JP4470671B2 - Image processing method, image processing apparatus, and printing method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing method, an image processing apparatus, and a printing apparatus capable of performing image processing such as printing based on image data recorded on an image recording medium such as a memory card.

  In recent years, with the widespread use of digital cameras, so-called direct printing has been realized in which printing is performed without using a host computer (personal computer). In this direct printing, for example, a memory card for recording image data taken by a digital camera is mounted on a printer, and the image data recorded on the memory card can be read and printed (Patent Document 1). .

For example, when a user operates an index print key after inserting a memory card in a card slot, thumbnail image data of each image recorded on the memory card is read. A plurality of thumbnail images are printed side by side per index sheet. When the number of images is large, a plurality of index sheets are printed out. The user can check the image recorded on the memory card by browsing the index sheet. After confirming the desired image on the index sheet, the user inputs an identification code for specifying the desired image from the operation panel of the printer. As a result, only the image desired by the user can be printed out.
Japanese Patent No. 3127902

  In the above-described conventional technique, a host device such as a personal computer can also access the memory card to perform image data update work (image addition, overwriting, etc.). As a result, the storage configuration (directory structure) of the memory card changes, but the printer cannot grasp the latest storage configuration of the memory card until the memory card is removed and reinserted.

  In recent years, a composite printing apparatus in which a scanner device is integrated with a printer is also known. However, if image data read by the scanner device can be written to a memory card attached to the printer, However, the storage configuration of the memory card changes. As described above, when the image data is written to the memory card from the external personal computer or the internal scanner device, the storage configuration of the memory card changes, but the change timing of the storage configuration does not coincide with the recognition timing of the printer.

  Therefore, even if the user wishes to print new image data added to the memory card, the image data is selected based on the latest storage configuration until the printer recognizes the latest storage configuration of the memory card. It is not possible and is not easy to use.

  The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and one of the objects of the present invention is an image processing method and an image processing apparatus capable of performing image processing based on the latest storage configuration of an image recording medium. And providing a printing apparatus. An object of the present invention is to provide an image processing method, an image processing apparatus, and a printing apparatus that can reflect a change in the storage configuration of an image recording medium at a necessary time without causing an excessive increase in load. . One of the objects of the present invention is to provide an image processing apparatus and a printing apparatus that enable display, selection, and printing based on the latest storage configuration of the image recording medium when the latest storage configuration of the image recording medium is required. It is to provide. One of the objects of the present invention is that when the storage configuration of the image recording medium is changed from an external data generation device and when the storage configuration of the image recording medium is changed by the internal image data generation means. An object of the present invention is to provide an image processing method, an image processing apparatus, and a printing apparatus that can change the timing for grasping the storage configuration of a medium.

  In order to solve the above problems, an image processing method according to the present invention includes a step of reading image management information stored in an image recording medium through an interface unit included in the image processing apparatus, and the read image management Generating an image information list based on the information and storing the image information list in a storage unit included in the image processing apparatus; and if the image data stored in the image recording medium is changed, the image information list is stored in the storage unit. Updating the image information list, reading the image data from the image recording medium via the interface means based on the image information list, and performing predetermined image processing on the read image data; including.

  As the image recording medium, for example, a storage device such as a memory card, a PC card, a small hard disk device or the like is used. The image recording medium does not need to have a card shape, and various shapes such as a disk shape, a rod shape, and a cube shape can be employed. Further, the image recording medium need not be detachable from the image processing apparatus, and may be, for example, a hard disk device provided in the image processing apparatus. The image recording medium may be connected to the image processing apparatus either by wire or wireless or both. Further, the image recording medium can include an electronic circuit for accessing the medium in addition to the medium for storing the image data. That is, for example, the entire image recording drive may be detachable from the image processing apparatus.

  In the image recording medium, for example, at least one (usually many) image data in a format such as JPEG or TIFF (Tagged Image File Format) (in the following description, image data may be called a file). Is recorded). The image information list is information that can manage the file name, file path, and the like of each file stored in the image recording medium. That is, for example, the image information list is information generated as necessary to manage files stored in the image recording medium outside the image recording medium, and is stored in a storage unit in the image processing apparatus. Remembered. As the storage means, for example, a volatile or nonvolatile local memory such as a built-in RAM can be used. The image information list can include, for example, the file name, file path, time stamp, and other attached information of the image data.

  In addition to image data, image management information can also be stored on the image recording medium. The image management information includes, for example, first management information stored in a management information storage area provided in the image recording medium, and second management information included in image data stored in the image recording medium. Either or both of these can be used. An example of the first management information is FAT (File Allocation Table). In FAT, for example, information such as the file name, storage location information, directory name, and shooting date of image data is managed. On the other hand, examples of the second management information include information such as information specifying a file size and a color space included in the header portion of the image data. The image information list can be created using both the first management information and the second management information, or using only the first management information.

  The image processing apparatus can further include a printing unit that performs printing based on print data generated by the image processing unit, and can also be configured as a printing apparatus. However, the image processing apparatus is not limited to a printing apparatus, and may be realized as a part of a display device, a mobile phone, a portable information terminal, and their equivalents, for example.

  The image data and the image management information stored in the image recording medium can be accessed via the interface means included in the image processing apparatus. It does not matter whether the physical layer of the interface means is wired or wireless, contact type or non-contact type.

  An image information list is generated based on the image management information read from the image recording medium through the interface unit, and this image information list is stored in the storage unit in the image processing apparatus. When the image data stored in the image recording medium is changed, the image information list is updated. Examples of the image data change include addition and deletion of image data. The updated image information list reflects the latest storage configuration of the image recording medium. Then, based on the updated image information list, image data is read from the image recording medium, and predetermined image processing is performed.

  The change timing of the image data and the update timing of the image information list do not need to be synchronized, and the image information list can be updated when a predetermined timing comes after changing the image data. Compared with the case where the image information list is updated only when the image recording medium is mounted on the image processing apparatus in order to update the image information list when the image data stored in the image recording medium is changed. Image data can be processed based on the latest storage configuration.

  Here, the image processing apparatus can include a first interface unit connected to the first image recording medium and a second interface unit connected to the external data generation device, and the step of updating the image information list includes: When the external data generation device changes the image data stored in the first image recording medium via the second interface unit, the image data list is not updated and the image data generation unit included in the image processing device does not update the image information list. When the image data stored in the first image recording medium is changed, the image information list can be updated.

  The first image recording medium is a concept included in the “recording medium” of the present invention, and examples thereof include a memory card and a built-in hard disk device as described above. The image data generation means is provided in the image processing apparatus, and includes, for example, an image reading apparatus such as a scanner or a digital camera, a file generation program for creating another file using existing image data, etc. Can do. Examples of the external data generation device include a personal computer.

  The first image recording medium can be accessed using the first interface means and the second interface means. For example, when an external data generation device that can be expressed as an external image changing unit or an image input unit changes image data in the image recording medium, the image information list is not updated. On the other hand, for example, when the image data generating means that can be expressed as the internal image changing means or the image input means changes the image data in the image recording medium, the image information list is updated. Thereby, when the external data generation device changes the image data, the image information list can be maintained as it is, and when the image data generation means changes the image data, the latest image information list can be obtained. .

  The image processing apparatus can include first interface means connected to the first image recording medium and third interface means connected to the second image recording medium, and the image processing apparatus can serve as a slave device. A first mode that operates and updates image data stored in the first image recording medium via the first interface means, and operates as a master device, and is stored in the second image recording medium via the third interface means. A second mode in which the image data list is updated, and the step of updating the image information list does not update the image information list when the image processing apparatus executes the first mode. When the second mode is executed, the image information list may be updated.

  Examples of the second image recording medium include a magneto-optical disk device, a disk drive such as a CD-R and a DVD-R, and a hard disk device. The first image recording medium and the second image recording medium may be different types of media or the same type of media. A plurality (or a plurality of types) of image recording media of the first image recording medium and the second image recording medium can be connected to the image processing apparatus.

  When the image processing apparatus operates as a slave device and updates the image data of the first image recording medium via the first interface unit (first mode), the image information list is maintained as it is without being updated. On the other hand, when the image processing apparatus operates as a master device and updates the image data of the second image recording medium via the third interface unit (second mode), the image information list is updated.

  In the step of updating the image information list, when the image data stored in the first image recording medium is changed, information relating to the changed image data is added to or deleted from the image information list. As a result, the image information list can be updated. As information about the image data, for example, a file name and a file path of the image data can be cited.

  In the step of updating the image information list, when the image data stored in the image recording medium is changed, the file name of the changed image data is added to or deleted from the image information list. It is possible to include at least a step and a step of rearranging the image information list based on the file name of the image data.

  That is, after adding the file name of the added image data to the image information list, or after deleting the file name of the deleted image data from the image information list, the image data registered in the image information list Can be sorted. Thus, it is not necessary to rearrange the image information list every time image data is added or deleted. In addition to the file name, for example, information such as the file type, file path information, and date can be added or deleted together.

  The step of updating the image information list may include a step of newly generating the image information list based on the image management information stored in the image recording medium. Similarly, the step of updating the image information list can include a step of newly generating an image information list based on the image management information stored in the second image recording medium.

  The predetermined image processing is printing processing, and the step of updating the image information list can update the image information list stored in the storage unit at a predetermined timing. This predetermined timing can be set when a print instruction for image data stored in the image recording medium is issued. That is, when selecting image data recorded on the image recording medium and instructing printing, if the image information list is updated, the image data can be selected based on the latest storage configuration. In addition, the image information list can be updated without causing an excessive increase in processing load as compared with the case where the image information list is updated every time the storage configuration of the image recording medium changes.

The step of updating the image information list can update the image information list stored in the storage means when the image data stored in the image recording medium is updated a predetermined number of times or more. That is, for example, when a predetermined number or more of image data is added to or deleted from the image recording medium, the image information list is updated based on the latest state of the image recording medium.
That is, in the step of updating the image information list, the image information list stored in the storage means is updated when the image data stored in the image recording medium has been updated a predetermined number of times. The image information list may not be updated until is updated a predetermined number of times. For example, the image information list can be updated when the change of the image data reaches a predetermined number of times or when the change operation of the image data is completed.

  The step of updating the image information list may be configured to update the image information list stored in the storage unit when a predetermined number of pieces of image data are added. When the process of adding image data is interrupted, the image information list can be updated even when the predetermined number specified in advance is not reached. That is, when the predetermined number of image data is added to the image recording medium, or when the addition of the image data is interrupted before the predetermined number of image data is added to the image recording medium. Can update the image information list.

  Further, in the step of updating the image information list, the search range for updating the image information list can be set differently depending on the change source for changing the image data stored in the image recording medium.

  That is, for example, when a change source (or access source) accesses an image recording medium, the entire information recording area of the image recording medium is searched to update the image information list, and another change source accesses the image recording medium. In this case, the image information list can be updated by searching only a specific recording area of the image recording medium. As described above, by changing the search range for performing the update according to the type of the change source, it is possible to perform an appropriate update according to the change source.

  The step of updating the image information list is a search for updating the image information list when the directory structure that can be operated by the access source (or the change source) accessing the image recording medium is known or unknown. You can also set different ranges. That is, when the directory structure that can be operated is known in advance, the latest image is based only on information about the operable directory (for example, header information included in image data or image management information such as FAT). An information list can be obtained. Also, when the directory structure that can be operated cannot be grasped in advance, it is based on information about all directories or most directories of the image recording medium (for example, header information included in image data or image management information such as FAT). The latest image information list can be obtained.

  The image processing apparatus can include first interface means connected to the first image recording medium and second interface means connected to the external data generation apparatus. In the step of updating the image information list, the external data When the generation device changes the image data via the second interface unit, a new image information list is generated again based on the image management information stored in the first image recording medium, and the image provided in the image processing device When image data is added by the data generation means, information regarding the added image data can be added to the image information list. Note that only one of the external data generation apparatus and the image data generation means can exclusively access the image recording medium and change (for example, add or delete) the image data.

  That is, when image data is added by the image data generating means, it is possible to grasp in the image processing apparatus which image data has been written on the image recording medium, so that the image is based on information relating only to the added image data. The information list can be updated. On the other hand, when the image data of the image recording medium is changed by the external data generation device, it is difficult to grasp where the image data is written on the image recording medium. Note that when the external data generation device accesses the image recording medium via the firmware of the image processing device, the access destination can be recognized. descend. From the viewpoint of access performance, when the external data generation apparatus directly accesses the image recording medium, it is difficult to detect where the image data has been written. Therefore, when the external data generation device is the access source, the image information list is recreated based on the image management information.

  In one aspect of the present invention, when the image recording medium is connected to the first interface unit, an image information list is created and stored in the internal storage unit, and when the predetermined timing has arrived, the stored image information is stored. When the list is updated and the connection between the image recording medium and the first interface unit is released, the held image information list is discarded.

  An image processing apparatus according to another aspect of the present invention is recorded on a first image recording medium and first interface means for performing data transmission and reception with at least a first image recording medium on which image data is recorded. Storage means for storing an image information list generated based on the image management information, update management means for managing update of the image information list stored in the storage means, and a first image recording medium based on the image information list Image processing means for reading out image data from the first interface means and performing predetermined image processing, and the update management means is provided when the image data stored in the first image recording medium is changed. The image information list is updated.

  A printing apparatus according to still another aspect of the present invention includes an access unit for accessing a memory card in which image data is stored, a unit for selecting image data stored in the memory card, and the selected image data. Printing means for acquiring from the memory card via the access means and printing the acquired image data; and deletion means for deleting the image data stored in the memory card. When image data is deleted from the card, the deleted image data cannot be selected regardless of the insertion or removal of the memory card.

  The present invention can also be understood as the following printing apparatus. The printing apparatus stores an interface unit for transmitting and receiving data to and from an image recording medium on which image data is recorded, and an image information list generated based on the image data recorded on the image recording medium. Based on the image information list, a storage means, an update management means for managing the update of the image information list stored in the storage means, and an image selection sheet for selecting image data read from the image recording medium via the interface means An image selection sheet issuing means for issuing the image data, an image reading means for reading the sheet image from the issued image selection sheet, and an interface means for receiving the image data selected by the user based on the read sheet image and the image information list. Image processing means for reading out from an image recording medium and generating print data, and generation Comprising a printing unit for performing printing based on print data, the. The update management means updates the image information list when the image data of the image recording medium is changed, at least one of when a predetermined operation is instructed or when a predetermined process is performed. Is possible.

  Here, on the image selection sheet, for example, a sample image (thumbnail image) representing an image stored in the image recording medium, a fill mark for selecting each sample image, and the like are printed. The user can select an image to be printed by painting a mark corresponding to a desired image with a pen or the like. The image selection sheet issuing means issues an image selection sheet based on the image information list. Note that the image selection sheet is not limited to a flat plate shape, and may be a three-dimensional shape such as a cylindrical shape as long as the image reading unit can read an image. Further, the selection of an image is not limited to the so-called mark sheet method, and can be performed, for example, by adding a circle or the like to the sample image itself.

  At least some of the means or steps of the present invention may be configurable as a computer program executed by a computer. The computer program can be fixed to various storage media, for example, and can be distributed via a communication network such as the Internet.

  In the following description, a printing apparatus will be described as an example of the image processing apparatus. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the printer 1 according to the present embodiment. As will be described later, the printer 1 includes an operation panel 10, a scan mechanism 30, a print mechanism 40, and a main control unit 50. In other words, the printer 1 includes at least a scanner function that reads an image from a document and converts it into digital data, and a printer function (copy function) that prints the read digital data on printing paper. Furthermore, the printer 1 has a function of receiving image data from a host computer apparatus PC such as a digital camera or a personal computer via a communication cable CN and printing it. As will be described later, the printer 1 can read and print image data from the memory card 59 based on the mark position of the order sheet 64. This function is called “order sheet printing” in this embodiment.

  The operation panel 10 is provided on the surface of the printer 1 in consideration of visibility and operability, and is a man-machine interface including an information input unit 10A and an information output unit 10B. The information input unit 10A includes a plurality of information input means such as various buttons 11 and 13 and a print menu 12 which will be described later with reference to FIG. The information output unit 10B includes a display 21 and a lamp 22, for example.

  The scan mechanism 30 is provided on the upper part of the printer 1, for example. The scanning mechanism 30 includes a light source 31, a light receiving unit 32, and a scanning unit 33 for moving the light receiving unit 32 in a predetermined direction. The scanning mechanism 30, a document table 35 and document table cover 34 to be described later, and a scanner control unit 53 constitute a scanner device. This scanner apparatus corresponds to an example of “image data generation means”. The light receiving unit 32 can be composed of, for example, a plurality of line CCDs (Charge Coupled Devices) each having RGB color filters. However, the type of color filter is not limited to RGB. The light from the light source 31 is reflected on the surface of the document and becomes reflected light including the object color. The reflected light reaches the light receiving unit 32 through a lens, a reflecting mirror, and the like, and is converted into an electric signal by the light receiving unit 32. The optical system structure of the scanner device is not limited to the above, and various types can be adopted. For example, a CCD shorter than the image reading surface of the document table 35 and a reduction optical system including a plurality of reflecting mirrors and lenses may be used, or a CCD having substantially the same length as the image reading surface may be used. Alternatively, it may be configured using a spectroscopic element such as a diffraction grating.

  The print mechanism 40 is provided at the lower part of the printer 1, for example. The print mechanism 40 includes a print head 41, a scanning unit 42 for moving the print head 41 in a predetermined direction, and a paper transport unit 43 that transports the print paper. The print mechanism 40, a paper feed tray 44 and a paper discharge tray 45, which will be described later, and a printer control unit 57 constitute a printer device. The print head 41 includes, for example, a large number of nozzles for ejecting ink droplets of each color such as cyan, magenta, yellow, and black, and drive elements that eject ink droplets from the nozzles. The scanning unit (carriage) 42 includes a carriage motor and the like, and reciprocates the print head 41 in the main scanning direction orthogonal to the printing paper conveyance direction (sub-scanning direction). The paper transport unit 43 includes a paper edge detection sensor, a paper feed motor, and the like, and transports printing paper by a predetermined amount. The print mechanism 40 can be configured as, for example, a serial type print engine that can print character by character or a line type print engine that can print line by line. Note that the print mechanism 40 may be configured as a page printer.

  The main control unit 50 is configured as a microcomputer system including, for example, an arithmetic processing device (CPU or the like), a memory device (ROM, RAM or the like), an input / output circuit, and the like. In addition, the main control unit 50 may include a dedicated hardware circuit (ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit)) for executing a specific process.The main control unit 50 is an order sheet issuing unit, as will be described later. 51, an order sheet analysis unit 52, a scanner control unit 53, a scan data storage unit 54, an image processing unit 55, a print image data storage unit 56, a printer control unit 57, a card interface (hereinafter referred to as I / O). F) 58, a data management unit 60, an image information list storage unit 61, an insertion / removal detection unit 62, and an external interface (hereinafter referred to as external I / F) 63. These functions are either hardware circuits or It is realized by either software or by cooperation of hardware circuit and software.

  The order sheet issuing unit 51 prints out an order sheet 64 for use in order sheet printing via the print mechanism 40. Order sheet printing refers to one or a plurality of image data desired to be printed out of a plurality of image data (which may be one) recorded in the memory card 59 via the order sheet 64 to the user. This is a function of reading the selected image data from the memory card 59 and automatically printing it by reading the selected order sheet 64 using the scanner function. When order sheet printing is specified via the print menu 12, the order sheet issuing unit 51 refers to the image information list 61 to generate data or instructions for generating the order sheet 64, and sends it to the image processing unit 55. input. As a result, order sheet print data is generated, and the order sheet 64 is output from the print mechanism 40.

  When the sheet image of the order sheet 64 is read via the scanning mechanism 30, the order sheet analysis unit 52 analyzes the read sheet image and specifies the image selected by the user. The order sheet analysis unit 52 specifies the image data selected on the order sheet 64 by referring to the image information list T1. The image identification result is input to the image processing unit 55. The image processing unit 55 reads out the image data selected by the user from the memory card 59 and generates print data. For example, the order sheet analysis unit 52 may read the image data from the memory card 59 and input the image data to the image processing unit 55.

  For example, when the execution of printing is instructed by either the color copy button 11A or the monochrome copy button 11B, the scanner control unit 53 drives the scan mechanism 30 to read the image of the document placed on the document table 35. It is. The scanner control unit 53 stores the read image data (scan data) in the scan data storage unit 54. The scan data storage unit 54 is composed of a memory device such as a RAM, for example. The image data stored in the scan data storage unit 54 can be written in the memory card 59 via the card I / F 58. In the present embodiment, this function is referred to as a “scan to memory” function. At the time of order sheet printing, the order sheet 64 is placed on the document table 35, and an image (sheet image) on the surface thereof is read as digital data. The digitized sheet image is used by the order sheet analysis unit 52 via the scan data storage unit 54. The sheet image only needs to be read as monochrome image data. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the sheet image may be read as color image data.

  For example, the image processing unit 55 reads the scan data stored in the scan data storage unit 54 and performs predetermined image processing to generate image data for printing. Alternatively, the image processing unit 55 generates print data for the order sheet 64 in accordance with the notification from the order sheet analysis unit 52. The print image data generated by the image processing unit 55 is stored in the print image data storage unit 56. The print image data storage unit 56 can be constituted by a memory device such as a RAM, for example. The image processing unit 55 drives the print head 41 by performing, for example, color conversion processing from the RGB color system to the CMYK color system, enlargement processing, reduction processing, rotation processing, various correction processing, and halftone processing. Print image data to be generated is generated. The printer control unit 57 acquires print image data from the print image data storage unit 56, transfers it to the print head 41, and executes predetermined printing. The printer control unit 57 also controls the operations of the scanning unit 42 and the paper transport unit 43.

  The card I / F 58 includes, for example, a card slot into which the memory card 59 is detachably mounted, an I / F circuit, and the like. The data management unit 60 accesses the memory card 59 via the card I / F 58 and manages image data and the like. Image data, header information, and the like can be read from the memory card 59 via the card I / F 58, and image data, header information, and the like can be written to the memory card 59 via the card I / F 58. The memory card 59 is a relatively small and detachable image recording medium that includes a storage device such as a semiconductor memory. The memory card 59 is not limited to a contact type image recording medium, and may be configured as a non-contact type image recording medium, or a hard disk device (not shown) built in the printer 1 is replaced with the memory card 59. May be used. Here, a data file for each image is stored in the memory card 59, and each image data file includes header information, thumbnail image data, and main image data. When a subject is imaged with a digital camera, high-resolution main image data is obtained. The thumbnail image data is generated as low resolution small image data by thinning out the main image data. The main image data and the thumbnail image data are recorded in the memory card 59 in association with each other.

  The data management unit 60 manages image data recorded on the memory card 59 and includes a file management system. The data management unit 60 grasps the attributes (file name, file path, data size, etc.) of the image data recorded on the memory card 59, and manages the image data based on these information. Is generated. The generated image information list T1 is stored in the image information list storage unit 61. The image information list storage unit 61 is constructed in, for example, a RAM or a flash memory. Further, the data management unit 60 updates the image information list T1 based on the latest storage configuration of the memory card 59 at a predetermined timing. The predetermined timing will be described later. For example, when the memory card 59 is mounted, when editing the image data in the memory card 59, when printing based on the image data recorded on the memory card 59, and the like can be given. .

  The insertion / removal detection unit 62 monitors whether or not the memory card 59 is attached to the card I / F 58. The insertion / extraction detection unit 62 can detect the presence / absence of the memory card 59 based on, for example, a change in the signal voltage of the I / F circuit. Alternatively, the insertion / extraction detection unit 62 can also detect the presence of the memory card 59 with a mechanical switch. When the insertion / removal detection unit 62 detects the insertion of the memory card 59, it notifies the data management unit 60. Upon receiving this notification, the data management unit 60 accesses the memory card 59 and generates the image information list T1 based on the image data recorded in the memory card 59.

  Next, the external configuration of the printer 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 2 shows a state in which the document table cover 34 is closed. A scanning mechanism 30 is provided above the printer 1, and a printing mechanism 40 is provided below the printer 1. An operation panel 10 is provided on the upper front side of the printer 1. Further, a paper feed tray 44 is provided on the back side of the printer 1, and a paper discharge tray 45 is provided on the lower front side of the printer 1. As described above, the printer 1 is configured as a multifunction machine in which the scan mechanism 30 and the print mechanism 40 are built in the same housing.

  FIG. 3 shows a state in which the document table cover 34 is opened. When the document table cover 34 is opened, a document table 35 appears above the printer 1. For example, the document table 35 is formed in a flat plate shape from a transparent glass material, and a light source 31 and a light receiving unit 32 are disposed below the document table 35. The user aligns the document on the document table 35, places the document 2 downward, closes the document table cover 34, and instructs to start scanning. When the reading of the image is completed, the user opens the document table cover 34, removes the document 2 from the document table 35, and places a new document 2 on the document table 35. At the time of order sheet printing, the order sheet 64 on which an image has been selected by the user is placed downward on the document table 35, and the sheet image is read.

  FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the appearance of the operation panel 10. In the central portion of the operation panel 10, a display 21 composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display device is provided. This display 21 has a display capability of, for example, 7 rows and 16 columns (full-width). On one side (right side in the figure) of the display 21, various buttons 11A to 11C related to execution instructions (start relation) and various buttons 13A to 13E related to menu operations are arranged. On the other side of the display 21 (left side in the figure), various buttons 14A to 14E for selecting various processing modes that can be executed stand-alone, a paper feed / discharge button 15, a power button 16, and the like. The error notification lamps 22 are respectively arranged.

  The function of each button will be described. The color copy button 11A is used to instruct the execution of color copy. The monochrome copy button 11B is used to instruct execution of monochrome copy. The color copy button 11A and the monochrome copy button 11B realize both an execution instruction function for instructing the start of a copy operation and a selection function for selecting the type of image to be copied (color image or monochrome image). . The stop button 11C is for ending the process. The menu button 13A is used to select a menu to be displayed on the display 21. The enter button 13B is for confirming the selected instruction content. The cancel button 13C cancels the selected instruction content. The cross key button 13 </ b> D is used to switch the display contents of each item of the menu displayed on the display 21.

  The printer 1 of this embodiment includes a plurality of processing modes such as local copy, memory card printing, film printing, scanning, and scan-to-memory. The copy button 14A is used to select a local copy. The memory card print button 14B is used to select a mode in which image data is read out from a memory card mounted on the printer 1 and printed. The film print button 14C selects a mode in which an image is read from a film such as a 35 mm film or a slide film and printed. The scan mode button 14D is a button for selecting a mode in which an image read from an original is recorded on a memory card attached to the printer 1 or transmitted to a host computer. The various setting buttons 14E perform, for example, contrast adjustment of the display 21, cleaning of the print head 41 and nozzle check, detailed display of the remaining ink amount, replacement of the ink cartridge, and the like. A mode selection button dedicated to scan to memory can be provided, or the scan to memory function can be called from the print menu 12.

  The paper feed / discharge button 15 instructs a paper feed operation and a paper discharge operation. The power button 16 controls power supply to the printer 1. The lamp 22 is used to alert the user by turning on the lamp when an error occurs.

  FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the configuration of the order sheet 64. The order sheet 64 is composed of a plurality of areas as described below. The first guide column 100 is provided at the top of the order sheet 64 and guides the user how to select a desired image. Next to the first guide field 100, a checksum display field 101 is provided. In the checksum display column 101, the checksum value of the entire image data on which the thumbnail image is printed on the order sheet 64 is printed by being symbolized by a graphic such as a black square. By comparing this printed checksum value with the checksum value calculated on the printer 1 side, it can be determined whether or not the memory card 59 and the order sheet 64 are compatible.

  A plurality of thumbnail display fields 110 are provided below the first guide field 100. Each thumbnail display column 110 displays a predetermined number of thumbnail images 111 (only one is given a reference numeral). In each thumbnail image 111, a mark portion 112, a serial number 113, and a recording date 114 are printed in association with each other. By painting the mark portion 112 associated with each thumbnail image 111 with a pencil, a pen, or the like, image data (main image data) corresponding to the thumbnail image 111 is selected. In the drawing, the second, fifth and seventh images are selected.

  A second guide column 120 is provided below the thumbnail image display column 110. The second guide column 120 guides the user how to specify the printing paper. Next to the second guide column 120, a mark portion 121 for selecting a sheet and a plurality of sheet types 122 are printed. The user can designate the printing paper by painting the mark portion 121 corresponding to the desired type of printing paper with a pen or the like.

  A third guide field 130 is provided below the order sheet 64. The third guide field 130 guides the user how to start printing using the marked order sheet 64. When there is much image data recorded on the memory card 59, it is difficult to print all the thumbnail images on one order sheet 64. In this case, a plurality of order sheets 64 are output, and each order sheet 64 is given a page number for distinguishing from other sheets.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an outline of the directory structure in the memory card 59. A plurality of directories “Dir A”, “Dir B”, and “EPSCAN” can be formed in the memory card 59. The memory card 59 can store a plurality of image data (also referred to as files) “pictA1.jpg”, “pictA2.jpg”, “pictB1.jpg”, and the like. The memory card 59 can also store data “readme.txt” other than image data. In the image information list T1, only image files among all the files stored in the memory card 59 are extracted and registered. The directory “EPSCAN” stores image data read from the scan mechanism 30 when the “scan to memory function” is executed. That is, the “EPSCAN” directory is a predetermined storage area for writing image data from the internal file system to the image recording medium. The storage area in the memory card 59 can be roughly divided into an actual data area for storing image data and a management area for storing management information for managing the stored image data. The management information can include, for example, the file name, file path, date (shooting date), and the like of image data stored in the actual data area, as known as FAT.
Here, as a method of generating the image information list T1 for the image data in the specific directory “EPSCAN” in which the scanned image data is stored, there are the following two methods. In the first method, the location of the directory “EPSCAN” is specified based on management information (for example, FAT) of the memory card 59, and then the header information of each image data stored in the directory “EPSCAN”. It is a method to acquire necessary information from each. The second method is based on the management information (for example, FAT) of the memory card 59, the location of the directory “EPSCAN”, the file name and file path of each image data stored in the directory “EPSCAN”, and the like. It is a method to acquire the information.
There are two methods for generating the image information list T1 for all the directories in the memory card 59. The first method is a method for acquiring all directories and file names and file paths of image data existing in the directories based on management information (for example, FAT) of the memory card 59. The second method is a method for acquiring the header information for all the image data stored in the memory card 59.

  FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of the image information list T1 generated by the data management unit 60 and stored in the image information list storage unit 61. The image information list T1 is information (or an image management table) for the printer 1 to internally manage the image data recorded on the memory card 59. The image information list T1 includes an identification code (ID) and image file information associated with each identification code. For each image data stored in the memory card 59, an identification code uniquely determined in the memory card 59 is associated. Each image file information corresponds to each image data. Each image file information is composed of an image information structure T11.

  The image information structure T11 is a small table in which various attribute information of image data is arranged. The image information structure T11 includes, for example, a file name of image data, a full path file name for accessing image data in the memory card 59, a recording date and time, a file attribute, and other attached information. Is done. Therefore, if the image information list T1 is searched using the identification code as a search key, the image information structure T11 corresponding to the identification code can be called. By referring to this image information structure T11, desired image data File name, storage location, and the like.

  FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing the structure of the print list information T2. By referring to the print list information T2, the image data described therein is read from the memory card 59, and print data is generated based on the read image data. The print list information T2 includes, for example, an identification code (JID), print file information associated with the identification code, and print setting information applied to the entire print job. Each print file information includes a print file information structure T21. The print file information structure T21 includes a print image identification code (hereinafter referred to as IDX) and setting information for each file. In the case of normal memory card printing, the identification code of the image list information T1 is set in IDX. Therefore, by searching the image information list T1 based on the IDX of the print file information structure T21, the image data to be printed can be specified and read from the memory card 59. As will be described later, when the image information sublist T3 is prepared, a sub ID is set in IDX. The setting information for each file indicates, for example, printing setting information for each file such as a color tone at the time of printing. The print setting information for the entire print job includes, for example, designation of paper size, layout, presence / absence of rotation processing, and the like.

  FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing the structure of an image information sublist (hereinafter referred to as sublist) T3. The sublist T3 is used, for example, when extracting and printing only image data recorded in a specific period or on a specific day, or extracting and printing only image data stored in a specific folder. Is done. The sublist T3 includes an identification code (SID) and an image file information sub ID (hereinafter referred to as sub ID). Here, the identification code SID itself of the sublist T3 merely indicates the order. In the sub ID, an identification code of the image information list T1, that is, an identification code for specifying target image data is set. When the sub list T3 is generated, the sub ID is set in IDX of the print file information structure T21. Accordingly, when the sublist T3 is prepared for printing only a specific group of image data, the subID of the sublist T3 is extracted based on the IDX read from the print list information T2, and the image is generated based on the subID. By searching the information list T1, information on the target image data can be obtained. By interposing the sub-list T3 between the image information list T1 and the print information list T2, various conditions (period, folder name, etc.) other than printing according to the order according to the ASCII code (ASCII sort order) only. ) To print an image. Also in the case of order sheet printing, by using this sub-list T3, it is possible to extract and print only images marked on the order sheet 64.

  FIG. 10 is a block diagram that focuses on the firmware structure of the printer 1. The firmware 200 may be configured of, for example, a UI layer 210 in charge of a user interface (hereinafter referred to as UI), a service layer 220, a function layer 230, a data path controller (hereinafter referred to as DPC) 240, and a data path 250. it can.

  The UI layer 210 receives information input from the user via the operation panel 10 or provides information to the user. The service layer 220 plays a leading role in executing various print modes. The service layer 220 transmits information input from the UI layer 210 to the function layer 230. In addition, the service layer 220 makes various responses and notifications to the UI layer 210. The function layer 230 is prepared for each function of each print mode. The function layer 230 interprets the request input from the service layer 220, converts it into an executable command, and transmits it to the DPC 240. The DPC 240 passes the request input from the function layer 230 to each predetermined data path. Examples of the data path include a copy path 251, a job registration path 252, and a print path 253.

  The device harness 300 is for causing the firmware 200 to logically recognize the physical device 400. The device 400 may include, for example, a memory card device 410, a printer device 420, and a file list manager 430. The memory card device 410 corresponds to the memory card 59. The printer device 420 corresponds to the printer function of the printer 1. In the device harness 300, for example, a memory card device harness 310 and a printer device harness 320 can be provided. The memory card device harness 310 corresponds to the memory card device 410, and the printer device harness 320 corresponds to the printer device 420. The file list manager 430 creates or deletes the image information list T1 in accordance with a request from the service layer 220.

  Based on FIG. 10, a flow when the memory card 59 is attached to the printer 1 and image data stored in the memory card 59 is called and printed will be described. First, when the memory card 59 is attached to the printer 1, the memory card device 410 that is physically present is notified to the memory card device harness 310 that is logically present (S1). The memory card device harness 310 notifies the service layer 220 of the occurrence of a card insertion event (S2). Upon receiving the card insertion event notification, the service layer 220 requests the file list manager 430 to create the image information list T1 (S3). The file list manager 430 searches for image data stored in the memory card 59 in response to an instruction from the service layer 220, and generates an image information list T1. The generated image information list T1 is stored in the image information list storage unit 61.

  The user selects image data stored in the memory card 59 and inputs printing conditions via the operation panel 10. Then, the user instructs execution of printing of the designated image data. This user instruction is input to the service layer 220 via the UI layer 210 (S4). The service layer 220 inputs a print request to a predetermined function layer 230 (in this case, a function layer for memory card printing) (S5). The function layer 230 requests the DPC 240 to register a print job (S6). Upon receiving the print job registration request, the DPC 240 registers a new print job through the job registration data path (S7). When the print job is registered and placed in the queue, the DPC 240 requests the print data path 253 to start printing (S8). The print data path 253 acquires image data to be printed and file information related to the image data from the file list manager 430 and the memory card device 410 (S9), and starts printing (S10).

  Based on FIG. 11, an outline of processing when the memory card 59 is removed from the printer 1 will be described. When the user removes the memory card 59 from the printer 1, the memory card device 410 notifies the memory card device harness 310 that the memory card 59 has been removed (S11). The memory card device harness 310 notifies the service layer 220 that the memory card 59 has been removed (S12).

  Upon receipt of the card removal event notification, the service layer 220 requests the file list manager 430 to discard the image information list T1 (S13). The file list manager 430 discards the image information list T1 stored in the image information list storage unit 61.

  Based on FIG. 12, an outline of processing when the image information list T <b> 1 is updated will be described. As described above, the printer 1 includes the scan mechanism 30 therein, and the printer 1 can be connected to the host computer PC. Image data can be written into the memory card 59 mounted in the printer 1 from the scanner function inside the printer and the host computer PC outside the printer. However, the scanner function (internal file system) inside the printer and the host computer PC (external file system) outside the printer cannot access the memory card 59 at the same time, but only one of them can be accessed (access). Exclusive control).

  For example, when image data (image file) is written to the memory card 59 from either the scanner function inside the printer or the host computer PC (S20), this file writing is detected by the memory card device 410, and the memory card device The harness 310 is notified (S21). The memory card device harness 310 notifies the service layer 220 of the occurrence of a file write event (S22).

  The service layer 220 requests the file list manager 430 to update the image information list T1 when a predetermined timing comes after receiving the notification of the occurrence of the file write event (S23). That is, the occurrence of the file write event and the update of the image information list T1 are not synchronized, and the update of the image information list T1 is executed asynchronously. In other words, the detection of the file write event is a precondition for updating the image information list T1, and the arrival of a predetermined timing is the update execution condition for the image information list T1. As the predetermined timing, for example, as will be described later, it is possible to give an instruction to start printing based on image data stored in the memory card 59.

  FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an outline of processing executed by the service layer 220 regarding the image information list T1. When the memory card 59 is loaded in the printer 1 and the card I / F 58 and the memory card 59 are connected, the service layer 220 requests the file list manager 430 to create the image information list T1 (S30). In addition, when the memory card 59 is removed from the printer 1 and the connection between the memory card 59 and the card I / F 58 is released, the service layer 220 requests the file list manager 430 to discard the image information list T1. (S40). Further, the service layer 220 stores information that should be requested to update the image information list T1 when image data is written to the memory card 59 from the scanner function in the printer or from the host computer PC (S50). At this time, the image information list T1 is not updated. When the user instructs to start printing the image data stored in the memory card 59, the service layer 220 requests the file list manager 430 to update the image information list T1 (S60).

  Details of the image information list T1 creation process (S30), the image information list T1 update request storage process (S50), and the image information list T1 update request process (S60) will be described later. Note that the discarding process (S40) of the image information list T1 only discards the image information list T1 stored in the image information list storage unit 61, and therefore details are omitted.

  Next, before describing the details of the processing contents of the service layer 220, the processing outline of the function layer 230 and the device harness 300 will be described first.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a schematic process of the function layer 230 that executes the “scan to memory function”. When the “scan to memory function” is instructed by the user, the “scan to memory function” function layer 230 is called and activated. First, the scanner function in the printer acquires the access right to the local memory (RAM or the like) of the printer 1, locks it, and starts writing the image data read by the scanning mechanism 30 to the local memory (S71). . The local memory functions as a data buffer for writing scanned image data to a predetermined area (directory “EPSCAN”) of the memory card 59.

  The start of writing scan data to the local memory is notified to the memory card device harness 310 (S72). Next, the function layer 230 instructs the DPC 240 to execute the “scan to memory function” (S73). The DPC 240 executes the “scan to memory function” by giving an instruction to a predetermined data path. When the storage of the scan data in the memory card 59 is completed and a process completion notification is received from the DPC 240 (S74: YES), the function layer 230 ends the process.

  Next, FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a schematic process of the memory card device harness 310. Based on the notification from the memory card device 410, the memory card device harness 310 determines whether or not a file write event to the memory card 59 has occurred (S81). If a file write event has occurred (S81: YES), the memory card device harness 310 determines whether this file write event is a write event to the local memory by the scanner function (S82).

  When the function layer 230 notifies the memory card device harness 310 of the file write to the local memory by S72 in FIG. 14 (S82: YES), the write mode by the internal file system (also referred to as the local mode) This is the case. As described above, when image data is written to the memory card 59 by the “scan to memory function”, the image data is stored in a predetermined directory “EPSCAN” designated in advance. The image data written to the memory card 59 by the scanner function inside the printer exists only in the predetermined directory “EPSCAN” and is not written in any other place.

Therefore, the image information list T1 can be obtained only for the predetermined directory “EPSCAN”. For example, by acquiring management information related to the predetermined directory “EPSCAN” from the management area in the memory card 59, it is possible to obtain the image information list T1 based on the latest state after the end of the “scan to memory function”. Alternatively, the image information list T1 can be obtained by acquiring the header information of each image data stored in the predetermined directory “EPSCAN”.
That is, as described above, only the location of the directory “EPSCAN” is identified from the management information (eg, FAT) in the memory card 59, and the header information of each image data stored in this directory “EPSCAN” is determined. The image information list T1 can be obtained by examining the file names and file paths, respectively. Alternatively, based on management information (for example, FAT) in the memory card 59, the location of the directory “EPSCAN” and the file name and file path of each image data stored in the directory “EPSCAN” are acquired. By doing so, the image information list T1 can be obtained. Any method may be adopted.
Therefore, the memory card device harness 310 notifies the service layer 220 of “partial update” indicating that only a predetermined directory of the entire directory structure of the memory card 59 has been updated (S83).

  On the other hand, when image data is written from the host computer PC to the memory card 59 (S82: NO), the printer 1 side knows in which directory of the memory card 59 the host computer PC has written the image data. I can't. This is because the host computer 1 can directly access the memory card 59 via the external I / F 63 and write image data to the memory card 59. Therefore, when the host computer PC writes image data to the memory card 59, it is unknown which storage area of the memory card 59 stores the image data. The image information list T1 based on the latest state after the image data is written by the host computer PC can be obtained. Therefore, the memory card device harness 310 notifies the service layer 220 of “update all” indicating that the image information list T1 should be updated for all directories of the memory card 59 (S84).

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an outline of the image information list creation request process in FIG. The image information list creation request process is executed when the memory card 59 is attached to the printer 1. First, the service layer 220 requests the file list manager 430 to create the image information list T1 (S31), and then sets “update required” to the update presence / absence determination flag and returns to the main routine (S32). .

  FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing an outline of the storage processing of the image information list update request in FIG. In this process, first, based on the notification from the memory card device harness 310 (S83 or S84 in FIG. 15), it is determined whether it is “all update” or “partial update” (S51). The case where “all update” is notified is when the image data is written somewhere in the memory card 59 by the host computer PC, and when the location of the newly written image data is unknown. Therefore, the service layer 220 sets “update all” in the update mode flag, and returns to the main routine (S52).

  On the other hand, the case where “partial update” is notified from the memory card device harness 310 is a case where image data is written in a predetermined predetermined directory “EPSCAN” by the scanner function in the printer. Therefore, if only the predetermined directory “EPSCAN” is targeted, the image information list T1 reflecting the latest state of the memory card 59 can be obtained.

  Next, the service layer 220 checks the update mode flag and determines whether “update all” is already set in the update mode flag (S53). If “all update” is not set in the update mode flag (S53: NO), the service layer 220 sets “partial update” in the update mode flag (S54). In spite of the notification of “partial update” from the memory card device harness 310, the update mode flag is checked by first writing the image data from the host computer PC to the memory card 59 and then “scanning”. This is because another image data is written to the memory card 59 by the “to memory function”. In this case, if the determination step of S53 does not exist, “partial update” is notified from the memory card device harness 310 to the service layer 220 by the “scan to memory function” performed later. Accordingly, the file list manager 430 generates the image information list T1 only for a predetermined directory “EPSCAN” (for example, by re-searching), and the presence of the image data written by the host computer PC is an image. This is not reflected in the information list T1. Therefore, in this embodiment, even when image data is written to the memory card 59 by the internal file system (or when the write destination of the image data is known), the external file system before the update of the image information list T1. The reliability of the image information list T1 is increased by determining whether image data has been written to the memory card 59 or whether an operation in which the image data write destination is unknown has been applied.

  FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing an outline of the storage processing of the image information list update request in FIG. The service layer 220 first determines whether or not “update required” is set in the update presence / absence determination flag (S61). The update presence / absence determination flag is information indicating whether or not the image information list T1 needs to be updated. If “update required” is not set in the update presence / absence determination flag (S61: NO), the service layer 220 ends this process and returns to the main routine.

  On the other hand, when “update required” is set in the update presence / absence determination flag (S61: YES), the service layer 220 determines whether “partial update” is set in the update mode flag (S62). . When “partial update” is set in the update mode flag, the service layer 220 generates the image information list T1 only for a predetermined directory “EPSCAN” designated in advance, so that the file list manager 430 is generated. (S63) and return to the main routine. On the other hand, when “partial update” is not set in the update mode flag (S62: NO), that is, when “update all” is set in the update mode flag, the service layer 220 uses the memory card 59. The file list manager 430 is requested to generate the image information list T1 for all the directories in (S64), and the process returns to the main routine.

  Next, FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing order sheet issuing processing. First, it is determined whether or not the user selects order sheet printing via the print menu 12 and gives an instruction to issue an order sheet (S91). When order sheet issuance is requested (S91: YES), the order sheet issuance unit 51 reads the image information list T1 from the image information list storage unit 61 (S92), and calculates a checksum value for memory card identification (S92). S93). The order sheet issuing unit 51 delivers data (checksum value, path information for acquiring thumbnail images, etc.) necessary for order sheet issuance to the image processing unit 55. The image processing unit 55 generates print data for order sheets based on these data (S94). Note that the image processing unit 55 may generate the order sheet print data by directly referring to the image information list T1. When the order sheet print data is generated, the printer control unit 57 prints the order sheet 64 by controlling the drive of the print mechanism 40 (S95). When a plurality of order sheets 64 are issued, printing is performed until all pages are printed (S96).

  FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the printing process. First, the image processing unit 55 determines whether the print list information T2 exists (S101). When the print list information T2 exists (S101: YES), the print list information T2 is read (S102), and the image data to be printed is specified by referring to the sublist T3 and the image information list T1 (S102: YES). S103). Then, the image processing unit 55 (or the order sheet analyzing unit 52) reads the image data selected by the user from the memory card 59 (S104), and generates print data based on the read image data (S105). This print data is stored in the print image data storage unit 56 and printed by the printer control unit 57 (S106). Until all the image data selected by the user is printed on the printing paper designated by the user, the reading of the image data, the generation of the print data, and the printing are repeated (S107).

  FIG. 21 shows the order sheet printing process. Prior to entering this process, the user appropriately marks the mark portions 112 and 121 of the order sheet 64 to select an image and a printing method (paper type) desired to be printed. The user places the selected order sheet 64 on the document table 35, closes the document table cover 34, and instructs the reading of the order sheet 64 from the print menu 12.

  When the user instructs image reading, the sheet image of the order sheet 64 is read as, for example, a monochrome binary image via the scanning mechanism 30 (S111). The order sheet analysis unit 52 analyzes the content of the sheet image using an image analysis method such as pattern matching (S112), selects which image is selected by the user, and what type of printing paper is selected by the user. Detect whether it was done. Further, the order sheet analysis unit 52 restores the checksum value printed as a symbol in the checksum display field 101.

  Next, the order sheet analysis unit 52 calculates one checksum value based on the file name of each image data described in the image information list T1 (S113), and the calculated checksum value is checked. It is determined whether or not it matches the checksum value printed in the sum display field 101 (S114). If the two checksum values do not match (S114: NO), for example, the read order sheet 64 does not correspond to the current memory card 59, such as when the memory card 59 is replaced with another memory card. Then, error processing is performed, and the processing ends (S116).

  If the two checksum values match, the order sheet analysis unit 52 generates a print list T2 for printing the image data selected via the order sheet 64 on the printing paper selected via the order sheet 64. (S115). Based on the print list T2 thus generated, the printing process described with reference to FIG. 20 is performed.

  As described above, according to this embodiment, the image information list T1 can be updated at a predetermined timing, not only when the memory card 59 is attached to the printer 1. Therefore, the image information list T1 can be updated at the timing when the latest image information list T1 is required, printing can be performed based on the latest image data stored in the memory card 59, and the usability can be improved. improves.

  Also, in this embodiment, the image information list T1 is not updated every time image data is written to the memory card 59, but after the image data is written to the memory card 59, a predetermined timing (for example, The image information list T1 is updated when an instruction to start printing of image data stored in the memory card 59 arrives. Therefore, the latest image information list T1 can be obtained only when necessary without increasing the processing load of the printer 1.

  FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing storage processing of an image information list update request according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Each embodiment described below corresponds to a modification of the first embodiment. The feature of this embodiment is that the image information list T1 is updated without waiting for an instruction to start printing from the user when image data is written to the memory card 59 a predetermined number of times or more.

  That is, after either “all update” or “partial update” is set in the update mode flag, the number of times image data is updated (the number of times the scanner mechanism or host computer PC writes to the memory card 59) is set in advance. It is determined whether or not the predetermined number of times has been reached (S55). If the number of updates has reached the predetermined number (S55: YES), the service layer 220 requests the file list manager 430 to update the image information list T1 without waiting for a print start instruction from the user (S56). ).

  As described above, when the predetermined operation is performed a predetermined number of times, the image information list T1 is updated. Therefore, the image information list based on the latest state of the memory card 59 can be obtained even when a print instruction is issued from the user. T1 can be obtained. Therefore, the thumbnail image of the latest image data stored in the memory card 59 can be displayed on the display 21 of the operation panel 10, and the usability is improved.

  A third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In this embodiment, when the image data in the memory card 59 is changed (for example, added or deleted) from the scanner provided integrally with the printer 1, the image information list T1 is partially stored for the changed portion. Update to In the present embodiment, when an image in the memory card 59 is changed from the external host computer PC, the image information list T1 is maintained as it is without being updated.

  FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing an outline of the update processing of the image information list T1. First, the printer 1 monitors whether or not a file change event has occurred in the memory card 59, for example, using the device harness 310 of the memory card (S121). Here, examples of the file change event include addition of image data and deletion of image data.

  When a file change event is detected (S121: YES), it is determined whether or not the file change is performed by the scanner of the printer 1 (S122). If the file is changed by the scanner (S122: YES), the image information list T1 is updated for the changed file (S123). It should be noted that this update is performed in part as will be described further below. On the other hand, when the file is not changed by the scanner (S122: NO), that is, when the host computer changes the image data of the memory card 59 via the printer 1, the image information list T1 is not updated and is maintained as it is. (S124).

  FIG. 24 is a schematic diagram illustrating a functional configuration in a case where the image information list T1 is partially updated with respect to changed image data. FIG. 24 shows an example of adding image data from the scanner to the memory card 59, for example.

  The file writer 510 has a function of writing a file to the memory card 59. The file name creator 520 is a function for generating a file name and a file path (in FIG. 24, the file name and the file path are displayed as “file name”) based on the information passed from the file writer 510. The file information 530 temporarily manages files (image data) added by the scanner. In response to a request from the file writer 510, the file system manager 540 transfers the new image data stored in the local memory of the printer 1 to a predetermined location on the memory card 59 via the file system 550 of the memory card 59. It will be memorized.

  Although details of the operation will be described later, when the function 210 for executing “scan to memory” is called and the number n of images to be added by the scanner is input to the function 210, the number n of added images is determined by the function The file writer 510 is notified from 210 (P1).

  The file writer 510 uses, for example, two counters X and Y (not shown) to obtain basic information (x, y) for generating a file name and file path that can be uniquely specified in the memory card 59. Generate each. For example, as in “A: \ EPSCAN \ x \ EPSy.jpg”, x is a (sub) directory name, and y is information constituting a file name of image data. Specifically, for example, “A: \ EPSCAN \ 001 \ EPS001.jpg”, “A: \ EPSCAN \ 002 \ EPS002.jpg”, etc. are used to generate file names and file paths using x and y. can do.

  When the file writer 510 inputs the basic information x and y to the file name creator 520 (P2), the file name creator 520 generates the above file name and file path and returns them to the file writer 510 (P3). .

  The file writer 510 inquires of the file system manager 540 whether or not the file name and file path received from the file name creator 520 are usable (P4). The file system manager 540 refers to the file system of the memory card 59, checks whether the file name and file path input from the file writer 510 are already used, and returns the result.

  If the file name and file path cannot be used, the file writer 510 changes the values of the counters X and Y to generate new basic information x and y, and inputs them to the file name creator 520 again.

  If the file name and file path can be used, the file writer 510 requests the file system manager 540 to add the image data read by the scanner of the printer 1 and stored in the local memory (P5). The file system manager 540 stores the requested image data in the memory card 59 in accordance with the designated file name and file path.

  Each time the file writer 510 completes the additional storage of the image data, the file writer 510 registers the basic information x, y of the added image data in the file information 530 (P6). The file writer 510 generates file names and file paths for the number n specified by the user as described above, and additionally stores them in the memory card 59. The user may interrupt the “scan-to-memory function” halfway. In this case, a number of image data different from the initially designated additional number n is additionally stored in the memory card 59.

  Addition of image data from the scanner to the memory card 59 is completed when new image data is added to the memory card 59 by a predetermined number n or when the “scan to memory function” is interrupted. This is notified from the file writer 510 to the function 210 (P7).

  The function 210 requests the file writer 510 for the file name and file path of the added image data (P8). In response to this request, the file writer 510 reads the basic information x and y of each image data stored in the file information 530 (P9), inputs them to the file name creator 520 (P10), and each image data Each file name and file path are acquired (P11). The file writer 510 inputs the file name and file path of each image data added by the scanner to the function 210 (P12).

  The function 210 confirms the number N (0 ≦ N ≦ n) of the added image data, and stores each file name and each file path of the N image data added to the memory card 59 in the image information list T1. A request is made to the file list manager 430 to add (P13). This request can include other attribute information (date, etc.) to be recorded in the image information list T1.

  In response to the request from the function 210, the file list manager 430 adds the file name and file path of each newly added image data to the image information list T1 (P14). Next, after the addition of the file name and the like to the image information list T1 is completed, the function 210 requests the file list manager 430 to execute sorting (P15). Upon receiving this request, the file list manager 430 rearranges the file names recorded in the image information list T1, for example, in the order of ASCII codes (S16).

  As described above, when image data is directly added and recorded on the memory card 59 from the scanner which is an internal image input means without using the host computer, the image data corresponding to the added image data is recorded. Information is added to the information list T1. Then, after adding the information of the added image data, the image information list T1 is updated.

  FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing the update processing of the image information list when the “scan to memory function” is used.

  When the user selects the “scan to memory function”, the “scan to memory” function 210 is activated (S131). The user inputs the number n of images to be added from the scanner via the user interface of the printer 1 (S132). The printer 1 generates a file name and a file path (S133). Further, the printer 1 performs predetermined processing (color conversion, compression, etc.) on the image data read from the scanner, and stores it in the local memory (S134). The execution order of file name generation and image data accumulation is not limited.

  When the accumulation of the image data is normally completed (S135: YES), the printer 1 stores the basic information x and y for specifying the image data additionally stored in the memory card 59 in the file information 530 (S136). Then, it is determined whether or not all files have been created (added storage) by the “scan to memory function” (S137). If the creation of all the files has not been completed (S137: NO), the printer 1 decrements the image addition number n designated by the user by one (S138), and returns to S133.

  As described above, as a result of repeating the processes of S133 to S138, when all the files are created by the “scan to memory function” (S137: YES), the printer 1 refers to the file information 530, thereby the memory card 59. It is determined whether or not there is image data stored in addition to (S139). If “NO” is determined in S135, for example, if the execution of the “scan to memory function” is interrupted by the user, the process proceeds to S139.

  When image data has been added to the memory card 59 (S139: YES), the printer 1 acquires the file name and file path for the newly added file (image data) (S140), and the acquired file. Names and file paths are sequentially registered in the image information list T1 (S141). Then, the printer 1 rearranges the image information list T1 according to a predetermined rule (S142), updates the file checksum (S143), and updates the display information of the user interface (S144). The display information update step may be omitted.

  FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing an outline of processing when image data stored in the memory card 59 is deleted. First, the user designates image data to be deleted via the user interface of the printer 1 (S151).

  The printer 1 accesses the memory card 59 and deletes the image data designated by the user from the memory card 59 (S152). The printer 1 temporarily stores the basic information x and y for specifying the deleted image data in the file information 530 (S153), and determines whether or not the deletion process is completed (S154). Until the deletion process is completed, the processes of S151 to S154 are repeated.

  When the deletion process is completed (S154: YES), it is determined whether all the image data stored in the memory card 59 has been deleted (S155). If one or more image data remains in the memory card 59 (S155: NO), the printer 1 refers to the file information 530 to delete the deleted image data from the image information list T1 (S156). ) After deletion, the image information list T1 is rearranged (S157). Then, the printer 1 recalculates and updates the file checksum (S158), and updates the display information of the user interface (S159). Similarly to the above, the display information update step of the user interface may be omitted.

  On the other hand, when all the image data in the memory card 59 has been deleted by the user (S155: YES), it is no longer necessary to hold the image information list T1, so the printer 1 discards the image information list T1 (S160). . In the figure, it is shown that the user selects and deletes image data one by one. However, a mode for selecting all deletion of files is provided, and when the all deletion mode is designated, the memory is selected. The image data in the card 59 can be deleted in a batch without individually selecting the image data.

  In this way, when image data is deleted from the memory card 59, the deleted image data is deleted from the image information list T1. Therefore, regardless of whether the memory card 59 is inserted or removed, the user cannot select the deleted image data.

  FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing an outline of processing for creating the image information list T1. This process is executed, for example, when the memory card 59 is loaded in the printer 1 (S171: YES).

  When the printer 1 detects the installation of the memory card 59, the printer 1 acquires the header information of each image data in the memory card 59 (S172). This header information includes, for example, information specifying a file size and a color space.

  The printer 1 determines whether or not the file size of the image data is equal to or larger than a preset first size (S173), and the image data larger than the first size is registered in the image information list. Is not performed (S173: YES). The first size can be set to about 6000 pixels × 4500 pixels, for example. Since the memory resources of the printer 1 are limited, image data that is too large is not registered in the image information list T1, and the processing of the printer 1 is prevented from deteriorating.

  Next, the printer 1 determines whether or not the file size of the image data is equal to or smaller than a preset second size (S174). For image data equal to or smaller than the second size, the image information list T1 is set. Do not register for (S174: YES).

  In the case of the EXIF format, since the main image data and the thumbnail image data are included in one file, it is not necessary to perform the check in S174. However, in other formats, the thumbnail image data and the main image data may be stored in the memory card 59 as separate files. Therefore, when the main image data and the thumbnail image data are stored as separate files, registration of the thumbnail image data in the image information list T1 is prohibited. The second size can be set to, for example, about 160 pixels × 120 pixels.

  Accordingly, the image information list T1 can be registered when the size of the image data is less than the first size and greater than or equal to the second size.

  Next, the printer 1 determines whether or not the color space designated for the image data can be handled (S175). For example, depending on the digital camera, a unique color profile may be set for each vendor. If the printer 1 cannot handle the unique color profile, high-quality printing may not be possible. is there. Therefore, the printer 1 registers only image data for which a compatible color space is designated in the image information list T1 (S176).

  Then, the printer 1 determines whether or not the inspection of whether or not it can be registered in the image information list T1 has been completed for all the image data in the memory card 59 (S177). Move to the file (S178), and repeat the above-described processing of S172 to S176. Thus, the printer 1 can create the image information list T1 using the header information of the image data.

  A fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. In addition to the memory card 59, the external storage device 70 corresponding to the “second image recording medium” is connected to the printer 1 of this embodiment via the USB I / F 65. 28, the description of the insertion / extraction detection unit 62 is omitted in FIG. 28, but the printer 1 of the present embodiment can also include the insertion / extraction detection unit 62.

  The USB I / F 65 is an interface that functions as a USB master, and the printer 1 plays a leading role as a master device when transmitting and receiving image data and the like to and from the image recording medium 71 mounted on the external storage device 70.

  Note that both the host computer PC and the external storage device 70 can be connected to a single USB I / F 65. In this case, the USB I / F 65 functions as a USB master when connected to the external storage device 70, and functions as a USB slave when connected to the host computer PC.

  FIG. 29 is a flowchart illustrating an outline of the update process of the image information list. The printer 1 monitors whether or not a file change event has occurred in the memory card 59 (S181). When the file change event is detected (S181: YES), the printer 1 is used in the first mode. Or whether it is used in the second mode (S182). For example, when the printer 1 receives image data from the host computer, it can be determined that the mode is the first mode. When the printer 1 transmits image data to the external storage device 70, the second mode is selected. It can be determined that the mode.

  Here, the first mode is a mode in which the printer 1 operates as a slave device and image data in the memory card 59 is updated by an operation from the host computer PC. On the other hand, the second mode is a mode in which the printer 1 operates as a master device and image data stored in the external storage device 70 is updated.

  In the second mode, the printer 1 is in charge of data transmission / reception with the external storage device 70. Therefore, as in the above-described embodiment, the image information list T1 is updated for the changed image data among the image data stored in the external storage device 70 (S183).

  On the other hand, when the printer 1 is used in the first mode, the image information list T1 is maintained as it is without being updated (S184).

  In addition, the Example of this invention mentioned above is an illustration for description of this invention, and is not the meaning which limits the scope of the present invention only to those Examples. Those skilled in the art can implement the present invention in various other modes without departing from the gist of the present invention.

  For example, the external host computer can be configured to access the memory card via the service layer, or the directory accessible by the external host computer can be limited in advance. In these cases, the latest image information list can be obtained by re-searching only a specific storage area of the memory card.

  Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to a printer and can be applied to other image processing apparatuses.

  Further, the present invention can be understood as, for example, the following printing apparatus. That is, reading means for reading the image management information from a memory card in which image management information is recorded without going through a host device (host computer), image data generation means, and image data generated by the image generation means An adding unit for adding to the memory card, a unit for selecting the image data, and a printing unit for printing the selected image data are integrally provided, and the selecting unit stores the image data on the memory card. A printing device that, when added, allows the added image data to be selected regardless of whether the memory card is inserted or removed.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a printer according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is an external view of the printer with the document table cover closed. FIG. 2 is an external view of the printer with a document table cover open. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of an operation panel. It is explanatory drawing which shows the outline | summary of an order sheet. It is explanatory drawing which shows the outline of the directory structure of a memory card. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of an image information list. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of print list information. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of an image information sublist. It is explanatory drawing which shows the outline structure of the firmware of a printer, and the process outline | summary at the time of mounting a memory card in a printer. It is explanatory drawing which shows the process outline | summary at the time of removing a memory card from a printer. It is explanatory drawing which shows the process outline | summary in the case of updating an image information list. It is explanatory drawing which shows the outline | summary of the whole process of a service layer. It is a flowchart which shows the process outline | summary of a function layer. It is a flowchart which shows the process outline | summary of a memory card device harness. It is a flowchart which shows an image information list creation request process. It is a flowchart which shows the memory | storage process of an image information list update request. It is a flowchart which shows an image information list update request process. It is a flowchart which shows an order sheet | seat issue process. It is a flowchart which shows a printing process. It is a flowchart which shows an order sheet printing process. It is a flowchart which shows the memory | storage process of the image information list update request based on 2nd Example of this invention. It is a flowchart of the image information list update process which concerns on 3rd Example of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows typically a function structure in the case of updating an image information list. It is a flowchart which shows the image information list update process in the case of adding the image data read with the scanner to a memory card. It is a flowchart which shows a file deletion process. It is a flowchart which shows the process which produces an image information list. It is a block diagram of the printer which concerns on 4th Example of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an image information list update process.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Printer, 2 ... Original, 10 ... Operation panel, 10A ... Information input part, 10B ... Information output part, 11A ... Color copy button, 11B ... Monochrome copy button, 11C ... Stop button, 12 ... Print menu, 13A ... Menu Button, 13B ... Enter button, 13C ... Cancel button, 13D ... Cross key button, 14A ... Copy button, 14B ... Memory card print button, 14C ... Film print button, 14D ... Scan mode button, 14E ... Various setting buttons, 15 ... Eject button 16 ... Power button 21 ... Display 22 ... Lamp 30 ... Scanning mechanism 31 ... Light source 32 ... Light receiving unit 33 ... Scanning unit 34 ... Document table cover 35 ... Original table 40 Mechanism 41 ... print head 42 ... scanning unit 43 ... paper transport unit 44 ... paper feeding Lay, 45 ... discharge tray, 50 ... main control unit, 51 ... order sheet issuing unit, 52 ... order sheet analysis unit, 53 ... scanner control unit, 54 ... scan data storage unit, 55 ... image processing unit, 56 ... printing Image data storage unit 57 ... Printer control unit 58 ... Card I / F 59 ... Memory card 60 ... Data management unit 61 ... Image information list storage unit 62 ... Removal / insertion detection unit 63 ... External I / F, 64 ... Order sheet, 65 ... USB I / F, 70 ... External storage device, 210 ... UI layer, 220 ... Service layer, 230 ... Function layer, 240 ... Data path controller, 250 ... Data path, 251 ... Copy path, 252 ... Job registration pass, 253 ... Print pass, 300 ... Device harness, 310 ... Memory card device harness, 320 ... Printer Vise harness 400 ... Device 410 ... Memory card device 420 ... Printer device 430 ... File list manager 510 ... File writer 520 ... File name creator 530 ... File information 540 ... File system manager 550 ... File system , T1 ... Image information list, T2 ... Print list, T3 ... Image information sublist

Claims (1)

Reading the image management information stored in the image recording medium through the interface means of the image processing apparatus;
Generating an image information list based on the read image management information, and storing the image information list in a storage unit included in the image processing apparatus;
When the image data stored in the image recording medium is changed, updating the image information list stored in the storage means;
Reading the image data from the image recording medium via the interface means based on the image information list, and performing predetermined image processing on the read image data ,
In the step of updating the image information list, information on image data recorded in all recording areas of the image recording medium according to information indicating an access source for changing the image data stored in the image recording medium. Updating the image information list by acquiring or updating the image information list by acquiring only information of image data recorded in a specific recording area of the image recording medium,
Image processing method.

Images