JP4844307B2 - Print control apparatus and print control method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to image processing for printing an image captured by an imaging apparatus such as a digital camera.

  In recent years, image data captured by an imaging device such as a digital camera and stored in a storage medium such as a memory card is directly read into a printer without using a personal computer, and an image represented by the read image data is printed. Printers capable of reading image data directly from an imaging device such as a digital camera or the like and printing the image represented by the read image data are becoming widespread. Hereinafter, an image captured by such an imaging apparatus is also referred to as a “photo image”, and image data representing the photo image is also referred to as “photo image data”. A printer capable of printing a photo image as described above is also referred to as a “photo printer”. Furthermore, a mode in which image data stored in a storage medium is directly read into a printer without using a personal computer and an image represented by the read image data is printed is also referred to as “card printing”.

  The photo printer as described above performs various correction processes on the read photo image data in advance so as to obtain an appropriate print result as one of the image processes executed for printing the photo image. ing. As a correction technique for such photo image data, for example, a technique described in Patent Document 1 has been proposed.

JP 2001-165647 A

  By the way, in the photo printer as described above, as pre-processing for performing correction processing, first, photo image data is read, and pixel data is sampled at a predetermined rate from the read photo image data to create a histogram. The correction parameter is determined by performing statistical processing based on the created histogram and obtaining a feature amount indicating the feature of the image. Then, in the image processing executed for printing the photo image, correction processing is performed on the photo image data based on the determined correction parameter. Further, face recognition processing may be performed to recognize the presence of a human face in a photo image, and correction processing may be performed by determining a correction parameter corresponding to the presence. Furthermore, when the eyes of a person in the photo image are red eyes, a red eye analysis process is performed, and a correction parameter corresponding to the red eye analysis process is determined to perform the correction process.

  Therefore, in the case of printing one photo image, it is necessary to execute preprocessing for obtaining correction parameters before image processing including the correction processing. For this reason, after specifying a photo image to be printed, after instructing the execution of printing, until the actual image processing for the specified photo image data starts, There is a problem that a waiting time until the processing is completed occurs, and as a result, the waiting time until the actual printing process is started becomes long.

  The photo image data is usually compressed in a predetermined compression format, for example, JPEG (Joint Photographic Coding Experts Group) format. For this reason, it is necessary to develop the photo image data compressed in the JPEG format before executing the above image processing and preprocessing, which further increases the waiting time.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and as a result, the time until image processing for printing a print target image designated as an image desired to be printed is shortened. An object of the present invention is to provide a technique capable of shortening the waiting time until the actual printing process is started.

In order to solve at least a part of the above-described problems, an aspect of the present invention provides:
According to the print execution instruction for the specified print target image, the print target image data representing the specified print target image is corrected based on the correction parameter for correcting the image quality of the print target image, and the corrected print is performed. A print control apparatus that executes printing based on target image data,
A print target image designating unit that selects a print candidate image that is a candidate for the print target image and designates the selected print candidate image as the print target image;
A preprocessing execution unit that executes preprocessing for obtaining the correction parameter;
A pre-processing management unit that manages execution of the pre-processing in the pre-processing execution unit,
The pre-processing management unit
When the print candidate image is selected, before the print candidate image is designated as the print target image, the selected print candidate image is used as the preprocessing target image as the execution target of the preprocessing. Set and instruct the pre-processing execution unit to execute the pre-processing in advance for the set pre-processing target image;
When the print candidate image set as the pre-processing target image is designated as the print target image, the result of the pre-processing executed in advance is obtained as a result of the pre-processing for the print target image. Set as a result,
It is characterized by that.

  According to the print control apparatus, a print candidate image is selected, and before the selected print candidate image is designated as a print target image, the selected print candidate image is preprocessed as a preprocessing target. The image can be set as an image, and the pre-processing execution unit can start the pre-processing for the set pre-processing target image, and the print candidate image set as the pre-processing target image can be printed. When specified as an image, the result of pre-processing executed in advance can be set as the result of pre-processing for the image to be printed. Compared to the case where the process is executed, the time until the image process for printing the specified print target image is started is shortened, and as a result, the waiting time until the actual print process is started is reduced. It is possible to shrinkage.

  The correction parameter includes a first type parameter obtained by performing statistical processing on pre-processing target image data representing the set pre-processing target image, and the pre-processing target image data. At least one parameter is selected from the second type parameter group obtained by performing the face recognition process and the third type parameter obtained by performing the red-eye analysis process on the pre-processing target image data. included.

  The present invention can be configured as an image processing apparatus in addition to the configuration as the print control apparatus. Further, the present invention is not limited to the aspects of the device invention, and may be realized by aspects of a method invention such as a print control method and an image processing method. Note that the various additional elements described above can also be applied to the method invention. Furthermore, the present invention can be realized in various modes such as a computer program that implements the method and apparatus, a recording medium that records the program, and a data signal that includes the program and is embodied in a carrier wave. In addition, in each aspect, it is possible to apply the various additional elements shown above.

  When the present invention is configured as a computer program or a recording medium on which the program is recorded, it may be configured as an entire program for controlling the operation of the print control apparatus or the image processing apparatus, and fulfills the functions of the present invention. It is good also as what comprises only a part. The recording medium includes a flexible disk, a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, a magneto-optical disk, an IC card, a ROM cartridge, a punch card, a printed matter on which a code such as a barcode is printed, a computer internal storage device (RAM or Various types of computer-readable media such as a memory such as a ROM and an external storage device can be used.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in the following order based on examples.
A. Overview of print control device configuration and operation:
B. Print target image specification operation:
C. Pre-processing management operation:
D. Specific examples of preprocessing operations of preprocessing:
E. Effects of the embodiment:

A. Overview of print control device configuration and operation:
FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing a configuration example of a print control apparatus as an embodiment of the present invention. The print control apparatus 10 is a microprocessor in which a multiprocessor system including a plurality of processors is integrated on a single semiconductor substrate. Each processor means a unit including peripheral circuits such as a CPU, a memory, and a bus controller. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, one main processor 100 and four sub processors 200A to 200D (indicated as “sub processor 1” to “sub processor 4” in the figure). As an example, a case is provided. The print control apparatus 10 includes a plurality of processors, a mechanism control unit 300 that is a circuit that controls the operation of the printing mechanism unit 20, and an input I / F unit 400 that is a circuit that controls an input operation by the operation unit 30. An LCD controller 500 that controls a display operation by a liquid crystal panel (LCD) 40 that is a display device, a card I / F unit 600 that is a circuit that controls a data reading operation from a memory card 52 mounted in the card slot 50, Various peripheral circuits such as a dedicated memory controller 700 that controls access from the main processor 100 to the dedicated memory 60 and a shared memory controller 800 that controls access from the processors 100 and 200A to 200D to the shared memory 70 are provided. Note that illustration of peripheral circuits not particularly related to the present invention is omitted.

  Each processor constituting the print control apparatus 10 operates as a corresponding functional block by reading and executing a predetermined program for each processor stored in the dedicated memory 60. Specifically, the main processor 100 operates as a functional block described below by reading and executing a program for the main processor 100 stored in the dedicated memory 60. Further, each of the sub processors 200 </ b> A to 200 </ b> D reads the program read from the dedicated memory 60 and stored in the shared memory 70 and executes it when the program for the main processor 100 is read. Accordingly, each operates as a functional block described below.

  The main processor 100 operates as a functional block (hereinafter referred to as a “print control unit”) that controls the print processing operation as a whole. Hereinafter, the main processor 100 is also referred to as a “print control unit 100”.

  Specifically, the print control unit 100 includes a file access unit 110, a user interface unit (also referred to as “UI unit”) 120, a preprocessing management unit 130, a preprocessing execution unit 140, a card print control unit 150, image processing, and the like. The functional block is divided into a management unit 160, an image processing unit 170, a print image processing unit 180, and a print processing unit 190.

  The file access unit 110 controls reading of photo image data stored in the memory card 52.

  The UI unit 120 displays on the LCD 40 a selection screen for selecting a photo image desired to be printed as a print target image, and the user operates the operation unit 30 to print a photo image to be previewed on the selection screen as a print candidate. Select as an image. At this time, the UI unit 120 issues a request (hereinafter also referred to as “pre-processing pre-processing request” or “pre-processing request”) for performing pre-processing on the photo image selected as the print candidate image in advance. The process management unit 130 is instructed. In addition, the UI unit 120 instructs the image processing management unit 160 to perform an image processing request for displaying a photo image stored in the memory card 52 as photo image data as a print candidate image on the selection screen of the LCD 40, and Displayed on the selection screen of the LCD 40. The UI unit 120 is designated as a print target image by setting the number of prints of the photo image displayed on the selection screen by the user operating the operation unit 30, and retains the preceding processing result of the preprocessing. To do. Then, when the user instructs execution of printing by operating the operation unit 30, the UI unit 120 instructs the card printing control unit 150 to execute printing in accordance with this.

  As will be described later, the preprocessing management unit 130 receives a preprocessing advance processing request from the UI unit 120, instructs the preprocessing execution unit 140 to execute the preprocessing, and manages the preprocessing preceding processing result. .

  The preprocessing execution unit 140 executes preprocessing for obtaining correction parameters used in correction processing in image processing to be described later in accordance with a preprocessing execution instruction from the preprocessing management unit 130. The pre-processing includes statistical processing for determining the maximum luminance, minimum luminance, average luminance, central luminance, etc. as feature quantities indicating the characteristics of the image to be printed, face recognition processing for examining the presence of a face, and red-eye correction. Includes at least one of red-eye analysis processing and the like. In this example, all of statistical processing, face recognition processing, and red-eye analysis processing are performed. Further, in normal preprocessing, statistical processing and face recognition processing are executed based on a histogram created by sampling print target image data at a predetermined rate. It will be described as including.

  Upon receiving a print execution instruction from the UI unit 120, the card print control unit 150 performs image processing by the image processing unit 170 executed under the management of the image processing management unit 160, and print image data by the print image processing unit 170. Generation processing and print processing by the print processing unit 190 are controlled, and printing is executed.

  Upon receiving the image processing execution instruction from the UI unit 120, the image processing management unit 160 requests the preprocessing management unit 130 to execute preprocessing for the print target image that has received the execution instruction ("previous" Is also referred to as “processing request”). When a preprocessing end notification is received from the preprocessing management unit 130, the image processing unit 170 is instructed to execute image processing, and the image processing unit 170 controls the image processing operation.

  Here, as will be described later, when the corresponding preprocessing is executed in advance before the user instructs execution of printing, if there is a preprocessing request, a preprocessing end response is immediately received. As a result, the time required for the pre-processing is small when printing is executed.

  The photo image data stored in the memory card 52 is, for example, compressed data in JPEG format. Therefore, the image processing unit 170 executes a decoding process for expanding the print target image data read from the memory card 52 into RGB format image data as one of the image processes.

  In addition to the decoding process, the image processing unit 170 performs preprocessing on image data (also referred to as “original image data” or “development image data”) obtained by developing the print target image data. Based on the correction parameters obtained by the above, an image correction process is performed that applies at least one of various correction processes such as color correction, brightness correction, contrast correction, saturation correction, noise removal, smoothing, and contour correction. To do. Furthermore, the image processing unit 170 also performs resolution conversion processing for converting the resolution of the print target image data, image data in which an image represented by the print target image data is arranged at an actual print position on the print medium (“layout image data”). (Also referred to as a layout process).

  Note that the image processing unit 170 does not actually execute the image processing, but instructs the first sub-processor 200A operating as the image processing control unit to perform specific processing, as will be described later. The first sub processor 200A to the third sub processor 200C that operate as functional blocks corresponding to the instructed process execute the process.

  The print image processing unit 180 generates print image data based on the image data subjected to the image processing in the image processing unit 170 under the control of the card print control unit 150. The print image data is data used to actually print an image on a print medium. For example, in the case of an ink jet type printing apparatus, it means binary data representing the arrangement of dots on the print medium. is doing. However, as with the image processing unit 170, the print image processing unit 180 does not actually generate print image data, but instead performs the fourth sub-processor 200D that operates as a print image processing execution unit. The fourth sub-processor 200D generates print image data by instructing print image data generation processing.

  The print processing unit 190 actually controls the print mechanism unit 20 via the mechanism control unit 300 based on the print image data generated by the print image processing unit 180 under the control of the card print control unit 150. Execute printing.

  The first sub-processor 200A operates as a functional block (image processing control unit) that controls an image processing operation in accordance with an instruction from the image processing unit 170. Hereinafter, the first sub-processor 200A is also referred to as “image processing control unit 200A”.

  The second sub-processor 200B executes a functional block (hereinafter referred to as “decode processing execution unit”) that executes JPEG format image data decoding processing (also referred to as “image development processing”) in accordance with an instruction from the image processing control unit 200A. Alternatively, it is called an “image development unit”). Hereinafter, the second sub-processor 200B may be referred to as a “decoding process execution unit 200B”.

  The decoding process execution unit 200B actually executes the image decoding process when the decoding process is instructed from the image processing unit 170 via the image processing control unit 200A.

  As will be described later, the third sub-processor 200C operates as a functional block that executes image correction processing (hereinafter referred to as “correction processing execution unit”) in accordance with an instruction from the image processing control unit 200A. Hereinafter, the third sub-processor 200C is also referred to as a “correction processing execution unit 200C”.

  As described above, the fourth sub-processor 200D serves as a functional block (print image processing execution unit) that executes processing for generating print image data based on the image data subjected to the image processing in the image processing unit 170. Operate. Hereinafter, the fourth sub processor 200D is also referred to as a “print image processing execution unit 200D”.

  By the way, a feature of the present invention is to specify an image to be printed prior to a pre-processing request requested from the image processing management unit 160 to the pre-processing management unit 130 when printing is instructed. When a photo image selected as a print candidate image is displayed as a preview image, the UI unit 120 instructs the preprocessing management unit 130 to issue a preprocessing advance processing request, whereby a print target image is designated and printed. The point is that pre-processing is started before the execution of is instructed. Therefore, in the following, a print target image designating operation and a preprocessing management operation related to this preprocessing preceding operation will be described, and a specific example of the preprocessing preceding operation will be described.

B. Print target image specification operation:
FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a print target image designation operation executed by the UI unit 120. In the processing shown in this explanatory diagram, for example, a card printing item for executing printing of a photo image stored in the memory card 52 is selected from the menu screen displayed on the LCD 40 by operating the operation unit 30. It is executed by specifying. When this process is started, the following processing steps are executed.

  First, in step S10, the UI unit 120 executes a predetermined initialization process. Specifically, for example, photo image data stored in the memory card 52 is searched via the file access unit 110, a list in which image file names are rearranged in alphabetical order is created, and stored in the dedicated memory 60. . Thereafter, the photo image data stored in the memory card 52 is handled in the sorted alphabetical order. For example, when four photo image data of file names A, B, C, and D are stored in the memory card 52, a preview display described later is displayed in the order of file names A, B, C, and D. Further, even if the order specified as the print target image, which will be described later, is the order of the file names D, C, B, and A, printing is executed in the order of the file names A, B, C, and D.

  Next, in step S <b> 20, the UI unit 120 executes preview processing and preprocessing preceding processing on the photo image data at the top in alphabetical order. For example, as described above, when five photo image data of file names A, B, C, D, and E are stored in the memory card 52, first, for the photo image data of the file name A, A preprocessing preceding process is executed and a preview process is executed.

  FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the preview process and the pre-process preceding process.

  When the preview process and the preprocessing preceding process (step S20 in FIG. 2) are started, first, in step S210, the image processing unit 170 is instructed to start image processing for preview display, whereby the image processing unit 170 is started. Asks whether it is possible to execute image processing for preview display.

  In step S220, the process waits until receiving a notification (startable notification) indicating that the inquiry can be started from the image processing unit 170 in response to the inquiry in step S160. If a startable notification is received (step S220: YES), the process of step S225 is executed.

  In step S225, photo image data representing a photo image that is preview-displayed as a print candidate image is designated as print candidate image data, and the preprocessing preceding process for the designated print candidate image data is performed to the preprocessing management unit 130. Make a request. At this time, as described above, the preprocessing management unit 130 requests the preprocessing execution unit 140 to execute the preprocessing, and the preprocessing execution unit 140 that receives the request receives other function blocks of the main processor 100. Pre-process is executed using the idle time when is not operating. The operation of the preprocessing management unit 130 will be described later.

  In step S230, the image processing unit 170 is requested to execute image processing for displaying a preview of the print candidate image. Note that the image processing is generally executed for the target photo image data in units of a plurality of predetermined blocks (referred to as “bands”), and the execution request of the image processing in step S230 is also the band. Done in units.

  Here, the image processing unit 170 requests the decoding process execution unit 200B via the image processing control unit 200A to request image processing among print candidate image data representing print candidate images to be previewed. Request the decoding process for the selected band. Then, the decoding process execution unit 200B that has received the request for the decoding process executes the decoding process for the requested band.

  In step S240, the process waits until the end of the image processing of the band requested in step S230 is notified from the decoding process execution unit 200B via the image processing control unit 200A. When the notification of completion of the image processing for the requested band is received (step S240: YES), the processing of step S250 is executed.

  In step S250, it is determined whether image processing for preview display has been completed for all bands of photo image data to be previewed. If there is a band that has not been completed (step S250: NO), the process returns to step S230 to repeatedly request execution of image processing for preview display for a band that has not yet been executed. On the other hand, when the process is completed for all the bands (step S250: YES), the process of step S260 is executed. Thus, the processing from step S230 to step S250 is repeated until the processing is completed for all the bands.

  In step S260, the image processing unit 170 is instructed to end image processing for preview display.

  In step S270, the process waits until an end notification is received from the image processing unit 170 in response to the end instruction in step S260. If an end notification is received (step S270: YES), the preview process ends and the process of step S30 in FIG. 2 is executed.

  In step S30, a print candidate image represented by the print candidate image data expanded by the preview process is displayed on the LCD 40 as a preview. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a print candidate image displayed as a preview on the LCD 40. As shown in FIG. 4, a selection screen 500M for selecting a photo image (photograph) to be printed is displayed on the LCD 40, and the preview display field 502 in the selection screen 500M has undergone preview processing. A print candidate image represented by the print candidate image data is previewed.

  In the determination process in step S80, the determination processes in steps S40, S50, S60, and S70 are repeatedly executed until the end of the process is determined (step S80: YES).

  In step S40, it is determined whether or not an instruction to change the print candidate image displayed in the preview is given. Specifically, the selection buttons 506P and 506N shown in FIG. 4 (corresponding to predetermined buttons on the operation unit 30. The selection button 506P corresponds to the front side selection, and the selection button 506N corresponds to the rear side selection. .) Is operated to select a photo image before or after the photo image as the currently displayed print candidate image, so that it is determined that the change of the print candidate image has been instructed.

  Then, when the operation for changing the print candidate image displayed in the preview is performed (step S40: YES), the process returns to step S20 to execute the preview process and the pre-processing preceding process for the selected print candidate image. In step S30, a preview is displayed. On the other hand, when the operation for changing the print candidate image displayed in the preview is not performed (step S40: NO), the determination process in step S50 is executed.

  In step S50, it is determined whether the print candidate image displayed as a preview is selected as the print target image. Specifically, the number designation buttons 508U and 508D shown in FIG. 4 (corresponding to predetermined buttons on the operation unit 30, the number designation button 508U is a number increase designation button and the number designation button 508D is a number reduction designation button. )), It is determined that the image to be printed is selected by operating the number designation button 508D and setting the number of prints from 0 to 1. Note that the set number of prints is displayed on the print number display unit 504.

  When the photo image displayed as a preview is selected as the print target image (step S50: YES), the process of step S52 is executed. On the other hand, when it is not selected as the print target image (step S50: NO), the determination process of step S60 is executed.

  In step S52, a processing result lock notification is sent to the preprocessing management unit 130 in order to hold the preceding processing result of the preprocessing requested and executed for the printing candidate image selected as the printing target image. Do. And it returns to step S40 and repeats the judgment process of step S40-step S80. Hereinafter, holding the preceding process result of the pre-processing is also referred to as “locking the preceding process result” below.

  In step S60, it is determined whether or not the selection of the print candidate image displayed as a preview as an image to be printed has been canceled. Specifically, it is determined that the selection as an image to be printed has been canceled by operating the number designation button 508D shown in FIG. 4 to set the number of printed sheets from one to more than zero.

  When the selection as the print target image is canceled (step S60: YES), the process of step S62 is executed. On the other hand, if the selection as an image to be printed is not canceled (step S60: NO), the determination process of step S70 is executed.

  In step S62, the state in which the pre-processing result of the pre-processing for the print candidate image whose selection as the print target image is canceled is released, and a new pre-processing is performed in the area where the pre-processing result is stored. In order to allow the result to be overwritten, a processing result free notification is sent to the preprocessing management unit 130. And it returns to step S40 and repeats the judgment process of step S40-step S80.

  In step S70, it is determined whether a print execution instruction has been issued. Specifically, it is determined that a print execution instruction has been made by operating a print start button 510 (a button corresponding to a predetermined button of the operation unit 30) shown in FIG.

  When a print execution instruction is given (step S70: YES), the processing of steps S72 to S76 is executed. And it returns to step S40 and repeats the judgment process of step S40-step S80. On the other hand, when there is no print execution instruction (step S70: NO), the determination process of step S80 is executed.

  In step S72, the UI unit 120 instructs the card print control unit 150 to execute printing for the designated print target image, and the card print control unit 150 instructs the image processing management unit 160 about the print target image designated. Request image processing. At this time, image processing by the image processing unit 170 executed under the management of the image processing management unit 160 is executed, and under the control of the card print control unit 150, print image data generation processing by the image print image processing unit 170, Then, the print processing by the print processing unit 190 is executed, and printing for the print target image is executed.

  In step S74, an end notification is received in response to the image processing request in step S72, and the process waits until the corresponding printing process ends. When the printing process is completed (step S74: YES), the process of step S76 is executed.

  In step S76, the print target image selection state is reset.

  When a plurality of print target images are selected, the card print control unit 150 performs image processing by the image processing unit 170 executed under the management of the image processing management unit 160 for each print target image. The print image data generation process by the image print image processing unit 170 and the print process by the print processing unit 190 are controlled, and the processes of steps S72 to S76 are repeated.

  In step S80, as described above, it is determined whether or not to end the print target image specifying operation executed by the UI unit 120. The end of this process is determined by operating a predetermined button corresponding to the end of the process in the operation unit 30.

C. Pre-processing management operation:
5 to 7 are explanatory diagrams showing the preprocessing management operation executed by the preprocessing management unit 130.

  The preprocessing management unit 130 repeats the determination processes of steps S310, S320, S330, S340, S350, S340, S350, S360, and S370.

  In step S310, it is determined whether there has been a preprocessing request from the image processing management unit 160 after the start of printing. If there is a pre-processing request (step S310: YES), the processing from step S390 to step S440 is executed. On the other hand, when it is determined that there is no pre-processing request made after the start of printing (step S310: NO), the determination process of step S320 is executed. Note that the processing in steps S390 to S440 will be described later.

  In step S320, it is determined whether or not there is a process result free notification for releasing the lock state of the process result of the preprocess from the UI unit 120. If there is a process result free notification (step S320: YES), the process of step S322 is executed. On the other hand, when there is no processing result free notification (step S320: NO), the determination processing of step S330 is executed.

  Here, in the dedicated memory 60, a predetermined number of processing result storage areas are secured in advance as areas for storing the processing results of the preprocessing, and each processing result storage area is stored in the dedicated memory 60. Are managed by a pre-processing management list.

  FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a preprocessing management list. As shown in the upper part of FIG. 8, the preprocessing management list includes a management area corresponding to each processing result storage area. In each management area, the corresponding processing result storage area stores the processing result of the preprocessing. The file name indicating the print target image assigned as the area, the processing result lock information indicating whether or not to lock the processing result of the preprocessing stored in the corresponding processing result storage area, and the preprocessing has been completed. Processing end information indicating whether or not the processing result of the preprocessing is stored in the corresponding processing result storage area is managed. In the example of FIG. 8, for ease of explanation, a case where four management areas are provided is shown as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and various examples such as 8, 16, 32, etc. It can be configured to have a number of management areas.

  If there is a processing result free notification (step S320: YES), in step S322, the lock state of the corresponding management area in the preprocessing management list is released. And it returns to step S310 and repeats the judgment process of step S310-step S370.

  In step S330, it is determined whether or not there is a processing result lock notification for locking the processing result of the preprocessing from the UI unit 120. If there is a process result lock notification (step S330: YES), the process of step S331 is executed. On the other hand, when there is no process result lock notification (step S330: NO), the determination process of step S340 is executed.

  In step S331, it is determined based on the processing result lock information whether all the management areas in the preprocessing management list are in the locked state. If there is an area that is not locked in any of the management areas in the pre-processing management list (step S331: NO), the process of step S332 is executed. On the other hand, when all of the management areas in the pre-processing management list are locked (step S331: YES), the process of step S333 is executed.

  In step S332, one of the management areas in which the locked state is released is assigned as a management area corresponding to the print target image for which the process result lock notification has been issued, and the process result lock information of the management area is set to “lock”. By doing so, it becomes a locked state. And it returns to step S310 and repeats the judgment process of step S310-step S370.

  In step S333, it is determined whether or not there is a management area in the preprocessing management list corresponding to the print target image whose printing order is later than the print target image for which the processing result lock notification has been given. If there is no management area corresponding to the print contrast image whose printing order is later (step S333: NO), the process returns to step S310, and the determination process of steps S310 to S370 is repeated. On the other hand, if there is a management area corresponding to the print target image whose printing order is later (step S333: YES), the processing of step S334 and step S335 is executed, the process returns to step S310, and steps S310 to S370 are performed. Repeat the determination process.

  In step S334, the information regarding the last print target image managed in the corresponding management area is deleted from the preprocessing management list, and a space is created in the management area of the preprocessing management list. Is assigned as a management area corresponding to the print target image with the processing result lock notification, and the management area is set to the locked state.

  For example, as shown in the pre-processing management list in the upper part of FIG. 8, the print target images with image file names A, C, E, and D are assigned to the four management areas in the pre-processing management list in order from the top. On the other hand, if the print target image for which the processing result lock notification has been issued is the file name F, the file whose print order is the last among the print target images managed in the preprocessing management list Since the printing order is after the print target image of name E, a free area is not created in the management area of the preprocessing management list, and no preprocessing preceding process request is made. On the other hand, when the print target image for which the processing result lock notification has been issued is the file name B, the print target of the file name E whose print order is the last among the print target images managed in the preprocessing management list. Since the print order is before the image, as shown in the pre-processing management list in the middle of FIG. 8, the information of the management area that is usually assigned to the print target image with the file name E is deleted, and the empty area is deleted. create. Then, as shown in the pre-processing management list in the lower part of FIG. 8, the management area that has become a free area is newly allocated to the print target image with the file name B, and the management area is set to the locked state.

  In step S335, a preprocessing advance processing request is made to the preprocessing execution unit 140 for the print target image for which the processing result lock notification has been issued. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing the request process of the preceding process of the preprocess.

  In step S335a, it is determined whether there are a plurality of pre-processing prior processing requests. Specifically, the determination is made by examining whether or not a plurality of pre-processing preceding process requests are stored in the preceding process request buffer storing the pre-processing preceding process request.

  If there is one pre-processing pre-processing request (step S335a: NO), the pre-processing execution unit 140 is requested for pre-processing of the pre-processing in step S335b. On the other hand, when there are a plurality of pre-processing pre-processing requests (step S335a: YES), the initialization process (step of FIG. 2) among the plurality of unexecuted pre-processing pre-processing requests stored in the pre-processing request buffer. In the order of processing in printing described in S10), the pre-processing execution unit 140 is requested to perform pre-processing of pre-processing corresponding to the head image. When the request process of the preceding process of the preprocess is completed, the process returns to step S310 in FIG. 5 and the determination process of steps S310 to S370 is repeated.

  By the way, if it is determined in step S330 (FIG. 5) that there is no processing result lock notification (step S330: NO), whether or not a pre-processing advance processing request has been received from the UI unit 120 in step S340 (FIG. 6). Judge. If there is a pre-processing prior process request (step S340: YES), the process of step S342 is executed. On the other hand, if there is no pre-processing prior processing request (step S340: NO), the determination processing of step S350 is executed.

  In step S <b> 342, the preprocessing preceding process request is stored in a preceding process request buffer provided in the dedicated memory 60. And it returns to step S310 and repeats the judgment process of step S310-step S370.

  In step S350, the preprocessing execution unit 140 determines whether the preprocessing of the preprocessing can be executed. Specifically, if there is a preceding process that has not received an end notification from the preprocessing execution unit 140, the preprocessing execution unit 140 determines that execution is not possible because the preprocessing requested in advance has been executed.

  If it is determined that the preceding process of the preprocess is executable (step S350: YES), the process of step S352 is executed. On the other hand, when it is determined that the preceding process of the pre-process is not executable (step S350: NO), the determination process of step S360 is executed.

  In step S <b> 352, a pre-processing advance processing request is executed to the pre-processing execution unit 140. Note that the request process of the pre-process preceding process is the same as that in step S335, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

  In step S360, it is determined whether or not there has been an end notification for the preceding process of the preprocess requested to the preprocess execution unit 140. If there is a notice of completion of the pre-processing preceding process (step S360: YES), the processes of steps S362 and S364 are executed, the process returns to step S310, and the determination processes of steps S310 to S370 are repeated. On the other hand, when there is no end notification of the pre-processing preceding process (step S360: NO), the determination process of step S370 is executed.

  In step S362, the preprocessing preprocessing request that received the preprocessing preprocessing completion notification is deleted from the preprocessing request buffer, and in step S364, the corresponding management area of the preprocessing management list (FIG. 9) in the dedicated memory 60 is deleted. The process end information is “end”. And it returns to step S310 and repeats the judgment process of step S310-step S350.

  In step S370, it is determined whether or not the UI unit 120 has requested to end the preprocessing preceding process. If there is no request for termination of the pre-processing preceding process (step S370: NO), the process returns to step S310, and the determination process of steps S310 to S370 is repeated. On the other hand, when there is a request for termination of the pre-processing preceding process (step S370: YES), the determination process of step S380 is executed.

  In step S380, it is determined whether or not the preprocessing for which the preprocessing preceding process has been requested to end is the preceding process being executed by the preprocessing execution unit 140. In the case of the preceding process being executed (step S380: YES), a cancellation request for the process is sent to the preprocess execution unit 140. On the other hand, in the case of an unexecuted pre-processing pre-processing request (step S380: NO), the pre-processing pre-processing request is deleted from the pre-processing request buffer in which the pre-processing pre-processing request is stored. And it returns to step S310 and repeats the judgment process of step S310-step S370.

  As described above, the preprocessing preceding unit is managed by the preprocessing management unit 130.

  By the way, as described above, in step S310, when there is a pre-processing request after starting printing from the image processing management unit 160 (step S310: YES), the processing of steps S390 to S440 (FIG. 7) is executed. Is done.

  In step S390, it is determined whether the requested preprocess is a preprocess that has already been executed by the preceding process. If the preprocess has been executed by the preceding process (step S390: YES), the process of step S392 is executed. On the other hand, when it is not an executed pre-process (step S390: NO), the determination process of step S400 is executed.

  In step S392, the image processing management unit 160 is immediately notified of the end of preprocessing. And it returns to step S310 and repeats the judgment process of step S310-step S370.

  In step S400, it is determined whether the requested preprocess corresponds to a preprocess that is executing a preceding process. If it corresponds to the preprocessing being executed (step S400: YES), the processing of step S402 is executed. On the other hand, when it does not correspond to the pre-process being executed (step S400: NO), the determination process of step S410 is executed.

  In step S402, the image processing management unit 160 is notified of the end of the preprocessing after waiting for the end of the preprocessing being executed. Further, in step S404, the buffer (preceding process buffer) storing the preceding process request is reset, and all the preceding processes are stopped. And it returns to step S310 and repeats the judgment process of step S310-step S370.

In step S410, it is determined whether or not an unexecuted preprocess preceding process request is stored in the preceding process request buffer. If an unexecuted pre-processing prior process request is stored (step S410: YES), the process of step S420 is performed after the process of step S412 is performed. On the other hand, if an unexecuted pre-processing prior process request has not been saved (step S410: NO), the process of step S420 is executed.

  In step S412, the preceding process request buffer is reset, and all the preceding process preceding processes are stopped.

  In step S420, in response to the preprocessing request determined in step S310, the preprocessing execution unit 140 is requested to perform the preprocessing.

  In step S430, the process waits until the preprocessing execution unit 140 notifies the end of the preprocessing.

  When the end of the preprocessing is notified, the end of the requested preprocessing is notified to the image processing management unit 160. And it returns to step S310 and repeats the judgment process of step S310-step S370.

  As described above, the preprocessing management unit 130 manages the preprocessing before the printing start and the preprocessing after the printing start, and the preprocessing execution unit 140 executes the preprocessing. In particular, the preceding process of the pre-process before the start of printing is executed when a print candidate image is displayed as a preview.

D. Specific examples of preprocessing operations of preprocessing:
10 and 11 are explanatory diagrams showing specific examples of the pre-processing operation of the pre-processing. In this specific example, first, the image A is preview-displayed as a print candidate image, once selected as a print target image, then canceled, and then the image B is preview-displayed and selected as a print target image, and printing is started. This is shown as an example.

  When the user instructs display of the image A by operating the selection buttons 506P and 506N, the UI unit 120 instructs the image processing unit 170 to start image processing for preview display for the image A.

  At this time, if the image processing can be started, the image processing unit 170 notifies the UI unit 120 of a startable response.

  The UI unit 120 that has received the start enable response notification requests the preprocessing management unit 130 to perform preprocessing of preprocessing for the image A as a print candidate image.

  The preprocessing management unit 130 that has received the preprocessing request for preprocessing requests the preprocessing execution unit 140 to perform preprocessing on the image A.

  The preprocessing execution unit 140 that has received the preprocessing request starts the preprocessing. As this pre-processing, in this example, processing for sampling the decoded image data and creating a histogram, and image feature amounts based on the created histogram, for example, maximum brightness, minimum brightness, average value, center Four processes are executed: a statistical process for obtaining a value, a face recognition process, and a red-eye analysis process.

  The started pre-processing is executed by the main processor 100 (FIG. 1) in which other functional blocks coexist. In such a case, it is common to prioritize processing related to the user interface. Therefore, also in this example, the preprocessing executed by the preprocessing execution unit 140 has a lower priority than the processing executed by other functional blocks, and the rectangular frame surrounded by the thick line in FIG. As shown in the diagram, the process is executed in the idle time when no other functional block is operating.

  The UI unit 120 that requested the pre-processing of the pre-processing for the image A next starts the preview processing. In this preview process, the image A is divided into n (an integer greater than or equal to 1) band, and image processing for preview display is executed for each band.

  Specifically, first, the UI unit 120 requests the image processing unit 170 to execute image processing for preview display for the band 1 of the image A. Upon receiving the image processing execution request, the image processing unit 170 requests the decoding processing execution unit 200B to execute the decoding processing via the image processing control unit 200A. The decoding process execution unit 200B that has received the request for the decoding process executes the decoding process for the band 1 of the image A, and then notifies the end response to the image processing unit 170 via the image processing control unit 200A. The image processing unit 170 that has received the notification of completion of the decoding process notifies the UI unit 120 of an image processing completion response for the band 1 of the requested image A.

  Hereinafter, the image processing for preview display for each band for image A is repeated in the same procedure as the image processing for preview display for band 1 of image A until the image processing for band n is completed.

  Then, the UI unit 120 instructs the image processing unit 170 to end the image processing for preview display for all bands of the image A, receives the response notification, and ends the preview processing for the image A. Then, a preview display is executed for the image A.

  By the way, when the preprocessing for the image A that has been executed using the free time of the main processor 100 is completed, the preprocessing execution unit 140 notifies the preprocessing management unit 130 of the end of the preprocessing for the image A. To do. Upon receipt of the preprocessing end notification, the preprocessing management unit 130 sets the processing end information of the corresponding management area in the preprocessing management list to “end”.

  Next, when the user operates the number designation button 508U to set the number of prints to one or more for the image A displayed as a preview, the UI unit 120 designates the image A as a print target image, and the preprocessing management unit A processing result lock notification for locking the preceding processing result of the preprocessing for the image A is performed on the image 130. Upon receiving the processing result lock notification, the image processing management unit 130 sets the processing result lock information of the management area assigned to the image A to “locked” in the preprocessing management list, and sets the locked state.

  When the user operates the copy number designation button 508N to return the set number of prints to 0, the UI unit 120 cancels the selection of the image A as a print target image and displays the image A in the preprocessing management list. In order to release the set lock state by deleting the information of the management area assigned to the process, the process result free notification is sent to the pre-process management unit 130. Receiving the processing result free notification, the preprocessing management unit 130 releases the management area assigned to the image A in the preprocessing management list, and deletes the management area information, thereby deleting the management area. Are assigned to other print target images (hereinafter also referred to as “free state”).

  Next, when the user instructs display of the image B by operating the selection buttons 506P and 506N, the UI unit 120 instructs the image processing unit 170 to start image processing for preview display for the image B. The preprocessing and preview processing of the preprocessing are performed in the same procedure as in the case of the image A.

  When the user operates the copy number designation button 508U to set the number of prints to one or more for the preview-displayed image B, the UI unit 120 designates the image B as a print target image, and the preprocessing management unit 130 On the other hand, a processing result lock notification for locking the preceding processing result of the preprocessing for the image B is performed. Upon receiving the processing result lock notification, the image processing management unit 130 sets the processing result lock information of the management area assigned to the image B to “locked” in the preprocessing management list, and sets the locked state. Note that the preceding process result of the preprocess stored in the preprocess result storage area managed in the management area in the locked state is used in actual printing.

  When the user operates the print start button 510 to instruct to start printing, as described above, the UI unit 120 instructs the card print control unit 150 to execute printing of the image B that is the print target image. The card print control unit 150 that has received the print execution instruction from the UI unit 120 performs image processing by the image processing unit 170 executed under the management of the image processing management unit 160 and print image by the print image processing unit 170. Data generation processing and print processing by the print processing unit 190 are controlled, and printing of the image B that is the print target image is executed.

E. Effects of the embodiment:
As described above, in the print control apparatus 10 according to the above-described embodiment, when the photo image represented by the photo image data stored in the memory card 52 is displayed as a preview, the preprocessing can be started in advance. As a result, after instructing the start of printing as in the prior art, preprocessing for the image to be printed is performed, and then image processing for printing is started compared to the case where image processing for printing is performed. As a result, it is possible to shorten the waiting time until the actual printing process is started.

  Further, in the print control apparatus 10 of the above-described embodiment, when there are a plurality of unprocessed pre-processing preceding process requests, the order in which the preceding processes are executed is generated by the user selecting as a print target image on the selection screen Instead of the order of the preprocessing prior processing requests, the order is set in advance. In this example, the preview display and the printing process are set to be executed in the same order in the alphabetical order of the image file names searched for in the initialization process. It is set to be executed in order.

  As a result, even when the order of occurrence of pre-processing prior processing requests is different from the printing order, pre-processing can be executed efficiently and waiting time can be shortened.

  For example, in the case of printing a multi-sided image, as shown in FIG. 12, the preceding processing result of the image A and the image B is required first, but the order of the images selected as the print target images is the image. If the preprocessing is executed in the order selected in the order of C, image D, image B, and image A, the effect of performing the preprocessing of the preprocessing cannot be obtained. That is, when printing such a multi-face layout image, in particular, as in the present embodiment, the execution order of the preceding process corresponding to the unexecuted pre-processing preceding process request is not the selection order but the printing process is performed. The effect of the execution order is great.

  However, as in the embodiment, it is not always necessary to set the order in which the preceding process of the pre-processing is performed in the order set in advance, and the order in which the user selects and designates the image to be printed on the selection screen. It doesn't matter.

  In the above embodiment, since the actual image processing is executed not by the main processor 100 but by the three sub-processors 200A to 200C, high-speed processing is possible and the main processor 100 performs preprocessing. It is possible to effectively provide a free time for execution, and it is possible to shorten the processing time.

  As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described, this invention is not limited to such embodiment at all, In the range which does not deviate from the summary, it is possible to implement in various aspects. .

1 is a functional block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a print control apparatus as an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a print target image designation operation executed by a UI unit. It is explanatory drawing shown about a preview process and a pre-processing preceding process. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a print candidate image displayed as a preview on the LCD. FIG. It is explanatory drawing shown about the pre-processing management operation | movement performed by the pre-processing management part 130. FIG. It is explanatory drawing shown about the pre-processing management operation | movement performed by the pre-processing management part 130. FIG. It is explanatory drawing shown about the pre-processing management operation | movement performed by the pre-processing management part 130. FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows a pre-processing management list. It is explanatory drawing shown about the request process of the predecessor process of a preprocess. It is explanatory drawing which shows the specific example about the pre-processing operation | movement of pre-processing. It is explanatory drawing which shows the specific example about the pre-processing operation | movement of pre-processing. It is explanatory drawing shown about a multi-surface layout image.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Print control apparatus 20 ... Printing mechanism part 30 ... Operation part 40 ... Liquid crystal panel (LCD)
50 ... Card slot 52 ... Memory card 60 ... Dedicated memory 70 ... Shared memory 100 ... Main processor (printing control unit)
110: File access unit 120 ... User interface unit (UI unit)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 130 ... Preprocessing management part 140 ... Preprocessing execution part 150 ... Card printing control part 160 ... Image processing management part 170 ... Image processing part 180 ... Print image processing part 190 ... Print processing part 200A ... 1st sub processor (image processing) Control part)
200B 2nd sub-processor (decoding processing execution unit)
200C ... Third sub-processor (correction processing execution unit)
200D: Fourth sub-processor (print image processing execution unit)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 300 ... Mechanism control part 500M ... Selection screen 502 ... Preview display column 504 ... Print number display part 506N ... Selection button 506P ... Selection button 508D ... Number specification button 508U ... Number specification button 510 ... Print start button 400 ... Input I / F part 600: Card I / F unit 700: Dedicated memory controller 800 ... Shared memory controller

Claims (3)

According to the print execution instruction for the specified print target image, the print target image data representing the specified print target image is corrected based on the correction parameter for correcting the image quality of the print target image, and the corrected print is performed. A print control apparatus that executes printing based on target image data,
A print target image designating unit that selects a print candidate image that is a candidate for the print target image and designates the selected print candidate image as the print target image;
A preprocessing execution unit that executes preprocessing for obtaining the correction parameter;
A preprocessing management unit that manages execution of the preprocessing in the preprocessing execution unit;
An image processing unit that performs an image correction process on the print target image using the correction parameter;
With
The pre-processing management unit
When the print candidate image is selected, before the print candidate image is designated as the print target image, the selected print candidate image is used as the preprocessing target image as the execution target of the preprocessing. Set and instruct the pre-processing execution unit to execute the pre-processing in advance for the set pre-processing target image;
When the print candidate image set as the preprocessing target image is designated as the print target image, the correction parameter obtained as a result of the preprocessing executed in advance is used as the print target image. Set as a correction parameter for the image correction processing executed for
A printing control apparatus characterized by that. The print control apparatus according to claim 1,
The correction parameter includes a first type of parameter obtained by performing statistical processing on pre-processing target image data representing the set pre-processing target image, and face recognition for the pre-processing target image data. At least one parameter is included among the second type parameter group obtained by performing processing and the third type parameter obtained by performing red-eye analysis processing on the preprocessing target image data. ,
A printing control apparatus characterized by that. In accordance with the print execution instruction for the designated print target image, the print target image data representing the designated print target image is corrected based on the correction parameter for correcting the image quality of the print target image, and the corrected print target A print control method for executing printing based on image data,
A print target image specifying step of selecting a print candidate image that is a candidate for the print target image and specifying the selected print candidate image as the print target image;
A pre-processing execution step of performing a pre-process for obtaining the correction parameter;
A preprocessing management step for managing execution of the preprocessing in the preprocessing execution unit;
An image processing step of performing an image correction process on the print target image using the correction parameter;
With
The pretreatment management process includes
When the print candidate image is selected, before the print candidate image is designated as the print target image, the selected print candidate image is used as the preprocessing target image as the execution target of the preprocessing. Set and instruct the pre-processing execution unit to execute the pre-processing in advance for the set pre-processing target image;
When the print candidate image set as the preprocessing target image is designated as the print target image, the correction parameter obtained as a result of the preprocessing executed in advance is used as the print target image. Set as a correction parameter for the image correction processing executed for
And a printing control method.

Images