JP2006253801A - Display processor, printer, display processing method, and its program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To present contents of an asset to a user with a display form suitable to a type of asset. <P>SOLUTION: An image of a composite type asset including a plurality of image files and an image of an individual asset including a singular image file are displayed on a display part as thumbnails by arranging them side by side. Whenever the user depresses a display switching key after selecting the composite type asset from among the displayed images of various assets, it is switched in the order of a composite slide show display screen 84, an individual display screen 85, a metadata display screen 86, and an all-image slide show display screen 87. Whenever the user depresses the display switching key after selecting the individual asset, it is switched in the order of the individual display screen 85, the metadata display screen 86, and the all-image slide show display screen 87. In this way, it is possible to change the display form corresponding to the type of selected asset. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a display processing device, a printing device, a display processing method, and a program thereof.

Conventionally, as a display processing apparatus that displays and selects an image included in a file, an apparatus that displays a group of a plurality of files has been proposed (for example, see Patent Document 1). The apparatus described in Patent Document 1 automatically groups files that satisfy a predetermined condition (for example, the next file is recorded within one hour from the previous file), and displays a representative image of the group in another group. It is possible to switch between displaying thumbnails together with images or displaying thumbnails of all images included in a group together with other images. In this way, images included in the group can be confirmed with thumbnails.
Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2000-41209 (FIG. 9)

  However, in the display processing apparatus described in Patent Document 1, even when the user selects a group of files that satisfy a predetermined condition and instructs display switching, the user selects an individual file that is not a group. Even when the display switching instruction is given, the reproduction is only started from the image selected by the user, and the display mode does not change depending on whether it is a group or an individual file. In other words, it may be appropriate to present the contents of the group to the user in a display manner different from that for the individual file, but this point has not been considered.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a problem, and provides a display processing device, a printing device, a display processing method, and a program thereof capable of presenting the contents of an asset to a user in a display mode suitable for the type of asset. The purpose is to provide.

  The present invention adopts the following means in order to achieve the above-mentioned object.

The display processing apparatus of the present invention
A display means capable of displaying various assets including a grouping asset including a plurality of image files and an individual asset including a single image file side by side;
An asset selection means that allows a user to select any of the various assets displayed side by side on the display means;
Instruction acquisition means capable of acquiring a display switching instruction from a user;
After any of the various assets displayed side by side on the display means is selected by the asset selection means, the instruction acquisition means sets the type of the selected asset every time the instruction acquisition means acquires a display switching instruction from the user. Display control means for switching the display mode according to the display means and displaying on the display means;
It is equipped with.

  In this display processing device, various assets including a grouping asset including a plurality of image files and an individual asset including a single image file are displayed side by side, and one of the various assets displayed side by side is selected, and then the user is selected. Each time a display switching instruction is acquired, the display mode is switched according to the type of the selected asset. Therefore, the contents of the asset can be presented to the user in a display mode suitable for the asset type. Here, “asset” refers to a group of files, for example, a single file or a plurality of files.

  In the display processing apparatus according to the present invention, the display control unit is configured to switch the display from the user after the grouping asset is selected by the asset selection unit among various assets displayed side by side on the display unit. Each time an instruction is acquired, at least images of a plurality of image files included in the grouping asset are enlarged and sequentially displayed on the display means, and an image of one image file of the plurality of image files May be switched to an individual display mode to be displayed on the display means and displayed on the display means. In this way, you can check all the images included in the asset by zooming in order in a short time, or zooming in on one image and checking it carefully. Easy to check the image according to the purpose. At this time, the display control unit is configured to display the sequential display mode in which the images of the plurality of image files included in the grouping asset are enlarged and sequentially displayed on the display unit. When the display switching instruction is acquired, the display means may be switched to the individual display mode of the image displayed on the display means when the instruction is acquired. In this way, it is easy to select a target image from the images displayed in order and perform subsequent processing on the selected image.

  In the display processing apparatus of the present invention, the grouping asset includes metadata about the asset, and the display control unit selects the grouping asset among the various assets displayed side by side on the display unit by the asset selection unit. After that, every time the instruction acquisition means acquires a display switching instruction from a user, the sequential display mode, the individual display mode, and the metadata display mode for displaying the metadata of the grouping asset are switched, and You may display on a display means. In this way, it is possible to confirm the contents of the metadata of the grouping asset in addition to the confirmation of the image of the grouping asset.

  In the display processing apparatus of the present invention, the individual asset includes metadata regarding the asset, and the display control unit is configured so that the individual asset is displayed by the asset selection unit among various assets displayed side by side on the display unit. After the selection, each time the instruction acquisition means acquires a display switching instruction from a user, an individual display mode for enlarging and displaying an image of at least one image file included in the individual asset and a meta for the individual asset The display unit may be switched between metadata display modes for displaying data. In this way, it is possible to check the metadata of the individual asset in addition to checking the image of the individual asset.

  In the display processing apparatus of the present invention, the display control unit may switch the display from the user after the asset selection unit selects any of the various assets displayed side by side on the display unit. Each time the instruction is acquired, at least the display mode including the entire image display mode in which the images of the image files included in all the assets displayed on the display unit are enlarged and displayed in order is switched and displayed on the display unit. May be. In this way, it is possible to easily confirm what images are included in all the assets that can be selected by the asset selection means. At this time, the display control unit may enlarge only the representative image of the images included in the plurality of image files included in the grouping asset and display the display unit on the display unit when displaying the entire image display mode. Good. Alternatively, when the display control unit displays the all-image display mode on the display unit, the plurality of images included in the grouping asset are enlarged and displayed in order on the display unit. You may let them.

  The display processing apparatus according to the present invention includes at least one of group information that collects information of one or more assets having a predetermined relationship and information of assets that exist individually, and is created so that an asset can be acquired by the information including the information. Asset acquisition means capable of acquiring the various assets using the asset management information. In this way, assets can be acquired relatively easily by using asset management information.

  The display processing apparatus of the present invention includes an asset type determination unit that determines a type of the asset based on metadata included in the asset, and the display control unit includes the asset type determined by the asset type determination unit. The type information may be displayed on the display unit together with the image included in the asset. In this way, the asset type information is displayed together with the image, so that the user can easily recognize the asset type. At this time, the display control means may display the asset type information as an icon on an image included in the asset. In this way, space can be used more effectively than when asset type information is displayed in a portion other than an image. Moreover, since the asset type information is displayed with icons, it is easy to visually recognize.

  In the display processing apparatus of the present invention, when the various types of assets are displayed side by side, the display control unit displays a display position of an asset that does not include the image when the various assets include an asset that does not include the image. Alternatively, predetermined images may be displayed side by side on the display means. In this way, since a predetermined image is displayed at the display position of an asset that does not include an image, it is easy to check which asset does not include an image.

  In the display processing apparatus of the present invention, the asset selection means may be selectable by the user as an asset for printing any one of various assets displayed side by side on the display means. In this way, the asset to be printed can be selected.

  The printing apparatus of the present invention includes the above-described display processing apparatus (that can select an image to be printed), a printing unit that prints an image included in the asset selected by the display processing apparatus on a recording medium with a colorant, It is equipped with. Since a printing apparatus often displays an image to be printed on a display unit and allows a user to select it, it is highly significant to apply the present invention.

The display processing method of the present invention includes:
A display processing method using display means for displaying an image and instruction acquisition means capable of acquiring a display switching instruction from a user,
(A) displaying various assets including grouping assets including a plurality of image files and individual assets including a single image file side by side on the display means;
(B) a user selecting one of the various assets displayed side by side on the display means in the step (a);
(C) After the step (b), whenever the instruction acquisition unit acquires a display switching instruction from the user, the display mode is switched according to the type of asset selected in the step (b). Steps to display in
Is included.

  In this display processing method, various assets including a grouping asset including a plurality of image files and an individual asset including a single image file are displayed side by side, and one of the various assets displayed side by side is selected, and then a user is selected. Each time a display switching instruction is acquired, the display mode is switched according to the type of the selected asset. Therefore, the contents of the asset can be presented to the user in a display mode suitable for the asset type. In this display processing method, various aspects of the display processing device described above may be adopted, and steps for realizing the functions of the display processing device described above may be added.

  The program of the present invention is for causing one or more computers to execute each step of the display processing method described above. This program may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium (for example, hard disk, ROM, FD, CD, DVD, etc.), or from a computer via a transmission medium (communication network such as the Internet or LAN). It may be distributed to another computer, or may be exchanged in any other form. If this program is executed by one computer or distributed to a plurality of computers, each step of the above-described display processing method is executed, so that the same effect as the above-described display processing method can be obtained.

  Next, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described using examples.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a multifunction printer 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of an operation panel 40, FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of a manifest, and FIG. A conceptual diagram of the route manifest 61 is shown, and (b) is a conceptual diagram of the manifest 71. As shown in FIG. 1, the multi-function printer 10 controls a reader / writer 16 that connects a memory card 18 inserted into a slot 17 in a readable / writable manner, a scanner mechanism 21 that executes a scanner function, and the scanner mechanism 21. A scanner unit 20 including a scanner ASIC 22, a printer mechanism 31 that realizes a printer function, a printer unit 30 including a printer ASIC 32 that controls the printer mechanism 31, and a user inputs various commands. An operation panel 40 and a controller 11 that controls the entire apparatus are provided. Note that “ASIC” is an abbreviation for Application Specific Integrated Circuit.

  The scanner unit 20 includes a scanner mechanism 21 and a scanner ASIC 22. The scanner mechanism 21 is a so-called flatbed type, and includes a glass surface 23 on which a medium M for reading an image is placed, a line image sensor 24 for optically reading the medium M through the glass surface 23, and a line for reading the medium M. And a moving unit 26 that scans the image sensor 24. The scanner ASIC 22 is an IC chip having a function of controlling the scanner mechanism 21, and stores scan data read by the line image sensor 24 of the scanner mechanism 21 in a scanner buffer 14 a provided in the RAM 14 of the controller 11. The line image sensor 24 of the present embodiment is a well-known color image obtained by separating the reflected light after being emitted toward the medium M into red (R), green (G), and blue (B) colors as scan data. It is a sensor.

  The printer unit 30 includes a printer mechanism 31 and a printer ASIC 32. The printer mechanism 31 is configured as an ink jet full-color printer. The printer mechanism 31 includes an ink cartridge 34 that individually stores ink of each color of cyan, magenta, yellow, light cyan, light magenta, and black, a pressure generation unit 35 that applies pressure to each ink supplied from the ink cartridge, An ejection port 36 that ejects the ink pressurized by the pressure generating unit 35 onto the recording sheet S that is a printing medium, and a conveyance roller 38 that conveys the recording sheet S are provided. The pressure generating unit 35 employs a system in which a voltage is applied to a piezoelectric element (for example, a piezoelectric element) to deform the piezoelectric element and pressurize ink. The pressure generator 35 may employ a method in which ink is pressurized with bubbles generated by applying voltage to a heating resistor (for example, a heater) to heat the ink. The printer ASIC 32 is an IC chip having a function of controlling the printer mechanism 31. The print data in the print buffer 14b provided in the RAM 14 is developed into a bitmap image for each page, and the developed data is developed. The printer mechanism 31 is controlled to print on the recording paper S.

  The operation panel 40 is a device for a user to input various commands to the multi-function printer 10, and as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, characters, figures, or symbols corresponding to the various commands are displayed. A display unit 42 and an operation unit 44 for performing various operations are provided. The display unit 42 includes a liquid crystal panel that displays a color image. The operation unit 44 displays the cursor key 44a that is pressed when the user moves a cursor or the like for selecting a process, the determination key 44b that is pressed when determining a process selection, and the display unit 42. A display switching key 44c that is pressed when switching the screen to another screen, a return key 44d that is pressed when returning the screen displayed on the display unit to the previous screen, and the number of prints of the selected image. An increase / decrease key 44e to be pressed when increasing / decreasing is arranged.

  The reader / writer 16 reads / writes data from / to a memory card 18 inserted into a slot 17 provided in the housing of the image processing apparatus 10. The memory card 18 is an electrically rewritable flash memory, and stores an image file taken by the digital camera 50 and the like. Here, the image file photographed by the user can be stored in the MPV (Music Photo Video) format. MPV is a standard that defines metadata specifications for describing the details of assets as content. An asset is a unit of a target handled by MPV, and is composed of a single image file (for example, a still image file) or a plurality of image files (for example, a plurality of still image files taken continuously). Or In the present specification, the former may be referred to as an individual asset, and the latter as a grouping asset or a composite asset. This asset will be described below. In MPV, a manifest whose contents are described in XML as a markup language is used as a control file. In this manifest, metadata as asset information is described. Therefore, the multifunction printer 10 can easily grasp where and what assets are stored in the memory card 18 without reading each asset itself by reading and analyzing the manifest.

  Here, the concept of the manifest stored in the memory card 18 will be described with reference to FIG. The route manifest 61 is a manifest that is first read by the controller 11 when the attachment of the memory card 18 is recognized. The route manifest 61 includes link information 62 that links to another manifest 71. The route manifest 61 includes album information 63 that can identify albums that are aggregates of assets having a predetermined relationship such as shooting at the same event (for example, athletic meet) or shooting on the same shooting date, Asset information 67 that can identify an asset that is not included in the album is included. The album information 63 includes asset information 64, 65,. The asset information 64 includes the name of a file included in the asset, a file path 64a for specifying the storage location of the file, an asset type 64b, and the like. Asset types include still images (Still), images with audio (Still with Audio), multi-shot images (Still Multishot Sequence), panoramic images (Still Panorama Sequence), and other assets (Other). The asset information 64 also describes information such as the asset creator, asset title, asset creation date and time. The same information is included in other asset information included in the manifest. Here, the manifest link refers to a concept of linking to another manifest, and the link information refers to information that can specifically specify the manifest link such as a link name and a manifest path. In this embodiment, an asset refers to a concept of a unit of a target handled by the MPV, and asset information refers to information that can specifically identify an asset such as an asset name or an asset path. An album is a concept of a collection of one or more assets. Album information includes, for example, an album name, an asset name included in the album, and an asset path included in the album. Refers to information that can be specifically identified. The route manifest 61 may include other link information and other album information.

  The manifest 71 is a manifest linked to the route manifest 61 via the link information 62. The manifest 71 includes album information 73 and 75, asset information 77 that can identify assets that are not included in the album, and the like. The manifest 71 may include other link information and other album information.

  The controller 11 is configured as a microprocessor centered on the CPU 12 (see FIG. 1), and includes a ROM 13 that stores various processing programs and a RAM 14 that temporarily stores data and stores data. Yes. The controller 11 is connected to the reader / writer 16, the scanner ASIC 22, the printer ASIC 32, and the operation panel 40 via the bus 15. The ROM 13 is a non-volatile storage device, and stores a selection display print control program 13a executed when selecting a file stored in the memory card, various control programs, and the like. The RAM 14 includes a plurality of areas. In these areas, the scanner buffer 14 a that temporarily stores image information read by the scanner unit 20 and the image information that is to be printed by the printer unit 30 are temporarily stored. There is a print buffer 14b to be used.

  Next, with regard to the operation of the multi-function printer 10 of the present embodiment configured as described above, particularly the operation in which the asset stored in the memory card 18 is displayed in a selectable manner and the multi-function printer 10 prints the selected asset. explain.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a selective display print control routine executed by the CPU 12 of the controller 11. This routine is stored in the ROM 13 and executed by the CPU 12 after the user inserts the memory card 18 into the slot 17 of the reader / writer 16. When the routine of FIG. 4 is started, the CPU 12 determines whether or not the route manifest is stored in the memory card 18 (step S100). When the route manifest is stored, the CPU 12 operates in the MPV mode. A selection screen for selecting whether to operate in the all-image reading mode for reading all images is displayed on the display unit 42 (step S110), and it is determined whether or not the operation mode is selected (step S120). When the operation unit 44 is operated by the user and the all-image reading mode is selected, or when the route manifest is not stored in the memory card 18 in step S100, the CPU 12 executes all-image display processing (step S130). ). Here, in the all image display process, all image files included in the memory card 18 are read, the images included in the read file are displayed as thumbnails, and the user selects an image to be printed from among the displayed images. To perform the process.

  When the MPV operation mode is selected in step S120, the CPU 12 reads the root manifest (step S140) and determines whether there is an album type (step S150). Here, as the album type, the album and manifest link shown in FIG. 3 are set. That is, it is determined whether or not there is an option (concept of collecting assets, such as a folder) that is higher than the asset itself. If there is an album type in step S150, a selection screen in which names such as the included album type are arranged is displayed on the display unit 42 (step S160), and it is determined whether or not a selection instruction has been given by the user (step S170). . Whether or not the selection instruction has been given is determined by whether or not the determination key 44b has been pressed by the user. When the selection is not instructed in step S170, the process waits as it is. When the selection is instructed, it is determined whether an album type is selected (step S180). When the album type is selected, the type of the selected album type and The path is added to the lowest level of the path information 14c stored in the RAM 14 (step S190).

  Here, as shown in FIG. 5, the path information 14c is information for saving what manifest path has passed through to the current selection screen, and is created when the MPV mode is selected in step S120. And stored in the RAM 14. This path information 14c is used when returning to the previous display screen, and the path of the route manifest is stored as an initial value. Each time an album type is selected, the type and path selected at the bottom are added, and the information at the bottom is deleted every time the user operates the return key 44d. As described above, since it is not necessary to store the contents of the previous screen by using the path information, it is possible to secure a free space in the RAM 14.

  After step S190, the CPU 12 reads the content of the selected album type (step S200) and performs the above-described steps S150 to S200. That is, the above-described steps S150 to S200 are repeated until the selected content does not include the album type. On the other hand, when the album type is not selected in step S180, that is, when an asset that exists alone is selected, or when there is no album type in step S150, only the asset information is included in the currently selected content. Since it is included and the user selects the asset itself, the CPU 12 closes the currently opened manifest (step S210) and executes an image selection display routine (step S220).

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart of an image selection display routine stored in the ROM 13 and executed by the CPU 12 of the controller 11. When the routine of FIG. 6 is started, the CPU 12 reads out asset information and assets included in the content selected in the selection display print control routine (step S400). The asset information is read by reading information such as the asset name, asset type, and presence / absence of thumbnail images. Then, the CPU 12 determines the type of the asset based on the read asset information, and causes the display unit 42 to display a divided arrangement screen 82 in which the thumbnail images of the assets are arranged for each divided area together with the type icon 82b determined based on the determination result. (Step S410). If there is an asset (for example, a music file) that does not include an image in the selected content, a default image set in advance for the asset is displayed (see image F in FIG. 7A).

  Here, the divided arrangement screen 82 will be described. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of the divided arrangement screen 82. On the divided arrangement screen 82, a cursor 82a for selecting an image and the images A to G of each asset are arranged in divided areas, and a type icon 82b corresponding to the type of asset is arranged on each image. ing. Here, the type icon 82b displays English characters such as a still image (S), an image with sound (SA), a multi-shot image (M), a panoramic image (P), and other assets (O). The asset type can be easily recognized. Among these, the assets of multi-shot images and panoramic images are composite assets including a plurality of image files, and the assets of still images and images with sound are individual assets including a single image file. Here, it is set so that the color of the type icon is changed according to the type of asset. For this reason, it is easier to distinguish asset types.

  Now, after displaying thumbnails in step S410, the CPU 12 determines whether or not an image displayed on the divided arrangement screen 82 has been selected (step S420). When selected, the asset type of the selected image is determined (step S430). Whether or not an image has been selected is determined based on whether or not the user has pressed the display switching key 44c, and the type of the selected asset is determined by reading the asset type described in the asset information. When the asset of the selected image is a composite-type asset, that is, an asset including a plurality of image files, the CPU 12 enlarges the plurality of images included in the asset and displays them sequentially in a predetermined time period. Is started (step S440). FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of switching of display screens displayed on the display unit 42, (a) is an explanatory diagram of a composite slide show display screen 84, and (b) is an explanatory diagram of an individual display screen 85. (C) is explanatory drawing of the metadata display screen 86, (d) is explanatory drawing of the all-image slide show display screen 87. FIG. In this composite slide show display, a plurality of images included in the composite asset are displayed only once, and the display is stopped in a state where the last image included in the composite asset is enlarged and displayed. When the composite slide show display is started, the CPU 12 determines whether or not there is a print request (step S445). Here, whether or not there is a print request is determined by whether or not the enter key 44b is pressed. Note that the print request during the slide show of the composite asset is set to print all the images included in the composite asset.

  If there is no print request in step S445, the CPU 12 determines whether or not the display switch key 44c has been pressed (step S450). If the display switch key 44c has not been pressed, the CPU 12 determines the print request in step S445 and step S450. The process waits until one of the display switching keys 44c is pressed. When the display switching key 44c is pressed, the composite slide show display is stopped, and individual display for enlarging and displaying the image displayed on the display unit 42 when the display switching key 44c is pressed is executed (step S455). ). FIG. 8B is an explanatory diagram of the individual display screen 85. On the individual display screen 85, an operation method display field 85a is arranged so as to overlap the lower part of the image, and operations such as print settings are easy to understand.

  After executing the individual display in step S455, the CPU 12 determines whether or not there is a print request (step S460). If there is no print request, the CPU 12 determines whether or not the display switching key 44c is pressed (step S465). ) When the display switch key 44c is not pressed, the process waits until either the print request in step S460 or the display switch key 44c is pressed in step S465, and when the display switch key 44c is pressed, the current display is displayed. Metadata display for enlarging and displaying the metadata of the asset being displayed on the display unit 42 is executed (step S470). FIG. 8C is an explanatory diagram of the metadata display screen 86. The metadata display screen 86 includes an asset type information display unit 86a and an asset information display unit 86b. The asset information display portion 86b includes information such as the creator, asset title, creation date and time described in the asset information. Here, the metadata of the asset is displayed instead of the metadata of the image file included in the composite type asset, and the metadata of the image file is displayed in the individual asset.

  After executing the metadata display, the CPU 12 determines whether or not there has been a print request (step S480). If there is no print request, the CPU 12 determines whether or not the display switching key 44c has been pressed (step S485). When the display switch key 44c is not pressed, the process waits until either the print request at step S480 or the display switch key 44c is pressed at step S485, and when the display switch key 44c is pressed, it is included in the album. An all-image slide show display is executed in which all the images are enlarged and displayed in order for a predetermined time in advance (step S490). FIG. 8D is an explanatory diagram of the all-image slide show display screen 87. Here, when it is an album that is selected in step S180 of the selection display print control routine of FIG. 4, all images included in the album are displayed as a slide show, and when it is a manifest link, all images included in the linked manifest are displayed. Display images in a slide show. All images included in the composite asset are also displayed as a slide show. This all-image slide show display is set to be repeatedly executed until the user presses the display switching key 44c. Then, the CPU 12 determines whether or not the display switching key 44c has been pressed (step S500). When the display switching key 44c has not been pressed, the CPU 12 waits as it is, and when the display switching key 44c has been pressed, steps S445 and S460. , S480 is repeated until there is a print request.

  On the other hand, when the asset of the image selected in step S430 is an individual asset, that is, an asset including a single image file, the CPU 12 enlarges the still image and individually displays it on the display unit 42 (step S510), and prints it. It is determined whether or not there is a request (step S515). When there is no print request, it is determined whether or not the display switching key 44c is pressed (step S520). When the display switching key 44c is not pressed, step S515 is determined. The display unit 42 waits until either the print request in step S520 or the press of the display switch key 44c in step S520 is performed. When the display switch key 44c is pressed, the metadata of the currently displayed image is enlarged. Metadata display to be displayed is executed (step S525).

  After executing the metadata display in step S525, the CPU 12 determines whether or not there is a print request (step S530). If there is no print request, the CPU 12 determines whether or not the display switching key 44c is pressed (step S530). In step S535, when the display switching key 44c is not pressed, the process waits until either the print request in step S530 or the pressing of the display switching key 44c in step S535 is performed. When the display switching key 44c is pressed, the CPU 12 executes the above-described all-image slide show display (step S540), determines whether or not the display switching key 44c is pressed (step S545), and the display switching key 44c is displayed. When the display switch key 44c is pressed, the processes of steps S510 to S545 are repeated until a print request is made at steps S515 and S530. Note that, when an asset (for example, a music file) that does not include an image is selected in step S430 and the display switching key 44c is pressed, the asset metadata is set to be displayed.

  When there is a print request in steps S445, S460, S480, S515, and S530, the CPU 12 displays a print confirmation screen on the display unit 42 (step S550), and ends this routine.

  Then, after returning to the selective display printing control routine shown in FIG. 4, after performing all image display processing in step S130 or executing image selection display processing in step S220, the CPU 12 prints the selected image. Processing is executed (step S230). Here, the printing process will be described. When the controller 11 of the multi-function printer 10 receives a print instruction and print data from the user, it issues a print command to the printer ASIC 32. Upon receiving a print command, the printer ASIC 32 develops a bitmap of the print data stored in the print buffer 14a of the RAM 14, drives a drive motor (not shown), rotates the transport roller 38, and transports the recording paper S, and presses the pressure. An image is printed on the recording paper S based on the image data developed into the bitmap by controlling the voltage to the generator 35. Note that after the printing is completed, the processes after step S120 of the selective display printing control routine are performed again.

  Finally, a series of operations for displaying and selecting assets will be described using the explanatory diagram of the display unit 42 shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. First, the user inserts the memory card 18 into the slot 17 of the multi-function printer 10, selects the MPV mode, and selects an album containing the asset to be printed. Then, the CPU 12 reads the information of the asset included in the album, and displays the divided arrangement screen 82 (FIG. 7A) on which the thumbnail image is arranged together with the type icon 82b based on the read asset information on the display unit 42. To do. The user presses the right key 44b, moves the cursor 82a to the image B that is the composite asset (FIG. 7B), and presses the display switching key 44c. Then, the image B is selected, and the composite slide show display screen 84 for enlarging the image included in the composite type asset and displaying the slide show only once is displayed on the display unit 42 (FIG. 8A). Here, the images B1, B2, and B3 are enlarged and displayed in this order. By looking at this screen, it is possible to confirm what kind of image is included in the composite asset. Next, when the user presses the display switching key 44c, the individual display screen 85 for displaying an enlarged image displayed on the display unit 42 when the display switching key 44c is pressed is displayed (FIG. 8B). . When the user further presses the display switching key 44c, a metadata display screen 86 for displaying the metadata of the asset including the current image is displayed (FIG. 8C). Subsequently, when the user presses the display switching key 44c, an all-image slide show display screen 87 for displaying all the images included in the album in a slide show is displayed (FIG. 8D). Here, the images are enlarged and displayed in the order of image B3, image C, image D,. Each time the user presses the display switching key 44c, the display is switched to the composite slide show display screen 84, the individual display screen 85, the metadata display screen 86, and the all image slide show display screen 87. When the return key 44d is pressed, the display returns to the split display screen 82. Then, after confirming the displayed screen, the user presses the enter key 44a to select an image to be printed and issues a print command. Then, the CPU 12 prints the image file for which printing has been instructed.

  Here, the correspondence between the components of the present embodiment and the components of the present invention will be clarified. The controller 11 of this embodiment corresponds to the display control means, asset acquisition means, and asset type determination means of the present invention, the display unit 42 corresponds to the display means, and the operation unit 44 corresponds to the asset selection means and instruction acquisition means. The printing mechanism 31 corresponds to a printing unit. Also, the album information 63, 73, 75 corresponds to the group information of the present invention, and the root manifest 61 and the manifest 71 correspond to the file management information. In this embodiment, an example of the display processing method of the present invention is also clarified by describing the operation of the multifunction printer 10.

  According to the multifunction printer 10 of the present embodiment described in detail above, the composite asset image including a plurality of image files and the image of the individual asset including a single image file are displayed as thumbnails and the various assets displayed side by side are displayed. After one of the images is selected, every time the user presses the display switching key 44c, the display mode is switched according to the type of the selected asset. Therefore, the contents of the asset can be presented to the user in a display mode suitable for the asset type.

  In addition, the composite slide show display screen 84 and the individual display screen 85 can be switched and displayed, and a plurality of images included in the asset can be enlarged and confirmed in order in a short time, or one image can be enlarged. It is easy to check multiple images included in an asset because it can be checked carefully. At this time, when the user depresses the display switching key 44c during the composite slide show display, the image displayed when the user depresses is individually displayed. The subsequent image can be easily processed.

  Further, when the composite type asset is selected, when the user presses the display switching key 44c, the composite type asset metadata is displayed on the metadata display screen 86 for displaying the composite type asset metadata. You can also check the metadata content of composite assets.

  Furthermore, after an individual asset is selected, an individual display screen 85 and a metadata display screen 86 for enlarging and displaying an image of one image file included in the asset each time the user presses the display switching key 44c. Since the display is switched, the asset metadata can be confirmed in addition to the asset image.

  Then, all the images included in the selected album type are switched to the all-image slide show display screen 87 which displays all the images included in the selected album type in order. It is possible to easily confirm whether such an image is included.

  Moreover, assets can be acquired relatively easily by using the manifest. Further, since the asset type is displayed together with the image included in the asset, the user can easily recognize the asset type. At this time, since the type icon 82b is displayed on the asset image, the space can be used more effectively than when the asset type is displayed in a portion other than the image, and a relatively large asset image can be displayed. The asset type is displayed with an icon, making it easy to recognize visually. Furthermore, when there is an asset that does not include an image, the default image is displayed side by side at the display position of the asset that does not include the image, so it is easy to check which asset does not include the image. Furthermore, since the user can select an asset to be printed by operating the operation unit 44, the asset to be printed can be selected. Since the image to be printed is often displayed on the display unit 42 and selected by the user, the significance of applying the present invention is high.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to the Example mentioned above at all, and as long as it belongs to the technical scope of this invention, it cannot be overemphasized that it can implement with a various aspect.

  For example, in the embodiment described above, the composite slide show display screen 84, the individual display screen 85, the metadata display screen 86, and the all-image slide show display screen 87 are displayed each time the display switch key 44c is pressed after the composite type asset is selected. Although the order is switched, the order may be changed. Further, at least one of the metadata display screen 86 and the all-image slide show display screen 87 may not be displayed. In addition, each time the display switching key 44c is pressed after an individual asset including one image is selected, the display is switched in the order of the individual display screen, the metadata display screen, and the all-image slide show display screen 87. This order may be changed. Further, at least one of the metadata display screen and the all-image slide show display screen 87 may not be displayed. Even in this case, the contents of the asset can be presented to the user in a display mode suitable for the asset type.

  In the above-described embodiment, the type icon 82b is displayed on each image when the split display screen 82 is displayed on the display unit 42. However, the image is displayed on the composite slide show display screen 84 or the individual display screen 85. The type icon 82b may be displayed. This makes it easy to check the asset type.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the composite slide show display is finished by displaying the image once, but may be repeated until the display switching key 44c is pressed, or may be repeated a predetermined number of times. In the above-described embodiment, the all-image slide show display is repeatedly performed until the display switching key 44c is pressed. However, the image may be displayed once and stopped, or may be stopped a predetermined number of times. Good. Also, in the all-image slide show display, for composite assets, all the images included in the composite asset are also displayed in order. However, only the representative images included in the composite asset can be displayed for composite assets. Good.

  Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the display screen is switched according to the number of times the display switching key 44c is pressed. However, an all-image slide show button, a metadata display button, and the like are provided on the operation unit 44, and these buttons are pressed. Sometimes it is possible to switch to a screen display corresponding to that.

  In the above-described embodiment, the composite asset metadata is displayed on the composite asset metadata display screen 86. However, the metadata of the image displayed on the display unit 42 may be displayed. . By doing so, it is possible to know the content of the metadata of the displayed image.

  In the above-described embodiment, the full-color multifunction printer 10 adopting the inkjet method is used. However, an electrophotographic color laser printer, a thermal transfer color printer, or a dot impact printer may be used. These monochrome printers may be used. Also, a printing apparatus such as a FAX machine or a copier may be used. The present invention may also be applied to image processing devices such as personal computers, scanners, digital cameras, and digital videos.

1 is a block diagram of a multifunction printer 10 according to an embodiment. It is explanatory drawing of the operation panel 40 of a present Example. It is explanatory drawing of the manifest of a present Example. It is a selection display printing control routine of the present embodiment. It is explanatory drawing of the path information 14c of a present Example. It is an image selection display routine of the present embodiment. It is explanatory drawing of the division | segmentation arrangement | positioning screen 82 displayed on the display part 42 of a present Example. It is explanatory drawing of the switching of the display screen displayed on the display part 42 of a present Example.

Explanation of symbols

  10 Multifunction Printer, 11 Controller, 12 CPU, 13 ROM, 13a Selection Display Print Control Program, 14 RAM, 14a Scanner Buffer, 14b Print Buffer, 14c Path Information, 15 Bus, 16 Reader / Writer, 17 Slot, 18 Memory Card, 20 scanner unit, 21 scanner mechanism, 22 scanner ASIC, 23 glass surface, 24 line image sensor, 26 moving unit, 30 printer unit, 31 printer mechanism, 32 printer ASIC, 34 ink cartridge, 35 pressure generating unit, 36 discharge port, 38 Transport roller, 40 Operation panel, 42, Display unit, 44 Operation unit, 44a Cursor key, 44b Enter key, 44c Display switch key 44d Return key, 50 Digital camera, 61 Route manifold Fest, 62 Link information, 62a Link path, 63 Album information, 64, 65, 67, 68 File information, 64a, 65a, 67a, 68a File path, 66 General name, 71 Manifest, 73 Album information, 74 File information, 74a File path, 75 Album information, 76 File information, 76a File path, 77 File information, 77a File path, 82 Divided layout screen, 82a Cursor, 82b Type icon, 84 Composite slide show display screen, 85 Individual display screen, 85a Operation method display Column, 86 metadata display screen, 86a asset type information display section, 86b asset information display section, 87 all-image slide show display screen, A to G, B1 to B3 images.

Claims (14)

A display means capable of displaying various assets including a grouping asset including a plurality of image files and an individual asset including a single image file side by side;
An asset selection means that allows a user to select any of the various assets displayed side by side on the display means;
Instruction acquisition means capable of acquiring a display switching instruction from a user;
After any of the various assets displayed side by side on the display means is selected by the asset selection means, each time the instruction acquisition means acquires a display switching instruction from the user, the type of the selected asset is set. Display control means for switching the display mode according to the display means to display on the display means;
A display processing apparatus. The display control means at least every time the instruction acquisition means acquires a display switching instruction from a user after the grouping asset is selected by the asset selection means among various assets displayed side by side on the display means. A sequential display mode in which images of a plurality of image files included in the grouping asset are enlarged and sequentially displayed on the display unit, and an image of one image file of the plurality of image files is enlarged and displayed on the display unit. Switching the individual display mode to be displayed and displaying on the display means;
The display processing apparatus according to claim 1. The display control means displays the sequential display mode in which the images of the plurality of image files included in the grouping asset are enlarged and sequentially displayed on the display means. When the instruction is acquired, the display unit is switched to the individual display mode of the image displayed on the display unit when the instruction is acquired, and is displayed on the display unit.
The display processing apparatus according to claim 2. The grouping asset includes metadata about the asset,
The display control means at least every time the instruction acquisition means acquires a display switching instruction from a user after the grouping asset is selected by the asset selection means among various assets displayed side by side on the display means. Switching the sequential display mode, the individual display mode, and the metadata display mode for displaying the metadata of the grouping assets to be displayed on the display means;
The display processing device according to claim 2. The individual asset includes metadata about the asset,
The display control means at least every time the instruction acquisition means acquires a display switching instruction from a user after the individual asset is selected by the asset selection means among various assets displayed side by side on the display means. Switching between an individual display mode in which an image of one image file included in the individual asset is enlarged and a metadata display mode in which metadata about the individual asset is displayed is displayed on the display unit;
The display processing apparatus in any one of Claims 1-4. The display control means at least every time the instruction acquisition means acquires a display switching instruction from a user after any of the various assets displayed side by side on the display means is selected by the asset selection means. Switching display modes, including all image display modes for enlarging and displaying images of image files included in all assets displayed on the display means, and displaying the images on the display means;
The display processing apparatus in any one of Claims 2-5. The display processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
Using asset management information created so as to be able to acquire an asset by including at least one of group information that collects information of one or more assets having a predetermined relationship and information of individually existing assets Asset acquisition means capable of acquiring the various assets;
A display processing apparatus. The display processing device according to claim 1,
Asset type determination means for determining the type of the asset based on metadata included in the asset,
The display control means causes the display means to display the asset type information determined by the asset type determination means together with an image included in the asset.
Display processing device. The display control means displays the asset type information as an icon on an image included in the asset.
The display processing apparatus according to claim 8. When displaying the various assets side by side, the display control means arranges a predetermined image at the display position of the asset that does not include the image when the various assets include an asset that does not include the image. Displaying on the display means;
The display processing apparatus in any one of Claims 1-9. The asset selection means can be selected by the user as an asset for printing any of the various assets displayed side by side on the display means.
The display processing apparatus in any one of Claims 1-10. A display processing device according to claim 11;
A printing unit that prints an image included in the asset selected by the display processing device on a recording medium using a colorant;
Printing device with A display processing method using display means for displaying an image and instruction acquisition means capable of acquiring a display switching instruction from a user,
(A) displaying various assets including grouping assets including a plurality of image files and individual assets including a single image file side by side on the display means;
(B) a user selecting one of the various assets displayed side by side on the display means in the step (a);
(C) After the step (b), whenever the instruction acquisition unit acquires a display switching instruction from the user, the display mode is switched according to the type of asset selected in the step (b). Steps to display in
Display processing method.   A program for causing each step of the display processing method according to claim 13 to be realized by one or more computers.

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