JP2003063076A - Printing system and printing method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To eliminate a load, associated with an image selection, on a user and enable the proper image selection. SOLUTION: Image management information (a photographing date, etc.), is read out from an image file which is recorded on a recording medium, and a specific image is selected according to a prescribed condition specified by the user. The prescribed condition is, for example, a condition in which the recorded image files are grouped by each prescribed period in accordance with the photographing date so that the earliest photographed image file of each group can be selected as the specific image. The specific image (image data), which is selected according the condition like this, is read out from the recording medium and developed; and an image based on the image data is printed on a label or the recording medium. Thus, the above purpose is accomplished.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention selects a specific image from a plurality of images recorded on a recording medium on the basis of a predetermined condition and displays the specific image on a label (label sticker) for the recording medium. The present invention relates to a printing system and a printing method for printing on a printer.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art With the widespread use of electronic cameras in recent years, images captured by the electronic camera and recorded on a small recording medium are
CD-RW (CD-ReWritble) and DVD-RAM (Dig
An increasing number of users are viewing images by collectively re-recording them on a large-capacity recording medium such as ital Versatile Disc-RAM) and then using a reproducing device such as a personal computer equipped with a reading device for the recording medium. Came.

[0003] Such a user usually writes the contents related to the image recorded on the recording medium, for example, the name of the event (event, trip, athletic meet, etc.) to be photographed, the file name, etc. in the label as characters, and The recording medium was managed by, for example, attaching the label to the recording medium, and then the contents of the image recorded on the recording medium were judged by checking the characters written on the label. .

However, the contents of the image recorded on the recording medium may not be sufficiently judged only by confirming the characters written on the label, and the user is recorded on the recording medium. There were times when it was necessary to play the image and check the contents.

Therefore, the following proposal is made in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-25296. That is, the print size of the recording paper (label) is determined according to the loaded recording medium (recording medium), and the image reproduction for printing the predetermined image selected by the user on the recording paper according to the print size is performed. A device has been proposed. According to this proposal, the user can determine the content of the image recorded on the recording medium to which the recording paper is attached by checking the image printed on the recording paper.

[0006]

However, in this proposal, the user must select the image to be printed on the recording paper from the images index-displayed on the monitor, that is, the images recorded on the recording medium. Therefore, when the number of recorded images becomes enormous, the burden on the user for image selection becomes heavy.

In addition, conventionally, no proposal has been made to eliminate the burden on the user for selecting an image to be printed on a label or the like. In view of the above situation, it is an object of the present invention to provide a printing system and a printing method that eliminate the burden on the user regarding image selection and enable appropriate image selection.

[0008]

The invention according to claim 1 is
Selecting means for selecting a specific image from a plurality of images recorded on the recording medium based on a predetermined condition; and reading means for reading the specific image selected by the selecting means from the recording medium, A printing system comprising: a label for the recording medium or a printing unit that prints on the recording medium, the specific image read by the reading unit.

With the above arrangement, a specific image is automatically selected and printed from the images recorded on the recording medium on the basis of predetermined conditions. This allows
It is possible to eliminate the burden on the user regarding image selection. According to a second aspect of the invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the selecting means selects the specific image from a plurality of images recorded on the recording medium based on a condition relating to a shooting date. Is.

According to this structure, the specific image is selected based on the condition regarding the shooting date. Generally, various events (events, trips, sports events, etc.) to be photographed are often performed on a date basis, and by selecting a specific image based on the conditions regarding the photographing date, each event can be A specific image is selected, and an appropriate image can be selected.

According to a third aspect of the invention, in the second aspect of the invention, the condition relating to the photographing date is a condition including an image having the oldest photographing date or an image having the latest photographing date. According to this configuration, the image with the oldest shooting date or the image with the newest shooting date is selected as the specific image.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, in the second aspect of the invention, the condition relating to the photographing date is a condition including an image having the oldest photographing date and an image having the latest photographing date. According to this configuration, the image with the oldest shooting date and the image with the latest shooting date are selected as the specific images.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect of the present invention, the condition relating to the photographing date is that the image having the oldest photographing date and the most photographing date are grouped by a predetermined time unit. It is a structure that is a condition including a new image. According to this configuration, the image with the oldest shooting date and the image with the latest shooting date are selected as the specific images for each group grouped in predetermined time units.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the selecting means sets a condition regarding a shooting date for each folder or directory from among a plurality of images recorded on the recording medium. The specific image is selected based on the configuration. According to this configuration, the specific image is selected for each folder or each directory based on the condition regarding the shooting date. Generally, a user often creates a folder (or directory) for each event that is a shooting target, and a specific image is selected for each folder (or directory) so that each event can be performed. A specific image is selected, and an appropriate image can be selected.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the sixth aspect of the present invention, the selecting means further sets a condition regarding a shooting date from the specific images selected for each folder or each directory. A specific image is selected based on the configuration. According to this configuration, the specific image is selected from the images selected for each folder or each directory based on the condition regarding the shooting date.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, when the selecting means is an image in which a plurality of images recorded on the recording medium are copied or moved from another recording medium. A specific image is selected from a plurality of images recorded on the recording medium, for each of the other recording media, based on a condition relating to a shooting date.

According to this structure, the specific image is selected for each recording medium previously recorded on the basis of the condition regarding the photographing date. The invention according to claim 9 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
When the plurality of the specific images are printed, the printing unit is configured to print at least one specific image of the specific images in a size different from that of the other specific images.

According to this configuration, the plurality of specific images are
At least one particular image will be printed at a different size than the other particular images. This gives, for example,
The main image and other images can be determined. According to a tenth aspect of the invention, in the third or fourth aspect of the invention, when the printing unit prints a plurality of the specific images, an identification of the earliest shooting date in the plurality of specific images is performed. Image or the latest specific image of the shooting date is printed relatively large with respect to other specific images.

According to this configuration, the plurality of specific images are
The specific image having the oldest shooting date or the specific image having the latest shooting date is printed so as to be relatively large with respect to other specific images. Thereby, for example, the order of the shooting dates of the images can be determined by the size of the images.

The invention according to claim 11 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 1.
In the invention described in any one of 0, the printing means,
When a plurality of specific images are printed on a circular label or a circular recording medium, the plurality of specific images are arranged circumferentially and printed.

According to this configuration, when the printing target is a circular label (label sticker) or a circular recording medium,
A plurality of specific images are arranged in a circle and printed. The invention according to claim 12 is the invention according to claims 1 to 11.
In the invention described in any one of above, the printing unit is configured to further print incidental information regarding the specific image.

According to this structure, the supplementary information of the specific image is printed together with the specific image. The incidental information includes, for example, the shooting date. According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the image recorded on the first recording medium is copied / moved to the second recording medium, and the copy / moving means records the image on the first recording medium by the copy / moving means. The selected image is selected from the images recorded on the second recording medium after the image is copied or moved on the second recording medium, or the copy / moving means is selected. The image recorded on the first recording medium is recorded on the first recording medium which is about to be copied or moved on the second recording medium before being copied or moved on the second recording medium. The selected image based on a predetermined condition from the selected image and the image recorded on the second recording medium, and the specific image selected by the selecting unit. Recording medium or the second A printing system comprising: a reading unit that reads from a recording medium; and a printing unit that prints the specific image read by the reading unit onto a label for the second recording medium or the second recording medium. is there.

According to the above arrangement, the image copied (or moved) from the first recording medium to the second recording medium and the image recorded on the second recording medium before (or before) the copying. A specific image is selected from among the above, and it is printed on the label for the second recording medium or the second recording medium. As a result, even when copying (or moving) is involved, it is possible to eliminate the burden on the user regarding image selection.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the selection means copies the image recorded on the first recording medium by the copy / moving means to the second recording medium. Or, after being moved, a specific image is selected from among the images recorded in the second recording medium, for each recording medium of the copy source or the moving source of the image, based on the condition regarding the shooting date, or Alternatively, before the image recorded on the first recording medium by the copying / moving means is copied or moved to the second recording medium, the second
From the image recorded on the first recording medium and the image recorded on the second recording medium, which is about to be copied or moved to another recording medium, the recording medium from which the image is copied or moved. For each time, a specific image is selected based on the condition regarding the shooting date.

According to this structure, the specific image is recorded on the second recording medium before (or before) the image copied (or moved) from the first recording medium to the second recording medium. The selected image is selected for each recording medium of the copy source (or the transfer source) of the image based on the condition regarding the shooting date. In this case, the copy source (or transfer source) of the image copied (or moved) from the first recording medium to the second recording medium is the first recording medium.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, a specific image is selected from a plurality of images recorded on the recording medium based on a predetermined condition, and the selected specific image is read from the recording medium. A printing method of printing the read specific image on a label for the recording medium or the recording medium.

According to the above method, a specific image is automatically selected and printed from the images recorded on the recording medium based on a predetermined condition. This allows
It is possible to eliminate the burden on the user regarding image selection. According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, the image recorded on the first recording medium is copied or moved to the second recording medium, and thereafter the second image is recorded.
Before selecting a specific image from the images recorded on the recording medium according to a predetermined condition, or copying or moving the image recorded on the first recording medium to the second recording medium. Of the image recorded on the first recording medium and the image recorded on the second recording medium, which are about to be copied or moved to the second recording medium, based on a predetermined condition. An image is selected, the selected specific image is read from the first recording medium or the second recording medium, and the read specific image is the label for the second recording medium or the second recording medium. This is a printing method of printing on the second recording medium.

According to the above method, an image copied (or moved) from the first recording medium to the second recording medium and an image recorded on the second recording medium before (or before) copying. A specific image is selected from among the above, and it is printed on the label for the second recording medium or the second recording medium. As a result, even when copying (or moving) is involved, it is possible to eliminate the burden on the user regarding image selection.

[0029]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a printing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the printing system 1 according to the present embodiment is provided with a recording medium insertion port for mounting various recording media,
A CD-R insertion slot 2 into which a CD-R (CD Recordable) is inserted, a CD-ROM insertion slot 3 into which a CD-ROM is inserted, a smart media insertion slot 4 into which SmartMedia (registered trademark) is inserted, Compact Flash (registered trademark) into which Compact Flash (registered trademark) is inserted
An insertion slot 5 and an MMC / SD memory card insertion slot 6 into which an MMC (Multi Media Card) or SD memory card (Secure Digital memory card) is inserted are provided.
In addition, external devices such as USB cable and IEEE 1394
(Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineer
s 1394) As a connector for receiving image files (images, image data) etc. via a cable, U
SB (Universal Serial Bus) connector 7 and IEEE
It has an E1394 connector 8.

In addition, a display section 9 for displaying operation guides and the like, and an operation section 1 for receiving various instructions from the user.
0 (10a, 10b, 10c) and various cards for payment (prepaid cards, credit cards, etc.)
Card insertion slot 11 into which a coin is inserted, a coin insertion slot 12 into which coins are inserted, and a coin change outlet 13 for discharging change.
And a label (label sticker) on which an image is printed or a discharge port 14 for discharging a recording medium.

Next, the system configuration of the printing system 1 will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the main configuration of the printing system 1. In the figure, the CD-R drive unit 15 reads out an image file or the like recorded in a CD-R inserted and mounted from the CD-R insertion slot 2 or writes an image file or the like into the CD-R. I do.

The CD-ROM drive section 16 is a CD-R.
An image file or the like recorded in the CD-ROM inserted and mounted through the OM insertion slot 3 is read. The smart media drive unit 17 reads out an image file or the like recorded in the smart media inserted and attached from the smart media insertion port 4 or writes an image file or the like into the smart media.

The compact flash (registered trademark) drive unit 18 reads out image files or the like recorded in the compact flash (registered trademark) inserted from the compact flash (registered trademark) insertion port 5 or loaded, or the compact flash. Writes image files, etc. to (registered trademark).

MMC / SD memory card drive unit 19
Reads out an image file or the like recorded in the MMC or SD memory card inserted and attached from the MMC / SD memory card insertion slot 6 or writes an image file or the like in the MMC or SD memory card.

The USB connector 7 is a connected USB
This is a connector for exchanging image files with external devices via a cable. The IEEE 1394 connector 8 is a connector for exchanging image files and the like with an external device via a connected IEEE 1394 cable.

The operation unit 10 receives various instructions from the user and notifies the control unit 21 of the received instructions. Under the control of the control unit 21, the display unit 9 displays images recorded on the recording medium, selection items to be selected by the user, various menus, operation guides, and the like.

Under the control of the control unit 21, the printing unit 20
Print the image on a label or recording medium. Although not shown, the printing system 1 includes a label corresponding to at least each recording medium inserted into each recording medium insertion port, and the printing unit 20 selects the control unit 21 from among the labels.
The image is printed on the predetermined label selected by. The label is, for example, a donut-shaped (circular) thin film corresponding to a circular recording medium such as a CD-R, an FD (flexible disk) or an MO (magneto-).
optics) and CD cases for storage
An index sheet or the like accommodated together with a recording medium such as D-R.

The control unit 21 has a CPU and controls the operation of the entire printing system 1 in accordance with a control program stored inside. For example, the process of selecting a specific image from the images recorded in a predetermined recording medium based on the conditions related to the shooting date, the process of selecting a label for a predetermined recording medium, or the label of a specific image Alternatively, a process for printing on a recording medium, a process for discharging a label or a recording medium on which a specific image is printed to the discharge port 14, a display process for displaying an operation guide or the like on the display unit 9, etc. To do. In addition, a card (such as a prepaid card or a credit card) inserted into the card insertion slot 11 or a coin insertion slot 12
It also performs a payment process according to the coins inserted into the coin, a process for discharging the change to the change outlet 13, and the like.

The printing system 1 can be realized by using, for example, a personal computer (PC) instead of the control unit 21. Next, the operation processing of the printing system 1 having such a configuration will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 3 (a) and 3 (b). The process described below is a process performed by the CPU included in the control unit 21 executing the control program stored in the control unit 21.

3A and 3B are flowcharts showing an example of the printing process of the printing system 1. FIG. 3A shows the printing process, and FIG. 3B shows the printing process. . The print process is a print instruction of a format in which a specific image is selected from the images recorded on the recording medium brought by the user based on the conditions related to the shooting date and the specific image is printed on the label. This is the process executed when is performed. In the print process of FIG. 9A, a CD-R will be applied as an example of a recording medium brought by a user.

On the other hand, in the printing process, in accordance with an instruction from the user, a predetermined image recorded on the recording medium brought by the user is copied to another recording medium brought by the user, and the predetermined image is obtained. Of the image recorded on the recording medium of the copy destination before the copying, based on the conditions related to the shooting date, etc., a specific image is selected and the specific image is printed on the label. This is a process executed when a print instruction is issued.
In the printing process of FIG. 2B, as an example of the recording medium brought by the user, a smart medium is applied to the copy source recording medium and a CD-R is applied to the copy destination recording medium.

The printing process and the printing process are performed on the recording medium brought by the user after the user inserts a prepaid card, a credit card or the like into the card insertion slot 11 or inserts a coin into the coin insertion slot 12. , Which is a process started by issuing a print process or a print instruction for the print process via the operation unit 10 by inserting the corresponding recording medium into the insertion port and following the operation guide or the like displayed on the display unit 9.

First, the printing process will be described with reference to FIG. In the same figure (a), when a print instruction for print processing is received from the user, the CD brought by the user
-Read image management information from the image file recorded on R (media) (step (hereinafter referred to as S))
S301). The image management information is, for example, Exi.
f (Exchangeable image file format) is supplementary information of image data in an image file. This image management information includes, for example, information such as the shooting date of image data (file change date: DateTime). Therefore, by reading the image management information of the image file recorded on the CD-R,
It becomes possible to perform processing such as ordering the images recorded in -R, for example, based on the shooting date.

Then, according to an instruction from the user, conditions for selecting a specific image from the images recorded on the CD-R are set (S302). In this process, for example, the display unit 9 displays conditions for selecting a specific image.
Is a process of displaying a plurality of images on the screen, prompting the user to select a predetermined condition from among them, and setting the condition selected by the user as a condition for selecting a specific image. The conditions for selecting the specific image are, for example, conditions regarding the shooting date, which will be described in detail later with reference to FIGS. 4 to 6.

Then, based on the set condition for selecting the specific image, a specific image is selected from the images recorded on the CD-R (S303), and the selected image (image (Data) is read from the CD-R (S
304) and expands the read image data (S30
5) An image based on the image data is printed on a label corresponding to the CD-R (label for the CD-R) (S30
6) and the flow ends. It should be noted that this label is automatically selected as the label for the CD-R in response to the fact that the recording medium on which the specific image is recorded is the CD-R. A printing example of an image printed on this label and another printing example will be described later with reference to FIGS. 7 to 9.

Thereafter, although not shown, a process of discharging the label on which the image is printed to the discharge port 14, a payment process,
Also, a process of ejecting a prepaid card, a credit card, or the like inserted in the card insertion port 11 or a process of ejecting change into the change outlet 13 is performed.

The user can obtain the CD-
By attaching the R label to the CD-R and then checking the image printed on the attached label, the contents of the image recorded on the CD-R can be easily determined. become. In this way, the printing system 1
However, based on the conditions for selecting a specific image, a specific image is automatically selected from the images recorded on the recording medium brought by the user, and the selected specific image is printed on the label. By doing so, it is possible to eliminate the burden on the user regarding image selection.

In the printing process shown in FIG. 3A, the CD-R is applied as an example of the recording medium, but the same process is applied to other recording media that can be inserted into the printing system 1. It goes without saying that it is possible. Also,
USB connector 7 or IEEE 1394 connector 8
It goes without saying that a recording medium mounted on an external device such as a personal computer connected via the same can be processed in the same manner. However, in this case,
The label on which the specific image is printed may be selected, for example, according to an instruction from the user.

Further, in the print processing shown in FIG.
Although an example in which the specific image is printed on the label has been shown, the specific image may be directly printed on the CD-R, that is, the recording medium that is the recording source of the specific image. In this case as well, it goes without saying that other recording media that can be inserted into the printing system 1 can be processed in the same manner.

Further, in the printing process shown in FIG. 3A, the printing system 1 is provided with a sticking mechanism for sticking a label to a recording medium, and the sticking mechanism is used to print a label on which a specific image is printed. May be attached to the recording medium that is the recording source of the specific image, and the recording medium to which the label is attached may be ejected to the ejection port 14.

Next, the printing process will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 9B, when a print instruction for print processing is received from the user, a copy condition instruction is subsequently received from the user (S311). In this process, as the copy condition instruction received from the user, for example, an instruction to copy all the image files recorded on the smart media brought by the user to the CD-R, or an image file recorded on the smart media The specified image file selected by the user from the CD
-Receive instructions for copying to R, etc.

Then, based on the copy condition instruction received from the user, the image management information of the image file to be the copy instruction target is read out from the image files recorded in the smart media (sume) (S312).
Then, the image management information of the image file recorded in the copy destination CD-R is read (S313).

Then, in response to an instruction from the user, an image (image file) to be instructed to be copied and a CD at this time.
-From the images (image files) recorded in R,
Conditions for selecting a specific image are set (S31).
4). Note that this processing is similar to the processing of S302 of FIG. 10A, in which a plurality of conditions for selecting a specific image are displayed on the display unit 9, and the user is allowed to select a predetermined condition from among them. This is a process of setting one condition selected by the user as a condition for selecting a specific image. The condition for selecting the specific image is, for example, a condition regarding the shooting date, which will be described in detail later with reference to FIGS. 4 to 6.

Then, an image is selected based on the set conditions, the selected image (image data) is read from the smart media and the CD-R (S315), and the read image data is expanded (S316). , An image based on the image data is labeled with a CD-R label (CD-
R label) and print the image file that is the copy instruction target in the process of S311 described above on the CD-
Copy to R (S317) and end the flow.
The label at this time is C
The label for the CD-R is automatically selected corresponding to the D-R. 7 to 9 for print examples of images printed on this label and other print examples.
Will be described later. Further, in the process of S317, the copying is performed after the printing, but the printing may be performed after the copying, or the printing and the copying may be performed simultaneously or substantially at the same time.

Thereafter, although not shown, a process of discharging the label on which the image is printed to the discharge port 14, a payment process,
Also, a process of ejecting a prepaid card, a credit card, or the like inserted in the card insertion port 11 or a process of ejecting change into the change outlet 13 is performed.

The user can obtain the CD-
The contents of the image recorded on the CD-R can be confirmed by attaching the R label to the CD-R, which is the recording medium of the copy destination, and then confirming the image printed on the attached label. Can be easily determined.

As described above, the printing system 1 selects a specific image from the images to be copied and the image recorded on the recording medium which is the copy destination, based on the condition for selecting the specific image. By automatically selecting and printing the selected specific image on the label, the burden on the user for image selection can be eliminated. In the print process shown in FIG. 7B, the specific image is selected before copying, but the specific image may be selected after copying. In this case, the specific image is selected from the images recorded on the CD-R that is the recording medium of the copy destination.

The printing process shown in FIG. 7B has been described by using the smart medium as the copy source recording medium and the CD-R as the copy destination recording medium as an example of the recording medium. The copy source recording medium can be another recording medium that can be inserted into the printing system 1, and the copy destination recording medium can be inserted into the printing system 1 that can be written with other data and can be processed in the same manner. Needless to say. Further, it goes without saying that the same processing can be performed as a recording medium of a copy source or a copy destination, which is mounted in an external device such as a personal computer connected via the USB connector 7 or the IEEE 1394 connector 8. Yes. However, in this case, the label on which the specific image is printed may be selected, for example, according to an instruction from the user.

Further, in the print processing shown in FIG.
Although the example in which the specific image is printed on the label has been shown, the specific image may be directly printed on the CD-R, that is, the recording medium that is the copy destination. Also in this case,
It goes without saying that other recording media that can be inserted into the printing system 1 and in which data can be written can be processed in the same manner.

Further, in the printing process shown in FIG. 7B, the printing system 1 is provided with a sticking mechanism for sticking a label on a recording medium, and the sticking mechanism is used to print a label on which a specific image is printed. Alternatively, the recording medium may be attached to a recording medium that is a copy destination, and the recording medium to which the label is attached may be ejected to the ejection port 14.

Further, in the printing process shown in FIG.
Although it has been described that the user brings the recording medium of the copy destination, for example, the recording medium serving as the copy destination is stored in the printing system 1 in advance, and the stored recording medium is used as the recording medium of the copy destination. You may make it apply.

Further, in the printing process shown in FIG.
Images (image files) from SmartMedia to CD-R
However, it is needless to say that the same processing is performed even when the copy is moved instead of being copied. Then, the process of S302 of FIG. 3 (a), and FIG. 3 (b).
The conditions for selecting a specific image, which are set in the process of S314 in step S314, will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIGS. 4 (a), (b), (c), (d) and FIG. 6 are conceptual diagrams showing an example of conditions for selecting the specific image. FIG. 4 (a) shows the conditions, FIG. 4 (b) shows the conditions, FIG. 4 (c) shows the conditions, FIG. 4 (d) shows the conditions, and FIG. 6 conceptually shows the conditions. First, the conditions will be described with reference to FIG.

The condition is that the shooting date is read from the image management information read in the processing of S301 of FIG. 3A or the processing of S312 and S313 of FIG. 3B, and the image data is read based on the shooting date. The condition is that the images are grouped by month and the image data having the oldest shooting date is selected as a specific image (image data) from the image data of each month. In the example shown in FIG. 4 (a), the image data for the January group, which is a group of image data captured in January, is 1
There are three pieces of image data in the February group, which is a group of image data shot in February, and five pieces of image data, in the March group, which is a group of image data shot in March. This is an example in which the image data with the oldest shooting date of each month group (the first, second, and fifth frames in the figure (a): shaded portion) is selected as a specific image (image data) from the inside. In general, images taken with electronic cameras are the events (events, trips, athletic events, etc.) that are the subject of the shooting.
The shooting dates are often the same or approaching each other. Therefore, by selecting a specific image based on the condition, the specific image is selected for each event, and appropriate image selection is possible.

In addition, in terms of conditions, the groups are grouped by month, but in addition, groups may be grouped by a predetermined period (predetermined time) such as yearly, weekly, daily, etc.
In terms of conditions, the oldest shooting date was selected from each group, but the newest shooting date,
You may make it select the thing of the photography date of the middle of the oldest and the newest of the photography date, or near the middle.

Next, the conditions will be described with reference to FIG. The condition is a condition for selecting a specific image (image data) based on the frame number. The frame number usually corresponds to the shooting date, and the older the shooting date, the smaller the numerical value of the frame number (the newer the shooting date, the larger the numerical value of the frame number). Same figure
The example of (b) is an example in which three pieces of image data having the minimum, intermediate, or near, and maximum frame numbers are selected as specific images, and the corresponding image data of frame numbers 1, 5, and 10 ( This is an example in which the shaded area in FIG. 6B is selected as a specific image (image data). The frame numbers to be selected are not limited to the minimum, the middle or near the middle and the maximum, and it goes without saying that other predetermined frame numbers may be selected.

Next, the conditions will be described with reference to FIG. The condition is the processing of S301 in FIG.
The shooting date is read from the image management information read in the processes of S312 and S313 of (b), and the oldest image data of the shooting date, the newest image data of the shooting date, and those This is a condition for selecting image data having a shooting date in the middle or near the middle of the image data as a specific image (image data). Figure 4 (c)
In the example of, the image data of frame number 1 taken in January as the oldest image data of the shooting date, the image data of frame number 10 shot in July as the latest image data of the shooting date, and those image data In the example in which the image data of frame number 7 taken in April (the middle of January and July or near the middle) was selected as the specific image (image data) is there.

Next, the conditions will be described with reference to FIG. The conditions are, for each folder (or directory) to which the image data belongs, the shooting date obtained from the image management information read in the processing of S301 in FIG. 3A or the processing of S312 and S313 in FIG. 3B. Based on the, the image data with the oldest shooting date is extracted from the image data belonging to the folder, the extracted image data is ordered based on the shooting date, and the first, middle, and last image data in that order is This is a condition for selecting a specific image (image data). The folder (or directory) refers to a group of files having a certain relationship under a tree structure in an OS (Operating System). The example of FIG. 4 (d) is A to J.
For each folder shown in (A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J), the image data with the oldest shooting date is extracted from the image data belonging to the folder, and extracted. Order image data (A-1, ..., E-1, ...
..J-1), an example in which the first, middle, and last image data in that order (frames A-1, E-1, and J-1: the shaded area in FIG. 7D) are selected as specific images Is. Typically,
The user selects the event (event, event,
Folders (or directories) are often created for each trip, athletic meet, etc. Therefore, by extracting an image for each folder (or directory) and selecting a specific image from the extracted images, more appropriate image selection becomes possible.

In the conditions, the image data with the oldest shooting date is extracted for each folder. However, as the condition for extracting the predetermined image data for each folder,
The above-mentioned conditions to conditions may be applied. Further, as the condition for selecting the specific image data from the image data extracted for each folder, the above-mentioned conditions 1 to 3 may be applied.

If the number of folders to which the image data belongs is equal to or smaller than a predetermined number under the conditions, the image data selected for each folder may be selected as a specific image (image data). A process for selecting a specific image in this case will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing a process of selecting a specific image according to the modification of the conditions. In addition, in the flow shown in the figure, the above-mentioned predetermined number is shown as 5 as an example. As shown in the figure, when the number of folders to which the image data belongs is 5 or less (Y in S501),
For each folder, the image data with the oldest shooting date among the image data belonging to the folder (first image data)
Is selected as a specific image (S502).

On the other hand, when the number of folders to which the image data belongs is not less than 5 (N in S501), as shown in FIG. 4 (d), for each folder, the shooting date The oldest image data (first image data) is extracted (S503), and, for example, five predetermined image data are selected from the extracted image data as specific images (image data) based on the shooting date. Yes (S504).

By this processing, the number of folders is 5
In the following cases, the image data selected for each folder is selected as a specific image (image data). Generally, a user often manages images related to each folder, such as images for each event (event, trip, athletic meet, etc.). Therefore, by selecting a specific image for each folder, the specific image is selected for each event, and proper image selection becomes possible. Further, when the number of folders is 6 or more, the images are selected from among the images selected for each folder based on the shooting date. Therefore, for example, a specific image is not biased to an image of a predetermined event. Therefore, proper image selection becomes possible.

Next, the conditions will be described with reference to FIG. The condition is that for each recording medium to which the image data previously belonged, from among the image data belonging to that recording medium,
This is a condition for selecting a specific image (image data) based on the shooting date. Generally, many recording media used for image management or the like have a large capacity such as CD-R, and image data recorded in the recording media is
SmartMedia and CompactFlash (registered trademark)
It is often copied (or moved) from a recording medium used in an electronic camera such as. In addition, the user copies (or moves) the image recorded on the smart media or the like to the image management recording medium for each event (event, trip, athletic meet, etc.) that is the target of the shooting at the time of shooting.
There are many things to do. Therefore, by selecting a specific image (image data) for each previously recorded recording medium from among the images recorded in the image management recording medium, it is possible to specify a specific image for each event. The image (image data) is selected, and proper image selection becomes possible. In the example shown in the figure, in the image data recorded in the recording medium 22 for image management, a group of image data previously recorded in the recording medium 1 (medium 1),
A group of image data previously recorded on the recording medium 2 (medium 2) and a recording medium 3 (medium 3) previously.
In the example in which the image with the oldest shooting date is selected as a specific image based on the shooting date information in the image management information from the group of image data recorded in is there. That is, as indicated by the underline in FIG.
image data of “pg”, “P5” from the group of media 2
150001. image data of “jpg”, from the group of media 3 “P8010001. The image data of “jpg” is selected as the specific image. Incidentally, as a means for acquiring in which recording medium the image data was previously recorded, for example, a history file or the like may be used. When image data is copied (or moved), the image data and the copy source (or move source) of the image data
If the information indicating the correspondence with the recording medium is recorded in the history file and the history file is referred to later, the recording medium of the copy source (or the movement source) of the image data can be specified. good. In addition, the copy source (or transfer source) recording medium may be specified by another method. Further, in the example of the figure, the image data recorded on the same recording medium (media) is grouped, but, for example, even if the same recording medium (media) is copied (or moved) on a different day. In such a case, they may be handled as different groups.

If such a condition is applied to the flow of FIG. 3 (b), for example, on the CD-R, the image data previously recorded on the medium 1 and the image data previously recorded on the medium 2 are recorded. When a copy instruction is issued to copy the predetermined image data recorded on the smart medium (media 3) to the CD-R when the image data is recorded, each recording medium previously recorded In other words, that is, the media 1, media 2 and media 3 shown in FIG.
The image data having the oldest shooting date is selected and printed every time.

Next, referring to FIGS. 7 to 9, S3 in FIG.
A printing example of a specific image obtained by the printing process of 06 or S317 will be described. 7 (a), (b), (c), (d), (e),
(f), (g), (h) is a diagram showing a label for a circular (disc-shaped) recording medium or an example of printing on the circular recording medium. The circular recording medium is, for example, a CD-R or a CD.
-ROM etc.

In the figure (a), the image with the oldest shooting date (the image taken on November 23, 2000) is selected as the specific image from the image data recorded on the recording medium, and the image is printed. It is an example that was done. Thereby, for example, the user can determine that the image captured after the image capture date of the printed image is recorded in the recording medium. In FIG. 7A, the specific image is printed with the shooting date “November 23, 2000” of the specific image, the media information, the disc name “family album”, and the serial number ”. The media information is "Creator:
"Sato", "Creation start date: November 23, 2000", "
Last created: May 15, 2001 "," Number of images: 95
8 images "and" used capacity (recording capacity): 532MB "are printed. The creation start date is also the date of the oldest shooting date among the image data recorded on the recording medium. The last created date is also the date of the newest shooting date in the recorded image data, and the serial number is added when there are multiple discs with the same name. The creator, the name of the disc, and the serial number are printed according to an input instruction from the user, for example.

FIGS. 9 (b) to 9 (d) show images (20) having the oldest shooting date among the image data recorded on the recording medium.
In the example printed, two images, the image taken on November 23, 2000) and the image with the latest shooting date (image taken on May 15, 2001) were selected as specific images and printed. is there.

In the figure (b), the two specific images are printed on the upper side and the lower side of the print object shown in the figure (b), and the bottom sides of the respective images are oriented in the same downward direction. It is an example printed on. Also, the shooting date of each image is printed near the bottom of each image, and the disc name and serial number are printed in the same manner as in FIG. In addition, a plurality of arrows are arranged and printed so as to face in order from the image with the oldest shooting date to the newest image in the circumferential direction. With the plurality of arrows, it is possible to allow the user to determine that the image recorded in the period between the recording dates of the two specific images is recorded on the recording medium.

FIG. 11C shows the name, serial number, shooting date and time of the discs placed above the print target when the print object is placed so that the center of the print object is on the lower side in FIG. It is an example in which each specific image is printed so as to be properly arranged. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 7C, each specific image is printed so that its bottom side faces the center of the print target.

FIG. 10D is an example in which the image with the latest shooting date and the shooting date thereof are printed smaller than the image with the oldest shooting date and the shooting date thereof in FIG.
As a result, for example, the user can determine which image is the latest image of the shooting date based on the size of the image.

FIGS. 11 (e) to 11 (g) show images (20) having the oldest shooting date among the image data recorded on the recording medium.
Image taken on November 23, 2000), image with the latest shooting date (image taken on May 15, 2001), and images with shooting dates between or near those shooting dates This is an example in which three images (images taken on February 6, 2001) are selected as specific images, and they are arranged circumferentially and printed.

In the same figure (e), three specific images are printed in the order of oldest shooting date, in the order of the upper side, right side, and lower side of the print target shown in the same figure (e), and the bottom of each image. Are printed so that they face the same downward direction. Also, the shooting date of each image is printed near the bottom of each image,
The name and serial number of the disc are printed in the same manner as in. Also, between the image with the oldest shooting date and the image with the shooting date in the middle or near the middle, and between the image with the shooting date in the middle or near the middle and the image with the newest shooting date, the image with the old shooting date The arrow is printed to point from to the new image. This arrow allows the user to determine that the image recorded in the recording medium is recorded on the recording medium during the period between the image capturing dates of the images sandwiching the arrow.

FIG. 12 (f) shows the name, serial number, shooting date and time of the discs placed on the upper side when the print target is placed on the lower side in FIG. It is an example in which each specific image is printed so as to be properly arranged. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 7E, each specific image is printed so that its bottom side faces the center of the print target.

FIG. 9G is an example in which the image is printed such that the size becomes smaller as the specific image having a newer photographing date in FIG. Thereby, for example, the user can determine the order of shooting (the order of shooting dates) according to the size of the image. FIG. 6 (h) is an example in which six pieces of image data are selected as specific images (image data) from the image data recorded on the recording medium, and these are arranged in a circle and printed. is there. In the figure (h),
The image with the oldest shooting date (the image taken on November 23, 2000) is placed above the print target shown in (h) of the same figure, and the image with the newest shooting date (May 2001).
(The image taken on the 15th of the month) is arranged on the lower side, and the remaining four images are printed so as to be arranged on the right side in a circular shape from the upper side to the lower side in the order of the photographing date. The bottom of each image is printed in the same downward direction. The shooting dates are printed near the bottoms of the oldest image and the newest image of the shooting date, and the disc name and serial number are printed in the same manner as in FIG. Also, between the image with the oldest shooting date and the remaining four images,
An arrow is printed between the remaining four images and the newest image of the shooting date so that the arrow is arranged from the old image of the shooting date to the new image. By being printed in this way, for example, the user can more easily determine the image recorded in the recording medium, which was captured in the period between the image with the oldest shooting date and the image with the newest shooting date. become.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a label for another recording medium or an example of printing on another recording medium. The other recording medium shown in the figure is, for example, FD or MO. In the example shown in the figure, the image with the oldest shooting date among the image data recorded on the recording medium (November 2000, 2000).
Image taken on the 3rd) and newest image (2001
This is an example in which two images (images taken on May 15, 2015) are selected as specific images. As for the print target (label or recording medium), as in FIG.
A serial number, media information, two specific images, and a shooting date are printed. In addition, an arrow is printed between the two specific images so as to extend from the image having the old shooting date to the image having the new shooting date. This allows the user to determine the content of the image recorded on the recording medium such as the FD or MO.

In the examples shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the selected specific image is printed on the label for the recording medium or the recording medium. However, for example, the specific image May be printed on the index sheet. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of printing on the index sheet.

In the figure, the index sheet 23
Is a CD-R or CD-R in a CD case 24 for storage.
It is stored together with OM and the like. The index sheet 23 is formed, for example, by printing a specific image on a sheet, folding the printed sheet at the center of the sheet, and stacking the sheets. The same printing as in the printing example shown in FIG. 8 is performed on the page that is the cover sheet of the index sheet. Although not shown, specific pages other than the image with the oldest shooting date and the image with the newest shooting date are printed on pages inside the index sheet, for example, in the order of oldest shooting date. This allows the user to further judge the content of the image recorded on the recording medium housed in the CD case 24.

In the present embodiment, the form in which the specific image is selected based on the condition regarding the photographing date has been described.
A specific image may be selected based on other conditions as long as it is a condition that enables appropriate image selection. Although the printing system and the printing method of the present invention have been described above in detail, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various improvements and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Of course.

[0090]

As described above in detail, according to the present invention, the burden on the user for image selection is eliminated, and
As the image selected by the image selection, it becomes possible for the user to select an appropriate image that allows the user to easily determine the content of the image recorded on the recording medium.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a printing system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a main configuration of a printing system.

3A is a flowchart showing an example of a printing process, and FIG. 3B is a flowchart showing an example of a printing process.

FIG. 4 (a) is a condition, (b) is a condition, (c) is a condition,
(d) is a diagram conceptually showing the conditions.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a process of selecting a specific image according to a modification of conditions.

FIG. 6 is a diagram conceptually showing conditions.

[FIG. 7] (a), (b), (c), (d), (e), (f), (g) and (h) are labels for a circular (disc-shaped) recording medium, or FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of printing on the circular recording medium.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a label for another recording medium or an example of printing on another recording medium.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of printing on an index sheet.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 printing system 2 CD-R insertion slot 3 CD-ROM insertion slot 4 SmartMedia insertion slot 5 Compact Flash (registered trademark) insertion slot 6 MMC / SD memory card slot 7 USB connector 8 IEEE 1394 connector 9 Display 10 (10a, 10b, 10c) operation unit 11 Card slot 12 coin slot 13 Change outlet 14 outlet 15 CD-R drive section 16 CD-ROM drive 17 Smart media drive section 18 Compact Flash (registered trademark) drive section 19 MMC / SD memory card drive section 20 Printing department 21 Control unit 22 recording media 23 Index Sheet 24 CD case

Claims (16)

[Claims] 1. A selecting means for selecting a specific image from a plurality of images recorded on a recording medium based on a predetermined condition, and the specific image selected by the selecting means from the recording medium. A printing system comprising: a reading unit that reads out; and a printing unit that prints the specific image read out by the reading unit on a label for the recording medium or the recording medium. 2. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the selection unit selects the specific image from a plurality of images recorded on the recording medium based on a condition regarding a shooting date. . 3. The printing system according to claim 2, wherein the condition regarding the shooting date is a condition including an image with the oldest shooting date or an image with the latest shooting date. 4. The printing system according to claim 2, wherein the condition relating to the shooting date is a condition including an image having an oldest shooting date and an image having a newest shooting date. 5. The condition relating to the shooting date is a condition including an image having an oldest shooting date and an image having a newest shooting date for each group grouped by a predetermined time unit. The printing system according to item 2. 6. The selecting means selects the specific image from a plurality of images recorded on the recording medium, for each folder or directory, based on a condition relating to a shooting date. The printing system according to claim 1. 7. The selecting means further selects a specific image from the specific images selected for each folder or each directory, based on a condition regarding a shooting date. The printing system according to claim 6. 8. The selecting means selects from among the plurality of images recorded on the recording medium when the plurality of images recorded on the recording medium are images copied or moved from another recording medium. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein a specific image is selected for each of the other recording media based on a condition regarding a shooting date. 9. The printing means, when printing a plurality of the specific images, prints at least one specific image in the plurality of specific images in a size different from other specific images. The printing system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein: 10. The printing means, when printing a plurality of the specific images, selects a specific image with the earliest shooting date or a specific image with the latest shooting date among the specific images, The printing system according to claim 3, wherein the printing is relatively large with respect to another specific image. 11. The printing means, when printing a plurality of the specific images on a circular label or a circular recording medium, arranges and prints the specific images on a circle. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the printing system is a printing system. 12. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the printing unit further prints incidental information regarding the specific image. 13. A copy / moving means for copying or moving an image recorded on a first recording medium to a second recording medium, and an image recorded on the first recording medium by the copy / moving means. A specific image is selected from the images recorded on the second recording medium after being copied or moved onto the second recording medium based on a predetermined condition, or the copy / moving means causes the first image to be displayed. An image recorded on the first recording medium, which is about to be copied or moved to the second recording medium before the image recorded on one recording medium is copied or moved to the second recording medium; Selecting means for selecting a specific image from the images recorded on the second recording medium based on a predetermined condition; and the specific image selected by the selecting means for storing the specific image on the first recording medium. Alternatively, the second recording medium Read-out means for reading from the read-out means, and printing means for printing the specific image read out by the read-out means on the label for the second recording medium or on the second recording medium. Printing system. 14. The selecting means records the image recorded on the first recording medium by the copy / moving means on the second recording medium after the image is recorded on the second recording medium. From the recorded images, a specific image is selected for each copy source or transfer source recording medium of the image based on the condition regarding the shooting date, or the copy / moving means causes the first recording medium to be recorded. Before the recorded image is copied or moved to the second recording medium, the image recorded on the first recording medium, which is about to be copied or moved to the second recording medium, and the second image. 14. A specific image is selected from the images recorded on the recording medium, for each recording medium of the copy source or the transfer source of the image, based on a condition relating to a shooting date. Printing system. 15. A specific image is selected from a plurality of images recorded on a recording medium based on a predetermined condition, the selected specific image is read from the recording medium, and the read specific image is read. The image of (1) is printed on the label for the recording medium or the recording medium. 16. A specific image based on a predetermined condition from among the images recorded on the second recording medium after copying or moving the image recorded on the first recording medium to the second recording medium. Or the first recording which is about to be copied or moved to the second recording medium before the image recorded on the first recording medium is copied or moved to the second recording medium. A specific image is selected from an image recorded on a medium and an image recorded on the second recording medium based on a predetermined condition, and the selected specific image is recorded on the first recording medium. Alternatively, it is read from the second recording medium, and the read specific image is printed on the label for the second recording medium or the second recording medium.