recorder (10) reads at least one image information units that is stored in the above-mentioned video memory (37), and make above-mentioned display unit (13) demonstrate image by above-mentioned at least one image information units representative of reading from above-mentioned video memory (37);

Second control device (51), be used for receiving from second control signal of above-mentioned input unit (52) input with above-mentioned second control signal and send to the above-mentioned control device (42) of above-mentioned image recorder (10), its objective is that the above-mentioned control device (42) that makes above-mentioned image recorder (10) exports to above-mentioned printing device to above-mentioned at least one image information units that representative is presented at the image on the above-mentioned display unit (13);

Image information receiving device (55) is used for receiving above-mentioned at least one image information units from above-mentioned image recorder (10) output; And

Printing equipment (61) is used for printing the image by above-mentioned at least one the image information units representative that is received by above-mentioned image information receiving device (55) on a recording medium (X).

According to the printing device of claim 1, it is characterized in that 2, it also comprises:

The 3rd control device, be used for receiving from the 3rd control signal of above-mentioned input unit (52) input with above-mentioned the 3rd control signal and send to the above-mentioned control device (42) of above-mentioned image recorder (10), its objective is that the above-mentioned control device (42) that makes above-mentioned image recorder (10) goes to set the direction that a preparation is presented at the image on the above-mentioned display unit (13); And

Storage device (54c), be used for the directional information of the direction that storage sets from above-mentioned the 3rd control signal of above-mentioned input unit (52) input the time corresponding to the above-mentioned control device (42) of above-mentioned image recorder (10), above-mentioned printing equipment (61) will print the image of above-mentioned at least one the image information units representative that is received by above-mentioned image information receiving device (55) according to being stored in directional information in the above-mentioned storage device (54c).

According to the printing device of claim 2, it is characterized in that 3, above-mentioned the 3rd control signal comprises the data of specifying preparation to be presented at the direction of the image on the above-mentioned display unit (13).

4, according to the printing device of claim 1, it is characterized in that, above-mentioned image information receiving device (55) receives from the image information with packed data form of above-mentioned image recorder (10) output, above-mentioned printing device also comprises the expanding unit (59) that is used for expanding the received image information of above-mentioned image information receiving device (55), and above-mentioned printing equipment (61) prints the image by the image information representative of having been expanded by above-mentioned expanding unit (59) on above-mentioned recording medium (X).

According to the printing device of claim 1, it is characterized in that 5, it also comprises:

Form storage device (53), the selection display menu data that are used for storing in advance the layout data of the various layouts of representative and are used for selecting the layout of a hope from above-mentioned various layouts;

The 4th control device (51), be used for receiving from the 4th control signal of above-mentioned input unit (52) and the selection display menu data that are stored in the above-mentioned form storage device (53) and send to the above-mentioned control device (42) of above-mentioned image recorder (10), its objective is that the above-mentioned control device (42) that makes above-mentioned image recorder (10) is presented at an image corresponding to above-mentioned selection display menu data on the above-mentioned display unit (13) together with above-mentioned the 4th control signal;

Choice device (52) is used for based on corresponding to above-mentioned selection display menu data and be presented at image on the above-mentioned display unit (13) and select a kind of layout in the above-mentioned various layout; And

Print data generation device (51,60), be used for producing the print data of the image of representing a ready-to-print according to the image information that receives from above-mentioned image recorder (10) with by the selected layout data of above-mentioned choice device (52) at least, and be used for above-mentioned print data is offered above-mentioned printing equipment (61).

According to the printing device of claim 5, it is characterized in that 6, above-mentioned printing device also comprises and is used for the time measurement device (56) of Measuring Time information; Above-mentioned various layout comprises a kind of layout that contains a zone (A4), and ready-to-print goes out an image corresponding to the temporal information that is measured by above-mentioned time measurement device (56) in this zone; And, above-mentioned print data generation device (51,60) is according to the image information that receives from above-mentioned image recorder (10), produce above-mentioned print data by selected layout data of above-mentioned choice device (52) and the temporal information that is measured by above-mentioned time measurement device (56).

7, according to the printing device of claim 1, it is characterized in that, it also comprises power control (51), is used for having passed through the power supply of cutting off under the situation of also not importing any control signal after the preset time length from above-mentioned input unit (52) above-mentioned printing device (20) one.

8, a kind of printing device that is connected with removably by a communicator (138) and an image recorder (101), the control that above-mentioned image recorder (101) is carried out according to control device (130), from by the digital signal that obtains the formed optical imagery of a lens unit (103a) as in image data storage to a video memory (127), by above-mentioned communicator (138) data that comprise above-mentioned view data are sent to above-mentioned printing device, receive control signal or contain the data of above-mentioned view data from above-mentioned printing device, and on display unit (104), demonstrate the view data that is stored in the above-mentioned video memory (127) or by the received data of above-mentioned communicator (138)

Above-mentioned printing device is characterised in that it comprises:

Storage device (146) is used for storage to make above-mentioned display unit (104) demonstrate the printer operation view data of image of the form of an a kind of hope that is used for selecting multiple form, and is used for storing the view data corresponding to above-mentioned various forms;

First control device (140), be used for above-mentioned printer operation view data is sent to the above-mentioned communicator (138) of above-mentioned image recorder (101), its objective is that the above-mentioned control device (130) that makes above-mentioned image recorder (101) demonstrates an image corresponding to above-mentioned printer operation view data on above-mentioned display unit (104);

Format selection device (144) is used for based on corresponding to above-mentioned printer operation view data and be presented at the form that image on the above-mentioned display unit (104) is selected a hope in the above-mentioned multiple form;

Second control device (140), be used for one first control signal being sent to above-mentioned control device (130), its objective is that the above-mentioned control device (130) that makes above-mentioned image recorder (101) reads the view data that is stored in the above-mentioned video memory (127) and a view data of reading is presented on the above-mentioned display unit (104) by above-mentioned communicator (138);

Image-selecting device (144) is used for selecting in the image on being shown in above-mentioned display unit (104) view data of hope;

Format-pattern read-out device (140) is used for reading corresponding to the view data by the selected form of above-mentioned format selection device (144) from above-mentioned storage device (146);

The 3rd control device, be used for second control signal corresponding to the view data of being selected by above-mentioned image-selecting device (144) being sent to above-mentioned control device (130), its objective is that above-mentioned control device (130) is read by above-mentioned image-selecting device (144) selected a view data and a view data of reading from above-mentioned video memory (127) to send by above-mentioned communicator (138) by the above-mentioned communicator (138) of above-mentioned image recorder (101);

Receiving system (145) is used for receiving the view data of sending by above-mentioned communicator (138) when in response to above-mentioned second control signal that sent by above-mentioned the 3rd control device (140);

Print image generation device (140,148) is used for according to view data of being read by above-mentioned format-pattern read-out device (140) and the print image data that is produced the image of representing ready-to-print by the view data that above-mentioned receiving system (145) receives; And

Printing equipment (147) is used for printing the print image data that is produced by above-mentioned print image generation device (140,148) on a recording medium (P).

9, printing device according to Claim 8 is characterized in that, the view data that is stored in the above-mentioned storage device (146) is a packed data, and above-mentioned print image generation device comprises the expanding unit (142) that is used for expanding above-mentioned view data.

10, printing device according to Claim 8, it is characterized in that, is packed data by above-mentioned receiving system (145) from the view data that above-mentioned image recorder (101) receives, and above-mentioned print image generation device includes the expanding unit (142) that is used for expanding above-mentioned view data.

On behalf of the view data by image recorder (101) record and some rest images of keeping, 11, a kind of print system wherein be transferred to a printing device (115), and is printed by above-mentioned printing device (115),

Above-mentioned print system is characterised in that it comprises:

Storage device (146), be used for storing in advance be used for from multiple form select a kind of hope form the printer operation view data and corresponding to the view data of above-mentioned multiple form;

Display unit (104), be used for showing one corresponding to the above-mentioned printer operation view data of reading, and be used for showing by at least one image in some images of the view data representative that remains on above-mentioned image recorder (101) from above-mentioned storage device (146);

Choice device (144), be used for selecting the form of a kind of hope in the above-mentioned multiple form, and be used for selecting the view data on being presented at above-mentioned display unit (104) view data of hope according to the printer operation view data that is presented on the above-mentioned display unit (104);

Print data generation device (140,148), be used for according to the view data that remains in the above-mentioned image recorder (101) and selected by above-mentioned choice device (144) with corresponding to selected and be stored in the print image data that view data in the above-mentioned storage device (146) produces ready-to-print by above-mentioned choice device (144);

Printing equipment (147) is used for printing the view data that is produced by above-mentioned print data generation device (149,148) on a recording medium (P).

12, according to the print system of claim 11, it is characterized in that, above-mentioned printer operation view data is a packed data, above-mentioned print system also includes the expanding unit (142) that is used for expanding above-mentioned printer operation data, and above-mentioned display unit (104) shows an image corresponding to the above-mentioned printer operation view data of having been expanded by above-mentioned expanding unit (142).

13, according to the print system of claim 11, it is characterized in that, the view data that remains in the above-mentioned image recorder (101) is a packed data, above-mentioned print system also includes the expanding unit (142) that is used for expanding above-mentioned view data, and above-mentioned display unit (104) shows the image corresponding to the above-mentioned view data of having been expanded by above-mentioned expanding unit (142).

14, a kind of printing device, it is from the view data of an image recorder (101) receiving record and print an image corresponding to the view data that receives, above-mentioned image recorder contains display unit (104), this device has the function that demonstrates the function of this rest image when writing down a rest image under logging mode and demonstrate the rest image that is write down under playback mode

Above-mentioned printing device is characterised in that it comprises:

Storage device (146) is used for being stored as execution printing necessary operations video data;

First control device (130), be used for the operation video data that is stored in the above-mentioned storage device (146) is transferred to above-mentioned image recorder (101), its objective is to make above-mentioned image recorder (101) on above-mentioned display unit (104), demonstrate a image corresponding to the aforesaid operations video data;

Print command device (144) is used for producing one and allows printing according to corresponding to the aforesaid operations video data and be presented at the order that the image on the above-mentioned display unit (104) carries out;

Second control device (130) is used for making above-mentioned image recorder (101) to shift the view data of above-mentioned record in response to the order that produced by above-mentioned print command device (144) time; And

Printing equipment (147) is used for printing the image corresponding to shift the view data of the above-mentioned record that comes from above-mentioned image recorder (101) on a negative printing paper (P).

According to the printing device of claim 14, it is characterized in that 15, above-mentioned printing device does not have the display unit that is used for showing aforesaid operations video data required when carrying out printing.

16, a kind of printing device that is connected with an image recorder (101) with removably by communicator (138), the control that above-mentioned image recorder (101) is carried out according to control device (130), from by the digital signal that obtains the formed optical imagery of a lens unit (103a) as image data storage in a video memory (127), the data that comprise above-mentioned view data are sent to above-mentioned printing device by above-mentioned communicator (138), receive control signal or contain the data of above-mentioned view data from above-mentioned printing device, and on display unit (104), demonstrate the view data that is stored in the above-mentioned video memory (127) or by the received view data of above-mentioned communicator (138)

Above-mentioned printing device is characterised in that it comprises:

Printing equipment (147) is used for upward going out one corresponding to the image that shifts the view data of coming from above-mentioned image recorder (101) with predetermined resolution printing in a recording medium (P); And

Print control unit (140), be used for sending an image transfer request signal to the above-mentioned control device (130) of above-mentioned image recorder (101) by above-mentioned communicator (138), its objective is to make above-mentioned control device (130) become to be suitable for the resolution of being printed by above-mentioned printing equipment (147) to the resolution changing that is stored in the view data in the above-mentioned video memory (127) and shift the altered view data of resolution, thereby above-mentioned printing equipment (147) can print corresponding to the image that shifts the view data of coming from above-mentioned image recorder (101) in recording medium (P) under the situation that does not change the resolution that shifts the view data of coming from above-mentioned image recorder (101).

17, according to the printing device of claim 16, it is characterized in that, above-mentioned print control unit (140) sends an image transfer request signal that is used for asking to shift the view data of representing n width of cloth image to above-mentioned control device (130), above-mentioned control device (130) becomes the 1/n of original resolution to the resolution changing of the view data of said n width of cloth image, and above-mentioned printing equipment (147) prints under the situation of the resolution that does not change above-mentioned view data corresponding to the n width of cloth image that shifts the above-mentioned view data of coming from above-mentioned image recorder (101).

18, a kind of print system, wherein represent some to be transferred to a printing device (115) and printed by above-mentioned printing device (115) by the view data of an image recorder (101) record and the rest images preserved, above-mentioned image recorder (101) comprising: resolution changing device (126) is used for the resolution changing that remains on the view data in the above-mentioned image recorder (101) is become to be suitable for the resolution that above-mentioned printing device (115) is printed; And transfer device (138), be used for shifting the reformed view data of resolution to above-mentioned printing device (115), and above-mentioned printing device (115) prints on a printed medium (P) corresponding to some images that shifted the above-mentioned view data of coming by above-mentioned transfer device (138) under the situation that does not change the resolution that is shifted the above-mentioned view data of coming by above-mentioned transfer device (138).

19, a kind of printing device that is connected with an image recorder (101) with removably by communicator (138), the control that above-mentioned image recorder (101) is carried out according to control device (130) from by the digital signal that obtains the formed optical imagery of a lens unit (103a) as image data storage in a video memory (127), the data that comprise above-mentioned view data are sent to above-mentioned printing device by above-mentioned communicator (138), receive control signal or contain the data of above-mentioned view data from above-mentioned printing device, and on display unit (104), demonstrate the view data that is stored in the above-mentioned video memory (127) or by the received view data of above-mentioned communicator (138)

Above-mentioned printing device is characterised in that it comprises:

First command device (144) is used for the above-mentioned control device (130) of the above-mentioned image recorder of order (101) to shift information about the inner case of above-mentioned image recorder (101);

Display control unit (140), be used for producing video data according to the above-mentioned information about the inner case of above-mentioned image recorder (101) of shift from above-mentioned image recorder (101), and be used for exporting above-mentioned video data to above-mentioned control device (130), on above-mentioned display unit (104), to demonstrate a image corresponding to above-mentioned video data;

Second command device (144) is used for the above-mentioned control device (130) of the above-mentioned image recorder of order (101) to shift the view data be stored in the above-mentioned video memory (127); And

Printing equipment (147) is used for printing one on the recording medium (P) corresponding to the image that shifts the view data of coming in response to the order that produced by above-mentioned second command device (144) time from above-mentioned image recorder (101).

20, printing device according to claim 19, it is characterized in that, the information of above-mentioned inner case about above-mentioned image recorder (101) is the data that representative is stored in the width of cloth number of the rest image in the epigraph memory (127) of above-mentioned image recorder (101), above-mentioned display control unit (140) is transferred to above-mentioned image recorder (101) to the video data that data produced of the width of cloth number that is stored in the rest image in the above-mentioned video memory (127) according to above-mentioned representative, above-mentioned then display unit (104) demonstrates above-mentioned video data, indicates the width of cloth number that is stored in the rest image in the above-mentioned video memory (127) thus.

21, printing device according to claim 19, it is characterized in that, the information of above-mentioned inner case about above-mentioned image recorder (101) is the data of the width of cloth number of the rest image that can also store in above-mentioned video memory (127) of representative, above-mentioned display control unit (140) is transferred to above-mentioned image recorder (101) to the video data that data produced of the width of cloth number of the rest image that can store according to above-mentioned representative in above-mentioned video memory (127), above-mentioned then display unit (104) demonstrates above-mentioned video data, indicates the width of cloth number of the rest image that can also store in above-mentioned video memory (127) thus.