JP2010247477A - Printer, image processing method and image processing program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To solve a problem that, when a user is allowed to select an image from a plurality of images, user's selecting operation is inefficient, makes a burden heavy, increases consumption of consumable articles, and prolongs time required for printing. <P>SOLUTION: The printer includes: an image output part that refers to file specified information for specifying an image file from which an image has been output in a predetermined output form, that is information stored in a memory, when outputting image list display of a plurality of image files, and outputs list display such that an image file from which the image has not been output in the predetermined output form out of the image files set as a list display object can be discriminated on the list display when determining that the image file from which the image has been output in the predetermined output form exists out of the image files set as the list display object; and a storage controller that controls the memory to store the file specified information for specifying an image file newly set as the image file from which the image has been output in the predetermined output form out of the image files being the list display object. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing apparatus, an image processing method, and an image processing program.

  There is a scanner-integrated printer that supports so-called direct printing, which prints an order sheet having a list of reduced images of image files stored in a memory card attached to the printer and a print selection field corresponding to each reduced image. Are known. The user who printed the order sheet marks the print selection column of the image desired to be printed, and then causes the scanner of the printer to read the order sheet. Based on the result of reading the order sheet, the printer reads the image file selected in the print selection field from the memory card, and prints the image of the read image file on paper.

  In addition, an index sheet displaying a list of images corresponding to a plurality of image files stored in the memory and an order sheet having a print selection field for allowing the user to select image file printing are separately printed. A printing apparatus that prints an image file stored in a memory based on a result of reading an order sheet by a scanner unit is known (see Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2005-111802

  The user captures and stores images taken with a digital still camera (DSC) on a memory card. The user prints the images taken and stored on the memory card (for example, photos taken and stored at the travel destination) as an order sheet, and after taking and storing new images on the memory card (for example, after taking and storing family photos) ) It is also possible to print an order sheet. In this way, when the order sheet of the image in the memory card is printed at different times, the image that has been converted into the order sheet in the past is also converted into the order sheet in the same manner. For this reason, the order sheets having the same or all of the contents of the paper surface are obtained in duplicate, resulting in waste of consumables such as paper and ink and waste of printing time. In addition, if an image that has already been made into an order sheet is converted into an order sheet again, the user may select the same photo on the order sheet that has been selected and printed on the order sheet in the past. It is confusing whether the photo has already been printed), and it was very confusing, and duplicated printing of the same photo wasted consumables and wasted printing time.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems. When the user selects an image from a plurality of images, the user's selection operation is made more efficient and less burdened, and various consumables are consumed and printed. An object is to provide a printing apparatus, an image processing method, and an image processing program capable of reducing time.

In order to achieve the above object, the printing apparatus of the present invention outputs information in a predetermined output format that is information stored in a predetermined memory when outputting a list display of images for a plurality of image files. By referring to the file specifying information for specifying the already-executed image file, it is determined whether or not the image file that has been output in the predetermined output format exists in the image file that is the target of the list display. If an image file that has been output in the predetermined output format exists among the image files that are to be displayed, an image file that has not been output in the predetermined output format among the image files that are to be displayed in the list An image output unit for outputting the list display so that the image can be distinguished on the list display, and the predetermined output form among the image files that are the targets of the list display. In the file identification information for identifying the image file to be output it has been provided with a storage control unit to be stored in the memory.
According to the present invention, when outputting a list display of images for a plurality of image files, among the image files targeted for the list display, an image file that has not been output in a predetermined output format at that time Since the list is displayed so as to be distinguishable, the operation of the user who selects an image from the list is made more efficient and less burdensome.

  The image output unit may display only a list of images related to image files that have not been output among the image files targeted for the list display. According to this configuration, since the amount of information presented to the user is reduced, the operation of the user who selects an image from the list display is made more efficient and less burdensome. Further, when the list display is output (printed) on printing paper, the number of prints of the list display can be very small. The output of an image in the present invention includes both a case where an image is printed on a printing paper and a case where an image is displayed on a display device such as a liquid crystal display.

  The image output unit is configured to add an image related to an output image file and an image related to an image file that has not been output among the image files to be displayed as a list, to which color, density, size, addition of a predetermined display, It may be distinguished on the list display by any of these differences. According to this configuration, an image file for which an image has not been output in a predetermined output format at the present time can be clearly distinguished on the list display, so that the user's selection operation becomes efficient and less burdensome.

  The memory stores file specifying information for specifying an image file in which an image has been output in a list display format (a type of a predetermined output format), and the image output unit is configured to display an image file as an object of the list display. If there is an image file that has already been output in the list display format, a list display is made so that image files that have not been output in the list display format can be distinguished from the image files that are the targets of the list display. May be output. According to this configuration, image files that have already been output in the list display format can be distinguished from image files that have not been displayed in the subsequent list display or that have not been output in the list display format. It is displayed.

  The memory stores file specifying information for specifying an image file in which an image has been independently output to a printing sheet (a kind of predetermined output format), and the image output unit is configured to display an image file as a target of the list display. If there is an image file that has already been output to print paper, the image files that have not been output to print paper alone can be distinguished from the image files that are the targets of the above list display. A list display may be output. According to this configuration, image files whose images have already been output to printing paper are excluded from display in subsequent list displays, or can be distinguished from image files that have not been output alone to printing paper. It is displayed.

The file specifying information may include at least one of the file name, data size, and generation date / time of the image file, and may include a flag indicating that the file has already been output in the predetermined output format. According to this configuration, by referring to the file specifying information stored in the memory, whether or not each image file targeted for list display corresponds to an image file that has been output in a predetermined output format. Easy to judge.
The technical idea of the present invention can also be realized by various image processing apparatuses (for example, a personal computer (PC), DSC, etc.) other than the printing apparatus. It is also possible to grasp an invention of an image processing method including processing steps executed by each unit of the printing apparatus and an invention of an image processing program that causes a device (computer) to execute a process executed by each part of the printing apparatus.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a configuration of a printer. 6 is a flowchart illustrating direct print processing executed by the printer. It is an example of the order sheet which can distinguish a non-output image. It is another example of the order sheet which can distinguish a non-output image. It is an example of a normal order sheet. It is an example of the group sheet | seat which can distinguish a non-OS-ized group. It is another example of the group sheet which can distinguish a non-OS-ized group. It is an example of a group sheet when all groups are non-OS-completed groups. It is another example of the order sheet which can distinguish a non-output image.

1. FIG. 1 schematically shows a configuration of a printer 10 according to the present embodiment in a block diagram. The printer 10 is an example of a printing apparatus. The printer 10 is a multifunction machine having not only a printing function but also a plurality of functions such as a scanning function and a copying function. The printer 10 includes an ASIC (Application Specific IC) 11 incorporating a CPU. The ASIC 11 includes a CPU 12, a scanner input circuit 13, an image processing circuit 14, a memory card input / output circuit 15, a head control unit 16, a JPEG decompression circuit 17, etc. These elements are connected to the internal bus 11 a of the ASIC 11. ing.

  A ROM 18, a RAM 19, a nonvolatile memory 20, and an operation panel unit 21 that are externally attached to the ASIC 11 are connected to the internal bus 11 a. The operation panel unit 21 includes various switches, buttons, numeric keys for receiving instructions from the user, a liquid crystal display for presenting various images, messages, and the like to the user. The CPU 12 can input an instruction from the user via the operation panel unit 21 and controls display on the liquid crystal display. The ROM 18 stores a program executed by the CPU 12. The RAM 19 temporarily stores image data, print data, and the like processed by the CPU 12 executing the program. The nonvolatile memory 20 stores file specifying information as will be described later.

  A scanner unit 22 is connected to the scanner input circuit 13. The scanner unit 22 generates image data by optically reading a document placed on a platen glass (not shown), and inputs the image data to the scanner input circuit 13. The scanner input circuit 13 performs predetermined line correction processing, resolution conversion processing, and the like on the input image data under the control of the CPU 12, and then transfers the image data to the image processing circuit 14. The image data referred to in the present embodiment is, for example, RGB data in which each pixel is represented by gradation values (for example, 256 gradations from 0 to 255) for each of RGB (red, green, and blue).

  The image processing circuit 14 takes in the image data under the control of the CPU 12 and performs various image processing such as color conversion, halftone processing, and microweave processing, so that print data (of the print head 23 is scanned for each scan during printing). Head driving data for causing the nozzles to eject ink) is generated, and the print data is transferred to the head control unit 16. The head control unit 16 drives the print head 23 based on the print data under the control of the CPU 12 to control whether or not ink droplets (dots) are discharged and the amount of dots to be discharged. Thereby, printing (copying) for the image read by the scanner unit 22 is realized. Of course, the printer 10 is not limited to the ink jet type, and may be a laser printer, an LED printer, or the like. The printer 10 may be a printing device for consumers, or a business printing device for DPE (so-called minilab machine).

  The memory card input / output circuit 15 functions as an interface circuit when a memory card 25 (a type of storage medium) is inserted into the memory card slot 24. The memory card 25 stores an image file of a photograph taken by a DSC (not shown). The image file is, for example, a file obtained by compressing RGB image data in the JPEG format. The CPU 12 reads an image file from the memory card 25 via the memory card input / output circuit 15 and transfers it to the JPEG decompression circuit 17. The JPEG decompression circuit 17 decompresses (decodes) the image file from the image file into RGB image data by performing a decoding process on the image file read from the memory card 25 under the control of the CPU 12. Data is stored in the RAM 19. This image data is transferred to the image processing circuit 14 under the control of the CPU 12, and converted into print data by the above-described image processing. Then, by driving the print head 23 based on the print data, an image corresponding to the image file stored in the memory card 25 is printed.

Of course, the printer 10 can be connected to an external PC or DSC (not shown) to execute printing based on image data stored in the PC, or based on image data stored in a memory inside the DSC. It is also possible to execute printing.
Next, direct print processing with order sheet printing by the printer 10 will be described.

2. Printing Process FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the direct printing process executed by the printer 10. It can be said that the printer 10 implements the image processing method of the present invention in that the flowchart is executed. As a premise that this direct print processing is started, it is assumed that a memory card 25 storing a plurality of image files is mounted in the memory card slot 24 and a print mode for printing an order sheet is set by the user. The user operates the operation panel unit 21 to select and set a print mode for printing an order sheet from a predetermined menu displayed on the liquid crystal display.

  In step S (hereinafter abbreviated as “step”) 100, the CPU 12 sequentially reads out the image files stored in the memory card 25, and calculates the number of image files (the number of images stored in the memory card 25) N. calculate.

  In S110, the CPU 12 determines whether or not the calculated number N of image files is greater than a predetermined threshold value Th. If N ≦ Th, the process proceeds to S120, and the order sheet is printed. On the other hand, if N> Th, the process proceeds to S150, and the group order sheet is printed before the order sheet is printed. The threshold value Th means “the upper limit value of the number of image files that can print an order sheet without printing a group order sheet”. The threshold value Th is, for example, the number of reduced images that can be printed in an order sheet for two printing sheets of a predetermined size. The group order sheet and the order sheet correspond to the list display in the present invention, and each of these sheets will be described in detail below. Hereinafter, the group order sheet is referred to as a group sheet.

  In S120, the CPU 12 determines whether or not an image file (OS-completed image file) in which at least a reduced image has been printed on the order sheet in the past exists in the image file read from the memory card 25. . The CPU 12 makes the determination with reference to the file specifying information stored in the nonvolatile memory 20 at that time. The file specifying information is information specifying an image file in which an image has been output in a predetermined output format, and includes at least one or more information and flag among the file name, data size, and generation date (shooting date) of the file. Composed of a combination. In the present embodiment, the file specifying information related to one image file includes all of the file name, data size, and generation date / time. In addition, the flag includes a flag (first flag) indicating that the reduced image has been printed on the order sheet in the past, and the reduced image is selected on the order sheet in the past, so that the image is alone on the print sheet. There are two types of flags: a flag (second flag) indicating that printing has already been performed (photo printing has been completed).

  The CPU 12 searches for all the image files read from the memory card 25 one by one to check whether the file specifying information in which the file name, the data size, and the generation date / time all match is stored in the nonvolatile memory 20. Then, when there is file specifying information that matches the file name, data size, and generation date, it is determined whether the first flag or the second flag is set in the file specifying information. Then, the image file corresponding to the file specifying information for which the first flag or the second flag is set is determined to be an OS-completed image file. On the other hand, an image file in which file specifying information that matches all of the file name, data size, and generation date / time is not stored in the nonvolatile memory 20 is determined to be an unoutput image file. If there is at least one OS-completed image file among the image files read from the memory card 25, the CPU 12 proceeds to S130, while all the image files in the memory card 25 are unoutput image files. If so, the process proceeds to S140.

  In S <b> 130, the CPU 12 prints an order sheet that can distinguish unoutput image files. As an example, the CPU 12 performs a control process of printing an order sheet that displays a list of reduced images of only unoutput image files. Specifically, the CPU 12 generates image data (order sheet image data) representing an order sheet in which reduced images of the respective image data are arranged in a predetermined layout based on the image data relating to the unoutput image file. Then, the order sheet image data is transferred to the image processing circuit 14 and converted into print data by performing the above-described image processing. The CPU 12 drives the print head 23 based on the print data to print the order sheet on the print paper.

  FIG. 3 shows an example of the order sheet 30 printed in S130 as described above. In the order sheet 30, a plurality of reduced images 31 are displayed in a list in an index format. In FIG. 3 (the same applies to FIGS. 4 and 5), a print selection field 32, an image number, and a generation date and time (shooting date and time) are displayed below each reduced image 31. Although not shown in detail in FIG. 3 (the same applies to FIGS. 4 and 5), in the order sheet, a plurality of size designation fields for designating the size of printing paper and the number of prints of each image are designated. Various input fields and displays, such as a number designation field, can be provided. In FIG. 3, for convenience, the image numbers indicate the order in which the corresponding image files are stored in the memory card 25, and the image numbers start with “11” instead of “1” in the order sheet 30. Yes. That is, the older ten image files among the image files stored in the memory card 25 are excluded from display targets in the order sheet 30 as a result of being determined as OS-completed image files in S120. Only the reduced image 31 of the image file after the image number “11” determined to be an unoutput image file is printed on the order sheet 30.

  A specific example of an order sheet that can distinguish unoutput image files is not limited to that shown in FIG. For example, the CPU 12 prints an order sheet for displaying a list without adding a predetermined display to the reduced image of the OS-converted image file and without adding the predetermined display to the reduced image of the non-output image file. Control processing may be performed.

  FIG. 4 shows an example of the order sheet 33 printed in S130, which is different from FIG. In the order sheet 33, the reduced images 31 of all the image files read from the memory card 25 are displayed as a list in an index format. Further, in the order sheet 33, the reduced images of the image files determined as OS-completed image files in S120 are collectively surrounded by a predetermined frame W. Furthermore, the inside of the frame W may be covered with a predetermined color (for example, gray). Such a frame W (inside covered with a predetermined color) is an example of the predetermined display.

  Specific examples of order sheets that can be distinguished from unoutput image files are not limited to those shown in FIGS. For example, the CPU 12 may display a reduced image of the OS-completed image file in monochrome and print an order sheet on which the reduced image of the unoutput image file is displayed in color. Further, the CPU 12 may print the order sheet by making the print density of the reduced image of the OS-completed image file thinner than the reduced image of the non-output image file by a predetermined amount. Further, the CPU 12 may print the order sheet by making the size of the reduced image of the OS-completed image file smaller than that of the non-output image file.

On the other hand, in S140, the CPU 12 prints the conventional order sheet. That is, the CPU 12 prints an order sheet that displays a list of the reduced images 31 of all the image files read from the memory card 25 in an index format on printing paper.
FIG. 5 shows an example of the order sheet 34 printed in S140. In the order sheet 34, the reduced images 31 of all the image files stored in the memory card 25 are displayed as a list in an index format. Since all of the reduced images 31 on the order sheet 34 have been converted into an order sheet for the first time, the measures for distinguishing the reduced images 31 as described with reference to FIG. 4 (addition of a predetermined display, color, No treatment to vary the concentration or size).

  As described above, in the present embodiment, when the number N of image files in the memory card 25 is equal to or less than the threshold value Th, the images of the image files read from the memory card 25 in S120, S130, and S140 are ordered sheets. Turn into. At this time, since the number of reduced images displayed on the order sheet is equal to or less than the threshold value Th, the number of order sheets to be printed is very small. It can be said that the printer 10 includes a memory image output unit in that S120, S130, and S140 can be executed. After S130 or S140, the CPU 12 proceeds to S230.

Next, processing when the process proceeds from S110 to S150 will be described.
In S150, the CPU 12 sorts all image files read from the memory card 25 in the order of file generation date.
In S160, the CPU 12 divides the image files arranged in order of date and time by the above sorting into a plurality of image file groups (simply referred to as groups) by dividing the image files by a predetermined number unit.

  Various methods for grouping all the image files stored in the memory card 25 are conceivable. For example, the CPU 12 may divide the plurality of image files into a predetermined number of groups and divide the image files into a predetermined number of groups. The CPU 12 may determine the number of image files included in one group in advance. A group may be generated by separating the image files with the oldest date and time in order. However, it is appropriate that the upper limit value of the number of image files included in one group is the number of reduced images that can be printed on one order sheet. The CPU 12 assigns a number to each group. In this case, for example, group numbers such as 1, 2, 3,. Then, the CPU 12 associates each image file with the group number to which each image file belongs, and stores the correspondence between the image file and the group number in, for example, the RAM 19.

  In S <b> 170, the CPU 12 determines a predetermined number (for example, about 1 to 4) of representative images from image files belonging to the group for each group. For example, when all 500 image files stored in the memory card 25 are divided into 20 groups (one group = 25 image files), each of the 20 groups has a group image. A representative image is determined. Various methods for determining the representative image are conceivable. For example, the CPU 12 extracts, for each group, a predetermined number of image files from the oldest generation date among the image files belonging to the group, and sets the image file extracted for each group as a representative image for each group.

  Alternatively, the CPU 12 detects, for each group, an image file (person photograph) including a person image from image files belonging to the group, and if the image file including the person image is successfully detected, the CPU 12 selects the image file including the person image. A representative image is preferentially used. If the number of person photos detected from the image files belonging to the group is less than the number of representative images to be determined for each group, and if there is no person photo in the image file belonging to the group, the generation date / time is The old image file is used as a representative image for the missing group. The person image can be detected by a known face recognition process. Alternatively, the CPU 12 may use a predetermined number of image files randomly extracted from image files belonging to the group as representative images of the group. It can be said that the printer 10 includes a group generation unit and a representative image determination unit in that such S150 to S170 can be executed.

  In S180, the CPU 12 determines whether there is a group constituted by the OS-completed image file. That is, for each group, the CPU 12 determines whether each image file included in the group is an OS-completed image file by referring to the file specifying information stored in the nonvolatile memory 20 at that time. To do. If there is even one group (OS group) in which all image files are OS-completed image files, the CPU 12 determines “Yes” and proceeds to S190. On the other hand, if there is no OS-completed group, the CPU 12 determines “No” and proceeds to S200.

  In S190, the CPU 12 prints a group sheet that can distinguish representative images corresponding to groups that have not been determined to be OS groups in S180 (non-OS groups). The group sheet is a printed matter that displays a list of representative images and has a selection field for allowing the user to arbitrarily select a representative image (a group to which the representative image corresponds). As an example, the CPU 12 performs a control process of printing a group sheet that displays a list of reduced images of only representative images corresponding to non-OS groups. Specifically, based on the image data relating to the representative image corresponding to the non-OS group, the CPU 12 represents image data (group sheet image) representing a group sheet in which reduced images of each image data are arranged in a predetermined layout. Data). The group sheet image data is transferred to the image processing circuit 14 and converted into print data by performing the above-described image processing. The CPU 12 drives the print head 23 based on the print data to print the group sheet on the print paper.

  FIG. 6 shows an example of the group sheet 40 printed in S190 as described above. In the group sheet 40, a plurality of reduced image groups 41 are displayed in a list in an index format. In FIG. 6 (the same applies to FIGS. 7 and 8), a group selection field 42, a group number, and a generation time (shooting period) are displayed below each reduced image group 41. One reduced image group 41 is a set of representative images in one group. The generation time (for example, 2008/9/1 to 2008/10/1) assigned to each group is the generation date and time of the oldest image file belonging to the group and the image file belonging to the group. The most recent file generation date is shown.

  In the group sheet 40, the group number of the reduced image group 41 does not start from “1” but starts from “6”. That is, as for the five oldest groups among the plurality of groups, as a result of the determination as the OS-completed group, the representative image is excluded from the display target in the group sheet 40 and the group that is not determined as the OS-completed group Only the representative images (reduced image group 41) relating to the groups after the number “6” are printed on the group sheet 40.

  A specific example of a group sheet in which representative images corresponding to a group that has not been determined to be an OS group can be distinguished is not limited to that illustrated in FIG. That is, similar to the display mode in the order sheet shown in FIG. 4, the CPU 12 adds a predetermined display to the reduced image group corresponding to the OS-completed group and adds the predetermined display to the reduced image group corresponding to the non-OS-converted group. May perform a control process for printing group sheets for displaying a list without adding the predetermined display.

  FIG. 7 shows an example of the group sheet 43 printed in S190, which is different from FIG. In the group sheet 43, the reduced image groups 41 of all groups generated in S160 are displayed in a list in an index format. In the group sheet 43, the reduced image group 41 corresponding to the group determined as the OS-completed group in S180 is collectively surrounded by a frame W. Furthermore, the inside of the frame W may be covered with a predetermined color (for example, gray). Of course, on the group sheet, the reduced image group corresponding to the group determined to be the OS group and the reduced image group corresponding to the non-OS group are also distinguished by monochrome display and color display. Alternatively, it may be distinguished by a difference in density of printing density or by a difference in size of a reduced image.

On the other hand, in S200, the CPU 12 causes a group sheet that displays a list of the reduced image groups 41 of all the groups generated in S160 in an index format to be printed on printing paper.
FIG. 8 shows an example of the group sheet 44 printed in S200. In the group sheet 44, a list of reduced image groups 41 of all groups is displayed. Since all the reduced image groups 41 on the group sheet 44 correspond to groups that have not been determined to be OS groups, in order to distinguish the reduced image groups 41 as described with reference to FIG. No treatment (addition of a predetermined display or treatment for changing the color, density, or size) is performed.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, when the number N of image files stored in the memory card 25 is larger than the threshold value Th, the order sheet is not printed suddenly, but each group in S180, S190, and S200. The representative image list display is output as a group sheet. It can be said that the printer 10 includes a representative image output unit in that S180, S190, and S200 can be executed.

  In the above description, the CPU 12 sorts the image files read from the memory card 25 in the order of file generation date and divides them into a plurality of groups by dividing them by a predetermined number unit. However, the CPU 12 may divide the image files read from the memory card 25 into a plurality of groups by sorting the image files in the order of file names and dividing them in a predetermined number unit. In the memory card 25, for example, an image file with a file name with a number such as “CIMG0001.JPG” is stored. Therefore, a plurality of image files are sorted according to the number included in the file name It may be divided into a plurality of groups. As described above, when the image files are sorted in the order of file names and divided into a plurality of groups by a predetermined number unit, in the group sheet, a group such as “CIMG0001.JPG to CIMG0025.JPG” is provided for each reduced image group 41. The range of each file name is displayed instead of the generation time of the file.

  After the group sheet is printed by the printer 10, the user arbitrarily selects the representative image (reduced image group 41) displayed on the group sheet, and blacks out the group selection field 42 corresponding to the selected representative image. That is, by referring to the reduced image group 41 for each group and the generation time thereof, the user can specifically recall the contents of the photos of the group to which each reduced image group 41 corresponds, and as a result, the order sheet You can easily select the group you want to create.

  In S210, the printer 10 detects a representative image (group corresponding to the representative image) selected by the user by scanning the group sheet after the user arbitrarily fills the group selection field 42. That is, in the printer 10, the group sheet placed on the platen glass is scanned by the scanner unit 22, and the scanner unit 22 inputs read data (image data) to the scanner input circuit 13. The CPU 12 captures the read data via the scanner input circuit 13 and determines which group selection column 42 is selected (blacked out) on the group sheet based on the read data. The selected group (group number) is detected.

  In S220, the CPU 12 performs control processing for printing an order sheet for displaying a list of reduced images related to the image files belonging to the group detected in S210 among the image files read from the memory card 25. In this case, the CPU 12 identifies each image file belonging to the group detected in S210 by referring to the correspondence relationship between the image file stored in the RAM 19 or the like and the group number. Then, order sheet image data is generated based on the image data relating to each image file specified as described above, the order sheet image data is transferred to the image processing circuit 14, and the above-described image processing is performed to thereby print data. Convert to The CPU 12 drives the print head 23 based on the print data to print the order sheet on the print paper.

  As a result of S220, only the images in the group corresponding to the representative image (reduced image group 41) selected on the group sheet by the user are made into an order sheet and provided to the user. For example, when the group selection field 42 of the group number “6” is filled on the group sheet, the reduced image 31 relating to each image file corresponding to the group number “6” is displayed in the print selection field 32, the image number. The order sheet displayed in a list together with the generation date and time is printed. When a plurality of group selection fields 42 are selected on the group sheet, the CPU 12 causes the order sheet for each group to be printed. As described above, in S210 and S220, the selection of the representative image in the output group sheet is acquired, and the order sheet of the image of each image file belonging to the group corresponding to the representative image related to the selection is output. It can be said that the printer 10 includes a group image output unit.

  Even when the order sheet is printed in S220, the CPU 12 may perform the same processing as in S120, S130, and S140 described above. That is, the CPU 12 determines whether each image file (each image file belonging to the group selected via the group sheet) that can be made into an order sheet is an OS-completed image file or an unoutput image file. When there is an unoutput image file, control processing for printing an order sheet that can distinguish the unoutput image file may be performed.

  In S <b> 230, the CPU 12 newly adds file specifying information about the image file in which the reduced image is printed on the order sheet for the first time to the nonvolatile memory 20. In other words, if it is S230 after S130, the CPU 12 stores the file name, data size, generation date and time in the nonvolatile memory 20 together with the first flag for each image file determined as an unoutput image file in S120. In S230 after S140, the CPU 12 causes the nonvolatile memory 20 to store the file name, data size, and generation date and time for all image files stored in the memory card 25 together with the first flag. If it is S230 after S220, the CPU 12 determines the file name and data for the image file that has been an unoutput image file so far, among the image files corresponding to the reduced image displayed on the order sheet printed in S220. The size and generation date and time are stored in the nonvolatile memory 20 together with the first flag.

After the order sheet is printed by the printer 10, the user refers to the reduced image 31 displayed on the order sheet, arbitrarily selects the print selection field 32 corresponding to the image desired to be printed, and paints it black.
In S240, the printer 10 detects the image file selected by the user by scanning the order sheet after the user arbitrarily fills the print selection field 32. That is, in the printer 10, the order sheet placed on the platen glass is scanned by the scanner unit 22, and the scanner unit 22 inputs read data (image data) to the scanner input circuit 13. The CPU 12 captures the read data via the scanner input circuit 13, and determines which print selection column 32 is selected (filled in black) on the order sheet based on the read data. Detect the selected image file.

  In S250, the CPU 12 performs control processing for printing the image file detected in S240 among the image files read from the memory card 25. That is, the CPU 12 performs image processing on the image data relating to the detected image file by the image processing circuit 14 to convert it into print data, and drives the print head 23 based on the print data. As a result, the image selected by the user on the order sheet is printed alone on the printing paper.

  In S260, the CPU 12 causes the non-volatile memory 20 to store file specifying information regarding the image file (image file selected via the order sheet) detected in S240. In this case, the CPU 12 sets the flag of the file specifying information stored in the nonvolatile memory 20 for the image file detected in S240 to the second flag (rewrites from the first flag to the second flag). That is, since the image file selected on the order sheet is an image finally printed with a photo, the second flag is set for the image file. However, the timing for setting the second flag in the image file selected on the order sheet may be the timing after the order sheet is scanned in S240 and before the image is printed in S250.

  When printing the order sheet in S130 or S220, the CPU 12 does not output a reduced image or an unoutput image for the OS-completed image file (the image file in which the first flag or the second flag is set). The reduced image of the file and the display mode are different (addition of predetermined display, monochrome / color difference, print density difference, size difference, etc.). However, when printing the order sheet, the CPU 12 reduces the image file (printed image file) that may have been printed on the printing paper alone as a result of selecting the reduced image on the order sheet in the past. An image may not be output, or may be output with a display mode different from that of an image file other than a printed image file. In other words, the CPU 12 refers to the non-volatile memory 20 when printing the order sheet based on a plurality of image files (image files in the memory card 25 or image files belonging to the group selected by the group sheet). Each image file is discriminated as a printed image file and an image file other than the printed image file depending on whether or not a flag is stored. If even one printed image file exists, an order sheet that can distinguish image files other than the printed image file may be printed in S130 and S220.

  Alternatively, when the order sheet is printed in S130 or S220, the CPU 12 prints an order sheet that can distinguish a printed image file, an OS-completed image file other than the printed image file, and an unoutput image file. May be. In other words, the CPU 12 refers to the non-volatile memory 20 when printing the order sheet based on a plurality of image files (image files in the memory card 25 or image files belonging to the group selected by the group sheet). Each image file is a printed image file (with a second flag) and a printed image by three choices of whether a flag is stored, a first flag is stored, or file identification information itself is not stored It is classified into an OS-completed image file other than a file (with a first flag) and an unoutput image file (without file specifying information). When there is a printed image file and / or an OS-completed image file other than the printed image file, an order sheet that can distinguish these various image files may be printed in S130 and S220.

  FIG. 9 illustrates the order sheet 35 printed by the printer 10 so that the printed image file, the OS-completed image file other than the printed image file, and the non-output image file can be distinguished. The order sheet 35 is, for example, the order sheet printed in S130, and the reduced images 31 of all the image files in the memory card 25 are listed and displayed in an index format. In the order sheet 35, the reduced image corresponding to the OS image file other than the printed image file and the printed image file are collectively enclosed by a frame W, and the reduced image enclosed by the frame W is further enclosed. Among them, the reduced image of the printed image file is covered with a predetermined color (for example, gray, which is indicated by hatching in FIG. 9).

  Further, when printing the group sheet in S190, the CPU 12 does not output the reduced image group for the OS group, or changes the display mode from the reduced image group of the non-OS group (addition of a predetermined display). , Monochrome / color difference, print density difference, size difference, etc.). However, when printing a group sheet, the CPU 12 does not output a reduced image group for a group (printed group) in which all image files are printed image files, or a reduced image group of a group that is not a printed group. And may be output with different display modes. That is, when printing the group sheet, the CPU 12 determines whether each group is a printed group by referring to the setting state of the second flag in the nonvolatile memory 20. If there is at least one printed group, a group sheet in which reduced image groups of groups other than the printed group can be distinguished may be printed in S190.

  As described above, in order to output an order sheet or a group sheet for a plurality of image files in S120, S130, S180, S190, S220, etc., by referring to the file specifying information stored in the nonvolatile memory 20, It is determined whether there is an image file that has been output in the specified output format among the image files that are to be output to the order sheet or group sheet. It can be said that the printer 10 includes an image output unit in that an order sheet or a group sheet is output so that image files that have not been output in a predetermined output format can be distinguished in the list display. Further, in S230, S260, etc., the nonvolatile memory 20 stores file specifying information for specifying an image file that has been newly output to the order sheet and file specifying information for specifying an image file that has been newly printed. In this respect, it can be said that the printer 10 includes a storage control unit.

3. Summary As described above, according to this embodiment, when the number of image files N in the memory card 25 is larger than the threshold Th when the printer 10 performs photo printing with order sheet printing, The plurality of image files are divided into a plurality of groups, and one or more representative images are determined for each group. Next, the printer 10 prints a group sheet displaying a list of representative images (reduced image groups of representative images) for each group. The printer 10 acquires the representative image selection result of the group sheet by the user, and converts the image file belonging to the group corresponding to the selected representative image into an order sheet. As a result, the number of printed materials (order sheets, etc.) output by the printer 10 is significantly reduced compared to the conventional case where all the image files in the memory card are converted into order sheets, and ink and paper are consumed. And the time required for the user to finally obtain the desired photo can be greatly reduced. Especially when a large number of photos such as hundreds or thousands of photos are stored on a memory card, only some photos (for example, photos taken at specific times) that the user wants to order. Since the user can make an order sheet, the user can efficiently print a desired photograph, and the labor can be greatly reduced.

  In addition, when printing an order sheet, an image file that has been converted into an order sheet in the past or an image file that has been printed in the past is not converted into an order sheet again. This eliminates the waste of resources and time due to the re-ordering of images that do not need to be made into order sheets, and prevents duplicate printing in which the user re-selects and prints photos that have been printed in the past. be able to. In addition, even if an order sheet is printed each time the number of photos stored in the memory card increases, an order sheet that does not overlap with the previously printed order sheet can be obtained. By printing the order sheet, the images in the memory card can be made into an album. Similarly, when printing a group sheet, the representative image is not displayed for the OS-completed group or the printed group. Thereby, it is possible to reduce resources and time required for printing the group sheet, and it is possible to prevent waste of resources and time due to the user selecting a group having a low necessity for selection and making it an order sheet.

  Alternatively, when an order sheet is printed, an image file that has been converted into an order sheet in the past and / or an image file that has been printed in the past have a different display mode from the reduced image of the image file that is converted into an order sheet for the first time. As a result, the user can easily determine whether each image on the order sheet has been converted into an order sheet in the past or whether an image has been printed in the past, and printing is required. The image can be accurately selected. Similarly, when printing a group sheet, the display mode of the representative photograph is set to be different from the representative photograph of other groups for the OS group or the printed group. As a result, the user can efficiently determine on the group sheet which group should be ordered.

  Even when the image selected on the order sheet (the image detected in S240) is printed (S250), the CPU 12 determines whether or not the image selected at that time is an image printed in the past. May be determined by referring to the second flag in the nonvolatile memory 20, and printing may be prohibited for an already printed image. With this configuration, when the user reuses an order sheet (a part of the print selection field 32 is already filled and the blank print selection field 32 in the scanned order sheet is filled, When the sheet is scanned again), it is possible to prevent the same photo as the photo printed in the past from being printed.

  In the above description, the representative images determined for each group are about 1 to 4 images, but the number of representative images per group is not limited to this. For example, if the number of generated groups is small to some extent and the space on the group sheet has a margin even if a predetermined number of representative images (reduced images) are arranged per group, the CPU 12 will respond to the margin of the space. The group sheet may be printed by increasing the representative image per group or increasing the size of the reduced image as the representative image.

  In the printer 10, when printing a group sheet, a print mode selection field for allowing the user to select the print mode of the order sheet may be provided for printing. As the print mode, for example, as shown in FIGS. 6 to 8, a print mode selection field for selecting “high speed mode”, “clean mode”, or the like is printed on the group sheet. When the printer 10 detects that the “high speed mode” print mode selection field is selected (filled in black) when the group sheet is scanned, for example, the printer 10 is selected on the group sheet. When printing an order sheet for a certain group, the size of each reduced image is made smaller than a predetermined size, and printing is performed so that more reduced images are placed on one order sheet. On the other hand, when the printer 10 detects that the “clean mode” print mode selection field is selected when the group sheet is scanned, for example, the printer 10 prints the order sheet for the group selected on the group sheet. In this case, printing is performed so that the size of each reduced image is larger than a predetermined size and the print resolution is increased to reduce the number of reduced images on one order sheet.

  In the above description, the printer 10 prints the print selection field 32 on the order sheet and prints the group selection field 42 on the group sheet. However, it is not always necessary to print a sheet including the print selection field 32 and the group selection field 42. No. For example, the user inputs the number of the reduced image printed on the order sheet, the number of the representative image printed on the group sheet, and the like to the printer 10 by operating the touch panel of the operation panel unit 21 or the numeric keypad. The printer 10 may recognize selection of an image on the order sheet or selection of a representative image (group) on the group sheet in accordance with the operation.

  In the above description, the printer 10 stores the file specifying information in a predetermined memory (nonvolatile memory 20) in the printer 10, but may store it in an external memory, for example, the memory card 25. In the above description, the printer 10 prints an order sheet or a group sheet as an output mode of the image list display according to the present invention. However, the list display need not always be printed. For example, instead of printing an order sheet or a group sheet, the printer 10 displays an image equivalent to the order sheet or the group sheet on a predetermined display unit (such as a liquid crystal display of the operation panel unit 21) and sees the display. Alternatively, selection of an image or selection of a representative image (group) by a user may be accepted via the operation panel unit 21.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Printer, 11 ... ASIC, 12 ... CPU, 13 ... Scanner input circuit, 14 ... Image processing circuit, 15 ... Memory card input / output circuit, 16 ... Head control unit, 17 ... JPEG decompression circuit, 18 ... ROM, 19 ... RAM, 20 ... nonvolatile memory, 21 ... operation panel, 22 ... scanner, 23 ... print head, 24 ... memory card slot, 25 ... memory card, 30, 33, 34, 35 ... order sheet, 31 ... reduced image 32 ... Print selection column, 40, 43, 44 ... Group sheet, 41 ... Reduced image group, 42 ... Group selection column

Claims (8)

When outputting a list display of images for a plurality of image files, refer to file specifying information that is stored in a predetermined memory and that specifies an image file that has been output in a predetermined output format. To determine whether there is an image file that has been output in the predetermined output format in the image file that is the target of the list display, and the predetermined output is included in the image file that is the target of the list display If there is an image file that has already been output in the format, the list display is performed so that image files that have not been output in the predetermined output format among the image files to be displayed in the list can be distinguished on the list display. An image output unit to output;
A storage control unit for storing, in the memory, file specifying information for specifying an image file that has been newly output in the predetermined output format among the image files to be displayed in the list. Printing device.   The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image output unit displays only a list of images related to image files that have not been output among the image files to be displayed as a list.   The image output unit is configured to add an image related to an output image file and an image related to an image file that has not been output among the image files to be displayed as a list, to which color, density, size, addition of a predetermined display, The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a distinction is made on the list display based on any of the differences.   The memory stores file specifying information for specifying an image file that has already been output in a list display format, and the image output unit includes a list display format among the image files targeted for the list display. When there is an output image file, a list display is output so that an image file that has not been output in the list display format among the image files targeted for the list display can be distinguished. The printing apparatus in any one of Claims 1-3.   The memory stores file specifying information for specifying an image file whose image has already been output to the printing paper, and the image output unit independently stores the image file in the list display target on the printing paper. If there is an output image file, a list display is output so that an image file that has not been output to print paper alone among the image files targeted for the list display can be distinguished. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the printing apparatus is characterized.   2. The file specifying information includes at least one of a file name, a data size, and a generation date and time of an image file, and includes a flag indicating that the file has already been output in the predetermined output format. The printing apparatus according to claim 5. When outputting a list display of images for a plurality of image files, refer to file specifying information that is stored in a predetermined memory and that specifies an image file that has been output in a predetermined output format. To determine whether there is an image file that has been output in the predetermined output format in the image file that is the target of the list display, and the predetermined output is included in the image file that is the target of the list display If there is an image file that has already been output in the format, the list display is performed so that image files that have not been output in the predetermined output format among the image files to be displayed in the list can be distinguished on the list display. An image output process to output;
A storage control step of storing, in the memory, file specifying information for specifying an image file which has been newly output in the predetermined output format among the image files to be displayed in the list. Image processing method. When outputting a list display of images for a plurality of image files, refer to file specifying information that is stored in a predetermined memory and that specifies an image file that has been output in a predetermined output format. To determine whether there is an image file that has been output in the predetermined output format in the image file that is the target of the list display, and the predetermined output is included in the image file that is the target of the list display If there is an image file that has already been output in the format, the list display is performed so that image files that have not been output in the predetermined output format among the image files to be displayed in the list can be distinguished on the list display. Image output function to output,
Causing the computer to execute a storage control function for storing, in the memory, file specifying information for specifying an image file that has been newly output in the predetermined output format among the image files to be displayed in the list. A characteristic image processing program.

Images