KR19990044165A - Printing device and printing system - Google Patents

Abstract

When the "ON" key 22 of the printer 20 is operated while the digital camera 10 and the printer 20 can communicate with each other, menu data and menu display command signals are transmitted to the digital camera 10. The print menu is then displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 13. When the "SET" key 24 is operated, an image read command signal is transmitted to the digital camera 10, and stored image data indicative of the recorded image is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 13. As shown in FIG. When the "+" key 23a or the "-" key 23b is pressed while the image is being displayed on the liquid crystal display 13, an image switching command signal is transmitted to the digital camera 10, and the displayed image is Switch to another recorded image. When the "PRINT" key 27 is pressed while the desired image is being displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 13, a print command signal is sent from the printer 20 to the digital camera 10, and displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 13. Image data corresponding to the image being transmitted is transmitted to the digital camera 10 or the printer 20. The printer 20 prints an image corresponding to the transmitted image data according to the determined print mode.

Description

Printing device and printing system

DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART Conventionally, the printer is used as a terminal apparatus which prints data output from host apparatuses, such as a large computer, an office computer, and a personal computer.

Recently, multimedia has been advanced along with personal computers and various electronic devices. In particular, personal computers can easily play back still photos, such as photographs, television photographs, and moving photographs, as in karaoke, as well as using conventional databases, word processors, and application software, such as calculations at tables. By increasing memory capacity in personal computers and integrating JPEG or MPEG circuits or modems, communication functions can be realized through the Internet.

In recent years, electronic still cameras (digital cameras) capable of directly processing photographs taken using personal computers have been widely marketed in general or in general cameras using color film.

Such digital cameras include, for example, an image pickup lens, a CCD (charge coupled device), and a liquid crystal display device used as a finder when recording still images and as a monitor when reproducing recorded still images.

Digital images recorded by this type of digital camera process only such images and can be easily processed using software installed on a personal computer. When printing images recorded by a digital camera, these images are sent from the digital camera to the personal computer. The personal computer runs software to designate an image to be printed, and in response, a printer connected to the personal computer prints the image in color.

The image recorded by the digital camera can be printed by a conventional printing system, as described above. However, in order to print the images, these images must be sent once from the digital camera to the personal computer and output to the printer by executing software to cause the printer to execute print processing. Therefore, a computer such as a personal computer is required to print the image obtained by the digital camera.

Moreover, software for sending an image obtained by the digital camera to the personal computer, image processing software for processing the image sent to the personal computer, and software for outputting the image processed by the printer must be installed.

To print an image obtained by a digital camera for filing into an album, for example, three devices are required: a digital camera, a personal computer, a printer. This results in a large and fairly expensive printing system. Thus, their operation is so complex that not all users can easily print quickly using the printer.

Printing systems are also available in which image data recorded on a digital camera is sent directly to a printer for printing. However, in the case of a printer used in such a system, the resolution of the image data in the printer needs to be converted and an input device such as the host apparatus described above is required. This not only increases the size of the printer, but also because of the area and the price, the printer is not widely used as a general electronic device.

The present invention relates to a printing apparatus for receiving an image in the image recording apparatus and printing the received image, connected to an image recording apparatus in which a still image is recorded and reproduced as digital image data.

1 is a block diagram showing the appearance of a digital camera 10 and the appearance of the printer 20 for a digital camera according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the structure of the electronic circuit in the digital camera shown in FIG. 1 and having an LCD and in the printer shown in FIG.

Fig. 3A is a diagram showing a postcard printing format pattern stored in advance in the ROM of the printer.

Fig. 3B is a diagram showing a calendar print format pattern previously stored in the ROM of the printer.

4 is a flowchart showing image data print processing executed by a printer.

Fig. 5 is a diagram showing a state in which a print direction indication mark is displayed following image data print processing executed by a printer.

Fig. 6 is a diagram showing a calendar created and printed by image data print processing executed by a printer.

7 is a perspective view showing a state in which the digital camera and the printer according to the second embodiment of the present invention are connected to each other.

8 is a block diagram showing electronic circuits of a digital camera and a printer according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

9 is a view showing how a driver and a sensor according to a second embodiment of the present invention are connected to each other.

10 is a view showing a state of an initial menu displayed in a finder when the digital camera and the printer are connected to each other and turned on.

11A to 11F show display examples of changing by pressing a key in " easy print mode ".

12A to 12C show another display example of changing by pressing a key in " easy print mode "

13A to 13E show another example of display changed by pressing a key in " easy print mode "

14A to 14E show another example of display changed by pressing a key in " easy print mode "

15A-15C illustrate a layout / background printing menu of the first to third pages, in which the first to third pages display six icons representing an image layout format.

16 shows a background selection menu with an icon for selecting one of the backgrounds associated with the selected image.

FIG. 17 illustrates a calendar print menu having icons for selecting a layout of a calendar associated with a selected image.

18A-18C illustrate three examples of calendars printed in the combined state with an image.

Fig. 19A shows an example of a minilabel printing menu having an icon for selecting one of decorative patterns combined with a selected image such as a face photograph.

19B shows an example of sixteen minilabels with the same image, which is a combination of a face photograph and one decorative pattern.

FIG. 20A illustrates a postcard printing menu having an icon for selecting one of various festive patterns, which is a pattern combined with an image selected to make a postcard.

FIG. 20B illustrates an artwork print menu with an icon for selecting one of the decorative frame patterns associated with the recorded image to form a collage image;

21A to 21C show examples of display when the "INDEX" icon is selected.

Fig. 22 is a flowchart showing image display and print processing.

Fig. 23 is a flowchart showing print processing.

24 is a flowchart showing an image selection process.

25 is a flowchart showing an image direction setting process;

FIG. 26 shows a process of printing an image combined with a background; FIG.

Fig. 27 is a flowchart showing a process of printing an image combined with a calendar.

Fig. 28 is a flowchart showing a process of printing a minilabel.

29 is a flowchart showing a process of printing a postcard.

30 is a flowchart showing a process of printing a list of all images recorded as photographs.

31A to 31C illustrate how an image setting menu, a year setting menu, and a month setting menu are displayed.

32A to 32C show a character display menu in which the number of recorded images is displayed and a character display menu asking the user as to whether to execute printing;

<Description of Symbols for Main Parts of Drawings>

10,101: digital camera 13,104: liquid crystal display (finder)

20,115: Printer 31,121: CCD

32,124: A / D converter 33,120: timing generator

34: drive circuit 35,126: compression / expansion circuit

37,58,127,141: Image memory 39,53,128,146: ROM

40,54,129,148: RAM 41,52,131,144: Key input unit

42,51,130,140: CPU 46,55,138,145: I / O Interface

56: clock circuit 59,142: expansion circuit

60: print buffer 103, 12: lens unit

The present invention has been made in consideration of the above contents. Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a printing apparatus in which any user can easily print image data recorded in the image recording apparatus.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide such a printing device and printing system in which the image recording device is connected to the printing device without a personal computer provided between the printing device and the printing system. This is because the system is smaller and the operation of printing recorded images is simplified.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a printing apparatus capable of receiving image data of a desired resolution from an image recording apparatus and printing a received image without changing the resolution of the image data.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a printing apparatus in which display information on the internal state of the image recording apparatus and printing of image data stored in the image recording apparatus can be performed by controlling the image recording apparatus.

According to a first embodiment of the present invention having the above-mentioned various objects, there is provided a printing apparatus detachably connected to an image recording apparatus and capable of communicating with the image recording apparatus. The image recording apparatus includes image extracting means for fetching image information units each representing a still image as a digital signal, an image memory for storing image information units extracted by the image extracting means, and an image memory. And display means for displaying the displayed image information unit, and control means for controlling the image memory and the display means according to an externally received control signal. The printing device

Input means for inputting a control signal;

So that the control means of the image recording apparatus can read at least one of the image information units stored in the image memory, and the display means can display the image represented by the at least one image information unit read from the image memory. First control means for receiving the first control signal inputted from the input means and sending the first control signal to the control means of the image recording apparatus;

Receiving a second control signal input from an input means and recording the first control signal in an image such that the control means of the image recording apparatus outputs the at least one image information unit representing the image displayed on the display means to a printing apparatus. Second control means for sending to the control means of the apparatus;

Image information receiving means for receiving the at least one image information unit output from the image recording apparatus;

And printing means for printing the image represented by the at least one image information unit received by the image information receiving means on a recording medium.

In the printing apparatus having the structure described above, when the first control signal is input from the input means of the printing apparatus, the first control signal is sent to the image recording apparatus. When the image recording apparatus receives the first control signal, the image stored in the image memory is selectively displayed on the display means of the image recording apparatus. When the second control signal is input from the input means of the printing apparatus under a state in which a desired one of the images is being displayed on the display means, the second control signal is sent to the image recording apparatus. When the image recording apparatus receives the second control signal, the image being displayed on the display means is transmitted from the image recording apparatus to the printing apparatus. The transmitted image is printed by the printing means. Therefore, the user can print a desired image only by inputting a control signal from the input means of the printing apparatus.

The printing device

Third control means for receiving a third control signal input from the input means and sending the third control signal to the control means of the image recording apparatus so that the control means of the image recording apparatus can set the direction of the image displayed on the display means; and;

Storage means for storing direction information corresponding to the direction set by the control means of the image recording apparatus when the third control signal is input from the input means,

The printing means prints an image represented by the above-mentioned at least one image information unit received by the image information receiving means, in accordance with the direction information stored in the storage means.

In this case, the third control signal may include data specifying the direction of the image displayed on the display means.

In the above-described printing apparatus, the image information receiving means can receive the image information output from the image recording apparatus in the form of compressed data.

In this case, the printing apparatus further comprises stretching means for expanding the image information received by the image information receiving means, wherein the printing means prints the image represented by the image information extended by the stretching means on the image recording medium. It is preferable.

The printing device above

Format storage means for storing in advance print format data indicating a print format and selection display menu data for selecting a desired one from among print formats;

The control means of the image recording apparatus receives the fourth control signal from the input means and controls the selection display menu data stored in the format storage means so that the control means of the image recording apparatus can display an image corresponding to the selection display menu data. Fourth control means for sending to the means together with the fourth control signal;

Selection means for selecting one of the printing formats based on the image corresponding to the selection display menu data and displayed on the display means;

Print data generation means for generating print data representing an image to be printed based on at least one image information received by the image recording apparatus and the print format data selected by the selection means, and supplying the print data to the print means. It is further provided.

The printing apparatus may further include a time measuring means for measuring time information. In this case, the printing format preferably includes a printing format having an area in which an image corresponding to the time information measured by the time measuring means is to be printed, and the printing data generating means includes the image information received from the image recording apparatus, and the selection. It is preferable to generate print data based on the print format data selected by the means and the time information measured by the time measuring means.

The printing apparatus further includes a power supply control means for shutting off the power supply when no control signal is input to the input means for a predetermined period.

According to a second embodiment of the present invention having the above-described various objects, there is provided a printing apparatus detachably connected to an image recording apparatus via a communication means. The image recording apparatus stores, according to the control performed by the control means, the digital signal obtained from the optical image formed by the lens apparatus in the image memory as image data, and sends data including the image data to the printing apparatus via the communication means. Receiving data including a control signal or image data from the printing apparatus, and displaying on the display means the image data stored in the image memory or the image data received via the communication means. The printing device

Storage means for storing printer operation image data which enables the display means to display an image for selecting a desired one from among a plurality of formats, and storing image data corresponding to the format;

First control means for sending the printer operation image data to the communication means of the image recording apparatus so that the control means of the image recording apparatus can display an image corresponding to the printer operation image data on the display means;

Format selecting means for selecting a desired one from among formats in accordance with an image corresponding to the printer operation image data and displayed on the display means;

Second control means for sending the first control signal to the control means via the communication means so that the control means of the image recording apparatus can read the image data stored in the image memory and display the read image data on the display means; ;

Image selecting means for selecting desired image data from image data displayed on the display means;

Format image reading means for reading image data corresponding to the format selected by the format selecting means from the storage means;

An image recording apparatus that has a second control signal corresponding to the image data selected by the image selecting means so that the control means can read the image data selected by the image selecting means from the image memory and send the read image data through the communication means; Third control means for sending to the control means via a communication means;

Receiving means for receiving image data sent via the communication means in response to the second control signal sent from the third control means;

Print image generating means for generating print image data representing an image to be printed based on the image data read by the formal image reading means and the image data received by the receiving means;

And printing means for printing the print image data generated by the print image generating means onto a recording medium.

In the above printing apparatus, the printer operation image data stored in the storage means provided in the printing apparatus is transferred from the printing apparatus to the image recording apparatus, and recorded as the printer operating image, that is, as a format selection menu for selecting one of a plurality of formats. Displayed on the display means of the device. Since the image displayed on the display means can be viewed, the user can select one of the formats using the selection means, and can further select the image data from the image data recorded in the image recording apparatus. The image corresponding to the selected format is read out from the storage means of the printing apparatus. Image data stored in the image memory of the image recording apparatus is sent to the printing apparatus. The print image generating means generates print image data based on the selected format and the received image data, and an image corresponding to the print image data is printed on the recording medium by the print means.

With the above-described structure, the printing apparatus can be connected to the image recording apparatus, and the printer operation image can be displayed on the display means of the image recording apparatus according to the control information sent from the printing apparatus. Viewing the printer operation image displayed on the display means, the user can select one from the format and the image data. In this way, an image recorded by the image recording apparatus can be easily printed between the printing apparatus and the image recording apparatus without a computer such as a personal computer.

With the operation image being displayed on the display means of the image recording apparatus, since one of the formats for printing can be selected, a printing apparatus having such display means is not necessary, and the printing apparatus can be miniaturized.

In the printing apparatus, the image data stored in the storage means may be compressed data. In this case, the print image generating means preferably includes stretching means for stretching the image data.

In the printing apparatus, the image data received by the image recording apparatus by the receiving means may be compressed data. In this case, the print image generating means preferably includes stretching means for stretching the image data.

According to a third embodiment of the present invention having the above-described various objects, there is provided a printing system in which image data representing still images recorded and held in an image recording apparatus is transmitted to a printing apparatus and printed by the printing apparatus. The printing system

Storage means for storing in advance printer operation image data for selecting a desired one from among a plurality of formats and image data corresponding to the format;

Display means for displaying an image corresponding to the printer operation image data read out from the storage means, and for displaying at least one of the images represented by the image data held in the image recording apparatus;

Selection means for selecting one of the formats according to the printer operation image data displayed on the display means, and for selecting the desired image data from the image data displayed on the display means;

Print data generation means for generating printed image data to be printed based on image data held in the image recording apparatus and selected by the selection means and image data corresponding to the format selected by the selection means and stored in the storage means; ;

And printing means for printing the image data generated by the print data generating means on the recording medium.

In the printing system, the printing apparatus preferably has storage means, selection means, print data generation means and printing means, for example. On the other hand, the image recording apparatus preferably has display means.

According to the printing system described above, the printer operation image stored in the storage means can be displayed on the display means, and one of the formats can be selected based on the displayed printer operation image. The print data generating means generates print image data to be printed based on the image data transmitted from the image recording medium and the image data corresponding to the selected format. The printing means prints an image corresponding to the generated print image data. In this way, the image recorded in the image recording apparatus can be printed with easy operation.

There is no need to provide a computer such as a personal computer between the printing apparatus and the image recording apparatus in accordance with a printing system in which the printing apparatus has storage means, selection means, and print data generating means and the image recording apparatus has display means. A compact printing system can be realized because the image recording apparatus and the printing apparatus can be connected to each other to print without such a computer in between. By eliminating the need to provide a computer between the printing device and the image recording device, no software is needed to connect the computer and the image recording device together.

The printer operation image data in the printing system may be compressed data. In this case, the printing system may further include and include stretching means for stretching the printer operation image data, and the display means displays an image corresponding to the printer operation image data extended by the stretching means.

According to a fourth embodiment of the present invention having the above-described various objects, there is provided a printing apparatus for receiving recorded image data from an image recording apparatus and printing an image corresponding to the received image data. The image recording apparatus includes display means having a function of displaying a still image while being recorded in the recording mode and a function of displaying the recorded still image in the playback mode. The printing device

Storage means for storing operation display data necessary for performing a printing operation;

First control means for transmitting the operation display data stored in the storage means to the image recording apparatus so that the image recording apparatus can display an image corresponding to the operation display data on the display means;

Print command means for generating a command to execute a print operation in accordance with the image displayed on the display means and corresponding to the operation display data;

Second control means for causing the image recording apparatus to transmit the recorded image data in response to the command generated by the print command means;

And printing means for printing an image corresponding to the recorded image data transmitted from the image recording means on a printing sheet.

With the above printing apparatus, the image recorded by the image recording apparatus can be printed without providing a personal computer between the printing apparatus and the image recording apparatus. An image corresponding to the operation display data necessary for the printing apparatus to execute printing can be displayed on the display means of the image recording apparatus which functions as both a finder and a monitor. Therefore, even if the printing apparatus does not have a satisfactory large display portion, the user can operate the printing apparatus while viewing the image displayed on the display means of the image recording apparatus.

Since the operation display data is displayed on the display means of the image recording apparatus, the printing apparatus does not have to have display means for displaying the operation display data necessary for printing.

According to a fifth embodiment of the present invention having the above-mentioned various objects, there is provided a printing apparatus detachably connected to an image recording apparatus via a communication means. The image recording apparatus stores, according to the control executed by the control means, the digital signal obtained from the optical image formed by the lens apparatus as image data in the image memory, and sends data including the image data to the printing apparatus via the communication means. Data including the control signal or the image data is received from the printing apparatus, and the image data stored in the image memory or the image data received through the communication means is displayed on the display means. The printing device

Printing means for printing an image corresponding to the image data transmitted from the image recording means to the recording medium at a predetermined resolution;

Communicating means for transmitting the image transfer request signal to the control means of the image recording apparatus to cause the control means to change the resolution of the image data stored in the image memory to a resolution suitable for printing by the printing means and to transmit the changed image data. Including print control means for sending through,

The printing means prints an image corresponding to the image data transmitted from the image recording means on the recording medium without changing the resolution of the image data transmitted to the image recording means.

With the above printing apparatus, the image recorded by the image recording apparatus can be printed without providing a personal computer between the printing apparatus and the image recording apparatus. An image whose resolution has been changed to be suitable for printing by the printing apparatus is transmitted to the printing apparatus and printed by this. In this way, the printing apparatus can print an image at a suitable resolution without a function for changing the resolution, that is, without a circuit for changing the resolution. Since such a resolution conversion circuit is not required, the printing apparatus can be made smaller and can be manufactured at a lower cost. After the resolution of the image data is changed, the printing apparatus receives the image data from the image recording apparatus and prints the received image data. Under this situation, an amount of image data conforming to the resolution of the image to be printed can be transmitted from the image recording apparatus. This ensures high speed data transfer and high speed print processing. In the printing apparatus, the image data immediately after being printed and its changed resolution can be temporarily stored. That is, the image data to be printed can be temporarily stored as one frame image data. This can reduce the memory capacity and further reduce the manufacturing cost of the printing apparatus.

In the printing apparatus, the print control means may send an image transmission request signal to the control means for requesting the transmission of the image data indicating the number n of images. In this case, the control means changes the resolution of the image data representing the number n image to 1 / n resolution, and the printing means prints the image corresponding to the image data transmitted from the image recording apparatus without changing the resolution of the image data.

According to a sixth embodiment of the present invention having the above-mentioned various objects, there is provided a printing system in which image data representing still images recorded and held in a print recording apparatus is transmitted to a printing apparatus and printed by the printing apparatus. The image recording apparatus includes resolution changing means for changing the resolution of the image data held in the image recording apparatus to a resolution suitable for printing by the printing apparatus, and transmission means for transmitting the changed image data to the printing apparatus. The printing apparatus prints an image corresponding to the image data transmitted by the transmission means on the print medium without changing the resolution of the image transmitted by the transmission means.

Having such a printing system, an image recorded by the image recording apparatus can be printed without providing a personal computer between the printing apparatus and the image recording apparatus. The image whose resolution is changed to be suitable for printing by the printing apparatus is transmitted to the printing apparatus and printed. This allows the printing apparatus to print an image without a function for changing the resolution, that is, without a circuit for changing the resolution. Since such a resolution change circuit is not necessary, the printing apparatus becomes smaller, and as a result, the printing apparatus can be manufactured at a lower cost. In the printing system, since the printing apparatus receives image data of the resolution suitable for being printed from the image recording apparatus, the printing apparatus can print an image at high speed. According to the above printing system, data conforming to the resolution of the image to be printed may be transmitted from the image recording apparatus to the printing apparatus. This ensures high speed data transfer and high speed print processing. In the printing apparatus of the above printing system, image data whose resolution is changed immediately after printing can be temporarily stored. That is, the image data to be printed can be stored as one frame image data. This reduces the memory capacity and can further reduce the manufacturing cost of the printing apparatus.

According to a seventh embodiment of the present invention having the above-mentioned various objects, there is provided a printing apparatus detachably connected to an image recording apparatus via a communication means. The image recording apparatus stores, according to the control executed by the control means, the digital signal obtained from the optical image formed by the lens apparatus as image data in the image memory, and transmits data including the image data to the printing apparatus via the communication means. Data is sent from the printing apparatus, and the image data stored in the image memory or the image data received through the communication means is displayed on the display means. The printing device

First instruction means for instructing the control means of the image recording apparatus to transmit information attached to the internal state of the image recording apparatus;

Display control for generating display data based on the information transmitted from the image recording apparatus and outputting the display data to the control means in order to display an image corresponding to the display data on the display means. Means;

Second instruction means for instructing the control means of the image recording apparatus to transmit the image data stored in the image memory;

And printing means for printing an image corresponding to the image data transmitted from the image recording apparatus on the recording medium in response to the command generated by the second command means.

With the above printing apparatus, an image recorded by the image recording apparatus can be printed without providing a personal computer between the printing apparatus and the image recording apparatus. The printing apparatus transmits the display data generated based on the data transmitted from the image recording apparatus to the image recording apparatus. The transmitted display data is displayed on the display means. Therefore, although the image recording apparatus does not have a function of indicating the number of images recorded by the image recording apparatus and the number of images that can be additionally recorded by the image recording apparatus, the number of images to be recorded and / or additionally be recorded. The number of images that can be displayed can be displayed. In this way, information on the image stored in the image recording apparatus can be easily obtained using the above printing apparatus.

In more detail, according to the printing apparatus, the above-described information attached to the internal state of the image recording apparatus may be data indicating the number of still images stored in the image memory of the image recording apparatus. In this case, the display control means preferably transmits the display data generated on the basis of the data indicating the number of still images stored in the image memory to the image recording apparatus so that the display means displays the display data. This indicates the number of still images stored in the image memory.

In the printing apparatus, the above-mentioned information attached to the internal state of the image recording apparatus may be data indicating the number of still images that can be additionally stored in the image memory. In this case, the display control means transmits the display data generated based on the data indicating the number of still images that can be further stored in the image memory to the image recording apparatus so that the display means displays the display data. This will indicate the number of still images that can be additionally stored in the image memory.

First Embodiment

Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 is a view showing the appearance of an electronic still camera (hereinafter referred to as a digital camera) 10 and a printer 20.

The digital camera 10 has two blocks, a camera body 11 and a lens unit 12.

The liquid crystal display 13 is disposed on the rear side of the camera body 11 (shown on the front side in the figure).

When recording an image of an object, the liquid crystal display 13 is used as a finder for displaying the object. In addition, during image recording, the liquid crystal display unit 13 is used as a monitor for displaying the recorded image data. A function switching key 14 for performing switching between the image recording mode RE and the image reproduction mode PL is provided next to the liquid crystal display unit 13.

A power switch 15 for turning the camera on and off, a shutter button 16 used for shooting an object displayed on the liquid crystal display in the image recording mode, and an image displayed on the liquid crystal display 13 in the image playback mode PL. The "+" key 17a and "-" key 17b for selecting data, and the communication terminal 18 to which image data and various command signals are input / output are arranged on the upper surface of the camera body 11. . On the front of the lens device 12, a regular lens and a close-up lens are disposed so as to be switched from one side to the other and vice versa. A photographing mode change switch for changing two photographing modes, that is, the normal photographing mode and the close-up photographing mode from one side to the other and vice versa, is provided on the left side (not shown) of the lens device 12.

The lens device 12 is attached to the camera body 11 so that it can be positioned 90 ° front and 180 ° back.

On the upper surface of the printer 20, a printing sheet confirmation window 21 capable of confirming the image printing sheet X, a power key 22 for turning the printer ON / OFF, menu data on the menu, and image data to be printed. The "+" key 23a and "-" key 23b for selecting the " ", the " SET " key 24 for determining the image data selected to be printed, and the digital camera 10 are held vertically. A direction switch key 25 for switching and setting the image direction of a photographed object in the state, and a " MENU " key for displaying a print mode for selecting a print mode among the normal print mode, postcard print mode, and calendar print mode. (26) and a &quot; PRINT &quot; key 27 for giving a command to start printing image data. The communication terminal 28 through which the image data input command signal, the image data output command signal, and other various command signals are input and output is provided on the upper surface of the printer 20.

A sheet outlet 30 through which printing paper X having a printed image is discharged is provided on the right side of the printer 20.

The communication terminal 18 of the digital camera 10 and the communication terminal 28 of the printer 20 are separated from each other using a communication cable 29.

2 is a block diagram showing the structure of electronic circuits in the digital camera 10 and the printer 10.

The digital camera 10 includes a CCD 31, an A / D converter 32, a timing generator 33, a drive circuit 34, a compression / expansion circuit 35, a DRAM 36, an image memory 37, Control circuit 38, ROM 39, RAM 40, key input section 41, CPU 42, signal generator 43, VRAM 44, D / A converter 45, liquid crystal display section 13 ) And an electronic circuit with an I / O interface 46.

The CCD 31 converts the light signal representing the still image formed by the lens device 12a into an analog electronic signal. The plurality of color filters for color are arranged in front of the CCD 31 in a predetermined order. The A / D converter 32 converts an analog signal into a digital signal. The timing generator 33 generates a timing signal for controlling the driving circuit 34 for driving the CCD 31. The compression / extension circuit 35 compresses / extends the digital image signal. The DRAM 36 temporarily stores the sent digital image signal. The image memory 37 is a flash memory and stores a compressed image signal. The memory control circuit 38 controls the address when writing / reading image data to / from the DRAM 36 and the image memory 37. The ROM 39 stores system programs for all operations of the digital camera 10 including operations when a communication linkage is established between the digital camera 10 and the printer 20. The key input section 41 has a power switch 15, a shutter button 16, a "+" key 17a and a "-" key 17b. Using the RAM 40 as the work area, the CPU 42 executes a system program stored in the ROM 39 in response to an input from the key input section 41. The signal generator 43 generates a digital video signal by adding a synchronization signal to the digital image signal. The VRAM 44 stores digital video signals corresponding to the images displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 13. The D / A converter 45 converts the digital video signal output from the signal generator 43 into an analog signal. The liquid crystal display 13 displays an image by driving the liquid crystal in accordance with the analog video signal to which the digital video signal is converted. The I / O interface 46 outputs the image data converted into serial data by the CPU 42 to the printer 20 and receives various control signals (command signals) from the printer.

In the digital camera 20, the timing generator 33 outputs a timing signal at predetermined cycles. The driving circuit 34 is controlled by the timing signal, and a photo signal corresponding to the formed image of the object to be photographed is extracted to the CCD 31. The extracted photo signal is converted from an analog signal to a digital signal by the A / D converter 32 and temporarily stored in the DRAM 36 as a digital image signal.

The digital image signal stored in the DRAM 36 has color components such as yellow (Ye), cyan (Cy), green (Gr), and the like. The reason is that the light signal corresponding to the image formed by the lens device 12a has passed through the color filter disposed in front of the CCD 31.

The CPU 42 generates an image signal used to monitor the object by using the liquid crystal display unit 13 by image processing in the high speed mode, and records an image of the object by image processing in the high speed mode. Generates the used image signal.

First, the CPU 42 executes the processing necessary for generating the luminance signal based on the thinned information. The luminance signal is generated using only the Ye component signal, for example, in the Ye-, Cy-, and Gr-component signals read out from the DRAM 36. In this case, the pixel or digital signal stored in the DRAM 36 is thinned, and the Ye-component data including the above-described Ye-component signal in the three pixels passes through a pre-filter including a low pass filter (LPF) and then gamma. (Γ-correction) (the gamma characteristic of the liquid crystal display device is not linear, so that the image data is corrected in advance such that linear luminance is achieved when an image corresponding to the image data is displayed on the liquid crystal display device), and luminance Generate a signal.

As described above, the CPU 42 executes processing necessary for generating a color difference signal corresponding to the luminance signal generated with the pixel being thinned.

When generating the color difference signal, the Ye-, Cy-, and Gr-component signals read out from the DRAM 36 are thinned down to 1/6 and six pixel data including the resultant signal are generated. The generated data passes through the prefilter. Ye-, Cy-, and Gr-component signals passing through the prefilter undergo a correction known as a white balance (this correction compensates for the non-uniformity of the color difference signal due to differences in the characteristics of the color filter). Color arithmetic). In this way, R-Y and B-Y color difference signals are generated.

The luminance signal and the color difference signal generated in this way are transmitted to the signal generator 43. The signal generator converts the luminance signal and the color difference signal into a video signal. The liquid crystal display 13 displays an image of an object to be photographed by using a monitor.

When the operation signal is input by pressing the shutter button 16 in the key input section 41, the CPU 42 executes processing necessary for generating a luminance signal for high quality image.

When generating these luminance signals, seven pixels of data including the signals read out from the DRAM 36 are generated. The generated data passes through a prefilter and undergoes γ-correction to adjust the moire balance. By adjusting the moire balance, the nonuniformity of the luminance signal due to the difference in the characteristics of the color filter is compensated. Passing a balanced moiré signal through the LPF reduces the noise of the high frequency components. Then, a process of improving the quality is performed to generate a luminance signal.

The CPU 42 then executes the processing necessary to generate the color difference signal corresponding to the luminance signal for the high quality image.

When these color difference signals are generated, data of twelve pixels including the Ye-, Cy, and Gr-component signals read out from the DRAM 36 pass through the prefilter. Ye, Cy-, and Gr- that pass through this prefilter undergo a correction known as white balance and then undergo arithmetic operations. In this way, the R-Y and B-Y signals are generated.

The luminance signal and the color difference signal generated in this way are transmitted to the compression / expansion circuit 35. The compression / expansion circuit 35 encodes and compresses the luminance signal and the chrominance signal into a compressed image signal and transmits the image signal (luminance signal and chrominance signal) to be stored in the image memory 37.

In the case of reproducing the image signal, a signal for switching to the image reproducing mode is input from the key input section 41 to the CPU 42 by pressing the function switching key 14. As soon as the signal is input to the CPU 42, the compressed image signal (compressed luminance and chrominance signal) stored in the image memory 37 is transmitted to the compression / extension circuit 35.

The compression / expansion circuit 35 extends these luminance and color difference signals. The signal generator 43 generates a digital video signal by adding a synchronization signal to the extended luminance and color difference signals, and inputs the digital video signal to the liquid crystal display unit 13 through the D / A converter 45. The liquid crystal display 13 displays an image corresponding to the video signal.

In this case, the compressed image signal read out from the image memory 37 is changed by pressing the "+" key 17a and the "-" key 17b. In this way, the image data displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 13 is selected.

The printer 20 includes an electronic circuit, which includes a CPU 51, a key input unit 52, a ROM 53, a RAM 54, an I / O interface 55, a clock circuit 56, and timing. There is a generator 57, an image memory 58, an expansion circuit 59, a print buffer 60, and a color printer unit 61.

In response to the input from the key input unit 52, the CPU 51 executes the system program stored in the ROM 53 using the RAM 54 as the work area. The CPU 51 has a function of turning off a power supply (not shown) according to an internal timer to cut off power supply to the printer 20. Various command signals obtained by the CPU 51 are output to the digital camera 10 through the I / O interfaces 46 and 55, and image data from the digital camera is input through the I / O interface 46. The clock circuit 56 indicates the date and time. The timing generator 57 outputs a timing signal for synchronizing with the image signal input / output from / to the CPU 51. The image memory 58 stores compressed image data input from the digital camera 10 via the I / O interface 55. The decompression circuit 59 reads the compressed image data from the image memory 58 and decompresses the read compressed image data. The print buffer 60 stores image data extended by the decompression circuit 59 as print data. The color printing unit 61 has yellow, magenta, and cyan ink ribbons, and thermally transfers an image corresponding to the print data stored in the printing buffer 60 onto the printing paper X. FIG.

The key input unit 52 includes a power key 22, a "+" key 23a, a "-" key 23b, a "SET" key 24, a layout change key 25, and a "MEMU" key 26. , And "PRINT" keys 27.

The RAM 54 is a mode data register (M) 54a set to "0", "1", "2", and "3" in the menu display mode, the normal print mode, the postcard print mode, and the calendar print mode, respectively. ) And the menu selection register (K) in which flag data corresponding to the designated print mode selected in the print menu are set to " 1 ", " 2 " and " 3 " respectively in the normal print mode, postcard print mode, and calendar print mode. 54b and "0" when the image of the object photographed with the digital camera 10 held vertically is to be printed as it is, and when the image should be printed so that the right side of the image is at the top " 1, and a print direction setting register (P) 54c which is set to "2" when the image should be printed so that the left side of the image is positioned above.

The ROM 53 controls the CPU 51 to control all operations of the printer 20, including printing, expanding the compressed data, creating a calendar, and performing data communication with the digital camera 10. In addition to the system program required by the above), menu data displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 13 of the digital camera 10 and format pattern data for setting the format of the image data printed by the color printing unit 61 are provided. I remember in advance.

The postcard-printing pattern shown in FIG. 3A includes upper and lower regions, that is, a horizontal layout region A1 in which an image is laid out horizontally, and a printing region A2 of ruled lines. The calendar print format pattern shown in FIG. 3B includes a vertical layout area A3 and a calendar print area A4 in which images are laid out vertically.

The compressed image data read from the image memory 10 of the digital camera 10 and sent through the I / O interfaces 46 and 55 in response to a command from the CPU 51 of the printer 20 is the image memory 58. Is remembered temporarily). The compressed image data stored in the image memory 58 is decompressed by the decompression circuit 59. The image data expanded by the decompression circuit 59 is stored in the ROM 53 and stored in the print buffer 60 together with the print format pattern corresponding to the print mode specified by the mode data register M in the RAM 54. It is sent and printed by the color printing part 61.

In this case, data for the calendar print format pattern is processed based on the current date and day of the week and laid out in the calendar printing area A3.

Hereinafter, the image printing operation of the printer 20 will be described.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart for printing an image stored in the digital camera 10 by using the printer 20. As shown in FIG.

In the process shown in this flowchart, a desired object is photographed using the digital camera 10, compressed image data representing an image of the photographed object is stored in the image memory 37, and a communication terminal ( 18 and the communication terminal 28 of the printer 20 are executed under the condition that they are connected to each other using the communication cable 29.

When the "ON" key 22 on the printer 20 is pressed (step R1), the mode flag M in the mode data register 54a of the RAM 54 is set to an initial value "0" (step R2). ), The print menu flag K in the menu selection register 54b is set to an initial value "1" (step R3).

Menu data, which is stored in advance in the ROM 53 of the printer 20 and used to select a menu, is read and sent to the CPU 51. The read menu data is outputted together with the menu display command signal to the communication cable 29 via the I / O interface 55 and transmitted to the CPU 42 of the digital camera 10 (step R4).

When menu data and menu display command signals are transmitted from the printer 20 to the CPU 10 of the digital camera 10, a video signal corresponding to the menu is generated by the signal generator 43. A print menu for displaying the characters "Normat Print", "Postcard Print", and "Calendar Print" is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 13 of the digital camera 10 in accordance with the video signal generated by the signal generator 43. (Step R5).

When the "+" key 23a or the "-" key 23b of the key input unit 52 of the printer 20 is pressed while the printing menu is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 13 of the digital camera 10, The menu selection flag K set in the menu selection register 54b of the RAM 54 is incremented by one when the "+" key 23a is operated, but is "" when the "-" key 23b is operated. It decreases by 1 "(step R8).

In response to the change in the menu selection flag K of the menu selection register 54b of the RAM 54, a cursor movement command signal is output from the CPU 51 and is connected to the digital camera 10 through the I / O interface 55. (Step R9).

A cursor is displayed on the digital camera 10, and a print mode is indicated in a menu displayed on the liquid crystal display 13 of the digital camera 10 in response to a cursor movement command signal transmitted from the CPU 51 of the printer 20. Move to In other words, in response to the operation of the " + " key 23a and the "-" (Step R10).

Suppose that the calendar print mode is selected by moving the cursor in the print menu. Mode data when the "SET" key 24 of the key input unit 52 is pressed while the menu selection flag K "3" is set in the menu selection register 54b in the RAM 54 of the printer 20. It is determined whether the mode flag M in the register 54a indicates the menu display mode (step R14). When it is determined that the mode flag M is " 0 ", the mode flag M is set to " 3 " indicating the calendar print mode in accordance with the menu selection flag K " 3 " (step R15).

When the mode flag M is set, the first image read command signal is output from the CPU 51 of the printer 20 and transmitted to the CPU 42 of the digital camera via the I / O interface 55 (step). R16).

In the digital camera 10, in response to the first image read command signal, compressed image data ahead of others stored in the image memory 37 is read out and expanded by the compression / expansion circuit 35. The expanded image data is converted into a video signal by the signal generator 43 and input to the liquid crystal display unit 3 via the D / A converter 45. The liquid crystal display unit 13 displays an image corresponding to the input video signal (step R17).

When the "+" key 23a or the "-" key 23b of the key input unit 52 is pressed while the image taken by the digital camera and stored in the image memory 37 is being displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 13. (Step R6), the flag "0" indicating any one of the flags "1", "2", and "3" indicating the menu display mode, that is, the print mode, and any other flag are stored in the RAM 54. It is determined that the mode data register M is set (step R7). In this case, an image switching command signal is output from the CPU 51 and transmitted to the digital camera 10 via the I / O interface 55 (step R11).

In the digital camera, in response to the image switching signal transmitted by pressing the "+" key 23a or the "-" key 23b of the printer 20, a stored image desired by the user is read out from the image memory 37. . The image currently displayed on the liquid crystal display 13 is replaced with the image read out from the image memory 37 (R12). In particular, when the "+" key 23a on the printer 20 is operated, control information corresponding to the operation of the "+" key 23a is transmitted to the digital camera 10. The CPU 42 of the digital camera 10 that has received the control information is displayed as a plurality of still images, and image data following the one currently displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 13 among the image data stored in the image memory 37. Read it. The liquid crystal display then displays an image corresponding to the following image data.

As can be seen above, the image data stored in the image memory 37 of the digital camera 10 is selected by operating the "+" key 23a or the "-" key 23b, and on the liquid crystal display 13 Is displayed. When the direction change key 25 is pressed while the selected image data is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 13 (step R18), it is set in the print direction setting register 54c among " 0 ", " 1 " Which print direction flag P is determined is determined (step R19).

5A and 5B show the state in which the print direction indication mark is displayed following the image data print processing performed by the printer 20.

6 shows a calendar created and printed by image data print processing performed by the printer 20.

For example, as shown in Fig. 5A, the print direction flag P set in the print direction setting register 54c of the RAM 54 has a liquid crystal display 13 in which an image taken while the digital camera 20 is held vertically. When it is determined that " 0 " under the state being displayed on), i.e., it is determined that the selected image data currently being displayed is to be printed as an image taken with the digital camera being vertical (step R19), the print direction flag P Is set to " 1 " by pressing the direction change key 25 (step R20). The CPU 51 outputs display data instructing the image to be printed so that the right side is positioned upward, and the display data is transmitted to the digital camera 10 via the I / O interface 55 (step R21).

The image is then displayed on the liquid crystal display portion 13 of the printer 20 together with the print direction indication mark m indicating the right side of the image in FIG. 5A. In this way, the image is instructed to be printed with the right side facing up (step R22).

When the direction change key 25 of the key input portion of the printer 20 is operated again, it is determined that the print direction flag P is currently " 1 " (step R19). And the printing direction flag P is set to "2" (step R20). The CPU 51 outputs display data instructing that the image should be printed with the right side up (step R23), and the display data is transmitted to the digital camera 10 via the I / O interface 55 (step R24). ).

The image is then displayed on the liquid crystal display portion 13 of the printer 20 together with the print direction indication mark M indicating the left side of the image in FIG. 5B. In this way, the image is instructed to be printed with the left side facing up (step R22).

When the turning key 25 of the key input unit 52 of the printer 20 is operated once more, it is determined that the printing direction flag P is currently "2" (step R19), and the printing direction flag P is It is set to "0" (step R25).

Then, the print direction indicator mark m displayed together with the display data on the liquid crystal display unit 13 of the digital camera 10 is taken so that the selected image data currently being displayed is taken while the digital camera 10 is horizontal. Deleted to print as an image.

For example, image data with a print direction indicator m shown in FIG. 5A and indicating that the image should be printed with the right side up is selected, such as the mode flag M = "3", the menu selection flag K = 3 and The print direction flag P = " 1 " is displayed in the calendar print mode set in the mode data register 54a, the menu selection register 54b, and the print direction setting register 54c respectively in the RAM 54 of the printer. When the " PRINT " key 27 in the key input unit in the printer 20 is pressed under the above-described state (step R32), the CPU 51 outputs a print command signal, which signals the I / O interface 55. Is transmitted to the digital camera 10 via (step R33).

The CPU 42 reads out image data corresponding to the image displayed on the liquid crystal display of the digital camera 10 from the image memory 37 (step R34). The CPU 42 transmits the read image data to the printer 20 through the I / O interface 46. The CPU 51 stores the image data transmitted to the printer 20 in the image memory 58 (step R35).

The decompression circuit 60 decompresses the image data stored in the image memory 58 (step R36). The CPU 51 reads the calendar printing format pattern (see Fig. 3B) stored in the ROM 53 in accordance with the mode flag M = " 3 " set in the mode data register 54a of the ROM 54. The CPU 52 combines the read-out pattern with the image data extended by the decompression circuit 60 and stores the combined data as print data in the print buffer 60 (step R37).

In step R37, the image data is combined with the format pattern in the following manner.

In accordance with the print direction flag P = "1" in the print direction setting register 54c, the image data expanded by the decompression circuit 59 is ROM in accordance with the mode flag M = "3" in the mode data register 54a. In the vertical layout area A3 on the calendar print form pattern read out at 53, the right side of the image is laid out. Furthermore, image data is laid out in the calendar printing area A4 above the above-described format pattern according to the current date and day of the week measured by the clock circuit 56.

The print data generated and stored in the print buffer 60 as a combination of the selected image data and the calendar print format pattern is output to the color printing unit 61, and the image corresponding to the print data is printed paper as shown in FIG. Is printed at (X). The printing paper X having the printed image is discharged out of the printer 20 through the print discharge port 30 of the printer 20 (step R38).

When the "MENU" key 26 of the key input unit 52 in the printer 20 is pressed (step R26), a mode flag M other than "0" is set in the mode data register 54a of the RAM 54. It is determined whether it is set. That is, it is determined whether the printer is one of the normal print mode, the postcard print mode, and the calendar print mode (step R27). When it is determined that the printer 20 is one of the above-described modes, the mode flag M is reset to " 0 " (step R28), and the print menu flag K in the menu selection register 54b is also " It is reset to 1 "(step R29).

The CPU 51 then reads again the menu data for selecting the print menu stored in the ROM 53 of the printer 20 in advance. The read menu data is output to the communication cable 29 together with the menu display command signal via the I / O interface 55 and transmitted to the digital camera 10 (step R30).

When the menu data and the menu display command signal are transmitted from the printer 20 to the CPU 42 of the digital camera 10, a video signal corresponding to the menu data is generated by the signal generator 43. The print data for displaying the characters "Normal Print", "Postcard Print" or "Calendar Print" in accordance with the video signal generated by the signal generator 43 is displayed on the liquid crystal display 13 of the digital camera 10 again. (Step R38).

Assume that no key is operated in the key input unit 52 in the printer 20, no key operation signal is input to the CPU 51, and the CPU 51 does not perform any control operation. When this condition continues, the power supply to the printer 20 is stopped (step R39).

As soon as the " ON " key 22 in the printer 20 is pressed, the menu data and menu display command signal are transmitted to the digital camera 10, and the print menu is displayed on the liquid crystal display 13 of the digital camera 10. Is displayed. When the "+" key 23a or the "-" key 23b is pressed, a cursor movement command signal is transmitted to the digital camera 10 to move the cursor on the print menu to select and specify a desired print mode. When the "SET" key 24 is pressed, an image read command is sent to the digital camera 10, and the stored image data is read out and displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 13. As shown in FIG. When the "+" key 23a or the "-" key 24b is pressed, the image command signal is transmitted to the digital camera 10, and the image data is selectively displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 13. As shown in FIG. When the direction change key 25 is pressed, the image direction setting data is transmitted to the digital camera 10 and displayed as a mark on the liquid crystal display 13. When the " PRINT " key 27 is pressed, a print command signal is sent to the digital camera 10 and image data corresponding to the image being displayed on the liquid crystal display 13 is read out from the digital camera 10 so that the printer 20 Is sent to. The image is printed in color on the printing paper X according to the printing mode set in the printer 20 and the image direction, and the printing paper X providing the image is discharged. In this manner, with a simple and easy operation of the printer 20 part, the image taken by the digital camera 10 using the liquid crystal display 13 can be selectively displayed and printed.

In the case of printing in accordance with the calendar printing format pattern in the first embodiment, the individual area is printed based on the image transmitted from the digital camera 10 and the image of the calendar based on the date measured by the timer circuit 56. However, the image transmitted from the digital camera 10 and the image of the calendar may be printed while being superimposed on each other. For example, a white image may be printed on the image transmitted from the digital camera 10 in a state where the calendar overlaps.

In the first embodiment, the image can be printed according to the format pattern stored in the ROM 53. By providing, for example, an alphabetic key to the key input unit 52 of the printer 20, the user can input a desired letter, so that the image and the letter can be printed on the same printing paper according to the format pattern.

The recording medium on which the image is printed by the printer 20 of the first embodiment is not limited to the printing paper X, but may be an adhesive label having a detachable paper or a transparent film. The color printer 61 may print an image by adopting a system such as a thermal printing system and another inkjet system.

Second Embodiment

A second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

7 is a perspective view showing a state in which an electronic still camera (digital camera) and a printer are connected to each other according to the second embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 7, the digital camera 101 includes a camera body 102 and a lens unit 103.

Operation mechanisms (switches, etc.) are formed on the top and back surfaces (shown in front in FIG. 7) of the camera body 102. Nothing other than the brand name and the ornament is arranged on the front (shown as the back side in FIG. 7) of the camera body 102.

A large finder 104 with a color LCD is arranged in the center of the back of the camera body 102. A power switch 105 and a mode change switch 106 for switching the operation mode between the image recording mode RE and the image reproduction mode PL are provided near the finder 104. The shutter button 109, the "+" key 111 for sequentially reading and displaying the recorded image, and the "-" key 112 for causing the image preceding the currently displayed image to be displayed are displayed in the camera. It is provided on the upper surface of the main body 102. The communication terminal 113 is provided near the " + " key 111 and the "-" key 112 and closer to the front face of the camera body 102 than these keys 111 and 112. The plug provided at one end of the cable 114 is inserted into the communication terminal 113.

The lens portion 103 has a lens provided in front of it (this lens is not shown in FIG. 7 since the rear surface of the digital camera is shown). The lens unit 103 may be rotatably disposed on the camera body 102 to be rotated 90 ° in the direction of arrow A shown in FIG. 7 and rotated 180 ° in the direction of arrow B shown in FIG. 7. When the lens portion 103 is rotated 180 degrees in the direction of the arrow B, the lens faces backward and the lens position is reversed. However, this attitude of the lens is detected by the internal circuitry, and the image being recorded is automatically corrected to the selected image so that the selected image is displayed.

As shown in Fig. 7, the printer 115 has an insertion / ejection port 116 formed in the front (front of Fig. 7) of the printer main body. The printing paper P is inserted into the printer through the hole 116 and the printing paper P on which the image is printed is discharged from the printer through the hole 116. The front part of the upper surface of the printer 115 is slightly inclined downward, and the operation panel 117 is formed in the front part thereof. "-" Key 118a, "+" key 118b, "SET" key 118c, "POWER" key 118d, "EASY" key 118e, "MENU" key 118f, "BACK &Quot; Keys 118g are all push button type, and communication terminal 119 is provided on operation panel 117. &quot; The plug provided at the other end of the communication cable 114 is inserted into the communication terminal 119.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing circuits of the digital camera 101 and the printer 115 shown in FIG. 7.

The digital camera 101 includes a timing generator 120, a CCD 121, a driver 122, an amplifier 123, an A / D converter 124, a DRAM 125, a compression / extension 126, and an image memory. 127, ROM 128, RAM 129, CPU 130, key input unit 131, video signal generator 132, VRAM 133, D / A converter 134, color LCD 135 ), An amplifier 136, a CD (character generator) 137, and an electronic circuit with an I / O port 138.

The timing generator 120 generates a timing signal for controlling the driver 122 for driving the CCD 121. The driver 122 drives the CCD 121 according to the timing signal from the timing generator 120. The CCD 121 photoelectrically converts an optical signal representing an image formed by the lens device 103a into an analog electric signal. The analog electric signal in which the optical signal is converted photoelectrically by the CCD 121 is input to the A / D converter 124 through the amplifier 123.

The A / D converter 124 is a circuit for converting an analog electric signal output from the CCD 121 into a digital image signal. The DRAM 125 temporarily stores a digital image signal obtained by converting an analog signal by the A / D converter 124. The compression / decompression unit 126 compresses the digital image signal by encoding processing. The compression / decompression unit 126 also performs decompression of the data by performing decoding processing on the digital image data. The image memory 127 includes, for example, a flash memory that stores a digital image signal compressed by the compression / extension 126. The image memory 127 may store a digital image signal corresponding to less than 100 images.

The video signal generator 132 generates a digital video signal by adding a synchronization signal to the digital image signal. The VRAM 133 is a memory for storing digital video signals. The D / A converter 134 converts the digital video signal output from the video signal generator 132 into an analog video signal. The color LCD 135 drives the liquid crystal according to the analog video signal inputted from the D / A converter 134 through the amplifier 136 and displays a photographic image.

CG (character generator) 137 stores data such that image data stored in image memory 127 can be displayed on color LCD 135, such as value data and cursor data.

The ROM 128 stores a program for driving and controlling each part of the digital camera 101. The CPU 130 executes the program stored in the ROM 128 and controls each part of the digital camera 101. The RAM 129 temporarily stores data used during arithmetic processing when the CPU 130 performs processing. In response to the key operation signal input to the key input unit 131, the CPU 130 executes a program stored in the ROM 128 using the RAM 129 as a work area. As described above, the key input unit 131 includes various keys arranged in the digital camera 101. The I / O port 138 is an interface for controlling input and output of image signals converted into serial signals.

The operation of the digital camera 101 will be described below.

When the user presses the shutter button 109, the timing generator 120 outputs a timing signal. In response to the timing signal output from the timing generator, the driver 122 drives the CCD 121 for capturing an external object to be photographed and extracting an image formed by the lens device 103a. The image data extracted by the CCD 121 is sent to the DRAM 125 through the amplifier 123 and the A / D converter 124 and stored in the DRAM 125 as a digital image signal. The CPU 130 performs color arithmetic on the digital image signal and generates a luminance signal and a color difference signal. The CPU 130 transmits the luminance signal and the color difference signal to the compression / extension unit 126. The compression / decompression unit 126 compresses the transmitted luminance and color difference signals and stores them in the image memory 127.

In reproducing image data stored in the image memory, the user first moves the mode change switch 106 downward so that the digital camera 101 is set to the reproduction mode PL. When the digital camera is set to the playback mode, the compressed image signals (compressed luminance signal and color difference signal) are transmitted from the image memory 127 to the compression / extension 126. The digital image signal including the luminance signal and the color difference signal extended by the compression / decompression unit 126 is transmitted to the video signal generator 132. The video signal generator 132 generates a digital video signal including a digital image signal and a synchronization signal added to the signal and records the video signal in the VRAM 133. The video signal generator 132 outputs the recorded digital video signal to the color LCD 135 through the D / A converter 134 and the amplifier 136. The color LCD 135 displays an image corresponding to the image data stored in the image memory 127.

Hereinafter, the circuit block of the printer 115 shown in FIG. 8 will be described.

The printer 115 includes a CPU 140, an image memory 141, an expansion unit 142, a selection unit 143, a key input unit 144, an I / O port 145, a ROM 146, and a color printing unit. 147, and RAM 148, all of which are connected to each other via a bus 149.

The I / O port 145 includes a circuit having a serial communication function and performs data transmission / reception to / from an external device. In general, the I / O port 145 is integrated into an LSI used as a single chip processor CPU. The key input unit 144 is connected to the multipurpose port of the CPU 140 and outputs the key operation signals supplied from the seven operation keys 118a to 118g to the CPU 140. In response to the key operation signal, the CPU 140 executes a program stored in the ROM 146. The function of each operation signal will be described later.

The ROM 146 stores, for example, a program area in which an operation program of the CPU 140 having processing necessary for communication, formation of print data, printing, and calendar creation is stored, compressed display data, compressed background data, and characters. It has an image data area in which data of compressed menus for selecting various image formats and printer formats, such as bitmap data, minilabels, postcards, etc., corresponding to codes are stored.

The selecting unit 143 stores image data displayed in the finder 104, a program stored in the ROM 146, and executed in response to an operation signal according to the operation of the operation keys 118a to 118g (to be described later) and image data. (Compressed display data and background data), CG (character generator) and the like are selected.

The decompression unit 142 has an image decompression function such as JPEG and decompresses data of the background image stored in the ROM 146 and data corresponding to the selected format image, for example. The decompression unit 142 decompresses the data transmitted from the digital camera 101. The image data stored in the ROM 146 and the image data representing the photographic image and output from the digital camera 101 are compressed data. Therefore, it is necessary to extend such compressed data to a predetermined size. Thus, the extension portion 142 is required at the end of this.

The RAM 148 is a work area in which a program executed by the CPU 140 is stored, a print data processing program in the ROM 146 after the image data stored in the image memory 141 is expanded by the expansion unit 142. Memory data area for storing Y-print data for yellow, M-print data for magenta, and C-print data for cyan, and image combining area used for combining decorative data such as print data and background data. And a memory area in which data set by 140 is stored.

The color printing unit 147 is a printer engine unit to which a motor driver, a print head, and various sensors for driving a DC motor, a step motor, and the like are connected. Sensors including light sensors, mechanical contact sensors, and the like detect the position of the yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C) ink ribbons for color printing, and the printing paper (P) inserts / exits the sheet (116). Determine whether it is inserted into the printer 115.

9 illustrates how representative ones of the above-described drivers and sensors are connected to each other.

The head motor 150 is connected to the CPU 140 together with the motor driver 150a. The ribbon motor 151 is connected to the CPU 140 together with the motor driver 152a. The sheet feed motor 152 is connected to the CPU 140 together with the motor driver 152a. The motor head 150 moves the print head 153 between the print position and the non-print position. The printing head 153 presses the printing paper with the ink ribbon when moving to the printing position. The ribbon motor 151 sequentially supplies the yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C) ink ribbons between the printhead and the printing paper (P). The printing paper P is moved for each line in the subscanning direction by the sheet feed motor 152.

The print head 153 connected to the CPU 140 includes 360 heating elements formed on a ceramic plate at a density of 300 dpi (dots per inch), and drivers (ICs) for turning the heating elements on and off independently of each other. The sensor 154 detects that the printing paper P has been inserted into the printer 115 through the sheet insertion / ejection opening 116.

Under the control of the CPU 140, the color printing unit 147 turns on the heating element that goes to the position where the dot should be printed for a predetermined period of time and at the printing timing for each line, so that a predetermined amount of heat is supplied to the ink ribbon. And ink of a predetermined color is transferred to printing paper. In this way, the image is printed on printing paper.

The operation of each key provided to the printer 115 will be described below.

"POWER" key 118d turns the printer 115 ON / OFF. The "POWER" key 118d also includes a plurality of LEDs, which indicate the internal state of the printer 115 by emitting LEDs. For example, "green" in the LEDs emits light when the printer 115 is ON and ready to perform printing. However, when an error such as a malfunction of the drive motor, a jam of printing paper, or a mismatch between printing paper and ink ribbon occurs, "red" in the LED is emitted. When the printer 115 is in use, "orange" in the LEDs emits light. When the printer 115 is turned on by pressing the "POWER" key 118d, the initial menu "TOP-MENU" described later is displayed on the finder 104 of the digital camera 101.

When the "EASY" key 118e is pressed during the display of "TOP-MENU", the operation mode of the printer 115 is switched to the "easy print mode" regardless of the format selection. "Easy Print Mode" is a mode in which the image displayed and reproduced on the finder 104 of the digital camera 101 is printed as it is.

The "MENU" key 118f has a function for the finder 104 to display "TOP-MENU". Therefore, pressing or entering the "MENU" key 118f while the finder 104 displays "TOP-MEMU" has no effect. The "BACK" key 118g has a function of switching the menu currently displayed on the finder 104 to the previous menu.

The "SET" key 118c is a decision key. By pressing the "SET" key 118c during the selection process, the format selected in the menu displayed on the finder 104, for example, is determined as the displayed format.

The "-" keys 118a and " + " keys 118b are used to select a format and to switch menus from one to another. The "+" key 118b is for moving the cursor forward, whereas the "-" key 118a is for moving the cursor in the opposite direction.

FIG. 10 shows a pinter 104 of the digital camera 101 (hereinafter simply referred to as camera 101) when the digital camera 101 and the printer 115 are connected to each other as shown in FIG. Shows how the initial menu is displayed.

In this case, the camera 101 is turned on by operating the power switch 105 of the camera 101. The mode change switch 106 is moved to " PL " to set the camera 101 to the image reproduction mode. When the printer 115 is turned on by pressing the " POWER " key 118d, " TOP-MENU " shown in FIG. 10 is displayed on the finder 104 of the camera 101. FIG. "TOP-MENU" is used to select a desired one from a menu to be described later.

Hereinafter, the display state of the finder 104 changed from "TOP-MENU" in accordance with the pressing operation of each key 118a to 118g in the printer 115 will be described.

As shown in Fig. 10, the letter "MENU" is displayed at the top of "TOP-MENU" and six icons are displayed in two rows below the letter "MENU". The letter "LAYOUT" is shown below the first icon 155 (ie, the icon on the left in the upper row). The letters "CALENDAR", "MINI", "POSTCARD", "COLLAGE" and "INDEX" are shown under icons 156, 157, 158, 159, and 160, respectively. The cursor 161 is displayed under the letter "LAYOUT" shown below the first icon 155. This indicates that the first "LAYOUT" icon 155 has been selected on "TOP-MENU".

There are two types of cameras, one of which generates text data displayed on a menu, and the other does not have the above function. When the printer 115 is connected to the camera 101 using the communication cable 114, the printer 115 recognizes the type of the camera 101. When the camera 101 is a kind of former capable of generating character data such as a character and a cursor, a character code corresponding to the character or cursor and data specifying a display position (address) are stored in the camera 101. Is sent. The camera 101 generates image data (bitmap image) representing the character and cursor, and is transmitted as image data from the printer 115 and includes the generated image and the "TOP-MENU" including the icons 155 to 160. And combine this into the finder 104. When the camera 101 is in the latter form, the printer 115 transmits image data indicating “TOP-MENU” including icons 155 to 160 to the camera 101. The printer 115 also generates image data representing characters and cursors previously stored therein 115 and transmits these image data along with their addresses to the camera 101.

By pressing the "+" key 118b while "TOP-MENU" is being displayed, the icon selected can be switched from one to the other in the order of 155, 156, 157, 158, 159, 160. In this case, the cursor 166 moves below the character shown below the selected icon. By pressing the "-" key 118a, the icon selected can be switched from one to the other in the reverse order as when the "+" key 118b is pressed. In this case too, the cursor 161 moves below the character shown below the selected icon. Accordingly, one of the functions of the printer 115 is selected at the same time as pressing the "+" key 118b or the "-" key 118a, such as the menu selection function and page switching function described later. In other words, the camera 101 is functionally controlled.

When the "MENU" key 118f is pressed, the mode of the camera 101 is shifted to the "TOP-MENU" display mode. Therefore, pressing or entering the "MENU" key 118f while "TOP-MENU" is displayed has no effect.

Pressing or entering the "BACK" key 118g is also ignored. If the "BACK" key 118g is pressed after each mode and each operation has been selected and determined, pressing or entering the "BACK" key 118g is accepted as valid when the selection and decision is cancelled.

When the "EASY" key 118e is pressed while displaying "TOP-MENU", the operation mode is switched to the "easy print mode" regardless of the icon selection. In the "easy print mode", the reproduced image displayed in the finder 104 of the digital camera 101 can be printed as it is. It is also possible to divide the finder 104 into a plurality of frames and display a plurality of images in these frames. The operation of the printer 115 in the "easy print mode" is a basic operation. The "EASY" key 118e has a function of changing the number of reproduced images displayed at one time in the finder 104 from 1 to 4, 4 to 9, and 9 to 1 in the "easy print mode".

Hereinafter, the number of reproduced images that change from one to another in the "easy print mode" will be described.

11A to 11F show an example of an image that is changed and displayed in the finder 104 simultaneously with pressing the "EASY" key 118e, the "-" key 118a, or the "+" key 118b in the "easy print mode". Shows.

As shown in Fig. 11A, when the "easy print mode" is set, the first recorded image (hereinafter referred to simply as image) is displayed in the finder 104. Pressing the "+" key 118b changes the first image displayed on the finder 104 to the second image. Each time the "+" key 118b is pressed, the display image is switched to the last recorded image in the order of the third image and the fourth image. After the last image is displayed, the first image is displayed again. When the "-" key 118a is pressed, the image being displayed is changed to the preceding image. When the "-" key 118a is pressed while the first image shown in Fig. 11A is displayed, the first image is changed to the last image. If the " EASY " key is pressed while displaying the first image shown in FIG. 11A, the finder 104 is divided into four frames, and the first to fourth images are displayed in each of the four frames of the finder 104. FIG. . As shown in Fig. 11B, when the "+" key 118b is pressed while the first to fourth images are being displayed on the finder 104, the next four images, i.e., the fifth to eighth images, are shown in Fig. 11E. As shown, it is displayed on the finder 104. Each time the "+" key 118b is pressed, the next four images are displayed one after the other. When the number of images displayed last is less than four, one or more frames without images displayed are grayed out.

If the "EASY" key 118e is pressed again while the four images shown in FIG. 11B are being displayed on the finder 104, the finder is divided into nine frames and the first to ninth images are displayed on the finder 104. FIG. One is displayed for each of nine frames. At that time, when the "+" key 118b is pressed, the next nine images, that is, the tenth to eighteenth images, are displayed on the finder 104 as shown in Fig. 11F. Each time you press 118b), the next nine images are displayed one after the other When the number of images displayed last is less than nine, one or more frames that do not have an image displayed are displayed in gray. When the " EASY " key 118e is pressed once more while the two images are displayed in the finder 104, the display state returns to that shown in Fig. 11A.

In this way, the number of image display frames of the finder 104 changes from 1 to 4, from 4 to 9, and from 9 to 1 at the same time as pressing the "EASY" key 118e. When the "+" key 118b is pressed, the image currently displayed in the finder 104 does not change the number of frames but changes to the next image (s). When the "-" key 118a is pressed, the image (s) currently displayed in the finder 104 is changed to the preceding image (s) without changing the number of frames. The printing paper P is printed with the desired image (s) when the desired image (s) are inserted through the sheet insertion / ejection port 116 (shown in FIG. 7) under the condition that the desired image (s) are being displayed in the finder 104.

12A to 12C show examples of images displayed by being changed to the finder 104 at the same time as pressing the "EASY" key 118e in the "easy print mode". FIG. 12A shows a state in which the third image is displayed on the finder 104 as a result of pressing the "+" key 118b while displaying the image shown in FIG. 11D. When the "EASY" key 118e is pressed while the image shown in FIG. 12 is being displayed, the third to sixth images are displayed in the finder 104. Under such a state, when the "EASY" key 118e is pressed again, the third to eleventh images are displayed in the finder 104, as shown in Fig. 12C. When the " EASY " key 118e is pressed once again under the state shown in Fig. 12C, the display state returns to that shown in Fig. 12A.

13A to 13E show examples of images displayed in the finder at the same time as pressing the "-" key 118a or the "+" key 118b in the "easy print mode". Fig. 13C shows a display state as shown in Fig. 12B. Assume that the number of images stored and recorded in the image memory 127 in the case of the examples shown in Figs. 13A to 13E is nine.

When the "+" key 118b is pressed while the image shown in Fig. 13C is being displayed, the image (the seventh image and the following image) following the sixth image that is the last one of the images shown in Fig. 13C is shown. It is displayed in the finder 104 as shown in 13d. Since the number of recorded images is 9, the last frame without an image displayed (indicated by "x" in Fig. 13D) is grayed out. When the " + " key 118b is pressed again while displaying the image shown in Fig. 13D, since the picture numbers larger than the number 9 do not have the same image, the first to fourth images are shown in Fig. 13E. 104). Then, with key operation, the image displayed in the finder 104 is changed based on FIG. 13E and not on FIG. 13C. More specifically, four images (5th to 8th) following the last display image (fourth image) when the "+" key 118b is pressed while the image shown in Fig. 13E is being displayed. Is shown in the finder 104 even if it does not appear or shows such a state.

When the "-" key 118a is pressed while the image shown in Fig. 13C is being displayed, the first to second images only precede the third image which is the first of the images shown in Fig. 13C. The fourth image is displayed in the finder 104 as shown in Fig. 13B. Then, with key operation, the image displayed in the finder 104 is changed based on FIG. 13B rather than FIG. 13C. More specifically, when the "-" key 118a is pressed once more while the image is being displayed as shown in Fig. 13B, the last ninth image is the first of four images as shown in Fig. 13A. Are displayed and the remaining three frames are grayed out (marked with "x"). As shown in Fig. 13A, when the "-" key 118a is pressed once more while the image is being displayed, the four images (fifth to eighth images) preceding the last image (ninth image) are the same. A diagram showing the status is not shown but is displayed in the finder 104.

14A to 14E show an example of an image displayed by being changed to the finder 104 simultaneously with pressing the "-" key 118a or the "+" key 118b in the "easy print mode". Fig. 14C shows the same display state as shown in Fig. 12C. Assume that the number of images stored and recorded in the image memory 127 in the example shown in Figs. 14A to 14E is 15.

When the "-" key 118a is pressed while the image shown in FIG. 14C is being displayed, only the first and second images precede the third image that is the first of the images shown in FIG. The image is displayed in the finder 104 as shown in FIG. 14B. Then, with key operation, the image displayed in the finder 104 is changed based on FIG. 14B instead of FIG. 14C. More specifically, when the "-" key 118a is pressed once more while the image is being displayed as shown in Fig. 14B, the tenth to fifteenth images are the first six of the nine frames shown in Fig. 14A. , And the other three are gray (marked with "x"). When the "-" key 118a is pressed once more while the image is being displayed as shown in Fig. 14, the nine images (first image) preceding the first image (the tenth image) among the images shown in Fig. 14A are displayed. To the ninth image) are displayed in the finder 104 even if there is no diagram showing such a state.

When the "+" key 118b is pressed while the image shown in Fig. 14C is being displayed, the image (the twelfth image and the following image) following the eleventh image that is the last of the images shown in Fig. 14C is shown. It is displayed in the finder 104 as shown in 14d. Since the number of recorded images is 15, the last five frames (marked with "x" in Fig. 14D) without an image to be displayed are displayed in green. When the "+" key 118b is pressed again while displaying the image shown in Fig. 14D, there is no image having a photo number greater than the number 15, so that the first through ninth images are the finder 104 as shown in Fig. 14E. Is displayed. Then, with key operation, the image displayed in the finder 104 is changed based on FIG. 14E instead of FIG. 14C. In more detail, when the "+" key 118b is pressed while the image shown in Fig. 14E is being displayed, nine images (10th to 18th images) following the last display image (ninth image) are displayed. Is displayed in the finder 104 even if there is no diagram showing such a state (however, in fact, the tenth to fifteenth images are displayed because the number of recorded images stored is fifteen).

In the "easy print mode", the image displayed in the finder 104 is changed by operating the "EASY" key 118e, the "-" key 118a, or the "+" key 118b. When the "SET" key 118c is pressed while displaying the menu, the menu is determined as desired and the operation mode of the printer 115 is switched to the print mode. When the printing paper P is inserted through the sheet insertion / ejection opening 116, the image displayed in the finder 104 of the camera 101 is printed as it is.

The "EASY" key 118e can be used to select and determine the desired one-frame image as well as to print the image to the finder 104 in its current state. For example, in the case where 100 recorded images are stored in the image memory 127, if the images are displayed one by one on the finder 104 to find a given image, the "+" key 118b must be operated 99 times or less. It will take a long time. However, as shown in Fig. 11C, when nine images are displayed at once and the "+" key 118b is pressed, all the images can be displayed in the finder 104 one by one by operating the number 12 key at most. When nine images including the desired image are displayed in the finder 104, the first of the nine images is displayed alone in the finder 104 by pressing the " EASY " key 118e. If the "+" key 118b is pressed at most eight times, the desired image will be displayed in the finder 104. By pressing the "SET" key 118c when the desired image is displayed in the finder 104, it is determined that the displayed image is to be printed.

Hereinafter, the "LAYOUT" icon 155, the "CALENDAR" icon 156, the "MINI" icon 157, the "POSTCARD" icon 158, and the "COLLAGE" icon in the "TOP-MENU" shown in FIG. 159 and six print menus selected and determined by the " INDEX " icon 160 will be described.

The layout / background print menu selected and determined by the " LAYOUT " icon 155 is for performing a function of printing a background. When the "LAYOUT" icon 155 is selected, the image combined with the image determined above and the background may be printed.

The calendar print menu selected and determined by the " CALENDAR " icon 156 is for executing a function of printing a calendar. When the "CALENDAR" icon 156 is selected, a desktop calendar with an image may be printed. The minilabel printing menu selected and determined by the "MINI" icon 157 is for executing a function of printing a minilabel. When the "MINI" icon 157 is selected, sixteen images of the same pattern, which can be pasted as small sized labels in the corners of invitations or the like, can be printed with a given one of the decorative patterns. The postcard print menu selected and determined by the " POSTCARD " icon 158 is for performing a function of printing a postcard. When the "POSTCARD" icon 158 is selected, a postcard with an image can be printed. The combined artwork print menu selected and determined by the "COLLAGE" icon 159 is for executing a function of performing combined artwork printing. When the "COLLAGE" icon 159 is selected, an image that is a combination of the combined image and the decorative frame can be printed. The menu selected and determined by the "INDEX" icon 160 is for performing a function of printing an index. When the "INDEX" icon 160 is selected, all the images recorded in the camera 101 can be printed in index form.

One of the above printing functions can be specified by pressing the "-" key 118a or the "+" key 118b so that the cursor is under the character shown below the desired icon and pressing the "SET" key 118c. have.

Fig. 15A shows the first page of the layout / background printing menu displayed when the " LAYOUT " icon 155 is selected and designated on " TOP-MENU ". Icon numbers 1 to 6 showing six types of image layout forms are displayed on the first page. Of the six icons, icon number 1 shows the layout format in which a single parallel (latra1) frame image is laid out, icon number 2 shows the layout format in which the parallel frame images are laid out to overlap each other, and icon number 3 (vertical frame) Shows the layout format in which images are laid out so that they overlap each other. Icon number 4 shows a layout format in which two small and large parallel frame images are laid out diagonally on top of one another. Icon number 5 shows two vertical frame images. The layout format is laid out side by side, and icon number 6 shows the layout format in which two parallel frame images are arranged vertically. In this case, too, the titles "LAYOUT 1/3 ", the icon numbers " number 1 " to " number 6 ", and the cursor are displayed in the camera 115 in the form of a character code when the camera has a function of displaying characters and cursors. Is sent to 101. When the camera 101 does not have a function of displaying a cursor and a character, bitmap data stored in advance is transmitted from the printer 115 to the camera 101.

For example, each time the "+" key 118b is pressed, the cursor moves from icon number 2 to number 6 to select any one of the icons. When the "+" key 118b is pressed while the icon number 6 is selected, the page shown in Fig. 15B is displayed and the cursor is displayed under the icon number 7 which is the first of the icons shown in Fig. 15B. Icon number 7 shows a layout format in which three parallel frame images are laid out in a triangle shape. Icon number 12 shows a layout format in which four side frame images are laid out in a matrix pattern such that adjacent pairs of each of the parallel frame images contact each other. When the "+" key 118b is pressed while the last icon number 12 is selected among the icons shown in Fig. 15B, the page shown in Fig. 15C is displayed, and the cursor is the first of the icons shown in Fig. 15C. Icon number 13 is displayed underneath.

Icon number 13 shows a layout format in which four parallel frame images are laid out in a matrix pattern. However, adjacent pairs of each of the parallel frame images at icon number 13 do not touch each other and fall from each other at predetermined intervals. Icon number 17 shows a layout form in which nine parallel frame images are laid out such that each adjacent pair of images is in contact with each other. Icon number 18 shows a layout format in which nine parallel frame images are laid out so that adjacent pairs of images are separated from each other by a predetermined distance. When the "+" key 118b is pressed while the icon number 18 is selected, the page shown in Fig. 15A is displayed again. The printer 115 has eighteen image layout formats shown in Figs. 15A to 15C. The direction in which the cursor is moved by pressing the "-" key 118a is opposite to the direction when the cursor is moved by pressing the "+" key 118b.

In the case of the layout format indicated by the icon numbers 1, 2, 3, 12 and 17, the background described later cannot be determined. The background may be determined in the case of a layout format represented by another icon.

When one of the icons showing the layout format described above is selected by pressing the "+" key 118b or the "-" key 118a, and when the selected icon is determined as the desired icon by pressing the "SET" key 118c, The first page of the background selection menu for selecting the background of the image laid out in the layout format described above is displayed except when the layout format indicated by the icon numbers 1, 2, 3, 12, and 17 is specified.

In Fig. 16, four pages for selecting a background to be combined with image (s) in the layout format indicated by the selected layout icon are shown overlapping each other. As shown in Fig. 16, six contracted image icons representing a background pattern are displayed on each of the four pages described above, and four pages having these 24 icons are displayed one after the other. One of the background patterns represented by the 24 icons can be selected and determined as the background to be combined with the image. The method of moving the cursor to select one of the icons showing the background pattern and the method of determining the icon indicated by the cursor as an icon representing the background combined with the image are the same as those shown in FIGS. 15A to 15C. After determining the background, the background is combined with the image. This operation is repeated for another image with the layout represented by the selected layout icon. Then insert the printing paper and start printing.

Fig. 17 shows the first page of the calendar print menu displayed when the "CALENDAR" icon 156 is selected and determined on the "TOP-MENU". When the "CALENDAR" icon 156 is selected and designated, four types of calendars can be printed in the set calendar printing mode. The icon number 1 on the first page shown in Fig. 17 indicates a calendar printing format in which the calendar overlaps the right half of the parallel frame image. 18A shows an example of a printed calendar when icon number 1 is selected and determined. The icon number 2 on the page shown in FIG. 17 indicates a calendar printing format in which the vertical frame image is laid out in the left area. 18B shows an example of a calendar printed when icon number 2 is selected and determined. Icon number 3 on the page shown in FIG. 17 indicates a calendar printing format in which the calendar is laid out under a parallel frame image. 18C shows an example of a calendar printed when icon number 3 is selected and determined. The icon number 4 on the page shown in FIG. 17 shows the calendar print mode in which the calendar is laid out on the right parallel frame image while the calendar is laid out on the right parallel frame image. The method of selecting and determining one of the icons on the first page of the calendar and the image extracting method are the same as the case in which another icon is selected and determined on one menu as described above. The image (s) are then selected, determined and extracted.

In Fig. 19A, the first and second pages of the mini-label print menu displayed when the "MINI" icon 157 is selected and determined on the "TOP-MENU" are superimposed on each other. As shown in Fig. 19A, six icons showing an image decoration pattern are displayed on each of the first and second pages. One icon may be selected from the 12 icons (image decoration pattern) on the first and second pages. The method of moving the cursor on the first and second pages and the method of selecting and determining an icon indicated by the cursor as desired are the same as those described with reference to FIGS. 15A to 15C. When one of the image decoration patterns is determined to the desired pattern, the given image is selected and determined as desired in the manner described above. Thus, as shown in Fig. 19B, 16 images of the same pattern (usually a face photograph in this case) that can be pasted with a small size label on the corner of the invitation are displayed together with the decorative pattern selected on the finder 104. Then printing starts when the printing paper P is inserted into the printer 115 through the sheet insertion / ejection opening 116. It is also possible to print 16 face photographs as an image without such a decorative pattern.

In Fig. 20A, the first and second pages of the postcard printing menu displayed when the "POSTCARD" icon 158 is selected on the "TOP-MENU" are superimposed on each other. Four icons showing patterns representing various festivals are displayed on each of the first and second pages. One pattern may be selected from eight patterns represented by icons on the first and second pages. The method of moving the cursor on the first and second pages and the method of selecting and determining the icon represented by the cursor are the same as those described with reference to FIGS. 15A to 15C. After determining the pattern, the desired one is selected and determined as described above. Then, the selected pattern and the desired image laid out in the center without the decoration of the selected pattern are displayed in the finder 104 as a composite image. Then, the printing paper P is inserted into the printer 115 through the sheet insertion / ejection opening 116 to start printing.

20B shows the first page of the combined artwork print menu displayed when the "COLLAGE" icon 159 is selected and determined on the "TOP-MENU". As shown in Fig. 20B, four image icons showing the pattern of the decorative frame are displayed on the first page. When icon number 1 is selected, the designated image is fitted with a decorative frame having a flower pattern. When icon number 2 is selected, the three specified images are fitted to the same three frames as in the film. When icon number 3 is selected, an image, such as a poster, is a combination of a specified image, a decorative letter "Cute" laid out on the left of this image, and a decoration laid out on this image. When icon number 4 is selected and a photo suitable for use as a face photo (of the suspect) is assigned, the photo is laid out in a decorative frame with the upper part with the letters "WANTED" and a poster-like image used to find criminals in Western films. Is printed.

21A-21C show how the recorded image is displayed in the finder 104 when the " INDEX " icon 160 is selected and designated. FIG. 21A shows an example of display when the number of recorded images is 4 or less, when all the recorded images are automatically displayed in the finder 104. FIG. FIG. 21B shows an example of display when the number of recorded images is 5 to 9 when all the recorded images are automatically displayed in the finder 104. FIG. FIG. 21C shows an example of display when the number of recorded images is 10 or more, when all of the recorded images are automatically displayed in the finder 104 in a 10 × 10 matrix pattern. In order to display a 10 x 10 image in this manner, very small image data (one image is formed of 36 dots x 52 dots) is used.

Hereinafter, the operation of the printer 115 having the above-described structure and function will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 22 to 30 and the display examples shown in FIGS. 24A to 24C and 25A to 25C.

The processes shown in FIGS. 22 to 30 are performed in a state controlled by the CPU 140 of each unit of the printer 115 and each additional printer 115 of the digital camera 101. The digital camera 101 and the printer 115 are turned on under the condition that the communication terminal 113 of the digital camera 101 and the communication terminal 119 of the printer are connected by using the communication cable 114. Image display and print processing are started in the overall flowchart.

When the processing starts in the comprehensive flowchart shown in Fig. 22, it is determined whether or not the connection signal is input from the digital camera 101 (step S1). When it is determined that no connection signal is input from the digital camera 101 (the determination result in step S1 is "NO"), the determination is repeated until the connection signal is input from the digital camera 101.

When it is determined that the connection signal is input from the digital camera 101 (the determination result in step S1 is YES), the type of the digital camera 101 is confirmed based on the connection signal (step S2). In this step, it is determined whether or not the digital camera has a function of displaying characters in the finder (function of generating character image data) on the basis of the signals output from the digital camera 101 indicating the ID number.

As shown in Fig. 10, " TOP-MENU " is displayed on the finder 104 of the digital camera 101 (step S3). In this step, the "TOP-MENU" display data is read at a predetermined address in the compressed display data area of the ROM 146. Further, according to the recognized camera type, letters representing titles and letters laid out under each icon are transmitted to the digital camera 101 in the form of a character code or bitmap data appended with a display address. When "TOP-MENU" is displayed in the finder 104, it is determined which one of the keys of the key input unit 144 has been pressed (step S4). The determination step S4 is repeated until either one of the keys is pressed.

The determination step S4 is repeated when it is determined that the "MENU" key 118f or the "BACK" key 118g is pressed. That is, pressing of the "MENU" key 118f or the "BACK" key 118g is ignored.

When it is determined in step S4 that the "EASY" key 118e is pressed, the printer is placed in the "easy print mode" in which the "EASY" processing is started (step S5). In the " EASY " process, a command signal for causing the first image to be displayed among the images stored in the image memory 127 is output to the digital camera 101 (step S6). For example, in response to this signal, the first image among the images stored in the image memory 127 is displayed on the finder 104 as shown in Fig. 11A.

When the first image is displayed in the finder 104, it is again determined which one of the keys of the key input unit 144 has been pressed (step S7). The determination step S7 is repeated until either of the keys is pressed. When it is determined in step S7 that the "MENU" key 118f is pressed, the flow returns to step S3. Step S7 is repeated when it is determined in step S7 that the "BACK" key 118g is pressed. In short, pressing the "BACK" key 118g is ignored.

When it is determined in step S7 that the "EASY" key 118e is pressed, a command is output to the digital camera 101 to display a plurality of images on the finder 104 (step S8). In response to this command, the first to fourth images are displayed in the finder 104 as shown in FIG. 11B due to the plurality of image display functions of the digital camera 101.

After the image is displayed, control returns to step S7 and waits for any one of the keys of the key input unit 144 to be pressed. When it is determined that the "EASY" key 118e is pressed again, a command to display a plurality of images is output again to the digital camera 101 in step S8. As the " EASY " key 118e is pressed three times, four times, ..., as shown in Figs. 11C, 11A and 11B, or as shown in Figs. 12A, 12B and 12C, image display. Changes in turn.

When it is determined in step S7 that the "+" key 118b or the "-" key 118a is pressed, the command "Go to next / previous image" is output to the digital camera 101 (step S9). After the command is output to the digital camera 101, the flow returns to step S7 to wait for pressing any key in the key input unit 144. In the digital camera 101, in response to the above command, the image (s) being displayed in the finder 104 is changed from one with a given picture number to another with a trailing / preceding picture number. For example, in the case where an image having a photo number 1 (number 2) is currently displayed in the finder 104 as shown in FIG. 11A, it has a photo number 2 (number 1) as shown in FIG. 11D (11a). It turns into an image. In the case where an image having picture numbers 1 to 4 (numbers 5 to 8) is currently displayed in the finder 104, as shown in Fig. 11B (11e), these are picture number 5 as shown in Fig. 11E (11b). To an image with 8 through 8 (numbers 1 through 4)

When it is determined in step S7 that the "SET" key 118c is pressed while the desired image is being displayed in steps S6 to S9, the image to be printed is determined (step S10). In this step, the CPU 140 of the printer 115 outputs a command signal to the printer 115 for causing digital image data corresponding to the image displayed on the finder 104 to be transmitted to the printer 115. In response to this command signal, the CPU 130 of the digital camera 101 reads image data corresponding to the displayed image from the image memory 127 and reads the image data from the I / O port 138 and the communication cable 114. Is transmitted to the printer 115 through).

The number of pixels of the CCD 121 in the digital camera 101 connected to the printer 115 may be 250,000, 300,000, or 350,000, for example. The printer 115 prints the image at 480 dots in the main scanning direction and 640 dots in the subscanning direction. In other words, the number of dots printed by the printer 115 is 480 x 640 = 307,300 dots (about 300,000 dots). The image data transmitted from the digital camera 101 to the printer 115 is most preferably data of a resolution at which the printer 115 can print the received image without changing the number of dots (resolution) of the image. When the number of pixels of the CCD 121 in the digital camera 101 connected to the printer 115 is 250,000, the digital camera 101 displays about 250,000 dots of data equivalent to the number of dots printed by the printer 115 with 250,000 pixels of data. Is converted to the number of pixels. That is, the digital camera 101 interpolates the pixels of the image data and then sends the image data to the printer 115. When the number of pixels of the CCD 121 of the digital camera 101 connected to the printer 115 is 350,000, the digital camera 101 generates 350,000 pixels of data equivalent to about 300,000 dots equivalent to the number of dots printed by the printer 115. Convert to the number of pixels. That is, the digital camera 101 thins the pixels of the image data. When the number of dots printed by the printer 115 is not 480 x 640 = 307,200 dots (about 300,000 dots), the digital camera 101 changes the resolution of the image data to correspond to the number of pixels printed by the printer 115. It only sends image data to the printer 115.

The printer 115 temporarily stores the compressed image data transmitted from the image memory 141. The compressed image data stored in the image memory 141 is expanded by the decompression unit 142, and then yellow Y print data, magenta M print data, and cyan C print data are stored in the ROM 146. It is generated depending on the print data processing program. Y print data, M print data, and C print data may be stored in three memory areas in the RAM 148. However, it is also possible to sequentially store Y print data, M print data, and C print data in the same memory area and print these data one by one.

When the print data is stored in the print data memory area, the printer 115 performs a print process (step S11). Hereinafter, the print process will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

After starting print processing in the flowchart shown in Fig. 23, it is first determined whether the sensor 154 has detected that the printing paper P has been inserted through the sheet insertion / ejection opening 116 (step S21). If the printing paper P has not yet been pinched (the determination result in step S21 is "NO"), it is determined which one of the keys of the key input unit 144 has been pressed (step S22). When it is determined that nothing is pressed in the key of the key input unit 144 (the determination result in step S22 is "NO"), the flow returns to step S21. Then, the decision steps S21 and S22 are repeated.

When it is determined that the sensor 154 has detected the insertion of the printing paper P (the determination result in step S21 is YES), the print process is executed (step S23). In the print processing, based on the print data stored in the print data memory area (not shown) of the RAM 148, the CPU 140 applies to each main scan line for each color and in proportion to the gradation of the image to be printed. And heat generation control data for the print head 153. The CPU 140 causes the motor drivers 150a and 150b to drive the head motor 150 and the ribbon motor 151 simultaneously with the output of the heat generation control data. The CPU 140 then causes the motor driver 152a to drive the paper feed motor 152. Then, the image corresponding to the image data determined in step S10 is thermally printed on the printing paper P in the " easy print mode " described in connection with Figs. When printing of the image is finished, the printing paper P is discharged through the sheet inserting / ejecting port 116.

Then, it is determined whether the sensor 154 has sensed being discharged through the printing paper P sheet insertion / ejection port 116. When it is determined that the printing of the image is finished (the determination result in step S24 is "YES"), the process goes to step S21 and the determination steps S21 and S22 are repeated.

When it is determined in step S22 that one of the keys of the key input unit 44 has been pressed (the determination result in step S22 is YES), the process according to the pressed key is started. That is, the print processing mode can be changed to another processing mode by pressing one of the keys 118a to 118g of the key inlet 144 even after the image is finished printing and before the image printing starts.

When it is determined in step S22 that one of the keys of the key input unit 144 has been pressed, it is determined whether the pressed key is the "BACK" key 118g (step S25). When it is determined that the pressed key is the "BACK" key 118g, a command signal for causing the pre-played image to be displayed on the finder 104 is output to the digital camera 101 via the communication cable 114 (step S26). . After the command signal is output, the process returns to step S7 shown in FIG. Thus, the image being displayed in the finder 104 of the digital camera 101 changes to the previously displayed image and then waits for the key to be pressed.

When it is determined in step S25 that the pressed key is not the "BACK" key 118g (the determination result in step S25 is "NO"), it is determined whether the "MENU" key 118f is pressed in step S22 (step S27). When it is determined that the "MENU" key 118f is pressed (the determination result in step S27 is "YES"), the process returns to step S3 shown in FIG. Then, the " TOP-MENU " shown in FIG. 10 is displayed again in the finder 104 of the digital camera 101 so that another process shown in " TOP-MENU " can be applied to the selected and determined image as the printed image. do.

When it is determined in step S27 that the "MENU" key 118f is pressed in step S22 (the determination result in step S27 is "NO"), it is determined whether the "EASY" key 118e is pressed in step S22. When the "EASY" key 118e is not determined to be pressed (the determination result in step S28 is "YES"), the flow returns to step S8. Then the "EASY" process is restarted.

When it is determined that nothing is pressed in step S22 among the "BACK" key 118g, the "MENU" key 118f, and the "EASY" key 118e, the determination steps S21 and S22 are repeated. In short, the press of a key different from the "BACK" key 118g, the "MENU" key 118f, and the "EASY" key 118e during the print processing in the flowchart shown in FIG. 23 is ignored.

Referring again to Fig. 22, when it is determined in step S4 that the "+" key 118b or the "-" key 118a is pressed, the cursor movement processing is performed (step S12), and the flow returns to step S4. In the cursor movement processing of step S12, the address of the new position of the cursor and the cursor display data are displayed as the position of the cursor currently displayed and the "+" key 118b or the "-" key 118a are pressed. ) Is sent to the digital camera 101 so that the position where the cursor is located is displayed in white.

When it is determined in step S4 that the "SET" key 118c is pressed, the mode of the printer is shifted to one of various print processing modes indicated by the icon selected by the cursor (step S13). Then, one of layout / background print processing, calendar print processing, card (postcard) print processing, mini-label print processing, artwork combining (collage) printing processing, and image list (index) printing processing is executed.

The digital camera 101 performs image display processing necessary for displaying an image stored in the image memory 27 and image display processing necessary for displaying a menu. In the image display processing required for displaying the menu, the displayed image data is transmitted from the printer 115 to the digital camera 101 via the communication cable 114 and the menu is displayed on the finder 104.

Fig. 24 is a flowchart showing layout / background printing processing, Fig. 27 is a flowchart showing calendar printing processing, Fig. 28 is a flowchart showing minilabel printing processing, and Fig. 29 shows a card (postcard) printing processing. 30 is a flowchart showing an image list (index) printing process. Since the combined picture print processing (collage print processing) is substantially the same as the card (postcard) print processing, the flowchart and explanation thereof will be omitted.

Hereinafter, the layout / background printing processing in the flowchart of FIG. 24 will be described.

In the flowchart shown in FIG. 24, the first page of the layout selection menu shown in FIG. 15A is first displayed on the finder 104 (step S31). When the layout selection menu is displayed on the finder 104, it is determined which one of the keys of the key input unit 144 has been pressed (step S32). When it is determined that nothing is pressed in the key of the key input unit 144 (the determination result in step S32 is "NO"), the determination step S2 is repeated and waits for any one of the keys of the key input unit 144 to be pressed.

When it is determined in step S32 that the "EASY" key 118e is pressed, step S8 in Fig. 22 is executed. Step S3 in Fig. 22 is executed when it is determined in step S32 that the "MENU" key 118f is pressed. When it is determined in step S32 that the "+" key 118b or the "-" key 118a is pressed, the cursor is moved in the same manner as in the case of step S12 (step S35). Then, the flow returns to step S32 to wait for the next key to be pressed. Pressing of the "+" key 118b is repeated in steps S32 and S35, and the second and third pages of the layout selection menu shown in Figs. 15B and 15C are displayed on the finder 104 in turn, respectively.

When it is determined in step S32 that the "BACK" key 118g is pressed, it is determined in step S32 whether the first page of the layout selection menu shown in Fig. 15A is displayed on the finder 104 (step S33). When it is determined that the first page of the layout selection menu shown in Fig. 15A is displayed (the determination result in step S33 is "YES"), it is switched to step S3. That is, the preceding menu is displayed. When it is determined that the second page shown in FIG. 15B or the third page shown in FIG. 15C is displayed, the page preceding the one displayed is displayed on the finder 104 (step S34), and then the step. Return to S32. By executing such processing, one of the icons displayed on these pages of the layout selection menu shown in Figs. 15A to 15C can be selected, and the image layout format in which the image is printed can be determined.

When it is determined in step S32 that the "SET" key 118c is pressed, the layout format indicated by the icon indicated by the cursor under the state in which one of the 18 icons is selected is determined as the desired layout format and stored in the RAM 148. (Step S36). Then, it is determined whether the determined layout format indicates a layout with a background (step S37).

When the layout format is determined in step S37 as indicating the layout having a background (the determination result in step S37 is YES), the background selection menu is displayed on the finder 104 (step S38), and the key input unit 144 It is determined which one of the keys of () is pressed (step S39). The key input from the key input unit 144 is in a standby state until it is determined which one is pressed. The menu (background selection menu) displayed in step S38 has a page with the background icon shown in FIG.

When it is determined in step S39 that the " EASY " key 118e has been pressed, the process switches to step S8. When it is determined in step S39 that the "MENU" key 118f has been pressed, the process switches to step S3. When it is determined in step S39 that the "+" key 118b or the "-" key 118a is pressed, the cursor is moved (step S42). Return to step S39. The cursor movement operation in step S42 is the same as that in step S35.

When it is determined in step S39 that the "BACK" key 118g is pressed, it is determined whether the first page of the background selection menu shown in Fig. 16 is displayed on the finder 104 (step S40). When it is determined that the first page of the background selection menu is being displayed (the determination result in step S40 is YES), the flow returns to step S31. That is, the first page of the preceding menu is displayed. When it is determined that one of the second and fourth pages of the background selection menu shown in Fig. 16 is being displayed (in step S40, the determination result is "NO"), the page preceding the one being displayed is the finder 104. Is displayed on the screen (step S41), and the flow returns to step S39. In the same manner as above, a desired one can be selected from the 24 icons on page 4 of the background selection menu shown in FIG.

When it is determined in step S39 that the "SET" key 118c is pressed while one of the backgrounds is selected as above, the background represented by the background icon indicated by the cursor is determined as the desired background and the background data is transferred to the RAM 148. It is stored (step S43).

When it is determined in step S37 that the selected layout format shows a backgrounded layout, step S44 is executed without performing the background selection process from step S38 to step S43.

Hereinafter, the image selection processing (step S44) and the image direction setting processing (step S45) described in detail are performed next. When a layout format for a plurality of images is selected, the background selection processing, the image selection processing, and the image direction setting processing are executed in order from the first of these images on the images.

Hereinafter, with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 25, the image selection process shown in step S44 is demonstrated.

When the process shown in this flowchart starts, an image is first displayed on the finder 104 (step S51). More specifically, as shown in FIG. 11A, an image having the picture number 1 and stored in the digital camera 101 is displayed (alone) in the finder 104.

When the image selection menu is displayed, it is determined which one of the keys of the key input unit 144 has been pressed (step S52). The key input from the key input unit 144 is in a standby state until it is determined that one of the keys of the key input unit 144 has been pressed. When it is determined in step S52 that the "MENU" key 118f has been pressed, it is switched to step S3, and "TOP-MENU" is displayed on the finder 104. When it is determined in step S52 that the " BACK " key 118g is pressed, the process returns to S38 and the background selection menu shown in FIG. 16 is displayed in the finder 104. FIG.

When it is determined in step S52 that one of the "EASY" key 118e, the "+" key 118b, and the "-" key 118a is pressed, an image selection process is performed (step S53). In this process, as described with reference to Figs. 11 to 14, for example, nine images are simultaneously displayed in the finder by pressing the " EASY " key 118e; The other nine images are simultaneously displayed in the finder by pressing the "+" key 118b; The image having the smallest picture number among the other nine images is displayed alone in the finder by pressing the " EASY " key 118e; The desired image can be displayed alone in the finder in such a way that the image having the smallest photo number is switched to the next image having the second smallest photo number among the other nine images by pressing the " + " key 118b. Can be.

When the "SET" key 118c is pressed in step S52 while the desired image is being displayed in the finder 104, the image is determined as being printed (step S54). Image data corresponding to the image being displayed is then transmitted from the digital camera 101 to the printer 115. In the digital camera 101, all recorded images are stored at the maximum resolution that the digital camera 101 has. Therefore, the amount of one image data is relatively large. In this embodiment, the selected layout format mentioned above is checked, and the resolution of the image data is changed according to the size that an image corresponding to this image data has when laid out in the selected layout format, and the image data after this conversion is converted into a printer. Is sent to 115. For example, when the layout format for the four images is selected, the CPU 140 of the printer 115 instructs the digital camera 101 to change the resolution of image data corresponding to the four images to a lower resolution. In this case the resolution is one quarter before the conversion). In response to this command, the digital camera 101 changes the resolution of image data corresponding to four images and transmits the image data having the changed resolution to the printer 115. The printer 115 prints four images represented by the transmitted image data on the same printing paper P. FIG. When a layout format for nine images (see icon numbers 17 and 18 shown in Fig. 15C) is selected, the CPU 140 of the printer 115 changes the resolution of the image data corresponding to the nine images to 1 / before the conversion. Instructs digital camera 101 to change to a lower resolution of nine. In response to this command, the resolution of the image data is changed and the image data having the changed resolution is transmitted to the printer 115.

When the digital camera 101 has a fine mode in which an image is recorded at a high resolution and a normal mode in which an image is recorded at a low resolution, when the printer 115 outputs an image transmission request to the digital camera 101, the printer ( 115) can specify which of the recorded images should be transmitted to the digital camera in the advanced mode, and in the normal mode. When the printer 115 specifies an image recorded in the normal mode, the image usually does not match the resolution of the printer 115 (the resolution of the image is lowered). Therefore, the printer 115 changes the resolution of the image transmitted from the digital camera 101 by performing interpolation-like processing between dots. Then print the image.

Hereinafter, with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 26, the image direction setting process in step S45 is demonstrated in detail.

When the image direction setting process is started, the image direction setting data is first displayed in the finder 104 (step S61). In this step, as shown in Fig. 31A, a text display menu is displayed on the finder 104 inquiring how the image determined as the image to be printed is rotated and laid out in the layout form as the determined image. One of the two rotational directions " &lt;? &Gt; (the parallel frame image is rotated 90 degrees) and " " &gt; &gt; In the initial state of the image orientation setting menu, the cursor 162 is displayed under &quot; &gt;

When the image direction setting menu is displayed, it is determined which one of the keys of the key input unit 144 has been pressed (step S62). The key input from the key input unit 144 is waited until it is determined in step S62 which one of the keys of the key input unit 144 has been pressed. When it is determined in step S62 that the "MENU" key 118f has been pressed, it is switched to step S3 and "TOP-MENU" is displayed on the finder 104. When it is determined in step S62 that the " BACK " key 118g is pressed, the process returns to step S51 in Fig. 25 showing the image selection processing that precedes the image direction setting processing.

When it is determined in step S62 that the "+" key 118b or the "-" key 118a is pressed, the cursor 58 is moved to the right or left according to the pressed key (step S63). Then, the flow returns to step S62 to wait for key input.

Under the state in which one of the two rotation directions described above is selected by the cursor 162, when it is determined in step S62 that the "SET" key 118c is pressed, the rotation direction selected by the cursor 162 is determined as the desired direction. (Step S64). In this step, it is determined whether or not the address of the image data stored in the image memory 141 should be changed in accordance with the direction selected by the cursor 162.

When the processing shown in the flowcharts of Figs. 25 and 26 is finished, the print processing in step S46 shown in Fig. 24 is executed. The print processing in step 46 is the same as that shown in FIG.

Hereinafter, a calendar print process will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

When the calendar print processing is started, the format selection menu is first displayed on the finder 104 (step S71). When the format selection menu is displayed on the finder 104, it is determined which one of the keys of the key input unit 144 is pressed (step S72). The key input from the key input unit 144 waits until it is determined that one of the keys of the key input unit 144 has been pressed. The format selection menu displayed in step S71 is a calendar print menu shown in FIG.

When it is determined in step S71 that the "EASY" key 118e is pressed, the flow returns to step S8 shown in FIG. When it is determined in step S72 that the "MENU" key 119f is pressed, the process returns to step S3 shown in FIG. When it is determined in step S72 that the "+" key 118b or the "-" key 118a is pressed, the cursor (not shown) moves (step S73). Then, the flow returns to step S72 to wait for key input. In step S73, the cursor is moved in the same manner as in the case of step S12 shown in FIG.

When it is determined in step S72 that "SET" key 118c is pressed while one of the icons displayed on the format selection menu is selected by the cursor, the calendar print menu represented by the icon selected by the cursor is determined in the desired format ( Step S73). Then, the determined calendar print menu is read in the calendar creation area of the ROM 146 and stored in the work area of the RAM 148. Then, after the processing for setting the image to be combined with the calendar in the determined calendar printing format is executed (step S75), the processing for setting the direction of the selected image is executed (step S75). The image selection processing in step S75 is the same as that shown in FIG. 25, but the image direction setting processing in step S75 is the same as that shown in FIG. 26.

At the end of the image selection process and the image orientation process, the year and month of the calendar are determined. In order to determine the year and month, the year setting data (character display menu in FIG. 31B, which is used to set the year) is first displayed in the finder 104 (step S76). In the kite setting menu shown in Fig. 31B, the number " 2000 " representing the year 2000 is displayed under the letter " YEAR INPUT ", and the cursor 163 is displayed under the last digit of the number.

When the setting setting process is displayed, it is determined which one of the keys of the key input unit 144 has been pressed (step S77). When it is determined in step S77 that the " EASY " key 118e has been pressed, it is switched to step S8 shown in FIG. When it is determined in step S77 that the "MENU" key 118g is pressed, it is switched to step S3 shown in FIG. When it is determined in step S77 that the "BACK" key 118g is pressed, the flow returns to step S71 such that the first page of the format selection menu is displayed on the finder 104.

When it is determined in step S77 that the "+" key 118b or the "-" key 118a is pressed, the number "2000" representing the year 2000 is displayed in a changed state (step S78). At the same time pressing the "+" key 118b, the number "2000" is increased to "2001", "2002", and the next number. At the same time pressing the "-" key 118a, the number "2000" is reduced to "1999", "1998", and the next number. Then, the flow returns to step S77 to wait for key input from the key input unit 144. When it is determined in step S77 that the "SET" key 118c is pressed under the state in which the desired year is being displayed in the above manner, the displayed year is determined as the year of the calendar (step S79).

When the year is determined, the month setting data (character display menu in FIG. 31C, which is used to set the month) is displayed in the finder 104 (step S81). In the month setting menu shown in Fig. 31C, the number "12" representing December is displayed under the letter "MONTH INPUT" and the cursor 163 is displayed below the last digit of the number.

When the month setting menu is displayed, it is determined in step S81 which one of the keys of the key input unit 144 is pressed (step S81). When it is determined in step S81 that the " EASY " key has been pressed, the process switches to step S8 shown in FIG. When it is determined in step S81 that the "MENU" key 118f has been pressed, the process switches to step S3 shown in FIG. When it is determined in step S81 that the " BACK " key 118g has been pressed, the setting menu returned to step S76 is displayed in the finder 104.

When it is determined in step S81 that the "+" key 118b or the "-" key 118a is pressed, the number "12" representing December is displayed in a changed state (step S82). At the same time as pressing the "+" key 118b, the number "12" returns to "1" and increases to "2", "3", and the next number. At the same time as pressing the "-" key 118a, the number "12" is reduced to "11", "10", and the next number. Then, the flow returns to step S81 to wait for key input from the key input unit 144. When it is determined in step S81 that the "SET" key is pressed while the desired month is being displayed in the above manner, the month being displayed is determined as the month of the calendar (step S83).

In this way, calendar data indicating the year and month determined in steps S79 and S83 is generated based on the calendar making program stored in the ROM 146. The generated calendar data is temporarily stored in the RAM 146. Then, Y-print data, M-print data, and C-print data transmitted from the camera 101 and stored in the print data memory area of the RAM 148, and calendar data stored in the RAM 148 are stored in RAM ( 148 is synthesized in the image combining area. In this way, print data is produced by combining the image recorded in the digital camera 101 with the image of the calendar (step S84). Y print data, M print data, and C print data are sequentially subjected to the image combining process in the image combining area of the RAM 148. Letters and numbers in the calendar are read as pattern data in the CG of the ROM 146 and stored as calendar data in the RAM 148.

When print data is created in step S84, a process of printing an image corresponding to the print data on the printing paper P is performed (step S85). This print process is the same as that shown in FIG.

Hereinafter, the mini-label printing process will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

When the mina label printing process in the above-mentioned flowchart is started, the first page of the artwork selection menu (Mini-label printing menu) shown in Fig. 19A is displayed on the finder 104 (step S91). The illustration selection menu is for selecting one of the image decoration patterns. Data corresponding to this menu is transmitted from the printer 115 to the digital camera 101 and displayed in the finder 104.

When the artwork selection menu is displayed, it is determined which one of the keys of the key input unit 144 has been pressed (step S92). The key input unit 144 waits for a key input until one of the keys of the key input unit 144 is pressed. When it is determined in step S92 that the " EASY " key 118e is pressed, it is switched to step S8 shown in FIG. When it is determined that the "MENU" key 118f or the "BACK" key 118g is pressed, the process switches to step S3 shown in FIG.

When it is determined in step S92 that the "+" key 118g is pressed, it is determined whether the page of the illustration selection menu currently being displayed should change to the next page according to the current position of the cursor (not shown) (step S93). . That is, it is determined whether the cursor display address corresponds to the display position of the last icon on the page currently being displayed.

When the cursor display address is determined to correspond to the display address of the last icon (the determination result in step S93 is "YES"), the displayed page changes to the next page (after the first page shown in Fig. 19A). The cursor is displayed under the first icon of the next page (step S94). When it is determined that the cursor display position does not correspond to the display position of the last icon (the determination result in step S93 is "NO"), the cursor moves below the next icon where the cursor is located (step S95). Then, the flow returns to step S92 to wait for key input from the key input unit 144. In this way, icons are selected in ascending order of assigned number.

When it is determined in step S92 that the "-" key 118a is pressed, it is determined whether the page of the currently selected artwork selection menu should be changed to the preceding page according to the current position of the cursor (not shown). That is, it is determined whether the cursor display address corresponds to the display position of the first icon on the page currently being displayed.

When it is determined that the cursor display address corresponds to the display address of the first icon (the determination result in step S96 is "YES"), the image currently displayed is changed to the preceding page (the lowest page in the case of Fig. 19A), The cursor is displayed below the last icon on the preceding page (step S97). When it is determined that the cursor display address does not correspond to the display position of the first icon on the currently displayed page (the determination result in step S96 is "NO"), the cursor moves to the preceding icon whose cursor is located below. (Step S98). Then, the flow returns to step S92 to wait for key input from the key input unit 144. In this way, the icons are selected in descending order of the numbers assigned to the icons.

When it is determined in step S92 that the "SET" key 118c is pressed while one of the icons is selected by the cursor in the above manner, an image decorative pattern representing the icon selected by the cursor is determined as desired (step S99). ). When the image decoration pattern is determined, an image (reproduced image) having the picture number 1 and stored in the digital camera 101 is displayed on the finder 104 as shown in Fig. 11A (step S100).

When the reproduced image is displayed on the finder 104, it is determined whether or not one of the keys of the key input unit 144 is pressed (step S101). The key input from the key input unit 144 is waited until one of the keys is pressed. When it is determined in step S101 that the " EASY " key 118e has been pressed, it is switched to step S8 shown in FIG. When it is determined in step S101 that the "MENU" key 118f has been pressed, the process switches to step S3 shown in FIG. When it is determined in step S101 that the "BACK" key 118g is pressed, the flow returns to step S91.

When it is determined in step S101 that the "+" key 118b is pressed, the next image with a larger picture number is displayed on the finder 104 (step S103). When the image is displayed on the finder 104, the flow returns to step S101 to wait for key input from the key input unit 144. Each time the "+" key 118a is pressed, the image currently being displayed in the finder 104 changes to the next image with the larger picture number.

When it is determined in step S101 that the "-" key 118a is pressed, the image currently displayed in the finder 104 changes to a preceding image (step S103). Then, the flow returns to step S101 to wait for key input from the key input unit 144. Each time the "-" key 118a is pressed, the image currently displayed in the finder 104 changes to a preceding image with a smaller picture number.

When it is determined in step S101 that the "SET" key 118c is pressed while the desired image is being displayed on the finder 104 in the manner described above, the image is determined as an image to be printed (step S104). Then, image data corresponding to the image being displayed is transmitted from the digital camera 101 to the printer 115 and temporarily stored in the image memory 141. The image data transmitted to the digital camera 101 is image data whose resolution is reduced to 1/4 or 1/9. The decompression unit 142 of the printer 115 changes the resolution of the image temporarily stored in the image memory 141 to be 1/20 of what the image has when displayed alone in the finder 104. As shown in Fig. 19B, print data is generated as a combination of 20 images and an image decoration pattern, and print processing is executed (step S105). This print process is the same as that shown in FIG.

A card (postcard) printing process will be described below with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

When the card (postcard) print processing in the above flowchart starts, the first page of the format selection menu shown in Fig. 20A is first displayed on the finder 104 (step S110). Menu data representing the format selection menu is transmitted from the printer 115 to the digital camera 101 such that the format selection menu is displayed in the finder 104.

When the format selection menu is displayed, it is determined which one of the keys of the key input unit 144 has been pressed (step S111). Wait for key input from the key input unit 144 until one of the keys is pressed. When it is determined in step S111 that the " EASY " key 118e has been pressed, it is switched to step S8 shown in FIG. When it is determined in step S111 that the "MENU" key 118f or the "BACK" key 118g is pressed, it is switched to step S3 shown in FIG.

When it is determined in step S111 that the "+" key 118b is pressed, it is determined whether the first page of the format selection menu should be switched to the next page according to the current position of the cursor (not shown) (step S112). In other words, it is determined whether the cursor display address corresponds to the display position of the last icon on the first page.

When the cursor display address is determined to correspond to the display position of the last icon on the first page (the determination result in step S112 is "YES"), the first page changes to the next page (after the first page in Fig. 20A). The cursor is displayed under the first icon of the next page described above (step S113). When it is determined that the cursor display position does not correspond to the display position of the last icon on the first page (the determination result in step S112 is "NO"), the cursor is moved below the icon after the cursor is positioned below ( Step S114). Then, the flow returns to step S111 to wait for key input from the key input unit 144. In this way, the "POSTCARD" icons are selected in ascending order of the number assigned to the icon.

When it is determined in step S111 that the "-" key 118a is pressed, it is determined whether the page of the format selection menu currently being displayed should be replaced by a subsequent page (step S115). In other words, it is determined whether the cursor display address corresponds to the display position of the first icon on the displayed page.

When it is determined that the cursor display address corresponds to the display position of the first icon (the determination result in step S115 is YES), the image currently being displayed is switched to the preceding page (lowest page in Fig. 20A), and the cursor Is displayed below the last icon on the preceding page (step S116). When it is determined that the cursor display position does not correspond to the display position of the last icon on the first page (the determination result in step S112 is "NO"), the cursor is moved under the icon preceding the cursor located below ( Step S117). Then, the flow returns to step S111 to wait for key input from the key input unit 144. In this way, the "POSTCARD" icons are selected in descending order of the number assigned to the icon.

When it is determined in step S101 that the "SET" key 118c is pressed under the condition that one of the icons displayed in the format selection menu is selected by the cursor, the pattern represented by the icon selected by the cursor is determined as the desired pattern (step S118). . In this case too, image data corresponding to the determined pattern is stored in the RAM 148. Next, after the image selection process is executed (step S119), the image direction setting process is performed (step S120). Image selection processing and image orientation setting processing are the same as those shown in Figs. 25 and 26, respectively. By the processing in steps S119 and S120, the image to be printed and its direction are determined, and image data corresponding to the determined image is stored in the RAM 148 (step S121). When the image is determined, the soft setting menu shown in Fig. 31B is displayed on the finder 104 (step S122).

When the open setting menu is displayed in the finder 104, it is determined which one of the keys of the key input unit 144 is pressed (step S123). Wait for key input from the key input unit 144 until one of the keys is pressed. When it is determined in step S123 that the " EASY " key 118e has been pressed, it is switched to step S8 shown in FIG. When it is determined in step S123 that the "MENU" key 118f has been pressed, the process switches to step S3 shown in FIG. When it is determined in step S123 that the "BACK" key 118g is pressed, the flow returns to step S119.

When it is determined in step S123 that the "+" key 118b is pressed, the kite is incremented by "1" (step S124). When it is determined in step S123 that the "-" key 118a is pressed, the kite is decremented by "1" (step S125). The processing in steps S124 and S125 is the same as that described in connection with step S78 of the calendar print processing shown in FIG. When the kite is increased or decreased by " 1 " in step S124 or S125, the process returns to step S122.

When it is determined in step S123 that the "SET" key is pressed while the desired year is being displayed, the year is determined as the year to be printed (step S126). The character representing the kite is read as a font pattern in the CG of the ROM 146 and combined with the image recorded by the camera 101. In this way, print data is generated. An image corresponding to the generated print data is printed (step S127). This print process is as shown in FIG.

The following describes the image list (index) print processing with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

When the image list (index) print processing in the above flow chart starts, image number data specifying the number of images recorded by the digital camera 101 and stored in the image memory 127 is printed by the digital camera 101 in the printer. It transfers to 115 (step S130). When it is confirmed that reception of the image number data is finished (step S131), a character display menu is generated and transmitted to the digital camera 101 and displayed on the finder 104 (step S132). When the number of pixels of the CCD 121 in the digital camera 101 is 350,000, the character display menu shown in Fig. 32A is generated. When the number of pixels of the CCD 121 is smaller than 350,000, the character display menu shown in Fig. 32B is generated.

The number of image data is designated by " *** " in part " NORMAL *** PAGES " of the character display menu shown in Fig. 32A. More specifically, the stored number of images of 320 dots x 240 dots is represented by "***". The number of image data is also represented by "**" in the part "FINE ** PAGES". However, the number of stored images of 640 dots x 480 dots is represented by "**". The display menu shown in FIG. 32B does not have parts "NORMAL *** PAGES" or "FINE ** PAGES". The number of images stored is simply represented by "**" as "** PAGES". In this case, image data representing a relatively low resolution image of 320 dots x 240 dots is stored in the image memory of the digital camera 101.

The data representing the characters (numbers) corresponding to the number designated as the image number data according to the image number data received in step S130 and the address indicating the position at which the characters should be displayed are shown in FIG. 32A or 32B. The indicating data is transmitted to the digital camera 101 after being displayed to the digital camera 101 and displayed in the finder 104. In this way, the number of images recorded is displayed on the part "***" or "**".

When the number of recorded images is displayed, it is determined which one of the keys of the key input unit 144 has been pressed (step S134). The key input from the key input unit 144 is waited until it is determined that one of the keys has been pressed. When it is determined in step S134 that the " EASY " key 118e has been pressed, the process switches to step S8 shown in FIG. When it is determined in step S134 that the "MENU" key 118f or the "BACK" key 118g is pressed, the processing shifts to step S3 shown in FIG.

When it is determined in step S132 that the "SET" key 118c is pressed while the number of recorded images is being displayed, the character display menu shown in FIG. 32C is generated and transmitted to the digital camera 101 to the finder 104. Is displayed (step S135). The character display menu shown in Fig. 32C asks the user whether to print. In the case of "YES", the user is guided to insert the printing paper P through the sheet insertion / ejection opening 116, but in the case of "NO", the user is guided to press the "MENU" key 118f.

Then, it is determined by the sensor 154 whether the printing paper P has been inserted through the sheet insertion / ejection opening 116 (step S136). When the sensor 154 detects the insertion of the printing paper P (the determination result in step S136 is YES), printing is started (step S137). Then, according to the number of recorded images, a list (index) of all the images is printed with these images laid out as shown in Figs. 21A, 21B, or 21C.

When the number of recorded images is 10 or more and thus the recorded images are displayed in a 10 x 10 matrix pattern, all images are printed as very small images (images in the form of 52 dots x 36 dots each).

When the printing started in step S137 is confirmed to be finished (the determination result in step S138 is "YES"), "TOP-MENU" is displayed. When the sensor 154 does not detect the insertion of the printing paper P in step S136, it is determined which one of the keys of the key input unit 144 has been pressed (step S139). The key input unit 144 waits for a key input until it is determined in step S139 that one of the keys has been pressed.

When it is determined in step S92 that the "EASY" key 118e is pressed, it is switched to step S8 shown in FIG. When it is determined in step S92 that the "MENU" key 118f or the "BACK" key 118g is pressed, the processing shifts to step S3 shown in FIG.

In this way, by performing the key pressing operation without inserting the printing paper P, the user can cancel the list (index) print processing and allow another processing to be executed.

Images corresponding to a large number of images, such as when the resolution of image data corresponding to four (9) images is changed to a lower resolution, which is 1/4 (1/9) before conversion If data is converted into very small image data and these small image data are transmitted to the printer 115, high speed printing can be achieved even when a large number of images are printed by the above-described list (index) printing process.

In step S130, image number data specifying the number of images recorded by the digital camera 101 and stored in the image memory 127 is transmitted from the digital camera 101 to the printer 115. However, data specifying the number of images that can be further recorded by the digital camera 101 can be sent to the printer 115.

The recording medium on which the image is printed using the printer 115 of the second embodiment is not limited to the printing paper P, but may be an adhesive label or a transparent film having a detachable paper. The color printer 147 may print an image by employing a system such as a thermal printing system and another inkjet system.

Claims (21)

In the printing apparatus connected to the image recording apparatus 10 and communicatable with the image recording apparatus 10, The image recording apparatus 10 includes image extraction means 31-34 for extracting image information units representing still images as digital signals, and image information units extracted by the image extraction means 31-34. Image memory 37 for storing, display means 13 for displaying image information units stored in the image memory 37, and the image memory 37 and the display according to a control signal received from the outside. Control means 42 for controlling the means 13, The printing device Input means (52) for inputting a control signal; The control means 42 of the image recording apparatus 10 can read at least one of the image information units stored in the image memory 37, and the display means 13 causes the image memory 37 Receive the first control signal input from the input means 52 and transmit the first control signal to the image recording apparatus 10 so that the image represented by the at least one image information unit read from First control means (51) for sending to said control means (42); In the input means 52, the control means 42 of the image recording apparatus 10 outputs the at least one image information unit representing the image displayed on the display means 13 to the printing apparatus. Second control means (51) for receiving an input second control signal and for sending the second control signal to the control means (42) of the image recording apparatus (10); Image information receiving means (55) for receiving the at least one image information unit output from the image recording apparatus (10); And printing means (61) for printing the image represented by said at least one image information unit received by said image information receiving means (55) on a recording medium (X). The method of claim 1, The control means 42 of the image recording apparatus 10 receives the third control signal input from the input means 52 so that the control means 42 sets the direction of the image displayed on the display means 13. Third control means for sending a control signal to said control means (42) of said image recording apparatus (10); When the third control signal is input from the input means 52, a storage means 54c for storing direction information corresponding to the direction set by the control means 42 of the image recording apparatus 10 is added. Equipped with The printing means 61 prints an image represented by the at least one image information unit received by the image information receiving means 55 according to the direction information stored in the storage means 54c. Printing device. 3. A printing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said third control signal comprises data for specifying the direction of an image displayed on said display means (13). According to claim 1, The image information receiving means 55 receives the image information output from the image recording medium 10 in the form of compressed data, The printing apparatus further comprises stretching means 59 for expanding the image information received by the image information receiving means 55, And the printing means prints the image represented by the image information extended by the stretching means (59) on the recording medium (X). The method of claim 1, Format storage means (53) for storing in advance print format data indicating a print format and selection display menu data for selecting a desired one from among the print formats; Receive a fourth control signal from the input means 52 so that the control means 42 of the image recording apparatus 10 can display an image corresponding to the selection display menu data on the display means 13. Fourth control means (51) for sending the selection display menu data stored in the format memory means (53) to the control means (42) of the image recording apparatus (10) together with the fourth control signal; Selection means (52) for selecting one of the print formats based on the image corresponding to the selection display menu data and displayed on the display means (13); Based on the at least one image information received by the image recording apparatus 10 and the print format data selected by the selection means 52, print data representing the image to be printed is generated and the print data is converted into the print means ( And printing data generating means (51, 60) for supplying to (61). 6. The printing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the printing apparatus further comprises time measuring means (56) for measuring time information. The print format includes a print format having an area A4 on which an image corresponding to the time information measured by the time measuring means 56 is printed, The print data generating means (51, 60) measures the image information received from the image recording apparatus (1), the print format data selected by the selecting means (52), and the time measuring means (56). And printing the print data based on time information. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a power supply control means (51) for interrupting power supply to the printing device (20) when no control signal is input to the input means for a predetermined period of time. Device. In the printing apparatus detachably connected to the image recording apparatus 101 via the communication means 138, The image recording apparatus 101 stores the digital signal obtained from the optical image formed by the lens apparatus 103a in the image memory 127 as image data according to the control performed by the control means 130, Sending data including image data to the printing apparatus through the communication means 138, receiving data including a control signal or the image data from the printing apparatus, and storing the image data stored in the image memory 127. Or display image data received through the communication means 138 on the display means 104, The printing device Storage means (146) for storing printer operation image data for causing the display means (146) to display an image for selecting a desired one from a plurality of formats, and for storing image data corresponding to the format; The image recording apparatus 101 displays the printer operation image data so that the control means 130 of the image recording apparatus 101 can display an image corresponding to the printer operation image data on the display means 104. First control means (140) for sending to said communication means (138); Format selection means (144) for selecting a desired one from among the formats in accordance with an image corresponding to the printer operation image data and displayed on the display means (104); First control so that the control means 130 of the image recording apparatus 101 can read the image data stored in the image memory 127 and display the read image data on the display means 104. Second control means (140) for sending a signal to the control means (130) via the communication means (138); Image selecting means (144) for selecting desired image data from the image data displayed on the display means; Format image reading means (140) for reading image data corresponding to a format selected by the format selecting means (144) from the storage means (146); The image selection such that the control means 130 can read the image data selected by the image selecting means 144 from the image memory 127 and send the read image data through the communication means 138. Third control means for sending a second control signal corresponding to the image selected by the means (144) to the control means (130) via the communication means (138) of the image recording apparatus (101); Receiving means (145) for receiving image data sent through said communication means (138) in response to a second control signal sent from said third control means (140); Print image generating means 140 for generating print image data representing an image to be printed based on the image data read by the format image reading means 140 and the image data received by the receiving means 145; 148); And printing means (147) for printing the print image data generated by said print image generating means (140, 148) onto a recording medium (P). 9. The printing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the image data stored in said storage means (146) is compressed data, and said print image generating means includes stretching means (142) for stretching said image data. . 10. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the image data received by the receiving means (145) from the image recording apparatus (101) is compressed data, and the print image generating means (150) extends the image data. Printing apparatus comprising a. In a printing system in which image data representing still images recorded and held in the image recording apparatus 101 is transmitted to the printing apparatus 115 and printed by the printing apparatus 115, The printing system Storage means (146) for storing in advance printer operation image data for selecting a desired one from among a plurality of formats and image data corresponding to the format; Display means 104 for displaying an image corresponding to the printer operation image data read out from the storage means 146, and for displaying at least one of the images represented by the image data held in the image recording apparatus 101; and; Selection means (144) for selecting a desired one of the formats according to the printer operation image data displayed on the display means (104), and for selecting the desired image data from the image data displayed on the display means (104); Image data held in the image recording apparatus 101 and corresponding to the image data selected by the selection means 144 and the format selected by the selection means 144 and corresponding to the format stored in the storage means 146. Print data generating means (140, 148) for generating printed image data to be printed on the basis of; And printing means (147) for printing the image data generated by said print data generating means (149, 148) onto a recording medium (P). The method of claim 11, wherein the printer motion image data is compressed data. The printing system further includes stretching means 142 for stretching the printer operation image data, And said display means (104) displays an image corresponding to said printer operation image data extended by said decompression means (142). The method of claim 11, wherein the image data held in the image recording apparatus 101 is compressed image data, The printing system further comprises stretching means 142 for stretching the image data, And said display means (104) displays an image corresponding to said image extended by said decompression means (142). In a printing apparatus that receives recorded image data from the image recording apparatus 101 and prints an image corresponding to the received data, The image recording apparatus includes display means 104 having a function of displaying a still image while being recorded in the recording mode and a function of displaying the still image recorded in the playback mode, The printing device Storage means 146 for storing operation display data necessary for performing a printing operation; For transmitting the operation display data stored in the storage means 146 to the image recording apparatus 101 so that the image recording apparatus 101 can display an image corresponding to the operation display data on the display means. First control means (130); Print command means (144) for generating a command to perform a print operation according to the image corresponding to the operation display data and displayed on the display means (104); Second control means (130) for causing the image recording means (101) to transmit the recorded image data in response to the command generated by the print command means (144); And printing means (147) for printing on the printing paper (P) an image corresponding to the recorded image data transmitted from the image recording means (101). 15. A printing apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the printing apparatus does not have display means for displaying the operation display data necessary for performing a printing operation. In the printing apparatus detachably connected to the image recording apparatus 101 through the communication means 138, The image recording apparatus 101 stores the digital signal obtained from the optical image formed by the lens apparatus 103a in the image memory 127 as image data according to the control performed by the control means 130, Sending data including image data to the printing apparatus via the communication means 138, receiving a control signal or data containing the image data from the printing apparatus, and storing the image stored in the image memory 127. Data or image data received via the communication means 138 is displayed on the display means 104, The printing device Printing means (147) for printing an image corresponding to the image data transmitted from said image recording means on a recording medium (P) with a predetermined resolution; An image transfer request so that the control means 130 changes the resolution of the image data stored in the image memory 137 to a resolution suitable for printing by the printing means 147 and transmits the image whose resolution has changed. Print control means 140 for sending a signal to the control means 130 of the image recording apparatus 101 through the communication means 138, The printing means 147 prints an image corresponding to the image transmitted from the image recording means 101 on the recording medium P, without changing the resolution of the image data transmitted from the image recording means 101. Printing apparatus, characterized in that. 17. The apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the print control means (140) sends an image transmission request signal to the control means (130) for requesting the transmission of image data indicating the number n of images, and the control means (130) is number n. The resolution of the image data is changed to a resolution of 1 / n, and the printing means 147 prints an image corresponding to the image data transmitted from the image recording apparatus 101 without changing the resolution of the image data. Printing apparatus, characterized in that. In a printing system in which image data representing still images recorded and held in the image recording apparatus 101 is transmitted to the printing apparatus 115 and printed by the printing apparatus 115, The image recording apparatus 101 includes a resolution changing means 126 for changing the resolution of the image data held in the image recording apparatus 101 to a resolution suitable for printing by the printing apparatus 115, and the resolution being changed. A transmission means 138 for transmitting image data to the printing apparatus 115, The printing apparatus prints an image corresponding to the image data transmitted by the transmission means 138 on the print medium P without changing the resolution of the image data transmitted by the transmission means 138. Characterized by a printing system. In the printing apparatus detachably connected to the image recording apparatus 101 through the communication means 138, The image recording apparatus 101 stores the digital signal obtained from the optical image formed by the lens apparatus 103a in the image memory 127 as image data according to the control performed by the control means 130, Sending data including image data to the printing apparatus via the communication means 138, receiving a control signal or data containing the image data from the printing apparatus, and storing the image stored in the image memory 127. Data or image data received via the communication means 138 is displayed on the display means 104, The printing device First instruction means (144) for instructing the control means (130) of the image recording apparatus (101) to transmit information attached to the internal state of the image recording apparatus (101); Based on the information transmitted from the image recording apparatus 101 to the display means 104 attached to the internal state of the image recording apparatus 101, display data is generated and an image corresponding to the display data is generated. Display control means (140) for outputting the display data to the control means (130) for display on the display means (104); Second command means (144) for instructing said control means of said image recording apparatus (101) to transmit image data stored in said image memory (127); Printing means 147 for printing an image corresponding to the image data transmitted from the image recording apparatus 101 on the recording medium P in response to the command generated by the second command means 144. Printing apparatus, characterized in that. 20. The apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the information attached to the internal state of the image recording apparatus 101 is data indicating the number of still images stored in the image memory 127 of the image recording apparatus 101, The display control means 140 transmits the display data generated based on the data representing the number of still images stored in the image memory 127 to the image recording apparatus 101, And the display means (104) displays the display data to indicate the number of still images stored in the image memory (127). 20. The apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the information attached to the internal state of the image recording apparatus 101 is data indicating the number of still images that can be further stored in the image memory 127, The display control means 140 transmits the display data generated on the basis of the data indicating the number of still images that can be additionally stored in the image memory 127 to the image recording apparatus 101, And the display means (104) displays the display data to indicate the number of still images that can be further stored in the image memory (127).