JP4918945B2 - Image display device, image display method, and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image display device, an image display method, and a program for quickly switching images when a low-resolution image and a high-resolution image are sequentially displayed on a screen of a display unit.

  Generally, images taken with a digital camera are stored in a memory card. As a printer for printing this image, there is known a printer that has a card slot for inserting a memory card in its main body, and can directly read image data from a memory card inserted in the card slot and print it without passing through a personal computer. Some printers of this type have a function that allows a user to specify an image to be printed and the number of copies or create a print image by specifying a layout by operating an operation key while viewing the liquid crystal screen on the operation panel. .

  Also, some printers of this type are equipped with a monitor (color liquid crystal), so that the print image can be previewed on the monitor screen, and the print image can be checked in advance before printing without a personal computer. .

  In recent years, some digital cameras have a function of storing, in a memory card, print attribute information including the number of printed sheets, paper size, layout information, and the like in addition to photographed image data. The print image set in this type of memory card can also be confirmed on the printer monitor. When a print image number is selected on the operation panel, the printer reads image data and print attribute information corresponding to the print image number from the memory card, generates print image data based on the read data, and displays the monitor screen. To display the print image.

  For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a method of first displaying a low-resolution image obtained by thinning data from an original high-resolution image called a thumbnail image first and then displaying a high-resolution image in an image display device of a digital camera. It has been.

FIG. 11 shows a flowchart of the image display process described in Patent Document 1. First, the thumbnail image of the nth frame is read out from a memory such as an IC card (S501). Next, tone correction and image enlargement processing such as γ correction are performed (S502), and the thumbnail image is displayed on the LCD display unit. It is displayed (S503). The processing time so far is 0.5 seconds. Subsequently, after waiting for 0.5 second (S504), the ON / OFF state of the UP switch of the operation switch (S505) and the ON / OFF state of the DOWN switch (S507) are displayed during the display processing of the nth frame thumbnail image. Determined.
If the UP switch is on, the number of frames is increased by one, and the (n + 1) -th frame image processing is entered (S506). If the DOWN switch is on, the number of frames is decreased by one, and (n-1) frames. The eye image processing is started (S508). If the operation switch is off, high-resolution image reading (S509), image expansion and γ correction are performed (S510), and the n-th frame high-resolution image is displayed (S512). In this method, although the resolution is relatively short, the thumbnail images are displayed and the images can be easily selected.

JP-A-10-79913 (pages 11-14, FIGS. 31, 32)

  By the way, according to the technique of Patent Document 1, although a low-resolution thumbnail image is displayed in advance before displaying the main image, it takes about 0.5 seconds to display the thumbnail image and a waiting time of 0.5 seconds. It was set (total 1 second). For this reason, even if this image display method is applied to an image display device that displays a print image in a printer, if the user wants to check a print image, for example, 50 pages ahead by continuously operating the operation switch, the target print image is displayed. There is a problem that it takes about 50 seconds to reach. Some memory cards can store hundreds of image data in recent years, and it takes a long time to select an image from a very large number of images. was there. In addition, since the confirmation of whether or not the operation switch is operated is performed after a waiting time of 0.5 seconds, the time required for display until the high-resolution image is completely displayed when the operation switch is stopped is 0. It was supposed to be delayed by a waiting time of 5 seconds.

The present invention was made in view of the problems described above, and its object is to switch the images one after another, can arrive quickly to the desired image, yet it is possible to perform image processing efficiently An image display apparatus, an image display method, and a program are provided.

In order to achieve the above object, in the present invention, when an instruction to display a first image is input, the image display device starts a display of the specified image on the screen of the display means. a display processing means for processing, and the operation manual stage receiving by said display processing means is operated to instruct to switch the image to be processed from the first image to the second image, the operation manual stage is operated When the instruction is received, the display processing means starts the display processing of the first image, and the display processing even if the display processing of the first image is halfway according to the elapse of a set time. comprising a switching means for switching the display processing by unit to the second image, and a setting unit to set shorter setting time than operation time of the operation means is longer than the predetermined value is less than the predetermined value The The gist of the door.

According to the present invention, when an instruction to display an image is input, the display processing means performs a first image display process and starts displaying the instructed image on the screen of the display means. On the other hand, when the operation means is operated to accept an instruction to switch the image to be processed by the display processing means from the first image to the second image, the switching means causes the display processing means to change the first image. The display processing means switches to the second image display process even if the first image display process is in progress during the first image display process before the set time elapses. Therefore, among the operation manual stage continues receiving the instruction, switches the image to the display processing means and processed before the set time. At this time, when the operation time of the operation means is longer than the predetermined value, the set time is set shorter than when the operation time is shorter than the predetermined value, and the time interval for switching to the next image is shortened. Therefore, a desired image can be reached quickly.

In the present invention, when an instruction to display the first image is input , the image display device performs a first image display process for starting display of the specified image on the screen of the display unit. Means, an operation means that receives an instruction to switch an image to be processed by the display processing means from a first image to a second image, and an instruction that is received by operating the operation means The display processing means starts the display processing of the first image, and the display processing by the display processing means is performed in the middle of the display processing of the first image according to the elapse of a set time. and switching means for switching the second image to detect the data size before Symbol image, setting means for setting a value corresponding to the detected data size of the set time, the gist that you provided with. According to the present invention, since the set time is set to a value according to the data size of the image data, for example, when it is desired to switch to the second image after the first image is once displayed on the screen. The first image can be reliably displayed on the screen regardless of the data size of the image data.

In the present invention the is found, the display processing unit performs the layout image display processing to start display of the layout image showing the allocation position of the print medium of the designated image, continuously to the end of the layout image display processing the first image display process starts Te, said switching means, when the operating hand stage receives an instruction by being operated, the first image display processing after the end of the layout image display processing The gist is to interrupt. According to the present invention, since the layout image of the instructed image is displayed, the layout position of the image when printing on the printing medium can be confirmed by looking at the layout image displayed on the screen. If the instruction means continues to accept instructions, at least the layout image can be confirmed. Therefore, it is possible to display a desired image at an early stage by checking the layout image and increasing the image switching speed.

In the image display method of the present invention, when an instruction to display the first image is input by operating the operation means, the first image display processing for starting the display of the indicated image on the screen of the display means is performed. A display processing procedure to be performed, and when the operation time of the operation means is longer than a predetermined value, the set time is set shorter than the case where the operation time is shorter than the predetermined value or the data size of the instructed first image is detected, a setting procedure for setting the set time to a value corresponding to the detected data size, when the operating unit receives the instructions, the set time the start of the display processing of the first image in the display procedure depending on the course, and summarized in that a display process by the first of the display processing procedure also display process is in the middle of the image and a switching procedure for switching from the first image to the second image That. According to this invention, the same effect as that of the invention described in claim 1 or 2 can be obtained.

The present invention is a program for causing a computer to execute an image display process for displaying an image on a screen of a display unit. When an instruction to display a first image is input to the computer by operating the operation unit , A display processing stage for performing first image display processing for starting display of the instructed image on the screen of the display means, and when the operation time of the operation means is longer than a predetermined value, it is set as compared with a case where the operation time is shorter than the predetermined value detects the data size of the time is set shorter or indicated the first image, and setting step of setting a set time to a value corresponding to the detected data size, the operating unit receives the instructions case, the display processing in accordance with the elapse of to the set time starts the display processing of the first image in step, the display processing of the first image in the display processing step There is summarized in that to execute the steps switched to switch to the second image an image to be display processing is the instruction even in the middle. According to this invention, the same effect as that of the invention described in claim 1 or 2 can be obtained.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the printer according to the first embodiment. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a preview display system. The electrical block diagram of a printer. Memory map of the memory card. Explanatory drawing of the preview display process of a printed image. The flowchart which shows UI task. The flowchart which shows a monitor display task. 6 is a flowchart showing a procedure of print image preview display processing. A time chart explaining processing of three tasks. The flowchart which shows the monitor display task in 2nd Embodiment. 10 is a flowchart for explaining conventional image display processing.

Hereinafter, an embodiment in which the present invention is embodied in a printer display control apparatus will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the printer 1. The printer 1 is an ink jet printer and includes an operation panel 3 on the upper right side of the main body 2. On the back side of the main body 2, a sheet feeder 5 and a roll paper support unit 6 of the automatic paper feeder 4 are provided, and a cut sheet set in the sheet feeder 5 or a roll paper set in the roll paper support unit 6 is provided. Paper is fed into the main body 2. Below the cover 7 provided in the center of the main body 2, a printing mechanism, which will be described later, is mounted. A sheet 8 as a printing medium printed by the operation of the printing mechanism is discharged from a discharge port 9 at the lower front side of the main body 2. The

  The operation panel 3 includes a display device 11 having a setting screen 10 and an operation unit 12 including a plurality of operation switches (operation keys). The setting screen 10 is a monochrome liquid crystal. For example, a menu screen for manually selecting a paper type (cut sheet or roll paper), paper size (A4, etc.), layout, photo selection, number of prints, etc. is displayed in monochrome. The operation unit 12 is provided with a power switch 13a for turning on the printer 1, a maintenance switch 13b that is pressed when an error occurs, and a roll paper switch 13c that is pressed when operating the roll paper. .

  The printer 1 has a reader 15 having a card slot 16 for inserting a memory card 14 for a digital camera, and can print an image read from the memory card 14 without being connected to a host computer (PC). It is a stand-alone type. A plurality of types of memory cards 14 (for example, compact flash (R), smart media (R), memory stick (R), etc.) are used depending on the form (shape, terminal location, etc.). In the slot 16 of the reading device 15, a plurality of types of memory cards 14 having different forms can be inserted without an adapter.

  A display device (hereinafter referred to as a monitor) 17 as a display means is attached to the upper part of the main body 2 of the printer 1, and an image read from the memory card 14 is displayed on the screen 18. In the stand-alone printer 1, an image stored in the memory card 14 is selected on the operation panel 3, a layout (assignment position) or the like is set as necessary, and a print image is completed. By displaying the preview on the screen 18, image confirmation and print layout confirmation can be performed before printing. In some cases, setting information such as a layout necessary for generating a print image is already recorded on the memory card 14 together with image data.

  FIG. 3 is an electrical configuration diagram of the printer 1. In the operation panel 3, the operation unit 12 is provided with a print start switch 19, a cancel switch 20, an upper switch 21, a lower switch 22, a determination switch 23, and a return switch 24 in addition to the switches 13 a to 13 c. The print start switch 19 is pressed when printing of a print image is started, and the cancel switch 20 is input contents (selection items, numerical values, etc.) on the setting screen 10 when canceling printing being executed or in a non-printing state. ) Is pressed when destroying.

  The upper switch 21 and the lower switch 22 are operated to move the cursor when selecting a menu or various setting items on the setting screen 10 or increase / decrease a numerical value to be input. For example, when the upper switch 21 is pressed, the cursor is moved. When the cursor is moved upward and the lower switch 22 is pressed, the cursor moves downward. For example, the switches 21 and 22 are used to select an image number of an image to be laid out for preview display on the screen 18 when setting a layout for arranging an image to be printed on one sheet (page). Further, after designating an image layout and creating a print image (print state image) and storing the layout information (allocation position information) in a memory card, for example, a print image to be displayed as a preview on the screen 18 is selected. The switches 21 and 22 are also used for selecting a print image number required at this time. The upper switch and the lower switch are collectively referred to as selection switches 21 and 22.

  The decision switch 23 is pressed when the display of the setting screen 10 is advanced to the next screen or when the setting content input on the setting screen 10 is confirmed. For example, after the print image number is selected, when the selected print image is displayed on the screen 18 as a preview, “Preview” is selected from the menu items on the setting screen 10 and the decision switch 23 is operated (pressed) to be confirmed. The return switch 24 is pressed when returning the setting screen 10 to the initial screen or when returning the display of the setting screen 10 to the previous screen. In this embodiment, the selection switches 21 and 22 constitute instruction means and operation means. Of course, other switches may constitute the instruction means and the operation means.

  The printer 1 includes a CPU 25, a ROM 27, a RAM 28, a flash memory (EEPROM) 29, and an ASIC (Application Specific IC) 30 connected to the CPU 25 via a bus 26. The ROM 27 stores a control program executed by the CPU 25, menu display data for displaying the menu screen on the setting screen 10, and the like. Here, the control program includes a display control program for performing display control of the setting screen 10 of the operation panel 3 and the monitor 17. The RAM 28 stores print data received from a host computer (PC) and various data generated in a print processing process in which image data read from the memory card 14 is converted into print data. Further, the RAM 28 temporarily stores image data read from the memory card 14 for displaying on the screen 18 a preview screen for confirming the print image and layout before printing. Although the RAM 28 is depicted as one block in the figure, it is actually composed of a plurality of RAM parts, one of which is a RAM area for storing image data for displaying an image on the screen 18 (this is shown in FIG. Used as screen memory).

  The CPU 25 is connected to a user interface (UI) board 31 that controls the operation panel 3, and performs display control of the setting screen 10 through the UI board 31 by executing a control program in the ROM 27. The CPU 25 executes various processes (print condition setting process, print process, image display process, etc.) based on operation signals input from the various operation switches 13a to 13c and 19 to 24. For example, by operating the various operation switches 21 to 24 on the menu screen of the setting screen 10 to select and confirm the menu item and its lower items, various printing conditions such as the layout and the number of prints are set. For example, a plurality of preset print images (pages) can be displayed in preview on the screen 18 in order, and when the print start switch 19 is pressed after confirming the print image on the preview screen, the set print conditions are set. A printing process based on the information is executed.

  The ASIC 30 executes print control based on a control signal from the CPU 25 and print data, and includes a print control unit 32 and an image processing unit 33 in this example. The image processing unit 33 performs a conversion process from RGB data to CMYK data on the image data read from the memory card 14 when the image data of the memory card 14 is printed. In this example, the CPU 25 takes charge of part of the image processing by software processing. That is, the image processing unit 33 and the CPU 25 perform resolution conversion processing, color conversion processing, halftone processing, and interlace processing (Micro Weave processing) for rearranging the ink dot data of each color in consideration of the dot formation order. Executed.

  On the other hand, the print control unit 32 performs carriage control and head control (ink ejection control) based on print data received from the host computer (PC) by the printer 1 or print data converted from image data by the image processing unit 33. Execute. The print control unit 32 is a processing circuit that drives and controls a printing mechanism in an ink jet printer, and includes a recording head (for example, a piezoelectric head) 34, a carriage motor 35, a paper feed motor 36, and a roll paper drive. It is electrically connected to the motor 37 and the like.

  The printer 1 includes a monitor control unit 38 that controls display of the monitor 17. The monitor control unit 38 is connected to the bus 26 on the input side and to the monitor 17 on the output side. The reading device 15 is connected to the bus 26 via an interface (I / F) 39. The monitor control unit 38 displays the print image on the monitor 17 with a predetermined layout based on the image data read by the reading device 15 and print attribute information described later. The CPU 25 and the monitor control unit 38 constitute display processing means.

  In this example, a print image can be created by making detailed settings such as image selection and layout selection using the menu on the setting screen 10. A predetermined layout frequently used by the user is stored in the printer 1 as a default in advance. The layout information (allocation position information) of the print image set by the printer 1 is stored in the flash memory 29 as print attribute information (print accessory information) together with various setting information such as the number of prints and paper settings. In addition, some digital cameras have a function of setting (print setting) a selection of an image to be printed and a layout, and the memory card 14 when the print setting is performed with this type of digital camera is photographed. Image data and print attribute information including layout information are stored. When the print image is displayed on the screen 18 as a preview, the CPU 25 executes predetermined task processing to generate print image display data from the image data acquired from the memory card 14 or the ROM 27 and the print attribute information, and print the print image display data. Image display data is stored in the screen memory 28.

  FIG. 2 shows a schematic configuration of the preview processing system. In the figure, a rectangular frame indicates a hardware part, and an elliptical frame indicates a software part. As a software part, a switch monitor task (hereinafter referred to as SW monitor task) 40, a UI (user interface) task 41, a monitor display task 42, and a file system 43 are provided.

  The SW monitor task 40 is configured to detect SW depression at every set time. When the selection switches 21 and 22 are continuously operated, SW depression is detected every set time. When the SW monitor task 40 detects SW depression, it sends a switch notification (hereinafter referred to as SW notification) to the UI task 41.

  The UI task 41 manages user requests through the operation unit (panel switch) 12 of the operation panel 13. That is, the UI task 41 is activated when an SW notification due to the operation of the operation unit (panel SW) 12 is received from the SW monitor task 40, and performs a predetermined task (for example, a monitor display task) corresponding to the operated switch. It manages SW notification and management between tasks by starting or stopping. For example, if the SW notification is an SW notification notifying that a switch operated when displaying an image on the monitor 17 is pressed, the UI task 41 notifies the monitor display task 42 of a display request message (Msg).

  On the other hand, the monitor display task 42 is activated when a display request message (Msg) is received from the UI task 41, reads the print image file requested for display via the file system 43, and displays the print image on the monitor 17 as a preview. Perform monitor display processing. Here, the file system 43 controls reading of an image file from the memory card 14 and reading of a group of files constituting printing attribute information from the memory card 14 or the ROM 27. The monitor display task 42 analyzes the contents of the format file read from the file system 43 to obtain layout information (allocation position information), generates layout image data based on the layout information, and stores it in the screen memory ( RAM) 28. Further, the monitor display task 42 generates print image data for displaying a print image based on the image data acquired from the image file, layout information, and the like, and writes this print image data in the screen memory 28. Then, the monitor display task 42 instructs the monitor control unit 38 to make a display request together with the data writing to the screen memory 28. When receiving the display request, the monitor control unit 38 reads the data written in the screen memory 28 and performs display processing for displaying the image on the screen 18 of the monitor 17. Here, the layout image data is image data for displaying the layout pattern LP. There are two types of print image data depending on the image resolution. The first image data for displaying all of the print images including the layout and thumbnail image (low resolution image) S, the layout and the main image (high resolution image). And second image data for displaying in detail all print images including P.

In the present embodiment, when an image is displayed as a preview, the layout pattern LP is displayed first so that the layout can be confirmed early, and then the thumbnail image S is displayed so that the image can be confirmed early, and the next image is displayed. The following processing method is adopted so that switching to can be performed smoothly.
(1-1) The layout pattern LP of the print image is first displayed on the screen 18 of the monitor 17 so that the user can quickly confirm the layout, and the thumbnail image S and the main image P having a relatively large data size are displayed later. To do.
(1-2) After the layout pattern LP is displayed, a thumbnail image S with a low resolution is first displayed as the detailed image.
(1-3) After displaying the thumbnail image S, the higher-resolution main image P is displayed.
(1-4) When the selection switch 21 (22) is continuously operated (pressed), every time the set time elapses from the start of image display or image switching, the next image to be displayed is displayed. Switch to an image.

In this embodiment, the low resolution image and the high resolution image are also displayed in the order of preview display for selecting an image when creating a print image. Also in this case, the following processing method is adopted so that the image can be switched smoothly.
(2-1) A low-resolution thumbnail image S is first displayed on the screen 18 of the monitor 17 so that the user can confirm the image at an early stage, and a high-resolution main image P having a relatively large data size is displayed later. To do.
(2-2) After displaying the thumbnail image S, the main image P having a higher resolution is displayed.
(2-3) When the selection switch 21 (22) is continuously operated (pressed), every time the set time elapses from the start of image display or image switching, the next image to be displayed is displayed. Switch to an image.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram for explaining print image preview processing.
For example, three images P1, P2, and P3 as shown on the right side in FIG. 5 are photographed, and registration for printing these three images P1, P2, and P3 on one sheet with the layout shown in FIG. Suppose that In this case, the memory card 14 stores layout information for designating image layout areas Z1, Z2, and Z3 as shown in FIG. 5 as a part of the print attribute information.

  When the switch is pressed as shown in FIG. 5, the SW monitor task 40 detects the SW press and the SW notification is transmitted to the UI task 41. Upon receiving the SW notification, the UI task 41 transmits a display request message (Msg) to the monitor display task 42, and the monitor display task 42 that has received this message (Msg) is activated. Initially, only the layout pattern LP is displayed first. The layout pattern LP includes image frames L1, L2, and L3 having the same position, the same shape, and the same size as the image arrangement regions Z1, Z2, and Z3. The display form of the image frame L of the layout pattern LP can be changed as appropriate. For example, the image frame L formed of a simple figure (rectangular in this example) in which the image arrangement area is painted and colored in a predetermined color (for example, blue, gray, or black). It can also be adopted. Since the layout display data has a considerably small data size, the layout pattern LP is displayed in the first moment (for example, several tens of milliseconds or less).

  Thereafter, thumbnail images (low-resolution images) S1, S2, S3 are displayed on the screen 18 in the image frames L1, L2, L3. For the CPU 25, which is used in the printer 1 and has a relatively low processing speed, it takes about 0.5 seconds to finish displaying the thumbnail images S1, S2, and S3.

  Thereafter, the main images (high resolution images) P1, P2, and P3 are displayed on the screen 18 instead of the thumbnail images S1, S2, and S3. For the CPU 25 having a relatively slow processing speed used in the printer 1, it takes several seconds (2 to 3 seconds) to finish displaying the main images P1, P2, and P3. In this way, after a lapse of several seconds from the point of pressing the switch that triggers the start of image display, the main images P1, P2, and P3 are displayed, thereby completing the preview display of the print image.

  When a desired print image is selected from a large number of print images registered in the memory card 14, a print image number is selected on the screen 10 of the operation panel 3, and the print images are sequentially displayed on the screen 18 as a preview. If there are several tens of printed images, it takes several seconds (about 2 to 3 seconds) per sheet (page) to display the original image S one by one (page), so that a desired image can be obtained. It takes an enormous amount of time (several tens of seconds to several minutes) to reach. When the user selects a desired print image by changing the print image number from among a large number of print images, the user continuously operates the selection switch 21 (22).

  The SW monitor task 40 detects the SW press at every set time. When the selection switches 21 and 22 are continuously operated, the SW monitor task 40 detects the SW press at every set time. When the SW monitor task 40 detects SW depression, the SW monitor task 40 transmits a SW notification to the UI task 41.

  When the UI task 41 receives the SW notification, the UI task 41 sets a cancel flag to notify that the image display process is interrupted, and then transmits an image display request to the monitor display task 42.

  The monitor display task 42 periodically checks the cancel flag at a time interval sufficiently shorter than the set time, and if the cancel flag is set, interrupts the currently executing display process (drawing process) and resets the cancel flag. . Immediately thereafter, when an image display request is received from the UI task 41, the monitor display task 42 starts display processing of the next print image. When the upper switch 21 is continuously operated, the display processing of the print image corresponding to the number obtained by adding “1” to the previous print image number is started every set time, and the lower switch 22 is continuously operated. In this case, the display processing of the print image corresponding to the number obtained by subtracting “1” from the previous print image number is started every set time.

  The ROM 27 stores a program for the UI task 41 having the flowchart shown in FIG. 6 and a program for the monitor display task 42 having the flowchart shown in FIG. The ROM 27 stores a file system 43 program executed by the CPU 25. The detailed processing contents of the three tasks 40, 41, and 42 will be described later.

  Digital cameras used in recent years have adopted a storage format (for example, DPOF (Digital Print Order Format) (R)) that can store print attribute information (print attached information) such as the number of prints necessary for printing an image. The memory card 14 stores print attribute information in addition to image data.

  FIG. 4 is a memory map of the memory card 14. The memory card 14 stores data captured using a digital camera (not shown). In the memory areas A, B, C, D, and E of the memory card 14, ID information 51, address information 52, designation information 53, format information 54, unit image information D1, D2, D3,. .

  Here, the ID information 51 is an identification code for identifying image data or the like stored in the memory card 14. The address information 52 is information indicating an address indicating from which address to which address each image is written. The designation information 53 is information input using a digital camera. For example, the designation information 53 is information specifying whether or not to print an image, the number of prints, a print mode (index or standard), a print order, and the like. For example, DPOF is used as a storage format for setting the designation information 53.

  The format information 54 is information for determining the format of the print image, and layout information set by the user using the function of the digital camera is included therein. For example, the layout information includes data necessary for specifying an image frame (photo frame).

  A plurality of unit image information D1, D2, D3,... Are image files each including an image photographed by a digital camera, and have image reproduction information X and image data. The image reproduction information X is setting information such as hue, brightness, sharpness, and contrast that is written at the time of photographing with a digital camera, and correction of the image quality of the printed image is performed based on the image reproduction information X at the time of printing.

  The unit image information D1, D2,... Includes image reproduction information X, thumbnail image data SD, and main image data PD. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the digital camera has a thumbnail image automatic creation function, and the automatically created thumbnail image file is stored in the memory card 14. The thumbnail image data SD is low-resolution image data, and the main image data PD is high-resolution image data. In the present embodiment, the print attribute information includes format information 54 for designating a layout and a frame in addition to the designation information 53. The format information 54 is composed of one file including a header part (HEADER) and a page part (PAGE). The header section (HEADER) includes information such as the paper size. The paper size is information for designating the type and size of the paper. For example, a roll paper is designated by a combination of a roll paper symbol “R” and a number indicating its size, such as “R1, R2, R3,. In addition, the cut sheet paper is indicated by a paper size such as “A4, B5,... In addition, symbols indicating the paper quality of the paper are also used as appropriate. In the page portion (PAGE), an image printed on the paper is used. Format information 54 is described. For example, drawing commands “DrawPicture” and “DrawFrame” for drawing an image (photo) or a frame are described. An image ID (PhotoID) and image position information are specified in “DrawPicture” which is a photo drawing command. A frame name and image position information are specified in “DrawFrame” which is a frame drawing command.

  The image position information is for designating an image arrangement area (rectangular area in this example), and the area is specified by specifying the coordinates of the upper left and lower right of the rectangular area in which the image is arranged. It is a thing. The data indicating the rectangular area of the image is, for example, “drawing command (PhotoID, X1) when the coordinates of the upper left and lower right of the rectangular area where the image is placed are (X1, Y1) and (X2, Y2), respectively. , Y1, X2, Y2) ”. When three images P1, P2, and P3 as shown in FIG. 5 are printed on a sheet with the layout as shown in FIG. 5, the image position information is, for example, “DrawPicture (PhotoID1, X1, Y1, X2, Y2), DrawPicture. (PhotoID2, X3, Y3, X4, Y4), DrawPicture (PhotoID3, X5, Y5, X6, Y6) ”. Therefore, the image placement area Z1 is determined from the coordinates (X1, Y1), (X2, Y2) of the two points specified by the image drawing command “DrawPicture”, and the coordinates (X3, Y3), (X4, Y4) of the two points are similarly determined. ) Determines the image arrangement area Z2, and similarly determines the image arrangement area Z3 from the coordinates (X5, Y5) and (X6, Y6) of the two points. That is, the format information 54 is originally set as position information for determining the print position of the image by the digital camera and stored in the memory card 14. By analyzing the format information 54, the print image is displayed on the monitor 17. An image arrangement area (rectangular area) for preview display is obtained. Then, the CPU 25 creates a simple figure in which the inside of the image arrangement areas Z1 to Z3 is filled with a predetermined color, and generates layout image data using the simple figure as image frames L1, L2, and L3. As described above, the ROM 27 stores a program for creating layout image data using the format information 54 read from the memory card 14 in advance, and the CPU 25 creates layout image data by executing this program. Based on the layout image data, the CPU 25 displays a layout pattern LP in which the image frames L1, L2, and L3 are arranged at the assigned positions as shown on the left screen 18 in FIG.

  The ROM 27 stores layout information for designating an image layout for printing in advance as a default. The layout prepared in advance includes single-frame printing (one side) for printing only one image on one sheet (print medium), and multi-frame printing ("two side (2) for printing a plurality of images on the same paper". Frame) ”,“ 3 (3 frames) ”,“ 4 (4 frames) ”,“ 8 (2 frames) ”,“ 20 (20 frames) ”, and the like. Further, the layout includes index printing for printing all images stored in the memory card 14 as a list.

  In the paper (paper frame), the number of square frame image arrangement areas into which images are to be incorporated is set according to the number of frames, and a number is set in each image arrangement area Z. The images selected at the time of layout setting are arranged in the order of the numbers associated with the image arrangement area Z and in the designated direction. In addition to the default, the printer 1 can also have a function that allows the user to freely set the layout.

When the sub-menu “print image” is selected from the menu of the setting screen 10, the print image number input mode is entered. Is selected and the enter switch 23 is operated. Then, the CPU 25 causes the monitor control unit 38 to display a preview of the print image corresponding to the print image number on the screen 18 of the monitor 17. In this preview screen, the layout and frame can be set / changed by operating the switches 21-23. For example, when a desired print image number is selected, “Preview” is selected and the determination switch 23 is pressed, the CPU 25 displays print attribute information corresponding to the designated print image number on the memory card based on a press signal of the switch 23. 14 is read. Further, the CPU 25 analyzes (interprets) the print attribute information and reads various information such as the number of printed sheets, the paper size, and the layout from the memory card 14.
The CPU 25 analyzes (interprets) the print attribute information to create layout image data for displaying the designated layout, and stores the layout image data in the screen memory 28. The monitor control unit 38 displays the layout pattern LP on the screen 18 based on the layout image data stored in the screen memory 28. Next, the CPU 25 reads the necessary thumbnail image data SD from the specified memory address from the memory card 14 using the ID information in the print attribute information as a clue, develops the image, and stores it in the screen memory 28. The monitor control unit 38 displays the thumbnail image S on the screen 18 based on the thumbnail image data SD stored in the screen memory 28. Further, the CPU 25 reads the necessary main image data PD from the specified memory address from the memory card 14 using the ID information in the print attribute information as a clue, develops the image, and stores it in the screen memory 28. The monitor control unit 38 displays the main image P on the screen 18 based on the main image data PD stored in the screen memory 28.

  After selecting “Preview” and displaying the print image corresponding to the designated print image number on the screen 18, the display of the print image can be switched to the next page or the previous page by pressing the selection switches 21 and 22. It is. Here, when the upper switch 21 is pressed, the process proceeds to the next page, and when the lower switch 22 is pressed, the process returns to the previous page.

  There are two methods for selecting a print image for preview display. One is a method in which the selection switch 21 (22) is pressed once each time the print image is switched to the next page or the previous page. In this method, each image can be displayed up to a high resolution image. It takes time to display an image. The other is a method in which the selection switch 21 (22) is continuously pressed when the print image is continuously switched to the next page or the previous page. In this method, the display process of the print image is interrupted at the stage before and after the low-resolution image is completely displayed, and the process is switched to the display process of the next image, so that the desired print image is quickly reached from among the many print images. Convenient for.

  When the selection switch 21 (22) continues to be pressed, a cancel flag is set every time a switch press (hereinafter referred to as SW press) is detected at every set time interval. That is, when the selection switch 21 (22) continues to be pressed, the print image is switched to the next page or the previous page at every set time interval. This process is realized by an SW monitor task 40, a UI task 41, a monitor display task 42, and layout information analysis processing that detects that the switch is pressed at set time intervals. Here, the set time set in the SW monitor task 40 is a fixed time. The set time can be set to an arbitrary time during which the display process can be interrupted between the start of the drawing process of the low resolution image performed after the display of the layout pattern LP is completed and the time before the display of the high resolution image is completed. For example, when setting to perform image switching while checking the thumbnail image S, the setting time is set to a value obtained by adding a little extra time to the time required for rendering the thumbnail image S (for example, a value within 0.5 to 1 second). Set. In the present embodiment, priority is given to increasing the image switching speed, and the value is set to a value obtained by adding a little extra time to the time required to finish displaying a layout image having a standard data size. The set time (predetermined time) is set to, for example, 50 to 100 milliseconds in this embodiment. That is, the set time is set so that the drawing process of the thumbnail image S performed after the display of the layout pattern LP is completed.

  In the present embodiment, thumbnail image data and main image data are used as image data displayed in the image arrangement area Z of the layout pattern LP during print image preview. The print image is continuously displayed in three stages in the order of the layout pattern LP, the thumbnail image (low-resolution image) S, and the main image (high-resolution image) P. At this time, the thumbnail images S1 to S3 are displayed in the image frames (simple figures (filled figures in the image arrangement area)) L1 to L3 of the layout pattern LP displayed first, and then replaced with the thumbnail images S1 to S3. The main images P1 to P3 are displayed. However, when the selection switch 21 (22) is continuously operated (continuously pressed), the print image display process of the next page or the previous page is sequentially switched during the print image display process.

  The SW monitor task periodically detects whether or not the selection switch 21 (22) is pressed at predetermined time intervals (for example, every 10 to 30 milliseconds), and detects that the selection switch 21 (22) is pressed (SW When sensed, a SW notification is transmitted to the UI task 41 (see FIGS. 2 and 8). The UI task 41 is realized by the CPU 25 executing a program shown in the flowchart of FIG. Hereinafter, the processing contents of the UI task 41 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In step (hereinafter simply referred to as “S”) 10, it is determined whether or not an SW notification based on the operation of the selection switch 21 (22) has been accepted. If the SW notification is not accepted, the process is terminated. On the other hand, if the SW notification is accepted, the process proceeds to S20.

In S20, a cancel flag is set (CancelFlg = TRUE) in order to cancel (suspend) the process of the monitor display task 42.
In S30, an image preview display request message is transmitted to the monitor display task.

  When the selection switches 21 and 22 are continuously operated, the UI task 41 receives a SW notification every set time, and sets a cancel flag each time. Further, the monitor display task 42 is requested by transmitting a display request message to start the image display process for previewing the image instructed by the SW notification.

  The monitor display task 42 periodically checks whether or not the cancel flag is set by the UI task 41 at predetermined time intervals. If the cancel flag is reset (CancelFlg = FALSE), the display process is continued. If the cancel flag is set (CancelFlg = TRUE), the layout image display process is stopped at that time, and the next page Alternatively, the process proceeds to display processing of the printed image of the previous page. That is, when the selection switches 21 and 22 are continuously operated, the cancel flag is periodically set for each set time. At this time, the display processing of the print image is advanced until it is completely displayed during the set time. The set time is set to a time that allows a little margin for the time required to finish displaying the layout pattern. If the data capacity of the layout display data is relatively small, the display of the layout pattern is completed during this predetermined time. Further, the process proceeds to thumbnail image development processing. In some cases, the process may proceed to a stage where a part of the thumbnail image is displayed.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a monitor display task program. The monitor display task 42 is in a message waiting state when the display process is not being performed. When an image display request message is received, the monitor display task 42 is activated after resetting the cancel flag and starts the process shown in the flowchart of FIG.

First, in S110, the message is analyzed.
In S120, it is determined whether or not a layout preview (layout image) should be displayed. If the layout preview is to be displayed, the process proceeds to S130, and if the layout preview is not to be displayed, the process proceeds to other processes. Other processing refers to processing for displaying other display contents other than the preview screen on the monitor 17.

  In S130, the layout information file is analyzed. In this file analysis process, the format information (format file) 54 shown in FIG. 4 is analyzed. That is, the format information (format file) 54 includes a header portion and a page portion. First, the header portion is analyzed to obtain paper size information. Further, the page portion is analyzed to obtain the photo ID and position information of the image. The coordinates of the position information are converted from the paper system to the monitor system and stored (recorded) in the memory. In this way, the photo IDs of all the images in the format file are acquired, and the coordinates converted into the monitor system of each image are stored in the memory.

  In S140, layout image data for displaying a layout pattern LP in which a simple figure (image frame) comparable to the shape, position, and size of the image according to the layout information is arranged at the image allocation position is created, Transfer and copy to screen memory 28.

  In step S150, the monitor controller 38 issues a display command for transferring the data copied to the screen memory 28 to the monitor 17 and displaying an image based on the data on the screen 18. Since the data copied to the screen memory 28 is layout image data, the layout pattern LP is displayed on the screen 18.

  In S160, it is determined whether or not to cancel. That is, it is determined whether or not the cancel flag is set (CancelFlg = TRUE). When it should not be canceled (CancelFlg = FALSE), the process proceeds to S170, and when it should be canceled (CancelFlg = TRUE), the process proceeds to S210.

  In S170, it is determined whether there is a thumbnail image to be developed. If there is a thumbnail image to be developed, the process proceeds to S180, and if there is no thumbnail image to be developed, the process proceeds to S190.

  In S180, the thumbnail image is developed and copied to the screen memory 28. The image development is performed for each part of the subdivided image. When the image development is completed and copied to the screen memory 28, the process returns to S150. In S150, a display command is issued to the monitor control unit 38, the thumbnail image development data copied to the screen memory 28 is transferred to the monitor 17, and a simple graphic area (image arrangement) of the layout pattern LP is displayed on the screen 18 of the monitor 17. The thumbnail image S is displayed in the area Z).

  In this way, every time image development is completed for a part of one thumbnail image, it is determined whether or not to cancel in S160. In this embodiment, the cancel flag confirmation process in S160 is performed at a time interval (for example, 10 to 30 milliseconds) shorter than the SW press detection time interval (for example, 50 to 100 milliseconds or 0.5 to 1 second) in the SW monitor task 40. Done. Accordingly, as soon as the cancel flag is set by the UI task 41, the monitor display task 42 recognizes it and immediately stops the rendering process of the thumbnail image S. If it is determined in S160 that cancellation should be made (CancelFlg = TRUE), the process proceeds to S210. On the other hand, if there is a thumbnail image that should not be canceled (CancelFlg = FALSE) and should be expanded, the process proceeds to S180 and the thumbnail image expansion process is continued. If it is determined in S170 that there is no thumbnail image to be developed, the process proceeds to S190.

In S190, it is determined whether there is a main image to be developed. If there is a main image to be developed, the process proceeds to S200, and if there is no main image to be developed, the process proceeds to S210.
In S200, the main image is developed and copied to the screen memory 28. The image development is performed for each part of one image, and when the image development is completed and copied to the screen memory 28, the process returns to S150. In S150, a display command is issued to the monitor control unit 38, and the main image data copied to the screen memory 28 is transferred to the monitor 17, thereby replacing the thumbnail image S with the main image P on the screen 18 of the monitor 17. Display.

  In this way, every time the development of a part of one main image is completed, it is determined whether or not to cancel in S160, and if it is determined that the cancel flag is set (CancelFlg = TRUE) and should be canceled, the process proceeds to S210. Further, as long as there is a main image that should not be canceled and should be developed, the process proceeds to S200, and the main image development processing is continued. If it is determined in S190 that there is no main image to be developed, the process proceeds to S210. In S210, the cancel flag is reset (CancelFlg = FALSE). When the cancel flag is reset (CancelFlg = FALSE), the monitor display task 42 enters a message waiting state.

  Of course, the cancel flag check process (S160) may be eliminated, and a cancel flag check task for determining whether or not the cancel flag is set every predetermined time may be prepared. In this case, the monitor display task 42 interrupts the image display process when receiving an interrupt notification sent from the cancel flag confirmation task when confirming the cancel flag set. In the present embodiment, the CPU 25 that executes the processing of S130 to S150, S170, and S200 (display processing stage) constitutes a display processing means, and the CPU 25 that executes the processing of the SW monitor task 40, UI task 41, and S160. Thus, the switching means is configured.

  FIG. 9 shows a time chart for explaining the processing of three tasks. In the figure, in the part of the figure for explaining the image display processing of the monitor display task 42 in the lower stage, A shows the layout image display processing, B shows the thumbnail image drawing processing, and C shows the main image drawing processing. The number of SW senses when the switch is continuously pressed is drawn only three times, which is considerably smaller than the actual number.

  When the selection switch is pressed once, the SW monitor task 40 senses SW and sends a SW notification to the UI task 41. The UI task 41 that has received the SW notification sets a cancel flag and transmits an image display request to the monitor display task 42. When the monitor display task 42 receives the image display request, the monitor display task 42 resets the cancel flag, and then starts the print image display process. The monitor display task 42 continuously performs three-stage image display processing of layout image display, thumbnail image display, and main image display without waiting time. When the selection switch is pressed only once, the cancel flag is not confirmed during the image display process, so that the layout image, thumbnail image, and main image are sequentially displayed on the screen 18.

  Next, when the selection switches 21 and 22 are continuously pressed, the SW monitor task 40 senses SW and the SW notification is transmitted to the UI task 41. Upon receiving the SW notification, the UI task 41 sets a cancel flag and transmits an image display request to the monitor display task 42. Upon receiving the image display request, the monitor display task 42 resets the cancel flag and immediately starts the print image display process. First, layout image display processing is performed, and when this display is completed, thumbnail image display processing is started. During this time, the monitor display task 42 periodically checks the cancel flag, and if the cancel flag remains reset, the display process continues. When the selection switch 21 (22) is continuously pressed, the SW monitor task 40 senses SW every set time, so a cancel flag is set every set time. Thereafter, when the monitor display task 42 confirms the cancel flag, since the cancel flag is set, the display processing of the image currently being processed is interrupted. Thereafter, the monitor display task 42 receives an image display request from the UI task 41, and after resetting the cancel flag, starts the display processing of the requested next print image. Thereafter, similarly, since the flag is set when the cancel flag is confirmed after the set time has elapsed from the start of the display process, the display process of the image being processed at that time is stopped. Thus, the image display process is interrupted and the next image display process is started, whereby the images displayed on the screen 18 are switched one after another. Then, when the pressing of the selection switch 21 (22) is stopped, the image currently being processed is displayed up to the main image, and a series of display processing is completed.

The operation of the print image preview display process will be described below.
The user selects and designates an image and a layout and sets a print image. This setting can be performed by either the digital camera or the printer 1. If the print image layout has already been set by the digital camera, the format information 54 is stored in the memory card 14 as part of the print attribute information. On the other hand, when setting a print image with the printer 1, it is performed as follows. With the memory card 14 inserted into the slot 16 of the printer 1, select “Select Image Number” from the menu on the setting screen 10, and operate the selection switches 21 and 22 to select the image number in sequence and press the decision switch 23. Press to select multiple images to print on one page. At this time, an image corresponding to the selected image number is displayed on the screen 18. First, a thumbnail image (low-resolution image) S is displayed, and then a main image (high-resolution image) P is displayed. Usually, the memory card 14 stores several tens to several hundreds of image data. Even when a desired image is selected from the enormous number, the selection switch 21 (22) is continuously operated to increase or decrease the image number, and an image corresponding to the increased or decreased image number is displayed on the screen 18. At the same time, the images are switched one after another while interrupting at the stage of the thumbnail image S. Therefore, a desired image can be reached quickly even when selecting an image for creating a print image.

  After selecting the image, the layout is selected and set. The selector switch 21 (22) is operated to select “layout” from the menu. Then, each prepared layout is sequentially selected, and a desired layout is selected while looking at a layout pattern (1 frame, 2 frames, 4 frames, 8 frames, 20 frames, etc.) displayed on the screen 18 of the monitor 17. Press the decision switch 23 to confirm. The print attribute information of the print image thus created is stored in a predetermined storage area of the flash memory 29. When printing a print image of a plurality of pages at once, a print reservation is made for the print image of a plurality of pages by repeating this operation.

  When the print image is actually printed on the paper, the print image is displayed on the screen 18 of the monitor 17 in advance and a desired one to be printed is selected. In addition, when changing the layout of a created print image, it is necessary to display the print image on the screen 18 of the monitor 17 and select a desired one.

  When displaying a print image on the screen 18, first, the submenu “print image” is selected from the menu of the setting screen 10, and the print image number to be displayed first is designated. When the designation of the print image number is finished, when “preview” is selected and the decision switch 23 is pressed next, the print image corresponding to the designated print image number is displayed on the screen 18. When no print number is specified, a print image corresponding to the latest print image number is displayed on the screen 18. By looking at the contents of the print image initially displayed on the screen 18, the user has an idea of where the desired print image is. If you look at the picture, you can get a rough estimate of the shooting time and print image creation time (image edit time), so you can roughly tell how many pages ahead or how many pages there are after the current print image number.

  When the desired print image location is found, the selection switches 21 and 22 are operated to switch the display of the print image. When the upper switch 21 is pressed at this time, the print image of the next page whose print image number is advanced by “1” is displayed, and when the lower switch 22 is pressed, the print image of the previous page whose print image number is returned by “1” is displayed. Is done. When the upper switch 21 is kept pressed, the display of the print image is successively switched to the next page, and when the lower switch 22 is continuously pressed, the display of the print image is successively switched to the previous page.

  Hereinafter, the flow of processing will be described with reference to FIG. 8 taking as an example a case where a desired image is selected by continuously operating the upper switch 21. If the upper switch 21 is kept depressed, the SW monitor task 40 detects this SW depression every set time (for example, 50 to 100 milliseconds). When the SW monitor task 40 detects SW depression of the upper switch 21 at every set time (SW sense), it sends a SW notification to the UI task 41.

  The UI task 41 sets a cancel flag and transmits an image display request to the monitor display task 42 every time a SW notification is received at every set time. Thereby, the monitor display task 42 switches the image to be processed to the print image of the next page at every set time. Here, at the image display processing speed of the CPU 25 in the printer 1 of the present embodiment, the layout pattern LP is displayed within about 0.05 seconds, the thumbnail image (low resolution image) is displayed for about 0.3 to 0.6 seconds, and the main image (high resolution). It takes about 1 to 3 seconds to display (image) (however, the required display time depends on the image data size).

  Therefore, when the upper switch 21 is kept pressed, when the next image is switched, the layout pattern LP is displayed first, and the display of the thumbnail image S is interrupted halfway to switch to the next page. Switch to the next page. For this reason, only the layout pattern LP of each page can be confirmed during image switching. However, since it is possible to know how many sheets the desired print image is ahead, it is possible to quickly reach a nearby print image number. In addition, in the case of a print image having a specific layout, it may be possible to determine whether the image is a desired image simply by looking at the layout pattern LP. Then, after proceeding by the number of registered pages (number), if the user releases the upper switch 21, the image being processed at that time is displayed up to the main image (high resolution image) P. Also, if the desired print image is approached to some extent, the upper switch 21 is intermittently operated to check the content of the print image one by one, and the desired print image is reached.

  According to the image display technique described in Patent Document 1, the thumbnail image (low-resolution image) is switched to the next image every time “about 1 second”, which is the sum of the display required time “0.5 seconds” and the waiting time “0.5 seconds”. For example, it takes about 50 seconds to display an image 50 sheets ahead. On the other hand, in this embodiment, when the set time, which is the SW press detection time interval, is set to 100 milliseconds, for example, if the upper switch 21 is kept pressed for about 5 seconds, a print image about 50 sheets ahead can be displayed. become. At this time, the desired print image can be reached within about 10 seconds even including the final adjustment operation in which the upper switch 21 is intermittently operated and the contents of the print image are checked one by one and the page is advanced.

  Further, as can be seen from the flowchart shown in FIG. 7, when the layout pattern has been displayed, each process of image expansion / image display for displaying the next thumbnail image is performed unless the cancel flag is set in S160. Go ahead. In other words, since the processing is continued until the processing is completed within the set time, the thumbnail image is also partially displayed after the display of the layout pattern LP is completed and before switching to the next page. Therefore, the thumbnail images S are displayed as much as time permits while maintaining the image switching speed at a high speed. For example, when the set time is set to 0.6 seconds, the image switching speed is slightly slow, but the image can be switched while confirming the thumbnail image S of the image to be switched.

  Since the processing proceeds until the processing can be completed within the set time in this way, when the hand is released from the upper switch 21, the time required from when the hand is released until the display of the main image P is completed can be shortened. On the other hand, in the image display technique of Patent Document 1, a waiting time of 0.5 seconds is set every time a thumbnail image is displayed, and the drawing process is stopped during this waiting time of 0.5 seconds. Therefore, when the hand is released from the switch, the time required from when the hand is released until the high-resolution image is completely displayed is increased by the waiting time. In FIG. 8, when the selection switch 21 (22) is kept pressed, the SW sense is drawn only twice, but in practice, the SW sense is normally performed 5 to several tens of times.

  In addition, the printer 1 according to the present embodiment includes a plurality of image display processing tasks (SW monitor task 40, UI task 41, and monitor display task 42), a print processing task, an image data conversion task, and a print control task. Execute the processing task. In other words, this is a 1-CPU multitasking configuration. Therefore, when the user issues a “preview” instruction or performs a switch operation for switching the display of a print image, if the CPU 25 is already executing a print processing task, the display processing is performed after the print processing task is completed. The task will be started. However, since the page switching speed of the printed image is very fast, this type of waiting time is not a problem.

According to the first embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
(1) When the selection switches 21 and 22 are continuously operated, the images are switched one after another for each set time. For example, the display processing of the thumbnail image (low resolution image) S is interrupted and switched to the next image. Therefore, a desired image can be reached earlier than the configuration of Patent Document 1 in which the display is switched to the next image after the display of the low resolution image is completed. In addition, when the operation of the selection switches 21 and 22 is stopped, the display processing of the thumbnail image S or the main image P has already progressed to some extent, so the main image P is displayed after the operation of the selection switches 21 and 22 is stopped. The display required time until the end is short.

  (2) Before displaying the thumbnail image S, the layout pattern LP is first displayed, and then the display order in which the thumbnail image S is displayed in the image placement area Z of the layout pattern LP is taken. For this reason, the layout can be confirmed quickly, and it can be determined to some extent whether the image is a desired image from the layout. Therefore, even if the thumbnail image S is hardly seen, the frequency of missing the desired image can be reduced.

  (3) Using the layout information (image position information) originally included in the format information 54 of the print attribute information, this is analyzed and the position / shape / size of the image frame L (image placement area) is acquired. Since layout image data is created, there is no need to add new data in order to display the layout pattern LP.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment will be described. In the first embodiment, when the selection switches 21 and 22 are continuously operated (pressed), the display process of the thumbnail image (low resolution image) S is interrupted at every set time and the process proceeds to the display process of the next image. It was set as the structure to do. On the other hand, in the second embodiment, even when the selection switches 21 and 22 are continuously operated, the display of the thumbnail image S is waited for and the process proceeds to the display processing of the next image. Different from the first embodiment. The description of the configuration common to the first embodiment is omitted, and only different points will be described.

  In the first embodiment, the image switching timing is determined on the basis of the time when the set time has elapsed from the start of the image display processing. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the image switching timing is determined based on the break of image processing that one image display processing (low resolution image display processing) is completed.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a monitor display task program according to this embodiment. The SW monitor task 40 and the UI task 41 are the same as those in the first embodiment. As for the monitor display task 42, the timing for confirming the cancel flag is different from that in the first embodiment. In the figure, S310 to S350 are the same as S110 to S150 (FIG. 7) in the first embodiment. After all the thumbnail image development processes in S360 and S370 are completed, the process proceeds to S380 and the cancel flag is confirmed. Therefore, regardless of the value of the set time, switching to the next image is always performed after the display processing of the thumbnail image S is completed.

  Thus, the confirmation time of the cancel flag is after the display of the thumbnail image S is completed. Since the set time is set to be sufficiently shorter than the standard display time required for the thumbnail image S, when the selection switches 21 and 22 are continuously operated, the cancellation confirmed immediately after the display of the thumbnail image S is completed. The flag is always set. Therefore, immediately after the display of the thumbnail image S is completed, the processing is switched to the display processing of the next image.

  In addition, one CPU 25 built in the printer 1 executes a plurality of processes including a display processing task (SW monitor task 40, UI task 41 and monitor display task 42) and a print processing task in a multitask. In the case of multitasking, the CPU 25 occupies other processing tasks when the switches 21, 22, and 23 are operated to instruct the display of the designated image on the screen 18 of the monitor 17 in relation to other processing tasks. If so, the display processing task is executed after the other processing task is finished. However, in this embodiment, if the display of the thumbnail image S is completed during the image display process, the display is switched to the next image, so that the desired image can be reached quickly. That is, when the selection switch 21 (22) is continuously operated, only the thumbnail images S are switched one after another. For this reason, since the display of the high-resolution main image P having a relatively long display time is skipped, one CPU 25 is configured to perform display processing in a multitasking manner, and the display processing task is related to other processing tasks. Even with this type of configuration in which the start time tends to be delayed, the desired image can be reached relatively quickly.

According to the second embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
(4) If the selection switch 21 (22) is kept pressed, the display processing of the image of the next page or the previous page is started when the display of the thumbnail image (low resolution image) S is completed. Therefore, since the main image (high resolution image) P is skipped and only the thumbnail images S are displayed one after another, the desired image can be reached quickly.

  (5) Even when the selection switch 21 (22) is operated continuously, the setting time is switched even if the time available for display should be secured due to the data size of the thumbnail image S and other processing tasks. Thumbnail images S can be displayed for all the images.

  (6) The printer 1 has a 1-CPU multi-task configuration. Even when the CPU 25 is occupied by other processing tasks and waiting for the display processing task to start, the selection switch 21 (22) is continuously operated. Since the image switching speed is increased, this is not a problem.

(Third embodiment)
Next, a third embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, when the selection switches 21 and 22 are continuously operated, the set time is gradually shortened and the image switching speed can be accelerated. The description of the configuration common to the above-described embodiments is omitted, and only different points will be described.

  When the selection switches 21 and 22 are continuously operated, the page switching speed of the print image is gradually accelerated according to the continuous operation time (pressing time), for example. When the continuous operation time of the selection switches 21 and 22 elapses for a certain time (for example, 1 second), the SW monitor task 40 thereafter sets the detection time interval for detecting whether or not the SW is pressed from the initial set time To to the shortest set time Tmin. Gradually shorten until. In this example, the initial set time To is a value within 50 to 200 milliseconds, for example, and the shortest set time Tmin is a value within 20 to 50 milliseconds, for example. This shortest set time Tmin is preferably set to a time at which the layout pattern LP is at least displayed.

  The CPU 25 monitors the SW sense in the SW monitor task, and counts the number of times by the counter when the SW press detection is continued, or progress while the SW press is continuously detected from the first SW press. Time is measured with a counter. When the CPU 25 determines that the value of the counter has reached a predetermined value (predetermined number of times or a predetermined time), the CPU 25 resets the set time so as to be shortened step by step with the passage of time. Here, the predetermined value is set for a predetermined number of times or a predetermined time so that an elapsed time from when the operation unit 12 is started until the set time starts to be short is, for example, between 0.5 and 2 seconds.

  When the operation of the selection switches 21 and 22 is stopped, the SW monitor task 40 does not detect the SW depression and the SW monitor task 40 does not notify the UI task 41, so the cancel flag is held in the reset state. The Therefore, when the monitor display task 42 confirms that the cancel flag is in the reset state, when the display of the low resolution image of the image to be processed at that time is completed, the monitor display task 42 proceeds to the display processing of the high resolution image. Therefore, when the operation of the selection switches 21 and 22 is stopped, the image switching stops, and the image being processed at that time is displayed up to the high resolution image.

  When the count value of the counter (count count or time count) reaches a predetermined value (predetermined count or predetermined time), the SW monitor task 40 sets the set value (set time) set in the counter for setting time management. Decrement by a certain value each time SW pressing is detected. As the set time decreases, the time interval at which the SW monitor task is executed gradually decreases.

When the selection switches 21 and 22 are continuously operated in this way, in S160 of FIG. 7, the time interval for confirming the setting of the cancel flag becomes shorter as the set time decreases.
Next, the processing flow of the third embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of the SW monitor task 40, UI task 41, and monitor display task 42 shown in FIG.

  After selecting the sub-menu “print image” on the setting screen 10 of the operation panel 3 and operating the selection switch 21 (22) to select the print image number, next select “preview” and press the decision switch 23 Then, a print image corresponding to the selected print image number is displayed on the screen 18. Thereafter, when the selection switch 21 (22) is kept pressed, the desired images can be selected by switching the images one after another.

  If the selection switch 21 (22) is continuously pressed for a certain period of time (for example, a value between 0.5 and 2 seconds), thereafter, the set time is gradually reduced, and the SW monitor task 40 gradually reduces the SW press detection time interval. To do. When SW sensing is performed by the SW monitor task 40, the SW notification is transmitted to the UI task 41 as in the first embodiment. Upon receiving the SW notification, the UI task 41 sets a cancel flag and transmits an image display request for switching the display processing target to the next image to the monitor display task 42. When the cancel flag to be checked periodically (at intervals of 10 to 30 milliseconds) is set, the monitor display task 42 interrupts the display process of the image currently being processed and starts the display process of the next image.

  If the selection switch 21 (22) is kept pressed, the display process is interrupted at the beginning while the thumbnail image S is being drawn (however, when the data size of the thumbnail image is very small, the main image P is being drawn). When the selection switch 21 (22) is kept pressed for a while and a certain time has elapsed, the set time starts to be shortened, the image switching speed is gradually accelerated, and the interruption time of the thumbnail image S is gradually advanced. Eventually, only the layout pattern LP is displayed and the image is accelerated and converged to the switching speed at which the images are switched one after another.

  For example, let us consider a case in which a desired print image about 50 sheets ahead is displayed on the screen 18 and its contents are to be confirmed. In this case, if the selection switch 21 (22) is kept pressed, the image switching speed is gradually accelerated, and the image is switched quickly only by displaying the layout pattern LP. It can be reached in a short time. For example, if the image switching is performed at intervals of 50 milliseconds when the image switching speed finally converges and becomes steady, a print image about 50 sheets ahead can be reached in about 3 seconds.

  Also, consider a case where a desired image is selected by sequentially displaying images on the screen 18 from the memory card 14 in which several hundreds of image data are recorded. Also in this case, if the selection switch 21 (22) is kept pressed, the image switching speed is gradually accelerated, and the image is switched quickly only by displaying the layout pattern LP. It can be reached in a short time. Also in this case, if the image switching speed is converged and the image switching is performed at an interval of 50 milliseconds, the image about 200 sheets ahead can be reached in about 11 seconds.

According to the third embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
(7) If the selection switches 21 and 22 are kept pressed, the SW press detection time interval in the SW monitor task 40 is gradually shortened, and the image switching speed is accelerated. As a result, the required time until the desired image is selected. Time can be shortened. For example, if the user sees that the desired image is several tens of pages ahead by looking at the initially displayed image, the user can operate the selection switches 21 and 22 to accelerate the image switching speed. The image can be reached quickly.

In addition, embodiment is not limited to the above, You may change to the following aspects.
(Modification 1) A setting unit that detects the data size of a thumbnail image (low-resolution image) and sets the setting time according to the data size may be provided. When reading the thumbnail image data, the CPU 25 also reads information on the data size from the memory card 14 and sets the set time to a value corresponding to the data size. Table data for determining the set time based on the data size is stored in the ROM 27 or the flash memory 29, and the CPU 25 determines the set time with reference to this table data. It is also possible to set a set time obtained by calculation from the data size. According to this configuration, the setting time is set to a value corresponding to the data size, such as the longer the data size of the low-resolution image is, the shorter the data size is. According to this configuration, for example, when it is desired to use a method in which a low-resolution image is temporarily displayed on the screen 18 and then switched to the next image, a set time is set according to the data size that determines the time required to display the low-resolution image. Therefore, it is possible to display the low resolution image on the screen more reliably. That is, it is possible to switch to the next image after displaying the low-resolution image until it can be confirmed as much as possible. Therefore, it is easy to avoid a situation where the low resolution image cannot be confirmed because the low resolution image is not displayed because the data size is large, or the display is interrupted in the middle. The CPU 25 that obtains the set time from the data size constitutes a setting means.

  (Modification 2) Setting means can be provided in which a user can input and set a setting time corresponding to the data size of the low resolution image by operating a button on the operation panel. The CPU 25 stores the input set time in the flash memory 29 and uses the set time read from the flash memory 29 as the set time for reading the cancel flag when displaying the thumbnail image. According to this configuration, since the user can input and set an appropriate value according to the data size of the low resolution image from the operation panel, the time required for displaying the low resolution image depends on the data size. It is possible to switch to the next image after displaying the low-resolution image until it can be confirmed as much as possible. Therefore, it is easy to avoid a situation in which the low-resolution image cannot be confirmed because it is switched to the next image immediately after the low-resolution image starts to be displayed because the data size is large. In this configuration, the CPU 25, the operation switch 21 (22), and the flash memory 29 constitute a setting unit.

(Modification 3) It is also possible to eliminate the display of the layout image and employ a two-stage display process of a low resolution image (thumbnail image) and a high resolution image (main image).
(Modification 4) The third image processing is inserted between the first image processing and the second image processing, or the third image processing is performed after the first image processing and the second image processing. It may be. For example, when there are three or more types of image data having different resolutions, image display processing is sequentially performed in a plurality of stages of three or more stages in which the resolution of the image is increased stepwise.

  (Modification 5) In each of the embodiments described above, the image data is slightly shifted on the screen memory 28 and then interlaced display processing is performed to gradually display the image on the screen 18 of the monitor 17. Display processing may be adopted in which images are displayed on the screen 18 at once after all of the above are accumulated.

(Modification 6) In each of the above embodiments, the second image processing is performed continuously to the first image processing. However, a waiting time is set between the first image processing and the second image processing. It doesn't matter.
(Modification 7) In each of the above embodiments, the image data is read from the memory card 14 and displayed on the screen. However, the image data stored in the memory such as the RAM of the printer 1 is read and displayed on the screen. It can also be set as the structure to make.

(Modification 8) In the case of three-stage display, a frame may be displayed instead of the layout pattern. The layout can be predicted by checking the frame first.
(Modification 9) The instruction unit is not limited to the determination switch 23 and the selection switches 21 and 22 as long as the instruction unit issues a signal serving as a trigger for previewing the print image. Other switches can be used as a trigger for previewing the print image. In addition, a non-contact detection switch (detection sensor) that detects a user's predetermined operation in a non-contact manner can be used as the instruction means.

  (Modification 10) In each of the above embodiments, the switches 21 and 22 are continuously operated when switching images. However, the switches 21 and 22 are not necessarily operated continuously. For example, when the switches 21 and 22 are continuously operated for a predetermined time, for example, 1 to 2 seconds, it is possible to adopt a configuration in which the image switching operation is continued as it is even after the switches 21 and 22 are released. For example, when the CPU 25 recognizes that the switches 21 and 22 have been continuously operated for a predetermined time or longer, the CPU 25 sets the automatic switching mode. Under this automatic switching mode setting, the cancel flag is held in the set state. When the selection switch 21 (22) or the decision switch 23 is operated in the automatic switching mode, the automatic switching mode is canceled and the cancel flag is reset, and the image being displayed at the time of the operation is displayed with a high resolution. Even the image is displayed. According to this configuration, the images can be switched without actually operating the switch. For example, when the number of images is very large, it is not necessary to hold down the switch for a long time, and the image selection operation is facilitated.

  (Modification 11) In each of the above-described embodiments, a plurality of print images to be displayed on the monitor screen are displayed on one page. However, the number of images per page of images to be assigned to one page is not limited to a plurality. One may be sufficient.

  (Modification 12) Although the 1-CPU multitask configuration is adopted, the first and third embodiments are not limited to the 1-CPU multitask configuration. Processing may be shared by a plurality of CPUs. Also, part of the image display process can be performed by a hardware circuit.

  (Modification 13) In each of the above-described embodiments, some waiting time may occur between the display processes of the layout image display process, the thumbnail image display process, and the main image display process. If the waiting time is not as long as 0.5 seconds as in Patent Document 1, the display processing speed is not a problem.

  (Modification 14) Although the present embodiment is applied to a stand-alone printer, it may be applied to other printers. For example, when an external storage device is connected to the printer for expansion and printing is performed based on image data read from the external storage device, the present invention may be applied to display processing for displaying a print image on a monitor provided in the printer. . The printer is not limited to the ink jet type, and may be a printer of another type such as a laser printer. Furthermore, it is sufficient that the printing apparatus has a printing function, and the printing apparatus can be applied to a multi-function machine having multiple functions such as FAX and copying. Further, the present invention can be applied as an image display device that displays an image on a display screen of a digital camera without being limited to a printer. That is, the apparatus may be anything as long as the image is displayed in the order of the low resolution image and the high resolution image. For example, a projector may be used.

The technical ideas that can be grasped from the respective embodiments and modifications are listed below.
(1) When a display unit and an instruction to display an image are input, a first image display process for displaying a low-resolution image of the specified image on the screen of the display unit, and the first image display process A display processing unit that performs a second image display process that starts after the end and displays a high-resolution image of the instructed image instead of the low-resolution image; and the display processing unit sets the processing target An instruction means for giving an instruction to switch the image to the next image; and when an instruction is given from the instruction means, the display processing of the low-resolution image is performed when a set time has elapsed since the display processing means started processing. An image display device comprising switching means for waiting for the end of the display processing means in the middle and switching the image to be processed by the display processing means to the next image. According to this configuration, while the instruction by the instruction unit is given, the image to be processed by the display processing unit is switched after the display of the low resolution image is completed. The time required to complete the display of the low-resolution image depends on the data size, etc., when the low-resolution image display process is in progress when the set time has elapsed, and when the low-resolution image has already been displayed, the next high-resolution image is displayed. There are cases where the process has shifted to display processing. If the display process of the low resolution image is in progress during the set time, the low resolution image can be confirmed with certainty. On the other hand, when the display of the low resolution image has already been completed and the process has shifted to the display processing of the next high resolution image when the set time has elapsed, when the instruction is no longer given, the high resolution of the indicated image The image finishes displaying early.

  (2) In any one of Claims 1-9, the setting means which sets the said setting time based on the input data input by operation of an input operation means was provided. According to this configuration, the setting time can be set to a value according to the data size of the image data to be handled and the user's preference by operating the input operation means. It is possible to adjust the switching speed of images when the instruction from the instruction unit is continued.

  (3) In any one of claims 1 to 4, when the switching unit receives an instruction from the instruction unit, the second image display process is interrupted. The image display device described. According to this configuration, images can be continuously switched while confirming a low-resolution image.

  (4) In a printing apparatus including a display unit that displays a layout image of a print image and a preview screen for confirming the image before printing, when the operation unit is operated to display an image, the display is performed. The process of displaying the layout image of the print image on the screen of the means, the process of displaying the low resolution image in the image layout area of the layout image, and the process of displaying the high resolution image instead of the low resolution image A printing apparatus comprising display processing means for performing the above-described operation.

  (5) An image display device comprising display processing means for continuously performing each image display process for displaying a layout image, a low-resolution image, and a high-resolution image in three stages in this order for an image that has received a display instruction. Whether the display processing means is operated while the image display process for displaying a low resolution image in the image arrangement area of the layout image is being executed after the display of the layout image is completed. Whether the operation means is operated or not, and the image display process is interrupted and the process proceeds to the image display process for the next image. An image display device.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Printer as image display apparatus and printing apparatus, 2 ... Main body, 3 ... Operation panel, 8 ... Paper as printing medium, 12 ... Instruction means, operating means and operation part as input means, 14 ... Storage medium Memory card, 15... Reading device as reading means, 17... Monitor as display means, 18... Screen as screen, 21... Upper switch (selection switch) constituting instruction means and operation means, 22. Lower switch (selection switch) constituting means, 23... Decision switch constituting operation means, 25... CPU constituting display processing means and setting means, 31... UI board, 38. , 40... SW processing task constituting display processing means, switching means and display processing task, 41... Display processing means, switching means and display processing task. UI task to be formed, 42 ... display processing means and monitor display task constituting the display processing task, 54 ... format information, LP ... layout pattern as layout image, S, S1, S2, S3 ... thumbnail image as low resolution image , P, P1, P2, P3... Main image as a high resolution image, Z, Z1, Z2, Z3.

Claims (5)

When an instruction to display the first image is input, display processing means for performing a first image display process for starting display of the indicated image on the screen of the display means;
An operating hand stage receives by being operated the instruction to switch the image to the display processing means is processed from the first image to the second image,
When accepting an instruction by the operating hand stage is operated, the display processing means in accordance with the elapse of the display processing starts to set time of the first image, the display processing of the first image in the middle Even so, switching means for switching the display processing by the display processing means to the second image,
A setting unit to set shorter setting time than operation time of the operation means is longer than the predetermined value is less than the predetermined value,
An image display device comprising: When an instruction to display the first image is input, display processing means for performing a first image display process for starting display of the indicated image on the screen of the display means;
An operation unit that receives an operation to switch an image to be processed by the display processing unit from a first image to a second image;
When an instruction is received by operating the operation means, the display processing means starts the display processing of the first image, and the display processing of the first image is halfway as the set time elapses. Switching means for switching the display processing by the display processing means to the second image,
Setting means for detecting a data size before Symbol image, is set to a value corresponding to the detected data size of the set time,
Images display you characterized and this with a. The display processing means performs a layout image display process for starting display of a layout image indicating an allocation position of the instructed image on the print medium, and continuously displays the first image display after the end of the layout image display process. Start processing,
It said switching means, when the operating hand stage receives an instruction by being operated, according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that interrupting the first image display processing after the end of the layout image display processing the image display apparatus according to. When an instruction to display the first image is input by operating the operation means , a display processing procedure for performing a first image display process for starting display of the indicated image on the screen of the display means;
When the operation time of the operation means is longer than a predetermined value, the setting time is set shorter than when the operation time is shorter than the predetermined value or the data size of the designated first image is detected, and the detected data size is set to the detected data size. A setting procedure to set the set time to a value according to
When the operating unit accepts instructions, in accordance with the elapse of the set time the start of the display processing of the first image in the display processing procedure, the display process of the first image even while A switching procedure for switching display processing according to the display processing procedure from the first image to the second image ;
The image display method characterized by comprising a. A program for causing a computer to execute an image display process for displaying an image on a screen of a display means,
On the computer,
When an instruction to display the first image is input by operating the operation means , a display processing stage for performing a first image display process for starting display of the indicated image on the screen of the display means;
When the operation time of the operation means is longer than a predetermined value, the setting time is set shorter than when the operation time is shorter than the predetermined value or the data size of the designated first image is detected, and the detected data size is set. A setting stage for setting the set time to a corresponding value;
Wherein when the operation unit receives the instructions, depending on the lapse of the set time the start of the display processing of the first image in the display processing step, a display of the first image in the display processing step A switching step of switching the image to be displayed to the instructed second image even during the process ;
A program characterized by having executed.

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