JP4400307B2 - Image output system, image supply apparatus, image output apparatus, computer program, image supply method, and image output method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image output system for transmitting an image output request and a data file designated by the image output request from the image supply device to the image output device, and outputting an image based on the image output request and the data file by the image output device. In addition, the present invention relates to an image supply device, an image output device, a computer program, an image supply method, and an image output method that can be used in the image output system.

  In recent years, a digital still camera device and a printer device are directly connected without using a personal computer, an image data file stored in the digital still camera device is transferred to the printer device, and printing control is performed from the image data file by the printer device. A so-called direct printing system that generates data and prints an image has been developed (see, for example, Non-Patent Document 1).

  Conventionally, there is an image output method called frame insertion printing in which a frame image is superimposed on an image of an image data file. In frame insertion printing, based on a plurality of data files such as an image data file having image data and a layout definition file defining a frame image, one image is printed by superimposing a frame image on the image of the image data file. The Examples of such frame insertion printing include PIF (PRINT Image Framer) printing provided by the present applicant.

“White Paper of CIPA DC-001-2003 Digital Photo Solutions for Imaging Devices (Japan)” Camera & Imaging Products Association, February 3, 2003.

  In the direct printing described above, one image data file is normally specified for one image to be printed in a print request transferred from the digital still camera device to the printer device. Therefore, it is difficult to realize a printing method that prints one image using a data file other than the image data file together with the image data file, such as the frame insertion printing described above. This matter also occurs in the case of image output other than printing.

  In such a case, it is possible to modify the print request description rule so that it can be handled even in such a special case, but there is a possibility that compatibility problems before and after the modification will occur. There is. In particular, such a problem becomes remarkable when the description rule is used by a plurality of vendors or standardized. Therefore, such a method is not realistic.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and even when an image output request employs a description rule in which one image data file is designated for one image to be output, an image is output. Image output system capable of outputting one image using data file other than image data file together with data file, and image supply apparatus, image output apparatus, computer program, and image supply usable in the image output system It is an object to obtain a method and an image output method.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention is configured as follows.

  An image output system according to the present invention receives an image output request and a data file specified by the image output request, and receives an image output request and the data file specified by the image output request. An image output device for outputting an image based on the request and the data file. When outputting one image based on a plurality of data files, the image supply device, in an image output request, specifies a predetermined data file of the plurality of data files as an image data file name output together with the image at the time of image output. A file name is designated and the image output request is transmitted to the image output apparatus. When receiving the image output request, the image output device determines whether to output one image based on the plurality of data files based on the image data file name specified in the image output request.

  As a result, even when a description rule in which one image data file is specified for one image to be output in the image output request is used, a data file other than the image data file is used together with the image data file. One image can be output.

  An image supply apparatus according to the present invention includes a communication unit that performs data communication with an image output apparatus, and a plurality of image data file names that are output together with an image when outputting one image based on a plurality of data files. Communication control means for controlling the communication means to transmit an image output request designating the file name of a predetermined data file of the data files to the image output apparatus.

  As a result, even when a description rule in which one image data file is specified for one image to be output in the image output request is used, a data file other than the image data file is used together with the image data file. One image can be output.

  An image supply device according to the present invention designates a layout definition file as an image data file with a communication means for performing data communication with an image output device, a file number for specifying a layout definition file including layout data for image output, and an image A request generation unit that generates an image output request specifying a character string indicating the layout definition file as an image data file name output together with an image at the time of output, and an image output generated by the request generation unit by controlling the communication unit Communication control means for transmitting the request to the image output apparatus.

  As a result, even when a description rule in which one image data file is specified for one image to be output in the image output request is used, a layout definition file other than the image data file is used together with the image data file. Thus, one image can be output. Furthermore, even when a file number that does not have file type information is used for specifying an image data file, the image output apparatus accurately determines whether or not the image output is based on the layout definition file. .

  Further, the image supply apparatus according to the present invention is configured such that the request generation means is as follows in addition to the image supply apparatus of the above invention. In this image supply device, the request generation unit outputs layout data of the main image and the frame image as a plurality of data files used for an image output format for outputting an image obtained by superimposing the main image and the frame image. The layout definition file and the main image data file to be included are designated as image data files in the image output request.

  Thus, even when a description rule in which one image data file is designated for one image to be output in the image output request is adopted, frame composite image output such as frame insertion printing can be realized. it can.

  Furthermore, an image supply apparatus according to the present invention is configured such that the request generation means is as follows in addition to any of the image supply apparatuses of the present invention. In this image supply device, the request generation means sets the value of the setting item of the image data file name output function to other than ON when generating an image output request for image output using the layout definition file.

  Thus, even if the designation of the image data file name for the image data file name output function is used for determining the layout definition file, the image data file name is not superimposed on the image and output.

  An image output apparatus according to the present invention includes a communication unit that performs data communication, an image output unit that outputs an image based on a plurality of data files according to a predetermined image output format, and an image output request when receiving an image output request by the communication unit. Based on the image data file name output together with the image specified at the time of image output, it is determined whether or not to output one image based on a plurality of data files, and image output corresponding to the determination result is performed. Control means to be executed by the image output means.

  As a result, even when a description rule in which one image data file is specified for one image to be output in the image output request is used, a data file other than the image data file is used together with the image data file. One image can be output.

  An image output apparatus according to the present invention receives a communication means for performing data communication, an image output means for outputting an image based on a plurality of data files in accordance with a predetermined image output format, and an image output request when the communication means receives an image output request. The designation of the image data file by the file number in the request is detected, and based on the character string of the image data file name that is designated for the image data file and output together with the image, the designated file is A control unit that determines whether or not the file is a layout definition file and, when it is determined that the layout definition file is designated, a control unit that causes the image output unit to execute image output based on layout data included in the layout definition file; Is provided.

  As a result, even when a description rule in which one image data file is specified for one image to be output in the image output request is used, a layout definition file other than the image data file is used together with the image data file. Thus, one image can be output. Furthermore, even when a file number that does not have file type information is used for specifying an image data file, it is accurately determined whether or not the image is output based on the layout definition file.

  Furthermore, an image output apparatus according to the present invention has the following control means in addition to the image output apparatus of the present invention. In this image output apparatus, when the layout definition file used for outputting an image obtained by superimposing the main image and the frame image is specified in the image output request, the control means includes the layout definition file, and Based on the image data file of the main image specified in the image output request, the image output means is controlled to output one image in which the frame image is superimposed on the main image.

  Thus, even when a description rule in which one image data file is designated for one image to be output in the image output request is adopted, frame composite image output such as frame insertion printing can be realized. it can.

  Furthermore, an image output apparatus according to the present invention has the following control means in addition to the image output apparatus of the present invention. In this image output apparatus, the control means determines that the specified file is a layout definition file based on the image data file name only when the value of the setting item of the image data file name output function in the image output request is other than ON. It is determined whether or not there is.

  Thus, even if the designation of the image data file name for the image data file name output function is used for determining the layout definition file, the image data file name is not superimposed on the image and output.

  The computer program according to the present invention, when outputting a single image based on a plurality of data files to a computer built in an image supply apparatus that supplies an image output request and data file to the image output apparatus, together with the image at the time of image output. An image output request designating a file name of a predetermined data file among a plurality of data files as an output image data file name is transmitted to the image output device by controlling communication means for performing data communication with the image output device. It functions as communication control means.

  As a result, even when a description rule in which one image data file is specified for one image to be output in the image output request is used, a data file other than the image data file is used together with the image data file. One image can be output.

  When the computer program according to the present invention receives an image output request, the computer built in the image output apparatus that outputs an image based on the image output request and the data file specified by the image output request is designated in the image output request. Based on the image data file name output together with the image at the time of image output, it is determined whether to output one image based on a plurality of data files, and image output is executed according to the determination result It functions as a control means.

  As a result, even when a description rule in which one image data file is specified for one image to be output in the image output request is used, a data file other than the image data file is used together with the image data file. One image can be output.

  In the image supply method according to the present invention, when one image is output based on a plurality of data files, the file name of a predetermined data file among the plurality of data files is output as the image data file name output together with the image at the time of image output. The method includes a step of transmitting an image output request specifying the image data to the image output device, and a step of transmitting the data file specified in the image output request to the image output device.

  As a result, even when a description rule in which one image data file is specified for one image to be output in the image output request is used, a data file other than the image data file is used together with the image data file. One image can be output.

  An image output method according to the present invention is based on a plurality of data files based on a step of receiving an image output request and an image data file name output together with the image specified in the received image output request. The method includes a step of determining whether to output one image and a step of executing image output according to the determination result.

  As a result, even when a description rule in which one image data file is specified for one image to be output in the image output request is used, a data file other than the image data file is used together with the image data file. One image can be output.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

Embodiment 1 FIG.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image output system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. This image output system is a kind of so-called direct printing system. In FIG. 1, a printer apparatus 1 is an embodiment of an image output apparatus of the present invention, and is an apparatus that receives an image output request and an image data file and prints an image based on the image output request and the image data file. is there. The digital camera device 2 is an embodiment of the image supply device of the present invention, and stores a captured image as an image data file in a predetermined recording medium, and is designated by an image output request and the image output request. It is a device that outputs the image data file.

  This image output request is a control command for causing the printer apparatus 1 to execute printing under desired printing conditions. A description rule for designating one image data file per image is applied to the image output request. Therefore, for example, when four images are printed on one printing paper, four image data files are normally designated.

  The communication path 3 is a wired transmission medium that connects the printer device 1 and the digital camera device 2. The communication path 3 is not limited to a wired communication path, and a wireless communication path may be used. In the first embodiment, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable is used for the communication path 3. When the communication path 3 is a wired communication path, the printer apparatus 1 and the digital camera apparatus 2 are provided with connectors (not shown), the connectors at both ends of the cable of the communication path 3 and the connectors of both apparatuses 1 and 2. Are connected to each other.

  In the printer apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1, the communication circuit 11 is a circuit that transmits and receives various types of information as electrical signals via the communication path 3. The communication control unit 12 is a circuit or device that controls the communication circuit 11 and transmits / receives control information (control command, response to the device, job status notification, and the like) and an image data file according to various protocols. .

  In the printer device 1, the print control unit 13 is a circuit or device that controls and monitors the printing mechanism 14 and controls printing processing. The printing mechanism 14 is a mechanical and / or electrical component that outputs an image. The printing mechanism 14 of the printer apparatus 1 corresponds to a printing mechanism, a paper feeding mechanism, or the like. The printing control unit 13 and the printing mechanism 14 constitute printing means for printing an image based on the image data file.

  In the printer device 1, the operation unit 15 is a circuit or device that is operated by a user and outputs a signal corresponding to the operation. As the operation unit 15, various switches, a touch panel, and the like are used as appropriate. The display device 16 is a device that displays various types of information. As the display device 16, various indicators, a liquid crystal display, and the like are used as appropriate. The power supply circuit 17 is a circuit that is connected to, for example, a commercial power supply or an AC / DC converter and supplies supplied power to an internal circuit.

  In the digital camera device 2 shown in FIG. 1, the communication circuit 21 is a circuit that transmits and receives various types of information as electrical signals via the communication path 3. The communication control unit 22 is a circuit or device that controls the communication circuit 21 and transmits / receives information to / from a communication partner according to various protocols. The central control unit 23 is a circuit or device that executes various processes while exchanging various information with a circuit or device having various functions such as the communication control unit 22 and the recording medium 24.

  In the digital camera device 2, the recording medium 24 is a device that stores one or a plurality of image data files 31 including image data. The image data file 31 is a file including image data taken by a digital camera, for example, and other image data. The format of the image data is, for example, JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) format, EXIF (EXchangeable Image File) format, or the like.

  As the recording medium 24, a semiconductor memory, a memory card using a semiconductor memory, a magnetic recording medium, an optical recording medium, a magneto-optical recording medium, or the like may be used, and may be fixed inside the digital camera device 2. The digital camera device 2 may be detachable.

  In the digital camera device 2, the operation unit 25 is a circuit or device that is operated by a user and outputs a signal corresponding to the operation. As the operation unit 25, various switches, a touch panel, and the like are used as appropriate. The display device 26 is a device that displays various information such as an image based on image data. As the display device 26, various indicators, a liquid crystal display, and the like are appropriately used. Note that the display device 26 functions as a display unit that displays a menu having various function setting items as menu items. When the setting item is represented by a predetermined code, the menu item corresponding to the setting item is text representing the item.

  In the digital camera device 2, the photographing unit 27 includes an optical system such as a lens, an image sensor such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device), and the like, photographs a subject and outputs image data corresponding to the photographed image. Mechanism or device.

  The battery 28 is a battery that supplies power to the internal circuit of the digital camera device 2. In addition, as the battery 28, a storage battery, a disposable battery, etc. are used. When the digital camera device 2 is a device that requires portability, a battery 28 is provided as a power source. However, when the digital camera device 2 is a device that does not require portability, a printer device as a power source. Alternatively, a power supply circuit such as one power supply circuit 17 may be provided instead, or power may be supplied from the printer apparatus 1 via the communication path 3.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of the printer apparatus 1 in the image output system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 2, a CPU 41 is an arithmetic unit that executes a computer program and executes processing described in the program. The ROM 42 is a memory that stores a computer program and data in advance. The RAM 43 is a memory that temporarily stores the program and data when the computer program is executed.

  As a computer program executed by the CPU 41, a program for performing image processing such as color conversion and halftoning on the image data of the image data file, and printing data such as control data for printing (ESC / P, etc.) from the image data. Control program), control information related to direct printing, a program for processing according to a protocol for transferring image data, and the like are stored in the ROM 42, the nonvolatile memory 46, or another recording medium (not shown). Has been.

  In FIG. 2, the print engine 44 is a circuit or device that controls the printing mechanism 14 based on the printing control data supplied from the CPU 41 to execute printing processing.

  The USB host-side interface 45 corresponds to the communication circuit 11 in FIG. 1 and is a host-side interface circuit defined by USB.

  The non-volatile memory 46 is a non-volatile semiconductor memory as a storage means for storing various settings and their history. As the storage means, another recording medium such as a magnetic recording medium may be used instead of the semiconductor memory.

  The bus 47 is a signal path that interconnects the CPU 41, ROM 42, RAM 43, print engine 44, USB host-side interface 45, nonvolatile memory 46, operation unit 15, and display device 16. The number of buses 47 and the topology of connections to the buses 47 such as the CPU 41 and the print engine 44 are not limited to those shown in FIG. The operation unit 15 and the display device 16 in FIG. 2 are the same as those in FIG.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of the digital camera device 2 in the image output system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. In FIG. 3, a CPU 61 is an arithmetic unit that executes a program and executes processing described in the program. The ROM 62 is a memory that stores programs and data in advance. The RAM 63 is a memory that temporarily stores the program and data when the program is executed.

  As a program executed by the CPU 61, a program for controlling each unit at the time of shooting or data transfer, a program for performing processing in accordance with a protocol for transfer of control information and image data related to direct printing, A program for managing the image data file is stored in the ROM 62 or other recording medium (not shown).

  In FIG. 3, a memory card 65 corresponds to the recording medium 24 of FIG. 1, and is a recording medium for storing image data obtained by photographing. Instead of the memory card 65, a semiconductor memory fixed in the device, a magnetic recording device, or the like may be used.

  The USB device-side interface 66 corresponds to the communication circuit 21 in FIG. 1 and is a device-side interface circuit defined by USB.

  The bus 67 is a signal path that connects the CPU 61, ROM 62, RAM 63, memory card 65, USB device-side interface 66, operation unit 25, display device 26, and photographing unit 27 to each other. The number of buses 67 and the topology of connections to the bus 67 such as the CPU 61 are not limited to those shown in FIG. The operation unit 25, the display device 26, and the photographing unit 27 in FIG. 3 are the same as those in FIG.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a protocol hierarchy used between the printer device 1 and the digital camera device 2 in the image output system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. 4A is a diagram illustrating a protocol hierarchy of the entire printing system, and FIG. 4B is a diagram illustrating a detailed protocol configuration of the DPDP layers 84a and 84b.

  In the first embodiment, first, as the physical layer 81, the communication path 3 which is a USB cable, and a signal transmission / reception circuit (not shown) in the USB host side interface 45 and the USB device side interface 66 are used. In the printer device 1 and the digital camera device 2 according to the first embodiment, there are USB layers 82a and 82b realized by the USB host side interface 45 and the USB device side interface 66 as layers for controlling the physical layer. Still image class (SIC) is used as the USB class. Thereby, a data transmission path is realized. The USB standard currently exists such as USB 1.1, USB 2.0, etc., but may be a version proposed after the next version or a communication standard equivalent to USB may be used instead. When the USB is used for the communication path 3, the printer device 1 is a USB host and the digital camera device 2 is a USB device.

  At the higher level, an image transfer protocol (PTP) that defines control from outside the digital still image device (DSPD) and image data transfer to the outside of the digital still image device (DSPD) is used. The PTP layers 83a and 83b are processing units that transfer data files based on PTP. As a standard for PTP, there is “PIMA 15740: 2000” of PHOTOGRAPHIC AND IMAGEING MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION, INC. PTP is a protocol that provides a communication method for exchanging image data between DSPDs. In PTP, an object (such as an image data file) in storage is specified by an object handle, not a path.

  In the first embodiment, DPDP, which is a protocol for printing image data stored in the digital camera device 2 directly to the printer device 1 via the communication path 3 above the PTP described above. DPDP layers 84a and 84b that perform control information transmission / reception and printing processing based on the protocol are used. In the DPDP layers 84a and 84b, a series of scripts (in this case, XML: eXtensible Markup Language) in which control information related to the printing process is described between the printer apparatus 1 and the digital camera apparatus 2 (that is, XML: eXtensible Markup Language) Text data) is transmitted and received via the communication path 3. The control information related to the printing process includes various commands in the printing process, a response to the command, and notification of the status of the apparatus and the print job. Further, this script includes only control information and does not include the image data file itself to be printed. That is, information such as the storage location of the image data file is included in this script, but the image data itself is not included.

  Among the above-described protocols, the physical layer 81 is realized by the communication circuit 11, the communication path 3, and the communication circuit 21 in the first embodiment, and the USB layers 82a and 82b are realized by the communication circuit 11 and the communication circuit 21. Thus, the PTP layers 83 a and 83 b and the DPDP layers 84 a and 84 b are realized by the communication control unit 12 and the communication control unit 22. Note that the communication control unit 12 and the communication control unit 22 are realized by executing programs by the CPUs 41 and 61.

  In the DPDP layers 84a and 84b, in order to obtain consistency between the DPDP layers 84a and 84b and a plurality of types of lower layers, the lower layer I / O format (command set, A transport layer 91 for transferring control information corresponding to the response format is provided. Therefore, the lower layers of the DPDP layers 84a and 84b are not limited to the PTP layers 83a and 83b, and the transport layer 91 may be changed according to the lower layers.

  In the DPDP layers 84a and 84b, an XML processing layer 92 for generating and interpreting an XML script including control information is provided above the transport layer 91, and further, control information is sent above the XML processing layer 92. An application layer 93 that transmits and receives and advances the direct printing process is provided.

  In the first embodiment, the DPDP layers 84a and 84b cooperate with each other to realize a frame insertion printing function. At that time, in the image output request, both the layout definition file for frame insertion printing and the image data file are specified as the image data file, and the print job is set to the frame by specifying the file name used for file name printing. It is distinguished whether or not the printing is insertion printing.

  Here, the frame insertion printing function (hereinafter referred to as PIF function) will be described. Hereinafter, printing using the PIF function is referred to as PIF printing.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the concept of the PIF function. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print image in the case of PIF printing. When the PIF function is used, for example, as shown in FIG. 5, a plurality of images 121, 122, and 123 are printed in the same image area in a superimposed state. In that case, for example, one of the images 121, 122, and 123 is a frame image, and the frame image data includes information on a transparent area where the other image 122 is displayed (for example, The position of the area, transparency, etc.) are described. Then, as shown in FIG. 6, the image data of the background image 121, the image data of the main image 122 to be printed, and the data of the image 123, which is a frame image, are combined to form one image 131. Image data is generated, and a combined image 131 is printed based on the image data.

  The position of the main image 122 and the layout of the background image and frame image in the case of PIF printing are defined in the layout definition file. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the layout definition file in the first embodiment. The layout definition file 32 is a file different from the image data file 31, and includes layout data 32a and frame image data 32b. The layout data 32a is data that defines an insertion position of an image. The frame image data 32b is JPEG data of a frame image. The file name extension of the layout definition file 32 is different from any of the usable image data file extensions.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of layout data 32 a in the layout definition file 32. As shown in FIG. 8, the layout data 32a describes header information (portion starting with heading [HEADER]) and page information (portion starting with heading [PAGE]).

  The header information includes information related to the layout definition file. For example, the header information includes a variable “HdKeyWord”, a variable “HdDirection”, a variable “HdSound”, a variable “HdThumbnail”, a variable “HdPhysicalPaperSize”, a variable “HdMargines”, and the like.

  The variable “HdKeyWord” is a variable having a specific or user-desired keyword relating to the page layout as a value. For example, in FIG. 8, “Christmas” and “Greeting” are set. For this keyword, not only single-byte alphanumeric characters but also characters having a desired character code can be used. The layout definition file is searched based on the keyword “HdKeyWord”.

  The variable “HdDirection” is a variable having the display direction information of the page layout as a value. The display direction is the page layout direction when displayed on the finder or display screen of the digital camera, or when printed, for example, portrait or landscape.

  The variable “HdSound” is a variable having as a value the sound file information, that is, the pointer of the sound file associated with the layout definition file. The value of the variable “HdSound” is, for example, the file name of the sound file (for example, “GSOUND.PCM” as shown in FIG. 8) and the relative path name (for example, “\ EPUDL \” as shown in FIG. 8). . An absolute path name may be used instead of a relative path name. Hereinafter, the file pointer representation method can be the same as in this case. In this way, a sound file can be associated with the layout definition file. For example, when this layout definition file is output to the outside, the sound file may also be output. The sound file is reproduced at a predetermined time. For example, when the page layout described in the layout definition file is displayed in the viewfinder or display section of a digital camera, the display section of a printer, or when a page design including the page layout is printed, Although it is recorded in the sound file, sound etc. are played automatically.

  The variable “HdThumbnail” is a variable having the thumbnail information, that is, the pointer of the image data file of the thumbnail image of the page layout as a value. The thumbnail image is created using a specific device (such as a personal computer, a mobile phone, a digital camera, or a printer). Note that a list of a plurality of page layouts in which thumbnail images are arranged may be displayed or printed in accordance with a user operation.

  The variable “HdPhysicalPaperSize” is a variable having, as a value, a physical page size information, that is, a paper size that perfectly matches the size of the page layout when the page layout is printed.

  The variable “HdMargines” is a variable having, as a value, print margin information, that is, information indicating how much margin is left on the printing paper and printing the page layout. For example, as shown in Fig. 8, when the value of the variable "HdMargines" is set to "3, 3, 3, 3", printing is performed so that 3 mm margins are generated on the top, bottom, left, and right edges of the square paper. Is called. Note that the numerical value of the print margin is not limited to a positive value, and may be zero or a negative value. In such a case, printing is performed without forming any blank space.

  The page information in the layout definition file includes information related to page layout attributes. For example, the page information includes a function “Draw Picture”, a function “Draw Strings”, a function “Draw Line”, and the like.

  The function “Draw Picture” is a function that draws an image using information about the image area as an argument.

  The first argument of the function “Draw Picture” is an image file pointer for associating a target image file applied to the image area. If the target image is determined when the layout definition file is generated, the value of the first argument image file pointer is the file pointer of the target image. If the target image is not determined when the layout definition file is generated, Is NULL (empty). When the background image 121 to be applied to the image area of the page layout is determined in advance, the file pointer of the image is described as the first argument. Note that the type of image to be applied may be identified by the extension of the file name. For example, in the case of a background image, the extension “EFF” may be used. If the target image is not determined when the layout definition file is generated, the target image is specified in the print job start command.

  The second argument of the function “Draw Picture” is the photo ID of the image area. The value of the photo ID is an integer of 1 or more when the applied image has not been determined, and is zero when the applied image has been determined.

  The third argument to the sixth argument of the function “Draw Picture” are XY coordinate values of two points on the diagonal line indicating the outer shape of the rectangular image area. Note that the outer shape of the image area is not limited to a square, and may be a polygon, a perfect circle, an ellipse, or the like. The method of indicating the outer shape of the image area is not limited to the method of describing coordinates, for example, a boundary line is used. It may be a functional expression that represents it.

  The seventh argument of the function “Draw Picture” is rotation degree information indicating the degree to which the image applied to the image area is rotated. The degree of rotation information can be set in a predetermined range (for example, 0 to 360 degrees).

  The eighth argument of the function “Draw Picture” is a numerical value that specifies a fitting rule to be applied to the image. As a fitting rule, for example, a rule that an image is applied as it is regardless of whether or not a margin is generated in the image area, an image is displayed so that a user-desired range is displayed while maintaining a user-desired aspect ratio. There are rules such as applying without causing margins in the area.

  The ninth argument of the function “Draw Picture” is a numerical value that specifies an alignment rule for determining the position where an image is to be arranged in the image area. Examples of the alignment rule include upper left alignment (a method of aligning the upper left vertex of the image with the upper left vertex of the image area), center alignment (a method of aligning the image area with the center of the image area), and the like.

  Also, the function “Draw Strings” in the page information is a function that draws decorative parts such as characters and graphics specified by the argument at the position specified by the argument. The structure of the function “Draw Strings” varies depending on what decorative parts are applied to the page layout.

  The first argument of the function “Draw Strings” is a pointer to an image file used for applying decorative parts. The second argument of the function “Draw Strings” is the photo ID of the image area.

  The third argument of the function “Draw Strings” is first decorative part information representing the contents of the decorative part. In FIG. 8, the second argument is “% G,% d,% y”. This value “% G,% d,% y” represents a character string indicating the shooting date of the image in the image file described as the used image information. Note that a character string desired by the user may be described instead of the character string indicating the shooting date.

  The fourth argument to the seventh argument of the function “Draw Strings” are decorative part application position information indicating the position where the decorative part specified by the first decorative part information is arranged. In FIG. 8, the fourth argument to the seventh argument are “100, 200, 200, 300” in the same format as the designation of the image area outline.

  The eighth argument to the twelfth argument of the function “Draw Strings” are second decorative part information indicating the attribute of the decorative part to be applied. In FIG. 8, the eighth argument to the twelfth argument are “Mincho”, 0, 128, 128, 128 ”. In FIG. 8, the attributes described from the eighth argument to the twelfth argument are character attributes representing the shooting date that is inserted into the decorative part application position described above. Here, it is shown that a character string representing the shooting date is described in a Mincho style, a size of 8 points, and each RGB color having a value of 128.

  The function “Draw Line” in the page information is a function for drawing a line applied to the page layout. The function “Draw Line” takes eight arguments, the first argument and the second argument are the start end coordinates of the line, and the third argument and the fourth argument are the peripheral end coordinates of the line. The fifth argument to the eighth argument are attribute information (line thickness and RGB value) of the drawn line. In FIG. 8, the fifth argument to the eighth argument are “5, 255, 0, 0”, the line thickness is 5 points, the R value is 255 and the G value is about the line color. 0 and B value are 0.

  When performing PIF printing, a plurality of images 121, 122, and 123 are combined by a printer or the like based on the layout definition file 32 described above, and the combined images are printed.

  Note that the communication circuit 11 of the printer apparatus 1 and the communication circuit 21 of the digital camera apparatus 1 function as communication means for performing data communication. The print control unit 13 of the printer apparatus 1 functions as an image output unit that outputs an image based on a plurality of data files in accordance with a predetermined image output format (PIF print format in the first embodiment).

  In addition, the DPDP layer 84b of the digital camera device 2 controls the communication means and outputs a plurality of data files used for an image output format for outputting one image using a plurality of data files to an image data file. It functions as a communication control means for transmitting the image output request designated as, to the printer apparatus 1. The DPDP layer 84b also functions as a request generation unit that generates the image output request.

  When the DPDP layer 84a of the printer apparatus 1 receives the image output request by the communication means (the communication circuit 11 in the first embodiment), the image data file is based on the image data file name specified in the image output request. It is determined whether the file specified as is a layout definition file. If it is determined that the layout definition file is specified, the image output means outputs the image based on the layout data included in the layout definition file. It functions as a control means that is executed by the print control unit 13 in the first embodiment.

  Next, the operation of each device in the image output system according to Embodiment 1 will be described. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of an XML script for an image output request used during PIF printing in the image output system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the printer apparatus 1 in the image output system according to the first embodiment.

  In the printer device 1 and the digital camera device 2, after startup, the CPUs 41 and 61 execute various programs stored in advance in the ROMs 42 and 62. Thereby, in the printer apparatus 1 and the digital camera apparatus 2, the communication control units 12 and 22, the print control unit 13, and the central control unit 23 are realized, and the hierarchical processing unit shown in FIG. 4 is realized.

  Thereafter, when the printer apparatus 1 and the digital camera apparatus 2 are physically connected by the communication path 3 by the user, first, a data transmission path based on the still image class between the two is established by the entities of the USB layers 82a and 82b. The When the USB transmission path is established, the entities of the PTP layers 83a and 83b that use the data transmission path are activated above the USB layers 82a and 82b. Note that the entities (communication entities) of the protocol layers above the USB layers 82 a and 82 b and the USB layers 82 a and 82 b are realized by the communication control units 12 and 22.

  Then, the printer device 1 and the digital camera device 2 each store a file with a predetermined name (or pretend to be virtually stored), and the communication control units 12 and 22 make it based on PTP. When the file is detected, it is detected that a device compatible with the DPDP protocol is connected as a communication partner. By this connection processing, it is guaranteed that the communication partner is using the same protocol (in this case, DPDP protocol) that is used by itself. When a device corresponding to the DPDP protocol is connected as a communication partner by this connection processing, the communication control units 12 and 22 of the printer device 1 and the digital camera device 2 perform processing according to the DPDP protocol by the DPDP layers 84a and 84b. Start.

  When the printer process 1 corresponding to the DPDP protocol is detected as a communication partner by the connection process, the DPDP layer 84b of the digital camera apparatus 2 displays the DPDP protocol version information, the vendor name of the digital camera apparatus 2, and the digital camera apparatus 2 Environment information including vendor-specific version information, product name of the digital camera device 2, serial number of the digital camera device 2, etc. is notified to the printer device 1. When the DPDP layer 84a of the printer apparatus 1 receives the environmental information, the DPDP layer 84a determines whether or not direct printing according to the DPDP protocol can be executed in cooperation with the digital camera apparatus 2, and performs direct printing according to the DPDP protocol. Information indicating whether to accept printing, DPDP protocol version information, vendor name of the printer device 1, vendor-specific version information regarding the printer device 1, product name of the printer device 1, serial number of the printer device 1, and the like A response having environment information is transmitted to the digital camera device 2. The DPDP layer 84b of the digital camera device 2 receives the response including the environment information of the printer device 1.

  At this time, the DPDP layer 84b of the digital camera device 2 generates and transmits a predetermined control command described in the XML script according to the DPDP protocol. When receiving the control command, the DPDP layer 84a of the printer apparatus 1 generates and transmits an XML script as a response including its own environment information according to the DPDP protocol.

  When the DPDP layer 84b of the digital camera device 2 generates and transmits a control command, control command information (command type, etc.) is passed from the application layer 93 to the XML processing layer 92, and the XML processing layer 92 receives the information. The XML script is generated based on the above, and the transport layer 91 supplies the transfer instruction of the XML script to the lower protocol (here, PTP). When the DPDP layer 84a of the printer apparatus 1 receives the control command, the control command is passed as data from the lower protocol (here, PTP) to the transport layer 91, and the XML processing layer 92 receives the XML of the control command. Control command information is extracted from the script, and the application layer 93 executes a process designated based on the control command information. In this way, the control command is transferred between the DPDP layers 84a and 84b. Other control information such as control command response and device or job status notification is also transferred in the same manner.

  When the DPDP layer 84 b of the digital camera device 2 receives a response indicating that direct printing can be executed, the DPDP layer 84 b acquires option information for each of the setting items of a plurality of functions provided in the printer device 1 from the printer device 1. At this time, the DPDP layer 84b of the digital camera device 2 transmits a control command which is a request for transmitting option information. When receiving the control command, the DPDP layer 84a of the printer apparatus 1 transmits a response including option information. The DPDP layer 84b of the digital camera device 2 receives the response and acquires option information.

  When the initial processing at the time of connection is completed in this way, the digital camera device 2 can accept an operation by the user for direct printing.

  Thereafter, when the user performs a predetermined operation on the operation unit 25 of the digital camera device 2 and inputs a command to perform PIF printing, the DPDP layer 84b of the digital camera device 2 receives the command. The DPDP layer 84b of the digital camera device 2 has a user-defined layout definition file (that is, a layout including a frame image and a background image) for PIF printing based on a user interface by the operation unit 25 and the display device 26, and Specify the image data file.

  The DPDP layer 84b of the digital camera device 2 generates an image output request specifying the layout definition file 32 and the image data file 31 of the main image. At that time, in the XML script of the image output request, the type of the image data file specified in the XML script is set as default, and the value of the setting item of the image data file name printing function is a value other than ON, that is, OFF Or default. If the default is set, the printer device 1 that receives the XML script determines the value of the setting item. Further, the layout definition file 32 is designated in the same manner as the image data file 31. In response to the designation of the image data file, the file name of the layout definition file 32 is designated as the image data file name for printing the image data file name. The Then, after specifying the layout definition file 32, the image data file 31 of the main image is specified.

  FIG. 9 shows an XML script when the layout definition file 32 and the image data file 31 shown in FIG. 7 in the first embodiment are selected during PIF printing. The file ID of the layout definition file 32 is “FFFF0001”, and the file ID of the image data file 31 is “00000001”.

  In the XML script shown in FIG. 9, the type of the image data file specified in the XML script is specified as “Default” (that is, default) by tags <ImageFileType> and </ ImageFileType>. The file format of a dedicated data file for a certain vendor-specific printing function such as PIF printing is not defined in advance by the DPDP protocol. For this reason, the file type is “Default”.

  Also, the value of the setting item of the print function of the image data file name is set to OFF (that is, off) by the tags <ImageFileNamePrint> and </ ImageFileNamePrint>. In other words, the image data file name is not printed together with the image. When the file name is printed together with the image, the character string of the file name is printed smaller than the image in the lower right corner and the lower left corner of the print area.

  Furthermore, the file ID of the layout definition file 32 is designated as “FFFF0001” by tags <ImageFileID> and </ ImageFileID> that designate the file ID of the image data file.

  Further, immediately after the designation of the file ID of the layout definition file 32, the image data file name for printing the file name of the file ID is designated as “PIF_FILE.FD2” by the tags <ImageFileName> and </ ImageFileName>. Has been. Here, the file name of the layout definition file 32 is specified, but this field is originally for specifying the file name of the image data file.

  That is, in the first embodiment, after specifying that the printing of the image data file name is not executed, the image data file name for image data file name printing is associated with the specification of the file ID of the layout definition file 32 as A character string of the file name of the layout definition file 32 is set. In this way, the file ID of the layout definition file 32 is designated using the tag for designating the file ID of the image data file, and the layout definition is associated with the designation as the image data file name for printing the image data file name. The file name of the file 32 is set.

  In the XML script shown in FIG. 9, tags <DPDP_Request> and </ DPDP_Request> indicate that this XML script is a request (control command) based on DPDP, and tags <Job> and </ Job> are Indicates an image output request.

  Next, the DPDP layer 84b of the digital camera device 2 transmits the image output request XML script using the processing layers below the PTP layer 83b. This XML script is transferred to the printer apparatus 1 via the communication path 3.

  Then, the DPDP layer 84a of the printer apparatus 1 receives the XML script for the image output request transferred by the processing layer below the PTP layer 83a (step S1).

  The DPDP layer 84a of the printer apparatus 1 analyzes the contents and determines whether or not file name printing is set to ON (step S2). At this time, the DPDP layer 84a searches the tags <ImageFileNamePrint>, </ ImageFileNamePrint>, and determines whether or not file name printing is on from the character string surrounded by these tags.

  When the file name printing is not set to ON in the image output request, that is, when the file name printing is set to OFF or default, the DPDP layer 84a of the printer apparatus 1 uses the first image in the image output request. It is determined whether or not a file name printing file name is specified for the data file specification (step S3).

  For example, in the case of the XML script shown in FIG. 9, immediately after the first image data file specification “<imageFileID> FFFF0001 </ imageFileID>”, the file name specification “<imageFileName> PIF_FILE.FD2 </ Since “imageFileName>” exists, it is determined that the file name for printing the file name is designated for the designation of the first image data file.

  Note that the DPDP layer 84a of the printer apparatus 1 searches from the top of the image output request and detects the tags <imageFileID> and </ imageFileID>. The DPDP layer 84a detects the file ID specified by these tags as the file ID of the image data file. That is, at this time, the DPDP layer 84a detects the file ID of the image data file.

  When a file name for file name printing is designated for the designation of the first image data file, the DPDP layer 84a of the printer apparatus 1 uses the extension of the file name for file name printing as the extension of the layout definition file. It is determined whether or not (step S4).

  In the first embodiment, the extension of the layout definition file is previously defined as “.fd2” in the DPDP layer 84a. Therefore, in the case of the image output request shown in FIG. 9, it is determined that the extension of the file name for printing the file name is the extension of the layout definition file.

  When it is determined that the extension of the file name for printing the file name is the extension of the layout definition file, the DPDP layer 84a of the printer apparatus 1 uses the file ID first specified in the image output request as the layout. The definition file is acquired from the digital camera device 2 (step S5).

  At that time, the DPDP layer 84 a of the printer apparatus 1 generates a file transmission request (control command) designating the file ID and transmits it to the digital camera apparatus 2. The DPDP layer 84b of the digital camera device reads the data file having the file ID designated by the file transmission request from the recording medium 24 and transmits it to the printer device 1. The DPDP layer 84a of the printer apparatus 1 receives the data file. In this manner, the printer apparatus 1 acquires the file specified first in the image output request.

  The file transmission request is transferred from the printer apparatus 1 to the digital camera apparatus 2 via the communication path 3. Then, the data file is transferred from the digital camera device 2 to the printer device 1 via the communication path 3. When the DPDP layer 84b of the digital camera apparatus 2 receives the XML script of the file transmission request transferred by the processing layer below the PTP layer 83a, the designated data file is transferred using the PTP layer 83b. In this process, the DPDP protocol file transfer request may be converted into a PTP file transfer request GetObject, and the file transfer may be performed only by the DPDP layer 84a and the PTP layers 83a and 83b.

  Thereafter, the DPDP layer 84a of the printer apparatus 1 acquires the remaining data file specified in the image output request from the digital camera apparatus 2 as an image data file of the frame image (step S6). For example, in the case of the image output request shown in FIG. 9, the image data file 31 with the file ID “00000001” is acquired by the printer device 1 as the image data file of the main image.

  Then, the DPDP layer 84a of the printer apparatus 1 causes the print control unit 13 and the printing mechanism 14 to execute PIF printing based on the acquired layout definition file and the image data file 31 of the main image (step S7). At this time, the image based on the frame image data 32b in the layout definition file 32 and the image based on the image data file 31 are combined to form a frame insertion image. Thereby, for example, one image 131 as shown in FIG. 6 is printed.

  On the other hand, when file name printing is specified to be on in the image output request (step S2), when the print file name is not specified for the first file specification (step S3), and when the print file name is extended If the child does not have a predetermined extension (step S4), the DPDP layer 84a of the printer apparatus 1 uses all the files specified by the tags <imageFileID> and </ imageFileID> in the image output request as image data files. Obtained from the digital camera device 2 (step S8). Then, the DPDP layer 84a of the printer apparatus 1 specifies one image based on one image data file specified by a set of tags <imageFileID> and </ imageFileID>, and outputs the image (step S9). ).

  As described above, according to the first embodiment, the digital camera device 2 designates the layout definition file 32 including the layout data 32a for image output as the image data file in the image output request, and further, this layout definition. The file name of the file 32 is designated as an image data file name that is output together with the image when the image is output, and the image output request is transmitted to the printer apparatus 1. Upon receiving the image output request, the printer apparatus 1 determines whether the file specified as the image data file is a layout definition file based on the image data file name specified in the image output request, and determines the layout. If it is determined that the definition file is specified, image output is performed based on the layout data included in the layout definition file.

  As a result, even when a description rule in which one image data file is designated for one image to be output in the image output request is adopted, a data file other than the image data file (here, the image data file) One image can be output using a layout definition file.

  Furthermore, even when a file number that does not have file type information is used for specifying an image data file, it is accurately determined whether or not the image is output based on the layout definition file 32. When a file number that does not have file type information is used for specifying a file, the file type is changed from the printer device 1 to the digital camera in order to determine whether the file is a layout definition file. There is no need to make an inquiry to the apparatus 2, and the number of communications between the printer apparatus 1 and the digital camera apparatus 2 can be reduced.

  Further, according to the first embodiment, the layout data of the main image and the frame image is used as a plurality of data files used for an image output format for outputting an image in which the main image and the frame image are superimposed. The layout definition file 32 to be included and the data file 31 of the main image are designated as image data files in the image output request.

  Thereby, even when a description rule in which one image data file is designated for one image to be output in the image output request is adopted, frame insertion printing can be realized.

  Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, when generating an image output request for image output using the layout definition file, the value of the setting item of the image data file name output function is set to other than ON.

  Thus, even if the designation of the image data file name for the image data file name output function is used for determining the layout definition file, the image data file name is not superimposed on the image and output.

Embodiment 2. FIG.
In the image output system according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention, in one image output request, a plurality of frame insertion images (that is, images obtained by superimposing a frame image on a main image) are included in a certain image output area (for example, one page). It can be assigned.

  In the second embodiment, one layout definition file is designated for one frame insertion image in the image output request. Therefore, when four frame insertion images are assigned to one page, usually four layout definition files are designated in the image output request. However, for example, when the same layout definition file is used continuously, specify the number n of repeated use of the layout definition file immediately after the layout definition file specification “<ImageFileID> xxx </ ImageFileID>”. Thus, the layout definition file may be designated for the number of repeated uses. In that case, after “<ImageFileID> xxx </ ImageFileID>”, an element “<Copy> n </ Copy>” using a tag “Copy” that specifies the number of times the image data file is repeatedly used in the existing description rule is Inserted.

  Then, the printer apparatus 1 acquires each data file specified in the image output request from the digital camera apparatus 2, analyzes the contents of each data file, and among the plurality of data files specified in the image output request. The number of layout definition files is specified, and one frame insertion image is generated and printed based on each layout definition file and the image data file of the main image.

  Note that the basic configuration and other operations of the printer device 1 and the digital camera device 2 in the second embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  As described above, according to the second embodiment, a plurality of frame insertion images can be allocated within one page.

Embodiment 3 FIG.
The image output system according to the third embodiment of the present invention uses a definition file in which an image data file and an audio data file are associated instead of the layout definition file, and instead of the printer device 1, a display device with a speaker, etc. The digital camera device stores a music data file, and the definition file, and the image data file and the audio data file specified in the definition file are stored as images. The image data is transmitted from the supply device to the image output device, and the image output device outputs the image based on the image data file and the sound based on the audio data file in parallel.

  In this case, one audio data file and a plurality of image data files may be designated in the definition file, and the images may be output in the order in which the image data files are designated. Further, the display timing and display period of the image based on the image data file may be designated in the definition file according to the elapsed time from the start of music playback.

  In addition, in the image output request, a moving image data file may be specified instead of the audio data file, and a still image and a moving image may be output in combination.

  As described above, according to the third embodiment, the existing description rule is used to specify a combination of an image and sound or a combination of a still image and a moving image in one image output request, and Can be output in parallel.

  Each embodiment described above is a preferred example of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to these, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. It is.

  For example, in each of the above-described embodiments, control information is described using XML, which is one of markup languages, but other markup languages such as SGML (Standard Generalized Markup Language) are used. You may make it describe.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, PTP and USB are used in the layers below the DPDP protocol, but other protocols such as TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol) may be used. Good. Further, as a transmission medium at that time, a wired LAN, Bluetooth, a wireless LAN, or the like may be used. Further, in the above-described embodiment, a USB mass storage class may be used instead of PTP as a protocol for managing and transferring image data in the digital camera device 2.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, instead of the printer device 1, another recording device that records an image on a medium such as paper, a display device that displays an image, a projection device that projects an image, or the like may be used. Good.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, the digital camera device 2 can be a digital camera for moving images and / or still images, and various electronic devices having such an imaging function. Such electronic devices include mobile telephones, PDAs, music players, television receivers, video recording / playback devices, television telephones, and television vision conferencing devices. The digital camera device 2 may be a portable device or a device that is not very portable. Further, in place of the digital camera device 2, the above-described electronic device having no imaging function may be used.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, PIF printing is given as an example of outputting one image using a plurality of data files including image information. However, a plurality of data files including image information are used. Other image output processes that use and output one image can be similarly realized.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, one image is output using two data files containing image information. However, one image is output using three or more data files. Other image output processes can be similarly realized.

  Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, all the file ID designations in the image output request are specified without particularly specifying the order of designation of the layout definition file or the like in the image output request, and the file name printing for each designation is performed. PIF printing may be performed when it is determined that one of the data files is a layout definition file based on whether or not the file name is specified and the extension of the file name.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, the digital camera device 2 checks the vendor of the printer device 1 based on the environment information, and determines whether to permit or prohibit transmission of an image output request for PIF printing. You may do it. In other words, the digital camera device 2 permits transmission of an image output request for PIF printing when the printer device 1 of a vendor adopting PIF printing is connected, and prohibits otherwise.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, the layout definition file 32 is supplied from the digital camera device 2 to the printer device 1. Instead, the printer device 1 stores the layout definition file 32 in a built-in storage unit. In other words, the digital camera apparatus 2 may transmit only the designation of the layout definition file 32 to the printer apparatus 1 and not transmit the layout definition file 32.

  Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, it may be determined whether to perform PIF printing based on the file name for file name printing, regardless of the value of the setting item for file name printing.

  The present invention is applicable to, for example, a direct printing system.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image output system according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of a printer apparatus according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of the digital camera device according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a protocol hierarchy used between a printer device and a digital camera device in Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a figure explaining the concept of a PIF function. It is a figure which shows an example of the print image in the case of PIF printing. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a layout definition file in the first embodiment. FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the layout data in a layout definition file. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of an XML script for an image output request used during PIF printing in Embodiment 1. FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the printer apparatus according to the first embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Printer apparatus (image output apparatus), 2 Digital camera apparatus (image supply apparatus), 11 Communication circuit (communication means), 13 Print control part (image output means), 21 Communication circuit (communication means), 31 Image data file, 32 layout definition file, 32a layout data, 84a DPDP layer (control means), 84b DPDP layer (request generation means, communication control means).

Claims (4)

In an image output apparatus that receives an image output request and a data file specified by the image output request, and outputs an image based on the image output request and the data file,
A communication means for performing data communication;
Image output means for outputting an image based on a plurality of data files according to a predetermined image output format;
When the image output request is received by the communication means, the designation of the image data file by the file number in the image output request is detected, and the image data output together with the image specified for the image data file is output. Based on the file name string, determine whether the specified file is a layout definition file,
If it is determined that the layout definition file is specified, the image output unit is caused to execute image output based on the layout data included in the layout definition file, and if it is determined that the layout definition file is not specified. and control means Ru is executed to the image output unit an image output of the image data specified by the image data file name,
An image output apparatus comprising: When the layout definition file used to output an image in which a main image and a frame image are superimposed is specified in the image output request, the control means, the layout definition file, and the image output request based on the image data file of the main image designated in the controls the image output unit, according to claim 1, characterized in that to output one image obtained by superimposing the frame image in the main image The image output device described. The control means determines whether the specified file is a layout definition file based on the image data file name only when the value of the setting item of the image data file name output function in the image output request is other than ON. The image output apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the image output apparatus determines whether or not. The program for functioning an image output device provided with a computer as an image output device in any one of Claims 1 thru | or 3.

Images