JP2006148538A - Direct printer - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a direct printer capable of acquiring text data such as a place name and a landmark name from position information attached to a digital image, compositing the text data with a digital image and further attaching a comment of position information easier to understand by registering optional text data corresponding to the position information. <P>SOLUTION: GPS (global positioning system) information is acquired from Exif information of image data to be subjected to direct printing, and photographing place information is acquired through a network. The photographing place information is printed in an image or on the back side of the paper when the photographing place information is subjected to direct printing. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a direct printer that reads and prints an arbitrary digital image from a memory card on which the digital image is recorded.

  Conventionally, in order to print a digital image taken with a digital camera or the like with a printer, a method is generally used in which a digital image is stored on a hard disk on a PC, and then viewed, edited, and printed using software on the PC. Met.

  Moreover, recent printers have a card slot for inserting a memory card used in a digital camera or the like and an operation panel for receiving a print setting instruction from a user. Some have a function of printing a digital image on a card (so-called direct print function).

  Digital images taken with a digital camera or the like are stored in the Exif format, which is a standard for image files for digital cameras. Additional information can be obtained by taking a digital camera with a GPS (global positioning system) device. As described above, position information such as latitude and longitude can be recorded.

  When printing a digital image to which such position information is added, there is a desire to print a comment (for example, “photographing place: in Asakusa”) according to the position information on the print surface.

  However, in the conventional direct printer, after storing the digital image on the hard disk on the PC, the detailed position is calculated from the position information (latitude / longitude) added to the digital image using software on the PC or database on the network. An operation of acquiring information, using image editing software, etc., and synthesizing and printing the acquired position information on a digital image is necessary, which is not very complicated and easy.

Therefore, in order to solve the above problem, Patent Document 1 proposes an image processing apparatus that searches for map image information from position information added to a digital image, and combines the digital image and the map image information into one image. ing.
JP 2001-266169 A

  However, in the image processing apparatus of Patent Document 1, since the digital image and the map image information are combined and printed, it is difficult to see the output digital image. Another problem is that map information is difficult to understand. Further, due to the nature of a map image, there is a problem that it is costly to be incorporated in the image processing apparatus.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to acquire text data such as a place name and a landmark name from position information added to a digital image and synthesize it into the digital image. And providing a direct printer capable of printing. It is another object of the present invention to provide a direct printer capable of registering arbitrary text data corresponding to position information and adding a comment of position information more easily understood.

  The present invention relates to a direct printer that reads and prints an arbitrary digital image from a memory card on which the digital image is recorded, and has a reading unit that reads the digital image from the memory card, and is added to the read digital image. A direct printer comprising: acquisition means for acquiring text data of shooting location information from position information; and combining means for combining the read digital image and text data of acquired shooting location information.

  Further, the apparatus includes an input unit that allows the user to input text data of shooting location information, and a storage unit that stores the positional information added to the digital image and the text data of the input shooting location information in association with each other. It is a printer.

  The direct printer further comprises display means for displaying the text data of the acquired shooting location information, and text data selection means for allowing the user to select a portion to be printed from the displayed text data.

  Further, the present invention is a direct printer characterized by comprising an arrangement location selection means that allows a user to select an arrangement location of text data of shooting location information.

  According to the direct printer of the present invention, in the direct printing in which an arbitrary digital image is read out from the memory card on which the digital image is recorded and printed, the text data of the shooting location information is obtained from the position information added to the read digital image. Is acquired, and the read digital image and the text data of the acquired shooting location information are combined to enable easy printing including the shooting location information.

  In addition, by allowing the user to input text data of shooting location information, the location information added to the digital image and the text data of the input shooting location information are stored in association with each other, thereby including more easily understood shooting location information. Printing is possible.

  Further, by displaying the text data of the shooting location information and allowing the user to select a portion to be printed from the displayed text data, it is possible to print including shooting location information that is easier to understand.

  In addition, by allowing the user to select the location of the text data of the shooting location information, it is possible to perform printing including shooting location information that is easier to understand.

  Hereinafter, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to examples.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a direct printer according to an embodiment of the present invention. A direct print function for reading and directly printing image data of a predetermined standard stored in a memory card attached to a digital camera or the like. This corresponds to the case of an ink jet printer equipped with

  In the printer 100 shown in FIG. 1, reference numeral 101 denotes a memory card slot into which a memory card such as a compact flash (registered trademark) in which an image taken by a digital camera (not shown) is stored is inserted. An operation panel 102 is provided with various operation keys. By instructing various operation keys according to an image displayed on the liquid crystal panel 103, an operation screen, and a print setting screen, an image selection, image operation, print setting, and print instruction are performed. It is configured to be able to do.

  The printer 100 can print the image data on the memory card by setting the print on the operation panel 102 when the memory card on which the image data taken by the digital camera is recorded is inserted into the memory card slot 101. Yes, it is possible to print on a sheet, layout, quality, etc. in which image data is designated by a single printer without using a PC. Hereinafter, the printing process of the printer alone may be referred to as direct printing.

  Details of the direct printer of this embodiment will be described below.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the direct printer according to the embodiment of the present invention, and corresponds to a basic configuration example of the printer 200.

  In FIG. 2, a printer 200 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 201 that calculates, determines, and controls data and commands, a communication interface 202 for communicating with a PC, a temporary storage area for various data, and a print buffer. A RAM 203 for use as an operating system, a ROM 204 that is a read-only storage area for an operating system and other control programs, a non-volatile memory (EEPROM) 205 that is used as a storage area for printer engine information and user-registered shooting location information to be described later, Printer engine 206 including LF motor, carriage motor, print head and various sensors, various buttons and LEDs used for power-on, image display, image designation, various print settings, selection and input of shooting location information to be described later, liquid crystal panel Operations consisting of Panel 208 and operation panel controller 207, memory card controller 209 for reading image data from the memory card, image processing controller 210 composed of ASIC for image processing, etc., and location name and land from position information (latitude / longitude) It consists of a position information database 211 for searching for mark names and the like. Reference numeral 212 denotes a system bus.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a data processing configuration in the printer shown in FIG. In FIG. 3, a printer 300 has a printing function from a general personal computer and a direct printing function for printing image data on a memory card by the printer alone.

  The communication interface unit 301 controls an external interface such as a USB and exchanges data with an external device such as a personal computer.

  When the communication interface unit 301 receives print data from an external device, the printer controller unit 302 generates print data according to the received print command, and the printer engine unit 303 executes print processing. The printer engine unit 303 executes print processing using print data generated by the direct print controller unit 304 during direct printing.

  The printer 300 includes an operation panel 208 including various buttons, LEDs, and a liquid crystal panel as a user interface. The operation panel controller unit 306 controls the various buttons, LEDs, and the liquid crystal panel.

  The memory card controller unit 305 reads image data from the memory card inserted in the memory card slot. The position information added to the image data is also read.

  When position information is added to the image data, the position information search unit 307 obtains shooting location information such as a place name and a landmark name from the position information database 308 based on the position information read by the memory card controller unit 305. get. Further, the shooting location information registration unit 309 searches for the shooting location registration information corresponding to the read position information, and if it exists, acquires the shooting location information.

  Further, the shooting location information registration unit 309 stores the character information input in the operation panel controller unit 306 in the nonvolatile memory (EEPROM) 205 as user registration shooting location information in association with the position information of the image data.

  The direct print controller unit 304 receives the image data selected from the memory card controller unit 305 based on the selected image information and paper setting information set on the operation panel 208 when the print start button is instructed on the operation panel 208. Acquire and generate print data. At this time, the direct print controller unit 304 generates print data from the image data read from the memory card controller unit 305 and the shooting location information acquired by the position information search unit 308.

  The image data of the present embodiment is, for example, digital image data taken with a digital camera, stored in the Exif format, which is a standard for digital camera image files, and latitude / longitude information of GPS (Global Positioning System). A directory tag for is defined. When shooting with a digital camera with a built-in GPS device, position information such as latitude and longitude can be recorded.

  In the direct printer according to the present embodiment, the position information database 308 is built in the printer main body. However, for example, the position information database 308 may be configured outside the printer as a WWW server on the Internet. In this case, an interface unit (network communication unit) with an external database may be further provided.

  FIG. 4 is a plan view for explaining the detailed configuration of the operation panel 202 of the printer 200 shown in FIG.

  In the operation panel 400 shown in FIG. 4, reference numeral 401 denotes a power key which is instructed when the printer is turned on / off.

  Reference numeral 402 denotes a selection / decision button that is instructed when various items displayed on the liquid crystal panel 406 are selected / determined or when image data displayed on the liquid crystal panel 406 is viewed. It is also instructed when selecting a part to be printed from text data of shooting location information, which will be described later, when selecting an arrangement location of text data of shooting location information, or inputting text data of shooting location information. .

  Reference numeral 403 denotes a print start button which is instructed when starting direct printing. When the print start button 403 is instructed, the image data in the memory card is printed in the print mode, the selected image, and the paper / print setting designated by the menu button 407 or the paper / setting button 408.

  Reference numeral 404 denotes a print cancel button which is instructed when canceling direct print processing.

  Reference numeral 405 denotes an enlargement / reduction button which is instructed when an image displayed on the liquid crystal panel 406 is enlarged.

  Reference numeral 406 denotes a liquid crystal panel. When the user confirms an image and setting items displayed on the liquid crystal panel 406 and operates the selection determination button 402, the display image can be viewed, the print image can be selected, the print mode, and the like. Setting and selection / input of shooting location information.

  A menu button 407 is instructed when a selection screen for selecting a print mode, for example, an all-image print mode, an image designation print mode, an index print mode, or a layout print mode is displayed on the liquid crystal panel 406. In the print mode selection screen displayed by the instruction of the menu button 407, the print mode can be selected by instructing the selection determination button 402. FIG. 5A is a diagram illustrating an example of a selection screen displayed on the liquid crystal panel 406 when the print mode is selected.

  A paper / setting button 408 is instructed when a selection screen for selecting various items such as paper size, paper type, print quality, date position, and shooting location information print position selection is displayed on the liquid crystal panel 406. In the selection screen for various settings such as paper displayed by the instruction of the paper setting button 408, the user can select various settings by instructing the selection determination button 402. FIG. 5B is a diagram illustrating an example of a paper size selection screen which is one of selection screens displayed on the liquid crystal panel 406 when various settings such as paper are selected.

  Reference numeral 409 denotes a shooting location information button which is instructed when shifting to a mode for displaying and registering shooting location information (character string) corresponding to position information added to image data. In the character input screen displayed by the instruction of the shooting location information button 409, the shooting location information (character string) can be input by instructing the selection decision button 402.

  Hereinafter, various functions related to shooting location information in the printer of this embodiment will be described.

[1. (Shooting location information display function)
A display function of shooting location information in the printer of this embodiment will be described. 6 shows a display function of shooting location information, and 2. It is a figure which shows the processing flow of the registration function of imaging location information.

An image for which shooting location information is desired to be displayed is selected using the liquid crystal panel 406 and the selection determination button 402, and the shooting location information button 409 is designated. The memory card controller unit 305 reads position information from the GPS directory tag in the Exif format from the image data (S601). If location information exists, for example
GPSLatitudeRef: N
GPSLatitude: 35/1, 33/1, 5000/100
GPS LongitudeRef: E
GPS Longitude: 139/1, 41/1, 700/100
It is possible to read out latitude / longitude information such as

  The position information search unit 308 uses the read latitude / longitude information to acquire shooting location information such as a place name and a landmark name from the position information database 309 (S602). In the case of the above latitude / longitude information, the shooting location information of “3-chome Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo” can be acquired.

  The position information search unit 308 displays the acquired shooting location information on the liquid crystal panel 406 (S603). In the case of the above example, as shown in FIG. 8A, the shooting location information of “3-chome Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo” is displayed.

  Further, the position information search unit 308 also searches the shooting location information registration unit 310 (S602), and when the latitude / longitude information of the image data is close to the latitude / longitude information registered in the shooting location information registration unit 310, The shooting location information registered in association with the latitude / longitude information is also displayed (S603). For example, when a shooting location “company” is registered for the latitude / longitude information, two shooting location information of “3-chome Shimomaruko Ota-ku” “company” is displayed as shown in FIG. 8B. Is done.

  In the shooting location information display state, when the determination button of the selection determination button 402 is instructed, the screen returns to the display screen of the selected image (S605). When the shooting location information button 409 is instructed again (S606), the shooting location input mode is entered (S607) (details are described in [2. Shooting location information registration function]).

  If there is no position information in the image data, a message “GPS position information does not exist in this image” is displayed on the liquid crystal panel 406 (S604), and the display returns to the display screen of the selected image.

[2. (Recording location information registration function)
Above 1. When the shooting location information button 409 is instructed in the shooting location information display state (FIG. 8A), the shooting location input mode is entered (S607), and a character input screen is displayed on the liquid crystal panel 406.

  On this screen, arbitrary shooting location information (for example, “company”) is input using the up / down / left / right / decision buttons of the selection decision button 402 and other buttons.

  When the shooting location information button 409 is instructed again (S608), the shooting location information registration unit 310 registers the input shooting location information in the nonvolatile memory (EEPROM) 205 together with the latitude / longitude information of the image data (S609). .

Above 1. In the case of latitude / longitude information, as shown in the first line of FIG.
E, 139, 41, 0700, N, 35, 33, 5000, “Company”
Is registered.

  Thereafter, in the case of printing or displaying the shooting location of the image data having position information in the vicinity of the latitude / longitude information registered in the non-volatile memory (EEPROM) 205, the shooting acquired from the position information database 309 is used. The shooting location information registered in the nonvolatile memory (EEPROM) 205 is printed and displayed together with the location information.

[3. (Photo location selection function for shooting location information)
When the paper setting button 408 is instructed and the tab of the shooting location information position is selected, a print location selection screen (FIG. 5C) of the shooting location information is displayed. As the printing position of the shooting location information, one of “lower right”, “lower left”, “upper right”, “upper left”, and “not printing” can be selected and determined by operating the selection determination button 402. The example of the print result in FIG. 10 is a print result when the print position “lower right” is selected.

[4. (Photographing location information printing function)
A printing function for shooting location information in the printer of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 7 shows a shooting location information printing function and a later-described 5. It is a figure which shows the processing flow of the selection function of imaging location information.

  An image to be printed is selected by the liquid crystal panel 406 and the selection determination button 402, and a print start button 403 is instructed. The memory card controller unit 305 reads latitude / longitude information from the GPS directory tag in the Exif format from the image data (S701).

  If the position information does not exist in the image data, the direct print controller unit 304 generates print data from the image data read from the memory card controller unit 305 (S709), and executes print processing (S710).

  The position information search unit 308 uses the read latitude / longitude information to acquire shooting location information such as a place name and a landmark name from the position information database 309 (S702). Above 1. In the case of the latitude / longitude information, the shooting location information of “3-chome Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo” can be acquired. The position information search unit 308 displays the acquired shooting location information on the liquid crystal panel 406 (S703).

  The position information search unit 308 also searches the shooting location information registration unit 310 (S702), and when the latitude / longitude information of the image data is in the vicinity of the latitude / longitude information registered in the shooting location information registration unit 310. Also displays the registered shooting location information (S703).

  For example, when a shooting location “company” is registered for the latitude / longitude information, two shooting location information of “3 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo” and “Company” are stored as shown in FIG. 8B. Is displayed.

  Here, by instructing a determination button of the selection determination button 402 (S704), print data is generated from the image data and the displayed shooting location information (“Shitamaruko 3-chome, Ota-ku, Tokyo” “Company”) and printed. Execute the process.

  The direct print controller unit 304 generates print data from the image data read from the memory card controller unit 305 and the shooting location information acquired by the position information search unit 308 (S708), and the printer engine unit 303 performs print processing. Execute (S710).

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print result.

[5. (Shooting location information selection function)
4. above. In the same manner as in the above procedure, when an image is selected and the print start button 403 is designated, position information is read from the image data (S701). If position information exists in the image data, the position information database 309 and the shooting location information registration unit 310 are read. The shooting location information is acquired (S702) and displayed on the liquid crystal panel 406 (S703) (FIG. 8B).

  If it is desired to change the shooting position information in this state, the shooting location information selection mode is entered by instructing the up / down / left / right button of the selection decision button 402 (S705). In the shooting location information selection mode, a desired character string is selected by instructing the up / down / left / right buttons of the selection decision button 402. When selecting a plurality of shooting position information, selection is performed using the up and down buttons of the selection determination button 402. When a part of the character string of the shooting position information is selected, the selection is performed using the left and right buttons of the selection determination button 402 (S706).

  For example, when the upper button of the selection determination button 402 is instructed in the state of FIG. 8B, as shown in FIG. 8C, the first shooting location information (“3 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo”) is obtained. It is highlighted and switches to the selected state.

  Further, when the down button of the selection determination button 402 is instructed in the state of FIG. 8C, the selected shooting location information is switched to the next item (“company”) as shown in FIG. 8D.

  When the right button of the selection determination button 402 is instructed in the state of FIG. 8C, the start position of the selected character string is shifted by one character as shown in FIG. By operating the left and right buttons a plurality of times, it is possible to select an arbitrary character string (“lower circle”) as shown in FIG.

  When it is desired to perform printing with the shooting location information selected in this way (for example, “Shimomaruko”), the print data is selected from the image data and the selected shooting location information by instructing the decision button of the selection decision button 402 (S707). Is generated (S708), and the printing process is executed (S710).

It is a figure which shows an example of the printer which shows one Embodiment of this invention. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printer according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a data processing configuration in the printer shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a plan view illustrating a detailed configuration of an operation panel of the printer illustrated in FIG. 1. It is a figure which shows an example of the display by the liquid crystal panel of the printer which concerns on this invention. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a data processing procedure in the printer according to the present invention. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a data processing procedure in the printer according to the present invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the display by the liquid crystal panel of the printer which concerns on this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the imaging | photography place information registration in the printer which concerns on this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the printing result which concerns on this invention.

Explanation of symbols

100 Direct Printer 101 Memory Card Slot 102 Operation Panel 103 Liquid Crystal Panel

Claims (4)

In a direct printer that reads and prints a digital image from a removable storage medium,
Reading means for reading a digital image from a removable storage medium;
Acquisition means for acquiring text data of shooting location information from position information added to the read digital image;
A combining means for combining the read digital image and the text data of the acquired shooting location information;
A direct printer comprising: The direct printer further includes:
An input means by which a user can input text data of shooting location information;
Storage means for storing the positional information added to the digital image and the text data of the input shooting location information in association with each other;
The direct printer according to claim 1, further comprising: The direct printer further includes:
Display means for displaying text data of the acquired shooting location information;
Text data selection means that allows the user to select a portion to be printed from the displayed text data;
The direct printer according to claim 1, further comprising: The direct printer further includes:
An arrangement location selection means by which the user can select an arrangement location of the text data of the shooting location information;
The direct printer according to claim 1, further comprising: