JP2012040818A - Printer, control method for printer, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a printer that performs print appropriately even when print of a print setting sheet is interrupted.SOLUTION: Whether operation to interrupt the print of the print setting sheet is detected is determined. If it is determined that the operation is not detected, a first bar code showing storage destination of a plurality of image data is printed on the print setting sheet when performing the print of the print setting sheet. Furthermore, the first bar code is read, and image data of an object to be printed corresponding to an image selected on the print setting sheet are acquired. If it is determined that the operation is detected, the first bar code and a second bar code for specifying the image data which are not printed because of interruption of print are printed on the print setting sheet when performing the print of the print setting sheet. Furthermore, the first and the second bar codes are read, and the image data of the object to be printed corresponding to the selected image are acquired so as not to acquire the image data specified by the second bar code. The acquired image data are printed according to print setting.

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing apparatus that performs print settings using a print setting sheet, a printing apparatus control method, and a program.

  In recent years, printing devices (printers) with so-called direct printing functions have been commercialized, in which photographs taken with electronic devices such as digital video cameras, mobile phones, and digital cameras are directly captured and printed via a memory card. ing. In particular, in a multi-function printer having an original reading unit, a method of specifying print contents using a print setting sheet is often used in order to make the direct printing function easy to use. For example, the printed print setting sheet includes the number of images along with the mark frame, and the user marks the mark frame corresponding to the desired number of prints. The printed contents are designated by reading the marked print setting sheet with a scanner (Patent Documents 1 and 2). Such a print setting sheet includes, for example, a thumbnail image for selecting a photo to be printed, a mark frame for selecting the thumbnail image, and thumbnail image information in addition to a mark frame corresponding to the number of copies to be printed. A graphic or the like including (number of images, etc.) is printed. By reading and recognizing these with a scanner, it is possible to specify and print a photo to be printed.

JP 2002-305701 A JP 2005-143070 A

  When a large number of photos are stored in the memory card, many thumbnail images are also printed on the print setting sheet. As a result, the print setting sheet is printed over many pages. In that case, when it is confirmed that the thumbnail image of the photograph recently taken by the user has been printed, it is considered that the subsequent print setting sheet is unnecessary and printing is interrupted. In particular, when the latest thumbnail images are printed in order on the print setting sheet, the latest thumbnail images that the user wants to print are printed first, so that the tendency for printing to be interrupted further increases.

  However, if an interruption operation is performed in the middle of printing the print setting sheet, for example, as shown in FIG. 4B, printing is interrupted in the middle of the print setting sheet, so that all thumbnail images and mark frames are not printed. If you write a memo etc. in a blank space where printing of such a print setting sheet is interrupted and scan it, it may be accidentally read as if it was marked at the position of the unprinted mark frame There is. In that case, a photograph that the user does not want is printed.

  An object of the present invention is to solve such conventional problems. In view of the above, an object of the present invention is to provide a printing apparatus, a printing apparatus control method, and a program that perform printing appropriately even when printing of a print setting sheet is interrupted.

In order to solve the above problems, a printing apparatus according to the present invention selects image data to be printed from a plurality of image data stored in a memory, and specifies print settings for the selected image data to be printed. First printing means for printing the print setting sheet,
Reading means for reading the print setting sheet printed by the first printing means;
An acquisition unit that reads the print setting sheet by the reading unit to acquire the print setting and the image data to be printed stored in the memory;
A printing apparatus comprising: a second printing unit configured to print the image data to be printed acquired by the acquiring unit according to the print setting acquired by the acquiring unit;
Determining means for determining whether or not an operation for interrupting printing by the first printing means has been detected;
When the determination unit determines that the operation has not been detected, when printing is performed by the first printing unit, the print setting sheet indicates a storage destination of the plurality of image data in the memory. Print the barcode,
When it is determined that the operation is detected by the determination unit, the first barcode and the image data that is not printed due to the interruption of the operation when printing by the first printing unit Barcode printing means for printing a second barcode for specifying
The acquisition unit reads the first barcode by the reading unit when the determination unit determines that the operation is not detected, and corresponds to the image selected on the print setting sheet. Image data to be printed is acquired from the memory, and when the determination unit determines that the operation is detected, the reading unit reads the first and second barcodes, and the second bar The image data to be printed corresponding to the image selected on the print setting sheet is acquired so as not to acquire the image data specified by the code.

  According to the present invention, even when printing of a print setting sheet is interrupted, printing can be performed appropriately.

It is a figure which shows the external appearance of an image printing apparatus. It is a figure which shows the functional block inside a printing apparatus. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a procedure of processing for printing a print setting sheet in the first embodiment. It is a figure explaining the print setting sheet in a present Example. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a print buffer included in a print engine control unit. It is a figure which shows the procedure of the printing process of the image data in a present Example. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a procedure of processing for printing a print setting sheet in a second embodiment. It is a figure explaining the print setting sheet in a present Example. It is a figure which shows the procedure of the printing process of the image data in a present Example. It is a figure which shows an example of a selection screen.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the following embodiments do not limit the present invention according to the claims, and all combinations of features described in the present embodiments are not necessarily essential to the solution means of the present invention. . The same constituent elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

[First embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an external appearance of an image printing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, for example, an MFP (Multifunction Peripheral) is used as the printing apparatus 100. The printing apparatus 100 has a printing function for receiving print data from a host computer (also referred to as an information processing apparatus) such as a PC and printing it. Further, it has a scan function for reading a document placed on a document table in accordance with an instruction from the host computer, and a copy function for copying and printing a document on the document table. Furthermore, it has a printing function for reading and printing image data stored in a memory card, and a printing function for receiving and printing image data from a digital camera.

  The printing apparatus 100 includes an upper cover 11, a paper discharge tray 12, a connector 13, a card slot 14, a liquid crystal display unit 15, and an operation unit 16. The state shown in FIG. 1 is a state in which the upper cover 11 is closed, and the document can be placed on a document table (not shown) by opening the upper cover 11. In the state shown in FIG. 1, the paper discharge tray 12 is closed, and the paper discharge tray 12 is opened when printing is performed. The opened paper discharge tray 12 functions as a paper discharge tray for printed paper. By connecting a connector 13 for connecting a digital camera to a digital camera (not shown), image data stored in a memory inside the digital camera can be read out and printed directly by the printing apparatus 100.

  The card slot 14 is used for inserting a memory card. By inserting the memory card, the image data stored in the memory card can be read and printed. When searching for an image to be printed from a plurality of images stored in the memory card, the image or image list for each frame is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 15. In addition, a screen for operating various settings such as the paper size, magnification, and copy density at the time of copying of the printing apparatus 100 and a maintenance function of the printing apparatus is also displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 15. In addition, when any abnormality occurs in the printing apparatus 100, a screen indicating the state of the printing apparatus 100, a screen indicating operation guidance when a prohibited operation is performed, and the like are also displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 15. To do. The operation unit 16 is an operation unit for operating the printing apparatus 100. The operation unit 16 includes a plurality of operation keys such as an up / down / left / right key, a copy mode key, and a print start key. By pressing these keys, the operation unit 16 is interlocked with a screen displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 15. Then, the printing apparatus 100 is operated.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating functional blocks inside the printing apparatus 100. The printing apparatus 100 includes a communication unit 21, an operation control unit 22, a display control unit 23, and a document analysis unit 24. Further, it includes a scan engine control unit 25, a system control unit 26, a print engine control unit 27, an image processing unit 28, and a memory card control unit 29.

  The communication unit 21 communicates data with a PC (host computer) connected to a PC connector (not shown), or with a digital camera connected to a connector 13 for connecting a digital camera. Control data communication. The operation control unit 22 detects pressing of various keys of the operation unit 16 of the printing apparatus 100, converts it into a logical key operation message, and transmits the logical key operation message to the display control unit 23. The display control unit 23 controls the display of the image to be printed, the display of the trimming range for the selected image, and the like according to the key operation message transmitted from the operation control unit 22, and the number of copies printed at the time of copying, the paper size, etc. Is controlled to be displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 15. The document analysis unit 24 analyzes the document on the document converted into data by the scan engine control unit 25. The document analysis unit 24 specifies the image data to be printed and the print settings by reading the barcode and mark instructed via the print setting sheet 40 shown in FIG. The scan engine control unit 25 performs scan control for reading a document at the time of copying or a print setting sheet 40. The system control unit 26 arbitrates various control units. For example, exclusive control of physical resources, sequence control, management of various errors and ink remaining amount, and status management of the printing apparatus 100 are performed. The print engine control unit 27 performs control related to print processing such as copy printing, photo printing, and PC printing, such as ink droplet ejection control, paper feeding and paper discharge, and recording head control. Also, control is performed so that the print setting sheet 40 is printed. The image processing unit 28 converts print data transmitted from the PC, transmits the print data to the print engine control unit 27, and performs image decoding processing, trimming processing, and the like in photo printing. The image processing unit 28 holds area information of the print layout and arranges image data and the like at the layout position, and performs image processing such as scaling processing, color processing, binarization processing, brightness and saturation, and red-eye correction processing. I do. The memory card control unit 29 performs image data read processing and write processing on the memory card mounted in the card slot 14. It also analyzes information on the image data stored in the memory card and manages the directory. Also, a unique image number is assigned to the image data stored in the memory card. Each unit shown in FIG. 2 is controlled by a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM (not shown). The CPU controls the above-described units and executes processing shown in a flowchart described later.

  Next, a procedure (an example of first printing) for printing image data of a memory card mounted in the card slot 14 on the print setting sheet 40 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The process illustrated in FIG. 3 is executed by the CPU of the printing apparatus 100, for example. First, the user operates the operation unit 16 while looking at the liquid crystal display unit 15, and selects an image to be output to the print setting sheet 40 by a selection function such as a date narrowing function or a range designation by image file sort order number. To start printing. Further, it is assumed that the print setting sheet 40 printed in the present embodiment is A4 size paper size and plain paper type. In S301, the memory card control unit 29 reads information on the image selected by the user from the memory card. In S302, a first barcode is generated as information that can identify the image data (an example of first barcode printing control). The first bar code is a bar code including information for the printing apparatus 100 to determine which image data is arranged as a thumbnail image at which position on the print setting sheet 40. It also includes storage location information such as link information that can read image data corresponding to each thumbnail image from the memory card. Therefore, the printing apparatus 100 can read the corresponding image data from the memory card mounted in the card slot 14 using the first barcode. Next, in S303, the image processing unit 28 outputs print data for printing the print setting sheet 40 as shown in FIG. 4 from the generated first barcode information and the image data read from the memory card. Generate.

  Here, the print setting sheet will be described. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a print setting sheet in the first embodiment. The print setting sheet 40 shown in FIG. 4A is a print setting printed when the print setting sheet printing process is not interrupted. Shows the sheet. The user marks the printed print setting sheet 40, places it on the document table, and starts the scanning process. The marked print setting sheet 40 is read by the scan engine control unit 25, and the barcode and the mark are detected by the document analysis unit 24. In order to detect barcodes and marks, it is necessary to specify the positions of barcodes and mark frames. In the first embodiment, a frame of the print mode setting area 44 is used as information for positioning. 4B, 4C, and 4D are print setting sheets when printing of the print setting sheet 40 is interrupted. As shown in FIGS. 4B to 4D, even when printing is interrupted, the print setting sheet 40 already includes information for positioning, that is, the frame of the print mode setting area 44. Yes. The print setting sheet 40 includes a first barcode image 47, a print mode setting area 44, an image thumbnail image 45, and a mark frame 46 for the user to designate printing of the image. In the print mode setting area 44, an item name and a mark frame for selection are printed so that a recording paper size, borderless designation, image correction designation, and the like can be set. The user can set a print mode for printing an image by marking the mark frame. In the thumbnail image 45, a thumbnail image of the image selected by the user is printed. The thumbnail image 45 allows the user to recognize an image corresponding to the thumbnail image 45 and determine whether or not to make a print target. The user marks the mark frame 46 arranged corresponding to the thumbnail image 45 to be printed. A plurality of mark frames 46 associated with a plurality of types of sheets are arranged so that it is possible to specify the number of images to be printed. In the present embodiment, one to three mark frames are arranged corresponding to each thumbnail image 45.

  Reference is again made to FIG. In step S <b> 304, the print data generated in step S <b> 303 is sent to the print engine control unit 27, and the print engine control unit 27 starts printing in response to an instruction from the system control unit 26. In step S <b> 305, the system control unit 26 monitors the states of the print engine control unit 27 and the operation control unit 22 while printing the print data. In S <b> 305, it is determined as a result of the monitoring in S <b> 304 whether the printing interruption operation has been performed or not. If it is determined that the printing interruption operation has not been performed, the process proceeds to S306. If it is determined that the interruption operation has been performed, the process proceeds to S307. In S306, it is determined whether or not printing has been completed without performing the interruption operation. If it is determined that printing has been completed, a print setting sheet 40 as shown in FIG. 4A is printed, and the process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined that printing has not ended, the process returns to S305. In the print setting sheet 40 printed in this process, a mark is added to a desired mark frame by the user. Furthermore, the scan engine control unit 25 reads the marked print setting sheet 40, thereby specifying a desired image to be printed.

  In step S307, the system control unit 26 interrupts printing, and the print engine control unit 27 deletes the print data 51 stored in the print buffer 50.

  Here, the print buffer 50 will be described. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the print buffer 50 included in the print engine control unit 27. The print buffer 50 holds the print data 51 sent from the image processing unit 28 until print processing is performed. FIG. 4B shows the state of the print setting sheet at the time when the interruption operation is performed during the printing of the thumbnail data of the image I to the image L and the processing of S307 is completed. The first barcode image 47 includes arrangement information for images A to P and information for reading a memory card. That is, it is also effective for unprinted images I to P. However, in practice, printing of the thumbnail image 45 and the mark frame 46 is not completed for the images I to P because printing is interrupted as shown in FIG. If printing is finished as it is and a memo 49 is written in a blank portion as shown in FIG. 4D, the mark frame portion of the image I to the image P is accidentally marked. It may become. In such a case, an image that should not be designated by the mark by the user is printed.

  In the present embodiment, after the printing is interrupted in S308, the second image which can specify the images for which the printing of the thumbnail image 45 and the mark frame 46 has not been completed among the images specified by the first barcode image 47. Are generated (an example of second barcode printing control). In step S <b> 309, print data for printing the second barcode image 48 is generated and printed at a predetermined position on the print setting sheet 40. FIG. 4C shows the print setting sheet 40 on which a barcode is printed in this way (an example of barcode printing). The print setting sheet 40 shown in FIG. 4C is printed halfway through the thumbnail data of the images I to L, and the subsequent thumbnail images 45 are not printed. The first barcode image 47 includes arrangement data on the print setting sheet 40 for the images A to P and image data specifying information for reading the image data from the memory card. Further, the second barcode image 48 includes information indicating that printing of the images I to P is not completed. By combining the information from the first barcode image 47 and the second barcode image 48, it can be seen that the images A to H are effective. As a result, it is possible to match the thumbnail image printed on the print setting sheet 40 and read the image data from the memory card.

  Next, the designation of printing using the print setting sheet 40 of the first embodiment and the printing process of image data will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The process illustrated in FIG. 6 is executed by the CPU of the printing apparatus 100, for example.

  The user marks a desired mark frame on the printed print setting sheet 40. The print setting sheet 40 at this time is a print setting sheet 40 as shown in FIG. 4 (a) or 4 (c). The user marks settings such as the paper size, border, and image correction in the print mode setting area 44. Further, the user refers to the thumbnail image 45 and puts a mark on the mark frame 46 corresponding to the desired number of desired images. The user opens the upper cover 11 shown in FIG. 1, places the marked print setting sheet 40 on the document table, and operates the operation unit 16 to start reading. When reading is started, in step S601, the scan engine control unit 25 reads the print setting sheet 40 on the document table. In S602, a pattern for positioning is detected from the read print setting sheet 40. As described above, the frame of the print mode setting area 44 is used as a pattern for positioning. Accordingly, the print position of each thumbnail image or the like is analyzed from the read print setting sheet 40 with the frame figure of the print mode setting area 44 as a reference.

  In step S603, it is determined whether the second barcode image 48 is printed. If it is determined that the second barcode image 48 is printed, the process proceeds to S605. If it is determined that the second barcode image 48 is not printed, the process proceeds to S604. . In S605, the first barcode image 47 and the second barcode image 48 are analyzed. In S604, only the first barcode image 47 is analyzed.

  If it is determined in S603 that the print setting sheet 40 shown in FIG. 4A has been read, the second barcode image 48 is not printed. Accordingly, the process proceeds to S604, and the first barcode is analyzed. When the first barcode is analyzed, it can be seen from the information that images A to P are valid. On the other hand, when the print setting sheet 40 shown in FIG. 4C has been read, the second barcode image 48 is printed. Accordingly, the process proceeds to S605, and both the first barcode and the second barcode are analyzed. When the information of the first and second barcodes are combined, it can be seen that the images A to H are effective.

  In step S <b> 606, analysis is performed to determine whether each mark frame 46 of each valid thumbnail image 45 that can be recognized from the mark frame of the setting item in the print mode setting area 44 and the first or second barcode information is marked. . In S607, the print mode is set according to the result of S606, the designated image is read and acquired from the memory card inserted in the card slot 14, and the read image is printed in S608 (second print and image). Example of print control). That is, when it is determined that no interruption operation has been detected, when printing the print setting sheet, the first barcode image is read and the print target corresponding to the image selected on the print setting sheet is read. Image data is acquired from the memory card (an example of first acquisition). On the other hand, when it is determined that the interruption operation is detected, the first and second barcode images are read when the print setting sheet is printed. Then, image data corresponding to the image selected on the print setting sheet is acquired so as not to acquire the image data specified by the second barcode image (an example of second acquisition).

  In step S609, it is determined whether all the images specified by the mark have been printed. If it is determined that all printing has not been performed, the process returns to S607. If it is determined that all printing has been performed, the process ends.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the memo pad 49 is written in the blank portion as in the print setting sheet 40 shown in FIG. 4D, and it happens to be at the position of the mark frame corresponding to the images I to P. Even if there is writing, it is possible to prevent the images I to P from being printed.

[Second Embodiment]
In the first embodiment, the first barcode image 47 is already printed when printing of the print setting sheet 40 is interrupted. Further, positioning information for reading marks and barcodes has already been printed when printing is interrupted. In this embodiment, an example will be described in which a print setting sheet that is not printed with a barcode or positioning information when printing of the print setting sheet 40 is interrupted. The appearance and functional block configuration of the printing apparatus used in the second embodiment are the same as those shown in FIGS.

  In the second embodiment, the procedure for printing the image data of the memory card mounted in the card slot 14 on the print setting sheet 80 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The process illustrated in FIG. 7 is executed by the CPU of the printing apparatus 100, for example. The user operates the operation unit 16 while looking at the liquid crystal display unit 15 to select an image to be output to the print setting sheet 80 by a selection function such as a date narrowing function or a range designation by an image file sort order number, Start printing in the order of new images. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the print setting sheet 80 to be printed has a paper size of A4 size and a paper type of plain paper. First, S701 to S703 are the same as those described in S301 to S303 in FIG.

  Here, the print setting sheet in this embodiment will be described. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a print setting sheet 80 in the present embodiment. A print setting sheet 80 shown in FIG. 8A is a print setting sheet when printing of the print setting sheet is not interrupted. The print setting sheet 80 shown in FIGS. 8B, 8 </ b> C, and 8 </ b> D is a print setting sheet when printing of the print setting sheet is interrupted. The print setting sheet 80 in this embodiment includes a first barcode image 87, a print mode setting area 84, an image thumbnail image 85, a mark frame 86 for designating image printing, and a positioning mark 88. In the print mode setting area 84, item names and mark frames for selection are printed so that the recording paper size, borderless designation, image correction designation, and the like can be set. The user can set a print mode for printing image data by marking the mark frame. In the thumbnail image 85, a thumbnail image of an image selected by the user is printed. The thumbnail image 85 allows the user to recognize the corresponding image and determine whether to make it a print target. When the user wants to make a print target, the user marks a mark frame 86 arranged corresponding to each thumbnail image 85. A plurality of mark frames 86 are arranged in association with each other so that it can be specified how many sheets of the image are to be printed. In the present embodiment, one to three mark frames are arranged corresponding to each thumbnail image.

  Again referring to FIG. In step S <b> 704, the print data generated in step S <b> 703 is sent to the print engine control unit 27, and the print engine control unit 27 starts printing in response to an instruction from the system control unit 26. In step S <b> 705, the system control unit 26 monitors the states of the print engine control unit 27 and the operation control unit 22 during printing. In step S <b> 705, as a result of the monitoring in step S <b> 704, it is determined whether a print interruption operation has been performed or not. If it is determined that the printing interruption operation has not been performed, the process proceeds to step S706. If it is determined that the interruption operation has been performed, the process proceeds to step S707. In step S <b> 706, it is determined whether printing has ended without performing an interruption operation. If it is determined that the printing has been completed, a print setting sheet 80 as shown in FIG. 8A is printed, and the process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined that printing has not ended, the process returns to S705. In the print setting sheet 80 printed in this process, a mark is added to a desired mark frame by the user. Furthermore, the scan engine control unit 25 reads the marked print setting sheet 40, thereby specifying a desired image to be printed.

  In step S <b> 707, the system control unit 26 interrupts printing, and the print engine control unit 27 deletes the print data 51 stored in the print buffer 50.

  The print setting sheet when the thumbnail data of the image I to the image L is interrupted during printing and the processing of S707 is finished is as shown in the print setting sheet 80 shown in FIG. 8B. In the present embodiment, the first barcode image 87 and the positioning mark 88 are arranged at the lower part of the print setting sheet 80. Therefore, when printing is interrupted, the first barcode image 87 and the positioning mark 88 are not printed as in the print setting sheet 80 shown in FIG. 8B. If the printing is finished as it is, even if the print setting sheet 80 shown in FIG. 8B is read, it cannot operate normally. Further, as in the first embodiment, the first barcode image includes information of the image A to the image P, and the thumbnail image 85 and the mark frame 86 were not printed due to the interruption of printing. Information on images I to P is also included.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, in S708, the first barcode is discarded and the second barcode is generated. The second barcode is generated so as to include only the information (for example, images A to H) of the thumbnail image 85 and the mark frame 86 printed, and the inconsistency is eliminated. The second barcode in the first example is information indicating that information indicating that printing of the image I to the image P is not completed is included. In the present embodiment, the arrangement information on the print setting sheet and the information for reading out the memory card for the images A to H are included.

  In step S709, print data for printing the second barcode image 89 and the positioning mark 88 is generated and printed using the generated second barcode. The print setting sheet 80 printed in S709 includes a positioning mark 88 necessary for print designation, and does not include information on the images I to P that have not been printed by the interruption operation. Accordingly, only the mark frame 86 for the images A to H is valid. As a result, similarly to the first embodiment, even when the memo 89 is in the blank portion as in the print setting sheet 80, it is possible to prevent a malfunction that prints an image that is not designated for printing by the user.

  Here, in this embodiment, the second bar code information is generated only from the information of the images A to H. However, the second barcode information is generated by the arrangement information on the print setting sheet for the images A to P, the information for reading the memory card, and the information that the images I to P are invalid due to the interruption operation. Also good.

  Next, print designation and image data print processing using the print setting sheet 80 in this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The process shown in FIG. 9 is executed by the CPU of the printing apparatus 100, for example.

  The user marks a desired mark frame on the printed print setting sheet 80. The print setting sheet 80 at this time is a print setting sheet 80 as shown in FIG. 8A or FIG. In the print mode setting area 84, the user marks settings for paper size, border, image correction, and the like. Further, referring to the thumbnail image 85, the mark frame 86 corresponding to the desired number of desired images is marked. The user opens the upper cover 11 shown in FIG. 1, places the marked print setting sheet 80 on the document table, and operates the operation unit 16 to start reading. When reading is started, in step S901, the scan engine control unit 25 reads the print setting sheet 80 on the document table. In step S902, a pattern for positioning is detected from the read print setting sheet 80. In this embodiment, the frame of the print mode setting area 84 and the positioning mark 88 are used as a pattern for positioning. The read print setting sheet 80 is analyzed based on the positions of these two patterns.

  In the present embodiment, the first barcode image 87 and the second barcode image 89 are arranged at the same position on the print setting sheet 80, and as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8C, Either one is always printed.

  In step S903, it is determined which one of the first barcode image 87 and the second barcode image 89 is printed from the read print setting sheet 80. If it is determined that the first barcode image 87 is printed, the process proceeds to S904. On the other hand, if it is determined that the second barcode image 89 is printed, the process proceeds to S905. For example, when the print setting sheet 80 shown in FIG. 8A is read, it can be seen in S904 that the information of the images A to P is valid from the information indicated by the first barcode image 87. On the other hand, when the print setting sheet 80 shown in FIG. 8C is read, it can be seen from the information indicated by the second barcode image 89 that the information of the images A to H is valid.

  In S906, whether or not each mark frame 86 of each valid thumbnail image 85 that can be recognized from the mark frame of the setting item in the print mode setting area 84 and the information indicated by the first or second barcode image is marked. To analyze. In S907, the print mode is set according to the result of S906, the designated image is read from the memory card inserted in the card slot 14, and the read image is printed in S908. In step S909, it is determined whether all the images specified by the mark have been printed. If it is determined that all printing has not been performed, the process returns to step S907. If it is determined that all printing has been performed, the process ends.

  As described above, in this embodiment, as in the print setting sheet 80 shown in FIG. 8D, the memo 89 is written in the blank portion, and it is accidentally written at the position of the mark frame corresponding to the images I to P. Even if there is, it is possible to prevent the images IP from being printed by mistake.

  In the first and second embodiments, when printing of the print setting sheet is interrupted, all the print data 51 accumulated in the print buffer 50 shown in FIG. 5 is once deleted, and the print data is regenerated. Has been printing since. However, when the print data is described in a markup language, it is not necessary to delete all the print data once. For example, in the data of the markup language, the thumbnail data and the mark frame may not be printed by adding a drawing command of the object for which printing is to be stopped. If the print data 51 is a collection of structure data obtained by collecting link data to the print component and actual data linked to the print data 51, the link data to the print component that stops printing can be deleted. The thumbnail data and the mark frame may not be printed. In addition, by not deleting the print data from the print data, the coordinate data of the area to be unprinted is separately notified to the print engine control unit 27, and control is performed so that printing is not performed even if there is print data in the area. Printing may be interrupted. However, in any of the methods, it is necessary to add print interruption information for the barcode.

[Third embodiment]
In the first and second embodiments, when the interruption operation is detected, the printing of the thumbnail image and the mark frame of the image data is stopped. In the first embodiment, the second barcode image 48 is printed, and the second barcode image 48 is printed. In the embodiment, the second barcode image 89 and the positioning mark 88 are printed. However, the user may forcibly stop printing the print setting sheet. In this embodiment, when a user's interruption operation is detected, the printing operation is temporarily stopped, and an end method selection screen 110 as shown in FIG. 10 is displayed on the display unit 15.

  For example, if the user wants to suspend printing immediately because the print setting sheet being printed may be unusable, the user presses the forced end button 111 to end printing as it is. If the image to be printed has been printed, and no more image data candidates are required, the completion button 112 is pressed. In that case, the interruption process of the first or second embodiment is continued. In this way, by displaying the selection screen 110 as shown in FIG. 10, it is confirmed that the user wants to forcibly terminate and that the thumbnail image and the mark frame of the desired image have been printed. It is possible to cope with both of cases where it is desired to complete printing.

  In the first and second embodiments, the interruption is detected immediately when the interruption operation is detected. However, even if the interruption processing is continued after the combination of the thumbnail image and the mark frame of the image data being printed is printed. good. In the third embodiment, when “forced termination” is selected on the selection screen 110 shown in FIG. On the other hand, when “complete” is selected, the printing of thumbnail images and mark frames may be resumed for the image data being recorded, and the interruption process may be continued after the printing for that amount is completed.

[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 (8)

First printing means for selecting image data to be printed from a plurality of image data stored in a memory, and printing a print setting sheet for designating print settings of the selected image data to be printed;
Reading means for reading the print setting sheet printed by the first printing means;
An acquisition unit that reads the print setting sheet by the reading unit to acquire the print setting and the image data to be printed stored in the memory;
A printing apparatus comprising: a second printing unit configured to print the image data to be printed acquired by the acquiring unit according to the print setting acquired by the acquiring unit;
Determining means for determining whether or not an operation for interrupting printing by the first printing means has been detected;
When the determination unit determines that the operation has not been detected, when printing by the first printing unit, a first barcode representing the storage location of the plurality of image data in the memory is printed. Print on the settings sheet,
When it is determined that the operation is detected by the determination unit, the first barcode and the image data that is not printed due to the interruption of the operation when printing by the first printing unit Barcode printing means for printing a second barcode for identifying the print setting sheet on the print setting sheet,
The acquisition unit reads the first barcode by the reading unit when the determination unit determines that the operation is not detected, and corresponds to the image selected on the print setting sheet. Image data to be printed is acquired from the memory, and when the determination unit determines that the operation is detected, the reading unit reads the first and second barcodes, and the second bar Acquiring the image data to be printed corresponding to the image selected on the print setting sheet so as not to acquire the image data specified by the code;
A printing apparatus characterized by that. On the print setting sheet, thumbnail images corresponding to each of the plurality of image data and mark frames corresponding to a plurality of types of prints corresponding to the respective thumbnail images are printed,
The acquisition unit reads the mark in the mark frame by the reading unit, and acquires the number of prints of image data corresponding to the thumbnail image as the print setting.
The printing apparatus according to claim 1. On the print setting sheet, a figure serving as a positioning reference is printed,
The acquisition means acquires the print setting and the image data to be printed corresponding to the image selected on the print setting sheet by reading a figure serving as a positioning reference.
The printing apparatus according to claim 2.   The printing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the first barcode further represents a printing position of each of the thumbnail images. First printing means for selecting image data to be printed from a plurality of image data stored in a memory, and printing a print setting sheet for designating print settings of the selected image data to be printed;
Reading means for reading the print setting sheet printed by the first printing means;
An acquisition unit that reads the print setting sheet by the reading unit to acquire the print setting and the image data to be printed stored in the memory;
A printing apparatus comprising: a second printing unit configured to print the image data to be printed acquired by the acquiring unit according to the print setting acquired by the acquiring unit;
Determining means for determining whether or not an operation for interrupting printing by the first printing means has been detected;
When the determination unit determines that the operation has not been detected, when printing by the first printing unit, a first barcode representing the storage location of the plurality of image data in the memory is printed. Print on the settings sheet,
When it is determined that the operation is detected by the determination unit, image data that is not printed due to the printing being interrupted by the operation among the plurality of image data when printing is performed by the first printing unit. Barcode printing means for printing a second barcode representing the storage location of the excluded image data on the print setting sheet;
The acquisition unit reads the first or second barcode by the reading unit when the determination unit determines that the operation is not detected, and selects the image selected on the print setting sheet. Acquiring the image data to be printed corresponding to the memory from the memory,
A printing apparatus characterized by that. A print setting sheet for selecting image data to be printed from a plurality of image data stored in the memory, and specifying print settings for the selected image data to be printed, and selected on the print setting sheet Printing means for printing the image data to be printed corresponding to an image according to the print settings designated on the print setting sheet;
A printing apparatus control method executed in a printing apparatus comprising: a reading unit that reads the print setting sheet printed by the printing unit;
A determination step of determining whether or not the determination unit of the printing apparatus detects an operation of interrupting printing of the print setting sheet by the printing unit;
When the first barcode printing unit of the printing apparatus determines that the operation is not detected in the determination step, the printing unit prints the print setting sheet when the plurality of print setting sheets are printed. A first barcode printing step of printing a first barcode representing a storage location of image data on the print setting sheet;
The first acquisition unit of the printing apparatus reads the first barcode by the reading unit, and acquires the image data to be printed corresponding to the image selected on the print setting sheet from the memory. A first acquisition step;
When the second barcode printing unit of the printing apparatus determines that the operation is detected in the determination step, the first barcode is printed when the printing unit prints the print setting sheet. A second barcode printing step of printing on the print setting sheet a second barcode for specifying image data that is not printed when printing is interrupted by the operation;
The print setting sheet so that the second acquisition unit of the printing apparatus does not acquire the image data specified by the second barcode by reading the first and second barcodes by the reading unit. A second acquisition step of acquiring the image data to be printed corresponding to the image selected above;
The image printing unit of the printing apparatus uses the image data to be printed acquired in the first or second acquisition step according to the print setting specified on the print setting sheet read by the reading unit. And an image printing process for printing. Whether or not an operation for interrupting printing of a print setting sheet for selecting image data to be printed from a plurality of pieces of image data stored in the memory and designating print settings of the selected image data for printing is detected. Determination means for determining whether or not
When the determination unit determines that the operation has not been detected, when printing the print setting sheet, a first barcode representing a storage destination of the plurality of image data in the memory is displayed as the print setting sheet. First barcode printing control means for controlling printing on the printer;
First acquisition means for acquiring, from the memory, image data to be printed corresponding to an image selected on the print setting sheet with reference to the first barcode read from the print setting sheet; ,
When the determination unit determines that the operation has been detected, when printing the print setting sheet, the first barcode and the image data that is not printed due to the operation being interrupted are identified. Second barcode printing control means for controlling to print a second barcode for printing on the print setting sheet;
The image selected on the print setting sheet so as not to acquire the image data specified by the second barcode with reference to the first and second barcodes read from the print setting sheet Second acquisition means for acquiring image data to be printed corresponding to
A program that causes a computer to function as an image print control unit that controls to print the image data to be printed acquired by the first or second acquisition unit according to the print setting. Printing means for selecting image data to be printed from a plurality of image data stored in a memory and printing a print setting sheet for designating print settings of the selected image data to be printed;
Determining means for determining whether an operation for interrupting printing of the print setting sheet by the printing means has been detected;
When the determination unit determines that the operation has not been detected, when printing the print setting sheet by the printing unit, a first barcode representing the storage destination of the plurality of image data in the memory is displayed. Printing on the print setting sheet,
When it is determined that the operation is detected by the determination unit, when the print setting sheet is printed by the printing unit, the first barcode and the printing are not printed because the operation is interrupted. A printing apparatus comprising: a barcode printing unit that prints a second barcode for specifying image data on the print setting sheet.

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