JPH10108005A - Printer and its print system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide the printer and its print system, in which the system scale is made small and a print operation for a photographic image is simplified by especially connecting directly a digital camera to the printer, so as to exclude a personal computer from the print system with respect to the printer for an image, including a photographic image and its print system. SOLUTION: The printer 15 is directly connected to a digital camera 1 to use a view finder 4 of the digital camera 1, on which a printer operation menu for print processing is displayed and a photographic image is displayed, a format is selected on the menu and a photographic image printed according to a format is selected and the print processing is made according to the selection. Thus, the printer and its print system are provided, where no display section is required for the printer 15 and the need for a personal computer or the like is also eliminated. Through the constitution above, the scale of the print system is made compact, and the operability of the print processing is improved.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to a printing apparatus using a display unit of a digital camera and a printing system therefor.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Today, personal computers,
Multi-media is being promoted among various electronic devices. Especially,
A personal computer can play back still images such as photos, and play back moving images such as TV images and karaoke by increasing the memory and incorporating an MPEG circuit and a modem in addition to the conventional application software such as a database, word processor, and spreadsheet. And a communication function such as the Internet can be easily realized.

In recent years, digital cameras capable of directly processing photographic images by a personal computer have been widely marketed in place of conventional analog cameras. That is, a digital image taken by a digital camera can be easily processed by incorporating dedicated software into a personal computer.
For example, when printing a photographic image taken from a digital camera to a personal computer, a printer can be connected to the personal computer and the desired photograph can be easily printed by designating the photographic image.

[0004]

In the above-mentioned conventional printing system, when printing a photographic image of a digital camera, the image taken by the digital camera is once taken into a personal computer, processed by dedicated software, and sent to a printer device. Output and print processing. Therefore, a personal computer has conventionally been indispensable for printing a photographic image of a digital camera.

Further, in the conventional system, software for capturing a photographic image from a digital camera into a personal computer, performing image processing, and outputting the processed image to a printer device is also required. Therefore, when printing a photographic image of a digital camera, the printing process is complicated.

Further, in the conventional printing system, when printing an image taken by a digital camera, three devices of a digital camera, a personal computer, and a printer are required, and the system becomes large and the operation is complicated. The operability was poor, and nobody could print easily and quickly.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a printing apparatus in which a digital camera is directly connected to a printing apparatus, a personal computer is excluded from a printing system, the system is reduced in size, and a printing operation of a photographic image is simplified, and It is to provide the printing system.

[0008]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a storage unit for storing a printer operation image including a plurality of format selection screens and an actual image corresponding to the plurality of formats. Output means for outputting the image for printer operation to a digital camera, display means for the digital camera for displaying the image for printer operation output by the output means, and read control for reading a photographic image stored in the digital camera Means for selecting a desired format from the plurality of format selection screens, and selecting a desired photographic image from the digital camera; reading an actual image corresponding to the format selected by the selecting means from the storage means Reading the photographic image selected by the selection means from the digital camera by the reading control means. Out look can be achieved by providing a printing system having a print image creating means for creating a print image from both data, and printing means for printing on recording paper images created with the print image-forming device.

That is, the printer operation image stored in the storage means provided on the printing apparatus side is sent to the digital camera side by the output means on the printing apparatus side.
A printer operation image having a plurality of format selection screens is displayed on a display means of a digital camera including D and the like. Then, the user selects one format from the plurality of formats by the selection means while watching the display, and further selects a photographic image of the digital camera. The format image selected in this manner is read out from the storage unit in the printing apparatus as a corresponding real image, the photographic image is read out from the digital camera, and the print image created by the print image creation unit is printed on recording paper. It is a configuration for printing.

With this configuration, it is possible to connect the printing apparatus directly to the digital camera and select a printing format or a photographic image by viewing the printer operation image displayed on the digital camera under the control of the printing apparatus. Thus, an image including a photographic image can be easily printed without using a personal computer.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the printer operation image is, for example, compressed data, which is decompressed in a digital camera. The information is displayed on the display means.

For this reason, the digital camera used in the printing system is provided with a data decompression circuit. With this configuration, it is possible to perform high-speed data transfer of a printer operation image sent from the printing apparatus to the digital camera, and to reduce the memory capacity in the printing apparatus.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the invention of the first aspect is more specifically described. The display means of the digital camera displays the plurality of formats by symbols, for example.

Here, the symbol display is constituted by a selection number of a format selection screen, a conceptual symbol, and the like. With this configuration, the operability in selecting a format is improved.

The invention described in claim 4 also makes the invention described in claim 1 more concrete, and the display means of the digital camera is configured to display the photographic image by a symbol, for example. With this configuration, the operability of selecting a photographic image can be improved, as in the above case.

Further, as described in claim 5 to claim 10, the image for printer operation is, for example, a layout image for printing a photographic image on the recording paper, and is a selection image including a calendar. , A selection image including a card image, a selection image including a mini-label printing image, an illustration combining image, and a list printing image.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, an image electrical signal photoelectrically converted based on an optical image photographed and formed by a lens device is converted into a digital signal, and the digital signal is converted into photographic image data. And temporarily stores the output of the image memory in the display memory, displays the photographic image data in the display memory on the display means, and communicates with the externally connected printing device. The printing apparatus connected via the communication unit to a digital camera that includes a control unit and a communication unit that transmits and receives the control signal and the photographic image data and stores and reproduces a photographic image as digital image data, Storage means for storing a printer operation image including a plurality of format selection screens and real images corresponding to the plurality of formats; An output unit that outputs an operation image to the digital camera and displays the operation image on a display unit of the digital camera; a read control unit that instructs to read a photographic image stored in the digital camera; Selecting means for selecting a format and allowing the digital camera to select a desired photographic image; reading an actual image corresponding to the format selected by the selecting means from the storage means; and reading out the photographic image selected by the selecting means Provided is a printing apparatus comprising: a print image creation unit that reads out from the digital camera by a control unit and creates a print image from both data; and a print unit that prints the image created by the print image creation unit on recording paper. Can be achieved.

The present invention shows a configuration of only a printing apparatus, not a printing system, and includes a storage unit, an output unit, a selection unit, a read control unit,
It is composed of print image creation means and print means. The output unit outputs a printer operation image having a plurality of format selection screens stored in the storage unit. The selection unit selects a desired format and a photographic image from the format selection screen, and the selected format image is printed. The corresponding real image is read from the storage unit in the apparatus, and the photographic image is read from, for example, a digital camera, and a print image is created by the print image creation unit.

According to this configuration, for example, a printing apparatus is directly connected to a digital camera, and a printing format or a photographic image is selected by viewing a printer operation image displayed on the digital camera under the control of the printing apparatus. Thus, an image including a photographic image can be easily printed without using a personal computer.

The invention according to claim 12 is the invention according to claim 11.
The present invention is more specifically described, wherein the real image stored in the storage unit is, for example, compressed data, and the print image creating unit expands the real image. Therefore, for example, a decompression circuit is provided in the printing apparatus for this processing, and after a real image data is decompressed, a print image is created.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the photographic image read out from the digital camera is compressed data, and the print image creating means includes the photographic image Is decompressed. Therefore, in this case as well, a print image is created after decompressing the actual image data using, for example, the decompression circuit provided in the printing apparatus.

In the printing apparatus of the present invention, the printer operation image is, for example, a layout image for printing a photographic image on the recording paper, as described in claims 14 to 19. A selection image including a calendar, a selection image including a card image, a selection image including a mini-label printing image, an illustration combining image, and a list printing image.

According to a twentieth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a finder function for displaying still image data being photographed on a display means in a recording mode, and a monitor function for displaying still image data having been photographed and recorded on the display means in a reproduction mode. A digital camera having an external device, a printing device that receives and transfers the image data that has been shot and recorded from the digital camera, and prints the image data, and a storage unit that stores operation display data required for a printing operation. Transferring the operation display data stored in the storage means to the digital camera,
The digital camera is characterized by comprising control means for controlling the digital camera to display on the display means.

According to the twentieth aspect, the display means of the digital camera having both the finder function and the monitor function can be used as a monitor of display data relating to the printing operation of the printing apparatus. The printing operation can be easily performed while looking at the display on the camera side even if the display is very small or if there is no display unit.

[0025]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. FIGS. 1A and 1B are external perspective views showing a state in which a digital camera (electronic still camera) and a printing device (hereinafter, referred to as a printer device) according to an embodiment are connected. 1 shows a digital camera, and FIG. 1B shows a printer device.

First, the digital camera 1 is composed of a camera body 2 and a lens unit 3 as shown in FIG. In the camera body 2, the operation mechanism portion is concentrated on the upper surface and the rear surface (the front side in FIG. 1), and nothing is arranged on the front surface (the other side in FIG. 1) 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,
Slide-type switches 5 and 6 are provided in the vicinity thereof. First, a power switch 5 is provided above the viewfinder 4.
Is arranged, and the operation mode is set to the image shooting mode (R
A mode switching key 6 for switching between E) and the image reproduction mode (PL) is provided. And the camera body 2
A shutter button 9, a "+" key 11 for sequentially retrieving and viewing captured and recorded images, and a "-" key 12 for returning to the image preceding the currently viewed image are arranged on the upper surface of the camera. , A communication terminal 13 is disposed near the front face. A plug provided at one end of the communication cable 14 is inserted into the communication terminal 13.

The lens unit 3 is not visible because it is on the far side in FIG. The lens unit 3 is provided rotatably with respect to the camera body 2 and is turned 90 ° in the direction of arrow A in FIG.
, And rotate 180 ° in the direction of arrow B in FIG. When the lens turns 180 ° in the direction of arrow B and the lens faces the back, the lens position is inverted, but the posture of this lens is detected by the internal circuit, and the image being shot is automatically corrected to an erect image. Is displayed on the screen.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 2B, the printer device 15 discharges the printed recording paper P from the insertion opening for inserting the recording paper P on the front surface (the front side in the figure) of the main body. A paper insertion / discharge port 16 also serving as a discharge port is provided. An operation panel 17 is formed at the front of the upper surface of the printer device 15 so as to be slightly inclined toward the front. On the operation panel 17, seven operation buttons 18 of push button type ("-" key 18a,
"+" Key 18b, "SET" key 18c, "POWE"
R "key 18d," EASY "key 18e," MEN
A "U" key 18f, a "BACK" key 18g), and a communication terminal 19 are provided. A plug provided at the other end of the communication cable 14 is inserted into the communication terminal 19.

FIG. 2A is a circuit block diagram of the digital camera 1 and FIG. 2B is a circuit block diagram of the printer device 15 in the digital camera 1 and the printer device 15 having the above-described external configuration. .

In the circuit block diagram of FIG.
A D (Charge Coupled Device) 21 is an imaging device that converts a video signal into an analog electric signal and outputs the image, and captures an image input through a lens (not shown). The drive circuit (driver 22) is a circuit for driving the CCD 21, and drives the CCD 21 according to a timing signal output from the timing generator 20.

An analog / digital conversion circuit (hereinafter referred to as A /
The D converter 24 is a circuit that converts an analog signal output from the CCD 21 via the amplifier 23 into a digital signal, and converts the output of the CCD 21 into a digital image signal. The DRAM 25 temporarily stores the converted digital image signal. The compression / decompression unit 26 compresses the digital image signal by an encoding process.
The compression / decompression unit 26 performs a decoding process on the digital image signal and also performs a data decompression process on the contrary. The image memory 27 is a memory for storing a large number of digital image signals compressed by the compression / decompression unit 26 on a screen.
For example, it is constituted by a flash memory.

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. Digital / analog conversion circuit (hereinafter D /
An A converter 34 converts the digital video signal output from the video signal generator 32 into an analog video signal, and displays a color LCD (liquid crystal display) 35 as display means.
Circuit. The color LCD 35 drives a liquid crystal based on an analog video signal input from the D / A converter 34 via the amplifier 36 to display a photographic image.

The CG (character generator) 37
Stores numerical data, cursor data, and the like for displaying the image data of the image memory 27 on the color LCD 35.

On the other hand, the ROM 28 stores a program for driving and controlling the digital camera 1, and stores this program in the CP.
Output to U30. The CPU 30 operates based on a program stored in the ROM 28 and controls the digital camera 1. Note that the RAM 29 is a memory for temporarily storing intermediate data and the like of the arithmetic processing during the control processing of the CPU 30. As described above, the CPU 30 operates based on the program stored in the ROM 28, and controls each unit according to the key operation signal input from the key input unit 31 using the work area of the RAM 29. The key input unit 31
Are various keys 5 to 5 arranged on the digital camera 1 described above.
6 etc. correspond. The I / O port 38 is an interface that controls input and output of image signals and the like converted into serial signals.

Here, the operation of the digital camera 1 having the above configuration will be briefly described. First, a video capture key (shutter button 9) is repeated, a timing signal is output from the timing generator 21, and an external signal is output by the CCD 21. An image is captured and taken into the CCD 21. CCD2
The image data captured in 1 is stored in the DRAM 25 as a digital image signal as described above, and the data is subjected to a process of generating a luminance signal and a color signal, and a luminance signal and a color signal are created from the image 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 data-compressed and stored in the image memory 27.

Next, when reproducing the image data stored in the image memory 27, the reproduction key (RE key 8) is operated, and the above-mentioned compressed image signal (compressed luminance signal and color signal) is transmitted from the image memory 27. Read and transfer to compression / decompression unit The digital image signal composed of the luminance signal and the chrominance signal expanded by the compression / expansion unit 26 is transferred to the video signal generation unit 32, and the video signal generation unit 32 adds a synchronizing signal to the digital image signal. Is generated, and this signal is once written to the VRAM 33,
The written digital video signal is converted to a D / A converter 34.
The data is output to the color LCD 35 via the amplifier 36 and displayed on the color LCD 35.

Next, the configuration of the printer 15 shown in FIG. 2B will be described. The printer device 15 includes a CPU 40 and an image memory 4 connected to the CPU 40 via a bus 49.
1, decompression unit 42, selection unit 43, key input unit 44, I / O
Port 45, ROM 46, color printer unit 47, RA
M48 and the like.

The I / O port 45 is composed of a circuit having a serial communication function, and is generally a one-chip CPU.
And transmits / receives data to / from the outside.
The key input unit 44 is connected to the general-purpose port of the CPU 40 and outputs to the CPU 40 key operation signals from the seven operation keys 18 of the operation panel 17 shown in FIG. Various processes based on the control of the CPU 40 are performed based on the key operation signal. The function of each of these key operation signals will be described later.

The ROM 46 stores a program area for storing operation programs such as communication processing, print data creation processing, print processing, and calendar creation processing by the CPU 40.
For example, the image data area includes compressed display data, compressed background data, real image data such as CG, and compressed data of various printer operation images such as layouts, mini labels, and postcards. Each of the above-mentioned printer operation images has a plurality of format selection screens.

The selection section 43 operates each of the operation keys 18 based on the printer operation image displayed on the viewfinder 4 to thereby be described later based on a key operation signal input from the key input section 44. Each program in the ROM 46 or an image for printer operation is selected, and further, each corresponding format image is selected.

The image memory 41 is a memory for temporarily storing compressed image data comprising a luminance signal and a color signal which are read from the image memory 27 of the camera 1 and transferred. The decompression unit 42 has a known image decompression function such as MPEG, and decompresses, for example, a background image stored in the ROM 46 or an actual image corresponding to the selected format image. Further, the photographic image read from the digital camera 1 is expanded. That is, since the real image stored in the ROM 46 and the photographic image output from the digital camera 1 are stored and transmitted in the form of compressed data, it is necessary to enlarge the print image to a predetermined size when creating the print image. Because.

The RAM 48 is a work area for the arithmetic processing performed by the CPU 40, and a yellow (Y) image created according to a print data creation processing program in the ROM 46 after the image data stored in the image memory 41 is expanded by the expansion unit 42. , Magenta (M), and cyan (C) print data storage areas, an image synthesis processing area for synthesizing these print data and decoration data such as background data for decorating them, and CPU 40 Storage area for data.

The color printer section 47 is a printer engine section, and is connected to a motor driver for driving a DC motor, a stepping motor and the like, a print head, and various sensors. The sensor includes an optical sensor, a mechanical contact 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 detects the position of the paper P to be inserted. Perform detection.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a connection configuration of representative members among the above-mentioned drivers and sensors. That is, CP
A head motor 50 is connected to U40 via a motor driver 50 ', a ribbon motor 51 is connected via a motor driver 51', and a paper feed motor 52 is connected via a motor driver 52 '. The head motor 50 moves the print head between the print position and the non-print position, and at the print position, the print head presses the paper via the ink ribbon. The ribbon motor 51 is a motor that transports the ink ribbon and sequentially feeds the ink portions of yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C) to the print head and the pressing portion of the paper. The paper feed motor 52 is a motor that moves the paper P in the sub-scanning direction line by line.

The print head 53 connected to the CPU 40
Is composed of 960 heating elements formed on a ceramic plate at a density of 300 dpi (dots / inch) and driver ICs for individually turning on / off the heating elements. The sensor 54 is a sensor that detects that the sheet P has been inserted into the printer.

Under the control of the CPU 40, the color printer unit 47 turns on the heating element at the position to be printed based on the image data in the RAM 48 for a predetermined time at the above-described printing timing for each line, and The generated heat is transmitted to the ink ribbon, and a predetermined color ink is transferred to paper to create a print image.

Next, the function of each key provided on the printer device 15 will be described. First, a "POWER" key 18d is for turning on / off the power of the printer 15.

Next, the "EASY" key 18e is a key for switching to the "simple printing mode" when the initial screen is displayed, when the key is depressed, regardless of the format selection. This "simple print mode"
This is a processing mode in which the photographed reproduced image displayed on the viewfinder 4 is printed as it is.

Next, the "MENU" key 18f has a function of returning the image displayed on the viewfinder 4 to the initial screen. Therefore, the pressing operation is invalid during the display of the initial screen. The "BACK" key 18g is
It has a function of returning to the screen immediately before the screen displayed on the viewfinder 4.

The "SET" key 18c is an enter key. When the "SET" key 18c is pressed during the selection process, the format to be displayed on the viewfinder 4 is established, and a selection screen is displayed.

Further, a "-" key 18a and a "+" key 18b are used to select a format and to switch pages to be described later. The "+" key 18b is, for example, forward feed, and the "-" key 18a is, for example, reverse feed.

The processing operation of the above-configured printer device 15 and its printing system will be described below.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the processing operation of the present embodiment.

First, in FIG. 4, when the "POWER" key 18d of the printer device 15 is turned on, the control process of the printer device 15 starts. That is, "POWER"
When the key 18d is turned on, the CPU 40 performs an initial setting process, and first determines whether the printer device 15 of this embodiment is connected to the digital camera 1 (step (hereinafter, shown as S in FIG. 1) 1). This determination is made by the CPU 40
By checking the port 45, the connection of the communication cable 14 is determined. If the printer 1 is not connected to the digital camera 1 via the communication cable 14 (S1 is N (No)), the connection of the digital camera 1 is confirmed.

On the other hand, if the digital camera 1 is connected to the printer device 15 of the present embodiment, the type of the connected digital camera 1 is confirmed (S2). This model is confirmed by checking the code from information input via the communication cable 14, and the CPU 40 determines the model of the connected digital camera 1 from the code. Next, the CPU 40 instructs the viewfinder 4 to display a top menu screen (S3). Based on this command, the compressed data of the top menu screen is read from the ROM 46 and output to the digital camera 1 via the bus 49 and the communication cable 14. The compressed data of the top menu screen output to the digital camera 1 is decompressed by the compression / decompression unit 26,
After being converted into the corresponding video data by the video signal generator 32, the video data is displayed on the color LCD 35 (viewfinder 4).

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a state in which a top menu screen is displayed on the viewfinder 4 of the digital camera 1. As shown in the figure, on the top menu screen, a total of six icons are displayed in the upper and lower two tiers. The icon at the left end of the upper row is accompanied by the letter “LAYOUT” below. The icon next to it is the English character of “CALENDAR”, the icon next to it is the English character of “MINI”,
On the lower side, an icon with the English character “POSCARD” added thereto, an icon with the English character “COLLAGE” added, and an icon with the English character “NIDEX” added thereto are displayed from the left. In this initial screen, the linear cursor C indicates a layout icon.

Next, the CPU 40 waits for a key input from the operator (S4 is N (No)). The cursor C is positioned on the layout display of the top menu screen displayed on the viewfinder 4 as described above, and the "+" key 18b
The cursor can be moved to the right on the top menu screen by pressing, and the cursor can be moved to the left by pressing the "-" key 18a. Note that this movement command is CP
U40 outputs the processing command to the digital camera 1 side via the communication cable 14 (S4: Y, S5), reads out the display character of the cursor C from the CG 37 in the digital camera 1, and displays the top menu of the color LCD 35 (viewfinder 4). It is displayed on the screen. In the above-mentioned top menu screen display state, the “MENU” key 18f
Alternatively, when the "BACK" key 18g is pressed, the screen returns to the key input waiting state (S4: Y, S4), and the screen display state does not change.

On the other hand, when the "EASY" key 18e is depressed in the above-described top menu screen display state (Y in S4, S6), a display instruction for one screen is output (S7). Operating the "EASY" key 18e is a process of printing the image displayed on the viewfinder 4 as it is,
In other words, it means that the operation shifts to the “simple print mode”. Hereinafter, the printing operation in the “simple print mode” will be described. <Simple print mode> In this mode, "EASY"
When the key 18e is pressed, one image (1) of the images captured by the digital camera 1 is displayed on the viewfinder 4.
Frame image) is displayed. For example, image memory 2
Assuming that 96 photographic images are stored as compressed data in 7, the first photographic image "1" is read from the image memory 27, and after a predetermined decompression process is performed by the compression / decompression unit 26. Are converted into corresponding video data by the video signal generation unit 32, and the first photographic image "1" is
35 (viewfinder 4). FIG. 6A shows this display state.

When the "+" key 18b is pressed in this display state (Y in S8, S9), a frame feed command is executed (S9), and the next photographic image "2" stored in the image memory 27 is read. Is displayed on the viewfinder 4. Note that this display state is the display state of FIG.
Then, by pressing the “+” key 18b sequentially, the photographic images stored in the image memory 27 are changed to “3”, “4”,
(5),... (S8 is Y, S9). On the other hand, when the "-" key 18a is pressed, frame reversal is performed in reverse, and photographic images "3", "2", and "1" are displayed on the viewfinder 4 (Y, S in S8).
9). Then, when the photographic image desired to be printed is displayed on the viewfinder 4, the "SET" key 18c is pressed (Y in S8). With this processing, the print image is determined (S
10), the CPU 40 thereafter executes the printing process.

On the other hand, when the user wants to print the multi-screen display, the user further presses the "EASY" key 18e in the above-described single-screen display (Y in S8). The CPU 40 determines “E
When the "ASY" key 18e is pressed, a multi-screen display command is issued (S11). When this command is output, the first four frames of images "1" to "4" are transferred from the image memory 27 to the compression / decompression unit 26, and after performing predetermined decompression processing,
A 4-split screen is displayed on the color LCD 35. Fig. 6 (c)
Indicates the display state of the first four frames of the photographic images “1” to “4”. Also in the case of this four-split screen, similarly to the above-described processing, pressing the "+" key 18b displays the next images "5" to "8" ((d) in FIG. 6). By pressing the “+” key 18b, the images “9” to
"12", "13" to "16", ... are sequentially displayed. On the other hand, when the "-" key 18a is depressed, frame reversal is performed in reverse, and "9" to "12", "8" to
“5”, “4” to “1” are displayed (Y in S8, S
9). Then, when the image desired to be printed is displayed on the viewfinder 4, the "SET" key 18c is depressed as described above (S8), and the print image is determined (S10).

Further, when the user wants to print a 9-split multi-screen display, the user presses the "EASY" key 18e again in the state of the 4-split multi-screen display (S8: Y), and the 9-split multi-screen display is pressed. A screen display command is issued (S11).
With this command, the first nine photographic images "1" to "9" are output from the image memory 27, and after the corresponding decompression processing is performed, a nine-split screen is displayed on the color LCD 35 and the first nine photographic images are displayed. The images “1” to “9” of the frame are shown in FIG.
Display as shown in (e). Pressing the "+" key 18b or the "-" key 18a allows the image to be updated every nine frames, as in the case of single screen display or quad screen display (S8, S9). Further, when the image desired to be printed is displayed on the viewfinder 4 in the state of a nine-split screen, the "SET" key 18c is pressed (Y in S8), and the print image is determined (S10) as described above. It is.

After the determined photographic image is displayed on the viewfinder 4 in this way, the paper P is
5, the sensor 54 detects the insertion of the sheet P and outputs a detection signal to the CPU 40, whereby the CPU 40 starts the printing process.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart specifically illustrating this printing process. After the "SET" key 18c is pressed as described above, the paper P is inserted into the paper insertion / ejection port 16c.
(Step (hereinafter referred to as ST in the figure) 1), the CPU 40 executes the printing process (ST
2). In this processing, image data corresponding to one screen or multiple screens displayed on the viewfinder 4 is stored in the image memory 2.
7 and is taken into the printer 15 via the communication cable 14. The image data captured by the printer 15 is temporarily stored in the image memory 41. Since the image data transferred from the camera 1 is the compressed data of the image data composed of the luminance signal and the color signal, the image data is subjected to a predetermined decompression process in the decompression unit 42, and further, the print data of each of the Y, M, and C colors And stores it in the print data storage area of the RAM 48.

Thereafter, the print data of each of the colors Y, M, and C is sequentially stored in the print head 53 from the print data storage area of the RAM 48.
To perform printing processing on the paper P. During this time, the aforementioned ribbon motor 51 and paper feed motor 52 are driven,
The yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C) ink ribbons are sequentially sent to the print head, the paper P is sent to the print unit, and the dot pattern data developed in the image memory 41 is transferred to the paper P. Color printing is performed on the paper P.

The paper P thus printed is
The sheet is returned to the sheet insertion / discharge port 16 by a sheet feeding mechanism (not shown) and discharged outside the apparatus. The discharge of the sheet P is detected by the sensor 54, and the CPU 40 knows the end of the printing (ST3).

On the other hand, after the above-mentioned "SET" key 18c is pressed, until a sheet P is inserted into the sheet insertion / discharge port 16, if there is a key input, the pressed key is depressed from the key operation signal. A judgment is made (Y in ST4). For example, if the key pressed at this time is the "BACK" key 18g, the display state is returned to the image immediately before displayed on the viewfinder 4 (Y in ST5, ST6). For example, in the case of one-screen display, if the display state is as shown in FIG. 6B, the display state is returned to the display state as shown in FIG. In the case of the 4-split screen display (multi-screen display) shown in FIG. 6D, the display state is returned to that shown in FIG. If the "MENU" key 18f has been pressed (Y in ST7), the screen returns to the first top menu screen. If the "EASY" key 18e has been pressed (Y in ST8), the screen returns to the above-described "EASY" processing selection screen state.

By performing the processing described above, the image displayed on the viewfinder 4 can be printed as it is by the printer device 15 of the present embodiment. In particular, the digital camera 1 can be printed without the printer device 15 having a display.
The photographic image displayed on the side viewfinder 4 can be printed. <Layout / Background Printing> Next, returning to the description of FIG.
The menu selection processing will be described. This menu selection processing is performed by pressing the “SET” key 18 from the above-described top menu screen.
The transition can be made by directly pressing c. That is, in the flowchart of FIG. 4, by pressing the "SET" key 18c, it is possible to shift to selected processing such as layout / background printing processing, calendar printing processing, and the like (S12).

First, FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining the layout / background printing process. As described above, when the "SET" key 18c is pressed from the top menu screen and the layout / background printing process is selected, the CPU 40 issues a layout selection image display instruction (step (hereinafter, shown as STP in FIG. 1) 1). . In this process, the compressed data of the layout selection image is read from the ROM 46, sent to the digital camera 1 via the communication cable 14, decompressed by the compression / decompression unit 26, and then the layout selection image is displayed on the viewfinder 4. is there.

FIG. 9A is a diagram showing a state in which the above-mentioned layout selection image is displayed on the viewfinder 4. For example, a layout 1 is an example in which one image 56 is printed on the background portion 55, a layout 2 is a layout example in which a plurality of photographic images 58 arranged in the horizontal direction on the background portion 57, and a layout 3 Is a layout example in which a plurality of photographic images 60 arranged in the vertical direction on the background portion 59 are superimposed. Hereinafter, layouts 4 to 6 are also as shown in FIG. In this display state, the operator selects a layout desired to be printed.

This selection is made by the "+" key 18b as described above.
Alternatively, by pressing the "-" key 18a and moving the cursor C to the desired layout (STP2 is Y, STP3), when the cursor C moves to the desired layout position, the "SET" key 18c Is pressed to confirm the layout (STP2 is Y, STP
4). It should be noted that there are three layout selection screens as shown in FIG. 9, and when the display 6 of the first layout selection screen (1/3) is exceeded by operating the "+" key 18b, the second layout selection screen The display becomes (2/3) display 1. Similarly, when the display exceeds the display 6 of the second layout selection screen (2/3), the display becomes the display 1 of the third layout selection screen (3/3). When a new layout selection screen is displayed on the viewfinder 4, compressed data of the second or third layout selection screen is sent from the ROM 46 to the digital camera 1 under the control of the CPU 40, and compressed / decompressed. After being decompressed by the section 26, it is displayed. The operator responds "S
By pressing the "ET" key 18c, a desired layout is selected from the format screens of the three layout selection screens.

When the "BACK" key 18g is depressed while the above-described layout selection screen is displayed on the viewfinder 4, the CPU 40 causes the viewfinder 4 to operate.
It is determined whether or not the layout selection screen displayed in (1) is the first layout selection screen (1/3) (STP5).
Layout selection screen of the third or third screen (2/3, 3
/ 3) (N in STP5), the display state is returned to the layout selection screen (1/3) of the first screen (STP6).
On the other hand, if the layout selection screen displayed on the viewfinder 4 is the first layout selection screen (1/3) (Y in STP5), it is determined that the layout / background printing processing has been stopped, and the display state is determined. Is returned to the top menu screen (STP5 is Y, S3 in FIG. 4).

When the "MENU" key 18f is pressed at the time when any one of the above-mentioned layout selection screens of 1/3 to 3/3 is displayed on the viewfinder 4, the screen returns to the top menu screen (STP2). Is Y, S in FIG.
3).

After the layout screen is set as described above, a background image is selected. If a background image is not added to the layout screen (N in STP7), the process immediately proceeds to an image selection process described later (STP8). On the other hand, when a background image is added, the following processing is performed (STP7 is Y, STP9 to STP14).

That is, first, the CPU 40 issues a display instruction for a background image selection screen (STP 9), and compresses the background image selection screen stored in the ROM 46 into the digital camera 1.
To the viewfinder 4 after performing the decompression process. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the display state. However, there are four background image selection screens, and the background image selection screen (1/4) shown in the figure is displayed as the initial screen. Then, the background image selection processing is the same as the above-described layout screen selection processing, and the cursor is moved on the first background image selection screen (1/4) by pressing the "+" key 18b. By this processing, the cursor changes to background 1 → 2 → 3 →
When the background 6 is reached, the second background image selection screen (2/4) is read out to the viewfinder 4, and is further displayed on the background 6 of the second background image selection screen (2/4). Upon reaching, the third background image selection screen (3/4) is read out to the viewfinder 4. By pressing the "-" key 18a, the background of each background image selection screen is returned (background 6 → 5 → 4 →...), And by pressing the “BACK” key 18g, the background image selection screen itself is pressed. 4 /
4 → 3/4 →... (STP10 is Y, STP12, STP13). When the desired background image is displayed, the user can select the background image indicated by the cursor by pressing the "SET" key 18c (ST).
P10 is Y, STP14).

If the background image selection screen displayed on the viewfinder 4 when the above-mentioned "BACK" key 18g is depressed is the first image (1/4), the screen returns to the top menu screen (STP10 is Y, STP12 is Y), "MENU"
Also when the key 18f is pressed, the screen returns to the top menu screen (STP10 is Y, S3 in FIG. 4).

After selecting the layout screen and its background image as described above, the photographed image to be displayed on the actual layout screen is selected. This processing is the next image selection processing (STP8). FIG. 11 shows a specific flowchart of this processing.

First, 1 is stored in the image memory 27.
The first photographic image is read out, decompressed to a predetermined size by the compression / decompression unit 26, converted into a video signal by the video signal generation unit 32, and the first photographic image is displayed on the viewfinder 4 (step). (Hereinafter, indicated by U in the figure) 1). Here, 1 displayed on the viewfinder 4
The first recorded image is, for example, the above-described photographic image “1”. Then, for example, if the layout screen selected by the above-described processing is the layout 1 shown in FIG. 9 described above, the processing is to select a photographic image to be printed on the layout “1”.

On the other hand, when another photographic image is to be selected, the "+" key 18b
Alternatively, the user operates the "-" key 18a. For example, when performing the image selection process by operating the “+” key 18b or the “−” key 18a, the “+” key 18b is pressed to sequentially update the recorded images (“1” → “2” → “3”). ), The "-" key 18a is pressed to sequentially update the recorded images in reverse order (for example, "96" → "95" → "94" → ...), and the desired recorded image is displayed. Then, the user presses the "SET" key 18c to fix the recorded image (U2 is Y, U4).

On the recording image selection screen, "BAC
Pressing the "K" key 18g returns to the background image selection screen (U2 is Y, STP9 in FIG. 8), and the "MENU" key 18
Press f to return to the top menu screen (U2 is Y,
S3 in FIG. 4).

Next, an image direction setting process is performed. FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining this processing. When there is a display instruction of the image direction setting screen (step (hereinafter, denoted by V in FIG. 1) 1), the compressed data of the image direction setting screen stored in the ROM 46 is sent to the digital camera 1 and displayed on the viewfinder 4. . FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the display state. In this state, the user presses the "+" key 18b to move the cursor C left and right to select the direction of the photographic image to be printed (V2 is Y, V3). Note that, in the figure, the letter “A” indicates a photographic image. Then, when the cursor C moves to the desired image direction, the direction of the photographic image is determined by pressing the “SET” key 18c (V
2 is Y, V4).

When the above-mentioned "BACK" key 18g is pressed, the display returns to the previous display state and the "MENU" key 18f
Is pressed, the screen returns to the top menu screen (STP1
0 is Y and S3 in FIG. 4 is the same as described above.

When the photographic image is determined as described above,
Performs print processing for layout and background printing. As shown in FIG. 14, the printer 15 first transmits a print start screen to the digital camera 1,
(Step (hereinafter, denoted by W in FIG. 14) 1).

The printer 15 stores the compressed image data transferred from the camera 1 in the image memory 41, decompresses the decompressed data by the decompression unit 42, converts the decompressed data into Y, M, and C print data, Store in the storage area. Then, the print data is combined with the selected background data in accordance with the layout position selected by the layout data selected in the image combining area of the RAM 48. Since the background data is stored in the ROM 46 as compressed data, the data is subjected to decompression processing by the decompression unit 42 and is synthesized with image data. In addition, this synthesis processing is Y,
It is performed in order for each printing of the M and C print data. After the print data is created in the RAM 48 in this way, the process waits for insertion of the paper P (W2).

However, if there is a key input while waiting for insertion of the sheet P, it is determined that the printing process has been stopped (Y in W3), and the designated key process is performed. For example, "BAC
If the "K" key 18g is pressed, the screen returns to the previous screen (W4
If the "MENU" key 18f is pressed, the screen returns to the top menu screen (W4 is N, W6),
When the "EASY" key 18e is pressed, the screen shifts to the simple print screen described above (W6 is N, W7 is Y).

On the other hand, when the paper P is inserted into the paper insertion / ejection port 16 of the printer device 15 (W2 is Y), the printer device 15 executes a printing process (W8). In this printing process, the paper feed motor 52 is driven under the control of the paper feed CPU 40 to send the paper P to the printing unit,
From 48, the layout / background print image is transferred to the print head, and the ribbon motor 51 is driven to send yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C) ink ribbons to the printing unit. By this process, yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C) are sequentially printed on the paper P, and a color image is printed on the paper P (W9).

Therefore, by performing the above-described processing, the printer device 15 utilizes the viewfinder 4 of the digital camera 1 for layout processing of a photographic image and selection processing of a background image without having a display device in itself. And a printing process based on the selection result can be performed. <Calendar Printing Process> Next, the calendar printing process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. still,
This calendar printing process can be shifted by pressing the "SET" key 18c from the above-described top menu screen. That is, in the flowchart of FIG. 4, after moving the cursor to the display of calendar printing, "SET"
By pressing the key 18c, the process shifts to the calendar printing process (S12).

When the process shifts to the calendar printing process, the CPU
40 issues a display instruction for a format selection screen (step (hereinafter, indicated by T in the figure) 1). This process
The compressed data of the format selection screen is read out from the ROM 46, sent to the digital camera 1, and subjected to decompression processing as described above, and then the format selection screen is displayed on the viewfinder 4.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a state where the above-mentioned format selection screen is displayed on the viewfinder 4. For example, the display 1 has a configuration in which the photo image section 60 is disposed on the left side of the screen, and the calendar section 61 is disposed on the right side of the screen. The display 2 has a photo image section 62 slightly wider than the display 1 on the left side of the screen. The display 3 has a configuration in which the calendar section 63 is arranged on the right side of the screen, and the display 3 has a configuration in which the photographic image section 64 is arranged on the upper side of the screen and the calendar section 65 is arranged on the lower side of the screen. The display 4 has the same configuration as shown in FIG.

In this display state, the operator selects a calendar format desired to be printed. This selection process is performed by pressing the "+" key 18b or the "-" key 18a and moving the cursor to the desired layout (T2 is Y, T3), as described above, and the cursor is moved to the desired format. When you move to the position
By pressing the "T" key 18c, the format of the calendar printing is determined (T2 is Y, T4). still,
Pressing the “MENU” key 18f or the “BACK” key 18g returns to the top menu screen.
This is the same as described above (T2 is Y, S3 in FIG. 4).

After the calendar print format is determined in this way, an image selection process is performed in the same manner as described above (T5). This process is a process of selecting a photographic image to be fitted into the photographic image units 60, 62, etc. in the calendar format. Specifically, the process according to the flowchart of FIG. 11 is performed. That is, first, the first recorded image recorded in the image memory 27 is read out, decompressed by the compression / decompression unit 26 to a predetermined size, and then
Displays the first recorded image "1" (U1). Here, the first photographic image displayed on the viewfinder 4 is “1”. For example, if this photographic image “1” is selected, the image after printing is the photographic image section 60, 62 in calendar format, Thus, the photographic image “1” is printed.

If another photograph is to be inserted, an image selection process (U3) is executed, and the "+" key 18
b, operating the "-" key 18a, for example, the "+" key 18
Press b to update the recorded images sequentially ("1" → "2" →
.. "), And the"-"key 18a is pressed to sequentially update the recorded images in reverse order (for example," 96 "→" 95 "→).
“94” →), and select a photographic image. Then, the selected photographic image is confirmed by pressing the “SET” key 18c.

Next, an image direction setting process is performed (T6).
This processing is also the same as that described in the flowchart of FIG. 12, and determines the direction of the photographic image to be printed.
After selecting the calendar print format and the photographic image as described above, the year setting process is performed. In this process, the display instruction of the year setting screen is issued (T7), and the CPU 4
Under the control of 0, the compressed data of the year setting screen is read from the ROM 46, sent to the digital camera 1, decompressed to a predetermined size, and displayed on the viewfinder 4.
FIG. 16A shows this display state (T8 is Y, T9). In this display state, for example, when the “+” key 18b is pressed, the display on the cursor C indicating the position of the year 2000 is changed from 2001 → 2002 → 200.
If the "-" key 18a is depressed by updating 3 years →..., Conversely, 1999 → 1998 → 1997 →.
And update. Then, when displaying the desired year, "S
By pressing the "ET" key 18c, the year of the calendar is determined (T8 is Y, T10).

When the process of setting the year in the Christian era is completed, the CPU 40 performs a process of selecting a month to be printed (T11). In this process, for example, display data of, for example, “month” indicating December is output from the ROM 46 to the viewfinder 4 and displayed as shown in FIG.
2 is Y, T13). In this state, the "+" key 18
When b is pressed, the display on the cursor C is December → January →
When the "-" key 18a is pressed, the display on the cursor C is reversed from December to November to 1
It changes from October to.

Thus, the sequentially changing cursor C
When the desired "month" is displayed, the "month" to be printed is determined by pressing the "SET" key 18c.

When the year and the month of the year are determined in this way, a process of creating calendar data is performed (T15). That is, the CPU 40 knows the year of the year displayed on the viewfinder 4 and the "month" of the year, and reads the corresponding compressed data of the calendar from, for example, the ROM 46, and transfers the compressed data to the decompression unit 42.
Then, the calendar data is expanded in the RAM 48.
This calendar creation processing automatically creates calendar data for the designated month by designating the year and month by a calendar creation program stored in the ROM 46, and uses the CG character pattern data of the ROM 46 as character data of the calendar data. You may make it.

The calendar data is combined with the selected image transferred from the camera 1 in accordance with the selected calendar format in the print data creation area of the RAM 48 for each of the colors Y, M, and C to create print data. And FIG.
As shown in FIG. 6 (c), a print processing waiting state is displayed.

Thereafter, when the paper P is inserted into the paper insertion / ejection port 16 of the printer device 15, the printer device 15 executes a printing process (T16). This printing process is performed in the same manner as described above, under the control of the CPU 40.
To send the paper P to the printing unit, transfer the calendar print data obtained by synthesizing the photographed image and the month calendar from the RAM 48 to the print head, and drive the ribbon motor 51 to drive yellow (Y) and magenta (M). , A cyan (C) ink ribbon is sequentially printed on paper P, a fixing process is performed, and a color image is printed on paper P.

Therefore, by performing the above-described processing, the printer device 15 has a format selected based on the selected image of the calendar print displayed on the viewfinder 4 of the digital camera 1 without having a display device itself. Calendar printing can be performed. <Card Printing Process> Next, the card printing process will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. Note that this card printing process can also be performed by selecting “S
The transition is made by pressing the "ET" key 18c.

When the process proceeds to the card printing process, first, a display process command of a format selection screen is issued (step (hereinafter, indicated by K in FIG. 1) 1), and after the compressed data of the format selection screen stored in the ROM 46 is decompressed, Are displayed on the viewfinder 4.

FIG. 19 is a view showing a format selection screen for the card printing process described above. For example, the display 1 has a photographic image portion 67 located at the center of the screen and a background drawn around it. In the display 2, the photographic image portion 68 is located at the center of the screen (in the circular background), and the background is drawn around the photographic image portion 68. The display 3 and the display 4 are also as shown in FIG. In this display state, the operator selects a postcard format desired to be printed. This selection process is performed by pressing the "+" key 18b or the "-" key 18a and moving the cursor to a desired layout, as described above. For example, when the "+" key 18b is pressed (K2 is Y, K3 is N, K5 is Y), the cursor C is sequentially shifted, and the display is sequentially moved from 1 to 2 to 3 to 4. If the cursor C indicates the display 4 of the first format selection screen (1/2), the determination (K3)
Becomes Y and the screen is switched to the next selection screen (K3 is Y, K
4).

On the other hand, by pressing the "-" key 18a,
The cursor C is sequentially shifted, and sequentially moved from display 4 → 3 → 2 → 1 (K2 is Y, K6 is N, K8). When the cursor C indicates the display 1 of the second format selection screen (2/2), the judgment (K6) becomes Y and the screen is switched to the previous selection screen (K7).

As described above, after the cursor C is moved to the desired format image, by pressing the "SET" key 18c, the card printing format is determined (K
9). Next, an image selection process is performed (K10). This image selection process is a process in accordance with the flowchart shown in FIG. 11 described above. A photographic image to be recorded in the image memory 41 is read out, displayed on the viewfinder 4, and printed on the photographic image units 67, 68 and the like. This is a process for selecting a photographic image. This processing is also performed by the "+" key 18b and the "-" key 18a.
After selecting the photo image to be selected, press "SET"
Press the key 18c to confirm.

Next, an image direction setting process is performed (K1
1). This process is also performed according to the flowchart of FIG. 12, and the direction of the photographic image is selected. After the format of the card printing process and the photographic image to be inserted therein are determined as described above (K12), the year setting process is performed. In this process, similarly to the above, the display instruction of the year setting screen is performed (K13), and the "+" key 18b is pressed to increment the year by +1 (K14 is Y, K1).
5) Press the "-" key 18a to decrement the year by one (K14 is Y, K16), and when the desired year is displayed, press the "SET" key 18c to perform the card printing process. Determine the year to be fitted (K17). The year fixed in this way can be read out from the character generator CG of the ROM 46 as character pattern data.

Further, the CPU 30 operates the C of the digital camera 1
It instructs the PU 30 to read out the compressed data of the selected photographic image from the image memory 27 and transfer it.
The compressed image data transferred from the camera 1 is temporarily stored in an image memory 41, and is decompressed by a decompression unit 42.
The print data is converted into M and C print data and stored in the print data storage area of the RAM 48. The print data of Y, M, and C are combined with the character pattern data of the set year in the image combining processing area of the RAM 48. Thereafter, a print processing waiting state is displayed. During this time, the “EASY” key 18 e and the “MENU” key 18
f, When the “BACK” key 18g is pressed,
This is the same as the previous example.

Thereafter, when the paper P is inserted into the paper insertion / ejection port 16 of the printer device 15, the printer device 15 executes a printing process (K18). This printing process is also the same as described above. The paper feed motor 52 and the ribbon motor 51 are driven under the control of the CPU 40 to sequentially print the yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C) ink ribbon ink on the paper P. And a color image is printed on the paper P. <Mini Label Printing Process> Next, the mini label printing process will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.
Note that the mini label printing process also shifts by pressing the “SET” key 18c from the above-described top menu screen.

When the process shifts to the mini-label printing process, first, a display process command for a mini-label illustration selection screen is issued (step (hereinafter, referred to as M) 1), and the mini-label format selection screen stored in the ROM 46 is compressed. After the data is decompressed, it is displayed on the viewfinder 4.

FIG. 21A is a diagram showing a state in which a mini label format selection screen is displayed. There are two mini-label format selection screens, and the format selection screens (1/2, 2/2) depict six background mini-label format screens 1-6, respectively.

In this display state, the operator selects the format of the mini label desired to be printed. This selection process is performed by pressing the "+" key 18b or the "-" key 18a and moving the cursor C to the desired mini-label, as described above. For example, "+" key 18b
Is pressed (M2 is Y, M3 is N, K4), and the cursor is sequentially shifted from display 1 → 2 → 3 → 4. Further, the cursor C is displayed on the display 4 of the first format selection screen (1/2).
, The judgment (M3) becomes Y, and the screen is switched to the next selection screen (M3 is Y, M5).

On the other hand, by pressing the "-" key 18a,
The cursor C is sequentially shifted, and sequentially moved to display 6 → 5 → 4 →... (M2 is Y, M6 is N, M7). When the cursor is pointing to the display 1 of the second format selection screen (2/2), the judgment (M6) becomes Y and the screen is switched to the previous selection screen (M8).

After moving the cursor to the desired format image in this way, the user presses the "SET" key 18c to determine the format of the mini label printing (M9).

Next, a photographic image is displayed (M11). This display is the same as that described above. The photographic image is read out from the image memory 27 and displayed on the viewfinder 4 after the decompression processing, and the desired photographic image is operated by operating the "+" key 18b and the "-" key 18a. (M11 is Y, M
12 or M13). Then, the photographic image is determined by pressing the "SET" key 18c (M14).

After the format of the mini-label printing process and the photographic image to be inserted therein are selected as described above, the printing process is performed (M15). This process is the same as the process shown in FIG. 14 described above. When the paper P is inserted into the paper insertion / ejection port 16 of the printer device 15, the printer device 15 executes a printing process. FIG. 21B shows an example of a mini-label printed by the above-described mini-label printing. <Index (List Display) Printing Process> Next, the index printing process will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. Note that this index printing process is also shifted by pressing the "SET" key 18c from the above-described top menu screen.

First, in the index printing process, the CPU 40 sends the image memory 2 from the digital camera 1 side.
Then, the information of the recorded image stored in 7 is received (step (hereinafter, indicated by N in FIG. 1) 1). When the reception of the information of the photographic image is completed, a transfer output and a display instruction of the frame information display screen are performed (N2 is Y, N3). With this command, the CPU 40 outputs the compressed index screen from the ROM 46 to the digital camera 1 and displays it on the viewfinder 4. The CPU 40 calculates the number of photographic images transferred in the normal mode and the number of photographic images transferred in the fine mode from the above-described photographic image information, and displays this data on the index screen read from the ROM 46. In order to output the data to the digital camera 1, the data is displayed on the index image displayed on the viewfinder 4 (N4). FIG. 23A shows the display state on the viewfinder 4 at this time.

FIG. 13B is a display example in the case of a digital camera capable of storing a photographic image only in the normal mode, depending on the model connected to the printer device 15 of the present embodiment. The operator operates the “SET” key 18 in this display state.
By pressing c, the list screen is confirmed (N5 is Y), and a transfer command for the print start screen is output (N6). The compressed data of the print start screen read from the ROM 46 in accordance with this command is output to the digital camera 1 and displayed on the viewfinder 4. FIG. 23C shows a display state on the viewfinder 4 at this time.

Thereafter, when the paper P is inserted into the paper insertion / ejection port 16 of the printer device 15, the printer device 15 executes a printing process (N7 is Y, N9). This printing process is the same as described above, and the yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C) ink ribbons are sequentially printed on the paper P by driving the paper feed motor 52 and the ribbon motor 51, and A fixing process is performed, and a color image is printed on the paper P (N10).

During this time, the "EASY" key 18e,
The processing when the "MENU" key 18f and the "BACK" key 18g are pressed is the same as the above-mentioned example (N8 is Y). By performing the processing as described above, the printer device 15 can print the list image by the printer device 15 without having the display device in the device itself.

Since the printer device 15 can obtain the information of the photographic image stored in the image memory 27 from the digital camera 1 as described above, for example, the CPU 40 further calculates the number of images that can be photographed, and obtains the view finder. 4 can also be displayed. By displaying in this manner, efficient use of the digital camera 1 becomes possible. In the description of the above embodiment, the example of the collage is not specifically described. In this case, however, the processing is almost the same as the postcard printing processing, and the image for printer operation displayed on the viewfinder 4 is, for example, The display state is as shown in FIG. Then, a format is selected, a photographic image is selected, and printing processing is performed by the printer device 15.

[0118]

As described in detail above, according to the present invention, a display unit normally provided in a digital camera is used,
Since the layout setting and the like for the printing process are displayed and the setting process is performed, a display unit is not required on the printer device side, and the printer device can be downsized.

Further, since a digital camera and a printer can be connected directly to perform printing processing without using a personal computer, which is conventionally required, the system can be downsized and the operation can be simplified.

Further, the printer operation image displayed on the digital camera can also display a number and the like, and the format can be easily selected, and the operability is improved. Further, since the personal computer is not required, dedicated software for linking the personal computer and the digital camera is not required.

Further, the display means of the digital camera having both the finder function and the monitor function can be used as a monitor for display data relating to the printing operation of the printing apparatus. Alternatively, even when there is no display unit, the printing operation can be easily performed while watching the display on the camera side.

[Brief description of the drawings]

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

FIG. 2A is a circuit block diagram of a digital camera, and FIG. 2B is a circuit block diagram of a printer device.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a connection configuration of a representative member among drivers and sensors.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a processing operation of the embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a state in which a top menu screen is displayed on a viewfinder of the digital camera.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a display state of a viewfinder.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a printing process in the “simple print mode”.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a layout / background printing process.

FIG. 9 is a layout image selection screen.

FIG. 10 is a selection screen of a background print image.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an image selection process.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an image direction setting process.

FIG. 13 is a selection screen for selecting an image direction.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating print processing during menu processing.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a calendar printing process.

FIG. 16 is a display screen for calendar printing.

FIG. 17 is an image for selecting an era and a “month” of the era.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating card printing processing.

FIG. 19 is a selection screen for card printing.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating processing of mini-label printing.

21A is a diagram illustrating a mini-label printing selection screen, and FIG. 21B is a diagram illustrating an example of a mini-label after a printing process.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating a list printing process.

23A is a diagram illustrating a display example of list printing, FIG. 23B is a diagram illustrating a display example of list printing, and FIG. 23C is a diagram illustrating a display example of a print waiting state.

FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating a display example of a selection screen for a collage print.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Digital 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 Inserting / Ejecting Paper Exit 17 Operation panel 18 Operation key 18a "-" key 18b "+" key 18c "SET" key 18d "POWER" key 18e "EASY" key 18f "MENU" key 18g "BACK" key 19 Communication terminal 20 Timing generator 21 CCD 22 driver 24 A / D converter 25 DRAM 26 compression / expansion unit 27 video memory 28 ROM 29 RAM 30 CPU 31 key input unit 32 video signal generation unit 33 VRAM 34 D / A converter 35 color LCD ( Crystal display device) 36 amplifier 37 CG 38 I / O port 40 CPU 41 image memory 42 decompression section 43 selection section 44 key input section 45 I / O port 46 ROM 47 color printer section 48 RAM 49 bus 50 ribbon motor 51 head Motor 52 Paper feed motor 53 Print head 54 Sensor 55, 57, 59 Background section 56, 58, 60, 62, 64, 67, 68 Photographs 61, 63, 65 Calendar section

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁶ Identification code FI H04N 5/765 H04N 5/91 L

Claims (21)

[Claims] A storage unit configured to store a printer operation image including a plurality of format selection screens and an actual image corresponding to the plurality of formats; an output unit configured to output the printer operation image to a digital camera; Display means of a digital camera for displaying a printer operation image output by the output means; readout control means for reading a photographic image stored in the digital camera; selecting a desired format from the plurality of format selection screens; Selecting means for selecting a desired photographic image from the digital camera; reading an actual image corresponding to the format selected by the selecting means from the storage means; A print image creation procedure that reads from the camera and creates a print image from both data When the printing system characterized by having a printing unit for printing on recording paper images created with the print image-forming device. 2. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the printer operation image is compressed data, and is displayed on the display unit after the data is decompressed in a digital camera. 3. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of formats are displayed as symbols on display means of the digital camera. 4. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the photographic image is displayed as a symbol on a display unit of the digital camera. 5. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the printer operation image is a layout image for printing a photographic image on the recording paper. 6. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the printer operation image is a selection image including a calendar. 7. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the printer operation image is a selection image including a card image. 8. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the printer operation image is a selection image including a mini label printing image. 9. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the printer operation image is an illustration synthesis image. 10. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the printer operation image is a list print image. 11. An image electrical signal photoelectrically converted based on an optical image photographed and formed by a lens device and converted into a digital signal, and the digital signal is stored as photographic image data in an image memory. Is temporarily stored in the display memory, the photographic image data in the display memory is displayed on the display means, and a control signal and communication for transmitting / receiving the photographic image data to / from an externally connected printing apparatus are provided. The printing apparatus connected via the communication unit to a digital camera that stores and reproduces a photographic image as digital image data including a unit and a control unit, and a printer operation image including a plurality of format selection screens. Storage means for storing actual images corresponding to the plurality of formats; and outputting the printer operation image to the digital camera, Output means for displaying on a display means of the digital camera; read control means for instructing reading of a photographic image stored in the digital camera; selecting a desired format from the plurality of format selection screens; Selecting means for selecting a photographic image; reading an actual image corresponding to the format selected by the selecting means from the storage means; reading the photographic image selected by the selecting means from the digital camera by the read control means; A printing apparatus, comprising: a print image creating unit that creates a print image from a printer; and a printing unit that prints an image created by the print image creating unit on recording paper. 12. The printing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the real image stored in the storage unit is compressed data, and the print image creating unit decompresses the real image. 13. The photographic image read from the digital camera is compressed data, and the print image creating means decompresses the photographic image.
The printing device according to 1. 14. The printing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the printer operation image is a layout image for printing a photographic image on the recording paper. 15. The image according to claim 11, wherein the printer operation image is a selection image including a calendar.
The printing device according to the above. 16. The image according to claim 11, wherein the printer operation image is a selection image including a card image.
The printing device according to the above. 17. The printing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the printer operation image is a selection image including a mini label printing image. 18. The printing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the printer operation image is an illustration synthesis image. 19. The printing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the printer operation image is a list print image. 20. A digital camera having a finder function of displaying still image data being photographed on a display means in a recording mode and a monitor function of displaying still image data recorded and recorded on the display means in a reproduction mode. A printing device, which is an external device and prints by receiving transfer of image data recorded and taken from the digital camera, and a storage unit for storing operation display data required for a printing operation; A printing apparatus, comprising: a control unit that transfers the operation display data to the digital camera and controls the digital camera to display the operation display data on the display unit. 21. A printing apparatus according to claim 21, wherein said printing means does not include a display means for displaying data.