JP2008250584A - Image file management device and its method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To suitably classify and organize a plurality of image files so as to easily retrieve the image files based on date information. <P>SOLUTION: In this image file management device, when a user inputs the date information by operation of a button group 24 and a touch pen in a diary mode, the image file corresponding to the date information is retrieved by an image retrieval part 702, and is read from a memory card M. A layout information file including retrieval guidance information is generated to the retrieved image file by a layout information file generation part 703. The generated layout information file is stored in the memory card M that is the same medium as the retrieved image file by the layout information file generation part 703. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image file management apparatus and method for managing a plurality of image files based on date information.

  Conventionally, there has been proposed a photo print apparatus capable of printing a composite image obtained by taking a photographed image file stored in a memory card or the like and adding a desired pattern such as a frame, star shape, or heart shape to edit the image. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).

JP 2004-40532 A

  Incidentally, in recent years, as the memory capacity of a storage medium (for example, a memory card) that stores image files increases, the number of image files that can be stored in one storage medium is increasing. Therefore, it is desirable to manage these image files so that they can be easily classified and properly sorted. However, although the conventional photo print apparatus described in Patent Document 1 can take in an image file stored in a memory card and edit the image, it cannot manage such an image file suitably.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and provides an image file management apparatus and method that can be suitably classified and arranged so that a plurality of image files can be easily searched based on date information. With the goal.

  In order to achieve the above object, an image file management apparatus according to the present invention includes input means for inputting search guide information including date information relating to a date, and search guide information input by the input means from a plurality of image files. Search means for searching for an image file created on a date corresponding to the date information included, and a layout for displaying or printing an image stored in the image file searched by the search means, and input means Generating means for generating a layout information file including the search guide information input by the above and drawing information indicating the layout, and storing the layout information file generated by the generating means in the same storage as the image file searched by the searching means And a storage means for storing in a medium.

  In order to achieve the above object, an image file management method according to the present invention searches an image file created on a date corresponding to date information included in search guide information input by an input means from a plurality of image files. Layout information including a search step to be performed, a layout for displaying or printing an image stored in the searched image file, and search guide information input by an input unit and drawing information indicating the layout A generation step of generating a file and a storage step of storing the generated layout information file in the same storage medium as the searched image file are provided.

  In the invention configured as described above (image file management apparatus and image file management method), for example, when a user inputs date information as search guide information, an image file created on a date corresponding to the date information is searched. . A layout for displaying or printing an image stored in the searched image file, that is, an image file satisfying the search condition is set, and a layout including drawing information indicating the layout and search guide information An information file is automatically generated. This layout information file is stored in the same storage medium as the image file searched as described above. Therefore, by inputting the search guide information, the image file can be easily searched through the layout information file, and the image file is saved in a classified and organized state that can be easily searched based on the search guide information. The Rukoto. Further, such classification / organization has the advantage that it can be realized without requiring the user to perform complicated procedures.

  Here, “save in the same storage medium” means that the image file and the layout information file are arranged in the same storage medium. For example, a plurality of search means stored in the first storage medium. When the image file created on the date corresponding to the date information is searched from the image file, the first storage medium can be the “same storage medium” of the present invention. In this case, only the layout information file needs to be stored in the first storage medium, and a decrease in the memory capacity of the first storage medium can be suppressed. Of course, the storage destination of the layout information file is not limited to the first storage medium, but may be stored in a second storage medium different from the first storage medium. However, in this case, the layout information file is preferably stored in the second storage medium together with the searched image file, and the second storage medium corresponds to the “same storage medium” of the present invention.

  Further, a main body storage unit for storing an image file storing an anniversary related image created in advance as an image related to a predetermined anniversary, and a registration unit for registering specific date information as an anniversary set by the user The search means, when specific date information registered as an anniversary date is input as search guide information by the input means, the user creates an image file created on a date corresponding to the date information included in the search guide information. In addition to searching as an image file, an image file corresponding to the date information is searched as an anniversary image file among the image files stored in the main body storage unit, and the generation unit is configured to search for the user image file and the memorial unit searched by the search unit Set the layout for displaying or printing images stored in the daily image file, and input means The layout information file including the search guide information input by the user and the drawing information indicating the layout is generated, and the storage unit includes the layout information file generated by the generation unit, the anniversary image file, the user image file, You may comprise so that it may preserve | save on the same storage medium.

  In the invention configured as described above, when specific date information registered as an anniversary is input as search guide information, an image file created on a date corresponding to the date information included in the search guide information is stored in the user. In addition to being searched as an image file, an image file corresponding to the date information is searched as an anniversary image file among the image files stored in the main body storage means. Then, the anniversary-related image stored in the anniversary image file is added to the layout, and a composite image meeting the user's request can be displayed or printed, thereby providing a user-friendly device and method. That is, a layout for displaying or printing images stored in the user image file and the anniversary image file is set. In addition, a layout information file including search guide information and drawing information indicating the layout is generated and stored together with the anniversary image file in the same storage medium as the user image file. Thus, the anniversary image file and the user image file corresponding to each other are stored in the same storage medium in a state of being classified and arranged so that they can be easily searched. Further, both the anniversary image file and the user image file can be managed.

  Further, the generation unit may be configured to be able to generate a layout information file including search guide information composed of character strings. In this case, when a character string is input by the input means as the search guide information, an image file that is a layout setting target in the layout information file including the character string is stored in the storage medium storing the layout information file. The image read and stored in the image file may be laid out based on the layout information file. Accordingly, a composite image having a desired layout can be obtained simply by inputting a character string as search guide information, and user convenience can be improved.

  The image processing apparatus further includes editing means for performing image editing on the image stored in the searched image file to generate a composite image, and the layout information file is configured to further include information related to image editing by the editing means. May be. In the invention configured as described above, since the layout information file includes information related to image editing by the editing means, the image file and layout stored in the same storage medium even if the composite image is not stored. Based on the information file, the composite image can be easily reproduced. Further, since the composite image itself is not stored in the storage medium, there is an advantage that the necessary memory capacity does not increase. In addition, it becomes possible to re-edit and generate a different composite image from the state where the composite image is reproduced by the editing means.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a photo printer which is an embodiment of an image file management apparatus according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an outline of the internal configuration of the photo printer. In the photo printer 10, a print mechanism unit 50 is built in the printer main body 12, and printing on the paper P is executed in response to an operation command from the controller 70 that controls the entire photo printer 10. Then, the printed paper is discharged to the front surface of the printer main body 12.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a front door 14 is attached to the front surface of the printer main body 12 so as to be freely opened and closed. The front door 14 is a lid for opening and closing the front surface of the printer main body 12. In the open state, it functions as a paper discharge tray for receiving the paper P discharged from the print mechanism section 50. In addition, various memory card slots 16 provided on the front surface of the printer main body 12 can be used by the user. That is, in this state, the user can insert the memory card M storing the image file to be printed into the memory card slot 16. Furthermore, in this embodiment, a disk DC such as a CD-ROM / R / RW (Compact Disc) or a DVD-ROM / R / RW (Digital Versatile Disc) is used as a storage medium in addition to a memory card. Is available. That is, the disk drive 13 is provided in the base portion of the printer main body 12.

  An operation panel 20 is provided on the upper surface of the printer main body 12, and a cover 30 is attached to an inner side of the upper surface of the printer main body 12 so as to be freely opened and closed. The cover 30 is a resin plate formed in a size that can cover the upper surface of the printer main body 12, and exposes the surface of the operation panel 20 to the outside in the open state (see FIG. 1). On the other hand, when the cover 30 is closed, the entire operation panel 20 is covered.

  The operation panel 20 includes a display unit 22 configured by, for example, an LCD display for displaying characters, graphics, symbols, and the like, and a button group 24 arranged around the display unit 22. As shown in FIG. 2, the button group 24 includes a power button 24a for turning on / off the power, a menu button 24b for calling the main menu screen, canceling the operation in the middle, and interrupting the printing on the paper P in the middle. A cancel button 24 c for performing printing, a print button 24 d for instructing execution of printing on the paper P, a save button 24 e for saving data or the like in the memory card M inserted in the memory card slot 16, and the display unit 22. The up, down, left, and right arrow buttons 24f-24i operated when selecting a desired option from among the plurality of options displayed on the screen or moving the cursor, and the center of the up, down, left, and right arrow buttons 24f-24i An OK button for instructing that the option selected by the arrow buttons 24f to 24i is determined. 24j, a display switching button 24k for switching the screen display on the display unit 22, a left guide selection button 24l for selecting the left guide displayed on the display unit 22, and a right guide for selecting the right guide displayed on the display unit 22. A selection button 24m, a discharge tray open button 24n for opening the front door 14 having a function as a discharge tray, and the like are included.

  A transparent digitizer 23 is disposed so as to overlap the display surface of the display unit 22. A touch pen 23 a is provided in the vicinity of the display unit 22. The touch pen 23a is connected to the printer main body 12 by a connection cable 23b, and the digitizer 23 detects the position on the screen where the touch pen 23a comes into contact. Further, in this embodiment, the digitizer 23 may be any one having transparency to visible light, and a known method such as an infrared method or a capacitive coupling method can be employed.

  Further, in order to confirm the display content of the display unit 22, the cover 30 is provided with a window 32 having the same size as the display unit 22. That is, when the cover 30 is in the closed state, the user can check the display content of the display unit 22 through the window 32. On the other hand, when the cover 30 is in the open state, the display unit 22 can be adjusted to a desired angle as shown in FIG.

  Thus, when the cover 30 is in the open state, the cover 30 is held while being inclined obliquely rearward with respect to the operation panel 20 and can be used as a tray for supplying the paper P to the print mechanism unit 50. Yes. Further, at the back of the operation panel 20, a paper feed port 58 of the print mechanism unit 50 is provided, and a pair of paper guides 59 that are slid in the left-right direction so that the guide width matches the paper width are provided. Yes.

  Then, the paper P is sent to the print mechanism unit 50 through the paper feed port 58 and printing is executed. As shown in FIG. 2, the carriage 53 is driven by a timing belt 51 spanned in a loop shape in the left-right direction, and reciprocates left and right along the guide 52. The carriage 53 is provided with a paper edge detection sensor 57 for detecting the left and right edges and the upper and lower edges of the paper P. In other words, the paper edge detection sensor 57 detects the left and right edges of the paper set in the paper supply port 58 before the printing, and allows the paper width to be recognized by detecting the right and left edges of the paper. Or detecting the trailing edge of the paper during printing to enable recognition of the paper length.

  The carriage 53 is mounted with an ink cartridge 54 that individually accommodates ink of each color such as cyan, magenta, yellow, and black. Each of these ink cartridges 54 is connected to a print head 55. The print head 55 applies pressure to the ink from the ink cartridge 54 and ejects the ink from the nozzle (not shown) toward the paper P. In this embodiment, the print head 55 employs a method in which a voltage is applied to the piezoelectric element to deform the piezoelectric element and pressurize the ink. However, a voltage is applied to the heating resistor (for example, a heater) to apply the ink. You may employ | adopt the system which pressurizes ink with the bubble generated by heating. The printed paper P is sent out to the opened front door (paper discharge tray) 14 by the transport roller 56.

  Although not shown, a battery pack can be attached to the back surface of the printer main body 12, and the printer 10 can be operated by a battery without being connected to a commercial power source. Because of this point and the fact that the printer 10 is a stand-alone printer that can be used without being connected to a host computer, the printer 10 is easy to carry and can be used anywhere.

  3 is a block diagram showing the main part of the electrical configuration of the photo printer, FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the memory contents of the memory card, FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the memory contents of the flash memory, and FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the date-related images. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a main part of the layout information file. Note that FIGS. 4 to 7 show examples. Moreover, although the names of files and parameters are shown in FIGS. 4, 5, and 7, these are not limited to those illustrated.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the controller 70 is configured as a microprocessor centered on the CPU 71, and includes a ROM 72 that stores various processing programs, various data, various tables, and the like, a RAM 73 that temporarily stores data, A flash memory 74 that is electrically rewritable and retains data even when the power is turned off, and a graphic memory 76 that stores data of an image to be drawn on the display unit 22, which are connected to each other via a bus 77. Are connected to each other. In addition to the image file of the memory card M and the disk DC being input to the controller 70, the detection signal from the sensor 57 of the print mechanism unit 50 and the command signal from the button group 24 of the operation panel 20 are input. . The controller 70 stores images and data in the memory card M, and outputs a control signal to the print head 55 of the print mechanism unit 50 and a control signal to the display unit 22 of the operation panel 20.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 4, a plurality of (for example, two in this embodiment) image files 161 and 162 are stored in the memory card M. These image files 161 and 162 are obtained by converting photographed photograph data into a file in a known file format. Each of the image files 161 and 162 corresponds to date information (both in this embodiment, for example, December 24, 2006). It is stored in the card M. For example, a time stamp can be used as date information related to the image files 161 and 162. This time stamp is date data that is automatically given to the photo data when the photo is taken. In addition, when the calendar set in the electronic device such as a digital camera used for taking a picture is shifted, the correct date can be corrected by changing the time stamp. Thus, the image file is stored in the storage medium in association with the creation date.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 5, a plurality of (for example, six in this embodiment) image files 741 to 746 created in advance are stored in the flash memory 74. These image files 741 to 746 are image files in which date-related images created in advance as dates-related images are stored (in order to distinguish them from user image files stored in the memory card M, hereinafter “date-related image files”). It is said). More specifically, the date-related image files 741 and 742 are files storing images related to Christmas. In this embodiment, for example, as shown in FIG. 6A, the image file 741 represents a Christmas tree. The image IM1 is stored, and the image file 742 stores an image IM2 representing the character string “Xmas”. The date-related image files 743 and 744 store images related to birthdays. In this embodiment, for example, as shown in FIG. 6B, the image file 743 stores an image IM3 representing a birthday cake. The image file 744 stores an image IM4 representing the character string “Happy Birthday !!”. The date-related image files 745 and 746 are images related to the New Year. The image file 745 stores, for example, an image representing Kadomatsu, and the image file 746 stores, for example, an image representing Kagami-an. Here, Christmas is associated with date information on December 24th or 25th in advance, and New Year is associated with date information on January 1st to 3rd in advance. Further, as described later, when specific date information is registered as a birthday, the birthday is associated with the specific date information. As described above, in the present embodiment, among the date-related image files, the image files 743 and 744 particularly correspond to the “anniversary image file” of the present invention.

  Returning to FIG. 3, the description will be continued. The graphical user interface (GUI) input unit 701 of the CPU 71 receives various command signals based on the user's operation such as a switch operation on the user's button group 24 and a touch position of the touch pen 23a by the digitizer 23, and other functions. Sends information necessary for the block. The image search unit 702 searches for an image file stored in the memory card M based on date information from the GUI input unit 701. That is, the search range is narrowed down to the memory card M, and the image file created on the date corresponding to the date information specified by the user is searched. As a result, an image file that matches the search condition is searched. Then, the number of searched image files that hit the search condition, that is, the number of photograph images of the user (hereinafter referred to as “corresponding number”) is sent to the GUI input unit 701.

  The layout information file generation unit 703 automatically sets a layout for displaying or printing an image file that satisfies the search condition, based on the number of pages from the GUI input unit 701 and information on the layout selected by the user. Generate an information file. Further, the layout information file generation unit 703 saves the generated layout information file in the memory card M and reads out the layout information file stored in the memory card M. This layout information file includes drawing information indicating the layout set by the layout information file generation unit 703. More specifically, a conventionally known method can be employed as a layout information file description method. In this embodiment, a known description method described in JP-A-2003-114780 is used. Adopted. That is, for example, as shown in FIG. 7, a drawing parameter DrawPicture for drawing a photograph image (user image) or a date-related image, a drawing parameter DrawStrings for drawing a character string, and a drawing parameter DrawLine for drawing a line are set. The layout information file may be included as drawing information.

  The above description method is described in detail in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-114780. Here, each drawing parameter (drawing information) will be briefly described. The drawing parameter for images DrawPicture includes parameters for defining the file name of the photographic image and date-related image, the output position of the image frame, and the like. The drawing parameters for character strings DrawStrings include parameters for defining character strings, character frame output positions, fonts, colors, and the like. The line drawing parameter DrawLine includes parameters that define the output position and color of the line. Each drawing parameter corresponds to drawing of one image, character string, and line (hereinafter collectively referred to as “object”), and a plurality of objects are output (to the display unit 22) by describing a plurality of drawing parameters. Or printing on the paper P). That is, in the example shown in FIG. 7, two images, one character string, and one line can be output. In this embodiment, all the drawing information is described as text data. In FIG. 7, for convenience of explanation, row numbers are shown on the left side, and the first to tenth rows and the nineteenth and subsequent rows are not shown.

  Returning to FIG. 3, the description will be continued. The display image generation unit 704 captures an image file of the photographic image from the memory card M based on information about the photographic image specified by the user from the GUI input unit 701, develops the image, and displays an image for display on the display unit 22. Generate data. The display image generation unit 704 acquires various types of information stored in the layout information file from the layout information file generation unit 703 based on the information regarding the layout selected by the user from the GUI input unit 701. When the layout information file includes drawing parameters (drawing information) of the anniversary image file, the display image generation unit 704 takes in the corresponding anniversary image file from the flash memory 74, expands the image, and displays it. Image data for display on the unit 22 is generated.

  The object information generation unit 705 develops a paper coordinate system object for printing a photographic image based on information about the photographic image specified by the user from the GUI input unit 701 and various information from the layout information file generation unit 703. Generate information. The print image generation unit 706 takes in the image file of the photographic image from the memory card M via the object information generation unit 705, and also takes in the date-related image file from the flash memory 74 as necessary. An image is developed on the object, and print image data is generated. The composition processing unit 707 arranges a photographic image based on the image data from the print image generation unit 706 and performs composition processing of the photographic image and the date-related image as necessary to generate image data on paper. To do. The print processing unit 708 converts the image data from the synthesis processing unit 707 into print data, controls the operation of the print mechanism unit 50, and executes print processing. The registration unit 709 registers anniversary dates such as birthdays for specific date information. The registration data is stored in the flash memory 74, for example.

  Thus, in this embodiment, the memory card M corresponds to the “first storage medium” of the present invention, and the button group 24, the digitizer 23, and the touch pen 23a each correspond to the “input means” of the present invention. The image search unit 702 corresponds to “search means” of the present invention, and the layout information file generation unit 703 corresponds to “generation means” and “save means” of the present invention. The registration unit 709 corresponds to “registration means” of the present invention, and the flash memory 74 corresponds to “main body storage means” of the present invention. Further, the display unit 22 and the display image generation unit 704 constitute the “image output unit” of the present invention. Further, the print image generation unit 706, the composition processing unit 707, the print processing unit 708, the print mechanism unit 50, and the paper P constitute the “image output unit” of the present invention.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of this photo printer, and shows a case where the user selects the diary mode. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a mode selection screen, FIGS. 10 to 12 are diagrams showing layout examples of photographic images, FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of image editing by handwriting, and FIG. 14 is a title selection screen. It is a figure which shows an example. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the storage contents of the memory card after the data is saved. Although the file name is shown in FIG. 15, the name is not limited to this.

  In FIG. 8, first, when the memory card M is inserted into the memory card slot 16 (step S1), for example, a mode selection screen as shown in FIG. Then, when the user selects the diary mode by operating the button group 24 or the touch pen 23a (step S2), a date information input screen is displayed on the display unit 22, and the user selects date information. In this embodiment, for example, “December 2006” "24th" is input (step S3). In the date information input screen, the current date may be displayed as a default.

  Next, the memory card M is set as a search range, and the date corresponding to the input date information is set as a search condition, and the search is started and an image file matching the search condition is read (step S4: search step). For example, as shown in FIGS. 10 to 12, the combined image combined with the date information and the diary writing field is displayed on the display unit 22. Further, with the flash memory 74 as a search range, a date corresponding to the input date information is used as a search condition, and a search is started and a date-related image file matching the search condition is read and displayed on the display unit 22, for example, a thumbnail Is displayed (step S5). In this embodiment, the date-related image files 741 and 742 described with reference to FIG. 6A are read out. Then, a layout information file including the drawing parameters for the images, date information, and diary writing fields respectively stored in the read user image file and date-related image file is generated (step S6: generation step). ).

  In this embodiment, a plurality of layout information files are set in advance in accordance with the number of image files searched from the memory card M, that is, the number of photographic images corresponding to the search condition. That is, when the number is 1, the setting is made as shown in FIG. 10, for example. Further, when the number of corresponding sheets is two, the setting is made as shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B, for example. When the number of corresponding sheets is three, the setting is made as shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B, for example. Has been. In this way, photographic images are automatically assigned, so that the user's trouble can be saved. For example, when the number of corresponding sheets is two or three, the user can select a favorite layout (layout). In this embodiment, the maximum number of sheets that can be printed on one page (for example, 16 sheets in this embodiment) is set, and when the number is exceeded, printing of a plurality of pages is performed. Note that illustration of a layout example in which the number of corresponding sheets is four or more is omitted.

  Next, image editing is performed by the user to generate a composite image (step S7). In this image editing, various editing operations are performed by the user operating the button group 24 and the touch pen 23a. For example, a desired layout is selected from a plurality of layouts as shown in FIGS. Also, the print position of the date related image is changed, or unnecessary date related images are deleted. Then, the drawing parameters and the like of the layout information file are changed according to these editing contents. Further, for example, a title selection screen as shown in FIG. 13A can be displayed on the display unit 22 to set a title. That is, in this embodiment, when “Other” is selected in FIG. 13A, an arbitrary title can be set using the touch pen 23a as shown in FIG. 13B. When a title is set, the title is included in the layout information file as “search guide information” of the present invention.

  In the present embodiment, it is also possible to write characters in the diary writing field using, for example, the touch pen 23a. For example, handwritten characters 221, 222, and 223 as shown in FIG. 14 are written. Here, these characters may be recognized as images, and a composite image may be generated with handwriting. In this case, the generated layout information file includes a drawing parameter DrawPicture of a handwritten image. Alternatively, these characters may be converted into character information to generate a composite image as a character string of a predetermined font. In this case, the generated layout information file includes character string drawing parameters DrawStrings. Thus, in this embodiment, the button group 24, the digitizer 23, and the touch pen 23a each correspond to the “editing unit” of the present invention.

  When the image editing is completed and the print button 24d is operated (step S8), the composite image is printed. When the save button 24e is operated (step S9), the generated layout information file is saved in the memory card M (step S10: saving step), and the date-related image file included in the composite image or the user. An image file storing the newly created image is stored in the memory card M (step S11). As a result, the memory card M in which only the image files 161 and 162 are stored as shown in FIG. 4 further includes the date related image files 163 and 164 and the diary writing, for example, as shown in FIG. The image file 165 storing the handwritten image written in the column and the generated layout information file 166 are stored. By such a series of operations, a diary mode (search using date as a search condition, selection of an image file satisfying the search condition, automatic layout of the image file, layout editing, and saving of the edit result) can be performed. In this embodiment, in addition to the “diary mode”, a “search mode” and a “registration mode” can be executed. These modes will also be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing another operation example of the photo printer, and shows a case where the user selects the search mode. First, when the memory card M is inserted into the memory card slot 16 (step S21), for example, a mode selection screen as shown in FIG. When the user selects a search mode by operating the button group 24 or the touch pen 23a (step S22), a search keyword (search guide information) input screen is displayed on the display unit 22. This prompts the user to enter a search keyword. Here, as a search keyword input by the user, a title set in the diary mode, a character string such as a birthday included in the drawing parameter DrawStrings, a family birthday or family name registered in the registration mode to be described later, Alternatively, date information or the like can be used.

  When the user inputs a search keyword (step S23), the memory card M is set as a search range, the input search keyword is set as a search condition, a layout information file including the search keyword, and a layout setting target in the layout information file. The image file (related image file) is read from the memory card M. Then, a composite image in which an image file or the like is laid out based on the layout information file, that is, a composite image already created in the diary mode is displayed on the display unit 22 (step S25).

  Further, when the user desires to print the composite image (“print” is selected in step S26), the composite image already created in the diary mode of FIG. 8, for example, is pressed by the user pressing the print button 24d (step S27). It can be printed again. On the other hand, when the user wishes to edit the composite image (“edit” is selected in step S26), the process proceeds to step S28 to perform layout editing. That is, when the user re-edits, for example, changes the position of the image or creates a new image, the layout information file is updated according to the content of the re-edit. When the re-editing is finished and the user operates the print button 24d (step S29), the composite image newly generated by the re-editing is printed. Next, when the user operates the save button 24e (step S30), the updated layout information file is saved in the memory card M (step S31), and the image file storing the image newly created by the user is stored in the memory. It is stored in the card M (step S32). In step S31, if the layout information file is saved with a different file name, the layout information file of the previous composite image can also be left. Further, in this embodiment, both printing and saving are performed after re-editing is completed, but it may be possible to simply edit and display, re-edit printing only, or re-editing saving, These may be configured to be selectively executable.

  FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing still another operation example of the photo printer, and shows a case where the user selects a registration mode. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of an anniversary registration screen. First, for example, a mode selection screen as shown in FIG. 9 is displayed on the display unit 22, and when the user selects a registration mode by operating the button group 24 or the touch pen 23a (step S41), for example, as shown in FIG. An anniversary date registration screen is displayed on the display unit 22, and the user registers, for example, a birthday (step S42). Here, when the user selects a birthday on the anniversary registration screen shown in FIG. 18A, a name input screen shown in FIG. 18B is displayed on the display unit 22, and the name is registered. By displaying the anniversary registration screen shown in FIG. 18A every time a name is registered, for example, the birthdays of the entire family can be registered. Next, another anniversary such as a wedding anniversary is registered (step S43), and the process ends.

  After the specific date information is registered as the birthday in this manner, for example, when the specific date information is input in the diary mode (step S3 in FIG. 8), the date related images IM3 and IM4 are stored from the flash memory 74. The date-related image files 743 and 744 are read (step S5 in FIG. 8). Thus, in this embodiment, the date related images IM3 and IM4 correspond to the “anniversary related image” of the present invention, and the image files 743 and 744 storing these images are the “anniversary image file” of the present invention. It corresponds to.

  As described above, according to this embodiment, when the user inputs date information in the diary mode, the user image files 161 and 162 corresponding to the date information are read from the memory card M and read. A layout information file 166 including search guide information is generated for the user image files 161 and 162. In addition, the memory card M in which the generated layout information file 166 is the same medium as the image files 161 and 162 is stored. Thus, the layout information file created in the diary mode is stored in the same storage medium as the user image files 161 and 162. Therefore, for example, by inputting search guide information, an image file can be easily searched via the layout information file 166. In other words, the image file can be stored in the memory card M in a classified and organized state that can be easily searched based on the search guide information. Further, such classification / organization has an advantage that even if the number of image files stored in the memory card M increases, it can be realized without requiring the user to perform complicated procedures.

  Further, according to this embodiment, even if image editing is performed to generate a composite image, a layout information file 166 having a simple configuration described in text data including drawing information related to image editing such as the position of the image. Is stored in the memory card M, and the composite image itself is not stored. Therefore, there is an advantage that a large memory capacity is not required. In addition, since the layout information file 166 is saved, the synthesized image can be reproduced without saving the synthesized image, and the synthesized image can be re-edited. In addition, since a character string such as a title can be input as search guide information, user convenience can be improved.

  Further, according to this embodiment, an anniversary image file storing an image related to an anniversary such as a birthday is created in advance and stored in the flash memory 74, and specific date information is registered as an anniversary. ing. Therefore, when the specific date information is input in the diary mode, the image file corresponding to the date information is read from the memory card M, and the anniversary image files 743 and 744 corresponding to the anniversary are read from the flash memory 74. Thus, a layout information file is generated for these image files. As a result, user convenience can be improved.

  Further, according to this embodiment, the layout information file 166 includes a drawing parameter DrawPicture including a parameter for defining the output position of the image frame, a drawing parameter DrawStrings including a parameter for defining the output position of the character frame, a line Contains a drawing parameter DrawLine that contains a parameter that defines the output position of. Therefore, image output to the image output means such as display on the display unit 22 and printing on the paper P can be suitably performed.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications other than those described above can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, in the above embodiment, the image file is searched using the memory card M as a search range, and the generated layout information file 166 is stored in the same memory card M. However, the search and storage target is not limited to the memory card M. For example, the search information may be stored in the same disk DC with the disk DC as a search range. That is, the image file created on the date corresponding to the date information can be searched from the plurality of image files stored in the first storage medium, and the layout information file can be saved in the first storage medium.

  Further, the storage destination may be a second storage medium different from the first storage medium. In this case, it is necessary to store not only the layout information file but also an image file related to the layout information file in the second storage medium. For example, while searching and selecting an image file from the memory card M, the generated layout information file may be stored on the disk DC, and the image file read from the memory card M may be stored on the disk DC. In this modification, the memory card M corresponds to the “first storage medium” of the present invention, and the disk DC corresponds to the “second storage medium” of the present invention. In addition, in the reverse manner, the image file can be searched and selected, and the selected image file and layout information file can be stored. In this case, the memory card M corresponds to the “second storage medium” of the present invention. The disk DC corresponds to the “first storage medium” of the present invention. Alternatively, an image file created on a date corresponding to date information may be searched using a plurality of storage media as a search range. However, when the image files created on the date corresponding to the date information are distributed in a plurality of storage media, it is desirable to store these image files together with the layout information file in a specific storage medium.

  Further, for example, in the above embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, when the number of corresponding sheets is two or three, two types of layouts are set in advance. The layout may be fixed. That is, only one type of layout may be set for each corresponding number. As a result, it is possible to save the user's trouble for examining the layout. Further, in steps S4 and S5 in FIG. 8, the read image file and date-related image are displayed on the display unit 22, but display on the display unit 22 is not essential in the present invention. For example, without displaying on the display unit 22, when the print button 24d is operated, printing may be performed on the paper P with a default layout.

  Further, the present invention can be applied not only to the photo printer as in the above embodiment but also to all devices that manage a plurality of image files associated with date information.

1 is a perspective view showing a photo printer according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an outline of an internal configuration of a photo printer. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a main part of the electrical configuration of the photo printer. The figure which shows the memory content of a memory card. The figure which shows the memory content of flash memory. The figure which shows a date related image. The figure which shows the principal part of a layout information file. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of this photo printer. The figure which shows an example of a mode selection screen. The figure which shows the example of a layout of a photographic image. The figure which shows the example of a layout of a photographic image. The figure which shows the example of a layout of a photographic image. The figure which shows an example of the image editing by handwriting. The figure which shows an example of a title selection screen. The figure which shows the memory content of the memory card after data storage. 7 is a flowchart showing another example of operation of the photo printer. 9 is a flowchart showing still another operation example of the photo printer. The figure which shows an example of an anniversary registration screen.

Explanation of symbols

  22 ... display unit (image output unit), 23 ... digitizer (input unit, editing unit), 23a ... touch pen (input unit, editing unit), 24 ... button group (input unit, editing unit), 50 ... print mechanism unit ( Image output means), 702 ... Image search section (search means), 703 ... Layout information file generation section (generation means, storage means), 709 ... Registration section (registration means), 74 ... Flash memory (main body storage means), 704 ... display image generation unit (image output unit), 706 ... print image generation unit (image output unit), 707 ... composition processing unit (image output unit), 708 ... print processing unit (image output unit), DC ... disk (first) 1, second storage medium), M ... memory card (first, second storage medium), P ... paper (image output means)

Claims (7)

An input means for inputting search guide information including date information related to the date;
Search means for searching image files created on a date corresponding to date information included in the search guide information input by the input means from a plurality of image files;
A layout that sets a layout for displaying or printing an image stored in an image file searched by the search means, and includes the search guide information input by the input means and drawing information indicating the layout Generating means for generating an information file;
An image file management apparatus comprising: a storage unit that stores the layout information file generated by the generation unit in the same storage medium as the image file searched by the search unit. The search means searches an image file created on a date corresponding to date information from a plurality of image files stored in the first storage medium,
The image file management apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the storage unit stores the layout information file in the first storage medium. The search means searches an image file created on a date corresponding to date information from a plurality of image files stored in the first storage medium,
The image file management apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the storage unit stores the image file searched by the search unit and the layout information file in a second storage medium different from the first storage medium. Main body storage means for storing an image file storing an anniversary related image created in advance as an image related to a predetermined anniversary;
Registration means for registering specific date information as the anniversary set by the user,
The search means, when specific date information registered as the anniversary is input as the search guide information by the input means, an image created on a date corresponding to the date information included in the search guide information A file is searched as a user image file, and an image file corresponding to the date information is searched as an anniversary image file among the image files stored in the main body storage means,
The generation unit sets a layout for displaying or printing the image stored in the user image file and the anniversary image file searched by the search unit, and the search input by the input unit A layout information file including guide information and drawing information indicating the layout is generated,
The image file management apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the storage unit stores the layout information file generated by the generation unit and the anniversary image file in the same storage medium as the user image file. The image file management device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the generation unit is configured to be able to generate a layout information file including search guide information composed of character strings.
When a character string is input as the search guide information by the input means, an image file which is a layout setting target in a layout information file including the character string is stored in the storage medium storing the layout information file. An image file management apparatus in which an image read and stored in the image file is laid out based on the layout information file. The image processing apparatus further includes editing means for performing image editing on the image stored in the searched image file to generate a composite image,
6. The image file management apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the layout information file further includes information related to the image editing by the editing unit. A search step of searching for an image file created on a date corresponding to date information included in the search guide information input by the input means from a plurality of image files;
A layout for displaying or printing an image stored in the searched image file is set, and a layout information file including the search guide information input by the input unit and drawing information indicating the layout is generated. Generating process to
An image file management method comprising: a storing step of storing the generated layout information file in the same storage medium as the searched image file.

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