JP2008001025A - Recorder and record control program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To update variations of frame images stored in a nonvolatile memory inside a recorder by a simple operation according to a user's need in the recorder which can execute digital photo-printing utilizing the frame images stored in the nonvolatile memory inside the recorder. <P>SOLUTION: The existing frame images FL stored in the nonvolatile memory 105, and new frame images FL stored in a memory card are displayed in a list on a frame data updating screen to be simultaneously selectable on the same selection screen. A check mark can be attached or erased by selecting a desired frame image FL and depressing an OK button 19. A ratio (%) of the use region to a whole capacity of the nonvolatile memory 105 when the content of the nonvolatile memory 105 is updated by a selection content according to a state of the check mark is displayed on the frame data updating screen. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a recording apparatus comprising: a user interface unit having an operation unit and a display unit; a recording execution unit capable of executing recording on a recording material; and an external storage device capable of reading and writing a digital image file. About.

  For example, as an example of a prior art of a printer (recording apparatus) that realizes recording by superimposing a frame image on a digital image taken by a digital camera or the like and recording it on a recording material, it is arranged in a desired photographic image layout. As described above, it is known to generate a script (layout control program) including a drawing control command for each of a plurality of images (see, for example, Patent Document 1). By executing generation of recording data and control of the recording apparatus based on the generated script, digital photographic print (recording) in which a plurality of images are arranged in a desired photographic image layout can be realized.

  By the way, in recent years, small printers having portability that can be easily carried and can easily perform digital photo printing anywhere regardless of location have appeared and are becoming widespread. Such a printer generally performs recording on a recording material by directly connecting a digital camera to the printer, or directly reading a digital image file from a memory card and executing recording on the recording material. A direct print function is provided, and digital photo printing can be executed in a stand-alone state without being connected to a personal computer. Usually, in such a printer, in order to be able to execute a digital photo print in which a frame image is superimposed on a digital image taken with a digital camera as described above, data of a plurality of frame images is stored in the printer. It is stored in advance in an internal nonvolatile memory.

JP 2003-114780 A

  However, the number of frame images that can be stored in the nonvolatile memory inside the printer is inevitably limited due to the capacity of the nonvolatile memory. For this reason, there is a problem that the variation of the frame image is limited only by the frame image stored in advance in the nonvolatile memory at the time of shipment from the manufacturer, and as a result, it cannot sufficiently meet the needs of all users.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a situation, and the problem is that a recording apparatus capable of executing digital photo printing using a frame image stored in a non-volatile memory inside the recording apparatus. An object of the present invention is to make it possible to update the variation of the frame image stored in the nonvolatile memory inside the apparatus with a simple operation according to the user's needs.

  To achieve the above object, according to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a user interface unit having an operation unit and a display unit, a recording execution unit capable of executing recording on a recording material, and reading and writing of a digital image file. External storage device capable of recording, a non-volatile memory in which a plurality of frame images are stored in advance, recording control on the recording material by the recording execution unit based on a user operation in the user interface unit, and control of the external storage device A recording control device that executes the above-described recording control device, wherein the recording control device combines the frame image arbitrarily selected by the user with the image of the digital image file arbitrarily selected by the user to the recording material. A frame composition function for recording, a frame image stored in the nonvolatile memory, and a storage medium of the external storage device And the frame image being displayed on the display unit so as to be simultaneously selectable on the same selection screen, and the contents selected by the user by operating the operation unit while viewing the list display, from the storage medium of the external storage device A memory update function that updates the contents of the nonvolatile memory by executing addition of a frame image to the nonvolatile memory and deletion of the frame image from the nonvolatile memory. Device.

  As described above, since the frame image can be deleted and the frame image can be added to the nonvolatile memory inside the recording apparatus in which a plurality of frame images are stored in advance, the user does not need the nonvolatile memory in the nonvolatile memory. It becomes possible to delete a frame image or add a new frame image of a new design to the nonvolatile memory as needed.

  Further, the frame images stored in the nonvolatile memory and the frame images stored in the storage medium of the external storage device can be displayed in a list on the display unit so that they can be selected simultaneously on the same selection screen. As a result, the user selects the frame image to be added to the nonvolatile memory from the storage medium of the external storage device and the frame image to be deleted from the nonvolatile memory simultaneously on the same selection screen, and the contents of the nonvolatile memory are temporarily selected. Can be updated. That is, it is possible to simultaneously select and delete unnecessary frame images in the nonvolatile memory and add new frame images from the outside on the same selection screen with respect to the nonvolatile memory in the recording apparatus. .

  Thus, according to the recording apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention, in the recording apparatus capable of executing digital photo printing using the frame image stored in the nonvolatile memory inside the recording apparatus, the nonvolatile memory On the other hand, since it is possible to simultaneously select and execute deletion of unnecessary frame images in the nonvolatile memory and addition of new frame images from the outside on the same selection screen, they are stored in the nonvolatile memory. It is possible to obtain an effect that the variation of the frame image can be updated by a simple operation according to the user's needs.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the recording apparatus according to the first aspect described above, the recording control apparatus adds a frame image to the nonvolatile memory from a storage medium of the external storage device and the nonvolatile memory. In accordance with the selected content of the frame image to be deleted from, before updating the content of the nonvolatile memory with the selected content, the entire capacity of the nonvolatile memory when the content of the nonvolatile memory is updated with the selected content And a memory capacity management function for updating the display according to the change every time the selected content is changed.

  Thus, before updating the contents of the nonvolatile memory with the contents selected by the user, the ratio of the used area to the total capacity of the nonvolatile memory when the contents of the nonvolatile memory are updated with the selected contents is estimated. indicate. In addition, whenever the selected content is changed, the display is updated according to the change. Thereby, the user can select the frame image to be deleted from the nonvolatile memory and the frame image to be added to the nonvolatile memory while viewing the display of the ratio of the used area to the total capacity of the nonvolatile memory.

  That is, when the user simultaneously selects a frame image to be added to the nonvolatile memory from the storage medium of the external storage device and a frame image to be deleted from the nonvolatile memory on the same selection screen, the user exceeds the capacity of the nonvolatile memory. It is possible to select a frame image to be deleted from the nonvolatile memory and a frame image to be added to the nonvolatile memory while confirming whether or not it is necessary. As a result, when the content of the nonvolatile memory is updated, the update cannot be completed due to insufficient capacity, and the frame image to be deleted from the nonvolatile memory and the frame image to be added to the nonvolatile memory must be selected again on the selection screen. As a result, it is possible to improve the convenience.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the recording apparatus according to the second aspect described above, the memory capacity management function is configured such that the content of the nonvolatile memory is updated when the content of the nonvolatile memory is updated with the selected content. When the ratio of the used area to the capacity exceeds 100%, it is possible to additionally select a frame image to be stored in the nonvolatile memory, but updating the contents of the nonvolatile memory with the selected contents The recording apparatus is characterized by prohibiting.

  Thus, even if the selection content at that time exceeds the capacity of the non-volatile memory, the user can perform the selection operation of the frame image for the time being. All frame images that are desired to be saved can be picked up. When the user picks up all the frame images that he / she wants to save in the non-volatile memory, if the selected content exceeds the capacity of the non-volatile memory, the user further selects within the picked-up range. Can be considered.

  As a result, the user first picks up and secures all the frame images desired to be stored in the non-volatile memory and then exceeds the capacity of the non-volatile memory. It is possible to make detailed and flexible selection, such as deselecting frame images having a low data size in order or deselecting a frame image having a particularly large data capacity in consideration of the capacity of the nonvolatile memory. That is, according to the invention described in the third aspect of the present invention, when the user updates the contents of the nonvolatile memory, the user can reduce the capacity of the nonvolatile memory by performing a detailed and flexible selection operation on the picked-up frame image. Since it can narrow down within the range, the effect that convenience can be improved more is acquired.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the recording apparatus according to any one of the first to third aspects described above, the recording control apparatus allows the user to arbitrarily select an image of the digital image file arbitrarily selected by the user. A combined preview image display function for displaying a preview image obtained by combining the selected frame images on the display unit, and a digital image file for displaying the preview image by operating the operation unit in a state where the preview image is displayed on the display unit The recording apparatus has a composite frame image switching display function capable of sequentially changing only the frame image to another frame image without changing the image display.

  As described above, in a state where the preview image is displayed on the display unit, only the frame image can be sequentially changed to another frame image without changing the image display of the digital image file of the preview image display. As a result, when the frame image is changed while viewing the preview image display, the frame image selection operation on the frame image selection screen and the operation for displaying the preview that combines the selected frame images are performed as in the past. Need not be repeated alternately. Therefore, it is possible to execute a digital photo print in which a frame image most suitable for a desired digital photo image is selected and synthesized without repeating a series of complicated operations as in the prior art. In addition, since it is possible to change only the frame image to another frame image without changing the image display of the digital image file in the preview image display, the combined image of the frame image with the digital photo image is intuitively compared with a good tempo. can do.

  Thereby, according to the recording apparatus as described in the 4th aspect of this invention, in addition to the effect in the invention in any one of the 1st-3rd aspect mentioned above, the liquid crystal display etc. which were provided in the printer main body etc. When performing a digital photo print that combines the frame images by operating the operation buttons while watching the display of the above, it is most suitable for the desired digital photo image without repeating a series of complicated operations as in the past Since the frame image can be selected intuitively while contrasting with a good tempo, there is an effect that the convenience can be improved.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the recording apparatus according to the fourth aspect described above, the composite frame image switching display function is performed without performing an operation of deleting the frame image compositely displayed on the preview image. The recording apparatus is characterized in that a frame image combined with a preview image can be sequentially changed to another frame image.

  In this way, in the state where the preview image is displayed on the display unit, the image display of the digital image file of the preview image display can be changed as it is, and the frame image can be changed to another frame image sequentially. The frame image combined and displayed on the preview image can be sequentially changed to another frame image without performing an operation of deleting the frame image displayed in combination. That is, when changing the frame image while viewing the preview image display, the selection of the frame image on the frame image selection screen, the display of the preview combining the selected frame image, and the digital photograph of the combined frame image are performed as in the past. There is no need to repeat a series of operations such as deletion from an image. Therefore, it is possible to obtain a function and effect that it is possible to execute a digital photo print in which a frame image most suitable for a desired digital photo image is selected and synthesized without repeating a series of complicated operations as in the prior art.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a user interface unit having an operation unit and a display unit, a recording execution unit capable of executing recording on a recording material, and an external storage device capable of reading and writing a digital image file. In a recording apparatus comprising a non-volatile memory in which a plurality of frame images are stored in advance, a recording control function to the recording material by the recording execution means based on a user operation in the user interface means and control of the external storage device A recording control program for causing a computer to realize a function, a frame composition function for compositing a frame image arbitrarily selected by a user to an image of a digital image file arbitrarily selected by the user and recording it on a recording material; The frame image stored in the nonvolatile memory and the storage medium of the external storage device The frame images are displayed in a list on the display unit so as to be simultaneously selectable on the same selection screen, and the contents selected by the user by operating the operation unit while watching the list display are stored from the storage medium of the external storage device. A recording control program for realizing a memory update function for updating the contents of the nonvolatile memory by executing addition of a frame image to the nonvolatile memory and deletion of the frame image from the nonvolatile memory. is there.
According to the recording control program described in the sixth aspect of the present invention, the same effects as those of the invention described in the first aspect described above can be brought to any recording apparatus that can execute the recording control program. it can.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
First, the configuration of an inkjet printer 50 as a “recording apparatus” according to the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an appearance of an ink jet printer 50 as a “recording apparatus” according to the present invention.

  The inkjet printer 50 includes a rectangular box-shaped main body casing 1 as shown in the figure. The main body casing 1 closes the upper surface of the main body casing 1 when being carried, and a cover member 6 that also functions as a paper support for the feeding tray 4 when being used (FIG. 1), and an upper portion of the main body casing 1. The front panel 7 that is disposed at the bottom of the cover member 6 in the state of carrying and the front of the main body casing 1 is opened so as to be openable and closable so as to close the front opening. A discharge stacker 5 that also serves as a cover and a portal handle 8 that is connected to the left and right side surfaces of the main body casing 1 in a rotatable state.

  The top panel 7 is provided with an operation panel 10 as “user interface means” having a liquid crystal display 21 as a “display unit” and operation buttons as an “operation unit”. The liquid crystal display 21 can be switched between a horizontal posture tilted backward and a standing posture or an inclined posture caused upward. A central portion of the rear portion of the top panel 7 is cut out in a rectangular shape as shown in the drawing, and the portion feeds the recording paper P as a “recording material” to the automatic feeding unit 2. The opening 3 is used. Further, the discharge stacker 5 is provided with a pivot fulcrum at the lower left and right corners, and can be pivoted up and down over a range of about 90 ° around the pivot fulcrum. An “external storage device” is disposed above the front opening of the main casing 1 so that a “storage medium” such as a memory card storing a digital image file or the like can be inserted with the discharge stacker 5 opened. A memory card slot 9 is provided.

  When the user operates the operation panel 10 from the state in which the recording paper P is set and performs a recording execution operation on the recording paper P with respect to the ink jet printer 50 having such a configuration, a “recording control device” which will be described later. Is executed. First, the recording paper P is fed from the feeding opening 3 toward the paper conveyance path (not shown) in the inkjet printer 50 by the automatic feeding unit 2. The recording paper P fed to the paper transport path is guided toward the recording position, and is transported by receiving a driving force from a transport roller (not shown) in a state where the lower surface is supported by a platen (not shown). Subsequently, an operation of ejecting ink from the recording head to the recording paper P while reciprocating a recording head (not shown) arranged to reciprocate in a predetermined reciprocating direction, and a reciprocating motion of the recording head. Recording on the recording paper P is executed by alternately repeating the operation of transporting the recording paper P by a predetermined transport amount in the transport direction orthogonal to the direction (recording execution means). The recording paper P after execution of recording receives a driving force from a discharge roller (not shown), is conveyed further downstream in the conveyance direction, and is discharged to the discharge stacker 5.

  The inkjet printer 50 has a relatively simple structure that is extremely compact and easy to carry, for example, for recording paper P of 4 × 6 inches or less. Further, the ink jet printer 50 has a so-called direct print function capable of directly recording on the recording paper P without being connected to a personal computer. The ink jet printer 50 has a configuration in which the function can be expanded by attaching an expansion unit (not shown) with a built-in CD drive or the like below the main body casing 1, and a digital image captured from a memory card or the like. A file can be stored on a CD-R or the like, or a digital image file stored on a CD-R or the like can be read and recorded.

  Subsequently, the configuration of the operation panel 10 as the “user interface unit” including the liquid crystal display 21, the function of each unit, the configuration of the recording control unit 100 as the “recording control device”, and the like will be described.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the operation panel 10 and shows a state in which the main menu screen is displayed on the liquid crystal display 21.
The operation panel 10 includes a liquid crystal display 21 as a “display unit”, a power switch 11, a display switching button 12, a menu button 13, a cancel button 14, a print (recording execution) button 15, a save button 16, and two functions. Keys 17 and 18 are provided. Further, on the lower side of the liquid crystal display 21 of the operation panel 10, an OK button 19 and an upper button U, a lower button D, a right button R, and a left button L are arranged around the OK button 19 as shown in the figure. .

  The power switch 11 is an operation switch for performing power ON / OFF operation of the inkjet printer 50. The display switching button 12 is an operation button for switching the display size (6 split display, 15 split display, full screen display, etc.) of the image displayed on the liquid crystal display 21, and the display switch button 12 is pressed. The display size can be switched cyclically. The menu button 13 is an operation button for displaying the illustrated main menu screen. The cancel button 14 is an operation button for canceling the operation on the way or interrupting the recording on the recording paper P on the way. The print (record execution) button 15 is an operation button for starting recording on the recording paper P.

  The save button 16 is an operation button for saving a digital image file in the external storage device 30 such as the CD drive. The two function keys 17 and 18 are assigned different functions for each screen. The upper button U, the lower button D, the right button R, and the left button L select a desired item from the menu screen on the display screen of the liquid crystal display 21 or select a desired digital photo image from the list of digital photo images. The OK button 19 is used to select a menu item selected by operating the up button U, the down button D, the right button R, or the left button L, a digital photo image, or the like. This is an operation button for confirming the selection contents.

The recording control unit 100 includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) 101 and a RAM (Random
It comprises a known microcomputer control circuit having an access memory (102), an IF (interface unit) 103, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 104, and a nonvolatile memory 105. The recording control unit 100 performs data input / output with the external storage device 30 such as a CD drive built in the memory card slot 9 or the expansion unit (not shown) in addition to the recording execution control for the recording paper P described above. Control and control of operation input from the above operation buttons and display output control to the liquid crystal display 21 are executed via the IF 103.

  The main menu screen displayed on the liquid crystal display 21 includes items of “photo selection”, “paper / layout”, “edit”, “frame”, “save to CD”, “maintenance”, and “setup” in order from the top. It consists of On this main menu screen, when the upper button U or the lower button D is operated to select “photo selection” and the OK button 19 is pressed, a list of digital photo images is displayed, and the upper button is viewed while viewing the image list display. By operating the U, down button D, right button R, or left button L to move the cursor up, down, left, or right, a digital photographic image to be recorded on the recording paper P or to be stored on the CD is selected. be able to. When “paper / layout” is selected and the OK button 19 is pressed, the layout of the digital image when recording on the recording paper P, the size of the recording paper P, and the like can be set. When “Edit” is selected and the OK button 19 is pressed, image editing such as trimming or image quality adjustment of a digital image when recording on the recording paper P can be performed.

  When “Frame” is selected and the OK button 19 is pressed, a frame can be combined with the digital photographic image when recording on the recording paper P is performed. When “Save to CD” is selected and the OK button 19 is pressed, the digital photo image file selected by “Select Photo” can be saved to a storage medium such as a CD via the CD drive. When “Maintenance” is selected and the OK button 19 is pressed, maintenance operations such as nozzle check and cleaning of the recording head (not shown), gap adjustment, and ink remaining amount display of an ink cartridge (not shown) are performed. be able to. When “Setup” is selected and the OK button 19 is pressed, setup operations such as date setting, adjustment of the amount of protrusion during borderless printing, and setting of a wireless communication function can be performed. In the main menu screen, the function key 17 is assigned a “return” function for returning to the previous screen, and the function key 18 is assigned a “continue” function for proceeding to the next screen. It has been.

  Next, the “frame composition function” of the recording control unit 100 according to the present invention will be described. This “frame synthesis function” is a function realized by a recording control program executed in the recording control unit 100 having a microcomputer control circuit.

FIG. 3 shows a state in which the frame menu screen is displayed on the liquid crystal display 21.
When “Frame” is selected and the OK button 19 is pressed, a frame menu screen as shown is displayed on the liquid crystal display 21. The frame menu screen is composed of items of “frame composition”, “frame deletion”, and “frame update” in order from the top. On the frame menu screen, the function key 17 is assigned a “return” function for returning to the previous screen, and the function key 18 is assigned a “continue” function for proceeding to the next screen. It has been. When the upper button U or the lower button D is operated on this frame menu screen to select “frame composition” and the OK button 19 is pressed, a frame selection screen described below is displayed. When “Delete frame” is selected and the OK button 19 is pressed, the frame image combined with the digital photo image can be deleted. This “frame deletion” item is grayed out as shown in the figure when the frame deletion item is not combined with the digital photo image. The “frame update” function and details thereof will be described later.

FIG. 4 shows a state in which the frame selection screen is displayed on the liquid crystal display 21.
On the frame selection screen, a plurality of frame images FL stored in advance in the nonvolatile memory 105 are displayed as a list as shown in the figure. The list display of the frame images FL is performed by pressing the display switching button 12 to change the display size (6 division display, 15 division display, full screen display, etc.) of the frame image FL displayed on the liquid crystal display 21. You can switch to a click. On this frame selection screen, the desired button frame image FL to be combined with the digital photo image is selected by operating the up button U, down button D, right button R or left button L to move the cursor up, down, left and right. be able to. When the OK button 19 is pressed in a state where the cursor is moved to the desired frame image FL, a preview image in which the selected frame image FL is combined with the digital photographic image as shown in FIG. 21. The function key 17 is assigned a “return” function for returning to the previous screen, and the function key 18 is assigned a “continue” function for proceeding to the next screen.

5 and 6 illustrate a state in which a preview image of a digital photographic image obtained by synthesizing a desired frame image FL is displayed on the liquid crystal display 21. FIG.
In this way, a preview image obtained by combining the image of the digital image file arbitrarily selected by the user with the frame image FL arbitrarily selected by the user is displayed on the liquid crystal display 21 (composite preview image display function). In a state where the preview image is displayed, it is possible to confirm by viewing the image image in a state where the desired frame image FL selected on the frame selection screen is combined with the digital photo image selected in advance. In addition, when the preview image is displayed, pressing any of the upper button U, the lower button D, the right button R, or the left button L shows the images in FIGS. 6A to 6C. As described above, it is possible to sequentially change only the frame image FL to another frame image FL without changing the image display of the digital image file of the preview image display (composite frame image switching display function).

  In other words, it is possible to sequentially change only the frame image FL to be synthesized while the preview image is displayed, thereby continuously displaying and confirming the photographic image images in which the frame images FL are synthesized. Can continue. When the OK button 19 is pressed while a preview image in which a desired frame image FL is combined is displayed, the frame image FL to be combined with the digital photographic image can be determined. The function key 17 is assigned a “return” function for returning to the previous screen, and the function key 18 is assigned a “continue” function for proceeding to the next screen.

  FIG. 7 illustrates a state in which a photo selection screen is displayed on the liquid crystal display 21. FIG. 8 illustrates a state in which a print (recording) number setting screen is displayed on the liquid crystal display 21. FIG. 9 illustrates a state in which a print (recording) confirmation screen is displayed on the liquid crystal display 21.

  When the preview image is displayed on the liquid crystal display 21 (FIG. 5) and the OK button 19 is pressed to determine the frame image FL to be combined with the digital photo image, the display on the liquid crystal display 21 is displayed on the photo selection screen (FIG. 7). Transition. The function key 17 is assigned a “select all” function capable of selecting all digital photograph images that can be selected on the photo selection screen, and the function key 18 is assigned a so-called “help” function. Yes. When a digital photo image combined with a desired frame image FL is selected on this photo selection screen and the OK button 19 is pressed, a print (recording) number setting screen (FIG. 8) is displayed on the liquid crystal display 21. .

  In this print (record) number setting screen, the number of print (record) sheets of the displayed digital photographic image can be set. Specifically, when the OK button 19 is pressed, the number of printed sheets can be increased by one, and when the function key 17 to which the “number-” function is assigned is pressed, the number of printed sheets can be decreased by one. Then, after setting the desired number of prints, when the function key 18 to which the “print confirmation” function is assigned is pressed, a print (record) confirmation screen (FIG. 9) is displayed. When the print (record execution) button 15 is pressed while the print confirmation screen is displayed, an image obtained by combining the digital photo image with the frame image arbitrarily selected by the user can be recorded on the recording paper P (see FIG. Frame composition function). The function key 17 is assigned with a “return” function for returning to the previous screen, and the function key 18 has a digital image layout and recording paper P when recording on the recording paper P. A “layout” setting function for moving to the screen for setting the size is assigned.

  In this way, with the preview image displayed on the liquid crystal display 21 (FIG. 5), only the frame image FL can be sequentially changed to another frame image without changing the image display of the digital image file of the preview image display. When the frame image FL is changed while viewing the preview image display, the selection of the frame image on the frame image FL selection screen (FIG. 4) and the display of the preview synthesized with the selected frame image (FIG. 5) are performed. In addition, without repeating a series of complicated operations such as deleting the combined frame image from the digital photo image, the frame image FL most suitable for the desired digital photo image is selected and the combined digital photo print is executed. be able to. Further, since the image display of the preview image display digital image file can be changed as it is, only the frame image can be sequentially changed to another frame image (FIG. 6), and the combined image of the frame image with the digital photo image can be directly improved in tempo. It can be examined while contrasting.

  In this way, it is possible to improve convenience when performing digital photograph printing in which the frame images FL are synthesized by operating the operation buttons while viewing the liquid crystal display 21 provided in the main body of the inkjet printer 50.

  Next, the “frame update function” of the recording control unit 100 according to the present invention will be described. This “frame update function” is a function realized by a recording control program executed in the recording control unit 100 having a microcomputer control circuit. As described above, in the nonvolatile memory 105 (FIG. 2) of the recording control unit 100, data of a plurality of frame images FL used in the “frame composition function” is stored in advance. The “frame update function” according to the present invention provides the user with a function of deleting or adding the frame image FL stored in advance in the nonvolatile memory 105 according to the user's needs. More specific description will be given below.

FIG. 10 shows a state in which the frame menu screen is displayed on the liquid crystal display 21. FIG. 11 illustrates a state where the frame storage location selection screen is displayed on the liquid crystal display 21.
When the upper button U or the lower button D is operated on the frame menu screen (FIG. 10), “FRAME UPDATE” is selected and the OK button 19 is pressed as shown in the figure, first, the frame storage location selection screen ( FIG. 11) is displayed. On this frame storage location selection screen, a storage medium storing the frame image FL to be added to the nonvolatile memory 105 can be selected alternatively. For example, if the “memory card” item is selected on the frame storage location selection screen (FIG. 11), the memory card inserted in the memory card slot 9 can be selected. If the item “Built-in CD” is selected, a CD or the like inserted in a CD drive (not shown) built in the expansion unit can be selected. Further, if the item “external storage device” is selected, an external storage device such as an external hard disk drive connected to the inkjet printer 50 by an external IF such as USB (not shown) can be selected.
When the item “only built-in memory” is selected, it is only possible to delete unnecessary frames from the plurality of frame images FL stored in the nonvolatile memory 105.

FIG. 12 illustrates a state in which the frame data update screen is displayed on the liquid crystal display 21. 13 to 16 illustrate the main part of the frame data update screen displayed on the liquid crystal display 21.
FIG. 17 illustrates a state in which a message display screen is displayed on the liquid crystal display 21, and FIG. 18 illustrates a state in which an updating screen is displayed on the liquid crystal display 21.
For example, when the item “memory card” is selected on the frame storage location selection screen (FIG. 11), the frame data update screen displays the existing frame image FL and memory card slot stored in the nonvolatile memory 105. A new frame image FL stored in the memory card inserted in 9 is displayed in a list so that it can be simultaneously selected on the same selection screen (FIG. 12). More specifically, for example, seven existing frame images FL stored in the nonvolatile memory 105 are stored in a memory card inserted in the memory card slot 9 with a check mark added. Six new frame images FL are not checked, that is, a total of 13 frame images FL are displayed in a list so that they can be selected simultaneously on the same selection screen as shown (FIG. 13).

  The user views the existing frame image FL stored in the nonvolatile memory 105 listed on the frame data update screen and the new frame image FL stored on the memory card in the memory card slot 9 on the same selection screen. However, it can be compared. Then, the user operates the up button U, down button D, right button R, or left button L to select the desired frame image FL while moving the cursor up, down, left, and right, and presses the OK button 19 in the selected state. You can add or remove check marks. The existing frame image FL stored in the non-volatile memory 105 is deleted if the check mark is removed, and is not deleted if the check mark is left attached. As for the new frame image FL stored in the memory card inserted into the memory card slot 9, only those with a check mark are added to the nonvolatile memory 105.

  That is, the user sets a frame image FL and a memory to be deleted from the nonvolatile memory 105 by setting a check mark only on the frame image FL that the user wants to save and use in the nonvolatile memory 105 on the frame data update screen. A frame image FL to be added to the nonvolatile memory 105 from the memory card inserted in the card slot 9 can be simultaneously selected. Then, by pressing the “update start” button assigned to the function key 18, the addition of the frame image FL from the memory card inserted into the memory card slot 9 to the nonvolatile memory 105 and the frame from the nonvolatile memory 105 are performed. The deletion of the image FL is executed at the same time. That is, the contents of the nonvolatile memory 105 are updated in a state where only the frame image FL with a check mark is saved (memory update function).

  On the frame data update screen, a scroll bar for displaying a list of frame images FL is displayed as necessary. Further, the frame data update screen uses the entire capacity of the non-volatile memory 105 when the contents of the non-volatile memory 105 are updated according to the selection contents according to the check mark state of the list display of the frame image FL. The area ratio (%) is estimated and displayed as “memory usage” as shown in the figure. That is, according to the selection contents of the frame image FL to be added to the nonvolatile memory 105 and the frame image FL to be deleted from the nonvolatile memory 105 from the memory card inserted in the memory card slot 9, the selection contents of the nonvolatile memory 105 are used. Before the contents are updated, the ratio (%) of the used area to the total capacity of the nonvolatile memory 105 when the contents of the nonvolatile memory 105 are updated with the selected contents is estimated and displayed (memory capacity management function).

  The display of the ratio (%) of the used area with respect to the total capacity of the nonvolatile memory 105 is updated in accordance with the changed content every time the selected content is changed. For example, immediately after “frame update” is selected on the frame menu screen and the frame data update screen is displayed on the liquid crystal display 21, seven frame images FL (non-volatile memory 105) with check marks are displayed. A list of six frame images FL (memory cards in the memory card slot 9) without a check mark is displayed (FIG. 13). At this time, what is displayed as “memory usage” is the total capacity of the seven frame images FL with a check mark for the total capacity of the nonvolatile memory 105, that is, the total capacity of the actual nonvolatile memory 105. This is the ratio of the used area capacity to the capacity (54%).

  Here, for example, the user wants to add a desired frame image FL to the non-volatile memory 105 out of the frame images FL not checked, that is, the frame images FL stored in the memory card of the memory card slot 9. Assume that two are selected (FIG. 14). Then, the display of “memory usage” is updated according to the capacity of the frame image FL with the check mark (83%). However, the content stored in the nonvolatile memory 105 has not been changed at this time.

  Furthermore, it is assumed that the user selects three more desired frame images FL from among the frame images FL that are not checked (FIG. 15). Then, the display of “memory usage” is updated according to the capacity of the frame image FL with the check mark (113%). However, the content stored in the nonvolatile memory 105 has not been changed at this time.

  At this time, if the contents of the nonvolatile memory 105 are updated with the selected contents, the ratio of the used area to the entire capacity of the nonvolatile memory 105 will exceed 100%. Further, the frame image FL to be stored in can be additionally selected. However, since the contents of the non-volatile memory 105 cannot be updated with the selected contents whose display of “memory usage” exceeds 100%, such an update operation is prohibited. That is, when the display of “memory usage” is a selection content exceeding 100%, even if the function key 18 to which the “update start” function of the nonvolatile memory 105 is assigned is pressed, the nonvolatile memory 105 A message display screen indicating that there is insufficient free space is displayed (FIG. 17), and the contents of the nonvolatile memory 105 cannot be updated.

  Therefore, from the state where the display of “memory usage” exceeds 100%, for example, an existing frame image FL stored in the nonvolatile memory 105 (a frame image displayed with a check mark from the beginning). FL), two frame images FL that are determined to be unnecessary are selected, and a check mark is not added. Then, the display of “memory usage” is updated according to the capacity of the two frame images FL with the check mark removed (96%). That is, even if the contents of the nonvolatile memory 105 are updated with the selected contents, the ratio of the used area to the total capacity of the nonvolatile memory 105 does not exceed 100% (FIG. 16). Then, in a state where the display of “memory usage” does not exceed 100%, when the function key 18 to which the “update start” function of the nonvolatile memory 105 is assigned is pressed, the updating screen is displayed (FIG. 18). ), The content stored in the nonvolatile memory 105 can be updated.

  As described above, in the inkjet printer 50 capable of executing digital photo printing using the frame image FL stored in advance in the internal nonvolatile memory 105, the nonvolatile memory 105 is not necessary in the nonvolatile memory 105. The deletion of the frame image FL and the addition of a new frame image FL from the outside via the memory card slot 9 or the like can be simultaneously selected and executed simultaneously on the frame data update screen (FIG. 12). Therefore, the variation of the frame image FL stored in the nonvolatile memory 105 can be updated by a simple operation according to the user's needs.

  In addition, the frame data update screen (FIG. 12) displays the estimated ratio of the used area to the total capacity of the nonvolatile memory 105 when the contents of the nonvolatile memory 105 are updated with the selected contents at that time. Every time the selected content is changed, the display is updated according to the change (memory usage). Therefore, the user watches the display and confirms at any time whether or not the capacity of the nonvolatile memory 105 is exceeded, while deleting the frame image FL to be deleted from the nonvolatile memory 105 and the frame image FL to be added to the nonvolatile memory 105. Can be selected at the same time. As a result, when the contents of the nonvolatile memory 105 are updated, the update cannot be completed due to insufficient capacity, and the frame image FL to be deleted from the nonvolatile memory 105 and the frame image FL to be added to the nonvolatile memory 105 are selected again on the selection screen. Since it is possible to prevent the trouble of having to rework twice, the convenience can be further improved.

  Furthermore, on the frame data update screen (FIG. 12), even if the selection content at that time exceeds the capacity of the nonvolatile memory 105, the user can perform the selection operation of the frame image FL for the time being. Therefore, first, it is possible to pick up all the frame images FL that the user desires to save in the nonvolatile memory 105. When the user picks up all the frame images FL desired to be stored in the non-volatile memory 105 and the selected content exceeds the capacity of the non-volatile memory 105, the user further selects within the picked-up range. Can be considered. Therefore, the user finally determines the update contents of the nonvolatile memory 105 by narrowing down the frame image FL to be stored in the nonvolatile memory 105 within the capacity range of the nonvolatile memory 105 by a detailed and flexible selection operation. Therefore, convenience can be further improved.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the invention described in the claims, and these are also included in the scope of the present invention. Needless to say.

1 is a perspective view showing an external appearance of an inkjet printer 50 according to the present invention. It is a front view of the operation panel in a state where the main menu screen is displayed The state in which the frame menu screen is displayed is illustrated. The state in which the frame selection screen is displayed is illustrated. It is a preview image of a digital photographic image obtained by combining frame images. It is a preview image of a digital photographic image obtained by combining frame images. The state in which the photo selection screen is displayed is illustrated. The state in which the print number setting screen is displayed is illustrated. The state in which the print confirmation screen is displayed is illustrated. The state in which the frame menu screen is displayed is illustrated. The state where the frame storage location selection screen is displayed is illustrated. The state in which the frame data update screen is displayed is illustrated. The main part of a frame data update screen is illustrated. The main part of a frame data update screen is illustrated. The main part of a frame data update screen is illustrated. The main part of a frame data update screen is illustrated. The state where the message display screen is displayed is illustrated. The state in which the updating screen is displayed is illustrated.

Explanation of symbols

9 memory card slot, 10 operation panel, 11 power switch, 12 display switch button, 13 menu button, 14 cancel button, 15 print (record execution) button, 16 save button, 17, 18 function key, 19 OK button, 21 liquid crystal Display, 50 Inkjet printer, 100 Recording control unit, 101 ROM, 102 RAM, 103 IF, 104 CPU, 105 Non-volatile memory, FL frame image, P recording paper

Claims (6)

User interface means having an operation unit and a display unit, recording execution means capable of executing recording on a recording material, an external storage device capable of reading and writing digital image files, and a plurality of frame images are stored in advance. A recording apparatus comprising: a non-volatile memory; and a recording control device that performs recording control on the recording material by the recording execution unit based on a user operation in the user interface unit and control of the external storage device,
The recording control device combines a frame image arbitrarily selected by a user with an image of a digital image file arbitrarily selected by a user and records it on a recording material;
The frame images stored in the nonvolatile memory and the frame images stored in the storage medium of the external storage device are displayed in a list on the display unit so that they can be selected simultaneously on the same selection screen, and the user can display the list display. The non-volatile operation is performed by adding a frame image from the storage medium of the external storage device to the non-volatile memory and deleting the frame image from the non-volatile memory with contents selected by operating the operation unit while watching And a memory updating function for updating the contents of the memory.   The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the recording control device is configured to select a frame image to be added to the nonvolatile memory and a frame image to be deleted from the nonvolatile memory from the storage medium of the external storage device. Before updating the contents of the non-volatile memory with the selected contents, the ratio of the used area to the total capacity of the nonvolatile memory when the contents of the non-volatile memory are updated with the selected contents is displayed. A recording apparatus characterized by having a memory capacity management function for updating the display in accordance with a change every time selection content is changed.   3. The recording apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the memory capacity management function is configured such that a ratio of a used area to a total capacity of the nonvolatile memory exceeds 100% when content of the nonvolatile memory is updated with the selected content. The recording apparatus can further select a frame image to be stored in the nonvolatile memory, but prohibits updating the contents of the nonvolatile memory with the selected contents. 4. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the recording control device displays a preview image obtained by combining a frame image arbitrarily selected by a user with an image of a digital image file arbitrarily selected by the user. A composite preview image display function to be displayed on the display unit;
By the operation of the operation unit in a state where the preview image is displayed on the display unit, it is possible to sequentially change only the frame image to another frame image without changing the image display of the digital image file of the preview image display. A recording apparatus having a frame image switching display function.   5. The recording apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the composite frame image switching display function is configured to change the frame image synthesized and displayed on the preview image without performing an operation of deleting the frame image synthesized and displayed on the preview image. A recording apparatus characterized by being capable of sequentially changing to a frame image. User interface means having an operation unit and a display unit, recording execution means capable of executing recording on a recording material, an external storage device capable of reading and writing digital image files, and a plurality of frame images are stored in advance. In a recording apparatus comprising a non-volatile memory, a recording for causing a computer to realize a recording control function on a recording material and a control function of the external storage device by the recording execution unit based on a user operation in the user interface unit A control program,
A frame synthesizing function for synthesizing a frame image arbitrarily selected by the user with an image of a digital image file arbitrarily selected by the user and recording the image on a recording material;
The frame images stored in the nonvolatile memory and the frame images stored in the storage medium of the external storage device are displayed in a list on the display unit so that they can be selected simultaneously on the same selection screen, and the user can display the list display. The non-volatile operation is performed by adding a frame image from the storage medium of the external storage device to the non-volatile memory and deleting the frame image from the non-volatile memory with contents selected by operating the operation unit while watching A recording control program for realizing a memory update function for updating the contents of a memory.

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