JP2000108446A - Printing control apparatus, printing control system, method for controlling printing layout, and memory medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a printing control apparatus, a printing control system, a method for controlling a printing layout and a memory medium with which the problem of preparing a layout for every print part to a request requiring only the part of a paper to be printed is eliminated by switching an image print position by one layout. SOLUTION: There are provided an image data-storing means 1001 for storing image data, a printing layout information-storing means 1002 for storing printing layout information, a selecting means 1003 for selecting the image data, printing layout information, a display means 1006 for displaying the image data distinguishably, a print data-forming means 1005 for forming print data on the basis of the image data, printing layout information, a printing means 1007 for printing the print data, and a control means 1004 for controlling a printing layout to set a blank image area.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to a print control apparatus, a print control system, a print layout control method, and a storage medium. More specifically, the present invention applies print layout information prepared in advance to an image captured by a digital camera or the like. The present invention relates to a print control device, a print control system, a print layout control method, and a storage medium that are suitable for performing printing.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an image printing apparatus generally performs printing by applying a selected image to a prepared layout, as typified by an example in which the same image is arranged and printed on a sticker sheet. It was a target.

[0003]

However, in the image printing apparatus of the type which selects a layout and an image as in the above-mentioned conventional example, in response to a request to print on only a part of the paper, the layout is changed for each print part. There was a problem that each had to be prepared. More specifically, if there is a layout for printing only on the upper half of the paper and a request for printing only on the lower half of the paper, the respective requirements are satisfied.
The conventional method is to switch the printing position by preparing two layouts. Further, if there is a request to print on both the upper and lower sides of the sheet, it is necessary to prepare a layout for printing on both the upper and lower sides of the sheet.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and in response to a request to print only a part of a sheet by switching the print position of an image in one layout, the print portion is changed for each print portion. It is an object of the present invention to provide a print control device, a print control system, a print layout control method, and a storage medium that solve the conventional problems of having to prepare layouts.

[0005]

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a print control apparatus for controlling printing of an image based on print layout information. It is characterized by comprising a data storage means, a print layout information storage means for storing print layout information, and a control means for performing print layout control for setting a blank image area in which nothing is printed based on an external selection.

In order to achieve the above object, according to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a selection unit for selecting image data stored in the image data storage unit and print layout information stored in the print layout information storage unit. And print data creating means for creating print data based on the image data and print layout information selected by the selecting means, and display means for displaying the image data selected by the selecting means in an identifiable manner, The control means performs print layout control for setting a blank image area in which nothing is printed based on the selection by the selection means.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the print layout information storage means includes, as the print layout information, print layout information relating to a page such as a layout number, a page size, and the number of frames. It is characterized by storing print layout information relating to a print position within a page such as a frame number, a frame size, a frame position, etc. within the page.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention as set forth in claim 4, wherein the print layout information storage means stores the print layout information relating to the print position in the page as:
When the page is divided into at least two regions, print layout information of an image to be printed in each region is stored.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention as set forth in claim 5, wherein the selecting means sets a normal image associated with a predetermined image number and an image number different from the predetermined image number. The associated blank image can be selected based on the image number, and the control means performs print layout control for setting a blank image area where nothing is printed based on the selection of the image number by the selection means. And

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention according to claim 6, wherein the selecting means comprises: a normal image associated with a predetermined image number; and an unused image continuous with the predetermined image number. A blank image associated with a number can be selected based on the image number, and the control means performs print layout control for setting a blank image area where nothing is printed based on the selection of the image number by the selection means. It is characterized by.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention according to claim 7, wherein the control means determines whether a blank image is selected by the selection means, a normal image is selected by the selection means, Is characterized by notifying the user of the selection of the blank image by a different method.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention as set forth in claim 8, wherein the control means determines whether a blank image is selected by the selection means, a normal image is selected by the selection means, Is characterized in that the indication of the blank image selection is displayed on the display means in a different display.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in order to achieve the above object, the control means displays a confirmation message on the display means when all the blank images are selected by the selection means. Features.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in order to achieve the above object, the print data creating means may add a decoration to a normal image when the normal image is selected by the selection means. It is possible that, when a blank image is selected by the selecting means, no decoration is added to the blank image.

To achieve the above object, according to the present invention as set forth in claim 11, the print data creating means adds a shadow, date, or the like to the normal image when the normal image is selected by the selection means. If a blank image is selected by the selection means, no shadow, date, or the like is added to the blank image.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a printing unit for printing print data created by the print data creating unit, and an image data selected by the selection unit can be identified. It is characterized in that external display means for displaying can be connected.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the image processing apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the storage means stores image data captured by an image capturing device such as a digital camera or image data supplied from an information processing device such as a computer. Can be stored.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention according to claim 14 is applicable to a combination of an information processing apparatus such as a computer and an image printing program operating on the information processing apparatus. .

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a print control system having a print control device and a printing device for controlling printing of an image based on print layout information. The control device includes an image data storage unit that stores image data, a print layout information storage unit that stores print layout information, an image data stored in the image data storage unit, and a print data stored in the print layout information storage unit. Selection means for selecting print layout information; print data creation means for creating print data based on the image data and print layout information selected by the selection means; and image data selected by the selection means identifiably displayed. And a print layout system for setting a blank image area in which nothing is to be printed based on the selection by the selection means. And a control means for the printing apparatus, characterized by having a printing means for printing print data created by the print data creating means of the print control apparatus.

In order to achieve the above object, according to the present invention, an external display device for displaying the image data selected by the selection means of the print control device in an identifiable manner can be connected. Features.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a print layout control method applied to a print control apparatus for controlling printing of an image based on print layout information. Image data storing step, a print layout information storing step of storing print layout information, and a control step of performing a print layout control of setting a blank image area in which nothing is printed based on an external selection. I do.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention as set forth in claim 18, further comprises a selecting step of selecting image data stored in the image data storing step and print layout information stored in the print layout information storing step. A print data creation step of creating print data based on the image data and print layout information selected in the selection step, and a display step of displaying the image data selected in the selection step in an identifiable manner, In the control step, print layout control for setting a blank image area in which nothing is printed based on the selection in the selection step is performed.

In order to achieve the above object, according to the present invention, in the printing layout information storing step, a layout number and a layout number are stored as the printing layout information.
It is characterized by storing print layout information relating to a page such as a page size and the number of frames, and print layout information relating to a print position within a page such as a frame number, a frame size and a frame position within the page.

According to a twentieth aspect of the present invention, in the printing layout information storing step, the page is divided into at least two or more regions as print layout information relating to the print position in the page. In this case, print layout information of an image to be printed in each area in the case of storing is stored.

According to a twenty-first aspect of the present invention, in the above-mentioned aspect, in the selecting step, a normal image associated with a predetermined image number and an image number different from the predetermined image number are set. The associated blank image can be selected based on the image number, and the control step performs print layout control for setting a blank image area in which nothing is printed based on the selection of the image number in the selection step. And

In order to achieve the above object, in the present invention according to the twenty-second aspect, in the selecting step, a normal image associated with a predetermined image number, an unused image continuous with the predetermined image number A blank image associated with a number can be selected based on the image number, and the control step performs print layout control for setting a blank image area where nothing is printed based on the selection of the image number in the selection step. It is characterized by.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention according to claim 23 is characterized in that in the control step, when a blank image is selected in the selection step, and when a normal image is selected in the selection step. Is characterized by notifying the user of the selection of the blank image by a different method.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention according to claim 24 is characterized in that, in the control step, when a blank image is selected in the selection step, and when a normal image is selected in the selection step. Is characterized in that the display of the blank image selection is displayed in a different display in the display step.

In order to achieve the above object, according to a twenty-fifth aspect of the present invention, in the control step, when all blank images are selected in the selection step, a confirmation message is displayed in the display step. Features.

According to a twenty-sixth aspect of the present invention, in the printing data creation step, when a normal image is selected in the selection step, a decoration is added to the normal image. It is possible that, when a blank image is selected in the selecting step, no decoration is added to the blank image.

According to a twenty-seventh aspect of the present invention, in the print data creation step, when a normal image is selected in the selection step, a shadow, a date, and the like are added to the normal image. When a blank image is selected in the selection step, no shadow, date, or the like is added to the blank image.

In order to achieve the above object, according to the present invention, a printing step for printing the print data created in the print data creation step and an image data selected in the selection step can be identified. An external display step for displaying is provided.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention according to claim 29, wherein, in the storing step, image data photographed by an imaging device such as a digital camera or image data supplied from an information processing device such as a computer. Can be stored.

[0034] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention according to claim 30 is characterized in that it is applicable to a combination of an information processing apparatus such as a computer and an image printing program running on the information processing apparatus. .

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a print layout system applied to a print control system having a print control device and a printing device for controlling printing of an image based on print layout information. A control method,
The print control device includes an image data storing step of storing image data, a print layout information storing step of storing print layout information, an image data stored in the image data storing step, and a print layout information storing step. A selection step of selecting the selected print layout information; a print data generation step of generating print data based on the image data and the print layout information selected in the selection step; and the image data selected in the selection step can be identified. And a control step of performing a print layout control for setting a blank image area in which nothing is printed based on the selection in the selection step, wherein the printing apparatus generates the print data of the print control apparatus. Print to print the print data created in the step It characterized by having a step.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention according to claim 32 has an external display step of displaying the image data selected in the selection step of the print control device in an identifiable manner. .

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer storing a program for executing a print layout control method applied to a print control apparatus for controlling image printing based on print layout information. Wherein the print layout control method includes an image data storing step of storing image data, a print layout information storing step of storing print layout information, and printing nothing based on an external selection. And a control step of performing a print layout control for setting a blank image area not to be set.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a print control system for controlling a printing position of an image based on print layout information. A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for executing a layout control method, wherein the print layout control method includes an image data storing step of storing image data,
A print layout information storing step of storing print layout information; a selecting step of selecting image data stored in the image data storing step; and a print layout information stored in the print layout information storing step; A print data creation step of creating print data based on the selected image data and print layout information; a display step of displaying the image data selected in the selection step in an identifiable manner; and printing nothing based on the selection in the selection step. A control step of performing print layout control for setting a blank image area not to be performed;
And a printing step of printing the print data created in the print data creation step.

[0039]

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

[1] First Embodiment FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram showing a basic configuration of an image printing system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The image printing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention generally includes an image printing device 1, a printer 7, and an external display device 9. Further, the image printing device 1 includes a power switch 2, a display device 3,
It is configured to include a print button 4, a menu operation button 5, and a memory card 6. In the figure, reference numeral 8 denotes a printer cable, and 10 denotes a video cable. It should be noted that the configuration shown in FIG. 2 is an example and is not limited to the illustrated configuration.

The image printing device 1 is a device dedicated to printing an image using the printer 7 in the illustrated example. The image printing device 1 is a computer and an image printing device on the computer. It is also possible to replace with a combination of programs. In the image printing apparatus 1, the power switch 2 controls power ON / OFF of the image printing apparatus 1 based on pressing by the user. The display device 3 includes a menu for operating the image printing device 1, the operation status of the image printing device 1, and the status (error in this example, the printer 7 and the external display device 9) of the devices connected to the image printing device 1 (errors). Etc.), for example, an LCD (L
liquid crystal display). Note that the display method of the display device 3 is not limited to the LCD, and other display methods can be used.

The print button 4 is used when the user
Is pressed when instructing the start of printing by the user. The menu operation button 5 is pressed when the user operates a menu displayed on the display device 3 such as an LCD. The memory card 6 stores an image to be printed. In the illustrated example, the memory card 6 shows a memory card and its slot, and includes a memory card via a conversion adapter. The printer 7 prints an image based on print data sent from the image printing apparatus 1 and other control data. Printer cable 8
Is a cable for connecting the image printing apparatus 1 and the printer 7 and exchanging print data and other control data.

The external display device 9 is a device for displaying images stored in the memory card 6 of the image printing device 1 and information displayed on the display device 3, and is composed of, for example, a TV. The video cable 10 is a cable for connecting the image printing device 1 and the external display device 9 and transmitting a video signal. The storage of the image in the memory card 6 of the image printing apparatus 1 is performed by using, for example, a digital camera or a computer.

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram corresponding to the claims of the image printing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. The image printing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes an image data storage unit 1.
001, print layout information storage means 1002, selection means 1003, control means 1004, print data creation means 1
005, a display unit 1006, and a printing unit 1007.

The function of each section will be described in detail. The image data storage means 1001 stores image data. The print layout information storage unit 1002 stores print layout information. The selection means 1003 is provided by the image data storage means 1
001 is used to select the image data stored in 001 and the print layout information stored in the print layout information storage unit 1002. The control unit 1004 performs a blank image selection process (first embodiment), which will be described later, based on a control program inside the image printing system or a control program supplied from outside the image printing system. The execution of the process for preventing the decoration from being printed (the second embodiment) is controlled. Also, the control means 1004
Is image data for the image data storage means 1001;
Write / read control of print layout information for print layout information storage means 1002, print data creation control for print data creation means 1005, display means 100
6 is displayed.

The print data creation means 1005 creates print data using the image data selected by the selection means 1002 and the print layout information.
If a blank image is selected in 003, the control unit 1004
, Print data having a blank image (nothing is printed) is created. Also, the print data creation means 10
In step S05, based on the control of the control unit 1004, print data in which decoration such as a shadow or date is not printed on a blank image is created. The display unit 1006 displays the image data selected by the selection unit 1003 so as to be identified based on the control of the control unit 1004. The printing unit 1007 prints the print data created by the print data creation unit 1005 on a recording medium.

The image data storage means 1001 is specifically configured as the memory card 6 of the image printing apparatus 1.
The print layout information storage unit 1002 is specifically configured as a storage unit such as a ROM in the image printing apparatus 1. The selection unit 1003 is specifically configured as a menu operation button 5 of the image printing apparatus 1. Control means 10
Reference numeral 04 is specifically configured as a control unit such as a CPU that executes “blank image selection processing” and “processing of not printing a shadow or date on a blank image” in the image printing apparatus 1. The print data creation unit 1005 is specifically configured as a control unit such as a CPU that executes “print data creation processing” in the image printing apparatus 1. The display unit 1006 is specifically configured as the display device 3 of the image printing device 1 and the external display device 9. The printing unit 1007 is specifically configured as a printer 7.

The correspondence between the components in the claims and the components in the image printing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention and the second embodiment to be described later is as follows. . The image data storage unit corresponds to the image data storage unit 1001 (the memory card 6 of the image printing apparatus 1), and the print layout information storage unit corresponds to the print layout information storage unit 1002 (the storage unit such as the ROM of the image printing apparatus 1). The selection unit corresponds to the selection unit 1003 (menu operation button 5 of the image printing apparatus 1), the control unit corresponds to the control unit 1004 (control unit such as the CPU of the image printing apparatus 1), and the print data creation unit The display unit corresponds to the print data creation unit 1005 (control unit such as the CPU of the image printing apparatus 1), the display unit corresponds to the display unit 1005 (the display unit 3 of the image printing apparatus 1, the external display unit 9), and the printing unit corresponds to printing. Corresponds to the means 1006 (printer 7). Further, the print control device having the title of the invention corresponds to an image printing device, and the print control system corresponds to an image printing system.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing a conceptual example in which the control program and related data of the present invention are supplied from a storage medium to the apparatus. The control program and related data of the present invention are stored in a storage medium (floppy disk, CD-ROM, etc.) 1
The information is supplied by inserting 401 into a storage medium drive 1403 of a device 1402 such as a computer. Thereafter, the control program and the related data of the present invention are temporarily installed on the hard disk from the storage medium 1401 and loaded into the RAM, or the control program and the related data of the present invention are directly loaded from the storage medium 1401 into the RAM, so that the program is loaded. It is possible to execute.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of the storage contents of a storage medium storing the control program and related data of the present invention. The storage medium 1401 includes storage contents such as volume information 1301, directory information 1302, a program execution file 1303, and a program-related data file 1304.

Next, the first embodiment of the present invention configured as described above is described.
An operation (selection of a blank image, which is a feature of the present invention) in the image printing system according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a print layout of a certain layout prepared in the image printing apparatus 1. 100 in the figure
Indicates the entire page, and 101 and 102 indicate the print positions of the images, respectively. FIG. 4 shows the image printing apparatus 1.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of print layout information stored in a folder. In the figure, reference numeral 110 denotes print layout information (layout number, page size, number of frames (images) and the like) related to a page, and 111 denotes print layout information (frame number, frame size, frame position within a page) in the present embodiment. Similarly, reference numeral 112 denotes print layout information relating to the lower image.

This example shows a layout in which two images can be printed vertically in one page. At this time, the same image or different images can be printed at each printing position (upper and lower). The image selection is performed by the image printing device 1
The user performs the operation while watching a menu or an image displayed on a display device 3 such as an LCD or an external display device 9 such as a TV. In the first embodiment of the present invention, the image printing device 1 is used.
Is characterized in that a blank image can be selected by the same operation as selecting an image stored in the memory card 6 or the like.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an image selection menu displayed on the display device 3 such as an LCD of the image printing apparatus 1. This example shows a case where the image at the top of the page is selected, and the seventh image is being selected.
The selection of an image is performed by operating the menu operation button 5 of the image printing apparatus 1. In FIG. 2 and FIG. 5, the left image of the menu operation button 5 causes the previous image (image number 6) to be displayed. The next image (image number 8) can be selected with the right arrow button of the menu operation buttons 5. At this time, as shown in FIG. 6, a reduced image of each image stored in the memory card 6 of the image printing device 1 is displayed on an external display device 9 such as a TV, and interlocked with the above selection operation. It is easier to understand when the image selection cursor 201 is moved so that the selected seventh image 200 can be recognized.

When a print image is selected by a number using the menu operation button 5 of the image printing apparatus 1 as described above, the user has the same feeling and operation as selecting an image by setting a special number as a blank image. Use to select a blank image. In the first embodiment of the present invention, the image printing apparatus 1
For example, positive integer numbers are assigned to images stored in the memory card 6 in order from 1, for example, and 0, which is not used as an image number, is assigned as a blank image number. Therefore, the user can use the image printing device 1
By operating the menu operation button 5, the image No. 0 can be selected, and desired settings can be made.

The number 0 is a number that is continuous with the first image number 1, and the user selects the number 0 image without being confused by the same operation as increasing or decreasing the image number for selecting another image. be able to. Therefore, for example, even if the number is other than 0, 19 image files are stored in the memory card 6 of the image printing apparatus 1, and when the image number is used up to 19, 20 is also used as the blank image number. Is also good. In this case, if both 0 and 20 are assigned as blank image numbers, the user can select a number closer to the position of the current image indicated by the image selection cursor 201, thereby saving the trouble of blank image selection. be able to.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example in which the image printing apparatus 1 selects a blank image as the lower image in FIG.
At this time, it is desirable that the image selection cursor 201 in FIG. 6 disappears from the screen to indicate that none of the images stored in the memory card 6 of the image printing apparatus 1 has been selected. Also, as shown in FIG. 8, an area 202 (an area corresponding to the selected image in the upper part of FIG. 4) where an image selected by the user is displayed, and an area 203 (an area corresponding to the selected image in the lower part of FIG. 4) If the blank image is present on the external display device 9, nothing may be displayed in the corresponding area 203 in the sense that a blank image has been selected, or a special image may be displayed. FIG. 8 shows an example in which a special image (×) is displayed on the external display device 9.

As shown in FIG. 9, the seventh image 200 is printed on the upper part 121 of the page 120 and a blank image is printed on the lower part 122 (nothing is printed). It goes without saying that it can also be specified in the upper row. In this case, it is possible to obtain an effect that an image is printed only on the lower part 142 of the page 140 as shown in FIG.

As described above, according to the image printing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the memory card 6 for storing image data (the image data storage means 100)
1), a storage unit such as a ROM for storing print layout information (print layout information storage unit 1002), image data, a menu operation button 5 for selecting print layout information (selection unit 1003), and the selected image data can be identified. Display unit 3 (display unit 1006), a control unit such as a CPU (print data creation unit 1005) that creates print data based on the selected image data and print layout information, and a blank image that prints nothing based on the selection An image printing apparatus 1 having a control unit (control means 1004) such as a CPU for performing print layout control for setting an area; a printer 7 (printing means 1007) connected to the image printing apparatus 1 and printing print data; An external display device connected to the image printing device 1 and displaying the selected image data in an identifiable manner. Since with (display means 1006) Toto exhibits the actions and effects as described below.

In the above configuration, by providing a function of selecting a blank image as an image to be applied to the prepared layout in the image printing apparatus 1, it is possible to switch the printing position of the image in one layout. Specifically, one layout is prepared in which an image is applied to each of the upper half and the lower half of the sheet and can be printed, and the printing position of the other image is switched by selecting a blank image either up or down.

In the first embodiment of the present invention, by preparing one layout (a layout for printing on the upper and lower rows), a different layout (a layout for printing only the upper row and a layout for printing only the lower row) is selected. The same effect as printing can be obtained. Therefore,
It is possible to reduce the number of layouts to be prepared, and as a result, it is possible to reduce resources (ROM and the like) required for the operation of the device, and to reduce the development process of the device and the cost. The space 122 (FIG. 9) and the space 141 (FIG. 10) generated by the blank space can be freely used by the user to write a message, so that the user can freely use the space according to the user's preference. There is also the effect of becoming.

To summarize the above, in response to a request to print only a part of a sheet by switching the printing position of an image in one layout, a layout must be prepared for each print part. In addition to the effect of solving the problem described above, there is an effect that a reduction in the development process of the device and a reduction in cost can be realized, and an effect that a free usage according to the user's preference can be provided.

[2] Second Embodiment An image printing system according to a second embodiment of the present invention
As in the case of the first embodiment described above, the image printing apparatus 1, the printer 7, and the external display device 9 are roughly configured. Further, the image printing device 1 includes a power switch 2, a display device 3,
A print button 4, a menu operation button 5, and a memory card 6 are provided (see FIG. 2).

The image printing system according to the second embodiment of the present invention, similar to the first embodiment, has the same configuration as the image printing system according to the first embodiment.
1, print layout information storage means 1002, selection means 1
003, control means 1004, print data creation means 100
5, a display unit 1006 and a printing unit 1007 (see FIG. 1). Since the configuration of each unit in FIG. 2 and the function of each unit in FIG. 1 have been described in detail in the first embodiment, description thereof will be omitted.

In the above-described first embodiment of the present invention,
Although only the print position and size are mentioned as print layout information for printing, print layout information generally includes information for controlling decoration of an image such as a frame and display of data such as a date. . Therefore, in the second embodiment of the present invention, a process is performed in which decoration is added to a normal image and no decoration is added to a blank image, so that meaningless data is added to the blank image. It is intended to provide a user with a free use area without printing (shadow, date, etc.).

Next, the second embodiment of the present invention configured as described above
The operation of the image printing system according to the embodiment (processing for preventing printing of a shadow or date on a blank image) will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12. FIG.

FIG. 11 shows print layout information 310 indicating that a shadow is added as an image decoration and that date data held in the image file stored in the memory card 6 of the image printing apparatus 1 is displayed on the image. , 311, 312
It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of. Reference numeral 310 denotes print layout information (layout number, page size, number of frames (images), and the like) related to the page. Reference numeral 311 denotes print layout information (frame number, frame size, frame position (upper left page reference) in the page) related to the upper image, and print image. Similarly, reference numeral 312 denotes print layout information regarding the lower image. At this time, during printing, the selected image is displayed with a shadow or date, but the shadow or date is meaningless for a blank image, so it is necessary not to print it.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing a print example in which the seventh image is specified in the upper part 321 of the page 320 and a blank image is specified in the lower part 324 using the print layout information 310 of FIG. As shown in the figure, the decoration specified by the print layout information 310 is printed as the shadow 322 and the date 323 only on the upper image.

As described above, according to the image printing system according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the memory card 6 for storing image data (image data storage means 100)
1), a storage unit such as a ROM for storing print layout information (print layout information storage unit 1002), image data, a menu operation button 5 for selecting print layout information (selection unit 1003), and the selected image data can be identified. Display unit 3 (display unit 1006), a control unit such as a CPU (print data creation unit 1005) that creates print data based on the selected image data and print layout information, and a blank image that prints nothing based on the selection The image printing apparatus 1 having a control unit (control means 1004) such as a CPU for setting a region and performing print layout control without adding decorations such as shadows and dates to a blank image, and is connected to the image printing apparatus 1. And a printer 7 (printing means 1007) that prints print data with the image printing apparatus 1. The image data for and an external display device 9 for identifiably displayed (display means 1006) was exhibits the actions and effects as described below.

In the above configuration, by providing a function of selecting a blank image as an image to be applied to the prepared layout in the image printing apparatus 1, it is possible to switch the printing position of the image in one layout. Specifically, one layout is prepared in which an image is applied to each of the upper half and the lower half of the sheet and can be printed, and the printing position of the other image is switched by selecting a blank image either up or down. Also, by providing the image printing apparatus 1 with a function of preventing decorations such as shadows and dates from being printed on blank images, decorations such as shadows and dates are meaningless on blank images. Enables you to avoid printing.

That is, in the second embodiment of the present invention, as in the first embodiment, the number of layouts to be prepared can be reduced, and as a result, resources required for the operation of the apparatus can be reduced. (ROM, etc.) can be reduced, the development process of the device can be reduced, and the cost can be reduced. The space created by the blank space can be freely used by the user, such as writing a message. In addition to the effect of being able to provide free usage, by controlling the decorative printing of the image according to whether it is a blank image, meaningless data (shadow, date, etc.) There is an effect that a free use area can be provided to the user without printing.

To summarize the above, in response to a request to print on only a part of a sheet by switching the printing position of an image in one layout, a layout must be prepared for each print part. In addition to the effect that the problem described above can be solved, there is an effect that a free use area can be provided to the user.

In the above-described image printing systems according to the first and second embodiments of the present invention, the upper and lower layouts have been described. In the present invention, an image can be selected regardless of the layout. A similar effect can be obtained by selecting a blank image in the place where the image is to be created. Of course, at this time, a blank message may be applied to the print position of the image, or an operation error may occur only when all blank images are selected, so a confirmation message is displayed to the user. It is also possible.

In the above-described image printing systems according to the first and second embodiments of the present invention, a system in which an image printing device, a printer, and an external display device are connected has been described as an example. The present invention is not limited to the above system configuration, and may be configured to connect desired devices to the system as needed, for example, to connect an imaging device such as a digital camera or an information processing device such as a computer. Alternatively, the above-described system may be connected to a network such as a LAN.

The present invention may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices or an apparatus composed of one device. A storage medium storing software program codes for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or an apparatus, and a computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or the apparatus executes the program code stored in the storage medium. Needless to say, this can also be achieved by executing the reading.

In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium implements the functions of the above-described embodiment, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

As a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, a floppy disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, CD
-R, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card, a ROM, or the like can be used.

When the computer executes the readout program code, not only the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized, but also the OS and the like running on the computer are actually executed based on the instructions of the program code. It goes without saying that a part or all of the above-described processing is performed, and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.

Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, based on the instruction of the program code, It goes without saying that the CPU included in the function expansion board or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.

[0080]

As described above, claims 1 to 9,
According to the print control apparatus of the twelfth to fourteenth aspects, when a blank image is selected, print layout control for setting a blank image area in which nothing is printed is performed, that is, one layout (for example, upper and lower tiers) is performed. By preparing a layout for printing, a different layout (for example, a layout for printing only the upper row, for example, a layout for printing only the lower row)
And the same effect as when printing is selected can also be obtained. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the number of layouts to be prepared, to reduce resources (ROM and the like) necessary for the operation of the device, and to reduce the development process and cost of the device. Further, since the space created by the blank space can be freely used by the user to write a message, the user can freely use the space according to the user's preference. That is, by switching the printing position of an image in one layout, it is possible to solve the conventional problem that a layout must be prepared for each printing portion in response to a request to print only a part of the paper. In addition to the effect, there is an effect that reduction in the development process of the device and a reduction in cost can be realized, and an effect that a free usage according to a user's preference can be provided.

According to the printing control apparatus of the tenth and eleventh aspects, when a normal image is selected, decorations (shadow, date, etc.) can be added to the normal image.
When a blank image is selected, by adding no decoration to the blank image, that is, by controlling the decoration printing of the image according to whether it is a blank image, meaningless data (shadow or date) can be added to the blank image. , Etc.) can be provided to the user without any need for printing.

According to the print control system of the present invention, the printing position of an image is switched in one layout in the same manner as described above, so that a request for printing on only a part of a sheet is provided. In addition to the effect of solving the conventional problem of having to prepare a layout for each print portion, it is possible to reduce the development process of the apparatus and the cost, and to meet the user's preference. There is also an effect that free usage can be provided.

According to the print layout control methods of claims 17 to 25 and 28 to 30, similarly to the above, by switching the print position of an image in one layout, only a part of the sheet is printed. In response to the demand for printing, it has the effect of eliminating the conventional problem of having to prepare a layout for each printed part, and has the effect of reducing the development process and cost of the device. In addition, there is an effect that it is possible to provide a free usage according to a user's preference.

According to the print layout control method of the present invention, when a normal image is selected, it is possible to add decorations (shadow, date, etc.) to the normal image, and to set a blank image. Is selected, the decoration is not added to the blank image, that is, the decoration printing for the image is controlled according to whether or not the image is blank, so that the meaningless data (shadow, date, etc.) There is an effect that it is possible to provide a user with a free use area without printing.

According to the print layout control method of the present invention, the printing position of the image is switched in one layout in the same manner as described above, so that the printing of only a part of the paper is performed. This has the effect of eliminating the conventional problem of having to prepare a layout for each printed portion, and
There is also an effect that reduction in the development process and cost of the device can be realized, and an effect that it is possible to provide free usage according to the user's preference.

According to the storage medium of the present invention, the print layout control method is read out from the storage medium and executed by the print control device or the print control system, so that the same print layout control method is used. By switching the printing position of an image, it is possible to solve the conventional problem of having to prepare a layout for each print portion in response to a request to print on only a part of the paper, and to achieve an effect. In addition, there is an effect that the development process can be reduced and the cost can be reduced, and it is possible to provide a free usage according to a user's preference.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram in which image printing systems according to first and second embodiments of the present invention correspond to claims.

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram illustrating a basic configuration of an image printing system according to first and second embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a print layout in the image printing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of print layout information in the image printing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a display example of a display device such as an LCD when an image is selected in the image printing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a display example of an external display device such as a TV when an image is selected in the image printing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a display example of a display device such as an LCD when a blank image is selected in the image printing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a display example of an external display device such as a TV when a blank image is selected in the image printing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a print example of only the upper part of the page in the image printing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a print example of only the lower part of the page in the image printing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of print layout information (with decoration) in the image printing system according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing a print example (with decoration) of only the upper part of a page in the image printing system according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of storage contents of a storage medium storing a control program and related data of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing a conceptual example in which a control program and related data of the present invention are supplied from a storage medium to an apparatus.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image printing device 3 Display device 5 Menu operation button 6 Memory card 7 Printer 9 External display device 1001 Image data storage means 1002 Print layout information storage means 1003 Selection means 1004 Control means 1005 Print data creation means 1006 Display means 1007 Printing means

Claims (34)

[Claims] 1. A print control device for controlling printing of an image based on print layout information, comprising: image data storage means for storing image data; print layout information storage means for storing print layout information;
Control means for performing print layout control for setting a blank image area in which nothing is printed based on an external selection. 2. A selection unit for selecting image data stored in the image data storage unit and print layout information stored in the print layout information storage unit, and image data and print layout information selected by the selection unit. Print data creating means for creating print data based on the image data selected by the selection means, and display means for displaying the image data selected by the selection means in an identifiable manner. The control means prints nothing based on the selection by the selection means. 2. The print control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein print layout control for setting a blank image area not to be performed is performed. 3. The print layout information storage means includes, as the print layout information, print layout information relating to a page such as a layout number, a page size, and the number of frames; and a frame number, a frame size, and a frame position within the page. 3. The print control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein print layout information regarding a print position is stored. 4. The print layout information storage means stores print layout information of an image to be printed in each area when the page is divided into at least two or more areas as the print layout information regarding the print position in the page. The printing control apparatus according to claim 3, wherein 5. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the selection unit is configured to select a normal image associated with a predetermined image number and a blank image associated with an image number different from the predetermined image number based on the image number. The print control according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the control means performs print layout control for setting a blank image area in which nothing is printed based on the selection of the image number by the selection means. apparatus. 6. The selection means selects a normal image associated with a predetermined image number, and a blank image associated with an unused image number continuous with the predetermined image number, based on the image number. 6. The print control apparatus according to claim 5, wherein said control means performs print layout control for setting a blank image area in which nothing is to be printed based on the selection of the image number by said selection means. 7. The control means notifies the user of the selection of the blank image by a method different from a case where a normal image is selected by the selection means when a blank image is selected by the selection means. The print control device according to claim 1, wherein 8. The control means, when a blank image is selected by the selection means, displays on the display means that the blank image is selected in a display different from that when a normal image is selected by the selection means. The print control device according to claim 7, wherein the display is displayed. 9. The printing method according to claim 1, wherein the control unit displays a confirmation message on the display unit when all of the blank images are selected by the selection unit. Control device. 10. The print data creation means can add a decoration to a normal image when a normal image is selected by the selection means, and when a blank image is selected by the selection means. 10. The print control device according to claim 1, wherein no decoration is added to the blank image. 11. The print data creation means can add a shadow, a date, or the like to a normal image when a normal image is selected by the selection means, and select a blank image by the selection means. 11. The print control apparatus according to claim 10, wherein when the image is set, no shadow, date, or the like is added to the blank image. 12. A printing device for printing the print data created by the print data creation device, and an external display device for displaying the image data selected by the selection device in an identifiable manner. The print control device according to claim 1. 13. The storage device according to claim 1, wherein the storage unit is capable of storing image data captured by an imaging device such as a digital camera or image data supplied from an information processing device such as a computer. The print control device according to any one of the above. 14. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information processing apparatus is applicable to a combination of an information processing apparatus such as a computer and an image printing program operating on the information processing apparatus.
3. The print control device according to any one of 3. 15. A printing control system comprising a printing control device and a printing device, wherein the printing control device controls printing of an image based on print layout information, wherein the printing control device stores image data, Print layout information storage means for storing print layout information; image data stored in the image data storage means; selection means for selecting print layout information stored in the print layout information storage means; and selection by the selection means Print data creation means for creating print data based on the selected image data and print layout information, display means for displaying the image data selected by the selection means in an identifiable manner, and printing nothing based on the selection by the selection means And control means for performing print layout control for setting a blank image area not to be printed. Printing control system, characterized in that it comprises a printing means for printing print data created by the print data creating means of the control device. 16. The print control system according to claim 15, wherein an external display device for displaying the image data selected by said selection means of said print control device in an identifiable manner is connectable. 17. A print layout control method applied to a print control device that controls printing of an image based on print layout information, comprising: an image data storing step of storing image data; and a print layout storing print layout information. A print layout control method, comprising: an information storage step; and a control step of performing print layout control for setting a blank image area in which nothing is printed based on an external selection. 18. A selecting step of selecting the image data stored in the image data storing step and the print layout information stored in the print layout information storing step, and the image data and print layout information selected in the selecting step. A print data creation step of creating print data based on the image data, and a display step of displaying the image data selected in the selection step in an identifiable manner. In the control step, nothing is printed based on the selection in the selection step. 18. The print layout control method according to claim 17, wherein print layout control for setting a blank image area not to be performed is performed. 19. The print layout information storing step, wherein the print layout information includes print layout information on a page such as a layout number, a page size, and the number of frames, and a frame number, a frame size, and a frame position in the page. 19. The print layout control method according to claim 17, wherein print layout information relating to a print position is stored. 20. In the print layout information storing step, print layout information of an image to be printed in each area when the page is divided into at least two or more areas is stored as the print layout information regarding the print position in the page. 20. The print layout control method according to claim 19, wherein: 21. In the selecting step, a normal image associated with a predetermined image number and a blank image associated with an image number different from the predetermined image number can be selected based on the image number. 21. The print layout according to claim 17, wherein the control step performs print layout control for setting a blank image area in which nothing is printed based on the selection of the image number in the selection step. Control method. 22. In the selecting step, a normal image associated with a predetermined image number and a blank image associated with an unused image number continuous with the predetermined image number are selected based on the image number. 22. The print layout control method according to claim 21, wherein the control step includes performing print layout control for setting a blank image area in which nothing is printed based on the selection of the image number in the selection step. 23. In the control step, when a blank image is selected in the selecting step, it is notified that the blank image is selected by a method different from a case where a normal image is selected in the selecting step. The print layout control method according to any one of claims 17 to 22, wherein: 24. In the control step, when a blank image is selected in the selection step, the display step indicates that the blank image is selected in a display different from that when a normal image is selected in the selection step. The print layout control method according to claim 23, wherein the print layout is displayed. 25. The printing method according to claim 17, wherein in the controlling step, when all blank images are selected in the selecting step, a confirmation message is displayed in the displaying step. Layout control method. 26. In the print data creating step, when a normal image is selected in the selecting step, it is possible to add decoration to the normal image, and when a blank image is selected in the selecting step. 26. The print layout control method according to claim 17, wherein no decoration is added to the blank image. 27. In the print data creation step, when a normal image is selected in the selection step, a shadow, a date, or the like can be added to the normal image, and a blank image is selected in the selection step. 27. The print layout control method according to claim 26, wherein a shadow, a date, and the like are not added to the blank image when the printing is performed. 28. The printing method according to claim 17, further comprising a printing step of printing the print data created in the print data creation step, and an external display step of displaying the image data selected in the selection step in an identifiable manner. 28. The print layout control method according to any one of claims to 27. 29. The storage method according to claim 17, wherein in the storing step, image data photographed by an imaging device such as a digital camera or image data supplied from an information processing device such as a computer can be stored. The print layout control method according to any one of the above. 30. A print layout control method according to claim 17, wherein the print layout control method is applicable to a combination of an information processing apparatus such as a computer and an image printing program operating on the information processing apparatus. . 31. A print layout control method applied to a print control system that has a print control device and a print device and controls printing of an image based on print layout information, wherein the print control device converts the image data. An image data storing step for storing, a print layout information storing step for storing print layout information, an image data stored in the image data storing step, and a selection for selecting the print layout information stored in the print layout information storing step A print data creation step of creating print data based on the image data and print layout information selected in the selection step; a display step of displaying the image data selected in the selection step in an identifiable manner; Blank image area where nothing is printed based on selection by step A control step of performing print layout control to be set, wherein the printing apparatus has a printing step of printing the print data created in the print data creating step of the print control apparatus. Method. 32. The print layout control method according to claim 31, further comprising an external display step of displaying the image data selected in the selection step of the print control device in an identifiable manner. 33. A storage medium readable by a computer storing a program for executing a print layout control method applied to a print control apparatus for controlling printing of an image based on print layout information, the print layout control method comprising: An image data storing step of storing image data, a print layout information storing step of storing print layout information, and a control step of performing a print layout control of setting a blank image area in which nothing is printed based on an external selection. A storage medium characterized by having: 34. A computer readable by a computer storing a program for executing a print layout control method applied to a print control system having a print control device and a printing device and controlling a print position of an image based on print layout information. A storage medium, wherein the print layout control method includes an image data storing step of storing image data, a print layout information storing step of storing print layout information, and the image data stored in the image data storing step. A selection step of selecting print layout information stored in the print layout information storage step; a print data creation step of creating print data based on the image data and print layout information selected in the selection step; Image data can be identified A print step for setting a blank image area in which nothing is to be printed based on the selection in the selection step, and a print step for printing the print data created in the print data creation step. A storage medium characterized by having.