JP6256258B2 - Image output device - Google Patents

Description

  The present specification discloses a technique for outputting an image.

  Patent Document 1 discloses an image layout apparatus. The image layout apparatus displays an image selection screen including a list of a plurality of thumbnail images corresponding to the plurality of images stored in the image layout apparatus. The user selects one or more thumbnail images from the plurality of thumbnail images on the image selection screen, thereby selecting one or more images from the plurality of images stored in the image layout apparatus. select. The image layout apparatus determines one template from a plurality of templates according to the number of selected images. The image layout apparatus inserts one or more selected images into one or more image insertion regions in the determined template to generate a layout image. Then, the image layout device displays a layout image.

JP 2007-82085 A

  In Patent Document 1, for example, when an enormous number (for example, 1000 or more) of images are stored in the image layout apparatus, an image selection screen including a list of enormous numbers of thumbnail images is displayed. The user needs to select one or more thumbnail images corresponding to one or more images to be inserted into the template from a huge number of thumbnail images in the image selection screen. In the situation where the number of images to be selected is large as described above, the technique of Patent Document 1 does not take into account any device for easily selecting an image by the user.

  In the present specification, a technique is provided in which a user can easily select a predetermined number of image files corresponding to a predetermined number of target images that can be output from a plurality of image files.

  The image output device disclosed in the present specification includes a file acquisition unit, a display control unit, and an output control unit. The file acquisition unit acquires N (N is an integer of 3 or more) image files. The display control unit displays the first selection screen data representing the first selection screen in order to display the first selection screen including N pieces of relation information related to the N image files on the display unit. To supply. When the user selects L1 pieces of relation information equal to a predetermined number from the N pieces of relation information on the first selection screen, the output control unit selects L1 pieces of the N image files. In order to cause the output unit to output at least one target image among the L1 target images obtained using the L1 image files related to the relationship information, L1 target images representing the L1 target images At least one target image data of the data is supplied to the output unit. In the first selection screen, when M1 pieces of related information larger than a predetermined number are selected from the N pieces of relation information by the user, the display control unit further selects the first selection screen by the user. The second selection screen representing the second selection screen is displayed in order to display the second selection screen including M1 pieces of relationship information on the display unit without including (N−M1) pieces of relationship information that have not been performed. The data is supplied to the display unit, and the output control unit further selects N2 when the user selects L2 pieces of relation information equal to a predetermined number from the M1 pieces of relation information on the second selection screen. In order to cause the output unit to output at least one target image among the L2 target images obtained using the L2 image files related to the L2 relationship information among the image files, L2 The target image of To the output unit at least one target image data of the to L2 pieces of target image data.

  According to the above configuration, the user can select L1 pieces of relationship information equal to a predetermined number from among the N pieces of relationship information on the first selection screen. On the other hand, the user first selects M1 pieces of relation information larger than a predetermined number from the N pieces of relation information on the first selection screen, and then selects M1 pieces of relation information on the second selection screen. It is also possible to select L2 pieces of relational information equal to a predetermined number from the list. Thus, for example, when the number of pieces of related information included in the first selection screen is relatively large, the user selects a predetermined number of pieces of related information while narrowing down the number of pieces of related information to be selected in stages. You can choose. In other words, the user can select a predetermined number of image files corresponding to a predetermined number of target images that can be output targets while narrowing down the number of selection target image files in stages. Therefore, the user can easily select a predetermined number of image files from a plurality of image files.

  A computer program for realizing the above-described image output apparatus and a computer-readable recording medium storing the computer program are also novel and useful. In addition, an image output method corresponding to the above-described image output apparatus is also novel and useful.

1 shows a configuration of a communication system. 2 shows a flowchart of processing of the printer of the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a flowchart continued from FIG. 2. FIG. Case A selected from the first thumbnail selection screen group is shown. Case B1 selected from the second thumbnail selection screen group is shown. Case B2 selected from the third thumbnail selection screen group is shown. Case B3 in which the Back button is selected is shown. The flowchart of the process of the server of 2nd Example is shown. A case C1 selected from the third thumbnail selection screen group is shown. A case C2 in which the Back button is selected is shown.

(First embodiment)
(Configuration of communication system 2; FIG. 1)
The communication system 2 includes a printer PR and a server SR. The printer PR and the server SR can communicate with each other via the Internet.

(Configuration of printer PR)
The printer PR is a peripheral device that can execute a printing function (that is, a peripheral device such as a PC (not shown)). The printer PR includes an operation unit 12, a display unit 14, a print execution unit 16, a media insertion unit 18, a network interface 20, and a control unit 30.

  The operation unit 12 includes a plurality of keys. The user can input various instructions to the printer PR by operating the operation unit 12. The display unit 14 is a display for displaying various information. The display unit 14 also functions as a touch panel. The print execution unit 16 is a printing mechanism such as an inkjet method or a laser method. A portable medium 18 a such as a USB memory or an SD card is inserted into the medium insertion unit 18. The medium 18a stores N image files FA. N is an integer of 3 or more, and is “12” in the present embodiment, for example. The network interface 20 is connected to the Internet via a LAN (not shown).

  The control unit 30 includes a CPU 32 and a memory 34. The CPU 32 is a processor that executes various processes in accordance with a program 36 stored in the memory 34. The memory 34 includes a RAM, a ROM, and the like. The memory 34 stores not only the program 36 but also a selection history table 38 and original screen data 40. In the selection history table 38, a selection history is described in the process of selecting an image file from the medium 18a by the user. The original screen data 40 is data used to generate thumbnail selection screen data representing a thumbnail selection screen described later.

(Configuration of server SR)
The server SR is installed on the Internet by the vendor of the printer PR. The server SR generates a composite image data by combining a plurality of image data with template data in accordance with an instruction acquired from the printer PR, and supplies the generated composite image data to the printer PR. Hereinafter, the template is described as “TP”.

  The server SR includes a network interface 70 and a control unit 80. The network interface 70 is connected to the Internet via a LAN (not shown). The control unit 80 includes a CPU 82 and a memory 84. The CPU 82 is a processor that executes various processes according to a program 86 stored in the memory 84. The memory 84 is configured by RAM, ROM, and the like. The memory 84 stores the TP data and the number information in association with each other for each of the plurality of TP data 87a and 87b as well as the program 86.

  The TP data 87a represents the TP image TP1. The TP image TP1 includes three synthesis areas CA1 to CA3 in which three images are to be synthesized. In other words, the TP data 87a is data to be combined with three pieces of image data obtained using the three image files. The number information 89a associated with the TP data 87a indicates the number (that is, three) of image data to be combined with the TP data 87a. The TP data 87b represents the TP image TP2. The TP image TP2 includes two synthesis areas CA4 and CA5 in which two images are to be synthesized. In other words, the TP data 87b is data to be synthesized with two pieces of image data obtained using two image files. The number information 89b associated with the TP data 87b indicates the number (that is, two) of image data to be combined with the TP data 87b.

(Processing of printer PR; FIG. 2)
Next, the contents of processing executed by the CPU 32 of the printer PR will be described with reference to FIG. When the user performs a predetermined operation on the operation unit 12 after the medium 18a is inserted into the printer PR by the user, the process of FIG. 2 is started.

  In S10, the CPU 32 supplies a predetermined request to the server SR and acquires two thumbnail TP information corresponding to the two TP data 87a and 87b from the server SR. Each thumbnail TP information includes thumbnail TP data, which is reduced image data generated from the corresponding TP data, and a TPID for identifying the corresponding TP data. When the CPU 32 acquires the two thumbnail TP information from the server SR, the CPU 32 causes the display unit 14 to display a TP selection screen including two thumbnail TP images represented by the two thumbnail TP data.

  In S12, the CPU 32 monitors whether the TP selection operation is executed by the user. The TP selection operation is an operation for selecting one thumbnail TP image from two thumbnail TP images. If the CPU 32 determines that the TP selection operation has been performed on the operation unit 12 by the user (YES in S12), the CPU 32 proceeds to S14. Hereinafter, the TP data (for example, 87a in FIG. 1) corresponding to the thumbnail TP image selected by the user and the TP image (for example, TP1 in FIG. 1) represented by the TP data will be referred to as “selected TP data”. And “selected TP image”.

  In S <b> 14, the CPU 32 reads N image files FA from the media 18 a inserted in the media insertion unit 18. Next, the CPU 32 supplies TP selection result information including the TPID corresponding to the selected TP data and the N image files FA to the server SR.

  In S <b> 16, the CPU 32 acquires target number information and N pieces of thumbnail information from the server SR. The target number information is the number information (for example, 89a in FIG. 1) stored in the memory 84 of the server SR in association with the selected TP data (for example, 87a in FIG. 1) corresponding to the TPID in the TP selection result information. is there. Hereinafter, the number indicated by the target number information is referred to as a “predetermined number”. Each of the N pieces of thumbnail information includes thumbnail image data that is reduced image data generated by the server SR from the corresponding one image file and an image ID (for example, a file) for identifying the corresponding one image file. Name) and information associated with each other.

  In S18, the CPU 32 causes the display unit 14 to display one thumbnail selection screen of the thumbnail selection screen group configured by one or more thumbnail selection screens. One thumbnail selection screen can include a maximum number of thumbnail images among the N thumbnail images represented by the N thumbnail image data in the N thumbnail information acquired in S16. The upper limit number is the upper limit number of thumbnail images that can be combined with the original screen represented by the original screen data 40, and is “3” in the present embodiment. In the following, the description will be continued on the assumption that N is larger than the upper limit number. FIG. 4 shows an example of a thumbnail selection screen group configured by four thumbnail selection screens SC1 to SC4. In this example, each thumbnail selection screen SC1 to SC4 includes three thumbnail images equal to the upper limit number.

  Specifically, in S18, the CPU 32 determines the target number information acquired in S16, the N thumbnail image data in the N thumbnail information acquired in S16, and the original screen data 40 in the memory 34. , To generate a thumbnail selection screen data group. The CPU 32 synthesizes thumbnail image data equal to the upper limit number (for example, 3) that can be combined with the original screen data 40 among the N thumbnail image data with the original screen data 40, thereby generating one thumbnail selection screen data. Is generated. At this time, the CPU 32 generates one thumbnail selection screen data including a message that prompts the user to select the number of images indicated by the target number information. Further, the CPU 32 synthesizes thumbnail image data of the upper limit number or less among the remaining one or more thumbnail image data with the original screen data 40, and generates another thumbnail selection screen data including the above message. Generate. The CPU 32 repeats this process to generate a thumbnail selection screen data group. Then, the CPU 32 supplies one thumbnail selection screen data in the thumbnail selection screen data group to the display unit 14, and displays one thumbnail selection screen represented by one thumbnail selection screen data on the display unit 14. Display. For example, in the example of FIG. 4, the thumbnail selection screen SC1 among the four thumbnail selection screens SC1 to SC4 is displayed on the display unit 14.

  As shown in FIG. 4, each thumbnail selection screen in the thumbnail selection screen group generated in S <b> 18 includes a Back button 100, scroll buttons 102 and 104, and an OK button 106. The Back button 100 is a button for instructing redisplay of the previous thumbnail selection screen group. In the thumbnail selection screen group generated in S18 for the first time, the Back button 100 is in an invalid state (that is, an unselectable mode). The Back button 100 is in an effective state (ie, selectable mode) in a situation where the thumbnail selection screen group generated in the second and subsequent S18 is displayed. The scroll buttons 102 and 104 are buttons for instructing to change the display of the thumbnail selection screen. The OK button 106 is a button for instructing completion of selection of the thumbnail image. In a situation where one thumbnail image is not selected, or in a situation where only less than a predetermined number of thumbnail images are selected, the OK button 106 is in an invalid state (that is, an unselectable mode). The OK button 106 is in an effective state (that is, a selectable mode) in a situation where a predetermined number or more of thumbnail images are selected.

  In S20 of FIG. 2, the CPU 32 sets the scroll buttons 102 and 104 (see FIG. 4) while one thumbnail selection screen (hereinafter referred to as “current thumbnail selection screen”) is displayed on the display unit 14. Watch for one to be selected. When CPU 32 determines that any of scroll buttons 102 and 104 (see FIG. 4) has been selected (YES in S20), in S22, current thumbnail selection representing the current thumbnail selection screen in the thumbnail selection screen data group is selected. One thumbnail selection screen data different from the screen data is supplied to the display unit 14 and the one thumbnail selection screen is displayed on the display unit 14. Accordingly, another thumbnail selection screen is displayed on the display unit 14 instead of the current thumbnail selection screen. For example, in the example of FIG. 4, when the scroll button 104 is selected while the thumbnail selection screen SC1 is displayed on the display unit 14, the thumbnail selection screen SC2 is displayed instead of the thumbnail selection screen SC1. When the scroll button 102 is selected while the thumbnail selection screen SC1 is displayed on the display unit 14, the thumbnail selection screen SC4 is displayed instead of the thumbnail selection screen SC1. When S22 ends, the process returns to S20.

  In S <b> 24, the CPU 32 monitors whether the Back button 100 is selected while the current thumbnail selection screen is displayed on the display unit 14. If the CPU 32 determines NO in S34 of FIG. 3 to be described later, it passes through S36 and causes the display unit 14 to display a new thumbnail selection image group instead of the current thumbnail selection screen group in S18 of FIG. . That is, the CPU 32 may execute S18 of FIG. 2 a plurality of times, and as a result, may display different thumbnail selection screen groups a plurality of times. In the following description, the thumbnail selection screen group displayed in the Pth S18 may be referred to as a “Pth thumbnail selection screen group”. In a situation where the second and subsequent thumbnail selection screen groups are displayed, the Back button 100 is valid.

  When determining that the Back 100 has been selected (YES in S24), the CPU 32 causes the display unit 14 to redisplay the previous thumbnail selection screen group in S26. Specifically, the CPU 32 uses the information described in the selection history table 38 to generate the previous thumbnail selection screen data group again. Then, the previous thumbnail selection screen data group is supplied again to the display unit 14, and the thumbnail selection screen group is displayed again on the display unit 14. For example, when the Back button 100 is selected while the second thumbnail selection screen group is displayed on the display unit 14, the CPU 32 displays information on the first thumbnail selection screen group in the selection history table 38. By using it, the first thumbnail selection screen group can be displayed again on the display unit 14. For example, the CPU 32 relates to the second thumbnail selection screen group in the selection history table 38 when the Back button 100 is selected in a state where the third thumbnail selection screen group is displayed on the display unit 14. Using the information, the second thumbnail selection screen group can be displayed again on the display unit 14. Generally, when the Back button 100 is selected in a state where the P + 1th thumbnail selection screen group is displayed on the display unit 14, the CPU 32 performs the Pth thumbnail selection screen group in the selection history table 38. The P-th thumbnail selection screen group can be re-displayed on the display unit 14 using the information regarding the display. When S26 ends, the process returns to S20.

  In S27, the CPU 32 monitors whether a thumbnail image is selected in the current thumbnail selection screen group. If the CPU 32 determines that a thumbnail image has been selected (YES in S27), the CPU 32 proceeds to S28.

  In S28, the CPU 32 determines whether or not the number of selected thumbnail images is equal to or greater than a predetermined number. When the number of selected thumbnail images is equal to or larger than the predetermined number (YES in S28), the CPU 32 sets the OK button 106 in each thumbnail selection screen constituting the current thumbnail selection screen group from an invalid state in S30. Transition to a valid state. When S30 ends, the process returns to S20. On the other hand, when the number of selected thumbnail images is less than the predetermined number (NO in S28), the CPU 32 returns to S20.

  In S32 of FIG. 3, the CPU 32 monitors whether the OK button 106 is selected by the user. When the OK button 106 is selected by the user in a situation where the OK button 106 is valid (that is, a situation where a predetermined number or more of thumbnail images have been selected), the CPU 32 proceeds to S34.

  In S34, the CPU 32 determines whether or not the number of selected thumbnail images is equal to a predetermined number. If the CPU 32 determines that the number of selected thumbnail images is equal to the predetermined number (YES in S34), the CPU 32 proceeds to S38. Hereinafter, the selected thumbnail images equal to the predetermined number are referred to as “L selected thumbnail images”. On the other hand, when the CPU 32 determines that the number of selected thumbnail images is larger than the predetermined number (NO in S34), the CPU 32 proceeds to S36. Hereinafter, the number of selected thumbnail images larger than the predetermined number is referred to as “M selected thumbnail images”.

  In S <b> 36, the CPU 32 updates the selection history table 38 in the memory 34. Specifically, in the selection history table 38, information indicating the number of thumbnail selection screen groups to be displayed (that is, the number of times of passing through S18) and M corresponding to M selected thumbnail images. Each image ID is described in association with each other. When S36 ends, the process returns to S18 of FIG.

  In S18 of FIG. 2 executed through S36, the CPU 32 causes the display unit 14 to display the current thumbnail selection screen group instead of the previous thumbnail selection screen group. The current thumbnail selection screen group includes the M selected thumbnail images, and does not include one or more thumbnail images that were not selected by the user in the previous thumbnail selection screen group. As in the first S18, the CPU 32 generates a current thumbnail selection screen data group and supplies one thumbnail selection screen data in the current thumbnail selection screen data group to the display unit 14. Thereby, the second and subsequent thumbnail selection screen groups are displayed on the display unit 14. In the second and subsequent thumbnail selection screen groups, unlike the first thumbnail selection screen group, the Back button 100 is in an effective state. Thereby, when the Back button 100 is selected in a state where the second and subsequent thumbnail selection screen groups are displayed on the display unit 14 (YES in S24 of FIG. 2), the CPU 32 selects the previous thumbnail selection screen group. Can be displayed again on the display unit 14 (S26).

  In S38 of FIG. 3, the CPU 32 supplies thumbnail selection result information to the server SR. The thumbnail selection result information includes L image IDs corresponding to L selected thumbnail images.

  In S40, the CPU 32 acquires the composite image data generated by the server SR from the server SR. The composite image data is data obtained by combining L image data obtained by using L image files identified by L image IDs in the thumbnail selection result information with the selected TP data.

  In S <b> 42, the CPU 32 supplies the composite image data acquired in S <b> 40 to the print execution unit 16 and causes the print execution unit 16 to print the composite image represented by the composite image data. Thereby, CPU32 can provide a user with the printing medium on which the synthesized image was printed.

(Specific cases: Figs. 4 to 7)
Next, specific cases realized by the flowcharts of FIGS. 2 and 3 will be described with reference to FIGS.

(Case A; Fig. 4)
The printer PR includes four thumbnail selection screens SC1 to SC4 when a TP selection operation for selecting a thumbnail TP image corresponding to the TP data 87a is executed by the user (YES in S12 of FIG. 2). The thumbnail selection screen group for the second time is displayed (S18). Here, since the selected TP image is the TP image TP1 (see FIG. 1), the predetermined number is three indicated by the number information 89a. The first thumbnail selection screen group includes 12 thumbnail images corresponding to the characters “A” to “L”. Each thumbnail image is usually an image showing a photograph or the like, but in this specification, an image corresponding to an alphabet is used for convenience. In each thumbnail selection screen SC1 to SC4, the Back button 100 is in an invalid state.

  When the user selects three thumbnail images corresponding to the characters “C”, “J”, and “K” in the first thumbnail selection screen group (YES in S28 of FIG. 2), the printer PR The OK button 106 is shifted from the invalid state to the valid state (S30). Next, in the situation where the above three thumbnail images have already been selected, the printer PR displays thumbnail selection result information when the OK button 106 is selected by the user (YES in S32 of FIG. 3, YES in S34). The server SR is supplied (S38). The thumbnail selection result information includes three image IDs corresponding to the three thumbnail images.

  The server SR generates composite image data when acquiring three image IDs from the printer PR. Specifically, first, the server SR specifies three image files identified by three image IDs from the N image files. Next, the server SR changes the size of the three specified image files and generates three target image data representing the three target images. Each target image is an image having a size that fits in each of the synthesis areas CA1 to CA3 in the selected TP image TP1. Then, the server SR synthesizes the three target image data with the selected TP data 87a so that each target image is synthesized with each synthesis area CA1 to CA3, and generates synthesized image data representing the synthesized image. .

  When acquiring the composite image data from the server SR (S40), the printer PR prints the composite image on the print medium (S42). Accordingly, the printer PR can provide the user with a print medium on which the composite image is printed.

(Case B1; FIG. 5)
Case B1 in FIG. 5 shows a case in which the OK button 106 is selected after nine thumbnail images are selected in the first thumbnail selection screen group (YES in S32 of FIG. 3, NO in S34). In this case, the printer PR updates the selection history table 38 without supplying thumbnail selection result information to the server SR (S36). Specifically, the printer PR includes information indicating which thumbnail image has been selected for a column indicating the number of selections “1” indicating that it is the first thumbnail selection screen group in the selection history table 38. Describe. In the selection history table 38 of FIG. 5, the image ID (for example, image ID “1”) corresponding to the selected thumbnail image is indicated by a circle, and the image ID corresponding to a thumbnail image that has not been selected is indicated by a cross. expressed. In other words, the selection history table 38 indicates information indicating the first thumbnail selection screen group (that is, the selection count “1”) and nine image IDs corresponding to the nine selected thumbnail images. Information (that is, nine circles) is described in association with each other.

  The printer PR displays a second thumbnail selection screen group including three thumbnail selection screens SC5 to SC7 instead of the first thumbnail selection screen group (S18 in FIG. 2). The second thumbnail selection screen group includes nine selected thumbnail images and does not include three thumbnail images that were not selected in the first thumbnail selection screen group. The Back button 100 included in each thumbnail selection screen SC5 to SC7 is in an effective state.

  When the user selects three thumbnail images corresponding to the characters “C”, “J”, and “K” in the second thumbnail selection screen group (YES in S28 of FIG. 2), the printer PR. The OK button 106 is shifted from the invalid state to the valid state (S30). Next, in the situation where the above three thumbnail images have been selected, the printer PR, when the OK button 106 is selected by the user (YES in S32 of FIG. 3, YES in S34), the case A of FIG. Similarly, the composite image data is acquired from the server SR (S40). Then, the printer PR prints the composite image on the print medium (S42).

  As described above, the user can select three thumbnail images equal to a predetermined number from among the 12 thumbnail images in the first thumbnail selection screen group (case A in FIG. 4). On the other hand, the user first selects nine thumbnail images larger than a predetermined number from the 12 thumbnail images in the first thumbnail selection screen group, and then selects 9 thumbnail images in the second thumbnail selection screen group. It is also possible to select three thumbnail images equal to a predetermined number from among the thumbnail images (Case B1 in FIG. 5). In this way, when the number of thumbnail images included in the first selection screen group is relatively large, the user selects a predetermined number of thumbnail images while narrowing down the number of thumbnail images to be selected in stages. can do. In other words, the user can select a predetermined number of image files FA corresponding to a predetermined number of target images to be printed while narrowing down the number of selection target image files FA in stages. Therefore, the user can easily select a predetermined number of image files FA from the plurality of image files FA.

  Further, the number of thumbnail selection screens included in the second thumbnail selection screen group (that is, three) is smaller than the number of thumbnail selection screens included in the first thumbnail selection screen group (that is, four). That is, by narrowing down the number of thumbnail images to be selected in stages, the user can view all of the thumbnail images to be selected even if the number of times the scroll buttons 102 and 104 are selected is relatively small. Also in this respect, the user can easily select a predetermined number of image files FA from the plurality of image files FA.

(Case B2; FIG. 6)
Case B2 indicates a case where the OK button 106 is selected after six thumbnail images are selected in the second thumbnail selection screen group (see FIG. 5) (YES in S32 of FIG. 3, NO in S34). ). In this case, the printer PR updates the selection history table 38 without supplying thumbnail selection result information to the server SR (S36). Specifically, the printer PR includes information indicating which thumbnail image has been selected for the column indicating the number of selections “2” indicating that the selection history table 38 is the second thumbnail selection screen group. Describe. The selection history table 38 of FIG. 6 shows information indicating that it is the second thumbnail selection screen group (that is, the selection count “2”) and six image IDs corresponding to the six selected thumbnail images. Information (that is, six circles) is described in association with each other.

  The printer PR displays a third thumbnail selection screen group including two thumbnail selection screens SC8 and SC9 instead of the second thumbnail selection screen group (S18 in FIG. 2). The third thumbnail selection screen group includes six selected thumbnail images, and does not include the three thumbnail images that were not selected in the second thumbnail selection screen group.

  When the user selects three thumbnail images corresponding to the characters “C”, “J”, and “K” in the third thumbnail selection screen group (YES in S28 of FIG. 2), the printer PR. The OK button 106 is shifted to an effective state (S30). Next, in the situation where the above three thumbnail images have been selected, the printer PR, when the OK button 106 is selected by the user (YES in S32 of FIG. 3, YES in S34), the case A of FIG. Similarly, the composite image data is acquired from the server SR (S40). Then, the printer PR prints the composite image on the print medium (S42).

  As described above, the user selects six thumbnail images larger than the predetermined number from the nine thumbnail images in the second thumbnail selection screen group, and then in the third thumbnail selection screen group, the user selects 6 thumbnail images. Three thumbnail images equal to a predetermined number can be selected from the thumbnail images. Thus, the user can narrow down the number of image files FA to be selected a plurality of times. Therefore, the user can easily select a predetermined number of image files FA from the plurality of image files FA.

(Case B3; FIG. 7)
In case B3, when the second thumbnail selection screen group is displayed (see FIG. 5) and the Back button 100 is selected by the user (YES in S24 of FIG. 2), the first thumbnail selection screen is displayed. The case where a group is redisplayed is shown. Specifically, first, the printer PR extracts nine image IDs with circles in the column indicating the number of selections “1” in the selection history table 38. Next, the printer PR identifies nine thumbnail information including nine extracted image IDs, nine thumbnail image data included in the nine identified thumbnail information, and the original screen in the memory 34. The first thumbnail selection screen data group is regenerated using the data 40. Next, the printer PR redisplays the first thumbnail selection screen group. The subsequent processing is the same as in case A of FIG.

  As described above, the printer PR redisplays the first thumbnail selection screen group instead of the second thumbnail selection screen group when the Back button 100 is selected in the second thumbnail selection screen group. . As a result, the user can reselect a thumbnail image from the first thumbnail selection screen group.

(Correspondence)
The printer PR and the print execution unit 16 are examples of “image output device” and “output unit”, respectively. The first thumbnail selection screen group in FIG. 4, the second thumbnail selection screen group in FIG. 5, and the third thumbnail selection screen group in FIG. 6 are respectively “first selection screen” and “second selection screen”. ”And“ third selection screen ”. The thumbnail selection screens SC1 to SC4 are examples of “a plurality of partial screens”. The thumbnail selection screen SC1 and the thumbnail selection screen SC2 are examples of the “first partial screen” and the “second partial screen”, respectively. In the example of FIG. 4 and the like, “3”, which is the number of image data to be combined with the selected TP data 87a, is an example of the “predetermined number”. In case A of FIG. 4, the three selected thumbnail images corresponding to the characters “C”, “J”, and “K” are an example of “L1 relation information”. In case A of FIG. 4, the three thumbnail images corresponding to the characters “A”, “B”, and “C” included in the thumbnail selection screen SC1 are examples of “N1 relation information”, and the thumbnail selection Three thumbnail images corresponding to the characters “D”, “E”, and “F” included in the screen SC2 are an example of “N2 pieces of relation information”. In case B1 of FIG. 5, nine thumbnails corresponding to the letters “A”, “C”, “D”, “E”, “F”, “H”, “J”, “K”, “L”. The image is an example of “M1 related information”, and the three selected thumbnail images corresponding to the characters “C”, “J”, and “K” are an example of “L2 related information”. . In case B2 of FIG. 6, six thumbnail images corresponding to the characters “C”, “D”, “F”, “H”, “J”, “K” are examples of “M2 relation information”. The three selected thumbnail images corresponding to the characters “C”, “J”, and “K” are an example of “L3 relation information”.

  The process of reading N image files FA from the medium 18a in S14 of FIG. 2 is an example of a process executed by the “file acquisition unit”. The processing of S18, S22, and S26 is an example of processing executed by the “display control unit”. The process of S42 in FIG. 3 is an example of a process executed by the “output control unit”.

(Second embodiment)
In this embodiment, the memory 34 of the printer PR does not store the selection history table 38 and the original screen data 40. Instead, the memory 84 of the server SR stores the selection history table 88 and the original screen data 90. The selection history table 88 and the original screen data 90 are the same as the selection history table 38 and the original screen data 40, respectively.

(Processing of server SR; FIG. 8)
In the present embodiment, the processing of FIG. 8 is executed by the CPU 82 of the server SR. The processing in FIG. 8 is executed with a predetermined request for requesting acquisition of thumbnail TP information being received from the printer PR as a trigger.

  In S102, the CPU 82 generates two thumbnail TP information from the TP data 87a and 87b in the memory 84 in response to a predetermined request from the printer PR, and supplies the two thumbnail TP information to the printer PR.

  In S104, the CPU 82 acquires from the printer PR TP selection result information including the TPID for identifying the selected TP data and the N image files FA.

  In S106, the CPU 82 supplies thumbnail selection screen information to the printer PR. The thumbnail selection screen information includes original screen data 90, target number information associated with the selected TP data, and N pieces of thumbnail information corresponding to N image files.

  When acquiring the thumbnail selection screen information from the server SR, the printer PR generates a thumbnail selection screen data group and displays the thumbnail selection screen group as in the first embodiment. However, unlike the first embodiment, the printer PR uses the original screen data 90 acquired from the server SR to generate a thumbnail selection screen data group and displays the thumbnail selection screen group. That is, it can be said that the thumbnail selection screen information acquired from the server SR includes all information included in the thumbnail selection screen data group to be generated. The printer PR supplies thumbnail selection result information to the server SR when the OK button 106 is selected by the user in a situation where a predetermined number or more of thumbnail images have been selected. That is, in the present embodiment, unlike the first embodiment, thumbnail selection result information is supplied even when the OK button 106 is not selected by the user in a situation where a predetermined number of thumbnail images have been selected. Can be done. That is, the thumbnail selection result information of the present embodiment can include M image IDs that are larger than a predetermined number.

  In S108, the CPU 82 monitors the acquisition of thumbnail selection result information from the printer PR. If the CPU 82 acquires thumbnail selection result information from the printer PR (YES in S108), the CPU 82 proceeds to S110.

  In S110, the CPU 82 determines whether or not the number of selected thumbnail images is equal to a predetermined number. Specifically, when the number of image IDs included in the thumbnail selection result information is equal to a predetermined number indicated by the target number information (YES in S110), the CPU 82 proceeds to S112. On the other hand, if the CPU 82 determines that the number of image IDs included in the thumbnail selection result information is greater than the predetermined number (NO in S110), the CPU 82 proceeds to S116.

  As in the first embodiment, the CPU 82 generates composite image data in S112, and supplies the generated composite image data to the printer PR in S114. When S114 ends, the process of FIG. 8 ends.

  In S116, the CPU 82 updates the selection history table 88 as in S36 of FIG. Next, in S118, the CPU 82 generates thumbnail selection screen information and supplies the generated thumbnail selection screen information to the printer PR. The thumbnail selection screen information in S118 corresponds to the original screen data 90, the target number information, and M image IDs (that is, M image IDs greater than a predetermined number) included in the thumbnail selection result information acquired in S108. M pieces of thumbnail information to be included.

  When acquiring the thumbnail selection screen information in S118 from the server SR, the printer PR displays the current thumbnail selection screen group instead of the previous thumbnail selection screen group. The current thumbnail selection screen group includes M thumbnail images selected by the user in the previous thumbnail selection screen group, and does not include one or more thumbnail images not selected by the user in the previous thumbnail selection screen group. . Similar to the first embodiment, unlike the first thumbnail selection screen group, the Back button 100 is valid in the second and subsequent thumbnail selection screen groups.

  On the other hand, in S120, the CPU 82 monitors acquisition of a redisplay request from the printer PR. The re-display request is supplied from the printer PR to the server SR when the user selects the Back button 100 in the second and subsequent thumbnail selection screen groups. When acquiring a redisplay request from the printer PR (YES in S120), the CPU 82 supplies the previous thumbnail selection screen information to the printer PR in S122. Specifically, the CPU 82 uses the information described in the selection history table 88 to generate the previous thumbnail selection screen information again, and supplies the generated previous thumbnail selection screen information to the printer PR. . Thus, when the printer PR acquires the previous thumbnail selection screen information from the server SR, the printer PR displays the previous thumbnail selection screen group instead of the currently displayed thumbnail selection screen group. When S122 ends, the process returns to S108.

(Specific case C; FIGS. 9 and 10)
Subsequently, a specific case realized by the flowchart of FIG. 8 will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10.

  When the server SR acquires a predetermined request from the printer PR at T8, the server SR supplies two thumbnails TP information to the printer PR at T10 (S102 in FIG. 8).

  In T12, the user executes a TP selection operation for selecting a thumbnail TP image corresponding to the TP data 87a on the TP selection screen displayed on the printer PR.

  The server SR acquires the TP selection result information including the TPID for identifying the selected TP data 87a and the twelve image files FA from the printer PR at T14 (S104). At T16, the thumbnail selection screen is displayed. Information is supplied to the printer PR (S106). The thumbnail selection screen information of T16 includes original screen data 90, number information 89a, and 12 pieces of thumbnail information.

  In T18, the printer PR displays a first thumbnail selection screen group including 12 thumbnail images. The first thumbnail selection screen group is the same as the thumbnail selection screen group in FIG.

  In T20, the user selects nine thumbnail images on the first thumbnail selection screen group displayed on the printer PR, and selects the OK button 106.

  The server SR obtains thumbnail selection result information including nine image IDs from the printer PR at T22 (YES at S108), and at T23, the number of selected thumbnail images “9” (from the predetermined number “3”). In this case, the server SR updates the selection history table 88 at T24 as in the case B1 of FIG.5 (S116), and at T26, the thumbnail selection screen information is transferred to the printer PR. The thumbnail selection screen information of T26 includes original screen data 90, number information 89a, and nine pieces of thumbnail information.

  In T28, the printer PR displays a second thumbnail selection screen group including nine thumbnail images. The second thumbnail selection screen group is the same as the second thumbnail selection screen group in FIG.

(Case C1)
In case C1, at T30, the user selects six thumbnail images and selects the OK button 106 in the second thumbnail selection screen group displayed on the printer PR.

  The server SR acquires thumbnail selection result information including six image IDs from the printer PR at T32 (YES at S108), and at T33, the number of selected thumbnail images “6” is greater than the predetermined number “3”. (NO in S110). In this case, the server SR updates the selection history table 88 at T34 as in the case B2 of FIG. 6 (S116), and supplies thumbnail selection screen information to the printer PR at T36. The thumbnail selection screen information of T36 includes original screen data 90, number information 89a, and six pieces of thumbnail information.

  In T38, the printer PR displays a third thumbnail selection screen group including six thumbnail images. The third thumbnail selection screen group is the same as the thumbnail selection screen group in FIG.

  In T40, the user selects three thumbnail images on the third thumbnail selection screen group displayed on the printer PR, and selects the OK button 106.

  The server SR acquires the thumbnail selection result information including the three image IDs from the printer PR at T42, and determines that the number of selected thumbnail images “3” is equal to the predetermined number “3” at T43 (S110). YES) In this case, the server SR generates composite image data at T44 (S112), and supplies the composite image data to the printer PR at T46 (S114), as in Case A of FIG.

  In T48, the printer PR prints the composite image represented by the composite image data on the print medium.

  As described above, when the server SR acquires 12 image files FA from the printer PR (T14), the server SR displays the first thumbnail selection screen group including the 12 thumbnail images on the printer PR (T16, T18). The server SR causes the printer PR to display the second thumbnail selection screen group when the user selects nine thumbnail images larger than the predetermined number in the first thumbnail selection screen group (T20). T28). The server SR further displays the third thumbnail selection screen group on the printer PR when the user selects more than a predetermined number of six thumbnail images in the second thumbnail selection screen group (T30) (T30). T36, T38). Further, in the third thumbnail selection screen group, the server SR causes the printer PR to print a composite image when three thumbnail images equal to a predetermined number are selected by the user (T40) (T46, T48). Also in this embodiment, the user can easily select a predetermined number of image files FA from a plurality of image files FA while narrowing down the number of image files FA to be selected.

(Case C2; FIG. 10)
From T8 to T28 is the same as Case C in FIG. In T102, the user selects the Back button 100 in the second thumbnail selection screen group displayed on the printer PR.

  The server SR obtains a redisplay request from the printer PR at T104 (YES in S120 of FIG. 8), and supplies the same thumbnail selection screen information as T16 of FIG. 9 to the printer PR at T106 (S122).

  In T108, the printer PR displays a first thumbnail selection screen group including 12 thumbnail images. T110 to T118 are the same as T40 to T48 in FIG.

  As described above, when acquiring a redisplay request from the printer PR (T104), the server SR causes the printer PR to redisplay the first thumbnail selection screen group instead of the second thumbnail selection screen group ( T106, T108). As a result, the user can reselect a thumbnail image from the first thumbnail selection screen group.

(Correspondence)
The server SR and the printer PR are examples of “image output device” and “output unit”. The TP data 87a and the number information 89a are examples of “target number information” of “target template data”. The TP selection result information acquired in S104 of FIG. 8 and the thumbnail selection result information acquired in S108 are examples of “first selection result information” and “second selection result information”, respectively. The process of S104 in FIG. 8 is an example of a process executed by the “file acquisition unit” and the “first selection result acquisition unit”. The process of S108 is an example of a process executed by the “second selection result acquisition unit”. The processing of S106, S118, and S122 is an example of processing executed by the “display control unit”. The process of S110 and the process of S114 are examples of processes executed by the “determination unit” and the “output control unit”, respectively.

  Specific examples of the present invention have been described in detail above, but these are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the claims. The technology described in the claims includes various modifications and changes of the specific examples illustrated above. The modifications of the above embodiment are listed below.

(Modification 1) In the first embodiment described above, the CPU 32 of the printer PR causes the print execution unit 16 to print a composite image represented by composite image data obtained by combining a predetermined number of target image data with selected TP data. This is executed (S42 in FIG. 3). Instead of this, for example, the CPU 32 may display the composite image on the display unit 14. Also in the second embodiment, the printer PR may display a composite image represented by the composite image data acquired from the server SR. That is, “outputting to the output unit” is not limited to causing the print execution unit 16 to print the composite image, but includes displaying the composite image on the display unit 14.

(Modification 2)
In the first embodiment, the server SR generates the composite image data. However, in the modified example, the server SR need not generate the composite image data. Further, the communication system 2 may not include the server SR. For example, assume that the printer PR is set to a mode in which a predetermined number (for example, three) of thumbnail images are printed on a single print medium. In this situation, the printer PR prints the three target images obtained using the three image files selected from the twelve image files without acquiring the composite image data. May be executed. That is, the “output control unit” is configured to output at least one target image of the predetermined number of target images to the output unit, and at least one of the predetermined number of target image data representing the predetermined number of target images. The target image data may be supplied to the output unit.

(Modification 3) In Modification 2 described above, the CPU 32 of the printer PR causes the print execution unit 16 to print L target images equal to a predetermined number. In this modification, the CPU 32 of the L target images is printed. Only a part of the target images may be printed by the print execution unit 16. For example, when each of the L target image files includes information indicating the time (that is, the shooting time) when the target image file was generated, the information indicating the latest shooting time among the L target images. Only one corresponding target image may be printed. In other words, among the L target images, there may be a target image that is not printed. That is, the “output control unit” is configured to output at least one target image of the predetermined number of target images to the output unit, and at least one of the predetermined number of target image data representing the predetermined number of target images. The target image data may be supplied to the output unit.

(Modification 4) In the first embodiment, the memory 84 of the server SR stores the TP data 87a and 87b and the number information 89a and 89b. However, in the modification, the memory 34 of the printer PR These pieces of information may be stored. Further, the communication system 2 may not include the server SR. The CPU 32 generates two thumbnail TP data corresponding to the TP data 87a and 87b in the memory 34 instead of S10 of FIG. 2, and replaces S14 with the TP data corresponding to the selected thumbnail TP image. You may identify as selected TP data. Instead of S16, the CPU 32 identifies the number information stored in the memory 34 in association with the selected TP data as the target number information, and uses the N image files FA to obtain the N thumbnail image data. It may be generated. Instead of S38 and S40, the CPU 32 may combine the predetermined number of target data corresponding to the selected predetermined number of thumbnail images with the selected TP data to generate combined image data. That is, the printer PR may include a “memory”, a “generation unit”, a “first selection result acquisition unit”, a “second selection result acquisition unit”, and a “determination unit”.

(Modification 5) In case A of the first embodiment described above, the first thumbnail selection screen group includes thumbnail selection screens SC1 to SC4 (FIG. 4), but in the modification example, the first thumbnail selection screen group. May include only one thumbnail selection screen. That is, 12 thumbnail images may be included in one thumbnail selection screen. That is, the “first selection screen” may not include “a plurality of partial screens”.

(Modification 6) In each of the above-described embodiments, the CPU 32 of the printer PR or the CPU 82 of the server SR executes the program (that is, software), thereby realizing the processes in FIGS. 2, 3, and 8. Is done. Instead of this, at least one of the processes in FIGS. 2, 3, and 8 may be realized by hardware such as a logic circuit.

  The technical elements described in this specification or the drawings exhibit technical usefulness alone or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims at the time of filing. In addition, the technology illustrated in the present specification or the drawings achieves a plurality of objects at the same time, and has technical utility by achieving one of the objects.

  2: communication system, 12: operation unit, 14: display unit, 16: print execution unit, 18: media insertion unit, 18a: media, 20, 70: network interface, 30, 80: control unit, 32: CPU, 34 , 84: Memory, 36, 86: Program, 38: Selection history table, 40, 90: Original screen data, 87a, 87b: Template image data, 88: Selection history table, 89a, 89b: Number information, 100: Back button , 102, 104: Scroll button, 106: OK button, CA1 to CA5: Composition area, FA: Image file, PR: Printer, SC1 to SC9: Thumbnail selection screen, SR: Server, TP1, TP2: Template image

Claims (10)

An image output device,
A file acquisition unit for acquiring N (N is an integer of 3 or more) image files;
First display screen data representing the first selection screen is supplied to the display unit in order to display on the display unit a first selection screen including N pieces of related information related to the N image files. A display control unit,
In the first selection screen, when L1 pieces of relation information equal to a predetermined number are selected from the N pieces of relation information, the L1 pieces of relation among the N image files are selected. L1 target images representing the L1 target images in order to cause the output unit to output at least one target image among the L1 target images obtained using the L1 image files related to the information. An output control unit that supplies at least one target image data of the data to the output unit,
In the first selection screen, when M1 pieces of relation information larger than the predetermined number are selected from the N pieces of relation information by the user,
The display control unit further includes a second selection screen that includes the M1 pieces of relationship information without including the (N-M1) pieces of relationship information that are not selected by the user on the first selection screen. Supplying the display unit with second selection screen data representing the second selection screen for display on the display unit;
In the second selection screen, the output control unit may further select the N pieces of information when L2 pieces of relation information equal to the predetermined number are selected from the M1 pieces of relation information by the user. In order to cause the output unit to output at least one target image of L2 target images obtained by using L2 image files related to the L2 pieces of relationship information among the image files, the L2 An image output apparatus that supplies at least one target image data of L2 target image data representing a single target image to the output unit. In the second selection screen, when M2 pieces of relation information larger than the predetermined number are selected from the M1 pieces of relation information by the user,
The display control unit further includes a third selection screen including the M2 pieces of relationship information without including the (M1-M2) pieces of relationship information not selected by the user in the second selection screen. Supplying the display unit with third selection screen data representing the third selection screen for display on the display unit;
In the third selection screen, the output control unit may further select the N pieces of information when L3 pieces of relation information equal to the predetermined number are selected from the M2 pieces of relation information by the user. In order to cause the output unit to output at least one target image among the L3 target images obtained using the L3 image files related to the L3 related information among the image files, the L3 The image output device according to claim 1 , wherein at least one target image data among L3 target image data representing one target image is supplied to the output unit. The image output device further includes:
Memory for storing target template data;
L1 target image data obtained using the L1 image files when the L1 relationship information is selected by the user from the N relationship information on the first selection screen. And a generating unit that generates combined image data representing one combined image including the L1 target images.
The image output apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the output control unit supplies composite image data representing the composite image to the output unit in order to cause the output unit to output the single composite image.   The image output apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the predetermined number is a number determined in advance as the number of image data to be combined with the target template data. The memory stores, for each of a plurality of template data, the template data and number information indicating the number of image data to be combined with the template data in association with each other,
The image output device further includes:
A first selection result acquisition unit that acquires first selection result information indicating a selection result selected by the user from the plurality of template data;
A second selection result acquisition unit that acquires second selection result information indicating a selection result selected by the user from the N pieces of relation information on the first selection screen;
Indicated by the target number information using the target number information stored in the memory in association with the target template data indicated by the first selection result information and the second selection result information. A determination unit that determines whether or not the L1 pieces of relation information equal to the predetermined number are selected by the user;
The output control unit is configured to output the L1 target images to the output unit when it is determined that the L1 relation information equal to the predetermined number is selected by the user. Supplying target image data to the output unit;
When it is determined that the M1 pieces of related information larger than the predetermined number are selected by the user,
The display control unit supplies the second selection screen data to the display unit in order to display the second selection screen on the display unit;
The image output apparatus according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the output control unit supplies the L2 target image data to the output unit in order to cause the output unit to output the L2 target images.   When the display control unit is further given a re-display instruction for re-displaying the first selection screen in a state where the second selection screen is displayed on the display unit, 6. The image output device according to claim 1, wherein the first selection screen data is supplied again to the display unit in order to redisplay the first selection screen on the display unit. 6. The display control unit
In the first selection screen, the user gives a completion instruction for completing the selection in a state where the user has selected less than the predetermined number of relation information from the N pieces of relation information. Ban,
The said 1st selection screen WHEREIN: The said user is allowed to give the said completion instruction | indication in the state in which the said predetermined number or more of relationship information has been selected by the user from the said N pieces of relationship information. The image output device according to any one of 1 to 6. The first selection screen includes a first partial screen including N1 pieces of relation information, which is a part of the N pieces of relation information, and N2 pieces of parts of the N pieces of relation information. The N2 pieces of relation information including at least one piece of relation information not included in the N1 pieces of relation information and not including at least one piece of relation information included in the N1 pieces of relation information. A second partial screen including a plurality of partial screens including
In the state where the first partial screen is displayed on the display unit, the display control unit replaces the first partial screen when the user gives a change instruction indicating a screen change. The image output device according to claim 1, wherein a second partial screen is displayed on the display unit. A computer program for an image output device,
The computer program stores the following processes in a computer mounted on the image output apparatus, that is,
A file acquisition process for acquiring N (N is an integer of 3 or more) image files;
First display screen data representing the first selection screen is supplied to the display unit in order to display on the display unit a first selection screen including N pieces of related information related to the N image files. Display control processing to
In the first selection screen, when L1 pieces of relation information equal to a predetermined number are selected from the N pieces of relation information, the L1 pieces of relation among the N image files are selected. L1 target images representing the L1 target images in order to cause the output unit to output at least one target image among the L1 target images obtained using the L1 image files related to the information. Output control processing for supplying at least one target image data of the data to the output unit,
In the first selection screen, when M1 pieces of relation information larger than the predetermined number are selected from the N pieces of relation information by the user,
In the display control process, a second selection screen including the M1 pieces of relationship information without including the (N-M1) pieces of relationship information not selected by the user on the first selection screen is further displayed. Supplying the display unit with second selection screen data representing the second selection screen for display on the display unit;
In the output control process, when the user selects L2 pieces of relation information equal to the predetermined number from the M1 pieces of relation information on the second selection screen, the N pieces of relation information are displayed. In order to cause the output unit to output at least one target image of L2 target images obtained by using L2 image files related to the L2 pieces of relationship information among the image files, the L2 A computer program for supplying at least one target image data of L2 target image data representing one target image to the output unit. An image output method,
A file acquisition step of acquiring N (N is an integer of 3 or more) image files;
A display control step of causing a display unit to display a first selection screen including N pieces of relationship information related to the N image files;
In the first selection screen, when L1 pieces of relation information equal to a predetermined number are selected from the N pieces of relation information, the L1 pieces of relation among the N image files are selected. An output control step of causing the output unit to output L1 target images obtained using the L1 image files related to the information,
In the first selection screen, when M1 pieces of relation information larger than the predetermined number are selected from the N pieces of relation information by the user,
In the display control step, a second selection screen including the M1 pieces of relation information without including the (N-M1) pieces of relation information not selected by the user on the first selection screen is further provided. Display on the display,
In the output control step, in the second selection screen, when L2 pieces of relation information equal to the predetermined number are selected from the M1 pieces of relation information by the user, the N pieces of pieces of relation information are selected. An image output method of causing the output unit to output L2 target images obtained using L2 image files related to the L2 relationship information among the image files.