JP2000081964A - Printer device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily obtain a printing image having sufficient composition. SOLUTION: A data processing part 5 extracts and judges at least either one of vertical and horizontal image components of a 1st prescribed digital picture data inputted from a picture data input part 1 and judges an angle formed by the extracted image component and its corresponding direction, an input position adjusting part 29 rotationally moves the input position of an original analog picture signal based on the judged result to generate 1st digital picture adjusted by the picture data input part 1 and/or generate 1st digital picture data changed by rotationally moving the contents of the 1st digital picture data by the data processing part 5. The data processing part 5 judges whether the contents of a prescribed image are included in a specific range or not, and when the contents are included, changes the contents so as to be arranged in a regulated area to generate rearranged 1st digital picture data.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to a printer device. More specifically, the present invention relates to a printer device characterized in that a more preferable printed image is obtained by correcting the inclination and position of an image.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, the following method has been frequently used as a method for printing image data represented by a natural image.

First, as a first method, an input device for inputting image data is connected to a general-purpose computer to which a printer device is connected, and image data read from each input device to the computer is specified on the computer. And print data is input to a printer device and printed. The input devices include a removable media drive, which is a recording / reproducing device for a removable medium, and an NTSC (N
national Television System
(Committee) video signal input substrate, film scanner for silver halide photography, digital still image camera, and the like.

As a second method, input devices such as a digital still image camera and a document reading scanner are directly connected to a printer without using a general-purpose computer, and print data is input from each input device to the printer. Printing.

[0005] The first method will be specifically described.
In this case, as shown in FIG. 29, it mainly includes a host computer (hereinafter, referred to as a computer) 1001, a printer 1002, and an input device 1003.

As the input device 1003, the above-mentioned removable media (read-only optical disc,
For example, a so-called CD-ROM, a rewritable magneto-optical disk, for example, a so-called MD-DATA drive, a video signal (NTSC, PAL (Phase Alt))
input device, digital still picture camera, silver halide photographic film (35 mm film, so-called APS film etc. which also has magnetic information related to the image), scanner, document reading scanner, etc. No.

The printer 1002 includes a print head 1004 for actually performing printing and a head drive circuit 1005 for driving the print head.

The computer 1001 includes an interface 1006 for inputting image data from the input device 1003, a data processing unit 1007 for processing the image data as print data, and a printer 1002 for printing the print data 1007. The printer is mainly constituted by a bidirectional printer interface 1008 for outputting to a printer. The data processing unit 1007 controls a variety of input devices 1003, and includes a device driver and a printer 1002 suitable for these input devices.
And a printer driver suitable for the printer device 1002 for controlling image data, and application software for controlling input, processing, and print output of image data.
Is used to execute data processing.

The computer 1001 has a display device 100 as a man-machine interface.
9. An instruction device 1010, which is an input unit for inputting an external instruction such as a mouse or a keyboard, is also provided. Further, the computer 1001 has an image memory 101 such as a hard disk for storing image data input from the input device 1003.
1 is also provided.

By connecting the input device 1003 to the interface 1006 in the computer 1001 and connecting the bidirectional printer interface 1008 in the computer 1001 to the printer 1002, these are connected.

When printing is actually performed, the following operation is performed. That is, the computer 1001
By operating the application software and the device driver corresponding to the image data input device 1003, each input device 1003 is driven via the interface 1006 for inputting image data, and under the control of the computer 1001. , And causes each input device 1003 to read the image data. The image data is input to the computer 1001 via the interface 1006.

Next, based on an instruction externally input by the instruction device 1010, application software of the data processing unit 1007
Performs image editing processing desired by the user with respect to the image data input to. When image data processing is involved, the data processing unit 1007 in the computer 1001
, The required data processing is performed.

When the image editing process desired by the user is performed as described above and the image to be printed is determined, the printing operation is started. That is, the application software controls the printer driver, executes data processing for printing in the data processing unit 1007, and converts the data into print data that can be output to the printer device 1002. At this time, the computer 1001 communicates with the printer 100 via the bidirectional printer interface 1008.
I understand the state of 2.

The print data converted and generated as described above is configured as a printer control command, and sent to the printer 1002 via the bidirectional printer interface 1008. Next, the printer 100
On the second side, the print head 1004 is driven by the head drive circuit 1005 based on the print data included in the received printer control command, and a print image is formed on a recording medium to perform printing.

As a specific example of the data processing in the above operation, there is a processing method as shown in FIG. In FIG. 30, the hatching accompanying the line indicating the data flow is 8
Indicates that the data is bit / color. Computer 1
001 RGB input to the image data input unit 1012
Is sent to the image data processing unit 1013,
Processing is performed as needed. At this time, it is held as an image file 1011a in the image memory 1011 as needed. The RGB image data is sent from the image data processing unit 1013 to the printer driver 1014 that controls the printer device 1002.

The printer driver 1014 is an RGB printer driver.
RGB-C for converting image data of CMY into CMY print data
A MY conversion unit 1015, a color correction unit 1016 for performing color correction as necessary, a black extraction under color removal unit 1017 for extracting black in addition to CMY, an output gamma correction and gradation for correcting characteristics unique to a printer device It mainly includes a correction unit 1018 and a sharpness correction unit 1019 that performs edge processing and the like.

That is, the RGB image data sent from the image data processing unit 1013 to the printer driver 1014 is first converted into CMY print data, color-corrected, and then converted into print data including black (see FIG. 30). In the above, black print data is indicated as K.) In a state where characteristics unique to the printer device are corrected and edge processing is performed,
The data is sent to the printer device 1002. At this time, when a binary printer such as an inkjet printer that reproduces an image with or without print dots is used as the printer 1002, the printer driver 101 is used.
It is necessary to insert a binarization unit after the sharpness correction unit 1019 of No. 4 and is unnecessary when a printer device such as a sublimation type printer device that expresses gradations in print dots is used as the printer device 1002. .

In the printer device 1002, output characteristics are corrected in accordance with the state of the printer device.
An output characteristic conversion unit 1020 for suppressing variations due to the printer device, the above-described head drive circuit 1005, and a print head 1004 are provided.

Accordingly, the print data of CMYK transmitted from the printer driver 1014 to the printer 1002 is sequentially transmitted to the above-described head drive circuit 1005 and print head 1004 via the output characteristic conversion unit 1020 to perform printing. You.

The second method will be described. In the above-mentioned second method, as shown in FIG. 31, it mainly comprises a digital still image camera 1021 and a printer device 1022 as input devices.

The digital still image camera 1021 includes an image photographing unit 1023 for photographing a subject, an instruction device 1024 such as a shutter for inputting an external instruction, an image memory 1025 for temporarily storing the photographed image, and necessary data. It mainly comprises an image data processing unit 1026 for performing processing, a display device 1027 for displaying a captured image, and the like.

One printer device 1022 includes an output characteristic conversion circuit 1028 for correcting output characteristics in accordance with the state of the printer device, a head drive circuit 1029 for driving the print head 1030, and a print head 1030 for actually performing printing. It is mainly composed of

The digital still image camera 102
As a method of transferring data from the printer 1 to the printer device 1022, these are connected by wire, and the image data generated by the digital still image camera 1021 or the image data is converted into print data, and then the digital signal is used as it is. Is converted into an analog video signal and transferred by a wire, or a method of wirelessly transferring the signal by using Ir-DA or the like.

When printing is actually performed, the following operation is performed. The digital still image camera 102
In FIG. 1, the image capturing unit 10 is ready for photography, that is, before the user presses the shutter to start capturing.
23, an image signal of the subject is input.
Correction processing is performed on the characteristics of 023 and shooting conditions. Then, the image corrected in this way is displayed on the display device 1027, and the user can confirm the range of the subject, the composition, and the like. In the case where an optical finder is provided instead of or together with the display device 1027, the user can perform the above-described confirmation by using the finder.

Subsequently, when the user operates an instruction device 1024 such as a shutter, a photographing operation is started. By issuing an instruction to start photographing with a shutter or the like, the image data is inputted from the image photographing unit 1023,
The image data subjected to the correction processing for the characteristics and the photographing conditions of the image photographing unit 1023 by the
Is stored in At the time of storage, data compression is performed as needed, but this may be performed by the image data processing unit 1026.

Next, when printing an image stored in the image memory 1025, the user operates a pointing device 1024 such as a key to start a printing operation. When the print operation is started, the image data processing unit 1026 reads out predetermined image data from the image memory 1025, decompresses the image data if necessary, and performs conversion for output to the printer device 1022.

Then, in accordance with the interface system between the digital still image camera 1021 and the printer device 1022, data is transferred to the printer device 1022 as digital image data or an analog video signal by wire or wireless connection.

On the printer device 1022 side, each correction and conversion according to the print output conditions at the time of printing is performed by an output characteristic conversion circuit 1028, and a print head 1030 driven by a head drive circuit 1029 based on this data. Printing is performed on the recording medium.

When the user performs editing, processing, and synthesis processing on image data, the digital still image camera 1021
Display device 1027 in the image data processing unit 1026 in the
Pointing device 1024 while checking the image displayed on
Thus, the desired process may be executed by inputting an instruction, and the processing of the image data is performed in the digital still image camera 1021.

A specific example of the data processing in the above-mentioned operation includes a processing method as shown in FIG. In FIG. 32, the hatched line attached to the line indicating the data flow is 8
Indicates that the data is bit / color. RGB obtained by the image capturing unit 1023 of the digital still image camera 1021
Is sent to the image data processing unit 1026,
Processing is performed as needed. At this time, it is held in the image memory 1025 as needed. Then, the RGB image data is sent from the image data processing unit 1026 to the printer device 1022 via the image data output unit 1031.

The printer device 1022 has the same mechanism as the printer driver 1014 shown in FIG. 30 in addition to the output characteristic conversion circuit 1028, the head drive circuit 1029, and the print head 1030.

That is, the printer device 1022
An image data input unit 1032 to which image data from the digital still image camera 1021 is input is connected to the image data input unit 1032 to convert RGB image data into CMY print data.
A GB-CMY conversion unit 1033, a color correction unit 1034 for performing color correction as necessary, a black extraction under color removal unit 1035 for extracting black in addition to CMY (in FIG. ), An output gamma correction and gradation correction unit 1036 for correcting characteristics unique to the printer device, and a sharpness correction unit 1037 for performing edge processing and the like.

That is, the RGB image data input to the image data input unit 1032 is first converted into CMY print data, color-corrected, and then converted into print data including black, which has characteristics unique to the printer. After being corrected and subjected to edge processing and the like, it is sent to the output characteristic conversion circuit 1028. At this time, when using a binary printer such as an inkjet printer that reproduces an image with or without print dots as the printer 1022,
It is necessary to insert a binarization unit after the sharpness correction unit 1037. This is unnecessary when a printer device such as a sublimation printer device that expresses gradations in print dots is used as the printer device 1022.

Therefore, the print data of CMYK is output to the above-described head drive circuit 1 through the output characteristic conversion circuit 1028.
029, the prints are sequentially sent to the print head 1030, and printing is performed.

[0035]

However, when printing is performed by the above-described method, the following inconveniences occur.

First, in the first method, it is necessary to arrange peripheral devices, connect them to a computer, and then install a device driver suitable for each peripheral device in the computer, which is very complicated. In addition, it is necessary to install application software suitable for processing such as image input, editing, processing, synthesis, correction, and printing desired by a user on a computer, and further, control peripheral devices by the above application software. It is necessary to set application software and device drivers as much as possible, which is very complicated. Furthermore, for peripheral devices that cannot be controlled by application software, application software for controlling these peripheral devices is required separately, and users can handle multiple application software and transfer image data between them. The operation is very complicated.

When a so-called desktop or tower computer is used as the computer, a large installation area is required for connection with peripheral devices, and handling is complicated.

Further, as described above, the application software performs processing such as editing, processing, synthesis, correction, and printing desired by the user on an image desired by the user, in accordance with specific instructions from the user. It is necessary to sequentially instruct the target images.

That is, the user needs to specifically indicate the value of a variable element (hereinafter, referred to as a variable parameter) of each processing, and the processing result corresponding to the meaning of the variable parameter in each processing and the change width thereof. It is necessary to sufficiently recognize the degree of the change width of the image quality. Furthermore, it is necessary to know how to use the application software.

Further, the application software has a general-purpose input / output function in order to correspond to most of general image input devices and printer devices, and handles image data to be processed. Since it has general-purpose functions for handling general images without specifying the image, it is extremely difficult to use and understand the contents and operations of the functions, making it difficult for general users to use. It is.

Furthermore, the application software only processes the composition of the image content in the image in accordance with the user's instructions. Since the user has the photographic equipment at the time of photographing the image, Improper, such as when the composition is one-sided or tilted in one direction,
The user must correct the inclination of each target image.

As an example, when a normal photographer who is not an expert holds a 35 mm silver halide film camera by hand and photographs a horizon, a horizontal line, or a straight road extending straight in front, the camera is tilted due to the habit of the photographer. In many cases, the object is photographed while being held.

Therefore, in the photographed image on the film, the object is tilted with respect to the image frame, and if the image is printed on a monitor and printed by a printer as it is, an image having an inappropriate composition that lacks a very sense of stability. Will be. In order to solve this, it is necessary to correct the inclination of the image using application software. However, the use of application software causes the above-described difficulties. Therefore, an ordinary user who is not familiar with the operation method of the application software can obtain only the display image and the print image in which the object is inclined.

As another example, when a normal photographer who is not an expert shoots one person with a 35 mm silver halide film camera or the like, the face of the person tends to be arranged at the center of the viewfinder. Therefore, if the image thus photographed is printed as it is, the face of the person is placed in the center of the printed image, and unnecessary space often occupies the upper part of the printed portion, and the printing of a stable composition is performed. It is difficult to get images.

On the other hand, in the second method, processes such as image input, editing, processing, synthesizing, correcting, and printing depend on the functions of the input device, and the processing capability is limited. The input device must have a function that can be directly connected to the printer. Furthermore, the possible processes vary greatly depending on the input device, and the operation procedures and the like are also changed, so that there is an inconvenience that the user is extremely difficult to use. At present, a silver halide photographic film scanner cannot be used as an input device, and printing of an image of a silver halide photographic film is desired. Furthermore, at present, the input device and the printer are connected in a one-to-one relationship, and it is impossible to process and print image data from a plurality of input devices.

Also, in the above-described method, as described above, the editing / editing desired by the user is performed on the image desired by the user.
Processing such as processing / compositing / correction / printing is executed based on a specific instruction from a user from among limited and feasible processing, and is sequentially instructed for each target image. Need to do.

That is, also in this method, the user can change the parameters of each process (hereinafter, referred to as variable parameters).
It is necessary to fully recognize the meaning of the variable parameter in each processing and the degree of the change width of the image quality as a processing result corresponding to the change width in each processing.

Furthermore, in this method, the input device often does not have a correction function, and as described above, the photographing is performed in a state where the camera is tilted and held with respect to the object. , Only the display image and the print image in which the object is inclined can be obtained. Although a simple correction function of the input device may be added, in this case, the correction is performed based on the instruction of the user, which is very complicated.

Further, in this method as well, it is difficult to satisfactorily carry out the processing relating to the arrangement of the image contents. Even if possible, the user must sequentially correct each of the target images. No.

In other words, in any of these methods, it is difficult for the user to correct the composition of the image contents in each image, for example, the deviation or inclination of the image contents, and to obtain a print image having a sufficient composition. It is difficult to get.

Accordingly, the present invention has been proposed in view of the above-described circumstances, and is a printer device which can easily perform various operations, requires a small installation area, and is easy to handle. It is an object of the present invention to provide a printer device capable of easily obtaining a print image having a sufficient composition.

[0052]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a printer device according to the present invention provides a first digital image by converting digital image data and / or an analog image signal input from the outside into a first digital image. An image data input unit for converting the first digital image data into image data; an image determining unit for determining the image content of the predetermined first digital image data; An input position adjustment unit that adjusts an input position when an analog image signal as a basis of one digital image data is input, and causes the image data input unit to generate the adjusted first digital image data, and / or the first digital image An image calculation unit for changing the image content of the data to generate the changed first digital image data; and the first digital image data A print output processing unit for performing print output processing for converting the adjusted first digital image data and / or the changed first digital image data into print data for printing in an image print unit; And an image printing unit for printing and outputting on a recording medium based on the printing data.

The printer device according to the present invention is arranged such that the image determination unit compares the predetermined first digital image data input from the image data input unit with the image of the predetermined first digital image data. When at least one of a vertical image component that can be approximated in the vertical direction and a horizontal image component that can be approximated in the horizontal direction is extracted and determined, and at least one of these image components is extracted, the extracted image component and the extracted image component are extracted. Determine the angle formed by at least one of the vertical direction or the horizontal direction corresponding to, based on this,
The input position adjustment unit adjusts the input position of the analog image signal that is the basis of the predetermined first digital image data by rotating and adjusting the input position, and converts the first digital image data adjusted by the image data input unit into an image. The first digital image data generated and / or changed by rotating and changing the image content of the first digital image data in the image calculation unit;
In which digital image data is generated.

That is, in the printer device according to the present invention, the object is inclined with respect to the image frame in the photographing screen.
In other words, when the object is tilted with respect to the image frame in the first digital image data, the vertical image component and / or the horizontal image component in the object is extracted and determined, and these image components and corresponding image components are determined. The degree of inclination indicated by the angle between the directions is determined, and based on this, the inclination is automatically corrected, and a print image having a sufficient composition is obtained.

This eliminates the necessity of fixing the photographing equipment with a tripod or the like in order to avoid the user's habit (trend) when the user holds the photographing equipment by hand and photographs. The need to pay attention to not tilt.

In the printer according to the present invention, the vertical image component and the horizontal image component are extracted and determined for each first digital image data. Even if the inclination is different as described above, the inclination is automatically corrected in accordance with each inclination, and a printed image having a sufficient composition is obtained.

In the printer device according to the present invention, the predetermined first digital image data input from the image data input unit is added to the image frame of the predetermined first digital image data by the image determination unit. When both the vertical image component that can be approximated in the vertical direction and the horizontal image component that can be approximated in the horizontal direction are extracted, the angle between the corresponding direction and only one predetermined image component is determined. The first digital image data adjusted by the image data input unit by performing adjustment in the input position adjustment unit based on this, and / or the image content of the first digital image data in the image calculation unit Is preferably changed to generate the changed first digital image data.

In this case, it is preferable that one of the predetermined image components is a horizontal image component.

Further, in the printer according to the present invention, the input position adjusting unit may move the input position of the analog image signal, which is the basis of the predetermined first digital image data, in parallel and / or within a predetermined range. The adjustment may be performed by performing input range control for inputting only the input.

Further, in the printer device according to the present invention, the image calculation unit performs a cutout process of cutting out only a predetermined portion from the predetermined first digital image data to change and change the image content. The first digital image data may be generated.

In the printer device according to the present invention, for example, the input position adjusting section adjusts the input position of the analog image signal, which is the basis of the predetermined first digital image data, by rotating and adjusting the input position. After the first digital image data adjusted by the image data input unit is generated, the adjusted first digital image data is subjected to a cutout process of cutting out only a predetermined portion in the image calculation unit, and The processing of the input position adjustment unit and the processing of the image calculation unit may be combined, for example, by changing the image contents to generate the changed first digital image data.

In this way, the input position of the analog image signal is adjusted by rotating and moving, and even if the adjusted first digital image data generated by the image data input section does not form a square, An image processing unit performs a cutout process of cutting out only a predetermined portion, and does not read or delete unnecessary portions of a peripheral portion of the adjusted first digital image data, thereby forming a modified first digital image. Image data can be obtained.

Further, in the printer according to the present invention, the angle between a vertical image component that can be approximated in the vertical direction and the vertical direction with respect to the image frame of the predetermined first digital image data is a predetermined angle. Less than and / or
Alternatively, when the angle between the horizontal direction and the horizontal image component that can be approximated in the horizontal direction with respect to the image frame of the predetermined first digital image data is smaller than the predetermined angle, the input position adjustment unit is configured based on the angle. And generating the first digital image data adjusted by the image data input unit and / or changing the image content of the first digital image data in the image calculation unit. It is preferable to generate digital image data of

This is based on the assumption that when the image serving as the basis of the predetermined first digital image data is shot, the image is unintentionally tilted and shot. The angle should be the maximum angle at which it is determined that the image was taken without tilting.

That is, in this way, when the photographer intentionally tilts the screen configuration to photograph an object, it is possible to prevent the inclination from being corrected, and the photographer's intention can be reduced. It is possible to obtain a print image along the line.

Further, in the printer device according to the present invention as described above, an image input means is used as an image input means in the image data input section to transmit a transmission image on a roll type or sheet type film or a reflection image of a document on a paper to a photoelectric conversion element. It is preferable to have a scanner unit which reads the image data and converts it into an analog-digital signal to obtain image data.

In this case, the input position adjusting unit moves the film holder for holding the film, the document guide for holding the document, and the photoelectric conversion element mounting portion without changing the spatial parallel distance therebetween. It is preferable to perform the control as shown in FIG. That is, first, a control of relatively rotating and moving is given. Next, control for relative translation is performed together with relative rotational movement control, and an image reading operation is performed again.
Input range control for limiting the reading range so that the image reading shape becomes rectangular in response to the relative rotational movement performed by the input position adjustment unit during the reading operation is exemplified. In this case, the first read operation is sparse read,
The second reading operation may be a normal density reading.

As described above, when the input position adjustment unit relatively moves the film holder and the document guide and the photoelectric conversion element mounting unit, an inconvenience that may occur when rotating the digital image data is performed. It is possible to reduce the deterioration of the image quality caused by the occurrence of a natural stepped jaggy, and even if a setting deviation occurs when setting the film on the film holder, it is possible to correct the deviation.

It is to be noted that at least one of the relative rotational movement control, the relative parallel movement control, and the input range control for the rectangular shape performed by the input position adjustment unit is performed as image processing in the image calculation unit. It is also possible to do it. At this time, it is needless to say that all the processes can be performed in the same order as that performed by the input position adjustment unit in the image calculation unit.

With this configuration, even if the input position adjusting unit cannot physically move the film holder, the document guide, and the photoelectric conversion element mounting unit relative to each other, the first digital image data Can be controlled in the same manner. Also in this case, even if a setting deviation occurs when setting the film on the film holder, it is possible to correct the deviation.

In the printer device according to the present invention, when an image is read by the photoelectric conversion element and the input position is controlled by the input position adjustment unit, the image size obtained when reading without any processing is reduced. It is preferable to perform enlarged reading control so as to match. Or
It is preferable to perform an enlargement process on the image data whose input range is controlled so that the image data has a similar size. By doing so, even if reading is performed on a plurality of images of the same size, the size of the finally obtained print image becomes the same.

Further, the printer device according to the present invention comprises: an image data input section for converting digital image data and / or an analog image signal input from the outside into first digital image data by analog-to-digital conversion; An image determination unit that determines the image content of the first digital image data, an image rearrangement unit that rearranges the predetermined first digital image data to generate the rearranged first digital image data, The first digital image data and / or
A print output processing unit for performing print output processing for converting the rearranged first digital image data into print data for printing in an image print unit, and an image to be printed on a recording medium based on the print data And a printing unit.

The printer device according to the present invention comprises:
With respect to the predetermined first digital image data input from the image data input unit, the image determination unit determines whether a predetermined image content exists within a specific range in the first digital image data. If the predetermined image content exists within a specific range, the image repositioning unit changes the predetermined image content so that the predetermined image content is arranged in a specified area and changes the predetermined first digital image data. Are rearranged to generate rearranged first digital image data.

In this case, it is preferable that the predetermined image contents, the specific range, and the specified area are set correspondingly, and that the set contents are rewritable.

As described above, the predetermined image contents, the specific range,
By setting the specified area correspondingly, even when a plurality of candidate areas exist as the specified area, it is possible to set the optimum specified area according to the image content.

Further, by making the setting contents rewritable, it is possible to change the settings according to the preference of the main user in the target area at the time of shipment from the factory, to update the function after the shipment from the factory, or to change according to the preference of the user. It becomes possible.

In the printer according to the present invention, it is preferable that the image judging section, the image rearranging section, and the image printing section are integrally formed.

That is, in the printer according to the present invention, the image determining unit determines the image content in the predetermined first digital image data, and based on the determination result, determines the predetermined first digital image data by the image rearranging unit. Since the first digital image data is rearranged, it is possible to print the first digital image data in the image printing unit after correcting the first digital image data to the most balanced and stable image. A print image having the composition is obtained, and it is not necessary to determine the composition exactly at the time of photographing.

Further, in the printer device according to the present invention, even when a plurality of first digital image data are input, even if the stability of the composition of each first digital image data is different, The arrangement of the image contents is automatically corrected in accordance with the degree of stability, and a printed image having a sufficient composition is obtained. That is, the user is less likely to determine the composition by trial and error, and unnecessary printing is suppressed.

In the printer device according to the present invention, the changing method of changing the predetermined image content so as to be arranged in the specified area is to cut out a part from the predetermined first digital image data. The method may include at least one of a process, a process of enlarging the predetermined first digital image data, a process of rotating the predetermined first digital image data, and a process of deforming the predetermined first digital image data. preferable.

Further, in the printer device according to the present invention, when the predetermined image content of the predetermined first digital image data has an area, the image determination section determines the center of gravity of the predetermined image content as the first digital image data. It is determined whether or not the center of gravity is within a specific range in the digital image data of the digital image data. Then, it is preferable that the predetermined first digital image data is rearranged to generate rearranged first digital image data.

The center of gravity indicates the center of weight of a uniform thin plate having the same boundary in a plane figure, and is also called a centroid.

Further, in the printer device according to the present invention, when the predetermined first digital image data is rearranged, the identification of the predetermined image content in the rearranged first digital image data is performed. Assuming a line segment AB connecting both ends in the direction and a point G on the line segment AB, the line segment AB
And the ratio of the length of the line segment AG or the line segment BG to the larger one is the ratio of the length of the line segment AG and the line segment BG to the larger or smaller one. Assuming that the point G is equal to the above, the specified area is assumed to include the point G, and a predetermined image content in the predetermined first digital image data is arranged in the specified area. Preferably, it is changed.

In this case, the line segment AB is golden-divided by the point G, and the ratio of the line segment AB to the line segment AG or the line segment BG is 8: 5 or approximately 8: 5. Is preferred.

In this case, it is preferable that the predetermined first digital image data form a quadrilateral and at least one of a vertical direction, a horizontal direction, and a diagonal direction is selected as a specific direction of the line segment AB. .

The predetermined image contents in the printer according to the present invention include a person's face (in the case of one person, the center of gravity in the case of a plurality of persons), the direction in which the person is facing, a horizontal line, a horizon, and a tree trunk. , A building outline, a building outline, and the like.

Further, in the printer device according to the present invention described above, the first digital image data and / or the adjusted first digital image data and / or
Alternatively, it is preferable to have an image display output unit for displaying and outputting the changed first digital image data and / or the rearranged first digital image data.

In the printer device according to the present invention, the predetermined first digital image data input from the image data input section is compared with the predetermined first digital image data by the image determination section. At least one of a vertical image component that can be approximated in the vertical direction and a horizontal image component that can be approximated in the horizontal direction is extracted and determined. When at least one of these image components is extracted, the extracted image component and the corresponding vertical component are extracted. An angle formed by at least one of the direction and the horizontal direction is determined, and based on the angle, an input position adjusting unit adjusts the input position of the analog image signal which is the basis of the predetermined first digital image data by rotating and moving the input position. Generating the first digital image data adjusted by the image data input unit, and / or generating the first digital image data in the image calculation unit. And so as to generate a first digital image data changed by changing by rotating moving image content Le image data.

That is, in the printer device according to the present invention, when the object is inclined with respect to the image frame within the predetermined first digital image data, the vertical image component and / or the horizontal image The components are extracted and determined, and the angle between these image components and the directions corresponding thereto is determined. Based on this, the inclination is automatically corrected, and a print image having a sufficient composition is obtained.

Further, in the printer according to the present invention, when the angle between the vertical image component of the predetermined first digital image data and the vertical direction is smaller than a predetermined angle, and / or the predetermined first digital image data When the angle between the horizontal image component of the digital image data and the horizontal direction is smaller than a predetermined angle, the first position adjusted by the image data input unit based on the angle is adjusted by the input position adjustment unit. Generating digital image data; and / or
Alternatively, if the image processing section changes the image content of the first digital image data to generate the changed first digital image data, the photographer intentionally tilts the screen configuration to display the object. Is not corrected.

Further, in the printer device according to the present invention, the predetermined image contents are compared with the predetermined first digital image data input from the image data input section by the image determination section. It is determined whether or not the predetermined image content exists within the specific range.If the predetermined image content exists within the specific range, the predetermined image content is arranged in the specified area by the image rearrangement unit. In this case, the predetermined first digital image data is rearranged to generate rearranged first digital image data.

That is, in the printer according to the present invention, the image determining unit determines the image content in the predetermined first digital image data, and based on the determination result, determines the predetermined first digital image data by the image rearranging unit. In order to rearrange one digital image data, the predetermined first digital image data is printed in the image printing section after being corrected to the most balanced and stable image, and a print having a sufficient composition An image is obtained, and it is not necessary to determine the composition exactly at the time of shooting.

[0093]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

The printer according to the present invention has at least the following configuration. That is, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 1, an image data input unit 1 for converting externally input digital image data and / or an analog image signal into first digital image data by analog-to-digital conversion, and a predetermined first digital image data Data processing unit 5 that functions as an image determination unit that determines image contents
And Further, based on the result of the judgment made by the data processing unit 5 on the predetermined first digital image data, the input position is adjusted at the time of inputting the analog image signal which is the basis of the first digital image data, and the image data is inputted to the image data input unit 1. An input position adjusting unit 29 for generating the adjusted first digital image data is provided. Further, the data processing unit 5 includes:
The image processing section also functions as an image calculation section that changes the image content of the first digital image data to generate the changed first digital image data. And a print output for converting the first digital image data and / or the adjusted first digital image data and / or the changed first digital image data into print data for printing in the image print unit 3. It has a print output processing unit 24 that performs processing, and an image print unit 3 that prints and outputs on a recording medium based on the print data.

At this time, in the printer device according to the present invention, the data processing section 5 rearranges the predetermined first digital image data to generate the rearranged first digital image data. The print output processing unit 24 also functions as a rearrangement unit, and also converts the rearranged first digital image data into print data.

The printer device according to the present invention includes an image display output unit 2 for displaying and outputting the first digital image data, a display image quality in the image display output unit 2 and the image printing unit 3. And a characteristic correction unit 4 for defining the print image quality.

In this printer, the first digital image data may be edited, processed, synthesized, and corrected by the data processing unit 5 to obtain second digital image data. An image processing unit 6 is constituted by the characteristic correction unit 4.

Further, in this printer device, in the image data input section 1, image input means 7 serving as analog image signal input means for inputting analog image signals and / or digital image data input means for inputting digital image data. Having.

Further, the printer has an instruction device 8 as input means for inputting an instruction from outside.

That is, in the above printer,
Digital image data and / or an analog image signal is input by the image input means 7 in the image data input unit 1, and is converted into first digital image data by analog-to-digital conversion in the image input means 7. Output to the processing unit 6.

Then, in the data processing section 5 functioning as an image judging section in the image processing section 6, the predetermined first digital image data is set to be perpendicular to the image frame of the predetermined first digital image data. At least one of a vertical image component that can be approximated in the direction and a horizontal image component that can be approximated in the horizontal direction is extracted and determined. When at least one of these image components is extracted, the extracted image component and the corresponding vertical direction are extracted. Alternatively, an angle formed by at least one of the horizontal directions is determined.

Next, based on the above determination result, the input position adjusting section 29 adjusts the input position of the analog image signal which is the basis of the predetermined first digital image data by rotating and adjusting the input position. The first digital image data adjusted by the data input unit 1 is generated and output to the image processing unit 6 again.

The data processing unit 5 in the image processing unit 6 edits, processes, combines, and corrects the adjusted first digital image data as necessary to obtain second digital image data. Subsequently, the adjusted first digital image data and / or second digital image data are output to the image display output unit 2 and the image printing unit 3 via the characteristic correction unit 4 to display and print an image. I do.

At this time, if the image of the predetermined first digital image data has no inclination, each processing is performed as needed in the data processing unit 5 to obtain the second digital image data. 1 digital image data and / or
Alternatively, the second digital image data may be displayed and printed.

Further, the processing based on the judgment result in the data processing unit 5 functioning as an image judgment unit is performed by causing the data processing unit 5 to function as an image calculation unit. The first digital image data changed by rotating and changing the image content may be generated and performed.

Further, the data processing section 5 edits, modifies, combines, and corrects the changed first digital image data as necessary to obtain second digital image data. Subsequently, the changed first digital image data and / or second digital image data are converted to the characteristic correction unit 4.
The image data is output to the image display output unit 2 and the image printing unit 3 via the PC to display and print an image.

That is, in the printer according to the present invention, the object is inclined with respect to the image frame in the photographing screen. In other words, the object is inclined with respect to the image frame in the first digital image data. In such a case, the vertical image component and / or the horizontal image component in the object are extracted and determined, and the degree of inclination represented by the angle formed between these image components and the corresponding direction is determined. Is corrected, and a printed image having a sufficient composition is obtained.

Therefore, it is not necessary to fix the photographing equipment with a tripod or the like in order to avoid the user's habit (trend) when the user holds the photographing equipment by hand and photographs. The need to pay attention to not tilt.

In the printer according to the present invention, the vertical image component and the horizontal image component are extracted and determined for each first digital image data. Even if the inclination is different as described above, the inclination is automatically corrected in accordance with each inclination, and a printed image having a sufficient composition is obtained.

In the printer according to the present invention, the predetermined first image data input from the image data input unit 1 is used.
For the digital image data, the data processing unit 5 functioning as the image determination unit can vertically approximate the vertical image component that can be approximated in the vertical direction to the image frame of the predetermined first digital image data. When both of the horizontal image components are extracted, the angle between the corresponding direction and only one of the predetermined image components is determined, and based on this, the input position adjustment unit 29 adjusts the image data to obtain the image data. The first digital image data adjusted by the input unit 1 and / or the first digital image data modified by changing the image content of the first digital image data in the data processing unit 5 functioning as the image calculation unit It is preferable to generate digital image data of

In this case, it is preferable that one of the predetermined image components is a horizontal image component.

Further, in the printer device according to the present invention, the input position adjusting section 29 is provided with the predetermined first
The input position of the analog image signal serving as the basis of the digital image data may be adjusted by performing parallel movement and / or input range control for inputting only a predetermined range.

Further, in the printer device according to the present invention, the data processing section 5 functioning as the image calculation section performs a cut-out process for cutting out only a predetermined portion from the predetermined first digital image data, and performs the processing. The image content may be changed to generate the changed first digital image data.

In the printer device according to the present invention, for example, in the input position adjusting section 29,
After the input position of the analog image signal, which is the basis of the predetermined first digital image data, is adjusted by rotating and moving, and the first digital image data adjusted by the image data input unit 1 is generated, the adjustment is performed. The data processing unit 5 that functions as an image calculation unit performs a cutout process of cutting out only a predetermined portion from the obtained first digital image data, and changes the image content to obtain the changed first digital image data. For example, the processing of the input position adjustment unit 29 and the processing of the data processing unit 5 functioning as an image calculation unit may be combined.

In this manner, the input position of the analog image signal is adjusted by rotating and moving the analog image signal.
Even if the adjusted first digital image data generated by the above does not form a square, the data processing unit 5 functioning as an image calculation unit performs a cutout process of cutting out only a predetermined portion, and It is possible to obtain the changed first digital image data having a square shape by not reading or deleting unnecessary portions in the peripheral portion of one digital image data.

Further, in the printer device according to the present invention, the angle between a vertical image component that can be approximated in the vertical direction and the vertical direction with respect to the image frame of the predetermined first digital image data is a predetermined angle. Less than and / or
Alternatively, when the angle between the horizontal direction and the horizontal image component that can be approximated in the horizontal direction with respect to the image frame of the predetermined first digital image data is smaller than the predetermined angle, the input position adjustment unit is configured based on the angle. 29, the first digital image data adjusted by the image data input unit 1 is generated to generate the first digital image data, and / or the image contents of the first digital image data are processed by the data processing unit 5 functioning as the image calculation unit. Is preferably changed to generate the changed first digital image data.

[0117] This is based on the assumption that when the image as the basis of the predetermined first digital image data is shot, the image is unintentionally tilted and shot. The angle should be the maximum angle at which it is determined that the image was taken without tilting.

That is, in this way, when the photographer intentionally tilts the screen configuration and shoots an object, it is possible to prevent the tilt from being corrected, and the photographer's intention can be reduced. It is possible to obtain a print image along the line.

As described above, in the printer device according to the present invention, the data processing section 5 rearranges predetermined first digital image data and rearranges the first digital image data. The image output processing unit 24 also functions as an image rearrangement unit that generates the image data, and converts the rearranged first digital image data into print data.

That is, in the printer device according to the present invention, the predetermined first digital image data input from the image data input unit 1 is processed by the data processing unit 5 which also functions as the image determination unit. It is determined whether or not the image content is within a specific range in the first digital image data. If the predetermined image content is within the specific range, data that also functions as an image rearrangement unit is determined. The processing unit 5 changes the predetermined image content so as to be arranged in the specified area, rearranges the predetermined first digital image data, and generates rearranged first digital image data.

In this case, it is preferable that the predetermined image contents, the specific range, and the specified area are set correspondingly, and that the set contents are rewritable.

As described above, the predetermined image content, the specific range,
By setting the specified area correspondingly, even when a plurality of candidate areas exist as the specified area, it is possible to set the optimum specified area according to the image content.

Further, by making the setting contents rewritable, it is possible to change the settings according to the preference of the main user in the target area at the time of shipment from the factory, to update the function after the shipment from the factory, or to change according to the preference of the user. It becomes possible.

In the printer device according to the present invention, it is preferable that at least the data processing section 5 functioning as an image determining section and an image rearranging section and the image printing section 3 are integrally formed.

In the printer device according to the present invention, the data processing section 5 functioning as an image determining section determines the image content in the predetermined first digital image data, and relocates the image based on the determination result. After the predetermined first digital image data is rearranged by the data processing unit 5 which also functions as a unit, the predetermined first digital image data is corrected to an image having the most balanced and stable feeling, and then the image printing is performed. Printing can be performed by the unit 3, a printed image having a sufficient composition can be obtained, and it is not necessary to determine the composition exactly at the time of shooting.

In the printer device according to the present invention, even when a plurality of first digital image data are input, even if the stability of the composition of each first digital image data is different, The arrangement of the image contents is automatically corrected in accordance with the degree of stability, and a printed image having a sufficient composition is obtained. That is, the user is less likely to determine the composition by trial and error, and unnecessary printing is suppressed.

In the printer according to the present invention, the changing method for changing the predetermined image content so as to be arranged in the specified area is to cut out a part from the predetermined first digital image data. The method may include at least one of a process, a process of enlarging the predetermined first digital image data, a process of rotating the predetermined first digital image data, and a process of deforming the predetermined first digital image data. preferable.

Further, in the printer device according to the present invention, when a predetermined image content of the predetermined first digital image data has an area, the data processing unit 5 functioning as the image determination unit performs the predetermined image processing. It is determined whether or not the center of gravity of the content is within a specific range in the first digital image data. If the center of gravity is within the specific range, the data processing unit 5 that functions as an image rearrangement unit Preferably, the center of gravity is changed so as to be located within the specified area, and the predetermined first digital image data is rearranged to generate rearranged first digital image data.

The center of gravity indicates the center of weight of a uniform thin plate having the same boundary in a plane figure, and is also called a centroid.

Further, in the printer apparatus according to the present invention, when the predetermined first digital image data is rearranged, the identification of the predetermined image content in the rearranged first digital image data is performed. Assuming a line segment AB connecting both ends in the direction and a point G on the line segment AB, the line segment AB
And the ratio of the length of the line segment AG or the line segment BG to the larger one is the ratio of the length of the line segment AG and the line segment BG to the larger or smaller one. Assuming that the point G is equal to the above, the specified area is assumed to include the point G, and a predetermined image content in the predetermined first digital image data is arranged in the specified area. Preferably, it is changed.

In this case, the line segment AB is golden-divided by the point G, and the ratio of the line segment AB to the line segment AG or the line segment BG is 8: 5 or approximately 8: 5. Is preferred.

In this case, the predetermined first digital image data preferably forms a quadrilateral, and at least one of a vertical direction, a horizontal direction, and a diagonal direction is preferably selected as a specific direction of the line segment AB. .

The predetermined image contents in the printer according to the present invention include a person's face (in the case of one person, the center of gravity in the case of a plurality of persons), the direction in which the person is facing, the horizontal line, the horizon, and the trunk of a tree. , A building outline, a building outline, and the like.

Here, the golden division will be described with reference to FIG. Golden division is a method of dividing a line segment. When a line segment is divided into two points at points on the line segment, the ratio of the total length of the line segment to the longer section of the divided one is , The case where the ratio becomes equal to the ratio between the long section and the short section of the divided line segment. That is, as shown in FIG.
Is divided at the point G1 on the line segment AB, when the following expression 1 is satisfied, the golden division is established.

AG1 / AB = G1B / AG1 = (√5-1) /2=0.618033. . . AB: AG1 = 1: 0.618033. . . ≒ 8: 4.9 (Equation 1) The ratio of such a golden section (referred to as a golden ratio) is
It is said to be the most harmonious ratio since the Greek era, and is the best proportional division example of a line segment based on the principle of geometry.

This golden division method can be extended in the two-dimensional direction and applied to the screen configuration indicated by the image data. In other words, by arranging the main image on the screen near a specific point (golden division point) obtained by golden division on the screen, the impression that the screen is the most balanced and stable image is greatly increased. It can be given to a large number of observers.

That is, as shown in FIG. 2B, within a rectangle surrounded by points C, D, E and I, a line segment CD
The point G2, which is an intersection of the line segment FJ connecting the middle point of the line segment IE and the line segment KH connecting the points where the golden segmentation of the line segment CI and the line segment DE is established, corresponds to the specific point (golden segment point).

As shown in FIG. 2C, the points L,
Within a rectangle surrounded by M, N, and O, a line segment PU connecting a point where the golden division of the line segment LM and the line segment ON is established, and a line segment W connecting a point where the golden division of the line segment LO and the line segment MN are established
The point G3, which is an intersection with R, is the specific point (golden division point)
Hit. Similarly, a point G4 which is an intersection of a line segment QT connecting the points where the golden division of the line segment LM and the line segment ON is established, and a line segment WR connecting the points where the golden division of the line segment LO and the line segment MN is established, a line segment A point G5, a line segment L, which is an intersection of a line segment QT connecting the points where the golden division of LM and the line segment ON is established, and a line segment VS connecting the points where the golden segments of the line segment LO and the line segment MN are established
A line segment PU connecting points where the golden division of M and the line segment ON is established
G6, which is an intersection with the line segment VS connecting the points where the golden division of the line segment LO and the line segment MN holds, also corresponds to the specific point (golden division point).

Therefore, the specific point (golden division point) G2,
By arranging the main part or the attention part in the image in the neighboring area including the places G3, G4, G5, and G6, a balanced image is formed.

It is known that a human unconsciously prefers an image in which such a golden division relationship is satisfied with respect to the configuration of the image content in the image, and the image content in the image data does not depend on the golden division. In such a case, it is desirable that the correction be made so as to be a golden division relationship or as close as possible to this.

So far, the ratio of about 8: 4.9 has been described as the golden ratio, but the main image portion in the image is arranged at a more approximate ratio, for example, about 8: 5 or 3: 2. Also, substantially the same effect can be obtained. Therefore, in the actual correction processing, it is only necessary to approximate the golden section for convenience of calculation and calculation speed.

The main image on the screen is set to a specific point (golden division point)
As described above, it is desirable to arrange the image in the vicinity. However, when there is a linear image having a horizontal component or a vertical component as a background on the screen, a linear position (golden division line) that is golden-divided, that is, The line segment PU and line segment Q in FIG.
By arranging near T, line segment WR, and line segment VS, a sense of stability appears on the entire screen.

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 3A, in a rectangular image 131 surrounded by points a, b, c, and d, a predetermined image content 132 in which one person faces the front is shown. Is displayed, the face portion which is the most remarkable portion in the predetermined image content 132 is defined by the line segment ab and the line segment cd.
A point g1 which is an intersection of a line segment hi connecting a point where the golden division of the line segment ef, the line segment ad, and the line segment bc is established.
There is an example of arranging in the vicinity.

As shown in FIG. 3B, the points a,
A predetermined image content 133 in which one person faces leftward in a rectangular image 131 surrounded by b, c, and d.
Is indicated, the face portion which is the most remarkable portion in the predetermined image content 133 is a line segment jk and a line segment jk connecting points at which the golden division of the line segment ab and the line segment cd is established. a
An example is provided in which a point is located near a point g2 which is an intersection of a line segment hi connecting a point d and a point at which a golden division of the line segment bc is established.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG.
horizon 1 in a rectangular image 131 surrounded by b, c, d
In the case where a horizontal component such as 34 is shown, there is an example in which this horizontal component is arranged so as to match or be parallel to a line segment kl connecting a point where the golden division of the line segment ad and the line segment bc is established. No.

Further, as shown in FIG. 4B, when a horizontal component such as a horizontal line 135 is shown in a rectangular image 131 surrounded by points a, b, c, and d, An example is given in which the horizontal component is arranged so as to coincide with or be parallel to a line segment mn connecting a point where the golden division of the line segment ad and the line segment bc is established.

Further, as shown in FIG.
When a vertical component such as one tree 136 and a horizontal component such as a horizon 137 are shown in a rectangular image 131 surrounded by b, c, and d, the vertical component is represented by a line segment ab.
And a line segment op that connects the points where the golden division of the line segment cd is established or is arranged so as to be parallel, and the horizontal component is converted into a line segment qr that connects the points where the golden division of the line segment ad and the line segment bc is established. There is an example in which they are arranged so as to be coincident or parallel.

When a horizontal component is included as described above, it is necessary not to incline the line connecting the points where the golden section is established.

In the printer device, the display output characteristic setting for defining the display image quality in the image display output unit 2 is corrected in accordance with the print characteristic setting for defining the image quality in the image printing unit 3. Alternatively, the printing characteristic setting for defining the image quality in the image printing unit 3 is corrected in accordance with the display output characteristic setting for defining the display quality in the image display output unit 2. As a result, the display image on the image display output unit 2 and the print image by the image print unit 3 are expressed as visually equivalent image quality.

Next, the individual components will be described in detail.

In this printer, the image input means 7 includes an image data interface unit 9 functioning as an analog image signal input port or a digital image data input port, a removable media drive unit 10 which is a disk drive or a memory drive,
The camera includes a film reading unit 11 which is a scanner having a photoelectric conversion element, and a computer interface unit 12 functioning as a digital image data input port.

The image data interface unit 9
An interface unit for connecting an image data input / output unit 27 to a device or device for processing a subject or a document, such as a digital still image camera 14, a digital video camera, a document reading scanner, or the like, shown as an external connection device 13 in FIG. It is.

The image data interface unit 9 functions as a physical connection unit, and the externally connected device 1
3 and also functions as a digital image data input port (digital image data input port).
Examples of a method for connecting to the external connection device 13 include a wire connection and a wireless connection using infrared rays, electromagnetic waves, or the like.

In the image data interface section 9, the NTSC video signal, PAL video signal, R
An analog video signal such as a GB video signal and an S terminal video signal may be input (functioning as an analog image signal input port), and the digitalized signal may be generated as image data.

When a continuous image such as a digital video camera or an analog video signal, that is, a moving image is input, the moving image is directly sent to an external monitor connected to a display device 15 or an output port 16 shown as the image display output unit 2. When the user outputs an image signal and gives an instruction to select a desired image using the instruction device 8, the moving image selected by the image data interface unit 9 is digitally controlled by the human interface unit 28 described later. It is also possible to take in as image data which is a converted still image.

The image data captured in this way is sent to the data processing section 5 via the image data input / output section 27. The data may be sequentially transmitted in units of blocks each composed of an amount, or may be transmitted in units of one complete image data.

The removable media drive section 10
Is a portion for reading and writing image data by driving a removable medium 17 or the like shown as the external connection device 13 in FIG.

As the removable medium 17, there are:
Examples include a magnetic card, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, an IC memory card including a flash memory, a ROM, and a RAM.

The removable media drive section 10
With regard to a medium that requires driving of a physical mechanism, drive control of the mechanism is also performed.

The image data captured in this way is sent to the data processing unit 5 via the image data input / output unit 27.
The image data may be sent sequentially in the order of capture, may be sent sequentially in units of blocks each having a fixed data amount, or may be sent in units of one complete image data. .

When there are a plurality of image data in the medium, the video signal is sent to a monitor connected to a display device 15 or an output port 16 shown as the image display output unit 2 sequentially or in a state where each image data is reduced. When the user issues an instruction to select a desired image using the instruction device 8, the removable media drive unit 10 stores the selected image data into image data under the control of the human interface unit 28 described later. The data can be sent to the output unit 27 and the data processing unit 5 can perform a predetermined process. On the contrary, the image data subjected to the predetermined processing by the data processing unit 5 is controlled by the human interface unit 28 so that the image data input / output unit 2
7, the removable media drive unit 10
, And the removable medium drive unit 10 can write and save the data in the removable medium 17.

The film reading section 11 includes, for example, a so-called APS (Advanced Pho) having magnetic information related to a so-called ordinary 35 mm film or image.
This is a part that reads a photographic film 18 shown as the external connection device 13 in FIG. 1 such as a film, a large roll type film, and a sheet type film, and converts it into image data.

That is, the film reading unit 11
The control and photoelectric control for moving each image on the film to the reading start position by the photoelectric conversion element by placing each film on the film holder holding the film and relatively moving the film holder or the photoelectric conversion element. The reading control by the conversion element is performed. As the photoelectric conversion element, a photodiode, a phototransistor, a C
CD line sensor, C-MOS line sensor, CC
D image sensor, C-MOS image sensor, and the like are included. When reading one image, either the film folder or the photoelectric conversion element is moved two-dimensionally when the photoelectric conversion element is a single sensor, or one-dimensionally when the line sensor is used, according to the reading operation. In the case of the area sensor, it is not moved during the reading operation.

As an operation of reading an image on a film,
First, a sparse reading operation with a low reading density is performed on an image on a film, and the obtained image data is sent to a data processing unit 5 functioning as an image determining unit via an image data input / output unit 27.

The data processing section 5 extracts and determines whether or not the image data contains a vertical image component and / or a horizontal image component. It is determined whether the image data is tilted with respect to the image frame of the image data. If a tilted image component is recognized and it is determined that the image component is tilted against the photographer's intention, the data processing unit is determined. 5 to the input position adjusting unit 29 disposed in the film reading unit 11 as described later, and sends the state information on the inclination. When the input position adjustment unit 29 obtains the state information, the film holder or the photoelectric conversion element is mechanically rotated and translated so as to cancel the inclination of the vertical image component and the horizontal image component in the image with respect to the image frame. Then, the image on the film is read again,
The obtained image data is sent to the data processing unit 5 via the image data input / output unit 27.

The image data may be sent sequentially in the order in which they are read, may be sent sequentially in units of blocks each having a fixed data amount, or may be sent in units of one complete image data.

In the case where a plurality of images are recorded on the film, the read density is low when the read image data is left as it is, or when each image is reduced, or when the pitch at the time of reading is reduced. As a sparsely read image, it is output as a video signal to an external monitor connected to the display device 15 or the output port 16 shown as the image display output unit 2 via the data processing unit 5,
When the user issues an instruction to select a desired image using the instruction device 8, a human interface unit 28 described later
In the data processing unit 5, it is determined whether the selected image contains a horizontal image component and / or a vertical image component, and at least one of the selected images is included. It is also possible to operate such that the input position adjustment unit 29 operates to cancel the inclination and perform the image reading operation again.

When an image on the film is read by rotating and / or translating the film holder or the photoelectric conversion element in the input position adjusting section 29, the effective image area may not be square. Therefore, by restricting the reading range of the image on the film in accordance with the moving process of the input position adjusting unit 29, the image of the image data obtained by reading is squared.

When a plurality of images are inclined at different angles, the size of the image obtained by reading differs depending on the inclination. Therefore, when it is necessary to make the image sizes the same, the enlargement processing is executed at the time of the reading operation or as the image processing of the data processing unit 5.
Of course, when it is not necessary to make the image sizes the same, there is no need to perform the enlargement processing.

It is also possible for the film reading section 11 to send the selected image data to the image data input / output section 27 so that the data processing section 5 performs predetermined processing. When the sparse reading is performed as described above, the reading is performed again at the normal pitch.

The film reading section 11 may have a function of correcting the characteristics of the photoelectric conversion element and a function of correcting the characteristics of the illumination when performing the photoelectric conversion. However, when the processing for these corrections can be performed as digital processing, the processing may be performed by the data processing unit 5 instead of the film reading unit 11.

Of the photographic films 18, especially APS
When the film is read by the photoelectric conversion element, a magnetic head is also provided in the film reading unit 11, and the reading operation is performed, and at the same time, the magnetic data relating to photographing recorded on the APS film is read. This magnetic data is displayed by the image display output unit 2 under the control of the human interface unit 28 as photographing data related to the image data, and is used when the data processing unit 5 processes data.
Stored together with the image data.

Conventionally, when printing the photographic film 18 as described above, a system mainly using a general-purpose computer has been used. However, if the printer of the present embodiment is used, it is possible to print without using a general-purpose computer. It is possible to easily perform printing.

As described above, the film reading unit 1
An input position adjusting unit 29 is provided in the unit 1. The input position adjusting unit 29 performs an operation of changing the positional relationship of the film holder or the photoelectric conversion element based on the state information on the inclination of the target image from the data processing unit 5.

The film reading section 11 is constituted by a scanner section as described below. That is, as shown in FIG. 6, for example, it is mainly composed of a film holder 141 for holding a film 140 and a CCD sensor 142 serving as a photoelectric conversion element, and illuminates the image 143 from behind so as to sandwich the film 140. A light source 144 and a mirror 145 are provided.
The light L1 due to the image 143 illuminated by the light 143 is condensed by the lens 146 via the mirror 145, this is sent to the CCD sensor 142 as light L2, and is photoelectrically converted, and an analog image signal of the image 143 is obtained. This is analog-to-digital converted by an A / D converter (not shown) and is converted into first image data. Here, an example in which a CCD line sensor is used as the CCD sensor 142 will be described.

At this time, the input position adjusting unit 29
Is a film holder 141 and a photoelectric conversion element CC
The positional relationship with the D sensor 142, more specifically, the mounting portion (not shown) of the film holder 141 and the CCD sensor 142 is relatively controlled by performing the following control without changing the space between them. It is preferable to move. That is, first, there is a control for relatively performing at least one of the rotational movement and the parallel movement. Next, there is a control for performing a relative translation along with a relative rotational movement control. In addition, the rotational movement operation
This is an operation for correcting the inclination of the image 143, and the parallel movement operation is an operation for maximizing the reading range in the image because the rotation movement operation narrows the reading range.
Further, in order to keep the image to be read in a rectangular shape according to the state of the rotational movement operation and the parallel movement operation, input range control for limiting the read range is executed, and similarly, the image size obtained when reading a plurality of images is reduced. When it is necessary to make the shape and the size the same, the film reading unit 11 executes the enlargement control.

For example, in the example shown in FIG.
Sensor 142, lens 146, mirror 145, light source 1
The CCD unit 147 comprising the film 44 is fixed, and the film holder 141 is rotated and translated.
Specifically, the film holder 141 is rotated and moved as indicated by an arrow M3 in the figure, and is also moved in parallel with a reading line direction indicated by an arrow M1 in the figure, which is a vertical direction in the figure.
It is moved in parallel in the scanning direction indicated by the arrow M2 in the figure, which corresponds to the oblique direction in the figure. By this operation, the CCD sensor 142
The optical distance of the reading area (in this case, a straight line) on the film 140 corresponding to is not changed.

The reading line direction indicated by the arrow M1 in the drawing, which is the reading line corresponding to the CCD sensor 142, is orthogonal to the scanning direction indicated by the arrow M2 in the drawing.

Accordingly, in the case of FIG. 6, the film holder 141 is moved in accordance with the inclination of the image 143 by the arrow M in the figure.
3, the film holder 141 is moved in parallel with the position of the CCD sensor 142 in the reading line direction as indicated by an arrow M1 in the drawing.
What is necessary is just to translate in the sub-scanning direction at right angles to the position of the D sensor 142 as shown by the arrow M2 in the figure. When reading the next image, the film holder 141 may be moved in parallel until the next image reaches the reading start position.

In FIG. 6, the film holder 1
The example in which the 41 is moved has been described.
The 47 side may move. That is, as shown in FIG. 7, in the film reading unit having the same configuration as the film reading unit 11 shown in FIG.
The CCD unit 147 including the CD sensor 142, the lens 146, the mirror 145, and the light source 144 may move. Note that, in FIG. 7, the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 6 are given, and the description is omitted.

More specifically, the CCD unit 147 is rotated and moved as indicated by an arrow M6 in the figure, and is also moved in parallel with a reading line direction indicated by an arrow M4 in the figure, which corresponds to the vertical direction in the figure, and obliquely corresponds to the figure. It is translated in the scanning direction indicated by the middle arrow M5. By this operation, the optical distance of the reading area (in this case, a straight line) on the film 140 corresponding to the CCD sensor 142 does not change.

The reading line direction indicated by the arrow M4 in the drawing, which is the reading line corresponding to the CCD sensor 142, and the scanning direction indicated by the arrow M5 in the drawing are orthogonal to each other.

That is, in the case as shown in FIG. 7, the CCD unit 147 is rotated and moved as shown by the arrow M6 in the figure according to the inclination of the image 143, and
The unit 147 is moved in parallel with the position of the CCD sensor 142 in the reading line direction as indicated by an arrow M4 in the figure, and is moved perpendicular to the position of the CCD sensor 142 by an arrow M5 in the figure.
It is sufficient to move in parallel in the sub-scanning direction as shown by. When reading the next image, the film holder 1
What is necessary is just to translate 41 until the next image reaches the reading start position.

The computer interface unit 12
Is an interface for connecting the host computer 19 shown as the external connection device 13 in FIG. 1 and the image data input / output unit 27, and is a Bi-Centronic.
s, IEEE-1394, USB, SCSI, and other high-speed interfaces are used. The computer interface unit 12 controls each interface and controls various protocols including commands and responses for bidirectionally transmitting and receiving image data using each interface. The transmitted and received image data is handled in line units, block units, or plane units.

Until now, when printing out an image of a computer with a printer, it was necessary to perform various processes for printing out in a printer driver on the computer. On the other hand, in the printer device, the data processing unit 5 and the characteristic correction unit 4
Therefore, the processing by the printer driver of the host computer 19 is greatly reduced. That is, the time required for processing by the host computer 19 is reduced, the host computer 19 can immediately execute operations other than printing, and the CPU occupation time of the host computer 19 can be reduced. .

In this printer apparatus, the result of performing various processes on the image data input from the various image input means 7 described above by the data processing unit 5 is sent to the host computer 19, and the host computer 19
It is also possible to perform various processes with other software and store it in the host computer 19.

Here, four types of means have been described as the image input means 7, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the image input means 7 may be provided as necessary without departing from the gist of the present invention. Good.

Next, regarding the image data input / output section 27, the image input means 7 and the data processing section 5 in the image processing section 6 will be described.
This is a part that controls the transfer of image data between the image data. That is, it is a portion for transferring the first digital image data obtained by converting the digital image data and / or the analog image signal inputted from outside in the image input means 7 from analog to digital to the data processing section 5.

Further, the image data input / output unit 27
It also has a function of adjusting the transfer timing of the image data, the transfer source and the transfer destination, and preventing collision or the like of the image data. Further, it may have a function of adjusting image data input from various types of image input means so that the image data can be handled similarly.

In the image data input / output unit 27,
The image input unit 7 receives image data from the image data interface unit 9 and the film reading unit 11, and sends and receives image data to and from the removable media drive unit 10 and the computer interface unit 12. That is, the image data input unit 1
Functions as a data input / output unit. Timing of transmission and reception of image data in the image data input unit 1;
Control such as selection of image data is executed based on an instruction from a human interface unit 28 described later when following an instruction from the user, and based on control from the data processing unit 5 when automatically performed. Be executed.

It is assumed that the image input means 7 outputs a plurality of first digital image data obtained by converting a plurality of digital image data and / or an analog image signal inputted from the outside into an analog-digital signal. Are as follows.

That is, in the image data interface unit 9, the digital still picture camera 14 as the externally connected device 13 is connected, and the memory or recording medium in the digital still picture camera 14 has a plurality of photographed image data. Is done.

The image data interface unit 9
A moving image signal is input, and the moving image signal is captured at regular time intervals or every time the moving image content changes significantly.
A case where digitization is performed to obtain a plurality of first digital image data is exemplified.

Furthermore, the removable medium 1 to be connected or inserted into the removable medium drive unit 10
7 illustrates a case where a plurality of image data are present.

Furthermore, a case where the photographic film 18 to be read by the film reading section 11 is a roll type or a sheet type and a plurality of pieces of image information are recorded therein is exemplified.

Also, the computer interface unit 1
A plurality of image data are stored in a storage unit such as a hard disk or a CD-ROM drive in the host computer 19 connected to the host computer 2 and a plurality of digital images are transmitted through a bidirectional interface between the computer interface unit 12 and the host computer 19. A host computer 19 that can sequentially transmit data from the host computer 19 to the computer interface unit 12
The case where the above software is executed is exemplified.

The printer of this embodiment has a display device 15 and an output port 16 which is an analog image signal output port and / or a digital image data output port as the image display output section 2. The output port 16 is connected to an external monitor for external connection.

The display device 15 is mainly composed of a full-color display for displaying image data and a human interface 28 to be described later, and a drive unit thereof. As such a display device, a flat panel display represented by a liquid crystal panel is preferable. Further, one or more status indicators including LEDs or the like indicating the operation status may be provided.

The pointing device 8 which is an input means for inputting an external instruction includes a mouse, a trackball, a keyboard, a touch panel provided on the display device 15, a pen touch input panel for inputting with a pen point, and the like. Is exemplified. This is where the user's instructions are input in accordance with the control of the human interface unit 28 described later. In the touch panel or the pen touch input panel provided on the display device 15, the display of the operation key image on the display device and the input operation range for the displayed key image of the touch panel or the pen touch input panel are the same or related. Position.

When chattering may occur in a key or the like, a process for preventing malfunction due to chattering is performed by an electric circuit or control software. The pointing device 8 can be used by controlling the human interface unit 28 while displaying a pointer indicating the display position of the pointing device 8 on an external monitor display screen displayed by the video signal output from the output port 16. It is also possible to display the instruction acceptance range on the external monitor, move the pointer by the instruction device 8 within the range, and input a user instruction by selecting the pointer.

The human interface unit 28 has a function of selecting desired image data from a plurality of image data and converting it into first digital image data, and a function of converting the first digital image data into a data processing unit. 5, a function of performing an automatic printing method for sequentially performing a series of operations of performing printing output processing in a printing output processing unit 24 and printing and outputting an image in an image printing unit 3, A function of performing display output to the display device 15 and the output port 16 when executing processing for the
A function for starting the above-described automatic printing method in response to an input instruction from the user through the instruction device 8; a function for selecting an image and reading image data in response to an input instruction from the instruction device 8; A function of setting various parameters when editing, processing, synthesizing, and correcting image data, which will be described later, in the data processing unit 5, a function of controlling a printer device in accordance with a user's instruction in addition to a print output instruction. It is a part having.

The human interface unit 28
Converts the image data for the display device 15 and the output port 16 of the image display output unit 2 processed by the image processing unit 6 into data that can be output to the image display output unit 2,
A key display, a slide volume display, a menu screen display, and the like necessary for the operation are combined and output to the display device 15 or output to an external monitor through the output port 16.

The contents to be displayed on the display device 15, the contents to be displayed on the external monitor, and the contents of the reception instruction corresponding to the contents are determined by the operation status of the printer of this embodiment and the contents of processing in the image processing section 6. You.

With such a configuration, the content displayed on the display device 15 and the content displayed on the external monitor can be made different. For example, the image synthesized with the image data and the human interface unit 28 may be displayed on the display device 15, and only the image signal may be output to the output port 16 to display only the image data on the external monitor. Specifically, the display device 15 displays the entire printing range of the recording medium, and the external monitor displays only the selected image data. Alternatively, the display can be performed in the reverse manner.

In the printer of the present invention, desired image data is selected from a plurality of image data and converted into first digital image data.
Before performing an automatic print process for sequentially performing a series of operations for printing and outputting an image in the image printing unit 3, correcting the image data as needed, and performing a print output process in the print output processing unit 24. It is possible to set the number of prints.

The image processing section 6 is mainly constituted by the data processing section 5 and the characteristic correction section 4 as described above.

The image processing unit 6 receives the image data input from each image input unit 7 via the image data input / output unit 27 based on preset contents or via the human interface unit 28. Edit, process, combine and correct based on the instructions from all users,
If the image data input from the image data input unit 1 does not have ideal image quality characteristics, the display device 15
And a data processing unit 5 for improving the image quality of a display image on an external monitor and a print image printed by the image print unit 3.
In, the input image data is corrected.

More specifically, the data processing unit 5 performs editing, processing, combining, and correcting processes, and when the image data input from the image data input unit 1 does not have ideal image quality characteristics. In the data processing unit 5, the input image data is corrected in order to improve the image quality of the image displayed on the display device 15, the external monitor, and the image printed by the image printing unit 3. In this case, the data processing unit 5 receives a user's instruction from the instruction device 8 via the human interface unit 28, and based on the instruction, receives the first digital image data from the image data input unit 1. Editing, processing, compositing,
In some cases, correction and conversion are performed to obtain second digital image data.

In the printer of the present invention, in particular, the data processing section 5 also functions as an image judging section, and an image content is converted to the first digital image data read by the film reading section 11. Judgment, extraction of an image tilted with respect to the image frame of the first digital image data is determined. To the input position adjustment unit 29 in the film reading unit 11.

[0210] Not only the film reading unit 11 but also
A similar state is extracted and determined with respect to the input first digital image data. Rotational movement processing and cutout processing are performed on image data for which it can be determined that the image is inclined, and enlargement processing is performed as necessary. .

Here, the image content of the first digital image data read by the film reading unit 11 is extracted and determined, and based on the determination result, the first digital image data to be input to the input position adjusting unit 29 in the film reading unit 11 is determined. Sending processing of state information relating to the inclination of one digital image data with respect to the image frame, extracting and determining not only the first digital image data from the film reading unit 11 but also the image content of the input first digital image data, The image rotation processing and cutout processing for the first digital image data performed based on the determination result will be described.

As in the film reading section 11 described above,
When the image is read as the first digital image data, in the case of the image input means 7 capable of rotating and moving the original image, state information is provided to the input position adjustment unit 29 therein. On the other hand, in the case of the image input unit 7 that cannot perform the rotation operation of the original image when reading as the first digital image data, the data processing unit 5 has the same function as the input position adjustment unit 29. Then, a similar process may be executed.

A predetermined image pattern content of the first digital image data input from the film reading section 11 and other image input means 7 is extracted, and the extracted image pattern is not completely perpendicular to the image frame. A vertical image component that can be approximated to a vertical close to the vertical within the set angle,
Alternatively, when a horizontal image component that is not completely horizontal to the image frame and that can be approximated to a horizontal level within a preset angle is included, the photographer takes a photograph when photographing an object of the image. Since the image was taken in a hand-held state without fixing the equipment, it can be determined that the target object was unintentionally inclined with respect to the image frame. Therefore, if the image is rotated according to the angle information, the unnecessary inclination can be corrected.

The preset angle is an angle for discriminating whether the photographed image has been unintentionally tilted or intentionally tilted. The photographed images of a large number of users are determined in advance. Choose the angle that gives the least error. With this setting, not only the intentionally tilted image is excluded from the target, but also the target object is originally tilted obliquely, and the image obtained by photographing the target object can be excluded from the target.

When the pattern content of the input first digital image data is extracted, both the vertical image component which can be approximated vertically and the horizontal image component which can be approximated horizontally are extracted, and their image frames are extracted. If the angles are different,
A priority is assigned to one of them, and the rotation movement control or the rotation processing is executed according to the angle formed by one of the image components with the image frame.

In the case where both image components are determined to be extracted as described above, it is preferable to give priority to a horizontal image component that can be approximated horizontally to the image frame. This is because it is generally more stable in images taken by many users that there are many horizontal objects such as the horizon and the horizon, and that they are positioned substantially horizontally with respect to the image frame from which the horizontal image components are obtained. This is because the image is perceived as calm.

On the basis of the state information thus obtained, the film reading section 11 performs an image re-reading operation under the control of the input position adjusting section 29, or executes the same processing as digital image calculation processing. .

Next, an example of actually reading an image from the film reading section 11 will be described. First, first digital image data obtained by first performing a sparse scan is shown in FIG.
(A). That is, the image 151 is shown in the image frame 150 surrounded by the points s, t, u, and v. In this image 151, a horizontal line 152 as a horizontal image component is shown, and this horizontal line 152 is a virtual horizontal line x parallel to the line segment st and the line segment uv which are horizontal frames of the image frame 150.
It is inclined at an angle θ with respect to y.

Therefore, as shown in FIG.
By rotating the image by the minute, the image is changed to an image frame 153 surrounded by points s1, t1, u1, and v1, and the re-read range is determined. As a result, within the re-read range, the horizontal line 152 in the image 151 is a line segment s that is a horizontal frame of the image frame 153.
It is substantially parallel to a virtual horizontal line parallel to 1t1 and the line segment u1v1.

Here, if the center point of the rotation operation does not coincide with the center point of the image, it is necessary to translate the scan range in parallel to secure the maximum re-read range. The direction and amount of the parallel movement are determined by the film reading unit 1.
1 mechanical structure. Therefore, when re-reading is performed according to the re-reading range determined by the rotation angle θ and the mechanical structure, an intended image 150 as shown in FIG. 10 is obtained.

Further, in the printer apparatus of the present invention, the data processing section 5 functions not only as an image determining section but also as an image rearranging section, so that the predetermined processing of the input first digital image data is performed. It is determined whether or not the image content is within a specific range in the first digital image data. If the predetermined image content is within the specific range, the predetermined image content is included in a specified area. The first digital image data is rearranged to generate the rearranged first digital image data.

Here, a process of judging the image contents in the first digital image data, changing the arrangement of the predetermined image contents based on the judgment result, and rearranging the predetermined first digital image data will be described. I do.

That is, the input first digital image data contains predetermined image contents in the image contents, and the predetermined image contents fall within a predetermined range corresponding to the predetermined image contents. Judge whether it exists,
If the predetermined image content exists within a specific range,
In the data processing unit 5 functioning as an image rearrangement unit, the predetermined digital image data is rearranged by rearranging the predetermined first digital image data by changing the predetermined image content so as to be arranged in the specified area. 1 digital image data is generated.

First, as shown representatively in FIGS. 11, 12, and 13, the correspondence between predetermined image contents, a specific area indicating the specific range, and a specific area is defined in advance.

The predetermined image contents shown in FIGS. 11, 12 and 13 define the main image contents or characteristic image contents included in the image contents in the first digital image data. For example, a person's face (front, sideways, etc.),
An object having a vertical component such as a horizon or a horizon, an isolated tree, a tall building looking up, or the like can be given.

The specific region (= region X) shown in FIGS. 11, 12 and 13 is the maximum range of the region where the predetermined image content is located. This indicates a range in which changing the image position does not significantly affect the gist and configuration of the original image content. As an example, when a person's face (front, sideways, etc.) is used as a specific image,
When the object is photographed, the maximum image area assumed to have been photographed with the person's face as a main part is defined as a specific area. Therefore, it is determined from the contents of the object considered by the photographer, where the object is to be arranged in the image, and the range in which the image is actually taken.

The specified area (= area Y) shown in FIGS. 11, 12 and 13 is arranged at the center (for example, the center of gravity) of the predetermined image content when the predetermined image content is located in the specific area. Indicates the area of the As an example, a point Y and a line Y obtained by dividing each side of the image into golden sections can be defined, and a defined area (= area Y) including the point Y and the line Y therein can be set. A range in which an effect substantially equivalent to the case where predetermined image contents are arranged on the point Y and the line Y can be obtained as a specified region.

As described above, the image pattern contents of the first input digital image data are extracted, and the extracted image pattern is extracted from any one of the predetermined image contents. Judge whether it corresponds. Then, it is determined whether or not the predetermined image content obtained by extraction exists in the corresponding specific area. At this time, if the predetermined image content is an image having a spread,
Try to judge about the center of gravity.

When predetermined image contents can be extracted from the input image data and they exist in a specific area, the image contents are changed so that the predetermined image contents fall within the corresponding specified area. I do.

[0230] Then, the obtained image data is subjected to each process described later to be displayed and output on the display device 15 and / or an external monitor, and the image printing section 3 prints an image on a recording medium.

As a method of changing the predetermined image content so as to fall within the specified area as described above, the following method is exemplified.

That is, as shown in FIG. 14A, for example, a method of cutting out an image so that a predetermined image content in an original image falls within a specified area to obtain a changed image, or a method shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 4 (b), when an image is cut out and printed on a recording medium so that a predetermined image content in an original image falls within a specified area, the image size becomes smaller than a desired size. As another example, there is a method of enlarging a cut-out image to a desired size to obtain a changed image.
In the latter case, when partially cutting out the original image data, the image may be sequentially enlarged while being cut out, or an image of a required size may be cut out after expanding the original image data.

Further, as shown in FIG. 14 (c), when an image is partially cut out from the original image data, an angle with respect to the original image data is set so that predetermined image contents are positioned within the specified area. In the case where it is necessary to rotate the clipped image by the angle, the cut image is rotated to obtain a changed image. Alternatively, when partially cut out from the original image data, each pixel arrangement may be rotated while being cut out to obtain a changed image. Alternatively, a target image may be cut out after rotating the original image data.

Further, as shown in FIG. 15A, when the image cut out from the original image in order to arrange the predetermined image content in the specified area is not the same as the image form when printed on the recording medium, Alternatively, the cut-out image may be deformed to obtain the changed image. In addition, the target image may be generated by sequentially executing the deformation processing while cutting out. As an example, when a middle-to-high-rise building is photographed while looking up from the ground surface at a certain distance, the building shows a trapezoidal shape in an image obtained by photographing. Originally, when such a building is printed, it is preferable that the building be rectangular. Therefore, a trapezoidal image including a building is cut out from the image data obtained by shooting, and a process of changing the image into a rectangle is performed. Alternatively, the process of sequentially transforming the image into a rectangle is performed while cutting out the image.

Further, as shown in FIG.
In order to arrange a predetermined image content in the specified area, a cutout process is performed on the original image, a rotation process is performed on the original image, and an enlargement process is performed to obtain a changed image.
As shown in (c), a clipping process is performed on the original image in order to arrange a predetermined image content in the specified area, a deformation process is performed on the original image, and an enlargement process is performed to obtain a changed image. There are also methods.

In the method described so far, a process of extracting a necessary portion from the original image data is premised as a changing method. In addition, a peripheral portion of the original image data or a portion other than the target image portion is used. By removing
It is also possible to make a desired change by a process that does not involve the cutout process.

It is preferable that the correspondence between the predetermined image content, the specific area indicating the specific range, and the specified area can be changed in the printer of the present invention. By doing so, it is possible to rewrite or modify the correspondence as needed, or to add a new correspondence.

It is preferable that the correspondence can be changed by the input characteristics of the image input means 7 depending on the image input means 7 from which the image data is input. Alternatively, a plurality of correspondences may be provided from the beginning, and an optimum correspondence may be selected from among them according to which image input unit 7 is used.

The data processing unit 5 also controls access to the image memory 20. Image data is written and read under the control of the data processing unit 5 as needed. The image data to be stored has been edited, processed, synthesized and corrected by the data processing unit 5 in the image processing unit 6, and if there is information related to this image data, the related information is also held. You.

The data held in the image memory 20 may be in a compressed format, a reversible compressed format, a lossy compressed format, or the like.
The format to be used depends on whether the format is easy to handle by the image processing unit 6, whether or not the image quality is degraded by repeating the compression / decompression, the maximum number of image data and the capacity of the image data stored in the image memory 20. , The read / write speed of the image memory 20, and the like. Processing speed, image quality degradation,
In consideration of handling of data and the like, it is preferable that the data is stored in the image memory 20 in a non-compressed format. Further, it is preferable that the image memory 20 has a capacity capable of holding a plurality of uncompressed image data. Further, a part of the image memory 20 may be used as a working memory for image data in the process of processing in the image processing unit 6.

When accessing the image data in the image memory 20, the image data in the compressed form is stored in the image memory 20.
When the image data is to be stored inside, when the image data is written to the image memory 20, the data processing unit 5 performs the compression processing of the image data before writing. As a matter of course,
At the time of reading, the data processing unit 5 performs the decompression processing.

Since the data processing unit 5 also controls access to the image memory 20,
Control such as performing time-division access when the timing of writing image data to the image memory 20 and the timing of reading image data from the image memory 20 are likely to collide, or delaying either timing is performed. By adopting a structure in which the capacity of the image memory 20 can be increased or decreased,
By detecting the effective capacity, address control for the image memory 20 can be performed normally.

In the data processing section 5, when the image data interface section 9 and the film reading section 11 do not execute a characteristic correction process for each input section when taking or reading each image data, Digital processing may be performed.

In the data processing section 5,
Mainly, image data is digitized and handled. With respect to the digitized image data read from the image data input unit 1, if each process is continued while the number of bits of the operation of each data is the same as the number of input image data, the operation accuracy gradually deteriorates. Therefore, in the process of calculation, it is important to increase the number of bits of each data by 2 to 4 bits and to prevent the deterioration of the calculation accuracy as much as possible in order to secure the image quality of the printed image to be printed.

When the user edits, processes, combines, or corrects the first digital image data input from the image data input unit 1 based on an instruction from the instruction device 8, Thus, an output is displayed on the image display output unit 2 under the control of the human interface unit 28, and a process desired by the user is confirmed.

When the user performs a desired process on the first digital image data to generate second digital image data and gives an instruction to print the second digital image data, the second digital image data will be described later. Is sent to the image printing unit 3 via the printing output processing unit 24.

The processing such as editing, processing, combining, and correction executed in the data processing section 5 in the image processing section 6 is used later in each processing from the removable media drive section 10 and the computer interface section 12. It is also possible to provide a configuration in which parameters and software for each process can be newly added or updated, and a new function can be added to the printer device.

The image data edited, processed, synthesized, corrected and converted in the image processing section 6 can be written and stored in the removable medium 17 via the removable medium drive section 10. In addition, by sending image data to a host computer 19 connected to the outside via the computer interface unit 12, various uses can be made by using image processing software and software for handling images in the host computer 19.

The image processing unit 6 is the same as the data processing unit 5 described above.
In addition, a characteristic correction unit 4 is also provided. The characteristic correction unit 4 includes a display device processing unit 22, a video signal processing unit 23, and a print output processing unit 24.

The display device processing section 22 displays the first digital image data or the processed second digital image data on the display device 15 via the human interface section 28 as necessary. This is a part for performing a correction process according to the characteristics of the device 15.

The video signal processing section 23 transmits the first digital image data or the processed second digital image data as necessary through the human interface section 28 to an externally connected display device such as an external monitor. This is a section for performing correction processing according to the characteristics of the display device and the characteristics of a standard video signal output to the display device.

The image data output from the display device processing section 22 and the video signal processing section 23 to the human interface section 28 are combined with other data in the human interface section 28 and are combined. Image data may be displayed on the display device 15 or an external monitor. In this case, it is often combined with a display or a character for requesting a user's instruction, a pattern generated in the data processing unit 5, or the like.

Further, the printing output processing section 24 is a section which performs each conversion and correction processing for printing in the image printing section 3 and sends it to the image printing section 3. In the printer device of the present invention, the first digital image data selected from the plurality of image data is input to the data processing unit 5, corrected as necessary, and subjected to print output processing in the print output processing unit 24. The user selects an image to be printed out under the control of the human interface unit 28 or the start of an actual printing operation in an automatic printing method in which a series of operations for printing and outputting an image in the image printing unit 3 are automatically performed in sequence. By issuing the execution instruction, the image printing unit 3 prints the first digital image data sent from the data processing unit 5 or the first digital image data and the second digital image data processed as necessary. Each of the conversion and correction processing is performed, and the result is sent to the image printing unit 3.

Normally, the first digital image data or the first digital image data processed as necessary,
The second digital image data is an RGB signal of 8 bi for each color.
It is data of t or more. However, since the ink or toner used in the print head 25 used in the image printing unit 3 is three colors of CMY or four colors of CMYK,
The print output processing unit 24 converts the RGB signals into each of these colors, and performs a color correction process or the like for correcting a color shift of a print output due to the non-ideal spectral sensitivity characteristics of the recording ink or toner of each color. , A conversion correction process caused by environmental conditions at the time of recording, such as the print head 25, ink, toner, and coloring characteristics of the recording medium.

In the print output processing section 24, the arrangement order of the image data to be transferred to the print head 25 is rearranged in the print order actually used by the print head 25 and output. For this reason, the print output processing unit 24 may have a RAM for temporarily buffering print data. Alternatively, when the data processing unit 5 reads image data from the image memory 20, the read address may be controlled so as to conform to the printing order of the print head 25.

In the printer of this embodiment, the image displayed on the image display output unit 2 and the image printed by the image printing unit 3 are expressed as visually equivalent image quality.

For this reason, in the printer of the present embodiment, the display output characteristic setting for defining the display image quality in the image display output unit 2 is made corresponding to the print characteristic setting for defining the image quality in the image printing unit 3. The correction is performed by the display device processing unit 22 and / or the video signal processing unit 23. Or, conversely, the print output setting unit 24 corrects the print characteristic setting that defines the print image quality in the image print unit 3 in accordance with the display output characteristic setting that defines the display image quality in the image display output unit 2. ing.

Next, the image printing section 3 mainly includes a print head driving section 26 and a print head 25. When the printing operation is started, the print data having undergone the conversion correction processing required for printing in the print output processing unit 24 in the image processing unit 6 is transferred to the print head driving unit 26.
Will be sent to Then, the print head driving unit 2
In step 6, print data is converted into a drive voltage, a drive current, and a drive waveform sufficient to drive the print head 25 in accordance with the drive timing of the print head 25 and output to the print head 25.

That is, the print head driving section 26
Are performed in synchronization with the operation of the printing mechanism accompanying the printing of the print head 25, the movement of the print head 25, the movement of the recording medium, the maintenance processing of the print head 25, the supply of ink, and the like. In addition, in order to perform optimal printing in accordance with the environmental condition at the time of printing, there is a case where correction suitable for the analog electrical circuit configuration is executed based on an input from a detecting element such as a temperature sensor. If this correction process can be executed by digital processing, it can be executed in the print output processing unit 24 in the image processing unit 6. The print head drive unit 26 is configured and operates according to the type and number of the print heads 25 to be used, the configuration of the print mechanism unit, and the like.

The print head 25 is a part for actually printing a picture by ejecting a recording ink onto a printing medium, or printing by attaching a printing toner to the printing medium. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No.
An ink jet print head as disclosed in JP-A-164656 or JP-A-8-336990, in particular, a recording material flying print head and a two-liquid mixed print head are exemplified. In addition, a dye diffusion type thermal head, an image forming unit of a laser beam printer, and a recording head of another type may be used.

Among these, a recording material flying print head and a two-liquid mixed print head capable of full-color halftone recording can realize high-quality full-color printing and are preferably used. Further, a line print head and a serial print head can be configured according to the width of the print head. In the case of a line print head, the printing time is reduced because the recording medium needs to move in only one direction with respect to the line print head. In the case of a serial print head, the recording medium and the serial print head need to move relatively in two directions.

In this example, the image data input unit 1, the image processing unit 6, the image memory 20, the pointing device 8,
Although the example in which the image display output unit 2 and the image printing unit 3 are integrally formed to form the main body 21 has been described, the image input unit 7 of the image data input unit 1 is divided and disposed. May be. For example, the film reading unit 11 may be connected to the main body 21 through a bidirectional interface. By bidirectionally transmitting and receiving a signal from a photoelectric conversion element, a control signal of a reading mechanism, and the like, the film reading unit 11 Can be provided with a function equivalent to that in the case where is incorporated in the main body 21. In this case, IEEE-1394 is used as the interface.
A general-purpose interface such as the above may be used. By using the general-purpose interface in this way, if a software configuration is adopted in which another image input means 7 is connected instead of the film reading unit 11 and communication between them is controlled, this interface is used. Thus, transmission / reception with other image input means 7 is also possible.

As described above, if the image input means 7 is divided from the main body 21 and is separable, only necessary types of the image input means 7 can be connected to the main body. This is preferable because the size is reduced and the required installation area is reduced.

Although the display device 15 is incorporated in the main body 21, it is preferable that the display device 15 be movable on the main body 21. For example, it is preferable that it is held on a housing-shaped main body 21 via a support portion and has a structure in which rotation or the like can be performed in a predetermined range, so that the user can easily see the image. Further, it may be arranged separately from the main body 21, and preferably has a physical or electrical coupling mechanism with the main body 21, so that the user can visually recognize even a place away from the main body 21. Become. That is, the image characteristics such as the color tone of the display image by the display device 15 are easily affected by the surrounding environment. However, as described above, the display device 15 is made movable on the main body 21 or is divided and arranged. This is preferable because it facilitates visual recognition in a state that is hardly affected by the surrounding environment.

The pointing device 8 may be provided separately from the main body 21. This allows the user to remotely control the printer device.

Further, by using the main body 21 as described above, it is possible to adopt a method of use and a method of correction specialized for the printer of the present invention. Therefore, the method of use is simplified, and the processing speed of the correction processing and the like can be increased with an optimal algorithm.

When printing is actually performed by such a printer device, for example, the following operation is performed.
That is, first, in order to prompt the user to select and input an accessible image, the human interface unit 2
8 causes the display device 15 and / or the external monitor to perform display so that the user can select which image input means 7 to input an image. In accordance with this, the user selects the image input means 7 for selecting and inputting an image from the various image input means 7 using the pointing device 8 in order to take out the image desired to be printed. When the computer interface unit 12 is selected, the selection can be made by using the host computer 19 instead of the pointing device 8.

Next, the selected image input means 7 converts a plurality of digital image data and / or analog image signals in an accessible state or reduced state inputted from the outside into a first signal by analog-to-digital conversion. The digital image data is sent to the image processing unit 6 via the image data input / output unit 27.

The first digital image data is input to the data processing unit 5 in the image processing unit 6, where it is stored in the image memory 20 if necessary, and displayed on the display device 15 or an external monitor. A correction process for correcting a characteristic display characteristic for performing the correction is performed.

The image data corrected as described above is output to the display device 15 or an external monitor to display an image. If there is a plurality of image data accessible to the image data input unit 1 as described above, each image data is reduced as necessary so that a plurality of image data can be displayed on one screen.

Next, the user instructs an image to be printed after executing each process with respect to the plurality of accessible image data displayed on the display device 15 or the external monitor using an instruction device. In addition. When processing is performed on all accessible image data, there is no need for the user to select image data. Thus, the image data to be processed is determined.

In the printer of this embodiment, the selected first digital image data is input to the data processing unit 5,
The first digital image data adjusted or the first digital image data adjusted by performing the control or the process of correcting the inclination of the image is generated, and / or the rearrangement is performed by performing the process of changing the image content position. The first digital image data is generated, and a correction process for improving the image quality is performed. If necessary, processing such as editing, processing, synthesis, and correction is performed to obtain second digital image data, and printing is performed. In the case where a series of operations for performing printing output processing in the output processing unit 24 and printing and outputting an image in the image printing unit 3 are sequentially performed, an automatic printing method for automatically performing these operations and a user inputting each processing parameter by inputting an instruction device. It is possible to select a method (hereinafter, referred to as a manual printing method) of performing the above-described processing manually by changing the method.

In the case of performing the above automatically, the user only has to give an instruction to that effect from the instruction device 8, whereby the above-described processing is executed.

On the other hand, in the case of manual operation, desired processes are sequentially performed on individual first digital image data.

It should be noted that, in either case of selecting image data desired to be printed by using the automatic printing method or selecting image data desired to be printed by the manual printing method, these first data are stored in the image memory 20. If the digital image data is not held in a perfect state, the first digital image data designated via the image data input unit 1 is read again, and is stored in the image memory 20 via the image processing unit 6. Need to be retained.

When the selected first digital image data is input to the data processing section 5, the image content of the predetermined first digital image data is determined, and if the image has an inclination, the inclination is determined. For correction, the same image is controlled again by rotation or the like and input again from the image input means 7, or the same processing is performed in the data processing unit 5 to adjust the adjusted first digital image data or change. Generated first digital image data.

At this time, the image of the image data read before correcting the image inclination is displayed on the display device 15, and the image after the control or processing for correcting the image inclination is displayed on the external monitor. You may make it do. In this case, the range of the control for correcting the tilt of the image or the image before the processing may be indicated in the display image so that the region for performing the control such as the rotation is clearly shown. It goes without saying that the display output contents to the display device 15 and the external monitor may be reverse to those in the above-described example, and may be the same display. Alternatively, the image before correction may be kept displayed on the display device, and the image after correction may be confirmed by a print image.

When the selected first digital image data is input to the data processing section 5, the image content of the predetermined first digital image data is determined, and the predetermined digital data in the first digital image data is determined. If the image content is within the specific range, the re-arranged first digital image data is generated by performing a changing process so that the specific image is arranged in the specified area, and the image quality of the image data is changed. Correction processing is performed to improve.

At this time, the image of the image data read before the rearrangement of the image is displayed on the display device 15, and the image after the rearrangement of the image is displayed on the external monitor. You may do it. In this case, for the image before the image is rearranged, the range is indicated in the display image so that the region to be rearranged is clearly indicated. May be indicated in the display image so that is clearly indicated. It goes without saying that the display output contents to the display device 15 and the external monitor may be reverse to those in the above-described example, and may be the same display. Alternatively, the image before correction may be kept displayed on the display device, and the image after correction may be confirmed by a print image.

In the printer device of the present invention, the predetermined first digital image data, the adjusted first digital image data, or the changed first digital image data is supplied to the image display output unit 2. Alternatively, within a predetermined time after the rearranged first digital image data or the first digital image data being processed is displayed, correction of the predetermined first digital image data, conversion to print data, An instruction to change the content of the process of printing output is input from the outside, or the predetermined digital image data obtained by editing the predetermined first digital image data is displayed within a predetermined time from the display of the predetermined digital image data. When an instruction to change the content of the process of converting the second digital image data into print data and printing output is input from outside,
It is preferable that these processes are performed by a manual printing method based on an external instruction.

As described above, the data processing unit 5 automatically and / or manually executes the control and processing for correcting the image inclination of the predetermined first digital image data or executes the change processing for rearrangement. Then, after being converted into the second digital image data as required, the print output processing unit 2
At 4, necessary processing for printing the first or second digital image data at the image printing unit 3 is performed, converted into print data, and the print data is sent to the image printing unit 3.

In the image printing section 3, the print head 25 is driven via the print head driving section 26, and the actual printing operation is executed. When the printing of the predetermined first digital image data is completed in this way, the printing of the next first digital image data is started by the automatic printing method or the manual printing method.

When it is not necessary to edit the first digital image data, the print output processing unit 2
4 and perform the same processing.

As described above, in the case where the control and processing for correcting the inclination of the image or the rearrangement for changing the image arrangement position are performed by manually inputting from the outside, the image is displayed on the image display output unit 2. Pointing device 8 while viewing the display image
And performs a desired process to issue a print instruction. Then, the adjusted first digital image data, the changed first digital image data, or the rearranged first digital image data is converted into print data, print output is performed, and an image is printed.

In the printing operation, the recording operation by the print head 25 and the operation of the recording medium are performed in synchronization.

At this time, in the printer of this embodiment, the characteristic is such that the display image on the image display output unit 2 and the print image by the image print unit 3 are expressed as visually equivalent image quality as described above. The correction unit 4 corrects the display output characteristic setting for defining the display image quality in the image display output unit 2 in accordance with the print characteristic setting for defining the image quality in the image printing unit 3, or the image display output unit. In accordance with the display output characteristic setting that defines the display image quality in Step 2, the print characteristic setting that defines the print image quality in the image printing unit 3 is corrected.

Next, FIG. 16 shows a circuit configuration of the printer of this embodiment. The configuration of the circuit is also substantially the same as that shown in FIG. 1, and the external connection device 13, the image input unit 7, the image data input / output unit 27, the image processing unit 6, the image display output unit 2, the instruction device 8, It has a circuit corresponding to the image printing unit 3.
That is, the image data input / output unit 27 includes an image data interface circuit 39, a removable media drive device 40, a film reading device 41, and a computer interface circuit 42 corresponding to the image input means 7.
, An image data input / output circuit 31 is provided.

In particular, in the printer device according to the present invention, an input position adjusting mechanism 43 corresponding to the input position adjusting section 29 is provided in the film reading device 41.

Further, a data processing circuit 36 is provided as a circuit corresponding to the image processing section 6, and has therein a data processing section, a display device processing section, a video signal processing section, and a print output processing section.

Further, the pointing device 8 is formed on a plurality of keys 38a which are arranged on the printer of this embodiment to enable a user to perform an input operation, and are formed on a liquid crystal monitor 45a which is arranged as the display device 15. It has a pen touch input device 38b that enables a user to perform an input operation with a pen-shaped tapered input device, and has an instruction device interface circuit 38c for inputting to a circuit corresponding to the human interface unit 28 described later. The pointing device interface circuit 38c prevents erroneous input due to chattering phenomenon or the like. When the same part of the key 38a or the pen touch input device 38b is continuously pressed for a certain period of time, the operation is performed a plurality of times. The input is transmitted to a circuit corresponding to the human interface unit 28 described later by the number of times.

Further, as a device corresponding to the display device 15 of the image display output unit 2,
5a, the image data in the image memory 20 is transferred, and a menu screen or a menu screen to be displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 45a based on the transferred image data and a display control signal from a circuit corresponding to the human interface unit 28 described later. There is also a display device output circuit 45b for synthesizing the pen touch input device operation display screen and converting it into a drive signal that can be displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 45a.

Further, based on the image data transferred from the image memory 20 and a display control signal from a circuit corresponding to the human interface unit 28 to be described later, a menu screen and an operation display screen for pen touch input device displayed on an external monitor are displayed. There is also provided a video signal output circuit 46 for synthesizing and converting it into, for example, an NTSC signal as a standard video signal that can be displayed on an external monitor. In this case, the liquid crystal monitor 45
a and the image displayed on the external monitor may be the same or different.

Further, a print head drive circuit 56 and a print head 25 are provided corresponding to the image printing section 3.
Then, when the print head 25 is used to control a mechanical unit necessary for forming a print image on a recording medium such as a recording paper, software control by a system control CPU 61, which will be described later, performs overall control of the mechanical unit. Based on the mechanical control signal from the controller, various motors, clutches, a head maintenance mechanism, and the like are driven, and at the same time, inputs from various sensors for detecting the movement of the recording medium and the movement of the print head are received.
A print output mechanism control circuit 47 for driving a mechanism required for printing such as notifying the printer 1 and detecting a state thereof is provided.

Further, this printer has a system control CPU 61 using a working RAM 64 by control software in a system ROM 62 and a flash memory 63, which controls the entire printer. Part 2
8 also functions as a circuit.

Accordingly, these are connected by the system control bus 65, and the system control bus 65 includes
The above-described image data input / output circuit 31 and data processing circuit 3
6, the instruction device interface circuit 38c, the display device output circuit 45b, the video signal output circuit 46, the print output mechanism control circuit 47, and the image print section 3 are also connected.
The image data input / output circuit 31, the data processing circuit 36, the display device output circuit 45b, the video signal output circuit 46, and the image printing unit 3 are also connected to the image data bus 66 of the image memory 20.

The control software in the flash memory 63 may be exchangeable from the removable media drive device 40 or the computer interface circuit 42 via the image data input / output circuit 31.

When the operation of the data processing circuit 36 requires its own control software, and the data processing circuit 36 does not have a ROM or a non-volatile RAM, the system ROM 62 or the flash memory 63 sends the data to the data processing circuit 36. It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the required software is transferred into the data processing circuit 36.
In this case, software required in the data processing circuit 36 is input from the removable media drive device 40 and the computer interface circuit 42, and is temporarily stored in the flash memory 63 or the working RAM 6.
4 and then transfer the data to the data processing circuit 36.

When the above system control CPU 61
The control executed by the control software in the OM 62 or the flash memory 63 includes the following. First, control of the entire printer device can be mentioned. In addition,
Drive control of the image data interface circuit 39, the removable media drive device 40, the film reading device 41, and the computer interface circuit 42 via the image data input / output circuit 31, handling of image data input by each control, and data processing Editing / synthesis processing correction control of the image data in the circuit 36,
Image display control on the liquid crystal monitor 45a and an external monitor,
A human interface control for controlling input of operation instructions from the keys 38a and the pen touch input device 38b and output to the liquid crystal monitor 45a and an external monitor, and controls the print head drive circuit 56, the print head 25, and the print output mechanism control circuit 47. Accordingly, control of the entire image printing unit 3 and other additional controls are included. In particular, in the printer of the present invention, there is a control for inputting a result of image content determination by the data processing circuit 36 to the input position adjusting mechanism 43 in the film reading device 41 as an input position control signal.

From the above, the system control CPU 6
When the shape and operation method of the print head 25 such as a line head or a serial head and the operation method of the recording medium change, the contents of the software and the circuit contents of the mechanism unit control software and the print output mechanism control circuit 47 change. . In other words, the control software and control circuit are determined by the mechanism structure of the print head 25.

When printing is actually performed, the following processing is performed. That is, digital image data or a video signal input from the external connection device 13 in FIG.
The digital data is converted into the first digital image data by the image data interface circuit 39, the removable media drive device 40, the film reading device 41, and the computer interface circuit 42 corresponding to the image input means 7, and the digital data is sent to the image data input / output unit 27. The image data is input to the corresponding image data input / output circuit 31.

Next, the first digital image data is
The image data is sent to the data processing circuit 36 via the image data bus 66 under the control of the input / output control signal from the system control bus 65. At this time, it goes without saying that the system control CPU 61 controls the timing and the like.

Then, the result of determining the image content of the first digital image data in the data processing circuit 36 is input to the input position adjusting mechanism 43 through the system control bus 65 as an input position control signal. At this time, it goes without saying that the system control CPU 61 controls the timing and the like.

In the data processing circuit 36, the predetermined first digital image data input via the image data input / output circuit 31 is converted into a vertical image component which can be approximated in the vertical direction to the image frame. When at least one of the horizontal image components that can be approximated in the horizontal direction is extracted and determined, and at least one of these image components is extracted, an angle formed between the extracted image component and at least one of the corresponding vertical or horizontal direction. Is input to the input position adjusting mechanism 43 as an input position control signal, and the input position adjusting mechanism 43 rotates and moves the input position of the analog image signal that is the source of the predetermined first digital image data. The first digital image data thus adjusted is generated.

Based on the above determination, the first digital image data is rotated and moved and changed in the data processing circuit 36 to generate the changed first digital image data. Is also good.

That is, in the printer device according to the present invention, when the object is inclined with respect to the image frame in the predetermined first digital image data, the vertical image component and / or the horizontal image The components are extracted and determined, and the angle between these image components and the directions corresponding thereto is determined. Based on this, the inclination is automatically corrected, and a print image having a sufficient composition is obtained.

Also, in the printer device according to the present invention, a predetermined image content is converted by the data processing circuit 36 to the predetermined first digital image data input through the image data input / output circuit 31. It is determined whether or not the predetermined image content exists in a specific range in the digital image data of the digital image data. If the predetermined image content exists in the specific range, the predetermined image content is The first digital image data is rearranged to generate the rearranged first digital image data.

That is, in the printer according to the present invention, the data processing circuit 36 determines the image content in the predetermined first digital image data, and the data processing circuit 36 determines the image content based on the determination result. In order to rearrange the first digital image data, the predetermined first digital image data is printed in the image printing section after being corrected to the most balanced and stable image, and has a sufficient composition. A print image is obtained, and it is not necessary to determine the composition exactly at the time of shooting.

The data processing circuit 36 performs predetermined processing on the first digital image data adjusted / changed / rearranged as necessary as described above, thereby obtaining the second digital image data. Image data is stored in the image memory 20 as necessary. In this case, the predetermined processing is sent from the key 38a or the pen touch input device 38b to the data processing circuit 36 via the pointing device interface circuit 38c.
Needless to say, 61 controls the timing and the like.

[0309] The second digital image data that has been subjected to the predetermined processing by the data processing circuit 36 is sent to the display device output circuit 45b, the video signal output circuit 46, and the print head drive circuit 56, where the image display and image display are performed. A print is made. Also in this case, needless to say, the system control CPU 61 controls the timing and the like, and it goes without saying that the respective devices described above fulfill their respective functions.

Next, a specific example of the data processing circuit 36 will be described. First, a first example is shown in FIG. That is, the data processing circuit includes a data processing control system 74 which functions as a control unit for controlling each image data calculation unit, which is mainly composed of a data processing CPU 71, a data processing program RAM 72, and a data processing working RAM 73. Image data which has a plurality of arithmetic circuits 75 having the same function and which sends data to these arithmetic circuits 75 and controls a destination of data output from the arithmetic circuit 75 It also has a data router circuit 76 that functions as a transfer unit. The data processing circuit 74 controls the data router circuit 76. Further, the system control bus interface 77 receives control from the system control CPU 61 shown in FIG.
The data processing control system 74, data router circuit 76, and system control bus interface 77 are connected by a data processing bus 79. Further, it has an image data bus interface 78 for controlling each arithmetic circuit 75 to input and output image data.

In other words, the control from the system control CPU 61 is accepted by the system control bus interface 77,
In addition to transmitting the information to the data processing CPU 71, the system control CPU
Send to 61.

In such a data processing circuit, data processing is executed in the following procedure. Here, an operation of performing data processing on image data held in the image memory 20 and holding the image data again in the image memory 20 will be described.

First, control software (data processing software) to be executed is transferred from the flash memory 63 or the system ROM 62 of the system control CPU 61 to the data processing program RAM 72 via the system control bus interface 77.

Next, the system control CPU 61 instructs the data processing CPU 71 via the system control bus interface 77 to start executing data processing. The data processing CPU 71 converts the image data to be processed in the image memory 20 into an image data bus interface 78 based on the transferred control software (data processing software).
, And is input to a specific arithmetic circuit among a plurality of arithmetic circuits 75 for processing by the data router circuit 76. Each arithmetic circuit 75 executes data processing on the input image data based on control software (data processing software), and transmits the executed image data to the data router circuit 76 and the image data bus interface 78. Then, the image data is written into the image memory 20 via the memory.

When the next operation is subsequently performed, the data is input to the next specific operation circuit 75 via the data router circuit 76. As described above, the image data in the image memory 20 is sequentially read out, the arithmetic processing is executed, and the image data is again written as the image data in the image memory 20, thereby executing the data processing according to the control software (data processing software). .

During the processing of the image data or after the completion of the processing of all the image data, the data processing CPU 71 notifies the system control CPU 61 of the processing state or the result state via the system control bus interface 77, thereby controlling the system control. The CPU 61 can know the process and the result of the data processing being executed. The data processing working RAM 73 includes a system control CPU 61.
The data processing CPU 71 is used to hold parameters for data processing sent from the server and to hold a state during operation of the data processing CPU 71.

The plurality of arithmetic circuits 75 functioning as an image data arithmetic section are selectively used as follows.

For example, the plurality of arithmetic circuits 75 perform the same processing, and the arithmetic circuits 75 correspond to respective predetermined ranges in the data of the first digital image data. The arithmetic circuits 75 corresponding to the predetermined ranges in the data of the first digital image data may perform the same processing.

In this case, the predetermined range is a range of one or more rows or one or more columns in the data of the first digital image data, a range indicated by a block in the data of the first digital image data, The range may be determined by the image content in the digital image data.

For example, if each of the arithmetic circuits 75 performs the same processing and the predetermined range is a range of one row or one column in the data of the first digital image data,
First line or 1 in the data of the first digital image data
The processing of the column is performed by the arithmetic circuit A of the plurality of arithmetic circuits 75, and the processing of the second row or the second column in the data of the first digital image data is performed by the arithmetic circuit B of the plurality of arithmetic circuits 75.
What should be done is.

In the printer of the present invention, the plurality of arithmetic circuits 75 perform different processing, and each of the arithmetic circuits 75 performs processing on the entire data of the first digital image data. Different processes may be sequentially performed. By doing so, the one read from the image memory to perform a plurality of predetermined processes
Since one image data is processed a plurality of times, the number of accesses to the image memory is reduced, and the time required for a plurality of predetermined processes is reduced.

Therefore, the time until the user instructs the start of the operation and the operation is completed is shortened.
The time for which the user waits is greatly reduced as compared with the conventional case.

The method of using the plurality of arithmetic circuits 75 is as follows.
It may be fixed in advance, or can be changed by setting by a data processing program of control software (data processing software). The optimal number of the arithmetic circuits 75 connected in parallel is selected and determined according to the required processing speed, the complexity of the processing, the size of the image data, the circuit scale of each arithmetic circuit 75, and the like.

As the data processing circuit, there is one as shown in FIG. The data processing circuit shown in FIG. 18 is different from the data processing circuit shown in FIG.
5 has the same configuration except that the data router circuit 76 is omitted, and thus the same reference numerals are given and the description is omitted. However, a processor capable of high-speed processing is used as the data processing CPU 71, and a DSP, a RISC CPU, or a dedicated data processing CPU is used. In this data processing circuit, the data processing CPU 71 functions as an image data calculation unit and an image data transfer unit. That is, if the control software (data processing software) is time-divided, the same operation as the plurality of arithmetic circuits 75 shown in FIG. 17 can be performed in a pseudo manner.

As the above data processing circuit, there is one as shown in FIG. That is, a plurality of data processing circuits 80 are arranged in parallel, and each data processing circuit 80 is connected to the control system of the entire apparatus by the system control CPU 61 via the system control bus interface 77 and further via the image data bus interface 78. And connected to the image data bus 66. Each data processing circuit 80 may be composed of a dedicated arithmetic circuit, or may be composed of a general-purpose arithmetic control circuit and a general-purpose arithmetic control circuit. System control CP
U61 control software (data processing software) is transferred to each data processing circuit 80 via the system control bus interface 77, and the image memory 20
Control is performed so as to execute data processing on the image data in the middle. That is, the plurality of data processing circuits 80
Function as an image data calculation unit and an image data transfer unit, respectively. Each data processing circuit 80 may perform the same processing or different processing according to the arrangement of data as in the arithmetic circuit 75 shown in FIG.

Next, the flow of data processing in the printer of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. The oblique lines attached to the data flow lines in FIGS. 20 and 21 indicate that the data is 8 bits or more / color data. As described above with reference to FIGS. 1 and 16,
In the computer interface circuit 42 of the image input means 7 shown in FIG.
The GB image data is transmitted to the image data
The image is output as GB image data.
Image data interface circuit 39, removable media drive device 40, and film reading device 41
, The read image data or video signal is output to the image data input / output circuit 31 as RGB image data.

Next, the image data input / output circuit 31 processes the image data input from each image input means 7 so that they can be handled in the same column, and outputs the processed data to the data processing section 5.

As shown in FIG. 21, the data processing section 5 includes a compression / decompression section 81, an image determination section 89, an image calculation section 9
0, a tone correction unit 83, a color tone correction unit 84, a contour emphasis correction unit 85, another correction unit 86, an image synthesis / editing unit 87, and an image processing unit 88. When the image data obtained does not have the ideal image quality characteristics, the image data is improved in order to improve the image quality of the image displayed on the display device 45a or the external monitor and the image printed by the image printing unit 3. This is a part for performing correction and processing for improving image quality when image data has characteristic characteristics.

The compression / decompression unit 81 is required when image data is stored in the image memory 20 in a reversibly or irreversibly compressed form. The RGB image data input to the data processing unit 5, the RGB image data after each processing, and the RGB image data between each processing are compressed as needed, and the compressed image data is stored in the image memory 20. . In addition, it has a function of reading out and expanding image data compressed and held in the image memory 20, executing various processes as uncompressed RGB image data, and outputting it to each unit in the data processing unit 5. .

When the RGB image data is input to the data processing section 5, it is input to the image determining section 89. The image determination unit 89 extracts predetermined image components from the image data, such as a vertical image component that can be approximated in the vertical direction and a horizontal image component that can be approximated in the horizontal direction, in the image. This is a part for determining, and a part for detecting an angle formed by the vertical image component and the horizontal image component with the vertical direction and the horizontal direction. Then, this determination result is input from the data processing unit 5 to the input position adjusting mechanism 43 as shown in FIGS. Further, the determination result may be input to an image calculation unit 90 described later.

Then, if necessary, the input position adjusting mechanism 43 adjusts the input position of the analog image signal which is the basis of the first digital image data to regenerate the adjusted first digital image data. What should I do?

Also, The image judging section 89 judges whether or not a predetermined image content exists in the image data within a specific range, and inputs the judgment result to an image calculating section 90 described later.

The RGB image data is stored in the image determination unit 89
Next, the image data is input to the image calculation unit 90. The image calculation unit 9
0 indicates that the first digital image data adjusted by the input position adjustment mechanism 43 is not to be generated,
The first digital image data is rotated and cut out based on the determination result of
Or, a portion that approximates a horizontal image component in the vertical direction and / or the horizontal direction. In addition, enlargement processing may be performed on the extracted image data.

The image calculation section 90 arranges the predetermined image contents in the specified area when the image judgment section 89 determines that the predetermined image contents exist in the image data within the specific range. To generate the first digital image data rearranged by changing to the first digital image data. In addition,
If the input image data is out of a size that can be handled by the data processing unit 5 of the present example, enlargement or reduction processing may be performed so as to fall within the size.

The RGB image data is stored in the image calculation unit 90
Is input to the tone correction unit 83 next to. The tone correction unit 8
Reference numeral 3 denotes a portion for correcting the gradation characteristics of the input image data so that the image quality is improved when the image is printed out when the gradation characteristic histogram of the input image data is extremely deviated. In particular, when the exposure amount is not appropriate when the subject is photographed, the entire image becomes too dark or too bright, and this is corrected to improve the gradation characteristics of the entire image. If the gamma characteristic of the input image data can be similarly improved, the gamma characteristic is corrected.

The RGB image data is stored in the tone correcting section 83.
Is input to the color tone correcting unit 84 after the above. The color tone correction unit 8
Reference numeral 4 denotes a color tone of the input image data such that the image quality of the image is improved when the printout is output, for example, when the tone characteristics of the input image data are extremely deviated, as in the above-described tone correction unit 83. This is the part that corrects the characteristics. In addition to general color tone correction, when a specific color tone, particularly skin tone or gray color tone, is out of an appropriate range, it is also possible to make correction so that the portion falls within an appropriate range.

The RGB image data is stored in the color tone correcting section 84.
Is input to the contour emphasis correction unit 85 next to. The outline emphasis correction unit 85 is a part that corrects the outline of the image by performing outline emphasis correction processing when the outline of the image of the input image data is not clear or emphasized too much. .

The RGB image data is input to the other correction unit 86 after the outline enhancement correction unit 85. Other correction section 8
Reference numeral 6 denotes a portion to be executed when a process for improving the image quality of an input image is added in addition to the processes described above.

The RGB image data subjected to each processing as described above is then processed by the image synthesizing / editing section 87 and the image processing section 8.
8 is input. These are images for performing various processing on the input screen based on the user's instruction from the human interface unit, and combining and editing a plurality of input images to finally print. Is the part that generates

In these parts, it is also possible to combine an image pattern prepared in advance with the input image data. Further, under the control of the human interface unit during the editing operation, the user can input a desired image pattern from an instruction device such as a pen touch input device or the like, and combine this image pattern with the input image pattern. .

The control software for executing the synthesis, editing, and processing of such image data and the image pattern prepared in advance may be configured to be newly input from a removable media drive device, a computer interface circuit or the like. It is possible.

The RGB signals output from the data processing unit 5 are output to the display device processing unit 22, the video signal processing unit 23,
Each is input to the print output processing unit 24.

The display device processing section 22 has the display device 45a which has a characteristic display output characteristic. Even if the image data output from the data processing section 5 is displayed by the display device 45a as it is, the display device 45a The display device 45a is used when the display output characteristic of the display device 45a
This is a part for executing processing for correcting the display output characteristic characteristic of. The display device processing unit 22 includes a print adaptation correction unit 91 described later, an output characteristic correction unit 92 that performs necessary corrections other than output gamma characteristics described later, and an output gamma conversion unit that corrects output gamma characteristics characteristic of the display device. 93 are sequentially arranged.

The video signal processing section 23 is a section for executing processing for converting the image data output from the data processing section 5 into a standard video signal represented by an NTSC signal and outputting the standard video signal. The video signal processing unit 23 includes a print adaptation correction unit 94 described later, an output characteristic conversion unit 95 that performs necessary corrections other than output gamma characteristics described later, and an output gamma conversion unit 96 in this order. Further, in the video signal processing unit 23, when the expressible characteristic range of the image data is different from the expression range defined by the standard video signal, the expression range of the image data is converted into the standard video signal expression range. Processing. The video signal processing unit 2
In 3, the video signal according to the standard video signal may be used instead of the standard video signal.

The print output processing section 24 converts the image data into a signal that can be input to the print head drive circuit 56 in order to record the image data output from the data processing section 5 on the recording medium from the print head 25. This is the part to be converted. The processing in the print output processing unit 24 is as follows.
Conversion processing using an LUT (look-up table), calculation processing using a calculation circuit that can execute product-sum operation at high speed, calculation processing realized by software having a high-speed calculation algorithm, processing using a dedicated conversion circuit, etc. Is realized. In the case where the arithmetic processing is sequentially performed, the effective precision of each data often deteriorates if the same number of bits as the number of bits of each data in the input image data is always used. In this case, by increasing the number of bits of each data in the middle of the calculation with respect to the number of bits of the first image data and reducing the number of bits increased in the last processing, it is possible to avoid a decrease in effective accuracy. It is possible.

The print output processing section 24 is an RGB-CM
Y conversion section 98, color correction section 99, black extraction under color removal section 10
0, an output gamma correction and gradation correction unit 101, a sharpness correction unit 102, and an output characteristic conversion unit 103 are sequentially arranged. Note that this is an example, and it goes without saying that another configuration may be adopted.

The RGB-CMY conversion section 98 converts the RGB
C (Cya) that uses image data in the print head 25
n), M (Magenta), and Y (Yellow) are portions that are converted into data of each color of ink or toner. It is realized by density Log conversion, complementary color conversion, or linear masking conversion.

The image data converted into the CMY image data as described above is input to the color corrector 99. After being converted into CMY image data, the color correction unit 99
This is a portion for correcting a shift in the color tone (particularly hue and saturation) of the printed image by the image printing unit 3 caused by the fact that the spectral absorption characteristics of each CMY ink or toner are different from the ideal characteristics due to subtractive color mixture.

The color correction section 99 is realized by conversion using an LUT (look-up table) and an operation, or a linear masking operation, a nonlinear masking operation, or the like. Also,
Printable maximum characteristic range of image data and print head 2
In many cases, the maximum expressible range of the print image on the recording medium by the image data 5 is different. Therefore, when the maximum range by the image data is wider than the maximum range by the print, the printable range of the image data Cannot reproduce the part beyond the expression range. For this reason, in the color correction unit 99, in order to express the surpassed portion on a print, it is necessary to perform compression conversion or clip conversion of the entire image data. Further, a conversion method may be employed in which a color tone does not shift with the compression conversion and the clip conversion.

When the image data is printed on a recording medium by the image printing unit 3, the image data is often emphasized and converted so that the image can be seen as beautiful by most people. That is, the original image data is converted into CMY data simply so as to be equal to the colorimetry (colorimetric value measured by the colorimeter) in the image expression represented by the image data, particularly in the color expression, and is directly converted into the recording medium by the print head. When printed on top, most observers are not satisfied with color reproduction (hue, lightness, saturation), and can obtain only images with particularly low saturation, in other words, images with a low impression. Therefore, in order to compensate for this, the conversion from the image data is performed in consideration of such an emphasis reproduction process (hereinafter referred to as a preferable reproduction process). In order to perform a preferable reproduction process, a preferable color reproduction process and a preferable gradation reproduction process are mainly performed. Of these, the preferred color reproduction processing is executed in the color correction section 99, and the preferred gradation reproduction processing is often executed in the output gamma correction and gradation correction section 101 described later. Of course, it is also possible to execute these in the same processing. These preferable degrees of reproduction processing may be changed depending on the shipping destination (destination) of the printer device according to the present invention. That is, the average preferred degree of reproduction of a person living in the destination may differ depending on locations around the world.

Next, the CMY image data is input to the black extraction and under color removal unit 100. This black extraction under color removal unit 100
Means that if there is black (hereinafter referred to as BK) ink or toner in the print head 25 and if each of the CMY data has a BK component,
A process for replacing the BK component with BK ink or BK toner is performed. Thereafter, each BK component in the CMY image data replaced with the BK is removed from the data value of the CMY image data.

There are various methods for replacing the BK component in CMY with BK ink or toner, including a method of replacing all components, a method of replacing only a predetermined ratio, and a method of replacing an area having a density higher than a predetermined density. There are various methods. By expressing the BK component of the CMY data with BK ink or toner in this way, it is possible to realize a black expression in an image that cannot be sufficiently reproduced with the respective CMY inks or toners at a sufficient level. Can be. The data of the BK component is indicated by K in FIG.

Subsequently, the CMYK image data is input to the output gamma correction and gradation correction unit 101. The output gamma correction and gradation correction unit 101 outputs the print output when the printhead 25 has a characteristic print output characteristic by the recording ink or toner and the halftone reproduction method in the image reproduction characteristic on the recording medium. This portion performs output gamma correction and gradation correction suitable for characteristics. In the output gamma correction and tone correction unit 101, conversion is performed on the original image data so that the tone reproduction when printed is the best. Further, the above-described color correction unit 9
As described in the section 9, preferable tone reproduction may be performed.

Next, the CMYK image data is input to the sharpness correction unit 102. The sharpness correction unit 102 is a part that performs contour enhancement and smoothing processing to improve the image quality of a printed image.

Further, the CMYK image data is input to the output characteristic conversion unit 103. This output characteristic converter 1
Numeral 03 denotes a portion for improving the print image quality by executing characteristic correction based on the type of the print head 25, the driving method of the print head 25, the type of recording medium, the type of ink or toner, and the like. Specifically, environmental temperature correction at the time of printing,
Thermal history correction, variation correction of each element of the print head 25, and the like can be given. Among these correction processes, those which are suitable to be corrected by the print head drive circuit 56 may be corrected by the print head drive circuit 56.

Then, in the printer of this example,
In order to visually match the image quality of the image displayed by the display device 45a and the image displayed by the external monitor with the image quality of the image printed by the image printing unit 3, the image printing unit 3 corresponds to the printing characteristic setting for defining the image printing quality. Thus, the display output characteristic setting for defining the display image quality in the image display output unit 2 is corrected.

More specifically, the display device processing unit 22 and the video signal processing unit 22 change the printing characteristics of the printing output processing unit 24, specifically, to visually match the image quality in accordance with the processing contents and the like. The correction parameter indicating the content of the correction to be performed by the unit 23 is stored in the print matching correction unit 9
1 and the print signal corrector 94 of the video signal processor 23.

That is, in the display device processing section 22, the RGB image data has a correction parameter in the print adaptation correction section 91, which is input first, and the processing proceeds in this state.
a.

The same applies to the video signal processing unit 23. The RGB image data has a correction parameter in the print adaptation correction unit 94 which is input first, and the processing proceeds in this state, and the data is sent to the external monitor. Is displayed.

As a result, the image quality of the image displayed by the display device 45a and the image displayed by the external monitor is visually equivalent to the image quality of the image printed by the image printing unit 3.

In the above example, the display output characteristics of the display device processing section 22 and the video signal processing section 23 are corrected in accordance with the printing characteristics of the image printing section 3, specifically, the processing contents of the printing output processing section 24. Thus, the image quality of the display image by the image display output unit and the image quality of the print image of the image print unit are visually equivalent. However, it is also possible to match the printing characteristics of the image printing unit 3, specifically, the processing contents of the printing output processing unit 24 with the display output characteristics of the display device processing unit 22 and the video signal processing unit 23.

That is, the flow of data processing can be as shown in FIG. FIG. 22 shows that there is no print adaptation correction section 91 of the display device processing section 22 and no print adaptation correction section 94 of the video signal processing section 23, and there is no line indicating the correction parameter from the print output processing section 24. 20 is different from that of FIG. 20, and the same reference numerals are given to the other portions, and the description will be omitted.

However, when the flow of the data processing is the method as shown in FIG.
In response to the change of the display output characteristic, etc., a correction parameter indicating the content of the correction to be performed by the print output processing unit 24 to make the image quality visually equivalent is output to the color correction unit 99 of the print output processing unit 24. The data is input to the gamma correction and gradation correction unit 101.

That is, in the print output processing section 24, the RGB image data is converted into a color correction section 99 and an output gamma correction and gradation correction section 101 which substantially determine the characteristics of the image.
, A state having correction parameters is obtained. In this state, the process proceeds, and the image is printed by the image printing unit 3.

As a result, the image quality of the image displayed by the display device 45a is visually equivalent to the image quality of the image printed by the image printing unit 3.

The display device processing unit 2 as described above
2 and the video signal processing unit 23 and the print output processing unit 24 are provided with a non-volatile memory, and if correction parameters are stored in a rewritable state, processing can always be performed using the optimum correction parameters. preferable.

The display of the menu screen or the like on the display device 15 or the external monitor has been described above. A specific display example will be described along the operation procedure. Among these images, the first screen is, for example, a screen 110 showing a menu as shown in FIG. In addition,
Here, a touch panel type screen in which input processing is performed by directly touching a predetermined portion of the screen is assumed. On this screen 110, as shown in FIG. 23, a plurality of input section selection keys 111 on which respective names for selecting an external connection device and an image input unit are displayed, and an image display area 112 is displayed. It is mainly displayed.
In the image display area 112, when an external device and an image input unit are selected by the input unit selection key 111, an image 113 accessible by the selected unit is displayed as a reduced image in the area.

Also, on this screen 110, a detailed setting key 114 used for selecting the image 113 under specific conditions, a selection key 128 for selecting the image 113 displayed as a reduced image, and the number of prints are displayed. A print number input key 129 for inputting, an automatic print key 1 for automatically determining and correcting image contents and starting an automatic printing method for printing.
30, a cancel key 116 for canceling the processing is also displayed.

[0369] First, the user, on the display screen,
When one of the externally connected device and the image input means is selected and designated by the input section selection key 111, a plurality of images 113 which can be read by this are displayed in the image display area 1.
12 is displayed. At this time, if there is information accompanying the information of the image 113, for example, header information or the like,
The information is displayed in association with each image 113.

Next, the user selects a desired image 113 from the plurality of displayed images 113 by using the selection key 128.
Is selected, the selected image 113 is displayed to indicate that it has been selected.

If there is no image to be printed in the displayed plurality of images 113, the selection need not be made.

When the detailed setting key 114 is selected, conditions can be input so that the user can select the image 113 under specific conditions such as the order of shooting date and time. Just do it.

In the case where the image data to be printed is selected or selection conditions are set as described above, and the user automatically prints the image data sequentially, that is, the selected image data is sequentially printed. When printing is performed by automatically judging or correcting the image content, the automatic print key 130 for starting the automatic printing method is selected.

Then, each process is executed on a plurality of image data selected in advance, and printing is performed.

When displaying a plurality of image data as described above, for image data that has already been printed, the display of the image data displayed as a reduced image should be different, and it should be clearly indicated that printing has been completed. Is preferred.

It is also preferable to clearly indicate that the image data being processed is being processed among the image data. Furthermore, the image data being processed is enlarged and displayed,
It is also preferable to display the image data resulting from the processing in accordance with the process of executing the correction processing and the like.

When the automatic print key 130 is selected, as shown in FIG.
Image 11 of the plurality of image data selected for
7; control and processing for correcting the inclination of the image; processing for changing the position of the predetermined image content; and processing A, processing B, processing C... Processing X, which are sequentially executed to improve the image quality. A plurality of processing display keys 118 indicating processing, a print key 119 for instructing start of printing, and a cancel key 120 for canceling processing are displayed.

That is, on this screen, the progress of each correction process is displayed, and a processing result image is displayed during execution or at the end of execution.

If the correction processing can be started from a specific portion in the image 117, the display in the range where the processing has been completed is gradually changed to the display after the processing, so that the processing can be performed on the image 117. It is confirmed to what extent the execution has been performed, which is preferable.

As the above-mentioned correction processing, processing having a variable parameter and processing not having such a variable portion are assumed.

Therefore, it is assumed that the process A is a process having a variable parameter. When such a correction process is performed, for example, as shown in FIG. 24B, an image 117 and a process display unit 1 indicating the process currently being performed are performed.
21, displaying that the screen returns to the previous screen (the screen shown in FIG. 24 (a)) and having a selection key 122 for selecting the same and a cancel key 123 for canceling the processing; What is necessary is just to display the screen 110 having the enter key 127 for fixing.

As shown in FIG. 24B, the variable parameter selection section 126 has a slide volume display section 125 for displaying the level of the variable parameter, and adjustment keys 124a and 124b for raising and lowering the variable parameter. Here, when the left adjustment key 124a in FIG. 24B is pressed, the level of the variable parameter shifts to the left, and when the right adjustment key 124b in FIG. 24B is pressed, the level of the variable parameter is changed. Move to the right. For example, assuming that the variable parameter is the brightness of the image, the left adjustment key 124a in FIG. 24B is a key to decrease the brightness, and the right adjustment key 124b in FIG. 24B is a key to increase the brightness. , These adjustment keys 124a,
By adjusting 124b to change the level of the slide volume display unit 125, the image brightness is also changed and displayed.

On the other hand, it is assumed that, for example, the process B has no variable parameters. When such correction processing is performed, for example, as shown in FIG. 24C, the image 117 and the processing display unit 1 showing the processing currently being performed.
21, it is displayed that the screen returns to the previous screen (the screen shown in FIG. 24 (a)), and it has a selection key 122 for selecting this, a cancel key 123 for canceling the processing, and a decision key 127 for fixing the processing. What is necessary is just to display the screen 110 which has.

By the selection of the automatic print key 130 for starting the automatic printing method, such processing, that is, each processing described in FIG. And processing having variable parameters described in FIG. 24B, FIG.
The optimal process to be executed is automatically selected from among the processes having no variable parameters described in the above. In the case of the process having the variable parameters, the optimal variable parameter level is automatically set, and a plurality of processes are performed. When executing, the order of each process is automatically determined. Therefore, in the case of such an automatic printing method, the user does not need to instruct execution of each process and set the level of the variable parameter.

Even in the case of the automatic printing method, the user may manually select and execute the process and set the level of the variable parameter while looking at the displayed image 117. That is, the operation of the manual printing method may be partially enabled even during the execution of the automatic printing method.

Each correction process is performed on the screen as shown in FIGS. 24B and 24C, and in the case of the automatic printing system, the enter key 127 is automatically selected. When the user manually executes this process and sets the level of the variable parameter during the operation of the automatic printing system, and when the user confirms that the process can be terminated, the enter key 1 is pressed.
Select 27. Then, the screen returns to the screen shown in FIG. 24A again, and printing is started.

Next, an example of a schematic operation of the printer of this embodiment will be described with reference to flowcharts shown in FIGS. 25, 26, 27 and 28.

First, as shown in FIG. 25, step S1
, The power is turned on. Thereby, step S2
Displays a processing menu as shown in FIG. Subsequently, in step S3, it is determined whether or not an instruction to select image input means for inputting image data or an externally connected device is performed. When the instruction is performed, a designated desired one is selected. Drive the data interface unit. Since there are a plurality of types of image input means or externally connected devices for inputting the image data as described above, the removable media drive unit is driven in step S5, and the film reading unit is driven in step S6. In step S7, the computer interface unit is driven. That is, the process proceeds to any of steps S4 to S7 according to the selection of step S3.

On the other hand, if the instruction to select image input means or externally connected equipment for inputting image data is not made in step S3, the instruction to select image input means or externally connected equipment for inputting image data is made again in step S3. Is determined.

As described above, the image data output from the selected image input means or the externally connected device in steps S4 to S7 is displayed as an image on the display device or the external monitor in step S8. At this time, when a plurality of image data is output from the selected image input unit or the externally connected device, the output plurality of image data is displayed as a plurality of reduced images on a display device or an external monitor.

Next, in step S9, it is determined whether or not the selection of the image input means for inputting the image data or the selection of the externally connected device is to be changed. If the instruction to change the selection of the image input means or the externally connected device for inputting the image data is not issued, it is determined in step S10 whether the instruction to select the image to be processed is issued. The processing referred to here indicates processing such as editing processing correction by the image processing unit, printing processing by the image printing unit, and each processing executed therefor.

On the other hand, if an instruction to change image input means or an externally connected device for inputting image data again is made without selecting an image to be processed from among the displayed images, step S9 In the selection of the image input means or external connection device to input the image data again,
The process proceeds to any of steps S4 to S7 according to the selection.

As described above, the image selected in step S10 is subjected to an image selection process in step S11 so that the user can see that the image has been selected. indicate.

Then, in step S13, an instruction is made as to whether or not to execute the above-described processing such as automatic printing (automatic printing) or editing, processing, correction or the like on the image selected as described above. If an instruction to execute is given, image data of the target image is read in step S14.

On the other hand, if the image to be processed is not selected in step S10, the process proceeds to step S1.
3 will be sent.

If no instruction is given in step S13 to execute automatic printing (automatic printing) or processing such as editing, processing, correction, or the like, image input means or externally connected equipment for inputting image data again in step S9. An instruction as to whether or not to make a selection is made.

Thus, steps S9, S10, S1
By sequentially judging step 3, the process waits for an instruction to change the selection of the image input means or the externally connected device, an instruction to select an image to be processed, and an instruction to execute processing such as automatic printing or editing processing correction.

As described above, in step S15, the image data read as the target image to be subjected to processing such as automatic printing or editing processing correction is displayed and output on a display device or an external monitor in step S15.

After the target image data has been read and displayed in this way, as shown in FIG.
In, the image determination unit performs a process of detecting the inclination of the image. If it is determined in step S17 that the image inclination has been detected, it is determined in step S18 whether or not the image data input unit has an input position adjustment mechanism.

If it is determined in step S18 that the input position adjusting mechanism is present, in step S19, the input position of the analog image signal from which the first digital image data is derived is rotated or moved. In step S20, the image data input unit is driven again to generate adjusted first digital image data. In step S21, the adjusted first digital image data is displayed on a display device or an external monitor. Display output. After that, in step S25, a process for improving the image quality is performed. The process of improving the image quality referred to here is to improve the image quality of the image displayed on the external monitor of the display device and the image printed by the image printing unit when the image data does not have ideal image quality characteristics. This is the processing to be performed.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S18 that there is no input position adjusting mechanism, the process proceeds to step S18.
At 22, the image processing unit performs a rotation process on the predetermined first digital image data, and at step S23, the image processing unit performs a cut-out process on the predetermined first digital image data to change the first digital image data. First digital image data is generated, and in step S24, the changed first digital image data is displayed and output on a display device or an external monitor as a processing result. After that, in step S25, a process for improving the image quality is performed.

If it is determined in step S17 that the image inclination is not detected,
The process may proceed to step S25 to improve the image quality.

Next, as shown in FIG.
In 6, the display shown in FIG. 24A and the display of the image as a result of executing the process of improving the image quality on the target image are performed. Next, in step S27, it is determined whether or not an instruction as to whether to print (print) is made.

[0404] If no print (print) instruction is given, it is determined whether or not an instruction to execute various processes is given. That is, in step S28, processing A
Is determined, and when the instruction is given, the input of the variable parameter related to the process A is prompted in step S29. When variable parameters are entered,
Processing A is executed in step S30, and step S30 is executed.
The image obtained as a result of performing the processing A in 31 is corrected based on the display output characteristic setting and the printing characteristic setting corrected by the characteristic correcting unit, and the corrected image is displayed by the image display output unit. This display image is visually equivalent to the image printed by the image printing unit. If the input of the variable parameter relating to the process A is prompted in step S29 and the input is not performed, the process waits until the variable parameter relating to the process A is input again.

If the execution instruction of the processing A is not issued in the step S28, it is determined whether or not the processing B is to be executed in the step S32. If the instruction is issued, the input of the variable parameter relating to the processing B is prompted in the step S33. . When the input of the variable parameter is performed, the process B is executed in step S34, and the process B3 is executed.
The image obtained as a result of performing the processing B in step 5 is corrected based on the display output characteristic setting and the printing characteristic setting corrected by the characteristic correcting unit, and the corrected image is displayed by the image display output unit. This display image is visually equivalent to the image printed by the image printing unit. If the input of the variable parameter related to the process B is not performed when the input of the variable parameter related to the process B is prompted in the step S33, the process waits until the input of the variable parameter related to the process B is performed.

The same applies to the other processes. Finally, it is determined whether or not to perform the process X in step S36, and when the instruction is given, the input of the variable parameter related to the process X is prompted in step S37. When the input of the variable parameter is performed, the process X is executed in a step S38, and the process X is executed in a step S39.
Is corrected based on the display output characteristic setting and the printing characteristic setting corrected by the characteristic correction unit, and the corrected image is displayed by the image display output unit. This display image is visually equivalent to the image printed by the image printing unit. If the input of the variable parameter related to the process X is not performed when the input of the variable parameter related to the process X is prompted in the step S37, the process waits until the input of the variable parameter related to the process X is performed.

It is sequentially determined whether or not a print instruction, a start instruction of process A, a start instruction of process B, and a start instruction of process X are given to the image data thus selected.

Then, in step S27, it is determined again whether or not an instruction to print (print) is given to the image data selected or processed as described above. In the case of performing a plurality of types of processing, for example, the image data on which the processing A has been executed is returned, and in step S27, printing (printing) is not instructed.
In step S32, the process A is not instructed to start the process A.
, The processing of performing the processing B as it is, and returning the image data on which the processing B has been performed are sequentially performed. When all the processing is performed, in step S27, printing (printing) is performed.
What should I do?

Steps S27 to S described above
In each of the steps 39, the operation differs depending on whether an automatic print is instructed in step S13 or an instruction such as editing and processing correction is issued. That is, when the execution instruction of the automatic print is given in step S13, step S28, step S32, step S3
In step 6, an execution instruction of each necessary process is automatically given.
Further, step S29, step S33, step S2
In step 7, the optimum parameters are automatically set. After the necessary processes are executed, a print (print) instruction is automatically issued in step S27. On the other hand, when an instruction to execute a process such as editing processing correction is issued in step S13, the above-described steps are not performed automatically but are executed based on the user's instruction.

If it is determined in step S27 that an instruction to execute printing (printing) has been issued, or
If automatic printing is instructed in step S13, image data correction for converting and correcting an image to be printed (printed) into a preferable reproduction color is performed in step S40 in FIG. Subsequently, print (print) output processing is performed in step S41, and printout (print) is performed in step S42 to form a print image. In step S43, it is determined whether or not the next image data to be printed is selected. If it is determined that the next image data is not selected, the process proceeds to step S43.
In step S2 shown in FIG. 5, the processing menu is displayed again, and the operations described so far may be repeated. If it is determined that the next image data is selected,
Returning to step S14 shown in FIG. 25, the processing after reading the target image data may be repeated again.

[0411] In the above example, the image judging section judges whether or not the predetermined image content of the predetermined first digital image data exists within a specific range. Although the example in which the processing of generating the first digital image data rearranged by changing the predetermined image content so as to be within the specified range is described above, when this processing is performed, It is preferably performed after a series of processes for correcting the inclination of.

As described above, in the printer of this embodiment, various operations can be easily performed, and handling is easy. Further, since the work is performed by the same operation regardless of the type of the image input means, the user is not bothered by the work procedure.

[0413]

As described above, in the printer apparatus according to the present invention, the predetermined first digital image data input from the image data input unit is compared with the predetermined first digital image data by the image determination unit. When at least one of a vertical image component that can be approximated in the vertical direction and a horizontal image component that can be approximated in the horizontal direction is extracted and determined for the image frame of the data, and if at least one of these image components is extracted, the extracted image is extracted. Determining an angle formed by the component and at least one of the vertical direction and the horizontal direction corresponding thereto, and based on the angle, input position of the analog image signal as a source of the predetermined first digital image data in the input position adjustment unit Is rotated and adjusted to generate the first digital image data adjusted by the image data input unit and / or And so as to generate a first digital image data of image content of the first digital image data has been changed by changing by rotating movement.

That is, in the printer device according to the present invention, when the object is inclined with respect to the image frame in the predetermined first digital image data, the vertical image component and / or the horizontal image The components are extracted and determined, and the angle between these image components and the directions corresponding thereto is determined. Based on this, the inclination is automatically corrected, and a print image having a sufficient composition is obtained.

[0415] Further, in the printer device according to the present invention, when the angle between the vertical image component of the predetermined first digital image data and the vertical direction is smaller than a predetermined angle and / or the predetermined first digital image data, When the angle between the horizontal image component of the digital image data and the horizontal direction is smaller than a predetermined angle, the first position adjusted by the image data input unit based on the angle is adjusted by the input position adjustment unit. Generating digital image data; and / or
Alternatively, if the image processing section changes the image content of the first digital image data to generate the changed first digital image data, the photographer intentionally tilts the screen configuration to display the object. Is not corrected.

[0416] In the printer device according to the present invention, the predetermined digital image data input from the image data input unit is compared with the predetermined digital image data in the image determination unit in the first digital image data. It is determined whether or not the predetermined image content exists within the specific range.If the predetermined image content exists within the specific range, the predetermined image content is arranged in the specified area by the image rearrangement unit. In this case, the predetermined first digital image data is rearranged to generate rearranged first digital image data.

That is, in the printer device according to the present invention, the image determining section determines the image content in the predetermined first digital image data, and based on the determination result, determines the predetermined first digital image data by the image rearranging section. In order to rearrange one digital image data, the predetermined first digital image data is printed in the image printing unit after being corrected to the most balanced and stable image, and the print having a sufficient composition An image is obtained, and it is not necessary to determine the composition exactly at the time of shooting.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a printer device according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a golden section.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an arrangement position of an image.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating another example of an arrangement position of an image.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing still another example of an arrangement position of an image.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged perspective view of a main part schematically showing an example of a schematic configuration of a film reading unit.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged perspective view of a main part schematically showing an example of a schematic configuration of a film reading unit.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing an example of reading an image from a film reading unit.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating an image in which a re-read range is determined.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an image that has been re-read.

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing an example of correspondence between predetermined image contents, a specific area, and a specified area.

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing another example of the correspondence between predetermined image contents, specific areas, and defined areas.

FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing still another example of the correspondence between predetermined image contents and specific areas and defined areas.

FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a method of changing a predetermined image content so as to fall within a prescribed area.

FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram showing another example of a method of changing a predetermined image content so as to fall within a prescribed area.

FIG. 16 is a circuit diagram showing a configuration of a printer device according to the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a circuit diagram illustrating an example of a data processing circuit of the printer device according to the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a circuit diagram showing another example of the data processing circuit of the printer device according to the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a circuit diagram showing still another example of the data processing circuit of the printer device according to the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a circuit diagram showing an example of a data processing flow of the printer device according to the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a circuit diagram showing a flow of data processing in a data processing unit of the printer device according to the present invention.

FIG. 22 is a circuit diagram showing another example of the data processing flow of the printer device according to the present invention.

FIG. 23 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an image displayed on a display device or an external monitor of the printer according to the present invention.

FIG. 24 is a schematic diagram showing another example of an image displayed on a display device or an external monitor of the printer device according to the present invention.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing a part of a schematic operation in the printer device according to the present invention.

FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing a part of a schematic operation in the printer device according to the present invention.

FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing a part of a schematic operation in the printer device according to the present invention.

FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing a part of a schematic operation in the printer device according to the present invention.

FIG. 29 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a conventional image data printing method.

FIG. 30 is a circuit diagram showing a data flow of an example of a conventional image data printing method.

FIG. 31 is a schematic view showing another example of the conventional image data printing method.

FIG. 32 is a circuit diagram showing a data flow of another example of the conventional image data printing method.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 image data input section, 2 image display output section, 3 image printing section, 4 characteristic correction section, 5 data processing section, 6 image processing section, 7 image input means, 8 pointing device, 15
Display device, 16 output ports, 21 body, 22
Display device processing unit, 23 video signal processing unit, 24 print output processing unit, 25 print head, 26 print head drive unit, 27 image data input / output unit, 28 human interface unit, 29 input position adjustment unit

 ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Hideaki Omuro 6-7-35 Kita-Shinagawa, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo F-term in Sony Corporation (reference) 2C061 HJ06 HN19 5B021 AA30 BB02 DD15 DD20 LB01 PP04 PP08 5C076 AA02 AA17 AA19 AA21 AA22 AA23 AA24 BA06 CA02 CB02

Claims (15)

[Claims] 1. An image data input unit for converting digital image data and / or an analog image signal input from the outside into first digital image data by analog-to-digital conversion, and an image of a predetermined first digital image data An image judging unit for judging the contents; and adjusting an input position at the time of inputting an analog image signal as a basis of the first digital image data based on a judgment result of the image judging unit for the predetermined first digital image data. An input position adjustment unit that causes the image data input unit to generate the adjusted first digital image data and / or changes the image content of the first digital image data to generate the modified first digital image data An image operation unit, wherein the first digital image data and / or the adjusted first digital image data and / or the modified first A print output processing unit that performs print output processing for converting digital image data into print data for printing in an image print unit, and an image print unit that prints out on a recording medium based on the print data, For the predetermined first digital image data input from the image data input unit, a vertical image component that can be approximated in the vertical direction to the image frame of the predetermined first digital image data in the image determination unit. When at least one of the horizontal image components that can be approximated in the horizontal direction is determined to be extracted, and when at least one of these image components is extracted,
An angle formed by the extracted image component and at least one of a vertical direction and a horizontal direction corresponding to the extracted image component is determined. The input position of the signal is rotated and adjusted to generate the first digital image data adjusted by the image data input unit, and / or to change the image content of the first digital image data in the image calculation unit. The first changed by rotating and changing
A printer device for generating digital image data according to (1). 2. An image display output unit for displaying and outputting the first digital image data and / or the adjusted first digital image data and / or the changed first digital image data. The printer device according to claim 1, wherein 3. The predetermined first digital image data input from the image data input unit can be approximated in a vertical direction to an image frame of the predetermined first digital image data by the image determination unit. When both the vertical image component and the horizontal image component that can be approximated in the horizontal direction are extracted, only the angle of the corresponding direction is determined for only one of the predetermined image components, and the input position is determined based on the angle. The first digital image data adjusted by the image data input unit is generated by performing adjustment in the adjustment unit, and / or the image content of the first digital image data is changed in the image calculation unit. 2. The printer according to claim 1, wherein the first digital image data is generated. 4. The printer device according to claim 3, wherein said one predetermined image component is a horizontal image component. 5. The input position adjusting section according to claim 1, wherein
2. The printer device according to claim 1, wherein an input position of an analog image signal serving as a basis of the digital image data is adjusted by performing a parallel movement and / or an input range control for inputting only a predetermined range. 6. The image processing section performs a cutout process of cutting out only a predetermined portion from the predetermined first digital image data, and changes the image content to generate the changed first digital image data. The printer device according to claim 1, wherein: 7. The method according to claim 7, wherein an angle between a vertical image component that can be approximated in a vertical direction and a vertical direction with respect to the image frame of the predetermined first digital image data is smaller than a predetermined angle and / or When the angle between the horizontal direction and the horizontal image component that can be approximated in the horizontal direction with respect to the image frame of the first digital image data is smaller than a predetermined angle, the input position adjustment unit performs adjustment based on the angle. Generating the first digital image data adjusted by the image data input unit and / or changing the image content of the first digital image data in the image calculation unit. 2. The printer device according to claim 1, wherein 8. An image data input section for converting digital image data and / or an analog image signal inputted from the outside into first digital image data by analog-to-digital conversion, and an image of predetermined first digital image data An image determining unit that determines the contents; an image rearranging unit that rearranges the predetermined first digital image data to generate rearranged first digital image data; And / or a print output processing unit for performing print output processing for converting the rearranged first digital image data into print data for printing in the image print unit, and printing on a recording medium based on the print data. An image printing unit, wherein the first image data input unit inputs a predetermined first digital image data to the image determination unit. If the image content is determined whether present within the specific range in the first digital image data, the predetermined image content is present within a specific range,
The image rearrangement unit changes the predetermined image content so as to be arranged in the specified area and rearranges the predetermined first digital image data to generate rearranged first digital image data. A printer device characterized by the above-mentioned. 9. A method for changing the contents of a predetermined image so as to be arranged in a prescribed area, a process of cutting out a part of a predetermined first digital image data, a predetermined first digital image data 9. The printer device according to claim 8, further comprising at least one of a process of enlarging the image, a process of rotating the predetermined first digital image data, and a process of deforming the predetermined first digital image data. . 10. When the predetermined image content of the predetermined first digital image data has an area, the center of gravity of the predetermined image content is within a specific range in the first digital image data in the image determination unit. It is determined whether or not the center of gravity exists within a specific range. If the center of gravity is within a specific range, the center of gravity is changed in an image rearrangement unit so that the center of gravity is located within a specified area. 9. The printer device according to claim 8, wherein the data is rearranged to generate rearranged first digital image data. 11. When rearranging the predetermined first digital image data, a line segment AB connecting both ends in a specific direction in a predetermined image content in the rearranged first digital image data and this line Minute A
Assuming a point G on B, the ratio of the length of line segment AB to the larger of line segment AG or line segment BG is the larger of line segment AG and line segment BG. Assuming that the point G is equal to the ratio of the lengths of the first and second small digital images, the predetermined area is assumed to include the point G, and the predetermined image in the predetermined first digital image data is determined. 9. The printer device according to claim 8, wherein the contents are changed so as to be arranged in the specified area. 12. The printer according to claim 11, wherein the line segment AB is golden-divided by a point G. 13. The line segment AB and the line segment AG or the line segment B.
12. The printer device according to claim 11, wherein the ratio to G is 8: 5 or approximately 8: 5. 14. The predetermined first digital image data forms a quadrilateral, and at least one of a vertical direction, a horizontal direction, and a diagonal direction is selected as a specific direction of the line segment AB. Item 12. The printer according to Item 11. 15. The first digital image data and / or
9. An image display output unit for displaying and outputting rearranged first digital image data.
The printer device according to the above.