JP2007261045A - Printer, image data file processor, selection method of image data file, and computer program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a technique for selecting a suitable image according to the type of a subject of photography when an image data file is automatically selected from a plurality of image data files of photograph images. <P>SOLUTION: The image data file includes both image data which show the image of the photograph, and photographing scene data related to a photographing scene when the photograph is taken. When printing, first, an image file group composed of one or more image data files is generated from the plurality of image data files on the basis of both the image data and the photographing scene data of each image data file. Candidates of the image data file as an object of outputting are selected on the basis of at least the image data from the image file group. Printing is carried out on the basis of at least part of the candidates. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for selecting an image data file from a plurality of image data files.

  Conventionally, there is a technique for automatically selecting an image data file to be printed from among a plurality of image data files of photographic images. For example, in a conventional technique, images are grouped based on shooting types such as continuous shooting, bracket shooting (stepped exposure shooting), and panoramic shooting. After that, a picture that does not have camera shake or inappropriate exposure and has a good focus level is automatically selected from images belonging to the same group. At that time, prior to the selection of an image, a determination criterion for selection is set according to an image selection mode such as “portrait”, “night view”, or “sport”. There exists patent document 1 as literature regarding such a technique.

JP 2002-10179 A

  However, mode settings such as “portrait”, “night view”, and “sport” are often the same for a plurality of images in the same group taken by continuous shooting or bracket shooting. For this reason, even if the selection criterion is changed according to these settings, in addition to images with high evaluations of hand shake, exposure, and focus, are similar images with low evaluations selected additionally? Only the fluctuating fluctuates. For this reason, the technique of Patent Document 1 cannot select an appropriate image according to the type of subject. Such a problem occurs not only when selecting an image data file to be printed, but also when selecting an image data file as an object of some processing from a plurality of image data files.

  The present invention has been made in order to deal with the above-described problems. When an image data file is automatically selected from image data files of a plurality of photographic images, an appropriate image is selected according to the type of subject. The purpose is to select.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention performs the following processing when selecting and outputting image data file candidates to be output from among a plurality of image data files. Note that the image data file to be handled includes image data representing an image of a photograph and shooting scene data relating to a shooting scene when the photograph is taken. When printing, first, an image file group composed of one or more image data files is generated from a plurality of image data files based on the image data and shooting scene data of each image data file. Then, a candidate image data file to be output is selected from the image file group based on at least the image data. Then, an image is output based on at least a part of the candidates.

  In such an embodiment, an image file group is determined according to the shooting scene, and image data file candidates to be output are selected from the image file group. Therefore, when an image data file is automatically selected from among a plurality of image data files of photographic images, an appropriate image is selected according to the type of subject. Note that the shooting scene data can be data representing settings related to the shooting scene. The image file group preferably includes a plurality of image data files having images similar to each other.

  Note that the shooting scene data can be data representing setting of an operation mode related to a shooting scene of a photo in a shooting apparatus that takes a photo and generates an image data file. The shooting scene data includes, for example, one of a plurality of modes including a landscape mode, a portrait mode, a night view mode, and a standard mode selected when settings relating to the shooting scene are not specified by the user. The data can be selectively expressed.

  Note that the standard mode is a mode that is determined in consideration of the characteristics of the landscape, person, and night scene shooting scenes so that shooting can be performed to a certain extent in any scene of the landscape, person, and night scene. Can do. The standard mode may be automatically specified by the imaging device when the setting related to the shooting scene is not specified by the user.

  Further, when generating an image file group from a plurality of image data files, it is preferable to perform the following processing. That is, first, two image data files are selected from a plurality of image data files. Then, an image difference characteristic value representing a difference between the images of the two image data files is calculated based on the image data of the two image data files. On the other hand, an image threshold value is determined based on at least one shooting scene data of the two image data files. Thereafter, based on the comparison between the image difference characteristic value and the image threshold value, it is determined whether or not the two image data files belong to the same image file group.

  With such an aspect, it is possible to determine the image file group of each image data file by a process with a lighter load compared to an aspect in which three or more image data files are simultaneously examined. For example, when the image difference characteristic value is larger than the image threshold value, it can be determined that the two image data files belong to different image file groups. On the other hand, if the image difference characteristic value is smaller than the image threshold value, it indicates that the two image data files to be considered belong to the same image file group when other predetermined conditions are satisfied. You can make a decision.

  Note that it is preferable to select the following image data files as the two image data files to be examined whether or not they belong to the same image file group. That is, the first image data file whose image file group has already been determined and the second image data file whose image file group has not been determined. According to such an aspect, the image file group can be sequentially determined for the image data file for which the image file group has not been determined.

  Further, the image data file may further include shooting time data that represents the shooting time of the photograph. As the two image data files to be examined whether or not they belong to the same image file group, it is preferable to select the following image data files based on the shooting time data. That is, as the first image data file, an image data file with the latest shooting time is selected from among the image data files whose image file groups have already been determined. Then, as the second image data file, an image data file with the earliest shooting time is selected from among the image data files for which no image file group has been determined. With such an aspect, it is possible to determine an image file group in order for a plurality of image data files with a simple procedure.

  Note that the shooting scene data is data that selectively represents one of a plurality of modes including a landscape mode and a standard mode that is selected when settings relating to the shooting scene are not specified by the user. Can do. And when determining the threshold value for images, it is preferable to determine as follows. In other words, when the shooting scene data of the second image data file is data representing the landscape mode, the shooting scene data of the second image data file is a subject of consideration compared to the case where the shooting scene data of the second image data file is data representing the standard mode. The image threshold is determined so that it is easy to determine that two image data files belong to the same image file group.

  In the case of a photograph taken with the intention of taking a landscape, in many cases, the user does not precisely define the range to be photographed. For this reason, it may be recognized that “the same scenery is reflected” even if the difference between the images in the photograph is larger than in the case of a photograph in which another subject such as a person is photographed. Therefore, if it is set as the above aspect, the image file group of a landscape photograph can be produced | generated so that it may correspond with a user's recognition.

  The shooting scene data is data that selectively represents one of a plurality of modes including a person mode and a standard mode that is selected when settings relating to the shooting scene are not specified by the user. Can do. When determining the image threshold, it is also preferable to determine as follows. In other words, when the shooting scene data of the second image data file is data representing the person mode, the shooting scene data of the second image data file is a subject of consideration compared to the case where the shooting scene data of the second image data file is data representing the standard mode. The image threshold is determined so that it is easy to determine that the two image data files belong to different image file groups.

  In the case of a photograph taken with the intention of taking a person, the user places importance on who is in the photograph. For this reason, in the case where there are two photos of a person in the image and the person other than the person is the same photo, Recognize that “the two photos are different”. Therefore, if it is set as the above aspect, the image file group of a person photograph can be produced | generated so that it may correspond with a user's recognition.

  Note that the shooting scene data is data that selectively represents one of a plurality of modes including a night view mode and a standard mode that is selected when settings relating to the shooting scene are not specified by the user. Can do. When determining the image threshold, it is also preferable to determine as follows. That is, when the shooting scene data of the second image data file is data representing the night scene mode, two images are compared to the case where the shooting scene data of the second image data file is data representing the standard mode. The image threshold is determined so that it is easy to determine that the data files belong to the same image file group.

  Even in the case of a photograph taken with the intention of taking a night view, the user often does not precisely define the range to be photographed. For this reason, it may be recognized that “the same night view is shown” even if the difference between the images shown in the photo is larger than in the case of a photo showing another subject such as a person. Therefore, if it is set as the above aspect, the image file group of the photograph of a night view can be produced | generated so that it may correspond with a user's recognition.

  Further, the image data file may further include shooting time data that represents the shooting time of the photograph. Then, when generating an image file group from a plurality of image data files, it is preferable to perform the following processing. That is, the time threshold value is determined based on the shooting scene data of the second image data file. When determining whether or not the two image data files belong to the same image file group, the difference between the shooting times of the two image data files determined based on the shooting time data, The determination is preferably performed based on a comparison with the time threshold.

  With such an aspect, it is possible to generate an image file group more in line with the user's intention in consideration of the difference in shooting time. For example, when the difference in shooting time is larger than the time threshold value, it can be determined that the two image data files to be considered belong to different image file groups. On the other hand, if the difference in shooting time is smaller than the time threshold value, it is determined that the two image data files belong to the same image file group when other predetermined conditions are satisfied. Can do.

  In addition, when determining the threshold value for time, it is preferable to determine as follows. That is, when the shooting scene data of the second image data file is data representing the person mode, two images are compared to when the shooting scene data of the second image data file is data representing the standard mode. It is determined so that it is easy to determine that the data file belongs to a different image file group.

  Unlike landscapes, people move greatly in a short time. For this reason, when a user intentionally takes the same or similar picture of a person, for example, it is often within a very short time of about several seconds to one minute. Therefore, if it is set as the above aspects, the image file group of a person photograph can be produced | generated so that a user's intention may be met.

  Further, when determining the time threshold, it is preferable to determine as follows. That is, when the shooting scene data of the second image data file is data representing the night scene mode, two images are compared to the case where the shooting scene data of the second image data file is data representing the standard mode. The time threshold value is determined so that it is easy to determine that the data files belong to the same image file group.

  The night view, for example, does not change significantly even after several tens of minutes. For this reason, in the case of a night view, the user may take pictures at intervals of time without worrying about time compared to other shooting scenes. Therefore, if it is set as the above aspects, the image file group of a night view photograph can be produced | generated so that a user's intention may be met.

  The present invention can be realized in various forms, for example, a printing method and a printing apparatus, a printing control method and a printing control apparatus, an image data file selection method, an image data file selection apparatus, and an image data file. PROCESSING METHOD AND IMAGE DATA FILE PROCESSING DEVICE, IMAGE OUTPUT METHOD AND IMAGE OUTPUT DEVICE, COMPUTER PROGRAM FOR PERFORMING THE FUNCTIONS OF THE METHOD OR DEVICE, RECORDING MEDIUM CONTAINING THE COMPUTER PROGRAM, INCLUDING THE COMPUTER PROGRAM IN A CARRIER It can be realized in the form of a digitized data signal or the like.

A. Example:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a printer 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The printer 1 is a printer that can perform printing based on an image data file stored alone in a storage medium without being connected to an external computer. The printer 1 includes a print head (not shown) that performs printing by ejecting ink droplets, an auto seed feeder 20 that supplies printing paper, and a paper discharge tray 30 that receives printing paper on which an image is printed. , A liquid crystal display 40, a button group 50 for performing various operations, a card slot 70 for inserting a memory card and reading data, a CPU 100, and a main memory 150. In FIG. 1, the CPU 100 and the main memory 150 are displayed outside the printer 1 for easy understanding.

  In the card slot 70, a memory card MC such as a compact flash (registered trademark) card, an SD card, a miniSD card, a memory stick, a smart media card or the like can be directly inserted into the slot, or can be inserted via an adapter (see FIG. 1 arrow A1). Then, the CPU 100 can acquire a plurality of image data files stored in those memory cards MC via the card slot 70.

  FIG. 2 is an enlarged plan view showing an operation panel provided with the liquid crystal display 40 and the button group 50. In the center of the operation panel, a 2.5 inch size liquid crystal display 40 is provided. The liquid crystal display 40 can display a color image. The liquid crystal display 40 can display an image of an image data file stored in the memory card MC, for example. The liquid crystal display 40 can also display, for example, information indicating the state of the printer 1 and an operation menu used when a user inputs an instruction to the printer 1 via the button group 50.

  Buttons 52 to 62 for performing various operations are provided on both sides of the liquid crystal display 40. These are collectively referred to as a button group 50. The power button 52 is a button for turning on / off the power of the printer 1. The mode button group 54 is a plurality of buttons for the user to switch the operation mode of the printer. One button corresponds to one operation mode. The setting button 56 is a button that is pressed when performing various maintenance of the printer 1 and operation setting of each mode.

  The menu button group 58 is a plurality of buttons for operating various numerical values and icons displayed on the liquid crystal display 40. The start button group 60 is two buttons 601 and 602 for selecting whether to perform color printing or monochrome printing. One button corresponds to each of color printing and monochrome printing. The stop button 62 is a button for stopping the operation being executed by the printer 1.

  The menu button group 58 includes an OK button 582 for inputting that the setting contents presented on the liquid crystal display 40 are accepted, and a return button for displaying the contents displayed on the liquid crystal display 40 one step before. 584, a selection button group 586 including four buttons for selecting one of a plurality of icons and menus displayed on the liquid crystal display 40, and a number of print sheets to be printed. A print number button group 588. By providing such a group of buttons, the user can easily select and print an image data file stored in the memory card even in the printer 1 equipped with only a relatively small display.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the structure of the image data file 200 in accordance with the standard of Exif version 2.2. An image data file 200 conforming to the standard of Exif version 2.2 includes image data 210 and attached information data 220. Image data 210 represents the contents of an image. The attached information data 220 includes date and time information and shooting condition information.

  The attached information is recorded in a tag format in the header portion of the image data file. That is, the attached information is recorded in the form of a 2-byte value called “tag” and data stored in the subsequent area. The type of each data is identified by “tag”. In FIG. 3, in the header part of the image data file 200, the data of the part in which the information on the date and time is recorded is collectively referred to as “data on the date and time 221”, and the data in the part in which the information on the shooting conditions is stored. Are collectively referred to as “data 222 relating to imaging conditions”.

  The image data file 200 includes, as “data 221 relating to date and time”, data of “original image data generation date and time (DateTimeOriginal)” and data of “digital data creation date and time (DateTimeDigitized)”. In this specification, “original image data generation date / time data” may be simply referred to as “original image data generation date / time”. In addition, “digital data creation date / time” may be simply referred to as “digital data creation date / time”. The same applies to other data.

  In the image data file 200, “original image data generation date and time” 223 represents the date and time when the photograph was taken. “Digital data creation date and time” 224 represents the date and time when the photograph image was converted to digital data. “Digital data creation date” 224 is in principle the same as “original image data creation date” 223. The “original image data generation date and time” 223 and the “digital data creation date and time” 224 are both stored in the format of year (year), month, day, hour, minute, and second.

  The image data file 200 includes “exposure program” data, “exposure correction value (ExposureBiasValue)” data, “flash” data, and “imaging” data as “photographing condition data 222”. Data of “Scene Type (SceneCaptureType)” and data of “Subject Distance Range”.

  “Exposure Program” 225 represents mode information regarding the exposure program set at the time of taking a picture in the digital still camera that generated the image data file. The “exposure program” 225 selectively stores information such as “manual”, “normal program”, “exposure priority”, and “shutter priority”.

  “Manual” represents an operation mode in which the user sets both the aperture (exposure) and the shutter speed. The “normal program” is a mode selected when an operation mode related to the exposure program is not designated by the user. The mode other than “normal program” needs to be set intentionally by the user.

  In the “normal program” mode, a digital still camera as a photographing apparatus automatically sets both an aperture (exposure) and a shutter speed. In the “exposure priority” mode, the user sets the aperture, and the digital still camera automatically sets the shutter speed according to the aperture. In the “shutter priority” mode, the user sets the shutter speed, and the digital still camera automatically sets the aperture according to the shutter speed.

  An “exposure correction value (ExposureBiasValue)” 226 represents an exposure correction value (EV value) set at the time of taking a picture in the digital still camera that generated the image data file. An exposure correction value of 0 indicates that no correction is performed.

  “Flash” 227 represents information such as a mode related to a flash set at the time of taking a picture in the digital still camera that generated the image data file. The “flash” 227 selectively stores information such as “unknown”, “forced flash lighting”, “prohibit flash lighting”, “automatic mode”, and the like.

  The “automatic mode” is a mode that is automatically selected by the digital camera when the operation mode related to the flash is not designated by the user. In this case, the digital still camera automatically determines whether or not to turn on the flash according to the brightness of the environment when taking a picture. In a digital still camera or the like that cannot mechanically detect a flash operation, the “flash” 227 may be set to “unknown”. A mode other than “automatic mode” and “unknown” needs to be set intentionally by the user.

  “SceneCaptureType” 228 represents information on a mode relating to setting of a shooting scene when shooting a picture. In the “shooting scene type” 228, information such as “standard”, “landscape”, “person”, “night view” is selectively stored. “Standard” is an operation mode that is automatically set by the digital still camera when settings relating to a shooting scene are not specified by the user. A mode other than “standard” needs to be set intentionally by the user.

  “Subject distance range” 229 represents mode information regarding the distance to the subject. In the “subject distance range” 229, information such as “unknown”, “macro”, “near view”, “far view” is selectively stored.

  The “far view” mode is a mode used when shooting a distant view. The “near view” mode is a mode used when shooting a close view. The “macro” mode is a mode used when shooting an object close to several centimeters to several tens of centimeters, such as when shooting a flower, an insect, or an object placed on a desk. “Unknown” is a mode recorded when an operation mode related to the subject mode is not designated by the user. The mode other than “unknown” needs to be set intentionally by the user.

  The printing apparatus according to the present exemplary embodiment selects an image data file to be printed based on both the image data 210 and the attached information data 220 described above in the “automatic printing” process described later.

  4, the memory card MC storing the image data file 200 is inserted into the card slot 70 of the printer 1 (see arrow A1 in FIG. 1), and the “memory card” button in the mode button group 54 (see FIG. 2). It is a figure which shows the display of the liquid crystal display 40 when () is pushed. Note that the image data file stored in the memory card MC is an image data file 200 conforming to Exif version 2.2. In FIG. 4, three types of menus “print all” M <b> 11, “select print” M <b> 12, and “automatic print” M <b> 13 are displayed in the upper part of the liquid crystal display 40. The “automatic printing” menu M13 is surrounded by a frame S1. The state in FIG. 4 is a state in which “automatic printing” M13 is provisionally selected.

  In the lower part of the liquid crystal display 40, a display M21 for explaining the processing content of “automatic printing” which is provisionally selected at this time is displayed. “Random printing” is a process in which a printing apparatus automatically selects and prints an image data file from a plurality of image data files stored in a memory card. When the user operates the selection button group 586 (see FIG. 2) in a state where the display of FIG. 4 is displayed on the liquid crystal display 40, the upper “print all” M11, “select and print” are displayed on the lower portion of the liquid crystal display 40. The processing content of either “M12” or “Automatic printing” M13 is displayed.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the display on the liquid crystal display 40 after the user presses the OK button 582 (see FIG. 2) in the state where the display of FIG. On the liquid crystal display 40, a more detailed explanation M22 of the processing content of “automatic printing” is displayed. In “automatic printing”, one image data file is selected from a group of image data files representing similar images. A photo is selected and printed one by one based on the image data file. In the “automatic printing”, an image data file of a photo with a blurred outline more than a certain level or a photo with an underexposure or overexposure beyond a certain level is not printed.

  When the color print button 601 of the start button group 60 (see FIG. 2) is pressed while the display of FIG. 5 is displayed on the liquid crystal display 40, the image data files stored in the memory card are stored. The image data file automatically selected by the printing apparatus is printed in color. On the other hand, when the monochrome printing button 602 is pressed, the image data file automatically selected by the printing apparatus is printed in monochrome.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a display on the liquid crystal display 40 after the user presses the color printing button 601 or the monochrome printing button 602 in the state where the display of FIG. 5 is displayed on the liquid crystal display 40. The number M31 of image data files stored in the memory card MC is displayed as “total”. Here, an example in which 60 image data files are stored in a memory card is shown. As printing of the image data file in the memory card proceeds, the number M32 displayed as “remaining” decreases.

  An image data file of a photo with poor exposure or an unclear image outline or an image data file not selected as a print target in a group of image data files having similar images is not printed. As the “automatic printing” process proceeds, the number M33 displayed on the liquid crystal display 40 as “skip” increases every time the number of image data files determined to be not printed increases.

  A functional unit of the CPU 100 that displays user interface screens as shown in FIGS. 4 to 6 and prompts the user to input instructions is shown as a user interface unit 140 in FIG.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the processing content of “automatic printing”. FIG. 7 illustrates processing performed by the CPU 100 after the user presses the color printing button 601 or the monochrome printing button 602 in the state where the display of FIG. 5 is displayed on the liquid crystal display 40.

  In step S <b> 10, the CPU 100 reads an image data file from the memory card to the main memory 150. When the process of step S10 is performed first, the two image data files with the earliest shooting time among the image data files in the memory card are read. The CPU 100 can know the shooting time based on the “original image data generation date and time” data 223 (see FIG. 3) included in each image data file 200. A functional unit of the CPU 100 that performs the process of step S10 is shown in FIG.

  In step S20, it is determined whether or not the two read image data files belong to the same image file group. When the process of step S10 is performed first, the first group is automatically assigned to the image data file with the earliest shooting time. In step S20, based on the image data 210 of each image data file 200 and the attached information data 220 (see FIG. 3), the shooting time of each other is closer than a predetermined value, and the images of each other are more than a predetermined level. It is determined that two similar image data files belong to the same image file group.

  If it is determined that the two read image data files belong to the same image file group, the same group as the image data file with the earlier shooting time is assigned to the image data file with the later shooting time. It is done. On the other hand, if it is determined that the two read image data files do not belong to the same image file group, the next image file group is assigned to the image data file whose shooting time is later.

  For example, when the process of step S20 is first performed and it is determined that the two image data files do not belong to the same image file group, the image file group is assigned as follows. That is, the first image file group is assigned to the image data file with the earlier shooting time. The second image file group is assigned to the image data file with the later shooting time.

  As described above, by determining that two image data files whose photographing time is closer than the predetermined value and whose images are similar belong to the same image file group, the following effects can be obtained. That is, it is possible to classify a plurality of photographs taken continuously in a short time into the same group, considering that the user intends to take a plurality of similar photographs.

  Also, by determining an image file group based on a comparison of two image data files, each image data can be reduced with less main memory compared to a mode in which three or more image data files are read and an image file group is determined. The image file group to which the file belongs can be determined. A functional unit of the CPU 100 that performs the process of step S20 is shown as a file group determination unit 118 in FIG.

  In step S30 in FIG. 7, the process branches depending on whether the two image data files belong to the same image file group. If it is determined in step S20 that the two image data files belong to the same image file group, the process returns to step S10. If it is determined in step S20 that the two image data files do not belong to the same image file group, the process proceeds to step S40.

  When returning from step S30 to step S10 again, in step S10, of the two image data files read out last time, the image data file with the earlier shooting time is discarded from the main memory 150 and stored in the memory card. Of the image data files for which no image file group has been determined, the image data file with the earliest shooting time is read out to the main memory 150. In step S20, it is determined whether or not these two image data files belong to the same image file group.

  The image data files determined in step S20 as to whether they belong to the same image file group are as follows. That is, one is an image data file with the latest shooting time among image data files for which an image file group has already been determined. The other is an image data file with the earliest shooting time among image data files for which no image file group has been determined.

  If it is determined in step S20 that the two image data files do not belong to the same image file group, the process proceeds to step S40 via the branch of step S30. As a result of such processing, the image data file constituting one image file group is an image data file read immediately before the processing proceeds to step S40 from the image data file to which a new image file group is first assigned. This is an image data file up to the previous image data file. There is a high possibility that the image data files classified into one image file group according to the processing of steps S10 to S30 are image data files that the user considers to be “similar images”.

  A functional unit of the CPU that generates the image file group by performing the processes in steps S10 to S30 as described above is shown as an image file group generation unit 110 in FIG. The target file selection unit 112 and the file group determination unit 118 are part of the image file group generation unit 110.

  In step S40, an image data file to be printed is selected from one image file group determined as described above. In principle, one image data file having the highest evaluation value in accordance with a predetermined evaluation criterion is selected as a print target in one image file group. By performing such processing, only one image data file including images similar to each other is printed. As a result, it is possible to save time and ink required for the entire “automatic printing” process. An image that is not printed is an image that is similar to any of the printed images and that has a lower evaluation value than the printed image. For this reason, it is unlikely that an image that the user desires to print will not be printed.

  The selection of one image data file in step S40 can be performed as follows, for example. That is, the CPU 100 extracts a contour line in the image of each image data file. The outline is a boundary between a certain color area and another color area in the image. For this reason, in the outline portion in the image, the brightness shifts from a certain value to another value. The CPU 100 calculates the width Wt required for the transfer, and sets the minimum value of the width Wt of the contour line in the image of each image data file as the evaluation value Ei of the image data file. Then, the image having the smallest evaluation value Ei is selected as an image data file to be printed.

  When an image file group is composed of a single image data file, the image data file is a print target in principle. However, image data files of photos with blurred outlines above a certain level, and image data files of photos that are underexposed or overexposed to a certain level or more, even if they are image data files that constitute an image file group independently. It is not.

  For example, when the average brightness of all the pixels of the image exceeds a predetermined value, it can be estimated that the image is overexposed. When the average brightness of all the pixels of the image does not reach the predetermined value, it can be estimated that the exposure is insufficient. And when said evaluation value Ei exceeds predetermined value, it can be estimated that the outline is blurred. An image data file that satisfies these conditions is not a printing target in step S40.

  By performing such processing, it is possible to exclude out-of-focus photos and under-exposed or over-exposed photos that the user does not want to print from the print target. As a result, it is possible to reduce the time required to print a photographic image that is estimated to be desired by the user. In addition, printing media and ink can be saved. The functional unit of the CPU 100 that performs the process of step S40 described above is shown as a candidate file selection unit 120 in FIG.

  In step S50, the image data file selected as the printing target in step S40 is printed. A functional unit of the CPU 100 that performs such processing is illustrated as a printing unit 130 in FIG. If there is no image data file selected as the print target in step S40 in the image file group, the image data file is not printed in step S50. In step S50, the number of “remaining” and the number of “skip” displayed in FIG. 6 are updated.

  Thereafter, in step S60, it is determined whether or not the processing in steps S40 and S50 has been performed for all image data files in the memory card. The image data file that has not yet been examined whether or not the image data file should be printed (step S40) and that has not been printed and updated according to the examination result (step S50). Is present in the memory card, the process returns to step S10. On the other hand, when the processes of steps S40 and S50 have been performed for all the image data files in the memory card, the process ends.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the processing of the CPU 100 when determining an image file group in step S20 of FIG. In step S202, based on the “photographing scene type” (see FIG. 3) of the image data file for which the image file group has not yet been determined among the two image data files read into the main memory 150, the image data A threshold value Thi is determined. The functional unit of the CPU 100 that performs the process of step S202 is shown in FIG.

  In step S204, similarly, the time threshold value Tht is determined based on the “photographing scene type” of the image data file whose image file group has not yet been determined. A functional unit of the CPU 100 that performs the process of step S204 is shown as a time threshold value determining unit 117 in FIG.

  Table 1 shows images for “landscape”, “person”, and “night view” for the image threshold value Thi0 and the time threshold value Tht0 when the “shooting scene type” is “standard”. It is the table | surface which showed the magnitude relationship between a threshold value and the threshold value for time. In steps S202 and S204, as shown in Table 1, the CPU 100 sets the image threshold value Thi and the time threshold value Th according to the “photographing scene type”.

  In addition, each mode of “Scene Type” such as “Landscape”, “Person”, and “Night Scene” is set by operating the digital still camera intentionally according to the target to be taken when the user takes a picture. To do. For example, when the user intends to take a landscape from now on, the user sets the “photographing scene type” to “landscape”. Then, when the user intends to take a person from now on, the “photographing scene type” is set to “person”. The same applies to “night view”. On the other hand, “standard” is a mode that is automatically set by the digital still camera when the user does not set the “shooting scene type” at the time of taking a picture.

  In Table 1, “0” indicates that the threshold is the same as the threshold in the case of “standard”. “+” Indicates that the value is larger than the threshold value of “standard”. “−” Represents a value smaller than the threshold value of “standard”.

  When the image threshold value Thi is set to a large value, the two image data files belong to the same image file group as compared with the case where the image threshold value Thi is set to a smaller value. Easily determined to belong. Further, when the time threshold value Tht is set to a large value, the two image data files are the same image file as compared to the case where the time threshold value Tht is set to a smaller value. Easily determined to belong to a group.

  For example, when a user takes a photograph with the intention of taking a landscape, the user often does not precisely define the range to be photographed. For this reason, even if the range shown in the photograph is shifted by about 1/4 of the screen in the horizontal direction, for example, it may be recognized that “the same scenery is shown”.

  In this embodiment, as shown in Table 1, when the “photographing scene type” is “landscape”, the image threshold Thil is set to a value larger than that for “standard”. As a result, in the case of “standard”, in the case of “standard”, some of the combinations of image data files having such a degree of difference that they can be assigned to different image file groups are assigned to the same image file group. become. That is, even if two image data files have a large difference in image, it is easier to determine that they belong to the same image file group than in the case of “standard”. As a result, landscape photos can be grouped to match the user's perception.

  In the case where “shooting scene type” is “night scene”, the threshold value for image Thin is set to a larger value than in the case of “standard” for the same reason as in the case of “landscape”.

  In addition, regarding a photograph taken with the intention of taking a person, the user attaches importance to who is in the photograph. For this reason, for example, in a plurality of photographs, when one of a plurality of people shown in the photograph is switched, the user recognizes that they are “different photographs” even though the difference as a whole image is small. In addition, even if there are multiple photos of a person with a small background in the background, when the user shoots with "person" set as the "shooting scene type", the following tendencies exist: . In other words, if the person shown in the small size is different, the user tends to think that the two photos are “different photos”.

  In this embodiment, as shown in Table 1, when the “photographing scene type” is “person”, the image threshold value Tip is set to a smaller value than in the case of “standard”. As a result, in the case of “standard”, in the case of “standard”, two image data files having such a difference that they are assigned to the same image file group are partly assigned to different image file groups. Become. That is, even if two image data files have a somewhat different image difference, it is easier to determine that they belong to different image file groups compared to the “standard” case. As a result, human photos can be grouped to match the user's perception.

  In addition, when a user intentionally takes the same or similar photo of a person, the user may take multiple pictures to pose a pose, or to take multiple pictures for a commemorative photo. Most of the time. For this reason, photographs that are intentionally taken as the same or similar photographs with a person as a subject are usually taken in a few seconds to 1 minute. In other words, it is unlikely that the user intentionally takes the same or similar pictures about the person at intervals.

  In this embodiment, as shown in Table 1, when the “photographing scene type” is “person”, the time threshold value Thtp is set to a smaller value than in the case of “standard”. Then, in the case of “standard”, some of the combinations of image data files having a difference in shooting time enough to be assigned to the same image file group are assigned to different image file groups. Become. That is, even if two image data files have a relatively small difference in photographing time, it is easier to determine that they belong to different image file groups compared to the “standard” case. As a result, human photographs can be grouped to match the user's intention.

  On the other hand, night view photographs have the following characteristics. That is, when a plurality of substantially identical photographs are taken with a person as a subject, the user usually takes a picture within a few seconds to 1 minute as described above. In addition, the direction of the sun, the position of the shadow, and the position of the clouds change after several tens of days in the daytime landscape. For this reason, even when a plurality of substantially identical photographs are taken using a daytime landscape as a subject, the user usually takes pictures within a few seconds to 15 minutes. On the other hand, the night view does not change significantly even after several tens of minutes. For this reason, when a night scene is used as a subject, the user may take pictures at intervals of time without worrying about time compared to other shooting scenes.

  In this embodiment, as shown in Table 1, when the “shooting scene type” is “night scene”, the time threshold value Thtn is set to a value larger than that in the case of “standard”. Then, in the case of “standard”, some of the combinations of image data files whose shooting times are different enough to be assigned to different image file groups are assigned to the same image file group. That is, even if two image data files have a certain difference in photographing time, it is easier to determine that they belong to the same image file group as compared to the case of “standard”. As a result, night view photos can be grouped to match the user's intention.

  In step S206 of FIG. 8, the CPU 100 compares the difference in shooting time between the two image data files with the time threshold value Tht determined in step S204. Processing branches at step S208. If the difference in shooting time between the two image data files is greater than Tht, the process proceeds to step S218. In step S218, it is determined that the two image data files belong to two different image file groups. On the other hand, if the difference between the shooting times of the two image data files is equal to or less than Tht, the process proceeds to step S210.

  In step S210, based on the image data (see FIG. 3) of the two image data files to be examined, image difference characteristic values DI of these image data files are calculated. The image difference characteristic value DI can be calculated by the following equation, for example.

  Here, Nr1 (i) is the number of pixels having the red gradation value i (i = 0 to 255) in the image data of the image data file with the earlier shooting time out of the two image data files. is there. Nr2 (i) is the number of pixels having a red gradation value i (i = 0 to 255) in the image data of the image data file with the later shooting time of the two image data files. In the present embodiment, in the image data, the color of each pixel is represented by each gradation value 0 to 255 of red, green, and blue.

  Similarly, Ng1 (i) is the number of pixels having a green gradation value i (i = 0 to 255) in the image data of the two image data files whose shooting time is earlier. Ng2 (i) is the number of pixels having a green gradation value i (i = 0 to 255) in the image data of the image data file with the later shooting time. Nb1 (i) is the number of pixels having a blue gradation value i (i = 0 to 255) in the image data of the two image data files whose shooting time is earlier. Nb2 (i) is the number of pixels having a blue tone value i (i = 0 to 255) in the image data of the image data file with the later shooting time. In the formula (1), the sign “| ˜ |” represents an absolute value.

  A functional unit of the CPU 100 that performs the processing of step S210 as described above is illustrated as a difference characteristic value calculation unit 114 in FIG.

  In step S212 of FIG. 8, the image difference characteristic value DI calculated in step S210 is compared with the image threshold value Thi. Processing branches at step S214. If the image difference characteristic value DI is larger than the image threshold value Thi, the process proceeds to step S218. In step S218, it is determined that the two image data files belong to two different image file groups.

  On the other hand, if the image difference characteristic value DI is equal to or smaller than the image threshold value Thi, the process proceeds to step S216. In step S216, it is determined that the two image data files belong to the same image file group. The processing of steps S206, S208, and S212 to S218 described above is performed by the file group determination unit 118, which is a functional unit of the CPU 100 (see FIG. 1).

  In this manner, the image threshold value Thi and the time threshold value are set according to the “shooting scene type”, and it is determined whether or not two image data files belong to the same image file group. Thus, an image file group that matches the user's intention or recognition can be determined. Image data files of images that the user feels “similar to each other” are classified into one image file group. As a result, in the process of automatically selecting and printing an image data file from a plurality of image data files, the possibility of printing multiple images that the user feels “similar to each other” is reduced. Can do. Further, it is possible to reduce a possibility that a situation in which an image that the user desires to print is not printed as a result of erroneous determination that the image is similar to another image will occur.

B. Variation:
The present invention is not limited to the above-described examples and embodiments, and can be implemented in various modes without departing from the gist thereof. For example, the following modifications are possible.

B1. Modification 1:
In the above-described embodiment, information such as “standard”, “landscape”, “person”, “night view” is selectively stored in the “shooting scene type” data representing the settings relating to the shooting scene when shooting a photograph. It was done. However, information representing a mode other than these may be stored in the data representing the settings relating to the photographing scene when photographing. Then, the threshold value may be changed from the “standard” threshold value according to the mode, and the image file group may be generated based on the threshold value.

B2. Modification 2:
In the above embodiment, the photographing time is determined based on the “original image data generation date and time” 223. However, the shooting time can also be determined based on the “digital data creation date and time” 224.

  In addition, the image data file 200 conforming to the standard of Exif version 2.2 includes data of “time in units of 1 second or less of the generation date and time of original image data (SubsecTimeOriginal)” and “creation date and time of digital data (SubsecTimeDigitized)”. It also has the data of. Therefore, in addition to the “original image data generation date and time” 223 and the “digital data creation date and time” 224, it is also possible to calculate the difference in photographing time based on these data.

B3. Modification 3:
In the above-described embodiment, the image difference characteristic value DI (see Expression (1)) that is the sum of the differences in the number of pixels having the red, green, and blue gradation values 0 to 255 in the two image data files, and the image Based on the comparison with the threshold value Thi, it is determined whether or not the two image data files belong to the same file group (see FIG. 8). However, whether or not two image data files belong to the same file group can be determined by other methods. For example, the difference characteristic values DIr, DIg, and DIb obtained based on the following formulas (2) to (4) are compared with corresponding threshold values to determine whether two image data files belong to the same file group. It is also possible to decide whether or not.

  In such an aspect, for example, when any of DIr, DIg, and DIb is larger than the corresponding threshold value, it can be determined that the two image data files belong to different file groups. In other words, in such an aspect, when the distribution of gradation values of any color component differs by a predetermined amount or more, it is determined that the two image data files do not belong to the same file group. Therefore, it is possible to execute image file group classification closer to the user's recognition.

In addition, it is possible to determine whether two image data files belong to the same file group based on a comparison between a weighted sum of DIr, DIg, and DIb and a threshold value. That is, the characteristic value representing the difference between the images is a value representing the difference between the images of the two image data files, and can be calculated based on the image data of the two image data files. Can do. For example, the characteristic value representing the difference between images can be calculated based on a parameter representing the color of each pixel in the image data file. The color of each pixel can be expressed in various color systems such as the L ^* a ^* b ^* color system and the HSB color system in addition to the RGB color system as described above.

  Whether or not two image data files belong to the same file group is determined by one or more characteristic values indicating the difference between the images of the image data files and a threshold value corresponding to each of the characteristic values. It can be determined based on the comparison.

B4. Modification 4:
In the above embodiment, the image file group of these image data files is determined based on the comparison between the image difference characteristic value representing the difference between the images of the two image data files and the threshold value. However, the image file group of these image data files can be determined based on the comparison between the image similarity indicating the similarity of the images of the two image data files and the threshold value.

  In such an aspect, when the image similarity is larger than the threshold value, it can be determined that the two image data files belong to the same image file group. When the image threshold is set to a small value, compared to the case where the image threshold is set to a larger value, the two image data files belong to the same image file group. Easily determined to belong.

  That is, when determining the image file group of the two image data files, the characteristic value that substantially represents the difference between the images of the two image data files is used regardless of the parameter calculation method and the name. It can be determined based on a comparison with the threshold value.

B5. Modification 5:
In the above embodiment, the threshold value for image Thi and the threshold for time are selected according to the “photographing scene type” of the image data file for which the image file group has not yet been determined among the two image data files to be examined. The value Tht was determined. However, the threshold value for image and the threshold value for time may be determined according to the “shooting scene type” of the image data file in which the image file group has already been determined among the two image data files to be examined. it can.

  It can also be determined according to the “shooting scene type” of both of the two image data files to be examined. For example, when the “Shooting Scene Type” of an image data file for which an image file group has already been determined matches or differs from the “Shooting Scene Type” of an image data file for which an image file group has not been determined. You can also change the threshold.

  In the above embodiment, the image threshold value Thi and the time threshold value Tht are determined according to the “photographing scene type”. Then, the image file group is determined based on the image data of the two image data files, the image threshold value Thi, and the time threshold value Tht. However, the image file group can be determined by other methods.

  For example, the calculation method of the image difference characteristic value can be changed according to the “photographing scene type”. The image file group can also be determined based on a comparison between the image difference characteristic value thus obtained and the corresponding threshold value. Note that the threshold value at that time can be determined according to the “photographing scene type”, and can be a constant value regardless of the “photographing scene type”.

B6. Modification 6:
In the above embodiment, when an image data file is selected from the image file group (see step S40 in FIG. 7), the image data file having the smallest minimum value of the outline width Wt is selected. However, when an image data file is selected from the image file group, it can be selected by other methods.

  For example, first, a part of an image of image data is sequentially matched with a reference pattern representing a basic pattern of human eyes and mouth to determine a face region in the image. The face region can be, for example, a rectangular region whose size and position are relative to a reference pattern to be matched.

  On the other hand, a map or table of evaluation values determined in accordance with the ratio of the size of the face area in the image and the position of the face area in the image is prepared in advance. This evaluation value is an evaluation value as to whether or not the photograph is preferable for the user. This evaluation value can be determined based on experience, or can be determined based on the results of a questionnaire.

  Then, referring to the map or the like, the evaluation value of the image data file is determined based on the size and position of the face area specified in the image data. The image file group having the highest evaluation value is selected as an output target candidate (see step S40 in FIG. 7).

  If an image data file is selected by such a method, an image data file that is likely to be output by the user can be selected from an image file group of image data files in which a person is shown.

B7. Modification 7:
The image data file 200 to be examined as to whether or not to select it as a print target can be configured to have image data 210 as uncompressed data. In such an embodiment, the image data 210 is preferably TIFF (Tagged Image File Format) image data in which the color of each pixel is represented in the Y, Cr, Cb color system or RGB color system. . In addition, the image data file 200 may include an image data 210 as compressed data. In such an embodiment, the image data 210 is preferably JPEG format image data in which the color of each pixel is expressed in the Y, Cr, Cb color system.

B8. Modification 8:
In this embodiment, the printer 1 has a card slot 70 for inserting a memory card and reading data. However, the printer 1 may include other means for receiving the image data file instead of the card slot 70. For example, the printer 1 may include a communication unit that can receive an image data file from the outside through a wired or wireless communication line.

  In this embodiment, the printer 1 is provided with a switch of a method for inputting information by pressing. However, the printer 1 may include other types of switches. For example, a mode may be provided that includes a rotary switch for switching the display of the display 40 and a predetermined switch for approving the displayed content and proceeding to the next processing. Further, a display device such as a liquid crystal display 40 or an EL display (ElectroLuminescent Display) can be used as a touch screen. In other words, the printing apparatus may substantially include a switch that assists at least partially in inputting an instruction when the user inputs an instruction.

  In an integrated printer, it is not easy to provide a display device having a size exceeding 10 inches. For this reason, it is difficult for the user to display a large number of photographic images on the display device and to select an image to be printed based on the display. Therefore, if the printing apparatus automatically selects and prints an image data file to be printed, the user can easily use only the printing apparatus without burdening the process of selecting an image with a personal computer. A photographic image can be printed by simple processing.

B9. Modification 9:
In the above embodiment, an example of the integrated printer 1 has been described (see FIG. 1). However, the present invention can be applied to various processes performed by selecting image data file candidates from a plurality of image data files. One embodiment of the present invention can also be realized as a computer system including a display unit such as a liquid crystal display or a plasma display, an input unit such as a keyboard or a mouse, a CPU, and a main memory. In such an aspect, the CPU of the computer system has the same function as the CPU 100 of the above embodiment. Then, the image of the selected image data file is displayed on the display unit.

  Another aspect of the present invention may be a system including a projector system that projects an image data file selected as a candidate onto a plane or space. In other words, the output of the image data file is not limited to printing on a print medium, but can be in various forms such as display on a display device or external projection by a projection unit.

  In each of the above systems, after selecting an image data file candidate to be output from the image file group based on the image data, processing for further selecting an output target from those candidates was performed. Later, it is also possible to perform output such as printing and display. Also, for example, after selecting a candidate image data file to be output from the image file group, a photo that is not in focus, an overexposed image, or an underexposed image is displayed on the display 40 and printed. It is also possible to prompt the user to determine whether or not.

B10. Modification 10:
In the above embodiment, a part of the configuration realized by hardware may be replaced with software, and conversely, a part of the configuration realized by software may be replaced by hardware. For example, a part of the function of the CPU can be executed by a hardware circuit.

  A computer program for realizing such a function is provided in a form recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a floppy disk or a CD-ROM. The host computer reads the computer program from the recording medium and transfers it to the internal storage device or the external storage device. Alternatively, the computer program may be supplied from the program supply device to the host computer via a communication path. When realizing the function of the computer program, the computer program stored in the internal storage device is executed by the microprocessor of the host computer. Further, the host computer may directly execute the computer program recorded on the recording medium.

In this specification, the computer is a concept including a hardware device and an operation system, and means a hardware device that operates under the control of the operation system. The computer program causes such a computer to realize the functions of the above-described units. Note that some of the functions described above may be realized by an operation system instead of an application program.

  In this specification, the “computer-readable recording medium” is not limited to a portable recording medium such as a flexible disk or a CD-ROM, but may be an internal storage device in a computer such as various RAMs and ROMs. In addition, an external storage device fixed to a computer such as a hard disk is also included.

1 is a perspective view showing a printer 1 that is an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. The top view which expands and shows the operation panel provided with the liquid crystal display 40 and the button group 50. FIG. The figure which shows the structure of the image data file along the standard of Exif version 2.2. The figure which shows the display of the liquid crystal display 40 when the "memory card" button in the mode button group 54 is pushed. The figure which shows the display of the liquid crystal display 40 after the OK button 582 was pushed in the state in which the display of FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a display on the liquid crystal display 40 after the color printing button 601 or the monochrome printing button 602 is pressed in the state where the display of FIG. 5 is displayed on the liquid crystal display 40. The flowchart which shows the processing content of "automatic printing". The flowchart which shows the process of CPU100 at the time of determining an image file group in step S20 of FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Printer 20 ... Auto seed feeder 30 ... Paper discharge tray 40 ... Liquid crystal display 50 ... Button group 52 ... Power button 54 ... Mode button group 56 ... Setting button 58 ... Menu button group 60 ... Start button group 62 ... Stop button 70 ... Card slot 100 ... CPU
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 150 ... Main memory 200 ... Image data file 210 ... Image data 220 ... Attached information data 221 ... Data about date and time 222 ... Data about photographing conditions 223 ... Data of original image data generation date (DateTimeOriginal) 224 ... Date of digital data creation (DateTimeDigitized) data 225 ... Exposure program data 227 ... Flash data 228 ... Shooting scene type data 229 ... Subject distance range data 582 ... OK button 584 ... Back button 586 ... Selection button group 588 ... Number of print button group 601 ... Button for color printing 602 ... Button for monochrome printing A1 ... Arrow indicating insertion of memory card MC into card slot 70 M11 ... Menu display of "print all" M12 ... Menu display of “Select and print” M13: Menu display of “Random printing” M21: Description of “Random printing” M22: Description of “Random printing” M31: Display of the total number of image data in the memory card M32: Unprocessed image Display of the number of data M33 ... Display of the number of image data files determined not to be printed MC ... Memory card S1 ... Frame Thi0 indicating that the menu is selected Thi0 ... When "shooting scene type" is standard Image threshold Tht0... Time threshold when “shooting scene type” is standard

Claims (12)

A printing apparatus for selecting and printing image data file candidates to be output from a plurality of image data files,
An image data file acquisition unit for acquiring a plurality of image data files each including image data representing an image of a photograph and shooting scene data relating to a shooting scene at the time of shooting the photograph;
An image file group generation unit that generates an image file group composed of one or more image data files from the plurality of image data files based on the image data and the shooting scene data of each image data file;
A candidate file selection unit for selecting image data file candidates to be output based on at least the image data from the image file group;
And a printing unit that executes printing based on at least a part of the candidates. The printing apparatus according to claim 1,
The image file group generation unit
A target file selection unit for selecting two image data files from the plurality of image data files;
A difference characteristic value calculation unit for calculating an image difference characteristic value representing a difference between the images of the two image data files based on the image data of the two image data files;
An image threshold value determining unit for determining an image threshold value based on the shooting scene data of at least one of the two image data files;
A file group determining unit that determines whether or not the two image data files belong to the same image file group based on a comparison between the image difference characteristic value and the image threshold value. Printing device. The printing apparatus according to claim 2,
The target file selection unit, as the two image data files, a first image data file for which the image file group has already been determined, a second image data file for which the image file group has not been determined, Select a printing device for each. The printing apparatus according to claim 3,
The shooting scene data is data that selectively represents one of a plurality of modes including a landscape mode and a standard mode that is selected when a setting related to the shooting scene is not specified by a user,
The image threshold determining unit is configured such that when the shooting scene data of the second image data file is data representing the landscape mode, the shooting scene data of the second image data file is the standard mode. The printing apparatus determines the image threshold so that it is easier to determine that the two image data files belong to the same image file group as compared to the case of data representing the image data. The printing apparatus according to claim 3,
The shooting scene data is data that selectively represents one of a plurality of modes including a person mode and a standard mode that is selected when a setting related to the shooting scene is not specified by a user,
The threshold value determination unit for an image, when the shooting scene data of the second image data file is data representing the person mode, the shooting scene data of the second image data file is the standard mode. The printing apparatus determines the image threshold so that it is easier to determine that the two image data files belong to different image file groups as compared to the case of the data representing the image data. The printing apparatus according to claim 3,
The shooting scene data is data that selectively represents one of a plurality of modes including a night view mode and a standard mode that is selected when a setting related to the shooting scene is not specified by a user,
The image threshold determining unit is configured such that when the shooting scene data of the second image data file is data representing the night view mode, the shooting scene data of the second image data file is the standard mode. The printing apparatus determines the image threshold so that it is easier to determine that the two image data files belong to the same image file group as compared to the case of data representing the image data. The printing apparatus according to claim 3,
The image data file further includes shooting time data representing a shooting time of the photo,
The image file group generation unit further includes a time threshold value determination unit that determines a time threshold value based on the shooting scene data of the second image data file,
The file group determination unit is further configured based on a comparison between the difference between the shooting times of the two image data files determined based on the shooting time data and the time threshold value. A printing apparatus that determines whether or not image data files belong to the same image file group. The printing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein
The shooting scene data is data that selectively represents one of a plurality of modes including a person mode and a standard mode that is selected when a setting related to the shooting scene is not specified by a user,
When the shooting scene data of the second image data file is data representing the person mode, the shooting threshold data of the second image data file is the standard mode. The time threshold value is determined so that the two image data files are more easily determined to belong to different image file groups as compared to the case of data representing the time. The printing apparatus according to claim 3,
The shooting scene data is data that selectively represents one of a plurality of modes including a night view mode and a standard mode that is selected when a setting related to the shooting scene is not specified by a user,
When the shooting scene data of the second image data file is data representing the night view mode, the shooting threshold data of the second image data file is the standard mode. The time threshold value is determined such that the two image data files are more easily determined to belong to the same image file group as compared to the case of data representing the time. An image data file processing apparatus for selecting image data file candidates to be output from a plurality of image data files,
An image data file acquisition unit for acquiring a plurality of image data files each including image data representing an image of a photograph and shooting scene data relating to a shooting scene at the time of shooting the photograph;
An image file group generation unit that generates an image file group composed of one or more image data files from the plurality of image data files based on the image data and the shooting scene data of each image data file;
An image data file processing apparatus comprising: a candidate file selection unit that selects an image data file candidate to be output based on at least the image data from the image file group. A method of selecting image data file candidates to be output from a plurality of image data files,
Obtaining a plurality of image data files each including image data representing an image of a photograph, and photographing scene data relating to a photographing scene when photographing the photograph;
Generating an image file group composed of one or more image data files from the plurality of image data files based on the image data and the shooting scene data of each image data file;
Selecting a candidate for an image data file to be output from the image file group based on at least the image data;
Outputting an image based on at least a portion of the candidates. A computer program for causing a computer to execute processing for selecting image data file candidates to be output from among a plurality of image data files,
A function of acquiring a plurality of image data files each including image data representing an image of a photograph and shooting scene data relating to a shooting scene when shooting the photograph;
A function of generating an image file group including one or more image data files from the plurality of image data files based on the image data and the shooting scene data of each image data file;
A function of selecting image data file candidates to be output from the image file group based on at least the image data;
A computer program for causing the computer to realize the above.

Images