CN100562056C - Printing system and digital camera used for the system - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a printing system and a digital camera constituting the system. In the printing system in which the digital camera and a printer are functionally connected, processes for selecting an image to be printed, printing layout, and the like are performed at various stages. The sharing of functions operating in digital cameras and printers is optimized to improve the operability and convenience of the entire system. The printing system of the present invention is formed by the functional connection of a digital camera and a printer, and shares the operating functions (setting items) as follows: the selection of the image to be printed and the setting of the print layout are performed in the digital camera, and printing is performed in the printer. Set the number of copies. Only in a digital camera, the relatively complicated setting work of selecting a print layout and arranging images in each position of the layout can be performed independently of the printer, and image data captured during travel can be sorted and sorted on the way home, etc. set up.

Description

Printing system and digital camera used for the system

This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application with the application number 03142778.2, the application date is June 13, 2003, and the invention title is "printing system and digital camera used for the system".

technical field

The present invention relates to a printing system in which a digital camera is operatively connected to a printer and the digital camera constituting the system, and particularly relates to a technology for operations such as selecting an image to be printed and printing layout.

Background technique

In recent years, attempts have been made to form a system by connecting a digital camera and a printer device to print images captured by the digital camera in various forms. As one example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-108005 discloses a system in which a digital camera and a printer can be connected without using a personal computer to perform various types of printing operations. In the proposal of this publication, the following technology is disclosed: that is, the data for printer operation is stored in advance in the memory unit provided in the printer device, the stored data is sent to the digital camera, and the display device of the digital camera An image for operating the printer device including images for selecting a plurality of formats is displayed. Then, one format is selected from a plurality of formats (formats of image display methods) by the selection means while viewing the image for operation, and a photo image is selected by the digital camera. The photo image is then printed in the format of the selected format image.

On the other hand, the present applicant has previously proposed a system including a digital camera and a printer for printing images captured by the digital camera (JP-A-10-200850). In this aspect, an image selected as a print target can be displayed and confirmed on the display unit of the digital camera, and data representing the confirmed image can be sent to the printer. According to such a configuration, selection and confirmation of an image to be printed and printing of a desired image can be easily and reliably realized.

However, in the system of the scheme as described above, with regard to the operations of each stage for selecting an image to be printed, printing layout, etc., which stages of operations are provided in the digital camera, and which other stages of operations are provided in the printer , from the viewpoint of improving the operational performance of the entire system, an optimal scheme for sharing the above-mentioned operational functions has not yet been proposed.

Contents of the invention

In view of the above circumstances, the object of the present invention is to, in a printing system in which a digital camera and a printer are functionally connected, for operations at various stages for selecting an image to be printed or printing layout, etc., by combining these various stages The sharing of operating functions among digital cameras and printers is optimized to improve the operability of the entire system.

The invention provides a digital camera, which can be functionally connected with a suitable printer to form a printing system for printing images. The operations including the composition selection operation of desired print composition and the image selection operation for selecting an image to be printed from among images stored in the adopted information storage carrier; and a printing control data storage function unit for the above-mentioned Under the control of the control device, the printing control data corresponding to the operation content accepted by the above-mentioned selection operation function unit is stored in the specified information storage carrier in a form that can be recognized by its own printer, and the above-mentioned selection operation function unit contains The display unit for the display of the above-mentioned layout selection operation and the operation keys for performing the layout selection operation corresponding to the display in the display unit, each setting performed by the layout selection operation and the image selection operation in the above-mentioned selection operation function unit At the end of the setting, under the control of the control device, the completed setting content is stored in the information storage carrier through the printing control data storage function unit, and the display unit displays the representative settings related to the storage. Guidance display of the specified content.

The present invention provides a printing system, which is functionally connected with a digital camera and a printer respectively equipped with a control device for controlling actions, and is characterized in that the above-mentioned digital camera includes: a selection operation function unit, which is used for the above-mentioned control of its own Under the control of the device, operations including a layout selection operation for selecting a desired printing layout and an image selection operation for selecting an image as a printing object from images stored in the adopted information storage carrier are accepted; printing The control data storage function unit is used to store the print control data corresponding to the operation content accepted by the selection operation function unit in the corresponding information storage carrier under the control of its own control device, and the selection operation function unit Comprising a display unit capable of performing display for the above-mentioned layout selection operation and operation keys for performing a layout selection operation corresponding to the display on the display unit, the layout selection operation and image selection operation in the selection operation function unit When the various settings performed have been completed, under the control of the above-mentioned control device, the content of the completed setting is stored in the information storage carrier through the above-mentioned printing control data storage function unit, and the above-mentioned display unit, in the control device of the above-mentioned control device Under control, a display selected sequentially from multiple types of pre-prepared guide displays at the end of the setting is depicted in the display screen as the display at the end of the setting each time. The above-mentioned printer includes: setting operation A functional unit for accepting operations including the following operations under the control of the above-mentioned control device of its own: respectively set in the above-mentioned digital camera as print control data associated with a guide display representatively showing the content of the setting. And stored in a plurality of setting contents in the information storage carrier, the operation of selecting one setting content, and the printing copy setting operation for setting the desired number of printing copies; The number of print copies set by the operation of the operation function unit and the above-mentioned one setting content, and under the control of its own above-mentioned control device, execute image printing based on the recognition.

The present invention provides yet another digital camera, which can be functionally connected with a suitable printer to form a printing system for printing images. To select the layout selection operation of the desired printing layout and the image selection operation used to select the image as the printing object from the images stored in the adopted information storage carrier; the printing control data storage function unit is used for Under the control of the above-mentioned control device of its own, the printing control data corresponding to the operation content accepted by the above-mentioned selection operation function unit is stored in the corresponding information storage carrier, and the above-mentioned selection operation function unit includes the functions for the above-mentioned typesetting selection The display unit of the displayed display of the operation and the operation keys for performing the layout selection operation corresponding to the display in the display unit, after the required setting by the layout selection operation and the image selection operation in the above-mentioned selection operation function unit has been completed , under the control of the above-mentioned control device, the content of the completed setting is stored in the information storage carrier through the above-mentioned printing control data storage function unit, and the above-mentioned display unit, under the control of the above-mentioned control device, stores the content of the setting every time At the end of the setting, one display that is automatically selected sequentially from a plurality of types of guidance displays prepared in advance is drawn on the display screen as the display at the end of the setting.

Description of drawings

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a digital camera in a printing system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a block diagram of a printer in a printing system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 3 is a rear view of the digital camera of Fig. 1 .

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing operation functions in the print setting mode performed by operations of the operation unit shown in FIG. 3 .

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing operation functions in the print setting mode performed by operations of the operation unit shown in FIG. 3 .

6 is a plan view showing an operation surface in the printer operation unit of FIG. 2 .

Detailed ways

Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of a digital camera in a printing system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In Fig. 1, digital camera 10 has: zoom lens system 11; Imager 12; Imager circuit 13; A/D converter 14; RAM15 as frame buffer memory; ROM17 of the memory unit that stores print control data (data corresponding to the operation content of the typesetting selection operation and image selection operation performed by the user); ASIC that constitutes an IC for image processing (abbreviation for Application Specified IC, or specified for a specific purpose) Designed and manufactured IC) 18; system controller 19 as a control device; lens drive control circuit 20; lens drive unit 21; drive controller 22 for media such as disks and cards; drives 23 for various media such as card slots ; a recording medium 24 made up of a storage disk or a memory card; and an interface (hereinafter referred to as I/F) 25 for data exchange between the printer (referring to FIG. 2 ); a printer connection unit 26; Universal Serial Bus: the abbreviation of Universal Serial Bus, which is the serial interface standard) I/F27 for external devices to exchange video signals; USB input and output terminals 28; I/F29 for inputting video signals from external video devices; The video input terminal 30 of input video signal (Video IN); As the video encoder 31 of video output circuit; The video output terminal 32 of output video signal (Video Out); LCD driver 33; As the image display of display unit liquid crystal panel ( Hereinafter referred to as LCD) 34; Connect the data bus 35 of each digital circuit in the system controller 19 and the digital camera; Flash discharge tube light-emitting unit 36; Be used to carry out the operation unit 37 that comprises various operations such as typesetting selection and image selection; Power supply unit 38; external power input terminal 39. In addition, in FIG. 1 , the recording medium 24 is detachable from the digital camera 10 .

In the present application, recognition by the control device (system controller 19 ) of the user's operation on the operation unit 37 is referred to as "acceptance".

In the above configuration, the print setting display on the LCD 34 and the operation unit 37 such as operation buttons corresponding to the display constitute a selection operation function unit. The ROM 17 and/or the recording medium 24 constitute an information storage carrier. The drive controller 22 and the driver 23 constitute a printing control data storage functional unit.

The structure of each of the above units will be described.

The zoom lens system 11 is used for optically magnifying and imaging the object to be photographed, and the zoom ratio is controlled by the lens driving unit 21 .

The imaging element 12 performs photoelectric conversion of an object image formed on its imaging surface by the zoom lens system 11 to generate an electronic image signal (analog signal) and outputs it.

The imaging circuit 13 controls the imaging element 12 , and outputs the analog signal output from the imaging element 12 after necessary processing. The A/D converter 14 converts the analog signal output from the imaging circuit 13 into a digital signal.

RAM 15 temporarily stores image data converted by A/D converter 14 , image data read from recording medium 24 , or display unit display data read from ROM 16 .

The ROM 16, which is a characteristic part of the present invention, stores typeset images (composition images) scheduled to be printed.

The ROM 17 is a characteristic part of the present invention, and stores print control data corresponding to operation contents of layout selection operation and image selection operation. That is, data indicating which image is arranged in which part of which layout is stored.

The ASIC 18 for image processing applies various image processing to the image data stored in the above-mentioned RAM 15 under the control of the system controller 19 described later, and performs JPEG compression when recording in the recording medium 24 described later. JPEG expansion is performed when read from the medium.

The lens driving control circuit 20 controls a lens driving unit 21 described later for focusing or automatic zooming under the control of the above-mentioned system controller 19 . A lens drive unit 21 drives a zoom lens or a focus lens included in the above-described zoom lens system 11 under the control of the lens drive control circuit 20 .

The drive controller 22 is controlled by the system controller 19 to record image data JPEG-compressed by the ASIC 18 in the recording medium 24 described later or to read image data recorded in the recording medium 24 .

The driver 23 can transmit and receive signals with the drive controller 22 by electrically connecting the above-mentioned recording medium 24 .

The recording medium 24 is, for example, a card-shaped nonvolatile recording medium that can be freely detachably connected to the drive 23 . For example, flash memory such as Smart Media(R) or compact flash(R) can be used.

The I/F 25 transmits and receives signals to and from the printer under the control of the above-mentioned system controller 19 . The printer connection unit 26 is a contact point electrically connected to the camera connection unit (symbol 41 in FIG. 2 ), or a cable terminal, and can transmit and receive signals with the printer 40 by being connected to the camera connection unit 41 of FIG. 2 .

The I/F 27 transmits and receives signals to and from external devices corresponding to the USB under the control of the above-mentioned system controller 19 . The input terminal 28 is connected to an external device compatible with USB via a connection line, thereby enabling transmission and reception of signals with the I/F 27 .

The I/F 29 is used to input a video signal from an external video device having a video output terminal under the control of the above-mentioned system controller 19 . The input terminal 30 makes it possible to input (Video IN) a video signal to the I/F 29 by connecting an external video device such as a TV receiver or a VTR through a connection cable or the like.

The video encoder 31 outputs image data for LCD display frame by frame based on the captured image data stored in the RAM 15 , or outputs an image for LCD display of one frame when reproducing an image after shooting and recording. In addition, the video encoder 31 can also output a video signal (Video OUT) to an external device not shown in the figure connected to the video output terminal.

The LCD driver 33 supplies a drive clock for display and an image for LCD display for each frame from the video encoder 31 to the LCD 34 .

The LCD 34 constitutes a display unit that receives an output from the above-mentioned video encoder 31 and displays an image or information related to the digital camera 10 .

The flash tube light-emitting unit 36 emits illumination light when the brightness of the subject is low or when the main subject is backlit under the control of the system controller 19 .

The operation unit 37, in addition to the power on/off device, the exposure activation device (also referred to as a release device or trigger device), the film transport device, and the screen display on/off device, also includes, as one of the features of the present invention, an operation performed by the user. Means for typesetting selection operation and image selection operation (described later).

The power supply unit 38 is used to supply power to each unit in the digital camera 10 . In addition, when the external power supply input terminal 39 is connected to an external power supply not shown in the figure, electric power is supplied to the above-mentioned power supply unit 38 .

The system controller 19 is a controller that generally controls the digital camera 10 including the above-mentioned circuits. When shooting and recording, it accepts instructions from the operation unit 37 to perform display processing, and performs recording processing for ASIC 18 and the like. etc., and on the other hand, control is performed to read and display image data recorded in the recording medium 24 in the digital camera 10 . The system controller 19 also has a layout control program 19a which is a feature of the present invention. After being set to the print mode, it outputs print control data corresponding to the operation contents of the layout selection operation and the image selection operation, and stores it in the ROM 17. Or store the typesetting image in ROM16.

The layout control program 19a controls the generation of print control data and the recording, deletion, and storage of layout images according to the user's layout selection operation and image selection operation. In the case where multiple (for example, three) layout selections can be made from multiple types of layouts, the following control is performed: after selecting one layout and the image placed in the layout, registering the layout as "Print 1" and After placing the image, after selecting the second layout and the image placed in the layout, register the layout and the layout image as "Print 2", and after selecting the third layout and the image placed in the layout, Register this layout and configuration image as "Print 3".

The image file captured by the digital camera 10 adopts a tag structure. When recording an image, information such as file name, shooting date, aperture, shutter speed and other shooting conditions are written in the tag.

The typesetting control program 19a stores the above-mentioned registered data in the header of each corresponding image file. Alternatively, the above-mentioned registration data is also stored in a file set for storing such management data in a recording medium or in a memory unit in the camera. As the data registered in the image file, there are: (1) registration serial number (any one of printing 1, 2, and 3), (2) the layout selected from multiple layouts, (3) the image file in the selected layout The corresponding position of the corresponding position (the position of each image in the layout in the case of separately configuring the layout of multiple images).

The above-mentioned operation unit 37 includes, in addition to a power button, a film transport button, and a display on/off button: a release button for performing a shooting operation; a menu button 341 for displaying information about the digital camera 10 on the LCD 34 for image display; A menu for setting etc.; a cross button 342 for moving selectable items in the displayed menu; a check button (OK button) 343 for confirming the selected item.

Next, a printer functionally connected to the above-mentioned digital camera 10 will be described.

Fig. 2 shows a block diagram of a printer in a printing system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In Fig. 2, printer 40 has: camera connection unit 41; USB port 42; Parallel port 43; The interface (hereinafter referred to as I/F) 44 that each connection port 41,43 uses; F46; DRAM47 for storing card data; ASIC48 constituting IC for image processing; DRAM49 for storing print data; buffer 50 for printing; paper feeding mechanism unit 51; system controller 52 as a control device; operating unit 53; display Unit 54. In the above-mentioned structure, the print setting display (number of print copies, paper size, paper The display of type and typesetting form) and the input key display corresponding to the display constitute a setting operation function unit. In addition, the so-called touch panel is an input device installed in front of a display such as a liquid crystal panel, and information can be input by pressing a display button on the display and interacting with the screen.

The structure of each part mentioned above is demonstrated.

The camera connection unit 41 is a contact point or a cable terminal for electrically connecting with the printer connection unit 26 in the digital camera 10 .

The USB port 42 is a port for USB connection with a device corresponding to USB, such as a personal computer.

The parallel port 43 serves as a connection interface of a printer, and is actually a port capable of parallel connection with a device that performs parallel transmission such as a standard personal computer printer output standard, such as a personal computer.

Under the control of the system controller 52, the I/F 44 provides the image data received from the above-mentioned digital camera 10 or personal computer to the DRAM 49 for storing print data through the above-mentioned camera connection unit 41, USB port 42 or parallel port 43, And provide print control data to the system controller.

The card connection unit 45 is used for electrical connection by inserting the above-mentioned recording medium 24 for a smart card (R) or a compact flash memory (R).

Under the control of the system controller 52, the I/F 46 provides the image data (line data) received from the above-mentioned recording medium 24 to the DRAM 47 for storing card data through the above-mentioned card connection unit 45, and provides the print control data to system controller.

The image processing ASIC 48 applies various image processing to the image data stored in the storage card data DRAM 47 under the control of the system controller 52 to be described later, and performs compression or expansion processing, resizing or arrangement processing.

The DRAM 49 for storing print data stores the image data for printing read from the DRAM 47 for storing card data, or stores the image data for printing received from the digital camera 10 or the like through the I/F 44 .

The print buffer 50 stores the print image data read from the print data storage DRAM 49 line by line, and outputs it to the print function unit 51 .

The printing function unit 51 has a print head control unit as well as a print head, a paper feed control unit, and a paper feed mechanism. The print head control unit performs print head operation control described later using the above-mentioned print buffer 50 according to the control of the system controller 52 described later. The print head is controlled by the above print head control unit to heat the heat generating elements corresponding to a column of pixels respectively to perform the thermal transfer from the ink ribbon to the paper described later. The paper feed control unit performs control to feed the paper in synchronization with thermal transfer by the print head and in synchronization with conveyance of the ink ribbon. The paper feeding mechanism is composed of a motor and rollers, and feeds the paper according to the control of the paper feeding control unit. In addition, in this printing function unit 51 , while replenishing printing paper as needed, an ink ribbon cassette containing an ink ribbon for transferring images of each color by the above-mentioned printing head can also be mounted replaceably.

While the system controller 52 has the function of controlling the entire printer 40 including the above-mentioned circuits, it can recognize the operation including the print quantity setting operation for setting the desired print quantity, and on the other hand, recognize that the digital camera recognizes From the digital camera that suits you to the layout selection operation of selecting the desired print layout, the image selection operation of selecting the image to be printed from the image data stored in the recording medium used, and other operations related to the operation The print control data corresponding to the operation content and the number of print copies set above are used to control the execution of image printing based on the recognition. In addition to setting the number of print copies, the system controller 52 is the same as the operation unit 53, and can identify paper size, paper type, and typesetting.

Or, the system controller 52 has the function of controlling the entire printer 40 including the above-mentioned various circuits, and at the same time, recognizes the various setting contents used to represent the combination of the relevant printing typesetting and the corresponding printing object image in a suitable manner. Among the data set in the digital camera and stored in the recording medium, the operation of selecting the printing control data of the data related to one setting content, and the operation of setting the desired number of copies of printing, on the other hand, by This operation recognizes the selected one of the setting contents and the number of print copies set above, and controls execution of image printing based on the recognition.

The operation unit 53 is used to perform various operations of the printer 40 by the user, and includes a print quantity setting button 538 and a print button 531 (refer to FIG. 6 ) as a print start operation member for instructing the start of a print operation. In addition, there are setting buttons for paper size, paper type, index printing, printing 1, 2, and 3.

The display unit 54 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display, and displays the number of print copies set by the number of print copies setting button 538 in numbers, such as a dot matrix display.

In addition, the printer 40 has a power supply unit not shown in the figure, which supplies power to each part in the printer 40 . An external power supply input terminal is also connected to the power supply unit, and when the external power supply is connected, electric power can be supplied to the above-mentioned external power supply.

FIG. 3 shows the back of the digital camera 10 described above. At the back of the camera, there is a display surface of LCD 34, and at least one of the following buttons is equipped near it: a menu button 341 for displaying a menu screen; for selecting a desired item from the menu screen, for moving up, down, left, and right on the menu screen A cross button 34 for the cursor; and a check button (OK button) 343 for confirming the selected item. In addition, a power button and a release button are equipped on the side of the camera.

4 and 5 show flowcharts of setting operations in the print setting mode, which is a characteristic part of the present invention, among the menu items displayed by pressing the menu button 341 shown in FIG. 3 . In addition, Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 are originally one diagram, but they are divided into two diagrams due to space reasons.

Among the items of the menu 60 displayed on the menu screen, in addition to the "print setting mode" 61 related to the present invention, various other items 62 are prepared.

First, when selecting from a plurality of menu items with the cross button 342 and confirming the item "print setting mode" 61 with the check button 343, as shown in FIG. A list display 63 of the print setting mode for 5) selection items; a frame display 63a as a movable cursor for selecting one of the multiple selection items; a mark display ( A bar display (displayed in black in the figure) 64 indicating prompt selection operation).

As the list display 63 of selection items, for example, five selection items of “Layout” 631 , “Print 1 ” 632 , “Print 2 ” 633 , “Print 3 ” 634 , and “Registration Clear” 635 are displayed. In addition, when the menu button 341 is pressed in the screen state shown in FIG. 4( a ), the menu screen displaying the menu items 61 and 62 returns.

Then, when using the cross button 342, after moving the frame display 63a as the cursor to "composition" 631 among the multiple selection items in Fig. 4(a), once determined by the check button 343, as shown in Fig. 4(b) display on the screen of LCD34: a plurality of (6 among the figures) layout list displays 65 as layout forms; frame display 65a as a movable cursor for selecting one of them; Select" and the bar display (displayed in black in the figure) 66 of the mark display of the selectable operation button.

As the typesetting list display 65, for example, various typesetting forms such as the following can be displayed (6 among the figures): 1 image configuration 651 without borders; 1 image configuration 652 with borders; 2 image configurations 653 without borders ; 2 image configuration with border 654 ; 4 image configuration without border 655 ; 4 image configuration with border 656 .

Now, when performing the list display 65 of FIG. 4(b), and using the cross button 342 to display the frame 65a as the cursor, for example, when setting two images with a border in the layout form, if the check button 343 is pressed, then As shown in FIG. 4( c ), while displaying the layout format of two framed image layouts 654 selected, the display moves to a state prompting selection of one of "image selection" or "all photos". The moving picture is divided into two parts, the left side is a picture 67 showing two image layout forms 654, and the right side is a picture 68, which has two selection branches: "image selection" 681 and "all photos" 682, Among them, "image selection" 681 is an item for selecting only one specific image in each of 1 photo in the form of 2 image layouts, and "all photos" 682 is an item for selecting all photographed images, taking every 2 photos as a set. Groups are displayed in groups of 2 image configurations. Symbol 68a represents a frame display as a cursor for selection. In addition, in FIG. 4( c ), the bar display 69 includes only mark displays as selectable operation buttons (up and down keys of the menu button 341 and cross button 342 and marks of the check button 343 ). FIG. 4(c) shows a state in which the cross button 34 is operated to set the frame display 68a as a cursor to "image selection".

When the check button 343 is pressed from the state of Fig. 4 (c), as shown in Fig. 4 (d), a display screen 70 and a bar display (black display among the figures) 71 are displayed on the screen of the LCD34, and the screen 70 includes as prompting object. A specific color display (indicated by hatching in the figure) 70a as a cursor for placing and selecting an image in the upper frame (position) of the two framed image configuration 654, and a bar display 71 including a bar display 71 indicating the current screen state The display of "configuration designation" and the display of the mark of the selectable operation button (indicating the meaning of urging the operation to be selected) are displayed.

Then, in the state of FIG. 4( d), once the check button 343 is pressed, it moves to the image shown in FIG. Select the screen.

In the screen of Fig. 5 (e), display on the screen of LCD34: the list display 72 that is made up of a plurality of (6 among the figure) images that are used for image selection; A movable frame display 72a; a bar display (displayed in black in the figure) 73 including a display of "image selection" indicating the current screen state and a mark display of selectable operation buttons.

As shown in FIG. 5( e ), when the check button 343 is pressed in the state where the upper left corner image is selected by the frame display 72 a, the screen moves to the screen of FIG. 5( f ).

In the screen of FIG. 5(f), a screen 70 and a bar display (displayed in black in the figure) 71 are displayed on the screen of the LCD 34, and the screen 70 includes an upper frame (position) located in two framed image configurations 654. The image display that has been selected in the display and the specific color display (indicated by hatching in the figure) 70a as a cursor that prompts the selection of the image placed at the lower frame position, and the bar display 71 includes Display and selectable operation button's label display (indicating the meaning of prompting selection operation).

In the state of Fig. 5(f), once the check button 343 is pressed, it moves to the image selection screen shown in Fig. 5(g) for setting which image is configured in the lower frame (position) designated by the cursor. screen.

The screen of Fig. 5 (g) is the same as the screen of Fig. 5 (e), and is displayed on the screen of LCD34: a list display 72 composed of a plurality of (6 among the figures) images used for image selection; 72 shows a movable frame display 72a for a cursor for image selection; a bar display (displayed in black in the figure) 73 including a display of "image selection" indicating the current screen state and a mark display of selectable operation buttons.

As shown in FIG. 5(g), when the check button 343 is pressed in the state where the upper right corner image is selected by the frame display 72a, it moves to the screen of FIG. 5(h).

In the screen of FIG. 5( h), a screen 70 and a bar display (displayed in black in the figure) 71 are displayed on the screen of the LCD 34, and the screen 70 is included in the upper frame (position) of the two framed image configurations 654. The display of the selected image in and the display of the selected image in the lower frame, the bar display 71 includes the mark display of the selectable operation button (indicating the meaning of prompting the selection operation).

As shown in Figure 5(h), when the check button 343 is pressed in the preview state of the configuration image, two image configurations with borders as shown in Figure 5(h) are registered as "print 1" While composing and configuring images, move to the display screen of "registered to print 1" as shown in FIG. 5(j).

Or, as shown in FIG. 5(h), in the preview state of the layout image, when the check button 343 is pressed, the preview screen in FIG. 5(h) is canceled and the selection operation screen in the print setting mode is returned.

On the other hand, in the screen 68 of FIG. 4(c) of the above-mentioned flow, after using the cross button 342 to select "all photos" 682, once the check button 343 is pressed, the screen shown in FIG. 5(i) is moved to .

In the picture of Fig. 5 (i), display picture 74 and bar display (black display among the figure) 75 on the picture of LCD34, for example, arrange all the images that have been photographed into a group by 2 up and down according to the photographing order, form multiple A set of two images with borders is arranged 654, and the screen 74 includes multiple sets of layout images overlapped and displayed as shown in the figure, and the bar display 75 includes a mark display of a selectable operation button (indicating the meaning of prompting a selection operation).

As shown in Figure 5 (i), in the preview state of the layout image, when the check button 343 is pressed, as "print 1" as shown in Figure 5 (i), two images with borders are registered as shown in Figure 5 (i). While composing images, move to the display screen of "registered to print 1" as shown in Fig. 5(j).

Or, in the preview state of displaying overlapping multiple groups of typesetting images as shown in FIG. screen (Figure 4(a)).

In the above series of flow charts of Fig. 4(a) and Fig. 5(i), if according to the bar display (black display in the figure) displayed mark display (display prompting the selection operation of the check button) of each step screen ) press the check button 343, then move to the pictures in the subsequent steps successively when the check button 343 is pressed each time, in addition, in a series of processes of Fig. 4 (a), Fig. 5 (i), if according to Fig. 4 (b), Fig. 4 (d), Fig. 5 (f), Fig. 5 (h) and Fig. 5 (i) each screen bar display (shown in black among the figure) the mark display (prompting check button The display of the selection operation) Press the menu button 341 to return to the selection screen in the print setting mode as shown in FIG.

In addition, after displaying "Already registered in "Print 1"" as shown in Figure 5(j), after a certain period of time, return to the selection screen in the print setting mode shown in Figure 4(a), and then execute Subsequent registration of "Print 2", "Print 3".

Or, after a certain period of time has elapsed after "registered to "Print 1"" is displayed as shown in FIG. block, segmented and displayed 9 images traced back from the latest image, etc. In this case, when performing subsequent "Print 2" registration, after pressing the menu button 341 to display the menu screen, it is necessary to sequentially perform the operations after the print setting mode in FIG. 4 .

After registering all the registration numbers suitable for "Print 1", "Print 2", and "Print 3", or at least one of the registration numbers and its configuration image, select and confirm the print setting mode from the menu screen, and output In the screen shown in Figure 4(a), once at least one registration number in "Print 1", "Print 2" and "Print 3" is selected and determined, if the layout and its configuration image are registered respectively, it will be displayed as shown in Figure 5 ( If there is no login for the login content shown in h) (that is, the typesetting image), display such as "no login" is performed. In addition, in the screen shown in FIG. 4(a), once "start registration" is selected and determined, the registration numbers registered in all "print 1", "print 2" and "print 3" are cleared (initialized). in the content.

In addition, in the embodiment described above, the registration in "Print 1", "Print 2", and "Print 3" in the screen of FIG. , "Print 2", "Print 3" in the login. In addition, once the "registration clear" in the screen of FIG. Clear the contents registered in "Print 1", "Print 2", and "Print 3".

Next, a description will be given of the case of printing the images captured as described above and registering these images in at least one of "Print 1", "Print 2", and "Print 3" as layout images.

Form 1: If the print setting mode is selected from the menu screen, and at least one of "Print 1", "Print 2" and "Print 3" is selected and determined from the print setting mode screen, the The respective registered layout images are preview-displayed (confirmation display before printing) on the LCD 34 serving as a display unit of the digital camera 10 . At this point, the selection state on the printer must also be synchronized. That is, assuming that "Print 2" is selected on the camera, "Print 2" is also automatically selected on the printer. This form enables preview display in response to the operation of the digital camera 10 itself. In the preview display state, when the print button 531 (see FIG. 6 ) in the printer 40 is pressed, printing of the registered layout image starts.

The second form: if at least one of the "print 1", "print 2" and "print 3" buttons (refer to Fig. When printing 1", the digital camera 10 responds to receiving the signal indicating that the selection corresponding to "printing 1" has been carried out. 1” corresponding to the print layout to preview and display the corresponding image. That is, preview display is performed in the display unit of the camera 10 in response to the operation of the printer 40 . In the preview display state, when the print button 531 (see FIG. 6 ) in the printer 40 is pressed, printing of the registered layout image starts.

6 is a plan view showing operation buttons 531 , 538 in the operation unit 53 of the printer 40 , LEDs indicating selection results, and the LCD display unit 54 .

On the operation surface shown in Fig. 6, a print button 531; a paper size selection button 532; a paper type selection button 533; an index (list) print button 534; a print button 535 for printing the registration contents of "print 1" ; The print button 536 used to print the registration content of "print 2"; the print button 537 used to print the registration content of "print 3"; the up and down button 538 used for printing the number of copies setting; Up and down operation to display the LCD display unit 54 of the specified number of prints; used to set and display different multiple (4 kinds in the figure) paper sizes (such as A4, Postcard, L, 2L), 4 LEDs for displaying the paper size provided for each size, are used to set and display different kinds of paper in turn when the paper type selection button 533 is pressed once. (Three types in the figure) One of the paper types (for example, plain paper, high-quality paper, transfer paper), and three LEDs for displaying the paper type designed for each type.

Paper size selection button 532, paper type selection button 533, index (list) print button 534, print buttons 535, 536, and 537 of "Print 1", "Print 2", and "Print 3", except for the paper size selection button 532 , paper type selection button 533, index (list) print button 534, print buttons 535, 536, and 537 of "Print 1", "Print 2", and "Print 3" are also provided with the inside of each button. Indicates which LED has been operated (pressed).

In addition, the part shown by hatching in FIG. 6 represents the default setting (default setting (default): the selection made by the program when the user does not specify a selection. The default setting is established in the program so that when it is necessary to The program assumes that a value or an operation can work. In this system, it is the initial state when printing is started). That is, the default settings are respectively set (lit) such that the print registration is "print 1", the paper size is "A4", and the paper type is "photo paper". The LCD display unit 54 for displaying the number of copies is assumed to be set to "1" by default, but the display example in FIG. 6 shows a state in which the number of copies to be printed is set to "2" by the user.

Connect the digital camera 10 to the printer 40. In the state shown in FIG. 6, if the print button 531 is pressed, two typeset images (for example, Fig. 2 image configuration with border as shown in 5(h)).

In the state shown in FIG. 6, if the index (list) print button 534 is pressed, even if any one of the print buttons 535, 537 of "Print 1" and "Print 3" is preset (lighted), the switch will be switched. Setting (lighting up) the index (list) print button 534 creates a typesetting index image, and by operating the print button 531, index printing can be forcibly executed.

According to the above embodiments, in the printing system in which the digital camera and the printer are functionally connected, the digital camera selects the image to be printed and the print layout is set, and the printer sets the number of copies to share the settings. As a matter of fact, after taking images of various scenes with a digital camera during a trip, etc., in the car on the return trip, you can operate the digital camera to confirm and register the selected images for printing and print layout. After returning home , just connect the digital camera to the printer, determine the number of prints attached to the registered print layout image and press the print button. In the operation of a digital camera, a plurality of captured images can be sorted (typesetted), and thus a highly convenient printing system can be constructed.

Next, (1) the configuration of a printing system constructed by functionally connecting a digital camera and a printer as described above, and (2) a configuration of a digital camera and (3) a configuration of a printer that are suitable for this system will be described functionally. .

(1) First, the configuration of a printing system configured by functionally connecting a digital camera and a printer as described above will be described in functional terms.

(1-1) The printing system is a printing system that functionally connects a digital camera and a printer each equipped with a control device for controlling operations. Under the control of the system, various operations including a layout selection operation for selecting a desired printing layout and an image selection operation for selecting an image to be printed from among images stored in the adopted information storage medium are accepted. Operation; the print control data storage function unit is used to store the print control data corresponding to the operation content accepted by the above-mentioned selection operation function unit in the corresponding information storage carrier under the control of its own control device. The above-mentioned printer includes : The setting operation function unit is used to accept the operation including the print number setting operation for setting the desired number of print copies under the control of its own above-mentioned control device; the identification function unit is used to identify The number of print copies set by the operation of the above-mentioned setting operation function unit and the print control data generated by the above-mentioned digital camera, and under the control of its own above-mentioned control device, image printing based on the identification is executed.

This printing system is a printing system in which a digital camera and a printer are functionally connected, and setting items can be shared as follows: the camera selects the image to be printed and the print layout is set, and the printer performs the number of print copies. set up. The form of "functional connection" may be any of various forms such as wireless, wired, and transferring media between each other. Wireless forms include infrared communication and Bluetooth. The wired form is communication via cables. The so-called transfer of media refers to recording the image data and control data captured and laid out by a digital camera on a recording medium such as a memory card, removing the recording medium with recorded data from the camera, inserting it into the printer, and transferring it to the printer. Image data and control data are transferred to the printer.

The above-mentioned selection operation function unit refers to a print setting display in the liquid crystal display unit 34 on the back of the digital camera and an input key corresponding to the display. In addition, "acceptance" means that the control device 19 recognizes the layout selection operation and the image selection operation of the operation unit 37 by the user.

The above-mentioned information storage carrier refers to the internal memory (such as ROM17) of the digital camera, and/or the adopted recording medium (such as memory card).

The so-called print control data refers to the data corresponding to the operation content of the layout selection operation and image selection operation performed by the user, the layout data used in actual printing, and the data of which image data to place in the layout.

The above-mentioned printing control data recording and storage functional unit refers to such a functional unit: under the control of the control device (system controller 19), the printing control data is transmitted to the internal memory of the digital camera and/or memory card, etc. for recording as data representing the control content. Specifically, the medium corresponds to circuits such as the drive controller 22 , drivers (card drivers, etc.), wiring (buses) serving other functions, and the like.

The above-mentioned setting operation function unit refers to setting and displaying the number of print copies and displaying corresponding input keys through the input keys of the operation unit 53 in the printer or the touch panel.

(2) Next, the configuration of the above-mentioned digital camera will be described in terms of functional representation.

(2-1) The digital camera includes: a selection operation function unit, which is used to accept the layout selection operation including the selection of the desired printing layout under the control of its own above-mentioned control device and to select from the information stored in the adopted Various operations such as image selection operation for selecting an image to be printed out of the images on the storage carrier; the print control data storage function unit is used to store the information received by the selection operation function unit under the control of the control device The print control data corresponding to the operation content is stored in the specified information storage carrier in a form that can be recognized by the printer.

(2-2) The above-mentioned selection operation function unit includes a display unit capable of performing the above-mentioned composition selection operation display, and operation keys for performing a composition selection operation corresponding to the display on the display unit.

This shows the configuration in a digital camera suitable for the above printing system.

(2-3) The above printing control data storage function unit stores the above printing control data in a memory unit as an information storage carrier built in the digital camera.

(2-4) Alternatively, the print control data storage function unit stores the print control data in a recording medium which is an information storage medium detachably used in the digital camera.

(2-5) The display unit draws, under the control of the control device, a display indicating a mode for performing the layout selection operation and a display indicating other items simultaneously on one display screen.

(2-6) Or, when the above-mentioned display unit, under the control of the above-mentioned control device, corresponds to the display indicating the mode for performing the above-mentioned typesetting selection operation, when the operation of selecting the mode is performed on the above-mentioned selection operation function unit, then, A layout menu displaying a list of candidates for various types of print layouts is drawn on the display screen.

(2-7) When an operation of selecting a print composition is performed on the selection operation function unit according to the above-mentioned composition menu display, then, according to this print composition, an image selection representing an image to be selected and displayed is drawn in the above-mentioned display screen. Display of the operating mode.

(2-8) The above-mentioned display unit, under the control of the above-mentioned control device, draws a display pattern (for example, " All Photos") and a display pattern indicating selection of a specific image among all images (eg, "Image Selection").

(2-9) Alternatively, the above-mentioned display unit, under the control of the above-mentioned control device, in addition to the display pattern representing the selection of all the images stored by the digital camera and the display pattern representing the selection of a specific image among the all images (Fig. 4(c) ) besides the right side of the picture in ), also draw a display pattern (right side of the picture in FIG.

(2-10) The above-mentioned display unit, under the control of the above-mentioned control device, corresponds to the display pattern indicating that all the images stored in the digital camera are selected, and when the selection operation function unit is operated to select all the images, then , based on one print layout selected from the layout menu display, a display is drawn on the display screen showing that all the above-mentioned images are sequentially arranged at each position allocated on each printing paper.

Specifically, it refers to the display in the next step when "all photos" is designated in Fig. 4(c) (Fig. 4(i)).

(2-11) Alternatively, when the display unit is controlled by the control device, when an operation to select all the images stored in the digital camera is performed on the selection operation function unit corresponding to a display pattern indicating selection of all the images stored in the digital camera , and then, based on a print layout selected from the layout menu display, a display indicating that one of the specific images is displayed on one of the positions allocated on each printing paper is drawn on the display screen.

Specifically, it refers to the display of the next step when "all photos" is designated in Fig. 4(c) (Fig. 4(d)).

(2-12) The above-mentioned display unit, under the control of the above-mentioned control device, displays one of the above-mentioned specific images at one of the positions of the image configuration assigned according to the above-mentioned selected one of the print layouts according to whether it is indicated. For the display of images, when the associated operation is performed on the above-mentioned selection operation function unit, then, an image menu display showing a list of a plurality of images as candidate images arranged at one position of the display is drawn in the above-mentioned display screen (Note: When there is only one image candidate, it corresponds to a case where multiple images can be supported).

Specifically, it refers to the display of the next step after displaying the arrangement in the print layout in FIG. 4( d ) ( FIG. 4( e )).

(2-13) When each setting by the layout selection operation and the image selection operation in the above-mentioned selection operation function unit is completed, under the control of the above-mentioned control device, the completed print control data storage function unit is used to save the completed The setting content is stored in the information storage medium, and a guide display representatively showing the setting content related to the storage is displayed on the display unit.

Specifically, it refers to the display of "Already registered in "Print 1"" as shown in FIG. 4(j).

(2-14) The above-mentioned display means, under the control of the above-mentioned control device, draws one display sequentially selected from the plurality of types of the above-mentioned guidance displays prepared in advance each time the setting is completed as the display at the time point. in the above display screen.

Specifically, it refers to starting from "registered to "print 1"" in Figure 4(j), and at the end of each storage setting, such as "registered to "print 2"", "registered to "print 3""..., it is displayed that one of a plurality of registered positions such as "Print 1", "Print 2", and "Print 3" has already been registered.

(2-15) The print control data storage function unit stores the setting content of the above-mentioned setting in the memory unit as a storage medium built in the digital camera under the control of the control device.

Specifically, this case represents a form in which the registered content of "Print 1" shown in FIG. 4(j) is stored in an internal memory (for example, the ROM 17 inside the camera).

(2-16) Alternatively, the print control data storage function unit stores, under the control of the control device, the data for which the above settings have been completed in a recording medium that is an information storage carrier detachably used on the digital camera. Set content. Specifically, this case represents a form in which the registered content of "Print 1" shown in FIG. 4(j) is stored in a recording medium 24 such as a memory card.

(3) Next, the configuration of the printer as described above will be described through functional representation.

(3-1) The printer includes: a setting operation function unit for accepting operations including a print quantity setting operation for setting a desired print quantity under the control of its own control device; an identification function A unit that recognizes that the function unit accepts a layout selection operation including selection of a desired print layout in a digital camera suitable for oneself and selection of a print layout from images stored in the information storage medium used by the digital camera. The print control data corresponding to the content of the operation, such as the image selection operation performed on the target image, and the number of print copies set by the above-mentioned setting operation function unit are executed under the control of the above-mentioned control device. Image printing based on this recognition.

This case represents a configuration of a printer suitable for the printing system of (1-1) above.

Print setting display (display of the number of copies, paper size, paper type, layout format, etc.) in the form of a touch panel provided on the display unit 54 through the input keys of the operation unit 53 and the corresponding input key display, etc. It corresponds to an example of the setting operation function unit described above.

(3-2) In addition, the setting operation function unit accepts operations including a setting operation of a print size under the control of the control device.

(3-3) In addition, the setting operation function unit accepts operations including a setting operation of index printing under the control of the control device.

Print setting display (display of the number of print copies, paper size, paper type, layout format, etc.) through the input keys of the operation unit 53 or the touch panel mounted on the display unit 54, and the input key display corresponding to the display, etc. , you can set "Index Print". Index printing is to arrange and print all the images captured and recorded by a digital camera in the form of thumbnails (reduced images) at a glance.

(3-4) In addition, the setting operation function unit receives operations including a setting operation related to the type of printing paper under the control of the control device.

The "type of printing paper" can be set through the print setting display, the input key display corresponding to the display, and the like through the input keys of the operation unit 53 or the touch panel mounted on the display unit 54 .

Next, the (4) configuration of a printing system constructed by functionally connecting a digital camera and a printer as described above, and (5) a configuration of a digital camera suitable for the system will be described more specifically with functional representations. , (6) The structure of the printer.

(4) First, the configuration of a printing system configured by functionally connecting a digital camera and a printer as described above will be described more specifically in terms of functional representation.

(4-1) The printing system is functionally connected by a digital camera and a printer each equipped with a control device for controlling the operation. Operations including various operations such as a layout selection operation for selecting a desired printing layout and an image selection operation for selecting an image to be printed from among images stored in an information storage medium used; printing control data storage The functional unit is used to store the printing control data corresponding to the operation content accepted by the selection operation functional unit in the corresponding information storage carrier under the control of its own control device, and the selection operation function unit includes the The display unit for the display of the above-mentioned composition selection operation and the operation keys for performing the composition selection operation corresponding to the display in the display unit, in each of the composition selection operation and the image selection operation performed by the above-mentioned selection operation function unit When the setting has been completed, under the control of the control device, the content of the setting is stored in the information storage carrier through the printing control data storage function unit, and the display unit, under the control of the control device, Each time the setting is completed, one display sequentially selected from the plurality of types of pre-prepared guidance displays is depicted in the display screen as the display at the time point, and the above-mentioned printer includes: a setting operation function unit for Under the control of the above-mentioned own control device, each operation including the following operations is accepted: the print control data set in the above-mentioned digital camera is stored in the information storage medium in association with the guidance display representatively showing the setting content. An operation of selecting one setting content among a plurality of setting contents, and a printing copy setting operation for setting a desired number of printing copies; an identification function unit, identifying the operation of the above setting operation function unit The set number of print copies and the above-mentioned one set content, and under the control of its own above-mentioned control device, execute image printing based on the recognition.

This is the basic form of the system in which the digital camera and the printer are functionally connected as described in (1-1) above, that is, the selection of the print object image and the setting of the print layout are performed in the camera, and the number of print copies is set in the printer. The system to share the setting items is further specifically limited as follows: in the digital camera, the combination of printing object and typesetting is set as printing 1, printing 2, printing 3... (same meaning as registration 1, registration 2, registration 3) ) and the like, in the printer, select which combination among the multiple settings (that is, which registration pattern to use) and how many sheets to print.

The form of "functional connection" can be any of the same various forms as above, such as wireless, wired, and media that can be transferred between each other. The selection operation function unit, the print control data storage function unit, and the information storage carrier are also the same as those described above.

The liquid crystal display unit on the back of the digital camera (where other settings and display of print layout are performed) etc. correspond to an example of the above-mentioned display unit. The input key corresponding to the above-mentioned display corresponds to an example of the above-mentioned operation key.

The case of displaying one of "Print 1", "Print 2", "Print 3" and the like in this embodiment is equivalent to the above-mentioned "the One of the guidance displays selected sequentially is an example of representatively showing that the setting content at that point of time is drawn on the above-mentioned display screen".

The print setting display (display of the number of print copies, paper size, paper type, layout format, etc.) by the input keys of the operation unit 53 or the touch panel format, and the corresponding input key display and the like correspond to the above-mentioned setting operation functions. An example of a unit.

(5) The structure of the above-mentioned digital camera will be described by means of functional implementation.

(5-1) The digital camera includes: a selection operation function unit, which is used to accept the layout selection operation including the selection of the desired printing layout under the control of its own above-mentioned control device and to select from the information stored in the adopted Various operations such as image selection operation for selecting an image to be printed out of the images on the storage carrier; the print control data storage function unit is used to connect with the selection operation function unit under the control of its own control device The print control data corresponding to the accepted operation content is stored in the corresponding information storage carrier, and the above-mentioned selection operation function unit includes a display unit that can perform display for the above-mentioned typesetting selection operation and is used to perform display on the display unit. The operation key of the corresponding typesetting selection operation, when the required setting by the typesetting selection operation and image selection operation in the above-mentioned selection operation function unit has been completed, under the control of the above-mentioned control device, the data storage function is controlled by the above-mentioned printing The unit stores the content of the completed setting in the information storage carrier, and the above-mentioned display unit, under the control of the above-mentioned control device, will automatically and sequentially select from the various types of the above-mentioned guidance displays prepared in advance each time the setting is completed. The selected one display is drawn on the above-mentioned display screen as the display at that point in time.

This is a digital camera suitable for the printing system described above (4-1). The above-mentioned selection operation functional unit, information storage carrier, and printing control data storage functional unit are also the same as those mentioned above.

The above-mentioned display unit refers to the liquid crystal display unit on the back of the digital camera (where printing layout and other settings are displayed), etc. The above-mentioned operation keys refer to input keys and the like corresponding to the above-mentioned display.

The so-called "required settings through layout selection operation and image selection operation" refer to a series of settings for determining a certain layout and the image displayed according to the layout.

(5-2) The above-mentioned display unit may respond to the selection of one of the above-mentioned various guidance displays in the above-mentioned display unit under the control of the above-mentioned control device through the above-mentioned selection operation function unit, according to the above-mentioned printing control The data storage function unit stores the data of the setting content in the information storage carrier, and previews the corresponding image by printing and composing corresponding to the guidance display.

In this form, select the print setting mode from the menu screen in the digital camera, and once you select any one of "Print 1", "Print 2", "Print 3"... from the print setting mode screen, you can The layout images registered in them are displayed in preview (preview: confirmation display before printing).

That is, preview display can be performed in response to the operation of the digital camera itself. When the print button 531 is pressed while the preview is being displayed, printing of the registered layout image starts.

(5-3) Alternatively, the above-mentioned display unit may respond to receiving a signal indicating that a selection corresponding to one of the above-mentioned various kinds of guidance displays has been made from the printer in the state of transmitting and receiving signals with the digital camera, and in the above-mentioned control Under the control of the device, according to the data of the setting content stored in the information storage carrier by the above-mentioned printing control data storage function unit, the corresponding image is previewed with the printing typesetting corresponding to the guidance display.

This is in the form of a digital camera that is functionally connected to a printer and can display a preview in response to operations in the printer. This function is suitable for the type that docks a digital camera and a printer.

The "printer in a state of transmitting and receiving signals with the digital camera" mentioned above assumes that the digital camera and the printer are, for example, in a docked state. However, the case of connecting by wire (wire) (cable) is also included.

(6) Next, the configuration of the printer as described above will be described through functional representation.

(6-1) The above-mentioned printer includes: a setting operation function unit, which is used to accept operations including the following operations under the control of its own above-mentioned control device: used to display and print typesetting and print object images corresponding to it Combined printing control data of a plurality of setting contents is separately set in a digital camera suitable for oneself and stored in an information storage carrier, an operation of selecting data related to one setting content, and an operation for setting The operation of setting the desired number of printed copies; identifying the functional unit, identifying the above-mentioned setting content selected by the above-mentioned setting operation functional unit and the number of printing copies set above, and executing it under the control of the above-mentioned control device of its own Image printing based on this recognition.

This is a printer suitable for the above printing system in (4-1) above.

The above-mentioned "operation for selecting data related to a setting content set in the digital camera and stored in the information storage carrier data" refers to operating the "print 1", "print 2", "Print 3"...any one of the buttons. Here, it does not matter how the data set and stored in the digital camera is provided to the printer. Therefore, it includes not only the form of off-line data transfer by alternately inserting freely removable recording media, but also the form of online data transfer by docking cameras and printers with electrical contacts.

The above-mentioned setting operation function unit refers to the print setting display (display of the number of print copies, paper size, paper type, layout format, etc.) performed through the input keys of the operation unit 53 or the touch panel and the corresponding input key display. wait.

(6-2) By drawing on the display screen of the above-mentioned digital camera, one display sequentially selected from the plurality of types of the above-mentioned guidance displays prepared in advance can be used as a representative display every time the required setting is completed. The display of the setting content indicating that the above-mentioned setting has been completed at this time point is confirmed. The above-mentioned print control data includes data about the relationship between the display and the above-mentioned setting content represented by the display. The above-mentioned setting operation The functional unit also has a printing form selection functional unit, which is respectively provided corresponding to the above-mentioned various guide displays, and is used to select the combination of the above-mentioned printing typesetting and the corresponding printing object image according to its own operation. Each operating unit in one of the combinations, the above-mentioned recognition function unit, when provided with the print control data of the above-mentioned configuration, recognizes the print typesetting corresponding to the operated unit among the operation units of the above-mentioned print format selection function unit and its corresponding The combination of print target images and the number of print copies set above are executed under the control of their own control device to print images based on the recognition.

A printer with buttons to select layout and image as "Print 1", "Print 2", "Print 3" is an example of this form.

This format has nothing to do with how to provide the data set and stored in the digital camera to the printer. Therefore, it includes not only the form of off-line data transfer by alternately inserting freely removable recording media, but also the form of online data transmission by connecting the camera and printer with electrical contacts or cables.

(6-3) The above-mentioned printing form selection function unit selects a specific one of the above-mentioned operation units according to a default setting.

A printer in which "Print 1" among "Print 1", "Print 2", "Print 3"... is selected as a default setting corresponds to an example of the above-mentioned print format selection functional unit. Here, the so-called default setting refers to an initial setting of software or hardware, and particularly refers to an initial state of an item that can be set by a user.

(6-4) The above-mentioned printing form selection function unit makes the above-mentioned one specific operation unit be in a predetermined active state according to default settings, and the other operation units are in a predetermined inactive state.

A printer in which "Print 1" is selected as the default setting and turned on corresponds to an example of this aspect. The predetermined active state refers to, for example, a state of being lit or blinking, and the so-called predetermined inactive state refers to, for example, a state of being turned off or lit.

(6-5) The above-mentioned print format selection function unit generates a signal indicating that a selection corresponding to one of the above-mentioned multiple kinds of guidance displays has been made under the control of the above-mentioned control device in the printer, and provides the signal to For the above-mentioned digital camera, the above-mentioned digital camera responds to receiving the signal provided, under the control of its own control device, according to the data of the setting content stored in the information storage carrier by the above-mentioned printing control data storage function unit, The corresponding image is previewed in a print layout corresponding to the one guide display.

This format is a format in which preview display is performed on the digital camera in response to operations performed on the printer's own guidance display such as "Print 1", "Print 2", "Print 3".... This function assumes the case of a type in which a digital camera is docked with a printer.

According to the present invention as described above, in a printing system that functionally connects a digital camera and a printer, for selecting an image to be printed, printing layout, and the like, operations at various stages are performed by combining the operating functions of these stages Optimizing sharing among digital cameras and printers can improve the operability of the entire system.

Claims (7)

1. A digital camera, which can be functionally connected with a suitable printer to form a printing system for printing images, characterized in that, include: The selection operation function unit is used to accept the layout selection operation including the layout selection operation used to select the desired printing layout and the image used to select the image to be printed from the images stored in the adopted information storage carrier under the control of the control device operations including image selection operations; and The print control data storage function unit is used to store the print control data corresponding to the operation content accepted by the selection operation function unit in the specified information storage carrier in a form that can be recognized by its own printer under the control of the control device, and, The selection operation function unit includes a display unit capable of performing display for the above-mentioned layout selection operation and an operation key for performing a layout selection operation corresponding to the display on the display unit, When each setting performed by the layout selection operation and the image selection operation in the selection operation function unit is completed, under the control of the control device, the completed setting content is stored in the print control data storage function unit. In the information storage medium, a guide display representatively showing the content of settings related to the storage is displayed on the display unit. 2. The digital camera according to claim 1, wherein said print control data storage function unit, under the control of said control device, stores the completed data in a memory unit as a storage carrier built in the digital camera. The setting content of the above setting. 3. The digital camera according to claim 1, wherein the print control data storage function unit, under the control of the control device, records the data as an information storage carrier detachably used on the digital camera. The setting content completed with the above setting is stored in the medium. 4. A printing system, which is formed by functionally connecting a digital camera and a printer respectively equipped with a control device for controlling actions, characterized in that, The above-mentioned digital camera includes: a selection operation function unit, which is used to accept the layout selection operation including the selection of the desired printing layout and the image stored in the adopted information storage carrier under the control of the above-mentioned control device. Operations including the image selection operation of selecting an image to be printed; the printing control data storage function unit is used to control the printing corresponding to the operation content accepted by the selection operation function unit under the control of its own control device The data is stored in the corresponding information storage carrier, and the above-mentioned selection operation function unit includes a display unit that can perform display for the above-mentioned layout selection operation and an operation key for performing a layout selection operation corresponding to the display on the display unit , when the various settings made by the layout selection operation and the image selection operation in the above-mentioned selection operation function unit have been completed, under the control of the above-mentioned control device, the content of the completed settings will be saved by the above-mentioned print control data storage function unit stored in the information storage carrier, and the above-mentioned display unit, under the control of the above-mentioned control device, uses one display sequentially selected from various types of guidance displays prepared in advance as each time the setting is completed. The display at the end is drawn in the display screen, The above-mentioned printer includes: a setting operation function unit for accepting operations including the following operations under the control of its own above-mentioned control device: from the print control data associated with the guide display representatively representing the setting content in the In the above-mentioned digital camera, among a plurality of setting contents respectively set and stored in the information storage carrier, the operation of selecting one of the setting contents, and the operation of setting the number of print copies for setting the desired number of print copies; identification The functional unit recognizes the number of print copies set by the operation of the setting operation functional unit and the content of the one setting, and executes image printing based on the recognition under the control of its own control device. 5. A digital camera, which can be functionally connected with a suitable printer to form a printing system for printing images, is characterized in that it includes: The selection operation function unit is used to accept the layout selection operation including the selection of the desired printing layout and the image stored in the adopted information storage carrier as the printing object under the control of its own control device. The operation including the image selection operation of the image; the print control data storage function unit is used to store the print control data corresponding to the operation content accepted by the selection operation function unit in the corresponding information under the control of its own control device In the storage carrier, and the above-mentioned selection operation function unit includes a display unit capable of performing a display for the above-mentioned layout selection operation and an operation key for performing a layout selection operation corresponding to the display on the display unit. When the required settings for the typesetting selection operation and image selection operation in the functional unit have been completed, under the control of the control device, the content of the completed setting is stored in the information storage carrier through the printing control data storage function unit , and the above-mentioned display unit, under the control of the above-mentioned control device, uses a display that is automatically selected sequentially from the pre-prepared various types of guidance displays each time the setting is completed as the display drawing each time the setting is completed. in the display screen. 6. The digital camera according to claim 5, characterized in that, the display unit can, through the selection operation function unit and under the control of the control device, select one of the above-mentioned multiple guidance displays in the display unit. A guide display responds, and according to the data of the setting content stored in the information storage carrier by the above-mentioned printing control data storage function unit, the corresponding image is previewed with the print layout corresponding to the guide display. 7. The digital camera as claimed in claim 5, wherein the display unit can respond to receiving one of the various guidance displays from the printer in the state of transmitting and receiving signals with the digital camera. The corresponding selected signal is under the control of the control device, according to the data of the setting content stored in the information storage carrier by the printing control data storage function unit, the corresponding image is previewed with the printing layout corresponding to the guidance display.

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