JP2002112152A - Image processing unit, and its control method, program, printer-incorporated camera and printing system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To solve the problem of a conventional image processing unit that cannot have sufficiently eliminated disadvantages, the output means set by a user cannot be operated even if the unit has a plurality of output means. SOLUTION: The image processing unit, having a plurality of image output means, is provided with a print output means that prints out an image to a recording medium, a storage output means that outputs image information to store it to the storage medium, a setting means that sets whether the print output means provides an output or the storage output means provides an output on the basis of an instruction of a user, a 1st discrimination means that discriminates whether the output of the print output means is possible, and a 2nd discrimination means that discriminates whether the output by using the storage output means is possible. The image processing unit uses an output means other than that set by the setting means, so as to output an image together with a signal, denoting that the setting cannot be carried out, when the discrimination by the 1st or 2nd discrimination means indicates that the output, on the basis of the setting by the setting means cannot be carried out.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a digital camera having, for example, an image pickup means and a photographed image display means.
With a communication function in which a printer unit having a printing unit, a storage unit storing in an exchangeable nonvolatile storage medium such as CompactFlash (registered trademark), and a communication unit having a communication unit for transferring image information are integrated. Regarding an image processing apparatus having a plurality of output units, such as a camera-integrated printer,
An output method is selected according to the state of each output means and the output result.

[0002] Further, the present invention relates to a printing system for receiving image information by the communication means, and performing printing based on print schedule information added to the received image information.

[0003]

2. Description of the Related Art 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a digital camera stores a captured image in an internal memory or in a removable external storage medium such as a compact flash card.

Further, a digital camera having a printing unit for printing image information on a printer in addition to a storage unit for storing image information in a storage medium has been proposed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Nos. 9-224026, 11-298842 and 2000-50188. Have been.

Further, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-322114 proposes a camera in which a communication unit is provided in a digital camera to transfer photographed images every fixed number and every fixed amount.

[0006] 2. DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART As a conventional invention, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 9-224026 discloses a method of determining the state of a recording medium and the state of a printer when recording and printing image information, and determining whether the recording medium or the printer A camera that supplies an image signal to one or both of them has been proposed. Further, a warning unit warns the status of the recording medium or the printer.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-322114 proposes a printing system that receives image data, identification data, and print instruction data, manages and prints image data, and a camera that transmits the data. The print instruction data includes index print, one-frame print, print size, number of prints, and print reception instruction. Data transmission and reception may be wireless. The photographing condition data is transferred together with the image data. In a camera, when a plurality of frames can be stored, image data is transferred at a fixed number of frames or at a fixed amount of data, a plurality of data transfer destinations are stored and transferred to a nearest transfer destination or a selected transfer destination. Proposals have been made to store the print destination of the camera and to include the nearest destination or the selected destination in the print instruction data. The current position of the camera is manually or based on GPS or receiving base station information.

In Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H11-298842, it is possible to switch an instruction to perform printing while storing or to perform printing without saving with an imaging apparatus that transfers an image to a printing apparatus. If not, an imaging apparatus that performs printing regardless of the instruction has been proposed.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-50188 has an image pickup means, an image memory, a printing means, and a paper detecting means. When paper is detected, storage and printing are performed, and when paper is not detected, only storage is performed. A camera with a printer has been proposed. Further, when a sheet is inserted, the image data on the image memory is printed. By adding information on whether or not printing has been performed to the image data in the image memory, if the image memory is full, rewriting the printed image data with the captured image data or prohibiting writing if there is no printed image data . A priority is assigned to the image data in the image memory, and when the image memory is full, the image data having a lower priority is rewritten with the image data captured.

[0010]

In a case where a digital camera has only one or both of internal and external storage media, if there is no free space in the storage medium, unless the image information already stored in the storage medium is deleted, Newly shot image information cannot be stored. Normally, control is performed so that the user cannot perform a shutter operation. In particular, in the case of a digital camera having only a removable external storage medium such as a compact flash card, if the user does not have the appropriate external storage medium, or if the external storage medium is destroyed even if he does, In addition, the user cannot use the digital camera to perform a photographing operation. Further, an external storage medium such as a compact flash card corresponding to the film of a conventional camera is not easily available, especially in a tourist spot.

Some digital cameras have a printing unit for printing image information on a printer when there is no free space in a storage medium. However, when image information cannot be written in the above-mentioned storage medium and there is no printing paper or no ink in the printer, the user cannot perform a photographing operation using the digital camera.

Further, there are also systems and digital cameras in which a communication unit is provided in a digital camera to transfer print information together with image information. However, in a state where image information cannot be written to the above-mentioned storage medium and communication is not possible, the user cannot perform a photographing operation using the digital camera.

As described above, even if the image processing apparatus has a plurality of output means, the inconvenience when the output means set by the user cannot operate cannot be sufficiently solved.

In particular, in such a case, even if an output is made by an alternative means, or if an output is made later by a really desired output means, it is easy to forget such a request if it relies on its own memory.

For example, even if an attempt is made to store a photographed image in the memory, if the memory is full, if the printing is reluctant, even if the printing result is viewed at a later date, it cannot be remembered how the printing was instructed.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to eliminate the above-mentioned disadvantages.

[0017]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image processing apparatus having a plurality of image output units, wherein the image output unit prints out an image on a recording medium, Storage output means for outputting image information to be stored in a storage medium; setting means for setting whether to output by print output means or output by storage output means based on a user's instruction; and output by print output means First determining means for determining whether or not output is possible, and second determining means for determining whether output by the storage output means is possible.
When it is determined by the determining means and the first determining means or the second determining means that the output based on the setting of the setting means cannot be executed, a signal indicating that the setting could not be executed is set by the setting means. An image is output using an output unit other than the output unit.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the status of each output unit of the printing unit, the storage unit, and the communication unit is obtained, the output enabled state of each output unit is determined, and at least one of the output units is output. It is characterized by outputting information of a photographed image.

[0019]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS As an image processing apparatus according to the present invention, a camera-integrated printer image information output processing apparatus with a communication function, a camera-integrated printer image information output processing method with a communication function, and a printing system will be described.

[0020]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram for explaining an embodiment of a camera-integrated printer image information output processing apparatus having a communication function according to this embodiment. In the figure, reference numeral 100 denotes a microcomputer (CPU) that controls various units of a camera-integrated printer image information output device with a communication function as a whole.

A ROM 101 stores a camera-integrated camera-equipped printer image information output processing program executed by the CPU 100 and other data.

Reference numeral 102 denotes a work area for executing a camera integrated printer image information output processing program with a communication function;
An area for temporarily storing captured image information read from the camera unit 103; and a card read drive 1
The RAM is used as an area for reading and temporarily storing image information from the storage medium 114 inserted in the storage medium 10.

Reference numeral 103 denotes a camera unit that captures image data and includes a lens, a CCD, a viewfinder, a shutter button, a strobe, and the like.

105 is a CPU 100, ROM 101, R
The CPU bus connects the AM 102, the camera unit 103, the LCD monitor 106, the operation unit 107, the printer 108, the battery 109, the card drive 110, and the interface 111. The address bus transfers an address signal, and the control bus transfers a control signal. And a data bus for transferring various data.

Reference numeral 106 denotes an LCD monitor for displaying image information to be captured and photographed by the camera unit 103, or for reproducing and displaying image information stored in the storage medium 114 through the card drive 110.

Reference numeral 107 denotes a user-operable operation unit having a key group. It is used when selecting an operation from a menu displayed on the LCD monitor 106.

Reference numeral 108 denotes a printer for printing a photographed image. The printer 108 receives a sheet supplied by inserting a sheet cartridge 112 containing a sheet and performs printing. Further, it reads information described in the EEPROM 113 included in the paper cartridge. Reference numeral 109 denotes a battery that supplies operation power to the camera-integrated printer image information output processing device with a communication function.

Reference numeral 110 denotes a recording medium 1 such as a compact flash for storing image information captured and photographed by the camera unit 103.
14 is a card drive for reading image information stored in a recording medium such as a compact flash or the like.

Reference numeral 111 denotes an interface unit (I / F) including a modem function for communicating image information by connecting to a portable telephone. The interface unit also has a function of transferring image information to a personal computer by USB communication or the like.

Reference numeral 112 denotes a paper cartridge for supplying paper to the printer 108, which may include ink supplied to the printer. Further, a nonvolatile storage medium EEPROM 113 for storing information such as the size and type of the paper inserted in the paper cartridge, the number of remaining papers, the type and the remaining amount of ink, and the like is mounted.

Reference numeral 114 denotes a nonvolatile recording medium that can be inserted into and removed from a card drive such as a compact flash card, and stores image information captured by the camera unit 103.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of a printing system that communicates with the interface unit 111 of the printer-integrated image output processing apparatus with a communication function and receives image information. In the figure, reference numeral 150 denotes a microcomputer (CPU) for performing image information processing in the printing system.

A ROM 151 stores an image information processing program and other data in the printing system executed by the CPU 150.

A RAM 152 is used as a work area for executing the image information processing program in the printing system and an area for temporarily storing the image information received by the interface unit 158.

Reference numeral 153 denotes a large-capacity hard disk for storing image information received by the interface unit 158.

Reference numeral 154 denotes a CPU 150, a ROM 151, and R
AM 152, hard disk 153, LCD monitor 15
5, a CPU bus for connecting the operation unit 156, the printer 157, and the interface 158, and is a general term for an address bus for transferring address signals, a control bus for transferring control signals, and a data bus for transferring various data.

Reference numeral 155 denotes an interface unit 158 shown in FIG.
The operation procedure for enabling the image information sent from the camera-integrated printer image information output processing device with the communication function shown in (1) to be receivable is displayed, and the hard disk 153 is displayed.
Is an LCD monitor that displays image information stored in the LCD monitor and displays an operation procedure for printing the above-described image information.

Reference numeral 156 denotes a user-operable operation unit having a key group. It is used when selecting an operation from a menu displayed on the LCD monitor 155.

Reference numeral 157 denotes a printer for printing image information stored in the hard disk 153.

Reference numeral 158 denotes an interface unit for receiving image information transmitted from the camera-integrated camera-equipped printer image information output processing device shown in FIG.

FIGS. 3 and 4 are perspective views for explaining an embodiment of a printer-integrated camera image information output processing apparatus with a communication function according to the present invention. FIG. 3 is a view of the camera-integrated printer image information output processing device with a communication function as viewed from the top right, and FIG. 4 is a view of the camera-integrated printer image information output processing device with a communication function as viewed from the bottom left. In the figure, reference numeral 200 denotes the same position in the views of FIGS. 3 and 4. That is, in FIG. 3, the upper right position when viewed from the front upper right and the upper left position when viewed from the rear lower left are the same position. 20
1 is a lens, 202 is an AF auxiliary light projecting unit,
Reference numeral 203 denotes a finder window, 204 denotes a strobe, 206 denotes a shutter button, 231 denotes a finder eyepiece, and the camera 103 in the block diagram of FIG.
Is configured.

Reference numeral 232 denotes a mode dial for determining an operation mode of the printer-integrated image output processing apparatus with a communication function, including control of power on and off, and 23.
Reference numeral 3 denotes a group of keys used to operate a menu screen displayed on the LCD 230, and constitutes the operation unit 107 in the block diagram of FIG.

Reference numeral 205 denotes a display panel for displaying the current setting status of the camera-integrated printer image information output processing device with a communication function, and 230 denotes an LCD display, which is the LCD 106 in the block diagram of FIG.

Reference numeral 221 denotes the battery 10 shown in the block diagram of FIG.
Reference numeral 9 denotes a battery cover serving as an insertion port. 220 is a tripod screw hole.

Reference numeral 240 denotes a CF card slot cover of an insertion slot for inserting the compact flash card 114 into the card drive 110 shown in the block diagram of FIG.

Reference numeral 241 denotes a paper cartridge cover serving as an insertion port for mounting the paper cartridge 112 in the printer 108 shown in FIG.

Reference numeral 207 denotes a discharge port for discharging a sheet 208 printed by the printer 108 shown in FIG.

Reference numeral 242 denotes a digital terminal cover for communicating with a portable telephone or the like using a cable, and is the interface unit 111 in FIG.

FIGS. 5 to 8 show flowcharts of a program for realizing the present invention. In FIG. 5, after the power is turned on, the information of the output unit of the printing unit, the storage unit, and the communication unit is acquired, and the consistency with the output destination specified in advance by the user is determined. In step S10, the state of each output unit shown in FIG. 6 described later is obtained, and in step S20, it is determined whether each output unit is in a ready state as an output destination of image information. Step S
In 30, the consistency between one or more output destinations specified in advance by the user and the ready state of each output destination determined in step 20 is checked in the output destination specification processing shown in FIG. If the output destinations of one or more pieces of image information specified by the user are all ready in step S40 (no inconsistency), the processing is terminated and a shooting process by pressing a shutter button 206 shown in FIG. The operation waits for a user operation such as an output destination designation process using the menu shown in FIG.

In step S40, if there is one or more output destinations not in the ready state among the output destinations of the image information specified by the user (there is a mismatch), step S50 is performed.
Proceed to. In step S50, it is determined whether or not all the output destinations cannot be output regardless of the designation of the output destination by the user. If all the output means of the printing means, the storage means, and the communication means cannot output, in step S80, the user is notified by the LCD monitor 106 and the photographing is prohibited, and the paper is output to the printer 108 by the user. Cartridge 11
2 and the compact flash card 114 into the card drive 110, and a user operation of online processing by the user is awaited.

At step S50, if at least one output destination is ready, at step S60 one or more output destinations specified by the user are displayed on the LCD monitor 106, indicating that the output destination is not ready. Becomes

The program for acquiring the status of each output unit shown in FIG. 5 includes the insertion / removal of the paper cartridge 112 to / from the printer 108, the insertion / removal of the compact flash card 114 to / from the card drive 110, and online / offline by the user. The processing is also executed when the state of each output unit called a process changes.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the process of acquiring the status of each output means shown in step S10 of FIG. In step S110, information on the printing apparatus is obtained. In obtaining information of the printing apparatus, the printer 108
Whether the paper cartridge 112 is inserted in the
When the paper cartridge 112 is inserted, information is obtained as to whether or not there is paper, if so, how many sheets are present, whether or not there is ink, and whether or not the head state is normal. Paper information such as paper size and characteristics is read from the non-volatile memory EEPROM 113 in the paper cartridge. Based on these pieces of information, the printable state of the printing unit is determined in step S20 of FIG. For example, when the information that the paper cartridge 112 is not inserted is obtained in step S110, it is determined in step S20 in FIG. 5 that the state of the printing unit is not the ready state.

In step S120, information of the storage device is obtained. In obtaining the information of the storage device, whether the compact flash card 114 is inserted into the card drive 110, if the compact flash card 114 is inserted, whether the compact flash card 114 is correctly initialized, The flash card 114 shown in FIG.
Is obtained as to whether or not there is enough free space to store the image information obtained by the shooting processing. Based on the obtained information, the output enable state of the storage unit is determined in step S20 of FIG. For example, if the inserted compact flash card 114 has not been properly initialized, it is determined in step S20 in FIG. 5 that the state of the storage unit is not the ready state.

In step S130, information on the communication device is obtained. In the information acquisition of the communication apparatus, for example, the information is acquired through the interface 111 as to whether or not the apparatus is connected to the interface 158 of the printing system in FIG. Based on these acquired information, step S2 in FIG.
At 0, the output possible state of the communication means is determined. For example, if the communication unit is not communicating with any device through the interface 111, it is determined in step S20 in FIG. 5 that the communication unit is not in the ready state.

FIG. 7 shows a flowchart of a process for designating the output destination of a photographed image by the user. The output destination designation process is selected by operating the menu displayed on the LCD monitor 106 by the user with the operation unit 107. The output destination in the ready state in step S210 is shown in FIG.
Is displayed on the LCD monitor 106 according to the information determined in step S20. In step S220, the user designates at least one output destination of the captured image with reference to the information displayed in step S210. Step S220
If it is determined in step S230 that there is an output destination that is not in the ready state in the output destination specified in step S230, step S2
At 40, a confirmation message is displayed on the LCD monitor 106 to the user. If resetting is selected by the user in step S250, step S22
Go to 0. If all of the output destinations specified in step S230 are ready, and step S2
If the user selects to keep the designated output destination as the output destination of the captured image even if the designated output destination is not ready in 50, the setting process ends, and the process waits for the next user operation.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart of a photographing process performed based on the process of acquiring the state of each output unit in FIGS. 5 and 6 and determining whether or not it is possible, and the process of designating the output destination in FIG. The photographing process operates when the shutter button 206 is pressed. Here, it is assumed that the print output is selected in the process of FIG.

First, in step S310, based on the photographing prohibition information set in step S80 of FIG. 5, if the photographing is prohibited, the process is terminated, and the user inserts the paper cartridge 112 into the printer 108, Compact flash card 11 to card drive 110
4 and waits for a user operation such as online processing by the user.

In step S320, the camera 10
3 is developed into digital information that can be output to the RAM 102. In step S330, according to the output destination of the image information designated by the user in the output destination designation processing shown in FIG.
At 0, the image information stored in the RAM 102 is expanded according to the output destination and output. In step S340, it is determined whether the image information has been correctly output to the specified output destination. If the output is correct, the process is terminated and the process waits for the next user operation.

If it is determined in step S340 that the output of the image information is unsuccessful, it is determined in step S350 whether or not the output by the printing apparatus has failed, and in that case, "printing is attempted" in the corresponding image information. However, "print schedule information" as "information that printing was not possible" is added and stored in the memory. In step S370, no matter which output destination is unsuccessful, the alternative output destination in the ready state determined in step S20 in FIG.
At step S380, and waits for a user's retry request in step S380. Here, if there is a request for retry, the process proceeds to step S330, and if not, the process is terminated and a state of waiting for a user operation is entered.

In the above description, when printing was instructed and printing was not possible, "printing schedule information" was added as "information that the user tried to print but could not print". If transfer by communication was not possible, a signal (or character information or the like) indicating that communication was not possible may be added and printed together with the image or stored in a memory without printing. . In this way, the user can view the print result of superimposing a character that indicates that the substitute print has been executed or the reproduced image displayed together with the character to indicate that the image should be transferred by communication. Sometimes I can remember immediately.

In the printing system shown in FIG. 2, the communication means is selected as the output destination in the processing shown in FIGS. 5 to 8 in the camera-integrated printer image information output processing apparatus having the communication function shown in FIG. In this case, along with the image information through the interface 158, step S36 in FIG.
The print schedule information set at 0 is received. When the received image information is displayed on the LCD monitor 155, for example, a mark is added to the image information to which the print schedule information is added.
The special display makes it easy for the user to perform the print designation for the received image.

In a camera-integrated printer image information output device with a communication function, the communication means may be facsimile communication, means for accessing a server through the Internet, or communication between modems. Is also good. In each case, a telephone line is used.
If you plan to use the camera in a short distance, such as in an office,
EEE802.11b, Bluetooth, Home
Wireless means known as RF may be used.

The above-mentioned telephone line may also be used in such a form that it is connected to a partner terminal by a portable telephone.

By supplying these embodiments with a program, a plurality of output destinations of a plurality of photographed images such as a printing unit, a storage unit, and a communication unit in a camera-integrated printer image information output processing device with a communication function can be output. Can be provided to the user, and the user can use the camera widely by photographing with a digital camera. Further, by adding the print schedule information to the photographed image in the communication means, it is possible to easily print the unprinted photographed image by using the printing system which has received the image information at a later date after the photographing.

[0066]

According to the present invention, in an image processing apparatus having a plurality of output units, such as a camera-integrated printer image information output processing unit with a communication function, when an output unit set by a user cannot operate. Can be sufficiently solved. In particular, with the signal indicating that the set output could not be executed, and using an output unit other than the output unit set by the setting unit, the image is output, so that it can be output in any form for the time being, From the results of the alternative output, you can recall the output format that you really wanted.

In particular, if a communication means is provided, an image which the user actually wants to print can be transferred by the communication means for the time being, and the image to be printed should be printed using a signal indicating that the printout could not be executed. Can be recognized immediately.

When neither storage nor printing is possible and neither output is possible, it is easier for the user to understand that it is not possible to take a picture in the first place.

In a printing system that receives image information from an image information output processing device with a camera having a communication function, the image information of a printer with a communication function can be easily and widely stored by a user. An output processing device, a printing system, and a means thereof can be provided.

For example, in the case where the camera has two functions of storing a captured image and transferring the image by communication, if the memory is full and cannot be stored, it is set so that the transfer by communication is performed. It is possible to However, since there are only two types, the remaining functions are limited.

However, as described above, as means for processing photographed image data, there are three types of functions of communication, printing, and storage. When the function is not available, selecting which of the remaining functions to use when the function is unavailable enables the user to meet more diverse needs.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a camera-integrated printer image information output processing device with a communication function.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a printing system.

FIG. 3 is a view from the upper right of the front of the camera-integrated printer image information output processing device with a communication function.

FIG. 4 is a view from the lower left of the rear side of the camera-integrated printer image information output processing device with a communication function.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a camera-integrated camera-equipped printer image information output process in the camera-integrated printer-equipped image processing device with communication function.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a printer-integrated camera-equipped printer image information output process in the camera-integrated printer image information output processing device with a communication function.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a printer-integrated camera-equipped printer image information output process in the camera-integrated printer image information output processing device with a communication function.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a printer-integrated camera-with-communication-function printer image information output process in the camera-integrated printer-with-communication-function output processing apparatus;

[Explanation of symbols]

 100, 150 CPU 101, 151 ROM 102, 152 RAM 103 Camera unit 105, 154 Bus 106, 155 LCD 107, 156 Operation unit 108, 157 Printer unit 109 Battery 110 Card drive 111, 158 Interface unit 112 Paper cartridge 113 EEPROM 114 Compact Flash card 153 Hard disk

Claims (23)

[Claims] 1. An image processing apparatus having a plurality of image output units, comprising: a print output unit that prints out an image on a recording medium; a storage output unit that outputs image information to be stored in a storage medium; Setting means for setting output by the print output means or output by the storage output means based on a user's instruction; and first determination means for determining whether or not output by the print output means is possible. A second determining unit for determining whether or not the output by the storage output unit is possible; and the first determining unit or the second determining unit.
When it is determined by the determination means that the output based on the setting of the setting means cannot be executed, the output means other than the output means set by the setting means together with a signal indicating that the setting cannot be executed. An image processing apparatus for outputting an image by using an image processing apparatus. 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of image output units include a communication output unit that transfers an image to another device by an output through communication. 3. An apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an image pickup means, wherein when the image cannot be output by any of the plurality of image output means, photographing by the image pickup means is prohibited. The image processing device according to any one of the above. 4. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a cartridge containing a recording medium is detachably connected to the print output unit. 5. The cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the cartridge includes a memory for storing information on a recording medium or a colorant in the cartridge, and the first determination unit determines based on the contents stored in the memory. Item 5. The image processing device according to Item 4. 6. Control of an image processing apparatus having a plurality of image output units, including at least a print output unit that prints out an image on a recording medium and a storage output unit that outputs image information to be stored in a storage medium. A setting step of setting whether to output by the print output unit or output by the storage output unit based on a user's instruction; and determining whether output by the print output unit is possible. A first determining step of determining whether the output by the storage output means is possible, and a setting step of determining whether the output is possible by the storage output means. In the case where the output based on the selection in step cannot be executed, together with a signal indicating that the setting cannot be executed, a signal other than the output means set in the setting step is set. Using a force unit, the control method for an image processing apparatus and outputting an image. 7. The control method according to claim 6, wherein the plurality of image output units include a communication output unit that transfers an image to another device by an output through communication. 8. An image capturing device further comprising: an image capturing device, wherein when an image cannot be output by any of the plurality of image output devices, the image capturing device is prohibited from taking an image. A method for controlling an image processing apparatus according to claim 6. 9. The control method according to claim 6, wherein a cartridge containing a recording medium is detachably connected to the print output unit. 10. The cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the cartridge includes a memory for storing information about a recording medium or a colorant in the cartridge, and the first determining step determines based on the storage contents of the memory. Item 10. A control method for an image processing device according to item 9. 11. A program for causing a computer of an image processing apparatus to execute the control method according to claim 6. Description: 12. A printing unit that prints image information, a printability determination unit that determines whether the printing unit is in a printable state, a storage unit that stores image information in a storage medium, and a storage unit that stores the image information. Storing means for determining whether or not the communication is possible, communication means for transferring image information, and communication availability determining means for determining whether or not the communication means is in a communication enabled state; A camera having a communication function, wherein image information is output by using at least one processing unit of a printing unit, a storage unit, and a communication unit, based on information obtained by the storage possibility determination unit and the communication possibility determination unit. Integrated printer image information output processing device. 13. When the image information cannot be output by any of the printing means, the storage means, and the communication means by the printability determination means, the previous storage possibility determination means, and the first communication possibility determination means, a shutter button is provided. 13. The printer-integrated camera image information output processing device with a communication function according to claim 12, wherein a photographing process by depressing a button is invalidated. 14. The printability determining means determines whether or not a sheet is inserted or not inserted, or if a sheet is inserted, based on any of the number of sheets, the presence or absence of ink, and the state of the head. 13. The image processing device according to claim 12, further comprising: 15. The storage possibility determination means is configured to determine whether there is a free space in the storage medium, if the storage medium is replaceable, whether the storage medium is mounted or not mounted, and whether the storage medium is correctly initialized. 13. The printer-integrated camera image information output processing device with a communication function according to claim 12, wherein the determination is made based on the following. 16. The communication means includes communication by facsimile, communication by the Internet, communication between modems,
13. The printer-integrated camera image information output processing apparatus with a communication function according to claim 12, wherein the apparatus includes any one of wireless communication. 17. The printer-integrated camera image information output processing device with a communication function according to claim 12, wherein the communication possibility determination unit determines whether the communication is online. 18. The camera-integrated camera with a communication function according to claim 19, wherein when the image information is not correctly output according to claim 1, the image information is output by different output means capable of outputting. Printer image information output processing device. 19. The image processing apparatus according to claim 19, wherein when the printability determination unit determines that printing is not possible and the image information is output by the communication unit, the printout information is added to the image information and output. Item 13. A camera-integrated printer image information output processing device with a communication function according to Item 12. 20. The image processing apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the image information is not printed correctly by the printing unit, and when the image information is output by the communication unit, the print information is added to the image information and output. 12. A printer-integrated camera image information output processing device with a communication function according to 12. 21. An image database for receiving image information and print schedule information to be added to the image information by a communication unit, print information providing unit for providing the image information to which the print schedule information is added, and the print information providing unit A printing system that performs printing based on the information. 22. When the operation based on the setting of the setting unit cannot be executed by the judgment of the first judging unit or the second judging unit, there is further provided a display unit for displaying that the setting could not be executed. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: 23. When it is determined that the operation based on the setting of the setting means cannot be executed, the user selects an alternative output means from among the output means other than the output means set by the setting means. 23. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a receiving unit for receiving.