JP2001113777A - Electrophotographic image system and apparatus and method for electronic image processing - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve an operability in printing electronic photographs. SOLUTION: When a power source is turned on to start the operation, whether to carry out a frame data process or a selected photographic image process is judged (S300). Display data is generated according to the judged result, and an operation panel and a TV monitor image are displayed. When an input is supplied thereafter, a setting and a mode are changed according to the inputted operation (S600-S800), and the display is made again (S300-S500). Alternatively printing is started (S900).

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an electrophotographic image system having a function of processing, editing, displaying and printing an electrophotographic image recorded by a digital photographic image input device such as a digital camera. The present invention relates to an electrophotographic processing apparatus and a control method thereof.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is an electrophotographic image system for printing digitized image data such as a photograph by a printer. When printing an image with such a system, determine the image to be printed in advance,
The image is synthesized with data called frame data including an attached image to be synthesized with the image to develop and print the image. At this time, the user has to select frame data to be used from a very limited number of frame data prepared in advance, and develop an image using the selected frame data.

[0003]

Therefore, the above technique has the following restrictions when printing a digital image. (1) Since only frame data corresponding to a limited paper size, such as a postcard or a sticker, is provided, only paper of the size in which the frame data is provided can be used. (2) To use a paper size that does not correspond to the frame data, the provided frame data is dealt with by performing enlargement / reduction processing. , It cannot print. (3) Since each frame data has an attached image,
Even if there are a plurality of frame data using the same attached image in different layouts, it is necessary that each frame data has the same attached image. (4) Since the frame data corresponding to the photograph image rotated and taken is not mounted, the frame data cannot be used for the rotated photograph image. (5) The photo image and frame data selection procedure is to select a photo image to be printed and then select the frame data to which the photo image is to be pasted, or to select the frame image and then select the photo image. There is only one of the designated procedures, and the operability is very poor. (6) Since there is no preview display, the print image cannot be confirmed. (7) The only method of providing frame data is to provide it by storing it in a ROM in the system or to provide it by storing it in an external medium, and only to provide inconvenience in terms of expandability and operability of the frame data. Absent.

[0004] The present invention has been made in view of the above conventional example. By reducing the data amount of frame data itself, it is possible to store more frame data using the same storage capacity as before. The amount of frame data, such as preparing frame data corresponding to a wider variety of image sizes, thereby avoiding image quality degradation due to image enlargement / reduction, and providing frame data even for rotated image data. It is intended to solve various problems caused by having been limited.

It is another object of the present invention to easily supply frame data from outside in addition to frame data provided in advance.

Furthermore, selection of frame data and photo data, and specification of other items such as size can be easily performed. Further, an image is immediately generated from the selected frame data and item values such as a photo image, and the operator confirms the image. It is an object of the present invention to improve the operability by performing an image generated in accordance with the designation each time.

[0007]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention has the following arrangement.

[0008] An operation panel unit 1 serving as an operation interface portion relating to input and output of operation instructions with an operator.
Panel control means 2 for controlling the operation panel unit; layout information of the photographic image, layout information of the photographic image, and frame data in which the attached image to be combined and the layout information are described; An external media input / output unit 3 for providing an input / output interface for the stored external media; an external media control means 4 for controlling the external media input / output unit; and a photograph on the external media based on an operation instruction from the operation panel. An image processing control means 5 for performing image processing based on images or frame data stored in an external medium, frame data stored in an internal ROM, or frame data downloaded to an internal RAM, and printing the image processing result Image printing unit 7 to be It has a printing control means 6 for controlling the printing unit, an image display unit 9 for displaying and processing the result of image processing, and a display control means 8 for controlling the image display unit. And the component image is shared and referred to by a plurality of frame data.

More preferably, the image control means 5 includes a function execution instructing means 51 for issuing a function execution instruction related to image processing based on an input instruction from the operation panel, and a function for reflecting the result of the input instruction on the operation panel. Panel display means 52 for displaying an operation panel, external media recognition means 53 for recognizing the external medium inserted in the external media input / output unit, and image processing for each function specified based on the function execution instruction means. An execution processing unit 54 for each instruction function to be executed; a print expansion execution unit 55 for expanding the print data based on a result of the execution processing;
Display execution means 56 for executing display data expansion processing based on the result of the execution processing. The instruction function execution processing means 54 further includes a photograph to be executed when a photograph designation execution instruction is issued. A designation execution unit 541, a frame designation execution unit 542 executed when a frame designation execution instruction is issued, a sheet designation execution unit 543 executed when a sheet designation execution instruction is issued, and a download execution instruction of frame data are issued. Download execution means 544 to be executed in the event that a preview execution / release instruction has been issued, print execution means 546 to be executed in the case where a print execution instruction has been issued, and printing. A print canceling unit 547 that is executed when a cancel instruction is issued.

[0010] More preferably, the photograph designation executing means 54
1 is a photograph designating means 5411 that receives a photograph designation execution instruction and designates a photograph of an arbitrary photograph image by photograph information;
Designated photo information display means 5412 for displaying the photo information of the specified photo on the panel to reflect the specified result on the operation panel, and a target photo for changing the target photo image based on the photo information specified by the specifying means Update means 5413
A photographic image specifying unit 5414 for specifying a photographic image corresponding to the photographic information from the photographic image on the external medium; a photographic image extracting unit 5416 for extracting the specified photographic image from the external medium to the internal memory; Frame data specifying means 5417 for specifying frame data for image development according to the setting state, frame data extracting means 5418 for extracting the specified frame data on the internal memory, and displaying or printing the extracted photographic image and frame data. Target image developing means 5415 for developing the image into images, and display data generating means for generating the developed data for display
5419.

[0011] More preferably, the frame designation executing means 542 receives the frame designation execution instruction, and designates arbitrary frame data by frame information, and reflects the designated result on the operation panel. Designated frame display means 5422 for displaying the frame information of the designated frame data on the panel, and target frame updating means 5423 for changing the target frame data by the frame information designated by the designation means
A photo image specifying unit 5414 for specifying a photo image for image expansion according to the setting state of the operation panel, a photo image extracting unit 5416 for extracting the specified photo image from the external medium to the internal memory, and frame information. Frame data specifying means 5417 for specifying the frame data from the frame data on the internal storage memory or external medium, frame data extracting means 5418 for extracting the specified frame data on the internal work memory, and the extracted photographic image Target image developing means 5415 for developing the image for displaying or printing the frame data, and display data generating means 5419 for generating the developed data for display, and the frame data specifying means further comprises a frame Frame data device identification to identify the device where the data is stored Having a means 54171, the frame data sheet size specifying unit 54172 for identifying the frame data corresponding to the set paper size, a particular frame data retrieval means 54173 for searching for frame data based on the information identified.

[0012] More preferably, the paper specification execution means 543 receives the paper specification execution instruction, and the paper specification means 5431 for specifying an arbitrary print paper based on the paper information, and reflects the specified result on the operation panel. A designated paper information display means 5432 for displaying paper information of a designated paper on a panel, and a target paper information updating means for changing a target print target paper based on the paper information designated by the designation means
5433, photographic image specifying means 5414 for specifying a photographic image for image development according to the setting state of the operation panel, photographic image extracting means 5416 for extracting the specified photographic image from the external medium to the internal memory, and setting of the operation panel Frame data specifying means 5417 for specifying frame data for image development of sheet information updated according to the state, frame data extracting means 5418 for extracting the specified frame data on the internal memory, and the extracted photographic image and frame data And a display data generating unit 5419 for generating image-developed data for display.

[0013] More preferably, the download execution means 544 receives the frame load execution instruction, and instructs the start of the process of downloading the specified frame data on the external medium to the internal storage memory, and the frame load instructing means 5441. And a frame load status display means 5442 for displaying on the operation panel that the frame data is loaded on the internal storage memory, and a load for acquiring a download area on the internal storage memory in response to a download execution instruction. Area updating means 5443 and frame data specifying means 5417 for specifying download frame data specified by the setting state of the operation panel
And frame data loading means for downloading the specified frame data to the acquired download area.
5444, frame data extracting means 5418 for extracting the downloaded frame data to the internal work memory as the specified frame data, and a photographic image specifying means 5414 for specifying a photographic image for image expansion according to the setting state of the operation panel, A photographic image extracting unit 5416 for extracting the specified photographic image from the external medium onto the internal work memory; a target photographic image developing unit 5415 for expanding the extracted photographic image and frame data for display or printing; Display data generating means 5419 for generating the generated data for display.

More preferably, the preview execution /
The canceling unit 545 receives the preview execution / cancel instruction, and displays the image on the display unit on the image display unit between the preview mode and the photo image selecting mode. Display mode status display means 5452 for displaying the display mode status on the operation panel, display mode switching means 5443 for switching the display mode of the image display unit in response to a display mode switching instruction, and preview when the display mode is the preview mode. Frame data specifying means 5417 for specifying frame data for the photo image selection screen according to the setting state of the operation panel when the display mode is the photo image selection mode; Frame data extracting means for extracting data to the internal work memory 5418, a photographic image specifying unit 5414 for specifying a photographic image for image development according to the setting state of the operation panel, a photographic image extracting unit 5416 for extracting the specified photographic image from the external medium to the internal work memory,
A target photographic image developing unit 5415 that develops the taken photographic image and frame data for image display or printing,
Display data generation means 5419 for generating image-decompressed data for display, the display data generation means further specifying, for the preview frame data, individual frame data for display and expanding the frame data. , Display data, or display data is generated by converting the resolution of frame data for printing into a preview.

More preferably, said print executing means 54
Reference numeral 6 denotes a print execution designation unit 5461 for designating execution of print start in response to a print execution instruction, a print execution display unit 5462 for displaying a print execution state on the operation panel, and executes print processing. A print execution unit 5463, a frame data specifying unit 5417 for specifying frame data for printing in accordance with the setting state of the operation panel, a frame data extracting unit 5418 for extracting the specified frame data onto the internal work memory, and an operation panel. Photographic image specifying means 5414 for specifying a photographic image for image development according to the setting state, photographic image extracting means 5416 for extracting the specified photographic image from the external medium onto the internal work memory, and the extracted photographic image and frame data A target image development unit 5415 for displaying or developing images for printing, and print data for generating image-developed data for printing. And a generation means 5464.

More preferably, said print executing means 54
Reference numeral 7 denotes a print stop designation unit 5471 for receiving a print stop instruction and designating stop of print execution, and a print stop state display unit 5472 for displaying the print execution stop state on the operation panel.
A print canceling unit 5473 for canceling the printing process, and a print canceling data generating unit 5474 for generating the print canceling data.

Alternatively, frame information including information on an image to be laid out in one page, designation means for designating an image to be laid out, display means for displaying the contents designated by the designation means, and A printing unit that arranges the designated image in a designated layout to generate and print the image.

More preferably, the frame information is 1
The printing unit further includes an identifier that specifies an attached image to be laid out in the page, and the printing unit further generates an image by arranging the attached image specified by the identifier in a layout specified by the frame information.

More preferably, the designation means
Further, the size of one page to be printed is designated, the display means displays frame information prepared in advance corresponding to the designated size, and the designation means designates desired frame information from among the candidates. Is done.

More preferably, the apparatus further comprises a plurality of storage media for storing the frame information, and the specifying means can specify frame information stored in a desired medium from the plurality of storage media.

[0021] More preferably, there is further provided display means for arranging the image designated by the designating means in a designated layout to generate and display the image.

[0022] More preferably, the display means regenerates and redisplays the image in accordance with the specified content specified by the specifying means.

[0023]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to examples.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a basic configuration of an electrophotographic image system according to the present invention.

The electrophotographic image system according to the present invention comprises:
CPU 101, ROM 102, RAM 103, panel unit 104, card reading unit 105, display driver 106, display unit 107, and print driver 108
And a printing unit 109.

The CPU 101 executes various programs described in the ROM 102, such as a program for realizing a procedure shown in a flowchart described later.
The CPU 101 performs a process of writing data to the RAM 3 as necessary and referring to the data.

The ROM 102 stores a main program for controlling the electrophotographic image system, a program for executing various processes, and built-in frame data. For example, the ROM 102 also describes a panel operation and a function designated by the panel operation, as well as a program and an image attached to the frame data relating to the analysis and expansion processing of the frame data.

In the RAM 103, display instruction information and specific information input by the panel unit, display data to be displayed on the panel based on the display instruction, the contents of the specified frame data, an analysis result obtained by analyzing this, Various types of information such as display and print image data that are developed based on the results are stored and referred to as needed. In addition, it is also used as a buffer and a work memory required when executing the designated processing. It is also used as a storage area when downloading frame data on an external medium.

The panel unit 104 displays information for specifying a photographic image to be printed, information for specifying frame data, and information such as paper and setting information required for executing a printing process. A display device for performing the operation. Information necessary for performing an operation for instructing the processing according to the present invention is displayed on the display device. Further, it has keys for displaying preview images and selecting images and frames to be printed, keys for performing various settings described later, keys for instructing execution of processing based on the set contents, and the like. Panel unit 104
Is responsible for the important bridge between the man-machine interface between the operator and the electrophotographic image system.

The card reading unit 105 performs a process of reading a memory card, which is a set removable storage medium, and performs a process of writing the read contents to the RAM 103. Reading of a frame data file or an electrophotographic image stored in an external medium is also performed through the card reading unit.

The display driver 106 performs processing for transferring the display data expanded in the RAM 103 to the display unit 7. Data is exchanged according to the protocol of the display unit. The display unit 107 performs a process of displaying the display data transferred from the display driver on a screen.

The print driver 108 performs processing for transferring the print data developed in the RAM 103 to the printing unit. Data is exchanged according to the protocol of the printing unit. Processing for acquiring information on various printing units, such as acquiring status information and error information from the printing units, is also performed via the print driver. The printing unit 109 performs a process of printing the print data transferred from the print driver on a sheet.

FIG. 1 shows the configuration of FIG. 10 as a block for each control function as described later. FIG. 1 includes the following configuration.

The operation panel unit 1 is in charge of an operation interface for inputting and outputting operation instructions with an operator. The panel control means 2 controls the operation panel unit. The external media input / output unit 3 receives the layout information of the photographic image, the layout information of the photographic image, the attached image to be combined and arranged, and the frame data in which the layout information is described, or the input of the external medium in which the photographic image is stored. Responsible for output interface. The external media control means 4 controls the external media input / output unit. The image processing control means 5 performs image processing based on a photographic image or frame data on an external medium based on an operation instruction from an operation panel. The image printing unit 7 prints the result of the image processing. The printing control means 6 controls the image printing unit. The image display unit 9 displays the result of the image processing. The display control means 8 controls the image display unit.

FIG. 11 shows an example of an operation panel of the electrophotographic image system according to the present invention.

In the panel unit 104, an item is selected by pressing the up / down arrow key (A), and an item value is selected from the selected item by pressing the left / right arrow key (A). Pressing the up and down arrow keys moves the item cursor (B) up and down, and the item where the item cursor is currently located becomes the currently selected item. For the selected item, the item value is selected by pressing the left and right arrow keys. When the item value to be set is a numerical value (as in the item (C)), pressing the left and right arrow keys raises and lowers the numerical value. When the item value is other than a numerical value, for example, when selecting from several candidates as in item (D), the setting cursor is moved left and right by the left and right arrow keys.

The items to be set include the following.

(1) Designation of a start number and an end number of a photograph number for designating a photograph image to be printed (2) Designation of a type of printing paper (3) Print layout for arranging an image to be printed (4) Designation of the number (frame number) of the frame data including the attached image to be combined in addition to the layout for arranging the image to be printed Note that only one of the print layout and the frame number can be designated. It has become. For this purpose, a frame button key (E) is provided. By pressing the frame button key, the mode is switched between print layout designation (D) and frame number designation (G), and control is performed such that either one can be designated. When frame data is taken in from an external medium, by pressing a frame button key in a frame number designation mode, frame data having a designated frame number is downloaded from the external medium to the memory. Such control is performed. When the frame data is downloaded to the memory, the memory mark (H) is turned on so that it can be confirmed that the frame data exists in the memory. When the frame button key is pressed while the memory mark is lit, the designation of the frame data downloaded to the memory is released together with the frame number designation mode, and the print layout designation mode is set.

When the preview button key (I) is depressed, a preview mode for displaying a printing state based on the setting contents of the panel is set. When the preview button key is pressed in the preview mode, the preview mode is released and the selected photo display mode is displayed in which only the photo image specified by the photo number is displayed.

When the print start button key (J) is pressed,
The print processing based on the settings on the panel is started, and if the print stop button key (K) is pressed during printing, the print processing being executed is stopped.

<Structure of Frame Data> FIG. 18A shows an approximate structure of frame data. The frame data includes a plurality of packets.
The numbers and positions of component images to be combined as one image to be printed are shown. Each packet corresponds to a picture specified by the user and an attached image prepared in advance in a ROM or supplied by a memory card.

The following fields are defined in each packet. (1) Top_X, Top_Y: Indicates the position of the designated image in the X and Y directions when the images are combined. (2) Height, Width: Indicates the size of the designated image in the vertical and horizontal directions. (3) Packet attribute: Indicates the attribute of the image to be pasted. The attributes are as follows. The method of superimposing the naso images (which is to be placed on top) may be determined in advance, or may be specified. 01: Photo only 02: Attachment image only 03: Text string only 11: Photo and attachment image are superimposed and pasted 12: Photo and text string are superimposed and pasted 13: Attachment image and text string 21: A photo, a pasted image, and a text character string are superimposed and pasted. (4) Relative photo number: A photo pasted from the top of the page is described by a relative number. The photograph corresponding to each packet is determined by the relative photograph number and the photograph number specified in the photograph number item of FIG. Max is the maximum relative photo number in one page, R is the relative photo number defined in the frame data, P is the page number of interest, and the number specified as the photo number in FIG. Assuming that E is the end number, the photograph number PN corresponding to the relative photograph number R on the Pth page is as follows.

PN = B-1 + (P-1) * Max + R When an image is generated, a photograph having this number PN is selected and synthesized. If this value is larger than E, there is no corresponding photo, and no synthesis is performed. For example, it is assumed that the start of the photograph number is designated as 1 and the end of the photograph number is designated as 14 in FIG. The frame data of the designated frame number includes the packet P as shown in a frame 1901 in FIG.
It is assumed that four packets 1 to P4 are defined. In packets P1 to P4, relative photo numbers 1 to 4 are defined in order. That is, the packet P
The relative photograph number of 1 is 1, the relative photograph number of packet P2 is 2, the relative photograph number of packet P3 is 3, and the relative photograph number of packet P4 is 4. When generating an image to be printed or previewed using such data, as shown in the above formula, the photos corresponding to the relative photo numbers of the respective packets in order from the start number of the designated photo number. Are synthesized. As a result, a photograph to be synthesized is determined as in the first to fourth pages shown in FIG.
(5) File name: The file name of the attached image to be combined is described with a full path. That is, when the processing of the present embodiment is performed under an operating system that supports a hierarchical directory structure, the file is described so that the file can be specified including the directory. (6) Text character string: The code of the character string to be pasted is described. The character image is generated by a font generator held by the electrophotographic image processing apparatus of the present embodiment.

FIG. 20A shows an example of frame data for laying out only a photographic image. This frame data includes four packets. Each packet has a different position, size, and relative photo number, but has the same packet attribute of 01 (photo only). With this frame data, an image in which four photographic images are arranged is output as a preview image or a print image, as shown in FIG. These packets do not need the file name and text string fields, so they are filled with Null (= 0).

FIG. 21A shows an example of frame data for laying out a photograph image and an attached image. In FIG. 21 (A), packets 2 and 3 have a packet location attribute of 02.
, Indicating that the image is an attached image. In these packets, the photo number field is unnecessary, and
1 (= 0), and the file name of the attached image is described in the file name field. As a result, an image in which the photograph and the attached image are laid out in one page as shown in FIG. 21B is output.

<Photo Image Editing / Printing Procedure> A flowchart of a program for realizing the electrophotographic image system according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIG.
These programs are triggered by key operation etc.
This is executed by the PU 101.

First, when the power is turned on, initialization processing in step S100, initial function mode setting in step S200, TV display processing by mode in step S300, and panel display processing in step S400 are executed as initial processing. Is done.

In the initialization processing of step S100, various parameters and a work area after the power is turned on in the system are initialized, and in the initial function mode setting processing of step S200, the initialization mode at the time of system startup is set. Various initial mode settings such as a photo number in a setting item, a photo selection mode in a TV display mode, and a print layout mode in a frame mode are performed.

In the mode-specific TV display process of step S300, first, a screen display process in the photo selection mode set as the initial function mode is performed.

In the panel display processing of step S400, panel display processing based on the contents set in the initial mode setting processing of step S200 is performed. In the key waiting processing of step S500, a key output by pressing a panel key is performed. And the distribution to various function processes according to the acquired key is performed.

When the up / down / left / right cursor keys (A) are input from the operation panel, the process proceeds to a panel setting content changing process in step S600, and a process for changing the setting content displayed on the panel is executed. Immediately after the power is turned on, the process of changing the contents set by the initial function mode setting process in step S200 is executed.

If the input key is the frame button key (E), a frame mode switching process in step S700 is performed.

If the input key is the preview key (I), the TV display mode is switched in step S800 according to the set TV display mode.

When the input key is the print start key (J) or the print stop key (K), the start and stop processing of the print processing are executed in step S900.

When a key required for other processing is input from the panel, the process proceeds to other required processing in step Sa00, and a necessary processing corresponding to the input key is performed.

As described above, after the processing corresponding to the input key is executed, the processing is repeated from the mode-specific TV display processing in step S300 according to the setting contents based on the processing result.
The setting contents are reflected on the TV screen and the panel.

When the power OFF key is input, the system is terminated in step Sb00, and the system is terminated.

FIG. 12 shows the processing of FIG. 12 as a configuration by function. 12, a function execution instructing unit 51 and a panel display unit 52 correspond to the operation panel unit 1. The external medium recognizing means 53 recognizes that a memory card as an external medium is inserted, and recognizes by a signal between the external medium and the memory card.

The display developing means 56 performs step S in FIG.
300 corresponds to the display processing. Also. The print development execution unit 55 corresponds to the print execution / stop processing in step S900 in FIG. The display function-based execution processing means 54 corresponds to steps S600, S700, and S800. However, the display expanding means 56 performs the redisplay of the image or the frame after the mode switching or the panel setting, and includes each of steps S600, S700, and S800 up to step S300.

The details of individual processing contents in each processing mode will be described below.

<Display processing for each mode> FIG.
The details of the mode-specific TV display process of 00 are shown. First, the mode determination process of step S310 is performed to determine the current display mode. If the current display mode is the preview mode, a preview display process is performed in the processes after step S320. If the current display mode is the photo selection mode, the display process of the selected photo image is performed in the processes after step S340.

After step S320, step S3
In the 20 frame data identification processing, the identification processing of the frame data selected on the panel is performed, and the step
In the frame data developing process of S330, a process of combining the attached image and the photographic image according to the layout described in the specified frame data and developing the combined image and image data for one page of the TV screen is performed. At this stage, FIG.
Regarding the frame data having the configuration shown in FIG.
The image data itself is obtained by following the pointer to the frame image, laid out, and combined with the photographic image. After the image expanding process is performed, a process of generating display data based on the image data expanded in the display data generating process of step S360 is performed. In the TV display process of step S370, the generated display data is Processing for displaying on the TV screen is performed.

In the display processing after step S340,
In the selected photo image specifying process in step S340, a process of specifying a photo image to be selected and frame data for displaying the photo image is performed, and in the photo selection frame data expanding process in step S350, the specified photo image display is performed. Paste the photo image to the frame data for TV
Processing for developing the image data for one page of the screen is performed. Frame data for displaying a photographic image is prepared in advance. After the image is expanded, step S360
A process of generating display data based on the image data expanded in the display data generation process of step S370 is performed.
In the TV display processing of
Processing to be displayed on the screen is performed.

<Process of Cursor Movement Key> Step S600
In the panel setting content change process, in the key discrimination process of step S610, the up / down cursor key and the left / right cursor key are allocated. In the case of the up / down cursor key, the setting item moving process of step S620 is performed together with the item cursor. Performs setting item movement processing. In the case of the left and right cursor keys, in the item content changing process of step S630, a process of changing the setting content of the setting item indicated by the item cursor is performed. If the item content is set by a number, the number is moved up and down. If the item content is set by a mark pattern, processing is performed so that the setting cursor is moved left and right to select the mark pattern.

As described above, the value of a desired item can be designated by operating the left and right cursor keys. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11, “photo number”, “paper type”, “paper layout”, “frame number”, and the like can be designated. A configuration for designating these will be described with reference to FIGS. In FIGS. 3 to 5, FIG.
2 includes processing up to redisplay in step S300.

FIG. 3 shows a processing configuration for designating a photograph number. The photograph designation means 5411 receives a photograph designation execution instruction for a photograph designation of an arbitrary photograph image based on the photograph information. When specified, the specified photo information display means 5412 displays the photo information of the specified photo on the panel in order to reflect the specified result on the operation panel. Target photo update method
Reference numeral 5413 changes the target photographic image according to the photographic information specified by the photographic specifying means. Photo image specifying means 5414
Specifies a photographic image corresponding to photographic information from a photographic image on an external medium. The photographic image extracting unit 5416 extracts the specified photographic image from the external medium onto the internal memory. The frame data specifying unit 5417 specifies frame data for image development based on the setting state of the operation panel. The frame data fetching unit 5418 fetches the specified frame data into the internal memory. Target photographic image developing means 54
Reference numeral 15 develops the extracted photographic image and frame data for display or printing. Display data generating means 54
19 generates image-developed data for display.

FIG. 4A shows a processing configuration for specifying a frame number or a print layout. When a print layout is specified, a frame number cannot be specified by the operator, and a predetermined frame is used. However, the processing is almost the same in processing frame data and a photographic image.

Upon receiving the frame designation execution instruction, the frame designation means 5421 designates arbitrary frame data based on the frame information. The designated frame display means 5422
The frame information of the specified frame data is displayed on the panel to reflect the specified result on the operation panel.
The target frame updating unit 5423 changes the target frame data based on the frame information specified by the specifying unit. The photo image specifying unit 5414 specifies a photo image for image development based on the setting state of the operation panel. The photographic image extracting unit 5416 extracts the specified photographic image from the external medium onto the internal memory. Frame data specifying means 5417
Specifies the frame data corresponding to the frame information from the frame data on the internal memory or the external medium. Frame data extracting means 5418
Retrieves the specified frame data into the internal memory. The target photographic image developing unit 5415 develops the extracted photographic image and frame data for display or printing. The display data generation unit 5419 generates the image-decompressed data for display.

FIG. 4B shows the structure of the frame data specifying means in FIG. 4A in detail. When specifying the frame data, the frame data device specifying means 54171
Specifies the device in which the frame data is stored, the frame data paper size specifying means 54172 specifies the frame data corresponding to the set paper size, and based on the information specified by the specific frame data searching means 54173. To search for frame data.

FIG. 5 shows a processing configuration for the designation of the paper type. In response to the paper specification execution instruction, the paper specification unit 5431 specifies an arbitrary print paper based on the paper information. The designated sheet information display means 5432 displays the sheet information of the designated sheet on the panel to reflect the designated result on the operation panel. The target sheet information updating unit 5433 changes the target print target sheet based on the sheet information specified by the specifying unit. The photo image specifying unit 5414 specifies a photo image for image development based on the setting state of the operation panel.
The photographic image extracting unit 5416 extracts the specified photographic image from the external medium onto the internal memory. The frame data specifying unit 5417 specifies frame data for image development of the sheet information updated according to the setting state of the operation panel. The frame data fetching unit 5418 fetches the specified frame data into the internal memory. Target photographic image developing means 54
Reference numeral 15 develops the extracted photographic image and frame data for display or printing. Display data generating means 54
19 generates image-deployed data for display.

<Processing of Frame Key> In the frame mode switching processing in step S700, in the mode discriminating processing in step S710, the current mode is the print layout mode for only a photograph or the pasting of a photograph including an attached image. A frame number layout mode for designating frame data to be performed or a frame number layout mode for designating frame data provided by an external medium is determined, and processing is assigned based on each mode.

The current mode is the frame number layout mode, and it is not an external medium but an internal ROM.
If frame data is supplied from
Proceeding to print layout mode switching processing of 20, the frame data designation mode is switched from the frame number input mode to the print layout designation mode. How to determine whether the source of the frame data is internal or external will be described later.

If the current mode is the print layout designation mode, the flow advances to a frame number mode switching process in step S730 to switch the frame data designation mode from the print layout designation mode to the frame number input mode. After switching the designated mode, in step S740, the storage location of the frame data is determined. That is,
A determination process is performed to determine whether the mode is the frame data specification mode for frame data stored in the internal ROM or the frame data specification mode for frame data provided by an external medium. As a result, in the case of the internal frame data designation mode, the process proceeds to step S750, and a data table for the internal frame data is set so that the frame number of the internal frame data can be set. In the case of the mode for specifying the frame data by the external medium, the process proceeds to step S760, and a data table for the external media frame data is set so that the frame number of the frame data on the external medium can be set. The frame number setting process based on this data table is performed in the panel setting content change process after step S600, corresponding to the operation using the cursor movement keys. The determination of the internal / external frame data is made based on whether or not the external medium is inserted into the external medium input / output unit. When the external medium is inserted, the external medium frame data designation mode is set. Is determined.

In the mode determination processing of step S710,
If it is determined that the current mode is the frame number mode and the frame data supplied from the external medium is targeted, the mode is not changed, and the frame data is specified by the frame number in the frame data download processing in step S770. A download process for loading the frame data on the external medium into the internal memory is executed, and is referred to as frame data in the subsequent frame data development process.

Referring to FIG. 6, a description will be given of a processing configuration in response to designation of download of frame data from an external medium using a frame key. In FIG. 6, FIG.
The processing up to the re-display in step S300 is included. The frame load state display means 5442 makes the operation panel clearly indicate that the frame data is loaded on the internal memory. Frame load instructing means 54
In response to the instruction to load the frame data, the instruction 41 instructs to start the process of downloading the specified frame data on the external medium to the internal memory. The load area update means 5443 receives the download execution instruction,
Get a download area on internal memory. The frame data specifying unit 5417 specifies frame data for download specified by the setting state of the operation panel. The frame data loading means 5444 downloads the specified frame data to the acquired download area. The frame data fetching unit 5418 fetches the downloaded frame data into the internal memory as the specified frame data.

On the other hand, the photo image specifying means 5414 specifies a photo image for image development based on the setting state of the operation panel.
The photographic image extracting unit 5416 extracts the specified photographic image from the external medium onto the internal memory. The target photographic image developing unit 5415 develops the extracted photographic image and frame data for display or printing. The display data generating unit 5419 generates the image-decompressed data for display.

<Preview key processing> In the TV display mode switching processing in step S800, the current TV screen display mode is determined in the mode determination processing in step S810, and in the case of the photographic image selection mode, step S8
At 20, the display mode is switched to the preview mode, and in the case of the preview mode, the display mode is switched to the photographic image selection mode at step S830. Then, in the TV screen display processing of step S300, display processing is performed in the switched display mode.

The processing configuration for the designation at the time of executing the preview will be described below with reference to FIG. FIG.
, The processing up to the redisplay in step S300 in FIG. 12 is included. When the preview key (display mode designating means 5451) is pressed, the CPU 10
1 switches the TV screen display mode according to the designated mode (display mode switching means 5443). If the TV screen display mode after the switching is the play view mode, frame data is specified (frame data specifying unit 5417), and the specified frame data is extracted (frame data extracting unit 5418). On the other hand, the photographic image to be printed is also specified (photo image specifying means 5414), the specified photographic image is taken out (photo image taking means 5416), and it is developed (target photographic image developing means 5415). Finally, display data obtained by combining them is generated (display data generating means 5419). During the display, the current display mode is displayed on the display unit 107 (display mode state display means 5452).

On the other hand, when the TV screen display mode after the switching is the photo image selection mode, the photo image is specified using the frame data for the photo image selection mode, and is displayed. When using frame data,
The specified frame data is specified (frame data specifying unit 5471), and the specified frame data is extracted (frame data extracting unit 5418). On the other hand, the photographic image to be printed is also specified (photo image specifying means 5414), and the specified photographic image is extracted (photo image extracting means 5416) and developed (target photographic image developing means 5).
415). Finally, print data obtained by combining them is generated (print data generation unit 5264). Also, during printing,
The fact that printing is in progress is displayed on the display unit 107 (printing executing display means 5462).

<Process of print start / stop key> Step S9
In the print execution / stop processing of 00, in the execution mode determination processing of step S910, it is determined whether a print execution instruction or a stop instruction is made. In the case of a print execution instruction, step S9
The frame data to be printed and specified on the panel is specified in the 20 frame data specifying process, and a photographic image is pasted on the frame data specified in the frame data developing process in step S930, and the image data for each page is added. The processing of expanding is performed. At this stage, FIG.
With respect to the frame data having the configuration as shown in FIG. 8B, the image data itself is obtained by following the pointer to the frame image, laid out, and synthesized with the photograph image. After the rasterization process is performed, a process of generating print data based on the image data rasterized in the print data generation process of step S940 is performed.In the print execution process of step S950, the generated print data is printed on paper. Is printed.

In the case of a print stop instruction, a process for stopping the print process being executed is performed by the print stop process in step S960.

The processing contents for the designation of the execution of printing will be described below with reference to FIG. When execution is designated by the print start / stop key (print execution designating means 5461), the CPU 101 executes processing relating to frame data and photograph data as necessary according to the designated mode (print execution mode setting means 5463). . When using frame data, the designated frame data is specified (frame data specifying unit 5417), and the specified frame data is extracted (frame data extracting unit 5418). On the other hand, the photographic image to be printed is also specified (photo image specifying means 5414), and the specified photographic image is extracted (photo image extracting means 5416) and developed (target photographic image developing means 5415). Finally, print data is generated by combining them (the print data generating means 54).
64). During printing, the fact that printing is being performed is displayed on the display unit 107 (printing execution display means 5462).

The following is a description of the contents of the processing when printing is stopped with reference to FIG. When the print start / stop key (print stop specifying means 5471) is used to specify stop, C
The PU 101 stops printing according to the procedure of FIG. 17 (printing stop unit 5473), generates data indicating that printing has been stopped (printing stop data generating unit 5474), and displays the data (printing stop state display unit 5472). ).

According to the configuration described above, since the attached image can be shared between the frame data, the data amount of the frame data can be reduced, and more frame data can be used. Also, since it is easy to load frame data from an external memory card,
As a result, more frame data can be used. As a result, the following effects were obtained.

(1) Each sheet size has frame data corresponding to the sheet size, and printing can be executed using the frame data corresponding to the sheet size. Further, by enriching the frame data with contents suitable for each paper size, it is possible to provide a wide variety of prints. For example, A
If it is 4 size, it can provide album-related frame data, if it is postcard size, card-related frame data such as New Year's card, and if it is seal size, it can provide sticker-related frame data with abundant variations. become.

(2) Since each sheet size has frame data corresponding to the sheet size, and the printing process is executed using the frame data corresponding to the sheet size, printing is performed without disturbing the printing result.

(3) The structure of the frame data is a data file in which layout information for arranging photo images and layout information for arranging attached images to be combined are described, and an attached image file to be combined. As a result, it is possible to have many attached image files as small-capacity part images, and it is also possible to share and refer to this part image by a plurality of frame data files. A plurality of patterns of frame data can be created, and a large number of richer frame data can be provided.

(4) For a photographic image taken by rotation, by preparing frame data composed of component images according to the rotation direction of the photographic image, the entire image is rotated in accordance with the photographic image. It is possible to provide frame data, and by simply selecting frame data that matches the rotated and photographed image, the rotated and photographed image can be combined with the frame data and printed. become able to.

Further, the user can specify what kind of output image is to be made by appropriately designating a photographic image, frame data, or the like, or by selecting from a menu. Also, a preview image can be displayed and confirmed according to the designation. As a result, the following effects can be obtained.

(5) In the same operation mode, the photograph image to be printed and the frame data to be combined can be selected and specified. Therefore, the photograph image and the frame data can be switched by a simple operation of switching between the photograph image and the frame data. Be able to identify.

(6) By having the preview function, the result of the setting operation is always displayed as a print image in the preview mode state.
The contents of the selected and specified frame data can be visually confirmed, and more excellent operability can be provided. Also,
When not in the preview mode, only the photographic image is displayed so that the operation of selecting and specifying the photographic image to be printed can be visually performed. Can be provided.

In addition, the following effects can be obtained.

(7) Frame data selection When specifying, frame data downloaded from an external medium stored on a memory in the system, frame data stored on the external medium, and stored on a ROM in the system. Priority is set in the order of the frame data
By selecting and specifying the frame data to be selected, the frame data on the external medium can be stored in the system ROM with a simple operation of simply inserting and removing external data.
Can be selected, and operability can be remarkably improved.

(8) When switching the frame data, the specific frame data information on the external medium and the specific frame data information in the system ROM are stored, so that even if the frame data is switched, the selection and specification can be continued. Since the operation can be performed, the operability can be further improved.

(Other Embodiments) (1) By providing means for acquiring status information of the printing unit itself from the printing unit and providing means for reflecting this status information on the panel, the printing unit is ready for printing. In the case of, it is possible to light the print start button, blink the print start button during printing, and turn off the print start button when printing is not possible, further improving operability. Can be.

(2) If the size of the printable paper is limited by the connected printing unit,
Only the paper size that can be printed by the connected printing unit can be automatically set, or control can be added so that only the printable paper size can be set in the paper setting process.

(3) When the print quality is specified by the connected printing unit, the print quality can be automatically set to the specified print quality, or the specified print quality can be set. It is also possible to control so that only one can be set.

Further, even if the present invention is applied to a system including a plurality of devices (for example, a host computer, an interface device, a reader, a printer, etc.), a device including one device (for example, a copying machine, a facsimile). Device).

Further, an object of the present invention is to provide a storage medium which records software program codes of the procedures shown in FIGS. 12 to 17 for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiment.
This is also achieved by supplying the program or the program code stored in the storage medium to a computer or CPU of the system or the apparatus.

In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes 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.

The functions of the above-described embodiments are implemented when the computer executes the readout program codes, and the OS (Operating System) running on the computer is executed based on the instructions of the program codes. ) Performs part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.

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, The case where the CPU of the function expansion board or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by the processing.

[0104]

As described above, the present invention has the following effects.

(1) Each sheet size has frame data corresponding to the sheet size, and printing can be executed using the frame data corresponding to the sheet size. Further, by enriching the frame data with contents suitable for each paper size, it is possible to provide a wide variety of prints. For example, A
If it is 4 size, it can provide album-related frame data, if it is postcard size, card-related frame data such as New Year's card, and if it is seal size, it can provide sticker-related frame data with abundant variations. become.

(2) Each sheet size has frame data corresponding to the sheet size, and the printing process is executed using the frame data corresponding to the sheet size, so that the print result is printed without being disturbed.

(3) The structure of the frame data should be a data file in which layout information for arranging photo images and layout information for arranging attached images to be combined and an attached image file to be combined As a result, it is possible to have many attached image files as small-capacity part images, and it is also possible to share and refer to this part image by a plurality of frame data files. A plurality of patterns of frame data can be created, and a large number of richer frame data can be provided.

(4) For a photographic image taken by rotation, by preparing frame data composed of component images according to the rotation direction of the photographic image, the entire image is rotated in accordance with the photographic image. It is possible to provide frame data, and by simply selecting frame data that matches the rotated and photographed image, the rotated and photographed image can be combined with the frame data and printed. become able to.

(5) In the same operation mode, the photograph image to be printed and the frame data to be combined can be selected and specified. Therefore, the photograph image and the frame data can be switched by a simple operation of switching between the photograph image and the frame data. Be able to identify.

(6) By having the preview function, the result of the setting operation is always displayed as a print image in the preview mode state.
The contents of the selected and specified frame data can be visually confirmed, and more excellent operability can be provided. Also,
When not in the preview mode, only the photographic image is displayed so that the operation of selecting and specifying the photographic image to be printed can be visually performed. Can be provided.

(7) When selecting and selecting frame data, frame data downloaded from an external medium stored in a memory in the system, frame data stored in an external medium, and stored in a ROM in the system. By assigning priorities in the order of the frame data in the order and selecting and specifying the frame data to be selected, the frame data on the external medium can be transferred to the system RO by a simple operation of simply inserting and removing external data.
Since the frame data in M can be selected, the operability can be remarkably improved.

(8) When switching the frame data, the specific frame data information on the external medium and the specific frame data information in the system ROM are stored, so that even if the frame data is switched, the selection and specification can be continued. Since the operation can be performed, the operability can be further improved.

As described above, it is possible to provide an electronic image processing apparatus having an excellent interface with excellent operability while reducing the amount of frame data.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an image processing apparatus control unit of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration of an execution processing unit for each instruction function of the present invention.

FIG. 4a is a diagram showing a configuration of a frame designation execution unit of the present invention.

FIG. 4b is a diagram showing a configuration of a frame designation execution unit of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a configuration of a photograph designation executing unit of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a configuration of a download execution unit of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a configuration of a preview execution / cancellation unit according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a print execution unit according to the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a print canceling unit according to the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a configuration of an electronic image processing device of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for designating each item in the panel unit.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart of a processing procedure for an operation input by a user.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart of a TV display processing procedure for each mode.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart of a panel setting content change processing procedure.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart of a frame mode switching processing procedure.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart of a TV display mode switching processing procedure.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart of a processing procedure for a print execution / stop instruction.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a configuration of frame data.

FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating an example of correspondence between relative photograph numbers and photograph numbers.

FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an example of frame data including only a photographic image.

FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating an example of frame data including a photo image and an attached image.

Claims (26)

[Claims] 1. An operation panel unit 1 having an operation interface portion for inputting and outputting operation instructions with an operator, and a panel control means 2 for controlling the operation panel unit.
And layout data of the photographic image, layout information of the photographic image and attached data to be combined and arranged, and frame data in which the layout information is described, or an external medium serving as an input / output interface of an external medium in which the photographic image is stored An input / output unit 3, an external media control means 4 for controlling the external media input / output unit, and a photographic image on an external medium or frame data stored in the external medium or an internal ROM based on an operation instruction from the operation panel Image processing control means 5 for performing image processing based on the frame data stored in the RAM or the frame data downloaded to the internal RAM, and an image printing unit 7 for printing the result of the image processing
A print control unit 6 for controlling the image printing unit; and an image display unit 9 for displaying and processing the result of the image processing.
And display control means 8 for controlling the image display unit, having an attached image file as a small-capacity component image, and sharing and referencing this component image with a plurality of frame data. Electrophotographic image system. 2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the image control means includes: a function execution instruction means for issuing a function execution instruction relating to image processing based on an input instruction from the operation panel; Panel display means 52 for displaying an operation panel to reflect the information on the external media, external media recognition means 53 for recognizing the external media inserted in the external media input / output unit, and a function designated based on the function execution instructing means. Instruction function-specific execution processing means 54 for executing another image processing; print expansion execution means 55 for executing print data expansion processing based on the result of the execution processing; and print development execution means 55 based on the result of the execution processing A display development execution unit 56 for performing a display data development process, wherein the instruction function-specific execution processing unit 54 further receives a photo designation execution instruction. A photo designation execution unit 541 to be executed in the case; a frame designation execution unit 542 executed when a frame designation execution instruction is issued; a sheet designation execution unit 543 executed when a sheet designation execution instruction is issued; Download execution means 544 for executing when a download execution instruction is given; preview execution / cancellation means 545 for executing when a preview mode execution / release instruction is given; and print execution for execution when a print execution instruction is given. Means 5
46, and a print canceling unit 547 that is executed when a print cancel instruction is issued. 3. The system according to claim 2, wherein the photograph designation executing means 541 receives a photograph designation execution instruction, and designates a photograph designation means 5411 for designating a photograph of an arbitrary photographic image by photograph information. Designated photo information display means 5412 for displaying the picture information of the designated picture on the panel in order to reflect the result on the operation panel, and target picture updating means for changing the subject picture image by the picture information designated by the designated means 5413, a photographic image specifying unit 5414 for specifying a photographic image corresponding to photographic information from a photographic image on an external medium, a photographic image extracting unit 5416 for extracting the specified photographic image from the external medium to an internal memory, and an operation panel Frame data specifying means 5417 for specifying frame data for image development according to the setting state of the above, and extracting the specified frame data to the internal memory A frame data extracting unit 5418, a target photographic image expanding unit 5415 for expanding the extracted photographic image and frame data for display or printing, and a display data generating unit 5419 for generating the image expanded data for display. An electrophotographic image system, comprising: 4. The system according to claim 2, wherein said frame designation execution means 542 receives a frame designation execution instruction, and designates arbitrary frame data based on frame information.
5421, specified frame display means 5422 for displaying the frame information of the specified frame data on the panel to reflect the specified result on the operation panel, and the target frame data is changed by the frame information specified by the specifying means Target frame updating means 5423
A photo image specifying unit 5414 for specifying a photo image for image development according to the setting state of the operation panel; a photo image extracting unit 5416 for extracting the specified photo image from an external medium to an internal memory; Frame data is stored in the internal ROM
Frame data specifying means 5417 for specifying the frame data from the area or the internal download memory area or the frame data on the external medium; frame data extracting means 5418 for extracting the specified frame data to the internal memory; It has a target photographic image developing unit 5415 that develops an image for displaying or printing frame data, and a display data generating unit 5419 that generates image-developed data for display. Frame data device specifying means 54171 for specifying a stored device; frame data paper size specifying means 54172 for specifying frame data corresponding to the set paper size; and frame data search based on the specified information. Specific frame data search Electrophotographic imaging system characterized by having a stage 54,173. 5. The system according to claim 2, wherein the paper specification execution unit 543 receives a paper specification execution instruction, and a paper specification unit 5431 for performing an arbitrary print paper specification based on the paper information. A specified paper information display unit 5432 that displays the paper information of the specified paper on the panel to reflect the result on the operation panel, and a target paper information update that changes the target print target paper based on the paper information specified by the specification unit Means 5433, a photographic image specifying means 5414 for specifying a photographic image for image development based on the setting state of the operation panel, a photographic image extracting means 5416 for extracting the specified photographic image from the external medium to the internal memory, A frame data specifying unit 5417 for specifying frame data for image development of the sheet information updated by the setting state; and Frame data extracting means 5418 for extracting the extracted photographic image and the frame data from the target memory, a target photographic image developing means 5415 for developing the extracted photographic image and frame data for display or printing, and display data for generating the image developed data for display. An electrophotographic image system comprising: a generation unit 5419. 6. The system according to claim 2, wherein said download execution means 544 receives a frame load execution instruction and instructs a start of a process of downloading the specified frame data on the external medium to the internal memory. Frame load instructing means 5441
And frame load status display means 5442 for displaying on the operation panel that the frame data is loaded on the internal memory; and load area update for acquiring a download area on the internal memory in response to a download execution instruction. Means 5443
Frame data specifying means 54 for specifying frame data for download specified by the setting state of the operation panel
17, frame data loading means 5444 for downloading the specified frame data to the obtained download area.
Frame data extracting means 5418 for extracting the downloaded frame data to the internal memory as the specified frame data, and a photographic image specifying means 5414 for specifying a photographic image for image development based on the setting state of the operation panel. Photographic image extracting means 5416 for extracting the extracted photographic image from the external medium onto the internal memory, target photographic image developing means 5415 for displaying the extracted photographic image and frame data for display or printing, and An electrophotographic image system comprising: a display data generating unit 5419 for generating for display. 7. The system according to claim 2, wherein the preview executing / releasing means 545 switches a display mode on the image display unit between a preview mode and a photo image selecting mode in response to a preview executing / releasing instruction. Display mode designation means 5451 for instructing, and display mode state display means for displaying the display mode state on the operation panel every time the display mode is switched
5452, display mode switching means 5443 for switching the display mode of the image display unit according to the display mode switching instruction, frame data for preview when the display mode is the preview mode, and when the display mode is the photo image selection mode A frame data specifying unit 5417 for specifying frame data for a photo image selection screen according to the setting state of the operation panel, a frame data extracting unit 5418 for extracting the specified frame data to the internal memory, Photo image specifying means 5414 for specifying a photo image for image development according to the setting state of the panel, photo image extracting means 5416 for extracting the specified photo image from the external medium to the internal memory, and the extracted photo image and frame data A target photographic image developing means 5415 for displaying or developing an image for printing; Display data generating means 5419 for generating image-deployed data for display, the display data generating means further specifies individual frame data for display with respect to frame data for preview, and decompresses the frame data. An electrophotographic image system for generating display data, or converting display frame data into resolution for preview to generate display data. 8. The system according to claim 2, wherein the print execution unit 546 receives a print execution instruction, and executes a print execution designation unit 5461 for designating execution of print start. A print execution display means 5462 for displaying on the panel, a print execution means 5463 for executing print processing, a frame data specifying means 5417 for specifying frame data for printing in accordance with the setting state of the operation panel, Frame data extracting means 5418 for extracting frame data into the internal memory; photographic image specifying means 5414 for specifying a photographic image for image development based on the setting state of the operation panel; and locating the specified photographic image from the external medium to the internal memory. Photographic image extracting means 5416 to be fetched, and target photographic image developing means for developing the extracted photographic image and frame data for display or printing An electrophotographic image system comprising: 5415; and print data generation means 5364 for generating image-developed data for printing. 9. The system according to claim 2, wherein the print execution unit 547 receives a print stop instruction, and specifies that the print execution is stopped. A print stop state display unit 5472 for displaying on the operation panel, a print stop unit 5473 for stopping print processing, and a print stop data generating unit 5474 for generating print stop data
And an electrophotographic image system comprising: 10. An image processing apparatus, comprising: frame information including information on an image laid out in one page; designating means for designating an image to be laid out; display means for displaying the contents specified by the designating means; An electrophotographic image processing apparatus comprising: a printing unit that arranges a designated image in a designated layout to generate and print the image. 11. The frame information includes an identifier that specifies an attached image to be laid out in one page, and the printing unit further includes an attached image specified by the identifier.
The electronic image processing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein an image is generated by arranging the image in a layout specified by the frame information. 12. The designating means further designates the size of one page to be printed, and the display means displays frame information prepared in advance corresponding to the designated size. 11. The electronic image processing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein desired frame information is designated from the candidates. 13. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of storage media for storing the frame information, wherein the specification unit can specify frame information stored in a desired medium from among the plurality of storage media. The electronic image processing device according to claim 10. 14. The electronic image processing apparatus according to claim 10, further comprising display means for generating an image by arranging the image specified by the specifying means in a specified layout and displaying the image. . 15. The electronic image processing apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the display unit regenerates and redisplays an image according to the specified content specified by the specifying unit. 16. A designation step of designating frame information including information on an image laid out in one page, an image to be laid out, a display step of displaying designation contents in the designation step, A printing step of arranging the designated image in a designated layout to generate and print the image. 17. The frame information includes an identifier that specifies an attached image to be laid out in one page, and the printing step further includes: attaching the attached image specified by the identifier.
17. The electronic image processing method according to claim 16, wherein an image is generated by arranging images in a layout specified by the frame information. 18. The designating step further designates a size of one page to be printed, and the displaying step displays frame information prepared in advance corresponding to the designated size. 17. The electronic image processing method according to claim 16, wherein desired frame information is designated from the candidates. 19. The information processing apparatus according to claim 19, further comprising a plurality of storage media for storing the frame information, wherein the specifying step can specify frame information stored in a desired medium from the plurality of storage media. An electronic image processing method according to claim 16. 20. The electronic image processing method according to claim 19, further comprising a display step of arranging the image specified in the specifying step in a specified layout to generate and display the image. . 21. The electronic image processing method according to claim 20, wherein in the display step, an image is regenerated and displayed again according to the specified content specified by the specifying unit. 22. A computer, comprising: frame information including information on an image to be laid out in one page; designating means for designating an image to be laid out; display means for displaying contents designated by the designating means; A computer-readable storage medium for storing a computer program for realizing a printing unit for generating an image by arranging an image specified by a specifying unit in a specified layout and printing the image. 23. Recognizing means for recognizing a state of the printing apparatus, and when the recognizing means recognizes that the printing apparatus is in a printable state, a print start button is turned on, and the recognizing means causes the printing apparatus to print. A print start button for turning off the print start button when it is recognized as being in an impossible state, and blinking the print start button when it is recognized by the recognition unit that the printing apparatus is printing. apparatus. 24. A print control apparatus for arranging and printing an image based on a selected frame, comprising: a selection unit for selecting a paper size; and a frame selectable according to the paper size selected by the selection unit. And a change unit for changing the type of the print control. 25. A recognition step for recognizing a state of the printing apparatus, and when the recognizing step recognizes that the printing apparatus is in a printable state, a print start button is turned on, and the recognizing means causes the printing apparatus to print. A print start button for turning off the print start button when it is recognized as being in an impossible state, and blinking the print start button when it is recognized by the recognition unit that the printing apparatus is printing. Method. 26. A print control method for arranging and printing an image based on a selected frame, comprising: a selection step of selecting a paper size; and a frame selectable according to the paper size selected in the selection step. And a change step of changing the type of the print control.