JP3639806B2 - Printing apparatus and printing method - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a printing apparatus and a printing method for reading image information from a storage medium on which a plurality of images are recorded and printing the image information.
[0002]
[Prior art]
With the spread of camera-integrated VTRs, there is an increasing demand for obtaining color prints from video signals.
[0003]
In general, when a screen corresponding to a video signal reproduced from a video tape recorder (VTR) is printed by a printer, a desired screen in the reproduction signal from the VTR is taken into a memory in the printer, and a video is read from the memory at a predetermined speed. The data was read and printed out.
[0004]
FIG. 11 schematically shows a conventional system of this type, in which 81 is a VTR, 82 is a monitor, and 83 is a video printer. Hereinafter, an operation for printing a desired screen among a number of screens recorded on the tape will be briefly described.
[0005]
First, the VTR 81 is set to the playback mode, and the playback video signal from the VTR 81 is set to be supplied to the monitor 82 and the printer 83. The operator confirms the screen displayed on the monitor 82 and operates the operation unit of the printer 83 at the timing when the desired screen is displayed. In response to this operation, the control unit 85 controls the memory unit 84 so that the memory unit 84 stores video signals for one frame or one field (hereinafter simply referred to as one screen). When the memory unit 84 takes in the video signal for one screen, it reads it out at a predetermined speed corresponding to the printing speed of the printing unit 86. As a result, a desired screen is printed by the printing unit 86.
[0006]
Note that the video signal supplied from the VTR 81 to the printer 83 is generally an analog video signal.
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In the conventional system as described above, when it is desired to print a screen once printed, it is almost impossible to reselect the same screen. That is, when taking VSC as an example, about 30 frames or 60 fields of video signals are recorded as moving images per second. Therefore, in a tape capable of recording for 120 minutes, about 43 frames per tape. Ten thousand fields of images will be recorded, and it is virtually impossible to re-search for a specific screen from these images.
[0008]
Therefore, since the user cannot view the screen once printed, simply viewing the printed image indicates which screen image is printed or how much scaling processing is performed on the original image. I couldn't know the print control information such as whether I went.
[0009]
SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it provides a printing apparatus and a printing method capable of confirming print control information only by looking at a printed image.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, a printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of images and print control information including image designation information for designating an image to be printed from the plurality of images are recorded. Reading means for reading out the image corresponding to the print control information and the image designation information from, and an instruction means for instructing whether or not to print the read print control information together with the image read by the reading means; A print control unit that controls to print the read print control information together with the image designated by the image designation information when the instruction unit instructs to print the print control information. It is characterized by that.
[0012]
  Claim2The printing apparatus as claimed in claim1In the printing apparatus described above, the print control information includes information related to the number of printed sheets.
[0013]
  Claim3The printing apparatus according to claim 1.Or 2In the printing apparatus described above, the print control information includes information related to grouping.
[0014]
  Claim4The printing apparatus according to claim 1.3In the printing apparatus according to any one of the above, the print control information includes information related to a scaling factor.
[0016]
  Claim5The printing apparatus according to claim 1.4In the printing apparatus according to any one of the above, the print control information stored in the storage medium is code information that is not an image, and the print control means includes conversion means for converting the code information into an image. And the code information converted into the image is printed together with the image to be printed.
[0017]
  Claim6The printing apparatus as claimed in claim5In the printing apparatus described above, the code information printed together with the image is bar code information.
[0018]
  Claim7In the print method described above, the print control information and the image designation information are recorded from a storage medium in which a plurality of images and print control information including image designation information for designating an image to be printed from the plurality of images are recorded. A reading step for reading out the corresponding image, an instruction step for instructing whether or not to print the read print control information together with the image read in the reading step, and printing the print control information in the instruction step And a print control step of controlling to print the read print control information together with the image designated by the image designation information when an instruction is given.
  8. The printing method according to claim 7, wherein the print control information includes information relating to the number of prints.
  The printing method according to claim 9 is the printing method according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the print control information includes information relating to grouping.
  A printing method according to a tenth aspect is the printing method according to any one of the seventh to ninth aspects, wherein the print control information includes information relating to a scaling factor.
  The print method according to claim 11 is the print method according to any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein the print control information stored in the storage medium is code information that is not an image, and the print control means. Has a conversion step of converting the code information into an image, and the code information converted into the image is printed together with an image to be printed.
  A printing method according to a twelfth aspect is the printing method according to the eleventh aspect, wherein the code information printed together with the image is barcode information.
[0019]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a video printing system having a printing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a video recording / reproducing apparatus (VTR), 2 is a monitor, and 3 is a video printer. The VTR 1 includes a camera-integrated VTR 11 and a digital interface 101, and is connected to a digital interface 320 in the video printer 3 through a data bus. The video printer 3 includes necessary mechanisms such as a memory unit 31, a system controller (also referred to as a system controller) 32, a printing unit 33, a printing unit 34, various signal generation units 38, and print paper 4. Reference numeral 30 denotes an operation unit that can operate not only the print operation but also the operating state of the VTR.
[0020]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the VTR main body, which has the same components as those of the prior art, such as a system controller 201, servo system 202, drum 206, switch 209, etc. The difference is that an operation control signal is input to and output from the system controller 201 via a connected digital interface (I / F) 101.
[0021]
Next, the print data recording format will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0022]
As shown in FIG. 3, the print data area PA corresponds to the 1.5 horizontal scanning period (H) of the video signal. That is, the aforementioned switch 209 is turned on only during the period corresponding to 1.5H. The area for 1.5H is divided into an index portion for 1.26H and a data portion for 0.24H. A cueing signal to be described later is recorded in the index portion, and print data is recorded in the data portion.
[0023]
As shown in FIG. 3, five words WD0 to WD4, start identification data S, end identification data E, and CRCC for error correction are recorded in the data portion. Each word WD0 to WD4 is composed of 8 bits, and the contents of each word are as shown in FIGS. 4 (a), 4 (b) and 4 (c).
[0024]
(A) is the date mode, shooting date and day of the week, error correction code, (b) is the time mode, shooting hour / minute / second and frame number. , Error correction code, (c) is the time mode and the hour, minute and second frame number from the beginning of the tape. And the error correction code are each expressed in 8 bits.
[0025]
Note that the modes (a), (b), and (c) may be appropriately selected, or a plurality (for example, a and c) may be recorded alternately.
[0026]
Next, the timing of various data on the data bus 228 is shown in FIG. The upper (a), (b), and (c) in the figure are information from the VTR to the printer called VTP data, and (b) is the digital still image information (VIDEO-DATA) and the VTP code.
[0027]
As shown in detail in (c), the VTP code includes a VTR STATUS code indicating the operating state of the VTR, the WORDING-INDEX words WD0 to WD4, which are the 8 mm VTR subcode data, and various types of information to the printer side. It consists of operation command print command data.
[0028]
As shown in the timing chart (A), “L” → “H” changes in accordance with the transmission timing from the VTR.
[0029]
The lower part (d), (e), and (f) in the figure are information from the printer called the PTV to the VTR, and (e) are the digital still image information (VIDEO-DATA) and the PTV code.
[0030]
The PTV code is composed of PRINTER STATUS indicating the status of the printer as shown in detail in (f), WD0 to WD4 similar to (c), and a video command giving an instruction for video operation.
[0031]
The operation of the jog shuttle dial 305 and the like of the operation unit 30 in FIG. 1 is transferred to the VTR side using this data area.
[0032]
FIG. 6 shows a bitmap of each information.
[0033]
The above video command is shown at the bottom, and it is designated by the 0th bit whether coding index information or the like is written on the tape T or read back, and for which area the first and second bits are used. To instruct whether to execute the above read / write. In addition to INDEX, PCM subcodes also have a large number of information areas. Therefore, these 2 bits are used to identify and specify up to four locations. The third bit is set to “H” when digital video data such as PCM-SV is issued as a video data transfer request in accordance with the video data transfer timing of FIG. The fourth to seventh bits are used to specify the VTR search mode. This can specify the following driving conditions.
[0034]
0 REWIDE
1 Search x (-20)
2 Search x (-5)
3 Search x (-1)
4 REVERSE x (-1)
5 SLOW SPEED REV. PLAY
6 VERRY SLOW SPEED REV. PLAY
7 STILL
8 STOP
9 VERRY SLOW SPEED PLAY
ASLOW SPEED PLAY
BPRAY × 1
C search × 2
D search × 5
E Search × 20
FFF
As shown in FIG. 6, the four data words WD1 to WD4 are assigned 2 bits for the sort number, 2 bits for the magnification (print size), and 4 bits for the number of prints. That is, four types (4 groups) can be set as sort numbers, and different magnifications can be set for each. The number of prints can be set from 0 to 14 in 4 bits. When all 4 bits are “1”, it has a special meaning of multi-screen printing. This means that 25 screens following the screen being reproduced are printed as a single screen, and this means a print mode in which a solid solid printing effect is expected in a conventional silver halide photograph.
[0035]
The word WD0 is a management word for the words WD1 to WD4. One bit (second bit) indicating whether a print screen is created with one field of data or one frame of data, and printing is completed. 1 bit (first bit) indicating whether or not. The 0th bit is a bit indicating whether or not there is a print designation screen (hereinafter simply referred to as a parent screen) in 10 seconds immediately before the screen to be printed, and the setting will be described later. The third to seventh bits are 5-bit data indicating the order of the frame defined by the time code or the like on the print screen.
[0036]
Next, the operation of the system of the present invention will be described.
[0037]
First, a rough flow of the operation of the video print system will be described with reference to FIG.
[0038]
Information digitized by the digital I / F (interface) 101 from the VTR unit 1 is transferred to the video printer 3 via the data bus. Video data and additional data such as control signals and date information are once received by the digital I / F 320 and supplied to the memory unit 31 and the system controller 32.
[0039]
The system controller 32 performs data selection and operation control.
[0040]
The date information and the comment information input from the character generator of the video camera 11 are exchanged into a video signal by the composite signal generation unit 38 for visualizing as a video signal, and when the switch 391 is closed, the combiner 37 The still image information output from the memory unit 31 is combined and printed on the print paper 4 by the printing unit 33.
[0041]
On the other hand, the equivalent information is supplied to the printing unit 34 when the switch 392 is closed, and is normally recorded by the printing head outside the printing area of the printing unit 33 on the print paper 4. Of course, even if it prints in this area and carries out a composite print on a print paper, there is no one way and it is in the scope of the present invention.
[0042]
Further, the additional data of the words WD0 to WD1 may be directly generated as digital binary information by the barcode signal generator 341 and recorded on the same paper 4 by the printing unit 34.
[0043]
When recording, control is performed so that the switch 393 is closed.
[0044]
When the above three types of recording are performed on the same paper 4, the paper feeding mechanism and the positioning control are executed by the paper feeding mechanism by the system controller 32.
[0045]
In addition, a calendar & clock 36 is incorporated in order to perform processing related to time such as date and time at the time of printout and overall timer control, and data such as the above-mentioned words WD0 to WD4 is added by an additional processing circuit 35. And processed together.
[0046]
The switches 39 (391 to 393) are detected by the operation unit 321 that handles the manual operation buttons provided in the printer 3 such as the mode change-over switches 301 and 302, processed by the system controller 32, and the SELECT signal. Is selected.
[0047]
The sensor unit 322 is a detection processor that is responsible for reading the barcode information shown in the lower left of FIG.
[0048]
The operations described above are performed while confirming on the video / audio (AV) monitor device 2 connected to the VTR 1.
[0049]
The video signal reproduced by the recording / reproducing apparatus unit 1 is supplied to the monitor apparatus 2. The operator operates the camera-integrated VTR 11 with the operation unit 30 on the printer side while viewing the image displayed on the monitor device 2.
[0050]
That is, fast search and rewind are performed by search until the desired screen to be printed out approaches, and when approaching, the screen is searched while confirming the image by slow speed playback or still playback. These operations are performed by a well-known jog / shuttle dial 305 or pause button 303 in the VTR.
[0051]
A VTR search operation command generated during the above operation is placed on the data bus shown in FIG. 1, transferred between the I / F 320 and the I / F 101, and a remote control terminal (for example, a camera-integrated VTR). Rank terminal etc.).
[0052]
The detailed operation of the system of the present invention will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
[0053]
First, the VTR 11 is set to the reproduction mode by operating the operation unit 30 shown in FIG. At this time, the system controller 201 of the VTR 11 in FIG. 2 controls each part of the apparatus according to control information from the operation unit 321 via the I / Fs 320 and 101. For example, the system controller 201 controls the capstan motor 203 and the drum motor 204 via the servo circuit 202 and controls the switches 209, 212 a, 212 b and 214 via the selection signal generator 225. Of course, in this playback mode, the playback speed is appropriately changed by operating the dial 305, the pause key 303, etc. This change can be realized by changing the rotation speed of the capstan motor 203. Furthermore, the relative speed between the heads Ha and Hb and the tape T is kept constant by changing the rotation speed of the drum motor 204. It is assumed that the head moving mechanism Ma, Mb always guarantees a difference in inclination between the head trace locus and the track.
[0054]
In such a reproduction mode, the reproduced video signal from the recording / reproducing heads Ha and Hb provided on the drum 206 is converted into a continuous signal via the PB side terminals of the switches 212a and 212b, the amplifiers 213a and 213b, and the switch 214. And input to the video reproduction signal processing circuit 218. The video signal from the signal processing circuit 218 is output to the monitor 2 in FIG. 1 via the PB side of the switch 220 and the N side of the switch 229.
[0055]
On the other hand, digital data reproduced from the audio area AA and the data area PA is converted into an analog signal by the D / A 230 in the case of an audio signal through the switch 214, usually a normally closed switch 215, and the code data decoder 219. In the case of still image data, the image data is temporarily stored in the image memory 217 via the SV side terminal of the switch 251.
[0056]
The operator searches the desired screen by operating the dial 305 or the like while confirming the output image of the monitor 2. Then, the pause key 303 is operated at the timing when a desired screen is displayed, and the VTR 11 is set to the still image reproduction mode. When the print designation button 304 is operated in this state, this information is sent from the key operation unit 321 to the system controller 201 via the system controller 32, I / Fs 320 and 101.
[0057]
The operation so far corresponds to step 1 in the flowchart of FIG.
[0058]
Next, the process proceeds to step 2 in FIG. 7, and the size to be printed is designated by the operation unit 321. Thereafter, the image quality (step 3), the number of sheets (step 4), sorting (step 5), and the like are designated by the operation unit 321. Steps 2 to 4 are set for each print size. Whether there is another print size or not is instructed from the operation unit 321 in step 6, and if there is, return to step 2, otherwise go to step 7.
[0059]
In step 7, the data generated in steps 2 to 5 (hereinafter referred to as print data) is transferred to the system controller 201 via the I / Fs 320 and 101 and generated in the print data generator 224. The data is sent to the code data encoder 208 and similarly to the display signal generator 222. Here, the reproduced video signal output through the switch 220 and the output signal of the display signal generator 222 corresponding to the print data are mixed by the adder 226, and a character indicating the print data is displayed on the image to be printed. A video signal corresponding to the multiplexed screen is digitized by the AD converter 227. The output of the AD converter 227 is supplied to the image memory 217. At this time, the print data generator 224 takes in a video signal for one frame from the AD converter 227 according to an instruction from the memory control circuit 216, and repeatedly outputs it. Thus, the video signal from the image memory 217 is converted into an analog signal by the DA converter 223 and output to the monitor 2 via the S side of the switch 229 (step 9).
[0060]
Next, the operator looks at the screen displayed on the monitor 2, confirms the screen to be printed and the print data, and checks whether the content is as expected (step 10). If the contents are not as intended, the process returns to step 1 and starts again. If the contents are as expected, the process proceeds to step 11 to record the print data.
[0061]
Hereinafter, recording of the print data will be described.
[0062]
Normally, when the VTR of FIG. 1 is set to the recording mode, the video signal input to the video recording signal processing circuit 207 is converted into a signal form suitable for recording and supplied to the switch 210, while being digitized by the A / D converter 230. The audio signal or digitized still image data is also reduced from the memory 217 to a data rate equivalent to that of the audio signal and read out, and is switched at the AUD end in the case of sound and SV in the case of a still image. The end is selected, encoded by the code data encoder 208, and supplied to the switch 210 via the normally closed switch 209. FIG. 3 schematically shows the rotational phases of the heads Ha and Hb and the trace positions on the tape T. The switch 210 amplifies the video recording signal processing circuit 207 during the period in which the heads Ha and Hb trace the video area VA. The code data encoder 208 is connected to the amplifiers 211a and 211b while the heads Ha and Hb trace the audio area AA.
[0063]
When the print data is recorded in step 11 of FIG. 7, the switch 209 is controlled by the signal C3 from the selection signal generator 225, which corresponds to the postamble part of the audio area AA and a part of the guard section. It is turned on only during the period when the heads Ha and Hb trace over the print data area PA. Also, the switches 212a and 212b are connected to the REC side only during this period by the signal C1. As a result, the print data encoded by the code encoder 208 can be recorded in the print data area PA on the tape T. That is, if the print screen and the print data have the desired contents in step 10, the print data is recorded in the print data area PA of the track in which the video signal currently being reproduced is recorded in step 11. That is, the print data shown in FIG. 4 is recorded in the print data recording area PA of the track on which the print designation screen is recorded.
[0064]
Thereafter, the system controller 201 drives the capstan motor 203 at the same speed as during normal recording, and records the cue signal for 10 seconds in the header section described above. For example, a carrier signal of 2.9 MHz is normally recorded in the bed portion, and a carrier signal of 5.8 MHz is recorded in the portion corresponding to the 10 seconds. Then, 1 bit indicating the presence or absence of the parent screen of the 0th bit of the word WD0 described above reproduces the cue signal in step 10 of FIG. 7, and if this is 5.8 MHz, “1” is automatically set. Will be set.
[0065]
Next, the operation when printing the print designation screen from the tape having the print designation screen set in this way will be described.
[0066]
First, when a tape on which a print designation screen is set is loaded in the VTR 11 and a print command is issued by the key operation unit 321, the system controller 201 drives the capstan motor 203 and the drum motor 204 via the servo circuit 202. While conveying the tape T at high speed, the signal from the print data area PA is reproduced. At this time, the switches 212a and 212b are connected to the PB side, and the switch 214 connects the amplifiers 213a and 213b to the code data decoder side. The switch 215 is turned on at the timing when the heads Ha and Hb trace the print data area PA, and the code data decoder 219 outputs “1” as a cue control signal when the reproduction signal of the header section is 5.8 MHz. . In response to the cueing control signal becoming “1”, the system controller 201 controls the capstan motor 203 to transport the tape in the opposite direction to that at the time of recording at the same speed as at the time of recording.
[0067]
In this state, the code data decoder 219 reproduces data from the data section, and if the 4-bit data indicating the number of prints in the data shown in FIG. At this time, it is possible to set both a mode in which the conveyance of the tape T is stopped only when unprinted data is detected and a mode in which the conveyance of the tape T is stopped regardless of whether printing has been performed or has been printed. It is. After the tape T is stopped, the reproduction screen is printed as follows.
[0068]
When the tape T is stopped, the heads Ma and Mb on the head moving mechanism trace the recorded tracks on the designated screen, and the reproduced video signal at this time is a video reproduced signal processing circuit 218, an adder 226, A / The data is taken into the image memory 217 via the D converter 227. Further, the print data is taken into the printer control signal generator 221 functioning as an interface via the code data decoder 219. When these captures are completed, the data stored in the image memory 217 and the printer control data output from the printer control signal generator 221 are transferred to the printer data bus 228. The printer 3 prints the video data from the data bus 228 according to the control data, and sends data indicating the end of printing to the data bus 228 when printing is completed. The print end data from the printer 3 is sent to the system controller 201 via the printer control signal generator, and the VTR performs the following operation accordingly.
[0069]
In other words, when the print end data is supplied, the VTR rewrites the print data to “0” if the first bit of the word WD0 is “1”. Since the operation of the VTR at this time is the same as that at the time of recording the print data, it is omitted. Then, the next designated screen is searched. If the parent screen exists, the process starts with the step of transporting the tape in the reverse direction at the same speed as when recording. If not, the tape is moved in the forward direction. It starts from the step of high-speed conveyance.
[0070]
Finally, examples of print applications output by the system of the above embodiment are shown in FIGS. FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 show an example of the same size printing, and the print data of WD0 to WD4 described above is recorded in the lower left of the print as a barcode. If the bar code recording / reproducing function is provided to the printer 3 by the sensor unit 322, the original video signal on the tape T can be retrieved from the print. FIG. 10 shows a multi-screen which is printed out when the print number data of WD1 to WD4 is all “1”. The screen address on the tape such as a time code is printed at the lower right of each reduced image. Yes. If the VTR is provided with a function of searching for the tape T using this time code, the original video signal on the tape T can be similarly searched.
[0071]
In the system including the VTR configured as described above, after all the screens to be printed are selected, each print screen can be automatically printed. Therefore, the operability of this type of system is greatly improved. .
[0072]
In addition, even a screen once printed can be easily reprinted by reproducing the print data on the tape.
[0073]
Furthermore, by adding search marks for cueing to a predetermined number of screens near the print designation screen, the tape can be conveyed at high speed when searching the print designation screen.
[0074]
The time code in the above WD0 to WD4 includes the frame number from the beginning of the tape in addition to the shooting date. Therefore, it is possible to easily search the video signal on the tape T and the PCM-SV recording portion by using these pieces of information. If additional information such as date is not required, the switch 39 selects OFF.
[0075]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, the video signal reproducing device, the video signal reproducing unit having the first digital interface unit for transmitting the reproduced video signal from the reproducing device as digital data, An operation member for searching the screen of the playback device, and a second digital interface unit for supplying control data generated by the operation member to the playback device, and printing a playback video signal from the playback device Since the operation member is provided on the printer side, various operations can be performed from the printer side, and it is good even if the VTR side does not have a dedicated search (switch, etc.) member. You can search. This is extremely effective in a camera-integrated VTR whose camera body is becoming smaller. In addition, since the digital interface is provided on both the VTR side and the printer side, no complicated wiring is required, and the connector for the wiring connecting the VTR and the printer can be used in a small and simple manner. Is more effective.
[0076]
Further, since both the digital interface sections are connected to each other by a single data bus, the wiring can be further simplified, which can contribute to the miniaturization of the camera-integrated VTR.
[0077]
Also, according to the present embodiment, print control information (for example, image designation information (for example, shooting date, frame number, etc.) for designating an image to be printed from the plurality of images and the plurality of images, for example) When reading a desired image from a storage medium (tape T) in which the magnification (print size), the number of prints, the type (group), the format of an image such as a field image or a frame image, etc.) are recorded and printed In addition, since the print control information can be printed together with the image, for example, even in a state where there is no original recording medium, the user can confirm the print control information only by looking at the printed image.
[0078]
For example, if image designation information is printed as print control information, the user can recognize which image has been printed. If the number information is printed, the user can recognize how many other sheets have been printed. If information regarding grouping is printed, the user can recognize which group the printed image belongs to. Furthermore, if information regarding the format of an image such as a field image or a frame image is printed, the user can recognize whether the printed image is a field image or a frame image.
[0079]
In addition, for example, if information on the print size and the scaling ratio is printed, the size of the original image data can be known, which has an effect of being useful for designating another size at the next printing.
[0080]
In addition, since it is possible to select whether or not to print the print control information with the instruction means (switch 39), it is particularly suitable when there is no need to know the contents of the print control information or it is not desired to know it. .
[0081]
In the embodiment described above, a tape-like medium is used as the medium. However, the medium is not limited to this, and may be a disk-like or other form such as a solid-state memory. In this embodiment, a television signal is used as an example of a video signal. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a still image such as an electronic file may be used.
[0082]
【The invention's effect】
  As described above, the printing apparatus and claim of claim 17According to this printing method, print control information and image designation information are supported from a storage medium in which a plurality of images and print control information including image designation information for designating an image to be printed from the plurality of images are recorded. When an image to be printed is read out, whether or not to print the read print control information together with the read image is instructed, and when an instruction to print the print control information is given, the image designation information Since the read print control information is controlled to be printed together with the designated image, the print control information can be printed together with the image, and the user can view the print control information simply by looking at the printed image. Can be confirmed.
[0084]
  Claim2According to the printing apparatus, since the print control information includes information regarding the number of prints, the user can recognize how many other sheets have been printed.
[0085]
  Claim3According to the printing apparatus, the print control information allows the user to recognize which group the printed image belongs to.
[0086]
  Claim4According to this printing apparatus, since the print control information includes information on the scaling factor, it is possible to know the size of the original image data and the like, which is useful for designating another size at the next printing. Play.
[0088]
  Claim5Printing equipmentAnd a printing method according to claim 11.According to the above, the print control information stored in the storage medium is code information that is not an image.TheCode informationButConvert to imageIs, Code information converted into the imageButPrint with the image to be printedIsTherefore, the print control information can be printed together with the image, and the user can confirm the print control information as code information only by looking at the printed image.
[0089]
  Claim6Printing equipmentAnd a printing method according to claim 12.According to the above, since the code information printed together with the image is barcode information, the print control information can be confirmed by reading it with a barcode reader.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a video printing system having a printing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram on the VTR side of the system of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of a recording format used in the present invention.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of recording data used in the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a timing diagram of data on the data bus.
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating data allocation of a data bus.
FIG. 7 is an operation flowchart of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a print example.
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a print example.
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a format of a multi-drawing diagram.
FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a conventional system.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 VTR section
3 Printer
30 Operating members
101,320 Digital interface section
228 data bus

Claims (12)

Reading out the print control information and an image corresponding to the image designation information from a storage medium in which a plurality of images and print control information including image designation information for designating an image to be printed from the plurality of images are recorded Means,
Instruction means for instructing whether or not to print the read print control information together with the image read by the reading means;
A print control unit that controls to print the read print control information together with the image designated by the image designation information when the instruction unit instructs to print the print control information. A printing apparatus characterized by that.   The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the print control information includes information regarding the number of prints.   The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the print control information includes information related to grouping.   The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the print control information includes information regarding a scaling ratio. The print control information stored in the storage medium is code information that is not an image, and the print control means includes conversion means for converting the code information into an image, and the code information converted into the image is printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the printed along with the image to be printed. 6. The printing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the code information printed together with the image is barcode information. Reading out the print control information and an image corresponding to the image designation information from a storage medium in which a plurality of images and print control information including image designation information for designating an image to be printed from the plurality of images are recorded Process,
An instruction step for instructing whether or not to print the read print control information together with the image read in the reading step;
A print control step for controlling to print the read print control information together with the image designated by the image designation information when an instruction to print the print control information is given in the instruction step. A printing method characterized by the above. 8. The printing method according to claim 7, wherein the print control information includes information relating to the number of prints. 9. The printing method according to claim 7, wherein the print control information includes information relating to grouping. The printing method according to claim 7, wherein the print control information includes information regarding a scaling ratio. The print control information stored in the storage medium is code information that is not an image, and the print control means includes a conversion step of converting the code information into an image, and the code information converted into the image is The printing method according to claim 7, wherein printing is performed together with an image to be printed. 12. The printing method according to claim 11, wherein the code information printed together with the image is barcode information.

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