JP4909427B2 - Image recording system and image retrieval method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus, an image processing method, a program, and a recording medium that generate a data list of image data read from a recording medium such as a PC card and can narrow down the data list.

  In recent years, digital cameras that convert an image as a photographing result into image data and store the image data in a recording medium such as a compact flash (registered trademark) card have become widespread. In general, a personal computer is used for an image recording system for recording an image photographed by a digital camera with a printer. The personal computer takes in image data from a recording medium in which the image data is stored, and the image data is transferred to the printer. Is converted to printable print data and output to a printer.

  The image recording system will be specifically described with reference to FIG. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a conventional image recording system. As shown in FIG. 15, the image recording system includes a digital camera 501, a personal computer 502, and a printer 503. The digital camera 501 and the personal computer 502 can communicate via a communication cable 504 such as RS232C. The personal computer 502 and the printer 503 are communicably connected via a communication cable 505 such as Centronics or USB.

  An image photographed by the digital camera 501 is temporarily stored as image data in a compact flash (registered trademark) card attached to the digital camera 501. When recording the captured image, first, the digital camera 501 and the personal computer 502 are connected by the communication cable 504, and communication software is activated on the personal computer 502. Next, the communication software communicates with the communication software in the digital camera 501, and the image data stored in the compact flash (registered trademark) card of the digital camera 501 is transferred to the personal computer 502 via the communication cable 504. Is transmitted. This image data is temporarily stored in the hard disk of the personal computer 502 or the like.

  Alternatively, a method of connecting a card drive (not shown) for reading a compact flash (registered trademark) card or the like to the personal computer 502 and inserting a compact flash (registered trademark) card taken out from the digital camera 501 into the card drive is also generally used. It has become.

  Now, in order to print the captured image data with the printer 503, an application on the personal computer 502 is normally activated, and after the image data is processed, “print” is instructed from the application. Then, a printer driver for the printer 503 is activated, and the image data is converted into print data that can be recorded by the printer 503 by the printer driver, and then output to the printer 503 via the communication cable 505. The printer 503 captures print data via the communication cable 505, records an image indicated by the print data on a recording sheet based on the print data, and outputs the recording paper.

However, in the above-described conventional image recording system, the communication cable 504 for connecting the image data of the digital camera 501 to the personal computer 502 is connected, the communication software is started, and the captured image data is converted into print data for output. Since the operation and work on the personal computer 502 such as the activation of the application is necessary, the operation for printing the image taken with the digital camera is troublesome and troublesome.
In addition, the image recording system as described above requires a personal computer and is expensive, which makes it difficult for a user who does not have such a system to use the digital camera.

  Furthermore, although personal computers have been widely used, there are still many problems that must be solved to actually use them, and it is pointed out that there are a large number of users who cannot use them even if they have them. For example, it is difficult to use an application for recording image data as a result of photographing with a digital camera, or even if you purchase a printer and install a printer driver, the installation itself is difficult, or you do not know the command input method. That's it.

  From such a background, in order for digital cameras to be widely used in the future and to be used normally in general households, the cost is low, the CompactFlash (registered trademark) card or the like can be mounted, A card direct printing apparatus has been devised as an image recording apparatus that integrates an image data processing apparatus and a printer that are simple in operation for recording image data and activated when a power switch is turned on.

  As described above, this card direct printing apparatus is configured so that a compact flash (registered trademark) card or the like can be directly mounted thereon, and further has a display device for uniquely specifying image data. This is used for selecting a desired image from image data in a CompactFlash (registered trademark) card and instructing printing. However, in order to keep the cost low in such a card direct printing device, this display device employs only a text-based monochrome liquid crystal or a small color liquid crystal of about 2 inches, and one screen can handle one image data. It is normal that only operation is possible. Therefore, in order to instruct the user to print desired image data, for example, one image is displayed, the number of prints is designated as 2, the next image is displayed, and the number of prints of this image is designated as 1. However, it is necessary to repeat the operation of ...

  On the other hand, recent CompactFlash (registered trademark) cards have been increased in capacity, and depending on the shooting mode of the digital camera, it is possible to store many hundreds of image data in one card. Then, as described above, displaying an image, designating the number of prints, displaying the next image,..., Repeatedly takes a long time to find a desired image.

  In view of this, an image recording apparatus having a function of “narrowing” image data with similarity to a certain condition based on information recorded in the image data has been proposed as an aid to find desired image data ( For example, see Patent Document 1).

JP 2001-283220 A

  However, when the image recording apparatus exits the image data narrowing mode, the image selection state is canceled. Therefore, even if an attempt is made to add image data obtained by narrowing down another narrowing condition to image data obtained by narrowing down a certain narrowing condition, the image selection state is once canceled by exiting the previous narrowing mode. Therefore, image data obtained by the subsequent narrowing cannot be added to the image data obtained by the previous narrowing.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to make it possible to add a narrowing result for the data list based on the subsequent narrowing condition to a narrowing result for the data list of image data based on the narrowing condition for the previous stage.

  The image recording system of the present invention is an image recording system in which an image search device and a recording control device are connected, and the image search device is recorded on a first recording medium based on a set narrowing condition. Narrowing means for narrowing down from image data, and notifying means for notifying the recording control apparatus of information indicating at least image data obtained as a result of narrowing down by the narrowing means, wherein the recording control apparatus uses the notifying means. Based on the notified information and the image data recorded on the second recording medium, the image data to be recorded is determined from the image data recorded on the first recording medium, and the image data is determined to be the recording target. Recording control means for reading from the first recording medium and recording it on the second recording medium. When the second narrowing is performed on the image data under a narrowing condition different from the first narrowing after the first narrowing is performed on the image data, the second narrowing is added to the image data as a result of the first narrowing. Information indicating image data to which image data matching the narrowing condition is added is notified, and the recording control means includes image data recorded on the second recording medium among image data indicated by the notified information, and It is characterized in that non-overlapping image data is determined as a recording target.

  According to the present invention, when there is a refinement instruction for a data list based on different refinement conditions, a refinement result for the data list based on the refinement condition of the subsequent stage is added to the refinement result for the data list based on the refinement condition of the previous stage. A refined list can be generated.

1 is an external perspective view of a direct printer apparatus (PD printer apparatus) according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the structure of an operation panel. It is a figure which shows the structure of the principal part which concerns on control of PD printer apparatus. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of ASIC. It is a figure which shows the state which connected PD printer apparatus and the digital camera. It is a functional block diagram of a PD printer. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure for operating an operation panel of a PD printer device to select image data stored in a PC card and storing it in a PC connected to the PD printer device. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure which narrows down the image data preserve | saved at the PC card with specific search conditions. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the preservation | save process of a narrowing-down image. It is a figure which shows the example of an image display on a viewer. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the said file list on a liquid crystal display part while showing typically the file list constructed | assembled in PC printer apparatus. It is a figure which shows the display state on the liquid crystal display part after narrowing down typically while showing the file list after narrowing down. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the said file list on a liquid crystal display part while showing typically the file list constructed | assembled within the PC printer apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the display content on a liquid crystal display part. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the conventional image recording system.

  DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments to which the invention is applied will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a direct printer apparatus (hereinafter referred to as a PD printer apparatus) 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The PD printer 1000 has a function as a normal PC printer that receives and prints data from a host computer (PC), a function that directly reads and prints image data stored in a storage medium such as a memory card, or the like. It has a function of receiving and printing image data from a digital camera and a function of saving image data in a memory card attached to the PD printer 1000.

  In FIG. 1, the main body that forms the outer shell of the PD printer 1000 according to the present embodiment includes a lower case 1001, an upper case 1002, an access cover 1003, and an exterior tray 1004. The lower case 1001 forms a substantially lower half of the PD printer 1000, and the upper case 1002 forms a substantially upper half of the main body. A combination of both cases accommodates the mechanisms described below. A hollow body structure having a space is formed, and openings are formed in the upper surface portion and the front surface portion, respectively. Further, one end of the discharge tray 1004 is rotatably held by the lower case 1001, and an opening formed on the front surface of the lower case 1001 can be opened and closed by the rotation. For this reason, when executing the recording operation, the discharge tray 1004 is rotated to the front side to open the opening, so that the recording sheets can be discharged from here and the discharged recording sheets are sequentially stacked. It has come to be able to do. The paper discharge tray 1004 contains two auxiliary trays 1004a and 1004b. By pulling out each tray as needed, the paper support area can be expanded or reduced in three stages. It has become.

  One end of the access cover 1003 is rotatably held by the upper case 1002 so that an opening formed on the upper surface can be opened and closed. By opening the access cover 1003, the access cover 1003 is accommodated inside the main body. It is possible to replace the recording head cartridge (not shown) or the ink tank (not shown). Although not particularly shown here, when the access cover 1003 is opened and closed, the protrusion formed on the back surface rotates the cover opening and closing lever, and the rotation position of the lever is detected by a micro switch or the like. Thus, the open / closed state of the access cover can be detected.

  A power key 1005 is provided on the upper surface of the upper case 1002 so that it can be pressed. An operation panel 1010 including a liquid crystal display unit 1006 and various key switches is provided on the right side of the upper case 1002. The structure of the operation panel 1010 will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. An automatic feeding unit 1007 automatically feeds the recording sheet into the apparatus main body. Reference numeral 1008 denotes a paper interval selection lever, which is a lever for adjusting the interval between the print head and the recording sheet. Reference numeral 1009 denotes a card slot, into which an adapter capable of mounting a memory card is inserted, through which image data stored in the memory card can be directly captured and printed. Examples of the memory card (PC card) include a compact flash (registered trademark) memory, smart media, and a memory stick.

  A viewer (liquid crystal display unit) 1011 is detachable from the main body of the PD printer 1000. When searching for an image to be printed from images stored in a PC card, an image for each frame is displayed. This is used to display an index image or the like, or to display a screen for prompting the operation of the PD printer 1000. Reference numeral 1012 denotes a terminal for connecting a digital camera to be described later. The PD printer 1000 includes a USB bus connector for connecting a personal computer (PC) (not shown).

  FIG. 2 is an overview of the operation panel 1010 of the PD printer 1000 according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 2, the liquid crystal display unit 1006 displays menu items for setting various data relating to items printed on the left side of the drawing. The items displayed here are the first photo number of the range to be printed, the designated frame number (start / designation), the last photo number of the range where printing has been completed (end), the number of copies (number of copies), and used for printing. Paper (recording sheet) type (paper type) Number of photos to be printed on one sheet (layout), print quality specification (quality), and whether to print the date of shooting (date printing) In addition, there is a designation of whether or not a photograph is to be printed (image correction), a display of the number of sheets necessary for printing (number of sheets), and the like.

  These items are selected or designated using the cursor keys 2001. 2002 is a mode key, and each time this key is pressed, the type of printing (index printing, full-frame printing, single-frame printing, etc.) and image data stored in the PC card are narrowed down by specific conditions. The narrowing function can be switched, and the corresponding LED 2003 is turned on accordingly. A maintenance key 2004 is a key for performing maintenance of the printer such as cleaning of the print head. Reference numeral 2005 denotes a print start key which is pressed when instructing the start of printing or when establishing various settings such as maintenance. Reference numeral 2006 denotes a print cancel key which is pressed when printing is stopped or when maintenance is instructed. Reference numeral 2007 denotes a save key. This is a key used to store image data stored in the PC card in the PC. Reference numeral 2008 denotes a narrowing-down button. The narrowing-down condition can be changed every time the narrowing-down button 2008 is pressed, and the image selection information set up to that point (for example, for printing) is maintained, and a new Information indicating an image that has been narrowed down under a narrowing condition can be added to the image selection information.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 3, the configuration of the main part relating to the control of the PD printer 1000 according to the present embodiment will be described. In FIG. 3, the same reference numerals are given to portions common to the above-described drawings, and the description thereof is omitted.

  In FIG. 3, reference numeral 3000 denotes a control unit (control board). Reference numeral 3001 denotes an ASIC (dedicated custom LSI), the configuration of which will be described later in detail with reference to the block diagram of FIG. Reference numeral 3002 denotes a DSP (digital signal processor) having an internal CPU, and various control processes to be described later and images such as conversion from a luminance signal (RGB) to a density signal (CMYK), scaling, gamma conversion, and error diffusion. I am in charge of processing. A memory 3003 has a program memory 3003a that stores a control program for the CPU of the DSP 3002, a RAM area that stores a program at the time of execution, and a memory area that functions as a work memory that stores image data and the like.

  Reference numeral 3004 denotes a printer engine. Here, a printer engine of an ink jet printer that prints a color image using a plurality of color inks is installed. Reference numeral 3005 denotes a USB bus connector as a port for connecting the digital camera 3012. Reference numeral 3006 denotes a connector for connecting the viewer 1011. Reference numeral 3008 denotes a USB bus hub (USB HUB). When the PD printer 1000 performs printing based on image data from the PC 3010, the data from the PC 3010 is directly passed through to the printer engine 3004 via the USB bus 3021. Output. As a result, the connected PC 3010 can directly perform printing by exchanging data and signals with the printer engine 3004 (functions as a general PC printer). Reference numeral 3009 denotes a power connector which inputs a DC voltage converted from commercial AC by a power source 3013. A PC 3010 is a general personal computer, 3011 is the memory card (PC card) described above, and 3012 is a digital camera. Note that the exchange of signals between the control unit 3000 and the printer engine 3004 is performed via the USB bus 3021 or the IEEE 1284 bus 3022 described above.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the ASIC 3001. In FIG. 4 as well, portions common to the above-mentioned drawings are given the same symbols, and description thereof is omitted.

  Reference numeral 4001 denotes a PC card interface unit that reads image data stored in the attached PC card 3011 or writes data to the PC card 3011. Reference numeral 4002 denotes an IEEE 1284 interface unit that exchanges data with the printer engine 3004. The IEEE 1284 interface unit 4002 is a bus used when printing image data stored in the digital camera 3012 or the PC card 3011.

  A USB interface unit 4003 exchanges data with the PC 3010. A USB host interface unit 4004 exchanges data with the digital camera 3012. Reference numeral 4005 denotes an operation panel / interface unit that inputs various operation signals from the operation panel 1010 and outputs display data to the display unit 1006.

  A viewer interface unit 4006 controls display of image data on the viewer 1011. Reference numeral 4007 denotes an interface unit that controls an interface with various switches, the LED 4009, and the like. A CPU interface unit 4008 controls data exchange with the DSP 3002. Reference numeral 4010 denotes an internal bus (ASIC bus) that connects these units.

  FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram of the PD printer 1000 according to the present embodiment. Also in FIG. 6, the same symbols are given to the parts common to the above-mentioned drawings, and the description thereof is omitted. In FIG. 6, reference numeral 6001 denotes a data reading unit for reading data from the PC card 3011. Reference numeral 6002 denotes a memory card management unit that reads data from the PC card 3011 and manages the image data stored in the PC card 3011 in a list structure. Reference numeral 6003 denotes a narrowing unit for searching for image data managed by the memory card management unit 6002 under a specific condition and performing narrowing down. Reference numeral 6004 denotes an image processing unit for creating print data. The details are the same as those described above, and thus the description thereof is omitted here. Reference numeral 6005 denotes a character string insertion unit. A character string insertion unit 6005 is a means for inserting an arbitrary character string into the print data created by the image processing unit 6004 and printing the arbitrary character string at the time of printing. Reference numeral 6006 denotes a PC connection unit for connecting to the PC 3010.

Next, an operation outline based on the above configuration will be described below.
<Normal PC printer mode>
The normal PC printer mode is a print mode for printing an image based on print data sent from the PC 3010. In this mode, when data from the PC 3010 is input via a connector (not shown), the data is sent directly to the printer engine 3004 via the USB bus hub 3008 and the USB bus 3021, and printing is performed based on the data from the PC 3010. .

<Direct print mode from PC card>
When the PC card 3011 is inserted into or removed from the card slot 1009, an interrupt is generated, whereby the DSP 3002 can detect whether the PC card 3011 is inserted or removed (removed). When the PC card 3011 is inserted, compressed (for example, JPEG compressed) image data stored in the PC card 3011 is read and stored in the memory 3003. Thereafter, the compressed image data is decompressed and stored in the memory 3003 again. Next, when printing of the stored image data is instructed using the operation panel 1010, the printer engine 3004 can perform printing by executing conversion from RGB signals to CMYK signals, gamma correction, error diffusion, and the like. Printing is performed by converting the data into print data and outputting the print data to the printer engine 3004 via the IEEE 1284 interface unit 4002.

<Direct print mode from camera>
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a state in which the PD printer 1000 according to the present embodiment and the digital camera 3012 are connected. In FIG. 5, the cable 5000 includes a connector 5001 connected to the connector 1012 of the PD printer apparatus 1000 and a connector 5002 for connecting to the connection connector 5003 of the digital camera 3012. The image data stored in the internal memory can be output via the connection connector 5003. Note that as the configuration of the digital camera 3012, various configurations such as a configuration having a memory as a storage unit inside and a configuration having a slot for mounting a removable memory can be employed. In this way, by connecting the PD printer apparatus 1000 and the digital camera 3012 via the cable 5000 shown in FIG. 5, the image data from the digital camera 3012 can be directly printed by the PD printer apparatus 1000.

<Save mode to host computer>
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a procedure for operating the operation panel 1010 of the PD printer apparatus 1000 to select image data stored in the PC card 3011 and storing it in the PC 3010 connected to the PD printer apparatus 1000. is there.

  First, when the save key 2007 provided on the operation panel 1010 of the PD printer 1000 is pressed, the mode shifts to the save mode (step S7001). Next, the PC 3010 is notified that the PD printer 1000 has shifted to the storage mode (step S7002). Receiving the notification of transition to the storage mode, the PC 3010 newly creates a folder used for image storage (step S7003). The folder name to be created may be an arbitrary folder name, but here, a folder name that is easy to manage and a folder name that does not overlap is given.

  Next, the cursor key 2001 provided on the operation panel 1010 is operated to select an image to be saved. At the time of selection, pressing the print start key 2005 provided on the operation panel 1010 confirms the selection (step S7004). Next, the PC 3010 is notified of a file path for specifying the image data determined to be saved (step S7005). The PC 3010 determines whether the notified image data size is a storable size (step S7006). If the size is storable, the notified image data is read and stored in the image storage folder created in step S7003 (step S7007).

  When the storage is completed, the PD printer 1000 is notified that the storage has been normally completed (step S7008). Receiving the notification, the PD printer 1000 displays the normal end on the viewer 1011 as indicated by 10001 in FIG. 10 (step S7009). In step S7006 for determining whether the notified image data can be stored, if it is determined that the size cannot be stored, the PD printer 1000 is notified that the image data could not be stored (step S7010). Upon receiving the notification, the PD printer 1000 displays on the viewer 1011 that the data could not be saved, as indicated by 10002 in FIG. 10 (step S7009).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the storage mode is ended (step S7011). The save mode is ended by pressing the save key 2007 again. If the storage mode is continued, the process returns to step S7004 for selecting the image, and a plurality of images can be stored by repeating the above procedure. If it is determined in step S7011 that the storage mode ends, the PD printer 1000 notifies the PC 3010 that the storage mode has ended (step S7012). Upon receiving the notification, the PC 3010 changes the attribute of all the image data stored in the above procedure to the “writable” attribute (step S7013). By disabling the write attribute in this way, it is possible to prevent unexpected data loss due to a user operation error or the like. Through the above procedure, arbitrary image data saved in the memory card can be selected and saved in the host computer.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, as a second embodiment of the present invention, a method for registering the narrowed-down image data in the narrow-down list using the narrowing-down unit 6003 in FIG. 6, the image data stored in the host computer, and the attachment to the printing apparatus A storage method that does not store image data that is determined to be the same as the image data stored in the stored storage medium will be described in detail. The same image determination means provided on the host computer side can be realized as a software application on the host computer, and is not particularly shown here.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a procedure for narrowing down image data stored in the PC card 3011 with a specific search condition. To narrow down the image data, the mode key 2002 provided on the operation panel 1010 is operated to shift to the narrowing down mode (step S8001). Next, a search condition for narrowing down image data is selected (step S8002). On the viewer 1011, a screen for prompting selection is displayed as 10003 in FIG. 10.

  If “Filtering by shooting date” is selected in step S8002 for selecting a search condition for filtering, first, the shooting date that is the head of the range to be searched is set on the first date setting screen (10004 in FIG. 10) ( Step S8003). Next, the shooting date at the end of the search range is set on the end date setting screen (10005 in FIG. 10) (step S8004). Through the above two steps, it is possible to pick up image data corresponding to the designated range. If “squeezing by image format” is selected in step S8002 for selecting a search condition for filtering, the image format to be filtered is selected on the format selection screen (10006 in FIG. 10) (step S8005). . Here, the narrowing-down conditions are selected from a format created when shooting with a general digital camera, for example, a JPEG format or a TIFF format.

  In this embodiment, the method of selecting “squeezing by shooting date” and “squeezing by image format” and the method of selecting the image format from the JPEG and TIFF formats are exemplified, but other search conditions are also available. It is also feasible to narrow down with the conditions added. In addition, it is possible to narrow down by another condition after narrowing down by a specific search condition by using the narrowing-down button 2008, and in the narrowing-down result for the file list by the filtering condition of the previous stage, It is also possible to add a refinement result for the file list based on.

  Next, the head of the image data list created by the memory card management unit 6002 is set as a check target image, and the following procedure is repeated. First, it is determined whether or not the check target image matches the narrowing search condition (step S8006). If the search condition is met, the target image is added to the narrowed down list of check target images (step S8007). Next, it is determined whether all images in the image data list have been checked (step S8008). If the check has not been completed for all the images in the image data list, the next image registered in the image data list is set as the check target image (step S8009), and the process is repeated from step S8006. If it is determined in step S8006 that it is determined whether or not the search condition matches, the image is excluded as a result of narrowing down, so step S8008 is executed without being registered in the narrowing list. . If it is determined in step S8008 that all the images in the image data list have been checked, the process ends.

  With the above procedure, narrowing down is completed, and a narrowing list in which only specific image data is narrowed down is created. Next, details of saving the narrowed-down image in this state will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  As in the first embodiment, when the save key 2007 provided on the operation panel 1010 of the PD printer apparatus 1000 is pressed, the screen shifts to the narrowed-down save mode (step S9001). After the mode shift, the search condition used for narrowing down is notified to the PC 3010 (step S9002). Receiving the notification, the PC 3010 creates a new folder for saving images using the search condition as the folder name, and stores the search condition information in the folder (step S9003). Next, the narrowing-down list narrowed down from the PD printer 1000 is notified to the PC 3010 (step S9004). The PC 3010 repeats the following from the top image data of the notified list and saves it. First, it is determined whether or not the size of the image data to be stored is a size that can be stored (step S9005). If it is determined that the size is storable, it is determined whether the image data is the same as the image already stored in the PC 3010 (step S9006).

  Note that the method for determining whether or not the images are the same is made by comparing the image data capture time, file name, arbitrary byte data, etc. between the PC 3010 and the image stored in the PC card 3011. If it is desired to perform a more precise check, it is possible to increase the accuracy by comparing all the image data. Further, these determination criteria are not limited to the above, and the shooting mode, file creation date and time, etc. can be applied to the determination criteria and are not related to the essence of the present invention.

  Procedure for determining whether or not the image data is the same In step S9006, if it is determined that the image data is not the same, the image data is read out and created in step S9003 to determine that the image data is to be stored. Saving to a folder (step S9007). Next, the attribute of the stored image data is changed to “writable” (step S9008). Next, it is determined whether or not all the image data in the narrowing list has been saved (step S9009). If the saving process of the image data in the narrowing list has not been completed, the next image in the narrowing list is set as the saving target image (step S9010), and the process is repeated from step S9005. If it is determined in step S9009 that it is determined whether or not the processing for saving the image data of the narrowing list has been completed, the PD printer determines that the storage processing for all the image data in the narrowing list has been completed. The device 1000 is notified (step S9011). Upon receiving the processing end notification, the PD printer 1000 displays on the viewer 1011 that the storage processing has been completed normally, as indicated by 10001 in FIG. 10 (step S9013), and ends the narrowing storage processing. In Step S9005 for Determining whether Image Data Can Be Saved When it is determined that the image data cannot be saved, the PD printer 1000 is notified that the image data could not be saved (step S9012). As indicated by 10002 in FIG. 10, the PD printer apparatus displays on the viewer 1011 that the data could not be saved (step S9013), and ends the narrowing and saving process.

  According to the above procedure, only image data narrowed down under a specific condition can be saved, and the same image can be saved in a lump without being redundantly saved.

  In a printing system having a conventional image data storage function, all images stored in a storage medium attached to the printing apparatus are unconditionally stored. Therefore, an arbitrary image can be selected and stored. However, it was necessary to manage the image data again using the host computer. However, according to the present invention, any image can be selected and stored on the printing apparatus side, so it is necessary to manage it again using the host computer. There is no.

  Further, after the image data is stored, by disabling the write attribute of the stored image data, it is possible to prevent the image data from being lost due to a user's work mistake or the like.

  Further, since only the image data narrowed down under a specific condition is stored on the printing apparatus side, the management of the image data can be facilitated, and the convenience for the user is increased.

  Further, the image data stored in the host computer is compared with the image data stored in the storage medium attached to the printing apparatus, and the image data determined to be the same is not stored. The computer's storage capacity is not wasted.

(Third embodiment)
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the present embodiment, after the image data recorded in the PC card 3011 is read on the liquid crystal display unit 1006 as shown in FIG. 14, the image number (DCF number) uniquely indicating the image and the image number are displayed. The number of prints indicating how many pieces of image data are to be printed is displayed. The DCF number specifies the folder structure specified by the DCF standard and the numbering for specifying the images in it, and the folder structure is like \\ DCIM \ 100ABC \ IMG_0001.JPG. In this case, it is specified that “100” of “100ABC” and “0001” of “IMG_0001.JPG” are taken and displayed as “100-0001”. However, the folder name “100ABC” can be determined freely on the digital camera side within the range that does not overlap the name of “upper 3 digits are numbers from 100 to 999, lower 5 digits are arbitrary”. As for “.JPG”, it is stipulated that the digital camera can freely determine the name “the lower 4 digits are numbers from 0001 to 9999, the upper 4 digits are arbitrary”.

  In the present embodiment, when the PC card 3011 is inserted into the card slot (recording medium connection unit) 1009, a file list as shown in FIG. This list is configured so that the image number (DCF number) and the number of printed images (specified by the user) can be stored. The liquid crystal display unit 1006 displays the smallest image number (DCF number), that is, the top number of the file list so that the user selects an image and sets the number of prints.

Here, the user can perform the following operations by pressing the cursor key (up / down / left / right key) 2001 shown in FIG.
Right key: Moves to the operation for the image with the next smaller image number after the currently displayed image number (DCF number). When the currently displayed image number is the largest image number in the card, the operation proceeds to the operation for the smallest image number.
Left key: Shifts to the operation for the image with the next highest image number after the currently displayed image number (DCF number). When the currently displayed image number is the smallest image number in the card, the operation proceeds to the operation for the largest image number.
Up key: Increases the number of printed images of the currently displayed image number by one. Ignore this operation when the maximum value is already reached (for example, 99 sheets). Lower key: Decreases the number of prints of the image with the currently displayed image number by one. If it is already 0, this operation is ignored.

  After this operation, by pressing a print start key 2005, the user can print any number of desired images at a time. For example, in FIG. 14, two images with image numbers (DCF numbers) 100-0001 and three images with 100-0005 are designated, so a total of five images are printed. However, in the aforementioned operation, as the number of images in the card increases, it is necessary for the user to press the left and right keys very much in order to reach the desired image number, which is inconvenient.

  Generally, since a person has a strong association with an image taken with a digital camera and the date, it is easy to find a desired image if the target image can be limited by the date. Therefore, it is preferable to limit the image numbers themselves displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 1006 by using the image data narrowing function as described in the second embodiment.

The contents displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 1006 when narrowing down will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 12 (b) shows a state after further narrowing down from the state of FIG. 11 (b), where the date is narrowed down to images from 2001/11/21 to 2002/4/5. . The broken line portion is an image to be narrowed down, and by performing this narrowing down, a new one is compared with the date selected by the user from the file list shown in FIG. 11A inside the PD printer 1000. A new file list is constructed (FIG. 12 (a)) and replaced with the original file list. As a result, only eight images from image numbers 100-0008 to 100-0017 are displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 1006.

  Now, an image displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 1006 after narrowing down, which is a characteristic part of the present embodiment, and its operation will be described with reference to FIGS. As described above, FIG. 12B shows a state in which all image files recorded in the PC card 3011 are narrowed down to the date indicated by a broken line by the “squeezing function”. Since the image numbers (DCF numbers) displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 1006 are limited to eight images from 100-0008 to 100-0017, operations on the image numbers 100-0001 and 100-0022 cannot be performed.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, a file list as shown in FIG. 13A is configured, and an image that has not been narrowed down is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 1006 when the number of prints has already been specified. It constitutes.

FIG. 13A schematically shows a file list configured in the present embodiment, and all image files recorded on the PC card 3011 are listed in this list. In addition to the image number information, the number of copies to be printed is specified for each node of this list, that is, each image file, or whether the image file is currently within the target of narrowing down (indicated by IN). Is recorded (indicated by OUT). By configuring the list in this way, both the “image number where the number of prints is not 0” and the “image number within the narrowing down target” in the list are displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 1006 (FIG. 13 ( b)).
When a save instruction is given in this state, a file list indicating image data for which printing has been instructed and image data obtained by narrowing down is notified from the PC printer apparatus 1000 to the PC 3010, and the PC printer apparatus 1000 receives the PC 3010. The image data to be stored in the file list is transmitted to the PC 3010.

  In this state, for example, if the print number designation of image number 100-0001 is set to “0”, the print number recorded in “100-0001” on this file list is set to “0”. Is not displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 1006.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, even when narrowing down by date is performed, image files for which the number of prints has already been selected are to be displayed, so the number of prints can be changed even after narrowing down. is there. In the above description, the DCF number is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 1006, but the file name and thumbnail image of the corresponding file are displayed in addition to the DCF number or instead of the DCF number. May be.

  Another object of the present invention is to supply a storage medium storing software program codes for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or apparatus, and the computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus stores the storage medium. Needless to say, this can also be achieved by reading and executing the program code stored in.

  In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments, and the program code itself and the storage medium storing the program code constitute the present invention.

  As a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, a flexible disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a CD-R, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card, a ROM, or the like can be used.

  Further, by executing the program code read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also an OS (basic system or operating system) running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. Needless to say, a case where the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized by performing part or all of the actual processing and the processing is included.

  Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written in a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function is determined based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that the CPU or the like provided in the expansion board or function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.

  1000 PD printer device, 1001 lower case, 1002 upper case, 1003 access cover, 1004 discharge tray, 1005 power key, 1006 liquid crystal display unit, 1007 automatic feeding unit, 1008 paper gap selection lever, 1009 card slot, 1010 operation panel, 1011 Viewer, 2001 Cursor key, 2002 Mode key, 2003 LED, 2004 Maintenance key, 2005 Print start key, 2006 Print stop key, 2007 Save key, 2008 Narrow down button 3000 Control unit, 3001 ASIC, 3002 DSP, 3003 Memory, 3004 Printer engine, 3005 USB bus connector, 3006 viewer, 3008 USB hub bus, 3009 power connector, 3010 PCPC, 011 PC card, 3012 digital camera, 3013 power supply, 4001 PC card interface unit, 4002 IEEE1284 interface unit, 4003 USB interface unit, 4004 USB host interface unit, 4005 operation panel interface unit, 4006 viewer interface unit, 4007 interface unit, 4008 CPU interface unit, 4009 Various switches, 4010 Internal bus, 6001 Data reading unit, 6002 Memory card management unit, 6003 Narrowing unit, 6004 Image processing unit, 6005 Character string insertion unit, 6006 PC connection unit

Claims (9)

An image recording system in which an image search device and a recording control device are connected,
The image search device includes:
Narrowing means for narrowing down the image data recorded on the first recording medium based on the set narrowing condition;
Notification means for notifying the recording control device of information indicating image data obtained as a result of narrowing by at least the narrowing means;
The recording control device
Based on the information notified by the notification means and the image data recorded on the second recording medium, the image data to be recorded is determined from the image data recorded on the first recording medium, Recording control means for reading the determined image data from the first recording medium and recording it on the second recording medium;
When the second narrowing-down is performed on the image data under a narrowing condition different from the first narrowing-down after the narrowing-down means performs the first narrowing-down on the image data, the notifying unit performs the first narrowing-down. Information indicating image data obtained by adding image data that matches the second narrowing-down condition to the image data of the result is notified, and the recording control unit is configured to notify the second of the image data indicated by the notified information. An image recording system, wherein image data that does not overlap with image data recorded on the recording medium is determined as a recording target. An image recording system in which an image search device and a recording control device are connected,
The image search device includes:
Data list generating means for generating a data list indicating image data recorded on the first recording medium;
Narrowing means for narrowing down from the image data indicated by the data list based on the set narrowing conditions;
Notification means for notifying the recording control device of information indicating image data as a result of being narrowed by at least the narrowing means;
The recording control device
Based on the information notified by the notification means and the image data recorded on the second recording medium, the image data to be recorded is determined from the image data recorded on the first recording medium, Recording control means for reading the determined image data from the first recording medium and recording it on the second recording medium;
When the second narrowing-down is performed on the image data under a narrowing condition different from the first narrowing-down after the narrowing-down means performs the first narrowing-down on the image data, the notifying unit performs the first narrowing-down. Information indicating image data obtained by adding image data that matches the second narrowing-down condition to the image data of the result is notified, and the recording control unit is configured to notify the second of the image data indicated by the notified information. An image recording system, wherein image data that does not overlap with image data recorded on the recording medium is determined as a recording target.   The notifying means notifies the recording control apparatus of a list of image data as a result of being narrowed down by the narrowing down means in the data list, and the recording control means 3. The image recording system according to claim 2, wherein the image data to be recorded is determined by comparing the image data recorded on the second recording medium. A narrowing step for narrowing down from the image data recorded on the first recording medium based on the set narrowing conditions;
Image data to be recorded out of image data recorded on the first recording medium based on at least information indicating the image data obtained as a result of the narrowing step and image data recorded on the second recording medium And a recording control step of reading the image data determined to be recorded from the first recording medium and recording it on the second recording medium,
In the case where the second narrowing is performed on the image data under a narrowing condition different from the first narrowing after the narrowing step performs the first narrowing on the image data, the recording control step includes the first narrowing. Among the image data obtained by adding the image data matching the second narrowing-down condition to the image data as a result of the above, image data that does not overlap with the image data recorded on the second recording medium is determined as a recording target. An image search method characterized by that. A data list generating step for generating a data list indicating the image data recorded on the first recording medium;
A narrowing step of narrowing down from the image data indicated by the data list based on the set narrowing conditions;
Image data to be recorded out of image data recorded on the first recording medium based on at least information indicating the image data obtained as a result of the narrowing step and image data recorded on the second recording medium And a recording control step of reading the image data determined to be recorded from the first recording medium and recording it on the second recording medium,
In the case where the second narrowing is performed on the image data under a narrowing condition different from the first narrowing after the narrowing step performs the first narrowing on the image data, the recording control step includes: Of the image data obtained by adding the image data matching the second narrowing-down condition to the image data as a result of the narrowing down, image data that does not overlap with the image data recorded on the second recording medium is determined as a recording target. An image search method characterized by: A narrowing step for narrowing down from the image data recorded on the first recording medium based on the set narrowing conditions;
Image data to be recorded out of image data recorded on the first recording medium based on at least information indicating the image data obtained as a result of the narrowing step and image data recorded on the second recording medium And a recording control step of reading the image data determined to be a recording target from the first recording medium and recording it on the second recording medium,
In the case where the second narrowing is performed on the image data under a narrowing condition different from the first narrowing after the narrowing step performs the first narrowing on the image data, the recording control step includes the first narrowing. Among the image data obtained by adding the image data matching the second narrowing-down condition to the image data as a result of the above, image data that does not overlap with the image data recorded on the second recording medium is determined as a recording target. A program characterized by that. A data list generating step for generating a data list indicating the image data recorded on the first recording medium;
A narrowing step of narrowing down from the image data indicated by the data list based on the set narrowing conditions;
Image data to be recorded out of image data recorded on the first recording medium based on at least information indicating the image data obtained as a result of the narrowing step and image data recorded on the second recording medium And a recording control step of reading the image data determined to be a recording target from the first recording medium and recording it on the second recording medium,
In the case where the second narrowing is performed on the image data under a narrowing condition different from the first narrowing after the narrowing step performs the first narrowing on the image data, the recording control step includes the first narrowing. Among the image data obtained by adding the image data matching the second narrowing-down condition to the image data as a result of the above, image data that does not overlap with the image data recorded on the second recording medium is determined as a recording target. A program characterized by that. A narrowing step for narrowing down from the image data recorded on the first recording medium based on the set narrowing conditions;
Image data to be recorded out of image data recorded on the first recording medium based on at least information indicating the image data obtained as a result of the narrowing step and image data recorded on the second recording medium And a recording control step of reading the image data determined to be a recording target from the first recording medium and recording it on the second recording medium,
In the case where the second narrowing is performed on the image data under a narrowing condition different from the first narrowing after the narrowing step performs the first narrowing on the image data, the recording control step includes the first narrowing. Among the image data obtained by adding the image data matching the second narrowing-down condition to the image data as a result of the above, image data that does not overlap with the image data recorded on the second recording medium is determined as a recording target. The computer-readable recording medium which recorded the program characterized by the above-mentioned. A data list generating step for generating a data list indicating the image data recorded on the first recording medium;
A narrowing step of narrowing down from the image data indicated by the data list based on the set narrowing conditions;
Image data to be recorded out of image data recorded on the first recording medium based on at least information indicating the image data obtained as a result of the narrowing step and image data recorded on the second recording medium And a recording control step of reading the image data determined to be a recording target from the first recording medium and recording it on the second recording medium,
In the case where the second narrowing is performed on the image data under a narrowing condition different from the first narrowing after the narrowing step performs the first narrowing on the image data, the recording control step includes the first narrowing. Among the image data obtained by adding the image data matching the second narrowing-down condition to the image data as a result of the above, image data that does not overlap with the image data recorded on the second recording medium is determined as a recording target. The computer-readable recording medium which recorded the program characterized by the above-mentioned.

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