JP5008282B2 - Imaging apparatus, control method therefor, computer program, and storage medium - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus, a control method thereof, a computer program, and a storage medium.

  In recent years, it is possible to attach or incorporate a transmission unit to a digital camera, send image data captured by the camera to a receiver connected to a personal computer (PC), and print the transmitted data. According to this, it is possible to perform printing much faster than removing the recording medium from the camera and placing it in a PC and printing the image data.

  For example, a printing system has been proposed in which order information for images taken with a camera is created, the camera is brought to the storefront of the store, and the data can be sent to the receiver at the store to place a print order (Patent Literature). 1). In addition, since image data can be transmitted immediately after shooting, it is also used for a commemorative shooting event at an amusement park, and printing results are sold immediately after shooting.

  Under such shooting conditions, if there is a cord between the camera and the printer or PC, there is a high possibility that the customer will break the camera or PC by hooking it. It is very troublesome for people to go to print with a recording medium. In addition, if a member in charge takes several recording media to the printer, it takes a very long time to deliver the recording medium to the customer.

For this reason, a system that transmits image data captured by a camera to a place to be printed wirelessly is very compatible.
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-109518

  However, the above system has the following drawbacks. When shooting in a group, it may be necessary to print for the number of people in a group instead of one. In that case, the number of prints must be set for the image data after shooting.

  The system described in Patent Document 1 can set the number of prints with a camera, but does not describe a detailed configuration regarding the setting. On the other hand, the designation of the number of prints must be made promptly and reliably because there are many customers waiting like taking pictures at an amusement park, for example.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to enable the designation of the number of printed sheets to be executed quickly and reliably.

In order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention provides an imaging unit that shoots a subject and generates image data, and a preview that previews the image data obtained by shooting in accordance with the shooting by the imaging unit. Display means for displaying a screen for setting the number of prints for the image data by the user on display, and the number for setting the number of prints for the image data displayed on the display means based on the display on the display means A setting unit; and a transmission unit configured to transmit the image data and the number of printed sheets to an external printing apparatus in response to the setting of the number of printed sheets by the number of sheets setting unit. Storage means for storing a plurality of reference images to which numerical values corresponding to the number of printed sheets are assigned, and after the first image data displayed on the display means Determination means for determining whether or not the second image data generated by the imaging means matches any of the plurality of reference images, wherein the second image data is any of the plurality of reference images. If a match was determined to, the numerical value assigned to match determined to be said reference image, characterized that you set as the number of prints.

  According to the present invention, designation of the number of printed sheets can be executed quickly and reliably.

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

[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 a is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a camera system including an imaging device and a wireless device corresponding to the present embodiment. In FIG. 1a, 10 shows the whole camera system. Reference numeral 1 denotes a camera body as an imaging apparatus, 2 a viewfinder, and 3 a lid for taking in and out the recording medium. Reference numeral 4 denotes a liquid crystal display, which is used for setting the camera 1 and displaying captured images. Reference numeral 5 denotes a group of operation buttons, which are used for switching the display on the liquid crystal display 4 and setting the photographing mode. Reference numeral 11 denotes a lens. A wireless device 21 is fixed to the camera 1 with 22 tripod mounting screws. Reference numeral 23 denotes an antenna, and 24 denotes a power switch. The power is turned on based on this operation. Reference numeral 25 denotes an access lamp, which is lit during communication, for example. Reference numeral 26 denotes a cord connecting the wireless device 21 and the camera body 1.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 1B, a printing system corresponding to the present embodiment configured by a camera system and an external printing apparatus will be described. In FIG. 1 b, reference numeral 30 denotes an external printing apparatus that is wirelessly connected to the camera system 10. The external printing apparatus 30 communicates with the wireless apparatus 21 of the camera system 10 and acquires image data for printing together with information on the number of printed sheets. The external printing apparatus 30 prints the received image data according to the designated number of prints. Note that communication between the camera system 10 and the external printing apparatus 30 is not limited to wireless communication, and wired communication by cable connection is also possible. The external printing apparatus 30 may be a single printer or a system constituted by a personal computer (PC) or a printer. In the latter case, communication with the camera system 10 is mainly performed by the PC, and the PC causes the printer to execute printing based on the received data. In the following description of the embodiment, a case where the external printing apparatus 30 is a single printer will be described for the sake of simplicity.

  Next, an example of the hardware configuration of the camera system corresponding to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In the camera body 1, 101 is a lens unit for capturing a subject, 102 is a CCD as an image sensor, and 103 is a digital signal processing circuit that performs signal processing such as digitization on an image signal captured by the CCD 102. Reference numeral 104 denotes an image signal processing circuit for processing an image signal, and reference numeral 105 denotes a microcomputer for controlling the entire system. The microcomputer is configured to control the operation timing of each unit and read the signal of the operation member 106.

  A power supply circuit 107 is a power supply for the camera body 1 and supplies power to each unit and element. Reference numeral 108 denotes a drive circuit for the liquid crystal display 4 (LCD), which controls the liquid crystal panel 109 with backlight to display an image. If the image data captured using the liquid crystal display 4 is sequentially displayed, an electronic viewfinder function can be realized. A compression / decompression circuit 110 compresses image data captured in synchronization with a release button and records the compressed image data in a recording external memory 111 such as a nonvolatile flash memory. A work memory 112 is used when the compression / decompression circuit 110 compresses data.

  Next, in the wireless device 21, 151 is a microcomputer in the wireless device that is unitized, and controls the movement of the wireless unit 152, the signal processing unit 153, the memory 154, the operation member 155, and the like incorporated in the device. A power circuit 156 supplies power to each unit. The wireless unit 152 is a communication unit that performs wireless communication with the external printing apparatus, and includes the antenna 23. In this embodiment, communication with an external printing apparatus is wireless LAN communication that conforms to the IEEE 802.11 standard. In addition, a communication method according to Bluetooth or IrDA standards may be adopted. Furthermore, when performing wired connection, communication can be performed based on standards such as USB and IEEE1394. The memory 154 stores software such as a communication protocol. The signal processing unit 153 is configured to function as an A / D, D / A converter, modem, and the like. It also functions as a modem or the like that converts image data into a transmission signal. The operation member 155 includes an LED for accepting an operation input from a user or notifying an operation state.

  Next, an example of the configuration of the external printing apparatus 30 will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 2 b, the CPU 201 is a control unit that controls the entire external printing apparatus 30. A RAM 202 is a work memory for the CPU 201 to operate, and is also an image memory for temporarily storing image data for printing. A ROM 203 is a boot ROM, and stores a boot program for the external printing apparatus 30. An HDD 204 is a hard disk drive that stores system software, image data, and the like.

  An image processing unit 205 performs image data correction, resolution conversion, rotation, compression / decompression processing, and the like. An operation unit I / F (interface) 206 is an interface unit of an operation unit (UI: user interface) 207, and transmits information input from the user using the operation unit 207 to the CPU 201. The removable media IF 208 is an external interface that can read and write to the removable media 209 such as an IC card, a CDROM, and a mobile hard disk. There are no restrictions on the type of USB, PCMCIA, DVD drive, etc.

  The network unit 210 is connected to the wired LAN 214 and performs input / output of output image data and information related to device control. The wireless LAN 270 is a wireless transmission / reception unit that can wirelessly communicate with the wireless device 21 of the camera system 10 capable of wireless LAN communication (for example, conforming to the IEEE802.11 standard). The Modem 250 is connected to the public line 251 and inputs / outputs information. A raster image processor (RIP) 211 expands the PDL code into a bitmap image. A printer unit 212 prints image data to be printed by an inkjet method. A system bus 213 interconnects the above devices.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 3 to FIG. 7, a description will be given of processing when shooting is performed by the camera system corresponding to the present embodiment.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart of processing corresponding to the present embodiment. In FIG. 7, in step S701, the camera body 1 and the wireless device 21 are powered on. In step S702, an operation of the operation button group 5 is accepted, and in step S703, a mode setting screen is displayed on the liquid crystal display 4 according to the operation. A specific example and display example of the operation button group 5 at this time will be described with reference to FIG.

  In FIG. 3, buttons 51 to 59 belong to the operation button group 5, and 51 is a menu button, which is operated when displaying a menu screen. A reproduction button 52 is operated when reproducing a captured image. An image deletion button 53 is operated when deleting an image displayed on the liquid crystal display 4. A mode button 54 is operated to display a mode setting screen for setting to “normal photographing mode” or “number input mode”.

  Reference numeral 55 denotes a setting button for changing the compression rate of the photographed image and other settings / changes. Reference numerals 56 and 57 denote arrow buttons which are operated when switching display contents and selection candidates on the liquid crystal display 4. Reference numeral 58 denotes a determination button, which is operated to confirm a selection item when a menu selection screen or a mode selection screen is displayed. Reference numeral 59 denotes a cancel button, which is operated when canceling display contents and selection.

  The mode setting screen displayed in step S703 includes a normal shooting mode 60 and a number input mode 61. Here, the normal photographing mode 60 is a mode for photographing and reproducing the photographed image data. On the other hand, the sheet number input mode 61 is a mode in which image data obtained by shooting is transmitted to the external printing apparatus 30 by designating the number of sheets to be printed. When the mode setting screen is first displayed on the liquid crystal display 4, the normal shooting mode 60 is selected.

  In step S704, selection of the number input mode is accepted based on the operation of the arrow button 56 and the operation of the decision button 58. When the selection is accepted, photographing processing is performed in step S705. In the photographing process, the liquid crystal display 4 is used as an electronic viewfinder to sequentially display the captured image data, and the image data captured in synchronism with the operation of the release button is compressed by a compression / expansion circuit. Record in the memory 111.

  In step S706, the captured image data is displayed on the liquid crystal display 4 as a preview. In a succeeding step S707, it is determined whether or not the reproduction button 52 is operated. If the playback button 52 has not been operated (“NO” in step S707), the process returns to step S705 to continue the photographing process. On the other hand, when the reproduction button 52 is operated (“YES” in step S707), the process proceeds to step S708, and the image data recorded in the recording external memory 111 is reproduced. An example of the display here is shown in FIG.

  In step S709, it is determined whether or not the enter button 58 has been operated while any image data is being displayed on the liquid crystal display 4. If it is determined that the enter button 58 has been operated (“YES” in step S709), the process proceeds to step S710. On the other hand, if it is determined that the enter button 58 has not been operated (“NO” in step S709), the process returns to step S708 to continue the reproduction of the image data.

  In step S710, a print designation number input screen is displayed. Specifically, the designated number of prints is displayed on the image data that has been displayed so far. A display example at this time is as shown in FIG. In FIG. 5, reference numeral 62 denotes an area for displaying the designated number of prints. In the present embodiment, the number of sheets displayed first is “1”, and the user can change the number of sheets by operating the arrow buttons 56 and 57. For example, if the button 57 is operated, the number increases, and if the button 56 is operated, the number decreases. In step S711, it is determined whether the designated number of prints has been determined. Whether or not the designated number of prints has been determined can be determined by determining whether or not the determination button 58 has been operated in a state where the desired number of sheets is displayed at 62. If the number is determined (“YES” in step S711), the process proceeds to step S712. On the other hand, when the number of sheets has not been determined (“NO” in step S711), the process returns to step S710 and continues.

  In step S712, the screen as shown in FIG. 6 is displayed, and the image data currently displayed on the liquid crystal display 4 is transferred to the external printing apparatus 30 in order to print the number of sheets determined in step S711. Will be displayed. In FIG. 6, “Send OK” is displayed at 63, but the designated number of prints may also be displayed. If the enter button 58 is operated after confirming the screen as shown in FIG. 6, it is determined that transmission is permitted (“YES” in step S713), and the process proceeds to step S714 to transmit image data. . On the other hand, when the determination button is not operated (“NO” in step S713), the display of FIG. 6 is continued. If the cancel button 59 is operated, this process is terminated.

  An example of print request data transmitted to the external printing apparatus 30 at this time is shown in FIG. In FIG. 8, reference numeral 800 denotes the entire print request data. The print designation number 801 stores the print designation number determined in step S711. The recording paper size 802 stores a preset recording paper size (L plate, postcard plate, etc.). The image data name 803 stores the name of the image data for which printing is designated. The image data body 804 stores body data of image data to be printed. Note that the print request data shown in FIG. 8 is an example, and is not limited to this. It is sufficient that at least the number of prints to be specified for the external printing apparatus 30 and the image data to be printed are included.

  Next, processing in the external printing apparatus 30 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a flowchart corresponding to an example of the image data printing process in the external printing apparatus 30. A program corresponding to the flowchart is stored in the RAM 202 and executed by the CPU 201.

  9, in step S901, it is determined whether or not the print request data 800 transmitted from the wireless device 21 in step S714 in FIG. 7 has been received. If print request data 800 has been received (“YES” in step S901), the process proceeds to step S902, and if not received (“NO” in step S901), reception monitoring is continued.

  In step S902, the designated print number 801 is extracted from the received print request data 800, and the value of the designated print number 801 is set to the number of copies: Np in step S903. In step S <b> 904, a recording sheet based on the recording sheet size 802 of the print request data 800 is selected and the image data body 804 is printed using the printer unit 212.

  In step S905, when the printing process for one sheet is completed, the value of the number of copies Np is decreased by one. In step S906, it is determined whether Np has become zero. If Np is 0 (“YES” in step S906), the number of copies corresponding to the designated number of prints 801 has been printed, and the process is terminated. On the other hand, if Np is not 0, the number of copies has not reached the designated number of prints 801, so the process returns to step S904 to continue the printing process.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, when the number input mode is set, the print request data is transmitted on the condition of setting the designated number of prints, so that the external printing apparatus can be used without specifying the number of sheets. It is possible to prevent a print request from being transmitted to 30. As a result, the required number of copies can be reliably printed for the image data requested to be printed to the external printing apparatus 30.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the first embodiment, an input screen for the designated number of prints as shown in FIG. 5 is displayed in response to the operation of the playback button 52. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, an input screen for the designated number of prints is displayed on the preview screen that is displayed after shooting, and the number of prints can be designated more efficiently.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, in the flowchart of FIG. 7, not only the captured image but also the designated number of prints 62 is displayed on the liquid crystal display 4 when the preview screen is displayed in step S706. The display at this time is, for example, as shown in FIG. Then, the process from step S707 to step S710 is omitted, and determination of the number of sheets in step S711 is performed in the preview display state as shown in FIG. Since other processes are the same as those in the first embodiment, description thereof will be omitted.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the designated number of prints can be determined on the preview screen, so that it is possible to more efficiently process the image pickup / print request.

[Third Embodiment]
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the first and second embodiments described above, the photographer inputs and determines the print designation number of sheets. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, a predetermined image is captured in advance as a reference image, and a numerical value is assigned to each. After the actual shooting, the photographer takes an image corresponding to a predetermined reference image instead of inputting the designated printing number, and prints the designated number of images taken based on the taken image. Set.

  As described above, in this embodiment, first, an image for assigning the designated number of prints is taken in advance, and the number assignment process is performed. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the number allocation process corresponding to this embodiment.

  In FIG. 10, in step S1001, the camera body 1 and the wireless device 21 are powered on. In step S1002, an operation of the mode button 54 is accepted, and in step S1003, a mode setting screen is displayed on the liquid crystal display 4 according to the operation. A display example at this time is as shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 11, the liquid crystal display 4 displays a “number allocation mode” 81 and a “number conversion mode” 82 in addition to the display contents of FIG. 3 in the first embodiment. Here, the number allocation mode 81 is a mode for generating a reference image by allocating a numerical value corresponding to the designated number of prints to a captured image. The number conversion mode 82 is a mode for setting the designated number of prints of image data for which a print request is made using an image to which a numerical value is assigned in the number assignment mode 81.

  In step S1004, selection of the number allocation mode 81 is accepted based on the operation of the arrow button 56 and the determination button 58. When the selection is accepted, photographing processing is performed in step S1005, and the photographing result is displayed on the liquid crystal display 4.

  FIG. 12 shows an example of the image taken here. FIG. 12 is an image of the sky. Unlike the normal scenery or the room, there is no clear subject in the sky, so there are no clear high-contrast subjects with some clouds 83 as shown in FIG. In fine weather, there is almost nothing. In such an image display state, in step S1006, the setting of a numerical value corresponding to the number of sheets allocated to the empty image is accepted. The numerical value is set based on the operation of the arrow buttons 56 and 57. When the arrow button 57 is operated, the numerical value is increased, and when the button 56 is operated, the numerical value is decreased. Changes.

  The set numerical value is displayed in the area 84 of the liquid crystal display 4 and can be confirmed. After the photographer sets the assigned numerical value, the photographer can operate the decision button 58 to complete the numerical value assignment. In the case of FIG. 12, “1” is assigned to an empty image.

  Next, in step S1007, it is determined whether or not to end the number allocation process. If, for example, an operation of the setting button 55 is accepted from the photographer, the number allocation process is terminated and the screen returns to the screen shown in FIG. On the other hand, if such an operation is not performed, the process returns to step S1005 to continue the photographing process.

  Note that FIG. 13 shows a case where a large tree 85 is taken as an object and “2” (86) is assigned. FIG. 14 shows a case where the stuffed animal 87 is a subject to be photographed and “3” (88) is assigned thereto.

  The reference image to which the numerical value corresponding to the designated number of prints is assigned in this way is stored in the work memory 112. The work memory 112 does not need to store the image data itself, and can store a feature amount extracted from the image data and an assigned numerical value. This feature amount can be generated based on information about the color, brightness, and the like of an image to which numerical values are assigned.

  As described above, in the number assignment process, a numerical value for designating the number of prints can be assigned to a specific reference image. In the present embodiment, a corresponding numerical value can be set as the print designation number 801 by photographing an image substantially equivalent to the reference image to which the numerical value is assigned in this way. Hereinafter, imaging and printing request processing corresponding to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In FIG. 15, in step S1501, the camera body 1 and the wireless device 21 are powered on. In step S1502, an operation of the mode button 54 is accepted, and in step S1503, a mode setting screen is displayed on the liquid crystal display 4 according to the operation. A display example at this time is as shown in FIG. In step S1504, the selection of the number conversion mode 82 is accepted based on the operation of the arrow button 56 and the operation of the decision button 58. When the selection is accepted, shooting processing is performed in step S1505, and the result of shooting in step S1506 is displayed on the liquid crystal display 4 to perform a preview. A display example at this time is as shown in FIG. FIG. 4 shows an example in which two persons are photographed.

  Next, in step S1507, as shown in FIG. 16, a message “I will shoot for setting the number of prints to be printed” is displayed on the liquid crystal display 4 that is performing electronic viewfinder display. In addition to the screen display, notification may be performed by voice. In response to this, in step S1508, another imaging is performed. An object to be photographed at this time is a specific object to which the designated number of prints is assigned in advance in FIG. That is, in the above example, when the print designation number is 1, shooting is performed for the sky, and in the case of 2, the large tree 85 is the shooting target. The stuffed toy 87 is a subject to be photographed. In the example shown in FIG. 4, since the subject to be photographed is two persons, it is only necessary to photograph a large tree 85 and set two as the designated number of prints.

  In the subsequent step S1509, the feature quantity obtained from the image photographed in step S1508 is compared with the feature quantity photographed in advance and stored in the work memory 112, or the feature quantity obtained by calculation from the reference image. As a result of the comparison, if a reference image having substantially the same feature value is not stored in the work memory 112 (“NO” in step S1510), the process returns to step S1508 and imaging is performed again. On the other hand, when a matching reference image is stored in the work memory 112 (“YES” in step S1510), the process proceeds to step S1511. In step S1511, the numerical value assigned to the reference image determined to match is set as the designated number of prints of the image photographed in step S1505.

  As described above, in this embodiment, it is determined whether or not they match based on the feature amount of the image. Therefore, even when shooting a “large tree”, it is not always necessary to use a large tree. The same tree is imaged from approximately the same position to approximately the same size and approximately the same position on the screen. However, the feature values must match. Otherwise, it is determined that the reference image of the “large tree” previously captured does not match.

  Subsequently, in step S1512, a message that the image captured in step S1505 is to be transmitted to the external printing apparatus 30 is displayed. An example of the display here is shown in FIG. In FIG. 17, “Transmission OK” is displayed at 161, and the designated number of prints is also displayed at 162. If there is no problem in confirming such display, the photographer can operate the decision button 58. When the enter button 58 is operated (“YES” in step S1513), the process proceeds to step S1514, and the print request data 800 is transmitted to the external printing apparatus 30.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, designation of the number of prints by the external printing apparatus 30 can be performed by taking an image corresponding to an image to which a predetermined numerical value is assigned in advance without inputting the numerical value as a numerical value. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently perform the process without manually inputting the number of sheets.

[Fourth Embodiment]
In the above embodiment, the photographed image data is transmitted prior to photographing the next image data. However, it may take time to transmit the image, and if the transmission process is performed every time shooting is performed, the next shooting may be hindered. Therefore, in the present embodiment, batch transmission is performed later, and image data to be transmitted in the batch transmission is marked at the time of photographing.

  In the present embodiment, in the preview screen display in step S706 or step S1506 in the flowcharts of FIGS. 7 and 15, the application of marking for collectively transmitting captured image data later is accepted. For example, in the preview screen display as shown in FIG. 4, when the operation of the setting button 55 or the like is accepted, the screen as shown in FIG. 18 is displayed and sent to any area in the screen later in a batch. A marking 1801 for notifying that the target is selected is displayed. Thereafter, setting processing for the designated number of prints corresponding to each embodiment is performed.

  In the first to third embodiments, transmission display is performed in steps S712 to S714 and steps S1512 to S1514, and image data is transmitted based on the operation of the enter button 58. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, these steps are omitted, and when the designated number of prints is determined (steps S711 and S1511), the processing for the image data for one sheet is finished, and the next image data is captured. It can be performed. If the operation of the setting button 55 is not accepted in the preview screen display, the transmission process may be performed as it is.

  In addition, the image data that has been photographed and marked is stored in the recording external memory 111. At this time, in addition to the data shown in the print request data 800 of FIG. A flag is stored. In the case of a batch transmission target, for example, 1 is given as the flag value. The flag value is reset to 0 after batch transmission is performed.

  The flag value can be changed by operating the setting button 55 when displaying the image data captured by operating the playback button 52 on the liquid crystal display 4. Further, at the time of reproduction, only image data with a flag value of 1 may be displayed.

  Further, the batch transmission of the image data is executed when an item “batch transmission” is provided in the menu item displayed in accordance with the operation of the menu button 51 and this “batch transmission” is selected.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to mark an image at the time of shooting and transmit the marked image at a later time. As a result, even when a plurality of images are continuously captured, it is possible to efficiently perform the capturing without causing any trouble due to the image transmission process.

  In addition, since marking is performed at the time of previewing captured image data, it is not necessary to reconfirm the contents of a huge number of image data later and determine whether to transmit. At this time, since the failed image can be excluded, only a good image can be transmitted and printed. As a result, it is possible to save time for sorting printed materials and to save power consumption due to unnecessary printing.

[Other Embodiments]
Note that the present invention can be applied to a system including a plurality of devices (for example, a host computer, an interface device, a reader, and a printer), and a device (for example, a copying machine and a facsimile device) including a single device. You may apply to.

  The object of the present invention can also be achieved by supplying a storage medium storing software program codes for realizing the above-described functions to the system, and the system reading and executing the program codes. In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention. In addition, an operating system (OS) running on a computer performs part or all of actual processing based on an instruction of the program code, and the above-described functions are realized by the processing.

  Furthermore, you may implement | achieve with the following forms. That is, the program code read from the storage medium is written into a memory provided in a function expansion card inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer. Then, based on the instruction of the program code, the case where the above-described functions are realized by the CPU included in the function expansion card or the function expansion unit performing part or all of the actual processing is also included.

It is a figure which shows an example of the external appearance of the camera system corresponding to embodiment of this invention. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a printing system corresponding to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the hardware constitutions of the camera system 10 corresponding to embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the hardware constitutions of the external printing apparatus 30 corresponding to embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the mode setting display in the liquid crystal display 4 corresponding to the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the preview display in the liquid crystal display device 4 corresponding to the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the number display in the liquid crystal display 4 corresponding to the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the transmission display in the liquid crystal display 4 corresponding to the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the process in the camera system 10 corresponding to the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of a structure of the print request data corresponding to embodiment of this invention. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing in the external printing apparatus 30 corresponding to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the number allocation process in the camera system 10 corresponding to the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the mode setting display in the liquid crystal display 4 corresponding to the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the display of the liquid crystal display 4 at the time of the number allocation process corresponding to the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows another example of the display of the liquid crystal display 4 at the time of the number allocation process corresponding to the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows another example of the display of the liquid crystal display 4 at the time of the number allocation process corresponding to the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the process in the camera system 10 corresponding to the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of a message display in the liquid crystal display 4 corresponding to the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the transmission display in the liquid crystal display 4 corresponding to the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the marking display in the liquid crystal display 4 corresponding to the 3rd Embodiment of this invention.

Claims (8)

Imaging means for photographing a subject and generating image data;
Display means for displaying a screen for setting the number of prints for the image data by a user on a preview display for previewing the image data obtained by photographing in response to photographing by the imaging means. When,
A number setting means for setting the number of prints for the image data displayed on the display means based on the display on the display means;
Transmission means for transmitting the image data and the number of printed sheets to an external printing apparatus in response to the number of printed sheets set by the number of sheets setting means ,
The number setting means is:
Storage means for storing a plurality of reference images to which numerical values corresponding to a predetermined number of prints are assigned in advance;
Determining means for determining whether or not second image data generated by the imaging means after the first image data displayed on the display means matches any of the plurality of reference images;
When the second image data is determined to match one of the plurality of reference images, to set the numerical value assigned to match with the determined the reference image as the number of prints imaging, wherein Rukoto apparatus. The print size of the image data is preset,
A generating unit configured to generate print request data including the number of printed sheets and the print size in response to the number of printed sheets set by the number-of-sheets setting unit;
The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the transmission unit transmits the print request data together with the image data. A batch transmission setting accepting unit for accepting a setting for transmitting the image data displayed on the display unit together with other image data later;
The transmission unit, an imaging apparatus according to the image data set of the batch transmission has been made, to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that collective transmission to the external printing device. An imaging process in which the imaging means captures a subject and generates image data;
A screen for setting the number of prints for the image data by the user is displayed on the display device on a preview display for previewing the image data obtained by the image pickup by the image pickup means. Display process
A number setting step for setting the number of prints for the image data displayed on the display device after the print number setting screen is displayed on the display device;
A transmission step of transmitting the image data and the number of prints to an external printing device in response to the number of prints being set in the number-of-sheets setting step ,
In the number setting step, the second image data generated by the imaging unit after the first image data displayed on the display device has a numerical value corresponding to a predetermined print number stored in the storage unit in advance. A determination step of determining whether or not it matches any of the plurality of assigned reference images;
The second image data, when it is determined that matches one of the plurality of reference images, and set to said Rukoto the numerical value assigned to match with the determined the reference image as the number of prints Control method of imaging apparatus. The print size of the image data is preset,
Further comprising a generation step of generating print request data including the number of prints and the print size in response to the number of prints being set in the number-of-sheets setting step;
5. The method according to claim 4 , wherein in the transmission step, the print request data is transmitted together with the image data. A batch transmission setting receiving step of receiving image data displayed on the display device together with settings for later transmitting together with other image data;
6. The imaging apparatus control method according to claim 4 , wherein in the transmission step, the image data for which the batch transmission is set is collectively transmitted to the external printing apparatus. Computer program for executing a method for controlling an image sensing apparatus according to a computer in any one of claims 4 to 6. A computer-readable storage medium storing the computer program according to claim 7 .

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