JP2010179473A - Apparatus and method for printing image - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve convenience of a user when an image in an image file is printed on a printing medium. <P>SOLUTION: When a memory card is inserted into a memory card slot of a printer with a printing related information file is stored in a flash memory (Step S110), the printing related information file is displayed at a glance through on an information file selecting screen (Step S140), and an image file related to image related information which the printing related information file selected from the image file stored in the memory card possesses, is selected and is displayed on a printing confirming screen, and printing setting information which a printing information file has is displayed on the printing confirming screen (Steps S150-S170). When a printing indication is performed, the selected image file is successively printed by the printing setting displayed on the printing confirming screen (Steps S180-S260). It is possible thereby to improve the convenience of the user. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image printing apparatus and an image printing method, and more particularly to an image printing apparatus that inputs an image file and prints an image of the image file on a print medium, and a memory that connects an external storage medium that can store a plurality of image files. An image comprising medium connection means and print related information file storage means capable of storing a plurality of print related information files having print setting information as print settings for printing an image and image related information included in the image file together with the image The present invention relates to an image printing method for inputting an image file from an external storage medium and printing an image of the image file on a printing medium in a printing apparatus.

  Conventionally, as this type of image printing apparatus, an apparatus capable of printing an image of image data stored in a memory card on a sheet when a memory card storing image data is loaded (for example, has been proposed). , See Patent Document 1). In this apparatus, image data and printing conditions for printing this image data are stored in a memory card, and the user can set the date and other conditions when printing the image data stored in the memory card on paper. The image data that matches the conditions specified by the user is retrieved, and the image of the retrieved image data is printed on paper according to the printing conditions stored in the memory card. It is assumed that an image that matches the specified conditions can be easily taken out and printed.

JP-A-11-155118

  However, since the printing conditions stored in the memory card are stored together with the image data when the image data is stored in the memory card, the above-described apparatus stores the printing conditions stored in the memory card. Etc. are not reflected at all. For this reason, the printing conditions stored in the memory card may not match the conditions that can be printed by the image printing apparatus, or when the image is actually printed by the image printing apparatus, the user may not have the desired finish. is there. As a method of adapting these printing conditions to the image printing apparatus or making the finish desired by the user, the user operates the image printing apparatus after reading the printing conditions stored in the memory card with the image printing apparatus. Although it is conceivable to change the print setting, since it is necessary to change the print setting every time the print condition is read from the memory card, the user may feel inconvenience.

  The image printing apparatus and the image printing method of the present invention are mainly intended to improve user convenience when printing an image of an image file on a print medium.

  The image printing apparatus and the image printing method of the present invention employ the following means in order to achieve the main object described above.

The image printing apparatus of the present invention includes:
An image printing apparatus for inputting an image file and printing an image of the image file on a print medium,
Storage medium connection means for connecting an external storage medium capable of storing a plurality of image files;
A print-related information file storage unit capable of storing a plurality of print-related information files having print setting information as print settings when printing an image and image-related information included in the image file together with the image;
When at least one print related information file is stored in the print related information file storage means when the external storage medium is connected to the storage medium connection means, a list of the stored print related information files is displayed. Printing-related information file list display means,
When one of the listed print-related information files is selected, an image file associated with the image-related information of the selected print-related information file among the image files stored in the external storage medium Can be selected as a list, and print setting information included in the selected print-related information file can be set as a print setting for printing an image of the selected image file, and the set print setting can be changed. Image file print setting display means to be displayed on,
Printing means for sequentially printing the images of the selected image file according to the displayed print settings when a print instruction is given;
It is a summary to provide.

  In the image printing apparatus according to the present invention, when an external storage medium is connected to the storage medium connection unit, the print related information file stored when the print related information file storage unit stores at least one print related information file. A list of information files is displayed. When one of the displayed print-related information files is selected, the image-related information included in the selected print-related information file among the image files stored in the external storage medium is used. A list of multiple image files to be associated is displayed, and the print setting information included in the selected print-related information file is set as the print settings for printing the image of the selected image file, and the set print settings are changed. The image of the selected image file is displayed when a print instruction is given Sequentially printed by the printing setting. Thereby, the convenience of the user when printing the image of the image file on the print medium can be improved. The “external storage medium” includes a memory card and the like.

  In such an image printing apparatus of the present invention, the printing unit includes image related information included together with the image of the selected image file when a print instruction is given in a state where the print setting is displayed in a changeable manner. The print-related information file having the print setting information as the displayed print setting may be generated and stored in the print-related information file storage unit. In this way, printing can be executed using the printing related information file generated at the time of the next printing, so that the convenience of the user can be further improved.

  Further, in the image printing apparatus of the present invention, when the external storage medium is connected to the storage medium connection unit, and no print-related information file is stored in the print-related information file storage unit, the external storage medium is stored in the external storage medium. Image file list display means for displaying a list of stored image files, and at least one image file selected from the list-displayed image files is displayed in such a manner that a predetermined print setting can be changed. Print setting display means, and the printing means displays the selected image file when the print instruction is given in a state in which the print setting display means the print setting is changeable. The print setting information as the print setting at the time of printing, the image in the printed image file Image related information and may be assumed to be a means for storing the printing-related information file storing unit to generate the print-related information file having contained. In this way, when the next image is printed, printing can be started in a state where the print-related information file is stored in the print-related information file storage means. Can be improved.

  Further, in the image printing apparatus of the present invention, the print setting information is information including at least one of the type of the print medium, the size of the print medium, and image quality adjustment information for adjusting the image quality, and the image related information is At least the date and time of creation of the image file, comments added to the image file, location information of the location where the image file was created, and face recognition information for recognizing a human face included in the image of the image file It can also be information including one.

The image printing method of the present invention includes:
Print-related information having storage medium connection means for connecting an external storage medium capable of storing a plurality of image files, print setting information as print settings for printing an image, and image-related information included in the image file together with the image An image printing method for inputting an image file from the external storage medium and printing an image of the image file on a print medium in an image printing apparatus comprising a print-related information file storage unit capable of storing a plurality of files,
When at least one print related information file is stored in the print related information file storage means when the external storage medium is connected to the storage medium connection means, a list of the stored print related information files is displayed. And
When one of the listed print-related information files is selected, an image file associated with the image-related information of the selected print-related information file among the image files stored in the external storage medium Can be selected as a list, and print setting information included in the selected print-related information file can be set as a print setting for printing an image of the selected image file, and the set print setting can be changed. Displayed on the
The gist is to sequentially print the images of the selected image file according to the displayed print settings when a print instruction is given.

  In the image printing method of the present invention, when an external storage medium is connected to the storage medium connecting means, the printing related information file is stored when at least one print related information file is stored in the printing related information file storage means. A list of information files is displayed. When one of the displayed print-related information files is selected, the image-related information included in the selected print-related information file among the image files stored in the external storage medium is used. A list of multiple image files to be associated is displayed, and the print setting information included in the selected print-related information file is set as the print settings for printing the image of the selected image file, and the set print settings are changed. The image of the selected image file is displayed when a print instruction is given Sequentially printed by the printing setting. Thereby, the convenience of the user when printing the image of the image file on the print medium can be improved. The “external storage medium” includes a memory card and the like.

FIG. 2 is an external view and a block diagram of the multifunction printer 10. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a print processing routine. Explanatory drawing which shows an example of the photograph selection screen. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a print confirmation screen 80. FIG. Explanatory drawing which shows an example of the information file preservation | save screen 84. FIG. Explanatory drawing which shows an example of the content of a printing related information file. Explanatory drawing which shows an example of the information file selection screen. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a print confirmation screen 80. FIG.

  Next, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is an external view and a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a multifunction printer 10 which is an embodiment of an image processing apparatus of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the multi-function printer 10 of the present embodiment includes a printer unit 20 that executes printing on a sheet S based on a print job, a scanner unit 30 that reads a document placed on a glass table 36, and A memory card controller 44 for inputting / outputting data to / from the memory card 42 inserted in the memory card slot 40, and displaying various kinds of information on the display unit 52 and operating user's instructions through the operation of buttons 54. An operation panel 50 for inputting data and a main controller 60 for controlling the entire apparatus are provided. The multifunction printer 10 is configured so that the printer unit 20, the scanner unit 30, the memory card controller 44, and the main controller 60 can exchange various control signals and data via the bus 12.

  The printer unit 20 includes a printer ASIC 22 and a printer engine 24. The printer ASIC 22 is an integrated circuit that controls the printer engine 24. Upon receiving a print command from the main controller 60, the printer ASIC 22 controls the printer engine 24 to print on the paper S based on the image file that is the target of the print command. The printer engine 24 is configured as a known inkjet color printer mechanism that performs printing by ejecting ink from a print head onto a sheet. Note that ASIC is an abbreviation for Application Specific Integrated Circuit.

  The scanner unit 30 includes a scanner ASIC 32 and a scanner engine 34. The scanner ASIC 32 is an integrated circuit that controls the scanner engine 34. Upon receiving a scan command from the main controller 60, the scanner ASIC 32 controls the scanner engine 34 to read a document placed on the glass table 36 as image data. The scanner engine 34 is configured as a well-known image scanner, and the reflected light after emitting light toward the document is separated into red (R), green (G), and blue (B) colors to obtain scan data. A known color image sensor is provided.

  The memory card controller 44 inputs and outputs data to and from the memory card 42 inserted in the memory card slot 40 provided on the side of the operation panel 50. When the memory card 42 is connected to the memory card slot 40, the memory card controller 44 reads a file stored in the memory card 42 and transmits it to the main controller 60 or inputs a command from the main controller 60. Data is written to the memory card 42 based on the command.

  The operation panel 50 includes a display unit 52 and buttons 54. The display unit 52 is a touch panel type liquid crystal display, and displays various mode selections, print settings, a print preview screen, and the like. The buttons 54 include up / down / left / right arrow keys 56 that are operated when selecting various modes and various settings, a determination button for determining various operations, a start button 58 that is pressed when printing an image, It consists of an OK button 59 that is pressed when changing various settings, a power button (not shown) that is operated when turning on / off the power, and the like, and a user instruction is input to the main controller 60 via the internal communication interface 69. It can be done. Here, as various modes that can be selected, a print mode in which an image stored in the memory card 42 is selected and printed respectively, or a document placed on the glass table 36 is read and stored in the memory card 42 as image data. There are a scan mode and a copy mode for scanning and copying a document.

  The main controller 60 is configured as a microprocessor centered on a CPU 62, and includes a ROM 64 that stores various processing programs, various data, various tables, and a RAM 66 that temporarily stores scan data, print data, and the like. A flash memory 68 that is electrically rewritable and retains data even when the power is turned off, and an internal communication interface 69 that enables communication with the operation panel 50 are provided, which exchange signals with each other via the bus 12. Are connected as possible. The main controller 60 inputs various operation signals and various detection signals from the printer unit 20, the scanner unit 30, and the memory card controller 44, and inputs operation signals generated according to the operation of the buttons 54 of the operation panel 50. To do. Further, a command for reading out image data from the memory card 42 and outputting it to the main controller 60 is outputted to the memory card controller 44, a command is outputted to the printer unit 20 to execute image printing, or a button on the operation panel 50 Based on the scan command of the class 54, a command is output to the scanner unit 30 so as to read a document placed on the glass table 36, or a control command for the display unit 52 is output to the operation panel 50.

  Next, the operation of the multi-function printer 10 of the present embodiment configured as described above, particularly the operation when printing an image stored in the memory card 42 will be described. FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a print processing routine executed by the main controller 60. This process is executed when the memory card 42 is inserted into the memory card slot 40 and the print mode is selected as the operation mode. When the user presses a cancel button (not shown), the process is executed even during the execution. It shall end.

  When the print processing routine is executed, the CPU 62 of the main controller 60 reads the file stored in the memory card 42 into the RAM 66 (step S100), and whether or not the print related information file is stored in the flash memory 68. A process for checking is executed (step S110). The print-related information file is a file having print setting information as print settings when printing an image and image-related information included in the image file together with the image. Details thereof will be described later for convenience of explanation. .

  When no print-related information file is stored in the flash memory 68 (step S110), thumbnail images of a predetermined number (six in this embodiment) of the read files are displayed and a photo to be printed is selected. The photo selection screen 70 is displayed on the display unit 52 (step S120), and the user selects a photo (step S130). On the photo selection screen 70, as shown in FIG. 3, six thumbnail images 72a to 72f in two rows and three columns are displayed side by side on one screen, and the left and right keys of the arrow key 56 are operated to move the cursor 74. The photograph can be selected by moving the position, and when the photograph is selected, the number of prints can be increased or decreased for each selected photograph by operating the up and down keys of the arrow key 56. .

  When a photograph to be printed is selected by the user (step S130), a print execution confirmation screen 80 for confirming the execution of printing is displayed on the display unit 52 (step S170), and the user presses the start button 58. At the same time as accepting (step S180), the user accepts a change in print settings (step S190). Here, on the print confirmation screen 80, as shown in FIG. 4, as the currently set items, the file name of the print-related information file, the type and size of the paper to be printed, the number of files to be printed, the number of copies to be printed , The file name of the selected image file is “information file name”, “paper type: plain paper”, “paper size: A4”, “number of print files: 1”, “number of copies: 1”, “print file name” : EP08101001 ”, and the item can be selected as appropriate by selecting the item by operating the arrow key 56 or the scroll bar 82 on the right side of the print confirmation screen 80. . When no information file is stored in the flash memory 68, a default value set in advance is displayed in the print setting item, and a file name is displayed in “information file name”.

  When the print settings are changed by the user (step S190), the contents changed by the user are reflected in the print settings (step S200), and the print settings after reflecting the contents changed by the user are displayed on the print confirmation screen 80. (Step S170), and accepts the pressing of the start button 58 and the change of the print setting by the user (Steps S180 and S190). By such processing, the print setting can be changed to a setting desired by the user.

  When the user presses the start button 58 (step S180), a print command is transmitted to the printer ASIC 22 to print with the print settings displaying the image of the image file displayed on the print confirmation screen 80 (step S180). Step S210). The printer ASIC 22 that has received the print command controls the printer engine 24 to print the image file that is the target of the print command on the paper S with the print settings displayed on the print confirmation screen 80. By such processing, the image of the image file selected by the user can be printed on the paper S with the print settings desired by the user.

  When printing is executed in this way, an information file saving screen 84 for confirming information to be saved in the printing related information file is displayed on the display unit 52 (step S220), and the user presses the OK button 59. (Step S230) The change of the information stored in the print related information file by the user is accepted (Step S230). Here, as shown in FIG. 5, the information file storage screen 84 displays information to be stored in the print related information file, the print related information file name for storing the print settings, and the image file that is the target of the print command. The creation date as image related information, the paper type at the time of printing, and the paper size are “save file name:” “image file information: October 1, 2008”, “paper type: photo paper”, “paper size” : L ”is displayed, and an item that can be set when the next printing is performed by the operation of the arrow key 56 or the scroll bar 86 on the right side of the information file saving screen 84 can be selected. When selected, the check boxes 88a to 88c arranged at the head of each item are filled and displayed. Since the information file is not stored in the flash memory 68 now, a predetermined name set in advance is displayed for the print-related information file.

  When the information stored in the print related information file is changed by the user (step S240), the content changed by the user is reflected in the information stored in the print related information file (step S250), and the content changed by the user is reflected. The subsequent information is displayed on the information file storage screen 84 (step S220), and the user presses the OK button 59 and changes the information stored in the print-related information file (steps S230 and S240). By such processing, the information stored as the print related information file can be changed to information desired by the user.

  When the user presses the OK button 59 (step S230), the image-related information displayed on the information file storage screen 84 and the items (check boxes 88a to 88a) selected as items that can be automatically set when printing is performed next time. A print related information file having the print setting information as the item 88c filled in) is generated and stored in the flash memory 68 (step S260), and the print processing routine is terminated. Thus, for example, in the information file saving screen 84 of FIG. 5, the file name is “for athletic meet”, the creation date is “October 1, 2008” as the image related information, and the paper type is “ A printing related information file “photo paper” is created. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the contents of a print-related information file. Here, a setting of “printing one sheet at a time with reddish correction ON on the photo paper of October 1, 2008” is described. That is, the print-related information file with the file name “for athletic meet” has the creation date “October 1, 2008” as the image-related information, the paper type “photo paper”, the paper size “L”, and the print setting information. The number of copies is “1”. By such processing, when the print related information file is not stored in the flash memory 68, the user selects the image related information (creation date) included in the printed image file together with the image and the print setting at the time of printing. A print-related information file having print setting information can be generated and stored in the flash memory 68. Therefore, when the memory card 42 is next inserted into the memory card slot 40, the printing related information file is stored in the flash memory 68.

  When this print processing routine is executed with the print-related information file stored in the flash memory 68, the print-related information stored in the flash memory 68 is read after the file stored in the memory card 42 is read into the RAM 66. An information file selection screen 90 for selecting an information file is displayed on the display unit 52 (steps S100, S110, S140), and the selection of a print related information file by the user is accepted (step S150). Here, as shown in FIG. 7, the information file selection screen 90 displays a list of print-related information files stored in the flash memory 68, and operates the arrow key 56 or the right side of the information file selection screen 90. An information file can be selected by operating the scroll bar 92, and a print-related information file to be used when printing can be selected by pressing the OK button 59. Here, it is assumed that the above-described print-related information file with the file name “for athletic meet” is selected as the print-related information file.

  When the print-related information file is selected by the user in this manner (step S150), the image file associated with the image-related information included in the selected print information file is selected from the image file read in step S100 (step S160). ) A print confirmation screen 80 in which the print setting information included in the selected print related information file is reflected in the print setting is displayed on the display unit 52 (step S170), and the start button 58 is pressed and the print setting is changed by the user. Accept (steps S180 and S190). On the print confirmation screen 80, as shown in FIG. 8, various print setting information and the image file name selected in the process of step S160 are displayed. Here, since the print-related information file with the file name “for athletic meet” includes the creation date “October 1, 2008” as the image-related information, the processing in step S170 is also the image file read in the processing in step S100. Files having a creation date of “October 1, 2008” (here, file names “EP08101001” and “EP088101002”) are collectively selected, and “print file name” on the print confirmation screen 80 in the process of step S180. The selected file is displayed in "". The print related information file with the file name “for athletic meet” includes the paper type “photo paper”, the paper size “L”, and the number of copies “1” as the print setting information, so the print confirmation screen 80 is also printed. Among the settings, “photo paper” is displayed for the paper type, “L” for the paper size, and “1” for the number of copies to be printed. It should be noted that a value set in advance as a default value is displayed on the print confirmation screen 80 for information for which no information is stored in the print related information file.

  In this way, when the print setting is changed or the image file to be printed is added or deleted by the user while the print confirmation screen 80 is displayed (step S190), the changed contents are reflected in the print setting and printed. Displayed on the confirmation screen 80 (steps S200 and S170), and when the start button 58 is pressed, the printer ASIC 22 is instructed to print the image of the image file displayed on the print confirmation screen 80 with the displayed print settings. Is transmitted to execute printing (steps S180 and S210). With this process, the user simply selects a print-related information file, reads in a batch the files with the creation date “October 1, 2008” from the image file read in step S100, and Since print settings can be performed collectively and printing can be executed, user convenience can be improved.

  When printing is executed in this way, the information file saving screen 84 is displayed and the user presses the OK button 59 and changes the information saved in the printing related information file by the user (steps S220 to S240). When the information to be saved is changed, an information file saving screen 84 reflecting the changed contents is displayed on the display unit 52 (steps S240, S250, S220), and displayed on the information file saving screen 84 when the OK button 59 is pressed by the user. A print-related information file including print-related information including the selected image-related information and items that are selected as items that can be automatically set when printing the next time (items with check boxes 88a to 88c filled in). 68 (step SS23 , S260), the printing process is terminated routine. Here, when the same file name (for example, “for athletic meet”) as the print related information file used by the user for the print setting is displayed in the “save file name” of the information file save screen 84, the information is stored in the flash memory 68. If the file name related to the athletic meet is overwritten and another file name (for example, “for birthday”) is displayed, the print related information file for the new file name “for birthday” is displayed. Is created and stored in the flash memory 68. In this way, a plurality of printing-related information files can be stored in the flash memory 68, and the convenience of the user for the next printing can be improved. The flash memory 68 stores a print-related information file having print setting information when printing is performed by the multi-function printer 10. Therefore, the print setting information in the print-related information file is suitable for the multi-function printer 10. It has become. Accordingly, when the next printing is performed, it is possible to reduce the number of operations for the user to change the print setting, and it is possible to improve user convenience.

  Here, the correspondence between the components of the present embodiment and the components of the present invention will be clarified. The memory card slot 40 of the present embodiment corresponds to the storage medium connection means of the present invention, the flash memory 68 corresponds to the print related information file storage means, and the CPU 62 and the display unit 52 include the print related information file list display means, image The file print setting display unit corresponds to the CPU 72, the printer ASIC 22, and the printer engine 24. In the present embodiment, an example of the image printing apparatus of the present invention is clarified by explaining the operation of the multi-function printer 10, and an example of the image printing control method is also clarified.

  According to the image printing apparatus of the embodiment described above, when the memory card 42 is inserted into the memory card slot 40 and the print related information file is stored in the flash memory 68, the print related information file is stored in the information file. A list is displayed on the selection screen 90, and when one of the displayed print information files is selected, it is associated with the image related information included in the print related information file selected from the image files stored in the memory card 42. When an image file is selected and displayed on the print confirmation screen 80, print setting information included in the print information file is displayed on the print confirmation screen 80, and a print instruction is issued when the print confirmation screen 80 is displayed, the selection is performed. The print settings displayed on the print confirmation screen 80. For sequentially printing, it is possible to improve the user experience. In addition, after printing, a print related information file having image related information and print setting information displayed on the print confirmation screen 80 is generated and stored in the flash memory 68. The convenience can be improved. Further, when the print related information file is not stored in the flash memory 68, the image related information included in the image file selected by the user together with the image and the print setting information as the print setting when the image of the image file is printed. Is created and stored in the flash memory 68, so that the convenience of the user when printing the next image can be improved.

  It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and it goes without saying that the present invention can be implemented in various modes as long as it belongs to the technical scope of the present invention.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, when the print-related information file is not stored in the flash memory 68, printing is performed using the print settings set in advance by executing the processing of steps S120 and S130 of the print processing routine of FIG. However, it is assumed that a print-related information file is stored in advance in the flash memory 68 or the ROM 64 at the time of shipment and the stored print-related information file is read, and steps S110 to S110 of the print processing routine in FIG. It is good also as what does not perform the process of S130.

  In the above-described embodiment, the print setting information includes the paper type, the paper size, and the number of copies. However, the print setting information may include image quality adjustment information for adjusting the image quality of the image of the image file. It is not necessary to include all of the information, and it is sufficient to include at least one of these pieces of information. The image-related information is the date and time when the image file was created, but the comments added to the image file, the location information of the location where the image file was created, and the human face included in the image in the image file are recognized. Face recognition information may be included, and it is not necessary to include all of these pieces of information, and at least one of these pieces of information may be included. Note that the face recognition information is information for identifying an individual using a person's biological characteristics, and includes, for example, the positions of both eyes, mouth, and nose of a human image, and these feature quantities. And it is sufficient.

  The present invention can be used in the manufacturing industry of image printing apparatuses.

  10 Multifunction Printer, 12 Bus, 20 Printer Unit, 22 Printer ASIC, 24 Printer Engine, 30 Scanner Unit, 32 Scanner ASIC, 34 Scanner Engine, 36 Glass Stand, 40 Memory Card Slot, 42 Memory Card, 44 Memory Card Controller, 50 operation panel, 52 display section, 54 buttons, 56 arrow keys, 58 start button, 59 OK button, 60 main controller, 62 CPU, 64 ROM, 66 RAM, 68 flash memory, 69 internal communication interface, 70 photo selection screen 72a to 72f Thumbnail image, 74 cursor, 80 print confirmation screen, 82, 86, 92 scroll bar, 84 information file save image , 88a~88c check box, 90 information file selection screen, S paper.

Claims (5)

An image printing apparatus for inputting an image file and printing an image of the image file on a print medium,
Storage medium connection means for connecting an external storage medium capable of storing a plurality of image files;
A print-related information file storage unit capable of storing a plurality of print-related information files having print setting information as print settings when printing an image and image-related information included in the image file together with the image;
When at least one print related information file is stored in the print related information file storage means when the external storage medium is connected to the storage medium connection means, a list of the stored print related information files is displayed. Printing-related information file list display means,
When one of the listed print-related information files is selected, an image file associated with the image-related information of the selected print-related information file among the image files stored in the external storage medium Can be selected as a list, and print setting information included in the selected print-related information file can be set as a print setting for printing an image of the selected image file, and the set print setting can be changed. Image file print setting display means to be displayed on,
Printing means for sequentially printing the images of the selected image file according to the displayed print settings when a print instruction is given;
An image printing apparatus comprising: The image printing apparatus according to claim 1,
The printing means, when a print instruction is made in a state where the print settings are displayed so as to be changeable, includes image-related information included with the image of the selected image file and the displayed print settings. An image printing apparatus which is a means for generating a print related information file having print setting information and storing it in the print related information file storage means. The image printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:
When the external storage medium is connected to the storage medium connection means, if no print related information file is stored in the print related information file storage means, a list of image files stored in the external storage medium is displayed. Image file list display means;
Print setting display means for displaying a predetermined print setting in a changeable manner when at least one of the image files displayed in the list is selected;
With
The print unit prints the selected image file according to the displayed print setting when a print instruction is given in a state where the print setting is displayed by the print setting display unit so that the print setting can be changed. Image printing is a means for generating the print related information file having print setting information as print settings at the time and image related information included in the printed image file together with the image, and storing it in the print related information file storage means apparatus. The image printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The print setting information is information including at least one of image quality adjustment information for adjusting the type of the print medium, the size of the print medium, and the image quality,
The image related information includes a creation date and time of the image file, a comment added to the image file, position information of a location where the image file is created, and a person's face included in the image of the image file. An image printing apparatus which is information including at least one of face recognition information. Print-related information having storage medium connection means for connecting an external storage medium capable of storing a plurality of image files, print setting information as print settings for printing an image, and image-related information included in the image file together with the image An image printing method for inputting an image file from the external storage medium and printing an image of the image file on a print medium in an image printing apparatus comprising a print-related information file storage unit capable of storing a plurality of files,
When at least one print related information file is stored in the print related information file storage means when the external storage medium is connected to the storage medium connection means, a list of the stored print related information files is displayed. And
When one of the listed print-related information files is selected, an image file associated with the image-related information of the selected print-related information file among the image files stored in the external storage medium Can be selected as a list, and print setting information included in the selected print-related information file can be set as a print setting for printing an image of the selected image file, and the set print setting can be changed. Displayed on the
An image printing method for sequentially printing images of the selected image file according to the displayed print settings when a print instruction is given.

Images