JP2001109080A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming device for forming an index print where images are classified in response to the user's request and also the classification is easily and visually recognized, as to the index print with plural images arranged in a matrix state. SOLUTION: As for the image forming device for forming the index image where plural images are arranged in the matrix state, the images are inputted together with tag information (additional information), then, the inputted images are classified into groups in accordance with the classification items specified by the user while referring to the tag information. Besides, in the case of editing the index images, the grouped images are arranged by every group, besides, the visual information (a frame surrounding the group, a background, etc.), is added so that the group to which each image belongs may be recognized.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image creating apparatus, and more particularly to an apparatus for creating an index image, which is one image in which a plurality of images are arranged in a matrix.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a printing service of an image photographed on a silver halide film and a printing service of image data recorded by a digital camera, about 20 sheets or one film are used so that all printed images can be viewed. There is a print service for arranging images (hereinafter, thumbnail images) obtained by reducing print images of a minute in a matrix and printing them on one print sheet. Generally, such an image in which a plurality of images are printed in a matrix on a single print sheet is called “index print”.

Normally, in index printing on a silver halide film, thumbnail images are arranged in the order of photographing (recording), and each image is assigned a serial number. Also, in the case of an index print of an image taken by a digital camera, similarly to the case of a silver halide film, the images are arranged in the recording order of the images (usually in the order of photographing), and each thumbnail image is given the file name of the image. You.

FIG. 23 shows an example of a conventional index print. The index print is provided, for example, when a print service store requests printing of an image recorded on a recording medium by a digital camera.
All the printed images can be recognized at a glance. As shown in this figure, in the index print,
A plurality of thumbnail images are arranged in a matrix, and information such as a file name P2, a print size, and the number of sheets P3 is described for each image P1.

[0005]

In the conventional index print, images are usually arranged and printed in the order of photographing (recording). The information displayed for each image on the index print is file information, the requested number of sheets, the print size, and the like.

In an image photographed by a digital camera, the photographing date is not imprinted on a film unlike a silver halide camera, and is recorded as data on a recording medium, and is not displayed in the image. Therefore, with the conventional index print, it is not possible to know the shooting date of the image shot by the digital camera.

In general, in a digital camera,
When an image is shot, various information such as a shooting date and a shooting camera is recorded together with the image data as additional information. The user can manage the additional information by managing the image data,
It can be used for editing. Therefore, even in the index print, there is a case where it is desired to use the additional information and arrange the images classified based on the additional information on the index print. At this time, it is desirable that the classification can be easily recognized for each of the classified and printed images.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems. In an index print, an image forming apparatus for classifying an index print according to a user's request and creating an index print in which the classification can be easily recognized visually. The purpose is to provide.

[0009]

An image forming apparatus according to the present invention is an apparatus for creating one image (index image) in which a plurality of images are arranged in a matrix. Means for inputting an image together with additional information,
Means for specifying a classification item for classifying and grouping input images; means for grouping input images according to the specified classification item with reference to additional information of the image; A means is provided for arranging the image groups for each group and editing an index image to which visual information is added so that the type of the group to which the image belongs can be recognized.

At this time, the classification items include the type of folder in the recording medium on which the image to be input is recorded, the shooting date of the image data, the type of the camera that shot the image data, the size of the image data, or the image data. May be included.

Further, the visual information may be a frame provided for each image data, which differs depending on the type of the group. Alternatively, the visual information may be a background color around the image data, which differs depending on the type of the group. Alternatively, the visual information may be a single frame surrounding image data groups belonging to the same group.

Further, among the images belonging to one group in the index image, the image arranged first is:
It may be arranged after a line feed.

[0013]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition,
In the drawings, the same reference symbols indicate the same or equivalent ones.

(External Appearance of Image Creation Apparatus) FIG. 1 shows an external appearance of an image creation apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. This image creation device 1 is a coin vender type device in which a user inputs a fee, checks an image by himself, and obtains a print. The fee is input to the input port 8. A media loading unit 2 is provided at the top of the apparatus, and a user can load any of four types of image recording media (smart media, compact flash, optical disk, and floppy disk). The media loading section 2 is provided with a dustproof cover 3. Note that a dustproof shutter may be provided at each loading port instead of the cover. A panel 7 is arranged beside the media loading section 2 to display the types of media that can be loaded. The monitor 4 is provided to display images and operation instructions, and has a touch panel formed on the surface. The keyboard 5 is used for giving various instructions. A silver halide printer 16 for printing a normal photograph and a sublimation printer 18 for printing a seal print are mounted inside the apparatus (see FIG. 3). The print is discharged from the discharge port 6. The user enters a fee into the slot 8 and operates the apparatus with the monitor 4 and the keyboard 5.

FIG. 2 shows the recording medium loading section 2 and the display panel 7 in more detail. First, the display panel 7 displays the shapes of four types of image recording media that can be loaded in the apparatus. Loadable media are smart media (SM), compact flash (CF), optical disc (C
D) and a floppy disk (FD). The number to the left of each symbol corresponds to the number of the loading port. The user checks the type of the recording medium with the display on the panel 7 and selects the corresponding medium. As a means for selection, a touch switch may be provided on the panel 7 or a number may be input on the keyboard 5. Further, the touch panel on the monitor 4 may be selectable. When the user selects a medium, a display 21 provided beside the loading port corresponding to the selected medium is turned on. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the display 21 corresponding to the smart media is turned on. The user loads the recording medium into the loading slot where the display 21 is lit. By doing so, the user can identify his or her own medium, and it is not necessary to load the medium into a wrong loading slot.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the inside of the image forming apparatus. The entire apparatus is controlled by the overall control unit 20. The drive 10 reads an image recorded on the smart media. Drive 11
Reads an image recorded on a compact flash. The drive 12 reads an image recorded on an optical disk. The drive 13 reads an image recorded on a floppy disk. The image signal processing unit 14
The digital image signal from each medium received from each of the drives 10 to 13 is processed for monitoring and printing,
The memory unit 15 records the signal-processed image. The contents recorded in the memory 15 are reproduced by the monitor 4 and the printers 16 and 18.

The silver halide printer 16 performs digital image exposure on silver halide paper, and then performs development, fixing, and stabilization processing to create a digital silver halide print. In this apparatus, a PLZT optical shutter array (not shown) is used as a silver halide exposure control unit. First interface
An (IF) 17 is an interface with the silver halide printer 16. Through the first interface 17, the memory 1
5 is sent to the silver halide printer 16, a print start command is sent from the overall control unit 20 to the silver halide printer 16, and the overall control unit 20 sends a print start instruction to the silver halide printer 16. Print status data is sent.

Another printer 18 is a sublimation printer for producing a seal print. This printer 18
As long as the printer is suitable for seal printing, another type of printer (for example, an inkjet type or a hot-melt type printer) may be used. The second interface (IF) 19
This is an interface with the sealing printer 18 and has almost the same function as the first interface 17.

(Overall Control Sequence) Next, a control sequence by the overall control unit 20 in the image forming apparatus will be described.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart from the service menu display to the index display. When the apparatus is started, first, a service menu (see FIG. 5) usable in the apparatus is displayed on the monitor 4 (step S1).
1. Hereinafter, "step" is omitted). The user selects a desired service on the touch panel. In the present embodiment, the following six services (print modes) can be used. (1) All prints (mode selected when printing all images recorded on media) (2) Individually designated print (mode for individually designating and printing images recorded on media) (3) Index print (Index print mode) (4) Sticker print (Steal print mode) (5) Image composition (Image composition mode) (6) Data storage (Data storage on media CD-R, FD, MO) mode)

When image synthesis is selected, a screen (not shown) for selecting one of the multi-image creation mode and the template synthesis mode is displayed next. The user selects a desired mode on the touch panel.

The index print can be selected also in the full print mode or the individual designation print mode.

Index printing and sticker printing include image processing for combining a plurality of input image data. If a print mode including such image synthesis is selected, image processing takes a long time, so image data is synthesized before print control is started.

Next, in order to capture an image, the user selects a recording medium for image input (S1).
2). At this time, the media may be displayed on the monitor 4 so as to be selectable, or may be selected using the panel 7 or the keyboard 5. When the user selects a medium, the display 21 of the loading port of the selected medium is lit on the display panel 7 (S13).

Next, the process waits for a medium to be loaded by the user (S14). When the medium is loaded, the data input / decompression subroutine is called to decompress and read the image data from the medium (S15). The original image data is stored in the memory. This is because the original image data is stored until the operation is completed, and high-speed access is always possible. Next, the process waits for the user to remove the media (S16), and then performs predetermined processing according to the service content selected by the user (S17) (S18 to S23).

Specifically, if the selected service is "print all", a predetermined process for printing all the images recorded on the medium is performed (S18). If the selected service is "individual designated print", a predetermined process for individually designating and printing images recorded on the medium is performed (S19). If the selected service is "index print", a predetermined process for performing index print is performed (S2).
0). If the selected service is "seal print", a predetermined process for performing the seal print is performed (S21). If the selected service is "image combining", a predetermined process for combining images is performed (S2).
2). If the selected service is "data storage",
A predetermined process for storing data in the media CD-R, FD, and MO is performed (S23).

Here, the processing for each of the services "print all", "designated print", "sticker print", "image combining", and "data storage" may be any known processing. In the following, particularly, control for realizing the “index print” process will be described in detail.

(Index Print Processing) FIG. 6 shows a flowchart of the index print processing (S20). When the index print is selected, first, a selection menu (see FIG. 7) for allowing the user to specify the classification of the index image is displayed, and input of the classification item by the user is waited (S41). Next, the image is classified based on the designated classification item, and a process for creating an index image arranged in a matrix is performed (S42). The data of the index image created by this processing is stored in the memory. Details of this processing will be described later. Thereafter, resolution conversion and the like are performed on the created index image data, and the index image is displayed on the monitor 4 (S4).
3). FIG. 8 shows an example of the display screen at this time. Further, on this screen, setting of the number of index prints (S44), selection of data storage (S45), and current amount (S46) are also displayed. The default settings when the index print is selected are: index print number = “1”, data storage = “CD-R”, but can be changed by the user's will.

The user checks the preview screen of the index print and the current amount, and presses the "OK" button if he / she likes. When the user presses the "OK" button (S47), the process proceeds to the next step.

After pressing the "OK" button, a storage medium insertion process is performed (S48). That is, it is confirmed that the data storage is set by the user, and when the data storage is set, the user waits for the insertion of the storage medium. When the storage medium is inserted by the user, the service contents and the final amount are displayed on the monitor 4 again (S49 to S49).
S50) Waiting for payment by the user, and if there is a payment, charge processing such as change is performed (S51).

Thereafter, a print process (S52) for printing the index image is performed. That is, image data for index printing stored in the memory is sequentially read out by hardware, transferred to the printer 16 via the first interface 17, and printed on a predetermined print sheet.

When the printing process is completed, a data saving process is performed (S53). That is, when the user sets the data storage, the created index image data is recorded on the storage medium.

(Index Image Creation Process) Hereinafter, the index image creation process (S42) will be described in detail with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

Before describing the details of the image creation processing, the index print created by the image creation apparatus will first be specifically described.

In the index print obtained by the present apparatus, the thumbnail images to be printed on the index print are grouped based on the classification items designated by the user, and are arranged and printed in group units. The classification items include, for example, the type of folder in which the image data is stored, the shooting date of the image data, the camera model, the image size,
A shooting mode and the like are included. At this time, the classification may be performed using other information added to the image.

When classifying image data based on a classification item specified by a user, the image data refers to Tag information added to the image data. In the tag information, for example,
Information such as a shooting date, an image size, a shooting camera, a shooting mode, and a shooting time is included.

FIG. 15 shows an example of a folder structure of a compact flash card (hereinafter referred to as a “CF card”), which is one of recording media, and tag information for image data. A recording medium recordable by a digital camera generally has a folder structure as shown in this figure, and stores image files to which file names are assigned in the recording order in each folder. The folder on the recording medium is stored in a digital camera according to a predetermined standard, for example,
It is automatically created based on the (Design rule for Camera File system) standard, but can also be created by the user. The CF card shown in FIG. 15 has a folder configuration based on the DCF standard. However, for convenience of description, there are some parts that do not conform to the standard. Specifically, at the top, "DCI
M, and a folder “100_”
Two folders called “ABCD” and “100_EFGH” are provided. In the 100_ABCD folder, ten image files from "DSC00001.jPG" to "DSC00010.jPG" are stored. In the 100_EFGH folder, ten image files from "DSC00011.jPG" to "DSC00020.jPG" are stored. An image file is stored. Tag information is added to each image file. Note that FIG.
The image data shown in "DSC00001.jPG" to "DSC00020.jP"
G ".

The index print by the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment is designed so that the user can easily visually recognize which group each thumbnail image belongs to. That is, a different frame is added to each thumbnail image for each type of group (see (a) of FIG. 16).
(See FIG. 16B), and the background color around the thumbnail image is made different according to the group type for each thumbnail image. At this time, FIG.
As shown in (d), a frame may be provided for each group, or the background color may be different.

FIG. 9 shows an index image creation process (S4).
It is a flowchart which shows the main routine of 2). As shown in the figure, when entering the index image creation process, the classification item designated by the user is determined (S61, S62, S62).
63, S64, S65), and performs a classification process based on the designation (S67, S68, S69, S70, S71, S
66). That is, when the classification item is the type of the folder, the classification process by the folder (S67) is performed. If the classification item is a date (shooting date), a classification process by date (S68) is performed. If the classification item is a camera model, a classification process (S69) based on the camera model is performed. When the classification item is the image size, a classification process based on the image size (S70) is performed. When the classification item is the photographing mode, a classification process (S71) according to the photographing mode is performed. After any of the above classification processes, the index image is edited based on the classification result (S66). More specifically, the images grouped by the classification process are grouped for each group, arranged in a matrix, and an index image is added with a display for identifying the group to which each image belongs. Then, data of each image, various character information, and the like are combined. At this time, the index image may cover a plurality of pages when the number of images (thumbnail images) is large. When no classification is specified, the classification processing is not particularly performed, and the index images are edited by being arranged in a matrix according to the recording order of each image. For example, in the case of the data shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 17, an index image in which the images are arranged in the recording order is created. Hereinafter, each classification process will be described in detail.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of the classification process (S67) based on the type of folder. In this processing, image data is displayed collectively for each type of folder. First,
The folder name provided in the medium stored in the memory is read (S671), the type of the folder is analyzed from the read folder name (S672), and each image is grouped for each folder type based on the analysis result. (S67
3). In the example shown in FIG. 15, the data is classified into a 100_ABCD folder group and a 100_EFGH folder group. Images from “DSC00001.JPG” to “DSC00010.JPG” belong to the group of the 100_ABCD folder, and “DSC0001” belongs to the group of the 100_EFGH folder.
The images from "1.JPG" to "DSC00020.JPG" belong to this example.An example of an index print when grouped and printed by this process is shown in FIG.
Image data belonging to the 00_ABCD folder group is surrounded by a red frame (dashed line in the figure), and image data belonging to the 100_EFGH folder group is surrounded by a green frame (thick solid line in the figure). In the index print, information that allows the user to grasp the classification items is also printed. In the index printing, images are arranged in the same group in the order of recording, but may be arranged in an order according to other conditions such as the image size.

FIG. 11 shows a classification process by date (S68).
It is a flowchart of FIG. In this processing, the image data is grouped by date (here, the image data shooting date). First, information on the shooting dates of all images is extracted from the tag information of each image stored in the memory (S681). The photographing dates are analyzed (S682), and the images are grouped for each photographing date based on the analysis result (S683). FIG.
In the example shown in FIG. 5, the shooting date is classified into a group of "June 1", a group of "June 2", and a group of "June 3". The June 1 group has "D
Images from "SC00001.JPG" to "DSC00006.JPG" belong to
"DSC00007.JPG" to "DSC00010.JP"
G "belongs to the group, and the group on June 3 is" DSC0001
Images from “1.JPG” to “DSC00020.JPG” belong to this example.A print example of the index print at this time is shown in Fig. 19. In this example, the image data included in the group on June 1 is indicated by a red frame (Fig. The image data included in the group on June 2 is a green frame (thick solid line in the figure), and the image data included in the group on June 3 is a blue frame (thin solid line in the figure).
Is surrounded by In this way, the difference in the shooting date of each image can be recognized at a glance.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart of the classification process (S69) based on the camera model. In this process, the image data is grouped for each camera model that has captured the image data. First, shooting camera information of all images is extracted from tag information of each image stored in the memory (S691). The camera information is analyzed (S692), and each image is grouped for each camera based on the analysis result (S69).
3). In the example shown in FIG. 15, the camera is classified into a camera A group and a camera B group. The group of camera A includes “DSC00001.JPG” to “DSC00008.JPG” and “DSC00
Images from “011.JPG” to “DSC00015.JPG” belong, and “DSC00009.JPG”, “DSC00010.JPG”, and “D” belong to the camera B group.
Images from "SC00016.JPG" to "DSC00020.JPG" belong.
FIG. 20 shows a print example of the index print at this time. In this example, the background color around the image is different for each group. That is, cream color (striped hatching in the drawing) is set for the camera A group, and light blue (dot hatching in the drawing) is set for the camera B group.

FIG. 13 shows a classification process (S
It is a flowchart of 70). In this processing, the image data is grouped for each size. First, the size information of all the images is extracted from the tag information of each image stored in the memory (S701). The image size information is analyzed (S702), and each image is grouped for each image size based on the analysis result (S703). In the example shown in FIG. 15, a group whose image size is 640 × 480, a group whose image size is 1024 × 768, and a group whose image size is 1
It is classified into a group of 280 × 960. 640 × 4
The “80” group includes “DSC00001.JPG”, “DSC00010.JPG” to “DSC00013.JPG”, and the “1024 × 768” group includes “DSC00006.JPG”, “DSC00007.JPG”, and “DSC00009.
JPG "," DSC00014.JPG ", and" DSC00015.JPG "belong to 128
The remaining image data belongs to the 0 × 960 group.
FIG. 21 shows a print example of the index print at this time. In this example, the image of the 640 × 480 group is on the first line, the image of the 1024 × 768 group is on the second line, and the image of the 1280 × 960 group is on the third and fourth lines. Printed. As shown in this figure, it is possible to simply arrange the images for each size without displaying a frame line or the like indicating the type of the group. Even in this case, the user can easily recognize the classification of the image when viewing the index print.

Next, a classification process based on the photographing mode (S7)
1) will be described. In this processing, image data is grouped for each shooting mode. For example, classification is performed in the same manner as described above with reference to the shooting mode information of the tag information of the image. Also,
The determination of the continuous shooting mode or the single shooting mode may be performed with reference to the shooting time of the tag information.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart in the case where the photographing mode is determined from the photographing time of the tag information and the classification process is performed. As shown in FIG. 14, the photographing time is extracted from the tag information of all the images recorded on the medium from the memory (S711). Next, referring to the photographing time of the image, the difference of the photographing time between the images whose photographing time is adjacent is calculated (S71).
2). The image group whose calculated time difference is within 2 seconds is grouped into one group (continuous shooting group) (S7).
13). One group (single-shot group) of the remaining images
(S714).

In each case, the "DSC" shown in FIG.
The images from "00002.JPG" to "DSC00005.JPG" constitute one continuous shooting group, and the images from "DSC00016.JPG" to "DSC0002"
0.JPG "constitute another continuous shooting group. A print example of the index print at this time is shown in FIG.
As shown in the figure, the group from "DSC00002.JPG" to "DSC00055.JPG" and the group from "DSC00016.JPG" to "DSC00020.JPG" are surrounded by a red frame (dashed line in the figure). However, in the example shown in FIG. 22, only the frame indicating one continuous shooting group is added to the entire group, and the arrangement of the images is not changed (that is, the arrangement of the images is performed in the recording order). This is because images belonging to the same continuous shooting group are continuously recorded, and therefore no particular rearrangement is required. Note that images belonging to each of the continuous shooting group and the single shooting group may be arranged collectively for each group.

As described above, at the time of index printing, the image creating apparatus of this embodiment groups images according to the classification according to the user's request, and further assigns the image to any group. A display is made so that the user can visually recognize whether the user belongs. Thus, the user can easily recognize the classification of the image when referring to the index print.

In the above description, groups are grouped according to one classification item, but a plurality of classification items may be combined for grouping. Also, in index printing, line breaks are made when images are switched so that images of different groups are not arranged on the same line, that is, the image at the beginning of a group is always arranged at the beginning of a line. It may be.

[0049]

According to the present invention, an index print in which images are classified according to a user's request can be obtained. Further, in the index print, visual information (for example, such that the type of the group to which each image belongs) can be recognized.
(Frame, background color), the user can easily recognize the type of image at a glance.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an image reproducing apparatus.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of a panel and a media loading unit.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an image reproducing apparatus.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a main process of the image reproducing apparatus.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a service content display screen.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart for selecting an index print.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a classification selection screen.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a display screen on which a charge setting and the like are displayed.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of an index image creation process.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a classification process based on a folder name.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a classification process based on a date (photographing date).

FIG. 12 is a flowchart of a classification process based on a camera model.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart of a classification process based on an image size.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart of a classification process according to a shooting mode.

FIG. 15 is a view for explaining a folder configuration and tag information of a CF card.

FIG. 16A is a diagram illustrating a frame assigned to each type of group for each image, FIG. 16B is a diagram illustrating a case where different background colors are assigned to each image according to the type of group, and FIG. A diagram (c) illustrating a frame set to surround, and a diagram (d) illustrating a case where different background colors are added to the entire group according to the type of the group (images A to
F belongs to one group, and images a to d belong to another group. ).

FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of an index print in a case where the images are not classified (that is, when the images are arranged in the recording order).

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of an index print in the case of classification by folder name (a frame line is attached in a group unit).

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of an index print when classified by date (shooting date) (a frame is attached to each image).

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of an index print when classified by camera model (the background color is different for each image).

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an example of an index print in the case of classifying according to an image size.

FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating an example of an index print when classified according to a shooting mode.

FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of a conventional index print.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 4 monitor 5, 7 operation unit 10-13 media insertion port 16 silver halide printer 18 seal printer 20 overall control unit

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. An image creating apparatus for creating an index image, which is a single image in which a plurality of images are arranged in a matrix, means for inputting images together with additional information, and categorizing the input images into groups. Means for specifying a classification item for the user, means for grouping input images according to the specified classification item with reference to the additional information of the image, and grouping the grouped images into groups. Means for editing an index image to which visual information is added so that the type of the group to which the image belongs can be recognized. 2. The image creating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the classification item is a type of a folder in a recording medium on which an input image is recorded. 3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the classification item is a shooting date of the image data. 4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the classification item is a type of a camera that has captured image data. 5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the classification item is a size of image data. 6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the classification item is a shooting mode of image data. 7. The image creating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the visual information is a frame provided for each image data, which is different depending on a type of a group. 8. The image creating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the visual information is a background color around the image data, which differs depending on the type of the group. 9. The image creating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the visual information is a frame surrounding image data groups belonging to the same group. 10. In the index image, an image arranged first among images belonging to one group includes:
2. The image creating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image creating apparatus is arranged after a line feed.