JP4536916B2 - Image printing system, imaging apparatus, image printing system control method, imaging apparatus control method, and storage medium - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image printing system, an imaging apparatus, an image printing system control method, an imaging apparatus control method, and a storage medium, and more particularly, to an image printing system that combines a digital camera capable of shooting operation alone and a printing apparatus. It is suitable for use.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, a user who uses a digital camera as an alternative to an existing camera often prints an image taken with the digital camera and views the image. In this case, it is general that image data is transferred from a digital camera to a personal computer and printed by a printer connected to the personal computer, instead of printing directly from the digital camera to the printer. However, in recent years, a system that can directly print an image by directly connecting a digital camera and a printer has appeared.
[0003]
Since such an image printing system can print a captured image without using an expensive personal computer, the configuration of the image printing system can be constructed at a low cost, and a photograph-like print can be obtained with a simple operation. It has the advantage that it can.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the image printing system that does not use a personal computer as described above has the following problems. That is, since the printer used in the image printing system does not have a function of printing an image alone, most of the arithmetic processing required for printing is performed on the digital camera side.
[0005]
For this reason, during printing, a large load is applied to the arithmetic circuit and arithmetic resources (recording memory and buffer) inside the digital camera, and if the photographing operation is performed while the printing operation is continued, all the arithmetic resources are allocated to the photographing operation. However, there is a problem that high-speed shooting and high-quality shooting cannot be performed easily.
[0006]
In order to solve the above problems, if the printing is configured to be canceled when shooting is performed, the user needs to cancel the printing operation. It was. Further, when printing is stopped and shooting is performed, the canceled printing cannot be resumed from the middle, and there is a problem that the canceled image must be printed again from the beginning.
[0007]
In view of the above-described problems, the present invention performs a shooting operation regardless of the execution of a printing operation in an image printing system including a shooting apparatus capable of shooting alone and a printing apparatus connected thereto. The first purpose is to be able to.
It is a second object of the present invention to be able to resume the printing work after the photographing is completed without wasting the canceled printing work.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
An image printing system according to the present invention includes an imaging unit, an image processing unit that performs image processing on image data captured by the imaging unit, and temporarily stores the image data after the image processing in an image memory; and the image processing unit Recording means for recording image data subjected to image processing on a removable recording medium, and image data to be printed is read from the recording medium, temporarily stored in the image memory, and stored in the image memory Converting means for converting the image data into print data and storing it in the image memory; communication means for transmitting and receiving data between the printing device for printing the print data stored in the image memory; and Printing pause means for pausing the printing process when a shooting instruction is input when the printing process for printing an image is being executed by the printing apparatus; An imaging device having, an image printing system constituted by a printing device connected by the imaging device and the communication means,
When the printing process is temporarily stopped, the image processing unit captures image data after being imaged according to the shooting instruction and performs image processing, and an area of the image memory in which the printing data is recorded. It is characterized by being overwritten and stored.
[0009]
The imaging apparatus according to the present invention includes an imaging unit, an image processing unit that performs image processing on image data captured by the imaging unit, and temporarily stores the image data after the image processing in an image memory; and the image processing unit. Recording means for recording image data subjected to image processing on a detachable recording medium, and image data to be printed is read from the recording medium, temporarily stored in the image memory, and stored in the image memory Conversion means for converting image data into print data and storing it in the image memory; communication means for transmitting and receiving data to and from a printing apparatus for printing the print data stored in the image memory; and the printing Printing pause means for pausing the printing process when a shooting instruction is input when a printing process for printing an image is being executed by the apparatus; When the printing process is paused, the image processing means captures the image data that has been imaged in accordance with the shooting instruction and has performed the image processing, as an area of the image memory in which the printing data is recorded. It is characterized by being overwritten and stored.
[0011]
An image printing system control method according to the present invention includes an imaging unit, an image processing unit that performs image processing on image data captured by the imaging unit, and temporarily stores the image data after the image processing in an image memory; Recording means for recording image data subjected to image processing by the image processing means on a detachable recording medium; reading out image data to be printed from the recording medium; temporarily storing it in the image memory; and Communication means for transmitting / receiving data between conversion means for converting image data stored in the memory into print data and storing it in the image memory, and a printing apparatus for printing the print data stored in the image memory And a print temporary that pauses the print process when a shooting instruction is input while a print process for printing an image is being executed by the printing apparatus. An imaging device having a stop means, a control method of the composed image printing system by the printing device and to be connected by the imaging device and the communication means,
When the printing process is paused, the image data that has been picked up according to the shooting instruction and subjected to the image processing is overwritten and stored in the area of the image memory in which the printing data is recorded. The image processing means is controlled as described above.
An image pickup apparatus control method according to the present invention includes an image pickup unit, an image processing unit that performs image processing on image data picked up by the image pickup unit, and temporarily stores image data after image processing in an image memory; Recording means for recording image data subjected to image processing by the processing means on a detachable recording medium; and reading out image data to be printed from the recording medium and temporarily storing it in the image memory; Conversion means for converting the image data stored in the image data into print data and storing it in the image memory; and communication means for transmitting and receiving data between the printing apparatus for printing the print data stored in the image memory; And a printing pause means for temporarily stopping the printing process when a shooting instruction is input when the printing process for printing an image is being executed by the printing apparatus. When the printing process is paused, the printing data is recorded as image data after being imaged and subjected to image processing in response to the shooting instruction. The image processing means is controlled to overwrite and store the area of the image memory.
[0012]
The storage medium of the present invention stores a program that causes a computer to execute each process of the control method described above.
[0013]
Since the present invention has the above technical means, when the photographing operation is performed while the printing operation is being performed, the printing is automatically paused, so that the photographing apparatus is operating alone. The same feeling of use can be realized. In addition, it is possible to resume the printing work after the photographing is completed without wasting the printing work already performed before the cancellation.
[0014]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
(First embodiment)
Embodiments of an image printing system, an imaging apparatus, a printing apparatus, a printing control method, and a storage medium according to the present invention will be described below.
FIG. 1 shows a configuration example of the image printing system of the present embodiment. In FIG. 1, the upper part is a photographing apparatus (CAMERA DEVICE) 100 of the present system, and the lower part is a printing apparatus (PRINTER DEVICE) 200. These two devices are connected by wired or wireless communication means, and can be separated when connected by wired communication means.
[0015]
In FIG. 1, 101 is an image pickup unit, 102 is a control unit, 103 is an image memory, 104 is a flash memory card, 105 is a color liquid crystal display device, 106 is a data bus, 107 is a control CPU of the printing device, 108 is an input device, Reference numeral 109 denotes a control line, 110 denotes a communication interface of the photographing apparatus, and 111 denotes a timing device.
[0016]
Also, 201 is a control CPU of the printing apparatus, 202 is a memory for control processing of the printing apparatus, 203 is a printing unit, 204 is a communication interface of the printing apparatus, 205 is a data bus, and 206 is a control line of the CPU. The overall control of the system according to the present embodiment is mainly performed by the CPU unit 107.
[0017]
The control CPU 107 of the photographing apparatus is a CPU capable of executing a plurality of tasks, and has a work memory space necessary for each process. In this system, four tasks of photographing / printing / interrupting / resuming are executed in parallel by the control CPU 107 of the photographing apparatus. Each task sends and receives messages to and from each other.
[0018]
Hereinafter, processing contents of each task will be described.
"Shooting Task"
A method for performing the photographing operation by independently operating the photographing apparatus in the image printing system of the present embodiment will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The photographing operation is performed when the control CPU 107 of the photographing apparatus executes the photographing task of FIG.
[0019]
In the first step S101, the imaging system is powered by a detachable battery. When the power supply is started, the control CPU 107 of the photographing apparatus activates the photographing operation program task.
[0020]
Next, in step S102, the user of the system issues a shooting command to the control CPU 107 of the shooting apparatus through the input device 108, so that the system starts a shooting operation.
Next, in step S103, it is confirmed whether printing is performed by the photographing system.
[0021]
As a result of the confirmation, if printing is being performed, the process proceeds to step S110 to perform printing interruption processing. The interruption process will be described later. If the result of determination in step S203 is that printing has not been performed, processing proceeds to step S104 where an image is stored in the image memory 103.
[0022]
However, if the shooting command in step S102 is a timer shooting command, the interruption process is not immediately performed. The timer shooting command can be issued to the control CPU 107 of the shooting device through the input device 108 by the user in the same way as a normal shooting command.
[0023]
When a timer shooting command is issued, shooting is performed after 10 minutes have elapsed since the command was issued. The control CPU 107 of the photographing apparatus performs a time measuring operation from the output of the connected time measuring device 111, and shifts to an interruption process after 9 minutes have passed since the command was issued. When the interruption is performed, a printing interruption message is transmitted from a printing task (described later), so that the control CPU 107 of the photographing apparatus can know the interruption of printing.
[0024]
Next, in step S104, the photographing apparatus starts photographing. The shooting task sends a shooting start message print start message. The imaging apparatus captures a digital image with an imaging unit 101 including an imaging element, an optical lens group, an electronic aperture, and electronic focusing means, and a control unit 102 that controls the imaging unit 101.
[0025]
All control of the photographing apparatus is performed by the control CPU 107 of the photographing apparatus. The control CPU 107 of the photographing apparatus has a predetermined control program inside and controls units connected by the control line 109.
[0026]
The control CPU 107 of the imaging apparatus controls the control unit 102 via the control line 109 to control the electronic aperture / electronic focusing means provided in the imaging unit 101. The control CPU 107 of the photographing apparatus controls the control unit 102, and the photographed image data is stored in the image memory 103 connected to the control unit 102 via the data bus 106. The memory space of the image memory 103 at this time is shown in FIG.
[0027]
When the power supply to the photographing apparatus is lost, the image stored in the image memory 103 is deleted. The area where the control CPU 107 of the photographing apparatus stores the image data in the image memory 103 is fixed, and the previously photographed data is overwritten.
[0028]
In step S105, the control CPU 107 of the photographing apparatus processes the image data stored in the image memory 103 according to a predetermined program, and compresses the data size. Data obtained by performing image processing / compression on image data (before processing) is image data (after processing / compression) in FIG. The data size of image data (after compression / processing) is always smaller than that of image data (before processing). At this time, if there is a history of performing the interruption processing step S110, the compressed image data is written over the print data area remaining on the image memory. With this operation, it is possible to perform a shooting operation by effectively utilizing the image memory capacity.
[0029]
Next, in step S106, the control CPU 107 of the photographing apparatus stores the image data (after compression / processing) compressed in step S104 in the flash memory card 104. The flash memory card 104 is detachably attached to the photographing apparatus.
[0030]
In any case, the contents of the flash memory card 104 are retained when the supply of power to the imaging apparatus is stopped or removed from the imaging apparatus. As shown in FIG. 5, the image data (after compression and processing) is stored in the flash memory card 104 in the order in which the image data was taken. When image data (after processing and compression) is stored in the flash memory card 104, the shooting task transmits a shooting end message to each task.
[0031]
In step S107, when shooting is completed, the control CPU 107 of the shooting apparatus displays on the color liquid crystal display device 105 that shooting has ended.
[0032]
Next, in step S108, the control CPU 107 of the photographing apparatus checks the free space of the flash memory card 104, and if there is not enough free space necessary for the next photographing, the process proceeds to step S109 and displays that there is no remaining capacity. To end the shooting operation.
[0033]
When the flash memory card 104 has free space, the control CPU 107 of the photographing apparatus checks the state of the input device 108 in synchronization with the signal output every 300 msec generated by the connected timing device 111. By this check, the control CPU 107 of the photographing apparatus waits until the next photographing is instructed by the input device 108.
[0034]
The timing device 111 has a real-time clock function therein, and the control CPU 107 of the photographing apparatus can obtain time data indicating the current time from the timing device 111. The control CPU 107 of the photographing apparatus normally operates with a built-in program code, but the program code can be updated according to a user instruction from the input device 108. At this time, the program code to be updated is transferred from the flash memory card 104 to the control CPU 107 of the photographing apparatus.
[0035]
In step S109, as described above, when there is no free space in the flash memory card 104, the control CPU 107 of the photographing apparatus displays no remaining capacity on the color liquid crystal display device 105 and ends the photographing operation. The user turns off the power of the photographing apparatus, replaces the flash memory card 104 with a new one having free space, and turns on the power again. This makes it possible to shoot again.
[0036]
"Print Task"
A procedure for performing the printing operation in the image printing system of the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
FIG. 3 shows processing of the print program task in this system. Also, FIG. 4 shows messages sent by each task when printing is interrupted and resumed.
[0037]
When the power is turned on, in the first step ST201, the control CPU 107 of the photographing apparatus activates a print program task and performs an initial process necessary for the print task process.
[0038]
Next, in step S202, the printing program confirms whether shooting is performed by the system. When shooting is being performed, the printing operation is not started.
[0039]
If the result of confirmation in step S202 is that photographing is not in progress, control proceeds to step S203, and the control CPU 107 of the photographing apparatus receives a print command issued by the user through the input device 108, and starts printing. Alternatively, printing is also started when a restart start message is received from a restart task (described later). However, if resumability is received, the process proceeds to step S212.
[0040]
Next, in step S204, the control CPU 107 of the photographing apparatus communicates with the printing apparatus to check whether communication is normally performed. At this time, a signal is transmitted from the communication interface CIF (C010). The imaging unit 101 that controls the printing apparatus replies to the received signal from the control CPU 107 of the photographing apparatus through the communication interface 204 (P004) of the communication interface printing apparatus according to a predetermined program.
[0041]
The control CPU 201 of the printing apparatus has a work memory and a pre-written program code inside, and can perform processing independently regardless of the instruction of the control CPU 107 of the photographing apparatus. Here, the control CPU 201 of the printing apparatus checks the remaining ink capacity of the printing apparatus, the number of remaining sheets, and the like, and then returns whether printing is possible to the control CPU 107 of the photographing apparatus.
[0042]
Thereby, the control CPU 107 of the photographing apparatus can confirm whether the printing apparatus can be used normally. If printing cannot be started, the process proceeds to step S211. Here, this task sends a print start message.
[0043]
Next, in step S205, as shown in FIG. 6, the control CPU 107 of the photographing apparatus reads image data to be printed from the flash memory card 104 and copies it onto the image memory 103. In this embodiment, an example in which all image data on the flash memory card 104 is printed will be described. However, the user may actually select image data to be printed.
[0044]
Next, in step S206, as shown in FIG. 6, the control CPU 107 of the photographing apparatus reads out in step S205. image data (After compression and processing) is converted into data printing data that can be appropriately processed by the printing apparatus.
[0045]
In step S 207, the printing data expanded in the image memory 103 is transmitted to the printing apparatus 200 through the communication interface 110. The control CPU 107 of the photographing apparatus always manages print data read pointer print data in the image memory 103 memory space.
[0046]
The control CPU 201 of the printing apparatus receives printing data through the communication interface 204 of the printing apparatus. The control CPU 201 of the printing apparatus performs a printing operation by controlling devices connected by the data bus 205 and the control line 206 of the CPU.
[0047]
The print data received from the communication interface 204 of the printing apparatus is once expanded in the control processing memory 202 of the printing apparatus via the data bus 205, and is sent to the printing unit 203 after performing a predetermined process.
[0048]
The printing unit 203 prints the received print data on printing paper. The control CPU 201 of the printing apparatus controls all detection of printing paper, paper feeding, ink maintenance, and the like.
[0049]
Next, in step S208, the control CPU 107 of the photographing apparatus transmits the data and control signal obtained in step S207 to the control CPU 201 of the printing apparatus, and the color liquid crystal display apparatus 105 displays to the user that printing is in progress. .
[0050]
Next, the process proceeds to step S209, and in the case of interruption during printing, the control CPU 107 of the photographing apparatus activates an interruption task. Details of the suspended task will be described later. The control CPU 107 of the photographing apparatus interrupts in the following cases.
[0051]
1) Disconnection of communication: The control CPU 107 of the photographing apparatus and the control CPU 201 of the printing apparatus communicate with each other through the communication interface 110 of the photographing apparatus and the communication interface 204 of the printing apparatus. When communication is disconnected due to some cause, the control CPU 107 of the image capturing apparatus can know the communication disconnection through the control line control line 109 connected to the communication interface 110 of the image capturing apparatus.
[0052]
2) Interruption request from the control CPU 201 of the printing apparatus: The control CPU 201 of the printing apparatus issues an interruption request to the control CPU 107 of the photographing apparatus through the CIF and the communication interface 204 of the printing apparatus in response to a preset state of the printing apparatus. be able to. An interruption request is issued when the consumables such as paper and ink used by the printing apparatus have run out.
[0053]
3) User interruption request: This system user can use the input device 108 to issue a print interruption request to the control CPU 107 of the photographing apparatus.
[0054]
4) Interruption request by photographing: When the user tries to photograph while the system is printing, the control CPU 107 of the photographing apparatus interrupts printing. When a shooting operation is performed, a print start message is transmitted by the shooting task. When this message is received, the print task interrupts printing.
[0055]
The control CPU 107 of the photographing apparatus obtains the interruption factor as a value corresponding to the above condition. The interruption factor is stored in the built-in memory of the control CPU 107 of the photographing apparatus until the next content is updated.
[0056]
Next, in step S210, it is determined whether printing has been completed. When printing is completed as a result of this determination, the control CPU 107 of the photographing apparatus ends the printing task. If the result of the determination is that printing has not ended, the process returns to step S208 and the above-described processing is repeated.
[0057]
When the process proceeds to step S211, the control CPU 107 of the photographing apparatus displays on the color liquid crystal display device 105 that printing cannot be started and notifies the user.
[0058]
If the process proceeds to step S212, it is determined whether the message cannot be restarted. If the message is not restartable, the printing operation is terminated.
[0059]
If the process proceeds from step S209 to step S213, printing is interrupted. The print task sends a print interruption message.
[0060]
"Suspended Task"
In step S209 described above, when printing interruption is requested, the control CPU 107 of the photographing apparatus executes an interruption processing task. The processing procedure of the interruption processing task will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
[0061]
First, in the first step S301, the control CPU 107 of the photographing apparatus performs initial processing necessary for task processing.
[0062]
Next, in step S302, the control CPU 107 of the photographing apparatus displays the interruption of printing on the color liquid crystal display device 105, reads out the interruption factor interruption factor stored in the above-described step S209, and displays it together. The user can know the cause of interruption of printing by viewing the indication of the cause of interruption.
[0063]
Next, in step S303, the control CPU 107 of the photographing apparatus saves the interruption factor again in the internal work memory of the control CPU 107 of the photographing apparatus.
[0064]
In step S304, the control CPU 107 of the photographing apparatus stores the data number of the image file currently being printed and the spool data read pointer in the internal work memory.
[0065]
In the case of interruption due to disconnection of communication, the control CPU 107 of the photographing apparatus communicates with the control CPU 201 of the printing apparatus, and stores the image data number being printed and the pointer for reading spool data in the internal memory of the control CPU 201 of the printing apparatus.
[0066]
Further, the control CPU 107 of the photographing apparatus reads the current time data from the timing device 111 and stores it in the control CPU 201 of the printing apparatus as time data indicating when printing is interrupted.
[0067]
Here, the control CPU 107 of the photographing apparatus transmits an interruption task end message and activates a print resumption task. Details of the print restart task will be described below. The control CPU 107 of the photographing apparatus ends the interruption task.
[0068]
"Resume Task"
The processing procedure of the print restart task will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
[0069]
First, in the first step S401, the control CPU 107 of the photographing apparatus activates a print resumption task at the end of the interruption task.
Next, in step S402, the control CPU 107 of the photographing apparatus reads the interruption factor. At the same time, the print interruption time data stored in step S304 is also read.
[0070]
In step S403, the control CPU 107 of the photographing apparatus confirms whether printing can be resumed according to the interruption factor read in step S402. If the restart is not possible, the system status is periodically checked using the time measuring device 111. The restart conditions are described below.
[0071]
1) When printing is interrupted due to disconnection of communication: The control CPU 107 of the photographing apparatus periodically checks the communication interface 110 of the photographing apparatus using the time measuring device 111 and waits until communication is resumed.
[0072]
2) When printing is interrupted due to an interruption request from the control CPU 201 of the printing apparatus: The control CPU 107 of the photographing apparatus periodically checks the control CPU 201 of the printing apparatus using the timing device 111 and waits until printing is possible.
[0073]
3) When printing is interrupted due to an interruption request by the user: The control CPU 107 of the photographing apparatus periodically checks the input device 108 using the time measuring device 111 and waits until the user instructs resumption.
[0074]
4) When printing is interrupted due to an interruption request due to photographing: The control CPU 107 of the photographing apparatus checks whether photographing has been completed, and further waits until a predetermined time elapses using the time measuring device 111.
[0075]
Here, the time that the control CPU 107 of the photographing apparatus waits is programmed in advance, and can be changed by the user using the input device 108. With this function, it is possible to resume printing promptly after completion without interfering with continuous shooting operations by the user.
[0076]
In step S404, the control CPU 107 of the photographing apparatus reads the image data number being printed and the spool data reading pointer held in the internal memory as print progress data at the time of printing interruption.
[0077]
In step S405, the control CPU 107 of the photographing apparatus analyzes whether printing can be resumed. When printing is interrupted due to communication disconnection, the following checks are required.
[0078]
That is, the control CPU 107 of the photographing apparatus communicates with the control CPU 201 of the printing apparatus through the communication interface 110 of the photographing apparatus, and reads the image data number being printed and the spool data reading pointer stored in the control CPU 201 of the printing apparatus.
[0079]
The data read from the control CPU 201 of the printing apparatus is compared with the image data number being printed and the spool data reading pointer read in step S404. If they do not match, the control CPU 107 of the photographing apparatus does not resume printing because it is considered that another photographing apparatus has performed printing while communication is disconnected.
[0080]
In this case, the process of step S406 is performed. When resuming, the process of step S407 is performed. At this time, even when the connected printing apparatus cannot be used in the present system or when the individual recognition is different from the printing apparatus connected when the printing is interrupted, the printing is not resumed.
[0081]
In step S406, a restart error message is transmitted to another task. When the print task receives a non-resumable message, the print task is terminated.
In the process of step S407, the control CPU 107 of the photographing apparatus displays on the color liquid crystal display device 105 "Can you restart?" Asking for the user's permission, and waits for input from the input device 108.
[0082]
At the same time, the printing interruption time obtained in step S402 and the current time obtained from the timing device 111 are subtracted, and the elapsed time after the interruption is displayed on the color liquid crystal display device 105. If a long time has elapsed compared to the current time, problems such as drying of the ink in the printing apparatus may be considered, and this point is alerted to the user.
[0083]
If the user gives permission to print by the input device 108, the process proceeds to step S408. If permission cannot be obtained, the process returns to step S403, and permission is requested after a predetermined time has elapsed.
[0084]
In step S408, a restart message is transmitted. The print task suspends printing when it receives a print start message, but resumes printing when it receives a restart start.
[0085]
(Another embodiment of the present invention)
The present invention may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices (for example, a host computer, an interface device, a reader, a printer, etc.) or an apparatus composed of one device.
[0086]
In addition, for operating various devices so as to realize the functions of the above-described embodiments, for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments for an apparatus or a computer in the system connected to the various devices. Implementations by supplying software program codes and operating the various devices in accordance with programs stored in a computer (CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus are also included in the scope of the present invention.
[0087]
In this case, the program code itself of the software realizes the functions of the above-described embodiment, and the program code itself and means for supplying the program code to the computer, for example, the program code are stored. This storage medium constitutes the present invention. As a storage medium for storing the program code, for example, a floppy disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card, a ROM, or the like can be used.
[0088]
Further, by executing the program code supplied by the computer, not only the functions described in the above-described embodiments are realized, but also the OS (operating system) or other operating system in which the program code is running on the computer. It goes without saying that the program code is also included in the embodiment of the present invention even when the functions described in the above-described embodiment are realized in cooperation with application software or the like.
[0089]
Further, after the supplied program code is stored in the memory provided in the function expansion board of the computer or the function expansion unit connected to the computer, the CPU provided in the function expansion board or function expansion unit based on the instruction of the program code The present invention also includes a case where the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized by performing part or all of the actual processing.
[0090]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, according to the present invention, when a photographing operation is performed while a printing operation is being performed, printing can be automatically paused, and the photographing apparatus can be operated alone. It is possible to realize the same feeling of use as when making it happen. This eliminates as much as possible the possibility of missing a shooting opportunity even during printing.
In addition, according to another feature of the present invention, it is possible to resume the printing work that has been interrupted after the photographing is completed without wasting the printing work that has already been performed until the printing is stopped.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a system configuration according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a photographing operation.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a printing operation.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a message between tasks when printing is interrupted / resumed.
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a state in which image data is stored from an image memory to a flash memory card.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing how image data stored in a flash memory card is read out to an image memory.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of an interrupt task.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an operation of a restart task.
[Explanation of symbols]
101 Imaging unit
102 Control unit
103 Image memory
104 flash memory card
105 color liquid crystal display device
106 data bus
107 Control CPU of photographing apparatus
108 Input device
109 CPU control line
110 Communication interface of imaging device
111 timing device
201 Control CPU of printing apparatus
202 Memory for control processing of printing apparatus
203 Printing unit
204 Communication interface of printing device
205 Data bus
206 CPU control line

Claims (14)

An image processing unit, an image processing unit that performs image processing on image data captured by the image capturing unit, and temporarily stores image data after image processing in an image memory; and an image that has undergone image processing by the image processing unit Recording means for recording data on a detachable recording medium, image data to be printed is read from the recording medium, temporarily stored in the image memory, and the image data stored in the image memory is used as printing data. Conversion means for converting and storing in the image memory, communication means for transmitting and receiving data between the printing device for printing the printing data stored in the image memory, and printing the image by the printing device An image pickup apparatus having a print pause means for temporarily stopping the print process when a shooting instruction is input while the print process is being executed, and the image pickup An image printing system comprising a print device connected by location and communication means,
When the printing process is temporarily stopped, the image processing unit captures image data after being imaged according to the shooting instruction and performs image processing, and an area of the image memory in which the printing data is recorded. An image printing system characterized by being overwritten and stored. Imaging means;
Image processing means for performing image processing on the image data picked up by the image pickup means, and temporarily storing the image data after the image processing in an image memory;
Recording means for recording image data subjected to image processing by the image processing means on a removable recording medium;
Conversion means for reading out image data to be printed from the recording medium and temporarily storing the image data in the image memory, converting the image data stored in the image memory into print data, and storing the data in the image memory;
Communication means for transmitting and receiving data to and from a printing apparatus that prints the printing data stored in the image memory;
Printing pause means for pausing the printing process when a shooting instruction is input when a printing process for printing an image is being executed by the printing apparatus;
When the printing process is temporarily stopped, the image processing unit captures image data after being imaged and processed according to the shooting instruction, and an area of the image memory in which the printing data is recorded. An imaging device characterized by being overwritten and stored.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising: a print progress state recording unit that records print work data indicating a progress state of the print work when the print processing is temporarily stopped.   First medium means and removable second memory means as a medium for recording image data photographed by the imaging means, and printing after the photographed image data is recorded in the second memory means. The imaging apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the imaging apparatus restarts.   5. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 4, wherein printing is resumed after elapse of a preset time after the last recorded photographic image data in the second memory means.   6. The input device according to claim 2, further comprising: an input device that allows a user to input to resume printing of the image that has been paused when the printing device resumes printing. The imaging device described in 1.   7. The print job is resumed by using print job data indicating the progress of the print job recorded in the print progress status recording means when the print job is paused. The imaging device according to item. Print work data recording means for recording print work data indicating a progress state of the print work when printing by the printing apparatus is suspended;
A printing work data comparison and collation means for comparing and collating the printing work data recording means and the printing work data recorded in the printing apparatus;
The image pickup apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising: a print restart determination unit that determines whether to restart printing based on a result of the print work data comparison and collation unit.   When a shooting operation is performed after a preset first predetermined time has elapsed after a shooting command is issued by the system user, printing is stopped until a second predetermined time equal to or shorter than the first predetermined time elapses. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a print cancel unit.   The printing stop time recording means for recording time data when printing is paused when printing work by the printing apparatus is paused is provided. The imaging device described.   3. An elapsed time display means for displaying, for a user, an elapsed time from when printing is paused to when the printing operation that has been paused is resumed. The imaging device according to any one of 10. An image processing unit, an image processing unit that performs image processing on image data captured by the image capturing unit, and temporarily stores image data after image processing in an image memory; and an image that has undergone image processing by the image processing unit Recording means for recording data on a detachable recording medium, image data to be printed is read from the recording medium, temporarily stored in the image memory, and the image data stored in the image memory is used as printing data. Conversion means for converting and storing in the image memory, communication means for transmitting and receiving data between the printing device for printing the printing data stored in the image memory, and printing the image by the printing device An image pickup apparatus having a print pause means for temporarily stopping the print process when a shooting instruction is input while the print process is being executed, and the image pickup A method of controlling a composed image printing system by the printing apparatus connected by location and communication means,
When the printing process is paused, the image data that has been picked up according to the shooting instruction and subjected to the image processing is overwritten and stored in the area of the image memory in which the printing data is recorded. A control method for an image printing system, characterized in that the image processing means is controlled. Imaging means;
Image processing means for performing image processing on the image data picked up by the image pickup means, and temporarily storing the image data after the image processing in an image memory;
Recording means for recording image data subjected to image processing by the image processing means on a removable recording medium;
Conversion means for reading out image data to be printed from the recording medium and temporarily storing the image data in the image memory, converting the image data stored in the image memory into print data, and storing the data in the image memory;
Communication means for transmitting and receiving data to and from a printing apparatus that prints the printing data stored in the image memory;
A method for controlling an imaging apparatus, comprising: a printing pause unit that pauses the printing process when a shooting instruction is input when a printing process for printing an image is being performed by the printing apparatus. ,
When the printing process is paused, the image data that has been picked up according to the shooting instruction and subjected to the image processing is overwritten and stored in the area of the image memory in which the printing data is recorded. A method for controlling an image pickup apparatus, comprising controlling the image processing means.   A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for causing a computer to execute each process of the control method according to claim 12 or 13.

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