JP2004255740A - Image output unit, program, and recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image output unit which displays a thumbnail image based on specified display conditions, a list of images indicated to be printed, and the like. <P>SOLUTION: Display sorting of images read out from a recording medium is specified on a thumbnail display screen 600, an image output unit 101 displays a display sort specification screen 902 comprising those "sorted by date" 903, "sorted by month" 904 and "sorted by holder" 905. When a thumbnail display screen "sorted by month" 904 is specified, for example, the image output unit 101 sorts thumbnail images 601 by month, in units of page, starting from the photographing date of image management information and displays a page 801 along with the page title 805 of each month. When the page title 805 to be displayed (e.g. november '02) is clicked, the image output unit 101 displays the thumbnail image 601 of that page 801. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image output device capable of synthesizing, editing, and printing an image photographed by a digital camera, an image read by a scanner, image data recorded on a recording medium brought, an image previously stored in the device, and the like. About.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Images taken with a digital camera or the like can be printed at home using a personal computer, a printer, or the like, instead of having to bring a film to a photo shop for printing as in the related art. In addition, a photo that has already been printed can be read by a scanner or the like to perform additional printing, enlargement, and the like.
[0003]
However, while there is a demand to process captured images more beautifully and to make various improvements, electronic devices such as digital cameras, personal computers, printers, and scanners are making rapid progress, and new products with high performance are being developed one after another. Since it is sold, it is difficult for an individual to always create the highest quality print, and there is a limit to the sub-images such as frame images to be combined with the photographed image that can be used by the individual.
[0004]
Therefore, a digital photo print device, which is an image output device that can be installed in a relatively small space, is installed in a store such as a camera store. There is a method of printing the image by carrying it and synthesizing a frame image or the like (see a digital photo print system, for example, [Patent Document 1] and [Non-Patent Document 1]).
[0005]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-2002-46324 (page 18, paragraph number [0145], FIGS. 5 to 10)
[Non-patent document 1]
Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd., "Recommendation for Digital Camera Print", [online], [searched on December 1, 2002], Internet <URL: http: // www. Digimates. com / susume / index. html>
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In a conventional digital photo print device, a user generally inserts a recording medium storing a captured image into a reader, and displays a plurality of thumbnails of the image. The display method is the order of shooting date or the alphabetical order of file name. The number of images to be displayed is also a unique order determined by the system, such as 10 images in 2 rows × 5 columns, and the display method. Was displayed.
Nearly 100 images are recorded on the recording medium, but when only images taken during a certain period are displayed, all images are displayed, making it difficult to select an image to be printed. However, there is a problem in that processing time is required by handling images that are not to be printed.
[0007]
When a print instruction is issued, a button for specifying the number of prints is arranged around the displayed thumbnail image, so that the user can specify the image to be printed and the output number of prints. When issuing a print instruction for more images than the number of thumbnail images displayed at one time, click the buttons such as "Previous screen" and "Next screen" to switch the contents of the thumbnail image list display. Then, a print instruction is given to the image. In this case, there is a problem that although the print instruction image on the current screen and the number of prints can be known, the screen that is not displayed cannot be known unless it is displayed again.
[0008]
The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an image output device capable of displaying thumbnail images based on designated display conditions, displaying a list of images for which printing has been instructed, and the like. Aim.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
To achieve the above object, a first aspect of the present invention provides an image input unit for inputting image data, a thumbnail display unit for displaying a thumbnail image obtained by reducing the image data, and a print output unit for printing the image data. , Wherein the thumbnail display means displays a thumbnail image based on designated display conditions.
[0010]
It is preferable that the image input unit further inputs image management information corresponding to each of the image data.
Further, it is preferable that the image input means includes a recording medium reading means for reading the image data from a recording medium.
[0011]
The “thumbnail image” is an image obtained by reducing image data read from a recording medium, and a plurality of “thumbnail images” are arranged on a monitor screen.
The “image management information” is information accompanying each image data read from the recording medium, and includes a shooting date and time, a file name, a folder name, and the like.
The “display condition” includes a display order, a classification, a search condition, the number of displayed thumbnail images, and the like.
The “display order” includes a new order of the shooting date and time, an oldest order of the shooting date and time, the order of the file name, and the like.
“Category” is by date of shooting date and time, by month of shooting date and time, and by folder.
The “search condition” is a date of a shooting date and time, a file name, and the like.
[0012]
In the first aspect, when image data is input and a thumbnail image obtained by reducing the input image data is displayed, the thumbnail image based on the specified display condition is displayed, and the image data is printed.
[0013]
A second invention is an image output apparatus comprising: image input means for inputting image data; thumbnail display means for displaying a thumbnail image obtained by reducing the image data; and print output means for printing the image data. The thumbnail display means is an image output apparatus for displaying a thumbnail image designated for printing on the same screen or by switching screens.
[0014]
In the second invention, when image data is input and a thumbnail image obtained by reducing the image data is displayed, the thumbnail image designated to be printed is displayed on the same screen or by switching between screens, and the image data is printed.
[0015]
A third invention is a program that functions as the image output device according to the first invention or the second invention.
A fourth invention is a recording medium on which a program for causing the computer to function as the image output device according to the first invention or the second invention is recorded.
[0016]
The above-described program may be stored in a recording medium such as a CD-ROM and distributed, or the program may be transmitted and received via a communication line.
[0017]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of an image printing system and the like according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description and the accompanying drawings, components having substantially the same functional configuration will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.
[0018]
First, the configuration of an image printing system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the image printing system 100.
[0019]
FIG. 1 is an example of an image printing system. As shown in FIG. 1, the image printing system 100 is realized by an image output device 101 and the like.
The image output device 101 includes an image data read / write unit 111, an image editing / synthesizing unit 112, a material database (material DB) 113, a printing unit 114, an order content input unit 115, a charging unit 116, and the like.
[0020]
The image data read / write unit 111 captures an image of the subject 121 with an imaging device such as a digital camera, reads a document 122 with a document reading device such as a scanner device, or reads a document 122 from a recording medium 123 in which image data is recorded in advance. To obtain image data. Further, the image data read / write unit 111 can also record the image data created by the image output device 101 on the recording medium 123.
The recording medium 123 is, for example, a smart media, a compact flash (registered trademark) card (CF card), a floppy (registered trademark) disk, a PC card, a CD-ROM, or the like.
[0021]
The image editing / synthesizing unit 112 synthesizes one or more input or selected image data by performing processing such as graffiti or stamping, clipping image data, scaling, pasting the cut image to another image, and the like. It comprises interactive interface means for interactively performing editing and the like and an image processing program. As the image data to be processed or edited, material image data, frame image data, and the like existing in the material database 113 can be used.
[0022]
The printing means 114 is a high-resolution color printer. Any method such as a sublimation type or an ink jet type is applicable. The printed matter 124 is an identification photograph obtained by imaging printed out, a photograph based on a digital camera image, a seal print, a postcard, or the like.
[0023]
The user selects the order contents to be output as required by the order contents input means 115. Items to be selected include selection of print mode (such as whether to perform normal output of actual image data, index print output, postcard print, seal print, ID photo print, etc.). In the case of normal output of actual image data, etc., display thumbnail images and specify which image to print when multiple frames of image data are input (in the case of outputting a digital camera image) Monitor display of thumbnail images and image selection), designation of the number of prints and print size, and the like. Note that the user can specify one or more pieces of image data to perform processing, composition, and editing before outputting the image.
[0024]
As the order content input means 115, for example, a touch panel integrated with a display means such as a CRT or a liquid crystal panel, or various pointers such as a keyboard, a mouse, and a trackball can be used.
The charging unit 116 enables each function of the image output apparatus 101 according to the amount of money input in advance.
[0025]
Next, an external configuration of the image output apparatus 101 will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of the image output device 101.
[0026]
A monitor screen 201 such as a monitor with a touch panel is arranged on the front of the upper part of the image output device 101. The monitor screen 201 has a function as a display unit that displays an operation guide, an operation status, a read image, an edited image, and the like.
[0027]
A media insertion slot 202 is provided on the side of the monitor screen 201. A scanner surface 203 that reads an image of a printed matter and converts it into digital data is installed in a horizontal portion that separates the upper portion and the lower portion. A lens window 204 for capturing an image of a subject with an imaging device such as a digital camera is provided on the monitor screen 201. The media insertion port 202, the scanner surface 203, and the lens window 204 constitute a part of the image data reading / writing unit 111.
[0028]
The media insertion slot 202 is an insertion slot for various media (smart media, compact flash (registered trademark) card (CF card), floppy (registered trademark) disk, PC card, CD-ROM, etc.), and floppy (registered trademark). A disk insertion slot, a CD-ROM insertion slot, a PC card insertion slot, a smart media insertion slot, a CompactFlash (registered trademark) insertion slot, and the like are arranged in a group.
[0029]
The main body of each read / write device is installed in the housing of the image output device 101 corresponding to the insertion opening of each of the recording media. Each insertion slot may be provided with a shutter (not shown) so that the recording medium cannot be removed until the collection of the fee is completed.
[0030]
In the lower part of the image output device 101, a charge slot (coin slot 205, bill slot 206), return lever 207, return slot 208, receipt outlet 209, printed material outlet 210, speaker 211, and maintenance key 212 , A door open / close key 213 and the like.
[0031]
The charge slot (coin slot 205, bill insertion slot 206), return lever 207, return slot 208, and receipt outlet 209 constitute a part of the billing means 116.
The customer pays a fee by inserting a coin into the coin insertion slot 205 or inserting a bill into the bill insertion slot 206. If there is a change, the change is released from the return port 208 and can be received. When the order is canceled or when the coin is jammed, the coin is released from the return port 208 by turning the coin return lever 207, so that the coin can be received.
After the fee is collected, a receipt on which the collected amount and the order details are printed is released from the receipt outlet 209.
[0032]
The print outlet 210 constitutes a part of the printing unit 114. After instructing execution of printing by touching a touch panel button or the like, the user receives the print 124 released from the print outlet 210.
The speaker 211 reproduces sound, BGM, sound effects, and the like during standby and operation.
[0033]
The maintenance key 212 is a key for switching between a normal operation mode in which a user can be accepted and a management mode in which the administrator performs setting and maintenance of the image printing system.
[0034]
In addition, although it cannot be clearly recognized from the external appearance, the housing of the post-type image output apparatus 101 includes a personal computer including a control unit for controlling each component of the post-type image output apparatus 101, and performs voltage conversion. A power supply box, an uninterruptible power supply for preventing damage to the CPU and the hard disk of the control unit at the time of power failure, and the like are installed.
[0035]
Next, a schematic configuration of the image output apparatus 101 will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 3 is a hardware configuration diagram of the image output apparatus 101.
[0036]
The image output device 101 includes a control unit 301, a hard disk 302, an input / output unit 303 (CD-ROM drive device, keyboard, mouse, etc.), a digital camera 305, a scanner 306, various media read / write units 307 (1-n), The shutter 308 (1 to n), the monitor 309 (with a touch panel), the coin mech 310, the bill validator 311, the receipt journal processing unit 312, the printer 313, and the like are connected via the bus 314.
[0037]
The control unit 301 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like, and controls driving of each device connected via the bus 314 according to a program stored in a hard disk 302 as a large-capacity storage medium.
[0038]
The hard disk 302 is input as a part of the image editing / synthesizing unit 112 in addition to a program for controlling the driving of each component, for example, a reading / writing program corresponding to each recording medium 123, a shutter opening / closing control program, a charging program, and the like. Or an image processing program for editing and processing the selected image, an image processing program for creating thinned data and creating index data, and displaying an interactive menu on the monitor 309 as a part of the order content input means 115 and printing means A program for setting print conditions for 114 and instructing a print start, and a material database 113 storing image data such as a frame used for image synthesis, a background image, a line drawing illustration image for coloring, and the like are stored. I have.
[0039]
Each of these program codes is read out by the control unit 301 as needed, transferred to the RAM, read out by the CPU, and executed as various means.
[0040]
The input / output unit 303 (CD-ROM drive device, keyboard, mouse, etc.) upgrades programs and information stored in the ROM and the hard disk 302 of the control unit 301, or sets operation settings and device settings of the image printing system. The main unit is switched to the management mode by a maintenance key, a CD-ROM for version upgrade is inserted into the input / output unit 303, and data is rewritten or setting data is input. Make settings.
[0041]
The digital camera 305, the scanner 306, and the various media read / write units 307 (1 to n) correspond to the image data read / write unit 111.
The shutter 308 is provided in the recording medium insertion opening, and opens and closes the recording medium insertion opening to prevent the recording medium from being taken out during the reading process or to prevent the recording medium from being taken out until the charging process is completed. be able to.
[0042]
By selecting and touching the touch panel button displayed on the monitor 309 according to the operation guide displayed on the monitor 309, the process from selection of the print mode and reading of the original image data to processing, synthesis and editing, and output of the print 124 are performed. A series of operations can be performed.
[0043]
The coin mech 310, the bill validator 311, and the receipt journal processing unit 312 correspond to the billing unit 116, and accept coin insertion and bill insertion, and issue a receipt.
The printer 313 corresponds to the printing unit 114, and performs print output processing of an image.
[0044]
Next, the operation of the image output apparatus 101 will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the image output apparatus 101.
[0045]
The image output apparatus 101 displays a menu screen showing service contents, procedures, guidance, and the like, and allows the user to select a function. (Step 401).
[0046]
The image output device 101 acquires image data (Step 402). When inputting image data, the user selects a method such as reading from the recording medium 123, reading from a scanner, or imaging an object by an imaging device (such as a digital camera).
[0047]
The image output device 101 processes, edits, and synthesizes the image based on the user's instruction (step 403). The processing, editing, and combining of images include, for example, combining input image data, frame images, existing images, and the like, painting colors, inputting characters, moving, enlarging / reducing, and creating postcard data.
[0048]
The image output apparatus 101 performs a billing process and a receipt issuing process according to the user's order contents (output form (photo print, sticker print, index print, postcard print, etc.), number of prints, etc.) (step 404).
[0049]
The image output apparatus 101 performs image processing such as color correction, resizing, trimming, layout, and text / logo synthesis (step 405), holds the image-processed image data in a hard disk device or the like (step 406), and is ready for output. The image data is transferred to the printer device which has become, and printout processing is performed (step 407).
When the operation of the image print system 100 is continued (No in Step 408), the image output apparatus 101 repeats the processing from Step 401 to Step 408.
[0050]
Next, an image acquisition process (step 402) when an image is read from the recording medium 123 will be described in detail. When image data is read from a recording medium 123 on which an image captured by a digital camera is recorded and normal output of actual image data is performed, thumbnail images obtained by reducing a plurality of read image data are displayed, and these thumbnail images are displayed. An image is selected from 601 and the number of prints and the print size are specified. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an image acquisition process when an image is read from the recording medium 123.
[0051]
The image output apparatus 101 inserts the recording medium 123 into the corresponding medium insertion slot, and reads the image data and the image management information accompanying the image data (step 501). The image management information includes a shooting date and time, a file name, a folder name, and the like.
[0052]
The image output apparatus 101 displays a list of the thumbnail images 601 on the monitor screen from the read image data (step 502). FIG. 6 shows a thumbnail display screen 600.
As shown in FIG. 6, thumbnail images 601 are appropriately arranged on the thumbnail display screen 600. If the number of thumbnail images 601 is too large to fit on one screen, all thumbnail images 601 are listed in a plurality of pages. A “previous page” button 607 and a “next page” button 608 move the displayed page forward or backward.
[0053]
The image output device 101 displays the thumbnail image 601 based on the display conditions specified by the user. A display screen setting button group 602 is a “display order” button for specifying display conditions (display order, number of displayed images, display classification, search conditions, etc.) when displaying the thumbnail images 601 to be displayed on the monitor screen. 603, a “display image number” button 604, a “display classification” button 605, a “search” button 606, and the like. A “display order” button 603 specifies the display order of the thumbnail images 601 (newest order, oldest order, file name order, etc.). A “display image number” button 604 specifies the number of thumbnail images to be displayed on one screen. A “display classification” button 605 specifies a classification based on a shooting date and a file name of each image. A “search” button 606 is used to specify search conditions such as a shooting date and a file name.
[0054]
At the bottom of the thumbnail display screen 600, a “Cancel” button 609, a “Return to previous screen” button 610, and a “Enter” button 611 are provided. An image to be printed is selected from among the thumbnail images 601 displayed in a list, the number of prints is designated, and an "OK" button 611 is clicked to select an image to be used as a main image and give a print instruction (step). 503, 504). Note that, on the thumbnail display screen 600, the display for designating the number of prints provided corresponding to each thumbnail image 601 is omitted. This print number designation will be described later.
[0055]
Next, the specification of the display conditions (display order, number of displayed images, display classification, search conditions, etc.) of the thumbnail images 601 will be described with reference to FIGS. First, the designation of the display order of the thumbnail images 601 will be described. FIG. 7 shows a monitor screen for specifying the display order of thumbnail images.
[0056]
As shown in FIG. 7, when the user clicks the “display order” button 603 on the thumbnail display screen 600 in FIG. 6, the image output apparatus 101 displays the “newest date” button 703 and the “oldest date” A display order designation screen 702 including a button 704 and a “file name order” button 705 is displayed. The user clicks a “newest date” button 703, an “oldest date” button 704, a “filename order” button 705, etc., so that the newest shooting date, the oldest shooting date, and the file name Specify the display order such as order. The image output apparatus 101 displays the thumbnail images 601 in the specified display order while referring to the shooting date and time, the file name, and the like, which are the image management information corresponding to the image data.
For example, when the user clicks the “newest date” button 703, the image output apparatus 101 displays the thumbnail images 601 in the newest shooting date.
[0057]
Next, the specification of the number of displayed thumbnail images 601 will be described. FIG. 8 shows a monitor screen for specifying the number of thumbnail images to be displayed.
[0058]
As shown in FIG. 8, when the user clicks the “number of displayed images” button 604 on the thumbnail display screen 600 in FIG. 6, the image output apparatus 101 displays a display image number designation screen 802 including the number of display images 803. . The user selects or inputs and specifies the number of display images including the number of rows and the number of columns to be displayed. The image output device 101 displays the thumbnail images 601 on the screen according to the designated number of rows × the number of columns of display images.
For example, when the user clicks on the number of displayed images 803 (3 × 2), the image output apparatus 101 displays six thumbnail images 601 of 3 rows × 2 columns.
In addition, the user can input and specify an arbitrary number (for example, 2 × 2, etc.) in the number of display images 803, and the image output apparatus 101 determines the specified number of rows × number of columns (2 × 2) Are displayed on the screen in accordance with the number of displayed images of 4 thumbnail images 601 of 2 rows × 2 columns.
[0059]
Next, designation of the display classification of the thumbnail image 601 will be described. FIG. 9 shows a monitor screen for specifying the display classification of thumbnail images.
[0060]
As shown in FIG. 9, when the user clicks the “display classification” button 605 on the thumbnail display screen 600 of FIG. 6, the image output apparatus 101 displays the “by date” button 903, the “by month” button 904, and the “folder”. A display classification designation screen 902 including an "another" button 905 and the like is displayed. The user specifies the display classification. The classification is by date of shooting date and time, by month of shooting date and time, by folder, and the like. The image output apparatus 101 divides the thumbnail image 601 into units of pages 801 according to a designated category based on the shooting date and time, the file name, the folder name, and the like of the image management information. A page 801 is displayed together with the page 805.
[0061]
For example, when the user clicks a “monthly” button 904, the image output apparatus 101 displays the thumbnail images 601 by month from the shooting date and time of the image management information (for example, October 2001, July 2002, and 2002). (November, 'December 2002, etc.) in page units, and the page with monthly page headings 805, such as' October 2001, 'July 2002,' November '02, and 'December 2002' 801 is displayed. When the user clicks the page heading 805 of November 2002, the image output apparatus 101 displays the thumbnail image 601 of the page 801 taken in November 2002.
[0062]
Next, the designation of the display classification of the thumbnail image from the display condition list display will be described. FIG. 10 shows a monitor screen for designating the display classification of the thumbnail image from the display condition list display.
[0063]
As shown in FIG. 10, the image output apparatus 101 displays a display classification designation screen 902 including a “by date” button 903, a “by month” button 904, a “by folder” button 905, and the like. The user specifies the display classification. The classification is by date of shooting date and time, by month of shooting date and time, by folder, and the like. The image output apparatus 101 displays a list of display conditions 1003 in the display condition window 1002 for each of the specified categories based on the shooting date and time, the file name, the folder name, and the like of the image management information, and corresponds to the specified display condition 1003. The thumbnail image 601 is displayed.
[0064]
For example, when the user clicks the “by folder” button 905, the image output apparatus 101 displays a folder (eg, folder “123abc”, folder “124abc”, folder “124abc”) based on the image management information of the image data. 125abc) in the display condition window 1002, and when the user clicks on the folder “123abc” of the display condition 1003, the image output apparatus 101 displays the thumbnail image 601 of the folder “123abc” that is the display condition 1003. Is displayed.
[0065]
Next, the specification of the search condition of the thumbnail image 601 will be described. FIG. 11 shows a monitor screen for designating search conditions for thumbnail images.
[0066]
As shown in FIG. 11, when the user clicks a “search” button 606 on the thumbnail display screen 600 in FIG. 6, the image output apparatus 101 displays a search screen 1100. The user specifies the search condition 1103. The search condition 1103 has a date specification 1101, a file name specification 1102, and the like. The image output device 101 displays a thumbnail image 601 corresponding to the designated search condition 1103 on the page 801 based on the shooting date and time, the file name, and the like of the image management information.
For example, when the user inputs search conditions 1103: “2001/10/20” from “2001/10/5” in the date specification 1101, the image output apparatus 101 sets the year 2001 based on the shooting date and time of the image management information. A thumbnail image 601 taken between October 5 and October 20 is displayed on a page 801.
[0067]
Next, a list display of images designated for printing will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 12 shows a thumbnail display screen 1200 for designating a print, and FIG. 13 shows a print designation image display screen 1300. FIG. 14 shows a thumbnail display and a print designation image display on the same screen.
[0068]
The image output device 101 displays a thumbnail display screen 1200 for displaying a thumbnail image 601 from the read image data on the monitor screen. As shown in FIG. 12, the thumbnail display screen 1200 includes thumbnail images 601 arranged as appropriate, a print number 1201 for designating the number of prints corresponding to each thumbnail image 601, a print designation image display button 1202, and the like. When the user designates the number of prints for the thumbnail image 601 to be printed and clicks the print designation image display button 1202, the image output apparatus 101 displays a print designation image display screen 1300 displaying a list of print designation images 1301. .
[0069]
As shown in FIG. 13, the print designation image display screen 1300 includes a print designation image 1301, the number of prints 1201, the thumbnail display button 1302, and the like. The print designation image 1301 is an image in which the number of prints 1201 is designated on the thumbnail display screen 1200. A thumbnail display button 1302 displays a thumbnail display screen 1200.
[0070]
Next, the display (parallel display) of the thumbnail display and the print designation image display on the same screen will be described. The image output apparatus 101 is provided with a thumbnail display screen 1200 for displaying a thumbnail image 601 from the read image data and a print designation image display screen 1300 on the same screen. As shown in FIG. 14, the thumbnail display screen 1200 includes thumbnail images 601 arranged as appropriate, the number of prints 1201 for specifying the number of prints corresponding to each thumbnail image 601, and the like. The print designation image display screen 1300 includes a print designation image 1301 and the number of prints thereof. When the user specifies the number of prints, the image output apparatus 101 displays a print specification image 1301 specifying the number of prints and the number of prints on the print specification image display screen 1300.
[0071]
For example, when the user designates the number of prints 1201 over a plurality of pages using the “previous page” button 607 and the “next page” button 608 on the thumbnail display screen 1200, the print designation image display is performed. The screen 1300 displays all print-designated images 1301 including print-designated images not displayed on the current thumbnail display screen 1200.
[0072]
As described above, according to the embodiment of the present invention, when the image output device 101 reads image data from the recording medium 123 and displays the thumbnail image 601 of the image data, the image output device 101 specifies By displaying the thumbnail images 601 based on display conditions such as the display order, the number of displayed images, classification, and search conditions, it is easy to select an image to be printed for a large number of images recorded on the recording medium 123. Operation time for printing is also reduced.
[0073]
Also, when displaying the thumbnails, the image output apparatus 101 displays the thumbnail images 601 designated for printing in the same screen or by switching the screens to display a list, so that the user can determine which images are to be printed and how many. It becomes easy to confirm.
[0074]
The preferred embodiments of the image printing system and the like according to the present invention have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the present invention is not limited to such examples. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes or modifications can be made within the scope of the technical idea disclosed in the present application, and these naturally belong to the technical scope of the present invention. I understand.
[0075]
【The invention's effect】
As described above in detail, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide an image output apparatus capable of displaying a thumbnail image based on designated display conditions, displaying a list of images for which printing has been instructed, and the like.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an image printing system 100. FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of an image output device 101. FIG. 3 is a hardware configuration diagram of the image output device 101. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an image acquisition process when an image is read from the recording medium 123. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a thumbnail display screen 600. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a monitor screen for specifying the display order of thumbnail images. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a monitor screen for specifying the number of thumbnail images to be displayed; FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a monitor screen for specifying the display classification of thumbnail images; FIG. 10 is displaying thumbnail images from a list of display conditions; FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a monitor screen for specifying classification. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a monitor screen for specifying search conditions for thumbnail images. FIG. 12 is a thumbnail showing print designation. Figure [EXPLANATION OF SYMBOLS] showing the Figure 13 thumbnail display and print the specified image display on the monitor screen of the print designation image display screen 1300 Figure 14] in the same screen indicating showing a display screen 1200
100 image printing system 101 image output device 111 image data reading / writing means 112 image editing / synthesizing means 113 material database 114 printing means 115 printing order contents Input unit 116 Billing unit 301 Control unit 302 Hard disk 309 Monitor (with touch panel)
313 Printer 601 Thumbnail image 1301 Print designation image

Claims (16)

Image input means for inputting image data,
Thumbnail display means for displaying a thumbnail image obtained by reducing the image data;
Print output means for printing the image data,
An image output device comprising:
An image output device, wherein the thumbnail display means displays a thumbnail image based on designated display conditions. 2. The image output device according to claim 1, wherein the image input unit further inputs image management information corresponding to each of the image data. The image output apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the image management information is at least one of a shooting date and time, a file name, a folder name, and the like. 2. The image output apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display condition is a display order, and the thumbnail images are displayed according to the display order. The image output apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the display order is at least one of a new order of the shooting date and time, an old order of the shooting date and time, and an order of the file name. 2. The image output apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display condition is classified by category, and the thumbnail image is divided and displayed in page units according to the classification. 2. The image output device according to claim 1, wherein the display conditions are classified by category, the display conditions are listed by category, and a thumbnail image corresponding to the designated display condition is displayed. 8. The image output apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the classification is at least one of a date of the shooting date and time, a month of the shooting date and time, and a folder. The image output apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display condition is a search condition, and a thumbnail image corresponding to the search condition is displayed. 10. The image output apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the search condition is the date of the shooting date and time or the file name. 2. The image according to claim 1, wherein the display condition is a number of thumbnail images including a number of rows and a number of columns to be displayed, and the plurality of thumbnail images are arranged in the number of rows and the number of columns to be displayed. Output device. Image input means for inputting image data,
Thumbnail display means for displaying a thumbnail image obtained by reducing the image data;
Print output means for printing the image data,
An image output device comprising:
An image output apparatus, wherein the thumbnail display means displays a thumbnail image designated for printing in the same screen or by switching screens. 13. The image output apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image input unit includes a recording medium reading unit that reads the image data from a recording medium. 13. The image output apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a charging unit for charging for use. A program for causing a computer to function as the image output device according to any one of claims 1 to 14. A recording medium storing a program for causing a computer to function as the image output device according to claim 1.

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