JP2004312487A - Image recorder, image recording method and storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image recorder and image recording method by which a user can take priority for the desired data and hour among the date and hour showing the date and hour tag and date and hour showing a file updated date when the user prints the date and hour to be associated with an image, or can designate a priority order when the user prints both the date and hour, and to provide a storage medium. <P>SOLUTION: The priority order is set in the file updated date and the date and hour tag, and a layout to be printed is changed for each type of the data and hour data. When the date and hour data of the date and hour tag is different from that of the file updated data, the image is considered to have the possibility that the image has been edited. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a printing method, a storage medium storing a computer program for using the printing method, and a printer.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, with the spread of digital still cameras, proposals have been made for users to easily enjoy digital photographic images.
[0003]
For example, means (digital camera direct print) for directly printing an image file photographed by a digital still camera by a printer without using a PC has been proposed.
[0004]
This digital camera direct printing is realized by connecting a digital still camera and a printer via a cable or via a recording medium such as a memory card.
[0005]
Also, a format for recording additional information in an image file is defined, such as the DCF standard and Exif 2.2 standard intended for photographic images. For example, Exif 2.2 includes a tag (Tag = 9003.H) (date and time tag) indicating the generation date and time (Date Time Original) of the original image data.
[0006]
By recording the above date / time tag in the image file, the image file is processed, and even if the file update date / time (file update date) recorded on the label of the image file is changed, the value of the date / time tag is changed. By being held, there is an advantage that the generation date and time of the image file is not lost.
[0007]
Unlike general image files, photographic image files created by digital still cameras are based on the date and time tag value, as much as possible, because the date and time the user took the image is more important than the file update date. It is desirable to obtain the date and time data of the image file.
[0008]
On the other hand, since some image files do not conform to the standards such as DCF and Exif, some image files do not have a date and time tag. Further, when the image file is generated, even if the date and time tag is present, the date and time tag may be lost when the image file is edited and saved by an application of a PC that does not support the date and time tag.
[0009]
Therefore, conventionally, it has been proposed to print the date / time tag as date / time data if the date / time tag exists, and to print the update date of the image file as date / time data if the date / time tag does not exist. (See Patent Document 1).
[0010]
[Patent Document 1]
Japanese Patent No. 3045154
[0011]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, digital photographic images are easy to edit and process after photographing, unlike silver halide photographs. Therefore, for example, editing of image processing such as white balance adjustment, contrast adjustment, and trimming is performed after photographing. Therefore, the edited image and the unedited image may be mixed in the same image file group.
[0012]
By the way, according to the proposal described in Patent Document 1, when the date and time is printed by index printing or the like, whether the printed date and time is the date and time of the date and time tag or the date and time of the image file update date Is indistinguishable by the user.
[0013]
Further, the proposal described in Patent Document 1 has a problem in that the user cannot arbitrarily select which of the date tag and the file update date is to be printed. That is, in the above-described embodiment, for example, there is a problem that the user does not want to print the file update date as the date and time, but cannot realize a request to print only the value of the date and time tag.
[0014]
Also, in the proposal described in Patent Document 1, since the date and time tag and the date and time data of the file update date are not compared, for example, the date and time of the date and time tag and the file update date differ due to the image being edited. In such a case, there is a problem that the date tag and the file update date cannot be identified, and therefore, the possibility that the image has been edited cannot be recognized.
[0015]
According to the present invention, when the user prints the date and time in association with the image, the date and time indicating the date and time tag and the date and time indicating the file update date can be given priority to the desired date and time, or both date and time can be set. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image recording apparatus, an image recording method, and a storage medium that can specify a priority when printing.
[0016]
Further, the present invention provides an image recording apparatus, an image recording method, and a storage medium that allow a user to visually know whether a printed date and time is a value of a date and time tag or a value of a file update date. The purpose is to provide.
[0017]
Furthermore, the present invention provides an image recording apparatus, an image recording method, and a storage medium that allow a user to visually know whether or not an image may be edited based on a printed image or date and time. The purpose is to provide.
[0018]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
According to the present invention, the date and time data inside the image file and the date and time data recorded as the label of the image file are managed separately, and the user can select whether or not to print each of the two date and time data. When printing the two date and time data together, the user can select the priority of the printing.
[0019]
Further, according to the present invention, the user can visually know the type of the date and time data based on the printed image or the layout of the date and time by printing the type of the date and time data in association with the date and time or the image thereof. You can do it.
[0020]
Furthermore, the present invention compares the date and time data inside the image file with the date and time data recorded as the label of the image file, and prints the result of estimating whether or not the image has been edited. The user can visually know whether or not the printed image has been edited.
[0021]
Embodiments and Examples of the Invention
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image recording apparatus 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0022]
The image recording apparatus 100 includes a CPU 20, a ROM 1, a RAM 2, a nonvolatile RAM 3, an operation unit 4, a display unit 5, a recording unit 6, an image processing unit 7, a reading unit 8, a card interface 9, , A drive unit 10 and a sensor unit 11.
[0023]
The CPU 20 controls various functions of the image recording apparatus 100, and executes an image processing program stored in the ROM 1 according to a predetermined operation on the operation unit 4. The ROM 1 stores a control command program for the image recording apparatus 100 and the like.
[0024]
FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the image recording apparatus 100.
[0025]
A reading unit 8 including a CCD reads a document image and outputs analog luminance data of red (R), green (G), and blue (B). Note that the reading unit 8 may use a contact image sensor (CIS) instead of the CCD. Further, the ADF unit 21 may or may not be provided.
[0026]
In addition, the card interface 9 reads an image file captured by, for example, a digital still camera and recorded on a memory card or the like in accordance with a predetermined operation of the operation unit 4.
[0027]
The color space of the image data read via the card interface 9 may be changed from the color space of the digital still camera (for example, YCbCr) to the standard RGB color space (for example, NTSC- RGB or sRGB). Further, based on the header information, the read image data is subjected to various processes required for the application, such as resolution conversion to an effective number of pixels, as necessary.
[0028]
The image processing unit 7 performs image processing such as image analysis, thumbnail creation, thumbnail correction, and output image correction, which will be described later, and print data obtained by these image processing is stored in the RAM 2. When the print data stored in the RAM 2 reaches a predetermined amount required for recording by the recording unit 6, a recording operation by the recording unit 6 is performed.
[0029]
The date and time data of the image file read from the image file according to the program in the ROM 1 is also included in the print file because it is converted into a print file.
[0030]
The nonvolatile RAM 2 is a battery-backed SRAM or the like, and stores data unique to the image recording apparatus 100 and the like. The operation unit 4 selects a photo direct print start key, a copy start key at the time of monochrome copy or color copy, and a mode such as copy resolution and image quality in order to select image data stored in the storage medium and start recording. It is composed of a designated mode key, a stop key for stopping a copy operation, etc., a numeric keypad for inputting the number of copies, a registration key, and the like. The CPU 20 detects the pressed state of these keys and controls each unit according to the pressed state.
[0031]
The display unit 5 includes a dot matrix type liquid crystal display unit (LCD) and an LCD driver, and performs various displays based on the control of the CPU 20. Also, thumbnails of the image data recorded on the storage medium are displayed. The recording unit 6 includes an inkjet head of an inkjet system, a general-purpose IC, and the like. Under the control of the CPU 20, the recording unit 6 reads out the recording data stored in the RAM 2 and prints out the data as a hard copy.
[0032]
In each operation of the reading unit 8 and the recording unit 6, the driving unit 10 includes a stepping motor for driving a paper supply / discharge roller, a gear for transmitting a driving force of the stepping motor, and a driver circuit for controlling the stepping motor. It is constituted by.
[0033]
The sensor unit 11 includes a recording paper width sensor, a recording paper presence / absence sensor, a document width sensor, a document presence / absence sensor, a recording medium detection sensor, and the like. The CPU 20 detects the state of the document and the recording paper based on the information obtained from these sensors.
[0034]
Next, in the above embodiment, an operation from obtaining arbitrary date and time data from an image file to printing will be described.
[0035]
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an operation of acquiring and printing arbitrary date and time data from an image file in the above embodiment.
[0036]
The setting value 300 is a setting value that determines the handling of the date and time data printing in the image recording apparatus 100 in the present embodiment.
[0037]
The value N indicating the priority is a value indicating the priority given to a plurality of types of date and time data to be acquired from the image file, and a serial numerical value starting from 0 is assigned. For example, if the value of the date and time tag is to be treated as the highest priority as date and time data, the priority of the date and time tag is 1 (N = 1), and if the file update date is to be given priority next to the date and time data, The priority of the file update date is 2 (N = 2). If a certain type of date and time data is ignored, the priority of the date and time data is assumed to be 0 (N = 0). For example, if the file update date is not treated as date and time data, the priority of the file update date is 0 (N = 0).
[0038]
The number of times Cnt at which the date and time is acquired is a value indicating the total number of date and time data acquired from the image file. If only one type of date and time data (for example, file update date) can be obtained from a given image file, the number of times Cnt obtained is one, but two types of date and time data (for example, date and time tag and file update date) If day) can be acquired, the number of times Cnt at which the date and time are acquired is 2.
[0039]
MAX1 is the maximum value of the value N indicating the priority, and is a value indicating the upper limit of the priority. When acquiring date and time data up to the second priority (for example, acquiring the first date and time tag and the second priority file update date), the maximum value MAX1 of the value N indicating the priority becomes 2 However, when only the first priority date / time data is acquired (for example, when only the first priority date / time tag is acquired), the maximum value MAX1 of the value N indicating the priority order becomes 1.
[0040]
In consideration of two types of date and time data recorded in the image file and the label of the image file (maximum value MAX1 = 2 of the value N indicating the priority), the maximum value MAX1 of the value N indicating the priority is Not specified in 2. For example, if information related to the date and time other than the date and time tag is recorded in the image file, the information may be added to the acquisition target.
[0041]
The maximum value MAX2 is the maximum value of the number of times Cnt at which the date and time is acquired, and is a value indicating the upper limit of the date and time data to be actually printed. For example, if up to two pieces of acquired date and time data are printed, the maximum value MAX2 of the number Cnt of acquired date and time is 2, but only one date and time is printed regardless of the total number of acquired date and time data. Otherwise, the maximum value MAX2 of the number of times Cnt at which the date and time has been acquired is 1.
[0042]
The setting value 300 can be set in advance by the user, but a unique value may be set in advance by the image recording apparatus 100.
[0043]
Next, the operation of printing the date and time in the above embodiment will be described.
[0044]
First, in S301, a value N = 1 indicating a priority order and the number of times Cnt = 0 obtained date and time are initialized. In the present embodiment, when the value N indicating the priority is set to 0, the date and time data is ignored. Therefore, in the initialization in S301, the value N indicating the priority is set to 1.
[0045]
Next, in S302, it is determined whether or not the date and time data set as the value N indicating the priority exists in the image file. For example, if the first priority is a date / time tag (Tag = 9003.H), the date / time tag recorded inside the image file is referred to in S302.
[0046]
If the date and time data (for example, the value of the date and time tag) referred to in S302 does not exist, in order to refer to the date and time data of the next priority (for example, file update date), in S303, the value N indicating the priority is displayed. Is added to.
[0047]
In S306, the value of the value N indicating the priority is compared with the maximum value MAX1 of the value N indicating the priority. If the value N indicating the priority is smaller than the maximum value MAX1 of the value N indicating the priority, Since there is still date and time data to be referred to, a series of processing is continued in S302.
[0048]
The process from S306 to S309 is not shifted until the value N indicating the priority is added in S303 and exceeds the maximum value MAX1 of the value N indicating the priority. If there is date and time data in S302, an acquisition process of the date and time data is performed in S304. For example, in the case of a date and time tag, a character code string indicating date and time data is obtained according to the rules of Exif.
[0049]
In S304, if the date and time data is acquired, 1 is added to the number of acquisitions Cnt of the date and time indicating the total number of date and time data acquired in S305, and the date and time data with the next highest priority in the same image file (for example, , File update date), 1 is added to the value N indicating the priority. In step S307, the number of times Cnt at which the date and time is acquired is compared with the maximum value MAX2 of the number of times at which the date and time is acquired CNT.
[0050]
The maximum value MAX2 of the number of times CNT at which the date and time is acquired is a value indicating the upper limit of the date and time data to be printed. Since the value MAX2 is 1, the result is “No” in S307, the process of acquiring date and time data ends, and the process shifts to S309.
[0051]
In S307, if the number of times Cnt of acquiring the date and time is equal to or more than the maximum value MAX2 of the number of times CNT of acquiring the date and time, as in the operation of S306, in S308, the value N indicating the priority and the value N indicating the priority Is compared with the maximum value MAX1.
[0052]
Here, if the value N indicating the priority is smaller than the maximum value MAX1 of the value N indicating the priority, the process of acquiring the date and time data ends, and the process proceeds to S309. Is smaller than the maximum value MAX1 of the value N indicating the priority, a series of processing is continued in S302 to acquire the date and time data of the next priority.
[0053]
As described above, the operations of S301 to S308 acquire the date and time data according to the preset priority and the upper limit of the acquired date and time data.
[0054]
Next, the obtained date and time data is converted into a print file.
[0055]
First, in S309, the number of times Cnt at which the date and time are acquired is referred to. If the number of times Cnt at which the date and time has been acquired is 0, it indicates that valid date and time data could not be acquired in a series of processes from S301 to S308. In S311, a process without date and time data is executed. Is executed.
[0056]
In this embodiment, the processing when the date and time data cannot be acquired is not specified. For example, a character string indicating that the date and time cannot be acquired may be converted into a print file and laid out in a print area of the date and time. Alternatively, nothing may be printed.
[0057]
If the number of times Cnt at which the date and time is acquired is 1 or more in S309, the date and time data is converted into a print file in S310, and the image of the image file is converted into a print file in S312. At this time, the processing is performed according to the number of times Cnt at which the date and time has been acquired and according to the print setting of the date and time data of the image recording apparatus 100. The details will be described later with reference to FIGS.
[0058]
In this embodiment, the value N indicating the priority is used, and when the date and time data is ignored, the value N indicating the priority is set to 0, but the value N indicating the priority when invalidating is It does not have to be 0. For example, the value N indicating the priority may be set to the maximum value MAX1 of the value N indicating the priority.
[0059]
In the present embodiment, the determination criteria for the presence / absence of the date / time data determined in S302 are not specified. None ". The criterion for determining that the data is “none” may include a criterion for determining whether the data is reliable.
[0060]
In the present embodiment, the standard of the reliability of the date and time data is not specified. However, when the date and time data is not a character code indicating a numeral, it may be determined that there is no reliability. For example, even if a date / time tag exists, if the value of the tag is only a blank character code, the reliability of the date / time data is low, so that in S302, the date / time data may be determined to be “none”.
[0061]
Next, the operation of converting the acquired date and time data into a print file (S310 in FIG. 3) in the above embodiment will be described in detail.
[0062]
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing in detail the operation (S310 in FIG. 3) of converting the acquired date and time data into a print file in the above embodiment.
[0063]
First, in S400, the number of times Cnt at which the date and time are acquired is initialized (the number of times at which the date and time is acquired Cnt =).
[0064]
Next, in S401, when converting the date and time data into a print file, it is determined whether or not information indicating the type of the acquired date and time data (for example, date and time tag, file update date) is added. In step S401, the user may set the image recording apparatus 100 in advance, or may follow a setting unique to the image recording apparatus 100.
[0065]
It should be noted that whether or not to assign the type information of the date and time data can be set for each type. For example, as the date and time data of the date and time tag, the type information of “shooting time” is added to the print file, but as the date and time data of the file update date, the type information of “last update date” is not added to the print file. May be set.
[0066]
If the type information of the date and time data is not added in S401, the acquired date and time data is converted into a print file in S402. If the type information of the date and time data is added in S401, the Information for distinguishing types is added, and date / time data is converted into a print file.
[0067]
In the present embodiment, the method of distinguishing the date and time data type is not specified, but, for example, an arbitrary character string indicating the type of the date and time may be added to the head of the character string indicating the date and time. Character strings such as “file update date” 2003/01/10 and “photographing date / time” January 01, 2003 may be added.
[0068]
For example, the font style of the date and time data may be changed depending on the type of the date and time data. 2002/01/01 2002/01/10 Bold italic indicates shooting date and time, and underline indicates file update date. For example, the font color may be changed, and details of the print layout according to the type of date and time data will be described later with reference to FIG.
[0069]
In S402 and S403, when the process of converting one date and time data into a print file ends, in S404, 1 is added to the number of times Cnt for which the date and time has been acquired, and in S405, the number of times Cnt for acquiring the date and time and the date and time have been acquired. The number CNT is compared with the maximum value MAX2.
[0070]
If the number of times Cnt at which the date and time is acquired is smaller than the maximum value MAX2 of the number of times CNT at which the date and time is acquired, date and time data to be converted into a print file still remains, and a series of processing is continued in S401. If the acquired number of times Cnt is larger than the maximum value MAX2 of the number of times CNT of acquiring the date and time, there is no more date and time data to be converted, and the series of processes ends.
[0071]
As described above, the acquired date and time data is converted into a print file according to the settings.
[0072]
In the present embodiment, the acquired date and time data is converted into a print file according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 4. If the result of the conversion of the date and time data into the print file is finally the same, the process shown in FIG. It is not necessary to follow the flowchart.
[0073]
For example, in S400, first, the number of times Cnt for acquiring the date and time is initialized to the number of times Cnt for acquiring the date and time = 0. However, the process of S400 is not performed. Then, it may be determined whether or not all the acquired date and time data has been converted into a print file by determining whether or not the number of times Cnt at which the date and time has been acquired is 0.
[0074]
The intended purpose can be achieved if the user can visually know the type information from the priority of the date and time of printing and the layout according to the preset criteria and the date and time of printing. .
[0075]
Next, the operation (S312 in FIG. 3) of converting image data into a print file in the above embodiment will be described in detail.
[0076]
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing in detail the operation (S312 in FIG. 3) of converting image data into a print file in the above embodiment.
[0077]
In the above embodiment, after the image file is captured, the acquired date and time data are compared to easily determine whether the image is an original image that has not been edited or an edited image that has been edited.
[0078]
First, in S500, it is determined whether or not information indicating whether or not the image may have been edited is added to the print file. In S500, "Yes / No" is determined based on the content set in advance. In S500, if the information indicating the possibility that the image has been edited is not added to the print file, the image data is converted in S502.
[0079]
If it is determined in S500 that information indicating that the image file may have been edited is added to the print file, it is determined in S501 whether the image file has been edited. In the present embodiment, if the value of the date tag differs from the value of the file update date, it is determined that the image file may have been edited. Even when the date and time data of the date and time tag does not exist, it may be determined that there is a possibility that the date and time have been edited.
[0080]
If it is determined in step S501 that there is no possibility that the image file has been edited, in step S502, the image data is converted into a print file. If it is determined in step S501 that the image file may have been edited, information indicating that the image file has been edited is added to the print file in step S503.
[0081]
Although the present embodiment does not prescribe a method of adding information indicating that editing has been performed to a print file, for example, a special border may be laid out on a print image of an image file that may have been edited. Alternatively, the image data may be converted into a print file.
[0082]
For example, the border of an unedited image is black, but red is laid out as the border of an image that may have been edited. Further, a character string indicating that the image may have been edited in association with the print image may be laid out. For example, a character string of “editable ant” is laid out near the image. An example of a print layout to which editing has been added will be described later with reference to FIG.
[0083]
When the date tag does not exist, information indicating that the date tag does not exist may be added to the print file.
[0084]
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a layout of an index print according to the present embodiment, and is a diagram illustrating an example in which image files “A”, “B”, and “C” stored in a memory card are index-printed.
[0085]
In the present embodiment, when performing index printing, a memory card storing an image file created by a digital still camera is mounted on the card interface 9, and the image file of the memory card is read from the card interface 9.
[0086]
In this embodiment, the image file is read from the memory card, but the medium from which the image file is read may not be a memory card. For example, if the image recording apparatus 100 has a USB interface unit, an image file may be read from a USB connection destination (for example, DCD, PC, or the like).
[0087]
In the memory card, images of “A” indicated by 600, “B” indicated by 601 and “C” indicated by 602 are stored. It is assumed that a date tag and a file update date are recorded in the image A shown in 600, and the value of the date tag and the value of the file update date are the same. The image B shown in 601 does not record the date and time tag, but records only the file update date. In the image C shown in 602, a date tag and a file update date are recorded, but the date tag and the file update date are different.
[0088]
Next, the operation of layout examples 603, 607, and 611 (shown in FIG. 6) of the index print to be printed in the above embodiment will be described.
[0089]
FIGS. 3, 4, and 5 are flowcharts showing the operations of the layout examples 603, 607, and 611 of the index print to be printed in the above embodiment.
[0090]
The index print layout example 603 is as follows.
First priority = date and time tag,
2nd priority = file update date,
Maximum number of date and time data to print = 2,
Editing image distinction = not
Is a layout example in which images A to C shown in images 600 to 603 are index printed.
[0091]
According to the layout example 603, the first priority is the value of the date and time tag. Therefore, in the images 604 and 606, the value of the date and time tag is printed following the character string indicating the “shooting date”. Since the second priority is the file update date, and the maximum number of date and time data to be printed is set to 2, a character string indicating the “last update date” as shown in images 604, 605, and 606 Is followed by the value of the file update date.
[0092]
The index print layout example 607 is as follows.
First priority = date and time tag,
Maximum number of date and time data to print = 1,
Editing image distinction = not
Is a layout example in which images A to C shown in images 600 to 603 are index printed.
[0093]
According to the layout example 607, the first priority is the value of the date and time tag. Therefore, in the images 608 and 610, the value of the date and time tag is printed following the character string indicating the “shooting date”. However, since the second priority is not set and the maximum number of date and time data to be printed is set to 1, as shown in an image 609, a character string indicating “shooting date” is added to the shooting date and time information as shown in the image 609. Is printed, the character string "No information" is printed.
[0094]
The index print layout example 611 is as follows.
First priority = date and time tag,
2nd priority = file update date,
Maximum number of date and time data to print = 1,
Edited image distinction = to
Is a layout example in which images A to C shown in images 600 to 603 are index printed.
[0095]
According to the layout example 611, the first priority is the value of the date and time tag. Therefore, in the images 614 and 616, the value of the date and time tag is printed following the character string indicating the “shooting date”. The second priority is the file update date, but since the maximum number of date / time data to be printed is set to 1, the date / time data of the file update date is not printed in the images 614 and 616, and the first priority is set. The value of the file update date is printed following only the character string indicating the “last update date” only on the image 615 in which the date tag does not exist.
[0096]
Also, since “edited image distinction = set” is set, the value of the date / time tag and the value of the file update date are compared. In the image 614, the value of the date / time tag and the value of the file update date are the same. , The thumbnail image is printed in the layout shown in the image 612. As shown in the image 615, since only the file update date exists in the image B, it is determined that the image B may have been edited, and the image 615 is provided with a special frame like the image 613. The thumbnail is printed. Further, as shown in an image 616, in the image C, since the value of the date and time tag and the value of the file update date are different, it is determined that the image C may have been edited, and the image 616 is different from the image 613 as in the image 613. , A special frame is given, and the thumbnail is printed.
[0097]
In the present embodiment, when there is no value of the date and time tag, it is determined that the image may have been edited. However, in this case, it is not necessary to determine that the image may have been edited. . In this case, the image B of the image 615 is printed with the layout of the image 612.
[0098]
According to the above embodiment, by laying out the index print as shown in FIG. 6, the user can easily know the information on the date and time of each image.
[0099]
In FIG. 6, an index print is described as an example, but it is not necessary to define a printing system. For example, only one image may be laid out on one sheet.
[0100]
In the above embodiment, the index printing is described as an example. However, in the case of printing only one image (single frame printing), the above embodiment may be applied.
[0101]
Further, the above embodiment may be applied to display on a display or the like.
[0102]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, when a user prints a date and time in association with an image, a desired date and time can be prioritized among a date and time indicating a date and time tag and a date and time indicating a file update date, or both. When printing the date and time, the priority can be specified.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image recording apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the image recording apparatus 100.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of obtaining arbitrary date and time data from an image file and printing the data in the embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing in detail an operation (S310 in FIG. 3) for converting acquired date and time data into a print file in the embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing in detail an operation (S312 in FIG. 3) of converting image data into a print file in the embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of an index print layout according to the present embodiment, illustrating an example of performing index print of image files “A”, “B”, and “C” stored in a memory card.
[Explanation of symbols]
100 image processing device,
1 ... ROM,
2 ... RAM,
3. Non-volatile RAM,
4 ... operation part,
5 ... display part,
6 Recording unit
7 ... Image processing unit
8 reading unit
9 ... Card interface,
10 ... Drive unit,
11 sensor part
20 CPU.

Claims (18)

When the date and time data when the image was captured is recorded inside the image file, a first stage of acquiring the date and time data, a second stage of acquiring date and time data recorded as a label of the image file, Printing an image and character information indicating the date and time based on the image file.
Prior to the step of converting to a print file, setting a priority of the first step and the second step;
According to the set priority, the date and time data obtained in the first step and the image data of the image file are converted into a print file, or the date and time data obtained in the second step and the image of the image file are converted. Converting the data into a print file, or converting the date and time data obtained in the first step, the date and time data obtained in the second step, and the image data of the image file into a print file;
An image recording method comprising: A storage medium storing a computer program for printing an image,
When date and time data when the image was captured is recorded in the image file, a first procedure for acquiring the date and time data;
A second procedure for obtaining date and time data recorded as a label of the image file;
Printing character information indicating a date and time together with an image based on the image file;
Prior to the converting procedure, setting a priority order of the first procedure and the second procedure;
According to the set priority, the date and time data acquired in the first procedure and the image data of the image file are converted into a print file, or the date and time data acquired in the second procedure and the image of the image file are converted. Converting the data into a print file or converting the date and time data acquired in the first procedure, the date and time data acquired in the second procedure, and the image data of the image file into a print file;
Storage medium storing a computer program for causing a computer to execute the program. A printing unit for visualizing information, a conveyance unit for conveying paper to the printing unit, a data acquisition unit for acquiring an image file from a recording medium, and a control unit for controlling the printing unit and the conveyance unit based on the print file An image recording apparatus for printing an image comprising:
First means for acquiring the date and time data when the date and time when the image was captured is recorded in the image file;
Second means for acquiring date and time data recorded as a label of the image file;
Means for setting a priority between the first means and the second means;
According to the set priority, the date / time data obtained by the first means and the image data of the image file are converted into a print file, or the date / time data obtained by the second means and the image file Means for converting the image data into a print file, or converting the date and time data obtained by the first means, the date and time data obtained by the second means, and the image data of the image file into a print file;
An image recording apparatus comprising: In claim 1,
Converting the image data of the image file and date and time data recorded inside the image file or date and time data recorded as a label of the image file into a print file,
The converting step includes:
When converting the date and time data acquired in the first step and the image data of the image file into the print file, the fact that the date and time data is acquired in the first step is added to the print file. A first assigning step of visualizing an attribute of a date and time to be printed;
When the date and time data obtained in the second step and the image data of the image file are converted into the print file, the date and time obtained in the second step are added to the print file. A second assigning step of visualizing an attribute of a date and time to be printed;
An image recording method, comprising: In claim 2,
Image data of the image file, date and time data recorded inside the image file or date and time data recorded as a label of the image file, a procedure for converting to a print file,
The above conversion procedure is
When the date and time data acquired in the first procedure and the image data of the image file are converted into the print file, the fact that the date and time data is acquired in the first procedure is added to the print file. A first assigning procedure for visualizing the attribute of the date and time of printing by performing
When converting the date and time data acquired in the second procedure and the image data of the image file into the print file, the fact that the date and time are acquired in the second procedure is added to the print file. A second providing procedure for visualizing the attribute of the date and time to be printed;
A storage medium storing a computer program, characterized in that the procedure includes: In claim 3,
A printing unit that visualizes information, a conveyance unit that conveys paper to the printing unit, a data acquisition unit that acquires an image file from a recording medium, and a control unit that controls the printing unit and the conveyance unit based on the print file. An image recording apparatus having
The control unit includes:
First means for acquiring the date and time data when the date and time when the image was captured is recorded in the image file;
Second means for acquiring date and time data recorded as a label of the image file;
Either the date and time data obtained by the first means and the image data of the image file are converted into a print file, or the date and time data and the image data of the image file obtained by the second means are converted into a print file. Means;
With
The means for converting is as follows:
When converting the date and time data acquired by the first means and the image data of the image file into a print file, the fact that the date and time data is acquired by the first means is added to the print file. First assigning means for visualizing the attribute of the date and time of printing;
When the date and time data and the image data acquired by the second means are converted into a print file, the date and time acquired by the second means is added to the print file to perform printing. Second assigning means for visualizing the attribute of the date and time;
An image recording apparatus comprising: In claim 1,
When date and time data when an image is captured is recorded in the image file, a first stage of acquiring the date and time data, a second stage of acquiring date and time data recorded as a label of the image file, Converting the image data of the image file and the date and time data recorded inside the image file or the date and time data recorded as a label of the image file into a print file; and characters representing the date and time together with the image based on the print file. Printing the information.
Before the above conversion step,
A comparing step of comparing the first date and time data obtained in the first step with the second date and time data obtained in the second step;
In the converting step, the first date and time data and the second date and time data are different according to the result of the comparing step in order to visualize whether or not the image to be printed may be edited. In the case, a first assigning step of assigning to the print file that the first date and time data is different from the second date and time data;
If the first date / time data does not exist, a second assigning step of assigning to the print file that the first date / time data does not exist;
When the first date and time data and the second date and time data are the same, a third information is added to the print file indicating that the first and second date and time data are the same. And a granting step;
An image recording method comprising at least one of the following steps. In claim 2,
When date and time data when the image was captured is recorded in the image file, a first procedure for acquiring the date and time data;
A second procedure for obtaining date and time data recorded as a label of the image file;
Converting image data of the image file and date / time data recorded inside the image file or date / time data recorded as a label of the image file into a print file;
Printing character information indicating a date and time together with an image based on the print file;
Including
A comparing step of comparing the first date and time data acquired in the first procedure with the second date and time data acquired in the second procedure before the converting procedure;
In the converting procedure, the first date and time data and the second date and time data are different according to the result of the comparing procedure in order to visualize whether or not the image to be printed may be edited. In this case, a first assigning step of assigning a difference between the first date and time data and the second date and time data to the print file;
If the first date and time data does not exist, a second assigning procedure for assigning to the print file that the first date and time data does not exist;
When the first date and time data and the second date and time data are the same, a third information is added to the print file indicating that the first and second date and time data are the same. Granting procedure;
A storage medium storing a computer program, characterized by including at least one procedure of the following. A printing unit that visualizes information, a conveyance unit that conveys paper to the printing unit, a data acquisition unit that acquires an image file from a recording medium, and a control unit that controls the printing unit and the conveyance unit based on the print file. An image recording apparatus that prints an image comprising:
The control unit includes:
First means for acquiring the date and time data when the date and time when the image was captured is recorded in the image file;
Second means for acquiring date and time data recorded as a label of the image file;
Comparing means for comparing the first date and time data obtained by the first means with the second date and time data obtained by the second means;
The date / time data obtained by the first means and the image data of the image file are converted into a print file, or the date / time data and the image data of the image file obtained by the second means are converted into a print file. Or means for converting the date and time data obtained by the first means, the date and time data obtained by the second means, and the image data of the image file into a print file;
In the converting means, the first date and time data and the second date and time data differ according to the result of the comparing means in order to visualize whether or not the image to be printed may be edited. In this case, a first assigning means for assigning to the print file that the first date and time data is different from the second date and time data;
If the first date and time data does not exist, a second assigning means for assigning to the print file that the first date and time data does not exist;
When the first date and time data and the second date and time data are the same, a third information is added to the print file indicating that the first and second date and time data are the same. Means for imparting;
An image recording apparatus comprising at least one of the above. When date and time data when an image was captured is recorded in the image file, the method includes a first step of acquiring the date and time data and a second step of acquiring date and time data recorded as a label of the image file. An index image printing method,
Prioritizing the converting step, setting a priority of the first step and the second step;
According to the set priority, the date and time data obtained in the first step and the image data of the image file are converted into a print file, or the date and time data obtained in the second step and the image of the image file are converted. Converting the data into a print file, or converting the date and time data obtained in the first step, the date and time data obtained in the second step, and the image data of the image file into a print file;
Index image printing method including: A storage medium storing a computer program for printing an index image,
When date and time data when the image was captured is recorded in the image file, a first procedure for acquiring the date and time data;
A second procedure for obtaining date and time data recorded as a label of the image file;
Converting image data of the image file and date / time data recorded inside the image file or date / time data recorded as a label of the image file into a print file;
Printing character information indicating a date and time together with an image based on the print file;
Including
Prior to the converting procedure, setting a priority order of the first procedure and the second procedure;
According to the set priority, the date and time data acquired in the first procedure and the image data of the image file are converted into a print file, or the date and time data acquired in the second procedure and the image file Converting the image data of the image file into a print file, or converting the date data acquired in the first procedure, the date data acquired in the second procedure, and the image data of the image file into a print file. When;
Storage medium storing a computer program for causing a computer to execute the program. A printing unit that visualizes information, a conveyance unit that conveys paper to the printing unit, a data acquisition unit that acquires an image file from a recording medium, and a control unit that controls the printing unit and the conveyance unit based on the print file. An image recording apparatus for printing an index image comprising:
The control unit includes:
First means for acquiring the date and time data when the date and time when the image was captured is recorded in the image file;
Second means for acquiring date and time data recorded as a label of the image file;
Means for setting a priority between the first means and the second means;
According to the set priority order, the date / time data obtained by the first means and the image data of the image file are converted into a print file, or the date / time data obtained by the second means, Means for converting the image data into a print file, or converting the date and time data obtained in the first procedure, the date and time data obtained in the second procedure, and the image data of the image file into a print file When;
An image recording apparatus comprising: In claim 10,
When date and time data when an image is captured is recorded in the image file, a first stage of acquiring the date and time data, a second stage of acquiring date and time data recorded as a label of the image file, Converting the image data of the image file and the date and time data recorded inside the image file or the date and time data recorded as a label of the image file into a print file; and characters representing the date and time together with the image based on the print file. Printing information, the method including: printing information.
In the converting step, when the date and time data obtained in the first step and the image data of the image file are converted to the print file, the date and time data obtained in the first step are described as being A first assigning step of visualizing an attribute of a date and time of printing by assigning to the print file;
When converting the date and time data obtained in the second step and the image data of the image file into the print file, the print file is provided with the date and time obtained in the second step. A second assigning step of visualizing an attribute of a date and time to be printed;
A printing method comprising: In claim 11,
When date and time data when the image was captured is recorded in the image file, a first procedure for acquiring the date and time data;
A second procedure for obtaining date and time data recorded as a label of the image file;
Converting image data of the image file and date / time data recorded inside the image file or date / time data recorded as a label of the image file into a print file;
Printing character information indicating a date and time together with an image based on the print file;
Including
The above conversion procedure is
When the date and time data acquired in the first procedure and the image data of the image file are converted into the print file, the fact that the date and time data is acquired in the first procedure is added to the print file. A first assigning procedure for visualizing the attribute of the date and time when the date and time have been printed;
When converting the date and time data acquired in the second procedure and the image data of the image file into the print file, the fact that the date and time are acquired in the second procedure is added to the print file. A second assigning procedure for visualizing an attribute of a date and time to be printed;
A storage medium comprising: In claim 12,
A printing unit that visualizes information, a conveyance unit that conveys paper to the printing unit, a data acquisition unit that acquires an image file from a recording medium, and a control unit that controls the printing unit and the conveyance unit based on the print file. An image recording apparatus for printing an index image comprising:
The control unit includes:
First means for acquiring the date and time data when the date and time when the image was captured is recorded in the image file;
Second means for acquiring date and time data recorded as a label of the image file;
Either the date and time data obtained by the first means and the image data of the image file are converted into a print file, or the date and time data and the image data of the image file obtained by the second means are converted into a print file. Means;
With
The means for converting is as follows:
When converting the date and time data acquired by the first means and the image data of the image file into a print file, the fact that the date and time data is acquired by the first means is added to the print file. First assigning means for visualizing the attribute of the date and time of printing;
When the date and time data and image data obtained by the second means are converted into a print file, the attribute of the date and time to be printed by adding the date and time obtained by the second means to the print file. Second providing means for visualizing
An image recording apparatus for printing an index image, comprising: In claim 10,
When date and time data when an image is captured is recorded in the image file, a first stage of acquiring the date and time data, a second stage of acquiring date and time data recorded as a label of the image file, Converting the image data of the image file and the date and time data recorded inside the image file or the date and time data recorded as a label of the image file into a print file; and characters representing the date and time together with the image based on the print file. Printing information, the method including: printing information.
A comparing step of comparing the first date and time data obtained in the first step with the second date and time data obtained in the second step before the converting step;
In the converting step, the first date and time data and the second date and time data are different according to the result of the comparing step in order to visualize whether or not the image to be printed may be edited. In the case, a first assigning step of assigning to the print file that the first date and time data is different from the second date and time data;
If the first date / time data does not exist, a second assigning step of assigning to the print file that the first date / time data does not exist;
When the first date and time data and the second date and time data are the same, a third information is added to the print file indicating that the first and second date and time data are the same. And a granting step;
A method of printing an index image, comprising at least one of the following steps: In claim 11,
When date and time data when the image was captured is recorded in the image file, a first procedure for acquiring the date and time data;
A second procedure for obtaining date and time data recorded as a label of the image file;
Converting image data of the image file and date / time data recorded inside the image file or date / time data recorded as a label of the image file into a print file;
Printing character information indicating a date and time together with an image based on the print file;
A comparing step of comparing the first date and time data acquired in the first procedure with the second date and time data acquired in the second procedure before the converting procedure;
Has,
The above conversion procedure is
In order to visualize whether or not the image to be printed may be edited, if the first date and time data differs from the second date and time data according to the result of the comparison procedure, A first assigning procedure for assigning to the print file that the first date and time data is different from the second date and time data;
If the first date and time data does not exist, a second assigning procedure for assigning to the print file that the first date and time data does not exist;
If the first date and time data is the same as the second date and time data, the fact that the first and second date and time data is the same is added to the print file. A third granting procedure;
A storage medium, which is at least one of the following procedures. In claim 12,
A printing unit that visualizes information, a conveyance unit that conveys paper to the printing unit, a data acquisition unit that acquires an image file from a recording medium, and a control unit that controls the printing unit and the conveyance unit based on the print file. An image recording apparatus for printing an index image comprising:
The control unit includes:
First means for acquiring the date and time data when the date and time when the image was captured is recorded in the image file;
Second means for acquiring date and time data recorded as a label of the image file;
Comparing means for comparing the first date and time data obtained by the first means with the second date and time data obtained by the second means;
The date and time data obtained by the first means and the image data of the image file are converted into a print file, or the date and time data obtained by the second means and the image data of the image file are converted into a print file. Means for converting or converting the date and time data obtained by the first means, the date and time data obtained by the second means, and the image data of the image file into a print file;
Has,
The means for converting is as follows:
In order to visualize whether or not the image to be printed is possibly edited, if the first date and time data and the second date and time data are different according to the result of the comparing means, First assigning means for assigning to the print file that the first date and time data is different from the second date and time data;
If the first date and time data does not exist, a second assigning means for assigning to the print file that the first date and time data does not exist;
If the first date and time data is the same as the second date and time data, the fact that the first and second date and time data is the same is added to the print file. Third providing means;
An image recording apparatus for printing an index image, comprising at least one of the above.

Images