JP2005303754A - Image printer and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To perform the multi-printing of each photographed image obtained by automatically classifying a plurality of the photographed images for each different object in each different classification unit in the case of arranging the plurality of photographed images on paper and performing multi-printing. <P>SOLUTION: In a photographic image print vending machine, when a customer throws a recording medium, a CPU 1 classifies a plurality of photographed images in the recording medium into different person groups while recognizing person parts included in a photographed image, associates each photographed image classified into different person groups with a plurality of positions on paper in different groups for arrangement and making a photographic printer 8 print out each photographed image. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image printing apparatus and a program having a multi-print function for arranging and printing out a plurality of photographed images on a sheet.

Conventionally, as a multi-print technique in which a plurality of captured images are arranged and printed on a sheet, for example, image data necessary for composition is captured and recorded in advance, and image data and captured images arbitrarily called at the time of capturing are recorded. There is known a multi-print system that prints by arranging and synthesizing (see Patent Document 1). There is also known a group print / image creation apparatus in which sub-images (frames) are arranged around a main image (frame) on one print sheet (see Patent Document 1).
JP-A-6-332122 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-147585

 However, in this type of multi-printing technology (Patent Documents 1 and 2), it is a technology on the premise that the user himself selects a print target, and every time a plurality of images are collectively printed, There is a problem in that it is necessary to select and designate a desired print target one by one while confirming all image contents, which places a heavy burden on the user. In particular, when performing multi-printing of a plurality of related images together, it is necessary to select a print target one by one while confirming the relevance between images, and there is a problem that time and labor are required. .

An object of the first invention is to enable multi-printing of each photographic image obtained by automatically classifying a plurality of photographic images for each subject when a plurality of photographic images are arranged on a sheet for multi-printing. is there.
An object of the second invention is to automatically select each captured image including a person and perform multi-printing when a plurality of captured images are arranged on a sheet for multi-printing.

The invention according to claim 1 (first invention) is an image printing apparatus having a multi-print function for arranging and printing a plurality of photographed images on a sheet, and a subject included in the photographed image Classifying means for classifying the plurality of photographed images by subject while recognizing a part, and each photographed image classified by subject by the classification means is arranged in association with a plurality of positions on a sheet for each classification unit and printed out. Printing control means.
Furthermore, a program for realizing the main functions shown in the above-described invention according to claim 1 is provided to the computer (the invention according to claim 5).

The invention described in claim 1 may be as follows.
When classifying a plurality of captured images by subject, the classification means classifies the captured image as an image corresponding to the existing classification if the captured image includes a subject that has already been classified. In this case, the subject is identified as a new classification, and the captured image is classified as an image corresponding to the new classification (the invention according to claim 2).

 Mode switching means for arbitrarily switching and specifying an operation mode in which each captured image classified by subject is individually printed on a plurality of sheets by classification unit and an operation mode to be printed on the same sheet by classification unit. The printing control means performs a printing operation according to the operation mode designated by the mode switching means (the invention according to claim 3).

  Prior to printing each captured image classified by subject, when an arbitrary category is selected from the candidate display in a state where the classification for each subject is displayed as a selection candidate to be printed. The print control means arranges and prints each photographed image corresponding to the selected classification in association with a plurality of positions on the sheet (the invention according to claim 4).

The invention according to claim 6 (second invention) is an image printing apparatus having a multi-print function for arranging and printing out a plurality of photographed images on paper, while recognizing a human face image portion. A discriminating unit that discriminates whether or not a person is included in the photographed image, and each time the discriminating unit discriminates that a person is contained, the photographed image is extracted from the plurality of photographed images. The image processing apparatus includes: an extraction unit; and a print control unit that prints out the captured images extracted by the extraction unit in association with a plurality of positions on the sheet. A program for realizing the main functions shown in the invention described in claim 6 is provided (the invention described in claim 10).

The invention described in claim 6 may be as follows.
Classification means is provided for classifying each photographed image extracted by the extraction means according to a person included in the photographed image, and the print control means arranges each photographed image classified by person at a plurality of positions on a sheet for each person. Corresponding layout printing is performed (the invention according to claim 7).

  In this case, when classifying a plurality of photographed images by person, the classification means classifies the photographed image as an image corresponding to the existing classification if the photographed image includes a person already classified. If the photographed image includes a person who has not been completed, the person is identified as a new classification, and the photographed image is classified as an image corresponding to the new classification (the invention according to claim 8).

  The discriminating unit discriminates a captured image including a person and a captured image other than a person that does not include a person, and the extracting unit extracts a captured image other than the person from a plurality of captured images. Then, the printing control means arranges and prints each captured image other than the extracted person in association with a plurality of positions on the sheet (the invention according to claim 9).

According to the first aspect of the present invention (first invention), a plurality of photographed images are classified by subject while recognizing a subject portion included in the photographed image, and each photographed image classified by subject is classified. Since it is arranged to be printed in association with multiple positions on the paper for each classification unit, multiple shot images are automatically classified by subject when multiple shot images are placed on paper and multi-printed Each photographed image can be multi-printed for each classification unit, and the user himself / herself does not need the troublesome work of selecting the print target one by one while checking the image contents. In this case, even if there are a large number of photographed images, each photographed image can be multi-printed while being classified quickly and accurately by subject, which is highly practical.
In addition, when classifying by subject, for example, in addition to classifying by the same subject such as individual person / pet / building, etc., it may be classified by subject type such as person, sea, mountain, car, etc. Well, the classification form does not matter.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, in addition to the same effect as the first aspect of the invention described above, when a plurality of photographed images are classified by subject, the photographed image includes a subject that has already been classified. For example, if the captured image is classified as an image corresponding to the existing classification and the captured image includes a subject that has not been classified, the subject is specified as a new classification, and the captured image is defined as an image corresponding to the new classification. Since it is classified, even if there is no special information used to classify the photographic images by subject in advance, even if it is a disorderly photographic image just by analyzing the photographic image Classification can be performed separately, and automatic classification that does not require human intervention can be realized.

  According to the invention described in claim 3, in addition to having the same effect as that of the invention described in claim 1 described above, each photographed image classified by subject is distributed to a plurality of sheets by classification unit and printed individually, Since it is arbitrarily switched and designated whether to print on the same sheet by dividing into classification units, a multi-print in a desired printing form can be obtained as necessary, and convenience can be improved.

  According to the invention described in claim 4, in addition to having the same effect as that of the invention described in claim 1 described above, prior to printing each captured image classified by subject, the classification for each subject is the print target. When an arbitrary classification is selected from the candidate display in a state where it is displayed as a selection candidate, each photographed image corresponding to this selection classification is arranged and printed in association with a plurality of positions on the sheet. Therefore, it is possible to obtain a multi-print in which only the photographed images of the desired classification are printed.

  According to the sixth aspect of the present invention (second invention), when a person is included as a result of determining whether or not a person is included in the captured image while recognizing the face image portion of the person. Since each photographed image including a person is extracted, arranged in association with a plurality of positions on the paper, and printed out, the plurality of photographed images are arranged on the paper for multi-printing. In this case, each photographed image including a person can be automatically selected and multi-printed, and the user can select the print target one by one while checking the image contents by automating multi-printing. It becomes useless at all. In this case, even if there are an enormous number of photographed images, it is possible to perform multi-printing while quickly and accurately extracting each photographed image relating to a person from among them, which is highly practical.

  According to the invention described in claim 7, in addition to having the same effect as the invention described in claim 6 described above, each of the extracted captured images is classified according to the person included therein, and is classified according to the person. Since each photographed image is arranged and printed in association with a plurality of positions on a sheet for each person, a multi-print for each person can be obtained.

  In this case, when a plurality of photographed images are classified by person, if the photographed image includes a person who has already been classified, the photographed image is classified as an image corresponding to the existing classification and includes a person who has not been classified. If it is a photographed image, this person is specified as a new classification, and this photographed image is classified as an image corresponding to the new classification (the invention according to claim 8), and therefore the invention according to claim 2 described above. As with, even if there is no special information used to classify captured images by person in advance, it is possible to classify them even by random analysis by analyzing the captured images. Can do.

  According to the ninth aspect of the invention, in addition to having the same effect as that of the sixth aspect of the invention described above, a photographed image including a person and a photographed image other than a person not including a person are discriminated. In addition to extracting images other than a person from a plurality of photographed images and arranging and printing each captured image other than the extracted person in association with a plurality of positions on a sheet, multi-printing other than a person can be performed. Can be obtained.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing basic components of a photographic image printing and selling apparatus.
This photographic image printing and selling apparatus is a vending machine that prints and sells photographic images (still images) on the digital camera side. That is, this photographic image printing and selling apparatus is installed in, for example, a convenience store or in a town, and prints a group of photographic images taken with a camera at high quality, and discharges and sells this photographic print (photo print). A print vendor.
This photographic image printing and selling apparatus has a multi-print function for arranging and printing a plurality of photographed images in correspondence with a plurality of positions on a sheet, and when a customer recording medium is inserted, a plurality of photographing images in the recording medium are provided. In addition to automatically classifying images by subject, each photographed image classified by subject is multi-printed by classification unit.

  The CPU 1 is a central processing unit that controls the overall operation of the photographic image printing and selling apparatus in accordance with the operating system and various application software in the storage unit 2. The CPU 1 includes a storage unit 2 that is a fixed memory such as a hard disk, A detachable recording medium 3 such as a CD-ROM or DVD is connected. In the program storage area in the storage unit 2, an application program for realizing the present embodiment is stored in accordance with operation procedures shown in FIGS. Further, the CPU 1 includes a transmission unit 4, a recording medium reception device 5, a display unit 6 and an operation unit 7 constituting a display with a touch panel, a photographic printer device 8, and a money transfer device 9.

  The transmission unit 4 is an image communication unit for receiving a photographed image from a customer-side digital camera via the Internet. The recording medium reception device 5 reads the image data by accessing the recording medium when the recording medium is inserted, and each image data is given to the CPU 1. The display unit 6 and the operation unit 7 have a configuration in which a touch panel is attached to a display screen of a liquid crystal display device, a CRT display device, a plasma display device, or the like. The photo printer device 8 prints each photo image to be printed one by one while temporarily storing it in an internal memory (paper memory). For example, the photo printer device 8 is constituted by a multi-color laser printer capable of high-quality and high-speed printing. Yes. The recording sheet storage unit 10 stores recording sheets of different sizes such as L size, 2L size, and panorama size. The money transfer device 9 has a normal configuration in which the amount of money is counted and given to the CPU 1, or change is discharged according to an instruction from the CPU 1.

  When image printing is instructed at the time of insertion of the recording medium on the customer side, the CPU 1 selects the “manual selection mode” in which the customer arbitrarily selects the printing target from the photographed image group in the recording medium, and sets the printing target. A mode menu screen that enables switching to the “auto selection mode” to be automatically selected is displayed and output. This “manual selection mode” is the same as usual, and when a group of captured images in the recording medium is displayed as a list (thumbnail display), each time an arbitrary image is selected and specified from this list display, Each time a single print is made to print out the selected images one sheet at a time or when a predetermined number of shot images are read from the recording medium, the predetermined number of shot images correspond to a plurality of positions on the same sheet. This is an operation mode for performing multi-printing with additional printing.

  The “auto selection mode” is a multi-print that automatically classifies a plurality of captured images in a recording medium by subject and arranges and prints each captured image classified by subject in association with a plurality of positions on a sheet for each classification unit. This is the operation mode to be performed. In this embodiment, the subject refers to an individual person, and recognizes the person part (face part) included in the photographed image, classifies each photographed image by person, and performs multi-printing. Yes. In addition, each captured image other than a person whose person is not included in the captured image is automatically extracted from the recording medium for multi-printing.

  In this case, when classifying a plurality of photographed images by person, the CPU 1 classifies the photographed image as an image corresponding to the existing classification if the photographed image includes a person who has already been classified. If the photographed image contains a person, the person is identified as a new classification, and the photographed image is classified as an image corresponding to the new classification. In other words, even if you do not prepare a registered image (personal face image) for person recognition in advance, each captured image is classified by person while recognizing the same person just by analyzing the captured image. ing.

When recognizing a person, correct the orientation and size of the face, and then compare the shape, position, size, hairstyle, presence / absence and type of face contour, eyes, mouth, nose, forehead, etc. In addition, a person is recognized by comparing them comprehensively.
In addition, the “auto selection mode” is divided into “group-by-group printing”, in which each photographed image classified by person is sorted and printed on multiple sheets by group (by classification unit), and by group (by classification unit). In addition, there is a “mixed print” mode that prints mixed images of multiple groups on the same sheet, and this “print by group” and “mixed print” modes can be selected arbitrarily. .

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of multi-printing in a case where each photographed image classified by person is sorted and printed on a plurality of sheets by group.
In this case, in the above-described group-by-group print mode, multi-printing is performed on different sheets corresponding to the person X, the person Y, and the person Z. For example, as shown in the figure, a maximum of 6 images are arranged in a 3 × 3 matrix to be multi-printed. The paper size used for multi-printing is, for example, paper larger than the standard size, such as 2L size and panorama size, and each image is reduced and printed ( The same applies hereinafter).

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of multi-printing when each captured image classified by group and classified by person is mixed and printed on the same sheet.
In this case, panorama size paper is used, and for example, each captured image classified by person is divided into groups such as groups G1, G2, and G3, and mixed printing (multi-print) is performed on the same paper. When the number of groups is large, multi-printing is performed on other paper.

FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the print folder 11.
The print folder 11 is a data folder for print data for temporarily storing each photographed image extracted as a print target from the customer's recording medium. The A folder 11-1, the B folder 11-2, and the C folder 11-3. It is divided into. The A folder 11-1, the B folder 11-2, and the C folder 11-3 are used at the time of multi-printing in the “auto selection mode”. The A folder 11-1 is a temporary image that includes a person. The B folder 11-2 is a folder in which each captured image for each group is temporarily stored in the group-by-group print mode, and the C folder 11-3 is a shooting for a person other than a person who does not include a person. A folder in which images are temporarily stored.

  Next, the operation concept of the photographic image printing and selling apparatus in this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. Here, each function described in these flowcharts is stored in the form of a readable program code, and operations according to the program code are sequentially executed. In addition, the operation according to the above-described program code transmitted via the transmission medium can be sequentially executed. That is, in addition to the recording medium, a program / data supplied externally via a transmission medium can be used to execute an operation specific to this embodiment.

5 to 7 are flowcharts showing the overall operation of the photographic image printing and selling apparatus (print vendor).
First, the CPU 1 is in a state waiting for the insertion of a recording medium on the customer side (step S1 in FIG. 5). The menu is displayed and output (step S2). If the “manual selection mode” is selected and designated (YES in step S3), all images are sequentially read from the recording medium (step S4), and each image is displayed as a list (thumbnail display) (step S4). S5). Here, when a print target is selected by touching an arbitrary image position on the list screen (step S6), the CPU 1 stores the selected image in the print folder 11 (step S7). Hereinafter, the above operation is repeated (steps S5 to S8) while accepting the print target for each image until the user instructs the end of selection (step S8).

  Here, when the selection end is instructed by the user (YES in step S8), a menu screen that enables switching between single print / multi-print is displayed and output (step S9). If one-sheet printing is selected (YES in step S10), each image stored in the print folder 11 is read one by one from the top (step S11) and printed on one sheet. Output (step S12). Thereafter, until there is another unprinted image in the print folder 11 (step S13), one-sheet printing is repeated while reading unprinted images one by one from the print folder 11 (steps S11 to S13). As a result, when all the images in the print folder 11 have been printed (NO in step S13), the recording medium is discharged (step S18), and the process returns to the first step S1.

  If multi-print is selected from the menu screen (NO in step S10), each image stored in the print folder 11 is read from the head for a predetermined number (for example, six) (step) S14) After the images are arranged in association with a plurality of positions on the paper memory area (step S15), the images in the paper memory area are printed out according to the arrangement (step S16). Thereafter, until there is another unprinted image in the print folder 11 (step S17), multi-printing is repeated while reading unprinted images from the print folder 11 every predetermined number (steps S14 to S17). As a result, when all the images in the print folder 11 have been printed (NO in step S17), the recording medium is discharged (step S18), and the process returns to the first step S1.

  On the other hand, when the “auto selection mode” is selected (NO in step S3), first, the process proceeds to step S21 in FIG. 6 to display the menu screen. This menu screen has items of “extract person” and “extract person”, and when a print target is selectively extracted from each captured image in the recording medium, a captured image including a person is displayed. Inquires whether to extract a captured image other than a person that does not include a person. If any menu item is selected and designated (step S22), each image in the recording medium is displayed as its image. One image is read from the beginning (step S23), and while recognizing this captured image (step S24), it is checked whether or not a human face portion is included in the captured image (step S25).

  In image recognition in this case, individual person recognition is not performed, and the presence or absence of a standard face portion is examined. For example, when the face is hidden or facing backward, it is recognized that the face portion of the person is not included. If the face portion of the person is included, the captured image is stored in the A folder 11-1 (step S26). If the face portion of the person is not included, the captured image is stored. Store in the C folder 11-3 (step S27). Thereafter, the above-described operation is repeated until all the captured images are distributed to the A folder 11-1 or the C folder 11-3 while reading each image in the recording medium one by one (steps S23 to S28).

  After performing such distribution processing, the CPU 1 checks whether “person extraction” or “exclude person extraction” is selected and specified from the above-described menu screen (step S29). Here, when the item “extract person” is selected and designated (NO in step S29), the C folder 11-3 is specified as the current print folder 11 (step S30), and then the step of FIG. The process moves to S14, and multi-printing is repeated until all the images other than the person in the print folder 11 are read out for every predetermined number of pages until all the images are printed (steps S14 to S17).

  On the other hand, if the item “extract person” is selected from the menu screen (YES in step S29), the first image is selected from the A folder 11-1 (step S31), and this selected image is used for person recognition. It is registered as a reference image and this selected image is stored in the B folder 11-2 (step S32). In this state, one person in the reference image is specified (step S33), and after enlarging the face portion of this specific person, this enlarged image is stored as group identification information in the B folder 11-2 (step S34). Then, the A folder 11-1 is searched based on the face portion of the specific person, all photographed images including the same person are acquired (step S35), and the acquired images are stored in the B folder 11-2 as the same group. (Step S36). That is, for example, after the face portion of the person X is stored as group identification information in the B folder 11-2, all captured images including the person X are acquired from the A folder 11-1, and this acquired image is acquired as the group identification information. And stored in the B folder 11-2.

  Next, it is checked whether or not another person is included in the reference image (step S37). If another person is included, the process returns to step S23 and the above-described operation is repeated (steps S33 to S37). Thus, for example, after the face portion of the person Y is stored as group identification information in the B folder 11-2, all photographed images including the person Y are stored in the B folder 11-2 in association with the group identification information. The Here, after the same processing is repeated for all persons in the reference image, the next image in the A folder 11-1 is selected (step S38), and it is checked whether selection of all images has been completed (step S38). Step S39). Now, since the first image is selected, the second image is selected.

  Then, the process returns to step S32, and the selected image is registered as a new reference image and stored in the B folder 11-2. Thereafter, the same processing as described above is repeated until all the images in the A folder 11-1 are selected. As a result, the plurality of photographed images in the A folder 11-1 are classified into groups corresponding to persons and stored in the B folder 11-2. In this case, for example, not only a photograph in which the person X is photographed alone, but also a group photograph in which the persons X, Y, and Z are photographed together is classified as a group of the persons X.

  Next, the process proceeds to step S41 in FIG. 7, and each captured image in the B folder 11-2 is read for each group and displayed as a thumbnail, and a menu screen is displayed and output (step S42). In this case, each captured image is displayed as a thumbnail on the same screen together with its identification information (face image) for each group, and items of “print by group” and “mixed print” are displayed on the menu screen. When the “print by group” mode is selected and designated (YES in step S43), group selection as a print target is accepted (step S44). In this case, the customer selects and designates an arbitrary group from the thumbnail screen. At that time, in order to be able to select a plurality of groups as the print target group, in step S45, it is determined whether or not the user has instructed completion of selection. The selection of the print target group is accepted until an instruction to end the selection is received.

  When the printing target group is selected in this way, the B folder 11-2 is searched, the selected printing target group is designated (step S46), and a predetermined number of images are read from the designated group (step S47). ) After the images are arranged in association with a plurality of positions on the paper memory area (step S48), the images in the paper memory area are printed out according to the arrangement (step S49). Thereafter, until there are other unprinted images in the designated group (step S50), the multi-printing is repeated while reading unprinted images from the designated group for every predetermined number (steps S47 to S50). As a result, when all the images in one designated group have been printed (NO in step S50), it is checked whether there is an undesignated group in the B folder 11-2 (step S51). Returning to S46, the same multi-printing is repeated for the next group. Thereafter, after the recording medium is discharged (step S18 in FIG. 5), the process returns to the first step S1.

  On the other hand, when the “mixed print” mode is selected and specified from the menu screen (NO in step S43), after specifying the B folder 11-2 as the current print folder 11 (step S52), FIG. In step S14, multi-printing is repeated until all the images in the print folder 11 are printed for each group while reading all the images in the print folder 11 (steps S14 to S17). In this case, as shown in FIG. 3, the photographic images for a plurality of groups are mixedly printed on the same sheet divided into groups.

  As described above, in the photographic image printing and selling apparatus according to this embodiment, when the recording medium is inserted from the customer, the CPU 1 recognizes the person portion included in the photographed image and recognizes a plurality of parts in the recording medium. The photographed images are classified into groups for each person, and each photographed image classified for each person is arranged in association with a plurality of positions on the sheet for each group and printed out from the photo printer device 8. When multiple shots are placed on paper and multi-printing is performed, each shot image that is automatically categorized into multiple shots can be multi-printed by group, and the user can check the image contents before printing. The troublesome work of selecting one by one is completely unnecessary. In this case, even if there are a large number of photographed images, each photographed image can be multi-printed while being classified quickly and accurately by person, which is highly practical.

  In this case, when classifying a plurality of photographed images by person, the CPU 1 classifies the photographed image as an image corresponding to the existing classification if the photographed image includes a person already classified, and is not classified. In the case of a captured image including a person, this person is specified as a new classification, and this captured image is classified as an image corresponding to the new classification. Therefore, a special image used for classifying the captured image by person is used. Even if the information is not input and set in advance, it is possible to classify even the disorderly photographed images by analyzing the photographed images, and realize automatic classification without the need for human intervention. It becomes possible.

  In addition, each shot image classified by person is assigned to a plurality of papers by group or printed on the same paper by grouping, so it can be specified as required. Thus, it is possible to obtain a multi-print in the printing form to be performed and to improve convenience. Furthermore, prior to multi-printing each captured image classified by person, an arbitrary classification is selected from the candidate display in a state where the classification for each person is displayed as a selection candidate for printing. At this time, since each captured image corresponding to the selected classification is multi-printed, it is possible to obtain a multi-print in which only the captured images of the desired classification are printed.

  On the other hand, as a result of determining whether or not a person is included in the captured image while recognizing the face image portion of the person, if the person is included, each captured image including the person is extracted. Thus, since the user performs multi-printing, the troublesome work of selecting the print target one by one while confirming the image content by automating multi-printing becomes unnecessary. In this case, even if there are an enormous number of photographed images, it is possible to perform multi-printing while quickly and accurately extracting each photographed image relating to a person from among them, which is highly practical.

  In this case, each extracted photographed image is classified according to the person included in it, and each photographed image classified according to person is multiprinted for each person, so that a multiprint for each person is obtained. Can do. In addition, it is possible to discriminate between a captured image including a person and a captured image other than a person that does not include a person, extract a captured image other than a person, and multi-print each captured image other than the extracted person. Therefore, it is possible to obtain multi-prints other than people.

In the above-described embodiment, when a person is recognized, the person is recognized based on the face portion. However, the person may be recognized in consideration of the height, hairstyle, gender and the like of the person. .
Further, in the above-described embodiments, the case where the subject is a person is exemplified, but the subject may be, for example, a pet, a building, a landscape, or the like, and each person, pet, or building In addition to classifying by the same subject as in the above, it may be classified by subject type such as person, sea, mountain, car, etc., and the classification form is not limited.

Further, although not particularly mentioned in the above-described embodiments, the reduced size of the image may be determined according to the number of images in one group.
Furthermore, when performing multi-printing, printing forms such as image arrangement and image size are also arbitrary, and any form may be selected and designated from a plurality of printing forms prepared in advance.

In the above-described embodiment, the customer's recording medium is loaded into the photographic image printing and selling apparatus. However, a still image is transmitted from the customer's digital camera to the photographic image printing and selling apparatus via the network for printing. Alternatively, the digital camera itself may be directly connected to the photographic image print sales apparatus.
Furthermore, not only in the photographic image printing and sales apparatus, for example, a recording medium in which a still image is recorded and stored may be inserted into a home personal computer or printer apparatus, or transmitted via a network to perform multi-printing. Good. Furthermore, the print target is not limited to an image captured with a still image, and an image frame extracted from a moving image captured with a moving image may be printed.

  On the other hand, a recording medium (for example, a CD-ROM, a flexible disk, a RAM card, etc.) on which program codes for executing the above-described units are recorded may be provided to the computer. That is, a recording medium having a computer-readable program code, a function of classifying a plurality of captured images by subject while recognizing a subject portion included in the captured image, and each photographing classified by subject It is also possible to provide a computer-readable recording medium that records a program for realizing a function of arranging and printing an image in association with a plurality of positions on a sheet for each classification unit.

  A computer-readable recording medium having a program code that includes a person and a function for determining whether or not a person is included in a captured image while recognizing a person's face image portion. A function for extracting the captured image from the plurality of captured images each time it is determined, and a function for arranging and printing out the extracted captured images in association with a plurality of positions on the sheet. It is also possible to provide a computer-readable recording medium in which a program for causing the program to be recorded is recorded.

The block diagram which showed the basic component of the photograph image printing sales apparatus. The figure which showed the example of a multi-print when each picked-up image classified according to the person is divided and printed on the some paper according to the group. The figure which showed the multi-print example at the time of printing by mixing each picked-up image classified by group and classified by person on the same paper. The figure for demonstrating the print folder 11. FIG. The flowchart which showed the whole operation | movement of the photograph image printing sales apparatus (print vendor). The flowchart which showed the whole operation | movement of the photographic image printing sales apparatus following FIG. The flowchart which showed the whole operation | movement of the photograph image printing sales apparatus following FIG. 5, FIG.

Explanation of symbols

1 CPU
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 2 Memory | storage part 5 Recording media reception apparatus 6 Display part 7 Operation part 8 Photo printer apparatus 9 Money transfer apparatus 11, 11-1, 11-2, 11-3 Print folder

Claims (10)

An image printing apparatus having a multi-print function for printing a plurality of captured images on a sheet,
Classification means for classifying the plurality of captured images by subject while recognizing a subject portion included in the captured image;
Print control means for arranging and printing out each captured image classified by the subject by the classification means in association with a plurality of positions on the paper for each classification unit;
An image printing apparatus comprising: When classifying a plurality of captured images by subject, the classification means classifies the captured image as an image corresponding to the existing classification if the captured image includes a subject that has already been classified. If the captured image includes a subject, the subject is identified as a new classification, and the captured image is classified as an image corresponding to the new classification.
2. The image printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image printing apparatus is configured as described above. Mode switching means for arbitrarily switching and specifying an operation mode in which each captured image classified by subject is individually printed on a plurality of sheets by classification unit and an operation mode to be printed on the same sheet by classification unit. Provided,
The printing control means performs a printing operation according to the operation mode designated by the mode switching means.
2. The image printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image printing apparatus is configured as described above. Prior to printing each captured image classified by subject, when an arbitrary category is selected from the candidate display in a state where the classification for each subject is displayed as a selection candidate for printing. The print control means arranges and prints each photographed image corresponding to the selected classification in association with a plurality of positions on the paper.
2. The image printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image printing apparatus is configured as described above. Against the computer,
A function for classifying a plurality of captured images by subject while recognizing the subject portion included in the captured image,
A function of arranging and printing out each captured image classified by subject in association with a plurality of positions on the paper for each classification unit;
A program to realize An image printing apparatus having a multi-print function for printing a plurality of captured images on a sheet,
A discriminating means for discriminating whether or not a person is included in the photographed image while recognizing the face image portion of the person;
Extracting means for extracting the photographed image from the plurality of photographed images every time it is determined by the determining means that a person is included;
Print control means for arranging and printing out each captured image extracted by the extraction means in association with a plurality of positions on the paper;
An image printing apparatus comprising: Classifying means for classifying each photographed image extracted by the extracting means according to the person included therein,
The print control means arranges and prints each captured image classified by person in association with a plurality of positions on a sheet for each person.
The image printing apparatus according to claim 6, which is configured as described above. When classifying a plurality of photographed images by person, the classification means classifies the photographed image as an image corresponding to the existing classification if the photographed image includes a person who has already been classified. If this image is a captured image, the person is identified as a new classification, and the captured image is classified as an image corresponding to the new classification.
The image printing apparatus according to claim 7, which is configured as described above. The determination unit determines a captured image including a person and a captured image other than a person that does not include a person,
The extraction means extracts a photographed image other than the person from a plurality of photographed images,
The print control unit arranges and prints each captured image other than the extracted person in association with a plurality of positions on the paper;
The image printing apparatus according to claim 6, which is configured as described above. Against the computer,
A function for determining whether or not a person is included in a captured image while recognizing the face image portion of the person,
A function of extracting the captured image from the plurality of captured images every time it is determined that a person is included;
A function of arranging and printing out the extracted captured images in association with a plurality of positions on the paper;
A program to realize

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