JP4405892B2 - Image printing system and image printing method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image printing system and an image printing method, and more particularly to a technique suitable for use in selecting an image file, specifying a layout, and printing.

  In recent years, with the spread of digital cameras, the demand for printing digital images has increased rapidly. There is DPOF (digital print order format) as a response to such demand. The DPOF is a standard created by a digital camera vendor, and allows the user to designate an image to be printed by the digital camera and to order a print. It is also possible to print with a compatible printer. In DPOF1.1, it is also possible to designate printing of a plurality of images on one sheet (see, for example, “Printing Apparatus and Method” proposed in Patent Document 1).

  There is also a demand for laying out and printing digital images on paper. XHTML-Print is a response to this requirement. This is being standardized by the W3C (WWW Consortium), and is designed to be suitable for printing from a mobile device to an inexpensive printer that does not have a full page buffer. In addition, printing in an environment in which a driver specific to the printer cannot be installed or cannot be expected, or in an environment in which variability in the output format of the printing result is allowed is targeted.

JP 2000-289283 A

  However, in the case of the “printing apparatus and method” described in Patent Document 1, when DPOF designates printing of a plurality of images on one sheet, the layout cannot be designated, and the print result is There was a problem of depending on the printer.

  In addition, XHTML-Print can lay out and print images, but it does not strictly define the layout on paper, layout results depend on the printer, and the actual layout must be printed and viewed. There was no problem. In addition, XHTML is a markup language. When a user specifies an arbitrary layout, it is necessary to edit the XHTML document, and it is difficult to specify a free layout on devices with limited operations such as digital cameras. There was a problem that there was.

In view of the above-described problems, the present invention can specify a layout of a plurality of images by a simple operation even in a device in which the operation is limited, and at least a specific printing apparatus strictly specifies a layout on paper. The first object is to specify and obtain a print result as specified.
A second object is to enable generation of a script file that can be printed with a similar layout even in a printing apparatus other than a specific printing apparatus even if the strictness is not guaranteed.

The image printing system of the present invention selects an image from a plurality of image files, specifies an image file as a reduced image of the plurality of image files in the image printing system that lays out and prints the selected image. A layout for entering index printing means for printing an index print with an image identification code to be printed, an image identification code for designating one or more selected images, and a layout frame indicating the layout of the selected image layout form printing means for printing the form, the layout frame showing a layout of an image identification code and the selected image for specifying the selected image and the layout form reading means for reading the layout form filled out by the user as image information The layout form reader Layout determination means for determining the selected image and the layout of the selected image from the image information read by the step of analyzing the layout frame entered in the layout form and determining the layout of the selected image from the shape and position of the layout frame. A layout determining unit for determining; and a layout printing unit for printing the selected image based on the selected image determined by the layout determining unit and the layout of the selected image.
Another feature of the image printing system of the present invention is that, in an image printing system that selects some of a plurality of image files and lays out and prints the selected images, the reduced images of the plurality of image files are displayed. An index printing unit for printing an index print with a mark entry field for specifying an image file, a mark for designating one or a plurality of selected images, and a layout frame indicating the layout of the selected images are entered. A layout form printing means for printing a layout form, an index print reading means for reading the completed index print as image information, a layout form reading means for reading the completed layout form as image information, and the read image information To specify the selected image And mark, said analyzing the layout frame indicating a layout of the selected image, a determining layout determination means and the layout of the selected image and the selected image from said mark and the layout frame, the shape of the layout frame And layout determining means for determining the layout of the selected image from the position, and layout printing means for printing the selected image based on the selected image determined by the layout determining means and the layout of the selected image.

The image printing method of the present invention is an image printing method in which several images are selected from a plurality of image files, the selected images are laid out and printed, and an image file is specified as a reduced image of the plurality of image files. An index printing process for printing an index print with an image identification code to be printed, an image identification code for designating one or more selected images, and a layout for entering a layout frame indicating the layout of the selected image layout form printing step of printing the form, the layout frame showing a layout of an image identification code and the selected image for specifying the selected image and the layout form reading step for reading the layout form filled out by the user as image information By the layout form reading process A layout determination step of determining the selected image and the layout of the selected image from the captured image information, analyzing the layout frame entered in the layout form, and determining the layout of the selected image from the shape and position of the layout frame A layout determining step for determining; and a layout printing step for printing the selected image based on the selected image determined by the layout determining step and the layout of the selected image.
Another feature of the image printing method according to the present invention is that, in the image printing method in which some of a plurality of image files are selected, and the selected images are laid out and printed, the reduced images of the plurality of image files are reduced. An index printing process for printing an index print with a mark entry field for specifying an image file, a mark for designating one or a plurality of selected images, and a layout frame indicating the layout of the selected images are entered. A layout form printing step for printing a layout form to be printed, an index print reading step for reading the completed index print as image information, a layout form reading step for reading the completed layout form as image information, and the read image information Marker for specifying the selected image If the analyzes and layout frame showing a layout of the selected image, determines a layout determination step and a layout of the selected image and the selected image from said mark and the layout frame, the shape and position of the layout frame A layout determining step for determining the layout of the selected image from the layout, and a layout printing step for printing the selected image based on the selected image determined in the layout determining step and the layout of the selected image.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer program that selects a plurality of images from a plurality of image files and causes a computer to execute an image printing method for laying out and printing the selected images. An index printing step for printing an index print with an image identification code identifying an image file, an image identification code for designating one or more selected images, and a layout frame indicating the layout of the selected image reading layout form printing step of printing the layout form to fill, the layout form and layout frame are entered by the user indicating the image layout of a particular sign as the selected image for designating the selected image as image information Layout form reader And a layout determination step for determining the selected image and a layout of the selected image from the image information read by the layout form reading step, analyzing the layout frame entered in the layout form, A layout determining step for determining a layout of a selected image from a position; and a layout printing step for printing the selected image based on the selected image determined by the layout determining step and the layout of the selected image. And
Another feature of the program of the present invention is that in a computer program for causing a computer to execute an image printing method for selecting some of a plurality of image files and laying out and printing the selected images. An index printing process for printing an index print with a mark entry field for specifying an image file on a reduced image of the file, a mark for designating one or a plurality of selected images, and a layout of the selected image are shown. A layout form printing step for printing a layout form for filling in a layout frame , an index print reading step for reading the completed index print as image information, a layout form reading step for reading the completed layout form as image information, reading A mark for specifying the selected image from the image information Tsu, wherein analyzing the layout frame indicating a layout of the selected image, layout determines the layout of the selected image and the selected image from said mark and the layout frame A layout determining step for determining a layout of the selected image from the shape and position of the layout frame; and a layout for printing the selected image based on the selected image determined by the layout determining step and the layout of the selected image. The printing process is executed by a computer.

  The recording medium of the present invention is characterized by recording the program described above.

The image printing apparatus of the present invention selects an image from a plurality of image files, specifies an image file as a reduced image of the plurality of image files in the image printing apparatus that lays out and prints the selected image. A layout for entering index printing means for printing an index print with an image identification code to be printed, an image identification code for designating one or more selected images, and a layout frame indicating the layout of the selected image layout form printing means for printing the form, the layout frame showing a layout of an image identification code and the selected image for specifying the selected image and the layout form reading means for reading the layout form filled out by the user as image information By the layout form reading means Layout determination means for determining the selected image and the layout of the selected image from the captured image information, analyzing the layout frame entered in the layout form, and determining the layout of the selected image from the shape and position of the layout frame A layout determining unit for determining; and a layout printing unit for printing the selected image based on the selected image determined by the layout determining unit and the layout of the selected image.
Another feature of the image printing apparatus according to the present invention is that, in an image printing apparatus that selects some of a plurality of image files and lays out and prints the selected images, the reduced image of the plurality of image files is obtained. An index printing unit for printing an index print with a mark entry field for specifying an image file, a mark for designating one or a plurality of selected images, and a layout frame indicating the layout of the selected images are entered. A layout form printing means for printing a layout form, an index print reading means for reading the completed index print as image information, a layout form reading means for reading the completed layout form as image information, and the read image information Marker for specifying the selected image If the analyzes and layout frame showing a layout of a selected image, a determining layout determination means and the layout of the selected image and the selected image from said mark and the layout frame, the shape and position of the layout frame Layout determining means for determining the layout of the selected image from the layout, and layout printing means for printing the selected image based on the selected image determined by the layout determining means and the layout of the selected image.

  The reading device of the present invention is a reading device constituting an image printing system that selects several images from a plurality of image files and lays out and prints the selected images, and is selected by a predetermined process. It is characterized by having a layout form reading means for reading, as image information, a layout form in which an image and a layout of a selected image have been entered.

According to the present invention, a predetermined layout form is printed, the image identification code or mark and layout of the image are entered therein, the completed layout form is read as image information, and the entry information of the layout form is read out. Since the input image, the selected image and the layout are determined, and the layout printing is performed, it is possible to specify a fine layout by a simple operation, and in a device having few operation means such as an operation panel of a printing apparatus. However, printing can be performed while specifying a fine layout.
Further, according to the present invention, the layout form in which the selected image and the layout frame indicating the layout of the selected image are entered by the user is read as image information, the layout frame entered in the layout form is analyzed, and the layout frame Since the layout of the selected image is determined from the shape and position, the user can freely set the layout layout instead of the predetermined layout.

Hereinafter, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a multifunction peripheral device embodying the present invention. In FIG. 1, 1 is a CPU, 2 is a ROM, 3 is a RAM, 4 is an operation panel, 5 is a hard disk drive device (HDD), 6 is a card interface device (CIF), and 7 is a compact flash (registered trademark) memory (CF). ) Card, 8 is a scanner engine, 9 is a printer engine, 10 is a system bus, and 11 is an external interface.

  CPU 1, ROM 2, RAM 3, operation panel 4, hard disk drive device 5, card interface device 6, scanner engine 8, printer engine 9, and external interface 11 are connected to each other via a system bus 10. Based on the stored program, the device connected via the system bus 10 is controlled using the RAM 3 as a work area. The operation panel 4 includes an operation button and a display, and functions as an input device and a display device for user operation.

  The scanner engine 8 is an image reading device, reads image information under the control of the CPU 1, and transfers the read image information to the RAM 3 via the system bus 10. The printer engine 9 receives print data including print image data stored in the RAM 3 under the control of the CPU 1 via the system bus 10 and prints it.

  The hard disk drive device 5 stores data transferred from the scanner engine 8 to the RAM 3 as a file, and stores print data transferred from the RAM 3 to the printer engine 9 as a file. The card interface device 6 connects the CF card 7 so that a file can be read from the CF card 7 and a file can be written to the CF card 7.

  The external interface 11 is connected to a host computer such as a personal computer (PC) so as to be able to communicate, and the host computer can access each function of the multifunction peripheral device.

  In the present embodiment, the CF card 7 stores image files taken with a digital camera (not shown), and the directory structure and file name conform to the JEITA standard DCF (Design Rule for Camera File system). Shall.

  FIG. 2 illustrates a directory structure of the CF card 7. Below the root directory is a DCF image root directory “DCIM”. Below that, there is a DCF directory having a DCF directory name consisting of a three-digit directory number and an arbitrary four-byte uppercase alphanumeric character. Under each DCF directory, there is a DCF file having a DCF file name composed of an arbitrary three-byte uppercase alphanumeric character, a four-digit file number, and an extension.

  In the present embodiment, the image file is a JPEG file in the Exif format. In this embodiment, the JPEG decoder is implemented by software and processed by the CPU 1, but may be implemented by hardware. Also, processing for enlarging and reducing the decoded image in accordance with the print size is implemented by software, and is processed by the CPU 1. Of course, hardware support may be provided. Since these generally used may be used, detailed description thereof is omitted.

  Although not shown, in the present embodiment, the operation panel 4 includes an index print instruction button and a layout form read instruction button, and starts index printing by operating the index print instruction button. In this operation, the layout form is read, and then layout printing is performed.

Next, index printing and layout form printing in the present embodiment will be described.
FIG. 3 shows an output example of index printing in the present embodiment.
In FIG. 3, 30 is a sheet, 31a is a thumbnail image, 31b is an index number (0001 to 0020), and 39 is an ID number for index printing.

  The CPU 1 sequentially reads out the image file from the CF card 7 according to the index print output program stored in the ROM 2, sequentially develops the thumbnail image 31a and the index number image of the file, draws the print image, and creates the print data. Then, it is stored in the RAM 3, transferred to the printer engine 9, and index print output is performed on the paper 30.

  If there is a thumbnail file on the CF card 7, the thumbnail image 31a may be used, or the thumbnail image 31a may be created from the image file. Enlarge / reduce appropriately according to the format of index printing.

  The index number 31b may be a DCF file number, or may be associated with a file number from the index printing ID number and the index number 31b. The ID number of the index print is attached to the index print so that the index print output can be associated with the F directory of the CF card 7 and the DC. For example, the volume name of the CF card 7 and the directory number of the DCF are combined. Also good. Further, when index printing covers a plurality of pages, a branch number may be added to the ID number.

FIG. 4 shows an output example of layout form printing in the present embodiment.
In FIG. 4, 40 is a sheet, 41 is a layout entry frame, and 49 is an ID number for index printing. The ID number 49 for index printing corresponds to the ID number 39 for index printing in FIG.

  In the present embodiment, the image is a rectangle having an aspect ratio of “1: √2”, and the layout form arranges the smallest rectangles that can be laid out of such rectangles in a grid pattern. The user writes a rectangle with an aspect ratio of “1: √2” along the layout frame at the position where the image to be printed is to be placed, and enters the index number 31b corresponding to the image in the rectangle.

FIG. 5 shows an example of filling out a layout form in the present embodiment.
In the figure, 50 is a sheet, 51 is a layout entry frame, 59 is an ID number for index printing, 52a to 57a are entered image frames, and 52b to 57b are entered index numbers. The layout form thus filled is read by operating the scanner engine, the layout designated by the user is interpreted, and the layout of the designated image is printed.

FIG. 6 shows an output example of layout printing in the present embodiment.
In FIG. 6, 60 is a sheet, and 62 to 67 are layout images.
In this way, the image specified in the layout specified in the completed layout form is printed.

Next, a method for determining the layout of an image from image information obtained by reading a completed layout form with a scanner engine will be described.
First, it is assumed that a generally known character recognition technique is used to determine the index number value from the index number entered in the layout form, and details thereof will not be described here. Further, it is assumed that a template matching technique is used for the determination of the filled rectangle, and this is not described in detail because it also uses a generally known technique.

7A to 7H show a list of rectangular templates included in the layout form according to the present embodiment.
The rectangles that can be entered in the layout form in the present embodiment are limited to FIGS. On the image information obtained by reading the previously completed layout form, these template images are matched while shifting the position, and the position of the rectangle is determined.

In the present embodiment, overlapping of rectangles is allowed, and an overlapping rectangle filling method and a determination method after reading will be described below with examples.
FIGS. 8a and 8b show a first example of the hierarchical relationship of overlapping rectangles entered in the layout form in the present embodiment.

  In this first example, another rectangle is overlapped so that one vertex of a rectangle is hidden, and FIG. That is, in the two rectangles 81 and 82, a portion hidden by the rectangle 82 as the foreground is not written. Also, when determining the position of a rectangle by reading the completed layout form, pay attention to the intersection of the sides of the overlapping rectangles, determine that the side where the side is not broken is the foreground, and determine the side where the break is the background To do. That is, as shown in FIG. 8B, it is determined that the rectangle 81 has a rectangle 82 in the background.

9a and 9b show a second example of the hierarchical relation of overlapping rectangles entered in the layout form according to the present embodiment.
This second example shows a case where one rectangle completely overlaps a part of the other rectangle.
If the rectangle 91 is entered so that the rectangle 92 is completely included as shown in FIG. 9a, it is determined that the rectangle 92 is in the foreground of the rectangle 91 as shown in FIG. 9b.

FIGS. 10a to 10c show a third example of the hierarchical relation of overlapping rectangles entered in the layout form in the present embodiment.
This third example shows an example where two interpretations are possible.
When the rectangle 101 and the rectangle 102 are entered as shown in FIG. 10a, the hatched rectangle 101 is interpreted as either the rectangle 101-1 as shown in FIG. 10b or the rectangle 101-2 as shown in FIG. 10c. Is possible. In such a case, the determination is made by the method of entering the index number of the image.

FIGS. 11a and 11b show a third example 1 of the hierarchical relation of overlapping rectangles entered in the layout form according to the present embodiment.
The third example 1 shows a case where the determination is made like the rectangle 101-1 shown in FIG. 10b.
If the index number of the rectangle 111 is entered in the rectangle 111 and the rectangle 112 as shown in FIG. 11a, it is determined that the rectangle 111 and the rectangle 112 do not overlap as shown in FIG. 11b.

FIGS. 12a and 12b show a third example 2 of the hierarchical relation of overlapping rectangles entered in the layout form according to the present embodiment.
In the third example, 2 indicates a case where the determination is made like the rectangle 101-2 shown in FIG. 10c.
When the index number of the rectangle 121 is entered in the rectangle 121 and the rectangle 122 as shown in FIG. 12A, it is determined that the rectangle 121 becomes the background of the rectangle 122 as shown in FIG.

FIGS. 13a to 13c show a fourth example of the hierarchical relation of overlapping rectangles entered in the layout form in the present embodiment.
This fourth example shows an example in which the rectangular overlap cannot be determined.
When the rectangle 131 and the rectangle 132 are entered as shown in FIG. 13a, it is not possible to determine the context of the overlap of the rectangles. Therefore, in this case, a layout form reading error occurs.

  However, when the index number 133 is entered as shown in FIG. 13b, it is determined that the rectangle 134 is in the foreground of the rectangle 131 and the rectangle 132 as shown in FIG. 13c. In this case, the front-rear relationship between the rectangle 131 and the rectangle 132 cannot be determined, but the overlapping portion is hidden by the rectangle 134, so that an error can be prevented.

As described above, an image layout can be specified by considering a way of overlapping with a single layout form, with some exceptions.
In the present embodiment, one layout form is used. However, a method may be used in which a plurality of layout forms are provided for each layer, rectangles that do not overlap each other are entered for each layer, and the layers are overlapped.

Next, a method of creating a one-page print image from image information obtained by reading a completed layout form according to the above determination will be described.
FIG. 14 shows a layout image management table in the present embodiment.
The layout image management table is stored in the RAM 3, and one line element includes an image file number, a rectangle type, an X coordinate, a Y coordinate, and a Z hierarchy.

  FIG. 14 shows the contents of the layout image management table when the entry example of FIG. 5 is read. The image file number is the file number of the image file corresponding to the entered index number. The type of rectangle indicates one of the rectangle templates shown in FIG. The X coordinate and the Y coordinate indicate positions on a rectangular sheet, and in the present embodiment, indicate coordinate values in pixel units of a rectangular reference point, for example, an upper left vertex. Units and reference points that are easy to manage may be used, and may be in millimeters, inches, or a central reference. The Z hierarchy indicates the foreground and background of the image. In the present embodiment, the larger the number, the more the foreground.

  As described so far, the completed form is read, the index number of the image to be laid out, the type of rectangle, the position, and the hierarchical relationship are determined, and the layout image management table is created. According to this image management table, image files are sequentially read out, JPEG decoded and developed into a print image. The developed image is converted into print data and transferred to the printer engine 9 for printing.

  In this embodiment, an index number is used to identify an image. In index printing, a thumbnail image is printed with an index number, and an image is selected by entering the index number on a layout form. Any code can be used as long as it can identify the image, and the code is not limited to the index number. For example, a file name may be used as a code for specifying an image.

  In the present embodiment, the aspect ratio of the image is “1: √2”, but is not limited to this ratio. For example, if the layout form is created by arranging “1: √2” rectangles in a grid pattern as in this embodiment, and the image does not necessarily have an aspect ratio of “1: √2”, the layout form The image may be trimmed so that it fits in the rectangle, or it may be applied to the rectangle of the layout form with a margin. Moreover, you may arrange | position so that it may protrude from a rectangle. If the rotation of the image is not taken into consideration, the layout form may be made according to the actual image aspect ratio. Such a technique can be easily applied by those skilled in the art without changing the idea of the present invention.

  In this embodiment, an example realized as one multifunction peripheral device is shown. For example, as shown in FIG. 15, a personal computer 151, a digital camera 152, a printer 153, a scanner 154, etc. May be realized as an application that operates on the personal computer 151.

  Further, the layout form that has been filled in is read by the scanner 154 and the layout is determined. However, the layout form may be determined by photographing the layout form with the digital camera 152 and inputting it.

  Further, an XHTML file may be generated based on the layout image management table. In this way, even if a faithful layout cannot be reproduced, it is possible to print with a similar layout in another printer.

  In the present embodiment, the layout form is printed on a sheet different from the index printing, but the layout form may be reduced and printed on the same sheet as the index printing. When a plurality of layout forms for each layer is used, the layout form may be reduced and the layout form for each layer may be printed on one sheet.

(Second Embodiment)
The configuration of this embodiment is the same as the configuration of the first embodiment described above, as shown in FIG.
In this embodiment, a digital camera (not shown) is DPOF compatible. In the DPOF, the DPOF automatic print file AUTPRNT.MRK exists under the “MISC” directory in the directory hierarchy shown in FIG. Automatic printing is performed according to the print job described in MRK.

  Print jobs that can be described in DPOF automatic printing include index printing and multi-printing that designates a plurality of images per sheet, in addition to designating images, print sizes, and the number of prints. When an index print job is described in the DPOF automatic print file, the multi-function peripheral device according to the present embodiment performs index printing and prints a layout form as described in the first embodiment.

  Further, when the multifunction peripheral device according to the present embodiment reads the completed layout form, as shown in the first embodiment, the multifunction peripheral device determines the index number of the image, the type of the rectangle, and the position to determine the layout image. Create a management table. At the same time, the multi-print job of the image specified in the DPOF automatic print file is described. Further, the previously created layout image management table is stored as a file in the CF card 7.

  In the present embodiment, when a multi-print job description of the DPOF automatic print file is found, a plurality of images are printed. At this time, if the layout image management table file exists, the layout image management table is read out, and the layout printing is performed as described in the first embodiment.

  When the layout image management table is read by another DPOF reader that does not understand, multi-printing is performed according to the specification of the DPOF reader, so that compatibility as DPOF is maintained. Although the layout image management table is a separate file, it may be realized as a DPOF vendor function.

  The configuration as shown in FIG. 15 may be used as in the first embodiment. Similarly, a completed form may be photographed with a digital camera. Further, an XHTML file may be generated based on the layout image management table. This makes it possible to print with a similar layout in another printer that does not support DPOF.

(Third embodiment)
In this embodiment, in the first embodiment and the second embodiment, an image is specified by an index number, and an image is selected by entering the index number in a layout form. A mark is entered in the thumbnail image of the image, and the same mark is also entered in the layout form, whereby the image is specified and selected.

The configuration of this embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment as shown in FIG.
FIG. 16 shows an output example of index printing in the present embodiment.
In FIG. 16, 1600 is a sheet, 1601a is a thumbnail image, 1601b is an index number and mark entry column, and 1609 is an ID number for index printing. As in the first embodiment, the index print output is performed according to the index print output program. However, in the present embodiment, unlike the first embodiment, a mark entry column is added to the index number and printed out. As will be described later, this mark is used for image selection.

FIG. 17 shows an output example of the layout form in the present embodiment.
In FIG. 17, 1700 is a sheet, 1701a is a layout entry frame, 1701b is a mark entry field, 1709 is an ID number for index printing, and ID number 1709 for index printing corresponds to the ID number 1609 for index printing in FIG. is there. The layout form entry frame is the same as the layout form entry frame of FIG. 4 of the first embodiment. The mark entry field 1701b is used for image selection like the mark entry field in FIG.

FIG. 18 shows an example of index printing entry in the present embodiment.
In FIG. 18, 1800 is a sheet, 1802a to 1807a are thumbnails of images to be selected, 1802b to 1807b are examples of entry in a mark entry column of images to be selected, 1809 is an ID number for index printing, and ID number 1809 for index printing is This corresponds to the ID number 1609 of 16 index printing.

  In this example, the mark entry field 1802b has a mark “■ □□□”, 1803b “□ ■ □□”, 1804b “■■ □□”, 1805b “□□ ■ □”, 1806b “■ □ ■ □” and 1807b “□ ■■ □”, and different marks are entered so that each image can be distinguished.

FIG. 19 shows an example of filling out a layout form in the present embodiment.
In FIG. 19, 1900 is a sheet, 1902a to 1907a are filled image frames, 1902b to 1907b are mark entry examples entered in a mark entry column, 1909 is an index printing ID number, and index printing ID number 1909 is FIG. Corresponds to the ID number 1609 of the index printing.

  In this example, the mark entry field 1902b has a mark “■ □□□”, 1903b “□ ■ □□”, 1904b “■■ □□”, 1905b “□□ ■ □”, 1906b Indicates “■ □ ■ □”, 1907b indicates “□ ■■ □”, and is underlined so that the direction of the mark can be distinguished.

  The marks entered in 1902b to 1907b are the same as the marks entered in 1802b to 1807b, respectively, and instruct to place each image at each position.

The index print and layout form entered in this way are read by a scanner, the selected image and the layout are discriminated, and the layout print is performed.
First, the completed index print is read, and the mark of the selected image is associated with the image file. In this example, 15 types of marks can be entered, and the correspondence between the type of mark and the image file of the marked image is stored in a table.

Next, the completed layout form is read, the layout is determined in the same manner as in the first embodiment, and the type of the mark that has been input is determined. Here, the layout image management table shown in FIG. 14 is created by the mark type / image correspondence table obtained by reading the previously completed index print and the layout determination similar to the first embodiment. .
After that, as in the first embodiment, print data is created based on the layout image management table, and layout printing is performed.

In the present embodiment, among the four “□□□□”, some “□” are filled in, but the mark is not limited to this.
Further, in the present embodiment, the mark is underlined so that the orientation of the mark can be understood when filling in the layout form. However, the present invention is not limited to this method, and those skilled in the art will not change the idea of the present invention. Any method can be used.

(Another embodiment according to the present invention)
Index printing means, layout form printing means, layout form reading means, layout discrimination means, layout printing means, script file generation means, index print reading means, and image printing that constitute the image printing system in the embodiment of the present invention described above Each step of the method can be realized by operating a program stored in a RAM or ROM of a computer. This program and a computer-readable storage medium storing the program are included in the present invention.

  Specifically, the program is recorded on a recording medium such as a CD-ROM, or provided to a computer via various transmission media. As a recording medium for recording the program, a flexible disk, a hard disk, a magnetic tape, a magneto-optical disk, a nonvolatile memory card, and the like can be used in addition to the CD-ROM. On the other hand, as the transmission medium of the program, a communication medium (wired line such as an optical fiber, etc.) in a computer network (LAN, WAN such as the Internet, wireless communication network etc.) system for propagating and supplying program information as a carrier A wireless line or the like.

  Moreover, not only the functions in the above-described embodiments are realized by executing a program supplied by the computer, but also an OS (operating system) or other application software running on the computer. When each function of the above-described embodiment is realized jointly, or all or part of the processing of the supplied program is performed by a function expansion board or a function expansion unit of the computer, each of the above-described embodiment Such a program is also included in the present invention even when the function is realized.

It is a block diagram which shows the example of a structure of 1st Embodiment and shows an example of a multifunction peripheral device. It is a figure which shows the directory hierarchy of CF card. It is a figure which shows the example of an output of index printing. It is a figure which shows the layout form output example. It is a figure which shows the example of layout form entry. It is a figure which shows the example of an output of layout printing. It is a figure which shows an example of a rectangular template list | wrist, and shows an example with one rectangle. It is a figure which shows an example of a rectangle template list | wrist, and shows an example with two rectangles in the up-down direction. It is a figure which shows an example of a rectangular template list | wrist, and shows an example with four rectangles. It is a figure which shows an example of a rectangular template list | wrist, and shows an example with eight rectangles. It is a figure which shows an example of a rectangle template list | wrist, and shows an example with nine rectangles. It is a figure which shows an example of a rectangular template list | wrist, and shows an example with 16 rectangles. It is a figure which shows an example of a rectangular template list | wrist, and shows an example with 18 rectangles. It is a figure which shows an example of a rectangular template list | wrist, and shows an example with 32 rectangles. It is a figure which shows the 1st example of the hierarchical relationship of the rectangle which overlaps, and shows the state which overlapped. It is a figure which shows the 1st example of the hierarchical relationship of the rectangle which overlaps, and shows the state divided | segmented into the background and the foreground. It is a figure which shows the 2nd example of the hierarchical relationship of the rectangle which overlaps, and shows the state which overlapped. It is a figure which shows the 2nd example of the hierarchical relationship of the rectangle which overlaps, and shows the state divided into the background and the foreground. It is a figure which shows the 3rd example of the hierarchical relationship example of the rectangle which overlaps, and shows the state which two images overlapped. It is a figure which shows the 3rd example of the hierarchical relationship example of the rectangle which overlaps, and shows the case where one image is two rectangles. It is a figure which shows the 3rd example of the hierarchical relationship example of the rectangle which overlaps, and shows the case where one image is four rectangles. It is a figure which shows the 3rd example 1 of the hierarchical relationship example of the rectangle which overlaps, and shows the state which two images overlapped. It is a figure which shows the 3rd example 1 of the hierarchical relationship example of an overlapping rectangle, and shows a mode that two images do not overlap when an index number is entered. It is a figure which shows the 3rd example 2 of the hierarchical relationship example of the rectangle which overlaps, and shows the state which two images overlapped. It is a figure which shows the 3rd example 2 of the hierarchical relationship example of an overlapping rectangle, and shows a mode that two images do not overlap when an index number is entered. It is a figure which shows the 4th example of the hierarchical relation example of the rectangle which overlaps, and shows a mode that it cannot judge the overlap relationship of each rectangle, and becomes a layout form reading error. It is a figure which shows the 4th example of the hierarchical relation example of the rectangle which overlaps, and shows the case where the index number is filled in. It is a figure which shows the 4th example of the hierarchical relationship example of an overlapping rectangle, and shows a mode that it determines with one rectangle being in the foreground of the other rectangle by having entered the index number. It is a figure which shows an example of a layout image management table | surface. It is a block diagram which shows the other example of a hardware structure. It is a figure which shows the example of an output of index printing. It is a figure which shows the layout form output example. It is a figure which shows the example of index printing entry. It is a figure which shows the example of layout form entry.

Explanation of symbols

1 CPU
2 ROM
3 RAM
4 Operation Panel 5 Hard Disk Drive Device 6 Card Interface Device 7 CF Card 8 Scanner Engine 9 Printer Engine 10 System Bus 11 External Interface

Claims (21)

In an image printing system for selecting several images from a plurality of image files and laying out and printing the selected images,
Index printing means for printing an index print with an image identification code for identifying an image file on the reduced images of the plurality of image files;
Layout form printing means for printing a layout form for entering an image specifying code for designating one or a plurality of selected images and a layout frame indicating the layout of the selected images;
Layout form reading means for reading the layout form and layout frame are entered by the user indicating the image layout of a particular sign as the selected image for designating the selected image as image information, the image read by said layout form reading means Layout determination means for determining the selected image and the layout of the selected image from information, wherein the layout determination is performed by analyzing a layout frame filled in the layout form and determining the layout of the selected image from the shape and position of the layout frame Means,
An image printing system comprising: a layout printing unit that prints a selected image based on the selected image determined by the layout determining unit and the layout of the selected image. In an image printing system that selects some of a plurality of image files and lays out and prints the selected images,
Index printing means for printing an index print with a mark entry field for specifying an image file on a reduced image of a plurality of image files;
Layout form printing means for printing a layout form for filling a mark for designating one or a plurality of selected images and a layout frame indicating a layout of the selected images;
Index print reading means for reading the completed index print as image information,
Layout form reading means for reading the completed layout form as image information;
A mark for designating a selected image from the read image information and a layout frame indicating a layout of the selected image are analyzed, and a selected image and a layout of the selected image are determined from the mark and the layout frame. Layout determining means , wherein the layout determining means determines the layout of the selected image from the shape and position of the layout frame ;
An image printing system comprising: a selected image determined by the layout determining means; and a layout printing means for printing the selected image based on the layout of the selected image.   The image printing system according to claim 1, wherein the layout determination unit determines a hierarchical relationship between overlapping rectangles when the layout frames overlap. The layout frame is filled with a rectangle,
Image printing system according to claim 1 or 3 wherein the layout form printing means, characterized in that the rectangle prints the arrangement layout form in a grid pattern.   5. The image printing system according to claim 4, wherein the layout form printing unit prints a layout form in which minimum rectangles that can be laid out are arranged in a grid pattern.   6. The script file generating unit according to claim 1, further comprising a script file generating unit configured to generate a script file for performing layout printing of the selected image based on the selected image determined by the layout determining unit and the layout of the selected image. The image printing system according to item 1.   The image printing system according to claim 6, wherein the script file is an XHTML file.   7. The image printing system according to claim 6, wherein the script file includes a DPOF automatic print file, an ID number for identifying the selected image, and information on the arrangement of the selected image. In an image printing apparatus for selecting several images from a plurality of image files and laying out and printing the selected images,
Index printing means for printing an index print with an image identification code for identifying an image file on the reduced images of the plurality of image files;
Layout form printing means for printing a layout form for entering an image specifying code for designating one or a plurality of selected images and a layout frame indicating the layout of the selected images;
Layout form reading means for reading the layout form and layout frame are entered by the user indicating the image layout of a particular sign as the selected image for designating the selected image as image information, the image read by said layout form reading means Layout determination means for determining the selected image and the layout of the selected image from information, wherein the layout determination is performed by analyzing a layout frame filled in the layout form and determining the layout of the selected image from the shape and position of the layout frame Means,
An image printing apparatus comprising: a layout printing unit that prints a selected image based on the selected image determined by the layout determining unit and the layout of the selected image. In an image printing apparatus that selects some of a plurality of image files and lays out and prints the selected images,
Index printing means for printing an index print with a mark entry field for specifying an image file on a reduced image of a plurality of image files;
Layout form printing means for printing a layout form for filling a mark for designating one or a plurality of selected images and a layout frame indicating a layout of the selected images;
Index print reading means for reading the completed index print as image information,
Layout form reading means for reading the completed layout form as image information;
A mark for designating a selected image from the read image information and a layout frame indicating a layout of the selected image are analyzed, and a selected image and a layout of the selected image are determined from the mark and the layout frame. Layout determining means , wherein the layout determining means determines the layout of the selected image from the shape and position of the layout frame ;
An image printing apparatus comprising: a selected image determined by the layout determining means; and a layout printing means for printing the selected image based on the layout of the selected image. The image printing apparatus according to claim 9 , wherein the layout determining unit determines a hierarchical relationship between overlapping rectangles when the layout frames overlap. The layout frame is filled with a rectangle,
The image printing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the layout form printing unit prints a layout form in which rectangles are arranged in a grid pattern.   13. The image printing apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the layout form printing unit prints a layout form in which minimum rectangles that can be laid out are arranged in a grid pattern. In an image printing method for selecting several images from a plurality of image files and laying out and printing the selected images,
An index printing step of printing an index print with an image identification code for identifying an image file on the reduced images of the plurality of image files;
A layout form printing step for printing a layout form for entering an image specifying code for designating one or a plurality of selected images and a layout frame indicating a layout of the selected images;
Layout form reading step for reading the layout form and layout frame are entered by the user indicating the image layout of a particular sign as the selected image for designating the selected image as image information, the image read by said layout form reading step A layout determination step for determining the selected image and the layout of the selected image from information, wherein the layout determination is performed by analyzing a layout frame filled in the layout form and determining the layout of the selected image from the shape and position of the layout frame Process,
An image printing method comprising: a layout printing step of printing a selected image based on the selected image determined by the layout determining step and the layout of the selected image. In an image printing method for selecting several from a plurality of image files and laying out and printing the selected images,
An index printing step of printing an index print with a mark entry field for specifying an image file on a reduced image of a plurality of image files;
A layout form printing step for printing a layout form for filling in a mark for designating one or a plurality of selected images and a layout frame indicating a layout of the selected images;
An index print reading process for reading the completed index print as image information;
Layout form reading process to read the completed layout form as image information,
A mark for designating a selected image from the read image information and a layout frame indicating a layout of the selected image are analyzed, and a selected image and a layout of the selected image are determined from the mark and the layout frame. A layout determination step for determining a layout of a selected image from the shape and position of the layout frame; and
An image printing method comprising: a selected image determined by the layout determining step; and a layout printing step of printing the selected image based on a layout of the selected image. The image printing method according to claim 14 , wherein the layout determining step determines a hierarchical relationship of overlapping rectangles when the layout frames overlap. The layout frame is filled with a rectangle,
16. The image printing method according to claim 14, wherein the layout form printing step prints a layout form in which rectangles are arranged in a grid pattern.   The image printing method according to claim 17, wherein the layout form printing step prints a layout form in which minimum rectangles that can be laid out are arranged in a grid pattern. In a computer program for causing a computer to execute an image printing method for selecting several images from a plurality of image files and laying out and printing the selected images.
An index printing step of printing an index print with an image identification code for identifying an image file on the reduced images of the plurality of image files;
A layout form printing step for printing a layout form for entering an image specifying code for designating one or a plurality of selected images and a layout frame indicating a layout of the selected images;
Layout form reading step for reading the layout form and layout frame are entered by the user indicating the image layout of a particular sign as the selected image for designating the selected image as image information, the image read by said layout form reading step A layout determination step for determining the selected image and the layout of the selected image from information, wherein the layout determination is performed by analyzing a layout frame filled in the layout form and determining the layout of the selected image from the shape and position of the layout frame Process,
A program causing a computer to execute a layout printing step of printing a selected image based on the selected image determined by the layout determining step and the layout of the selected image. In a computer program for causing a computer to execute an image printing method for selecting some of a plurality of image files and laying out and printing the selected images.
An index printing step of printing an index print with a mark entry field for specifying an image file on a reduced image of a plurality of image files;
A layout form printing step for printing a layout form for filling in a mark for designating one or a plurality of selected images and a layout frame indicating a layout of the selected images;
An index print reading process for reading the completed index print as image information;
Layout form reading process to read the completed layout form as image information,
A mark for designating a selected image from the read image information and a layout frame indicating a layout of the selected image are analyzed, and a selected image and a layout of the selected image are determined from the mark and the layout frame. A layout determination step for determining a layout of a selected image from the shape and position of the layout frame; and
A program for causing a computer to execute a selected image determined in the layout determining step and a layout printing step for printing the selected image based on the layout of the selected image.   21. A computer-readable recording medium on which the program according to claim 19 or 20 is recorded.

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