JP2011119876A - Image processing device and control method of the same - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To solve such a problem that it can not be confirmed what kinds of images are established for printing designation through the whole when the printing designation is made for a plurality of external memory media. <P>SOLUTION: An image processing device includes: a selection means which selects the image of the printing object out of reduced images stored in an internal memory medium; and a control means to store printing reservation information for the original image data corresponding to the reduced image selected by the selection means in the external memory media when the image corresponding to the reduced image selected by the selection means, is included in the original image data stored in the external memory media mounted in a mounting unit. Moreover, the control means controls so as not to include the printing reservation information corresponding to the original image data not stored in the external memory media for the printing reservation information to be stored in the external recording media. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus that stores image data in a built-in memory and records print information in an external storage medium such as a memory card.

  In a general digital camera, a memory card storing a plurality of image data is mounted, and the image data in the memory card can be confirmed on a display installed in the digital camera body.

  In recent years, many digital cameras support a standard called DPOF (Digital Print Order Format).

  In this DPOF, a description method of a text file (hereinafter referred to as a DPOF file) that describes designation information and printing conditions of an image to be printed is defined. In the digital camera corresponds to the DPOF standard, even without printer environment, specify whether to be printed in advance what image how to, DPOF file can be stored in a memory card (Patent Document 1 reference).

  FIG. 2 shows an example of the appearance of a general digital camera. Reference numeral 201 denotes an optical lens. It has a memory card slot 202 for mounting a memory card as a removable external storage medium. Further, it has a power switch 204 for turning on / off the apparatus, a shutter switch 203 for instructing recording of a still image, an image display unit 28, and a menu switch 205 for displaying a menu screen. Furthermore, it has a direction switch 206 for moving the selection frame up / down / left / right when an image or menu is selected, and a determination switch 207 for determining selection.

If you handle multiple external storage media at the same time and perform many print designation operations across multiple external storage media,
(1) Attaching an external storage medium,
(2) Select an image
(3) Specifying the number of prints,
(4) Writing print information to an external storage medium,
(5) It is necessary to repeat the procedure of removing external storage media as many times as the number of external storage media.

JP 2001-100811 A

As described above, when print designation is set for a plurality of external storage media, it is impossible to confirm through the entire image what kind of print designation has been set. Therefore, there is a problem in that unnecessary printing is performed such as printing a similar image between different external storage media.
In addition, when canceling or changing the already specified information, it is necessary to find the corresponding storage medium, remount it, and change the setting. Therefore, there is a problem that the operation becomes complicated and takes time.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, an image processing apparatus according to the present invention includes a mounting unit that can mount an external storage medium, and a built-in memory that stores reduced image data corresponding to original image data stored in a plurality of external storage media. A storage unit, a selection unit that selects an image to be printed from among the reduced images stored in the internal storage medium, and a selection unit that selects the original image data stored in the external storage medium mounted in the mounting unit. Control means for storing print reservation information for the original image data corresponding to the reduced image selected by the selection means in the external storage medium when an image corresponding to the reduced image selected by the selection means is included. Further, the control means controls so that the print reservation information corresponding to the original image data not stored in the external storage medium is not included in the print reservation information stored in the external recording medium. The features.

  According to the above-described image processing apparatus, when print designation is set across a plurality of external storage media, it is possible to confirm through the entire image which print designation has been set.

Example configuration diagram External view of digital camera Example of screen display in Example 1 Example of screen display in Example 1 Example of screen display in Example 1 Example of temporary recording data format of print designation information in embodiment 1 Procedure for recording print designation information on an external storage medium Example of temporary recording data format of print designation information in embodiment 2 Example of screen display in Example 2

Example 1
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the digital camera according to the present embodiment.

  The digital camera 100 includes an optical system 101, an imaging unit 22, a system control unit 50, a system memory 52, a nonvolatile memory 56, a storage medium slot 202, an image display unit 28, and an operation unit 70. Including.

  The optical system 101 includes a lens, a shutter, and an aperture, and forms an image of light from a subject on an image sensor with an appropriate amount and timing. The imaging unit 22 converts light imaged through the optical system 101 into an image. The system control unit 50 is a CPU, and performs various calculations and control of each part constituting the digital camera 100. The system memory 52 stores temporary data and is used for work of the system control unit 50. The nonvolatile memory 56 as an internal storage medium stores a program (firmware) for controlling the digital camera 100 and various setting information. A control program for the digital camera to perform the operation of this embodiment is also stored. Further, as will be described later, it functions as a device that also stores a copy of a reduced image corresponding to an image stored in a plurality of external storage media.

  The storage medium slot 202 functions as a mounting unit for mounting an external storage medium (not shown) for storing captured images. The image display unit 28 performs display of a viewfinder image at the time of photographing, display of a photographed image, character display for interactive operation, and the like. The operation unit 70 receives a user operation.

  The operation unit 70 is the same as a conventional digital camera, and includes various switches illustrated in FIG.

  When the system control unit 50 reads and executes the program recorded in the nonvolatile memory 56, the function of the digital camera 100 and the processing of each step of the flowchart relating to the digital camera 100 described later are realized.

  As an external storage medium that can be mounted in the storage medium slot 201, a memory card, an optical disk, a magnetic storage medium, and the like are conceivable. As the nonvolatile memory 56 as the built-in storage medium, a flash memory that is easy to rewrite and inexpensive, a large-capacity magnetic disk, and the like can be applied.

  When the shutter switch 203 is pressed, the imaging unit 22 receives the control of the system control unit 50, converts the subject image from the optical system 101 into a digital signal, and stores it as image data in the system memory 52. The system control unit 50 performs predetermined image processing and compression processing on the image data stored in the system memory 52, and records the image data as an image file on an external storage medium. At this time, a thumbnail image which is a reduced image of the image data is also created and recorded in the image file. As a compression method, for example, the JPEG format can be applied.

  Further, the system control unit 50 records a copy of the reduced image included in the image file recorded on the external storage medium as a sub-image file in the nonvolatile memory 56 serving as a built-in storage medium.

  As a result, reduced images corresponding to image files stored in a plurality of external storage media can be stored in the nonvolatile memory 56 at once.

  It is also conceivable to record an uncompressed image file or a reversibly compressed image file on the external storage medium, and record the compressed image file as a sub-image file on the nonvolatile memory 56.

  In the following description, the non-volatile memory 56 built in the digital camera stores many reduced images corresponding to images (original image data) recorded on a plurality of external storage media (memory cards or the like). The digital camera makes print reservations for a plurality of images while referring to the reduced images recorded in the nonvolatile memory 56. When the system control unit 50 records the print reservation information in the external storage medium, the system control unit 50 prints the image stored in the external storage medium on the external storage medium in which the print reserved image is stored. Control is performed so that only reservation information is recorded as a DPOF file.

  Specifically, even if print reservations are made for images A, B, and C, the original image data for image A is not recorded on the attached external storage medium, and the original image data for B and C are recorded. If so, the B and C print information is recorded on the external storage medium.

  That is, the system control unit 50 does not include the print reservation information corresponding to the original image data that is not stored in the external storage medium in the print reservation information that is stored in the external recording medium. Such control prevents the inconvenience of recording print information for original image data not stored in the storage medium.

Further, since the print information of the image A is also recorded on the external storage medium, the user is prompted to replace the external storage medium, and when the external storage medium on which the original image data of the image A is recorded is loaded, the original image A The print information is recorded.
By repeating the control in this way, all print information can be recorded in the external storage medium when a print reservation is made for many images using the reduced image stored in the built-in memory.

  The system control unit 50 reads the sub image file from the nonvolatile memory 56 built in the digital camera and displays it on the image display unit 28 (FIG. 3A).

FIG. 3A shows a display example when six reduced images (also referred to as thumbnails) corresponding to images recorded on a built-in storage medium are reproduced on one screen.
By using the built-in storage medium as described above, it is possible to browse images taken so far collectively.

  When the external storage medium is attached to the digital camera, the user can select whether to display an image on the external storage medium or an image on the built-in storage medium by selecting from the menu.

  When an image on the external storage medium is reproduced, an icon indicating the card is displayed together with the character of the card as shown in the upper left of the screen of FIG. FIG. 3C illustrates a case where print designation is performed on an image on the external storage medium when an image on the external storage medium is being reproduced.

  When an image stored in a built-in storage medium is displayed or designated for printing, the icon at the upper left of the screen is the same as the icon at the upper left of the screen in FIG.

  FIG. 3B is a display example of a menu screen that is displayed when the user presses the menu switch 205. The user can select a desired menu item by pressing the direction switch 206, and the menu item is executed by pressing the enter switch 207. When the print designation menu is executed, the print designation mode is entered.

  FIG. 3C shows a display example in the print designation mode. In the print designation mode, after selecting an image, the number of prints is changed by up and down the direction switch 206. When the menu switch 205 is subsequently pressed, the print designation mode ends, and the set print designation information is recorded on the memory card as a DPOF file.

  When the user presses the menu switch 205 included in the operation unit 70, the system control unit 50 displays a menu as shown in FIG. The user can select a desired menu item by pressing the direction switch 206, and the menu item is executed by pressing the enter switch 207. When the print designation menu is executed, the print designation mode is entered. FIG. 4B is a display example of the print designation mode.

  In the print designation mode, when the user presses the direction switch 206, the system control unit 50 moves the selection frame displayed on the image display unit 28. Further, when the user presses the enter switch 207, an up / down arrow mark is displayed next to the number of printed sheets, and the state shifts to an input state of the number of printed sheets. At this time, the number of printed sheets is changed according to the up / down operation of the direction switch 206. After changing to the desired number of prints, the user presses the decision switch 207 again, and the control of the system control unit 50 sets the original image corresponding to the selected reduced image as the print target and information on the designated number of prints. Is stored in the nonvolatile memory 56.

  The print designation information is recorded in the nonvolatile memory 56, so that it does not disappear even when the apparatus is turned off.

  FIG. 6 shows an example of the data format of temporary information recorded in the nonvolatile memory 56. The sub image identifier is a name for uniquely determining the sub image (reduced image) recorded in the nonvolatile memory 56.

  In the example of FIG. 6, a unique number is assigned to the sub-image as an identifier. However, another identifier may be a file name.

  The main image identifier is a name for uniquely determining an image corresponding to the sub-image. In the example of FIG. 6, an image is specified by a set of a card number as information for identifying an external storage medium as an identifier and a file name in the external storage medium. For example, a method of recording the card number on the external storage medium as a volume label of the external storage medium is conceivable. In addition, if storage medium identification data unique to the external storage medium is stored in the external storage medium, a method of recording the information instead of the card number can be considered.

When the designation of the number of prints on the desired image is completed, the user presses the menu switch 205. Then, the system control unit 50 ends the print designation mode, and displays a message asking the user to confirm whether or not the print designation information is to be recorded on a removable external storage medium.
(“Card” is displayed in the drawing, but this “card” corresponds to the external storage medium in the description of the embodiments.)
FIG. 4C is an example of a confirmation screen. Here, when the user selects “NO” and presses the enter switch 207, writing to the external storage medium is not executed, and the normal reproduction screen is restored.

  In FIG. 4C, when the user selects “Yes” and presses the enter switch 207, the print designation information recorded in the nonvolatile memory 56 is read, and the system control unit 50 reads the DPOF format as shown in FIG. And control to convert the data into an external storage medium.

  First, in step S701, a message screen requesting card insertion is displayed. FIG. 4D is a display example of a message screen. The message screen can display the number of images designated for printing and the number of images whose printing designation information has already been recorded on the external storage medium, thereby informing the user of the progress of the work.

  On this screen, a confirmation button and an interruption button are displayed. In step S <b> 702, it is determined whether the confirmation button has been pressed. If the confirmation button has been pressed, the screen returns to the print designation screen, and the print designation can be performed again. If the confirmation button has not been pressed, it is determined in step S703 whether or not the interruption button has been pressed. If the interruption button has been pressed, the recording process is interrupted and the screen returns to the reproduction screen (FIG. 3A).

  If the interrupt button has not been pressed, it is detected in S704 whether or not an external storage medium is attached. If no external storage medium is attached, the process returns to S701. If an external storage medium is loaded, a message screen notifying that recording is in progress is displayed.

  FIG. 5A is a display example of the processing screen. On this screen, an interrupt button is displayed. When the interrupt button is pressed, the recording process is interrupted, and a message screen notifying that the recording is interrupted is displayed. FIG. 5D is a display example of an interruption screen. When the end button is pressed on this screen, the playback screen (FIG. 3A) is restored. When the confirmation button is pressed, the screen returns to the print designation screen and the print designation can be performed again.

  In step S <b> 705, the print information illustrated in FIG. 6 is read from the nonvolatile memory 56. It is determined whether an image file corresponding to the sub-image (reduced image) designated for printing exists in the attached external storage medium, and if it exists in the attached card, it exists in the external storage medium. Print designation information for only the image file is generated (S706). In this embodiment, the DPOF format is used as the format of the print designation information recorded on the external storage medium, but it can also be applied to manufacturer-specific print control information. The generated print designation information is recorded on the external storage medium in S707.

  In step S708, it is determined whether or not the information on all the print-designated images has been recorded on the external storage medium. If all the information has not been recorded, the process returns to step S701, and a message requesting replacement of the external storage medium is displayed. Display control to display. FIG. 5B is a display example of a request message screen for prompting replacement of the external storage medium. As in FIG. 4D, a confirmation button and an interruption button are displayed.

  When recording of all information is completed, a message screen notifying that recording is completed is displayed. FIG. 5C is a display example of a recording completion screen. When the end button is pressed on this screen, the playback screen (FIG. 3A) is restored.

(Example 2)
Hereinafter, in this embodiment, when printing designation information is recorded on the external storage medium in S707 of FIG. 7, information indicating whether the printing information is recorded on the external color medium is recorded in the nonvolatile memory 56.

  FIG. 8 shows an example of the data format of temporary information in this embodiment. As shown in the rightmost column, there is data indicating whether or not each sub-image has been recorded, and the data is updated when it is recorded on the external storage medium.

  Next, when the print designation mode is entered, the recorded information is read and a mark indicating that the information has been recorded is displayed. FIG. 9A is a display example of a print mode screen on which recorded marks are attached.

  At this time, if an image with a recorded mark is selected and the number of printed sheets is changed, the recorded mark is erased. A menu item for erasing recorded marks all at once is also conceivable. FIG. 9B is a display example of an operation screen for deleting recorded marks. When the Yes button is pressed, the recorded mark is erased and new temporary information is recorded in the nonvolatile memory 56.

  When the user presses the menu switch 205, the print control information is recorded on the external storage medium as in the first embodiment. In the procedure of FIG. 7, when a print designation image is searched from the external storage medium (S705), the recorded image is skipped and the process proceeds to the next image. As a result, the print designation is not recorded again for the same image.

  In the above embodiment, the digital camera has been described. However, any apparatus that handles image data, makes a print reservation with an image recorded in a built-in memory, and records print reservation information on an external storage medium. The present invention can also be applied to other types of image processing apparatuses.

  For example, the present invention can be applied to an image storage with a display or a mobile phone.

(Other examples)
The present invention can also be realized by executing the following processing. That is, software (program) that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or apparatus via a network or various storage media, and a computer (or CPU, MPU, or the like) of the system or apparatus reads the program. It is a process to be executed.

Claims (6)

A mounting portion on which an external storage medium can be mounted;
A built-in storage medium for storing a reduced image corresponding to the original image data stored in a plurality of external storage media;
Selecting means for selecting an image to be printed from among the reduced images stored in the internal storage medium;
If the original image data stored in the external storage medium attached to the attachment unit includes an image corresponding to the reduced image selected by the selection means, the image selected by the selection means Control means for storing print reservation information for original image data corresponding to a reduced image in the external storage medium,
The control means controls the print reservation information corresponding to the original image data not stored in the external storage medium not to be included in the print reservation information stored in the external recording medium. .   Further, if there is a reduced image selected by the selection unit that has not yet stored the print reservation information for the corresponding original image data in the external recording medium, the external storage medium to be mounted on the mounting unit The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising display control means for performing a display for prompting replacement.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the print reservation information is a DPOF file. A mounting portion on which an external storage medium can be mounted;
A control method of an image processing apparatus having an internal storage medium for storing a reduced image corresponding to original image data stored in a plurality of external storage media,
A selection step of selecting an image to be printed from among the reduced images stored in the internal storage medium;
If the original image data stored in the external storage medium attached to the attachment part includes an image corresponding to the reduced image selected by the selection step, the image selected by the selection step is selected. A control step of storing print reservation information for the original image data corresponding to the reduced image in the external storage medium,
The image processing apparatus is characterized in that the control step performs control so that print reservation information corresponding to original image data not stored in the external storage medium is not included in the print reservation information stored in the external recording medium. Control method.   Further, if there is a reduced image selected in the selection step that has not yet been stored in the external recording medium with print reservation information for the corresponding original image data, the external storage medium to be mounted on the mounting unit 5. The method of controlling an image processing apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising a display control step of performing display for prompting replacement.   6. The method according to claim 4, wherein the print reservation information is a DPOF file.

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