JPH10107981A - Printer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide the compact and simple printer that is connected directly to a digital camera, controls the camera, allows the camera to display information of a picked-up image or prints it out while allowing the camera to display a desired image for confirmation purpose. SOLUTION: A camera 1 is provided with a color LCD 4 and when a mode changeover switch 6 is selected to a position of an image reproduction mode (PL), the image reproduction mode is set to the camera. A communication cable 14 is used to directly connect the camera 1 and the printer 15. A MENU key 18f is used to send a menu pattern and cursor data to the camera, in which the image is displayed on the color LCD 4. In the list print mode, the printer 15 generates character data from the number of image data transferred from the camera 1 and transfers the character data to the camera 1, in which the data are displayed and the printer 15 prints out a list of the image data transferred from the camera 1. Keys of the printer 15 such as EASY key 18e, '-'key 18a, '+' key 18b are used to allow the camera 1 to display an optional image and to confirm a desired image, and the printer 15 synthesizes patterns such as a background, a picture post card, a calendar or a mini label selected from the menu pattern with the image and prints out the synthesized image.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a printing apparatus for printing an image connected to an image recording apparatus for storing and reproducing a still image as digital image data.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a printer has been used as a terminal device for printing data output from a host device such as a large computer, office computer, personal computer, or the like.

In recent years, multi-media has been developed among various electronic devices such as personal computers. In particular, a personal computer can reproduce still images such as photographs, and can reproduce moving images such as TV images and karaoke by increasing the memory and incorporating an MPEG circuit and a modem in addition to realizing conventional application software such as databases, word processors, and spreadsheets. And a communication function such as the Internet can be easily realized.

[0004] Particularly recently, instead of the conventional silver halide camera,
2. Description of the Related Art Digital cameras capable of directly processing photographed photographs by a personal computer are widely available. This allows a digital image taken by a digital camera to be easily processed by a personal computer by incorporating dedicated software into the personal computer. For example, when printing an image captured by a digital camera, the captured image is imported from the digital camera to a personal computer, a printer is connected to the personal computer, and the image (frame)
, A color image can be easily printed.

[0005]

As described above, an image captured by a digital camera can be printed by the conventional printing system. Must be once captured into a personal computer, output to a printer device by dedicated software processing, and subjected to print processing. Therefore, a personal computer is indispensable for printing a photographed image of a digital camera. Also, for personal computers,
Software for capturing a captured image from a digital camera, image processing software for processing the captured image, and software for outputting the processed image to a printer were also required.

[0006] When trying to print the image taken in this way, for example, pasting it into an album or the like and saving it,
Since three devices, a digital camera, a personal computer, and a printer, were required, the entire system became a large and extremely expensive system, and the operation was complicated.
Nobody could print easily and quickly.

[0007] However, there is also a method in which an image recorded in such a digital camera is directly transferred to a printer and printed. However, in a printer used in such a method, resolution conversion is required inside the printer, and an input device similar to the case of performing an input operation from the above-described host device is also required. Therefore, in terms of price and installation area, they were not very acceptable to ordinary households as consumer electronic devices.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a small, simple, and inexpensive printing apparatus capable of printing a photographed image in a desired form by directly connecting to a digital camera without using a personal computer. It is to be.

[0009]

The configuration of the printing apparatus according to the present invention will be described below. The printing apparatus of the present invention converts an image electrical signal photoelectrically converted into a digital signal based on an optical image captured and formed by a lens device, stores the digital signal as image data in an image memory, and stores the image data in the image memory. Communication means for temporarily storing the output in the display memory, displaying the image data in the display memory on the display device, and transmitting and receiving a control signal and the image data to and from an external device connected outside the device; A printing device connected to an image recording device for storing and reproducing a still image as digital image data, the control device comprising: a control unit for instructing the image recording device to transfer information inside the image recording device. It is configured to generate display character data or print image data based on the transferred internal information.

The internal information is, for example, data indicating the number of frames of a photographed image stored in the image recording apparatus, and the printing apparatus according to the present invention uses the data based on the data. The generated character data is transferred to the image recording device, the character data is displayed on the display device, and the number of shot images is displayed and notified to the outside. Further, the internal information is image data of a photographed image stored in the image recording device, for example, as set forth in claim 3, and the printing apparatus of the present invention performs printing based on the image data. It is configured to generate data and print a desired frame of the photographed image.
Then, for example, as in claim 4, the image recording apparatus is instructed to transfer the image data as a thumbnail image, and a list of all frames of the photographed image is printed.

[0011]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. 1A and 1B are external perspective views showing a state in which an electronic still camera (digital camera) and a printer (printing device) are connected according to an embodiment, and FIG. FIG. 3B shows a printer.

In the present embodiment, in accordance with an instruction from the printer to the digital camera, the number of frames of the captured image in the digital camera and the data relating to the resolution thereof are transferred to the printer, and the printer performs the processing based on the data. Generates display information, re-transfers it, writes it to the display memory of the digital camera, and displays it on the display device of the digital camera. To inform. The remaining number of frames that can be photographed for each difference in resolution is also displayed with reference to the number of images registered in advance. Or print. Further, a layout is automatically created based on the number of photographed images retrieved, and a list of all photographed images is printed using the image data transferred to the digital camera. In addition, display data for operation of the printer (characters, etc.)
Is transferred to a digital camera and displayed on a display device. Furthermore, compressed display data for printer operation such as menu display is transferred from the printer to the digital camera, and the image is decompressed and drawn on the display device using the image processing function built in the digital camera. This configuration and operation will be described below.

First, one digital camera 1 is shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 1A, the camera comprises a camera body 2 and a lens unit 3. In the camera body 2, the operation mechanism is integrated on the upper surface and the rear surface (the front side in the figure), and nothing is arranged on the front surface (the other side in the figure) other than marks and exterior patterns.

On the back of the camera body 2, a view finder 4 composed of a large color LCD is provided at the center,
A plurality of slide switches are provided in the vicinity thereof.
First, a power switch 5 is located on the upper right side of the viewfinder 4.
And a mode changeover switch 6 for switching an operation mode between an image shooting mode (RE) and an image reproduction mode (PL) is provided at the upper right side. A shutter button 9 and a “+” key 11 for sequentially retrieving and viewing images that have been shot and recorded are provided on the upper surface of the camera body 2.
And a "-" key 12 for returning to the image before the image currently being viewed, and a communication terminal 13 near the front near the key.
Are arranged. A communication cable 14 is connected to the communication terminal 13.
Is plugged in at one end.

The lens unit 3 has a lens on the front surface (not visible in FIG. 1A because it is on the far side). The lens unit 3 is provided rotatably with respect to the camera body 2 and is 90 ° in the direction of arrow A in FIG.
It rotates 180 ° in the direction of arrow B in the figure. 1 in the direction of arrow B
When the lens turns 80 ° and faces the back, the lens position is inverted, but the posture of this lens is detected by an internal circuit,
The image being shot is automatically corrected to an erect image and displayed on the screen.

Next, as shown in FIG. 1B, the other printer 15 inserts a recording paper P into the front face (front side in the figure) of the main body and inserts the printed recording paper P into the insertion slot. A paper insertion / discharge port 16 also serving as a discharge port for discharging is provided. On the upper surface of the main body, an operation panel 17 is formed in front of the operation panel 17 so as to be slightly inclined toward the front. On the operation panel 17, seven push-button operation keys 18 (“−” key 18 a, “+” key 18 b , "SET" key 18c, "POWER" key 1
8d, "EASY" key 18e, "MENU" key 18
f, a “BACK” key 18g) and a communication terminal 19 are provided. The other end of the communication cable 14 is plugged into the communication terminal 19.

FIG. 2A is a block diagram showing the configuration of the digital camera 1 described above, and FIG. 2B is a block diagram showing the configuration of the printer 15. Digital camera 1 shown in FIG.
In the timing generator 21, the CCD 2
2 to generate a timing signal for controlling a driving circuit (driver 23) for driving the driving circuit 2. The driver 23
CC based on the timing signal from generator 21
D22 is driven. The CCD 22 converts an image signal into an analog electric signal and outputs the signal through an amplifier 23.

The A / D converter 24 converts an analog signal into a digital signal. The DRAM 25 temporarily stores the captured digital image signal. Compression / expansion unit 26
Performs compression / decompression processing on the captured digital image signal by encoding / decoding. The image memory 27 is a flash memory for storing a compressed image signal.

The ROM 28 stores a program for controlling the digital camera 1. The RAM 29 temporarily stores, for example, intermediate data of arithmetic processing for control. CPU3
0 operates based on a program stored in the ROM 28, uses a work area of the RAM 29, and receives an input operation signal or I / O of each operation key input from the key input unit 31.
Each unit is controlled based on a control signal from the printer 15 input via the port 38.

The video signal generator 32 generates a digital video signal by adding a synchronization signal or the like to the digital image signal. The VRAM 33 is a memory that stores a digital video signal. The D / A converter 34 converts the digital video signal output from the video signal generator into an analog video signal. The color LCD (liquid crystal display) 35 has a D
The liquid crystal is driven based on the analog video signal input from the / A converter 34 via the amplifier 36 to display an image. The CG 37 is used to display numerical data or cursor data for displaying the image data in the image memory 27 on the color LCD 35.
Stores data. And the I / O port 38
This is an interface for inputting and outputting image signals and control signals converted into serial signals.

The operation will be briefly described. First, when storing a photographed image, the shutter button 9 is repeatedly operated, so that the CPU 30 generates an image capture signal to the timing generator 20, and The image signal is captured and temporarily stored in the DRAM 25. The captured image signal signal from the CCD 21 stored in the DRAM 25 has passed through the color filter of the CCD 21 and has, for example, color components such as Ye, Cy, and Gr. A luminance signal generation process and a color signal generation process are performed on the captured image signal stored in the DRAM 25 to generate a luminance signal and a color signal. The luminance signal and the chrominance signal are transferred to the compression / expansion unit 26, and the luminance signal and the chrominance signal are subjected to data compression and stored in the image memory 27.

Next, when the stored image is reproduced, the CPU 30 switches the mode changeover switch 6 to the reproduction side (PL) so that a predetermined compressed image signal (compressed luminance signal and The color signal is read out and transferred to the compression / expansion unit 26, and a digital image signal composed of the luminance signal and the color signal expanded by the compression / expansion unit 26 is transferred to the video signal generation unit 32. Video signal generator 3
2 generates a digital video signal by adding a synchronization signal to the digital image signal, temporarily writes the digital video signal in the VRAM 33, and sends the written digital video signal to the color LCD 35 via the D / A converter 34 and the amplifier 36. It is displayed on the color LCD 35.

On the other hand, the printer 15 shown in FIG.
The PU 40 includes an image memory 41, an expansion unit 42, a selection unit 43, a key input unit 44, an I / O unit 45, a ROM 46, a color printer unit 47, a RAM 48, and the like connected to the CPU 40 via a bus 49. . The above I / O unit 4
Reference numeral 5 denotes a circuit having a serial communication function (generally incorporated in an LSI of a one-chip CPU) for transmitting and receiving data to and from the outside.

The key input unit 44 is connected to a general-purpose port of the CPU 40, and operates the operation panel 17 shown in FIG.
The operation signals of the seven operation keys 18a to 18g are output. Each unit is controlled by the CPU 40 based on the operation signal. The functions of these operation keys 18a to 18g will be described later. The selection unit 43 includes the viewfinder 4
And the operation keys 18a to 18 described above.
Based on the operation signal of 8g, each program, each image data (compressed display data, background data), CG (character generator) and the like in the ROM 46 to be described later are selected.

The decompression unit 42 is a circuit for decompressing compressed image data composed of a luminance signal and a chrominance signal transferred from the camera 1 for printing based on the well-known MPEG standard.
The image memory 41 is a memory for storing the image data expanded by the expansion unit 42.

The RAM 48 includes a work area for arithmetic processing performed by the CPU 40, and yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C) converted from image data composed of a luminance signal and a color signal stored in the image memory 41. Area for storing the three colors of print data, an image synthesis area for performing image synthesis work with decorative data such as background data stored in the ROM 46, a storage area for data set by the CPU 40, and the like. It has.

The color printer unit 47 is a printer engine unit. Although not shown, a motor driver for driving a DC motor and a stepping motor, a print head, and various sensors are connected. The sensor includes an optical sensor, a mechanical contact type sensor, and the like, and detects the positions of three color ink ribbons of yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C) for color printing, and is a device for printing. And the like to detect a sheet inserted into the inside.

The DC motor includes a head motor and a ribbon motor. The head motor moves the print head between a print position and a non-print position. At the printing position, the print head is pressed against the paper via the ink ribbon. The ribbon motor conveys the ink ribbon and sequentially sends ink portions of each color of yellow, magenta, and cyan to the print head and the pressing portion of the paper. The stepping motor moves the paper line by line in the sub-scanning direction. The print head is composed of 960 heating elements formed on a ceramic plate at a density of 300 dpi (dots / inch) and a driver IC for individually turning on / off the heating elements. Color printer unit 47
Under the control of the CPU 40, at the above-described print timing for each line, the heating element at the position to be printed is turned on for a predetermined time based on the image data in the RAM 48, and a predetermined amount of heat is transmitted to the ink ribbon. Then, the predetermined color ink is transferred to the paper.

The ROM 46 stores a program area storing operation programs for the CPU 40 such as communication processing, printing processing, calendar creation processing, print data creation, and the like, and the viewfinder 4 of the camera 1 such as compressed display data, background data, and CG. And an image data area storing image data necessary for display by the printer 15 and printing by the printer 15.

FIG. 3 shows a viewfinder 4 of the camera 1 when the digital camera 1 (hereinafter simply referred to as camera 1) and the printer 15 are connected as shown in FIG.
2 shows the display state of the initial screen displayed on the screen. In this case, first, the power is turned on by operating the power switch 5 of the camera 1, and further, the mode changeover switch 6 is operated to the PL side to set the image reproduction mode.
Press the "R" key 18d to turn on the power.

When the power of the printer 15 is turned on by the "POWER" key 18d, an initial screen shown in FIG. 3 is displayed. The initial screen shown in the figure is an initial menu display, and since there are a plurality of other types of menu displays as described later, this initial menu is hereinafter referred to as a top menu (TOP-MENU). Less than,
The display state of the viewfinder 4 that changes based on the operation of the operation keys 18a to 18g on the printer 15 from the top menu will be described.

As shown in FIG. 3, the top menu includes
The English character "MENU" is displayed above, and a total of six icons are displayed below the upper and lower two rows. An English character of “LAYOUT” is added below the icon 51 at the top position (upper left end). Clockwise, the icon 52 has the English character “CALENDAR” and the icon 53 has the character “M”.
INI ”and the icon 54 have“ POSTCAR ”
The English character of "D", the English character of "COLLAGE" is added to the icon 55, and the English character of "INDEX" is added to the icon 56. First "LAYOUT" icon 5
A cursor 57 is displayed below one English character. That is, in the initial display of the top menu, the “LAYOUT” icon 51 at the top position is selected. still,
Cameras include a type having a function of generating character data to be displayed on a screen inside the camera and a type having no function. Thus, the printer 15 recognizes the model of the camera 1 when connected to the camera 1. For the former type of camera 1 which can generate character data such as characters and cursors by itself, the character codes corresponding to the English characters and the cursor and data designating the display position (address) are described. The image data (bitmap data) of the English characters and the cursor is generated on the camera 1 side, and the top menu screen including the icons 51 to 56 transmitted from the printer 15 as image data is transmitted to the camera 1 together with the top menu screen. It is displayed on the viewfinder 4. For the latter type of camera 1, image data of a top menu screen including icons 51 to 56 is transferred from the printer 15 to the camera 1, and English characters and cursors stored in the printer 15 in advance are stored. Are generated and transferred together with their addresses.

To select an icon on the top menu screen, input (press) the "+" key 18b to rotate the icons 52, 53, 5 in the clockwise direction.
The selection can be sequentially switched to 4,..., And the cursor 57 moves below the English character of the selected icon.
Further, when the "-" key 18a is input, selection can be sequentially switched in the counterclockwise direction. Again,
The cursor 57 moves below the English character of the selected icon. As described above, when either the "+" key 18a or the "-" key 18b is operated, a function of the printer 15 such as menu selection or page switching described later is selected or a function of the digital camera is selected. Is controlled.

When a desired icon is selected on the above-mentioned top menu and the "SET" key 18c is input, the mode can be shifted to the processing mode of the selected icon. As described above, the “SET” key 18c is a confirmation key, and when this is operated, the function, image, and the like selected by the “EASY” key 18e, the “+” key 18a, or the “−” key 18b are confirmed. And the operation mode shifts to the next operation mode.

Note that the "MENU" key 18f is always
There is a function to immediately shift to the top menu display mode. Therefore, while the top menu is displayed, the input operation of the "MENU" key 18f is invalid.

In some cases, the input operation of the "BACK" key 18g is invalid and the operation is ignored. After selecting and determining each mode and each operation, this "BAC"
It becomes effective only when the input operation of the "K" key 18g is performed. This input operation cancels the previous selection / decision.

If the "EASY" key 18e is operated while the top menu is displayed (MENU environment), the "EASY" key 18e is switched to the "simple print mode" regardless of the icon selection. In this "simple print mode",
It is possible to print the reproduced image captured on the viewfinder 4 of the digital camera 1 as it is, or to quickly switch the display screen in which a plurality of frames are displayed.
The operation in the “simple print mode” is a basic operation of the printer 15. In this "simple print mode",
The “EASY” key 18 e has a function of switching the number of divisions of the playback display of a captured image from 1 → 4 → 9 → 1.
Hereinafter, this display screen will be described.

FIGS. 4 (a) to 4 (f) show examples of displays which are changed by the input operation of the "EASY" key 18e, "-" key 18a or "+" key 18b during the "simple print mode". As shown in FIG. 7A, when the mode is switched to the "simple print mode", the first captured image (hereinafter simply referred to as "image") is displayed. Here, when the "+" key 18b is input, the display is switched to the second image as shown in FIG. 5D. Thereafter, every time the "+" key 18b is input, the image is switched to the third image and the fourth image. And the display is sequentially switched up to the last photographed image, and the display is switched again from the last image to the first image. When the "-" key 18a is input in the middle, the display is switched to the immediately preceding image. Then, FIG.
From the first image to the last image.

In the case of the first image in FIG.
When the "ASY" key 18e is input, the screen is divided into four as shown in FIG.
Displayed on the screen. Here, when the "+" key 18b is input, the next four images, that is, the fifth to eighth images are displayed on one screen as shown in FIG. Each time the "+" key 18b is input, the next 4
The images are sequentially displayed. When the number of the last images is less than four, the incomplete frame is displayed in gray on one side.

In the case of the display shown in FIG.
When the user operates the "SY" key 18e, the screen is divided into nine as shown in FIG. 9C, and the first to ninth screens are displayed on one screen. Also in this case, when the "+" key 18b is input, the next nine images, that is, the tenth to eighteenth images are displayed on one screen as shown in FIG. Each time the "+" key 18b is input, the next nine images are sequentially displayed.
When the number of frames is less than the number of frames, the inside of the missing frame is displayed in gray. When the "EASY" key 18e is operated to input in FIG. 13C, the display returns to that in FIG.

Thus, in the input operation of the "EASY" key 18e, the screen display frame is divided into one, four, nine,
Then, the number of screen divisions (the number of frame divisions) is switched again by circulating one division. When the "+" key 18b is input, the display is sequentially switched to the next image display with the same split screen, and when the "-" key 18a is input, the display is switched to the previous display screen with the same split screen. Then, the sheet P is inserted into and ejected from the sheet 16 (FIG.
), The screen displayed at that time is printed as it is.

FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C are diagrams showing an example of screen switching by the following "EASY" key 18e in the "simple print mode". FIG.
FIG. 4D shows a state where the display is switched to the third image by further performing an input operation of the "+" key 18b. In FIG. 5 (a), every time the "EASY" key 18e is input, the screen division is switched to four divisions, nine divisions and one division again as described above.
As shown in (b), the third image to the sixth image are displayed, and in the nine divisions, the third image to the eleventh image are displayed as shown in FIG. in this way,
In the switching display, the image (the third image in this example) that has been displayed in one division is always displayed with the top position. FIGS. 6A to 6E show the following "-" key 18a and "+" key 18b in the "simple print mode".
It is a figure showing an example of a screen change by a. FIG. 5C re-displays the display state of FIG. 5B. However, FIG.
In the examples shown in (a) to (e), it is assumed that only nine photographed images have been recorded (stored). FIG.
(c), when the "+" key 18b is operated by inputting,
In order to display four images from the next image (seventh image) of the sixth image, which is the last image in the display of (c), FIG.
The display screen changes as shown in (d). Since the number of captured images is nine in total, the last one frame of the frame division screen having no image corresponding to the display is displayed in gray (indicated by “x” in the figure). When the "+" key 18b is further input from here, there is no image with a larger photographing number, so that the process returns to the beginning, and as shown in FIG.
The first to fourth four images are displayed on one screen.
In the subsequent key operations, the display screen shown in FIG. That is, when the "+" key 18b is further operated in FIG. 11E, the four images (fifth through fifth) following the last display image (fourth image) are not shown. The eighth image) is displayed.

In the display state shown in FIG.
When the "-" key 18a is operated, the previous four images including the image (second image) before the third image which is the first image in the display of FIG. Then, the display screen is switched as shown in FIG. Since the previous four images including the second image are the first and second two images, in this case, as shown in FIG. The image is displayed on one screen. In this case as well, in the subsequent key operations, the display screen shown in FIG. That is, when the "-" key 18a is further input, the display screen is switched in the reverse direction from the first image to display the last four captured images, but the display shown in FIG. If the image display of the frame division is sequentially allocated every four images based on the screen,
The first to fourth images are the fifth to eighth images, and the rest is only the ninth image. Therefore, the same figure
As shown in (a), the ninth image is displayed in the first frame of the four-frame division, and the remaining three frames are displayed in gray (indicated by “x” marks). And the same figure
When the "-" key 18a is further operated in (a), four images (fifth through eighth images) preceding the first display image (ninth image) are also not shown in the figure. Image) is displayed.

FIGS. 7A to 7E show another example of screen switching by the "-" key 18a and the "+" key 18b in the "simple print mode". FIG. 5C re-displays the display state of FIG. 5C. However, FIG. 7 (a)
In the examples shown in (e), description will be made on the assumption that 15 images have been taken.

In the display state shown in FIG.
When the key 18a is operated, an image (second image) before the third image, which is the first image in the display of FIG.
The display screen is switched to display the previous nine images including. The images before the second image include the first and second images.
Since only the second image is present and there are no nine images, in this case, nine images from the first to the ninth are displayed on one screen as shown in FIG. Then, in the subsequent key operations, the display screen shown in FIG. That is, when the "-" key 18a is further input, the display screen is switched in the reverse direction from the first image to display the last nine captured images.
Then, by sequentially allocating frame-by-frame image displays for every nine images based on the display screen of FIG. 11B, the tenth to eighteenth image displays must follow the first to ninth image displays. But the rest is up to 15th
As shown in (a), the tenth to fifteenth images are displayed in the six frames from the beginning of the nine-frame layout, and the remaining three frame frames are displayed in gray (indicated by “x” marks). Will be Then, when the "-" key 18a is further operated in FIG. 11A, nine images (first to ninth images, that is, the first image to the ninth image in FIG. b) display)
Is displayed.

In FIG. 7C, when the "+" key 18b is operated, the last image on the display of FIG.
The display screen is switched to display nine images from the image following the first image (the twelfth image). Since there are a total of fifteen images that have been shot, as shown in FIG. 4D, the five frames with no images corresponding to the display are displayed in gray (indicated by “x” marks). Is done. When the "+" key 18b is further input from here, there is no image with a larger photographing number, and the process returns to the beginning, and as shown in FIG. It is displayed on one screen. In the following key operations, the same figure (c)
The display screen of (e) changes with reference. That is,
When the "+" key 18b is further operated in (e), the next nine images (the tenth to fifteenth images and the three gray frames, that is, ((A) display) is displayed.

As described above, in the “simple print mode”,
"EASY" key 18e, "-" key 18a or "+"
The display changes depending on the input operation of the key 18b, but if the "SET" key 18c is input during the display of an arbitrary screen, the screen being displayed is determined and the mode shifts to the print mode. Then, by inserting the printing paper P through the paper insertion / ejection port 16, the screen displayed on the viewfinder 4 of the digital camera 1 is printed as it is.

The above selection method can be used not for direct printing but for selecting and confirming a desired one frame image. For example, when there are 100 captured images, if the display screen is sent for each frame and searched, it is necessary to operate the "+" key 18b up to 99 times, which takes time. At this time, if the display screen is sent by the "+" key 18b on the nine-frame structure screen of FIG. If the "EASY" key 18e is operated on the nine-frame display screen containing the desired image, the image shown in FIG.
The screen shown in (a) is a one-frame display, and the image at the top of the nine-frame display is displayed. Therefore, a desired image can be displayed in one frame from this image by the feeding operation within eight times by the "+" key 18b. At this time, "SET" key 1
By performing an input operation on 8c, the image of the displayed single frame is determined.

Next, the "LAYOUT" icon 51, "CALEND" displayed on the top menu of FIG.
AR "icon 52," MINI "icon 53," P
The six print menus of the "OSTCARD" icon 54, the "COLLAGE" icon 55, and the "INDEX" icon 56 will be described.

First, the “LAYOUT” icon 51
A background printing function is provided. When this icon is selected, the background can be combined with the image determined as described above and printed. Next, "CALENDA
The "R" icon 52 has a function of performing calendar printing. When this icon is selected, a desktop calendar containing images can be printed. The “MINI” icon 53 has a function of performing mini-label printing, and when this icon is selected, the same small-sized image to be pasted on the shoulder of a business card or the like can be printed 16 times with an arbitrary border decoration. The “POSCARD” icon 54 has a function of printing a postcard. When this icon is selected, a picture postcard for a New Year's card or the like can be printed. The “COLLAGE” icon 55 has a function of performing illustration synthesis printing. When this icon is selected, a frame decoration can be synthesized with the determined image and printed. And the "INDEX" icon 56
Has a function of printing a list. When this icon is selected, all images taken by the camera 1 can be printed in a list.

The selection of these printing functions is performed by pressing the "-" key
8a or "+" key 18b to move the cursor under the English character of the target icon in the top menu,
It is determined by inputting the "SET" key 18c.

FIG. 8A shows the “LAYOUT” icon 5
This is the initial screen when 1 is selected.
Icons indicating the six types of image layout styles up to the number are displayed. At the initial stage, although not shown in the figure, a cursor is displayed below the first icon. No. 1 is a layout of one image, No. 2 is a layout in which one image is placed sideways and multiple images are seen to be overlapped behind, and No. 3 is a layout where one image is placed vertically and multiple behind. No. 4 is a layout in which two images, a small image and a large image, are arranged diagonally up and down.
No. 6 represents a layout in which two vertical images are arranged horizontally, and No. 6 represents a layout in which two horizontal images are arranged vertically. Also in this case, the title “LAYOUT 1/3”
The icon numbers “1” to “6” and the cursor are transferred from the printer 15 using a character code for a camera having a function of displaying characters and a cursor, and are stored in advance for a camera having no function of displaying a character and a cursor. Is transferred from the printer 15.

When these icons are selected by using, for example, the "+" key 18b, the cursor display sequentially moves from the second icon to the sixth icon every time the "+" key 18b is input. Icon is selected. 6
If the "+" key 18b is further input while the number icon is selected, the display is switched to that shown in FIG. 11B, and a cursor is displayed below the number 7 icon at the head position. No. 7 represents a layout in which horizontal images of the same size are arranged in a triangle on the upper one and the lower two. Also, for example, 1
Number 2 represents a layout in which four horizontal images are arranged vertically and horizontally in the shape of a cross. Also in this case, the selection is sequentially advanced by continuing to input the "+" key 18b, and when the "+" key 18b is further input with the last twelfth icon, the display is switched to the display of FIG. A cursor appears below the number icon.

No. 13 also shows a layout in which four horizontal images are arranged vertically and horizontally in the shape of a cross, but adjacent images are arranged with a slight gap without being in close contact with each other as in the case of No. 12 above. Represents the layout. Also, for example, No. 17 represents a layout in which nine horizontal images are arranged vertically and horizontally in close contact with each other, and No. 18 represents a layout in which nine horizontal images are arranged vertically and horizontally at a slight interval. Figure (c)
After the display, when the "+" key 18b is operated, the display returns to the display of FIG. That is, the printer 15 has a total of 18 types of image layout styles from FIG. In the input operation of the "-" key 18a, the selected icon and the display screen move in the opposite direction.

The layouts Nos. 1, 2, 3, 12, and 17 cannot set the background described later, and the other layouts can set the background. When the icon representing the layout is selected by the "+" key 18b or the "-" key 18a, and the selection is confirmed by the "SET" key 18c, the layouts 1, 2, 3, 12, and 17 are selected. The screen is further switched to a display screen for selecting a background around the layout image in the layout except for the above.

FIG. 9 shows four display screens for selecting a background to be combined with the selected image. As shown in the figure, this display screen displays six types of backgrounds on one screen as image icons obtained by directly compressing the background pattern, and sequentially displays a total of four screens and twenty-four types of backgrounds. One background can be selected and determined from these 24 types of backgrounds. The method of moving these screens and the method of selecting and confirming the displayed icons are as follows:
This is the same as in FIG. After this determination, a desired image is selected and determined. This operation is repeated to determine images and backgrounds for all display frames of the selected and determined layout, and then, when a sheet is inserted, printing is started.

Next, FIG. 10 shows a display screen when the “CALENDAR” icon 52 is selected in the top menu. In this calendar print mode,
Calendars in four different formats can be printed. The first icon on the display screen shown in the figure is an icon representing a format in which a calendar is superimposed and printed on the right half of an image arranged on one entire horizontal screen. FIG.
The upper part shows an example of calendar printing created by selecting this icon. The second icon on the display screen shown in FIG. 10 is an icon representing a format in which a vertical image is arranged in the left half of one horizontal screen and a calendar is arranged in the right half to print. The center of FIG. 11 shows an example of calendar printing created by selecting this icon. The third icon on the display screen shown in FIG. 10 is an icon representing a format in which a horizontal image is arranged in the upper half of one vertical screen and a calendar is arranged in the lower half to print. The lower part of FIG. 11 shows an example of calendar printing created by selecting this icon. The fourth icon on the display screen shown in FIG. 10 divides the horizontal screen into two,
On the left side, place the image in the upper half and the calendar in the lower half,
On the right side are icons representing the format in which the calendar of the next month is arranged in the upper half and the image is arranged and printed in the lower half. The method of selecting and confirming these icons and taking in an image are the same as in the case of selecting and confirming an icon from the other menu display described above, and then selecting and confirming and taking in an image.

FIG. 12A shows two display screens when the “MINI” icon 53 is selected in the top menu. In this display screen, as shown in the figure, the border pattern of the image is displayed as an image icon as it is, and six border border pattern icons are displayed on one screen, and a total of twelve border border pattern icons are displayed on two screens. Is displayed. One icon (border decoration pattern) can be selected from these 12 types of icons (border decoration pattern). The method of moving these screens and the method of selecting and confirming the displayed icons are the same as those in FIG. After this determination, an arbitrary image is selected and determined as described above, and as shown in FIG. 4B, for example, 16 small-sized identical images (in this case, a normal face photograph) to be pasted on the shoulder of a business card, for example. Is displayed with the selected decorative pattern. Thereafter, when a sheet is inserted, printing is started.
Of course, it is also possible to print 16 sheets of a face photograph only without a border decoration pattern.

FIG. 13A shows two display screens when the “POSCARD” icon 54 is selected in the top menu. As shown in the figure, there are four types of display screens, each of which is a pattern symbolizing various festivities, as image icons.
It is displayed with a kind of picture. One picture can be selected from these eight kinds of pictures. The method of moving these screens and the method of selecting and confirming the displayed icons are the same as those in FIG. After this determination, select and confirm any image as described above, and insert the paper,
A composite image is printed in which the image is fitted in the central white part of the selected picture.

FIG. 13B shows a display screen when the “COLLARGE” icon 55 is selected in the top menu. In this display screen, four types of frame patterns (frame decorations) are displayed on one screen as image icons as shown in FIG. When No. 1 is selected, the determined image is synthesized (fitted) in the frame decoration of the flower pattern. When No. 2 is selected, the determined three images are combined in three frames of the film. When No. 3 is selected, a poster-like image synthesized with the image in which the decorative character of “Cute” on the left end and the frame decoration on the upper end are determined is printed. Also,
When No. 4 is selected and an appropriate face photograph is confirmed as an image, the face photograph is synthesized in a framed pattern entitled "WANTED" at the top, and a poster-like image for searching for a criminal in a western play Printed.

FIGS. 14A, 14B and 14C show examples of screen display when the "INDEX" icon 56 is selected in the top menu. FIG. 11A shows that the number of shot images is automatically displayed on the screen in four frames when the number of shot images is four or less, and FIG.
When the number is from nine to nine, the screen is automatically displayed in nine-frame display. If the number of captured images is 10 or more, a 100-frame display screen of 10 frames × 10 frames is displayed as a list of all images as shown in FIG. For this 100-frame display, thumbnail image data (image data in which one image is composed of 36 dots × 52 dots) is used.

Next, the operation of the printer 15 having the above-described configuration and function will be described with reference to flowcharts shown in FIGS. 15 to 23 and examples of screen displays shown in FIGS. explain. This process is performed by the CPU 40 of the printer 15 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 controlling each unit of the printer 15 and the digital camera 1. This process is started by connecting the communication terminal 13 of the digital camera 1 and the communication terminal 19 of the printer 15 with the communication cable 14 and turning on the power of both.

First, in the general flowchart for displaying and printing an image shown in FIG. 15, it is first determined whether or not a connection signal from the digital camera 1 has been input (step S1). If the input has not been made (S1 is N), the determination is repeated until the input is made and the process stands by.

If a connection signal is input (S1
Y), the model of the digital camera 1 is confirmed based on this (step S2). In this process, a digital camera 1 has a function of displaying characters on a screen (a function of generating the image data of the character data described above) by a signal indicating the ID number of the CPU 30 output from the digital camera 1 or a character. Digital camera without display function,
Determine the model.

Subsequently, the viewfinder 4 of the camera 1
Then, a top menu is displayed as shown in FIG. 3 (step S3). In this processing, the display data of the top menu is read from a predetermined address in the compressed display data area of the ROM 46 and transferred to the digital camera 1, and the title English character and the English character data stippled on each icon are recognized. A display address is added to the digital camera 1 in the form of a character code or bitmap data in accordance with the type of the device. Then, the key input unit 44
Wait for a key input from (step S4).

With this key input, the "MENU" key 18f
Alternatively, when the "BACK" key 18g is input, the determination in step S4 is repeated. That is, here, the input operation of the “MENU” key 18f or the “BACK” key 18g is ignored in any case.

Here, when the "EASY" key 18e is pressed, the operation shifts to the simple print mode to start the EASY processing (step S5). In this EASY process, the digital camera 1 first displays the first image.
(Step S6). This allows
The first image captured and stored in the digital camera 1 is displayed on the viewfinder 4, for example, as shown in FIG. Subsequently, the process waits for a key input from the key input unit 44 (step S7). In this key input, if the "MENU" key 18f is operated, the process returns to the step S3, and if the "BACK" key 18g is operated, the step S7 is repeated. That is, the input operation of the “BACK” key 18g is ignored here.

On the other hand, when the "EASY" key 18e is operated, a display instruction for a multi-screen (multi-frame display screen) is output to the digital camera 1 (step S8). As a result, the first four images are displayed on the viewfinder 4 in four frames as shown in FIG. 4B by the multi-screen display function of the digital camera 1.

Following the above display, the flow returns to step S7 to wait for a key input, and furthermore, the "EASY" key 18
If the operation e has been performed, the process of outputting a multi-screen (multi-frame display screen) display command to the digital camera 1 is repeated in step S8. With this operation, the operation of the "EASY" key 18e for the second and subsequent times causes the display to change cyclically as shown in FIGS. 4 (c), 4 (a) and 4 (b) or 5 (a), (b), and (c).

Then, by the key input in step S7,
If the "+" key 18b or the "-" key 18a has been pressed, the digital camera 1
(Step S9), and returns to Step S7 again to wait for a key input. 4A, 4B, and 5C, FIGS. 6A and 6B, FIGS. 6D and 6E, and FIG.
As shown in FIGS. 7 (a) and 7 (b) or FIGS. 7 (d) and 7 (e), the display screen is switched to the higher or lower photographing number with the same display frame number.

As described above, when a desired screen is displayed,
If it is determined in step S7 that the "SET" key 18c has been pressed, the print image is determined (step S10). In this process, the CPU 40 of the printer 15
Is output to the digital camera 1 to transfer the digital image data of the image currently displayed on the viewfinder 4 to the printer 15. As a result, the digital camera 1 reads out image data corresponding to the image being displayed from the stored image data from the image memory 27 and transfers the image data to the printer 15. The printer 15
The transferred compressed image data is temporarily stored in the image memory 41, and further decompressed by the decompression unit 42 to generate print data of each color of Y, M, and C by a print data generation program in the ROM 46, and the RAM 48 in the form of a bit map pattern. Is stored in the print data storage area. This storage area is Y, M,
The print data of each color C may be stored for one page each. However, the print data of each color of Y, M, and C may be created for one page for each print of these colors and stored. You may.

Subsequently to the above, the processing shifts to the processing mode of the printing processing. First, the printing process will be described with reference to the flowchart of the printing process shown in FIG. As shown in FIG.
In the printing process, first, it is determined whether or not the paper P has been inserted into the paper insertion / ejection port 16 (step S21). If the sheet P is not inserted (N in S21), it is determined whether or not there is a key input from the key input unit 44 (step S22). If no key is input (N in S22),
Returning to step S21 again, step S21
And S22 to repeat the determination.

When the insertion of the paper P is detected by the sensor at step S21 (Y at S21), the printing process is executed (step S23). In this process, C
The PU 40, based on print data stored in a print data storage area of the RAM 48, although not particularly shown,
The heat generation control data proportional to the gradation of the print image is output to the print head for each color and for each main scanning line, and at the same time, the paper feed motor is driven to perform thermal transfer printing on the paper P. Thus, the simple printing described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 7 is performed.

When the sensor recognizes that the sheet P has been ejected from the sheet insertion / ejection port 16 and confirms the end of the printing (step S24 and determination Y), the process returns to step S21 and returns to the above-described step S21. Steps S21 and S22
Is repeated. When the key input is recognized in step S22 (Y in S22), the process shifts to a process based on the key input. Thus, in this print processing mode, it is possible to shift to another processing mode by key input before printing starts, as well as after printing is completed. That is, this allows “EAS” in the processing mode of FIG.
The image selected to be printed by the "Y" key 18e can be determined, and the process can proceed to another image processing.

As shown in the flowchart of FIG. 16, when the key input is recognized in step S22, it is first determined whether or not the input operation is the input operation of the "BACK" key 18g (step S25). If the key 18g is operated, an instruction signal is output to the digital camera 1 to display the immediately preceding image reproduction screen (step S26), and the process returns to step S7 in FIG. As a result, the image reproduction screen of the viewfinder 4 of the digital camera 1 returns to the previous display screen, and the next key input is awaited.

Also, in step S25, "BACK"
If it is not an input operation of the key 18g (N in S25), "M
It is determined whether the input operation is the "ENU" key 18f (step S27). If the input operation is the "MENU" key 18f (Y in S27), the process returns to step S3 in FIG. Thereby, the top menu of FIG. 3 is displayed again on the viewfinder 4 of the digital camera 1. In other words, this allows other processing shown in the top menu to be performed on the image selected and confirmed to be printed.

In step S27, "MENU" is set.
If it is not the input operation of the key 18f (N in S27), then it is determined whether it is the input operation of the "EASY" key 18e (step 28), and if it is the input operation of the "EASY" key 18e (S28 is Y ), And returns to step S8 in FIG. Thus, the EASY processing is restarted.

The key input detected in step S22 is a "BACK" key 18g, a "MENU" key 18f,
Or, when it is not the input operation of the “EASY” key 18e,
The cyclic determination in steps S21 and S22 is repeated.
That is, in this print processing mode, the “BACK” key 1
Key inputs other than 8g, the "MENU" key 18f, and the "EASY" key 18e are ignored.

Returning to FIG. 15, if the "+" key 18b or the "-" key 18a is operated by the key input in step S4, a cursor moving process is performed (step S12), and the above-mentioned step S4 is performed. Return to This step S
The cursor movement process of No. 12 is based on the currently displayed cursor position and the input operation of the above-mentioned “+” key 18 b or “−” key 18 a. This is a process of transmitting and transmitting data of white display to the cursor position that has been displayed until now.

Further, by the key input in step S4, "SE
If the "T" key 18c has been input, the flow shifts to various print processing modes indicated by the icon selected by the cursor (step S13). This allows layout / background printing, calendar printing,
One of a card (postcard) printing process, a mini-label printing process, an illustration combining (collage) printing process, and an image list (index) printing process is executed.

In each of the above-mentioned processes, among the display processes described below, in the display processes other than the image display process, that is, in the menu display process, the display image is displayed from the printer 15 in the same manner as described above. The data is transferred (transmitted) to the digital camera 1 for display.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart of the layout / background printing process, FIG. 20 is a flowchart of the calendar printing process, FIG. 21 is a flowchart of the mini label printing process, FIG. 22 is a flowchart of the card (postcard) printing process, and FIG. 9 is a flowchart of an image list (index) printing process. Note that the illustration synthesis (collage) printing process is almost the same as the card (postcard) printing process, and thus the flowchart and the description of the process are omitted.

First, the layout / background printing process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 17 will be described. In this process,
First, display processing of a layout selection screen is performed (step S31). This process is a process for performing the display shown in FIG. Subsequent to this processing, the flow waits for a key input from the key input unit 44 (step S32).

If the key input is the "EASY" key 18e, the process immediately proceeds to step S8 in FIG. If the operation is the input operation of the "MENU" key 18f, the process immediately proceeds to step S3 in FIG. Also, "+"
If the input operation is the key 18b or the "-" key 18a, the cursor (not shown) is moved and displayed (step S35), and the process returns to step S32 to wait for the next key input. The cursor movement process is performed in step S1 of FIG.
The processing is the same as the processing of step 2. When the input operation of the "+" key 18b is repeated in steps S32 and S35, FIG.
Is performed, and further the display process of FIG. 8C is performed.

Also, in step S32, "BACK"
When there is an input operation of the key 18g, it is first determined whether or not the first screen (first screen) of the layout / background printing process shown in FIG. 8A is being displayed (step S33). If it is an eye (Y in S33), the flow shifts to step S3 in FIG. That is, the process returns to the immediately preceding screen display process. On the other hand, when the display of FIG. 8B or the display of FIG. 8C is being performed, the previous menu screen is displayed (step S10).
34), returning to step S32. Thus, FIG.
A layout style can be determined by selecting an arbitrary icon from a total of 18 types of icons on the menu screens (a) to (c).

When the "SET" key 18c is operated in step S32 because the desired layout is selected, the layout of the icon selected by the cursor position is stored in the RAM 48 (step S3).
6). Then, it is determined whether a layout with a background has been selected (step S37).

If it is determined in step S37 that a layout with a background has been selected (Y in S37), a background selection screen is displayed (step S3).
8) Wait for key input (step S39). The above display is a display of a menu screen (background selection screen) using the background icons shown in FIG.

In the above step S38, also in this case, "EA
If the input operation is the "SY" key 18e, step S8 in FIG.
If the input operation of the "MENU" key 18f is performed,
If the input operation is the "+" key 18b or "-" key 18a, the cursor is moved and displayed (step S42), and the process returns to step S39. The processing in step S42 is the same as the processing in step S35 described above.

When the key input in step S39 is "BA
If the key is the "CK" key 18g, it is first determined whether or not the first background selection screen (first screen) shown at the top of FIG. 9 is being displayed (step S40). (Y in S40), the process returns to step S31. That is, the display returns to the first screen display of the immediately preceding process. On the other hand, when the display of the second to fourth screens in FIG. 9 is being performed, the previous background selection screen is displayed (step S41), and step S39 is performed.
Return to In this manner, an arbitrary icon can be selected from a total of 24 types of background icons on the four background selection screens in FIG. 9 to determine the background pattern.

When the "SET" key 18c is operated in step S39 because the desired background is selected, the background data of the background icon selected by the cursor position is stored in the RAM 48 (step S4).
3). If it is determined in step S37 that the layout without the background is selected, the process proceeds to step S43 without performing the process for selecting the background.

Then, an image selection process (step S44) and an image direction setting process (step S44) which will be described in detail later.
45) is performed. The above-described background selection processing, image selection processing,
In the case of a layout of a plurality of frames, the image direction setting process is sequentially performed from the top frame.

Next, the above-described image selection processing will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In this process, first, an image selection screen is displayed (step S51). This process
As shown in FIG. 4A, this is a process of displaying the image of the shooting number 1 stored in the digital camera 1 on the viewfinder 4 in one screen (no division).

Subsequently, the flow waits for a key input from the key input section 44 (step S52). Here, "MEN
If the input operation is the "U" key 18f, the process proceeds to step S3 in FIG. 15, and the top menu is displayed. If the input operation is the "BACK" key 18g, the display returns to the background selection screen in FIG.

Then, if the input operation is the "EASY" key 18e, "+" key 18b or "-" key 18a, an image selection process is performed (step S53). In this process, as described at the end of the description of FIGS. 4 to 7, for example, first, nine frames are displayed with the “EASY” key 18e,
Nine frames including a desired image are displayed by the "+" key 18b, one frame at the head position of the nine frames is displayed on one screen by the "EASY" key 18e, and one frame is sequentially displayed by the "+" key 18b.
Send the frame display to the higher shooting number. As a result, a desired image can be displayed on one screen.

Here, when the "SET" key 18c is operated in step S52, the image displayed at that time is determined (step S54). In this process, the image currently displayed from the digital camera 1 is
This is the process of transferring the data to The digital camera 1 stores all captured images at the highest resolution of the digital camera 1. Therefore, the image data amount of one frame image is relatively large. The printer 15 checks the above-mentioned selected layout, converts the layout into a resolution corresponding to the size of the image of the layout, and transfers the layout. For example, when the layout of four frames on one screen is selected, the CPU 40 of the printer 15 instructs the digital camera 1 to display the four images displayed on the four frames at a low resolution (in this case, 1 image).
/ 4 resolution). Then, the image data converted to the specified low resolution is transferred to the printer 1.
5, and instructs to execute printing on a 4-split screen using the image data converted and transferred to a low resolution. Of course, when the layout of nine frames per screen (see the seventeenth and eighteenth icons in FIG. 8C) is selected, the CPU 40 of the printer 15 instructs the digital camera 1 to display the nine frames. The user instructs to convert the image into a resolution of 1/9, and instructs the printer 15 to transfer the image data of the instructed resolution.

Next, the image direction setting process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In this process, first, an image direction setting screen is displayed (step S61). In this process, as shown in FIG. 24A, a character screen is displayed for inquiring how to rotate and fit (combine) the determined image in a predetermined frame of the determined layout. Select the rotation direction from outside 1 (rotate the horizontal image vertically) and outside 2 (vertical)

[0097]

[Outside 1]

[0098]

[Outside 2]

(The image in the direction is rotated in the horizontal direction). In the initial display, the cursor 58 is displayed under the outside 3 on the left.

[0100]

[Outside 3]

Following the above, a key input is awaited (step S62). Also in this case, if the input operation is the "MENU" key 18f, the process proceeds to step S3 in FIG. 15, and the top menu is displayed. That is, the process returns to the immediately preceding display process.

Then, the "+" key 18b or the "-" key 1
In the case of the input operation of 8a, the cursor 5 is operated according to the key operation.
8 is moved left or right (step S63), and the process returns to step S62 and waits for a key input. Then, a desired direction is selected, and the above-described step S6 is performed.
When the "SET" key 18c is input in step 2, the arrangement direction of the image is determined in the direction selected by the cursor 58 at that time (step S64). This process is a process for determining whether the address of the image data to be developed in the image memory 41 is converted by 90 degrees or not. After the above, the printing process of step S46 in FIG. 17 is executed. The printing process in step S46 is the same as the printing process described in FIG.

Next, the calendar printing process will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. First, a format selection screen is displayed (step S71), and a key input is waited for (step S72). The above display process
This is a process for displaying the icon menu of the calendar arrangement shown in FIG. In step S72, if the key input is the "EASY" key 18e, the process proceeds to step S8 in FIG. 15, and if the key input is the "MENU" key 18f, the process proceeds to step S3 in FIG. If the key is the "+" key 18b or the "-" key 18a, the cursor (not shown) is moved and displayed (step S73), and the process returns to the step S72 to wait for the next key input. The cursor movement process is the same as the process in step S12 in FIG.

When the format (icon) is selected in the above selection process and the "SET" key 18c is operated, the format of the calendar arrangement indicated by the icon where the cursor is currently displayed is determined (step). S73). In this process, a format image of the calendar arrangement to be determined is read from the calendar creation area of the ROM 46 and stored in the work area of the RAM 48. Thereafter, an image to be combined with the selected and determined (determined) calendar arrangement format is selected (step S74), and then the image direction setting process of the selected image is performed (step S75). The image selection processing is the same as the processing shown in FIG. 18, and the image direction setting processing is the same as the processing shown in FIG.

Thereafter, in this calendar printing process, the date is further set. That is, following the above, a year setting screen is displayed (step S76). This processing is performed as shown in FIG.
This is a process of displaying a character screen for year setting shown in (b).
In FIG. 13B, [2000] indicating the year 2000 is displayed below the English character instructing to input the year, and a cursor 59 is displayed below the last digit.

Following the above display, a key input is awaited (step S77). Here, if the key input is the "EASY" key 18e, the process proceeds to step S8 in FIG.
If it is the key 18f, the process moves to step S3 in FIG. Also,
If it is the "BACK" key 18g, the process returns to step S71 to display the first format selection screen. And
In the case of the "+" key 18b or the "-" key 18a, the change of the year is displayed (step S78), and the process of waiting for the key input in the step S77 is repeated again. To change the year, enter “2001” for the “+” key 18b.
The year 2002 sequentially increases, while the input operation of the "-" key 18a sequentially decreases the year to 1999 and 1998. When the desired year is displayed and the "SET" key 18c is input, the displayed year is determined (step S7).
9) Then, a setting screen is displayed for the month (step S8)
0). This process is a process of displaying a character screen for month setting shown in FIG. In FIG. 13C, [12] indicating December is displayed below the English character instructing to input the month, and a cursor 60 is displayed below the last digit of the last digit.

Following the above display, a key input is awaited (step S81). If the key input is the "EASY" key 18e, the flow shifts to step S8 in FIG. 15, and the "MENU" key 18f
If so, the process moves to step S3 in FIG. Also, "BACK"
If it is the key 18g, the process returns to step S76 to display the year setting screen.

If the "+" key 18b or the "-" key 18a, the month is changed and displayed (step S82).
The process of waiting for a key input in step S81 is repeated. The change of the month is performed by inputting the “+” key 18b, and the month returns to the first month such as 1, 2, 3 and sequentially increases.
On the other hand, if the input operation is the "-" key 18a, the month is 11, 1
It decreases sequentially to 0 and 9. The desired month is displayed and "SE
When the "T" key 18c is input, the displayed month is determined (step S83), and the calendar data of the determined year and month is created based on the calendar creation program stored in the ROM 46, and is temporarily stored in the RAM 48. It is stored (step S84). Then, the print data transferred from the camera 1 and stored in the print data storage areas of the Y, M, and C colors in the RAM 48 and the calendar data stored in the RAM 48 are stored in the RAM 48 in accordance with the determined calendar arrangement format. Print data in which the image is combined with the calendar of the month by being combined in the image combining area is created. This image synthesis processing is performed in the RAM 48
Are performed in the order of Y, M, and C print data in the image synthesis area of. The numbers and characters in the calendar data are RO
Read as pattern data from CG of M46 and R
It is developed by AM48. Thereafter, the process proceeds to the printing process (step S85). This printing process is the same as the printing process shown in FIG.

Next, the mini label printing process will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. First, the menu screen of the illustration is displayed (step S91). This process is a process of displaying the first screen shown in FIG. In addition, the illustration referred to here is a decorative pattern of an image. This screen data is transferred from the printer 15 to the digital camera 1 and displayed on the viewfinder 4.

Subsequently, a key input is awaited (step S9).
2). If the key input is the "EASY" key 18e, the process moves to step S8 in FIG. 15, and the "MENU" key 18f or "B
If it is "ACK" key 18g, the flow shifts to step S3 in FIG. If it is the "+" key 18b, it is determined whether or not to change to the next screen display based on the current position of the cursor (not shown) (step S93). This process is a process for determining whether or not the current display address of the cursor corresponds to the display position of the icon at the tail position.

If the display address of the current cursor corresponds to the display position of the icon at the tail position (S93).
Y), the display is switched to the next illustration selection screen (in the case of FIG. 12 (a), the second display screen superimposed behind), and the cursor is displayed at the icon at the top position. (Step S94). On the other hand, if the display address of the current cursor is not the display position of the icon at the tail position (S93: N), the cursor is moved to the position of the next icon (step S95). Then, again at step S9
2. Wait for key input. As a result, the icons of the illustrations are sequentially selected in the order of higher numbers.

Also, when the "-" key 18a is input, it is determined whether or not to change to the previous screen display based on the current position of the cursor (step S96). This process is to determine whether the current cursor display address corresponds to the display position of the icon at the head position. Then, if the current cursor is at the position of the icon at the head position (Y in S96), the screen moves to the previous illustration selection screen (the previous display screen when the display screen after FIG. 12A is displayed). The display is switched, and a cursor is displayed on the icon at the end position (step S97). On the other hand, if the current cursor is not at the position of the icon at the head position (S96: N), the cursor is moved to the position of the previous icon (step S98). Then, again at step S9
2. Wait for key input. As a result, the icons of the illustrations are sequentially selected in the order of lower numbers.

Then, a desired illustration is selected, and "S
When the "ET" key 18c is operated, the illustration in which the cursor is located is determined (step S99). Subsequently, a reproduction screen is displayed (step S100). This process is a process for displaying the image of the shooting number 1 stored in the digital camera 1 shown in FIG. 4A on the viewfinder 4 in one screen (no division).

Following the above, a key input from the key input section 44 is waited (step S101). If the key input is the "EASY" key 18e, the process proceeds to step S8 in FIG. 15, and if the key input is the "MENU" key 18f, the process proceeds to step S8 in FIG.
Move to 3. If it is the "BACK" key 18g, the process returns to step S91. If the key is the "+" key 18b, the display screen is switched to the image having the next largest shooting number (step S102), and the process of waiting for key input in step S101 is repeated. As a result, the display of the image is sequentially switched to the one with the larger shooting number.

If the key input is the "-" key 18a, the display screen is switched to the image with the next smaller photographing number (step S103), and the process of waiting for the key input in step S101 is repeated. As a result, the display of the image is sequentially switched to the one with the smaller shooting number.

When the "SET" key 18c is operated while a desired image is being displayed, the currently displayed image is determined as being selected (step S104). In this process, the image data of the image being displayed is transferred from the digital camera 1 to the printer 15 and temporarily stored in the image memory 41. At this time, as described above, the image data is transferred as small-capacity image data whose resolution has been reduced to, for example, 1/4 or 1/9 using the resolution conversion function of the digital camera 1. On the printer 15 side, the expansion unit 42 further converts the resolution to 1/20 of one screen. Then, as shown in FIG. 12B, image data in which an image of 20 frames per screen and an illustration are combined is created, and the process shifts to print processing (step S).
105). This printing process is the same as the printing process in FIG.

Next, the card (postcard) printing process will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. First, a format selection screen is displayed (step S11).
0). This process is a process for displaying the first screen shown in FIG. This screen data is also transferred from the printer 15 to the digital camera 1 and displayed on the viewfinder 4.

Subsequently, a key input is awaited (step S1).
11). If the key input is "EASY" key 18e, FIG.
If the "MENU" key 18f is selected, the flow shifts to step S3 in FIG. And "+" key 1
If it is 8b, it is determined whether or not to change to the next screen display based on the current position of the cursor (not shown) (step S1).
12). This process is a process for determining whether or not the current display address of the cursor corresponds to the display position of the icon at the tail position.

If the display address of the current cursor corresponds to the display position of the icon at the tail position (S11).
2 is Y), the next format selection screen (in the case of FIG. 13 (a), the second display screen superimposed on the back)
The display is switched to and the cursor is displayed on the icon at the head position (step S113). On the other hand, if the display address of the current cursor is not the display position of the icon at the tail position (S112: N), the cursor is moved to the position of the next icon (step S114). Then, the process waits for a key input again in step S111. As a result, the icons of the postcards are sequentially selected in the order of higher numbers.

Also, when the "-" key 18a is input, it is determined whether or not to change to the previous screen display based on the current position of the cursor (step S115). This process is for determining whether or not the current cursor position corresponds to the position of the icon at the head position. If the current cursor is located at the position of the icon at the head position (Y in S115), the previous format selection screen (FIG. 13)
The display is switched to the previous display screen when the display screen after (a) is displayed) and the cursor is displayed on the icon at the end position (step S116). On the other hand, if the current cursor is not at the position of the icon at the head position (S
115 is N), the cursor is moved to the position of the previous icon (step S117). Then, again at step S1
At 11, a key input is awaited. Thereby, the icons of the postcards are sequentially selected in the order of lower numbers.

Then, a desired illustration is selected, and "S
When the "ET" key 18c is operated, the picture of the postcard icon where the cursor is located is determined (step S118). This process is also a process of storing the selected pattern in the RAM 48. Following the above, an image selection process is performed (step S119), and an image direction setting process is performed (step S120). These image selection processing and image direction setting processing are the same as the processing shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, respectively.

When the setting is determined by the above processing, the determined image is stored in the RAM 48 (step S121).
Subsequently, a screen for year setting is displayed (step S12).
2). In this process, the screen shown in FIG. 24B is displayed. Next, it waits for a key input (step S123),
If the key input is the "EASY" key 18e, the process proceeds to step S8 in FIG. 15, and if the key input is the "MENU" key 18f, the process proceeds to step S3 in FIG. If it is the "BACK" key 18g, the process returns to step S119.

In the case of the "+" key 18b, a process of adding "1" to the year is performed (step S124).
If the key is the "-" key 18a, a process for subtracting "1" from the year is performed (step S125). These steps S124
The processing of S125 is the same as the processing described in step S78 in the calendar printing processing of FIG.
Here, the year displayed on the screen is determined by key input of the "SET" key 18c (step S126).
The characters of this year are read out from the CG of the ROM 46 in a font pattern and combined with the image captured by the camera 1. Then, a printing process is performed (step S127). This printing process is the same as the printing process shown in FIG.

Finally, the image list (index) printing process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
First, the data of the number of captured images is transferred from the digital camera 1 (step S130). Then, the completion of the reception of the number data is confirmed (step S131). First, a character display screen is generated, transferred to the digital camera 1 and displayed (step S132). In this process, the display screen shown in FIG. 25A is displayed for the upper model, and the display screen shown in FIG. Is done.

"NOMA" shown on the display screen of FIG.
*** of "L *** PAGEs" is a portion for displaying the number of images, and displays the number of images in which one frame of image is stored with a fine pixel number of 640 dots × 480 dots. ** of “FINE ** PAGES” is also a portion for displaying the number of sheets, but 320 dots × 240
The number of images stored with a rather coarse number of pixels of dots is displayed. In addition, the display of FIG.
There is no distinction between "L" and "FINE", just "*** PAG
The number is displayed in the *** portion as “ES”. In this model, all images are stored in a slightly lower resolution 320-dot × 240-dot pixel number.

After transferring the character display screen to the digital camera 1 for display, the character (numerical) data indicating the number and the address indicating the display position are displayed on the digital camera 1 based on the received number data. The data is transferred and displayed (step S133). As a result, FIG.
In the display screen of (b), the number of shot images is displayed in a portion indicated by “**”.

Subsequently, a key input is waited for (step S134). Here, the key input is “EASY” key 1
If it is 8e, the process proceeds to step S8 in FIG. 15, and if it is the "MENU" key 18f or the "BACK" key 18g, the process proceeds to step S3 in FIG. When the displayed number of images is confirmed and the "SET" key 18c is operated, a print start screen is displayed (step S135). In this process, the character display screen shown in FIG. 25C is generated, transferred to the digital camera 1 and displayed on the viewfinder 4.
The figure shows a screen in which the user is inquired whether to perform printing. If printing is to be performed (YES), the user is instructed to insert the paper P into the paper insertion / ejection port 16, and if printing is not to be performed (NO), “MENU” is displayed. "Key 18f.

Subsequently, it is determined by the sensor whether or not the sheet P has been inserted from the sheet insertion / ejection port 16 (step S).
136), when the insertion of the paper P is detected (Y in S136), printing is started (Step S137). As a result, a list print (index print) of all images is started in one of the frame division screens shown in FIGS.

When the number of images is 10 or more, and therefore the frame division screen is set to 10 frames × 10 frames, a thumbnail image (image data of 52 dots × 36 dots per frame) is used. Print all images.

Subsequently, the completion of printing is confirmed (step S138, determination Y), and the display returns to the top menu. Also, in step S136, when the insertion of the sheet P is not detected, the state of the key input from the key input unit 44 is referred to (step S139), and when there is no key input, the determination in step S136 is performed. repeat. This allows the user to cancel the list printing and move on to another process. That is, by performing a key input without inserting the paper P, the key input is determined in the above step S139. And the key input is "EAS
If the "Y" key 18e, the process proceeds to step S8 in FIG.
If it is the "ENU" key 18f or the "BACK" key 18g, the process moves to step S3 in FIG.

In the above-described index printing, when a large number of images are printed as thumbnail images, the digital camera 1 converts the resolution into thumbnail images in the same manner as when converting to a 1/4 or 1/9 low resolution. Then, if the image is transferred and printed, high-speed processing can be performed and a good result can be obtained.

[0132]

As described above in detail, according to the present invention, an image processing function generally provided on the camera side is used externally and created based on data transferred from the camera side. Display data is transferred to the camera and displayed, so that even a digital camera that cannot display the number of shot images or the number of remaining frames that can be shot is displayed on the camera's own display device as if it were a camera function. As described above, the number of shot images and the number of remaining frames that can be shot can be displayed, so that the image information stored in the camera can be easily determined, which is convenient. In addition, since a layout is automatically created based on the number of captured images that have been searched, and a list of all captured images is printed using image data transferred to the digital camera, functions that are not available in the camera can be easily realized to print images. In this case, the usability can be improved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an external perspective view showing a state in which an electronic still camera (digital camera) and a printer (printing device) according to an embodiment are connected, (a) showing a digital camera, and (b) showing a printer. FIG.

FIG. 2A is a configuration block diagram of a digital camera, and FIG.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a configuration of a printer.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a display state of an initial screen displayed on a view finder of the digital camera when a digital camera and a printer are connected and both power supplies are turned on.

FIGS. 4A to 4F are diagrams (part 1) showing examples of displays changed by key operations during a simple print mode.

FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C are diagrams illustrating an example of a display changed by a key operation during a simple print mode (part 2);

FIGS. 6A to 6E are diagrams (part 3) showing examples of display changed by key operation during the simple print mode.

FIGS. 7A to 7E are diagrams (part 4) showing examples of display changed by key operation during the simple print mode.

[FIG. 8] (a), (b), (c) are 1 screen with 6 types of 3 screens and 1 in total
It is a figure showing the display screen of the icon showing the style of eight kinds of image layouts.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of an icon display screen for selecting a background to be combined with a selected image.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an icon display screen for selecting an arrangement of a calendar to be combined with a selected image.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating three examples of calendar printing in which an image and a calendar are combined.

12A is a diagram illustrating an example of an icon display screen for selecting a border decoration pattern to be combined with an image of a selected face photograph or the like, and FIG. It is a figure showing the example of 16 mini-label display of an image.

13A is a diagram showing an icon display screen for selecting a picture symbolizing a festival to be combined with an image selected for creating a postcard, and FIG. 13B is a view showing a photographed image for creating a collage image It is a figure showing the icon display screen for selecting the framed pattern to synthesize.

FIGS. 14A, 14B, and 14C are diagrams showing examples of screen display when a list or index icon is selected.

FIG. 15 is a general flowchart of an image display and print process.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart of a printing process.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart of an image selection process.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart of an image direction setting process.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart of a printing process of a background composite image.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart of a printing process of an image with a calendar.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart of a mini label printing process.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart of a postcard printing process.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart of a list printing process of all captured images.

FIGS. 24A, 24B, and 24C are diagrams showing display states in image direction setting, year input, and month input.

FIGS. 25 (a), (b), and (c) are views showing the number of shot images and a display state in a print mode.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Digital Camera (Camera) 2 Camera Body 3 Lens Unit 4 Viewfinder 5 Power Switch 6 Mode Switch 9 Shutter Button 11 “+” Key 12 “−” Key 13 Communication Terminal 14 Communication Cable 15 Printer P Recording Paper 16 Paper Insertion / ejection port 17 Operation panel 18 Operation keys 18a "-" key 18b "+" key 18c "SET" key 18d "POWER" key 18e "EASY" key 18f "MENU" key 18g "BACK" key 19 Communication terminal 21 Timing -Generator 22 CCD 23 Driver 24 A / D converter 25 DRAM 26 Compression / decompression unit 27 Image memory 28 ROM 29 RAM 30 CPU 31 Key input unit 32 Video signal generation unit 33 VRAM 34 D / A converter 35 Color CD (Liquid Crystal Display) 36 Amplifier 37 CG 38 I / O port 40 CPU 41 Image memory 42 Decompression unit 43 Selection unit 44 Key input unit 45 I / O unit 46 ROM 47 Color printer unit 48 RAM 49 Bus 51 LAYOUT icon 52 CALENDAR icon 53 MINI icon 54 POSTCARD icon 55 CALLAGE icon 56 INDEX icon 57, 58 Cursor

Claims (4)

[Claims] An image electrical signal photoelectrically converted based on an optical image captured and combined by a lens device is converted into a digital signal, the digital signal is stored as image data in an image memory, and an output of the image memory is output. Communication means and control means for temporarily storing in a display memory, displaying image data in the display memory on a display device, and transmitting and receiving a control signal and the image data to and from an external device connected outside the device A printing apparatus connected to an image recording apparatus that stores and reproduces a still image as digital image data and has a function of instructing the image recording apparatus to transfer information inside the image recording apparatus, A printing apparatus for generating display character data or print image data based on the transferred internal information. 2. The internal information is data indicating the number of frames of a photographed image stored in the image recording device,
The character data generated based on the data is transferred to the image recording device, and the character data is displayed on the display device, and the number of photographed images is displayed and notified to the outside. Printing device. 3. The internal information is image data of a photographed image stored in the image recording device, and print image data is generated based on the image data to generate a desired frame of the photographed image. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein printing is performed. 4. The printing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the image recording apparatus is instructed to transfer the image data as a thumbnail image, and a list of all frames of the photographed image is printed.