JP2004282143A - Image processor and display control method therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image processor and a display control method therefor for carrying out index display at high speed with high definition. <P>SOLUTION: The image processor replaces an image having a photographing resolution used at reading with an image having a low resolution corresponding to that in index display and displays the resulting image when the photographing resolution image in pairs with the low resolution image in the index display is read from a medium A and in use after a display / operation section displays the index display for displaying a list of low resolution images resulting from reading the low resolution images without the need for reading the medium A such as a digital camera, and in carrying out again the index display including the low resolution image after the photographing resolution image is read and in use. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus provided in an image printing apparatus installed in a convenience store or the like and reading and printing an image stored in a medium such as a digital camera. The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus and a display control method thereof.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, a file of one photograph in a medium such as a digital camera (for example, smart media) has been thinned out with data of a compressed shooting resolution (for example, 3000 × 2000) as represented by Exif. Contains thumbnail images of low resolution (for example, 160 × 120).
[0003]
Conventionally, in an image printing apparatus that is installed in a convenience store or the like and reads and prints an image stored in a medium of the digital camera, when the medium is inserted into a predetermined medium insertion slot, the medium is stored in the medium. A plurality of images are displayed at the same time, and a list image is displayed to make it easier to search for a target image. Specifically, the thumbnail image data corresponding to all the images of the currently stored shooting resolution is read from the inserted media before printing the photo image, and an index display (FIG. 8) showing a list of thumbnail images is displayed. Is displayed on the display screen.
[0004]
This is because it takes a lot of time to read the images of a plurality of shooting resolutions themselves and display them in a list, but it is possible to read a thumbnail image of a small image and display the list in a short time.
[0005]
After displaying the list, the image printing apparatus reads out the shooting resolution data corresponding to the thumbnail image designated by the user in the displayed index display from the medium and prints the data.
[0006]
By the way, in the conventional image printing apparatus, when displaying a list of photographic images stored in the medium, thumbnail images obtained by thinning out the images of the shooting resolution instead of reading the images of the shooting resolution for high speed operation are displayed. Are read and displayed in a list, so that the images in the index display have rough image quality and are difficult to see. Further, when an enlarged display or the like of a thumbnail image is performed in the index display, the display is further roughened and becomes difficult to see.
[0007]
A close prior art is shown below.
[0008]
For example, in the related art, a method of selecting and printing a plurality of images is known (hereinafter, referred to as conventional technology 1) (see Patent Document 1). In the prior art 1, only operability is improved, and it does not contribute to speeding up.
[0009]
Further, conventionally, there is known an image displaying a preview image and a thumbnail image on the same screen (hereinafter, referred to as prior art 2) (see Patent Document 2). In the prior art 2, only operability is improved, and it does not contribute to speeding up.
[0010]
Further, conventionally, there is known a technique in which a reduction algorithm is switched between image quality priority and speed priority depending on an image size (hereinafter, referred to as conventional technology 3) (see Patent Document 3). In Prior Art 3, it is necessary to change the reduction algorithm.
[0011]
A high-speed image selection method by fast-forwarding an enlarged thumbnail image is conventionally known (hereinafter, referred to as conventional technology 4) (see Patent Document 4). In the prior art 4, the user cannot specify the trimming.
[0012]
Further, conventionally, there has been known an image printing method which does not perform trimming on image data as much as possible and provides an image having a good-looking size (hereinafter referred to as Conventional Technique 5) (Patent Document 5). Reference 5). In the related art 5, the user cannot specify the trimming.
[0013]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-10-200039.
[0014]
[Patent Document 2]
JP-A-10-243273.
[0015]
[Patent Document 3]
JP-A-10-293676.
[0016]
[Patent Document 4]
JP-A-2001-47684.
[0017]
[Patent Document 5]
JP-A-2002-325198.
[0018]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
As described above, in the conventional image printing apparatus, when displaying a list of the photographic images stored in the medium, the images of the photographic resolution were thinned instead of reading the images of the photographic resolution for high-speed display. Since the thumbnail images are read and displayed in a list, the images in the index display are rough and difficult to see. Furthermore, when the thumbnail image is enlarged and displayed in the index display, the display is further roughened and becomes difficult to see.
[0019]
In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide an image processing apparatus capable of performing index display at high speed and with high definition, and a display control method thereof.
[0020]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, according to the first aspect of the present invention, an image and a thumbnail image obtained by thinning the image are stored in the same file, and an index display of the image stored in the file is performed based on the thumbnail image. Reads the image from the file, reads the image from the file, performs desired processing on the image, and instructs an image printing apparatus to print an image stored in the file. An image processing unit for performing a desired process on the image, and a thumbnail image replacing unit for replacing a thumbnail image corresponding to the image with the image processed by the image processing unit.
[0021]
Further, according to the invention of claim 2, in the invention of claim 1, the index display means for reading the thumbnail image from the file and displaying an index of a list of images stored in the file, and the index display means Image processing means for designating a desired image to be processed by the processing means using the thumbnail image displayed as an index.
[0022]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect of the invention, the file is stored in a storage medium that is detachable from the image processing apparatus, and a desired process is performed by reading from the file stored in the storage medium. The image processing apparatus further includes a storage unit that stores the performed image, wherein the thumbnail image replacement unit replaces a thumbnail image corresponding to the image processed by the image processing unit with an image stored in the storage unit.
[0023]
Also, in the invention according to claim 4, in the invention according to claim 1, the thumbnail image replacing means replaces a thumbnail image corresponding to the image processed by the image processing means with the image processed by the image processing means as it is, The index display means displays the image replaced by the thumbnail image replacement means in a size corresponding to the thumbnail image.
[0024]
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the thumbnail image replacing means thins out the image replaced by the thumbnail image replacing means in correspondence with the thumbnail image and replaces the image with a corresponding thumbnail image. Features.
[0025]
Further, according to the invention of claim 6, an image and a thumbnail image obtained by thinning the image are stored in the same file, an index display of the image stored in the file is performed based on the thumbnail image, and the image is displayed from the file. Reading out the image from the file, performing a desired process on the image, and instructing the image printing device to print the image stored in the file. Is performed, the thumbnail image corresponding to the image is replaced with the processed image, and the index display is performed.
[0026]
Further, according to the invention of claim 7, in the invention of claim 6, the thumbnail image is read from the file, an index display of a list of images stored in the file is performed, and the file is stored in the file based on the index display. Designating a stored desired image, reading the specified image from the file, performing desired processing, and replacing a thumbnail image corresponding to the read image with an image that has been subjected to the desired processing. And
[0027]
According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the sixth or seventh aspect, the file is stored in a storage medium detachable from the image processing apparatus, and a desired process is performed by reading the file from the file stored in the storage medium. The performed image is stored in a predetermined storage unit, and a thumbnail image corresponding to the image on which the predetermined process has been performed is replaced with an image stored in the storage unit.
[0028]
According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the sixth aspect of the present invention, the image on which the desired processing has been performed is directly replaced with a corresponding thumbnail image, and at the time of index display, the replaced image corresponds to the thumbnail image. It is characterized by being reduced in size and displayed.
[0029]
According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the sixth aspect, the image on which the desired processing has been performed is thinned out in correspondence with the thumbnail image and replaced with a corresponding thumbnail image.
[0030]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0031]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic external configuration of a photo printing machine 1 to which an image processing apparatus and a display control method thereof according to the present invention are applied. The photo printer 1 is installed in a convenience store or the like, and reads and prints a photograph resolution image stored in a medium such as a digital camera that stores the photograph resolution image.
[0032]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing functional blocks of the photo printing machine 1 shown in FIG.
[0033]
2, the photo printing press 1 includes a display / operation unit 11, a processing control unit 12, a media reader 13, a storage unit 14, a charging unit 15, and a printing unit 16.
[0034]
Here, the display / operation unit 11 is a user interface (UI) unit that displays an image stored in the medium A, displays various operation information in the photo printer 1, and displays the display function. The user has an operation function of inputting various instruction settings according to the various operation information.
[0035]
The process control unit 12 controls various processes in the photo printing machine 1 in an integrated manner. For example, it can be realized by a personal computer (PC) or the like. The processing control unit 12 controls the calculation of various data among the display / operation unit 11, the media reader 13, the storage unit 14, the accounting unit 15, the printing unit 16, and the like, and a control unit that controls itself. An image processing unit for performing image processing of an image read from the medium A; a work memory for temporarily storing work data for performing various calculation processes; and various processes in the photo printing machine 1 (specifically, for example, And a processing program storage unit for storing a processing program for performing the photo selection printing process of FIGS. 3 to 5).
[0036]
The media reader 13 reads image data stored in the medium A from a medium A such as a digital camera inserted from the medium insertion slot 1a at a fixed position, and transfers the image data to the processing control unit 12 described above. The media reader 13 has a function of reading image data from a medium such as CompactFlash Microdrive, SmartMedia (registered trademark), an SD memory card, an xD picture card, or a memory stick.
[0037]
The storage unit 14 is a unit that stores the image data read from the media reader 13 described above, and includes, for example, a hard disk (HDD).
[0038]
The billing unit 15 counts the amount of money received from the bill insertion / ejection port 1b or the coin insertion port 1c, deducts the printing price from the amount of money, and pays out the balance of coins or canceled coins from the coin payout exit 1d. It has a function to put out.
[0039]
The printing unit 16 is a printer that prints an image read from the medium A and discharges the photograph X to the discharge tray 1e.
[0040]
In the configuration of FIG. 2 described above, the configuration is such that the storage unit (HDD) 14 is located outside the processing control unit 12. However, the configuration is not limited thereto. May be configured. Also, in the configurations of FIGS. 1 and 2 described above, an example in which the display unit and the operation unit are integrated is shown. It may be a configuration installed in the system. Further, in the configuration of FIG. 1 described above, the billing unit, the processing control unit, the display / operation unit, and the printing unit are shown as separate casings, but may be assembled as one casing.
[0041]
Next, a processing operation according to the present invention having the above configuration will be described.
[0042]
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of the photo selection printing process in the photo printing machine 1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. More specifically, the user sets a medium A and selects a photo to be printed. The flow until printing of the selected and designated photograph is shown.
[0043]
In FIG. 3, first, a user sets a medium A such as a digital camera at a reading fixed position of the media reader 13 (media insertion slot 1a in FIG. 1) (step S101). Then, in the photo printing machine 1, for example, an initial screen as shown in FIG. When the user presses, for example, the media read button B on this screen, the information in the set medium A is read using the media reader 13 (step S102), and the information in the index list is searched (step S102). Step S103). More specifically, in the processing of S102 and S103, for example, the information part of the shooting resolution image (JPEG) and the information part unique to the manufacturer are read out of the photograph file stored in the medium shown in FIG. (For example, index information such as a file name, shooting date and time information, and total number information). Note that the index list referred to here is as shown in FIG. 8, and a plurality of thumbnail images stored in a medium in a predetermined size (m × n, m and n are arbitrary integers) ) This is an image browsing display for displaying images side by side in order to make it easy to search for a target image. However, if one thumbnail image is set to be displayed on one page by a user or the like, only one thumbnail image may be displayed.
[0044]
After the search of the information of the index list, the index list is displayed based on the information read and searched in the processing of S102 and S103 described above. Specifically, a display screen of the index list is displayed, and a thumbnail image in the medium is read to perform a thumbnail display process (step S104). That is, display processing of each thumbnail image in the index list is performed. For example, the thumbnail images are sequentially displayed from the uppermost leftmost thumbnail image in the index list shown in FIG. 8 to the lowermost rightward direction. The processing in S104 will be described later in detail.
[0045]
After that, the predetermined number of thumbnails [the number set in advance in the apparatus or the number specified by the user (for example, 1, 9, or 20)] is displayed in the index list for one page by the process of S104. It is monitored whether or not all the images have been displayed, or whether or not there is no thumbnail image to be displayed in the index list for one page which does not reach the predetermined number (S105).
[0046]
As a result of the monitoring, if the thumbnail image in the index list for one page is being displayed (NO in step S105), the process returns to the above-described step S104 to perform the thumbnail display process.
[0047]
On the other hand, as a result of the monitoring, if the display of the thumbnail images in the index list for one page has been completed (YES in step S105), then the user is monitored to select a necessary print selection candidate photo (step S105). S106). Here, when the user selects and specifies a photo (in this case, the user can select a photo as a print selection candidate by touching a desired thumbnail image on the index list display screen) (step (S106 YES), and then monitor the confirmation / edit designation of the selected photo, such as confirmation and trimming. For example, when confirmation / edit designation is performed by pressing the confirmation / edit button C or the like in the index list display screen shown in FIG. 8 (step S107 YES), for example, a confirmation / edit screen as shown in FIG. 9 is displayed and operated. The information is displayed on the unit 11 and a confirmation / editing process such as confirmation and trimming is performed (step S108). Note that the process of S108 will be described later in detail.
[0048]
When the confirmation and editing processes such as the confirmation and trimming are completed, the display process of the index list of the page currently designated for display is performed again (step S109). Note that this processing will be described later in detail similarly to the above-described S103.
[0049]
Thereafter, it is determined whether all the predetermined number of thumbnail images have been displayed in the index list for one page by the process of S109 or whether the thumbnail images which do not reach the predetermined number but are displayed in the index list for one page are displayed. It is monitored whether or not there is any thumbnail image (S110). As a result of this monitoring, if the display of the thumbnail image in the index list for one page is in the middle (NO in step S110), the process returns to the above-described step S109 and the thumbnail display process is performed. I do.
[0050]
On the other hand, as a result of the monitoring, if the display of the thumbnail images in the index list for one page is completed (step S110 YES), then in (step S111), (step S112) and (step S106) It monitors a user's input of a print instruction, an input of a display page switching instruction, and a photo selection input in the index list currently displayed.
[0051]
If the user is currently selecting a photo in the index list currently being displayed, there is no print instruction (NO in step S111), there is no switching of the display page (NO in step S112), and the user selects another photo. Therefore, the processing after step S106 YES is repeated.
[0052]
On the other hand, when the user switches the display page of the index list, there is no print instruction (step S110 NO), and when there is a display page switch (step S112 YES), the process returns to step S104 described above and switching is designated. Display processing of the index list of the page that was set. Thereafter, the same processing is repeated.
[0053]
On the other hand, when the user instructs printing, the user designates the number of copies and the like and issues a print start instruction (for example, selecting and pressing the print button E) (YES in step S111). The photograph resolution image corresponding to the photograph is prepared, and printing processing is performed for a designated number of copies (step S113). That is, in this S113, normally, when the print start instruction is given only by selecting a photograph without confirmation / edit instruction, the photographing resolution image corresponding to the thumbnail image designated to be printed is read from the medium A and stored. The print data is stored in a storage unit (HDD) 14 or the like to create print data in a predetermined format, and is printed by a print unit (printer) 16. When a confirmation / edit instruction is given and an image read from the medium A and used at the time of confirmation / edit is stored in the storage unit (HDD) 14, print data is stored based on the stored image. Is created and printed by the printing unit (printer) 16. Before the user instructs the start of printing by selecting and pressing the print button E or the like, the user inserts bills or coins through the bill insertion / ejection port 1b or the coin insertion slot 1c in advance and pays for the print.
[0054]
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing in detail the procedure of the confirmation / editing process in S108 in the process flow shown in FIG. That is, it shows a processing procedure when the user issues a confirmation / edit instruction (for example, selecting and pressing the confirmation / edit button C) for one photographed resolution image.
[0055]
In FIG. 4, the confirmation / edit processing first reads a shooting resolution image (see FIG. 7) corresponding to a thumbnail image designated as a confirmation / edit target by the user from the medium A and displays it on the display / operation unit 11. (Step S201). At this time, the photographed resolution image displayed on the display / operation unit 11 is displayed in, for example, a confirmation / edit screen shown in FIG.
[0056]
As a result, the user can confirm the display of the captured resolution image, and perform desired confirmation and edit designation such as enlargement, rotation, and trimming of the captured resolution image.
[0057]
When the user actually inputs confirmation / edit designation such as enlargement, rotation, and trimming using the confirmation / edit screen, the user performs a predetermined edit operation in accordance with the input instruction, and performs an edit operation. The image display is changed according to (step S202).
[0058]
Here, for example, when the user selects and presses the confirmation / edit completion button D or the like and the confirmation / edit designation is completed (YES in step S203), the data is read out to the storage unit (HDD) 14 at the time of confirmation / editing here. The used image is stored (step S204).
[0059]
Thereafter, the process shifts to S109 in the processing flow shown in FIG.
[0060]
As the image stored in S204, for example, 1) the image image displayed on the confirmation / edit screen shown in FIG. 9 when the editing work is finally completed is stored. Alternatively, 2) an image obtained by reducing the image displayed on the screen for the index when the editing operation is finally completed as described in 1) above is stored. Alternatively, 3) the unedited shooting resolution image read out from the medium A at the time of the above-mentioned confirmation / editing is stored as it is. Alternatively, 4) an image obtained by thinning out and reducing the unedited shooting resolution image described in 3) above is stored.
[0061]
It is to be noted that the photographic printing machine is usually set so as to store an image in any one of the images in the above 1) to 4). The type of the images 1) to 4) to be stored is usually determined in advance by the side providing the photo printing machine, but can be set at the shop where the photo printing machine is installed, or can be selected by the user. You may make it possible to specify.
[0062]
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing in detail the procedure of the thumbnail display processing in S104 or S109 in the processing flow shown in FIG. That is, the thumbnail image display processing when the index list is displayed first after the media is set, the thumbnail image display processing when the page is switched, and the confirmation / edit processing after the user performs the confirmation / edit processing. 3 shows a thumbnail image display process including page switching.
[0063]
In FIG. 5, the thumbnail display process is a process of displaying individual thumbnail images in the index list.
[0064]
First, in this process, it is determined whether or not there is an image corresponding to the currently displayed thumbnail image in the storage unit (HDD) 14 (step S301). Specifically, for example, when a certain thumbnail image is to be displayed when each thumbnail image in the index list shown in FIG. 8 is sequentially displayed, the image corresponding to the thumbnail image, that is, the process of S204 in FIG. It is determined whether there is an image used at the time of confirmation / edit stored in the processing.
[0065]
If the result of this determination is that there is no image corresponding to the currently displayed thumbnail image in the storage unit (HDD) 14 (step S301 NO), the corresponding thumbnail image is read from the medium A (step S302). If the thumbnail image is stored in the medium A after being compressed, the image is decompressed.
[0066]
Thereafter, size adjustment is performed on the read image so as to match the image size displayed in the index list (step S303). That is, the image is enlarged or reduced according to the size of the index image. If it can be used as it is, it is used without being enlarged or reduced.
[0067]
Thereafter, the image is displayed at a predetermined position in the index list (step S304). The display at the time of the processing of S301 NO → S302 → S303 → S304 is a case where a thumbnail image is displayed in the index list display shown in FIG. 8 and FIG. That is, it is a process of displaying a thumbnail image in the index list as in the related art.
[0068]
Thereafter, the flow shifts to S105 or S110 in the processing flow shown in FIG.
[0069]
On the other hand, as a result of the determination in S301, when the image corresponding to the thumbnail image to be currently displayed is present in the storage unit (HDD) 14, that is, the image used at the time of confirmation / edit corresponding to the thumbnail image to be currently displayed is If it is stored in the process of S204 in FIG. 4 (step S301 YES), the corresponding image stored in the storage unit (HDD) 14 is read (step S305).
[0070]
Thereafter, the process proceeds to S303 described above, and the image read out from the storage unit (HDD) 14 is adjusted in size to match the image size displayed in the index list. That is, the image is enlarged or reduced according to the size of the index image. If it can be used as it is, it is used without being enlarged or reduced.
[0071]
After that, the image is displayed in place of the thumbnail image at a predetermined position in the index list (step S304). In the display process of S304, if the user has specified trimming at the time of confirmation / edit, only that area is displayed. Note that the display at the time of processing of S301 YES → S305 → S303 → S304 indicates the image read out from the medium at the time of confirmation / editing in the index list display shown in FIG. 10 (the image “A” in the middle row in the right column). This is the case when it is displayed. That is, this portion is a process of exchanging and displaying a thumbnail image in the index list of the present invention and an image having a shooting resolution.
[0072]
Thereafter, the flow shifts to S105 or S110 in the processing flow shown in FIG.
[0073]
According to the configuration described above, when displaying the index list for the first time, it can be displayed at a high speed, and the display of the confirmed / edited image after the user has confirmed / edited such as confirmation or enlargement, rotation, trimming, etc. When the index list including the index is displayed again, high-speed and high-definition display can be performed.
[0074]
Here, to be able to perform at high speed, in this embodiment, the original shooting resolution image read from the medium A at the time of confirmation / editing or an image obtained by editing the original shooting resolution image is stored in the storage unit (HDD) in the photo printing machine 1. When the index display is performed again, instead of reading from the medium A having a low reading speed, the image stored in the storage unit (HDD) having a high reading speed in the photo printer is read and replaced with the corresponding thumbnail image and displayed. This means that a high-resolution image with a high resolution and a large data size can be displayed at high speed.
[0075]
Specifically, referring to FIG. 2, the reading speed from the medium is about 0.5 MB / s, while the reading speed from the storage unit (HDD) is about 30 MB / s. The reading speed is at least five times slower than the reading speed from the storage unit (HDD), and it takes nearly three seconds to read one photographed resolution image itself from the medium. Therefore, if there are a plurality of photographing resolution images to be read, the user feels that the waiting time is long. For example, if nine photographic resolution images are read, it takes 3 (seconds) × 9 = 27 seconds. On the other hand, in the case of reading out one shooting resolution image from the storage unit (HDD) as in the present invention, it takes only 0.6 seconds, and even for 9 images, 0.6 (seconds) × 9 = 5.4 seconds. And the user does not feel a long waiting time.
[0076]
Further, a point that can be performed with high definition will be described with reference to FIG.
[0077]
In the related art, when a certain thumbnail image is enlarged and displayed in the index list, a thumbnail image obtained by thinning out the original shooting resolution image is used. On the other hand, according to the embodiment of the present invention, the original shooting resolution image is read from the medium at the time of confirmation / editing, and the used image is replaced with the thumbnail image and displayed. The display shown in (b) can be performed, and high-definition display can be performed.
[0078]
Note that none of the processing flows of FIGS. 3 to 5 show a canceling process by the user, but basically, the user can end or cancel the process at any timing.
[0079]
In the embodiments of FIGS. 3, 4 and 5, the thumbnail display processing is performed immediately after the confirmation / edit processing in S109, and the page switching or the like is performed again after the confirmation / edit processing (S108) in S104. In both cases where the thumbnail list of the index list including the images confirmed and edited in the past is displayed, the replacement display is shown. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the configuration may be such that only one of the images is replaced and displayed. good. That is, the replacement display may be performed only in the case of S109 after the confirmation / edit processing, or may be performed only when the page switching processing is performed in S104.
[0080]
Further, in the above-described embodiment, the configuration is described in which the image read and used from the medium at the time of confirmation and editing is stored in the storage unit in the photo printing machine, and the stored image is directly replaced with the corresponding thumbnail image. In addition to this, the captured resolution image read out from the medium at the time of confirmation / editing is stored in the storage unit (HDD) as it is, and when the corresponding thumbnail image is replaced and displayed, the image stored in the storage unit (HDD) is read out and confirmed / At the time of editing, the edited image specified by the user may be replaced with the corresponding thumbnail image.
[0081]
In the above embodiment, the replacement of the thumbnail images in the index list is described. However, in addition to the display of the index list, the thumbnail images obtained by thinning out the original shooting resolution images without reading the original shooting resolution images from the medium are read out. In the configuration for reading and displaying a thumbnail image, the original shooting resolution image corresponding to a certain thumbnail image is read from the medium and used, and then when the thumbnail image is displayed again, the images already read and used are replaced and displayed. May be. As a result, a plurality of shooting resolution images are not read and displayed as in an index list, but are displayed at a high speed using a lower resolution thumbnail image than reading and displaying one high resolution shooting resolution image. Even in such a configuration, high-quality display can be performed at high speed.
[0082]
Further, in the above-described embodiment, the configuration is described in which the thumbnail images are read from the medium each time the index list is displayed. However, the thumbnail images once read out may be stored in a storage unit or the like in the apparatus, and the thumbnail images may be checked and stored. When the index list is displayed again after the editing operation, the thumbnail list stored in the storage unit in the apparatus and the image stored at the time of checking / editing may be replaced and displayed. Specifically, for example, in the process of S109 shown in FIG. 3 described above, that is, in the process of S302 shown in FIG. 5, the thumbnail image stored in the storage unit is read instead of reading the thumbnail image from the medium. indicate.
[0083]
Further, in the above embodiment, when at least one photographing resolution image corresponding to a thumbnail image is checked / edited in one index list, when the same index list is subsequently displayed, the thumbnail image and the storage unit ( The configuration is such that the images stored in the HDD are replaced and displayed. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and confirmation and editing of all of the plurality of shooting resolution images corresponding to the thumbnail image selected by the user in one index list is completed. The replacement display may be performed for the first time at that point.
[0084]
That is, the present invention reads a low-resolution image obtained by thinning out the original shooting resolution image without reading the original shooting resolution image from a storage medium such as a medium, and displays the read low-resolution image. If a captured resolution image that is in a paired relationship with the low-resolution image read out from the storage medium and used, when the low-resolution image displayed above is displayed again after the reading and use, the captured resolution image used at the time of the reading is used. By switching and displaying, when displaying a low-resolution image after reading a captured resolution image, high-speed and high-definition display is performed even if the low-resolution image and the high-resolution image are switched. It is the aim.
[0085]
In the above-described embodiment, a photo printing machine installed in a convenience store or the like is shown. However, the present invention may be applied to an image processing apparatus such as a personal computer that can instruct printing to a printer at home or the like without charge. .
[0086]
Finally, the image read out from the medium at the time of confirmation / editing and stored in the storage unit (HDD) shown in the above-described embodiment is not permanently retained due to memory resources and security problems. It is automatically deleted when it is removed, or automatically when printing is completed normally.
[0087]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, when an image is read from a file and the image is processed, an index display is performed by replacing the thumbnail image corresponding to the image with the processed image. Therefore, the index display after reading the image can be performed with high definition.
[0088]
In addition, in the present invention, a thumbnail image is read from a file, an index of a list of images stored in the file is displayed, and a desired image stored in the file is specified based on the index display. Since the specified image is read from the file and the desired processing is performed, and the thumbnail image corresponding to the read image is replaced with the image that has been subjected to the desired processing, the index display for listing a plurality of images is enhanced. It can be done with precision.
[0089]
In addition, in the present invention, in the present invention, a file is stored in a removable storage medium in the image processing apparatus, and an image read from the file stored in the storage medium and subjected to desired processing is stored in predetermined storage means. In addition, since the thumbnail image corresponding to the image on which the predetermined processing has been performed is replaced with the image stored in the storage means, the replacement display can be performed at high speed.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic external configuration of a photo printing machine to which an image processing apparatus and a display control method thereof according to the present invention are applied.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing functional blocks of the photo printing machine shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of a photo selection printing process in the photo printing machine shown in FIGS. 1 and 2;
FIG. 4 is a flowchart detailing a procedure of a confirmation / editing process in S108 in the process flow shown in FIG. 3;
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing in detail a procedure of a thumbnail display process in S104 or S109 in the process flow shown in FIG. 3;
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a configuration example of an initial screen.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a photo file in a medium.
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a configuration example of an index list.
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a confirmation / edit screen.
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an index list display when an index list is displayed again after confirmation and editing.
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of displaying one thumbnail of an index list according to the related art and the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Photo printing machine, 1a ... Media insertion slot, 1b ... Bill insertion / ejection slot, 1c ... Coin slot, 1d ... Coin exit, 1e ... Ejection tray, A ... Media, X ... Printed photo, 11 ... Display / Operation unit (UI), 12: processing control unit, 13: media reader, 14: storage unit (HDD), 15: billing unit, 16: printing unit (printer), B: media read button

Claims (10)

An image and a thumbnail image obtained by thinning the image are stored in the same file, an index of the image stored in the file is displayed based on the thumbnail image, and the image is read out from the file to perform desired processing on the image. In the image processing device that performs an instruction to print the image stored in the file to the image printing device,
Image processing means for reading the image from the file and performing desired processing on the image;
An image processing apparatus comprising: a thumbnail image replacement unit that replaces a thumbnail image corresponding to an image processed by the image processing unit with a thumbnail image. Index display means for reading the thumbnail image from the file and displaying an index of a list of images stored in the file;
2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: an image specification unit that specifies a desired image to be processed by the processing unit based on the thumbnail image index-displayed by the index display unit. The file is stored in a removable storage medium in the image processing apparatus,
The image processing apparatus further includes a storage unit configured to store an image read from a file stored in the storage medium and subjected to a desired process,
The thumbnail image replacement means,
3. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a thumbnail image corresponding to the image processed by the image processing unit is replaced with an image stored in the storage unit. The thumbnail image replacement means,
Replacing the thumbnail image corresponding to the image processed by the image processing means with the image processed by the image processing means,
The index display means,
2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image replaced by the thumbnail image replacement unit is displayed in a reduced size corresponding to the thumbnail image. The thumbnail image replacement means,
2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image replaced by the thumbnail image replacement unit is thinned out in correspondence with the thumbnail image and replaced with a corresponding thumbnail image. An image and a thumbnail image obtained by thinning the image are stored in the same file, an index display of the image stored in the file is performed based on the thumbnail image, and the image is read from the file to perform desired processing of the image. A display control method of the image processing apparatus for instructing the image printing apparatus to print the image stored in the file,
When the image is read from the file and processed, the index display is performed by replacing a thumbnail image corresponding to the image with the processed image. Control method. Read the thumbnail image from the file and perform index display of a list of images stored in the file,
While specifying a desired image stored in the file based on the index display and reading out the specified image from the file to perform desired processing,
7. The display control method for an image processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein a thumbnail image corresponding to the read image is replaced with an image on which the desired processing has been performed. The file is stored in a removable storage medium in the image processing apparatus,
An image read from a file stored in the storage medium and subjected to desired processing is stored in predetermined storage means,
8. The display control method according to claim 6, wherein a thumbnail image corresponding to the image on which the predetermined processing has been performed is replaced with an image stored in the storage unit. The image subjected to the desired processing is directly replaced with a corresponding thumbnail image,
7. The display control method for an image processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein, at the time of the index display, the replaced image is reduced and displayed to a size corresponding to the thumbnail image. 7. The display control method for an image processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the image on which the desired processing has been performed is thinned out in correspondence with the thumbnail image and replaced with a corresponding thumbnail image.

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